Yep i also moved from darwin to canberra back in 95, was a big shock to the system.
Good write up mate, you will find plenty of blokes around here to ride with.

Fatbob is a great tourer, i took mine a complete circle of Australian coastline in 2013.
No problem with comfort for me and the missis and carried all our gear.

FARK - It's one reason why there are very few people on the planet that have sat on my ride. Sorry to hear that man

Thanks Rob. Enjoyed the journey and glad you made it safely.
Really shitty about the bike though. 25 years ago my friend & roomate took my sportster for a ride without asking and an uninsured A$$hole turned left in front of him totalling the car and bike. Luckily roomate only spent a week in hospital with a few broken bones. Our relationship was never the same after. I had built the bike as a basketcase and it was pretty nice when done. I only got a year out of it. I was pretty dirty even knowing it wasnt his fault other than riding without Fucking Asking ! Anyway at least ya can get yours all fixed and noone got hurt man. Thanks again for the ride.