Cycle Torque November 2015 by Cycle Torque

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

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Cycle Torque and iOS9 YOU may have noticed Apple has released iOS9, the updated operating system for iPhone, iPads and iPod Touch - it’s significant upgrade which changes the way you’ll interact with the Cycle Torque App. Firstly, it changes Newsstand into a standard folder. You’ll find all of your current Newsstand Applications, including Cycle Torque, in a conventional folder called Newsstand when you update to iOS9 - unlike the old Newsstand, you can pull Cycle Torque out and put it anywhere you like - including in your Menu Bar at the bottom of the screen. To download each new issue automatically, make sure the App is running in the background – it doesn’t suck battery power in the background like some Apps, partly because it doesn’t track your location – and turn on notifications for Cycle Torque. Go to Settings-notifications-Cycle Torque to do this. We don’t send heaps of notifications, just a couple per month, so we won’t bug you; but if notifications are switched off the device won’t know to download new issues.

The New News App - Coming soon, mostly Apple has announced a new App, simply called News. It’s currently USAonly, but will be coming to many other English-speaking nations soon. It’s a neat way to get news from many sources you know and love, including Cycle Torque. When you open News for the first time, you’ll find various options and categories to choose from, primarily mainstream media newspapers, websites and magazines. To get Cycle Torque’s News feed, tap on the Search Button in the bottom menu and enter ‘Cycle Torque’. You’ll find our feed and logo, then add it as a favourite. That’s it! Cycle Torque’s news feed will be available each time you launch the App and you can get to all Cycle Torque’s stories directly by tapping on favourites-Cycle Torque. n iPad iOS9 News

iPhone after Newsstand

WELCOME

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November 2015 NOVEMBER’S issue of Cycle Torque has Yamaha’s YZ250X on the cover. It’s a mix of MX and Enduro. Read about it and the two-stroke version, the YZ250X inside. We also test Ducati’s base model 1299 Panigale. If the base model is THAT good, how special must the ’S’ be? Nigel jetted off to the Land of the Rising Sun to check out HarleyDavidson’s Dark Custom range. Yep, Harley is as popular in Japan as it is everywhere else. Matt O’Connell sampled Aprilia’s 1100cc Tuono at Sydney Motorsport Park and loved it so much he bagged it for another week to sample it on the road. It was hard to read because he was gushing so much. Now the Aprilia is very modern but Dennis Penzo sampled life in the retro lane by heading to the UK to see the Goodwood Revival. We often think Denno lives in the past so this was right up his alley. You’ll also enjoy our regular columnists, see what’s happening in news and find out what the latest products for motorcyclists are.

– Chris Pickett chris@cycletorque.com.au

INSTRUCTIONS NEWSLETTER EMAIL US YOUR FEEDBACK

CONTENTS

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Ridden

31 TEST

DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE

39 LAUNCH

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR

Features 6

HARLEY DARK CUSTOM

55 CLASSIC 75

TORQUE

BOOK SHOP

On the cover: Yamaha YZ250FX by iKapture

46 LAUNCH

72 TEST

2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX

YAMAHA KODIAK

Regulars 8

NEWS TORQUE

GUNTRIP

SMALL TORQUE

BIKE STUFF

EDITORIAL

MARKET TORQUE

DIRTY TORQUE

TORQUE BACK - LETTERS

RACE TORQUE

CREDITS

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NEWS TORQUE

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Harley Dark Custom HARLEY-DAVIDSON isn’t pushing you toward something new and shiny this year - sure, there are updates and changes to many of the machines in the extensive range, but nothing really new. Instead, the most iconic of manufacturers is encouraging you to see your 2016 machine as the basis for your own Dark Custom.

Re-born in Tokyo, Harley flew a bunch of Aussie journos to Japan for the Dark Custom launch, to ride a few of the updated models and learn about Dark Custom. The idea, basically, is to treat your new bike as the canvas and make it into your own, customising and modifying until you own a unique machine which may - or may not resemble the original machine Harley-Davidson produced. In a world where we see standard bikes fetching higher prices secondhand than may machines which look better, handle better and go better then they did from the factory, it’s a testament to how people value originality but it’s by no means universal. You only have to look at the Deus ex Machina phenomenon to see how people love modified bikes. The hipster revolution is in full swing, and the bikes Harley had for us to ride in Tokyo - two Sportsters and a Street – are great places for the hipster Harley owner to start.

Incremental updates All three of the machines I got to ride in Tokyo have received updates for the 2016 model year. The Street 500 now has Brembo brakes, fixing the biggest complaint from owners of the original model. Byond that, the only change is a jump in the price, to $10,750 ride away – which seems like a big jump ($755) but when you look at the way the arse is falling out of the

Aussie dollar, I’d be blaming the exchange rate more than any other factor in the price rise. In Tokyo I got to ride two Sportsters, the 2016 Iron 883 and 48. Both have received new suspension, better quality units at both ends which should perform better. Unfortunately, a short ride in pouring rain doesn’t lend itself to being able to make much of an assessment of the changes, so I recommend you go see your Harley dealer and arrange a test ride and make up your own mind. Of the two though, I really enjoyed riding the 1200 Sportster based 48. With its small front wheel, fat front tyre, flat ’bars, forward controls and flyweight-fighter attitude, this is a bike which encourages anti-social riding - being loud, aggressive and tough. Continued on next page

NEWS TORQUE

Harley Dark Custom “It’s a bike which makes me feel like I’m 21 again,” Nigel Keogh from HarleyDavidson said to me. I totally agree, and they are on the road under 20K, too. The Iron 883, at about 15 grand, is Harley’s teaser. It teases you with its affordable price, with its easy riding, easy handling, easy ownership as a way to get into the classic style Harleys - the only way cheaper is the Sport 500, and that’s a very different beast.

American Iron in Japan? I’ve been a bike journo for over 20 years, and this was the first time I’ve ever been taken to Japan. I’ve been to every other continent and probably 20 countries for bike launches, tours, race meeting and events. But it was Harley-Davidson, the company which is the antithesis of the Japanese motorcycle industry which put me on a plane for the (relatively) short flight to Tokyo. I wasn’t the only journo on the trip pondering this irony. By the end of the trip though, I think I’d worked it out: the homogenous nature of Japanese manufacturing has created a counter-culture with Harley-Davidson at its core. Custom bike builders in Japan are often not interested in anything which started in a local factory, and Japanese bike buyers have made the country one of Harley’s best export markets. So while Japanese manufacturers are really starting to embrace customisation and having a decent accessory catalogue, Harley-Davidson reigns supreme in this area, and isn’t afraid to take scribblers like me to what was once the heart of enemy territory. – Nigel Paterson

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NEWS TORQUE

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Dennis Neill 1951-2015 MOST of the crowd had left by the time the grid had formed for the final event of the 1979 Swann Series round at Oran Park; the 4:40pm Ansett Airlines Unlimited Improved Touring Race scheduled for six-laps. The race was so insignificant that it didn’t even appear in the ‘supporting events’ section in REVS’ extensive report of the Swann meeting. But for me, this little sprint was full of tremendous significance because I witnessed the knee-trembling brilliance of Dennis Neill. Starting from pole position on his Dunlop-Team Honda CB900F, Dennis simply blitzed a quality field of Australia’s best big-bore exponents. Before the first lap was even completed, Dennis was on a different level, dare I say a different planet. He crested the flip-flop on a film of air and swept through BP corner at such speed that it was physically impossible to go any faster. I swear to this day that Hailwood, Agostini, Crosby or Kenny Roberts could not have gone any quicker on that bike. And Dennis did it lap after lap. Here was a rider in perfect symphony with his bike, tyres and self-belief. He never looked like crashing. In fact, the faster he went, the smoother and more in-control Dennis appeared to be. It remains one of the most astonishing performances I have ever seen. And it was done on a street-shod proddy. He won by more than half the straight in just six laps, so when I learned that he would face off against Gregg Hansford at Bathurst five months later, I was certain that Dennis would be the only local rider who could serve it up to the world-class Queenslander. And Dennis obliged aboard an unfaired Honda against Gregg’s Kawasaki endurance race special in the Arai 500. Dennis put in a hyper-determined effort on Australia’s longest and most dangerous track against one of the world’s great riders to lead Gregg most of the way before both of their bikes packed it in. Dennis’s career was filled with many of these amazing performances, so Heavens only knows what he could’ve achieved on the world stage – the word “anything” springs to mind. Queensland-based Neill passed away suddenly on September 17 following complications stemming from an operation for a hip replacement. As a racer and a man, Mick Cole nailed it when he said, “Dennis would grow horns whenever he sat on a bike, but off the bike he was one the nicest blokes you could ever meet.” Cycle Torque bids a fond farewell to a truly unique competitor, an industry stalwart and a gracious gentleman, Dennis Neill. – Darryl Flack

NEWS TORQUE

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THE 2015 Sydney Motorcycle Show presented by InsureMyRide takes place on November 20-22 at Sydney Showgrounds. For the first time consumers attending the show on Friday, November 20 will be invited to attend the new motorcycle launches, normally conducted exclusively for media. Visitors will not only get a first look at the new releases, they will also have the opportunity to hear detailed insights directly from each manufacturer. The bi-annual Sydney Motorcycle Show is growing exponentially and commands over 25,000sqm of the Sydney Showgrounds site.

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Event Organiser Troy Bayliss said exhibitor interest in the 2015 event continues to be strong. “The 2015 Sydney Motorcycle Show will be the biggest motorcycling event Sydney has hosted,” said Bayliss. “Over 100 exhibitors are already confirmed for the main exhibition hall, while some of the bigger features of the 2015 event will dominate the outside precinct. “We have introduced a number of new initiatives and I am particularly excited to be inviting show visitors to witness the new bike reveals. It is

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NEWS TORQUE

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Sydney Motorcycle Show a unique opportunity and those who attend on Friday will be amongst the first in Australia and in some cases the world to see the covers come off some incredible machines,” Bayliss added. A second exhibition hall has been confirmed which will house the ‘Custom Classic’ exhibition and some very special show features to be announced over the coming weeks. Hall 2 will also host the largest ever sales area at the Sydney Motorcycle Show, with the majority of the big brand names offering massive price reductions. ELECTRIC IBIKE Long Life Lithium Battery 36 volt 200 watt, 25kph, 30km range, no license or registration required.

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Visitors to the Sydney Motorcycle Show will be invited to participate in motorcycle, UTV and electric bike test rides and will be entertained by Australia’s leading motorcycle stunt performers including World Freestyle Trials Champion Jack Field, Showtime FMX and renowned street bike stunt rider Dave McKenna. n

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NEWS TORQUE

NSW tech scoops top award ROLY Orr from Wilder Motorcycles in Young, NSW, has won Yamaha’s prestigious 2015 Motorcycle Technicians Grand Prix.

Yamaha’s Tech GP is an industry initiative that recognises excellence in the motorcycle service industry. Together with Yamaha Technical Academy training, the Tech GP helps to develop and retain extremely skilled technicians within the Yamaha network.

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Roly Orr will now represent Oceania in the 2016 World Motorcycle Technicians GP to be held in Japan. Tim Dowbnia from Peter Stevens in Adelaide, SA was runner-up. Dowbnia, who has earned an automatic placement in the 2017 Tech GP, joined Peter Stevens specifically to compete in the well recognised event. The nine finalists performed extremely well and were only separated with 11 per cent difference in their final scores. Roly and Tim were separated by only two per cent difference. YMA wishes to congratulate all 2015 finalists who were ably supported by their respective dealerships who have shown commitment to growing their after sales service business by competing in the biannual event. The complete list of finalists: Matthew Shelton – Outdoor Power, Bundaberg, QLD. Darren Stout – Sun City Yamaha, Townsville, QLD. Bevan Holmes – Team Moto Northside, Brisbane, QLD. Lincoln Brien – Readfords Motorcycles, Dubbo, NSW. Roly Orr – Wilder Motorcycles, Young, NSW. Daniel Feck – Hewitt Motorcycles, Dannervirke, NZ. Simon Stannard – Bailey Motorcycles, Hawera, NZ. Sebastian Van Dijk – Mandurah City Yamaha, Mandurah, WA. Tim Dowbnia – Peter Stevens, Adelaide, Adelaide, SA. n

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NEWS TORQUE Dream Racer Wins Best Feature Film Award in New York

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FOLLOWING its successes and winning awards in Los Angeles, Barcelona, New Delhi, and Milan, internationally acclaimed film Dream Racer wins ‘Best Feature Film’ Award in New York at the 2015 Motorcycle Film Festival. The Dream Racer story is based on the famous Dakar Rally, the most extreme and dangerous race on earth where racers brave extreme temperatures in the harshest deserts on the planet. A 15 days, 10,000km (6,200 miles) desert race dubbed insanity on wheels where each year since 1979, and with an attrition rate of 50 per cent, racers facing injuries and death attempt the impossible. The Dream Racer film shows The Dakar Rally in its purest form - no sponsors, no multi-million dollar team, not even a mechanic - just one man, a motorbike, his tool-roll, 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. All of us have dreams and desires, but sometimes they remain just that, dreams, lost in a scheduled tomorrow that never comes. Dream Racer is a story of dreams, determination, and extreme resilience to make it happen at all cost - a story guaranteed to make you question your real purpose in life. Jack Drury, Director at the Motorcycle Film Festival says “Dream Racer is one of these rare film that stands outside the generic motorcycle genre. A beautiful, thoughtful, exciting, and most of all a film that truly conveyed a spirit of adventure and perseverance.” “I wanted to make a film to show that anyone with a dream can actually make it come true, in my case it was competing in the Dakar Rally. Simon Lee (Director) and Adrian Barac (Editor) have done a fantastic job at capturing the core elements of a totally non-scripted adventure and has turned Dream Racer into a timeless story that will stand the test of time and inspire young and old for the next several decades. To be awarded Best Feature Film in New York is a great honour and I truly hope Dream Racer has inspired ordinary people, like myself, in doing extraordinary things with their life and be able to say at the end... yes, I am happy of having lived such a life” says Christophe Barriere-Varju (subject of the film). n

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NEWS TORQUE

Daredevil at Sydney Motorcycle Show

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IN FULL BLOOM & ALIVE WITH COLOUR

Leading Australian motorcycle stuntman Robbie Maddison has been confirmed as a special guest to the 2015 Sydney Motorcycle Show presented by InsureMyRide at Sydney Olympic Park on November 20-22. Maddison, who holds the world record for the longest distance ever jumped on a motorcycle is back on Australian soil for the first time since what was arguably his most daring project yet – DC Shoes Pipe Dream, in which he rode a modified dirtbike on a wave near Teahupoo in Tahiti. The 34 year old from Kiama, who was Daniel Craig’s stunt double in the Bond film Skyfall said he looked forward to meeting visitors at the Sydney Motorcycle Show. “It is awesome to be back home in Sydney after a massive year and the completion of DC Shoes Pipe Dream,” Maddison said. “I am really looking forward to connecting with all the Aussie fans at the Sydney Motorcycle Show. It is one of my favourite events, and I love that you can see all the new bike models in one place.” The modern day Evel Knievel will be a special guest at the Sydney Motorcycle Show on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st November. Maddison’s feats include jumping the opened Tower Bridge in London, leaping 300 feet across the Corinth Canal in Greece, jumping up and down the Arc de Triomphe in Las Vegas and navigating his motorcycle through an Olympic bobsled course in Utah. Event Organiser Troy Bayliss said he was excited to confirm Maddison’s participation in the Sydney Motorcycle Show. “Robbie Maddison is without a doubt one of the most sought after athletes in the world at the moment so we are honoured to have him as our special guest at the Sydney Motorcycle Show,” said Bayliss “He lays claim to some incredible feats that will very likely never be repeated again.

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“Due to his global commitments Robbie is not often in Australia so this will give the Australian public a rare opportunity to hear in person what is next for this modern day daredevil,” Bayliss continued. Maddison will be at the Sydney Motorcycle Show from 9.00am on Friday 20 November. Friday 20th November 9.00am - Robbie Maddison to attend the official Sydney Motorcycle Show media launch 1.00pm - Autograph signing and interviews Saturday 21st November 12.00pm - Autograph signing and interviews n

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Black Beast INDIAN Motorcycles revealed the “Black Hills Beast,” at Sturgis recently. Built by Doug Siddens and Nick Jaquez of IndianMotorcycles.net, The Black Hills Beast, based on a new 2015 Indian Scout, was customised to emulate the purpose built nature of historic hill climb motorcycles.

Transforming the look of the Scout started relatively easily with the addition of several new Indian Motorcycle accessories including the 1920 Solo Saddle Seat and a set of the accessory laced wheels. Custom details that set the bike apart include an elongated custom swingarm, custom handlebar, custom radiator shroud and front number plate with an LED headlight. “Building a hill climber seemed easy enough, but it posed some unique challenges,” Said Siddens. “Enthusiasts know what a hill climber looks like - so some of the mods were logical but scaling them to fit the new Scout was the key and took a lot of work and planning.

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We are very proud of the result and the reception that the bike got at such an important Sturgis milestone, the 75th anniversary. “ “We settled in on a design quickly,” added Jaquez. “But none of it would have worked without the assistance of our suppliers and partners in this build. “We cranked on it for a month and tossed out a few bits along the way - I do feel like we delivered one hell of a machine - and it was a blast getting it dirty too!” Additional support for the Indian Scout Black Hills Beast came from Aeromach (Floorboards and heel shifter), Dobeck Performance (Engine tuning), Fox Shocks (Suspension), RPW USA (Exhaust), Starr Studios (Paint), Ricochet Customs (Powder coating), BTR Moto (Swingarm and tire chain), Zippers performance (Chain Drive Conversion) and Traxxion Dynamics (Front Suspension). Indian Motorcycles will continue to play with this gritty work of art through upcoming celebrations of custom Scout motorcycles, as part of the Scout Custom Series launched last year with the Wall of Death Scout, and now including the USO Scout and the Black Bullet Scout inspired by land speed racing. For a new video featuring the Black Hills Beast, visit https://youtu.be/eufOfECTG30. n

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NEWS TORQUE

C Y C L E T O R QNOVEMBER U E F E B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 17 15 cycletorque.com.au

Stunt Beemer WITH the world premiere of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at South America’s largest motorcycle show, BMW Motorrad is presenting a completely new side: the uncompromising interpretation of an aggressive and agile stunt bike based on a single cylinder machine.

Four-times World and European stunt riding champion, Chris Pfeiffer, contributed to the design of the BMW Concept Stunt 310. “Stunt riding is a demanding and multifaceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time. You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control”, explained Pfeiffer. The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 combines all these qualities and makes clear at first sight: the newly developed 1-cylinder engine allows for very compact proportions thanks to its innovative concept. The special feature is the cylinder which is inclined towards the rear and the cylinder head which is rotated by 180 degrees. This permits optimum placement of the engine in the motorcycle and a short wheelbase in spite of the long swinging arm thereby making the motorcycle very agile. The low-slung front and the raised tail section promise fast and nimble changes of direction as well as dynamic riding. By shifting the intake area towards the front while also moving the exhaust system towards the rear it was possible to place the rear silencer in an upright standing position underneath the seat between engine and spring strut. In this way the silencer is optimally protected and does not limit the stunt rider’s freedom of movement. Even though you may hardly see it, you will not overhear it. Once started, the sound of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is sure to attract attention. n

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NEWS TORQUE

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Suzuki’s Next 100 SUZUKI is displaying numerous concept bikes at the Tokyo Motor Show which runs from October 30 to November 8.

The theme for Suzuki’s booth is “SUZUKI NEXT 100”. Suzuki will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, so the exhibits represent proposals for products and technologies that give a sense of the company’s preparations for ongoing success in the next 100 years. A range of concept models will include the Concept GSX and Hustler Scoot. The concept GSX symbolises the high-performance motorcycles that bear the GSX name. It gives form to Suzuki’s inline-four sportbike-making spirit and evokes a cocoon from which the company’s future sportbike models will be born. The Hustler Scoot is a concept model of a rider-friendly 50cc scooter with luggage space for diverse purposes. A conventional underseat luggage bay is complemented by a removable luggage case that mounts between the rider’s feet. There’s more luggage room on the rear carrier and on the sides of the bodywork. It will come in some far out colours too. n

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NEWS TORQUE

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The Dog lives on One of the first signs of a depressed economic market is that luxury and high-end consumer goods tend to drop off the customer’s shopping list. And ReddDog is no exception to this phenomena. But does ReddDog really produce the so-called “Luxury” goods or are they supplying riders with a “Necessity”? Creative Designer and Founder of ReddDog, Dr Jay, strongly advocates that wearing the right gear is not a luxury when it comes to motorcycle safety - it is a necessity and essential for safe, fatiguefree riding. “Bulky layers and thick neck warmers worn under protective riding gear restrict a rider’s movements (particularly head-check when lane-changing). They make the rider uncomfortable, thereby increasing rider fatigue ... not to mention that you end up looking like a big, fat Michellin ManTM. “, says Jay

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In winter, riders need gear that is very warm but non-bulky. In summer, it is important to stay cool, dry and comfortable, even on the hottest of days. And in spring and autumn - well, you need to be prepared for just about every sort of weather condition and temperature. That’s why ReddDog spends a lot of time sourcing and test-riding the best Aussie and New Zealand fabrics available. “Most of our gear is usually tested by a handful of “bike-heads” including myself, for about six months before it becomes production-ready. It’s tested for shrinkage and stretch allowances, design comfort, next-to-skin comfort, odour and moisture-wicking capacity, ease of care, product life and both warmth and cooling capabilities.” Using a premium merino wool to produce clothing for a relatively small niche market, that is both designed and made in Australia, will always demand a greater price than those that don’t support an Australian workforce or our raw materials. And sadly, because of this price differential, this quality, high-end producer is closing its retail store in Bungendore. “The market is just too quiet right now. So instead we will be shifting our focus towards having a greater online exposure and having a stronger presence at trade shows, expos and rallies. It’s a cost-saving measure that, for now, will allow us to continue trading”. “We’re not closing completely. We have too strong a following of die-hard ReddDoggers to contemplate that, and I still have so many design ideas and new fabrics that I can’t wait to produce. “But whether it’s ReddDog or another local Aussie business, I urge you to save your pennies and support the industries that support good safety, style and riding needs. Y”ou might be spending a little more up-front, but the higher quality and greater product-life will be worth it in the long-run - for you, and for the many industries, produces and manufacturers that you will be supporting as a result.” http://www.redddog.com.au https://www.facebook.com/ReddDogAustralia

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See Vietnam with Cycle Torque Cycle Torque and Vietnam Motorbike Tours are teaming up again for an epic 14-day roadbike tour of Southern Vietnam. Taking in the picturesque mountains and the beautiful seaside from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Nha Trang, you will experience Vietnam with English-speaking guides on motorcycles big enough to comfortably carry a rider and passenger. The tours include many meals, motel-style accommodation, fully maintained bikes with luggage/support vehicle. These Cycle Torque tours only occur every two years and have always sold out, and places are strictly limited. The Cycle Torque crew will be attending to shoot the experience for TV and the magazine.

January 8-22, 2016 (14 Days) $5100 per rider, $2600 per pillion passenger Earlybird special: Save $500 per rider if you book and pay before October 30, 2015. Prices include Vietnam Motorbike Tours bike hire, twin-share accommodation, some meals, fuel and internal flights. Not included: International flights, alcohol, some meals. Images shot on previous Cycle Torque tours, we do not guarantee visiting any specific location. Tour details subject to change.

Bookings and More information: Email vietnam@cycletorque.com.au or call 02 4956 9820

SMALL TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 22

How many litres? WE GOT it a bit wrong with the fuel tank size of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 we tested in last month’s issue. Nigel said it had a 15 litre tank when it has a 20. How could he think a sports touring bike with a monster engine would only have a 15 litre tank? He has been slapped as has our chief sub Dennis. Editor Chris should be excused because he’s overworked.

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Posties on the pace CESSNOCK in the Hunter Valley of NSW will again be a hub of power, pain, pleasure and hopes dashed when the Postie Posse hit town for the second annual Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix.

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The event will be held in the streets of Cessnock and will be bigger than last year, itself an amazing event. Many top line riders entered last year, and there were even more low ability wobblers. The Postie GP offered something for everyone whether it be negotiating the man made chicanes or watching the stimulating action from the sideline. Many a posite was harmed in the making of the event and many more will probably be harmed at this year’s event.

So, on Sunday November 1 get to the wilds of Cessnock to watch it all unfold. Apparently Troy Bayliss is even racing. For more info go to www.cessnockmotorcycleclub.com.au.

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Get Routed GET Routed New Zealand was sold in January this year, but unfortunately, due to personal circumstances the new owner is unable to continue. Dave Milligan is now looking for a new operator (for GRNZ) and in the meantime taking bookings for shipping Aussie bikes to NZ this coming Summer.

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Dave is still doing annual shipments to Europe, the UK and Canada.

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Bracksy Armour ALL round good guy and master commentator Mark Bracks is importing a famous range of body armour into Australia. Safe-T Armor has protected loads of big time racers and it could protect you too. We’ll have more info soon. n

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SMALL TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 23

Green Army IRELAND is entering a team in this year’s International Island Classic at Phillip Island. The green-leaf clover entry means five national squads will race the Challenge next January 22-24, with the Irish taking on the four experienced teams - defending champions the UK, Australia who won the title from its inception in 2005 to 2014, the USA and NZ. Tickets are already on sale at www.islandclassic.com.au for the three day Island Classic, with packed agenda shaping up to feature 56 races, with qualifying Friday and racing Saturday and Sunday.

California Cruising MOTO Guzzi Australia is continuing the ‘California Cruising’ campaign until November 30, and as an added bonus the offer is being increased to $1,500.00. For $23K Ride Away the California Custom exudes personality with cruiser handlebars, black mirrors, minimalist colour scheme and a two-seater saddle. The California Touring is destined for great travellers and features “Patrol” windscreen, chrome-plated headlights, 35 litre panniers, engine and pannier guard kit, touring saddle and a price tag of $26K Ride Away. Owning a unique piece of Moto Guzzi art has never been so affordable. To find out more about this limited time offer please contact your local Moto Guzzi dealer.

Big H LAMS HONDA’S all-new 2016 CBR650F and CB650F are now LAMS approved. The CB650F channels streetfighter attitude into its four-cylinder engine while the faired CBR650F looks and feels just that bit sportier. Find out more at your local dealer.

How much? A VERY rare unrestored Harley-Davidson and sidecar fetched $600,000 at a recent Shannons Auction, setting a record in the process. The 1927 FHA 8-Valve race bike was one of less than 50 every made and was in an amazing ‘barn find’ condition. After WW1 many of these factory racers found their way to Australia and were raced on the oval tracks that were somewhat plentiful in Australia in those early days of motorcycle racing. Go and check what pop has in the shed. You might be amazed. n

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1/06/2015 4:49 pm

EDITORIAL

Downtown

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 25

YOUNG readers will already know about this. Older readers should chill out and check it out at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGhoLcsr8GA

I went to the Moped store, said “F#*k it” Salesman’s like “What up, what’s your budget?” And I’m like “Honestly, I don’t know nothing about Mopeds” He said “I got the one for you, follow me” Ooh, it’s too real Chromed out mirror, I don’t need a windshield Banana seat, a canopy on two wheels Eight hundred cash, that’s a hell of a deal I’m headed Downtown, cruising through the alley Tip-toeing in the street like ballet Pulled up, moped to the valet Whitewalls on the wheels like mayonnaise Dope, my crew is ill, and all we need is two good wheels Got gas in the tank, cash in the bank And a bad little mama with her ass in my face I’mma lick that, stick that, break her off, Kit-Kat Snuck her in backstage, you don’t need a wristband Dope Killing the game, ‘bout to catch a body Passed the Harley, Dukie on the Ducati Timbaland, Khaled, Scott Storch, Birdman God damn, man, everybody got Bugattis But I’mma keep it hella 1987 Head into the dealership and drop a stack and cop a Kawasaki I’m stunting on everybody, hella raw, pass the Wasabi I’m so low that my scrotum’s almost dragging up on the concrete My seat is leather, alright, I’m lying, it’s pleather But girl, we could still ride together You don’t need a Uber, you don’t need a cab F*%k a bus pass, you got a Moped man She got 1988 Mariah Carey hair Very rare, mom jeans on her derriere Throwing up the West Side as we tear in the air Stop by Pike Place, throwing fish to a player Downtown, downtown

Downtown, downtown She has her arms around your waist With a balance that will keep her safe Have you ever felt the warm embrace Of the leather seat between your legs Hey-ey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey-ey Hey-ey-ey-ey, hey-ey-ey-ey Downtown You don’t want no beef, boy Know I run the streets, boy Better follow me towards Downtown What you see is what you get girl Don’t ever forget girl Ain’t seen nothing yet until you’re Downtown Dope Cut the bullshit Get off my mullet Stone washed, so raw Moped like a bullet You can’t catch me A po-po can’t reprimand me I’m in a B-Boy stance, I’m not dancing I got your girl on the back going tandem Cause I’m too damn quick, I’m too damn slick Whole downtown yelling out, “Who that is?” It’s me, the M, the A-C, the K Sounding like a French pimp from back in the day I take her to Pend Oreille and I water skate I mean, water ski, ollie ollie oxen free I’m perusing down fourth and they watching me I do a handstand, the eagle lands on my seat Well hello, but baby, the kickstand ain’t free Now do you or do you not wanna ride with me I got one girl, I got two wheels She a big girl, that ain’t a big deal

I like a big girl, I like ‘em sassy Going down the backstreet listening to Blackstreet Running around the whole town Neighbours yelling at me like, “You need to slow down” “Going thirty-eight, Dan, chill the f@$k out Mow your damn lawn and sit the hell down” If I only had one helmet I would give it to you, give it to you Cruising down Broadway, girl, what a wonderful view, wonderful view There’s layers to this shit player, tiramisu, tiramisu Let my coat-tail drag but I ain’t tearing my suit, tearing my suit Downtown, downtown Downtown, downtown She has her arms around your waist With a balance that will keep her safe Downtown Have you ever felt the warm embrace Downtown Of the leather seat between your legs Downtown You don’t want no beef, boy Know I run the streets, boy Better follow me towards Downtown What you see is what you get girl Don’t ever forget girl Ain’t seen nothing yet until you’re Downtown You don’t want no beef, boy Know I run the streets, boy Better follow me towards Downtown What you see is what you get girl Don’t ever forget girl Ain’t seen nothing yet until you’re Downtown n

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DIRTY TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 26

Junk Yard Dog AT THE tender age of 50, American motocrosser John Dowd managed to earn several top ten finishes during the 2015 Canadian Motocross Championships against a gaggle of hard charging young guns. I thought now it would be great to look back at a career that has seen a quiet kid from New England earn the nickname of ‘The Junk Yard Dog’. Unlike most of the past, current and even future Pro riders, Dowd didn’t start racing until he was 20 years old but the super fit and extremely tenacious kid from Massachusetts progressed quickly and was able to turn professional in 1986 at the age of 21. Between 1987 and 1992 Dowd hovered between obscurity and stardom with his biggest accomplishment at the time being a win at the mud infested Hangtown 250cc National in 1991. In 1993 the cards fell more in Dowd’s favour when Team Yamaha’s star rider Damon Bradshaw quit in the middle of a multi-year contract, with Yamaha then signing Mike Craig to replace Bradshaw. Despite winning the Tampa Supercross that season Craig was let go mid-season of the AMA Motocross Nationals thanks to his poor performances.

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With a factory Yamaha YZ250 just sitting there with no rider signed for the gig Yamaha started negotiating with the Boyesen Yamaha team who had John Dowd sitting fourth in the series points after nine rounds. It was agreed that the factory bike would

be prepped each weekend for Dowd but would have the Boyesen team graphics. When the gate dropped for the opening moto at the next round at Millville Dowd used the new-found horsepower to pull the hole-shot and lead for the first half of the race until the championship leader Mike LaRocco caught and passed him. In the second moto it was another hole-shot for Dowd but this time LaRocco crashed in the first corner and as Larocco was picking his way through the field Dowd was pulling away from the pack. In the dying laps Larocco had remounted and blasted through the entire pack with only Dowd between he and victory. The Junk Yard Dog had other ideas, holding on for the win thus taking the overall for Boyesen and Yamaha. Over the next 20 years Dowd raced the AMA Motocross and/or Supercross championships and finished inside the top five in every series bar a couple. He won the 125 West Coast Supercross Championships along the way while setting many AMA records including oldest rider to win an AMA National (Southwick 125cc, 1998), oldest rider to win a Supercross championship (125cc West, 1998), oldest rider to win a National moto (Mt. Morris, 2000) and oldest rider to finish on the podium in an AMA National (Southwick 250cc, 2005). Between 2005 and 2013 Dowd raced one or two nationals each year just to score enough points to keep his nation number (16) and even got to announce his retirement on the same day his son Ryan tried to qualify for the 2013 Southwick National. Dowd ended

up 24th overall with 30-19 results while his son didn’t quite make the main program but since then ‘the Dowds’ have been hammering the NESC (New England Sport Committee) motocross series and this year have expanded their race program to a couple rounds of the 2015 Canadian Motocross Championships. And this is where you find out how much of a legend John Dowd really is. John and Ryan Down contested two rounds of the Canadian series and John managed to go 13-9-8-9 over the four motos he competed in. To top his year off he went over to Europe to race the World Vets Motocross of Nationals at Farleigh Castle and absolutely blitzed all four motos on a KX500 beating the likes of Jean Michael-Bayle, Josh Coppins, Brian Wheeler, Johan Boonen and Gordon Crockard to name a few. John ‘The Junk Yard Dog’ Dowd is your unlikely hero, behind his humble demeanour is a sportsman of the highest calibre and there is no doubt that the sport of motocross has benefited from his involvement. – Darren Smart

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RACE TORQUE

Dani Boy IN A sport where feel-good stories are few and far between, the sight of Dani Pedrosa going toe-to-toe with Valentino Rossi at Aragon was a sight for sore eyes. The battle between the diminutive and dour Spaniard versus the tall Italian superstar was more than a contrast of personalities and attitudes. It was a massive contrast of styles. Dani is the least combative rider in MotoGP, Rossi the fiercest competitor in memory. Rossi tailed Pedrosa for much of the race, building pressure here and there to force an error as leader Jorge Lorenzo edged comfortably and gleefully into the distance. Rossi appeared to have Dani well and truly covered but would display untold patience by working the Honda rider over for 20 laps before making his move. Vale would rush up to Dani under brakes to let him know he was about to pounce, but held fire until a few laps to go when he roared under Dani at the fast right at turn four on consecutive laps, only for Pedrosa to stuff him on the much tighter left. Using the Honda’s superior top-end, Pedrosa would eke out a big enough lead down the long back straight only for Rossi to close menacingly around the first half of the track. This set the pattern for the final laps, yet Rossi looked good to successfully lever by Pedrosa as he done so often against Sete Gibernau, Max Biaggi, Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo. But Dani was having none of it. In fact, he used Rossi’s trademark Email us your tactics to beat him; if you are feedback

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 28

passed, pass back immediately, and when you do run the other guy wide. Watching Dani fight so hard against the best in the business will go down as one of his finest rides. Since joining the MotoGP ranks in 2006, Dani hasn’t been everyone’s cup of tea; the unsmiling serf who struggled under helicopter manager Alberto Puig, the guy who almost snuffed out Nicky Hayden’s 2006 title hopes and was later usurped by Jorge Lorenzo as Spain’s number one MotoGP rider in a bitter personal battle that was only reconciled by the country’s monarch, King Juan Carlos. Pretty much everybody has given up on Dani winning a MotoGP championship, including Dani. And he doesn’t seem to care in a very human way. So whenever he wins a race or beats one of the other Aliens, everyone is so happy for him. The same can’t be said for his Repsol Honda teammate. The fall of Marc Marquez is unprecedented in grand prix racing. The only possible comparison in world sport could be made with Andre Agassi. After winning the career golden grand slam in 1996 after claiming the men’s singles title at the Atlanta Games, Agassi slumped to # 171 in the world a year later. Marquez hasn’t plummeted that far, he’s right up there in fact winning four races and somehow sitting third overall. But even taking into account his difficulties with the 2015 Honda, he has thrown it

down the road too many times to suggest that it is any more than a lack of focus, and over-riding and under-thinking. In 2013 and 2014, MM re-wrote the record books and looked on track to win five straight titles given his mastery of both mind and machine. Now Marc is struggling to stay on the bike for more than three races in a row. Following his angry off at Aragon, he fell off his mountain bike a few days later and broke a bone in hand requiring surgery. Here’s looking to 2016. While there is plenty of time for Marquez it’s fast running out for Nicky Hayden. The second-longest serving MotoGP rider with 212 starts by Aragon with three wins and 28 podiums, I thought Hayden was a pole Meister but he has only racked up five of them. Running around outside the top 15 for several years, his 2006 world championship has almost been erased from the consciousness of most race fans. Race Torque first posited in 2008 that Hayden should switch to WSBK. That is now his best option of remaining in world championship racing. – Darryl Flack

GUNTRIP

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Trumpet voluntary WHILE working my way across the verdant Leicestershire countryside, the hamlet of Barton in the Beans somewhere over my right shoulder, it occurred to me that the Bonneville has changed a little, but not in any way that would alter its essential character. A week earlier I’d walked into a sizeable bike dealership in Vauxhall, just across the road from spook central, MI6 headquarters, to look for a new jacket. There I’d seen one expansion of the range, the Bonneville Newchurch which, the salesman told me, is named after the world’s biggest Triumph gathering, happening in Austria every year at an otherwise quiet little burg named Neukirchen. The Newchurch looks smart. The one I saw boasted cranberry/white paintwork that stood out well from its abundance of black-finished components. But the Newchurch belongs to the development line that dates from the SE, with its cast wheels and 17in front hoop, while the Spirit belongs in the T100 camp, spoked wheels and all. The Spirit is intended to invoke the, ah, spirit of the 1959 Bonnie. It too has plenty of black paint, to engine cases, wheel rims, handlebar, rear springs, mirror stems and fork legs. There’s also a small-diameter headlight from the Scrambler. The sapphire blue and white paint doesn’t quite square with the pale blue and orange of its pre-unit ancestor, but the white stitching to the seat looks cool, and were it finished in rose pink it would still look good out front of the Ace Café.

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Gripes: just the usual irritations, really: I don’t like the lack of a lockable filler cap – I intended to buy one for my own Bonnie while here but couldn’t see one on the

accessories list. I’ll ask. I’m thinking more of inquisitive kids than roaming vandals in this case; I once lost a pair of trousers after a particularly mischievous little mite unscrewed the filler cap on the crankcase of the Honda I was riding, which ended in my copping a shower of hot oil. Sweet, aren’t they, other people’s children? Three years on from mine, the Bonnie’s pegs are still too far forward, and while they suit the height of the handlebar they’re always in the damned way when I’m putting a foot down. Oh yes, and the centre stand is still an accessory. In performance terms there isn’t much to complain about. The 865cc twin has proven itself to be a lusty, free-revving unit, largely free of vibration, well suited to its likely tasks. It could use a little more flywheel and that, combined with the loan bike’s fluffy injection at low revs made it a slightly jerky proposition at low speeds. On the other hand, there’s that old expression about workmen and tools… If you’ve arrived at a particular age and haven’t for whatever reason sampled a Bonnie, then give it a shot. It’s a heavy old lump but brisk and perfectly amiable. I didn’t make it to Barton in the Beans and I’ve probably missed my chance at Kirby Muxloe and perhaps even Ashby de la Zouch. On the other hand Silverstone is just up the road, the sun is shining and as I write this Josh Brookes is leading the British Superbike Championship with just two rounds to run, the next one around the peculiar mess the car lobby has made of the Northamptonshire track, so all is not yet lost. The weather has improved despite the lateness of the season. Landing at Heathrow amid thickets of South Africans who’d come to see Japan give the Boks a

rugby lesson, the sky was a brooding steel grey and, at six in the morning, the street lights reflected horribly from the wet roads. I gave my helmet bag a resentful glance, tried not to think of hypothermia and trudged out into the cold. At least I had the Bonnie to look forward to. More than a decade ago, when we were clamouring for information on how John Bloor would use the Bonneville name in his then new range of motorcycles, we feared that something might go fearfully awry on the long road between concept discussions and the factory. We needn’t have fretted, of course. The Bloor Bonneville isn’t perfect but it’s well fit for purpose. I wonder if we’ll be able to say the same about the Springboks come the end of October? – Bob Guntrip

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DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2015 2015 II 31 31 cycletorque.com.au

CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Roid Rage

DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE

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CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Yep, the Panigaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been at the gym and pouring all sorts of protein shakes down its gob.

DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE

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CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Roid Rage

WATCH VIDEO NOW

N TEST BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY RYAN GRUBB N RIDING GEAR: KABUTO HELMET, ARLEN NESS LEATHERS, GLOVES BY FIVE GLOVES, RST BOOTS.

ONE thing Ducati has been fantastic at is the styling of its motorcycles. It is as much a part of the package as is the performance. When you see a Ducati ride past you know what it is, you don’t have to guess. The booming exhaust note usually gives the game away if you are somewhat cross-eyed. Everyone says Ducati changed the game from the 916 onwards. I reckon it was before that, with the 851/888 range being gobsmackingly beautiful in an aggressive way, where the 916 was a little, well, effeminate. I own two 851 Ducatis. I have never owned a 916 or one of its newer offspring simply because I never really lusted after one when they were new. I lusted after an 851. That’s why I now own two. Am I ‘touched’? Possibly, but probably for a whole host of other reasons. I know that potential Ducati owners lusted after the 916/996/998 brigade of bikes but for some reason I don’t think the same degree of lust is there for the 1098/1198 range. I don’t know why that is because they are better bikes than the ones before. Striking too. But I believe that will be a blip on the radar because the Panigale is a machine to create lustful madness on the unsuspecting rider. At first I didn’t know what to think of the original Panigale, the 1199 version. Beautiful? God yes. Fast? Hello! Sublime handling? As long as there were no bumps. Bank robbing inspirational? Certainly. I was in love but at the same time perhaps slightly disappointed, sort of like being invited to play a bit part in a porn movie only to know deep inside that you won’t last past the introductions. They were fickle beings the first Panigale but there were some minor changes to improve that along the way. Not whole model changes mind, just a tweak here and there as each year rolled by.

But Now When the 1299 Panigale rolled into Dodge (CT HQ) it still wore much the same exotic dancer looks. When I started the bike for the first time I was quickly blown away by the staccato big band exhaust note which had me immediately thinking, ‘geez this thing has got an Adam’s apple’. I’m still not sure whether the bike is a cross-dressing bloke or Sporty Spice. I’m happy either way. Yes, I took it for a brief spin and was suitably impressed by the extra capacity induced torque. It is faster than the previous model but also less evil. I’m not Continued on next page Continued on next page

DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE

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CYCLE TORQUE TEST sure how that works but Ducati has done it with the new 1200 Multistrada too. Smart buggers those people from Bologna. Besides the engine capacity hike there are some chassis changes too but the main change is that oh so wonderful donk. Now the bike is not happy nor was it designed to be happy in traffic (it does have 200hp and weighs only 166 kg) . We know that so off to the country we go. Our pet TT racer Alex Pickett was put on display duties as we tested the bike for Cycle Torque TV and took some photos. He went for a shortish ride while we got the camera gear sorted and when he came back he was beaming like some sort of idiot. That is a somewhat normal occurrence even when he’s not riding but he was very impressed with the new Panigale. “Bloody hell, this thing is mad,” was his comment, with some expletives deleted for you good folk. “How much is it?” he asked. “Wake up to yourself son, now get back to riding.” And this was the bog stock standard version. How good are the others?

SPECIFICATIONS: ENGINE TYPE: Liquid-cooled L-twin CAPACITY: 1285cc TRANSMISSION: 6-speed and chain drive FUEL CAPACITY: 17 litres FRAME TYPE: Monocoque alloy SEAT HEIGHT: 830mm DRY WEIGHT: 166kg FRONT SUSPENSION: 50mm USD Marzocchi fully adjustable forks. REAR SUSPENSION: Fully adjustable Sachs single shock BRAKES: Dual 4-piston calipers on front, single caliper on rear. TYRES: 120/70-17, 200/55-17 PRICE (RRP): From $27,990 + ORC www.cycletorque.com.au/more CALL FOR A QUOTE

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MMM, technology We had a play with the bike and worked the settings somewhat. You really do need to know your way around the different settings on this bike to get the best rewards from it. There are three Riding Modes: Wet, Sport and Race. Wet has 120 horsepower (120kW) while the other two have the full rampant ponies, with Sport having a slightly less aggressive power delivery than Race. But you can tailor each Mode individually to have a softer power delivery in Race Mode for example. The Panigale is one of the most advanced production motorcycles on the planet. Most people will be happy with the default settings but for those who want more you can have more. Said Oliver Twist, “Please Sir, can I have some more?”. Well, yes you can lad!

You can also change the traction control settings (DTC), wheelie control and as this is a race bike for the road, it’s got a quick shifter. Works well too. And if that isn’t enough, the thing’s got engine braking. Yes, I know it’s a four stroke and they all have that, but you can adjust this and even turn it off. It reacts to the ride-by-wire throttle, wheel sensors and the slipper clutch to reduce rear wheel lock up. Is this required over the standard slipper clutch? Don’t know but sounds good to me. And if you get lost in the maze of settings you can simply press the reset button and go back to the default settings. It’s easy enough to get the hang of after a few goes and for an owner it will be a snap. We got a first hand account of how good the traction control works when Alex was being a star for the TV show, in closed roads conditions of course. He reduced the DTC intervention settings to allow him to be ‘spectacular’ and as he crested a rise on the back wheel the power really did chime in, throwing the rear wheel sideways, which to me looked like a metre or more. Of course I went in to full editor/producer melt down on the side of the road, with visions of Ducati’s finest cartwheeling down the road, and me going to Ducati Australia HQ with my cap in hand uttering, “Please Sir, can I have some more?” TT Racer’s reply was, “What are you going on about, I was in total control”. I shall never know but he definitely tamed his throttle hand after that. The point is, the DTC stopped me being a blubbering mess on the side of the road. Continued on next page

DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE

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CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Road Rage

Owning One

For what’s really a track bike, the 1299 Panigale does a pretty good job of ferrying wannabe stars on the road. I mean that in a nice way. Not really that long ago if you wanted a proper performance bike for the road you bought a sportsbike. Now though, there are some very fast road bikes masquerading as adventure tourers and naked bikes so the purchase of a bike like the Panigale sort of hints that the performance of the bike is only one of the reasons you are buying it. That’s cool, I like to look good too. I keep telling my wife that I make anything look good, but I’m not sure she’s ‘bought’ it yet.

The 1299 Panigale costs $27,990, the ’S’ model $34,990. There are on-road costs as well. I think that’s great value for a bike of this quality, and cheap considering what it cost to buy a top line sports Ducati 20 years ago.

When you do get over looking in the shop windows and actually let this thing have its head you will have that same silly grin as the main man from the MAD comics. Do they still make them? If not, that’s a shame. Back to the grin, oh yes, you will be grinning like our TT Racer idiot, unless you have cannoned into the shrubbery at a vast rate of knots due to a terminal and somewhat criminal lack of ability. Yes, this bike is well equipped with technology but it’s also blessed with a healthy pair of macho balls, or something else if it’s a Sporty Spice. In other words it’s faster and more capable than most riders that will ever sit on it. I found the Marzocchi forks and Sachs shock rather well up to the task of road riding, making a fair better fist of it than I expected. The riding position isn’t too bad either but hey, it works on the track so good stuff. It does prefer being ridden say one gear lower so the revs are up and there’s less chain snatch and so on. The chassis changes I mentioned are the steering head and a lower swingarm pivot, one taken from what worked best on the 1199 Panigale R. This is to keep sharp steering while improving traction. Not what you’d call noticeable on the road but no doubt great for the track. While it prefers to be smacked on the arse, it doesn’t mind being taken to the flicks if you know what I mean. As for the track I haven’t ridden the 1299 on one so can’t really comment but having sampled an 1199 and plenty of 1098s on the track I can only assume it will be great in the arena it was destined for.

Not a bike for everyone though. On the day we were filming the Panigale for TV my 22-year-old and full licence holding nephew was riding a classic Honda for me for our TV show as well. He wanted a ride so badly, I succumbed to pressure, but not before I secretly selected Wet Mode just to be safe like. After an hour or so down the road he was smitten, going on about how fast the bike was. And it is, even with ‘only’ 120 horsepower. He just wasn’t ready for me to say, “Damn it, you can have full power.” The other cost factor to consider is Ducati has done an amazing job really, getting the servicing prices down on this baby. Service intervals are 12,000 kilometres and the valves only need doing every 24,000. Oh, I forgot to mention the heat shrouding around the exhaust exiting the rear cylinder is improved so hot bum syndrome is much less a factor than before, and you can tell. Did I tell you it was fast too. n

DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

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DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

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…and there was light

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«Pinlock Maxvision®» film provided Autoseal System: making the visor adhering to the helmet’s gasket providing a much better insulation (water and cold) Rapid Antifog System: opening and locking the visor on an anti-mist position This helmet is sold with a LED system that you can switch off. Boosted by over 25 years of experience, the French brand Shark has become one of the world’s leading helmet makers. Founded by former professional racers, Shark designs helmets that guarantee high levels of performance and safety and that exceed safety standards. SHARK’s ethos is always to push the technical boundaries and innovate so that each and every biker and racer can enjoy the sheer pleasure and freedom of riding in complete safety.

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APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR

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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

Naked and Afraid

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR

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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

You need to be a little afraid of this racer with high handlebars. It has serious bite.

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR

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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

Naked and Afraid

WATCH VIDEO NOW

N REPORT BY MATT O’CONNELL, PHOTOS BY TIM MUNRO AND APRILIA N RIDING GEAR: SHARK HELMET, ALPINESTARS LEATHERS, ALPINESTARS BOOTS

YOU always tell the truth when you’re drunk. So here I was - traffic lights in the centre of Sydney on a Saturday night sitting on a brand new Tuono riding home from a movie. A young guy walks out of the pub on my left, crosses the road and stops right in front of me. He turns, points at the Tuono. Three calm words. “That’s. Fu***ing. Awesome.” And so it is. About a decade ago, almost every manufacturer started producing a naked version of their premier sportsbike - mainly because sportsbikes were becoming so, well, sporty. Over the years the Tuono has evolved and built itself a cult following, with the Italian factory being one of the pioneers of blurring the lines between streetbike and sportsbike. If you are reading this test you would also be aware of how competitive this class of bike has become - every manufacturer has to bring their ‘A’ game... so for this Tuono iteration Aprilia bumped up the capacity to 1077cc, which means a power increase from 170 to 175bhp. Instead of fitting an RSV4 engine, Aprilia bored out the previous Tuono unit by 3mm and made some internal changes. The electronics have also been updated to 3rd generation APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) which makes improvements to traction (aTC) and wheelie control (aWC). Aprilia’s racing ABS is also fitted and all of the settings are adjustable from the handlebars (even on the fly) - there are a lot of configuration options, but they are easy to use. Other changes include tweaked styling around the headlights and a redesigned seat (I will get to that later).

On the track This was motorcycle heaven - for the track test it was Tuono versus RSV4 at Sydney Motorsport Park - happy days!

I have spent a lot of time on naked streetbikes lately, and I found the Tuono so easy to get comfortable on. I put this down to the engine characteristics more than the riding position - the throttle response and gear ratios were much more forgiving - I didn’t have to think as much to have fun and go fast. With 121Nm of torque on tap, the wheelie control can get a workout. It has three settings and even on the most restrictive, it still isn’t abrupt. There are three different engine maps to try, and they offer varying levels of power output and engine braking. As well as ‘track’ and ‘sport’, you can now select ‘race’. On the track, the increased horsepower means there is a really usable sweet spot of torque. The fly-by-wire throttle also has a natural feel - and like the RSV4 - when you are dealing with such high output engines, top level electronics make these bikes so much fun. Continued on next page

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH Suspension on the RR model is provided by Sachs front and rear - with 43mm USD units up front. All are fully adjustable as you would expect - and I was particularly liking the feeling from the rear, nice and stable with lots of confidence. Braking is handled by a pair of Brembo monobloc calipers with 320mm discs - excellent performers as you would expect.

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MORE SPECIFICATIONS: ENGINE TYPE: Liquid-cooled V-twin CAPACITY: 1077cc TRANSMISSION: 6-speed and chain drive FUEL CAPACITY: 18.5 litres FRAME TYPE: Alloy perimeter

On the street

SEAT HEIGHT: 825mm

Around the street the Tuono shines, just like you would expect.

WET WEIGHT: 184kg

It’s not just the easy riding position, compared to the RSV4, it is just more practical in the low RPM range - the power comes on nice and smooth for riding around city streets.

FRONT SUSPENSION: Sachs USD fully adjustable forks

I took the bike out on several longer trips to really appreciate the higher ’bars... but something I also noticed was the redesigned seat. It still feels reasonably high (even though it is 15mm lower - maybe it’s the hump on the pillion seat?) but it feels long - which means if you are taller, (I’m about 6ft) it makes for a more comfortable ride, especially if the roads get twisty (as you would hope!)

REAR SUSPENSION: Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock BRAKES: 2 x 4-piston Brembo monoblock calipers, single caliper rear. TYRES: 120/70-17, 190/55-17 PRICE (RRP): $23,000 Ride Away www.cycletorque.com.au/more

Don’t get me wrong, we all know some comfort has to be sacrificed for this level of street cred, so if you need total touring comfort you might want to look closer at the Caponord.

CALL FOR A QUOTE

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On the rougher country back roads the handling and overall geometry of the Tuono is superb. Again, the rear feels so stable and the steering damper takes care of any shakes. All in all, on average crappy Australian roads, the Tuono is rock solid. Like on the track, the midrange is absolutely cracking. That addictive surge of power is complimented perfectly by the brakes - confidence all round. Just as addictive is the sound of this V4 - it has an awesome growl even with the stock exhaust.

Round that out with another tool that analyses your lap times to find ways to improve and it is all starting to sound very MotoGP. Except it’s at home. Crazy. The Tuono V4 1100 is available in two versions - the RR (Portimao grey and Donington blue) and the V4 1100 Factory (in Superpole graphics - very cool). The Factory version has upgraded Ohlins suspension.

Tuono or RSV4? This is the question which I am sure many people get caught up in: which Aprilia would you buy? When ridden side by side they are two bikes with a very distinctive focus, and I think it would come down to how much time you expected to spend on the track versus the street.

There’s an app for that

They are both stunners to look at - and they sound amazing even with standard exhausts.

Yes that’s right, you can change the settings on the Tuono using your phone.

The short story is: the RSV4 was way more fun on the road than I expected - and the Tuono more than holds its own on the track.

Not only that, but you can also adjust traction and wheelie control depending on where you are on track - using your phone’s GPS. Also available is more advanced telemetry like real wheel power, slippage and lean angles.

(Sorry...I haven’t made the decision any easier, have I?) Whichever way you look at it, these are “that’s f***ing awesome” kind of bikes! n

Continued on next page

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

GALLERY

APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

GALLERY

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ZENETH the next generation is here

The New Rxt Zeneth MX helmet has state of art high flow ventilation and a light weight ABS Shell. With its removable/ washable 3D liner, you can keep your helmet fresh and clean with a simple wash after your day at the track. It has a large eye port for a clear view and adjustable peak.

Designed in Australia by Australian riders www.rxt-helmets.com www.rxt-helmets.com

YMA9493_Blue_Santa_Fun Bike_CT_curves.indd 1

11/09/2015 2:47 pm

2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

RACER

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2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX

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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

With a healthy dose of Race in Yamahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s X models, they are perhaps the best out of the box enduro racers on the market.

2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX

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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

Racer X

WATCH VIDEO NOW

N REPORT BY TODD REED, PHOTOS BY iKAPTURE N RIDING GEAR: BELL HELMET, ALPINESTARS APPAREL, ALPINESTARS BOOTS

THE ‘X’ Family has grown. Last year Yamaha went down an interesting path and introduced the YZ250FX, a four stroke ‘cross country’ machine that shared DNA from both the YZ250F and WR250F. Although this was its first attempt at this segment of the market, Yamaha strongly hinted that the ‘X’ range would be extended in the not too distant future. For 2016 Yamaha did exactly as it said and has taken the trusty YZ250 twostroke motocrosser and given it some extra life in the form of the YZ250X. The Australian launch of the YZ250X was at Gum Valley Motorcycle Park in Mackay, QLD, and for comparisons, Yamaha had the YZ250FX four-stroke on hand as well.

weekend warriors. The KYB Speed Sensitive forks and KYB shock are tweaked on the inside, with valving changes aimed at turning the motocross weapon into an off-road friendly ride.

Two-stroke Enduro Racer

Four-stroke Firepower

The YZ250X is very similar to the YZ250 motocrosser. Its 250cc liquid-cooled, case reed inducted two-stroke engine is a proven package, with great reliability and plenty of horsepower. Taming the beast is the easiest way to describe the mods made to develop the YZ X model. A wide ratio 5-speed gearbox stretches out the power curve and a new exhaust pipe settles things down to make it easier to ride through the bush. CDI ignition settings, exhaust port timing and decreased compression settings finalise the list of mods to ensure the YZ X runs smoothly in a variety of terrain.

The YZ250FX was first introduced in January 2015. Fast forward to now, 11 months later and the 2016 edition is largely unchanged.

Again, the chassis and ergonomics remain very much the same but have that added off-road feel. The 19” inch rear wheel is swapped out for an 18”, and Dunlop AT81 tyres grace both ends of the YZ X. A kickstand is bolted on to make life easy on the trail, and an O-Ring chain adds that bit more durability for the

As mentioned above, it shares DNA from both the YZF and WRF. Begin with a YZF engine, add an electric start, 18” inch rear wheel, 6-speed gearbox, tweak the KYB SSS suspension and you’ve got yourself the YZ250FX. Sure, there is much more to it than what we’ve just listed and the changes aren’t that simple, but if you’re after a complete run down on the YZ250FX check out our Febuary 2015 issue, available in the App Store for download and also online at cycletorque.com.au click the “read issues” icon and all our previous issues will be listed, for free! Continued on next page

2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX

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CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

On the track

Verdict

The YZ250X may appear to be a bit ‘tamed down’ but don’t let that fool you into thinking Yamaha took the hit out of the 2-stroke. The YZ250X kind of feels like the ‘Mature’ older brother of the ‘teenage’ YZ250 motocrosser. Essentially, it’s still the same bike, but once you get to know it you’ll see that while it has still got that racy, in your face, and flamboyant attitude, Yamaha added a bit of friendly and comforting in there as well. The engine rolls on easily off the bottom and has a very healthy mid range, which can propel over any log, rock or tree root easily. Further up top, the YZ X holds its own, but doesn’t rev to the moon. But it doesn’t need to either with the strong mid range power and long range gearbox. The stock jetting is almost spot on, throttle response is instant, and all of the updates listed above work well together to keep the YZ cracking when you’re on the track. The long range gearbox is a nice touch for the rider who enjoys riding in a variety of conditions. It was nice to be able to push each gear a little further without the power becoming too brutal.

The YZ250X and YZ250FX may appear to be similar but they are different strokes for different folks. Both bikes are great fun but are suited to two different riders. Both have their place in what in our opinion is quite a small market. Neither bike is fully ADR compliant or registrable in Australia, and they aren’t full blown off-roaders with big fuel tanks, hand guards and the like. That’s what the WR range is for. So if you’re the type of rider who enjoys a bit of everything and can’t figure out what discipline is your favourite than the YZ ‘X’ models are right up your alley. Some Vets and less experienced motocrossers may even prefer the X model over the race bred YZ due to its more friendly nature. As usual with Yamaha, they are built with reliability in mind as well as performance and are fitted out with only the highest quality components. Don’t forget to check out Cycle Torque TV for our thoughts on these two bikes coming to a screen near you. n

The KYB suspension is balanced and is a bit more forgiving than the YZ motocrosser. Through the trees it was comfortable and not too harsh in the slower, rocky, tree lined sections of our test loop. On the motocross track it held up well on the big hits and only ever looked like blowing through the stroke over the biggest jump on the track. A few clicks here and there depending on your riding conditions should see most riders pretty happy with the YZ X in stock trim. The YZ250FX is exactly in between the YZF and WRF, in every way you can think. The suspension works well across a variety of terrain, and the reverse fed four stroke engine is a capable all-rounder. Both bikes are fitted with the same brakes and handlebars which give the cockpit a quite comfortable feel. The brakes work well on the track but both could do with the oversize disc that has showed up as a standard item on the 2016 YZF motocross bikes. The dunlop AT81 tyres work well and appear to offer a nice mix of durability and grip.

CALL FOR A QUOTE

1800 24 34 64

2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX

YAMAHA YZ250X (YZ250FX)

CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

I PRICE (RRP): FROM $10,499 ($11,499)

WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

I WET WEIGHT: 104KG (112KG) I FRAME TYPE: ALLOY PERIMETER

FUEL CAPACITY: 8 LITRES (7.5 L)

SEAT HEIGHT: 970MM (965MM)

KYB USD FULLY ADJUSTABLE FORKS, 300MM TRAVEL. (330MM)

REAR TYRE: 110/100-18 (130/90-18)

FRONT TYRE: 90/90-21

ENGINE TYPE: LIQUID-COOLED 2-STROKE SINGLE (4-STROKE SINGLE) FRONT BRAKES: SINGLE DISC

CAPACITY: 249CC (250CC)

TRANSMISSION: 5-SPEED AND CHAIN DRIVE (6-SPEED)

REAR SUSPENSION: FULLY ADJUSTABLE KYB SINGLE SHOCK 315MM TRAVEL

REAR BRAKES: SINGLE DISC

2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

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2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

GALLERY

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2016 YAMAHA YZ250X & YZ250FX CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

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CLASSIC TORQUE

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Reviving Father Time

Dennis Penzo, Cycle Torque’s debonaire man about town, slicks back his hair and slips on a pair of points for the Goodwood Revival

MORE than 150,000 visitors turned up to the Goodwood Revival Festival near Chichester in West Sussex, UK last recently and Cycle Torque’s Dennis Penzo was there, as a guest of Royal Enfield and the marque’s Australian distributors Urban Moto Imports. The Goodwood Estate, which also hosts the famous horse races and Festival of Speed, held earlier in the year, is like a giant time warp during the Revival Festival. The site is massive, and the event has grown enormously over the past 18 years that it has been held. You could easily accommodate 10 Sydney Royal Easter Shows at the Revival site. Exhibitors and visitors alike dress in ’40s, ’50s and ’60s gear and the whole event is a celebration of classic motorcycles, cars and aeroplanes. The visceral sound of four Spitfires regularly flying in formation above the Revival site is truly a stirring sound. If you love the sound of nice motorcycles then you won’t be able to help yourself at the sound of a Spitfire in action. Hurricane fighter planes also flew overhead, and, in reality, they were the most numerous fighter craft in the air during the Battle of Britain. For most of the weekend, the historic circuit – whose halcyon days were between 1945 and 1966 for competitive motor sport – was again the scene of expensive, loud, classic action between cars, racing cars and motorbikes from the immediate post-war decades. Mechanics in period overalls and owners in period gear fussing proudly over their D-Type Jaguars, Ferrari Dinos and McLaren MBs, with all the action replayed on giant screens for those relaxing and picnicking outside the race track proper.

Even the public carpark is choked full of E-Type Jaguars, Bugattis, classic Alfas, Triumphs and every possible vintage marque you can think of. The nearby caravan park even sports Maserattis and all manner of serious machinery for visitors to this event. One of the funny memories I have of the caravan park was, on the way out of the Revival, one evening we noticed people on the side of the road holding up placards with numbers on them – they were rating passing exotic cars and bikes out of 10. Royal Enfield had two displays at the Revival, the first being a reproduction of a ’60s cafe complete with jukebox pumping out hits of the era and elsewhere on the grounds the company had a reproduction of a 1960s Royal Enfield dealership. This was a great display, the dealership, far from being simply a static display also featured the rebuilding a 1949 350 Model G Royal Enfield and Rod Geskell had a job on his hands – he had to pull it apart, and then put it back together, then pull it apart, then put it back together – eight times as it turns out. Rod works for Moto GB which is the UK importer for Royal Enfield motorcycles. Continued onpage next page Continued on next

CLASSIC TORQUE

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Yes, importer. The marque was born in England in 1893 and was the name under which the Enfield Cycle Company made motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. The legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo of a cannon, and their motto “Made Like A Gun”. Their first motorcycle was built in 1901. In 1955, Enfield Cycle Company partnered with Madras Motors in India in forming Enfield of India, based in Chennai, and started assembling the 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle in Madras. The first machines were assembled from components imported from England. Starting in 1957, Enfield of India acquired the machines necessary to build components in India, and by 1962 all components were made in India. The original Redditch, Worcestershire based company dissolved in 1971, but Enfield of India continued, and bought the rights to use the Royal Enfield name. Back to the the Royal Enfield dealership display – Rod’s routine for three days was to strip and rebuild the 1949 Royal Enfield. In his role as Project Mechanic for the Royal Enfield 60’s Dealership display he had to basically do all the stuff that you would expect in a major service. “I had to check the carby, fork seals, tappet clearances, new plug and gapped it, check primary chain tension and also strip and clean the magneto,” he said. Rod’s hands-on contribution and that of his 60’s Dealership “boss” at the display added a real time warp factor to the Royal Enfield display. “It was a great idea to have something actually going on as part of the display rather than just have a static looking set-up,” he said. “The interactive aspect of pulling the bike down, reassembling it and then doing it all again attracted a lot of attention and encouraged passers-by to step inside and ask questions and satisfy their curiosity.” The shelves in the store were loaded with old stock, oil bottles, boxes of spare parts and a plethora of genuine bits and pieces as well as the tools that Rod was using for the rebuild. My introduction to this year’s Revival festival kicked off with a convoy of Royal Enfields departing London and making its way south to the area of Chichester where the Festival is held. The route incorporated the old Ace Cafe racers “run” to Brighton, 50 miles south of London, via the village of Box Hill. The original Goodwood race circuit is built around a World War II airbase on the Goodwood Estate that was donated by the 9th Duke of Richmond, Freddie March

to the Royal Air Force in 1940 to assist the war efforts. It opened its gates in September 1948 to host Britain’s first post-World War motor racing meeting at a permanent venue. It was home to the British Automobile Racing Club as well as some of the most memorable events such as the nonchampionship Formula One races and the Tourist Trophy sports car race. It was finally shut down in 1966 when the owners did not want to modify the track to control the increased speeds of modern racing cars and thereby closing the door on contemporary motor racing at the track. Then in September 1998, exactly 50 years since the first race took place, Goodwood Revival was born as Grand Prix cars from the fifties and sixties, historic saloons and GT Continued on next page

CLASSIC TORQUE

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cars made a comeback on the track along with 68,000 spectators. Since then, Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Sir Jack Brabham, Phill Hill, Derek Bell, David Coulthard, Barry Sheene and several other famous motoring legends have raced on the track. The annual Bonhams sale of priceless historic cars and motor racing memorabilia also took place on Saturday afternoon. Invitation was by catalogue only, so naturally I didn’t attend that particular event! New Top Gear host Chris Evans had 13 cars up for auction with an estimated price tag of £11million. Sunday featured what, for many fans, was the highlight of the weekend’s racing: the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race for some of the world’s most valuable racing cars. These are the beautiful GT cars that, in days gone by, contested the famous Tourist Trophy races. Then the motorcycles were back out again, as were the saloon cars, along with an array of historic Formula 1 and sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s in an action-packed programme. The day culminated in the prize-giving ceremony where Lord March awarded his much-coveted prizes and medals. Charles Gordon-Lennox, Earl of March and Kinrara is a British aristocrat, eldest son and heir-apparent of the Duke of Richmond, and owner of Goodwood Estate in West Sussex is the founder of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival. He is President of the British Automobile Racing Club, Patron of the TT Riders Association and an honorary member of the British Racing Drivers Club, the Guild of Motoring Writers and the 500 Owners Club. Having had a passion for film and photography since the age of 10, March left school as soon as he could and at 17 worked for the film director Stanley Kubrick on the film Barry Lyndon. He went on to forge a worldwide reputation as a still-life photographer, producing campaigns for some of the world’s most famous brands. For more information on the Goodwood Revival Festival or Royal Enfield check this out or www.royalenfield.com or Cycle Torque’s Facebook or www.cycletorque.com.au. Email us your feedback

– Dennis Penzo Continued on next page

CLASSIC TORQUE

Royal Enfield Reborn

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WATCH THE 1949 ROYAL ENFIELD REBUILD

IT was a 1949 350 Model G Royal Enfield and Rod Geskell had a job on his hands - he had to pull it apart, and then put it back to get, then pull it apart, then put it back together - eight times in fact as it turns out. And that was his routine for the three days of the Goodwood Revival Festival from September 11 to 13 near Chichester in the UK. Rod works for Moto GB which is the UK importer for Royal Enfield motorcycles. Yes, importer. The marque was born in England in 1893 and was the name under which the Enfield Cycle Company made motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. The legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo of a cannon, and their motto “Made Like A Gun”. Their first motorcycle was built in 1901. In 1955, Enfield Cycle Company partnered with Madras Motors in India in forming Enfield of India, based in Chennai, and started assembling the 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle in Madras. The first machines were assembled from components imported from England. Starting in 1957, Enfield of India acquired the machines necessary to build components in India, and by 1962 all components were made in India. The original Redditch, Worcestershire based company dissolved in 1971, but Enfield of India continued, and bought the rights to use the Royal Enfield name. “The motorcycle was actually in 99.9% original condition,” said Rod. “It was actually quite a remarkably unmolested machine when we got it for the exhibit at the Revival Festival,” he said. In his role as Project Mechanic for the Royal Enfield 60’s Dealership display he had to basically do all the stuff that you would expect in a major service.

“I had to check the carby, fork seals, tappet clearances, new plug and gapped it, check primary chain tension and also strip and clean the magneto,” he said. Rod’s hands-on contribution and that of his 60’s Dealership “boss”: at the display added a realtime warp factor to the Royal Enfield display. “It was a great idea to have something actually going on as part of the display rather than just have a static looking set-up,” he said. “The interactive aspect of pulling the bike down, reassembling it and then doing it all again attracted a lot of attention and encouraged passersby to step inside and ask questions and satisfy their curiosity.” The shelves in the store were loaded with old stock, oil bottles, boxes of spare parts and a plethora of genuine bits and pieces as well as the tools that Rod was using for the rebuild. The Goodwook Revival Festival is a massive event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is a celebration of classic cars, motorcycles and aeroplanes. n

CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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CLASSIC TORQUE

GALLERY

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FOR Alloy & Wire Wheel. While stocks last.

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$750 IN STORE VOUCHER Being a Tiger, this is a bike built for adventure. Exploring new roads, even new countries and not stopping just because the road does. But we made the Tiger Explorer for every rider that wants rugged dependability, long distance comfort, a powerful and torquey engine with an extended fuel range, fine handling and the ability to cope with unmade roads. Bike pictured is sporting optional extras. Try it today, book a test ride at www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au

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HONDA GOLDWING $16,000 First model. 5500 original miles. You won’t find better on the planet!

DUCATI 851 TRICOLOR $16,500 Wow. Collectible. If you know what this bike is then you know! One of the first in the country.

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RACE BIKES MORIWAKI 80 Great junior or bucket racer, ready to race.

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HONDA CB550 $9,999 Like new. Fire up the time machine and buy a new CB550. This is THAT good.

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CYCLE TORQUE GEAR

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Bike Stuff

Delta twopiece suit 3

Oil me up Cameleon

Guard the Gixxer

1 RAD Guard have a Radiator Guard for the brand new Suzuki GSX-S 1000 2015-2016 to protect your new radiators from rocks, dirt and all other debris. This beast of a bike has an open and exposed radiator waiting to be hit. The guard has been designed with two top hooks that hook over the radiator’s core and is mounted at the bottom using an existing mounting point to fix onto the bike with no vibration. Rad Guard guards are designed with a robust frame and expanded mesh to still allow adequate air flow into the radiator core. Don’t let your new bikes radiator get damage. Price: $195 Availability: (02) 6658 0060 More info: www.radguard.com.au

2 The Cameleon Chain Oiler will end perpetual manual chain lubrication and increase chain life by a factor of four. Small, sleek modern design is unobtrusive and has a reservoir tube to tackle approximately 6,000kms. A sturdy case and a semi-rigid tube (SR) easily centres on the chain. In dry conditions you can ride 30,000km on one 250ml bottle of high grade synthetic Cameleon Oil. Constant lubrication using less lubricant extends chain life while limiting splatters. The unit is powered by the tail light system and turns on when the vehicle starts. It is selfprogrammable so you can change the ratio of oil anytime. Installing a Cameleon Oiler is simple and does not require special training. If you upgrade to a new bike the unit is transferable and all you may need is a new semi rigid tube. Price: $239 + P&H Availability: www.amhp.com.au More info: www.amhp.com.au

AGV Sport Australia’s Delta two piece suit is made of premium 1.3mm and 1.4mm thick full grain cowhide with a full 360-degree zipper joining jacket and pants. It features Advanced Safety Seam Stitching throughout with plenty of accordion leather Spandex panels for flexibility. Aramid stretch material also features as well as metal screened air induction points as well as zip vents. CE approved protection, precurved arms as well as 6mm thick memory foam back pad as well as a host of other top features. Great value. Price: $755 Availability: Direct from AGV Sports Australia More info: 02 6331 8881 www.agvsportsgroup.com.au

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Bike Stuff

Breathe Yamaha

1 THERE is now an aftermarket DNA air filter to suit Yamaha’s 2015 YZF R3 and 2014-2015 YZF R25. With full contour design this filter has a 98-99% filtering efficiency through four layers of DNA cotton. The filter has more than 45% more flow than the stock Yamaha filter. Price: $97 Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.kenma.com.au

It’s a Spidi, sport

2 THE new Spidi TX-1 gloves are a great touring and summer glove. Made of soft sheep hide leather combined with high tenacity mesh offer great comfort with sporty and ergonomic fit. There is a Clarino palm with flex Tenax inserts in stretch material as well as Powertech thermoformed knuckle protection and Warrior protection in the palm. There’s Keramide reinforcements as well as silicone inserts on fingertips for better grip. Very light and come in S-3XL. Price: $145 Availability: Better bike shops More info: www.spidi.com.au Distributed by Moto National Accessories

Blazer summer

3 THE CE approved Falco Blazer summer riding shoe has a leather and “micro-synth” upper with air-tech vented lining. There are PU moulded ankle inserts for extra protection as well as laces closure and removable elasticised gear-pad. There is also an “AirCool” patented ventilated sole in this quality Italian product. Price: $179.95 Availability: Good bike shops. More info: www.ficeda.com.au

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QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA KODIAK

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Bear Country There’s another bear in Yamaha’s county. N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY JEFF CROW

THE Grizzly has been Yamaha’s staple work ATV for some years now, and available in a wide variety of engine capacities and physical size. With the Grizzly 700 being top of the pops so to speak, Yamaha has decided to introduce a competitor to its own machine with the Kodiak 700, a smaller and more cost conscious big capacity Yamaha ATV. The size difference is noticeable when you look at the Kodiak sitting next to a Grizzly but it’s even more noticeable when you hop on. It’s not like it’s massively smaller, far from it, but it’s more compact in height and width, including the seating area, and this will no doubt suit some buyers. There’s not a lot of ‘bling’ on the Kodiak. It’s built to work hard. Power is by pretty much the same 708cc liquid-cooled four-valve single cylinder engine as found in the Grizzly. It’s built for torque really, not for high end power, but it is surprisingly quick. There’s more than enough grunt to take a smallish rider, or even a portly one, around the farm or work site with 140 kilos strapped to the racks and 600 kilos dragging behind. It has the usual style CVT, Yamaha’s Ultramatic auto gearbox, with high and low range, plus reverse and so on. Drive is by V-belt and the gearbox even has its own cooling fan. There are three Kodiak models, the standard version of course, and the EPS and EPS SE models. EPS is for electronic power steering and we think this is the version most buyers will want. In tough terrain it’s hard to beat power steering when you’re out and about all day. What else? Well, it’s got disc brakes on the front and a newly designed sealed wet brake on the rear. The main thing for Cycle Torque is the build quality of Yamaha’s products. Yamaha dealers Continued on next page

QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA KODIAK are everywhere and they are built to go round and round for years on end with the right servicing, and most likely even with little or no servicing, not that we recommend that of course. Riding it recently we found it did everything well enough, performing, handling and braking well. Compared to the Grizzly it is easier to manoeuvre in tight terrain due to its slightly smaller size. You could say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a budget Grizzly, a very usable machine for a good price, which seeing you asked is $11,999. n

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CYCLE TORQUE STORE

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Book Shop 4

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This massive coffee-table book - over 400 pages, large format – depicts Harley-Davidson’s own collection of bikes, having kept one of every model it has ever produced. Quality studio photography and excellent background information tells the story of Harley-Davidson through its many and varied models. Includes prototype motorcycles which never made it to production. Hardcover.

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Learn how professionals bypass the catalogue and build their parts from scratch instead. This is an essential building book, helping you build the necessary skills needed to assemble a truly unique kick-ass motorcycle.

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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 BMW cafe conversions is illustrated in detail with images of sporting, racing, and ‘cafed’ BMWs.

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Kog and his son James set off to ride around Australia in 40 days in search of the meaning of life or at least some answers to the big questions of life... well ok... to just have fun. 17,750kms in 40 days

The Moto Guzzi V7 Sport and Le Mans are iconic sporting motorcycles of the 1970s and 1980s. They were amongst the first Superbikes to combine Italian style, handling and performance. After struggling to survive during the 1960s, Lino Tonti was given the opportunity to create the V7 Sport Telaio Rosso, in 1971. This was so successful that Moto Guzzi again began to concentrate on building sporting motorcycles.

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

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Many books have been published about Italian motorcycles, but none has focused exclusively on the Italian motorcycle-based chopper, bobber, trike, and quad custom bike scene – until now.

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10. Cafe Racers: speed, style and ton-up culture – $69.99

Master photographer Michael Lichter and motorcycle culture expert Paul d’Orleans visually trace cafe racer motorcycles from their origins in the midtwentieth century all the way into modern times.

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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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BACK

ON THE

BOX

SERIES THREE NOW SCREENING Series three premiers on free-to-air channel 4me at 7.30pm on Thursdays. You can also watch it on Foxtelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aurora at 8.30pm.

TORQUING BACK

Letters Windy

FIRSTLY, thanks to your monthly publication, which is always a great read via the app on my iPad. As someone who rides in just about any weather, I am not much of a fan of riding when it’s really windy and dealing with strong cross winds. I Would be interested if you might be able to do a piece on tips for dealing with strong winds and heavy cross winds to make riding a bit more safe and enjoyable in these conditions. Paul Davis Hi Paul. I’ve done plenty of riding in windy conditions and it isn’t nice. Good idea though, we’ll see what we can do. Ed.

Just Right

I HAVE just purchased a new F 700 GS. Yes I did look at the F 800 R but thought the fantastically equipped GS was the best for my old school upright riding preferences. Black, with red chassis. The biggest issue I have had is when fuelling, adjacent motorists and bikers want to delay me, to find out about the bike, all the features, ooh and aah over the paint work, and want to know the performance, fuel economy, and what it’s like to ride. I’ve had a lot of bikes in my time, but never experienced such interest. The one thing all admirers seem to know is that it’s a great all round bike and easy to ride. I’m currently averaging over 500km per week, it’s just so enjoyable and like the 800 R the torque and performance particularly over 6000rpm if great, and the 700 is only 75hp. I cannot believe how good this bike is... Thanks BMW. Darryl W Townsville

Classic Rego

I AM a member of classic motorcycle club in NSW and I thought I’d let people know about the changes to the current rules, to be implemented by November. As it stood before you could only ride your vehicle on designated club runs or runs with other clubs, or for short tuning runs and so on. The new system is very similar to that of Victoria where you can use the vehicle for a certain number of days per year regardless of where you go. You must use a log book to show the days of usage.

cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 80

This is a fantastic system and hopefully we’ll see more of those classic old motorcycles and cars on the roads in NSW. Cheers Billy Edgerton Hi Billy. Great idea it is, and I for one, can’t wait. I am also a member of a couple of classic vehicle clubs and the new system will suit me down to a tee. Ed.

Classic Racer

Write a Letter! WIN A GREAT PRIZE This month Billy Edgerton 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.

I READ Cycle Torque every month so I know you guys are into classic road racing. What we need in this country is a classic racing magazine to cater for the many enthusiasts. Classic racing is huge in Australia, just look at events like the Island Classic and the Barry Sheene Festival. What do you think? Tom Powyer I think it’s a great idea Tom. Classic Racing is very big in Australia and I think the enthusiasts would be partial to a good quality mag. Ed.

Back in the USSR

CYCLE Torque is a great read no matter where you are, I was relaxing at 200kms/hr on the train from Moscow to St Petersburg, enjoying a local beverage and snack, see pic:It was better reading about riding, rather than tackling the less than ideal local roads. I was also looking forward to returning to the roads in Australia. Thanks for the magazine David R.

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

TAP TO SEND LETTER NOW

READY TO RACE

»www.ktm.com.au

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ADVENTURE

POWER

$2000 FREE POWERPARTS LIMITED TIME ONLY

Contact your local KTM Dealer

TO FIND OUT MORE

ON THE EPIC KTM ADVENTURE RANGE

www.ktm.com.au

Offer applies to 2015 model year KTM 1050 Adventure, 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R while stocks last. From participating dealers only. For more information contact your local authorised Australian KTM dealership.

// 1050 ADV //

// 1190 ADV //

// 1190 ADV R //

KTM Group Partner

We pay cash for bikes cycletorque.com.au NOVEMBER 2015 I 82

Metropolitan Motorcycle Spares

Australia’s oldest and most respected motorcycle wreckers. Australia wide freight.

Bringing things back together for over 30 years • Wrecking all Makes & Models • Grey Imports • Spares & Accessories • All Service Items

Phone: (02) 9748 7400 parts@motorcyclewreckers.com 90 Silverwater Rd, Silverwater, NSW 2128 Open Mon-Fri 8.30 - 5.00 • Sat 8.30 - 1.00

www.motorcyclewreckers.com

SUZUKI Licenced Dealer Number MD038376

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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