independent traveller .
Disappointed not to be riding my own bike to the Horizons Unlimited rally at Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains north-east of Melbourne but made the best of being pillion for a change whilst my Bullet was undergoing repairs . Unfortunately , I fell off when dismounting at Beechworth and crushed my left hand badly . It remained painful for many months . We returned from the two-week trip having marvelled at the adventures of fellow travellers and the beauty of the Snowy Mountains and Murray River area . I reacquainted myself with Australian animals , birds and gum-trees and small towns with their charming bars , friendly people , and caravan parks , loving every minute .
On our return , more good people welcomed us at the Melbourne Moto Expo . Members of the Royal Enfield Club of Australia had a stand there and invited us to their next meeting .
At the pub the following week , I told them about the catalogue of events since my arrival and the name of the mechanic where it was now being worked on .
“ You ’ ve taken it WHERE ?” they cried in unison . I thought they were joking but with solemn , grey faces they told me the mechanic I ’ d chosen had a terrible track-record with poor work and high prices .
Now sick with worry and aware of the time approaching to catch the ferry to Tasmania , I contacted the mechanic . He ’ d replaced a burntout rotor / alternator and a leaking oil-seal from between the gearbox and the clutch . The timing back-plate had had to be modified ( butchered ) to allow for fine-tuning . Full of hope , I went to collect the bike . My heart sank as soon as I saw it parked outside the workshop . Drips of fresh oil glistened underneath .
“ What do you expect from an old bike with this mileage ?”, the
mechanic dismissed .
I paid the enormous bill which almost knocked me over and rode away . The oil-leak became worse . After cleaning the underneath of the bike with degreaser and starting the engine , I saw where the oil was coming from . The new oil-seal wasn ’ t working . It was really hard at this stage to be positive . Even worse , I lost confidence in the bike and my ability to sort it out . I ’ d always managed before .
Reluctant for further confrontation with the disrespectful mechanic following unpleasantness when paying the bill and the continuing oil-leak , I contacted a member of the Royal Enfield club who had offered to help if needed . He found that the new oil-seal was faulty and hadn ’ t even been fitted properly . Thanks to him , a new , good quality oil-seal was found and fitted .
So the kindly watchful outback gods of Australia ’ s ‘ top end ’ were
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