Cycle Torque August 2013

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AUGUST 2013

HUGE FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

STRIPPEDDOWN YOUNG

MEETS OLD

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883

FEATURES: ISLE OF MAN BOUND, QUAD TORQUE ALSO RIDDEN: BENELLI TRE-K KTM 200 EXC SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T

RIDE WOLLOMBI PHOTO COMPETITION

TOURING PRIZE PACKAGE

IN THIS ISSUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 2

WE LOVE Fathers’ Day around the Cycle Torque office, because it’s a great opportunity to have a look at all sorts of wonderful toys without getting accused of wanting to ‘waste’ money (spending money on bikes is never a waste, I reckon). Make sure you have a good look over our Fathers’ Day guide and don’t be afraid to share the accessories you like via our email, Facebook and Twitter buttons.

We’re also keen the hear from you, too - we’ve added contact email addresses at the bottom of our bike tests and columns - so if you’ve got something to say about the Honda F6B, KTM 200EXC, Benelli Tre-K or Suzuki C90T, we’d love to hear it.

The Cycle Torque office is gearing up for our trip to the Isle of Man and the making of Adrenalin Generations, our video production telling the story of our editor, Chris Pickett and his son Alex, racing on the World’s most dangerous track. The story of the preparations is in this issue, and I hope you’re looking forward to seeing the video when it’s finished.

We will get the September issue finished before we fly out, but I hope you keep in touch with our preparations and progress through www.cycletorque.com.au and social media.

– Nigel Paterson publisher@cycletorque.com.au

CONTENTS

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 3

RIDDEN HONDA GOLDWING F6B TEST

BENELLI TRE-K

2013 SUZUKI C90T BOULEVARD

VICTORY BOARDWALK

TEST

20

TEST

TEST

44

2013 KTM 200 EXC

28

TEST

52

36

REGU LARS 05 NEWS TORQUE 14 SMALL TORQUE 16 EDITORIAL 17 DIRTY TORQUE 18 RACE TORQUE

COVER PHOTOS: GOLD WING: LOU MARTIN. HARLEY: MATT O’CONNELL

FEATU RES

19 GUNTRIP 72 MARKET TORQUE

Get into Dad’s good books

82 TORQUING BACK: LETTERS

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

WIN BIG 74

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

60

H-D IRON 883 LONG TERM

76

ISLE OF MAN BOUND

78

QUAD TORQUE

80

in our Photo Comp.

SUZUKIBOULEVARD.COM.AU

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 4

C90T

NOT A STREET BIKE. A BOULEVARD. The All-New SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T cruiser delivers an unmatched level of performance – and it’s ready to let you choose any road.

A liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, the most powerful in its class, built with Suzuki-technology delivers outstanding power and torque specially in low to mid-range. Long-range comfort is enhanced by fully integrated hard saddlebags, windscreen and multi-function instrumentation on the C90T model. This ride is ready to roll. On the road, or the boulevard.

C109RT

Also available as non-touring models.

C50T

NEWS TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 5

NORTON TO OZ FINALLY the new Norton motorcycle will be imported and sold in Australia. The Fraser Motorcycles Group has announced it will become the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Norton Motorcycles.

Not many readers would be unfamiliar with the Norton name, and its history among the motorcycling industry is almost unparalleled.

A number of owners have tried, most unsuccessfully, to make a modern Norton motorcycle, with US based Kenny Dreer doing much of the legwork of the current model line up. He might have gone broke, but then along came British enthusiast Stuart Garner who took Dreer’s work and made it better, more inclined for something like a reasonable production volume. That said, Garner has always said he wanted the Norton 961 to be a high quality/low volume product.

But there have been rumblings of discontent, with some industry pundits saying Garner, and Norton, was on the verge of bankruptcy. Mind you, that’s been said for the last few years now. What is right is that numerous prospective owners have laid down substantial deposits for motorcycles that have yet to appear.

It seems much of the issue for the bikes being imported into Australia was the cost of complying them for Australian Design Rules. Too much cost for such a low volume it seems.

While all seemed lost, we hear that the Fraser Motorcycles Group has been appointed the Aussie and NZ distributors. Hooray for that we say, because the Norton 961 is one highly anticipated motorcycle.

Fraser Motorcycles isn’t new to niche motorcycles, having pretty much

single handedly made Ducati a household name in Australia. They have the know how and the ability to make this highly successful. We think the fit between Norton and Fraser Motorcycles is perfect for what Norton wants for its 961.

Over the coming months Frasers will be working closely with Norton with the objective to ideally be in a position to commence deliveries of the Commando 961 Café Racer, 961 SF and 961 Sport range by early 2014.

For some enthusiasts the price will almost be inconsequential, but being imported here in low volume you would expect the range to be priced towards the more exotic end of the market. Our guess is anywhere between 20 and 30 grand, depending on the particular model. Will they be worth it? We reckon plenty of buyers will think so. One thing is certain, they are one tasty looking machine and if they ride as good as they look...

All customer enquiries regarding Norton Motorcycles can be directed to Norton@frasermc.com.au or by telephone 02 8741 3000. Get in now, because we think the first shipment will sell fast.

NEWS TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 6

JUDGEMENT DAY HARLEY-Davidson has run another successful Judgement Day competition, where its Australian dealers build their own customised machines and go head to head with other dealers to see who comes out on top.

This year it’s Brisbane dealer Morgan and Wacker who came out top dog with its modified Fat Boy, titled the Hold Fast Fat Boy. Morgan and Wacker General Manager Paul Lewis commented on the win: “Harley-Davidson has a rich culture of customisation; the brand sets the bar high, which means you’re competing with the best in the business.

“It’s truly a great honour to be crowned the king of customisation in this competition. The Judgement Day III award recognises the hard work and creativity we put into our customisation projects,” said Lewis.

Fraser Motorcycles in Wollongong took top gong in Best Paint for its Woody, based on a Softail Slim.

Mitchell Clarke from Fraser Motorcycles said, “tattoo culture and freedom of expression are synonymous with Harley-Davidson so reflecting this in the paint we designed for Judgement Day III was a challenge we duly accepted.”

In the Best Low Budget Customisation category was Fraser’s Sydney store with its rendition of the Softail, which they affectionately called the Rum Smuggler.

Entries were judged on originality, style and creativity of customisation, as well as the use of Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories, including both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, paint work and the cost of customisation.

The winning bikes can be viewed at www.harleyjudgementday.com.au.

It’s not where you’re going, It’s how you get there!

http://www.kenma.com.au/motorcycle_luggage.html

NEWS TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 7

SINGLE MINDED YAMAHA’S new MT-03 is powered by the 660cc fourstroke single cylinder engine used in its Ténéré range of machines, but with some tuning and gearing differences to suit road riding rather than tearing up the desert.

Very popular in Europe, the MT-03 looks like being lots of fun for a variety of riding conditions and desires.

Yamaha is calling it a roadster/motard, and it does use design and styling cues from both types of machines.

If it’s half as good as the MT-01 it’s sort of styled after it will be a fantastic machine to get around on. It’s LAMS approved too, so it’s fun for everyone by the looks of it.

It retails for $9999 but as an introductory offer Yamaha Australia will let you ride away on one for the $9999, up until September 25. Now that is a good deal.

Check one out at your Yamaha dealer ASAP.

Manufactured in Australia

by Rideworx T 02 4271 8244 Find what fits your bike at:

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NEWS TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 8

Highway Performance Bikes

Sales up MORE than 53,000 motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and scooters were sold in Australia in the first half of this year, with Honda leading sales of road motorcycles and ATVs. Yamaha led sales of off-road motorcycles and Piaggio led scooter sales.

The industry sales figures release recently by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show motorcycles, ATVs and scooters sales for the period 1 January to 30 June 2013 were 53,594—2.4 per cent higher than in the same period last year.

Specifically, road motorcycle sales increased 4.4 per cent to 21,169 unit and off-road motorcycles were up by 10.1 per cent to 17,195 units. ATV and scooter sales decreased 4.8 and 13.2 per cent respectively compared to the first half of 2012. 10,403 ATVs and 4,760 scooters were sold.

Honda led the sales of road motorcycles with 4,177 new units sold. HarleyDavidson came in second with 3,893 and Kawasaki in third with 3,694. With more new offerings in the road segment, KTM showed significant growth selling 412 units—a 157.5 per cent increase on their 2012 half year sales.

In the off-road segment, Yamaha increased its sales by 4 per cent (4,719 units sold) compared to the first half of last year. These sales made them the lead off-road motorcycle producer for the period. Growing by almost 23 per cent, Honda took second place with 4,318 units. KTM and Suzuki were third and fourth, with 2,644 and 2,497 units respectively.

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SERVICE PARTS

Honda continued to grow its ATV sales—up 3.2 per cent to 3,137 units sold— to lead Australian sales of ATVs. They were followed by Yamaha (2,061), Polaris (1,724) and Suzuki (1,127). BRP experienced significant growth (785 units)—up 28.1 per cent compared to the same time in 2012.

Despite a slowing scooter market, Piaggio sales grew to 763 scooters—up 1.3 per cent from the same period last year—making it the top seller of scooters in the first half of this year. Honda came in second selling 611 units.

Across all segments, Honda is the leading volume manufacturer for the first half of 2013 with 12,243 units sold. Honda is followed by Yamaha with 9,017 units, Kawasaki with 5,809 units and Suzuki with 5,578.

NEWS TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 9

Bundy gets a Guzzi TEX and Bundy are well known in Australian motorcycling circles as the man and dog team who raise funds for charity, tear up race tracks together, and generally have a good time doing it.

The pair have been given a new Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX to participate in said derring do

by MG importer John Sample Group. This is an amazing act of charity in itself by JSG, and the pic shows General manager Kris Matich handing over the keys to the big long distance adventure tourer.

Now Tex and Bundy can visit some out of the way areas in their future pursuits of charitable happiness.

“Being no stranger to big bore Adventure bikes and having covered many miles on them with Cash, my previous dog, and more recently with Bundy, I decided that it was time to park my road bike and look at a new adventure bike that would suit the T&B team. We needed comfort, a long range fuel tank, large storage and load carrying capacity, simplicity, reliability, handling and a shaft drive. It also had to be a bike that stirred the soul and that would be a good talking point at the events we attend. I looked at the market and read as much as I could about all the contenders but very soon it became a ‘no brainer’ sort of choice as everything we wanted in a bike was there in the Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX.” JSA General Manager, Kris Matich said, “Tex is a highly accomplished and experienced motorcyclist and we admire the significant commitment he makes to fund raising for a number of worthy charities. We are very happy to be able to play a small role in assisting his activities. I also know that with the very extensive kilometres that Tex and Bundy travel each year that he is the ideal ambassador for Moto Guzzi to demonstrate the capabilities and reliability of the Stelvio NTX.” Tex O’Grady is a returned serviceman and a very accomplished motorcyclist, holding an around Australia motorcycle endurance record, and was inducted into the Australian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2006. Bundy was born in 2006 and is an Australian stumpy tailed cattle dog (also known as a Smithfield). This little lady is officially the world’s fastest motorcycling dog, having sped down Eastern Creek raceway at 283km/h. She is a qualified Assistance Dog, visiting sick kids and adults with Tex. Couldn’t happen to a nicer pair. Well done JSG.

www.kawasaki.com.au

NEWS TORQUE

Better Betas NO, WE’RE not talking about Beta video cassettes, if you can remember back that far. What we are on about is the 2014 RR Enduro range from Beta Motorcycles.

Both two and four-stroke enthusiasts are catered for, with the oil burners coming in 250 and 300cc (if you are brave enough) capacities. In the four banger range you have four capacities to choose from: 350; 400; 450 and 498.

All bikes have received numerous frame, suspension and styling changes, with the four-strokes also getting gearbox updates for better shifting (the 350 has new piston design too), while the 250 two-stroke has updates to its engine also.

Looks like Beta has really gone out for 2014, and what you get is European quality, bush cred, and performance.

Check out www.betamotor.com.au for more info or to find your local dealer.

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 10

NEWS TORQUE

Special Buell

URBAN Moto Imports has one very special EBR 1190RS for sale. It’s the top level 1190RS Carbon model but it’s painted up with the Aussie flag adorning its bodywork. You can even see the carbon fibre through the translucent paint, so trick it is.

To add the finishing touch this EBR was also signed by Erik Buell himself making it very special in every aspect. And a one off.

When Erik Buell went out on his own he produced the EBR 1190 V-twin machine, firstly as a pure race bike, but now also as a road bike. Weighing way less than 200 kilos, and producing over 170 horsepower it is one potent motorcycle, and just a little bit exclusive too.

For more information on Erik Buell Racing, please visit www. erikbuellracing.com.au, or call Urban Moto Imports on 1300 869 245.

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 11

NEWS TORQUE

Kawasaki LAMS brigade IN LAST month’s LAMS feature somehow our piece on Kawasaki’s LAMS range fell off the side of the page, so here you go.

Kawasaki has one of the most comprehensive range of LAMS bikes on the market, catering from street motards right through to adventure touring machines.

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 12

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For off-road enthusiasts take a look at the KLX450R enduro/ trail bike. It’s very popular with buyers because it’s a great off-roader and reliable. It’s more towards the user-friendly end of the enduro market but therein lies its main strength in our opinion.

The KLX250SF is essentially a KLX250S road trail bike with motard wheels and gearing. We’ve tested this bike before and it’s a great fun/city machine.

Then of course there’s the sporty Ninja 300 which is a huge seller for Kawasaki.

It’s the most powerful in its class, and the styling mimics the bigger capacity sports models like the ZX-6R and the ZX-10R. What learner wouldn’t want to be seen on one of these? Talk about instant street cred.

For those seeking a bit bigger LAMS machine there’s the 650cc powered fully faired Ninja 650L, the naked ER-6nl and the Versys adventure tourer.

Three different styles on similar platforms. Once again, there’s something for everyone here.

And for those looking to conquer the outback there’s the KLR650, one of the longest lasting Kawasaki models in production. This bike is popular with riders looking to go off the beaten track, but it allows learner riders to sample this type of riding too.

If you are a learner rider Kawasaki is sure to have something to suit you.

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SMALL TORQUE YAMMIE REUNION

YAMAHA has made a short video about four friends and their Yamaha WR450Fs. It’s called Reunion and is fantastic if you want our opinion.

Watch via www.cycletorque.com.au/more.

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 14

Council as a Level 2 Master Coach – the highest accreditation available.

TEXAS TEA

TEXAS - the one in Queensland near the NSW Border – has become the Number One Motorcycle Friendly Town in Australia.

ROLLING THUNDER THE annual Thunder Rally is on again at Nundle’s Cr David McMahon said Texas was paving the Sheba Dam. 40 kays south of Tamworth in NSW. way for other towns in Australia including Open to all bikes, but those with rip-snorting towns in the Regional Council area, to become V-twins are encouraged to attend. Funds raised motorcycle friendly. go to the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, a worthy Cr McMahon said Texas had to go through tough cause. criteria to be awarded this title with designated More info at www.cycletorque.com.au/more or motorcycle parking, suitable accommodation look for entry form in this issue of Cycle Torque. options, suitable fuel for motorcycles and many other objectives had to be met. He also said that as part of the project, comprehensive touring GET SCOOTIN’ maps have been produced for motorcyclists on ACE Scooters in Joondalup WA are now dealers of how to get to Texas as well as a local touring Aprilia scooters. map.

Originally from Scotland, owner Steve Laing migrated to Australia 10 years ago from London KAWASAKI BEAUTY where he realised how much scooters could AUSTRALIAN female road racer Sophie Lovett assist transport in congested cities! has joined Kawasaki as a supported rider and Ace Scooters is located at 10 Mercer Lane, ambassador. Lovett joins Kawasaki’s growing list Joondalup and all enquiries can be directed to of female supported riders including Australian Steve on 08 9300 1719 or via www.cycletorque.

MX Champion Meghan Rutledge and media com.au/more. personality and championship winning boxer Lauryn Eagle.

HART ONLINE

HONDA Australia Rider Training’s Online Booking System is now live in Queensland. Rolled out in Victoria earlier this year, the online system allows students to book learner, licence or advanced motorcycle courses from their own computer or mobile device at any time of day.

Visit: www.hart.honda.com.au and follow the prompts to book.

MACDONALD GETS GIG

GLENN MacDonald has been appointed as Australian Team Manager for the 2013 Junior Motocross World Championship, to be held in Jinin, Czech Republic on August 11.

MacDonald is accredited by both the Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Coaching

GO FREE

INTERNATIONAL Entertainment Group (IEG), promoters of the Australian Supercross Championship, has confirmed it would provide FREE freight and FREE entry to all series entrants for the opening event (Rd 1 and 2 of the series).

Competitors will now have the opportunity to have their motorcycles and equipment transported via freight to Darwin free of charge.

Cargo will be picked up from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and South Australia depots.

Entry Forms and Travel Subsidy applications can be found at www.australiansupercross.com.au or you can call IEG on 03 9326 6366 and ask for Phil or Nicole.

WWW.CTEK.COM

SMALL TORQUE RIDE FOR LIFE

ON SATURDAY September 14 the annual Meet U In Molong charity ride will raise funds for Lifeline.

Music, stalls, entertainment, district rides.

Saturday night - hot air balloon glow. Sunday - Village Markets. Camping & accommodation available. So get on that bike and head west Lifeline needs you! Check it out on Facebook.

BAYLISS JOINS MOTODNA

TROY Bayliss is now an ambassador for the motoDNA foundation. Victoria’s Broadford circuit will again be the venue for motoDNA’s Big Day Out, where the focus is placed on both on-track development, and off-track review and preparation to ensure the young road racers are prepared for every situation they may face in their career.

Be there on September 16. More info www. cycletorque.com.au/more

NEW HONDA DIRT SQUIRTERS

HONDA has released two new junior off-road machines, the CRF125F and CRF125FB (Big Wheel).

Both machines run the same air/cooled four-stroke engine, and as we all know, Honda has an enviable reliability record. Check them out at your local Honda dealer.

TRIBUTE TO BURT

WITH the all-new Indian motorcycle about to be released worldwide in early August, the company built a replica – powered by the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine – of Burt’s streamlined record holding salt flat racer. Yes it does look amazing, and yes you can see how it went by checking out the short film via www.cycletorque.com.au/more.

NEGATIVE A POSITIVE

MOTORCYCLING Australia has announced it has conducted 100 drug tests of racers of various disciplines. The positive aspect of this is there has not been one positive result.

JUNIOR STROKER

KAWASAKI has unveiled its all new 2014 Kawasaki KX85 motocrosser. It is anticipated the new model will be available at Kawasaki dealerships in late August 2013 at a RRP to be announced. By the way, the 2014 KX450F and KX250F are out too, retailing

for $11,999 and $10,999 respectively.

BMW DAYS

OVER 40,000 visitors from across the globe attended the 13th BMW Motorrad Days event held recently in Garmisch in Germany. It was a massive celebration of 90 years of BMW motorcycles.

MULTISTRADA TAKES PIKES PEAK AGAIN

THE Ducati Multistrada has taken victory in the famous Pikes Peak “Race to the Clouds” event in Colorado for the fourth year in succession with a spectacular win this time for French privateer racer Bruno Langlois.

Helped by Ducati West Europe and his local Ducati Dealer, Moto Prestige, Langlois used a standard 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak – built and named to celebrate the Italian manufacturer’s first win on the mountain – and took the 1205 category win.

BLANKET RIDE

BIKERS’ Australia are holding a blanket run on Sunday August 4. This annual event rides from Penrith to Parramatta to donate blankets to the launch of Homeless Persons Week. Hope you can make it and please bring a blanket for Parramatta Mission to distribute.

Meet 11am at Krispy Kreme Donuts Penrith, leave 11.30am.

CACHIA STAYS

CARLTON Dry Honda Racing has recently confirmed that MX2 campaigner Josh Cachia will remain with the championship-winning outfit for the 2014 season.

CLASSIC TT

WHILE the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races have been going for over 100 years, 2013 marks the first Classic TT event. It’s run during the Manx GP two week festival from August 17-31, and organisers have been able to secure numerous big name TT riders to compete on classic machines. Riders like John McGuiness, Guy Martin. Michael Dunlop and Australia’s Cameron Donald will all ride in the event.

And ITV4 will be making a two-hour special on it too. Look out for it on video.

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 15

EDITORIAL

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 16

The Bug I GUESS I’ve known most of my life that I have the tinkerer bug inside me. Ever since I was in my teens I’ve struggled to leave mechanical things alone. I wouldn’t call myself a collector, but at last count I owned or part owned around 10 motorcycles, and a few old muscle cars.

I never set out to collect this many but it just seemed to happen. I try to rationalise this sickness as it being my hobby, but the problem is it seems to take up so much of my time, and of course money.

My wife is be dead set sick of hearing me say: “I’ve always wanted one of those”.

In my mind I have a plan to restore each bike and have them on display. I’m even building a new shed to house some of these bikes and cars. I say some, because even though the shed is a decent size I think it will be quickly filled.

GP on the Isle Of Man. Yes, even though I need another bike like I need an enema, I’ve agreed to buy the 851 because it will be a big part of my personal history. I might try to get the price down though, I reckon it will be worn out after I complete 10 laps of the IOM circuit on it.

Haven’t worked out how to pay for it yet though. Maybe I need to sell a few bikes first.

Other projects on the horizon are the aforementioned 1970 Holden HT panel van which is being what’s called resto-modded, with a modern transmission and gearbox and other cool bits. I’d also like to build a stroker small block for my Dodge I’ve also got a 1984 Honda VF1000F race bike which Dart, and restore the little early ’70s Honda Benly, has lots of exotic ex-factory looking bits on it. Peter and fettle the 1979 BMW R 100 RS my mate and I just McWiggan from Manta Engineering in Victoria put bought for a tasty business project that’s germinating 17-inch wheels on it, and some other bits I can’t exactly remember right at this moment, and because in our fertile minds. Looks like I’ve got enough there’s lots of stuff stacked on it I can’t even get to it projects to last the rest of my life at this rate, but possibly not enough earning capacity to do them all. all that easily to refresh my memory.

The plan when my new shed is finished is to turn my current 7m x 4m workshop into exactly that, a workshop. I can then bring my lathe home from where it’s stored at a mate’s place. Currently the workshop is a mess, with everything from a small At the moment I’m sorting the engine of a Honda CB500/4 Post Classic race bike which had issues at the block Chev V8 for my son’s HT panel van to fishing last Barry Sheene Festival of Speed. There was some rods in it. Plus the family seems to think if an item needs to be moved then it goes into my workshop. slightly dodgy work inside the head which decided it couldn’t cope with the stresses of racing, so an I can imagine the CB500 sitting up on the stand being engine out job and some plans for the repair is now prepared for the next meeting, while the VF1000 gets underway. Then I was thinking about building a big restored somewhat back to its factory glory. I think bore engine for it to run in the 750cc class. Mmm, all that one will take pride of place in the new man shed, good fun. besides the Ducati 851 I’m riding at this year’s Manx

I do find it difficult to get up to the shed in winter because it’s dark when I get home, but I love Daylight Savings as it lets me get lots done when I get home, leaving weekends free for fun. I call my workshop my escape pod, and at times there’s nothing better than tinkering away on some meaningless project with some music streaming in the background, and a bourbon and coke to gulp down.

I think I’ve come to accept that this is who I am, no use fighting it. I think I’ll always have some project to mess around with, otherwise I’d be as bored as I would be watching a croquet match.

– Chris Pickett

DIRTY TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 17

THE NEWS Husqvarna will be heading back to the World Motocross Championships is fantastic for motocross enthusiasts throughout the world and thanks to the backing of KTM you can bet that this won’t be a half hearted effort.

Before I go much further I want to take you back in time.

The 1960s and 1970s was a period when Husqvarna was the dominant force in the off-road racing world with Husqvarna riders winning 14 World Motocross Championships in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc divisions as well as 24 World Enduro Championships and 11 Baja 1000 victories.

Back that up with 100s of national, state and club championships, there was time that if you weren’t on a Husqvarna you were simply not competitive, and with the likes of Rolf Tibblin, Torsten Hallman, Malcolm Smith, Bengt Aberg, Heiki Mikola, Kent Howerton, Jacky Marten and Alessio Chiodi winning at the highest level, the ‘Win-OnSunday-Sell-On-Monday’ marketing machine was working overtime for Husqvarna.

Remember, at this stage America had little influence on the moto world but Husqvarna was making huge inroads into the US market with Kent Howerton throwing caution to the wind to get his Husky to the front of the pack and right here in Australia we had Matt Daley winning the first ever Australian Motocross Championship on a Husqvarna in the late ’60s before the likes of Ivan Miller, Gary Flood, Hans Applegren and Pelle Granquist had great success on the Swedish machines.

Unfortunately things start going pear shaped by the mid ’80s and in 1987 Husqvarna was sold to Cagiva, becoming part of MV Agusta Motor Group.

After a decade of debacle after debacle Husqvarna was purchased by BMW for a reported 93 million euros and right from the get-go there was a huge investment in the brand and its development to get it back to the top of the offroad world. The rewards are there to see, with several World Enduro Championship trophies entering the now dusty trophy cabinet.

Antoine Méo won the 2010 and 2011 E2 World Enduro Championship while Juha Salminen won the 2011 E1 World

Enduro Championship and in 2013 we have our own Matt Philips very close to wrapping the World Junior Enduro Championship on the awesome TE310 Husqvarna.

So just as all of the ducks are starting to line up for Husqvarna we wake up on the 31st of January, 2013 to the news that the BMW Group has sold Husqvarna to a company that is headed by Stephan Pierer who is in fact the CEO of KTM. His company Pierer Industrie AG owns 51 per cent of KTM and now has 100 per cent ownership of Husqvarna.

Hmmm, is this good news or bad for Husqvarna fans? Then we hear that the ‘other’ brand that KTM owns, Husaberg, is going to be merged with Husqvarna… what does that mean? I for one love the new generation Husqvarna off-road motorcycles, but will we lose all of the good work done by BMW and what is gained by incorporating Husaberg?

So, it all seems a bit up in the air but just a few weeks ago we get the official news that Husqvarna will field a factorybacked team in both the MXGP (350 to 450cc) and MX2 (250cc) World Championship classes with two riders in each team and they are established teams which will switch from KTM to Husqvarna machinery.

The hugely successful KTM racing program is run by none other than former GP winner Pit Beirer.

“Husqvarna is a top brand with a lot of history. If you look back in history Husqvarna is important for the sport as it is one of the top brands that founded Motocross.

success, I am sure of that. What is important is having the people who are really good at their job and we need to find these people, because we can’t use the same people who are at KTM, we cannot spread those people too thin, because they are busy with our KTM project.

“It will just be step by step. I am sure we will see some really nice things in the coming years. You know what we learnt from KTM experiences, you cannot just buy the top rider and put him on a bike that isn’t ready, we need to have a good bike, good team, good structure, and then we can get the rider we might want. We should get a medium rider and then develop the bike. We will not spend crazy money on a rider, we don’t need to win races in 2014, but for sure I hope we can get some top ten finishes in 2014.”

So this is how it will pan out. Husqvarna will be represented in both classes of the 2014 World Motocross Championship with factory teams ICE1 Racing in MXGP and the Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team in the MX2 class and if that doesn’t give you a stiffy it has been confirmed that superstar of the future Romain Febvre will definitely pilot the new Husqvarna TC250R in the 2013 MX2 World Championships.

This kid is a dead-set contender. The other three riders are yet to be confirmed.

“We have a clear strategy for the brand in the FIM World Motocross Championships, we have great plans and I have So far there hasn’t been any news on how all of this affects seen drawings of the new bikes and of course what is most the World Enduro Championships, the American racing scene interesting is we plan to create a factory team for next season. or what will happen right here in Australia but history has shown that the current structure at KTM know how to take an “We have two different sizes of company, KTM have sold ‘also ran’ brand into a true contender, both at the race track 100,000 bikes, while Husqvarna have to reach 20,000. To win and on the showroom floor. a race you need one good rider on a good machine, so if we do things at Husqvarna like we do at KTM then we will have – Darren Smart

RACE TORQUE

On Any Sunday Too

ON ANY Sunday’s place in motorcycle history is assured. The same can’t quite be said for the imitators and its sequel. The American-made classic inspired an Australian version Naturally Free that was released in 1975. I can remember catching it at the art-deco cinema at King Cross in Orwell Street that is now the headquarters of Kennedy Miller Mitchell Productions, the makers of the Mad Max series. While I saw On Any Sunday countless times, I think that was the one and only occasion I saw Naturally Free. Even though I was only 15 at the time and a proud Aussie, I can recall cringing and barely containing my giggles at the naff sight gags and slap-stick narration. Nevertheless, while it was a pale imitation of On Any Sunday, Naturally Free was a feel-good documentary film about Australian motorcycling in the 1970s, and that was good enough for me.

The film was narrated by golden tonsils himself John Laws, who read seamlessly off a script written by then REVS editor, Kiwi Jeff Collerton. Like the film, the script was derivative of Bruce Brown’s carefully crafted gem that he brilliantly narrated himself for On Any Sunday. A copy can never be as good as the original, but Jeff and Lawsie get full marks for trying, thanks to a bucket load of piss-taking put-downs, politically incorrect jabs, and poking fun at anything that crashed – or moved. Having watched the film recently on YouTube, what struck me was the gritty, grass-roots racing scene back in the ’70s, and how utterly bereft it was of style or charm. The Nepean Six-Hour dirt-track and the motocross featuring road racer Warren Willing betray any pretence that these blokes were a bunch of well-heeled dare devils simply trying to make a name for themselves. Noone was spared, including a banged up Jack Ahearn limping to safety after crashing out early in the 1974 Castrol Six-Hour, the veteran GP legend just another rider to fall victim to the Dunlop Loop’s gnarly exit. While goofish and amateurish in places, the cinematography capturing Warren Willing rifling his TZ700 around Oran Park is simply stunning, even by today’s standards.

Likewise, the footage shot from the Dipper and Con-Rod Straight at the 1974 Bathurst races is spectacular, and remains the only vision of the famous Willing versus Gregg Hansford duel, with able cameos from Ron Toombs and Pat Hennen. I also really dug the footage from the 1974 AMA round at Ontario,

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 18 also lacked the witty script and the man who delivered it, Bruce Brown. Famed American commentator Larry Huffman was given the job, his final take sounding more like a race call than a narration. As they say, sequels are never as good as the original, and OASII is further proof of that axiom.

The film was released locally in March 1982, and I saw a preview at Hoyts in Sydney in late 1981, which was also attended by Warren Willing, Moyna Boulden and half of the NSW branch of the Motorcycle Riders’ Association. Like my first viewing of Naturally Free, I couldn’t avoid the inevitable subconscious comparisons with On Any Sunday. And I came to this conclusion; Naturally Free and On Any Sunday II aren’t bad films, On Any Sunday with guys like Ago, Yvon DuHamel, is just so damn good. You only have to Roberts, Hansford, Willing, Kel Carruthers look at the revivals and well-attended and Murray Sayle featuring. Like all older films, however, some anniversaries that take place in America that honour the original scenes seem to go on forever, and the pacing has all the rhythm movie. Bruce Brown, Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawwill are of reading the dictionary. I guess that’s what makes On Any lionised at these events, and many websites and blogs continue Sunday so special. No scene ever dragged on, and the viewer to discuss the lasting impacts of the Oscar-nominated epic. By was left salivating for the next one just at the right time. comparison, there is scant passion for Naturally Free or On Any Sunday II. Which brings us to On Any Sunday II (OASII). For years, Bruce Brown was asked if he would ever make a sequel to On Any However, there is one thing that I think Naturally Free did Sunday. Who knows how much the original made. Maybe he better than On Any Sunday. I think the artwork for the Naturally knew that he could never top it. For whatever reason, Brown Free movie poster and the vinyl soundtrack LP cover based demurred. Still, the audience was hungry for more, and Don on the bloke doing a crossed-up wheelie on a Bultaco Sherpa Shoemaker and three other producers put a deal together to is incredibly iconic. The silhouette of the motocrosser that start shooting OASII in 1979. Unlike the original that was able to features in the On Any Sunday artwork is good, but whenever I deliver a universal message about the beauty of motorcycling see that Naturally Free trials bloke, there is instant recognition whilst being predominately shot and written in the USA, OASII of 1970s Australiana motorcycling and the fun it generated for came across as a patriotic paean to American stars Kenny thousands of wide-eyed enthusiasts. Bikes were the latest craze Roberts, 1980 speedway world champion Bruce Penhall and and Naturally Free was there to capture it all in its gritty glory.

MX legend Bob Hannah, with a pastiche of the lesser known Hokey and hardly original, it was unmistakably Australian and disciplines of motorcycling from junior Supercross to that weird remains the only feature-length celluloid tribute to that magical Japanese speedway conducted on Triumph twins with a single era of local racing. We can thank On Any Sunday for that. drop ’bar on banked, asphalt ovals. If OASII lacked the original’s brilliant cinematography and ability to introduce and empathise – Darryl Flack with the main players Mert Lawwill and Malcolm Smith, OASII

GUNTRIP

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New head, new handle IT’S an old shopping trick, bombarding you with special offers in a noisy kaleidoscope of exciting stuff while many of the things you actually want quietly increase in price.

It’s only when you get to the checkout that you really notice how things are changing.

Something similar happened when the significant other and I sauntered down the hill to Eastern Creek for the Barry Sheene Festival back in March. To that point I thought some things would never change, were absolutely immutable, such as Mr Lincoln’s death and taxes and the Manx Norton.

I thought, naively, that the Manx would forever stay as Bracebridge Street had left it at the beginning of 1963, with leaky valve gear, 86 x 85.62mm engine dimensions and chain primary drive.

A friend of editor Picko set me right on that one. Mick Neason had two 500 Manxes on view, both modern Britishbased variants on a timeless theme. One of them came from Andy Molnar while the other had a Summerfield Engineering engine running on methanol. Each had different engine dimensions, the Summerfield donk running a 92mm bore and the Molnar bike 95mm. Mick reckoned the engines delivered similar performance but explained there were chassis differences: “The 92 is set up with 45mm [steering head] offsets where the other one has 80-odd millimetres.

“The Summerfield is quicker steering, and that’s the one I prefer to ride. Going into Turn 2 at Phillip Island for example you can get all your steering out of the way and you’re on the throttle much quicker than guys on similar bikes.”

We fell silent as a clutch of TZs shrieked past the pits to do battle with Turn 1. It’s impossible not to be enchanted with the lines of the Manx. It’s not a pretty bike in the way of the 7R AJS or its 500cc sibling, the G50 Matchless, but it’s all muscle and purpose – handsome, for sure – made cleaner by modern touches like enclosed valve springs and belt primary drive. Not that it enhances their looks but very much more co-operative gearboxes must help, for different reasons.

By now the high-speed two-stroke headache was heading for Turn 4 and open country – such as it is at Eastern Creek – so I was able to ask Mick if he’d had either bike on the dyno.

“Yes. The 95 made about 53 horsepower,” he explained, “and this one [the Summerfield] about 54-55. That’s at the back wheel.”

All this fancy re-engineering has enhanced the reliability of the Manx, too: “We took the 95 to Phillip Island for the Classic. It nipped up, so we put in a new piston. As for the Summerfield, I haven’t even had the head off.” As a general proposition they don’t need too much work, according to Mick.

“I’ve only had these about 18 months and you don’t do that many meetings. One thing, though, after a meeting you’ve got to tighten every nut and bolt because they vibrate so badly, and especially these because they rev out to eight and a half. An old bloke told me it should take two stubbies to get the job finished.”

All those hefty power strokes take their toll on chains, of course, but a drive chain per season usually does the job, likewise a fresh belt for the primary drive.

The rivalry between the bigger Manx Norton and the G50 Matchless sustained sub-international racing throughout the 1960s and certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, so how do the two big, classic singles compare?

“I’ve only ridden a couple of races on Kenny Lucas’s G50,” Mick told me. “I like them, they’re all right, but I think the Manx handles a bit better – I’m not at the absolute pointy edge, so I might not notice it as much as some. But they’re similar on power.”

Like anyone who understands a motorcycle’s needs, Mick gives his bikes good oil, and gives it to them often; but it’s horses for courses: “The Summerfield’s got a plain-bearing bottom end so that gets mineral oil; the Molnar has roller bearings, so runs on vegetable oil.”

All up, then, is the Manx an easy, economical ride?

“You have your problems, but you just have to keep on top of them; most important, keep everything tight.”

If Mick Neason is any judge, the Manx Norton, its lineage traceable back through the decades via Arthur Carroll’s International to Walter Moore’s CS1 of 1927, is doing very nicely, thanks very much. It might not be as easy to live with as the G50, perhaps, but handles better and can be faster.

And it’s clearly still a competitive piece in classic racing.

More than that, it’s probably easier to lay your hands on a new Manx Norton now than ever it was when the factory was knocking them out in the late 50s/early 60s, with Andy Molnar and New Zealander Ken McIntosh making bikes and Jerry Summerfield building engines. There may be others. Cost? Last time I looked a Molnar bike cost around A$55,000. But then, what price history?

– Bob Guntrip

HONDA GOLDWING F6B

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STRIPPED DOWN

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If you are into big boys’ toys then the Honda Goldwing F6B is up your alley.

Big, Bold and Brassy.

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HONDA GOLDWING F6B CYCLE TORQUE

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With that massive flat six engine providing power, it’s a glorious bike to ride in its intended role...

TEST BY CHRIS PICKETT PHOTOS BY LOU MARTIN

RIDING GEAR: SHARK HELMET, IXON JACKET, ALPINESTARS BOOTS, HORNEE JEANS, DRIRIDER BOOTS.

HONDA’S Goldwing is loved by many, but loathed as too big, heavy and cumbersome by others. It has polarised opinions for decades, but with the launch of the F6B – a stripped-down, lighter and more aggressive version – the haters should sit up and take notice.

By stripping the Goldwing bare, Honda has shown there’s a very nice looking motorcycle underneath all that fairing, and with that massive flat six engine providing power, it’s a glorious bike to ride in its intended role.

Why? My take on the design is that Honda finally felt there was another bike lurking inside the Goldwing, one that would entice some new buyers to the Honda family who wouldn’t normally consider a Goldwing.

STRIPPEDDOWN

While we call it a stripped down Goldy, to be fair it’s only partially stripped. It still has a fairing, but with a shorter screen, and the integrated top box of the Goldwing is gone. Those two things make a huge difference to the overall size and look of the bike. I see it as a fantastic touring bike which will not intimidate some riders like a Goldwing can, and it’s more comfortable and long distance capable than most cruisers out there.

years and years.

It’s housed in an alloy twin spar frame, which Honda adopted for the Goldwing some years back.

Honda’s Dual Combined ABS braking system is fitted – applying either brake also activates the other, although the emphasis is balanced - squeeze the handlebar lever hard and you’ll feel the rear brake being applied also, but you’ll feel the front Losing the top box improves the styling and handling, because it’s lowered the end dive. Apply just the brake pedal and the bike seems to squat as both front and already low centre of gravity even more (and your pillion can’t fill that box up with rear brakes are activated. heavy ‘stuff’, either).

Honda has been innovative in this area for many years and have it worked out I can assure you.

The new styling makes the bike look less cumbersome. You can see over the cutdown screen, something many people prefer to looking through a screen.

Features

The Goldwing F6B uses the same engine and running gear as the regular top spec Goldwing. 1800cc of flat six (three pistons out each side, sitting just in front of the rider’s feet) grunt will ensure top gear touring is dead easy. It’s simply a sublime engine, torque laden and very flexible. The design has been around for ages, but works really well, and combined with the shaft drive this drive train will last for

Suspension on the whole is non-adjustable, except for the electronicallycontrolled spring preload on the rear shock, which luckily is easy to navigate and use. It’s great when you add a pillion, you just pump it up to suit.

Fuel capacity is 25 litres so you’ll get over 350 kilometres out of the tank before the need to fill up. This is the perfect touring range for the F6B, because it is very comfortable.

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It’s also got a great sound system, which like the Goldwing automatically adjusts the volume depending on your speed. Add an iPod for your own tunes…

On the road The Goldwing can be a bit intimidating. It’s big, it’s heavy and it knows it.

Not so much the F6B. Although the F6B is still a big motorcycle, it doesn’t feel anything like as intimidating as the Goldwing. There’s lots of room for the rider, as you would expect, and the controls are all well placed. I like the styling. I never heard a bad comment about it, and I especially liked the black (Graphite Black) colour scheme. It looks sinister. Other styling points which were easy on the eye are the integrated panniers, lower screen and the dual exhausts which sit under each respective pannier – nice.

Even cruising around town the bike is lovely to ride, and the combination of the low centre of gravity and the 725mm seat height make a mockery of the 385kg kerb weight. It just does not feel anything like that heavy a machine.

Our launch route was mainly highways and good back roads, and the suspension handled it with aplomb. On the odd occasion we encountered bumps the bike soaked them up with ease. Yes the suspension has minimal adjustment but it never felt like it needed any.

For a big bike it handles very well indeed. Likewise with the ground clearance, while it’s no sportsbike it doesn’t scrape its guts everywhere either.

I love the engine. It has a glorious, almost Porsche sound to it, and except for traffic lights you could just about leave it in top gear all day long. I never had the chance to sample the top end but it will be well over the speed limit. If I had to guess I’d say 200 km/h would come and go reasonably quickly. Sure this bike isn’t built for that sort of riding but it’s more than capable of it. And because it is so capable Honda has graced it with some decent brakes. Instead of the more common four piston calipers found on many bikes these days, the F6B is fitted with three piston calipers front and rear, with the aforementioned CBS and ABS set up.

Worth a go?

Priced at $24.990 the Goldwing F6B is priced right at the heart of the touring motorcycle market. I do think riders who would never have considered a full sized Goldwing will look at the F6B, just like many did when the Honda Valkyrie landed over a decade ago.

This is one pretty quick interstate transit system.

– feedback@cycletorque.com.au

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HONDA GOLDWING F6B

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www.cycletorque.com.au/more http://motorcycles.honda.com.au/

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S : HONDA GOLDWING F6B Engine Type: Liquid-cooled flat-six Capacity: 1832cc Transmission: 5-speed and shaft drive Fuel Capacity: 25 litres Frame Type: Tubular steel Seat Height: 725mm Kerb Weight: 385 kg Front Suspension: 45mm telescopic with anti-dive Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Brakes: Combined braking sytem, twin disc front single rear. All with 3-piston calipers.

Tyres: 130/70-18, 180/60-16 Price (RRP): $24,990 + ORC www.cycletorque.com.au/more

Flat six cylinder engine is a pearler.

Integrated panniers hold more than enough luggage.

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1800 24 34 64 WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

This seat is made for the long haul.

For a big bike the Nissin brakes work extremely well.

HONDA CYCLE TORQUE GOLDWING test F6B

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BENELLI TRE-K

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CYCLE TORQUE

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Niche

Adven turer

Don’t write the Tre-K off as an adventure CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 29 pretender. There’s a few personalities behind this Benelli’s bodywork.

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It’s designed for mainly tar riding, and rough tar at that, but it can also cope fine with dirt roads, and the odd fire trail if you are a keen and capable rider.

TEST BY SHAUN MOLONEY PHOTOS BY NIGEL PATERSON

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Niche Adventurer BENELLI is one of the most historic motorcycle marques, the first bike bearing the name appearing over 100 years ago. It’s always been a niche manufacturer, producing motorcycles for the discerning rider who wants something a little different, a little unusual. The Tre-K tested here is a good example, a three-cylinder machine with and adventurous spirit and sporting ability.

riders will want to spend most of their time, that the engine produces its best torque, and with the raspy note exiting from the under seat exhaust, it begs to be ridden with gusto in this rev range.

Keeping the Tre-K 1130 on the bitumen is well and truly catered for thanks to the fully adjustable Marzocchi 50mm upside down forks, which keep the front end pointing in the A sporting adventure right direction. The front end is very Classed as a ‘do anything and go anywhere’ bike, the compliant and soaks up plenty of Benelli Tre-K is an upright tourer which offers plenty backroad bumps without sacrificing of appeal to riders both in the looks and performance rider comfort. Pulling the front end department. From the trestle steel frame, with alloy up is handled by Brembo four piston sub frame, to the spectacular triangulated tube steel calipers, clamping onto twin 320mm floating discs, swing arm, the Benelli Tre-K has that distinctive look which do their job without exception. One noticeable all its own. omission which some riders may be on the lookout for is ABS, which is not available at this stage on this Powering this ‘do anything-go anywhere’ bike is Benelli’s 1130cc, electronic fuel injected triple cylinder model. engine. It may look quite familiar as it is also the heart The rear end, which is certainly a talking point due of both the Benelli TNT and Tornado. to the triangulated swing arm, has an Extreme Technology rear shock with both compression and With three 53mm throttle bodies, and four valves rebound adjustment. We first came upon this brand per cylinder, this triple makes a very healthy 126 horsepower or 92 kilowatts which rips the 205 kg (dry after testing the Bimota DB8 SP and have found it’s weight) Tre-K down the road nicely thank you. Power hard to fault on both bikes. This tells you the company peaks at 9000rpm, but it is the mid-range area, where can build suspension to suit all types of terrain. No

RIDING GEAR: SHOEI HELMET, IXON JACKET, IXON GLOVES, TKD JEANS, DRIRIDER BOOTS

longer is it the Italian way of making it super stiff so it handles, which is a good thing. The rear suspension works very well on the Tre-K, whether cruising along at highway speeds or having a larrup through the twisties out in the boonies.

As a whole the suspension package really does work well when the ‘red mist’ is about and spirited riding is in order, cracking the motor through its paces certainly shows the handling is well suited to what the bike can deliver.

And when this type of riding is in order the rider has the option of using the Benelli Power Control, which is a two stage ECU map. You simply press the button

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 31

on the dash, further livening up the motor, allowing the rider a few more revs to play with, along with more initial response from the growling triple. On the flip side, the tamer setting can be chosen for around town riding or to assist with wet weather riding, or dirt roads.

More than just a good looker

There is no question the Benelli is a versatile bike, as it is very capable of regular around town riding, but can also accommodate the tourer in us as the riding position is right on the mark, and with 21.5 litres in the tank, allows a good few hours of riding It’s not just about the power and torque with before a fuel stop is warranted. It’s designed this machine, as the upright riding position for mainly tar riding, and rough tar at that, and comfortable seat and height of 850mm, but it can also cope fine with dirt roads, makes time in the saddle a real breeze, no and the odd fire trail if you are a keen and matter whether it’s around town or on the capable rider. It’s not just an all-roads bike open road. Comfort doesn’t stop there as masquerading as an adventure machine. Of the front screen has a three step adjustment course if it’s a case of the ‘boy racer’ coming allowing the rider to change screen height to out to play well, the Tre-K is also capable of suit their own height, and although it does getting the heart racing thanks to the raspy seem a little flimsy, it does the job of keeping growl from the engine, and the power on the breeze flowing over the rider just fine. The tap. side mirrors although being an odd shape, do Italian manufacturers are well known for a great job of keeping an eye out of what is their build quality and the folks at Benelli looming behind the Tre-K. On the flip side of the mirrors, the front indicators are mounted have certainly kept up this tradition with the Tre-K. It is a niche bike in a broad market and well concealed. A mixture of both analogue and digital fixtures adorn the dash, and due to this it may not appeal to all lookers, but when stopped on the roadside along with the power control button, with or in a group of bikes, it certainly will turn a the tacho and temp gauges feeding instant few heads. This model has been around for information to the rider via the easy to read dials. The digital dash features a large number a few years now, and it still is an impressive machine in both the looks and performance speedo, vertical bar fuel gauge and clock, department. With a rideaway price of along with both a trip meter and odometer. $17,990 and a two year unlimited kilometre, If a bout of touring is in order, Benelli has a set Australia wide network warranty, the Benelli of semi-rigid panniers, which offer both good Tre-K offers value for money as far as we looks and enough room to throw in enough are concerned. For a limited time Benelli is gear for an overnight stay or weekend throwing in a set of panniers worth $1000 away. The panniers can be easily attached to sweeten the deal, so get on line and check or removed with a simple press of a clip on them out at benelli.com.au or drop in to your the back side of the panniers, and lift them nearest Benelli dealer. straight off the frames.

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BENELLI TRE-K

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CYCLE TORQUE

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www.benelli.com.au

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S : 2013 BENELLI TRE-K Engine Type: Liquid-cooled inline triple Capacity: 1131cc Transmission: 6-speed and chain drive Fuel Capacity: 21.5 litres Frame Type: Tubular steel trestle Seat Height: 850mm Dry Weight: 205kg Front Suspension: 50mm USD Marzocchi Rear Suspension: Extreme Technology monoshock Brakes: Twin 4-piston Brembo calipers on front, single 2-piston Brembo rear.

Tyres: 120/70-17, 180/55-17 Price (RRP): $17,990 ride away www.cycletorque.com.au/more

Three cylinder engine is easy to love, and has a nice raw feel to it.

TRE-K, TREK… great play on words for an adventurous bike.

It’s the small touches which sometimes count.

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Swingarm is a work of art.

A nice use of existing parts to mount the number plate and indicators hanger.

Radial front brakes are top notch in feel and power.

BENELLI TRE-K

CYCLE TORQUE

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2013 KTM 200 EXC CYCLE TORQUE

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2 STROKES OF

GENIUS

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It’s often been said before that bigger isn’t always best in the bush. The KTM 200 EXC is a giant killing machine that lives by this mantra.

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2013 KTM 200 EXC CYCLE TORQUE

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FOR the MX racer looking for something to slice through the bush, nothing comes closer to the feel, performance and razorsharp handling of a motocross machine than a 200EXC.

TEST BY TODD REED PHOTOS BY CHRIS PICKETT

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RIDING GEAR: SHOEI HELMET, SHIFT APPAREL, ALPINESTARS BOOTS.

2 strokes of Genius

With more capacity and performance than a 125 but with the extra weight and different gearing which comes with being a street-legal motorcycle, the 200EXC really can put bigger bikes to shame in the bush.

On single track, the bike really shines. The screaming two-stroke punches hard when you make it wail, while the lightweight machine stops on the proverbial dime thanks to the powerful Brembo brakes, and getting the bike turned in the trees is child’s play.

The engine’s been enhanced for 2013 with a new cylinder head, and it even features both electric and kick starters, standard.

Features The features list of the 200 EXC reflects how this is an enduro bike with a motocross heritage.

The WP suspension and PDS rear shock is very much the same as what you will find on the rest of the KTM EXC range, which offers superb handling and very wide range of adjustability to the rider. The Chromoly steel chassis is once again common across the EXC range, slightly tailored to suit each model, and has proved to be a strong, stable and comfortable set up for the entire KTM offroad fleet.

The engine’s fed by a Keihin carburettor – with revised jetting for 2013 – and the six-speed box has ratios spaced for charging through the bush.

On the trail The 200 is a delightful bike to ride on the single trail. The sharp handling characteristics make it a breeze to put the 200 wherever you want on the track. It handles well through the tight stuff, soaks up the bumps and holes,

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 39 and dives in and out of ruts very easily. The suspension is set up well in stock form and even with standard suspension settings we weren’t really looking to move the clickers around or make any real changes. The Brembo brakes are well known to be some of the best performing brakes on the market, and the little 200 only magnifies the effect the Brembos have on this machine.

They worked flawlessly for us every time. You can stop this thing on a dime.

The 200cc engine is quite capable and offers great power considering it’s a small bore two-stroke. There is a nice mellow spread of power as you roll the throttle on, however turn it on a bit more and you’ll discover a lively and vibrant engine once the revs have picked up. Keep it on the pipe, beyond the mid range and up top, the revvy 200 will reward the rider with a very exciting ride. It’s considerably easy to keep the 200 in the meat of the power and high in the revs. As it’s a fast revving machine, it only takes a flick of the clutch with some aggressive input from the rider and before you know it the 200 is singing wide open through the trail.

For a 200cc engine it’s quite fast and very potent in the hands of the right rider. If you often find yourself in tight bush where you don’t need lots power the 200 is a very attractive option. Where the gloss wears off is in the open, high speed areas, which is where the big-bore four-strokes area at their best – but you’ll round them up again through the trees.

The controls, levers and general seating position are very comfortable on the KTM. All the items in and around the cockpit are high quality and well functioning. The 9.5 litre fuel tank design also offers long range capability without sacrificing room around cockpit, which could quickly turn a light and flickable bike like this into something that feels more like a Russian Army tank.

Verdict There’s a reason so many legendary off road bikes have been two-strokes, not least of which has been the incredible power to weight ratios they can achieve. Most of those legendary machines were infamous too, because they often handled somewhat entertainingly, frames twisting and buckling under the stresses.

Think back to bikes like Yamaha’s IT200 and how good a package they were for the average trail rider. Easy to maintain and lots of fun, without the over the top performance of bigger 2-strokes around 500cc. The 200 EXC is a modern version of such a bike, only much better. Every dirt bike rider should own one of these before they are too old to enjoy it.

Not anymore. The oval-tube KTM steel frame is excellent, the PDS shock and WP USD forks responsive and controlled.

And at only $9999 - a run out price while stocks last – they are one of the best value for money enduro bikes on the market.

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2013 KTM 200 EXC CYCLE TORQUE

test

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www.cycletorque.com.au/more www.ktm.com.au

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S: 2013 KTM 200 EXC Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 2-stroke single Capacity: 193cc Transmission: 6-speed and chain drive Fuel Capacity: 9.5 litres Frame Type: Chromoly central tube frame Seat Height: 960mm Dry Weight: 99.5kg Front Suspension: USD WP Rear Suspension: WP PDS monoshock Brakes: Single disc brake front and rear Tyres: 90/90-21, 140/80-18 Price (RRP): $9999 + ORC www.cycletorque.com.au/more

WATCH VIDEO NOW

WP shock is easy to tune.

Brembo brakes front and rear.

200cc engine is both tractable and lots of fun when you twist the throttle.

2013 KTM 200 EXC

CYCLE TORQUE

test

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 42

T M al 10% HIS ENT AD IO ls d ec is fo N on c r a dh ou an n d t pa rt s

ON

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Wrecking motorcycles for 30 years.

Australia’s oldest and most respected motorcycle wreckers.

Australiawide freight.

Metropolitan Motorcycle Spares Wrecking all Makes & Models Grey Imports Spares & Accessories All Service Items

parts@motorcyclewreckers.com Phone: (02) 9748 7400 90 Silverwater Rd, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Open Mon-Fri 8.30 - 5.00 s 3AT

www.motorcyclewreckers.com

SUZUKI

SUZUKI C90T BOULEVARD

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 44

CYCLE TORQUE

test

Daddy long legs

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 45

Suzuki’s C90T is more than ‘just’ a cruiser. It’s capable, and in fact designed, for touring.

Did we mention it’s an absolute bargain?

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SUZUKI C90T BOULEVARD CYCLE TORQUE

test

TEST BY ‘AUNTY’ MAL CHERLIN PHOTOS BY NIGEL PATERSON

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RIDING GEAR: NOLAN ‘TRILOGY’ HELMET, LEE PARKS DESIGN GLOVES, ROADMASTER OILSKIN JACKET.

SAVE 10K. That’s not a misprint.

Buy a Suzuki C90T and you could easily save $10,000 over so many bikes of similar capacity, specifications and ability. It’s a large capacity V-twin tourer, complete with panniers, for just $17,500.

What do you lose? This depends on what you compare it to, but there’s a list of things you might want that aren’t here - ABS, cruise control, traction control, cappuccino maker, they’re all missing from the C90T’s equipment and option lists.

You do get a heavyweight cruiser/tourer, complete with a large protective screen, 1500cc injected powerplant, comfortable accommodation for two and voluminous panniers.

Big grunt, but economical The long stroke engine carries some family attributes from the legendary GSX-R series, throttle bodies on the one hand and the ‘SACS’ (Suzuki Assist Clutch System) for example. The clutch set up eases lever effort and acts like a ‘slipper’ as well. Gearbox is a five speeder with

Daddy long legs top feeling like a genuine overdrive. Few riders will see higher than 4th in general commuting around the place, often that will be 3rd. The bike is smooth, and combined with high gearing, feels even smoother. Doubtless there will be serious benefits at the fuel pump as well, another pointer to its touring bent. I ran it ’till it stopped (fuel). Waited, got going again, desperately searching for a servo. Coughed to a stop as I rolled toward the pump, not a drop left! At that point, the un-run-in 90T had

covered 347kilometres for 5.1 lites/100k. So over 300k per 18 litre tank, and certainly more than 250. Just what we need out on the open road. The combination of a torquey efficient engine and a high gear set delivering the goods here.

Big boy This is not a light motorcycle, however it is a comfortable one, with wide ’bars and low seat

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 47 height. ‘Super-Pillion’ gave the rear seat the thumbs up and was happy enough with the ride comfort. Solo, I found the rear suspension a tad firm, but two-up it was pretty good. Just as well, as neither end of the bike is adjustable, suspension wise. Tyre pressures alone are your only choice. The panniers look great and like the screen are designed to be non-removable, although you can do it, it’s not the intended ‘design function’. The screen works well. Very little buffeting, if any, and well positioned for my (average) height. The bags are thick plastic material covered in a leather look material and the left one holds the lion’s share. The right one is smaller, due to the upper of the two stacked mufflers, needing accommodation, so the underside of that pannier is sculpted to give the muffler room. Both panniers are reasonably waterproof due to the lipped closing edges on the lid. The locks are keyed alike so that’s another plus, as is the inclusion of a helmet lock. On one occasion the bike endured a torrential downpour that lasted many night time hours. On inspection the cases were almost completely dry, Suzuki allowing for any imperfections by including a tiny drain hole, useful if the cases ever get spring cleaned.

There is enough space for weekends away.

Doubtless Suzuki will offer a top box at some point, and some riders/couples may evaluate such an option as time goes by. Certainly, there is a rear rack and back rest item, all black of course, available as an option.

I found the bike did most things pretty well, a good all rounder from that perspective, however I did note it was heavy-ish

coming off the sidestand in certain terrain. A quick look at the specs shows 363 kilos wet, so it’s a sub 400 kilo cruiser. No issues once rolling however. There is no cruise control, nor ABS... I didn’t miss it either. I did need to adjust to looking at the tank mounted instruments but never gave it a second thought once some familiarity had been established.

Aunty’s verdict The C90T is a stylish smooth all black cruiser with screen-n-bags, at an absolute bargain price. The engine/gearbox/final drive work

beautifully together and will only improve with time, as the bike I tested wasn’t run in fully.

Good fuel economy. Change down, nail it and the ‘T’ boogies away with authority. Some may question the lack of ABS and cruise control, but I didn’t miss it and at seventeen and a half k the bike is pretty good fundamental value with great looks. The C90T has joined the ‘bagger’ brigade and delivers on the road. especially with its rider/pillion comfort package. A worthy addition to the Suzuki cruiser range. The ‘T’ is for touring!

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SUZUKI C90T BOULEVARD

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CYCLE TORQUE

test

WATCH VIDEO NOW

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 49 www.cycletorque.com.au/more www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S : SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T Engine Type: Liquid-cooled V-twin Capacity: 1462cc Transmission: 5-speed and shaft drive Fuel Capacity: 18 litres Frame Type: Tubular steel Seat Height: 720mm Kerb Weight: 365 kg Front Suspension: 45mm Showa telescopic Rear Suspension: Showa monoshock Brakes: Single 2-piston Nissin caliper on front, single Tokico rear.

Tyres: 130/80-17, 200/60-16 Price (RRP): $17,500 + ORC www.cycletorque.com.au/more

Leather clad plastic panniers look the part and actually hold some gear.

Flat black pipes suit the overall look of the C90T.

CALL FOR A QUOTE

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WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

Thumping 1500cc V-twin donk is a torque laden monster.

Old school look for the instruments.

Single front brake is adequate.

SUZUKI C90T CYCLE TORQUE BOULEVARD test

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VICTORY BOARDWALK

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CYCLE TORQUE

test

Boardwalk Empire

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The release of

the Boardwalk

comes at a pivotal time in the unique history of Victory Motorcycles.

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VICTORY BOARDWALK

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CYCLE TORQUE

test

I was pretty sure I was going to love the Boardwalk.

And love it I do.

HEAVILY valanced guards, 16-inch wheels, superlow seat, footboards… the Victory Boardwalk was really ticking the boxes I love as I looked it over. With Victory’s 106ci fuel-injected motor and stunning graphics and paint, I was pretty sure I was going to love the Boardwalk before I even rode it.

And love it I do.

Climbing onboard I found what felt like the widest set of handlebars on any Victory. The low seat height and very wide ‘bars makes it an absolute snack to handle around inner-city traffic and provides a really comfortable reach when you’re out on the open highway and byways. Ground clearance comes in at 120mm, which isn’t too bad for a cruiser. And let’s face it, you know you’re going to scrape around those roundabouts… riding sensibly and not scraping, is, well, boring.

The big open freeways are the only places you are going to be able to use that sixth-gear overdrive.

Even fifth gear is enough on most highways. That big V-twin just lopes along and hardly feels like it’s working at all on those wide open roads, so at least

Boardwalk Empire you’re not going to chew through the juice at a stupid rate.

Victory’s engines haven’t changed a huge amount since they switched over to the 106ci inch for all the models.

Single-overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder with self-adjusting cam chains and hydraulic lifters and a big 101mm x 108mm bore and stroke. And all of it fed by EFI with dual 45mm

throttle bodies. This air/oil cooled behemoth pumps it all out to the back wheel via a carbonfibre reinforced belt drive. Not a huge amount of complication in there but boy does it work well.

Cool style There were a few things that particularly caught my eye on the new Boardwalk. I’ve mentioned the heavily valanced fenders, but not how the wheels

TEST BY DENNIS PENZO PHOTOS BY CHRIS PICKETT

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BELL CUSTOM 500 HELMET, MATADOR EYEWEAR, ARLEN NESS JACKET, BULL-IT JEANS, FALCO BIKER BOOTS.

are laced and fitted with white wall tyres. Here are strong styling cues from the old school.

And then there’s the Victory name itself - is that a new logo on the tank?

Yes, this is a very interesting model indeed.

And despite this hint of old school there are some very modern styling touches here too, apart from the new logo.

Those pencil thin blinker stalks look cool and the vertical strip LED tail light embedded into the rear fender is also cool.

configuration. The 17.8 litre fuel tank will get you plenty of kilometres between fuel stops on those long trips where you can take advantage of the overdrive. Brakes on the Boardwalk work well with a 300mm floating rotor with four-piston caliper up front and a 300mm floating rotor with two-piston caliper on the rear. The lack of ABS on the Boardwalk almost came as a surprise – it’s becoming standard on more big bikes, but I can’t say I missed it.

Our time on the Boardwalk covered inner city, ’burbs and a few blats further afield. Even though the Boardwalk weighs in at 307kg (dry) this doesn’t disadvantage this model in the city. Especially when you consider the seat height is only 658mm - man, there are LAMS bikes out there with taller seat heights!

Other things come down to personal choice. For instance the rider gets footboards but no heel-toe gearshift. Not that I dislike heel-toe shifts, it’s just on this particular model I felt it was cleaner and smoother with a standard gearshift lever. Again, it’s So my vertically challenged frame felt right at just personal choice. home on the Boardwalk, especially with that I have ridden various other Victory models beautifully sculpted seat - very comfortable, including the Vegas, Jackpot and Hammer (that especially on the upper thighs. Suspension duties was an interesting one) over the last few years and are handled by conventional telescopic forks up as an unabashedly cruiser person I love the lowfront with 130mm of travel while the rear is a down grunt of Victory’s 50-degree Vee-twin. single mono-tube gas set-up with 75mm of travel and a preload adjustable spring. The travel’s a bit I thought it an interesting, and sensible, move a short in the rear, so its performance on poor roads few years ago to drop the 100ci inch powerplant was pretty ordinary, but it’s fine on any reasonable and just stick with the Freedom 106ci inch

surface.

There were a couple of aftermarket additions to the bike we tested. The teardrop shaped mirrors are the Ness Rad Chrome and look beautiful. And yes, there is actually really good vision unlike some aftermarket mirrors that look cool but are virtually useless.

The pipes are a Crossbow free-flow system. They look really good and sound great, without being obscenely loud. I confess that I do like obscenely loud pipes but the Crossbows have plenty of aural cred.

The Derby cover on the right-hand side of the crankcases is a scalloped Ness item for a nice subtle touch.

Victory dealers have got this machine very competitively priced at $21,995 (not including the aftermarket items on our test machine). At that price that’s a huge amount of motorcycle for your money. Of course it comes with a two-year, unlimited km warranty.

Victory Boardwalk test bike supplied by Brisan Motorcycles, Newcastle Ph (02) 4940 8777.

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VICTORY BOARDWALK CYCLE TORQUE

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SPECIFICATIONS: ENGINE TYPE: AIR/OIL-COOLED V-TWIN

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 57

CAPACITY: 1731CC TRANSMISSION: 6-SPEED AND BELT DRIVE FUEL CAPACITY: 17.8 LITRES FRAME TYPE: TUBULAR STEEL SEAT HEIGHT: 658MM

www.cycletorque.com.au/more www.victorymotorcycles.com

DRYT WEIGHT: 307 KG FRONT SUSPENSION: 43MM CONVENTIONAL TELESCOPIC REAR SUSPENSION: GAS MONOSHOCK BRAKES: SINGLE 4-PISTON CALIPER ON FRONT, SINGLE 2-PISTON REAR. TYRES: 130/90-16, 150/80-16 PRICE (RRP): $21,995 + ORC

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VICTORY CYCLE TORQUE BOARDWALK test

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FATHER’S DAY BIKE STUFF With Father’s Day it’s a great opportunity to get something for your bike riding dad, pop, step dad, someone else’s dad, or even Father Christmas. Hey, if you’re a dad you can even buy yourself something from the raft of products in this special buyer’s guide. And if pop is too old to still ride you can let him reminisce a little.

Check out the motorcycle products and books we have here you’re not trying.

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

Get into Dad’s go booksod

SPORTS PACK FOR DAD

This new moulded design sports bag looks great and even holds its shape when empty. It is designed to be used with the Ventura Sports Rack and has a moulded lid and base with reinforced sides. It has 10 litre capacity and is just perfect for carrying wet weather gear, spare gloves or a six-pack of your favourite refreshment.

Carry handle and detachable shoulder strap supplied as standard. 160mm high, 320mm wide and 220mm deep.

PRICE: $85 AVAILABLE FROM: Good bike shops MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

BEEMER SHIRT

THIS round-neck T-shirt with red contrasting stripes features a glossy red BMW Motorrad print on the chest.

It’s made of 100 per cent cotton and comes in black.

Sizes S-XXL. PRICE: $49 AVAILABLE FROM: All BMW Motorrad dealers.

MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

CYCLE TORQUE FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLING

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DYNAPLUG A HANDY IDEA

BAG MAN

THE Dynaplug Ultralite weighs less than 60gm and fits in the palm of your hand. This neat little puncture repair kit has no glue, no mess and multiple plugs can be used for bigger holes. Beautiful billet aluminium, stainless steel kit includes Dynaplug Ultralite, 4 plugs (one already loaded into tube), pipe cleaner to clean insertion tube and instructions. Extra plugs available in packs of five. Great complement to Rocky Creek Design’s Motopressor unit as it fits snugly in the carry case!

PRICE: $28.95 (or $35.95 with 9 plugs) AVAILABLE FROM: www.rockycreekdesigns.com.au MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

WE’VE used a number of Bagster products here at Cycle Torque and can attest to their quality, usability and durability.

New as part of the Bagster 2013 collection is the FLASH magnetic tank-bag. It can be transformed into a backpack; it is endowed with a removable magnetic map-reader, and an adjustable pocket on the top for a smart phone.

It stays on the bike via four magnets, with an extra magnetised security hook, it’s got a rain cover , outside pockets, water tight zip, and it expands for extra capacity.

Four colours to choose from.

PRICE: $119 AVAILABLE FROM: From good bike shops MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

TOOLED UP

NEVER get caught without those essential tools again, this GS Emotion toolbox is designed to fit the BMW R 1200 GSA 2008 to 2012 , made from 2mm top quality aircraft grade aluminium and manufactured in Europe. This toolbox is waterproof and fits approx 6.5 lts of extra storage space. The GS Emotion toolbox is very easy to install and can be fitted within minutes. Ideal for always having those ride saving tools on your bike that will save your day.

PRICE: $175 AVAILABLE FROM: Direct from Adventure Bike Protections Australia MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

GIVE ME FIVE!

The new Five Gloves X Rider Waterproof glove have PU knuckle protection, leather construction with TPR mesh cuff as well as padded finger protection.

The palm has moulded PU slider with goat skin and cow skin reinforcement as well as Pittards-brand leather for grip and abrasion protecion.

The fingers have external stitching and a leather pull in tab.

PRICE: $149.00 AVAILABLE FROM: Good bike shops MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

CYCLE TORQUE FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLING

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FATHER’S DAY BIKE STUFF

Get into Dad’s go o books d

FULLY CHARGED

WARM AS TOAST

THE Alpinestars 365 Gore-Tex gloves are great for all-round riding. Not only do they look fantastic, they are waterproof, breathable and offer high levels of protection too. Sizes: S – 3XL Colours: Black only PRICE: $249.95 AVAILABLE FROM: From leading motorcycle stores MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

THE XS 0.8 is CTEK’s smallest 12 V charger. It offers state of the art technology and is perfect for charging smaller batteries that can be found in motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs and lawnmowers. It is also suitable for maintenance charging “normal- sized” batteries such as car batteries. The unique display allows the user to follow the entire charging process. Designed as a fully automatic six-step charger for 12v batteries from 1.2–32 Ah and is suitable for maintenance charging up to 100 Ah. It’s also splash and dust proof, and is designed to protect vehicle electronics.

Other features: non-sparking, reverse polarity protected, short-circuit proof, and a 5-year warranty.

PRICE: $95 MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

PREVENT LEAKS

RAD Guard now has a radiator guard available for the new 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure. The guard is bolted to the bike and only takes about 15 minutes to fit. Once the Rad Guard is installed there is no rubbing or vibration. The robust frame stops the mesh from ever touching the radiator core, even if there’s a direct hit by a large stone.

RRP is normally $195 but view our website for discounts or just give them a call on 02 6658 0060.

PRICE: Normally $195 but view Rad Guards website for discounts or just give them a call on 02 6658 0060.

AVAILABLE FROM: Direct from Rad Guard MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

CYCLE TORQUE FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLING

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FRESH PRODUCE

FRESHLY designed to protect the new model 2013 Kawasaki Z800, these Oggy Knobbs take the brunt of impacts and road surface abrasion. Oggy Knobb products can significantly reduce the repair costs after a fall. These new kits are fully bracketed, and intricately designed to fit without any fairing modifications while also being much stronger and more protective than a non bracketed cut style.

Choose OK652 for black or OK653 for white Knobbs.

PRICE: $359 AVAILABLE FROM: From good motorcycle shops MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

SITTING PRETTY

THE Hebe ExGel seat cover is a handy little product to use on anything from dirt squirters to big tourers. It’s handy because it packs away easily and the universal application lets you fit it to almost any bike with its fully adjustable velcro straps and vinyl waterproof cover. The soft gel seat has a very plush feel and will keep your backside comfortable for hours in the saddle.

PRICE: $59.95 AVAILABLE FROM: From good motorcycle stores or direct from Bikes and Bits importers MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

HONDA HERITAGE

HONDA’S retro-themed Heritage collection are the ticket for Honda lovers with an eye on the past.

The range of distressed vintage style hooded jumpers are ideal for the cooler winter months, while the new Heritage Collection T’-shirts feature the same screen printed Honda vintage logos and are sure to be popular for those Honda fans looking for a stylish yet relaxed look.

PRICE: Hoodies $99, T-shirts $49 AVAILABLE FROM: From Honda dealers nationwide MORE INFO: www.cycletorque.com.au/more

CYCLE TORQUE FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLING

o Get int d o o g s ’ Dad books 1

BOOK SHOP

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 64

3

2

4

5

6

9 7

8

NOW ONLY

$35.00 FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

SIGNED COPY!

CYCLE TORQUE FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLING

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 65 1. HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE WORKSHOP – $44.95

From a corner of the garage set up for routine maintenance to a dream shop housing precious classic machines, How to Set Up Your Motorcycle Workshop, Third Edition will help you make the most of your space. Packed with easy-to-read practical advice, author C. G. Masi walks the reader through designing, building, and equipping the workshop you need - whether you plan to restore, repair, and maintain your own bikes or hope to open a small commercial facility. How-to Set Up Your Motorcycle Workshop starts by helping readers determine their work space and storage needs and create a shop layout that matches their budget. The author then addresses basics such as providing adequate electrical power, lighting, and heat and air conditioning. With the workshop design in place, Masi helps readers identify the must-have and want-to-have tools to appropriately equip the space.

This new third edition of the book includes profiles of real world workshops, from small garage spaces to purpose- built restoration and race-prep shops, and features a new comprehensive and up-to-date directory of resources for equipment, tools, computers, battery powered tools, and energy saving tips.

2. ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL – $55.00 This book is written to help motorcyclists prepare themselves and their motorcycle for travelling long distances over extended periods. Whether you are getting ready for a weekend trip beyond your home turf, or for a transcontinental odyssey lasting several years, Coyner’s book details the fundamentals for riding in comfort, safety, and convenience.

3. HOW TO RESTORE YOUR MOTORCYCLE – $39.99

The market for used motorcycles is vast and deep, with many popular motorcycles available for a fraction of what they cost when new even a few years ago. With a little hard work and know-how, a restored used bike can become a reliable and stylish commuter vehicle. But restoring an older motorcycle can be challenging. Often you’re dealing with old technology, parts that are hard to replace, rusty and stubborn bolts, etc. How to Restore Your Motorcycle walks the reader through the process of tearing down an old motorcycle and building it back up again. This revised edition adds colour photography throughout, as well as new information covering bikes and technologies new to the collector realm.

4. RACE TECH’S MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION BIBLE – $49.99

Based on Thede’s world-famous Race Tech Suspension Seminars, this step-by-step guide shows anyone how to make a bike handle like a pro’s.

5. MOTOCROSS AND OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE SETUP GUIDE – $34.99

For many motorcyclists, the most popular part of a cycle magazine is the questionand-answer section dealing with maintenance, modification, and setup how-to information. The Motocross and Off-Road Motorcycle Setup Guide eliminates guesswork by providing setup and maintenance information every rider needs in a series of step-by-step photo sessions and to-the-point chapters.

6. HARLEY-DAVIDSON BUYER’S GUIDE – $29.99

Perhaps the greatest appeal of the motorcycles that Harley-Davidson manufactures is that they are not throwaway machines. With proper care and maintenance, a modern Harley can outlive its owner. Most of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles built over the past 25 years are still on the road, which means there are many, used Harley’s bought and sold every day.

7. VELOCETTE MOTORCYCLES – $69.99

“This very handsome hardback book has excellent quality paper, print and photographs of machines, sales brochures, promotional material ... It’s almost worth buying this book solely for the history portrayed through all the sales material. This is a definitive development history of the Velocette motorcycles based on the author’s earlier work ... an absolute must for Velocette enthusiasts and restorers.” – LE Velo Club

8. ONE MAN CARAVAN – WAS $39.95 NOW $35.00

This adventurous work records Robert Edison Fulton’s solo round-the-world tour on a two-cylinder Douglas motorcycle between July, 1932 and December, 1933. First published in 1937.

9. DON COX CIRCUS LIFE - SIGNED – $99.00

Welcome to the gypsy world of the Continental Circus private entrants - warts and all - with the joys, camaraderie, heartache, laughs and low acts. It was a time when rider usually had to be truck driver, mechanic, cook and start-money negotiator as well. And management help? You wish! In the 1950s, it was considered un-Australian to push your own barrow.

o t n i t e G d o o g s ’ Dad books SAVE

1

BOOK SHOP

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2

35%

3 SAVE

50%

BUY BOTH FOR $55

4

6

7

5

SAVE

35% SAVE

30% FATHER’S DAY FEATURE

CYCLE TORQUE FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLING

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 67

1. LOST ON EARTH SAVE 35% – WAS $34.95 NOW $22.75

“The only way I am coming home is by bike or by box,” Steve Crombie writes when he first hits the road, travelling 90,000kms from Australia to the Arctic Circle via South America. It takes him two years. He suffers from dehydration, starvation and disease. He rebuilds his motorcycle four times.

Along the way Steve not only tests his limits but meets the world head on waking up behind iron bars in Tierra Del Fuego.

BUY BOTH FOR $55 2. GEOFF DUKE-THE STYLISH CHAMPION SAVE 50% – WAS $59.95 NOW $29.95

The winner of six world titles on British and Italian machinery, Geoff Duke was the first post-war superstar.

Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion is a hardcover book running to over 250 pages documenting the riding life of the handsome Brit.

Featuring many images of Duke in action, statistics of Duke’s results and lots more, this is the definitive guide to one of the most successful racers motorcycling has ever seen.

3. BOB MCINTYRE SAVE 50% – WAS $59.95 NOW $29.95

Fourth in a series intended to cover the careers of the world’s greatest motorcycle racing champions, “Bob McIntyre - The Flying Scot” tells the story of the man who never actually won a world championship - but certainly deserved to. In many ways he was the two-wheel equivalent of car racing driver Stirling Moss, who is seen as one of the greats in his sport, although he never won an official world title. He was the first man to lap the Isle of Man TT circuit, the most fearsome in the world, at over 100 mph; and this was just one of his great achievements. This in-depth account of his career focuses on the bikes and the races, but also provides an insight in Bob’s life away from the track.

4. TROY BAYLISS SAVE 35% – WAS $34.95 NOW $22.75

This is the story of a life dedicated to racing, the story of a man who has always lived among motorcycles. The Ducati Yearbook chronicles the life of Troy Bayliss, Ducati World Superbike Champion through his memories and

his experiences (on and off the track), his relationship with his team and with the bikes and the thrilling emotions experienced together. Take a look into the life of Troy Bayliss, his racing career and his passion for Ducati. Troy and the bikes from Borgo Panigale, like the 999 and 1098, together made history.

This is a book of photography with images accompanied by the words of the rider, fellow Ducatisti friends, colleagues, family and fans all who came in contact with this Superbike legend a true icon for all passionate motorcycling fans, Ducatisti and non.

5. IVAN MAUGER AUTOBIOGRAPHY – $39.95

IVAN Mauger is more than the outstanding individual performer in speedway.

He can also point to hugely successful partnerships on and off the track.

His latest ‘best pairs’ partner is award-wining journalist, historian and former promoter Martin Rogers who co-authored Ivan’s eagerly-awaited autobiography.

Martin has written and/or edited 19 sports books and collaborated with other former speedway champions including Barry Briggs, Bruce Penhall and Jason Crump.

6. BILLY CONNOLLY’S ROUTE 66 – $35.00

Having always dreamed about taking a trip on the legendary Route 66, Billy Connolly is finally heading off on the ride of a lifetime. Travelling all 2,488 miles of this epic road, known as ‘The Main Street of America’, the Big Yin shares the experiences of the countless travellers who have taken the journey before him. The tales he gathers on the way, from the skyscrapers of Chicago through the Wild West badlands of Oklahoma and Texas, and on to the beaches of the Pacific coast, tell the story of modern America. And they might just inspire a few readers to get on their bikes as well.

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EXTREME FRONTIERS: CANADA is Charley Boorman’s brand-new adventure/travel book. Travelling mainly on his much-loved bike, Charley will explore the world’s second largest country - home to some of the most stunning and challenging terrain known to man.

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1. THE RIDERS SAVE 30% – WAS $35.00 NOW $24.50

Australia’s love affair with motorcycle racing and its fearless heroes was meant to be.

Two things have made it so enticing. The first is the inherent love of freedom, speed and adrenalin - that wild feeling of the wind whipping your face as you fight to take the machine as fast as it can go. The second is the ingrained Australian desire to test ourselves against the rest of the world - to be the quickest of all.

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This popular volume contains 48 articles including road test reports on 1000, 1100, 1200, 1500/6, Interstate and SE, from such popular magazines as Cycle World, Motorcycle and Motorcycle Mechanics. Plus articles on new model reports, performance data, history, service notes, engine analysis, specs and tuning.

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All about buying, selling and owning classic motorcycles. With sections on many different makes and models as well as a heap of general information about classics, this is a great book for owners - or would be owners - of anything old and collectable.

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1. THE CASTROL SIX HOUR PRODUCTION RACE SAVE 40% – WAS $69.95 NOW $41.99

For 18 years, the Castrol Six Hour Production Race was the biggest event on the Australian motorcycling calendar. Controversial, important and exciting, the Castrol Six Hour Production Race was one of those rare events which had bikes and tyres developed specifically to win it.

2. ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLING HANDBOOK – $39.95

Every red-blooded motorcyclist dreams of making the Big Trip - the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook is the comprehensive manual to make that idea a reality. Timbuktu to Kathmandu or Patagonia to Mongolia - it’s all here.

3. MOTORCYCLE JOURNEYS THROUGH SOUTHWEST – $42.99

In this new, updated edition, motojournalist Marty Berke provides detailed routes to the best scenic, curving roads the great American Southwest has to offer. From Pikes Peak Highway, the Million Dollar Highway, and Route 66, to Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks, unforgettable roads and adventures await those wanting to explore Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah on two wheels.

4. MOTORCYCLE JOURNEYS THROUGH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST – $49.95

Motorcycle Journeys through the Northwest, 2nd edition, by Bruce Hansen, is an important update to his very popular first edition. Hansen’s enthusiasm for motorcycle exploration comes through in this full-colour, fully detailed tribute and guide to the great roads of America’s Northwest. Both visitors to the region and lifetime locals will enjoy and learn from the exciting trips that Hansen has planned and perfected. This book, designed from top to bottom for motorcyclists includes: relief maps for each trip, section, and chapter; photocopy-able spreads with detailed maps and directions for easy placement in a tankbag map window; more than 30 great trips that span 5 states and parts of Canada and include the twistiest, most scenic roads the Northwest has to offer; and the best places to eat, sleep, and pitch your tent.

5. ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE – $65.00

The purpose of this book is to introduce the novice motorcycle mechanic to the basic mechanical concepts that go into designing, building and maintaining modern motorcycles. By performing their own basic maintenance readers will gain a much better understanding of how motorcycles function, and develop a much better feel for the health of their bike and deal with little problems before they become a big one, or worse, a serious safety issue. This text is written so that anyone with the proper training and the right attitude can become a competent if not excellent mechanic.

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This book is the definitive guide to keeping an adventure motorcycle running in the way it should. Written for the rider who wants to be self-reliant while on the road, the book takes the reader through a series of practical, handson techniques designed to keep the bike in peak riding condition.

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To get the best out of modern motorcycles you need to develop your own performance. This book, written specifically for sportsbike riders, provides you with the tools and techniques to ride faster, safer. Whatever your current riding ability, this book will help you improve. Forward by Kenny Roberts, softcover, 130pages.

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THE first winner of our Ride Wollombi Valley Photo Competition is Dean Parker with his shot taken on the way to the Moto GP at Phillip Island in 2007 - it was taken at the top of Mt Hotham in October and the snow was still falling!

His prize package includes two nights for two at Mystwood Retreats (www. mystwood.com.au), lunch for two at Cafe Wollombi and then a half-day ride for rider and pillion on a Royal Enfield Bullet courtesy of Timetravellers Motorcycle Tours and Events. Total prize package is over $700.

This month’s prize is two nights accommodation for two (between Thursday and Sunday) at Laguna Cottages (www.wollombirealestate.com.au/holidayaccommodation), dinner for two at Great Northern Trading Post (check them out on Facebook) and a half-day tour for rider and pillion (on a Friday or Saturday) with Timetravellers Motorcycle Tours and Events (www.timetravellers.com.au).

Total prize value is $660.

Laguna Cottage is an immaculate, self-contained two-bedroom country style cottage featuring open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room. Share your weekend escape with abundant wildlife as you leave the pressures of urban living behind you as you relax and enjoy the valley views from the wraparound verandah. It really is that peaceful - some of the Cycle Torque crew have stayed there recently.

Again, the Cycle Torque crew have enjoyed Rose’s hospitality and culinary skills.

Thanks Rose! Retaining the laid back atmosphere and rustic charm of 1870 when it all began, you can keep warm by the log fire while enjoying country hospitality and a delicious gourmet dinner with a selection of salads and bread included.

The Great Northern Trading Post is also the only fuel stop in the Wollombi Valley.

Your guided motorcycle tour with Timeravellers takes you riding through some of the most picturesque regions in NSW. The Royal Enfield C5 Bullet is yours between 9.30am and 1.30pm to take in the beautiful countryside.

Panino Deli Cafe and Restaurant, located in Grays Inn in Wollombi Village, is open for delectable a la carte dining Friday to Sunday evenings, and breakfast and lunch Thursday to Monday, offering both indoor and al fresco seating. The deli offers delightful cakes, pastries, coffee, gourmet sausages, salami, cheeses and many other delicacies. (check them out on www.facebook.com ) Cycle Torque crew can attest to the quality of Bruno’s hospitality and service.

Capers Guesthouse will host a series of exclusive Seven Deadly Sins weekends, offering not only superb accommodation and service, but also showcasing the best in local produce, entertainment and leisure, each weekend with an exceptional theme - look out for Wrath, the September weekend of the Wollombi Conveniently located in the Wollombi Valley, Laguna Cottage is only 8km from the Wild Ride and Sloth in October. (www.capersevents.com) historic village of Wollombi and is at the foothills of the Watagan State Forest.

Only a short drive from Laguna Cottage is The Great Northern Trading Post where owner and hostess Rose provides quality home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, a full range of beer, wine, spirits and live music every weekend.

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CYCLE TORQUE LONG TERMER

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 76 CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 76

YOUNG MEETS OLD Harley-Davidson looks to attract younger riders to the fold with bikes like the Iron 883

IT’S easy to understand why a bike like our Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is attractive to younger riders like Todd Reed, one of Cycle Torque’s regular off-road testers. It’s hip, it’s nice to ride, and it’s affordable for people just starting to get themselves established on big road bikes. But you don’t have to be a ‘kid’ to want and enjoy an 883.

Everyone at Cycle Torque likes the Iron 883. Sure, there are limitations to the design, as there are with any bike, but overall it’s fun to ride, and you feel a bit special doing it. If it puts a grin on your face then it has to be a good thing.

Cruising along country roads and taking in the rural scenes as I make my way up to the Hunter Valley vineyards aren’t two activities you would normally associate my name with, up until now anyway, Todd told us when he returned the bike to CT HQ. Regular readers are used to seeing me carving berms on motocross bikes, or splashing through the mud on the latest off-road enduro weapon. Road bikes have always been on my ‘to-do’ list, but due to a variety of reasons though, most notably my age, and the current LAMs learner system, hitting the road on a bike that I’m genuinely keen on riding has been somewhat out of reach.

I suppose getting older isn’t so bad.

There is something about the American icon, Harley-Davidson, that has drawn my attention since I was a little kid. Most of the Harley-Davidson advertisements I see grab my attention and I’ve often found myself wandering into a H-D dealership to dream about what I’d like to cruise around on one day.

When the Iron 883 rolled into the offices at Cycle Torque, I was onto it like a hawk. What better way to begin my journey than on a Harley.

Time for a ride

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 77 So there I was staring into a screen, putting my thoughts into text for an upcoming Cycle Torque motorcycle review. I only had to look out the window in front of me to see what a beautiful day I was missing out on.

Before I could go much further with my review it was obvious that I needed to clear my mind, it was time to fire up the Harley... I mean, whatever excuse you can come up with to convince yourself it’s time for a ride is a good one, right?

I took off down the back roads and headed off for lunch at a place I wasn’t sure of just yet. The 883 guided me through all the conditions I could want. Open flowing roads with some nice hills and little bit of speed, with a few tight and twisty sections thrown in to make it even more enjoyable.

I pulled up at a country takeaway store about 40 minutes later and sat down for a bit of lunch. Another bloke must have seen the beaming smile on my face as he sat down across from me to indulge in his burger.

‘Is that your bike over there mate? It looks pretty nice, is that one of those 883s? Judging by that smirk you got, it must go all right?’

Even though I’d only had a few short rides on the 883, I couldn’t say enough about the little V-twin. It blew away my expectations and I was really impressed with everything that is seen from the smallest bike of the H-D family.

The flat black looks tough and certainly grabs attention. The riding position is very comfortable and offers plenty of room and average punters will find that there is more than enough power to keep them up to speed on the open roads. The only shortfall was that I found the suspension a bit on the soft side.

Once I’d finished my lunch I jumped back in the saddle and headed back to finish off some work before the Cycle Torque deadline came around again.

Take it for what it is, the 883 is a great little bike that put the fire in my belly to get out there and enjoy the open roads. A fun bike that most will thoroughly enjoy and be very happy with, and it comes with a modest price tag too.

At half the price of some of its bigger Harley brothers it’s an attractive buy for a cruiser lover without the deep pockets.

– Todd Reed feedback@cycletorque.com.au

CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE

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IOM bound THE DEPARTURE date for Cycle Torque’s Adrenalin Generations assault on the Isle of Man is coming around fast – we’re racing this month!

The planning’s been progressing for months – it’s been a huge effort from many people - you don’t realise the effort which goes into getting yourself and the bike across the other side of the world. You don’t get the idea six months before the event and make it happen.

When the idea of racing at the IOM kicked off with myself and well known classic racer Mick Neason we were just initially thinking about going there ourselves. This was well over 12 months ago. As racers later found out about our trip we had a number of riders express interest. In total seven riders are going together, and I recently found out about another two riders who have organised things themselves. A number of other riders were keen but time and outside events conspired against them. Like I said, you don’t get the idea six months out and make it happen.

I read an interview with Josh Brookes, an Australian superbike racer who’s name will be well known to many Cycle Torque readers. Brookes is currently racing for TAS Suzki in the British Superbike Championship, and he made his Isle of Man debut at the year’s TT for the same team. Brookes himself said he had so much advice he had to filter out all the bulls__t and take on the good stuff.

I also found this to be the case to a degree, with all and sundry keen to tell you how to prepare for and do the big race, even though they hadn’t been there themselves.

Most of it was common sense, some of it just crazy. The two biggest hurdles I believe, besides getting yourself

there, are learning the course and keeping yourself in check. Learning the course is very difficult, and it’s accepted it takes three years to really learn it. In fact I reckon it might take even longer. Last year Alex and I went to the Manx GP to see what we were in for, and did a number of laps on borrowed bikes. It might have been some benefit but we both thought it was a bit of a waste

of time because we weren’t able to ride at a fast enough pace to see how the road was at speed, because the road was open to traffic, and also because we were unable to use the full road and be on the proper race line. It’s the same problem back home in Australia when we’ve done a few road rides together as a form of training. I wouldn’t say it’s a waste of time but...

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 79

Another accepted form of training is to watch on board laps and this gives you a better ‘feel’ for where the circuit goes, but really we have both come to the conclusion – separately too I might add – that we are better off finding our own way as we go. Not trying to go too fast too quick, but building up our speed and riding within our comfort zone.

That said, we did get a few nuggets of wisdom last year when we were lucky enough to speak to a few racers willing to give advice, and getting a gig on the newcomers bus. We found this great, and the organisers are keen to do this to make it as safe as they possibly can for riders, especially those testing themselves on the world famous circuit for the first time.

Testing We did have time issues with getting both bikes ready to test before they were shipped in mid June. Luckily we got a ride day in with Eastern Creek Ride Days, and it went well. My 1992 851 was better than I expected really, mainly in the handling department. It went well enough, and I think was on par power wise with a 996 Ducati I recently raced. The main issue was the riding position, which didn’t give me enough room between the seat and the footpegs to move around freely. If you aren’t comfortable it’s hard to ride quick. There was no way I could ride four laps of the TT circuit on the bike without giving me more room. On went some cardboard we found and it was better. The seat will be sorted for

the race so that will be ok, I hope. I also had a ‘moment’ when coming on the the main straight at EC the bike cut out. I was able to pull up off the circuit safely and it was traced to the switch which cuts the engine if it falls over. Things like suspension settings will need to be sorted at the IOM. While it felt ok for EC, I think it might be a bit firm for the TT course, but Things like realising you need your FIM international racing licence two weeks before the closing date for such won’t really know until I take it out for the first time. things. Getting six meetings under your belt in the 13 Alex’s 2009 848 was a different bike as far as he was months immediately prior to the event so you can apply concerned. Shaun and George from DMoto built the for a Mountain Course Licence is another time consuming engine, getting the crank balanced too, and with the and expensive requirement.

Rexxer map the bike was simply flying according to Alex.

He’s raced the bike before so he knew what to expect, but We’ve been fortunate enough to have the IOM he was doing times on the ride day that he’s done racing government agree to pay for our shipping, and in fact the shipping itself was one of the easy parts of the whole before, where he’s pushed himself harder. That said, a couple of slides kept him in check on the day. This was a affair, with David Miller from PACCON Global Freight bit worrying, because the last thing we needed was to be going out of his way to be helpful. repairing bikes less than two weeks out from shipping.

Yes it is an expensive journey for me and my family Now that would have been a disaster. because we are all going, but it’s a journey which will live with us for the rest of our lives. I’m not going to die wondering that’s for sure.

Waving goodbye

All good though, the bikes, and more crap than I thought possible, were put into three crates and loaded on to Alex’s geriatric rodeo and onto a trailer and off we set for the shipping business in pouring rain. I can tell you it was a huge relief to see the back of the bikes, and you don’t realise how much strain is put on you getting it all sorted.

– Chris Pickett chris@cycletorque.com.au Follow Chris and Alex’s exploits on Facebook and www. adrenalingenerations.com.au

MORE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 80

QUAD TORQUE NEWS FCAI ENCOURAGES SAFETY THE Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is encouraging all-terrain vehicle (ATV) users to follow known safety practices including the use of a helmet, not riding an adult-sized ATV if they are under 16, not carrying more than the approved number of passengers, not using the ATV on terrain or in applications for which it is not suited, and not using an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Users should also undertake training, read the owner’s manual and watch the safety video provided with the ATV,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.

The FCAI has on numerous occasions called for the responsible use of ATVs, noting calls for rollover protection structures or crush protection devices to be fitted to ATVs is not the solution.

“Major ATV manufacturers have considered the issue of fitting roll bars, CPDs and ROPS to ATVS. The best available research in the world has shown that when fitted to ATVs, roll bars, CPDs and ROPS can cause more injuries than they prevent,” Mr Weber said.

“Unfortunately, while the focus remains on rollover devices, real solutions will continue to be ignored. Attention should instead be maintained on responsible ATV use, wearing helmets and training. I encourage ATV users to visit the ATV safety website to find out about the training available and see simple safety tips that should always be followed.”

The ATV safety website is at www.atvsafety.com.au.

The FCAI notes the ATV industry is currently involved in a University of New South Wales research project investigating the crash worthiness of ATVs and has offered the loan of a state of the art, motorcycle specific, injury monitoring crash test dummy to assist the research group in ensuring that crashworthiness results are directly related to rider injury outcomes.

“This research program needs to be robust so that the knowledge frontier can be moved forward in respect to ATV use,” Mr Weber said.

LES A S IN S E IN H S A D HON HONDA is celebrating its record sales of ATVs for the month of June. With the ATV Ready to Ride Sale pushing sales along, Honda sold an amazing 1217 ATV units in the month of June 2013 alone, 28 per cent more than in June 2012. With a total of five Honda models featured in the year to date ATV top ten, Honda’s TRX250TM was the hero followed by the TRX420TM in second position.

Impressed with this record breaking result, General Manager Honda Motorcycles, Peter Singleton said; “We are pleased to be in such a positive position at this stage of the year, to have recorded such an excellent result in ATV sales is testament to the effectiveness of the adjustments we made with our new Ready to Ride pricing earlier in 2013.”

VIP EXPE RIE NCE AN EXCITING new addition to the 2013 Australian MX Nationals Championship is the Polaris Razor VIP experience. WEM, the event promoters of the Australian MX nationals has teamed up with Polaris Australia to deliver a one of a kind experience to selected VIPs at each round of our National Championship.

The Polaris Razor RZR 4 is a very unique off road vehicle. Under the hood is an 875cc, dual cylinder, DOHC engine that pumps out a whopping 88HP at the wheels. An automatic transmission brings all this excitement into action and is designed to deliver maximum acceleration without sacrificing too much top speed. The AWD drive configuration ensures that the Polaris is ready to tackle any type of terrain you can find, as it easily powers through the toughest of conditions.

Inside you will quickly notice that the Polaris RZR is not your standard side x side four wheeler. Adjustable and interchangeable bucket seats tightly strap in the driver or passengers for the ride of a lifetime. The chassis and roll cage is competition inspired and is also completely ROPS (Roll over protective structure) certified.

While on location at the MX Nationals earlier this year, Cycle Torque was fortunate enough to get the call up to saddle up at the half time

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 81 break and see what the Polaris VIP experience was all about. There was no convincing needed as we suited up and jumped in the back of the wildly popular RZR. Our driver quickly took off down the start straight and down the first straight at full speed. Drifting around turn two was easy as we continued on our joy ride. The suspension and ride delivered by the RZR was really surprising, as we roared around a chopped out and bumpy motocross track the Polaris delivered a smooth and plush ride to all of the passengers. The twisty, undulating layout of the track ensured a lot more fun as we continued on our MX Nationals hot-lap, the powerful RZR made short work of the hills and it proved to have all the speed we could handle as we took on the main straight. It was also unique to see first hand, what the condition of the track was like during the course of the days racing. We have all sat behind the fence and watched and wondered, but to be out there on the rough and bumpy track sure gives a new appreciation to our national calibre athletes.

The Polaris RZR was a really cool experience and a lot of fun. A

FARM FRESH ARCTIC CAT ARCTIC Cat ATVs and Side by Sides made a big impact at this year’s FarmFest field day held in Toowoomba QLD. The Arctic Cat stand was a buzz for all three days attracting visitors to the stand to learn more about this 50 year strong American brand. With almost the complete range of ATVs and Side

few more laps would have really put the icing on the cake, but unfortunately the tight schedule didn’t allow for that. For anyone in the market for a side x side, the Polaris RZR is undoubtedly one of the best on the market and would certainly leave a smile on anyone’s face.

– Todd Reed

by Sides on display visitors were able to size up ATVs from 300cc up through the range to the popular 1000cc XT. “The brand and product range continues to draw good feedback from the visitors” commented Arctic Cat Australia’s Shane Ladynski. “We have a solid line up of models offering a variation of specification throughout the range. The entry level 300 has been a huge success at its price and the mid range 550XT with power steering, electronic 2WD/4WD shift, front dif lock and class leading 10” suspension is an all round winner. We also sold a 1000cc XT off the stand after a brief test ride the new owner was blown away by the V-twin grunt and overall specification of the US built workhorse,” added Ladynski.

Arctic Cat’s new local dealer, Ian Watts of Toowoomba Bikes and Bits was on site for the duration of the event and had this to say about the range he sells. “Complimenting the line up of over 14 ATVs is a very impressive range of Side by Side vehicles. Ranging from 550cc to the powerful V-Twin 1000cc XTZ the Arctic Cat Prowler Utilities are catching the eye of the purchasers. Our Prowler 700 HDX is the Side by Side everyone wants with its huge 473kg tilt tray payload and 680kg towing capacity coupled with a 3 seater bench seat, fuel injection, and high/low range 4WD and dif lock it really is the business for serious farm work."

Arctic Cat also have a new recreational side by side called the The Wildcat. It's got a thumping V-twin, 18 inches of travel across independent Fox shocks and race spec clutch. Awesome stuff According to Arctic Cat here in Australia, the premium American brand are all built to meet the tough US ANSI standards. The brand continues to grow and is actively seeking new dealers here in Australia. If you're interested contact Arctic Cat Australia today at arcticcataustralia.com.au.

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 82

LETTERS Keeping dry, and safe

K C A B I G N I U Q TO R

IF THERE is one thing I enjoy its putting on my waterproof riding gear, layered clothing and go riding in the Mt Lofty Ranges, AKA Adelaide Hills.

Living in Adelaide allows me access into those winding roads within 30 minutes! If it rains, I just take it easy, steady braking, keep relaxed and be aware of the tin cans on the road who never see you. My riding gear has white stripes so I am not all black. My Honda NC700D Integra is a great bike to enjoy my full day rides, comfy seat, good protection. Stay safe and enjoy Cycle Torque.

Dave Cauchi

Out of service

AS a former cop I know the closing down of smaller stations to bolster the ranks at the larger centres is now the norm.

I recently stopped at a serious crash to assist Molong in NSW. Two ambos attended and did their thing and after they left an hour later with their patients - still no police. I was the last to leave and I still don’t know if the boys in blue ever got involved.

Would never have happened in MY day!

Also, you can’t beat having CrashCam on board. My Steve Pearson

Getting over entrapment

OH GET over it lads. You’re out on your bike, you’re sharp and alert and meeting all the challenges that are required when riding a bike on the road, corner, speed, space awareness, road surfaces, weather conditions and of course all those people half asleep in their tin boxes (and don’t deny that you drive like them too when out with the wife and kids); anyway just treat the coppers playing games exactly as that ‘a game’ and really are you going to be outwitted by them? Not if you’re half awake as you should be!

Oh yeah and explain this to me, I was driving the

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Send your letters (and/or great bike pictures) to The Editor, Cycle Torque, PO Box 687 Warners Bay, NSW 2282 or email chris@ cycletorque.com.au.

family to Marysville in a small 4WD one Sunday in summer when I reached the ‘black spur’, being a rider myself I spotted a small Harley approaching in my rear vision mirror. So not wanting to spoil his afternoon I slowed and moved to the left as much as I could on each little straight section, anyway after doing this

and was just cruising along enjoying the view. How wrong could I be, because when I passed one of the passing lay-bys (by accident I must insist) he went to utter distraction, poor bloke nearly fell off his tractor.

Anyway if you’re reading this buddy and you truly can’t pass a car being driven in the manner that I was driving, you may have a problem with your bike, you need to take it back to the shop and give them back the keys, the next thing to do is get onto eBay: ‘jacket and helmet for sale, only used a couple of times and not at a pace that caused any Anthony (Bonneville T100)

Fraternity

I FINALLY got my motorcycle license at 38; I still remember as clear as day as a seven-year-old being dragged away from a mini bike in a shop by my parents, crying and screaming.

Other factors in life strayed me off the dream of taking the tests and pursuing that goal, but I’m here now and loving it. built, LOL) and only been riding since January rider.

I had been followed by another motorcyclist for was aware of him from the roar of his beauty. When we came up to the set of lights, he had moved to the outer lane and ahead of me slightly as we stopped.

A big ol’ Harley next to my putt-putt. I admired his bike. He could not have seen me looking as he was ahead of me, but soon his head turned and he gave me a ‘Hey’ head gesture.

It was a nice feeling to be a part of the motorcycle fraternity whatever size engine I had.

Quin Young

In perspective

THANKS for your editorial ‘In perspective’* in the as it happened to me a couple of times and once to my daughter. As a road user for many years I would never contemplate hitting another vehicle and leaving the scene. It does make me question the accountability and honesty of other drivers.

In the ’90s a driver turned left from the righthand lane right across my path causing me to drop the bike or hit the car. The car stopped, got out for a look and then the driver got in the car and sped off. Police did nothing about it. Amazingly Little wonder why our statistics for motorcycle riders is high and this greenslip price hike is on the cards!

Late last year in Newtown a female driver changed lanes from the right lane into the left without looking and hit my daughter’s car. She reversed and took off. After giving police a report with other witnesses and the driver, months went by with many phone calls to Newtown police and zero action.

The owner was male and he refused to identify the female driver denying his car was even damaged.

The Police Minister needs to take action and prevent this happening otherwise everyone will refuse to stop and keep driving. Imagine when that is a rider lying on the road bleeding.

James *Read the article referred to - www.cycletorque.com.au

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2013 - 83

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