WELCOME
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July 2015 Welcome to the July 2015 issue of Cycle Torque. On the cover is Yamaha’s amazing YZF-R3. A little bike to be sure but Yamaha is hoping it’s a big seller and going by what we experienced at the Australian launch of the bike we expect it to be too. There’s plenty of other bikes too, Triumph’s Thunderbird Storm, the Kawasaki LAMS Vulcan S cruiser and getting a bit of adventure in the mix, the Aprilia Caponord. Nigel attended the launch of Aprilia’s biggest capacity adventure touring machine and loved it. He even reckons it would make a great commuter. We caught up with an Eastern European lady on her own adventure to explore the world by KTM, and hear about how the government is stiffing us on registration fees. There’s also lots of products, our columnists will enthral you, and the news will keep you up to date. Get into it then! – Chris Pickett chris@cycletorque.com.au
INSTRUCTIONS NEWSLETTER EMAIL US YOUR FEEDBACK
CONTENTS
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Ridden
28 LAUNCH
YAMAHA YZF-R3
37 LAUNCH
APRILIA CAPONORD
Features 66
DREAM BIG
69
THE REGO RIP-OFF
79
QUAD TORQUE
81
BOOK SHOP
47 TEST
57 TEST
TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD STORM
KAWASAKI VULCAN S
Regulars 5
NEWS TORQUE
26
GUNTRIP
18
SMALL TORQUE
72
BIKE STUFF
22
EDITORIAL
77
USED & REVIEWED
23
DIRTY TORQUE
84
MARKET TORQUE
25
RACE TORQUE
87
TORQUE BACK - LETTERS
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MAGNUM X-1
On the Magnum X-1, pushing the sound barrier is about more than just speed. Throw a leg over and plug into 10 speakers blasting 200 watts powered by a 106 cubic inch Freedom速 V-twin. This is our loudest bike ever. It harmonizes your riding style with your music style, and puts you center stage as the headliner of a rocket concert.
VictoryMotorcycles.com.au | P: 1300 721 360 | * Overseas models shown. ^Facebook速 is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
NEWS TORQUE
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Just like Marquez’s FOR the first time since Ducati sold a road-going Desmosedici, a manufacturer is offering a MotoGP replica but it’ll cost you around $244,000.
$244,000!
Honda has announced the RC213V-S will be released, complete with lights, indicators and an optional sports kit for track use. Changes from the MotoGP-spec bike have been made for ridaebility and maintenance reasons. They include dropping the pneumatic valve springs in favour of coil springs and ditching the seamless transmission in favour of a conventional gearbox. Fuel capacity drops from 20l to 16.3. Apart from the junk required to make a bike street legal lights, speedo etc - the manufacturer also added an electric starter and sidestand. The changes have bumped the dry weight to 170kg, about 12kg more than the MotoGP version. The S-version produces 160HP, a massive 75 down on the GP spec… but adding the sports kit brings it back up to 215, just 20 down on Marc’s bike. Find out more at the microsite www.rc213v-s.com. I don’t reckon the local distributor will have one on its press fleet, so if you’d like to be featured on Cycle Torque TV with your new RC213V-S, give us a call! n
NEWS TORQUE
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Big John OAM “BIG John” Young is an institution in Hunter Valley motorcycle circles and many know him as the founder and instigator of the very first toy run , possibly in Australia.
We provide a one- stop shop for all your motorcycle, mule and ATV needs. Have a browse through our Virtual Used Bikes Showroom, which displays a cross section of our stock - approx 160 bikes on the floor.
We provide a one- stop shop for all your motorcycle, mule, ATV & jet ski needs. Have a browse through our We proudly and professionally later model Virtual Used Bikes Showroom, whichservice displays a cross bikes in our onsite service facilities. All types of service section of our stock including - approx 160 bikes on athe floor. is covered fitting tyres. We carry full range of accessories and spare parts. We also have a loan See our professional team of bike service to keep you mobile. technicians for all your service • 9 Buckingham Dr Wangara - p 08 9409 2330 needs. We carry a -full range • 237 Great Eastern Highway Midland 08 p 9250 2522 of accessories, tyres and We. also w w w . m a c spare k 1 . parts. c o m a u have a loan bike service to keep you mobile.
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Well now he’s Big John Young OAM after having been awarded the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday honours lists for his 37 years of service to children and the community of Newcastle. Now 70 years old it’s hard to know what pleases him the most - the OAM or the 10,500 record-breaking number of bikes that took part in last year’s toy run and raised $97,000 for the Salvation Army. The first Newcastle Toy Run was held in 1979 and the participants could have been counted in the dozens. The story goes that a member of the NSW North Coast Eagles (a now defunct patch club) spoke to Barry London, then president of the New Tech Tourers, in a Nabiac pub, and told him about a toy run they had organised. Barry then contacted the Motorcycle Social Group at the Federal Hotel in Newcastle and the rest, as they say, is history. The first two runs were to aid Woodlands Boys Home, Wallsend by the crew from New Tech Tourers and the Federal Hotel. Woodlands moved to Sydney and the Toy Run chose the Salvation Army as their charity. From 1981 through to 1989 it was Combined Bikers then in 1990 to 2014 it became Bikers for Kids Charity Newcastle Toy Run. The face of the Toy Run in Newcastle has been “Big John” Young who has been part of the Organising Committee from the start of 1981 and has been the sole organiser since 1990.n
NEWS TORQUE
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Victory to race Pikes Peak Victory Motorcycles, in partnership with Roland Sands Design and Cycle World, will race a new prototype engine at the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb on June 28, just after this issue of Cycle Torque goes to press. The prototype bike, named Project 156 for the 156 turns in the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, will feature a liquid-cooled engine and be piloted by Cycle World Road Test Editor Don Canet. “We have an intense focus at Victory Motorcycles to prove the performance of our vehicles,” said Rod Krois, Victory General Manager in the USA. “Competing as an American Manufacturer at America’s race is an exciting opportunity. The gruelling conditions at Pike’s Peak provide the perfect proving ground for our new Project 156 race engine.”The Project 156 motorcycle is a hand-built machine with a prototype Victory motor and represents the future performance of the Victory brand. It features intake Twin 67mm throttles with downdraft runners for maximum power and torque as well as a performance valvetrain including titanium intake and exhaust valves. The Roland Sands Design team developed and built the chassis to cradle the Project 156 motor. “This truly has been an All-American effort,” said Roland Sands. “The Race to the Clouds is a legendary event and we couldn’t be more proud to partner with Victory on the endeavor. We’ve built lots of custom motorcycles, but building a purpose-built race bike for this project has been a unique experience that we’ll remember for a long time. The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is an annual car and motorcycle hill climb to the summit of Pike’s Peak, Colorado. Having started in 1916, it is the second-oldest motorsport event in America after the Indianapolis 500. The track measures 12.42 miles (19.99 km) over 156 turns, climbing 4,720 feet (1,440 m) from the start at Mile 7 on Pike’s Peak Highway, to the finish at 14,110 feet (4,300 m), on grades averaging 7 per cent. To learn more about Project 156, our sponsors, and Victory Motorcycles, visit www.victorymotorcycles.com/en-us/project-156 or follow on Twitter @VictoryBikes and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ VictoryMotorcyclesAustraliaandNZ. n
NEWS TORQUE
Diavel Titanium FOLLOWING its successful unveiling at last year’s EICMA trade show in Milan last November, production of the Diavel Titanium, a limited 500-bike edition, is under way and the first bikes are already on their way to Ducati stores (estimated arrival in Australia is June).
Built using only the finest components and featuring plenty of exclusive details, the Diavel Titanium, in addition to inheriting the undisputed dynamic performance common to all the other models in the Diavel family, embodies a style that merges design, performance and technology. The defining feature of this Diavel, which gives the bike such an extraordinary combination of strength and lightness, is titanium. The broad tank covers (side and central) and headlamp cover are both made of this exceptional metal which has been specially banded and chemically satin-etched to create a host of different chromatic shades. On the passenger seat cover, redesigned and widened on this version, the titanium is combined with carbon fibre. Carbon fibre has also been used to make the redesigned air intakes, now wider and more powerful-looking, giving the Diavel Titanium a sharper, more aggressive look. The radiator covers, micro-screen, front and rear mudguards, front sprocket cover and filler cap cover are also made of carbon fibre. Taking exclusivity to the next level, the hand-stitched seat made of Alcantara® is embellished with leather inserts. The aesthetics also benefit from a dark chrome finish on the frame, while another key styling detail on the Diavel Titanium takes the form of a high-grade, matt black ceramic coating on the exhaust pipes. Completing this special edition are the exceptional machine-finished forged wheels in exposed aluminium, designed to make the Diavel Titanium unquestionably unique. To underline the exclusive value of this limited edition, each Diavel Titanium will sport an individually numbered tank-mounted plaque (XXX/500). n
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HILLS MOTORCYCLE WRECKERS WRECKING JAPANESE AND EUROPEAN BIKES OLD AND NEW MODELS
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n We buy bikes for cash in any condition
n Blue slip done on premises by appointment.
1/47 Prince William Drive, Seven Hills NSW 2147
Phone : 0296743844 • Mobile : 0428223385 • Fax : 0296743822 • Email : enquiries@hillsmotorcyclewreckers.com.au
www.hillsmotorcyclewreckers.com.au ABN 71 523 226 982 Dealers Licence NO MD 16001
NEWS TORQUE
cycletorque.com.au cycletorque.com.auJUNE JULY 2015 I 9
Ural cT model lands THE 2015 Ural range has had a range of subtle modifications to improve the ride and handling of these increasingly popular vehicles. By running 18inch wheels all round Ural has made a small compromise on ground clearance so the whole outfit sits slightly lower. They have also used the retro sidecar suspension to bring the chair itself down a couple of centimetres - all of which helps lower the centre of gravity and therefore stability. The mounting brackets have also been expanded to push the wheel track wider which also creates more stability and less inclination for the chair to lift when on faster or off-camber turns. The new model is still nonetheless suitable for off-road or adventure riding. Previously slightly over geared in top when battling a headwind or long gradual climbs, the change in wheel size has neatly resolved this problem. Top gear now hangs on better in adverse conditions and the ability to accelerate through 100km/h is noticeably better. Ural Australia has landed the new 2015 cT in Gloss Grey, Terracotta or Yellow. They arrive as a bare model that can then be accessorised to customer requirements.Find out more from www.imz-ural.com.au or call (02) 6778 7436. n
It’s not where you’re going, It’s how you get there!
http://www.kenma.com.au/motorcycle_luggage.html
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
Ccycletorque.com.au Y C L E T O R Q U E F E JULY B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 11 15
Magnum X-1 For 2015 Victory has turned up the volume even louder, with the boldest line up to date, headlined by the all-new Magnum X-1 Limited Edition bagger.
The Magnum X-1 lets you plug into 10 speakers blasting 200 watts making this Victory’s loudest bike EVER! Rolling on custom 21-inch Black Billet front and 16-inch rear machined out of a single block of aluminium, smoke tinted LED headlight and a stunning Electric Red over Gloss Black & Platinum paint scheme. With a very limited number of X-1s to be brought to Australia, this bold bike will start at $34,995 ride away and is available in dealerships now. Joining the Magnum X-1 in 2015 is the release of Factory Custom Paint options available for a limited time on the acclaimed Cross Country. These paint schemes are exclusively designed and hand-crafted by master custom painters in Victory’s recently opened state of the art paint facility using premium paint, multiple layers of clear coat, hand buffing and meticulous attention to detail with the most demanding quality standards. Factory Custom Paint schemes available for 2015, include the Suede Black with Red Pinstripe made popular by the infamous Hard-Ball, plus a striking Havasu Red with Black Flames livery and lastly Two-Tone Suede Sunset Red over Black. The entire Victory line up has also received additional fresh paint schemes for 2015. Victory also continues to refine the best collection of heavy cruisers on the market in 2015 with the addition of ABS Brakes to a number of popular models including High-Ball, Gunner, Judge and Boardwalk. These bikes are already renowned for their high level of standard specification, competent chassis and powerful 106 Freedom V-Twin; the availability of ABS brakes makes these bikes even better. Call 1300 721 360 or visit www.victorymotorcycles.com.au for more information. n
Enjoy the Adventure Without the Drama ASIA MOTORCYCLE TOURING Experience the fantastic riding, food and culture of Thailand, Laos or Cambodia Small groups, fully guided and supported 7, 14 or 22 days options suit every budget For more information please visit www.twogethertouring.nz Email: info@twogethertouring.nz Phone: +61 417 417 464
NEWS TORQUE
Ccycletorque.com.au Y C L E T O R Q U E F E JULY B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 12 15
Experience a GS The BMW GS Experience test ride program is back.
The GS Experience is an opportunity to experience the capabilities of BMW’s class-leading GS range on a variety of bitumen and light off-road trails. The mixed terrain has been carefully chosen to showcase the dynamic qualities of each model in real world conditions. The test rides will be conducted in Malaney in Queensland (July 29-30), Wiseman’s Ferry in New South Wales (August 1213) and Toolangi, Victoria, September 16-17. Each test ride is a combination of on- and off-road conditions, demonstrations and technical briefings. The demonstrations, feature ABS, Traction Control, ASC Riding Mode, Dynamic ESA, Quick Shift and more. BMW models available include the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS, F 800 GS Adventure, F 700 GS as well as the learner approved G 650 GS and G 650 GS Sertao. A small fee of $49 covers refreshments and a BMW Motorrad GS Experience T-shirt. To book your GS Experience test ride, visit bmwmotorrad.com. au/gsexperience or call 1800 813 299 for more information. n
NEWS TORQUE
Scooter Hub A NEW motorcycle and scooter hire business in the Hunter region can offer more than just LAMS approved bikes for hire. They can also offer something different for weddings, conventions or advertising display.
Scooter Hub is the brainchild of Ian and Adriane Smith. Ian spent 20 years riding as a motorcycle courier in London, Sydney and Perth and 10 years as a rider trainer. You can hire bikes by the day, week or month or lease hire for longer periods. Generous daily kilometre allowance lets you visit out of the way cafes in Newcastle, ride down little lanes to see the amazing street art, the historic buildings (especially around The Hill, Maitland and Morpeth) park right outside art galleries, ride up to the wineries or go for a swim at one of Newcastle’s fabulous beaches. Newcastle is listed in the Lonely Planet guide (2011) as one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world. The easy to use booking system is at www.scooterhub.com.au. It is mobile device friendly or call 0468 365 252. n
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MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS FOR SALE
• NSW MTA Dealer of the Year 2012 & 2014. • Owner operated since 1977. • Authorised Agents for Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda Motorcycles & ATV's. • Excellent Show Room and Outside display areas. • Large and fully supported workshop with extensive range of Plant & Equipment. Workshop also has a Mezzanine Floor for storage. • Quite a varied range of Motorcycle accessories. • Large Spare Parts Dept. • Current Vendors are committed to work closely to ensure smooth transition & ongoing success. • W.I.W.O. OR BUSINESS ONLY. • Genuine Inquiries only Price on APPLICATION. Ph: 02 6836 2669 or email: pparisim@bigpond.net.au www.mcparisi.com.au
NEWS TORQUE
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Price takes Finke, Again Toby Price has reaffirmed his status as King of the Desert, winning the 2015 Tatts Finke Desert race over the June long weekend.
The 480-kilometre journey was raced over two days, departing Alice Springs and heading south, following the route of the old Ghahn railway track to the Finke township and back to Alice. The 27-year old, who also finished third on debut in this year’s Dakar Rally took a four-minute 45 second lead into the overnight camp at Finke, extending his lead to win by almost two minutes to KTM team-mate Tye Symmonds. “My theory was that if I could get a good run down and pull some gaps, hopefully my way home would be a little bit easier for me, so yesterday I just bit my lip and hung on and went for it,” Price said. Yamaha’s Josh Green finished third, 11 minutes and 24 seconds behind the leader. The win is the second Finke crown in a row for Price, who suffered a broken neck at the same race in April, 2013 and makes him a four-time Finke champion. “It definitely wasn’t an easy one on this trip,” Price said. “It was a hard slog and I can’t thank the crew here enough, it’s been an awesome effort by everybody.” “I don’t know whether my foot is cracked or whether there is some ligament damage, but I just know it’s very painful, it’s hard to stand on it, and I had some very messy moments down through the track.” This year’s Finke saw approximately 600 motorcycle and 134 car competitors make the journey, as approximately 15,000 spectators camped along the length of the 240 kilometre course. n
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Y R T N E E E R •F S K N I R D & • FOOD D • LI V E B A N RALIA’S YAMAHA AUST KE IK O W N S T RE E T B STUNT RIDER A DAVE MCKENN
SHOW ‘ N ’ SHI N C L A S SE E • Bes t S: Spor t B i k • Best (A L L M A e K B E S) E (BRITISH A Motor , E URO P c E AN, A M ycle • Bes t Yamah ERIC AN) • Bes t a Husq v ar na • Bes t T ( A L L M A o ur ing NU • B es t F A C T U R E S ) V i n t ag e Dir ( A L L M A t Bike • Ju dg N U F A C T U R E S ) es F a v ( A L L M A or i t e NUF AC T UR E
S)
ROPHIES • PRIZES ‘N’ T WAYS • HUGE GIVE A
NEWS TORQUE
RM85 race kit offer Do you have a burning desire to make it to the top of the sport of motocross and supercross in Australia before stepping up to the world stage? Suzuki Australia is ready to help you take the next step in your racing career, with all new Suzuki RM85 motocross bikes sold, now coming with a bonus race kit to give you the edge over your competition. The RM85 is now more aggressive than ever and ready to dominate junior race meetings across the country with $1200 of performance parts as standard when purchasing a new RM85 or RM85L (LargeWheel). The Pro-Circuit exhaust and muffler combined with the V-Force 3 Carbon Reed Block will have you at the pointy end of the field from the moment the gate drops, while the updated front and rear fenders along with the Factory designed graphics kit will ensure you look the part while leading the field through the first turn and across the finish line. The Bonus Race Kit Includes:- Renthal Fat-Bar handlebars, Fat-Bar mount kit, RM-Z styled front and rear fenders, Factory design decal kit, Pro-Circuit platinum exhaust, Pro-Circuit aluminum muffler, V-Force 3 carbon reed block Kit. RRP value $1200. The RM85/L is the perfect tool for young riders learning to race and win. Its two-stroke engine produces smooth power at any rpm with an emphasis on low to mid-range performance. Just like its senior siblings the RM85 delivers class leading handling for experienced racers and rookie riders alike. For more information on the Suzuki RM85 head to suzukimotorcycles.com.au. n
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NEWS TORQUE
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British Import wins Supermoto Chris Hodgson rode an out of the box Husqvarna to win one of its two victories in the Australian Supermoto Championships held in Newcastle, June 13-14. With a wealth of Supermoto time under his belt, the nine-time British champion confirmed that he didn’t even change the position of the levers before going out and winning the national championship. Hodgson also said the bike and track were “absolutely amazing”, celebrating the organisers who estimate some 20,000 people attended the Supermoto event over the two days. Husqvarna rider Paul Caslick also won the vets 45-to-50 years title from Steve Coppock and Ward Freeland. “Winning another Aussie title is unreal,” Caslick said. The win for Caslick was impressive considering that he suffered a heavy fall in the first race of the program, where he was involved in an incident with another rider and briefly knocked out. Caslick bounced back to win all four races in his category. “That would have been, in atmosphere, the best Australian championship I’ve ever been to. “The location was pristine, you’re surrounded by water and Newcastle city. “You’ve got the cathedral up on the hill, you’ve got Fort Scratchley, where the city was defended in the war,” Caslick said. “It showcased the sport really well, and it really showed the area is screaming for it.” n
SMALL TORQUE Axis anniversary Axis Motor Sports was first a “pipe dream” thought up by a motorcycle enthusiast with a passion for motor sports and the love of motorcycle racing. In 1994, Andrew (Hoppo) Hopson left Australia to try his luck in the industry in America. There he worked with Mitch Payton of Pro Circuit before moving to Honda, rising to Crew Chief of the American Honda team. Through his years Hoppo worked with some of the greatest riders in the world as well as being part of 14 AMA championships. The knowledge and experience gained was invaluable, and had to be shared. So in 2005, Hoppo moved back to Newcastle and Axis Motor Sports began. 10 Years has now past and Hoppo and his team are still as passionate about delivering the best Engine and Suspension packages available. For more information check out www.axismotorsports.com or ring Hoppo on (02) 4956 5611
Free flight offer Compass Expeditions is offering a one-off special of a free flight to and from Santiago, Chile anywhere in the world. The offer applies to anyone who books on the 2016 South America 360 tour, an epic ride taking 128 days to circumnavigate to entire South American continent. South America is one of the most exciting destinations on earth where cities of gold, mountains of silver and vibrant legendary cites are a stark contrast to the impossibly wild regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Atacama Desert and Patagonia. This complete circumnavigation of the entire South American continent is one of the
cycletorque.com.au JULY 2015 I 18
most extraordinary rides available on earth. For more information on this expedition go to http://goo.gl/2zrNb8 or call within Australia 1300 887 327. Email info@ compassexpeditions.com
Victory’s IOM podium Victory Racing is celebrating its first ever TT podium after Lee Johnston rode a 111.620mph lap in the SES TT Zero race to take third place.
ON THUNDERBIRD STORM
Lee had ridden increasingly fast laps on successive practices throughout the week as he became more familiar with the intricacies of riding the electric motorcycle – including energy management and regeneration – and he rode his fastest lap to date just when it mattered most.
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“Yeah, awesome to be back on the podium again. Every time we go out, we’re getting faster,” said Lee in the winners’ enclosure. “I think we had a little bit of battery left, so maybe could have went a bit quicker. Fair play to the Mugen boys, but at the end of the day they have been coming here for three years and in their first year they did nowhere near 110mph, so credit to the whole Victory team, it’s an absolutely awesome job. The bike’s so fun to ride because it’s so small, I really like riding it.” “I’m feeling very, very good. It was good day for Victory Racing on our first ever time at the TT,” Victory Racing team manager Brian Wismann said. “We accomplished what we set out to accomplish… got on to the podium, but we also got a 111mph average in our first ever TT Zero race. Speeds were good, the bikes were good and reliable, they looked great out there. n
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SMALL TORQUE Hot Pepper Harley-Davidson has released a short doco which celebrates the success of its team at the DLRA Speed Week after setting a national record of 165.131 mph in the 2000cc Modified Partial Streamlined – Push Rod Gas (MPS-PG). The full video can be viewed on the Harley-Davidson Australia YouTube channel. The documentary is also available on Facebook www.facebook.com/ harleyaustralia
Speedway dates Motorcycling Australia (MA) has released the dates for all Australian Speedway Championships in 2016. The 2016 Australian speedway season kicks off with the opening round of the Solo Championship in Kurri Kurri on New Year’s Day. 2015 champion Jason Doyle will look to secure back-to-back national titles, but will face stiff competition from a field that is expected to contain a host of international and homegrown stars. The solo championship runs Jan 1-10 with four rounds, the U21 title is on january 23 and the U16 Solo/ Sidecar Championship is January 2124. The Australian Speedway Sidecar
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Championship is at Mildura April 8-9. Keep an eye on the MA website for more info over the coming months.
Wildcard applications Wild Card applications for the Australian round of the 2015 MotoGP Championship are now open. Round 16 of the MotoGP Championship will be held at Phillip Island from 16 - 18 October 2015. Keep up to date with all of the action in the lead-up to the 2015 Australian MotoGP by visiting the MA website at www.ma.org.au.
Himalaya tours IF you have a hankering to explore the Himalayas then you need to move quickly to secure spots in the July and August tours. Tour industry pioneers Ferris Wheels can take you across the world’s greatest mountains, the highest road on the planet and get a taste for Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh cultures - all on board classic Royal Enfield Bullets. For more info check out www. ferriswheels.com.au
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THE NEW BMW S 1000 XR. MAKE LIFE A RIDE.
Not only is the BMW S 1000 XR one of the three high-powered 1,000cc models in the BMW Motorrad line-up, it’s also the latest offering with the core characteristics in a brand new blend, dubbed ‘Adventure Sport’. This encompasses dynamic touring qualities, sporty performance and high levels of comfort as well as outstanding everyday usability. In short, the all new BMW S 1000 XR serves up its own individual mix of sporting and touring flair at the same time as injecting a generous dose of emotion. Arriving in August 2015, register your interest today with Doncaster BMW Motorrad or Bundoora BMW Motorrad. Doncaster BMW Motorrad 814 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108 Ph: (03) 8848 0000 doncasterbmwmotorrad.com.au LMCT 8560
Bundoora BMW Motorrad 62 Enterprise Drive, Bundoora VIC 3083 Ph: (03) 9468 8000 bundoorabmwmotorrad.com.au LMCT 8560
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EDITORIAL
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Hitting the road and trails WITH Chris away at the Isle of Man, I’m back in the editor’s chair, albeit briefly - by the time this issue hits your local bike shop or App, I’ll be living the dream of riding a Harley across parts of the USA. It’s a bit of a busman’s holiday really, the idea of a bike journo going on holidays riding a bike – but seriously, I don’t ride as much as most readers think I do. It’ll be work, too, because I’m going to shoot the trip for Series 3 of the TV show which is coming to your small screen in October. It’s one thing riding a big Harley down highways, another to ride trail bikes in the bush – which is what I was doing recently. My son Damien and I scored the opportunity to ride on a property owned by a passionate trail rider, and we had a ball. Two days of trails, a little motocross track Email us your with friendly company feedback was simply awesome.
Both trail riding and open-road touring are great fun – don’t be afraid to try new approaches to motorcycling if you get the chance – I mean, I can’t give up this job, I’d have to buy at least five bikes – trail, sports, tourer, naked and adventure. Nobody’s going to pay me enough to fund that lot, so it looks like I’m stuck here for a while yet. Add in some cool winter weather perfect for riding - and you’ve got a formula for a memorable and fun weekend. And that’s the thing with motorcycling - I can’t think of too many other activities which are put under the same umbrella (motorcycling) yet are so different – one is small capacity bikes in the bush riding around in groups including children on bikes, another is doing something alone, on the other side of the world on a huge machine designed to eat miles in supreme comfort.
I feel the same way about racing, too: motocross, Supermoto, Superbike, MotoGP – I love them all. The Australian Supermoto Championships were held in Newcastle recently and I got to go along and watch the racing on the foreshore of Newcastle Harbour and it was a blast - even without the outright speed of MotoGP or the amazing jumps of motocross, but the way those guys back in the 450s… amazing. Again, get along to the racing in your area, it’s spectacular and gets the blood pumping. – Nigel Paterson
DIRTY TORQUE
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AMA Motocross or MXGP? With all the flashy riders, big jumps, well groomed tracks and awesome TV coverage the AMA Motocross Championship has become the premier series for race fans across the globe while the FIM World Motocross Championships has been playing second fiddle. Well guess what, times are a changing….
Michael Pichon and Sebastian Tortelli started showing the same on-track flare that the Americans had and there were many times during the Motocross of Nations that each of these riders were able to beat the Americans so speed wise you would have to say that the American dominance over the Euro riders was over by the early 1990s.
You really have to take your hat off to the Yanks, while motocross had been around in Europe since 1952 they only got serious about the sport thanks to Edison Dye bringing the likes of Torsten Hallman, Roger DeCoster, Joel Robert and Dave Bickers to compete on American soil in the late 1960s and by 1972 the first AMA Motocross Championship race was held in the Los Angeles Coliseum.
But the AMA Motocross Championships still had a much larger following than the World Motocross Championships. Chad Reed battling with Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart along with Ryan Villopoto going toe-to-toe with Ben Townley back in their 250 days will go down as the best racing ever while over in Europe the racing had gone stagnant.
Names like Brad Lackey and Gary Jones were the early winners of the AMA Motocross Championships before Bob Hannah, Marty Smith, Broc Glover, Mark Barnett, Jeff Ward and Jimmy Weinert (to name a few) started gaining serious speed and then in 1981 Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O’Mara and Chuck Sun swept the 250cc Trophee des Nations and the 500cc Motocross des Nations thus beginning a 13-year period of domination by American teams.
Once Stefan Everts retired we saw Antonio Cairoli win title after title in the 450/MXGP class while the likes of Marvin Musquin, Ken Roczen and now Jeffrey Herlings won the MX2 title without too much trouble but over the last couple of years there have been quite a few young riders coming through the ranks and the racing has never been better.
Americans were jumping things that the Euro rider wouldn’t, they wore brighter riding gear and had a more ‘rock star’ type of personality while the Euro riders like Harry Everts, Eric Geboers, Hakan Calquist, George Jobe and Andre Malherbe still had serious speed but lacked the personality of the Yanks. And the personalities just kept coming, Ricky Johnson, Ron Lechein, Jeff Stanton, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, the list goes on and on right up to this very moment where there are so many American motocross superstars it is hard to keep up with it all.
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Over in Europe things started to change a little when riders like Jean-Michel Bayle, Stefan Everts,
So here were are, mid 2015 and at the time of writing we had just completed five rounds of the AMA Motocross Championships and nine rounds of the World Motocross Championships and in the MX2 class we have seen Jeffrey Herlings, Valentin Guillod, Tim Gajser, Dylan Ferrandis and Alexandr Tonkov all taking moto wins while Jordi Tixier, Max Anstie, Jeremy Sewar, Julian Leiber and Pauls Jonas are all knocking on the door of a race win while in the 250 Class in the AMA series we have had only two race winners in Jeremy Martin and Marvin Musquin with no-one else even close. Ryan Villopoto going to contest the MXGP class in 2015 was big news but other than a moto win in Thailand the American was struggling with the speed of the Euro riders right up until he was injured. Villopoto, Max Nagl, Antonio Cairoli, Clement Desalle, Gautier Paulin and Romain Febvre have all tasted moto victories in the MXGP class but in the AMA series we have only seen Ryan Dungey, Eli Tomac and
Jeffery Herlings (84) in action. ©Red Bull Gmbh Ken Roczen score a moto win and there isn’t another rider in the field who can match their speed. For what it is worth I am rapt the MXGP series has better coverage than ever and that the riders are more appealing to follow than in the past and even though I still enjoy watching the Yanks racing I wonder how it is that there always seems to be so much talent yet so few race winners. – Darren Smart
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RACE TORQUE
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Muck Marquez In my May column ‘Meh Marquez’, It extinguished any hope for his rivals in 2015 after his dominant win at Texas. His victory followed a highly unusual result at the opening round at Qatar. Not only did Marquez not win, he failed to finish on the podium. Worse than that, he carded a distant fifth after running off on the first lap. But his sizzling pole time on his second bike and race-time blitz at Austin snuffed out any hope for Rossi or Lorenzo. After demolishing all before him 2013-14, it seemed like situation normal, hence the headline ‘Meh Marquez’. After seven rounds of 18 in 2015 and following his astonishing exit from Catalunya, Marquez lies fifth in the standings on 69 points, miles behind championship leader Rossi (139) and the white-hot Lorenzo (137). It is the most remarkable fall from the championship perch in living memory for a rider on the same brand of bike working with the same team. Marquez has made three big mistakes this year, but changes to his bike have played a part. According to MotoGP pundit David Emmett, the decline of the Honda relative to Yamaha and Ducati has been coming for 18 months. In a recent column on his motomatters.com website, he tracked the performances of Honda Satellite riders Stefan Bradl and Alvaro Bautista. Both men had strong 2013 seasons, running in the top five and even the top three, but fell away markedly in 2014. Email us your feedback Although the Honda was falling behind in 2014, Marquez did
a Freddie Spencer by simply riding and often overriding around any problem to claim 10 race wins to wrap up the title with three rounds to spare. Emmett reports that in a comparison between 2014 and 2015, the Honda is a second or so quicker per race, but the Yamaha is over 10 seconds faster, Ducati getting on for 20 seconds. Just why the Honda has fallen so far behind remains a mystery. There are suggestions that while the Honda is producing more power, its engine management system is having trouble controlling it. This makes entering corners – Marquez’s number 1 strength – highly difficult. Speaking after his crash at Mugello, Marquez said: “We were up into second place after four laps, but when the tyre grip went down we had a similar problem to before, with the tyre sliding on corner entry.” Muck? Marc’s standing in it. As MM tumbled out in Catalunya, he still had 11 races to make it three titles in a row. Some fans have blamed Casey Stoner for not developing the Honda during 2011-12 with the kicker that Marquez’s incredible talent has masked any shortcomings whilst he was in redhot form through 2013-14. He started 2015 year with a mistake at Qatar, and he’s been playing catch-up ever since. For his part, Stoner has always argued that riders don’t develop bikes, they simply provide input. It’s the engineers back at HRC who actually make the big calls on R&D. The irony of this discussion is that Stoner has been a HRC test rider since his retirement with the objective of improving the bike for both Marquez and team-mate Dani Pedrosa. Stoner was recently asked the obvious; what is the problem with the Honda? “I
can’t say,” he replied. “I know, but I can’t say.”
Vale Schilling
When you were getting into bikes as a teenager of the early 1970s, you devoured every motorcycle magazine you could. The very best was Cycle, the long-standing American monthly that was the biggest selling bike mag in the world. The editor at the time was Cook Neilson with Phil Schilling his able managing editor. Their passion for riding and racing, their mechanical understanding and intellectual firepower produced some of the finest-ever motorcycle journalism. Forget about school, I learned more from these guys about writing, evaluating, research, and understanding the often confusing world around me. I followed their development of the California Hot-Rod that started with a Ducati GT750 in 1973 to the vitally important 883cc SS750 that he and Neilson developed to win the 1977 Daytona Superbike race. Schilling was editor of Cycle from 1979 to 1988, and recently passed away after suffering from Parkinson’s disease. His legacy as a superb editor and writer, and a lover of motorcycling should never be forgotten. – Darryl Flack
GUNTRIP
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Janus The thing to remember about Geoff Duke, who died on 1 May aged 92, is that he represented the end of one era and the beginning of another – and that’s reflected in the division of his six world championships – three for Norton, three for Gilera. He took Norton’s last rider’s world championship with the 1952 Junior, adding to his 1951 Junior-Senior double for the Birmingham marque. But even Duke, stylist supreme and great strategic thinker about his craft, had to give way to Umberto Masetti’s Gilera in the 1952 500cc championship. As wayward and unruly as the Gilera might have been, it was good enough for Masetti to bring to a close 30 years and more of British single-cylinder dominance in the premier class, ending a line of grand prix winners that stretched back through Bob Foster and Freddie Frith to Jimmy Guthrie, Stanley Woods and Wal Handley. There were grand prix wins still to come for Norton after 1952 (the last was in 1969), and a stout rearguard action to be fought by Ray Amm in 1953 and ’54. But when Gilera came knocking Duke saw the way forward. He parked his sweethandling Norton and, with team-mate Reg Armstrong, set about recreating the Gilly if not in the single’s likeness, then at least with some of its more praiseworthy attributes. Fergus Email us your Anderson, meanwhile, set feedback about giving Moto Guzzi’s lithe,
If Duke had any part in Gilera’s failure at all it’s surely because he simply wasn’t on the same wavelength as other members of the team.
light and low single the first of five successive titles in the 350 class, which was no more than his due after long years of wandering the length and breadth of the Continental Circus. Duke won his third and last title for Gilera when he was past 32, and after his half-season ban for supporting the privateers’ strike at the Dutch TT in 1956 a little of the fire had gone out. The master was only too willing to anoint Bob McIntyre as his successor for 1957. Then came the wholesale withdrawal of the Italian teams and Duke found himself high and dry anyway, tinkering with lightweight Nortons and BMW twins, but ultimately leaving others in the spotlight while he tried his hand at the inevitable sports car racing. Duke’s position at the head of Gilera’s failed and the under-resourced grand prix team in 1963 did nothing to reduce his stature as the senior statesman of British racing. There seems little point in arguing the toss about it now, but for my money Derek Minter could have taken the 500cc world title from Hailwood that season with just a little more backing from the factory and a slightly different approach to his task from Minter.
But the image he’s left us contains none of these things. I never saw Duke in action but I can visualise him for all that, braking for Stavelot on the dustbin-faired Gilera, calm concentration in his eyes, the red rose of Lancashire on that white helmet. Duke’s 1988 autobiography is called In Pursuit of Perfection and the title is a fair estimate of my beliefs about the man: polished, professional, abundantly talented, as ready to confer respect as to receive it; stylish above all things. There hasn’t been a champion quite like Duke, neither before him and certainly not since. There was nothing of Mike Hailwood’s cavalier charm to be seen about him, and not much of John Surtees’ air of the gifted amateur, more typically found in motor racing of the same period. But there was something for all that: call it charisma, if you like. He was the sport’s supreme artist, bestowing a soft-spoken poise and even elegance on a sport that had hitherto got by on grit and guts and now seems to be fuelled by adolescent impudence. Duke would have been the first to acknowledge the transcendent ability of Rossi and Marquez but his generation was raised to conduct itself at different standards. That of course makes him an anachronism in the second decade of the 21st century but it’s our loss rather than his. Duke’s blood might not have been royal, but it was certainly noble. – Bob Guntrip
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YAMAHA YZF-R3 CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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Rocket Launcher
YAMAHA YZF-R3 CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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Full of learner style and substance, Yamaha’s new R3 will be a huge hit.
YAMAHA YZF-R3
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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
Rocket Launcher N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY IKAPTURE AND JOSH EVANS N RIDING GEAR: KABUTO HELMET, RST LEATHERS, RST BOOTS AND GLOVES BY FIVE GLOVES.
The learner market in Australia is so big these days it seems as though the manufacturers are in a LAMS war, just like the sports bike war that’s raged for many years. In fact it’s probably more important than the sports bike market in pure sales numbers. Yamaha’s new YZF-R3 is the latest small capacity LAMS bike from Yamaha, built specifically to take on the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which itself has enjoyed plenty of sales success over the last few years. Yamaha is using the ‘R’series of machines as a marketing tool with the new 321cc machine, saying it expects the buyer to be a first time rider in the 17-30 age bracket, especially suited to commuters or someone stepping up from say a dirt bike. And it’s priced right to suit these buyers too, with a price of $6099. After riding this bike I believe it’s quite the bargain at that price, especially how good it rides and handles. And seeing how this is the only member of the ‘R’ family that’s Vale 46 endorsed it’s got to have extra street cred hasn’t it?
Engineering The little parallel twin cylinder engine certainly likes to rev and pumps out 35 horsepower, with that number produced at 10800rpm. As you would expect, torque isn’t huge, 18.9 lb-ft at 9200rpm. This makes it competitive in the LAMS capacity market sector Yamaha is targeting. Not the strongest but not far from it. The all-new donk has an offset cylinder design, 180 degree crank layout, narrow valve angle, four-valve head, 11.2 comp and a Diasil cylinder and forged piston. For most LAMS riders that is pure gobbledygook and would mean absolutely nothing but it’s part of what makes this little engine a pure sweety. None of these capacity road bikes are what you’d call punchy off the bottom but once underway and revving a bit the R3 is fun to ride and reasonably flexible.
If you are riding quickly you do need to keep the engine on the boil to get decent acceleration out of corners, and luckily the bike has a smooth shifting six speed ’box. I guess you could say the engine is designed for sporting use and loves it when you use it aggressively but it’s pretty happy tootling around at commuting speeds too. You can see the ‘R’ series DNA in the styling of this bike, including the 10 spoke wheels. It looks more like an R6 than it does a new R1 though. The rest of the rolling stock is what you’d expect from a small capacity LAMS machine, which is built to a budget to suit said broke LAMS riders. It uses 41mm KYB forks, a single shock, twin-piston caliper and so on. Nothing special about it but nothing wrong about it either. Two things that will appeal to riders of smaller stature are the 780mm seat height and the 169kg wet weight. Overall it’s nicely built, to a price of course, and boasts the quality and I expect, the reliability you get from a Yamaha.
The ride There’s plenty of room for tall riders on the R3, so unless you suffer from over extended limbs you will be comfy. I expected my 95 odd kilos to cause a bit of Continued on next page Continued on next page
YAMAHA YZF-R3 CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
grief for the R3’s suspension, which has no adjustment on the front and pre-load only on the rear. But no worries there at all, even when hard under brakes, which themselves were well up to the task, even though it only has one two pot calliper on the front. Quick changes of direction on a track would normally highlight any issues the suspension might have, especially with a fat bastard perched on the back. The fat bastard testers on the launch made no complaints so I assumed all was good there before my first session. And when this fat bastard jumped on the frightened R3 I also found all was good with the forks and shocks. I suspect most of those riders in the 17-30 age bracket Yamaha is targeting won’t be my size so the bike will feel even better to them. One bike at the launch had an accessory pipe on it, which sounded horn, and I’d most likely fit one to my R3 if I was a noise and speed crazed learner. As an example the Akrapovic stainless steel slip on muffler costs $420 and gives half a horsepower increase but a handy 1.9 kilo less weight.
cycletorque.com.au JULY 2015 I 31 I have to admit I was very surprised how good the R3 went, stopped and handled, but more importantly how much fun it was to ride, considering it’s only 321cc. It got me thinking about a Yamaha RZ250 I rode recently. According to people riding back then it was a learner’s dream machine. 250cc two-stroke, racy styling, light weight, good handling and so on. I wasn’t even born when they were new but I was impressed when I rode that 1986 example. It did everything it said on the packet and was lots of fun. No wonder they sold like ecstasy tablets at a rave party. Directly comparing the RZ and the R3 in a fair manner is difficult but both are a hoot to ride, with the RZ getting the edge in the engine department because of the edgy power from the two-stroke engine, and the R3 winning out on the handling and stopping front, as you would expect with 30 years of development. It’s a shame there’s no ‘proper’ two-stroke road engines out there these days, we youngsters are missing out. But will the R3 be a sought after retro rocket for those riders looking to relive their wasted youth in 20 years time? It’s hard to say but people who grew up with music from the 1980s seem to still love it, despite most of it being awful, so I suppose we do get nostalgic for our early loves. – Alex Pickett
At 7000rpm this bike is doing around 100km/h so even freeway work is fine. I’m not saying I’d be keen to ride to from Sydney to Melbourne but it will do it ok.
It’s the gas I really think this bike will be a big seller for Yamaha and it deserves to be. The range of LAMS bikes available these days is astonishing, and you only have to look at bikes like Triumph’s Street Triple 660, Ducati’s Monster 659 and Yamaha’s own MT-07 to see what the top end of the LAMS market is like but some of these are double the price of the R3.
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There’s more great LAMS bikes of course but that’s a good example of the top of the sports LAMS lineup, and I see the R3 as a sporty learner machine. It looks the goods and is the goods. n
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REAR TYRE: 140/70-17
I DRY WEIGHT: 169KG I PRICE: $6999 RIDE AWAY I FRAME TYPE: DIAMOND
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SEAT HEIGHT: 780MM
FUEL CAPACITY: 14 LITRES WATCH VIDEO NOW
FRONT SUSPENSION: 41MM KYB
FRONT TYRE: 110/70-17
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YAMAHA YZF-R3 CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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ENHANCED ESTERS FOR FASTER, SMOOTHER SHIFTING
OFF D A O R
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APRILIA CAPONORD CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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Triple Shot Italian Cap
APRILIA CAPONORD CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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N REPORT BY NIGEL PATERSON, PHOTOS BY APRILA & PATERSON
WITH three models of Caponord, your local Aprilia dealer has an adventure bike for you - there’s the Strada, which is the basic model excellent for the urban jungle, the Touring, excellent for long-distance rides across any road and the Rally, with its offroad laced rims and sturdy luggage for the more serious dusty travel. The three models offer significant differences from each other despite sharing the same motor and styling.
Rally The Caponord Rally is the most expensive and fully featured of the range. It also has the most adventurous abilities and styling, the tough-looking laced tubeless wheels being a real standout. At 19 inches the front wheel is the favourite compromise size for adventure bikes few have a 21-inch wheel like you’d find on an enduro machine, whereas it’s not a potentially nervous 17-incher, either. That decision, combined with Aprilia’s choices of steering geometry, suspension quality and wheelbase are some of the reasons the Caponord rally is great to ride on loose surfaces. Adventure bikes are big business these days, so technology is being thrown at them to give an edge over the competition and give average riders more confidence when the conditions get tricky. Aprilia has lots of interesting technology in the Caponord Rally and it all helps make the machine one worth having a good hard look at before you throw down money for one of its better-known competitors. There’s also the hard panniers, rectangular units which look designed to take the punishment of adventure riding. They also have an innovative twist - you can open them normally (which often results in the contents spilled all over the ground, like most vertical-split panniers) or just flip a quarter section of the lid, effectively giving you access similar to top-loading panniers. With 33 litres of capacity, they’re a good size, too, and with the exhaust exiting relatively low you don’t lose pannier capacity to muffler accommodation.
The Rally is more protective of rider and bike thanks to the larger adjustable screen than fitted to previous Caponords and engine guards, there’s some really interesting technology incorporated into the machine which interfaces with your smartphone to help with GPS mapping and entertainment and an array of interesting options. The Rally is fitted with the latest versions of Aprilia’s Dynamic Damping (ADD), which is semi-active electronic suspension. When ADD is running the electronics are continuously monitoring the suspension and adjusting on the fly - and the dash lets you know this with an LCD which is almost continuously changing - distracting at first, but only for the first tankful of juice. I loved the ADD about 99 per cent of the time. It smoothes out the bumps without making the bike mushy or letting it wallow, so bad roads, speed bumps and corrugations are far more comfortable to get across than you’d expect. It was only when charging hard on a good bitumen road that I felt the ADD didn’t suit my riding style. I wanted more damping… so I took over manual control and adjusted the suspension, via buttons. Easy, quick, fuss-free and you know what? I reckon my complaints about the suspension were about personal feel, not actual problems, and that owners will get used to the characteristics of the ADD and never change it - and they will be able to ride very fast in any conditions. Continued on next page
APRILIA CAPONORD CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH Make no mistake, this is an open class bike with excellent performance. Sure, it ‘only’ produces around 125 horsepower, which is down on some of the competitors, but away from a track I doubt you’ll ever notice. Power delivery thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle and excellent fuel injection system is silky-smooth, and you can tailor it to your needs via rain, touring and sport engine maps. Unlike some adventure bikes, you have control over most of the electronics. The three-level Aprilia Traction Control and ABS can be switched off if you want to pull wheelies or lock up tyres, both of which can be fun, especially on gravel roads. The rims will even take narrower than standard tyres, which could be good if you were getting seriously dirty. But in the end this is a touring motorcycle, and at that job it’s superb. The upright riding position is really, really comfortable, and there’s an option for a lowered saddle or an even more comfortable gel seat. I didn’t ride the bike with a pillion, but Aprilia claim the back seat is wide, flat and designed to prevent passengers sliding forward, and there are standard grab rails. Fuel capacity is 24 litres, so the touring range is excellent. I really enjoyed riding the Caponord Rally, because it was relaxing to ride - the beat of the big V-twin motor, the convenience of the standard cruise control, the comfort of the riding position and protection of the fairing made riding all day easy and fun. There is a whole array of accessories available for the Caponord Rally, including a matching 52 litre top box, approved Arrow exhaust, offroad footpads, carbon-fibre guards and most importantly, heated hand grips - standard the bike has the switch, but they aren’t there.
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you’re in traffic. The big differences between the touring and the Rally is the Toruing is more road biased – cast wheels with a 17-inch front, plastic colour-matched panniers and a smaller screen for a start. The changes make the bike that little bit better on bitumen, and it’s a little cheaper, too. I found the 17-inch front wheel a little more confidence inspiring when riding hard on the road, but broadly speaking it’s very similar to the Rally. I also rode one on a good gravel road and it wasn’t just capable, it was downright fun. Australian riders have this aversion to 17-inch front wheels on adventure bikes, and if you’re riding in really soft or muddy terrain, fair enough – but that’s where 200+kg of adventure bike is really hard work anyway, and the manufacturers have spent a lot of time and money over the years getting the smaller wheels to work well away from bitumen, so unless you plan to do lots of unsealed road riding, you might be better off on a Touring.
Strada The Caponord Strada has been introduced as a base model - it has conventional suspension and the panniers are an option, but it’s a little cheaper and lighter than the Touring or Rally. I loved the Strada, which surprised me. I thought the suspension was nicely set up and probably because it didn’t have any luggage just felt that bit nicer when slipping around the traffic and getting around town. the riding position is excellent, sitting up and seeing what’s around you, while the grunty engine made getting from point A to point B easy and fun. If you don’t care for the latest in high tech, the Strada could be for you.
Caponord Touring
Conclusion
Introduced in 2013 as the 1200 Caponord, the bike is now known as the Touring to differentiate it from the Rally and Strada models.
You don’t see too many Caponords on the streets and parked outside outback pubs, but I really think the Rally could change that. It’s a very capable bike, with an excellent level of specification for the price. It’s not as off-road capable as the highestpriced Adventure bikes, but it’s at least as good as the standard models from other manufacturers, and good value, too.
Chris Pickett tested the bike for Cycle Torque in the September 2013 edition, which you can read online at www.cycletorque.com.au or get the whole edition on your iPad or iPhone via the Cycle Torque App, or read it at http://issuu.com/cycletorque. The short story is the Caponord Touring is a great bike - it’s capable in sports riding, eats miles effortlessly when touring and even has neatly designed panniers which don’t stick out too much when
The Touring is capable of taking you comfortably on long rides and at high speed if you choose. Maybe it should be the Caponord Sports/Touring… and the Strada is a bike I’d ride to work if I had a long commute. 1200cc bikes aren’t usually considered commuters (and financially it’s a crazy idea) but the way the Strada carves through traffic and jumps kerbs would turn the morning grind into the morning grin. n Continued on next page
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STORM
Offer available on new model, for a limited time while stocks last at participating dealers. Free 12 months Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance is to be issued at the point of purchase only. Triumph Motorcycle Insurances Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance is underwritten by Swann Insurance (Aust) Pty Ltd ABN 80 000 886 680 AFSL no. 238295 (Swann). You can obtain a PDS for this product from Swann or your Triumph dealer. Purchaser must be eligible for Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance and approved by Swann. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash. Refer to www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au for any variations to the promotion period or the terms and conditions of the offer. Triumph ‘having it all voucher’ redeemable for Genuine Triumph accessories and/or clothing or as a credit on the bike purchase. Only redeemable at point of motorcycle purchase, not redeemable for cash. *having it all voucher is inclusive of GST and is not redeemable for cash.
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2015 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD STORM CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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2015 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD STORM
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Big, powerful and with strong presence, the Triumph Thunderbird Storm makes a statement about British power.
2015 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD STORM
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Soul-Stirring Storm N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY NIGEL PATERSON N RIDING GEAR: KABUTO HELMET, ROLAND SANDS JACKET AND GLOVES.
SOMEONE at Triumph has a sense of humour - after all, the last place most of us want to be is on a bike in a Storm, but here’s a machine which reminds you of bad weather every time you hear its name Storm. Of course, the word also implies energy, which the Triumph Storm delivers along with massive amounts of useable torque and brutal good looks. The test bike matched the name, too - the silver/ grey paintwork echoing the colour of a clearing storm, while the lack of ostentatious chrome work added to the brooding masculinity of the machine. This is a tough looking machine without being intimidating.
Big and low Fitted with the world’s biggest parallel twin cylinder engine, the Thunderbird Storm is very much a big bike – but it’s also got a low seat, which means just about anyone can get their feet on the ground and manoeuvring, while still something requiring care because of the weight, is much easier than I expected.
Fire up the big twin and there’s a shimmy and a shake or three as those big pistons travel a long way up and down the cylinders. As soon as you start rolling the vibrations smooth out though, the Thunderbird thumping along like a smooth V-twin, thanks to the offset crankshaft. The incredible torque from the motor makes cruising effortless, with the bike delivering the meat of its power and torque at highway speeds from 60-130km/h. Yes, this is one cruiser where you need to be seriously careful of your speed – I frequently found myself going faster than I thought on the long, low
machine. Because of this I would have loved to have had a cruise control, but there’s little overt high tech on the Thunderbird models. No cruise, no traction control, no riding modes, no fancy instruments… it’s really just a big, comfortable traditional cruiser, and it makes no apologies for that. The tech installed is also hidden – the EFI delivers fuel beautifully, with no hunting and the ABS is there for an emergency stop - but there’s no sticker proclaiming its fitment or switches to turn it off. But it’s there if you ever need it. A casual glance might have you thinking the Storm is air-cooled: there is some ornamental finning on Continued on next page
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the barrels, but there’s also a radiator between the exhaust headers - not really hidden away, but not something highlighted. The water cooling is important though, to keep engine noise at bay and to increase power and torque. With a bore size of 107.1mm, there are seriously big pistons moving up and down inside the engine of the Storm, which in a traditional parallel twin would have produced filling-loosening vibrations - but not here. Twin balancer shafts and the offset crank smooth out the ride, leaving enough there to know you’re on a big bike but not so many to become particularly tiring. Peak torque of 155Nm (115lb/ft) is reached before the tacho needle hits 3000rpm. This is why the Storm is so easy to launch from traffic lights and provides such effortless overtaking. There’s nearly 100 horsepower available, but with this much torque it’s better to ride in taller gears and let the grunt do the job. The Storm comes with a 6-speed gearbox, because too many people think they need that many. Maybe it helps fuel economy, but I’d love to try a Storm with a four-speed unit, reckon it would be an interesting ride. Won’t happen though. Final drive is by carbon-reinforced toothed belt.
Basic as standard The Thunderbird range has been a big hit for
Triumph, with the range now out to four - the standard Thunderbird (which has a 100cc smaller motor), the Storm, LT and Commander. Each has slightly different styling and features, with the Storm being the bad boy of the range. It eschews the luggage of the LT, the classic styling of the Commander and the tradition of the standard Thunderbird to stand out as the toughest of the flock. The standard exhaust sounds OK, but the optional accessory pipes fitted to the test bike sounded deep and soul-soothing. They matched the heavyweight style of the bike - everything seems oversized, from
the fat rear tyre to the big fuel tank to the wide handlebars and forward set pegs. I’m almost surprised the Storm has a pillion seat standard – it would look even tougher as a solo.
A better handling cruiser Triumph prides itself in building good handling machines, and the Thunderbird Storm is no exception. Within the genre of large capacity naked cruisers, the Storm is one of the best – you can have a lot of fun in the twisties. Continued on next page
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Cornering clearance is limited by the forward mounted footpegs, but there’s more there than I expected. The rear suspension does wallow a little, but not too much, and the front end feels pretty planted and confidence inspiring.
despite its width the bike leans side to side very well - Triumph got the geometry right, and the Storm has excellent low-speed steering and good handling for such a big cruiser.
Fitted with twin rear shocks, swapping them out for something better would be a very easy and quick job, but I doubt if many owners would bother, at least until the warranty’s expired.
Stoppers, etc
Hauling the bike down from speed are triple disc brakes. The front stoppers require a bit of a hard squeeze to get the best out of them, but the rear is excellent - powerful and with good feel through the lever, I found myself using the back brake a lot more than usual on the Storm. The suspension comprises 47mm front forks and twin rear shocks. The shocks have spring preload adjustability, so you can tweak them for a passenger or luggage. Out of the crate the suspension is fine, and if you’re not into hard charging you’ll probably think it’s great - comfy without any nasty surprises. The low seat makes manoeuvring the big machine surprisingly easy, and feet-up low speed control is good too, once you’re used to the forward-set footpegs. The fat 200-section rear Metzeler gives the Storm a tough look and
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Four-piston calipers up front with ABS can pull the Storm up in an emergency stop quickly - but most owners won’t be buying lots of front brake pads I reckon. The riding position and style of the bike, combined with a powerful and easy to use rear disc, means it’s so easy to let the back of the bike do most of the work I reckon that’s what most riders will do - but don’t get into the habit of not using the front, that brake is a lot more powerful in an emergency than the rear. With a 22 litre tank the bike doesn’t need to be refilled ridiculously often - 330km-plus from a full tank is achievable. This means the machine is very suitable for some touring duties, as well as day rides. Instrumentation is more comprehensive than you might expect if you’ve just glanced at the big tankmounted speedo. There are lots of hidden warning lights and a small digital readout, too.
Conclusion Triumph has reinvented the big-bore parallel twin with the Thunderbird range, and the Storm is the most fun of the bunch. It’s got the style, the grunt and the presence to make an impression, and leave a huge smile on the face of the rider. Unlike many cruisers it is deceptively fast - the long wheelbase, good handling and gentle vibrations combine to make it relaxing at highway speeds. Its quality of finish is excellent and it really does feel like it’s built to last a long, long time - there’s little ‘disposability’ about it. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find Thunderbird Storm owners keep their bikes for many years, because there would be few reasons to change. n
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2015 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD STORM
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I FRAME TYPE: STEEL TWIN CRADLE I DRY WEIGHT: 308KG I PRICE: FROM $20,990 + ORC (RRP)
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REAR TYRE: 200/50-17
SEAT HEIGHT: 700MM
FUEL CAPACITY: 22 LITRES
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FRONT SUSPENSION: SHOWA 47MM FORKS, 120MM OF TRAVEL
REAR BRAKES: 310MM WITHBREMBO 4-PISTON CALIPER
REAR SUSPENSION: SHOWA TWIN SHOCKS
TRANSMISSION: 6-SPEED, BELT FINAL DRIVE
ENGINE TYPE: 1699CC PARALLEL TWIN
FRONT BRAKES: NISSIN FOUR PISTON CALIPERS, 310MM DISCS
FRONT TYRE: 120/70-19
2015 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD STORM CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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LEARNER APPROVED MOTORCYCLE RANGE
• Liquid cooled 296cm³ parallel twin cylinder engine with fuel injection and class leading power and torque
30TH ANNIVERSARY (ABS) LIME GREEN
• 296cm3 parallel twin engine • World’s first 300cc street fighter
• Easy to operate with a low seat height, smooth power delivery, excellent throttle response
SPECIAL EDITION (ABS) METALLIC MOONDUST GRAY
• Relaxed riding position
CANDY FLAT BLAZED GREEN
METALLIC RAW GRAYSTONE
• Easy to use liquidcooled, fuel injected, parallel twin engine
• Touring potential • Genuine accessories available
METALLIC SPARK BLACK
kawasaki.com.au/learner
SPECIAL EDITION (ABS) CANDY PLASMA BLUE
• 249cm3 engine mounted in a trellis frame
(NON-ABS) EBONY
• Sporty, slim and lightweight • Non-ABS version also available
CANDY BURNT ORANGE
• User friendly liquid-cooled engine
CANDY LIME GREEN
• Geared for trail riding and highway cruising
METALLIC FLAT RAW GRAYSTONE
• 649cm3 parallel twin engine • Adjustable to suit your body
(NON-ABS) PEARL STARDUST WHITE
• Easy to use 649cm3 liquid-cooled, fuel injected, parallel twin engine
CANDY LIME GREEN
• Weekday Commuter/ Weekend Warrior
• Low overall weight and easy to manoeuvre • Large range of genuine accessories available
METALLIC ROYAL PURPLE
• Smooth and responsive user friendly performance
METALLIC SPARK BLACK
• Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke
LIME GREEN
Please check with the relevant authority to determine state licensing eligibility or consult with a Kawasaki dealer for more information. Overseas models shown.
• Easy to use 649cm3 liquid-cooled, fuel injected, parallel twin engine
CANDY LIME GREEN
• Light and easy to handle • Economical 4-stroke engine
PEARL CANDY WHITE
• User friendly low seat height
METALLIC RED
• Dependable electric starting
LIME GREEN
KAWASAKI VULCAN S
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The Friendly Vulcan
KAWASAKI VULCAN S
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Kawasaki spices up the LAMS cruiser space…
KAWASAKI VULCAN S
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The Friendly Vulcan N TEST BY RYAN GRUBB, PHOTOS BY KAWASAKI
It goes without saying, but I’ll say it - the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme has created one of the most competitive markets Australia’s ever seen. Each has its own option to consider and now there are even a few start-ups that only produce bikes for the under 660cc category to throw in the mix. The latest tested in this category is the Kawasaki Vulcan S cruiser. Kawasaki has one of the biggest learner ranges around, which is a testament to the brand realising learner riders come in all ages, shapes and sizes and not every one of those people want the same thing.
Learner-Approved Cruiser The Vulcan S is at the more powerful end of the learner market with a 650cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine capacity. This is, in fact, the same engine Kawasaki uses in both the Ninja and Versys 650L models, in a chassis that’s similar to the others but with a few subtle differences to suit the cruiser styling. What this means on the road is that you will have the good power delivery at the end of your wrist - better than the smaller capacity learner bikes with cruiser styling which tend to be mostly single cylinder air-cooled machines. A paralleltwin with liquid cooling on the Vulcan S makes for a higher rev limit because two pistons are sharing half of the workload. Before you know it, this learner bike with cruiser styling gets up to speed surprisingly fast. Being 193cm, lanky at best and not having much cruiser experience, the Vulcan S was the perfect opportunity to throw my leg over a laid-back machine to get the hang of things without the horsepower, weight and price tag attached to one of the bigger bikes interfering with my progress. Quite simply, the
riding position is confidence-inspiring on a style of bike that isn’t known for its handling ability. The bike is adjustable in a few areas to cater for different body shapes and sizes - forward-mounted footpegs and handlebars can be repositioned to suit you best and there are also two seat options. The hardest part for me was getting used to the forward mounted footpegs which takes a ride or two to break the old habit of the tucked in foot position of a sportsbike. Funnily enough, that was the same issue I had to get over when I first jumped on the Monster long-termer.
On the road Around town, the Vulcan S handles well. The bike weighs in at 226kg with a full tank of fuel. The light weight (for a 650 cruiser) and low centre of gravity makes for very stable and controlled slow speed manoeuvres and tight U-turns. Continued on next page Continued on next page
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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH The procedure is the same - slightly ride the clutch and add a dab of the back brake. This isn’t really where you will enjoy the Vulcan S though, turning in and blasting out of the twisty sections is where you will have the most fun. You might even leave some of your other learner mates on sportsbikes behind. When we shot the onboard video for the bike, I punted it out of a roundabout to get up to speed on a local link road. It was pretty cool to see the enjoyment I got out of it looking at the video so we put it in the TV segment that aired throughout Spring and it’s embedded in our digital magazine available for the iPad and iPhone. The bike stops well through a single disc at each end and although with a lot of cruisers, the brakes could be better on the specs sheet, once again thanks to the light weight of the Vulcan S, the brakes are well suited to their application. ABS is great for any bike in the Learner Approved scheme, especially so for the back brake on a cruiser. You tend to use the rear a bit more on cruiser styled machines because the weight of the bike is biassed towards the rear. The front brakes also do a good job, they do need to be ‘set up’ at the start of braking to compensate for the weight transfer then squeezed to put downforce on the front of the bike to pull it up otherwise you might find that ABS engages at the front end a bit earlier than you expect it to. The Vulcan S has a modest 14-litre fuel tank but it is a pretty frugal sipper. Throughout the test, average fuel consumption hasn’t dipped below 20 km/L which should give you a range of over 250 km. The instruments are simple but comprehensive and also show fuel range, two trip meters and obviously the odometer. If you want to test out that fuel range on the Vulcan S, you can. Kawasaki have a wide range of accessories that will get you out on the open road which includes leather saddlebags, a 12V auxiliary socket, windshield, backrest and heaps of others. Kawasaki are bundling some of their genuine accessories into two tourer kits - light and mid. You can find more information at your local Kawasaki dealer or online.
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The front forks are basic unadjustable and the rear is a side mounted single shock which is adjustable for pre-load only. The rear shock actually soaked up the bumps and irregularities of city roads better than similar machines I’ve ridden after testing the Vulcan S. If you are a bit heavier, you will find setting the preload a bit higher will improve your
comfort if you can feel the bumps are starting to get the best of you and your hindquarters.
Well worth a look The performance you get from the Kawasaki Vulcan S really spices up the learner approved category for cruisers and makes it a genuine contender for your hard earned if the style of these machines take your fancy. It makes perfect sense that Kawasaki would again hit the nail on the head with the Vulcan S basing it on the same platform as their reputable Versys and Ninja 650L models. Right now, you can pick up the Vulcan S from your local Kawasaki dealer for $10,999 ride away. n Continued on next page
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KAWASAKI VULCAN S
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I FRAME TYPE: STEEL PERIMETER I WET WEIGHT: 226KG I PRICE: FROM $10,999 RIDE AWAY
CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
I WWW.KAWASAKI.COM.AU
SEAT HEIGHT: 705MM
FUEL CAPACITY: 14 LITRES
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FRONT SUSPENSION: 41MM TELESCOPIC
REAR TYRE: 160/60-17
REAR BRAKES: SINGLE 250MM DISC
REAR SUSPENSION: SINGLE OFFSET SHOCK
TRANSMISSION: SIX SPEED
ENGINE TYPE: FOUR-STROKE TWIN CAPACITY: 649CC
FRONT BRAKES: SINGLE DISC
FRONT TYRE: 120/70-18
KAWASAKI VULCAN S CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH
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FOR LIFE’S GREAT ADVENTURES
Ducati 101 is back for another exciting year! Are you new to the world of motorcycling or want to get back into it? We’ll get you up close to the Learner Legal Monster 659! During Ducati 101 we will take you through the basics of motorcycling; from picking up a bike to general motorcycle riding tips, service and accessories. Let us introduce you to the world that is Ducati! Bring your friends and mark it in your calendar as the day you start (or restart) your riding journey!
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CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE
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Dream Big Many people just put one foot in front of the other through life, simply existing. But not Anna Grechishkina. After riding bikes for more than 10 years now, I still cannot figure out how it all started. No influence or push from motorcycling friends, or brother, or boyfriend, because there were no such person in my life then. Just one day this idea was ingrained in my brain and gave the fruit of deep passion for riding and travelling by bike. I could not stop… Countries of the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Middle East… Every time I wanted to go further and longer. That’s how I came up with the idea of a world trip. It made me anxious and scared at first; I realised that it’s not a piece of cake to go around the world. And even though I had a bit of experience by that time, I could not be sure that everything would be all right. But actually who can? This dialogue with myself went on and on for a few months, and my final reason was that if I don’t give it a try now I may regret it all my life afterwards. And even if I fail trying, the bitterness of failure will not last long, but awareness of personal cowardice and indecision will. The main difficulty was that I could not afford a trip like that. By that time I’d been unemployed for quite a while already and could hardly make two ends meet. All my attempts to find sponsorship for the whole trip did not lead to tangible results. My main victory though was to get the bike for my future trip from KTM headquarters in Austria – KTM Adventure 1190! Another, less exciting side of this fact, was that from now I was bound by commitment to go no matter what. And by my promise to be faithful to my dream… And then came the 27th of July, 2013, the happiest and the most stressful day of my life, the start of my world trip. Only a few very close friends knew how shaky were my chances to go forward in this trip for a continuous period of
time. The duration of it was supposed to be at least two years, and all I had in my pocket was one thousand American dollars. It might be enough for a couple of months in the best-case scenario. I knew it was craziness, I could not sleep at night, I could not eat, I lost 10 kg. But did I ever seriously think about cancelling the trip? No. Once farewells and good luck wishes of friends and family were behind, I realised that it was no more preparation or anticipation, now it was the adventure routine, and now every day I had to make my way, step by step, kilometre by kilometre. Strangely, I felt relieved, the scariest first step was made. There was no way back. I went eastward through Russia, down through South East Asia, and even though my first thousand dollars were already gone, I was still on the road. I was followed by luck and blessing and met a tremendous amount of people along my way who were eager to help a traveller. Not only that, some kind of magic started to happen around me with the circumstances folding in a very organised puzzle. Continued on next page
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One of the most difficult countries to get into on my route was Australia. Mainly because I didn’t have an important document for my bike called carnet de passage ensuring my bike was allowed into the country. I could not make it in my country, Ukraine, because there were no authorities eligible to issue it. The only way was to organise it through Europe but I had to put a big deposit into the bank which I could not afford. It has been one of my dreams to see Australia since my youth. I tried to visit it when I was 16 but at that time I could not get a visa. Now I had visa but I didn’t have permission for my bike to enter the country. When I started my trip I told to myself that if it was meant to be, it would be. I tried my best to organise this document along my way, but everything was in vain. Some of my friends even started to hint cautiously that I might skip Australia and get straight to North America. But it was not an option for me. Australia is not just a country, it’s a continent and if I want to make a trip around the world, I need to cover Australia as well. Moreover, I want this, my dream without Australia would not be complete. When I was ready to lose hope, the solution came through Malaysia, through one very kind person who had connections in the Automobile Association of Malaysia and helped me to get the document for a price which I could afford. When my bike and I arrived in Australia I felt like I was the happiest person on earth. And every morning I was waking up with amazement and amusement that I managed to get into this beautiful country and travel here with my bike. I crossed the country from Perth to Brisbane, then I shipped the bike to the USA and crossed it from one coast to the other, entered Mexico and proceeded
Meeting people
It’s a small world
to Central America. My future plans are to go all the way down to South America, later Africa, Europe and back home. For now I’ve been on the road for 21 months, and I think that one more year is ahead of me. What I have enjoyed so far is the best experience in my life, and the decision to go around the world is the most correct decision I’ve ever made. I am happy that I didn’t let my fears and doubts outshine hope and faith in a dream. And now I feel responsible to share the message of a dream with other people. I called my journey “I Have A Dream…” , same words from a famous speech of Martin Luther King. A dream of one person can change the world, and following one’s dream can change one’s life. I’m travelling around the world, I meet a lot of amazing people, I experience and taste many cultures and traditions, I see heartbreaking landscapes, I observe lots of miracles and magic in my travels. But enjoying all this by myself is only part of the pleasure. What makes it more fulfilling for me is sharing my experience with children, youth, women and many other groups of people while visiting schools, orphanages, hospitals, shelters, etc. I know that many of them are scared to believe that they also have the right to follow their dreams and make them reality. They may think that they are less fortunate and can never dare to dream. But if I can help at least some of them to believe in themselves like this poor girl with one thousand dollars in her pocket dared to believe that she could travel the world, I can consider my mission accomplished. n
sharing the dream
RE T RO IS A L I V E A ND K ICK ING AT
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1971 HONDA CB750
Late ’80s Japanese import
Featured on Honda stand at 2013 Sydney Motorcycle Show 1.4 miles since full restoration in 2013. Nothing overlooked. Untold thousands of dollars spent. Bring your shades because this thing is shines like a beacon.
HONDA VFR750
Has just over 8000 kays on the clock and rides like new. You can buy them here but not with those kilometres. Like riding a timewarp.
$25,000
$4,900
HONDA CB500/4
DUCATI 851 1992
Post classic race bike. Lots of history, most likely the fastest 500/4 race bike in this country. 72 HP at back wheel on methanol, 62 on petrol. A number of spares including a fully prepared race crankshaft with alloy Yoshimura rods. Lots more info and pics available. Log Booked and ready to race.
$6900. Cost double this to build it.
American import, been in Australia for years, 35,000 miles. Done little miles since full top end rebuild, including new pistons/barrels. Only done because frame was powder coated and we had the chance. New tyres, good brakes, chain, sprocket etc. Race pipes. $15,000
OTHER BIKES FOR SALE 1979 HONDA CB900F - $7,500 13,200 miles, USA import – A beautiful bike.
1982 SUZUKI KATANA 750 - $6,500 Awesome, new paint, ready to go.
1984 YAMAHA FJ1100 - $4,200
Great condition, plenty of reg, tastefully modified.
1995 HONDA VFR750 - $4000 new tyres, rebuilt forks, 12mths reg.
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Buying, selling, repairing and restoring classics & future classics. We prepare race bikes too
10 MAIN ROAD, BOOLAROO. PH. 02 4958 1435. OR CALL CHRIS ON 0404 030 925 OR DAVE ON 0407 362 060 C ATC H US ON FAC E BOOK . W E B SI T E S OON.
CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE
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The Rego RIP-OFF Rider Lindsay Swift looks into government making motorcycling expensive… WE KNOW that motorcycling, even on a budget, is expensive. If you run a motorcycle on the road you’ll be up for tyres, oil, chains, sprockets and a gamut of other money-sapping goodies. While you will actually receive something from these expenses in a well oiled machine, the Government will also have its greasy hand out. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance must be paid to allow you to legally ride on the road, hence the Compulsory prefix. Injure someone else via your actions on the road and the inherent costs of the trauma (compensation, medical treatment) are covered. A sound idea. In Victoria, CTP is included in the rego bill and includes rego and motorcycle tax all conveniently bundled. This is probably the reason few people look into the various costs. Rego is only a component of the cost of getting
on the road. While Victoria has its sheeple trained to pay with one ‘easy’ bill. Those in NSW are more familiar with the individual costs. Registration involves trips to a roadworthy certifier, (private) CTP insurance provider and ultimately, to the wonderful vanity plate emporium known as the RMS where it is all checked, entered and you are sent on your way. I have approached departments in both states for an explanation of this cost. Why does it cost more than, say, $5.73 for a drone in a cardigan to stamp a form and tap a keyboard? After all, what else is involved? Registration does not send blokes in hard hats out with shovels to maintain road infrastructure. Fuel excise covers that. Registration does not cover trauma costs – that’s CTP. Rego is merely cataloguing your engine and frame number, verifying that the machine is roadworthy (or was at the time of registration), not stolen or written off and that this vehicle is registered
to your name. Seriously, how much does this actually cost? A lot closer to nil than $121, I am guessing! A minion at the RMS told me they only see a small percentage of the money and the rest goes into consolidated revenue. Nice! At least this differs from the official runaround they give you when fielding such questions in writing. As it happens I was there to transfer rego of a vehicle I had recently bought and this ‘service’ cost me $811. A sizeable chunk of this was for ‘stamp duty’… which is essentially a state tax on the transaction. Insurance is a word you will hear bandied about in these places. Mentioning it somehow loosens people’s grip on their cash, the way an oily pizza and a flagon of sherry loosens the scissor muscle. But there is insurance and insurance. Continued on next page
CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE If you do not wish to insure your vehicle, that’s up to you. Wrap a huge chain around it to keep (at least the honest) thieves at bay and hope that the little maggot in the ute who is too absorbed by facebook on his ‘smartphone’ to give way to your vehicle does have insurance on his. Thanks to CTP however, said maggot will at least have insurance to cover trauma. In theory that’s great, even if he’ll take a decade to pay for your injuries and your bike which he wrote off in the ‘accident’. Negligent drivers aside, there are plenty of other inherent risks involved in motorcycling. Loose surfaces, wet roads and corners which don’t have the runoff that turn one at Imola does, as much as you might think you are chasing Lorenzo for the lead. If you think the NSW model is diseased, then meet Victoria’s Chimera, the TAC. It stands for Transport Accident Commission. Their website boasts that: “Last year over 45,000 people were supported in their recovery by the TAC following a transport accident.” The people responsible for these ‘accidents’ were not charged more and the people who were not among these 45,000 were not charged any less. On Vic Roads’ website I made a perfunctory attempt to calculate registration (and TAC CTP and motorcycle tax) costs on a couple of motorcycles. While they expounded the TAC ‘Safety Levy’ the site was not much help for those with bike inquiries.
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There’s also the ’Motorcycle Safety Levy’ and this horror show plumbs extraordinary depths! Better known by Victorian victims as ‘motorcycle tax’, this was first foisted upon Victorian motorcyclists in 2002. Vic Roads, keen to promote the TAC’s tax, claims that, “Since 2012, $45 million of the levy has been committed to motorcycle safety projects”. That’s ten years unaccounted for. How much cash this tax has generated exactly? If more than $45m, where is the rest? This tax was initially applicable to every motorcycle, just as CTP is payable for every vehicle, rather than every vehicle operator. It was later conceded that this was not fair and the tax was – and still is – payable for one bike. If you own multiple bikes and have paid it once (per annum) it is not payable again. We are told that the tax is used to repair accident black spots (148 according to Vic Roads’ website). If so, this benefits all road users. Why do motorcyclists’ exclusively foot the bill for the repairs? Vic Roads also equivocally lists ‘enforcement’ as one of the ‘projects’ the tax funds. We are paying for police to police us too. Take a typical motorcycle owner. That’s probably you. He owns a car for driving kids to sports and buying groceries every week at the supermarket. He must pay CTP to register this vehicle. Then he buys a motorcycle. He has already paid CTP on the car so any injuries caused or received while operating the vehicle are already covered, yes?
True, but due to the abject greed of this state government who act more like brigands than public servants, he must pay again if he registers another vehicle. And so on, ad nauseam. A fair system would see him or her pay the CTP, once, which would cover him as a vehicle operator. In short, we need to get credible, professional, well-backed bodies which call themselves ‘motorist representative bodies’ spearheading this if we are to see any change. I fantasise about a second (or third) motorcycle – a dirt bike for the dirt, a sportsbike for the twisties and a British bike with 6 volt electrics for the ute. Even if I can afford the bikes themselves, it is not the extra tyres, oil and other odds and ends that keeps this a fantasy, not a reality. These costs are generally proportionate to the bike’s use and I am prepared to accept the costs directly stemming from ownership. I can only ride one bike at a time. In use or not though, the bastard government will still demand I pay CTP on each and every one of them. Your state has a shiny head office which houses a motoring representative group. Ring it. Email it. Get your mates to switch off the herd sports for a minute and email it. Draft a template letter to which anyone can add their details because if a decent sized proportion of the voting public isn’t happy, sometimes things change. n
CYCLE TORQUE GEAR
Bike Stuff
Eye see more
1 GOGGLEMAN’S prescription RX adapter is the ultimate solution for those who don’t like to use contact lenses or regular spectacles while riding or skiing. Fitted securely to the wearer’s goggle behind the front lexan, the RX Adapter is a safe alternative to wearing specs behind a goggle and is also fog free and offers a large field of view. Suited to nearly all ages and available in a wide prescription range the adapter can be manipulated into numerous MX and ski goggles. Many lens options available on request. Price: From $229 Available from: www.goggleman.com.au More info: Ph 1300 464 453
Bolt breathing
2 THE new K&N RK-3940 high flow air intake system for the Yamaha XVS950 Bolt increases horsepower by eliminating the stock OE air cleaner. The sturdy, custom aluminium backing plate mounts directly to the throttle body via an aluminium integrated, internal run breather system. The filter is washable, reusable, pre-oiled and ready to go. Price: $369.95 Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.ctaaustralia.com.au
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Staying MotoDry
3 THE new MotoDry winter range includes the street pants for men and women. These 600 denier nylon construction pants have CE approved knee and HDF hip armour. Reissa 100% breathable and waterproof with a removable liner, the pants have rubberised straps, velcro waist adjustment, stretch panels above and behind the knee with air vent cooling system front and back. There are even four pockets and a precurved leg design. Price: $179.95 Availability: Better bike shops More info: Ph 1300 885 355
CYCLE TORQUE GEAR
Bike Stuff
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Dr Jay’s winter warmers
Shark’s Terror
1 SHARK’S entry level helmet, the S600, incorporates Shark’s well known safety concept to provide a helmet that protects even the most price conscious consumer. The injected, thermo-plastic shell has been designed and tested exclusively by Shark to work in conjunction with the multiple densities of EPS (featuring crumple zone technology) to create a helmet that scores an impressive 4 from 5 stars in the SHARP helmet rating scheme. It has a fully removable liner, anti-scratch, Pinlock ready, 2.2mm visor, Pinlock supplied in the box, dual position vents and a five-year warranty. XS-XL, comes in black/ green, mat black/red, mat black/silver. Price: $199.95 Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.ficeda.com.au
Comfy Tiger
2 TOURATECH’S Comfort seat for the Triumph Tiger 800 range are purpose built for adventure touring. Specially contoured for adventure travel with strategically positioned seams for comfort, also available in a patented breathable version for riding comfort on long rides, in high outside temperatures and extreme humidity. Seats are available in low, standard and high configurations. High quality seats are supplied complete and ready to fit. No modifications required to the bike, simply replaces your original seat, which you get to keep! Price: From $714 Available from: www.touratech.com.au More info: (03) 5929 5529
3 THE good Dr Jay from Redd Dog can fix you up with the perfect “winter warmers”, so you can keep warm on those cold winter rides. As well as their base-layer, mid-layer and super-warm merino wool tops, Redd Dog also stock heaps of other fabulous “under-leathers” goodies, like: pure silk glove liners ($30, XS-L), ultra-thin and cushioned merino wool ride socks ($25-30, S-XL), silk skull caps ($35, one size), silk and merino leggings ($119-139, XS - 2XL), silk and merino balaclavas ($35-50, one size), and the popular Redd Dog merino neck sock ($22 one size). Check out ReddDog’s 100% Aussie-made, pure merino wool motorcycle tops pictured here these super-warm winter tops are available in two styles (zip and crew neck), and a range of colours. Priced from $150 - $199 and available in S - 5XL for men; and 8 - 24 for the girls. Available from: www.redddog.com.au or 12 Gibraltar St, Bungendore. More info: 0407 944 203
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CYCLE TORQUE GEAR
Bike Stuff
Ortlieb means waterproof 1
CYCLISTS the world over recognise the name as synonymous with top quality waterproof cycling bags. Motorcyclists in Europe are onto the idea and their Rack Packs are a great way to stash your bike gear and keep it high and dry. The bags roll upward and open via the long edge to provide easy access. 100% waterproof and include compression straps and there’s even an adjustable padded shoulder strap and carrying handle. Comes in three sizes - 24 litre, 31 litre or 49 litre. Price: $140, $160, $180. Available from: www.AndyStrapz.com More info: (03) 9770 2207
YZ Track Pack
2 BOLT Motorcycle Hardware has a great new Yamaha YZ/YZF factory style hardware kit covering model year 2003 to the present. It’s perfect for your tool bag or trackside. The hardware is factory matched to your motorcycle. The YZ Track Pack will fasten subframe, seat, plastics, chain guides, exhaust pipe, brake systems, triple clamps and more. Includes factory style t-nuts, bolts, washers and nuts. Hardware meets or exceeds OEM specs. Price: $19.95 Availability: Good bike shops. More info: www.proaccessories.com.au
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Oggy for Yammies
3 AUSTRALIAN owned and made Oggy Knobbs are now offering “full protection” kits which include Oggy Knobbs (frame protection) and Axle Oggys (wheel, fork, swingarm protection) all in one box kit pricing. The full “pro” kit for the 2015 R1 is $349 (all items separately would have been $383), alloy brackets full “pro” kit for the MT-07 is $599 (separately would have been $666. Oggy’s makers Promoto have invested in new CNC machinery to produce designs from billet aluminium (KTM SD1290 and MT-07 are the first designs made in alloy as well as steel). Price: From $349 for kits described Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.kenma.com.au
PROTECTION YOU CAN TRUST COMFORT YOU CAN FEEL NEW 96CI TO 103CI - STAGE IV KIT 2007 - 2011: DYNA & SOFTAIL MODELS / 2007: TOURING MODELS*
(With existing Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner) From: $4,700 with Dyno Tune (Suggested Retail: $6,000)
2010 - 2011: TOURING MODELS*
(With existing Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner) From: $4,850 with Dyno Tune (Suggested Retail: $6,100)
103CI UPGRADE - STAGE IV KIT 2012 - 2015: DYNA & SOFTAIL MODELS*
From: $4,250 with Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner & Dyno Tune (Suggested Retail: $5,250)
2012 - 2015: TOURING MODELS*
With Screamin’ Eagle Race Tuner & Dyno Tune 2010 - 2013 from: $4,350 (Suggested Retail: $4,800) 2014 twin-cooled from: $4,500 (Suggested Retail: $5,500)
*Separate purchase of High Flow or Heavy Breather Air Cleaner required to accommodate 58mm throttle body.
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Dyna & Softail from: $1,095 (Suggested Retail $1,295) without Tuner Touring from: $1,125 (Suggested Retail $1,350) without Tuner
120R SCREAMIN’ EAGLE ENGINE
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2007 - 2015: DYNA & SOFTAIL MODELS
2007 - 2015: DYNA & SOFTAIL MODELS
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Dyna from: $9,500 with Dyno Tune (SRP: $10,600) Softail from: $9,825 with Dyno Tune (SRP: $11,110)
Dyna from: $12,900 with Dyno Tune (SRP: $14,325) Softail from: $13,225 with Dyno Tune (SRP: $14,675)
- Track-ready 120 cubic inch Screamin’ Eagle Crate Motor for bolt in application! - Capable of producing a reliable 130 rear-wheel horsepower.
- Engineered to maximize the SE 120R Engine by pairing Xtreme racing components. - Combination can produce over 145 rear-wheel horsepower.
Terms & Conditions apply: Prices may vary based on configuration of motorcycle, exhaust, Screamin’ Eagle tuner or other modifications. Promotion begins 1st July and end close of business 30th August 2015 unless otherwise previously organised with your chosen Fraser Motorcycle Service Department. See staff for more information. Newcastle and Wollongong Dyno Tuning will take place at the Sydney dealership and all transport costs will be covered by Fraser Motorcycles through internal transportation. Above picture for illustrative purposes only.
URBAN LEATHER
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CYCLE TORQUE GEAR
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Used & Reviewed Versatile Ventura
I fitted the Ventura Rally-Euro Bike-pack to the Cycle Torque Yamaha FZ6-R project bike in about half an hour and have been using it daily for the past six weeks or so. My daily commute usually involves riding to uni in the morning, then heading into the Cycle Torque for a few hours, then off to work again at a little bar in Newcastle East - a sometimes 14-hour day. Doing this before having the Ventura bag meant thinking about the day’s weather conditions, either wearing clothes that isn’t really suitable to ride in, carrying a backpack thats overweight and stuffed to the brim or worse yet, driving. The Ventura Rally-Euro Bike-pack expands from a 44 to 56-litre capacity, so it has no trouble fitting some wet weather gear, a pair of shoes, shirt and jeans along with my backpack and there’s still room to spare in the main compartment, plus theres two side compartments and another one at the front perfect for the twist and go tyre puncture repair system, a helmet lock, a disc lock, earplugs. The pack is kept in place by two quick release buckles and the zips are covered by the piped heavy duty fabric material which is waterproof, but the stitching and zips aren’t. In saying that, my stuff stayed dry during the mild to medium wet weather conditions I had ridden in so there are no complaints. For the heavier stuff, there’s shower caps that will stop the bags from getting wet. We’ve also been given a new suction cap tank bag and seat bag and they require no modification, just slap them on and away you go. The tank bag is assured by a slipknot strap that locks the back to the handlebars and the seat bag is kept in place by two straps around the seat and four quick release buckles. This has turned the FZ6-R into quite a fun little super-sports tourer. Ventura touring kits are available for most makes and models, either head in to your local Ventura stockist, check out http://www.kenma.com.au/ventura. html or give Kenma a call on 02 9484 0777 – Ryan Grubb Price: Suki-Moto Tankbag $119, Seti-Moto Seat bag $99 Rally-Euro Touring Kit $399 (rack, bag and L-brackets) Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.kenma.com.au
SPORTS/TOUR EXCELLENCE
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE ULTIMATE TOURING VEHICLE EVEN BETTER? WE FOUND THREE WAYS.
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HIGHER TORQUE. SMOOTHER RIDE. FEWER FILL-UPS. Introducing the all-new 2014 Spyder® RT .
With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has never been so inviting. The high-torque response of the ACE engine gives you 40% more low-end torque and now can go up to 405 kilometres at 100 km/h on one tank of gas. *While the new 6-speed transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you and your passenger. Add in a unique Y-frame design and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts exhilaration and confidence.
Combining Kabuto’s “ACT EVO/R” tri-composite shell technology and wind tunnel design, plus a Max Vision face shield with tear off posts, you have the NEW RT-33, Kabuto’s latest track-ready sport/touring helmet.
See offers at canamspyder.com
Dave McKenna
Australian Stunt Rider
FOR PRICING & TEST RIDE CALL 1300 725 949 © 2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Products are distributed by BRP Australia Pty Ltd. *Tested at a constant speed of 100 km/h. Fuel mileage may vary depending on the following: Spyder RT models, personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition, vehicle configuration and other conditions. Up to 325 kilometres tested at a constant speed of 120 km/h. Break-in mileage may also vary. See an authorised BRP dealer for details. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.
CUSTOMFIT AVA I L A B L E
Moto National Accessories
Toll Free 1300 885 355
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QUAD TORQUE
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News A DS450X MX similar to the one ridden to victory at this year.
Can-Am wins Finke
Can-Am has won both the ATV and UTV categories at this year’s Finke Desert Race in tough and very dusty conditions. Paul Hughes took the ATV win on his DS450 X MX, while Toby Whately steered his Can-Am Maverick X DS to victory over two gruelling days. The annual Tatts Finke Desert Race is Australia’s toughest race - it is an achievement to cross the line on day 2 of the race. The 2015 event was no exception, with dry conditions leading up to the event, and a lack of wind during the weekend creating exceptionally dusty conditions. SSV racing is a rapidly growing sport. This was reflected in the numbers at The 2015 Tatts Finke Desert Race, with the recently introduced SSV proving very popular and attracting 25 entrants. Can-Am is committed to growing the sport, and in 2015 offered a “Pit-Stop” service along side Polaris for all SSV competitors. “It was a really brutal race on the equipment and competitors,” said competitor and BRP Parts and accessories manager Mick Crossland. “The support that Can-Am offered competitors in Finke was excellent, and helped make the event a success for all involved.” n
Suzuki 3-year warranty
Suzuki is now offering three years’ warranty on all Farm ATV products. From the practical, convenient and super-valued Suzuki Ozark 250, all the way through to the flagship KingQuad 750AXi 4x4 with power-steering which combines sporty appeal with utility strength, Suzuki is now offering customers a full three years Factory Warranty across the Farm ATV range. “We are proud to be able to extend this great offer to all of our loyal Suzuki customers and also to those looking to make the switch over to our highly regarded range of Suzuki Farm ATV products,” Suzuki General Manager, Paul Vandenberg commented. “While some manufactures offer a one year factory warranty plus a two year local warranty we are proud to be able to offer a full three years’ factory warranty on all of our ATV Farm products.” n
The Winning ACE
Polaris has announced the ACE 570 HD, a bigger-engined Heavy Duty version of the ACE released last year. It’s a hard-working, hard-playing single-seat machine - not much bigger or wider than and ATV, but buggy style with a car seat, seatbelt and roll cage. The ACE 570 HD features the ProStar 570 45HP engine, 11 more than the older 350, which is still available. It’s built tough for Australian conditions, with sealed ball joints and suspension bushing. The ACE 570 HD features on-demand all-wheel drive, 4-wheel descent control, independent front and rear suspension, 165kg of carrying capacity across the front rack and rear box, an adjustable steering wheel and even a cupholder! n
STYLE RACER Bring racetrack style to the streets. With its clean lines, the new KTM RC 390 shows clearly how much performance it has to offer. Its muscular and agile attitude is designed for attack. Fully faired, it exploits every aerodynamic advantage. The KTM RC 390 is high-tech packed into a hot design with perfect workmanship.
Phone: 07 3277 0675 sales@proaccessories.com.au www.proaccessories.com.au
» » » » »
Water-cooled 373.2 cc DOHC engine 44 hp (32 kW) of power / 35 Nm max. torque Extremely sporty power-to-weight ratio Aerodynamically optimum fairing Racing geometry
KTM Group Partner
youtube.com/KTMAustralia facebook.com/KTMAustralia
CYCLE TORQUE STORE
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Book Shop 1
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AS SEEN ON CYCLE TORQUE TV
1. Along for the ride – $39.95
Jim Scaysbrook has enjoyed a rich and varied life in which motorcycles have always been the common theme. Itching to follow his father’s footsteps, he began racing at the age of 16 and has since competed in virtually every form of competition, including both motocross and road racing at international level. He has competed on the American professional motocross scene, at the - infamous Isle of Man TT, and throughout Asia.
2. Welder’s Handbook – $37.50
Step-by-step techniques are fully illustrated to help you use the latest welding technology to join everything from mild steel, aluminum and chrome moly to magnesium and titanium. Whether you’re building a race car chassis or an airplane fuselage, or learning to weld as a trade, you’ll learn the proper techniques to get the job done right.
3. Dominator in the Shadows – $23
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. Essential guide to Motorcycle Travel – $55.00
This book is written to help motorcyclists prepare themselves and their motorcycle for travelling long distances over extended periods. Whether you are getting ready for a weekend trip beyond your home turf, or for a transcontinental odyssey lasting several years, Coyner’s book details the fundamentals for riding in comfort, safety, and convenience.
5. Adventure Motorcycling Handbook – $39.95
Every red-blooded motorcyclist dreams of making the Big Trip - the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook is the comprehensive manual to make that idea a reality. Timbuktu to Kathmandu or Patagonia to Mongolia - it’s all here.
6. Dreamracer DVD – $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.
7. TT Talking - The TT’s most exciting Era – $34.99
The decade between 2004 and 2014 was one of the most dramatic eras in the century-old history of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, which began with the races in decline, and many observers fearing that they would soon be killed off by a combination of rising costs, political correctness and logistical practicalities. But, just a few years later, the triumphant 2007 celebration of the races’ centenary launched the TT into a whole new era of public and commercial success.
8. Advanced Custom Motorcycle Assembly & Fabrication Manual – $39.95
What started in the mid-90s when a few people decided to build stock Softails from aftermarket parts·because they couldn’t buy one at the dealer·has evolved into a full-blown industry. 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. Three start-to-finish sequences show not just how the best bikes are bolted together, but how the unique oneoff gas tanks are shaped and then covered with candy brandywine paint.
To Order Call 02 4956 9820 Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
CYCLE TORQUE STORE
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Book Shop 2 1
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1. This Old Harley – $34.99
A roll down memory lane is a lot better on the back of a Harley. We all have “firsts” in our lives - our nervous first date, our euphoric first concert - and most of us who have motorcycling in our blood remember the first time we saw a Harley-Davidson. Harleys have a way of catching the eye, that extra ‘something’ that sets them apart as the proudest, baddest, best-built machines around. There’s no denying the fact that Harley-Davidsons are more than just motorcycles; since its founding in 1903, the make has become an American icon revered around the globe.
2. World On Wheels – $30.00
Travel the globe with Mike & Denise Ferris in the World on Wheels motorbike adventure TV series. From the Himalaya to the Andes via Turkey, Morocco and everywhere else in between.
3. BMW Cafe Racer – $49.99
Covers the evolution of the BMW sports bike to the BMW cafe racer. This title commonly associated with the cafe racer scene, the growing trend of custom
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BMW cafe conversions is illustrated in detail with images of sporting, racing, and ‘cafed’ BMWs.
4. Four-Stroke Motocross and Off-road – $34.99
This thorough how-to manual helps the offroad motorcycle enthusiast get the most out of their machine. This one-stop reference covers everything from basic maintenance to performance modifications, including: • Engine rebuilding • Transmission rebuilding • Clutch repair and rebuilding • Big-bore kits • Cam kits and valve timing and tuning • Tuning stock suspension • Suspension revalving and kits • Jetting and tuning carburettors • Tuning electronic fuel injection • Wheels, tyres, and brakes • Chains and sprockets • Cooling systems • Electrical systems
5. 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
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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.
6. How to Troubleshoot, Repair and Modify Motorcycle Electrical Systems – $49.99 Your one-stop manual for every aspect of DIY motorcycle electrical repair and modification. We’ve all stood at the front desk of a repair shop at some point, staring at an invoice, gritting our teeth and nursing our injured wallets. All vehicles will inevitably need maintenance - and we pay a premium in labour fees every time we take them in - but unlike an automobile, which has its electrical components hermetically sealed within its bodywork, the electrical components on a motorcycle are on display for all the world to see. Out in the open, they are constantly subjected to destructive elements like rain, sand, salt, dust, and ultraviolet rays.
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7. Adventure Motorcycle Maintenance Manual – $36.95
This book is the definitive guide to keeping an adventure motorcycle running the way it should. Written for the rider who wants to be self-reliant while on the road, the book takes the reader through a series of practical, hands-on techniques designed to keep the bike in peak riding condition.
8. How your motorcycle works – $19.99
The modern motorcycle is a fascinating and complex piece of machinery, easily as complex and diverse as the modern car. With clear, jargon-free text, and detailed cutaway illustrations, this book explains exactly how the modern bike works.
To Order Call 02 4956 9820 Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au
We pay cash for bikes cycletorque.com.au JULY 2015 I 83
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LINK TO YOUR CUSTOMERS Link straight to your website from your advertisement in the Cycle Torque iPad edition. Click here to email Dennis Penzo for more information.
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TORQUING BACK
Letters A great read - for a great price.
I subscribe to some [digital] magazines, that don’t have anywhere near the interaction Cycle Torque has. I’m slowly downloading every issue. Your TV show on Aurora is informative & entertaining. Keep up the good work. – Rob Tobin Gee, I hope you mean Cycle Torque is ‘priceless’ rather than ‘worthless’ simply because we give it away… NP
Norton Commando
Your recent article on the Norton Commando was a real nostalgia story I can relate to. I rode the very first Commando from the then Woolwich factory. It was so distinctive, and the carburettors fell off (of course)… I rode back one handed holding the carbs on with the other. It was memorable. A purely emotional response still warm today. – Marc Wigan
Retro fan
I love the retro torque. I’m 60 now and would love to have a two-stroke road bike again. Rode a Suzuki 500 Titan in my pimply youth. Don’t ever consider dropping this part of your excellent mag. – Adrian Ireland
Learning fast
I’m about to head to Mollymook for a sea change. At 61 and 30 years since I last had a bike I wasn’t sure where to start to get back into riding. Then I found Cycle Torque, subscribed and downloaded the last six editions. I’m learning fast, and more to the point I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey. Great pictures, video clips amazing, and well written. Congrats on a superb publication. Hope to buy my new bike before the spring. – David Howard
cycletorque.com.au JULY 2015 I 87
From Facebook
Digital conversations with our readers are becoming more and more common, so we thought we’d throw in a Facebook conversation which was happening while Alex Pickett was racing in the Isle of Man TT after his team-mate Franck Petricola had tragically died… HENRY BARBER - Young men (and women?) dying at IOM is not “news”. There shouldn’t be racing there. It had its time, needs to stop. The theory that it’s free will to race there is bullshit too, there’s a lot of pressure to race there, especially from corporate sponsors. I barely know my own mind, let alone anyone else’s, but I’m entirely sick of young men dying at the IOM. Of course there’s pressure! All caught up in the excitement? Or is the death count ok? If the fans stop going, if people stop watching, the sponsorship will stop, as will the TV, and then the race. Supporting the event results in young men dying. CYCLE TORQUE - Fair points Henry, you have started an interesting conversation! I think at that level, it is a completely different story. Young men have been dying on motorcycles since the day after they were invented, and I understand that’s not okay. But to compete at the TT, you have to be highly trained, highly motivated and obviously well aware of the risks. This is the point where their knowledge and unique skill set becomes a profession. It’s what separates them from mere mortals, which might make it hard to understand their thought process because they are just as infallible as the rest of us. Their autonomy can be criticised, but with the same breath it should also be respected. HENRY BARBER - I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying. Nor am I recommending some sort of nanny state scenario. But, the IOM is too dangerous. That’s it. The risk does not outweigh the benefit. Young men; don’t we want them to live to be old men? 246! Isn’t that ENOUGH? If we had modern day gladiators, paid to kill each other, would that be OK? If it was their choice? Because that’s what it’s feeling like. No amount of knowledge nor skills can help you survive a tyre blowout, wheel failure, drunk spectator falling onto the road, farm animals, farm implements, or just losing control. n
Write a Letter! WIN A GREAT PRIZE This month Marc Wigan 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
MANAGING EDITOR N I G E L PAT E R S O N publisher@cycletorque.com.au
ADVERTISING DENNIS PENZO, 0420 319 335 dennis@cycletorque.com.au
DESIGN & PRODUCTION DIONNE HAGAN,THE D MEDIA DESIGN dee@cycletorque.com.au
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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