Anthony and The Superbike

This story started some time ago when I decided that small is good—as in motorcycles, that is. I have been riding a Suzuki DL650A for some years all over Australia, Europe, and the USA/Canada. After my last ride in the USA/Canada, where I rode with a local called Bill who only rode at 90 km/h, I began to think—it was so easy and relaxing. On my return, I thought: if 90 km/h was okay, then why not go small in capacity?

I am not an off-road rider, and after many miles off-road in Alaska, I decided that a lighter, smaller-capacity motorcycle was the go, as I was now 71, losing strength (some say some brain cells as well) and confidence. A lighter motorcycle made sense. I also wanted to go off-road, and with the Off Centre Rally coming up in Arkaroola, I started looking about.

My list of “must-haves,” etc. on a new motorcycle looked a bit like this: must be a road bike (mainly so I could attach my tank bag), I did not want to sit on the handlebars, must be off-road capable, must be able to carry my tent and camping gear, a decent-size fuel tank, must be comfortable, etc.

After months of looking around for a small motorcycle, I bought the superbike (more about the name later). I spoke to many riders with small motorcycles, especially the Kawasaki Versys 300, and tried a mate’s Suzuki DR650. While in Vietnam a few years ago, I rode a Honda CRF250—a small fuel tank and the worst seat in history turned me off. Great off-road, though.

In the end, I went to my local Suzuki dealer and checked out the new oil-cooled, single-cylinder Suzuki DL250SX V-Strom. First impression: a full-size motorcycle and just right for an old man. After checking all the ride reports on YouTube, I decided the Suzuki was the one. Now, how did it get its name? While doing the final paperwork, the dealer said to his mechanic, “Take Anthony’s Superbike and fill it with fuel.”

Now that I had the V-Strom, it was time to run it in and carry out a few modifications—always bearing in mind added weight. The changes were the fitting of the optimal low seat, fork boots (gaiters), GPS holder, 12v cig lighter (USB port comes standard), and tank bag. As there were no ready-made extras for this Suzuki, I made crash bars, the main stand, and racks to take Andy Strapz Adventure panniers. All set to go after the first service.

At the last minute, I got cold feet about taking a 250 on the ride—I mean, over 4,000 km in the middle of winter! How dumb. I even changed the luggage to my 650, but my wife said, “You bought the 250 for the Border/Off Centre, so you had better take it.” Who was I to argue?

The big day arrived, and off we went in the cold on the superbike. I live in Western Victoria, so my route took me to Balmoral (guaranteed kangaroo dodging), and then into South Australia to Frances for morning tea on the bumpiest paved road in Australia—I am sure. I think I was half an hour into the ride when I decided I had taken the right motorcycle.

I was soon at Bordertown and heading north to Pinaroo, my planned stop for the night. Well, Pinaroo came and went as I rode along at 90–95 km/h (all speeds and distances are GPS), and I was having FUN. I rode all the way to Moorook (478 km), where I set up camp feeling relaxed and fresh.

It was bloody freezing overnight but my new sleeping bag kept me warm. Set out for the north, sort of planning Wilmington as a good day’s ride. Crossed the Murray at Waikerie and went on to Morgan for fuel where I met my friends Karen and Pete from Canberra, also going to the Border. Had morning tea with them before heading north, and this is where the headwinds set in with a vengeance.

I wound the throttle on thinking more cc would help, and at one point was flat out using 4 litres per hundred (bugger). I pressed on and soon had lunch at Hallett, and it was a very nice lunch with Karen and Pete. I then set out again into the wind and managed to arrive in Wilmington (351 km) just as the wind died to nothing. I had taken the superbike on some gravel roads before leaving home, but at Wilmington was the first time with a full load down to the caravan park.

I was impressed—never been so fast on gravel and I felt in full control, loving this. Next day past Port Augusta the back way (yes, there is one—turn left after crossing the bridge) and out to Kimba. Now the long sections were coming along and I was just cruising at 90/95 and having a ball. Yep, this was great and the extra time on the road was good for the headspace, even had time to get out my movie camera and do some filming.

Arrived in Kimba and saw two chaps stopped at a café. I asked them what the food was like and they said, “Tell you in half an hour.” I joined George and Grant, who were riding a DRZ400 and DR650.

After lunch, we rode together to Wudinna (304 km) and I had to slow down a bit as they were riding at 80/85. This did my economy a great favour in the headwind. I camped and the two G’s moteled it, and we had a great meal at the local pub a short walk up the road. Next morning, the decision was made to go via Streaky Bay—thus adding time and km to our journey. Great ride along some new (to me) roads and George found some gravel roads which was great, and once again the little DL was fine.

In saying fine, it was nearly the end of me. We were riding along at 90 km/h or so when a crossroad came up. As is my normal practice, I backed off approaching the crossroad and slowed down for a look—when a car went through the intersection at high speed just a few metres in front of me. Just shows you a crash can happen anywhere.

We camped at Penong—well, we shared a cabin at the caravan park (another 334 km). On the Friday, we all rode to the Border to visit the whale viewing point, which was well worth the time and money (405 km).

My friend Ian from Perth was waiting for me at the Border and we soon set up camp behind the roadhouse. We spent a lot of time catching up with old mates and making new friends before heading off to the Off Centre Rally (OCR). Ian was on his Ducati SP4s (a very unlikely adventure motorcycle, but as it is Ian’s only motorcycle, it doubles up as an adventure bike—kind of reminds me of the ’70s and ’80s when all motorcycles were adventure bikes, including my Kawasaki 500H1).

We met Grant and George at Penong and spent the next few days riding with them to Port Kenny, Cowell and Copley—we camping and they moteling it. On the Friday, Ian and I rode into Arkaroola (SLOWLY), the 250 rider having fun with the Ducati rider hanging on. We did pass Brenden riding his Vespa (200) so we were not the slowest, we also arrived unscathed. The rally was great fun, with old friends again and many riders having a great time mainly telling stories. The evening entertainment was good along with the meal we had. Ian and I looked about and could not find another Ducati or for that matter a 250 of any brand (Brendon came close with the 200 Vespa). Two days later we rode out with George and Grant and took the road to Wilpena Pound about 200km of dirt. Arriving safely Ian and I went on to Carrieton for the night. Next day we rode the 805km to my home in Victoria, yes over 800km in a day. Total distance for me of 4,822km at about 3.5 litres per kilometre at 90/95 kmph.

My thoughts on riding a 250 to the Border and Arkaroola. It was FUN, a lot of people looked at me sideways and I could hear them thinking idiot, mind you having Ian riding the Ducati did deflect some of the smirks.

In conclusion, I have some thoughts on riding a 250 all that way. I must start at the beginning. My 1st motorcycle was a Suzuki T200 Invader and its cruising speed was 70mph and that was its normal speed so riding a DL250 was not much different. I loved the lightness and ease of manoeuvring, both while riding and in the parking area. The 250 also took the worry out of riding on gravel, once again the lightness was a major factor, in other words, it was just plain FUN and that is a big part of riding anyway. Would I take the 250 on another long ride, well in answer to that I have a Darling River ride planned and yes, the Great Central Road/Plenty Highway are looking good for future rides. Gravel roads used to intimidate me, no longer. And let’s not forget Mt Augustus in WA in two year’s time, Ian reckons the Ducati is up for the ride!

Few thoughts on the DL250, good things 1st, extremely comfortable (for me), just the perfect seat, bar and peg positions, better than my 650. Extremely smooth and efficient engine with just enough power (yes, I know when you have too much power you have nearly enough). The finish was good and fitting my extras was easy. Plenty of room for a tank bag and luggage. It is an easy all day ride and going slower on such a comfortable motorcycle means at the end of the day you are feeling relaxed and needing a beer. Minuses, the instrument panel is terrible, bloody impossible to read in some light conditions (good at night) and the throttle coming off idle is like a light switch, please fix Mr Suzuki.

Overall, I just have to remind myself that Suzuki built a 250 commuter motorcycle and it would be great at that now I have changed it into an adventure motorcycle, big ask but it does it with great smoothness and comfort, just a little slower.

Having fun!