Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Hmm, what bike to take?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IgbJHlZhC2w

From Doug's FB post:

2026 National FJ Yamaha Rallyl
Fri Feb 27th to Mon 2nd March 2026
Banjo Patterson Motor Inn Jindabyne.
STD Room $136.85 incl breakfast. $167.45 for 2 adults. (Including breakfasts)
Lakeside rooms $159.80 or $190.40 for two. (Extra $50 for additional adults)
Phone Mel on 02 64562372. One night accom deposit (1.6% surcharge for credit card). Note: can't book online as it's show's booked out on those dates. .. you'll also note how we got it at today's weekday rates ... thank you Cameron.
Get your bookings in asap as that same weekend in Jindabyne will be the VJMC National Rally within 5 mins of our exclusive venue!! (Their numbers exceeding 200 in the past)
You must name all your guests staying in your room.
We have booked out the entire Banjo Patterson venue incl function room for Saturday evening.
Yes, yes YES!!! We are in close touch with the VJMC organisers, and they are aware we would luv to join them at their (yet to be decided) lunch venue and some would be interested in their show n Shine display, no doubt.
For those that did not attend our 2014 Banjo rally, they provide under cover parking for the bikes, serve fantastic beer, (Famous Snowy brewery is on site!) and its the same owner (Cameron) from the fantastic get together we had all those years ago.
All the rooms have been recently renovated and happy hour beers will be available of course!
Usual schedule of pics out the front from 8.30am Saturday followed by a selected ride course before lunch, then more comraderie before our dinner etc. (Chef Aaron is working on a special price for our dinner limited choice, otherwise it per the Web menu)
Most book for in Friday out Sunday with many remaining till monday/Tuesday.

Quote from: aviationfred on December 27, 2025, 02:34:18 AMI have been able to get my work schedule for 2026.
Shortening a Rally in the Fall by 1 day allows me to attend the West Coast FJ Rally.
I will be arriving on the 28th and departing June 1st.
An RV site has been reserved and paid for. My plans are to drive my Dodge Ram Overlanding rig and trailer the 1989 FJ1200 Streetfighter.
I'd really like to bring the Moto Morini or the RC30 build, but the Streetfighter needs to make an FJ Rally

Fred

You could always bring 2 bikes............

Quote from: Motofun on December 28, 2025, 07:03:22 AMI'm kinda in the same boat.  Bought a 2022 Yamaha Tenere 7  if (when...) I drop it, will I be able to pick it up?  I went riding with some friends who have extensive dirt bike experience.....was that wise? 

That was a wise move.... if you drop it, they can help you pick it up. I have done the same. When riding off road, I don't go alone...lol


Fred

I was the other way around, started off and rode dirt bikes then got onto road bikes. The experience of riding dirt bikes came in handy when I first bought my 500 Kwaka triple 2 stroke and gave it the beans on a wet slippery road, first, second, third gear fishtailing down the road or doing wheelstands on it, great fun. Same with my 750 Honda Bol/dor at bike rally's, couldn't resist doing dirt drags or hill climbs on it.

I'm too old and the FJ is too heavy for that type of mischief these days but dirt bike riding teaches a lot about bike control, you'll find a lot of the GP racers started out on dirt bikes.

I'm kinda in the same boat.  Bought a 2022 Yamaha Tenere 7 and proceeded to relearn how to ride.  The thing that gets me the most is it is top heavy and if (when...) I drop it, will I be able to pick it up?  I went riding with some friends who have extensive dirt bike experience.....was that wise? 

Almost a year ago, February 13th to be exact. I purchased a Dealer Demo model 2023 Moto Morini X-cape 650.
I figured that since I am a novice concerning the ADV genre with near to no previous dirt bike experience. I would start with an entry level bike.
Now, 10,000 miles later, I absolutely love the bike. I have adventures off-road a few times and still getting used to the different feel of a bike constantly moving around. Back in September, I put street tires on and rode the Tail of the Dragon and other squiggly line roads in the area.

Fred

I have been able to get my work schedule for 2026.
Shortening a Rally in the Fall by 1 day allows me to attend the West Coast FJ Rally.
I will be arriving on the 28th and departing June 1st.
An RV site has been reserved and paid for. My plans are to drive my Dodge Ram Overlanding rig and trailer the 1989 FJ1200 Streetfighter.
I'd really like to bring the Moto Morini or the RC30 build, but the Streetfighter needs to make an FJ Rally

Fred

Does anyone know what size that O-ring is for under the original oil filter housing is , number 8, also size of number 7 for the bolt ?