TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
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Cycle Torque and iOS9 YOU may have noticed Apple has released iOS9, the updated operating system for iPhone, iPads and iPod Touch - it’s significant upgrade which changes the way you’ll interact with the Cycle Torque App. Firstly, it changes Newsstand into a standard folder. You’ll find all of your current Newsstand Applications, including Cycle Torque, in a conventional folder called Newsstand when you update to iOS9 - unlike the old Newsstand, you can pull Cycle Torque out and put it anywhere you like - including in your Menu Bar at the bottom of the screen. To download each new issue automatically, make sure the App is running in the background – it doesn’t suck battery power in the background like some Apps, partly because it doesn’t track your location – and turn on notifications for Cycle Torque. Go to Settings-notifications-Cycle Torque to do this. We don’t send heaps of notifications, just a couple per month, so we won’t bug you; but if notifications are switched off the device won’t know to download new issues.
The New News App - Coming soon, mostly Apple has announced a new App, simply called News. It’s currently USAonly, but will be coming to many other English-speaking nations soon. It’s a neat way to get news from many sources you know and love, including Cycle Torque. When you open News for the first time, you’ll find various options and categories to choose from, primarily mainstream media newspapers, websites and magazines. To get Cycle Torque’s News feed, tap on the Search Button in the bottom menu and enter ‘Cycle Torque’. You’ll find our feed and logo, then add it as a favourite. That’s it! Cycle Torque’s news feed will be available each time you launch the App and you can get to all Cycle Torque’s stories directly by tapping on favourites-Cycle Torque. n iPad iOS9 News
iPhone after Newsstand
WELCOME
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December 2015 MANY of us ride bikes because the journey is more important than the destination, while for others riding means finishing where you started - racing’s a great example of this.
Whatever riding you do, there’s a good chance you’re into the culture and lifestyle of motorcycling, whether you’re a dayglowearing racer, black-jacketed hipster, textile-wearing adventurer or knee-scraping scratcher, motorcycling is more than a sport or mode of transport, it’s a passion and lifestyle. We try to cover everyone’s passions here at Cycle Torque, although it’s hard to cover all the bases every time… in this issue we have a piece on Vietnam for the tourers, the Kawasaki KX250 and KX450 motocrossers for the racers, the Triumph Bonneville specials for the classic fans, and the Christmas Buyers’ Guide for everyone. There’ also our columns, with Guntrip writing about anything and everything, Flack’s insights into the world of road racing and Smarty telling us how it is in the dirt. Hope you enjoy Cycle Torque, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, check out our instagram feed and watch our videos on Youtube. – Nigel Paterson
INSTRUCTIONS NEWSLETTER EMAIL US YOUR FEEDBACK
CONTENTS
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Ridden
29 TEST
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SPECIALS
35 TEST
KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F
Features 45 RIDING
VIETNAM
52
67
MAURICE MUMFORD
72 TEST
YAMAHA GRIZZLY 700
Regulars 6
NEWS TORQUE
26
GUNTRIP
19
SMALL TORQUE
76
MARKET TORQUE
22
EDITORIAL
78
TORQUE BACK - LETTERS
23
DIRTY TORQUE
79
CREDITS
25
RACE TORQUE
On the cover: 2016 Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 5
Rooted in a rich and unrivaled past, this new model carries the legendary Indian Scout™ name into the future in authentic Indian Motorcycle® style. Like its iconic forerunner, the all-new Indian® Scout™ is an innovative and aesthetically stunning American cruiser powered by a liquid cooled 100HP V-twin engine offering exceptional power and handling. Designed with the DNA of motorcycling’s most famous and coveted bike, the legend is back with the new Indian® Scout™. ®
Indianmotorcycle.com.au | P: 1300 00 463 426 | *Overseas Model Shown.**Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc
NEWS TORQUE
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Triumph’s 2016 Big Twins TRIUMPH has updated its twin cylinder Bonneville range for 2016, both in style and capacity. The big news is the introduction of a 1200cc parallel twin cylinder engine. The all-new donk will power the Bonneville T120 and the two Thruxton models. It brings the Bonnie inline with current technology, with ride-by-wire enabling Triumph to include traction control and power modes. It’s liquid cooled and injected too, and has a slipper clutch and ABS. Torque is up by over 60 per cent from the previous smaller capacity Thruxton so it’s no slouch. But lovers of the small capacity engine used on Bonnies for years now shouldn’t fret, as the new Street Twin is powered by a redeveloped 900cc unit offering more outright grunt than before. Styling is similar to the outgoing Bonnies whereas the bigger 1200cc units, especially the Thruxton and Thruxton R have an all new look. Triumph is offering a race kit for the Thruxton R which will give it more power and torque and shed some weight. There are a vast array of accessories for each of these bikes so get into your Triumph dealer to check them out. Triumph has been promising so much with its Bonneville range for some years now. And now it has delivered. n
NEWS TORQUE
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Posties Unite
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IT’S amazing how popular the humble postie bike is these days. It’s gone from delivering your mail reliably and perhaps staidly, to crossing the desert, blasting around cities with young hooligans and big pipes on board, and now racing. Last year’s Postie Bike GP held in the Hunter Valley town of Cessnock was a success by anyone’s measure. As with all events held in town centres, there is always liaison with councils, complainants from the fun police and plenty of pre-event drama to contend with. Despite some internal negativity from some Cessnock Council members, last year’s event went ahead. Crowd numbers were good and the racing great. For 2015 Cessnock Council got right on board with the event and in fact have given the Cessnock Mitsubishi Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix approval for the next four years. To say this is a council that listens to its constituents is an understatement and they should be applauded for their common sense attitude. The rules allow for some minor modifications to the mail delivering stalwart but they are limited. There may have been big bore machines out there but in the main the racing was very close and dyno testing for the front runners at race end. Some 60 or so entries were received, ranging from old wobblers to three time world superbike champion Troy Bayliss. Bayliss had teamed up with dirt track legend Paul Caslick, a dream team you might say. Another dream team was Kawasaki Australia’s Superbike rider Matt Walters who was sharing duties with Continued on next page
NEWS TORQUE
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 8 Continued from previous page
Kev Curtain. Yes that pair can ride and were in with a very good shot but last year’s winners Luke Richards and Marty McNamara were still the deserved favourites. Qualifying saw the combatants divided into three heat races. The top nine from each heat would go into the final, with a wildcard or two, and the riders who missed out would have to do with a 20 lap consolation race. During each race the riders had to swap, with a minimum number of laps required for the riders. Despite the speeds at which the non-race bikes were being raced there were only a moderate number of crashes, one spectacular one being local dirt tracker Zach Thackeray who hit a downed rider and then was himself run over by Luke Richards. Thackeray was last seen wandering into the crowd in a bigger daze than he is normally in. The final GP was run late on Sunday afternoon in hot conditions, and with the crowd fuelled on snag sangas and expensive beer, and the riders full of bravado it was sure to be an intense race. There was even talk of engines being rebuilt immediately prior to the big race. Can you fit a 350cc big bore kit into a postie bike? Anyway, the front two teams set an alarming pace, alarming for the rest of the field at least, and after 20 laps it was Richards and McNamara who made it two from two. Team Bayliss/Caslick were right up their low slung exhaust but failed to make any passes stick enough to the chequered flag. Richie Nowland and Justin Girotto came in third. There were some big name teams which didn’t deliver, whether it be to crashes or machine issues. Chris Watson and Michael Kirkness only completed 16 laps, one more than speedway gurus Jason Crump and Chris Holder. Walters and Curtain finished in 10th. In comparison, the first two teams completed 85 laps. The field had a mix of off-road and road racers in it, but even though it’s on the tar, the off-road racers seem to be in control of the results so far. Was it a success? If you went by the smiles in the race paddock and in the spectators’ areas then it was a resounding success. It is a real grass roots event, one which Australia is renowned for. It has a real old school race vibe to it and going on the passion from the organisers (Cessnock Motorcycle Club), the riders, the public and Cessnock Council, the event has a long future. n
NEWS TORQUE
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Speedway Spectacular GOD like riding, fisticuffs, methanol and alcohol were what the riders and spectators alike indulged in at the recent Melbourne round of the Speedway World Championships. 45-year-old Greg Hancock, the Yank who never seems to age, showed he still has what it takes and won the round. In fact he took seven wins from seven races on the night, a feat which has not been seen all year. Hancock would finish second in the championship behind British rider Tai Woffinden (right) who took the title. But that’s almost a side story to the whole Melbourne act. It was the first time the speedway world champs came to Australia for more than a decade, and the Etihad Stadium was glorious in its transformation into a world class speedway track. A great crowd turned up, with people flying in from all over the country. For the Australian riders it was a night from hell in many ways. Both Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor failed to get into the finals but young riders Sam Masters (wildcard) and Jason Doyle rode extremely well, with Doyle making it into the final race. Doyle had already been involved in an incident with perennial rabble rouser Nicki Pedersen when the two physically tousled on the track during the heat slow down lap. This continued into the pits when Doyle gave Pedersen’s mechanic a smack in the mouth. Doyle would later be fined for his efforts by the FIM. Doyle continued his charge though, winning one of his heats along the way. His charge came to an end in the final though when he tangled with Hancock and ploughed into the air fence. He was knocked out for a time and carried some decent injuries but is on the mend now by all accounts. Doyle finished the top placed Australian both at Melbourne and in the championship overall, with fifth. Chris Holder finished the year in 8th and Batchelor in 12th. n
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NEWS TORQUE
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HILLS MOTORCYCLE WRECKERS
2016 Island Classic
WRECKING JAPANESE AND EUROPEAN BIKES OLD AND NEW MODELS
THE Island Classic, held on the Australia Day long weekend at Phillip Island for the last 22 years, has become one of the most prestigious classic road racing events in the world. The highlight of the meeting has always been the International Classic teams event, where in the past, riders from Australia, United Kingdom, USA and New Zealand have battled it out for country honour. In 2016 these four teams will be joined by Ireland. Whether or not 2015 individual winner Jeremey McWilliams rides for Ireland or the UK is yet to be seen. He is from Northern Ireland so who knows? The Irish team will be captained by Mike Meskell. Meskell raced in 2015 on his Suzuki Katana but decided to approach the organisers with the idea of an all-Irish attack for 2016. Roger Winfield’s all conquering UK outfit will again be back, with most likely the same outfit as 2015, while the Kiwi lineup will again be captained by Graeme Crosby, the USA by Dave Crussell and Australia by team stalwart Rex Wolfenden. Except for the past half a decade or so, the top runners have usually been classic racing specialists, with the odd past hero or two like Wayne Gardner, Malcolm Campbell and Steve Martin having a crack. Now though, many of the top stars have only recently retired from world class racing or are still at it. You only have to look at the Australian and UK teams in 2015 to see the pool of riding talent there. But while all eyes will be concentrating on the fiery battles in the International Classic teams event, and their fickle overpowered and expensive Period 5 machines, there are plenty of other classes and fantastic racing in them to keep Continued on next page
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NEWS TORQUE
C Y C L E T O R QDECEMBER U E F E B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 12 15 cycletorque.com.au
Continued from previous page
everyone happy. Everything from Pre-War machinery to the latest Period 6 class, catering for bikes up to 1989, will showcase a plethora of motorcycle racing from across the ages.
IN FULL BLOOM & ALIVE WITH COLOUR
“The Island Classic is a celebration of history, a nod to two-wheel engineering feats all the way back to the turn of the 20th century,” said Phillip Island circuit’s Fergus Cameron, the man who’s been at the helm of this event since day one. Due to an extra team being introduced – when are we going to see an Italian team, for riders of Italian background or on Italian machinery – there has been rule changes to suit, with a maximum of eight riders from each country in each race – rather than the previous 10. As a result there will be 40 riders on the grid for each of the four six-lap races. Points from the top five scorers from each country will go towards the final points tally. While being dominated by Period 5 type machinery, the International Challenge does have its own rules, allowing for motorcycles built from January 1973 right up until December 1984, and catering for capacities between 350-1300cc. You will see bikes like the TZ Yamaha battling it out with the Yamaha FJ1100 powered Harris machines from the UK and so on. But while the liquid-cooled Yamaha TZ machines are allowed, the 1984 spec bikes have to be air-cooled, so you won’t see bikes like Ryan Taylor’s fast Kawasaki GPZ900R in the International Challenge. As usual there’s plenty to see in the car park too, with some amazingly restored classics sharing parking space with everyday classics. It’s a veritable feast for the eyes and ears you might say. Some of these will also take to the track on the Shannons Insurance Parade Lap. The past couple of years have seen the Island Classic become the most successful race meeting in Australia’s history, with organisers predicting the rider list of 340 riders on more than 520 machines, to be increased for 2016. Over six eras of racing will be on display over the January long weekend. If you have never been you should make the effort, it really is a fantastic event, held at one of the most picturesque circuits in the word.
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Deluxe suite accommodation Full buffet breakfast daily Spring lunch (for 2) in Harvey’s (2 for 1) bike hire 18 holes of golf or yoga class FREE wi-fi & in-house movies Local wine tasting with complimentary cheese platter 2 x $25 Spa voucher Open garden entry Available Sunday - Friday. Saturday night surcharge of $90. Free room upgrade for 3 & 4 night stays, subject to availability. Visit website for full package details.
Qualifying is held on Friday, with racing Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale with an advance three-day adult pass for $70 and children 15 and under free. VIP options are also available in Club Classic. For a super affordable weekend, camp on the circuit just metres from Gardner Straight with four nights under the stars for just $70 per adult, booked in advance, and children 15 and under free These prices are if booked in advance, not if you just turn up on the day. For tickets go to www.islandclassic.com.au or call the circuit on (03) 5952 2710 on weekdays. n
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NEWS TORQUE
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Suzuki’s small bikes, big fun Suzuki’s range of fun bikes and ATVs will certainly be worth a a few shopping lists this Christmas with a variety of generous offers available between now and January 31. All fun Bike and fun ATV customers will receive a FREE Factory graphics kit with every purchase of DR-Z70, JR80, DR-Z125 Small Wheel and Large Wheel variants, QuadSport Z50 and QuadSport Z90 making sure there will be plenty of happy kids at the track. The big-on-fun and value-packed range is the perfect way for youngsters to get onto two or four wheels with safety and style. Featuring advanced technology including quiet and reliable two and four-stroke engines, electric starters, automatic transmission and variable speed limiters, is spread across Suzuki’s Fun Bikes and fun ATV models - all ready to give junior riders hours of fun. Suzuki’s two-wheel fun bike range will be available from just $1,990 Ride Away for the DR-Z70 and JR80 and four-wheel fun ATV range from just $2,290 Ride Away for the QuadSport Z50. Suzuki fun bike and ATV range represent sensational value, participating dealerships are taking pre-orders now. For further information on Suzuki’s Fun Bike & ATV range, interested customers should visit their local Suzuki dealer, who can be found through the Dealer Locator on www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au. The special offer is available from participating dealers, while stocks last. Offer ends January 31, 2016. n
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MOTOR C YCLING A U S T R A L I A
NEWS TORQUE
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Brook dominates KTM’s Jarred Brook has dominated the Australian Long track Masters at the Bathurst Showgrounds on the November 14-15 weekend, winning all three capacity classes aboard his new 2016 model KTM 250 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F.
beat something like that. I was in second for the whole race until the last lap, but I was just making up a little bit of ground every lap. In the last corner I passed Mick up the inside, and the crowd was going off. I was stoked to get the win.
The 17-year-old apprentice carpenter from Gympie made headlines back in April when he achieved an incredible 10 Queensland and NSW State titles across a one-month period, but Saturday was the first time he had tasted victory at the Australian Long track Masters.
“My 2016 KTM is completely different to my last year’s models. Different handling, and the power delivery is a lot smoother, which makes it easier to accelerate when the track gets slick by just not creating as much wheelspin.”
Brook competes with backing from Wide Bay Motorcycles and KTM Australia and races aboard machines tuned by KTM Australia’s motocross team crew chief Danny Apro.
“I scraped in with a third so it was a good night,” Ben Grabham said.
At Bathurst, Brook powered his 2016 KTM 250 SX-F to a narrow victory in the Pro 250 class ahead of Ben Cook and Zach Cook then climbed aboard his 450 SX-F to win the Pro 450 crown from Zach Cook and Nick Waters. In the Pro-Open he faced his toughest battle, trailing Michael Kirkness until the last corner of the last lap before executing a breathtaking inside move to take the lead and the victory – albeit by just .013 of a second! Kirkness finished second ahead of another high-profile KTM personality, enduro and desert racing legend and now Team Manager of the KTM Off-Road Racing Team, Bathurst local Ben Grabham. With a good number of long track appearances in his broad and varied career, Grabbo showed his time on the sidelines had done little to dull his sharp throttle hand, when he borrowed a KTM Desert Racing Team 500 EXC, qualified for the 12-rider final from a field of 52 competitors, and placed it on the podium. “The 450 was pretty plain sailing after I got the holeshot and lead from there, and in the Pro 250, Ben Cook was right behind me the whole time and nearly passed me up the inside on one lap, but I held him off,” Jarred Brook said. “The Pro-open was pretty exciting, it was a real close race. Mick was racing on a 500 two-stroke on methanol, and I was on the 2016 450, so it was pretty awesome to
“I haven’t done a flat track since this time last year, but obviously since it’s nice and close to home, I thought I might as well grab one of the old Finke bikes that we had sitting there. Apro gave us a bit of a hand setting it up - we didn’t really go into too much detail – but it was awesome. I don’t think I was ever really out of the top three all night. It was pretty fierce racing too, because we had I think 52 of us trying to qualify into 12 by the end of the night so it was pretty cutthroat racing over three-lap heats.
In the Unlimited class Brook, centre, shared the podium with KTM off-road racing legend Ben Grabham (left). Pictures by FoTenX Photographic Services.
“In the final the 500 EXC got a decent start and I held on for a podium position in the final. I was happy! Going into it with the preparation I had, and the fitness level I have, I would have been happy just to make the final, so the podium was a bonus and it probably gets me a little bit keen to do it again next year to be honest.” For more information on KTM motorcycles visit www.ktm.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/ KTMAustralia/ 250 Pro: 1 Jarred Brook 01:57.786, 2 Ben Cook 01:57.969, 3 Zach Cook 02:00.166 Pro 450: 1 Jarred Brook 01:53.775, 2 Zach Cook 01:54.673, 3 Nicholas Waters 01:55.516 Pro Unlimited: 1 Jarred Brook 01:53.715, 2 Mick Kirkness 01:53.728, 3 Ben Grabham 01:55.584
KTM’s Jarred Brook made a clean sweep of the Australian Long Track Champiuonships at Bathurst on November 14-15, winning the 250, 450 and Unlimited Zero classes.
NEWS TORQUE
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BMW’s new offerings BMW Motorrad’s new 2016 models, the F 700 GS and F 800 GS, have all you would expect from this quality manufacturer for the new model year.
With the newly designed tank cover and a likewise newly configured ignition lock cover, both models have an even more fresh and dynamic look. The elegant metallic appearance of elaborately electroplated elements is applied to the knee covers (F 700 GS) and radiator cover (F 800 GS) along with a partially engraved and newly configured model inscription, conveying enhanced high-end quality and a fascinating contrast with the painted surfaces. Newly designed two-colour seats round off the fresh, dynamic appearance of the two models. In order to ensure optimum riding fun on the F 700 GS and F 800 GS is available to all riders, five possible seat heights are available for each model with four seats and the optional lowered suspension (ex works option). This makes for a wide seat height range of 765 mm - 860 mm (F 700 GS) and 820 mm - 920 mm (F 800 GS). In both models, power comes from the well-established, powerfully distinctive, liquidcooled 4-valve 2-cylinder engine with a capacity of 798 cc, fuel injection and 6-speed gearbox. It provides an impressively spontaneous response, remarkable pulling power and a low level of fuel consumption. In the F 700 GS it has an output of 55 kW (75 hp) at 7,300 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 77 Nm at 5,300 rpm. In the F 800 GS, an output of 63 kW (85 hp) is available at 7 500 rpm and a torque of 83 Nm at 5,750 rpm. In line with the Safety 360° principle, the new F 700 GS and F 800 GS are fitted as standard with a high-performance BMW Motorrad ABS system. Other safetyrelated features are the optional Automatic Stability Control ASC and the Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA. As before, the new F 800 GS combines suitability for road use and touring with profound off-road capabilities while the new F 700 GS is geared more towards motorcyclists who do not require the same degree of off-road potential.
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NEWS TORQUE
C Y C L E T O R QDECEMBER U E F E B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 1 5 cycletorque.com.au 18
Ducati launches its 2016 range In an Apple-style presentation at Milan today, Ducati announced its new machines and updates for 2016.
clearance, double-sided swingarm and a 30-litre tank, new bodywork and a new flatter seat for better control off-road.
During a live streamed event Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali expressed sympathy to France after the terrorist events in Paris before introducing the new Flat Track Pro Scrambler, ridden on stage by Troy Bayliss.
There will be lots of electronics, oncluding Vehicle Hold Control, which prevents the bike rolling backwards on hills. Wet weight at 234kg and seat height, 834mm. “The first Ducati to have the ability to cross continents on any terrain.”
It’s the sportiest version of the Scrambler family, wth lots of parts which make it a bit lighter and cooler. Then the Scrambler Sixty2 was introduced with a video of people riding skateboards, surfboards and Scramblers. Can Ducati make the new Scrambler the choice of transport for youth? They are certainly trying. The Sxty2 is a 400, with 167kg dry weight and three colour schemes. It’s going to be LAMS approved for sure and should be a big hit in Australia.
They closed with a short video of the new Multistrada being ridden on a motocross track, which was cool. Then came some of the big announcements.
Then there’s Black.
A serious Adventure bike.
Ducati’s been teasing us with ambiguous videos on Youtube, and now was the time to satisfy our curiosity. “Moving to Black was a Paradigm Shift for Ducati.” A big change for Ducati: I was left wondering if the Italians were about to intrduce something to compete with Harley. Turned out to be the XDiavel. Ridden on stage by Ducati’s test rider, in a suit. And yep, it’s a Harly competitor, sort of. It’s about style, cruising… while still offering incredible performance.
And there’s another Scrambler coming in December, only hinted at now, being developed with a fashion house. Then the new Multistrada Pike Peak was introduced. Ohlins suspension, Termignoni suspension, lightweight parts… looks great.
This is the first Ducati with forward controls, a significant depature for the company. With excellent torque, the XDiavel which be a very impressive cruiser.
Under the theme ‘Fun’, Claudio then introduced the new hypermotard 939, with a video showing city street blasting, countryside scratching and track fun. The bikes were then ridden onto stage by MotoGP riders Andrea Dovisioso and Andrea Iannone. The bike features up to 10 per cent more torque than earlier models. Three models wll be featured with various features. Domencali then introduced the new mid-range Superbike, the 959 Panigale. Ridden on stage by Davide Giugliano, factory Superbike rider. Described as mid-sized, because the 1299 is still then, this is a 157hp motorcycle and features many updates in the design. In Australia we get the underengine exhaust system rather than a pair of big mufflers which will be fitted onto the big in some markets.
Foot controls, optional seats, different handlebars and a 40-degree lean-angle capability should make the XDiavel fun to ride, too.
Laced wheels, off-road tyres, alloy bash plate, alloy panniers… the Multistrada 1200 Enduro. “Developed to cope with extreme situations and represents the Wild Side of Ducati.” With a 19-inch front wheel, the capability to take off road tyres, a more robust build, new suspension, more ground
Belt final drive is new to Ducati, too, although DPL – Ducati Power Launch – should help you win when the elights change. The XDiavel will be offered in various models. 2016 is 90 years of Ducati and the company is planning lots of events, with WDW on 1-3 July 2016. n
SMALL TORQUE
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Tripped on Speed Triumph has a new Speed Triple to tempT you. It uses the updated 1050cc inline three cylinder engine with an increase in torque from the previous model. Power has never been an issue with Speed Triples, and our guess it’s even less so now.
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Styling has been updated but it’s not a totally new looking motorcycle. Nice though. There’s also an R model which gets all the fruit, like Brembo Monobloc calipers, Ohlins suspension and some billet and carbon bling. So even if you can’t ride very fast you will look like you can, and as we all know, that’s the most important thing. Seriously though, there’s a very good reason why the Speed Triple is one of the most popular Triumphs ever built. Find out more at your local Trumpy dealer.
And talking Dealerships Seeing we are trying to get you all rampaging through dealership doors you might want to check out the new Kawasaki dealer at Penrith. It’s called Blacktop and Dust Motorcycles, so from that you can expect you’ll be able to purchase road and dirt bikes there. It’s sort of the old Kelen Kawasaki outfit but with new people at the helm. Find out more at www.blacktopanddust.com.au
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SMALL TORQUE
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 20
Kato Grande KTM’S Adventure range needs no introduction to adventure riders. Its 1050 Adventure is the least hardcore of the KTM Adventure bunch but you have to put all that in perspective, the others are real hardcore. The 1050 is a fantastic all-round machine which can go just about anywhere and give your sportsbike riding mates a dose of the craps. You must be special because KTM is offering you, yes you, a $2000 cashback if you purchase one in the very near future. Yes, the offer is limited so don’t mess about. Do we need to tell you how good they are or what they have? No, go and ride one for yourself.
Adventure Films The Adventure Travel Film Festival will light up the mountain town of Bright in Victoria during the weekend of February 12-14 2016. There are some great short films with motorcycle themes, like the 14 Horsepower through Africa filmed in 1935. The vintage films at this festival are always a treat, if only to humble us modern day travellers who fancy ourselves as ‘explorers’. For a more modern take there’s Somewhere else Tomorrow (2013) which sees Daniel Rintz ride from Germany to the UK, takes in North Africa and Asia on his way to Nepal before sliding down to Australia. This is a heart-warming and visceral film that re-establishes the fact that long distance transcontinental travel isn’t about miles, it’s about people. Cycle Torque readers get cheap tickets too. If you go to www. adventuretravelfilmfestival.com and use the code cycletalk you will be sorted. n
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See Vietnam with Cycle Torque Cycle Torque and Vietnam Motorbike Tours are teaming up again for an epic 14-day roadbike tour of Southern Vietnam. Taking in the picturesque mountains and the beautiful seaside from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Nha Trang, you will experience Vietnam with English-speaking guides on motorcycles big enough to comfortably carry a rider and passenger. The tours include many meals, motel-style accommodation, fully maintained bikes with luggage/support vehicle. These Cycle Torque tours only occur every two years and have always sold out, and places are strictly limited. The Cycle Torque crew will be attending to shoot the experience for TV and the magazine.
January 8-22, 2016 (14 Days) $5100 per rider, $2600 per pillion passenger Closing soon. Call now to secure your bike!’ Prices include Vietnam Motorbike Tours bike hire, twin-share accommodation, some meals, fuel and internal flights. Not included: International flights, alcohol, some meals. Images shot on previous Cycle Torque tours, we do not guarantee visiting any specific location. Tour details subject to change.
Bookings and More information: Email vietnam@cycletorque.com.au or call 02 4956 9820
EDITORIAL
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 22
He had it coming I’VE been somewhat astounded by the fallout of the war between MotoGP racers Valentino Rossi, HeHaw Lorenzo and Marky Mark Marquez. Not so much the war between the riders themselves but the war between followers of the racers. Facebook has been awash with people with opinions based on video angles and the history of each rider. I got tired of reading everyone bleat on about it reasonably quickly but in that short time I was able to work out that Rossi lost some of his plethora of admirers, Marky Mark gained maybe one or two extra followers and that HeHaw lost any of the remaining few supporters he had. The Sepang ‘incident’ really did set the scene for the final Valencia round of the championship, and going in we didn’t know whether or not Marky Mark would cause Rossi havoc or not. Was he really HeHaw’s lover like all the Facebook posts insinuated, and was he riding slower than his prodigious talents allowed so he could hold up the Italian wonder boy? Realistically we will never know, because let’s face it, he’s not about to admit to anything is he? In my mind current MotoGP racing is soft. I don’t mean to play down the talents of the riders, they can ride sublimely, but a number of the top riders seem to carry on quite a bit, throwing their toys out of the pram when things don’t go their way. I personally believe the halcyon days of GP was between the late ’70s through to the early ’90s, and World Superbikes from the late ’80s to the early noughties. That’s when the bikes were different from each other, there were more personalities and the racing was very frigging hard. That’s my opinion as a spectator, nothing more. Ever since Casey
Stoner and Troy Bayliss retired I have struggled to be interested. I used to get excited about it. Now I don’t. As a result I have seen the dramas unfolding between the two Spanish conquistadors and the lone Italian Mafioso as a bit of fun, getting some passion back into it. Remember Marco Simoncelli? I know what I’m about to say next is going to ruffle some feathers but I couldn’t care less. Both Rossi and Marquez had it coming. Rossi has been the dominant force in MotoGP for many years and has ‘bullied’ many other racers and never got a taste of his own medicine. Until now. Pick your bottom lip up mate, and get on with the job. You should have just shut the f__k up and let your riding do the talking. As for HeHaw, he’s just a dead-set wanker who used the situation to force his own agenda. Once again he should have just kept quiet. As for Marquez, well he’s been riding like a twat ever since he came into Moto3 and pretty much every race since, causing more crashes to other riders than quite possibly anyone before him. Going on how his brother rides I think it must be in their Levis. Rossi might have nudged him out of the way but who cares, he had it coming. As for his ride at Valencia, I think he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. Nothing he could have done would have placated both sides. And where does poor old Dani Pedrosa stand in all this? He’s kept his cool and got some podiums. Good on him. But he’ll still be the perennial bridesmaid the poor bugger. But he knows that already and has done so for some time I think. I think what really happened in all of this is that the
bullied kids ganged up on the bully. And about time too. They probably didn’t care that HeHaw won, what mattered was that Rossi didn’t... I remember one world supers race probably 20 years ago. John Kocinski, the man everyone loves to hate, was riding the Castrol Honda RC45, a wondrous beast. Simon Crafar, the likeable Kiwi was in his last WSBK race as he was going to 500 GP the next year. Crafar had never won a superbike race but was leading the last lap of the last race of the year. He looked like he was about to win his first ever race. Kocinski was hunting him down though. Why? Who knows, he had already won the title and didn’t have to race that hard. But on the last corner he shoved it up the inside of Crafar and took the win, punting Crafar off the circuit and denying him glory. Now that’s what I’m talking about! – Chris Pickett
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DIRTY TORQUE
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 23
Townley Returns THIS may surprise you but Ben Townley is the fastest motocrosser that I have ever seen ride in person. In 2012 I attended round two of the MX Nationals at Conondale and Townley absolutely blitzed every moto. But just a week later the Kiwi hit the deck at the Coonabarabran round of the championship and from there things just didn’t go Townley’s way and he retired in April 2013. Well, he’s back… That day at Conondale back in 2012 changed the way I thought a motocross bike can be ridden. I had the privilege to be out on the track and I was able to see up close how Townley was able to make all the top names look pedestrian. After the long straight heading away from ‘drunks hill’ Townley was braking 25 meters later (I measured it) into the next left hand corner than his closest competitor and that commitment was evident all of the way around the natural terrain circuit thus his lap times were over two seconds per lap faster than the best riders Australia and New Zealand had on offer at the time. I was gutted when I heard of Townley’s crash at Coonabarabran and even disappointed when at the age of 30 he retired from full-time racing in March of 2013. The former MX2 World Champion, 250 SX East Region Champion and AMA Motocross Championship round winner was over it. “This decision hasn’t come easy, I am yet to finish a full season in five years due to injuries and unfortunately Email us your they have taken their toll.” feedback
After ‘racing for fun’ in Australia and New Zealand on Honda backed machinery during 2014 and 2015 Townley returned to International competition at the final round of the 2015 FIM World Motocross Championship at Glen Helen as well as representing New Zealand at the Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France. After a less than stellar showing at Glen Helen, Townley was on fire at the Motocross of Nations where he ran up front in the opening MX1/MX2 moto to finally finish in a credible 6th place. In the final MX1/MX3 moto Townley passed current MX1 World Motocross Champion Romain Febvre to take the early lead and when Febvre finally made his way back into the lead Townley shadowed the Yamaha star all of the way to the finish line – something noone had done on the World Championship trail for some time. It was this truly inspiring ride that has earned the now 32-year-old a spot on the factory Suzuki team in 2016. “I retired two and a half years ago and had no intention of racing again but the desire to do it came back over the last six months and when this chance to ride for Suzuki and work with the people there came about I knew straight away it was the right opportunity to be world champion again.” “Joining Suzuki is about many factors, the personnel, the team, the professionalism and of course the RMZ450,” Townley said. “It is everything that I need to be competitive. Being with Suzuki ticks every box in my opinion and leaves no question marks. In my mind it is the right choice.”
As Ryan Villopoto found out early in the 2015 MXGP season, Antonio Cairoli, Romain Febvre, Clement Desalle, Kevin Strijbos, Max Nagl, Gautier Paulin, Ken De Dycker, Shaun Simpson, Glen Coldenhoff and Jeremy Van Horebeek aren’t pushovers when it comes to cracking the top 10 let alone winning an MXGP moto and now that Jordi Tixier and some of the other former MX2 riders are stepping up to the 450cc machinery it is going to get mighty crowded at the pointy end of the MX1 pack. With Dean Ferris and Todd Waters racing back in Australia after several years on the GP circuit Townley’s inclusion in the MXGP class couldn’t come at a better time for us enthusiasts, watching the number 101 Suzuki RM-Z450 do battle over 19 rounds is going to be enthralling so bring it on and ‘Go BT’, every Aussie and Kiwi motocross fan has your back in 2016! – Darren Smart
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RACE TORQUE
Sliding Jaws “OF ALL Valentino Rossi’s 10 world championships, his 2015 MotoGP title will stand as his crowning achievement. At an age when some ex-champions tend to the garden on warm Sunday afternoons, 36-yearold Rossi made the most of his opportunities to claim the most brilliant championship of his incredible 20year grand prix career. He wasn’t the fastest rider out there, but he was the most consistent and the smartest, and he won when it counted. The Greatest Of All Time? Without doubt.” That should’ve been the opening paragraph of this column. Instead Valentino Rossi did not win the 2015 World MotoGP Championship and the only one to blame for that calamity is Rossi himself. He led the championship by a healthy margin at Phillip Island where it all started to come undone. By finishing fourth in that race Rossi knew his championship lead would be whittled away to not much by the final round at Valencia, his bogey track. He concluded that forces were arraying against him, so the only way to rescue the situation was to take the battle off the track and into the media centre and accuse his rivals of an incredible conspiracy to deny him his tenth championship. Regardless of the rights and wrongs about his on-track battles with Marc Marquez – where blame should be apportioned to both sides ‒ Rossi’s inability to mix it with Lorenzo muddled his thinking and poisoned his extraordinary utterances at Sepang that he will long regret once he cools down. Email us your That’s not to mention pushing feedback Marquez all but off the track that
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 25
led to his back-of-the-grid sanction at Valencia. The master manipulator rolled the dice in a spell-binding winner-takes-allcrap shoot and came down on the losing side. He blew a world championship and his reputation as a sportsman has been significantly sullied. As the most experienced rider in the paddock, Rossi badly miscalculated his latter-round strategy. His insecurities over his race pace led him to call out Marquez for playing a spoiling role but the reality was that Rossi wasn’t fast enough to close out the championship. He knew it, everyone knew it. If he had focused more on increasing his race pace rather than pointing fingers he would’ve stood a much better chance of challenging his number-one nemesis Jorge Lorenzo. Perhaps deep down he believed he couldn’t. In addition to undermining himself, the furore over Rossi’s accusations of a Spanish collusion overwhelmed the brilliance of Lorenzo’s third MotoGP title. After three lame rounds Jorge looked like a beaten man headed for early retirement rather than a third title. Rossi capitalised on Lorenzo’s lamentable start, and Marquez’s brain explosions and ill-handling Honda, to take a stranglehold on the championship. Lorenzo recaptured his mojo and dominated the mid-season before several wet rounds swung the championship back to Rossi. It was his to lose. For those who ascribe to Rossi’s accusations, why then did Marquez not let Lorenzo win at Phillip Island? And even if JL finished second at Valencia, he still would’ve won the title. True Marquez’s pace at PI
was changeable and it was unusual for him not to challenge hard for the win at Valencia, but he was not within striking distance for most of the race and when he was Dani Pedrosa joined the party. If he respects Lorenzo as he seems to, nobody could blame Marquez for not engaging in a battle that could’ve ended in tears. After what Rossi has accused Marquez of, you’d hardly expect Marc to put it all on the line for him. And this is where Rossi has dug himself a hole amongst his rivals. Even the mild Pedrosa questioned Rossi’s leg movement in the Sepang incident with Marquez. It will be interesting to see whether Rossi continues his tirade into 2016, or cuts his significant losses, makes peace and puts it behind him. Marquez, who has extended an olive branch, believes the latter. Finally, congratulations to Danny Kent in what would have to be the most excruciating close-out of a world championship ever. After being knocked down at PI, Danny took an ultra-cautious route to the Moto3 title owing to his enormous lead, and didn’t Nick Harris love it. Rule Britannia! – Darryl Flack
GUNTRIP
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 26
Marking time AFTER watching the weather forecasts attentively for a fortnight, the rain finally came on the day I returned the bike, in mid October, and then it was no more than a half-hearted spray to the chest as if from a garden sprinkler. But this was no Indian summer. After the rain I stopped to replenish the Bonneville’s tank for the last time and refuelled myself with a hot chocolate to beat off the chill for the last 30 miles up the A423 to Coventry and then Jacknells Road, Hinckley, home of the Triumph factory. Half an hour later I handed the key to the ever-smiling Karen Biffin, so ending an uneventful fortnight criss-crossing southern England – while waiting for the ship to dock with copies of my book – which ended with the cold, early-morning haul north from Oxford. The final ride was typical of what I’d been doing throughout: eschewing motorways for underpopulated A roads that offered an abundance of gentle bend swinging at the expense of regularly joining a compressed stream of traffic trickling through the country’s strained and congested country towns. Standards of driving are generally higher in Europe and Britain than here, but they have to be. The citizenry does it best, driving slowly and with an elaborate caution that occasionally had me yelling inside but really is no more than a reasonable attitude to the conditions. An example: four miles up the road from my mother’s place is the village of Bladon. Most of it Email us your has belonged to successive Dukes feedback
of Marlborough since the first owner of the title, John Churchill, thumped Coalition forces at Blenheim in 1704 and a grateful Queen Anne offered him a house in Bladon designed by Vanbrugh, now known as Blenheim Palace. Americans come in their droves to the palace, who are many of them aware that the palace was the childhood home of Winston Churchill; so they’ll file through this masterpiece of English Baroque in the hope of glimpsing the remains of the great man’s breakfast (“Mr Churchill was half American, you know.” “So I understand, madam. But which half?”). They’ll also stop in the village to look in on his grave, which I’ve never got close enough to see. Bladon houses 900 people, one pub, and a road that bisects the village. The road is just wide enough for two semis to pass, but not on the bends at the western end of the village. It’s an A road that connects fairsized towns at either end of the country, and carries, in addition to Ethel and Clint and their legions of chums wanting to see Sir Winston’s repose, commuter traffic to Oxford, Oxford Airport and to the M40 for London and Birmingham. But if two semis meet at the narrow bend to the western end of the village, everybody stops and someone must back up. Welcome to Britain: please be patient. Perhaps because of the sheer weight of traffic, its management works well where there’s room. Rolling down the long south-eastern curve of the A5 from Stafford to Silverstone to watch Josh Brookes post
another strong claim to his first British Superbike Championship, it was easy to be impressed with the way intelligently positioned roundabouts can defuse potential problems. Getting in and out of the circuit was likewise well planned and capacious, and I would have been back to ma’s place for dinner had not the M40 become a car park on the approach to Oxford; but at least Mr and Mrs Claypole had returned to their hotel before I reached Bladon. It’s worth the toil. If you’re touring, as I was, and can avoid the better-used commuter routes at party time, there’s plenty to celebrate in riding around Britain. Riding the byways of my youth I was surprised at how narrow they are and, if not lined by banks then certainly tall hedges. There are plenty of contradictions in the old dart. The towns are becoming impossible and impassable as the full fury of motorised legions crashes against settlements whose thoroughfares were made by the traffic of feet millennia ago; but those same thoroughfares can still lead you through pockets of enchantment where the years have left little mark. It’s about choosing wisely. And being patient. – Bob Guntrip
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OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY Here is your last chance to own a piece of Triumph history, the very last of the oil cooled, 865cc Triumph Bonnevilles are landing in dealers floors around Australia. If you have always loved the classic oil cooled, low tech Bonnie and 865cc Thruxton now is your chance to own a piece of history. Enquire at your dealer today on limited availability. Try it today, book a test ride at www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au
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Triumph Bonneville Spirit & Newchurch
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER DECEMBER 2015 2015 II 29 29 cycletorque.com.au
CYCLE TORQUE TEST
Celebrating History
Triumph Bonneville Spirit & Newchurch
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 30
CYCLE TORQUE TEST
Celebrating History
WATCH VIDEO NOW
At Triumph then and the future often melds to become the now N STORY BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY NIGEL PATERSON & TRIUMPH
TRIUMPH has a long history of success, both pre Hinkley and post Hinkley. Sure there are a few lean years in the middle but Triumph has become a major force in the market because it hears echoes from the past and incorporates them into the future. While Triumph has numerous modern style bikes, the ones with a foot planted firmly in the past, like the Newchurch and Spirit you see here, are very popular too. These bikes, part of the Bonneville range, have an old school look and an easy riding experience. They are fun and let the rider live in the past but without the kickstarting and dramas that come with old bikes, generally speaking of course. These two machines are part of a three bike limited edition Bonneville range, well some of it is limited edition and some not. The bike not here is the T214 which is named after the 214mph speed record set by salt flats racer Johnny Allen in 1956 on a Triumph powered streamliner. You can just imagine it, white T-shirts, Levis, buzz cuts and aviator sunglasses all round. A remarkable feat really and one worth celebrating. It’s an apt name too as this record was why Triumph built the first Bonneville anyway. They only made 1000 T214s and they come in the one colour scheme, white with blue highlights, black wire
wheels, low slung mufflers, a smaller headlight and enough chrome to nicely offset the plethora of black. A nice look in anyone’s speak. It costs $14,490 and there’s even a range of Land Speed clothing to go with it. Accessory clothing is something Triumph does well. Then you have the Newchurch, which is named after the annual Tridays festival in the Austrlan town of Neukirchen. Yeah, it’s sort of a bit weird going on something done in another country and then changing the name but hey, if it works for them… On second thought I guess it would be even weirder for it to be called the Bonneville Neukirchen instead of the Newchurch. Even though the base model is quite similar for all three bikes, the Newchurch looks the most modern. The alloy wheels are the reason, they suit the bike Continued on next page Continued on next page
Triumph Bonneville Spirit & Newchurch CYCLE TORQUE TEST
perfectly, as does the near total – except for the tank – colour scheme. It also has the reverse cone megaphone exhausts but I can’t help thinking how good it would have looked with a black chrome exhaust, just like those old Suzuki Katanas back in the day. Why don’t they bring that back in, that shit looks the bomb in my opinion. Triumph are building plenty of the Newchurch so it’s not as ‘limited’ as the T214. This one costs $12,990. Last in this historic bunch is the Spirit. It also has a blue and white paint scheme, but opposite to the T214. This has less chrome and a less padded seat. Once again, spoked wheels are in order. It’s different to the T214 but the same if you get my drift. There are some touches to this bike that are not immediately apparent though. The name Spirit comes from the Spirit of Customisation so Triumph went to the parts bin to do exactly that. You might notice the smaller Scrambler headlight and shorter Thruxton rear guard, and it has the reverse cone megas too. Priced at $13,990 plus on roads, like the other two, it’s a cheap foray into a modern retro.
On the road
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 31
MORE
SPECIFICATIONS: ENGINE TYPE: Air-cooled 4-stroke twin CAPACITY: 865cc TRANSMISSION: 5-speed and chain drive FUEL CAPACITY: 16 litres FRAME TYPE: Tubular steel SEAT HEIGHT: 775mm WET WEIGHT: 226kg FRONT SUSPENSION: 41mm Kayaba forks, non adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: Kayaba twin shocks, pre-load adjustable BRAKES: Single discs and Nissin 2-piston calipers front and rear TYRES: 110/70-17, 130/80-17 PRICE (RRP): Newchurch $12,990 + ORC; Spirit $13,990 + ORC www.cycletorque.com.au/more CALL FOR A QUOTE
1800 24 34 64
They are not a big bike so plenty of different sized people can fit on them. The seat height is on the low side but even for taller riders this doesn’t cause issues with the whole footpeg handlebar situation. And talking footpegs, the bikes do have the same back of shin bashing position my old Norton Commando had, making itself felt when you are coming to a stop. That might just be me of course, but it could also be old Brit thinking too. Well it is a retro bike I guess so I may be right out of line bringing that up. Power isn’t exactly stump pulling, nor is the torque for that matter but it does
have enough to be fun. Did I mention it’s easy to ride? That’s one of the reasons why it is easy to ride. The engine is flexible, can be punted along at more than reasonable speeds and sounds fantastic with the right mufflers on. I love how the fuel injection throttle bodies look like carbies, and Triumph has even engineered a slight cough into it at times. Talk about attention to detail. One thing this retro bike has that really does make it modern is the brakes. Praise the Triumph gods that Edward Turner didn’t design these brakes. The only complaint I have and have always had with the modern Bonnevilles is the lack of suspension travel. They only need a little bit more. Please Mr. Bloor. Can we have some more?
Picko’s point of view I always thought the Bonneville could be more and you know what, Triumph is doing exactly that, with a 1200cc Bonnie. But for those of you wanting to keep it smaller, there will still be a sub 1000cc version, the 900cc Street Twin, an updated version of what you see here really.
Having said all that, I have always like the style and simplicity of the Bonneville range and that is why they are popular. Triumph knows its market and has catered for that. The special edition T214, Newchurch and Spirit take the styling just that little bit further and look great. My favourite is the Newchurch, as I just love what the alloy wheels do to it and the purple colour. That with a pair of straight through megaphones and nothing else would suit me down to a tee. I guess you could say it would be Mega! n
Triumph Bonneville Spirit & Newchurch CYCLE TORQUE TEST
GALLERY
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Triumph Bonneville Spirit & Newchurch CYCLE TORQUE TEST
GALLERY
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 33
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*All above quoted discounts includes Cashback, Rebates and Promotions. **Weekly payments provided for indicative purposes and are to approved purchasers only. The payments don’t consider your personal situation, insurances & loan protection, warranty options, gap cover or accessories. Figure above is based upon a personal finance application for the advertised price of the vehicle. Additional costs may be applicable. Repayments are based on 11.95% over 60 months with no deposit. Comparison rate 12.54% and is based on a secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000 over a term of 60 months. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for this example given and may not include all fees and charges. Alternate terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in different comparison rates. Terms and conditions are available on request. For accurate repayments based on your situation please speak to one of our fully qualified finance managers.
KFX90
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*Terms and conditions: The FUN-tastic Family Pack is available from participating dealers only. One FUN-tastic Family Pack per purchase of each KLX110, KLX110L, KLX140, KLX140L, KFX50 or KFX90. FUN-tastic Family Pack includes Kawasaki merchandise items up to the retail value of $500 (inc. gst and freight). Images are for illustrative purposes only. The FUN-tastic Family Pack will be sent to the dealership which the motorcycle is purchased from, within 28 days of the claim form being received. The dealership the motorcycle is purchased from must submit a claim form to trigger the despatch of the FUN-tastic Family Pack to the dealership the motorcycle is purchased from. This promotion is valid from 01/11/15 - 31/01/16. Refer to www.kawasaki.com.au for any variations to the promotion.
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KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F
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CYCLE TORQUE TEST
Smoother, Faster
KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F CYCLE TORQUE TEST
Kawasaki’s 2016 KX250F and 450F are easier to ride, and faster because of it.
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KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F
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CYCLE TORQUE TEST
Smoother, Faster N TEST BY TODD REED, PHOTOS BY CHRIS PICKETT N RIDING GEAR: BELL HELMET, THOR APPAREL, ALPINESTARS BOOTS.
THE design brief is simple. Put racers around the world on the top step of the podium. Kawasaki has taken this approach for over 40 years and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s had a hell of a lot of success.
KX450F Faster and Lighter. Upon first glance the new KX looks ‘all new’ from the ground up, with revised styling and some very extensive changes to the chassis and engine. While that is mostly true, some parts also remain very much the same, and in some cases exactly the same, as in years gone by. The engine retains the same design and layout as previously, but the intake system, valves, and camshafts have undergone some serious changes. A completely redesigned airbox and air filter allow increased airflow through two larger vent ports at the rear of the seat. This improves throttle response and believe it or not, reduces intake noise keeping the engine that little bit quieter. Adjusted intake cam timing and a new cylinder intake port design contribute to increased power and efficiency throughout the rev range. The piston crown is revised to suit the new valves, along with a slightly new exhaust system to ensure maximum power. It is also interesting to note that the airbox, intake and piston changes, as well as weight savings from the gearbox and cases all combine to remove a total of 2kg from the overall engine mass of the new KX450F.
The chassis changes are quite complex and refined, and another 1.4 kg has been removed by very carefully removing material from various parts around the frame. The head tube and swingarm mounting areas are made using different processes, to improve rider feel and increase traction, and the centre section of the chassis is now 6mm narrower. Showa SFF air suspension first found its way onto the KX450F on the previous 2015 model, the works-replica fork is still very new and offers the latest in air suspension technology from Showa. The internal valving has been tweaked from last year to suit the updated chassis, and in the rear we see a new linkage and lighter shock spring to suit frame modifications. The introduction of the Kawasaki KX Calibration tool will allow new KX owners to plug in the new hand held device to access fuel and ignition mapping settings. The tool comes with pre-set maps and settings to allow the user to fully customise the engine characteristics of their new 450. Further info and pricing is a bit scarce at the moment as it was not yet released at the time of writing but is due in dealerships before the new year comes along. Continued on next page
KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F CYCLE TORQUE TEST
KX250F Unlike its ‘all new’ big brother, the small bore KX250F received a minimalist approach for 2016. In other words, there’s bugger all difference compared to last year. New graphics and a green rear fender will be the only changes noticeable to the naked eye, while on the inside Kawasaki has made a few changes to the front and rear suspension settings.
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 38 MORE SPECIFICATIONS: KAWASAKI KX450F (250F) ENGINE TYPE: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single CAPACITY: 449cc (249cc) TRANSMISSION: 5-speed and chain drive FUEL CAPACITY: 6.3 litres (6.1 L) FRAME TYPE: Alloy perimeter SEAT HEIGHT: 960mm (945) WET WEIGHT: 108.7kg (106.6kg) FRONT SUSPENSION: SFF Air TAC 310mm travel. (315mm) REAR SUSPENSION: Uni-Trak, 315mm
The Showa SFF (Single Function travel. (310mm) Fork) Type 2 fork has been BRAKES: Single disc front and rear a welcome addition to the TYRES: 80/100-21, 120/80-19 (100/90-19) KX250F over the past few seasons, offering a wide range PRICE (RRP): From $11,199 ($9,999) of adjustability and simplified www.cycletorque.com.au/more tuning to the mechanic or rider. The Uni-track rear suspension and linkage system again offer plenty of adjustability and 2016 updates are aimed at increasing high speed stability. The motor on the KX250F is known for its horsepower, and the 2016 version is no different. Kawasaki’s dual fuel injection system creates an intake unlike any other 250cc four stroke in the class. The two injectors work simultaneously together and are placed in very different positions. A down stream injector, close to the throttle body and engine, provides the smooth and instant throttle response, it does most of the work at low to mid RPMs. The upstream injector, closer to the airbox and behind the throttle body, takes over and becomes the primary injector as the RPMs climb. As the upstream injector is located further away from the engine, Kawasaki claim this helps to improve the mixture of fuel and air, as well as provide a cooler mixture. This adds up to improved fuel and engine efficiency and increased overall power. Included as standard equipment on the KX250F are the power couplers, which simply clip on to the wiring harness of the KX to change the power character to suit specific types of
terrain – soft, medium or hard. Like the 450 the power couplers are able to be reprogrammed using the KX Calibration tool to suit the specific needs of the rider or track.
On Track Feeling comfortable is the key, and Kawasaki seem to be taking all the necessary steps to make sure the new KXs are easy to get used to and make you feel at home as soon as possible. The chassis changes on the 450 really slim-line the feel of the bike, and it now has a much flatter, narrower feel. On the track it is very noticeable and you get the feeling you can be much more precise with the way you ride the new bike. The engine has certainly calmed down from years gone by and is less aggressive off the bottom and into the midrange. Some extra over-rev feels like it has come into play on the new model with the big bore KX having a very respectable top end. In an overall sense, the new KX engine is a bit easier to handle but it hasn’t lost that trademark Continued on page next page Continued on next
KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F
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CYCLE TORQUE TEST power it is known for. It’s still fast and lively with more than enough punch for punters like us. The SFF air suspension can be a bit fiddly, and even daunting if you don’t know what your doing. Thanks to technology and smart phones, Showa has made all this a bit easier and released an App for all the tuners out there to perfect the art of tuning these forks. On the day of our test we were lucky enough to have Kawasaki technicians on hand to sort out our personal preferences, where we dropped two psi in the inner chamber, much like dropping a spring rate. This was very noticeable on the track and going a bit softer from the standard settings was a move in the right direction for our 80kg test pilot. The KX250F is a very lively and fun bike to ride. Immediately, the fast revving engine will take your fancy and guide you quickly onto the race track. It’s fast and strong off the bottom and holds well through the mid range. If you can hold it on hard, the KX will rev to the moon and make great top end power. The suspension and chassis work well and offer a comfortable set-up for the larger 250F rider. Lightweight riders will enjoy the bike, but might go looking for a setup not as stiff. Both bikes are equipped with Renthal handlebars, and the recent addition of the 270mm front disc sure makes pulling up these bikes a whole lot easier.
Verdict On paper the 2016 Kawasakis are quite advanced machines. Almost everywhere you look on the 2016 KXs you will find something that has trickled down from the factory bikes, oversized front brakes, Holeshot Launch Control, Power
Couplers, Titanium Nitrate coated forks, Showa SFF air forks on the 450, Dual EFI on the 250, black DID rims, Renthal handlebars, and the list goes on. With the 250 priced at $9,999 and the 450 at $11,199 that’s some serious value for money. As for their on track performance, the 250 is very much the same as last year’s model. It’s a fast bike with enough power to challenge any bike in the class, its handling is good but will likely require a more personalised set-up, especially if you’re smaller in stature. The 450 is a great improvement over the previous model and offers a much more rider friendly package than in the past. It’s shed some weight, become more predictable and not so aggressive to ride. The 450 class is all about rideability, and Kawasaki has done an incredible job going down that path with its new 450. It’s hard to give a direct comparison without a back to back test, but the new KX450F is certainly a contender for best 450 motocrosser on the market. n
Continued on next page
KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F CYCLE TORQUE TEST
GALLERY
KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F CYCLE TORQUE TEST
GALLERY
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KAWASAKI KX250F & 450F CYCLE TORQUE TEST
GALLERY
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BLAZER
RIDE COOL THIS SUMMER
Aircool patented breathable system features a waterproof membrane that filters moisture out of the shoe throughout the ventilation inserts placed at bottom of sole. Aircool air condition regulates airflow, warmth and dampness inside the shoe.
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VIETNAM TOUR PREVIEW
Riding Vietnam
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WATCH VIDEO NOW
With our third Reader Ride of Vietnam happening soon, we thought we’d look at what those who join us will enjoy… While it’s difficult to say what is the typical Vietnamese home, the one an elderly gent was enthusiastically gesturing me to enter certainly wasn’t uncommon – a large room lay behind the double front doors where three generations of the same family slept. The room was sectioned off by the poles which held up the roof and curtains for privacy, with a common area the size of my dining room where I found myself being shown a photograph of a proud soldier’s portrait. The penny dropped as I realised the old man had been that soldier – a captain in the ‘American War’, as the Vietnamese call it. Vietnam has also been at war with France, itself and freed its neighbour Cambodia from the tyranny of the Pol Pot regime. The retired soldier was justifiably proud of his home and his family. For me, I was gobsmacked to have been invited into his home, at 7am in the morning! I’d simply been out for an early-morning photo walk - that’s the first tip to getting great landscape images, get up early. I’m happy to help anyone who comes along on a Cycle Torque tour with improving their photography, and that’s one of the tips - shoot in the morning and evening light, when the sun isn’t so high and creating harsh shadows.
Old Saigon When the North Vietnamese Army rolled into Saigon in the early 1970s, ousting the last of the Americans and winning the North/South war, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, but I’ve noticed even youngsters born long after the war finished calling the hustling, bustling city Saigon. Get out of your hotel (not an easy thing to do, the rooms are surprisingly grand) in the early hours and you’ll find the Cyclo riders - tricycles with a seat at the front for a passenger or two - hoping for an early morning customer. Be sure to negotiate the price before starting out for not every rider is honourable when it comes to pricing, but they will take you on a slow tour of the old town areas, and it’s a pleasant way to spend an hour or so before breakfast, before the city wakes up. When it does, it gets busy. The narrow streets and dense population means scooters are the preferred mode of transport, with everything from 1960s Honda Cubs to the latest sporty Yamahas buzzing incessantly across town. In peak hour it becomes what seems Continued on next page
VIETNAM TOUR PREVIEW
an impenetrable river of headlights and helmets flowing just millimetres from the crowded footpaths. Unlike rivers of water though, the rivers of scooters part for the pedestrians stepping onto the roadways, for the cars, trucks, buses and bicycles pushing into the flow from the streams of small side streets, going around the obstacles, slowing but rarely stopping. While the West developed traffic lights, freeways and gridlock, places like Saigon simply went with the flow, graduating from bicycles to scooters and loading up the family, the business or whatever it took to get on with life, and did it on the back of a step-thru. For Australians visiting in the 21st Century, Ho Chi Minh City’s roads are intimidating - even with 30 years of riding, experience as a road racer, motorcycle courier and road tester, I was wondering how I’d go on the wrong side of the road on an unfamiliar machine in such unrelenting traffic - but I need not have worried, because we don’t ride in Saigon! International flights come into the major cities - primarily Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, and neither place is a good place to start a bike tour from - too many people, too much traffic.
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Western food is available too, but the local cuisine is incredible - subtle flavours permeate through Vietnamese food despite the kick from the herbs and spices in some (but by no means all) the dishes. Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines of all, although Vietnam Motorbike Tours has found Westernstyle lunches are popular with riders, too.
On the bikes Vietnam Motorbike Tours owns its own fleet of modern cruisers, well suited to Australians. Given you’ll spend most of your time riding at speeds below 80km/h, there’s no need for a large capacity machine, so the 125-175cc Chinesebuilt machines are very well suited to the task at hand. They are not scooters, having manual gearboxes, and can easily carry two people. You only need to carry what you’ll need during the day, so a camera, water, sunscreen… maybe strap a waterproof onto the bike, for we are in the tropics. On the first day we’re off exploring the area around Nha Trang – the beaches, bamboo bridges, temples and winding roads. There are frequent stops for photo opportunities and coffee.
Instead, Vietnam Motorbike Tours flies us to Nha Trang, a beach resort town a short hop north.
When we hit the road for the tour proper the next day, your luggage goes into the support truck which will be at the evening’s hotel before you are, so again, the only gear on the bike is gear you need during the day.
Nha Trang is full of restaurants and bars, the food fabulous and the drinks cheap. As it’s a tourist town it’s easy to order food which isn’t too spicy and
Da Lat lies in the mountains of Vietnam, 1500 metres higher than the coast, wetter and cooler than Nha Trang. Getting there works the little machines
Continued on next page
VIETNAM TOUR PREVIEW
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pretty hard up the sometimes quite steep gradients, but they cope admirably. On the way we will stop to check out and photograph the spectacular views. Da Lat is a very popular inland city, especially with the French colonialists who were in Vietnam until the 1950s. The cooler, more European climate suited them, and the influence on the architecture and food is still strong. In Da Lat though is the Crazy House, a place with looks like it’s straight out of a Dr. Suess children’s book. Crazy architecture, crazy design, crazy ornaments… the The Crazy House will live with you for decades as an example of what can be done if you’re crazy enough to do it. It’s elephant country after Da Lat as we head to Lak Lake. Elephants are still used for agriculture and tourist rides, so you’re likely to see them on this trip. Lak Lake is just that, a giant inland lake where we watched a spectacular sunset before enjoying the local entertainment at the resort we stayed at. Then we’re off to Buon Ma Thuot, stopping along the way at one of the biggest waterfalls you’re ever likely to see, and it’s a great place to take an afternoon dip, too. After this we’re on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, travelling the famous wartime supply route, which is now sealed. We’re heading for Kon Tum and a rest day, a chance to kick-back and relax in this small mountain top town. There’s a morning ride option checking out the local area, including lots of war history here. It’s also a Charity Day, with a visit to a local school or hospital and a chance to meet and mix with the local community. From there we’re riding many great roads before we get to Khe Sanh, which of course is infamous in Australian history. We visited the war museum there, which is actually the old US Air Force airstrip. There are rooms dedicated to the
battle and outdoors lots of captured military hardware. When you see the jungles around Khe Sanh you’ll understand how hard it must have been for Westerners coming in to try to fight a war against locals who knew every creek, gully and hill. From Khe Sanh we head back down toward the coast and the old capital, Hue. This is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam and is busy without being too chaotic. Hue is also the last of the big rides, with only short hops to picturesque Hoi An, with its beautiful World Heritage listed old city. there’s another rest day here, because there’s lots to see and do, but there’s going to be a day ride or photowalk for anyone interested. The last of the riding is then along the incredible Hai Phnong Pass to Da Nang, where you can choose to fly back to Ho Chi Minh city or extend your stay and travel to Hanoi… – Nigel Paterson
Continued on next page
VIETNAM TOUR PREVIEW
Tour information
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 48
What’s the accommodation like?
January 8-22, 2016
Generally 4-star motel-style accommodation. Twin-share is included, but you can often get a single supplement at the hotels each night if you’d rather not share, and it’s not expensive. Rooms have their own bathrooms and usually great internet access (WiFi) too.
Where?
What about the food?
Who is it for?
Visas, licences, insurance…
When?
Our friendly travel agent, Renee at Pie in the Sky Travel, can help you with getting to Ho Chi Minh City in time for the tour, or you can book you own flights. Any experienced, confident motorcyclist. The roads vary between racetrack smooth and as rough as guts, the traffic can be busy but its usually slow moving, so the riding is more about confidence than talent.
Can I bring a pillion?
Of course! Vietnam Motorbike Tours carefully chose the bikes to suit Westerners cruisers with a low seat height and plenty of room for a passenger.
What about luggage?
Anything you don’t need during the day can travel in the support truck. Bring a backpack or something you can strap to the bike’s carry rack for usage on the road - cameras, wet weather gear etc.
Who’s running the show?
Vietnam Motorbike Tours runs the tour. An Aussie, Jason Thatcher, owns the company and employs local guides, mechanics and support staff to provide an adventurous, fun and exciting trip.
Vietnamese food is wonderful - healthy, tasty and cheap (when it’s not included in the package). Often Western food is also available, and Vietnam Motorbike Tours tries to cater for dietary preferences/requirements too. Vietnam has joined the international licence program, so it’s recommended you get an International Driving Permit from your local agency (NRMA, RAC etc). Visas are easy to get when you arrive in Vietnam and you need travel insurance which covers you riding a bike. The bikes themselves are covered by Vietnam Motorbike Tours.
How Much?
The cost for riders is $5100 and pillions $2600. The price includes internal flights, accommodation, some meals, bike hire, fuel and more.
More information?
www.cycletorque.com.au/vietnam or www.vietnammotorbiketours.com
How do I sign up?
Drop an email to vietnam@cycletorque.com.au or call the office on 02 4956 9820 with enquiries or to book. n
Will it rain? Yep.
Do I need to bring a helmet?
Vietnam Motorcycle Tours can provide a helmet if you don’t want to bring your own. As the speeds are low and temperatures high, Cycle Torque staff prefer open-face lids. Continued on next page
VIETNAM TOUR PREVIEW
Travel & moto photography Cycle Torque’s Nigel Paterson will be offering photography lessons on the trip for anyone interested in improving their shooting. Nigel’s been shooting bikes and travel for all his adult life, professionally for REVS, Two Wheels and of course Cycle Torque, but he also trained as a professional photographer and worked in the photographic industry before moving to motorcycle magazines. It also doesn’t matter whether you shoot with your mobile phone or a hulking DSLR, Nigel’s happy to help you get the best shots you can. “On my first Vietnam tour I jumped on the back of a scooter with a guide who was taking me to a shop to buy an additional hard drive: the place was so picturesque I was running out of space to store the images. It was first thing in the morning and the only camera I had with me was my phone, so when I saw a line-up of Cyclo riders waiting for their first customers of the
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day I thought I’d grab a shot with my phone. When I realised a pushbike rider, complete with a conical Vietnamese hat, was going to pass right in front I waited for the right moment and captured one of my favourite images of the whole trip – with a camera which is really a phone. “So I’m certainly not a photography snob who believes phones are only for snapshots, but, on the other hand, using a tripod to get time exposures, taking waterproof gear to get into the waterfalls and rivers, using onboard video cameras to capture the ride – between Cycle Torque’s magazine and the TV show, we certainly need to use a wide range of techniques to get the images we want, and I’m more than happy to help those who come on the tour to capture their own great pictures.” Nigel often heads off on photo walks around sunset or sunrise looking for great light and awesome pictures. You’re welcome to join him on these walks, or sleep in! n
THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO TRADE-UP OR GET YOURSELF AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT!
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Free gifts on all PW50, TT-R50E, TT-R110E, TT-R125E/LWE. Total value of gifts is $550 RRP inc GST. YFM90R Raptor gets free pit tent and TW Steel watch only worth $400 RRP inc GST. Offers are for a limited time only, while stocks last.
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Isle of Man 37+ miles of pure adrenalin... The ultimate test of man and machine... The world’s most dangerous racetrack... A father and son realise a dream... This is their story.
“From your very first lap of the world famous Isle of Man mountain course your eyes are open as wide as they can be, and all your brain power is focused on the job at hand. There is simply no space left for anything else.”
Available Now. To order call 02 4956 9820 or shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
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Leverage
1 PERFECT for a great present under the Christmas Tree, Rad Guard have EVO1 branded Brake & Clutch Fold and Extend Levers. Available in a range of colours and made of high quality billet aluminium. Levers have a six-reach adjustment to suit your personal needs and comfort. The Fold attribute will save your levers if the bike falls over by folding up. Adjustable length means you can find the comfort spot to suit you. Price: $179 on special Availability: Direct from RadGuard More info: (02) 6658 0060
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The big book
2 IT HAS almost become an annual HarleyDavidson tradition. All the new motor parts and accessories for your new Harley are in the “big book.” More than 200 new product lines have been introduced for the 2016 model year, with a particular focus on both cruiser and street models. Make your Harley unique, with help from the “big book”. Price: N/A Availability: Your Harley Davidson dealer More info: www.harley-davidson.com.au
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3 THE new Kriega Sling is a great option for commuting light. Fully waterproof and sized for a tablet or small laptop, the sling is easily adjusted, can be worn on the left or right and comes with a 10 year guarantee. Check it out on: www.kriega. com.au/satchels. Price: $189 Availability: Selected retailers of Kriega More info: www.kriega.com.au
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Tool time
1 The Pro Series Moto Tool Kit is a professional quality 52 piece tool kit in a roll made for motorcyclists. Extendable 3/8 drive ratchet with FIX button option for Hi Torque, screwdriver handle bit driver with removable extension, multigrip pliers, drivers, socket adaptors, spanners, plug sockets, pressure gauge, torx sockets, too much to list in a tough cordura roll. Price: $125 for a limited time Availability: Better bike shops More info: Freecall 1800 25 1145
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browse our online store for plenty more options Andy Strapz approved gear is tested rigorously If it wears the Andy Strapz brand, it’s made to the highest standards here in Australia 251103 Cycletorque Dingo Xmas Ad.indd 1
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All prices are ride away. Frieght may be extra. Free gifts on all PW50, TT-R50E, TT-R110E, TT-R125LWE/E. Total value of gifts is $550RRP including GST. YFM90R Raptor receives free pit tent and TW Steel Watch only, worth $400 RRP inc GST. Offers are for a limited time only, while stocks last, conditions apply. Redeem your watch at http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/bluewatch. Gifts cannot be exchanged for cash.
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 57
Racey
1 Racey are a stretch skinny leg jean and look just like fashion jeans. They have style, safety and comfort with the sports liner making them comfortable and more breathable all year round. There are no visible seams so they look like high street jeans with cute back pocket detailing. There are knee pockets for armour. No visible panels. Drayko Racey has the soft knitted lining with Dyneema® the World’s Strongest Fiber™ and DuPont ™ Kevlar® covering all of the major crash zones. The lining takes advantage of Dyneema’s amazing strength, which is 40% stronger than Kevlar and 15 times stronger than steel. Price: $299 Availability: Good bike shops More info: (03) 9646 0377
2
Safety is a breeze
2 SPIDI has an awesome new set of armour that will keep you cool as well. The new Multitech Armor Evo is armour tailored with high-strength mesh. It features EN1621-1 Certified Forcetech protection on shoulders and elbows as well as Warrior back and chest protectors. Five outer pockets to carry stuff. All armour included. Great value. Price: $362.73 Availability: Better bike shops. More info: www.motonational.com.au
1
The Messenger
3 KRIEGA, the backpack and soft luggage gurus have some great gift ideas for the season. There are two new satchel style bags. Fully waterproof, the “urban” is perfect for commuting with a laptop, is simple to adjust, can be worn on the left or right and like all Kriega gear comes with a 10 year guarantee. Very stylish. Check it out on: www.kriega.com.au/satchels. Price: $239 Availability: Selected retailers of Kriega More Info: www.kriega.com.au
3
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 58
The Duke breathes
1
1 A REPLACEMENT K&N air filter, is available for the KTM Duke 690. It’s designed to fit into the stock air filter box without any modifications. K&N replacement air filters are made with specially woven cotton gauze. Because cotton, by nature, is more breathable than paper, K&N motorcycle air filters can flow more air than a typical paper filter. K&N’s washable and reusable High-Flow Air Filter™, is designed and manufactured with the highest quality materials. Price: $99.95 Availability: Good bike shops More info: (02) 9820 4444
Ventz cool it
2 HOT riding weather is here and your jacket needs air conditioning. That’s where Ventz come in really handy. They slip into your jacket sleeve to open up airflow, and they have a mesh cover so no insects, like bees, will find their way in. Easy to fit, easy to use, easy to like. And there are now six different colours. As seen on Cycle Torque TV. Price: 29.99 & postage Availability: Direct from Ventz Australia More info: (07) 4097 6645
2
Spark me up
3 THE SJS Smart Start Charger is a multipurpose battery charger and jump start pack. The SSC05 is a 500Amp job using 12.8 Amp Lithium Polymer technology to jump start most vehicles up to 3litre diesel or 6litre petrol. Has wall charger and car charger plugs as well as USB cable and interface adaptors. Price: $139 Availability: Better bike shops More info: Freecall 1800 25 1145
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Let there be light
4
4 PHILLIPS’ huge range of motorcycle globes including Blue Vision Moto, Xtreme Vision Moto and City Vision Moto make an economical and valuable Christmas gift idea. With an extra 30% to 100% penetration, depending on which one you choose, and vibration resistance to enhance your safety. The choice of major motorcycle manufacturers. Price: From $19.95 Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.ficeda.com.au/parts-accessories/lighting
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 59
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1
1. The Classic Bike Workshop – $21 3
Xmas Special Buy all 3 for $53
Following on from the success of his first two novels, Peter J. Uren has continued with the story of the old mechanic, who quickly realises that retirement is not all it is cracked up to be. In this, his third novel, the main character returns to help out his sonin-law, while one of the mechanics’ plans come to a crashing halt.
2. The Old Mechanic – $17.00
The story of an old motorcycle mechanic who takes on an apprentice and, together, they restore a 1959 Norton 500cc ES2 motorcycle. The book takes the reader right through the process of restoring an old British classic motorcycle, from rebuilding the engine through to getting the bike on the road.
3. Dominator in the Shadows – $23
2
Dominator in the Shadows is Peter J. Uren’s second novel, and the sequel to his popular The Old Mechanic. Set three years later, it tells the story of two men who each have a dream to own their chosen motorcycle: one a Vincent Black Shadow, the other a Norton Dominator 650SS. The story again takes the reader through the process of restoring an old classic motorcycle. Along the way, they maintain, repair and service many classic British motorbikes.
4. Advanced Custom Motorcycle Assembly & Fabrication Manual – $39.95
4
Today, every small town has a Chopper or Custom bike shop and every cable TV channel has a Biker Build-Off series. No longer content to build copies of stock motorcycles, today’s builder wants a motorcycle that’s longer, lower, and sexier than anything approved by a factory design team. Wolfgang Publications and Tim Remus were there at the very beginning of the trend with their Ultimate V-Twin Motorcycle book. Today they’re back with their new book, Advanced Custom Motorcycle Assembly & Fabrication. Part catalog, part service manual, and part inspiration, this new book offers help with planning the project, getting the right look and actually assembling that custom bike you’ve dreamed about for years.
Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 63
5. Motorcycle Electrical Systems – $34.99
A motorcycle’s electrical system can be daunting to even the most adept home mechanic. And yet, the more complex these systems become—and the more important to a motorcycle’s function—the more useful, even critical, it will be to know something about them. That’s where this book comes in with a user-friendly guide to understanding, diagnosing, and fixing the electrical systems and components that make a bike run . . . or falter.
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6. Billy Connolly’s Route 66 – $29.99
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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7. The Riders – $35.00
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.
8. Weekend Warriors 1 & 2 – $44.95
8
7
About five years ago Shaun, Andy and I (Jake) started to run out of places to ride. We were sick of riding the same places time and time again so we decided to pay a visit to the Melbourne Map Centre in Chadstone to see if there was a guide book on the subject. Much to our surprise there was nothing to be found. Sure there were heaps of 4WD and Mountain Bike books but, alas, no trail bike books. The guys in the shop were also surprised, as they had had a lot of enquiries from other trail bike riders. This gave us an idea - why not write our own book? And that is exactly what we did!
To Order Call 02 4956 9820 Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 64
9. McQueen’s Machines – $24.99
No other Hollywood star has been so closely linked with cars and bikes, from the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback he drove in Bullitt (in the greatest car chase of all time) to the Triumph motorcycle of The Great Escape. McQueen’s Machines gives readers a close-up look at the cars and motorcycles McQueen drove in movies, those he owned, and others he raced. With a foreword by Steve’s son, Chad McQueen, and a wealth of details about the star’s racing career, stunt work, and car and motorcycle collections.
9
10. My Motorcycling Life – $19.95
This book is not meant to be a chronological history. In fact it’s not meant to be a work of history at all. It is simply an entertaining (hopefully) look at many of my motorcycling experiences over nearly 30 years of riding. If I could get permission to mention some motorcycling names, then I did. But otherwise I have told a series of stories that I thought were memorable and fun. So don’t expect them to be in order or to make much historical sense, just enjoy the ride. I certainly did! - Greg Hirst
11. My Motorcycling Life Part 2 – $19.95
Greg’s follow up to his successful first book was launched at the Sydney Motorcycle Show on Saturday November 21, 2009 at 3pm on the inside stage with help from former NSW Transport Minister Bruce Baird, then Federal Member for Parramatta Julie Owens and United Motorcycle Council Chairman Ferret from the Finks Motorcycle Club.
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12. 365 Motorcycles You Must Ride – $27.99
These 365 must-ride motorcycles range from classic gaslightera bikes, racers, and modern sportbikes to oddities that have to be ridden to be understood (or believed). From the 2007 Ducati 999R to the 1909 Harley-Davidson Silent Grey Fellow, 365 Motorcycles You Must Ride promises hours of entertainment (and a thrilling to-do list) to any motorcycle enthusiast.
13. Ultimate V-Twin Motorcycle Chassis – $29.99
From the first concept to the final bolt, from dream to reality, assemble your next chassis with tips from professional bike builder Tim Remus. Remus covers frame design and construction material, triple trees and fork tubes, shock absorbers, brake components, wheels and tires, and electronics. Hands-on sections cover drive-train alignment, how to make sure the frame is square and true, and how to go from bare frame to rolling chassis with engine installed. Plus pros and cons of various frame designs.
Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
12 13
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 65 14. Bitch’n Bitumen – $39.95
This - the ultimate riders/drivers guide book, provides 224 pages of the best roads in Tas, Vic, ACT, NSW, and QLD, including 34 maps covering loads of day rides, overnight trips and awesome week-long tours, 14 and much more.
15
15. Adventure Motorcycling Handbook – $39.95
16
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.
16. Round Oz Ride – $70
Kog and his son James set off to ride around Australia in 40 days in search of the meaning of life or at least some answers to the big questions of life... well ok... to just have fun. 17,750kms in 40 days
17. The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. – $39.99
This massive coffee-table book - over 400 pages, large format – depicts HarleyDavidson’s own collection of bikes, having kept one of every model it has ever produced. Quality studio photography and excellent background information tells the story of Harley-Davidson through its many and varied models. Includes prototype motorcycles which never made it to production. Hardcover.
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18. Dreamracer – $24.95
For the first time in a feature length film, Dream Racer shows the legendary Dakar Rally in its purest form – no sponsors, no multi-million dollar team, not even a mechanic – just one rider, a motorbike, a film maker and the world’s most dangerous motor race. Far more than just a motorbike movie, Dream Racer is a call to arms for anyone who has ever dreamt of doing anything – a spine tingling antidote to the fear of life passing you by unfulfilled.
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To Order Call 02 4956 9820 Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
FOR A ONE-OF-A-KIND RIDE
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The Multistrada 1200 takes riding beyond all the barriers of compromise. Unbeatable on tarmac, perfect and comfortable for long distance travelling, agile through town and fun off the road. Experience the Multistrada 1200 and 1200 S, test ride at your local Authorised Ducati Dealer today.
Extend the warranty coverage of your new Ducati with our Ever Red 12 or 24-month solution. Activate it now and add value to your passion.
CYCLE TORQUE PEOPLE - MAURICE MUMFORD
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 67
A Royal Employee During Cycle Torque’s recent visit to the Goodwood Revival festival in the UK, Dennis Penzo caught up with one of Royal Enfield’s guests: Maurice Mumford who served as an apprentice with Royal Enfield in 1949 IT WAS 1949 and the United Kingdom was still recovering from the traumatic experiences of World War II. The jubilation at having survived the Nazi onslaught and helping liberate the rest of Europe was soon replaced with the reality of rebuilding cities and, in fact, the entire economy. Maurice Mumford, of Bath, started bis apprenticeship with Royal Enfield Motorcycles in 1949 at the Westwood plant which was actually an underground facility. The area has quarries and caves and all sorts of rumours abounded about secret government projects being undertaken in the area before and during the war.
So, what was life like for an apprentice in 1949?
originally, hence their slogan “Made like a Gun”.
“Well, as an apprentice you obviously start at the very bottom,” Maurice laughs.
Then later they expanded to produce bicycles and stationary engines and, from 1901, motorcycles.
“Our first jobs as apprentices involved pushing bins of parts around to the various production sections,” he recalls. “Sweeping floors and being on the receiving end of jokes - like being instructed to go and grab a ‘sky hook’ or a ‘left-handed screwdriver’ - the sorts of things that apprentices have to cop, even today I imagine,” he chuckled. Royal Enfield was a very recognisable marque in 1949. They had been around since 1893 as the Enfield Cycle Company, building cannons
Most motorcycles seen in war films often depict Harley-Davidson WLA’s for the Americans and Triumphs and BSA’s for the Poms. This was true but Royal Enfield was also there. The 125cc Royal Enfield “Flying Flea” motorcycle was used by airborne forces. Many were dropped behind enemy lines during the Battle of Arnhem and the D-Day landings in their own quick-release parachute.
Continued onpage next page Continued on next
CYCLE TORQUE PEOPLE - MAURICE MUMFORD
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 68
After the war the civilian version of the bike, simply called the Model RE, was sold as a lightweight commuter. It had a two-stroke engine with a three-speed, hand change gearbox and a flywheel magneto. “The Westwood plant had about 230 people including designers and various production people as well as 50 machinists. “The castings were made in Slough and then sent to Westwood where all the twins were built. All the singles were built at Redditch.” And what did Maurice earn as an apprentice? “My pay was 15 shillings a week and the apprenticeship lasted five years.” He left the company after he finished his apprenticeship to work at Sleighthomes in Trowbridge who sold AJS, BSA and Velocettes. “Actually I got sick of working underground - the Westwood facility was all below ground. “After four years I moved to Holloways which was in Bath. They sold NSU’s and BSAs. “So I moved to Bath and I’ve lived there ever since.” He stayed at Holloways for seven years then went to work for Western Mopeds who sold Yamahas and Suzukis. “The technology of the Japanese was just so far ahead, it was amazing,” he mused. “People used to say: they won’t last, they’re just
Maurice Mumford (R), 81 year old ex-Royal Enfield engineer helps to revive a 1949 350cc Model G accompanied by Siddartha Lal, Royal Enfield’s CEO (L) and Rod Gaskell who is from Moto GB
a fad. It’s so funny to think back on that now, knowing what we all know today about Japanese reliability and performance.” Interestingly, he went back to work for Royal Enfield in 1967. The halcyon days of not just the Ton-up culture and the Ace Cafe but London as a world fashion and music centre - they were heady days. “British motorcycles still had life left in them,” Maurice muses. “I went back to Royal Enfield’s Westwood plant to build the new Mark I Interceptors, a 736cc parallel twin engined bike. “Most of the bikes went to the USA, Canada, Denmark and Mexico. Ironically by the time the factory closed in 1970 they had started to sell in England. “Then I got out of motorcycles altogether. The technology started to get complicated with camshafts and electronics so I thought it was my time to leave.”
Maurice Mumford joins the Royal Enfield team and journalists as they embark on a ‘burn up’ ride to Goodwood Revival via Brighton Pier
Completely out of left-field, Maurice went to work for a bedding company where he worked for another 23 years maintaining their equipment before he finally retired. Royal Enfield of course had stopped producing bikes in England but had been building bikes in India since 1955. From 1957 Enfield of India acquired the machines to make components in India, and by 1962 all the components for the Indian built bikes were made in India. So when the original Redditch Worcestershire based company dissolved in 1971 the Indian side of the company bought the rights to use the Royal Enfield name and have seen a worldwide resurgence since then. Maurice has spent his retirement years on restoring and riding Royal Enfields with the Interceptors as his favourite models. He does admit to also owning a Japanese bike, a 650 Bandit. Continued on next page
CYCLE TORQUE PEOPLE - MAURICE MUMFORD
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 69
“The only thing left now I think is to get myself to Daytona Speed Week - that’s the thing I really want to do now.” Maurice was thrilled to be invited along to join senior staff from Royal Enfield in India and visiting journalists from America, Indonesia, Columbia, and yours truly from Cycle Torque, to come along on a ride of GT Continentals from the Royal Enfield Hartgate store to the Goodwood Revival Festival site in Chichester, West Sussex. The procession rode the 60 miles via the Box Hill village “race route” favoured by the cafe racers of the day, then down to Brighton for breakfast before proceeding to the Festival site. Even Royal Enfield’s top man CEO Siddhartha Lal took part in this ride. The Indians are a very young and passionate group of people who properly appreciate the place of this iconic brand in British motorcycling folklore and are happy to acknowledge England as the “spiritual home” of Royal Enfield. One of the entourage was Jonathan Gibson, 28, from Sydney, who rode a 1967 Royal Enfield from Sydney to London over 18months, but that’s another story. n
Email us your feedback Continued on next page
BUYING, SELLING, REPAIRING AND RESTORING CLASSICS AND FUTURE CLASSICS.
R E T RO IS A L I V E A ND K ICK ING AT
cycletorque.com.auWE DECEMBER 2015 I 70 PREPARE
RACE BIKES TOO
10 Main Road, Boolaroo. Ph. 02 4958 1435. CATCH US ON FACEBOOK
OTHER BIKES 1965 HONDA CD90 – Red Riding Hood. 1988 DUCATI 750 PASO – Wonderful condition, rides and goes great. Cheap collectible Duke. $4,999 1994 VFR750 – V Four Victory. 1983 HONDA VF750F $4,900 Beautiful condition, 45,000 kilometres, new tyres, runs great.
SUZUKI GSX-R1100
$6,900
2/87 Limited Edition. One of only 1000 worldwide. Will be repainted. Is this the most collectible Slabbie?
DUCATI 851 TRICOLOR $16,500 Wow. Collectible. If you know what this bike is then you know! One of the first in the country.
1997 SUZUKI VZ800 MARAUDER – Cruiser style. 2000 SUZUKI GSF250 – Great LAMS four cylinder. SUZUKI GSX-R1100 1989 PROJECT – Runs great just needs some TLC.
RACE BIKES MORIWAKI 80 Great junior or bucket racer, ready to race. KAWASAKI Z650 $7,999 Beautiful condition, first owner was an American General. Rare in Australia.
1979 HONDA CB750F $4,900 US import, tidy condition runs tops. Very usable classic.
HONDA CB550 $9,999 Like new. Fire up the time machine and buy a new CB550. This is THAT good.
HONDA CB500/4 Leading Period 4 500 race bike. Fast and well built.
Call Chris on 0404 030 925 or Dave on 0407 362 060 www.classicalgasmotorcycles.com
Racer
1
SUMMER 2015
RACING: Classic TT Barry Sheene Festival of Speed Island Classic Australian TT HISTORY: Honda V4
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 71
Australia’s FIRST classic racing magazine ! w o n e l b a l i Ava $9.95 INCLUDING POSTAGE
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N MINNOVAETLIO MARV
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A LATIN OBSESSION
Words by Chris
by Pickett, Photos
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A NEW TAKE
STAGER A GIVES AN OLD ON AN OLD IDEA OF LIFE FRESH BREATH
builder lished engine an accomp , and has taken being and racer himself nance and race l Seeley frames many origina mainte but there’s care of the these days special race was well campaigned of this very s being TEVE Maney – his preparation a few replica in the UK This more than enough known ed the world. wanted bike. of the bike – for his modifi thrashed around expertise and homeland he ’s When the owner t to the best in engines but so uses Maney ando bike straigh proved based in one he went Norton Comm quantity chassis which ly unknown the Seeley s, Minnovation, ation day that the Island the busines was a relative back in the at the 2010 successful needed no England. Minnov the has largely the north of when he arrived Island. By the end and original design complete bikes to speak. Racing sell Classic at Phillip was known for ification so them but they gn he modern g Both parts to campai of the meetin of his Seeley ing in house. the speed don’t do everyth two things: RING of this bike involvement ando his HANKE frame A and and the engine lar Seeley Comm lian Commando saw the ation who This particu pile up that d to Minnov an Austra were supplie in a start line more time ssioned by machine rather was commi rest of the spend rather just to have ed for. then put the Englishman Australia. collector, mainly ly raced. Things than he bargain its foray to Seeley together for in Australia serious fans, Colin with than to be out that way, To classic racing like a ction, and haven’t turned successfully racing ENGINE his needs no introdu builders from the son for William known Lyell classic frame Maney is well number of Seeley e in most major ando based the machin ’70s, the name lia over the 1007cc Comm 1960s and gs in Austra replica race meetin is quite ed on, with has continu classic of years. Lyell last couple built for the frames being be too There won’t racing scene.
S
PLUS Dennis Neill Tribute – The Racer, The Man
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RRP: AUS $9.95 NZ $11.95 (Inc.GST)
––– 51 –––
This bike was a cuttiung edge historic racer in the late 1980s and still is now. You might think the term ‘Cutting Edge’ is out of place in historic racing but not so. But one area where the bike could be improved is the carburettors. A modern set of Keihin CRs would make more power and be easier to deal with than these Kawasaki based 29mm Smoothbores. And check out the race programs, highlighting the bike’s history as a modern and classic racing machine.
Historic Racer Australian
Contents
AUSTRALIAN HISTORIC RACER 18
s YAMAHA TZ750 s SEELEY COMMANDO s HONDA 500/4
26
ON THE COVER: RYE DUCATI PHOTO BY SDR
30
4
SNAPSHOT IN TIME
6
IN THE PITS
10
2016 ISLAND CLASSIC PREVIEW
12
RACING TECH
14
2016 BSFOS PREVIEW
16
EDITORIAL
18
RYE DUCATI
26
RUST NEVER SLEEPS
Dennis Penzo 0420 319 335 dennis@cycletorque.com.au
30
YAMAHA TZ750
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
36
THE SQUEAKY WHEEL
38
TOM PHILLIS
EDITOR
Chris Pickett
ADVERTISING
38
Dionne Hagan dee@cycletorque.com.au
ACCOUNTS
Rebecca Eastment bec@cycletorque.com.au
50
PUBLISHER
Nigel Paterson PO Box 687, Warners Bay, NSW 2282 Ph (02) 4956 9820 Fax (02) 4956 9824 Email: info@cycletorque.com.au
58
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:
Darryl Flack, Don Cox, Phil Hall, Goggles Paesano, Brian Dyer, Peter Faragher, wpfotos.co.uk, SDPICS, Buggantar Photos.
Australian Historic Racer is published by Motorcycle Publishing Pty Ltd. ACN 085 871 147, ISSN number 2205-9768 Printed by Rural Press, North Richmond.
66
This work is Copyrighted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, including electronic, without written permission of the publisher. Please contact the editor before submitting freelance contributions.
BOOK SHOP RACING GEAR
50
SEELEY COMMANDO
58
HONDA CB500/4
66
HONDA V4
72
1976 AUSTRALIAN TT
76
DENNIS NEILL TRIBUTE
82
2015 BSFOS WRAP UP
86
2015 ISLAND CLASSIC REVIEW
90
CLASSIC TT 2015
94
ON ANY RACEDAY
98
EVENTS
LIGHT AS A FEATHER
Kel went to great lengths to have the wheels turn freely, using a lighter chain and freer moving wheel bearings. To this day the bike has kept all of Kel’s
Australian Historic Racer
Kel did most of the day to day maintenance of the bike and farmed out the engine for rebuilds when needed. In 1994 Kel took the engine to Mark Woolfrey, noted engine builder and mechanic for Yamaha’s factory team in Australia. Much of the work Masaaki San had done years before was still in good condition and relevant, but Woolfrey tweaked the engine in different areas, in line with current thinking at that time, including a very lightweight knife edged crankshaft. The capacity was brought back to 550cc as Woolfrey believed it would rev harder and make more horsepower at that capacity. Power at this time in its life was believed to be in the low 60s at the rear wheel.
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Story by Chris Pickett, Photo Pickett and s by Chris Buggantar Photos.
AHR PICTORIA
L
YAMAHA’S TZ75 0 IS ONE OF COLLECTABL THE MOST E FACTORY RAC E BIKES EVER THE OWNER MADE. OF THIS BIKE DECIDED TO EVEN MORE MAKE HIS SPECIAL THA N THE ORIGINAL ACTORY
F
TH
TUFF OF LeEgSe nd Australian Historic Racer
racing machin es are generally built in very doubt the TZ750 small numbers, raced for a excitable handlin had a reputation for in the hands year or so g and power of the best and has few delivery riders and then left to peers as a languish in collectable racing machin sheds. Some bikes e. are like your If you speak grandfather’s to current hammer, with and former owners of and nine handle these machin five heads es, racing s, never has one parts are robbed watered down as you far away from financi and physic for newer al and so on. machines al pain. A They can lose good mine had their identit along the way. a TZ750 powere friend of y d sidecar back in the 1980s and Yamaha’s TZ750 was tells the story of risking a bit like that, with many everything bikes financially import parts to into the hands finding their way from Englan of privateer d to rebuild the engine eventually . After doing riders, becoming practice at Park things uncompetitive Oran and resigne were looking d to being up, until the engine seized ornaments sheds. The on the warmin last TZ750 the first race up lap for to be serious raced as a of the day. ly modern bike I’ve noticed still has a slight in Australia he was most nervous twitch likely the Gaytho you mentio when TZ ridden rne Yamah n a TZ750 by Michae a to him. l Dowson, with an FJ1100 fitted front end. CLASS ACT They became too expens There has ive to run and too slow been to keep up of TZ750 machin a bit of a resurgence with bikes Yamaha’s es in recent like own FZR10 Australian years in 00. But there’s classic racing no circles but generally they have been ridden –––
31 –––
s
––– 3 –––
46 48
TEST
ideas of weight reduction and it can just about push itself along. A 750/4 front end was fitted, with the dual brakes (500s originally had a single caliper), an oil cooler, firstly a regular four-into-one exhaust, and later a trick four-into-one system which could be pulled apart one header at a time. In this form the bike was seriously fast for its time, with Kel wheelstanding it off the front row time after time to take many wins in the unlimited class. The bike was as exotic as an historic racer could be at the time, with Dyna S coils and a rev limiter ensuring the bike was reliable as well as fast. Kel’s shining moment was beating much bigger bikes at Mount Panorama on this big bore 500.
Historic Racer Australian
s
AHR RACER
this 500/4 leaned up against the fence of a house just near Paul’s place. I knocked on the door and asked if it was for sale, and it was. I checked it out and realised it was my old bike, with all the Masaaki modified gear still on it. The bloke wanted $100, I couldn’t get my wallet out quick enough.” It took some work to breathe racing life back into the little Honda but it wasn’t long before the bike was ready to terrorise more fancied machinery and opponents, just like it did a decade earlier.
s
Australian Historic
QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA GRIZZLY 700
Bear in the Woods
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WATCH VIDEO NOW
Yamaha’s biggest work ATV has more than just a name to offer
N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY YAMAHA
YAMAHA’S Grizzly (YFM700FAP) sits right at the top of the company’s ATV hit list and rightly so. It is the biggest in sheer size, engine capacity and ability. Sure it’s perfect for working the land or on large work sites but there’s a fair chunk of fun thrown in there for good measure. If you see a work mate blasting around the mine with a massive grin on their dial or a farmer who’s outrunning their Blue Heeler then there’s a fair chance they are on a Grizzly. There’s quite a number of Grizzlys available from Yamaha, from the humble little 350 through to the 700 with Electronic Power Steering (EPS), the one on test here. Any ATV this size with this much grunt really does need EPS otherwise working all day would be a bit of hard yakka. The system used on the Grizzly 700 works extremely well. We tested it on fast trails at speed and also in tight heavy scrub areas, finding no issues at all.
Punch Me It’s powered by a liquid-cooled fuel injected single cylinder engine, so torque is plentiful. Outright power is too. It’s no high revving beast but still cracks along at a fearsome pace, launching the front end in the air pretty much at whim from low speeds. Not that riding it like a sports quad is your normal riding mission on a Grizzly but it will cope admirably well doing so.
Power isn’t up by massive amounts, a five per cent increase in power and nearly 10 per cent in torque, but once again it is noticeable. As for direct technical comparisons from the previous engine, there are some updates in camshaft design and a 20cc increase in capacity.
Tarzan’s Grip Big 26 inch tyres are used now as standard, and Maxxis is the factory fitment. According to Maxxis the benefit of going to 26 inch is extra traction which sounds about right. We didn’t test the Grizzly in atrocious conditions but noticed the extra grip from the front end in tight turns, and another real world benefit was more comfort for the rider. There’s a few other new details for this year. The styling has been updated, not Continued on next page
QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA GRIZZLY 700 massively but enough to modernise it somewhat. Part of that is the LED lights front and rear. In fact these LED lights are very potent so they are not just for looks... Rack capacity has been updated too, with a total load ability of some 140 kilos plus rider. This is 10 kilos more than the outgoing model. Doesn’t sound like much but enough. It can tow 140 kilos as well. KYB nitrogen gas shocks are fitted and boasts a good range of travel., 193mm front and 232mm rear. That will cope for most things you’ll get the Grizzly into. They are pre-load adjustable as well.
Drive Time A CVT transmission makes the big Grizzly easy to use, and it’s a system most ATV riders would be used to these days. Pretty much every work quad has a similar system. It’s an On-Command system which means you can select two or 4 wheel drive and you can engage the differential lock as well if the going gets tricky. High and low range comes standard too. All this is done from the hand controls. Easy. Seeing it goes as quick as it does, Yamaha has fitted twin-piston calipers front and rear, so brakes wise it’s one of the strongest on the work ATV market.
Buy It? Personally I found the Grizzly fantastic fun, and I know that’s not what it’s really designed for. As a work horse it is one of the best out there. And Yamaha’s are reliable so unless you want to you probably won’t need to trade it anytime soon. Despite its size (there are bigger ATVs out there) it’s flickable and easy to ride in tight confines and at speed. I think this is helped by the fact the 18 litre fuel tank is under the seat, keeping the centre of gravity as low as possible. Pricing is $13,999 for the 700 EPS in standard Yamaha Blue, or an extra $600 for the Camo version (my favourite). For the Grizzly 700 SE EPS which has a few extras including the special Carbon Metallic paint job you’ll pay the same price as the Camo EPS, $14,599. Go grab a bear. n
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TORQUING BACK
Letters Showtime
G’day guys just wanting to drop a line and let you know how much I enjoy your show. I think it’s the honesty and rawness that appeals to me, absolutely enjoyed the USA story, also can’t go without the mag. Keep doing what you’re doing. Wayne – Gixer 1000 & Vstrom 1000 Thanks Wayne. It’s always good for feedback, good or bad. Ed.
I want more
I love watching the show on TV but I was wondering if you do viewers questions? For example I have not ridden for near on 30 years and I have bought a 2007 Heritage Softail. I am learning again and enjoying it but my question to you is how do you avoid or overcome pins and needles in the hands, especially in the throttle hand? Also will you be doing segments on various clothing from boots to helmets, budget to top dollar? Again love the show and look forward to your answers, keep up the good work team. Keith Hi Keith. I also get pins and needles in my hands when riding long distances, probably the result of a bike crash or three I’ve had over the years. What I do to relieve it somewhat is to try and stop every 100 kilometres or so, for a few minutes, when touring. It keeps my mind sharp, my backside sort of pain free and the pins and needles at bay. I’m far from being a doctor though. As for the riding gear, we do try and show a piece of clothing each episode. Ed.
cycletorque.com.au DECEMBER 2015 I 78
Sweet Stroker
Watched your show recently, it was great as usual, especially the Honda NSR250R. I am an old fella never knew about these bikes before and they look like a whole lot of fun. How would I go about finding out how and where to purchase one? Any help would be much appreciated. Love the show and mag keep up the great work. Gordon Hi Gordon Now that little NSR250R was a cracking good bike and the new owner of it loves it. It was very fast and a joy to ride. Comfy enough too. Any of that era twostroke is good fun to ride, but they are not getting any cheaper. The NSR isn’t common in Australia, especially the first MC16 model like the one on the show. Another great option is the Yamaha TZR250 from the same era. Classical Gas Motorcycles in Newcastle have a Japanese import Yamaha R1-Z 250 two-stroke, a naked quarter litre banger for not a lot of money. Their advertisement is inside this issue. Ed
Thanks for the help
THE TV segment with the guy and his Yamaha SR cafe racer and how it helped him. I just wanted to say thanks. My partner has been fighting cancer for five years now and if it wasn’t for my bike project I think I would have been in a much worse place. Tony
Write a Letter! WIN A GREAT PRIZE This month Gordon has won a Cargol Turn & Go puncture repair kit. Available from better bike shops everywhere and there’s a video of one being used on the Cycle Torque website.
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
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CREDITS
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cycletorque EDITOR CHRIS PICKETT chris@cycletorque.com.au
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WWW.CYCLETORQUE.COM.AU PO Box 687, Warners Bay, NSW 2282 Ph (02) 4956 9820 • Fax (02) 4956 9824 • info@cycletorque.com.au REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: DARRYL FLACK, BOB GUNTRIP, DAVE MASON, KEITH MUIR, ALEX PICKETT, DARREN SMART, TODD REED, FRIEDEMANN KIRN, WWW.2SNAP.COM, COL WHELAN, ‘AUNTY’ MAL CHERLIN, TONY ‘CARNAGE’ PENFOLD, RYAN GRUBB AND BRIAN DYER. Cycle Torque is published by Motorcycle Publishing Pty Ltd. ABN 91 085 871 147 Cycle Torque is available from bike shops across Australia. If you can’t find our latest issue, call 0420 319 335. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, including electronic, without written permission of the publisher. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR BEFORE SUBMITTING FREELANCE CONTRIBUTIONS.
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