2004 in Review (long)
Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 6:59 am
Well, another year is over in the blink of an eye. But Ive got to say that Ive had a damn good year all round.
I started the year with a trip in January which involved 3 days ride to Melbourne, 6 days ride around Tassie, a trackday at Phillip Island and a 2 day ride back home to Sydney. Believe me when I tell you that 13 hours straight, including 2 hours of dirt roads is doable on a 2003 ZX6R/636
I met some great guys and drank some great beer on that trip. Not to mention reaching my all time top speed on public roads! Yes - I am ashamed of myself 
Something that I'll never forget.
On my return to normality, I managed to pry myself out of the very comfortable seat of a no stress delivery truck and follow my heart into working at a Kawasaki dealership. Pretty exciting stuff at the time. I remember the first two bikes I sold - one a ZX636 and the next a ZRX1200. It was no co-incidence that they were the two Kwakas Id owned and pretty much knew them back to front! It was interesting dealing with bike riders - everyone from KDX50 kiddies through to the VN2000 droolers. Then there were the prospective ZX10R dudes who wanted to know what effect 1kg and 1hp would have on their lap times if they stepped up from their CBR250RRRRrrrrrr.
The best bit was always seeing the look on peoples faces when they purchased a bike. That look you get when you hop on your new bike for the first time is priceless.
But after 6 months of doing everything from New & used bike sales, spare parts and accessories and Worshop manager - not to mention IT support -for 10 or more hours a day, 6 days a week and all for next to no pay (or appreciation ) I thought it best not to mix business with pleasure and so moved on. It was a great experience though. I learnt so much, made some great mates and really opened my eyes up to things Id never known before.
My departure from the dealership was timed with the MotoGP! It was great to meet up with KSRC members there and put a face to the names. I would have liked to have shared some beers with y'all - but there is always next year. After camping at Highside from Friday - I do wonder why they built the best track in the world on an island with the shittiest weather in the world! I know it really aint that bad, but when the wind is all but blowing down your tent and hail is smashing into your face while trying to tie the tent down tighter - it doesnt fill you with love of the place. But I'll be back next year!
And so now as we head into 2005 - it'll be another year of change and movement. At this stage it looks as though changes in my family life with growing kids and changing needs might have to force my hand into selling my beloved Z750. The need for a 2nd family car is growing ever stronger and as much as I want to keep riding, my family will always come first - especially my little bloke and my daughters needs. I was panning on getting a cheap trackbike so I could stay riding in some capacity, but thanks to the new rideday agreement, its not a viable alternative for me anymore. So if anyone is interested or knows anyone interested in a Z750, let me know. I havent advertised it anywhere yet - I thought Id give the members here a chance first.
But enough of that. Id like to wish every one here a fantastic 2005. Follow your dreams, live your life and remember that fortune favours the brave. Thanks for all of the laughs, advice, information and above all the friendships that I have made with members here this year.
Cheers
JAMES
I started the year with a trip in January which involved 3 days ride to Melbourne, 6 days ride around Tassie, a trackday at Phillip Island and a 2 day ride back home to Sydney. Believe me when I tell you that 13 hours straight, including 2 hours of dirt roads is doable on a 2003 ZX6R/636
I met some great guys and drank some great beer on that trip. Not to mention reaching my all time top speed on public roads! Yes - I am ashamed of myself Something that I'll never forget.On my return to normality, I managed to pry myself out of the very comfortable seat of a no stress delivery truck and follow my heart into working at a Kawasaki dealership. Pretty exciting stuff at the time. I remember the first two bikes I sold - one a ZX636 and the next a ZRX1200. It was no co-incidence that they were the two Kwakas Id owned and pretty much knew them back to front! It was interesting dealing with bike riders - everyone from KDX50 kiddies through to the VN2000 droolers. Then there were the prospective ZX10R dudes who wanted to know what effect 1kg and 1hp would have on their lap times if they stepped up from their CBR250RRRRrrrrrr.
The best bit was always seeing the look on peoples faces when they purchased a bike. That look you get when you hop on your new bike for the first time is priceless.But after 6 months of doing everything from New & used bike sales, spare parts and accessories and Worshop manager - not to mention IT support -for 10 or more hours a day, 6 days a week and all for next to no pay (or appreciation
) I thought it best not to mix business with pleasure and so moved on. It was a great experience though. I learnt so much, made some great mates and really opened my eyes up to things Id never known before.My departure from the dealership was timed with the MotoGP! It was great to meet up with KSRC members there and put a face to the names. I would have liked to have shared some beers with y'all - but there is always next year. After camping at Highside from Friday - I do wonder why they built the best track in the world on an island with the shittiest weather in the world! I know it really aint that bad, but when the wind is all but blowing down your tent and hail is smashing into your face while trying to tie the tent down tighter - it doesnt fill you with love of the place. But I'll be back next year!
And so now as we head into 2005 - it'll be another year of change and movement. At this stage it looks as though changes in my family life with growing kids and changing needs might have to force my hand into selling my beloved Z750. The need for a 2nd family car is growing ever stronger and as much as I want to keep riding, my family will always come first - especially my little bloke and my daughters needs. I was panning on getting a cheap trackbike so I could stay riding in some capacity, but thanks to the new rideday agreement, its not a viable alternative for me anymore. So if anyone is interested or knows anyone interested in a Z750, let me know. I havent advertised it anywhere yet - I thought Id give the members here a chance first.
But enough of that. Id like to wish every one here a fantastic 2005. Follow your dreams, live your life and remember that fortune favours the brave. Thanks for all of the laughs, advice, information and above all the friendships that I have made with members here this year.
Cheers
JAMES
till Mrs Yoda n chikin had to get on the board. Bloody kids