Wow, Greg thanks for putting so much into a reply. Actually we've decided to start off in Melbourne, go to Tasmania first while it's still a reasonable temperature then head up to Alice Springs and over to the east coast and down. We are okay with going up the coast from Tasmania and counter clock-wise though that would mean less interesting views from the inside lane of the road. Thanks for the stay offer and the guided tour. We'll definitely try to meet up and take it from there.
Actually sticking to the plan is not really a goal here. I put the route in so people would have an idea and for them to make suggestions. We have no reservations and there are only a few things on the must-see list. Other than that it's all about the ride and meeting people like you. If it involves going a different way no big deal. Much rather enjoy a great time with new friends showing us around than having to make that next destination by 6 pm or whatever. Your email just went in with the Oz folder so I can tell my buddy something of what's possibly gonna happen but he's not expecting any daily itinerary.
Every time I go abroad I make all these plans on where to go and what to see and 90% of them go out the window due to unknown factors - staying with new friends, new route suggestions by people who've actually ridden on them, new destinations I didn't even know existed, bike breakdowns, etc. Fun making the plans but I have no illusions as to how many I'll achieve. With this attitude I've never had a bad trip and enjoyed every country immensely. The food, the people and the culture are always great.
I know a lot of people are uncomfortable without plans and nothing wrong with that especially if you're new to world travel.
Looking forward to meeting you and your wife, Chris

Thanks for the info Squily. If we're there and it's the right day, as you said
"just a question of timing".

Gooday, it's been a while since I visited this thread. But I see that your plans continue a-pace. As mentioned previously I work at sea, as a marine engineer. But there is a fair chance I will be home around May when you maybe down my way, here on the far south coast of NSW. I would still be pleased to host you guys, just drop me a line at gpdotkldotperkins@gmail.com Obviously substitute the "dot" for . and with a bit of luck I shall be home, just give me as much notice as you can. Oh my ph no is 0422916339.

Cheers

Graeme

Me too. Getting all my ducks in a row. Thanks for the offer Graeme. Will be posting more as deadline approaches. My daughter finally got her graduation from college date confirmed so we're coming a little early since I must be back on May 22. So now we're looking at coming the 3rd week of March. Since we're doing Tasmania first that won't be bad since it's the first place to get cold. Still debating on whether to go clockwise or counter. Plus and minus on both sides.
Chris

PS - As far as I can tell there are 2 possible visas for us; the one that's free for 3 months and is an e-visa and the $135 one that's good for 6 months. If the free is obtained in minimum time without problem that's obviously the one to get though it means waiting to get a plane ticket till almost the last moment. The other one we could apply for next month. Anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

IDL
 

Well I've got my visa, turns out it is only good for 3 months and almost free ($20 of paper work) but the great part is you can get it up to a year ahead of time. You can use it as often as you want for a total of 3 months during that year. So soon as I got it I got a plane ticket. We're coming on March 24th on a one-way so we have lots of options for the trip back including a possible Fiji visit.
After looking at the website it appears that my US license is sufficient for this trip. I don't see any requirement in any of your states for an International Drivers Licence unless your home country one is not in English or has no photo ID. Hopefully someone can confirm this.
After the holidays we'll get going on the bike buying. Looks like there are lots of accessories/options available for the Honda VT400. Fortunately I can buy them in Oz from here but have them delivered to my friend in Melbourne. Shipping costs to here are ridiculous and I would just have to take them in my suitcase. These include windshield, saddlebag standoffs and backrest/backrack combo. One option I've heard of but I can't seem to get any info on is ordering this bike with mag wheels (with tubeless tires) instead of spokes to make flat tires less of an ordeal in the outback. Anyone know of anyone who has mags on their VT400?
Happy holidays to all here.

if you pass adelaide
 

Hi kuri77,

Been reading the posts and your route, if you pass through adeladie in south Aussie be sure to get in touch, work shop to work on the bike if needed, hot shower, cold beer available and plenty of stories to swap, i rode london to oz few years back. Anyway more than welcome

cheers
Robbo

I'd stick with something that has tubes, far easier to fix a flat tyre with a tube and hand tools.


Glad to see that the trip is all coming together for you.

Buying A Motorcycle In Australia
 

Hi Roger,
Thanks for the reply and advice. Moot now since a dealer responded with "not an option" in Oz.
Trip maybe taking a bad turn for the worse though. See new thread "Revisiting foreigners buying a mc in Australia" I started today.

Hi Robbo,
Sorry I'm replying out of order. Only saw Roger's post at first but just saw yours when checking to see if my new thread started. Anyway thanks for the offer and would like to hear about what must have been an epic trip for you. Always willing to hoist a host country beer. Most people won't offer up swill, which I know a lot about since we have so much of it here, but try to impress you (and I mean that in the nicest way) with their best beer which is great for us since we get to try great beers we've never tasted or even heard of. We like reciprocating also.

There's an almost 100% chance we'll be riding near your place on the way to Uluru so can you send me your email and phone number to my email please? kurereyo at cox-dot-net
Maybe the mailbots have figured out how to read so I put in two hyphens to hopefully confuse them so just don't type them in. Thanks, Chris

Gooday Kurri77, looks like it's all coming together. I'll be home all through March, so once again you guys are welcome here. We have beds, beer and bath. All welcome for a traveller as we know from our own experience's. Also a fully kitted garage/workshop. Give us a call if you pass by the Merimbula, NSW area. gpdotklgotperkins@gmail.com

Cheers and safe travels

Graeme.

Hi Graeme,
Thanks again for the offer. We will almost 100% be passing thru your area but unless there is a reason to go counter clock-wise it wouldn't be until the beginning of May or so. Could you send your phone number to me at kurereyo at cox dot net? Thanks, Chris

Well finally got things squared away. Have a deposit on 2 bikes with buyback offer, Oz resident to register them, confirmed plane ticket and visa. Looks like we'll be riding them off the dealership on the 26th. Getting antsy, gotta count down from 69 days.

Hi, I just noticed your planned ride in Australia and having toured there a bit I wanted to suggest a couple of nice riding roads on the eastern seaboard that run parallel to your route but slightly inland.

The reason is Highway 1 or the Pacific h-way is great in California but the road with the same name that runs along the east coast downunder is for the majority boring, loaded with trucks and speed traps.

There are some very enjoyable roads to ride between the eastern capitals which go via older historic areas where the landscape and vegetation varies much more where as the coast remains flat, urbanized and similar scenery until you reach the tropics.

The previously mentioned Summerland way is good and then looking at the map south from Grafton the road to Armidale via Ebor. From Armidale the New England Highway to Uralla then to Walcha and take the Thunderbolts way (named after a outlaw that roamed the area) to Gloucester. From Singleton the road via Putty into the Western suburbs of Sydney is perhaps the most well known and popular ride in Australia.

West of Sydney lies the Blue mountains and the Tableland highway via Oberon south to Goulburn. Braidwood to Batemans bay is excellent road. South from here the coast road now called the Princess Highway is not too bad however from Bega the B72 and B73 are much better. Between Melbourne and Sydney the best riding and scenery can be found further inland via Australia's only Alpine regions but that would be a major change to your current route.

A few photos of these roads and others like the alpine regions can be found here Motorcycle Paradise: Australia’s Best Motorcycle Roads – East Coast

I hope you have a great time, historic country pubs make great lunch breaks on those inland roads and just remember to be off the road by dusk when the kangeroos come out as many roads are unfenced so riding once the sun has set is very dangerous.

Thanks for the great suggestions on routes Iron Chef. With your good reasons why to I think we'll try those roads. If you live in the area and want to drive along any of those with us you're welcome for all or part. Be glad to hoist one with you along the way. If you like send me your email and we'll keep in contact when we get there. That'll be the last part of our trip so around the second week of May or so. My email is kurereyo-at-cox-dot-net.

So, has anyone heard where these guys are? Or if they made to Oz at all.