Cycle Torque October 2015

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 2

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

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 3

October 2015 OCTOBER’S issue of Cycle Torque has one of the best real world motorcycles ever built on the cover. BMW’S S 1000 XR. We also test Ducati’s answer to the BMW, the Multistrada 1200 with variable valve timing. Life is wonderful out there in Adventure Sport land.

We spend a day as factory racers with the MX1 Suzuki off-road racing team. Todd Reed and Alex Pickett ride three factory bikes, each with their own differences and come away impressed.

And if that’s not enough exotica for you, Chris samples all of MV Agusta’s 800cc range of machines, naked, sports and sports/ touring.

You’ll also enjoy our regular columnists, see what’s happening in news and find out what the latest products for motorcyclists are.

Hope you enjoy it!

– Chris Pickett chris@cycletorque.com.au

INSTRUCTIONS NEWSLETTER EMAIL US YOUR FEEDBACK

CONTENTS

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 4

Ridden

30 LAUNCH

BMW S 1000 XR

38 TEST

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE

Features 65 CASO 75

COACHING

QUAD TORQUE

80 SHOP

TORQUE

On the cover: BMW S 1000 XR by Mark Dadswell

48 TEST

56 TEST

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200

SUZUKI RMX450Z

Regulars 6

NEWS TORQUE

28

GUNTRIP

20

SMALL TORQUE

69

BIKE STUFF

24

EDITORIAL

81

BOOK SHOP

25

DIRTY TORQUE

82

MARKET TORQUE

27

RACE TORQUE

85

TORQUE BACK - LETTERS

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 5

HOLY

SHIFT

VICTORY HIGH-BALL $19,995 RIDEAWAY, SAVE $1,000 速

Get best-EVER pricing on the hottest Victory Motorcycles.

Sale Now On! While stocks last.

VictoryMotorcycles.com.au | P: 1300 721 360 | * Overseas models shown. ^Facebook速 is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.

NEWS TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 6

Warren Willing 1952-2015 FOR over 40 years Warren Willing was a colossus of Australian motorcycle racing. Born in Paddington on 22 June, 1952, Willing attended Macquarie Boys High School in Parramatta, which he graduated from to become an apprentice motorcycle mechanic.

Within a few years, he was building his own engines. Outside of bikes, his hobbies were soccer, surfing and model aeroplanes but it was racing that captured his imagination after contesting his first club events on an old Triumph twin.

Riding the wave of the Japanese bike boom, he would soon appear aboard a purple Yamaha 125 known as the Honey Special. In 1972, he partnered with future brother-in-law Murray Sayle to win the 250 class in the Castrol Six-Hour. With the $500 prizemoney they won, the pair ventured to New Zealand. The team’s reserve rider Jeff Sayle tagged along. Jeff had ride on a production RD350 at Wanganui. He was 17. We raced at Bay Park, Levin, Wanganui and Pukekohe, all on the North Island. This was when we first met Stu Avant, John Boote and many other Kiwis.”

Warren’s career continued apace in Australia, rocketing from C-grade to A-grade in two seasons. Willing and his rival, friend and some-time co-rider Gregg Hansford took Australian motorcycling into the stratosphere with their incredible dice in the 1974 Unlimited Grand Prix at Bathurst aboard a pair of new Yamaha TZ700s, both riders wheel-standing over the humps down Con-rod Straight at 275km/h. Willing pipped Hansford after lowering the lap record by an incredible nine seconds. He backed that up with recording the first 100mph lap on the Mountain in 1976.

The Willing-Hansford rivalry pushed both men to become world-class riders, even though their international F750 outings by the mid-70s could be counted on one hand. And when they did, both excelled. Willing finished a tremendous fifth on debut in the 1975 Daytona 200 against a field of a dozen factory bikes. Warren loved the gigantic Florida event; the buzz, the tri-oval and the big-buck professionalism of US racing. Like Bathurst, he always rose to big occasions.

In ’74, Willing and Hansford teamed up for the Castrol Six-Hour on an Adam & Sons Kawasaki H2, but were sensationally prevented from continuing on to possibly win after officials deemed their rear Dunlop too worn to safely complete the race. Outright victory in the six-hour would elude Willing. In their many battles, Warren finished ahead of Gregg more often than not. Not too many riders can lay claim to that, perhaps only Kenny Roberts and Kork Ballington. As pioneers of Aussies venturing to New Zealand in the Japanese-bike era, it is a little known fact that Murray and Warren were the first Australia riders to race in Japan, at Sugo.

It should be noted that amongst his rivals, Willing anecdotally recorded the least number of crashes of all. His entire approach to racing was based on exhaustive preparation and pin-point riding. It was sadly ironic that Willing’s career was brought to a shattering end at Portstewart in August 1979 in a tragic crash not of his making. He sustained terrible injuries to his leg that required 18 operations and a platform shoe to allow him to achieve balance when walking. Lying in hospital for six months Warren said he learned more about racing in that time than the previous decade. Warren’s subsequent record as a world-championship winning technical director and crew chief is welldocumented, the list of riders worked with long and luminous. It was his achievements as a racer that he deeply treasured.

In 2007, Warren was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. After going into remission following treatment, he worked for MZ’s and Ducati’s race departments before the cancer returned in 2013, spreading to his bones. Brave to the end, Warren fought his terrible disease all the way to his passing on 5 September, 2015. He is survived by wife Wendy and his daughter Nicole.

– Darryl Flack

NEWS TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 7

Belfer buys EBR

We provide a one- stop shop for all your motorcycle, mule and ATV needs. Have a browse through our Virtual Used Bikes Showroom, which displays a cross section of our stock - approx 160 bikes on the floor.

We provide a one- stop shop for all your motorcycle, mule, ATV & jet ski needs. Have a browse through our We proudly and professionally later model Virtual Used Bikes Showroom, whichservice displays a cross bikes in our onsite service facilities. All types of service section of our stock including - approx 160 bikes on athe floor. is covered fitting tyres.

We carry full range of accessories and spare parts. We also have a loan See our professional team of bike service to keep you mobile. technicians for all your service • 9 Buckingham Dr Wangara - p 08 9409 2330 needs.

We carry a -full range • 237 Great Eastern Highway Midland 08 p 9250 2522 of accessories, tyres and We. also w w w . m a c spare k 1 . parts. c o m a u have a loan bike service to keep you mobile.

THERE could be some good news for EBR owners, the company has been sold to American industrialist Bruce Belfer.

Belfer from New Jersey in the USA said he’s keen to resume production as soon as possible and is liaising with Eric Buell to get the company back on track.

Belfer said he wants to keep the current 130 strong workforce employed and continue to base the company in East Troy.

“What it boils down to is the people. These people have homes and friends and family and kids in school, and you don’t just uproot them and move them like you can do with inanimate objects. These people are Erik Buell Racing, so I have to look at that as a fact of doing business,” Belfer said.

TWO LARGE STORE LOCATIONS • 9 Buckingham Dr Wangara - p 08 9409 2330 • 237 Great Eastern Highway Midland - p 08 9250 2522

w w w. m a c k 1 . c o m . a u

MRB 2253

D/L 19719

“I intend to respect that and keep the operations in Wisconsin that must stay there, and if anything has to be moved, it well may be. But that is for the future to discuss. It’s not any plan that exists today,” he added.

Belfer has several businesses, including a metal fabrication company called Atlantic Metals Group LLC that manufactures architectural metals products.

“I run a number of businesses, and you don’t run a business by remote control. I will be actively involved in the business and in the engineering and design of products,” he said. n

NEWS TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 8

KTM Parallel Twin KTM is developing a range of twin cylinder motorcycles for the burgeoning mid capacity road market.

At the moment KTM does not have anything in this capacity or market range, concentrating more so on MX/enduro bikes or big capacity adventure and naked bikes with V-twin engines.

What makes it perhaps more interesting is the bike is a parallel twin, with reports saying it sounds like a V-twin, hinting that it may be a 270 degree crank layout.

This makes plenty of sense for KTM, with the engine compact and most likely powerful enough for lots of European riding conditions.

The last few years has seen most major manufacturers build similar machines, and you would expect KTM would also be investing time in developing an adventure version of this range to take on bikes like BMW’s F 800 GS and Suzuki’s 650 V-Strom for example.

Another player in this specific market which has yet to be seen is Yamaha, as its MT-07 engine would surely make a fantastic powerplant for a mid-sized adventure bike.

Reports also suggest that KTM is planning a number of different capacities for this engine, from 600 through to 800cc.

A KTM source said, “We are into a new stage of development for KTM. Every year the quality of our products will go up, our dealer network will get bigger and we think we have the prospect of selling 500,000 motorcycles a year thanks to the work we are doing in developing markets.” n

Proud sponsor of Bronwyn Sorensen for the 2012 ASBK Season

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. If you ride a motorbike, you may have been treated as a second-class citizen of the roads. At Maurice Blackburn, we’ll always look out for you. Staying safe on our roads and ensuring you know your rights is our number one priority.

Maurice Blackburn is Australia’s number one law firm for motorcyclists. We work with motorcycle associations across the country to promote awareness of riders’ rights.

No win, no fee*

So if there is something that’s happened on the road that has affected your life – no matter who’s at fault – get in touch with us now. We’ve helped thousands of riders with their insurance claims and legal matters, and we can help you too.

We’ll fight for everything you’re entitled to, because we truly believe that you’re worth fighting for.

1800 810 812 | For your nearest office call us or visit our website. mauriceblackburn.com.au *conditions apply

NEWS TORQUE

A Classic Manx ONCE again the Manx GP and Classic TT provided thousands of fans with breathtaking racing and amazing machinery.

The Classic TT Formula 1 and 2 races are held together and the pace with which the TT stars get their classics around the mountain course is simply stunning.

If you look at the top 20 list of the modern TT you’ll see pretty much the same 20 in the Classic TT. It’s become a massive drawcard for the Isle of Man and rightly so. Despite having an ‘average’ TT this year, Michael Dunlop took the F1 race by the scruff of its leathers and took the win on the Suzuki XR69. The battle between the riders and their machinery was an interesting one, and last year’s F1 race winner Bruce Anstey on the Padgetts YZR500 GP bike was proving to be again the man to beat. Unfortunately, for him at least, he was black flagged for a loose exhaust and had to pit for repairs. But he wasn’t done, he set an amazing pace and clawed back second place from Harris Yamaha mounted Ryan Farqhuar.

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 10

HILLS MOTORCYCLE WRECKERS WRECKING JAPANESE AND EUROPEAN BIKES OLD AND NEW MODELS

Meanwhile, the much-heralded appearance of William Dunlop riding the Team National Motorcycle Museum/Crighton Racing Norton Rotary of the type that won the 1992 Senior TT in the hands of Steve Hislop, ultimately entertained the crowd on the early part of the course before expiring at Ballacraine on the opening lap.

In the concurrent F2 race lap records were also shattered as Ryan Kneen, on a 600cc Yamaha took a dominant victory by over 12 seconds from James Cowton, also on a Yamaha.

Kneen broke the old lap record on the opening lap with a time of 112.763/20:04.539 which Cowton went inside on his second lap with 113.232mph/19:59.560, the first sub 20 minute lap for the Classic TT F2 Class.

Charles Rhys Hardisty, riding the EPS Motorcycles Yamaha, came home third, also finishing as the leading privateer.

David Johnson was the only Aussie riding in the Classic TT, setting off first on the road in the F1 race on the Team York Suzuki XR69 and would finish fifth.

In the Manx GP there were two other Aussies making their debut, John Chiodi and a Suzuki GSX-R600 with Team Oilee Racing, and Royce Rowe on a trick 650cc Ducati Supertwin for Les Rowe and Associates Racing. Royce had great results and took home best prepared racebike to boot. n

Michael Dunlop

Team Rowe

n Unwanted bikes pickup n Best service

n We buy bikes for cash in any condition

n Blue slip done on premises by appointment.

1/47 Prince William Drive, Seven Hills NSW 2147

Phone : 0296743844 • Mobile : 0428223385 • Fax : 0296743822 • Email : enquiries@hillsmotorcyclewreckers.com.au

www.hillsmotorcyclewreckers.com.au ABN 71 523 226 982 Dealers Licence NO MD 16001

NEWS TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au JUNE 2015 I 11 cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER

Happy Gilmore MATTHEW ‘Happy’ Gilmore is Australia’s latest World Champion.

Matt, who is from Cowra in Central Western NSW and is 14 years old, recently won the F.I.M. 250cc Youth Speedway World Cup held in France.

Matt and his dad Scott travelled to Denmark in early July for Matt to compete in the World 85cc Youth Cup in which Matt finished in 10th place. They then travelled to France in early August to compete in the F.I.M. 250cc Youth World Cup. Matt won all his five qualifying heats, placed second in his semi-final and he was unbeatable in the major final to become the 2015 World Champion. In the final he finished in front of riders from Denmark, Germany, Russia and Poland. n

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

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

PRESEN

@per thbikeshow

@per thbikeshow F E AT U R I N G

/Per thMotorcycleShow

T E D BY

MOTO

LIVE

O V E M B E R 2 015 N 1 R E B O T C O 30 OUNDS

OWGR CLAREMONT SH STUNTS

NEW BIKES

FMX

S H O W & SH I N E

ACCESSORIES

R E V V E2 0D1 5 !U P FOR

VER PERTH’S FIRST E

AL INTERNATION S ENDURO CROS R A C I N G 6 p m S a t u r d a y 31 s t O c t o b e r P R A C T I C E F r i d a y 3 0 t h & S a t u r d a y 31 s t O c t o b e r

CHARITY RIDE WITH DANNY GREEN

S U N DAY 1 s t

NOVEMBER

w w w. p e r t h m o t o rc yc l e s h ow. c o m . a u

NEWS TORQUE

C Y C L E T O R Q UOCTOBER E F E B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 13 15 cycletorque.com.au

Vespa on Tour YES you can tour on a Vespa, and there’s now a PX 150 ‘Touring’ to prove it.

Over 37 years of production and three million sales have taken the Vespa PX to every corner of the globe. An endearing popularity and scant regard for the modern interpretation of practical has carried audacious PX owners on journeys many conceived impossible.

Vespa Australia now has a limited production PX ‘Touring’, a model encapsulating the spirit of PXs touring history. It comes in a unique Grigio Seta (Silk Grey) colour and marrone saddle, with chrome front and rear carry racks and a wind screen to deflect life’s burdens. Of course the true PX qualities are retained; the 4-speed ‘twist grip’ manual gearshift and the 150cc 2-stroke motor; the footbrake and spare wheel; to respect the true character of PX. The PX 150 ‘Touring’ continues a timeless legend.

There are less than 40 available so get in quick if you want one. $6790 + ORC. See www.vespa.com.au for more info. n

6 Ainslie Close, Somersby NSW Ph: 02 4372 1100 For more info give us a ring or email info@oztrikes.com.au

NEWS TORQUE

C Y C L E T O R Q UOCTOBER E F E B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 14 15 cycletorque.com.au

Draconian ISDE FRANCE has won the 2015 International Six Days Enduro in Slovakia, with Australia second and Spain third.

But France’s win has caused quite a stir in the ISDE community, with eight of France’s team missing a checkpoint on day three. Normally this would cause penalties for the team but all eight riders were later reinstated into the competition on a provisional basis until further notice.

The reason for the reinstatement was based on the assumption the signage must have been poorly placed and therefore unfair to the French team.

This allowed the French team to keep its two minute lead over the Australians, who were able to whittle that down to one minute at the event end.

The Australian senior team members, Josh Green, Daniel Milner, Matthew Phillips, Beau Ralston, Lachlan Stanford and Glenn Kearney all had a protest of sorts by standing on the top step of the podium when they were introduced as the runners up of this year’s event.

In a further protest the Australian team also walked off the podium and did not stand on the second step of the podium when the winners trophy was presented.

Australia was more dominant in the Junior World Trophy competition with Daniel Sanders, Tye Simmonds, Broc Grabham and Tom Mason winning by 15 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Spain with Italy rounding out the podium.

The Australian Women’s team for the third straight year crushed their opposition, taking a massive 55 minute and 53 second win ahead of France with Sweden claiming the final step of the podium. n

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 15

REPSOL LUBRICANTS NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALER

RACE, ROAD OR DIRT, REPSOL HAS A LUBRICANT FOR YOU!

MONZA IMPORTS | 03 8327 8888

NEWS TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 16

Cycle Torque TV is back That’s right, the third series of Cycle Torque TV will hit the screens weekly during Spring.

DESIGNED BY RIDERS, FOR RIDERS

NAVIGATOR JACKET $308

Series three premiers on free-to-air channel 4me at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 8. You can also watch it on Foxtel’s Aurora at 8.30pm.

4me is channel 64 in regional and rural areas, channel 74 in cities. Aurora is channel 183. If you don’t catch the premier episode both 4me and Aurora run repeats during the week and you can also catch missed episodes through 4me’s On Demand at 4me.net.au.

We are excited about this season on Cycle Torque TV which will feature motorcycle tests, classics, products, touring and more during the one hour episodes. We are ramping Cycle Torque TV up to another level so don’t miss it! n

TELLURIDE TEXTILE PANT $205

ALLOY KEVLAR JEANS $177

EXCURSION KEVLAR PANTS $149.95

PODIUM LEATHER SUIT $961

MASSIVE RANGE OF GLOVES FROM $33

www.agvsportsgroup.com.au (02) 6331 8881 • Unit 7/2 Vale Road, Bathurst NSW 2795

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 17

PREFERR

LICENSE

NEWS TORQUE

Most POWERFUL MONSTER ever THE new Monster 1200 R has been unveiled by Ducati, with it expected to be available early in the new year.

With its 160 hp, the Monster 1200 R is the most powerful Ducati naked of all time. Its key features include the Testastretta 11° DS twincylinder engine in its “R” version (EURO 4 homologated) and a new chassis.

There has been some styling changes too, with the tail and front sections getting some love from the stylist’s pen.

Two colours will be available. Ducati Red and Thrilling Black.

Thrilling the colour may be but we’d guess the bike will be even more thrilling to ride. n

C Y C L E T O R Q UOCTOBER E F E B R U A2015 R Y 2 0I 18 15 cycletorque.com.au

Motorcycle Roadside Assistance

Membership from $2.88 per week

Roadside Assistance With A Difference National Roadside Assistance

MOTORCYCLES / SCOOTERS / ADVENTURE RIDERS BRAKE DOWNS FLAT TYRES FLAT BATTERIES LOSS OFF LICENSE AMBULANCE COVER UNLIMITED CALL OUTS UNLIMITED KILOMETERS PERSONAL ILLNESS / PERSONAL INJURIES

RMRmember.COM

WWW.

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 19

I N

F U L L

B L O O M

&

A L I V E

W I T H

C O L O U R

Experience wide open country roads, easy rides to Kangaroo Valley and the South Coast, fresh spring produce, country style picnic races and a local winery or two!

2 NIGHTS

$499

TWIN SHARE

Deluxe suite accommodation Full buffet breakfast daily Spring lunch (for 2) in Harvey’s (2 for 1) bike hire 18 holes of golf or yoga class FREE wi-fi & in-house movies Local wine tasting with complimentary cheese platter 2 x $25 Spa voucher Open garden entry

3 NIGHTS

$649

TWIN SHARE

Deluxe suite accommodation Full buffet breakfast daily Spring lunch (for 2) in Harvey’s (2 for 1) bike hire 18 holes of golf or yoga class FREE wi-fi & in-house movies Local wine tasting with complimentary cheese platter 2 x $25 Spa voucher Open garden entry

Available Sunday - Friday. Saturday night surcharge of $90. Free room upgrade for 3 & 4 night stays, subject to availability. Visit website for full package details.

(02) 4862 8600 G I B R A LTA R B O W R A L . C O M . A U

SMALL TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 20

Vulcan Reboot KAWASAKI’S 650cc twin cylinder cruiser, the Vulcan S, has ABS and is LAMS suitable.

The 2016 model will be in showrooms by the time you read this and there’s a couple of new colours, which just might excite you a bit.

Matt Orange and Metallic Matt Carbon Gray are the two new colours but Kawasaki still has the ‘Born to be Purple’ promotion running, in which you get a free windshield kit with a new Metallic Royal Purple Vulcan S.

VING IT FOR HA

Check them out in Kawasaki dealers nationwide.

ALL

Speedway Spectacular TAMWORTH’S Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) will transform into a spectacular showcase of speedway racing when the 2015 New South Wales Open Senior Solo Speedway Championship rolls into town on December 11-12.

The Tamworth Motorcycle Club (TMCC) have taken on the task of hosting the Championship, and club president Paul Slade was confident the event would be roaring success.

“We’re lifting our state title and motorcycling in general to another level by going indoors,” Slade said.

“It (AELEC) is a huge arena that can hold up to 4500 people with tiered seating and a wide-range of corporate facilities.

“It also has a big roof over it of course, which means we can invest in promotion like this and don’t have to worry about the weather.”

BSFOS THE Barry Sheene Festival of Speed just gets bigger and better every year thanks to the hard work of the Post Classic Racing Association of NSW.

AVAILABLE ON 2014/2015 MODELS FOR A LIMITED TIME

WITH ANY NEW 2014/2015 TIGERSPORT

WITH ANY ALLOY OR WIRE WHEEL TIGER EXPLORER

WITH ANY NEW 2014/2015 THUNDERBIRD STORM

More big names than ever before will star at the 2016 event. Some of these stars have been here before, like Freddie Spencer, Graeme Crosby and Kork Ballington, but in 2016 we’ll also see Christian Sarron, Didier de Radigues, Steve Parrish and Kevin Schwantz.

Keep an eye out in Cycle Torque for more info about the event as it gets closer. You can also check out www.barrysheene.com.au.

Jones is a champ MIKE Jones (Australian Outdoor Living – Cube Racing Team) has been crowned the 2015 ASBK Champion at the fourth round of the 2015 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli.

Jones took advantage of a second race mishap from closest rival Daniel Falzon (JD Racing) to take both race wins at Symmons Plains in Tasmania, and establish an unassailable 60-point championship lead heading into the final round.

Jones has been pretty much the front running privateer in superbikes in this country for some time now and made the championship his this year, domination from the start.

It couldn’t happen to a nicer young bloke in our opinion. Congrats from the Cycle Torque team Mike.

FIND YOUR NEAREST NSW AUTHORIZED DEALER: • • • • • • •

BIKEBIZ - GRANVILLE (02) 9682 2999 BIKERS M/C - BATHURST (02) 6334 2244 BRISANS - NEWCASTLE (02) 4940 8777 CITY BIKEWORX - LISMORE (02) 6622 6226 CITYCOAST M/C - WOLLONGONG (02) 4228 7392 GRIFFITH M/C - GRIFFITH (02) 6962 4677 JOE’S MOTORCYCLES - FYSHWICK (02) 62806703

facebook.com/triumph.australia

Official Triumph

• • • • • • • •

NORTHSIDE M/C- ARTARMON (02) 9438 3384 NOWRA M/C- SOUTH NOWRA (02) 4422 9683 PORT MAQUARIE M/C - P MAQ (02) 6583 6060 PROCYCLES - HORNSBY (02) 9477 5422 PROCYCLES - ST PETERS (02) 9557 1610 RIC ANDREWS - WEST GOSFORD (02) 4324 1800 TEAMMOTO - BLACKTOWN (02) 9421 0666 WHITEHOUSE M/C - ALBURY (02) 6021 7588

triumphmotorcycles.com.au

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 Safety Course MOTORCYCLISTS involved in accidents require specific care, so if you ride a lot with friends it’s well worth doing a motorcycle specific safety course.

First Aid for Motorcyclists is a half day training course developed specifically for riders.

You’ll learn vital skills and knowledge needed to provide immediate roadside first aid and effectively manage the accident scene until emergency services arrive.

This is not a regular first aid course.

Training is delivered by highly qualified experienced first aid instructors who ride.

These courses are being run in Sydney on Saturday October 24 and Saturday November 7.

For more info go to www. firstaidformotorcyclists.com.au or call 0408 956 435.

Get Snowy IT’S time to get revved up for the 15th annual Honda Snowy Ride on Saturday 7 November, 2015. Online registrations have opened for the ride, which is hosted by the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation, at www.snowyride.org.au.

Plenty is planned to help celebrate the 15th Snowy Ride with crowd favourites the Brewster Brothers, who have loyally supported the Snowy Ride for six of its 15 years, again performing on Saturday night. There will also be a rider skills test, Big Al’s BBQ and all the fun and colour of the mass ride.

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 22

Since 2001, the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation (SWCCF) has donated more than $6 million towards childhood cancer research, with the majority of that directly raised through the Snowy Ride.

Find out more or register by going to www.snowyride.org.au.

SYMscoot SYM scoota is shaking things up a bit with the launch of a heap of new models in the coming months. First up is the GTS300i Sport, which is in dealers now.

It’s got some great features like the sporty wave disc on the front, ABS, 30 horsepower, a heater (yes, you read that right) and Stop/Start technology, where the engine stops when you are stopped to reduce fuel usage. Twist the throttle and she fires up again. It also uses only 2.8 litres per 100km.

It’s only $7,599 + ORC. Cheap and cheerful you might say.

Super Husky HUSQVARNA has a new Supermoto on the streets, the 701 Supermoto.

A 701cc single cylinder engine is a big sucker but this baby’s got more up its sleeve, like the fly-by-wire throttle with switchable engine maps, ABS with a specific Supermoto ABS mode and WP race suspension.

Yes, it’s street legal!

Find out more at www.husqvarnamotorcycles.com.au

Servicing All Makes & Models (ROAD & DIRT) Specialising in European Motorcycles Sales Quality Parts & Repairs Learner Bikes (LAMS APPROVED) Performance upgrades and accessories

12/1498 FERNTREE GULLY ROAD KNOXFIELD VIC 3180 P 03 9763 1433 F 03 9763 6836 E sales@mototecnic.com.au

www.mototecnic.com.au

© FIVE GLOVES 2015 Photo: Lukasz Swiderek

absolut control

fabio quartararo

Fabio Quartararo may be only 16, but this hasn’t stopped him

Moto 3 World ChaMpionship

achieving poles and podium placings in Moto3, nor from taking

Multi x Pole Positions & Podiums to be continued...

advantage of all the benefits offered by FIVE gloves. He’s achieved his rapid racing progress wearing them ever since he was 8. He’s also made a huge contribution to the development of the RFX Race glove, the first one to offer high protectiion with the use of thermoset carbon composite, an ultra-light, ultra-resistant material forged in an autoclave and thus far used only in the aviation industry and Formula 1. Fabio holds the world in the palm of his hands, gloved, since the age of 8, by FIVE

RFX RACE

White / Red

Moto National Accessories

Toll Free 1300 885 355

www.motonational.com.au

EDITORIAL

Cultness THERE’S a number of reasons why some bikes become cult-like when they get a few years on them. It could be they set performance standards at the time, or the styling was way out there, or they had a fearsome reputation or didn’t sell well when they were new. Whatever it is, some bikes become hot property years down the track.

Even though some manufacturers have tried to capture some of that X factor, or ‘cultness’, as I like to call it, they have rarely succeeded.

We all have bikes that are on our Cultness radar, and everyone is different. For me it’s bikes like the Suzuki Katana, Honda CB1100R, Ducati 851/888, Honda’s RC30, and my all-time favourite, the Honda CBX1000. Then there’s pure race bikes like the Harley-Davidson XR750, Honda’s VF1000R based bikes and so on.

There have been a few quite frankly average attempts from the manufacturers to emulate the aura of these hero bikes, and there could be a valid argument that, “you’re living in the past man”.

Anyway, while that may be the case, there’s been a few times when I’ve made rash statements in the Cycle Torque office similar to, “I’d buy that if they made one”. In most cases I’m lucky they didn’t because I’d have to put my money where my mouth is, and the likely outcome is I’d be Email us your disappointed anyway. feedback

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 24

I’d love Honda to build a modern six cylinder inline engine and put it in a retro styled machine, or actually building a proper V4 road going race style machine like the RC30 like they seem to have been promising for years now. Honda actually built a concept bike a few years ago, which to me was pure heaven on wheels. Once again, rumours abound that it was to be put into production but chances are if it was it would be a watered down shell of itself anyway.

Harley-Davidson did the same a few years back with its XR1200. To me the XR750 is a god of a machine. Pure aggression and purpose. I couldn’t wait to ride the XR1200 but when I did I felt flat because it just didn’t live up to the hype that existed in my mind. When you look at an XR1200 modified for the one model racing series in America and Europe then it’s a different story.

Now they are horn machines but the standard bike just didn’t hit the mark, and as a result it didn’t sell well and was turfed by H-D. Now those who know me know two of my dream bikes were the Ducati 851 and the RC30. It’s that way because I lusted after them as a youth with the arse out of my pants. When I could afford to buy them I ended up with two but Ducati has never done a ‘tribute’ version of the 851/888 models. But check out this Panigale/851 hybrid.

Of course it’s an artist’s impression but imagine if it was real. I reckon you could do it.

This customisation of production machines has been going on in enthusiasts’ sheds for decades and it’s a fun thing to do, if expensive. Bikes like a replica Freddie Spencer VF750 or CB750 Superbike with 17 inch wheels and modern forks absolutely do it for me. I guess it all depends on when you were an impressionable young motorcycle enthusiast to what floats your boat era wise.

I know the GFC has hit the manufacturers big time but here’s hoping some of these concept bikes actually get built somewhere near their concept awesomeness in the near future.

– Chris Pickett

DIRTY TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 25

Unadilla WAY back in 1970, multi World Champion Jeff Smith flew from England to America to compete in the first AMA sanctioned event on a track near the small town of Unadilla, New York. Smith went on to win the Trans-AM event and the Unadilla facility became an integral part of the American motocross scene. Let’s check out some of the great moments at Unadilla.

Before we progress to the racing it is important to get a handle on what made this bit of real estate so special to race on and it simply comes down to offering the riders a wide course with a plethora of line option and passing opportunities. That said, it is also one of the toughest courses on the AMA Motocross calendar with rocks, huge braking bumps and rut infested kicker jumps littered all of the way around the track. It’s brutal!

From 1970 through to 1973 Unadilla hosted a round of the annual Trans-AMA and Inter-AMA events with European and American riders competing on 250cc and 500cc machinery and we saw riders like Adolf Weil, Heiki Mikkola, Pierre Karsmakers and the first American winner Gary Jones taking home the win.

From 1974 to 1978 the Trans-AMA series was for riders on 500cc machinery only and throughout this period Roger DeCoster remained undefeated at Unadilla despite having the best riders from all over the world wanting to knock him off his perch. DeCoster won the Trans-AMA series from 1974 to 1977 and in 1978 Bob Hannah finally got to win the Email us your series but never bested DeCoster feedback on his favourite track, Unadilla.

Hannah’s final hurrah at Unadilla was at the 1987 Motocross of Nations where he was sentimentally picked to ride the 125 class alongside Ricky Johnson on a 250 and Jeff Ward on a 500. Even Hannah though it was a bad idea to pick him but on a day that will be remembered more for the mud than the racing, Hannah went 4-1 over the two motos and helped America to another MXoN win.

Bob Hannah’s love for Unadilla and its vocal crowd was tested many times over with the out-spoken superstar having a series of bad luck at the circuit that kept him from tasting victory. An example is in 1978, Hannah won the opening moto at the Unadilla round of the AMA 500cc Motocross Championships ahead of Marty Smith but his Yamaha failed to finish the second moto and it was that kind of luck that kept the Hannah off the top step of the podium at Unadilla until the 1986 USGP. Hannah was a veteran of the sport riding for the Suzuki factory against the might of the super-trick factory Hondas and in 1986 he came to Unadilla without great form behind him while the favourite for the win on the day was 1985 USGP winner Johnny O’Mara. In the opening moto O’Mara got to the lead early while Hannah had to come from the back of the pack up to second place. In the second moto Hannah passed O’Mara and led until the final lap when O’Mara made the pass and was heading for another win until his Honda ran out of petrol handing Hannah the win. In typical style when interviewed after the race Hannah said, “I’ve lost a lot like this but never thought I would win one like this, I don’t like it!”

After the Trans-AMA series was squashed Unadilla hosted the annual 250 USGP from 1979 to 1992 before being reinstated back on the AMA Motocross Championship calendar in 1993 and over the years Unadilla has seen some unprecedented incidents. In 2002 James Stewart and Chad Reed were in a fight for the 125 title. Leading up to Unadilla Stewart had won the majority of the races and Reed had voiced an opinion that if he got a start he could beat Stewart.

During the opening moto Stewart slowed down, let Chad into the lead for a few corners then blew back by the Aussie and went 1-1 for the overall.

Kent Howerton, Marty Smith, Guy Cooper, Jeff Stanton, Ricky Carmichael, Jeff Emig, Kevin Windham, Ryan Hughes, Mike LaRocco, Rick Johnson and now Ryan Dungey are multiple winners at Unadilla and there is a story behind each of those wins. The fact is that Unadilla is a special place where special things happen and thankfully it will be around for many years to come.

– Darren Smart

ALL NEW

ROAM3 $19995 Now oNly

ADVENTURE EVERYDAY

Waterproof without a case - up to 10 meters + 1080p HD Video + 270째 Rotating lens + Laser guide Moto National Accessories

|

TOLL FREE 1300 885 355

|

w w w. c o n t o u r a u s t r a l i a . c o m . a u

RACE TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 27

Doctor’s Orders WHEN Valentino Rossi was rocketing up the grand prix ranks he adopted several nicknames, the first ‘Rossifumi’ for his admiration of the late Norifumi Abe after the then 18-year-old’s incredible 1994 500 race debut at Suzuka.

He led Doohan and Schwantz before crashing out spectacularly with just laps to go. Rossi’s interim byline was ‘Valentinik’, a reference to the Italian Donald Duck superhero ‘Paperinik’. But his most enduring nom de plume has been ‘The Doctor’. It was the nickname he adopted after he began to get the hang of his V-four Honda 500, noting that in order to master the gnarly NSR “one must be calm, like a surgeon.” Jack Miller cannot steal Rossi’s handle, but he can adopt his mantra. Perhaps Jack can call himself the ‘The Intern’.

As Miller knifed his way through the field at the very wet British Grand Prix at Silverstone, we all started to think that Australia could have its first MotoGP podium since 2012. Hell, the way he was going, it was not beyond the realms of possibility that Jack could win the bloody thing. Trouble was, Jack was thinking the same thing. Miller was levering riders aside so quickly that it was inevitable he was either going to hunt down leader Rossi or stick it in the kitty litter. He did the latter with the added ignominy of taking team-mate Cal Crutchlow with him. Both LCR riders have had a tough time of it Email us your feedback in 2015, and it wasn’t beyond the

realms of possibility both could’ve sat in parc ferme by race end. Cal was incredibly gracious and understanding about Jack’s faux pas that effectively snafued any chance of glory at his home grand prix. Jack was remorseful and accepted without question the sanction handed to him by race director Mike Webb.

Many predicted that jumping from Moto3 straight to MotoGP would be difficult for Jack, but let’s face it entering MotoGP is bloody hard for everyone except if your name is Marc Marquez. And doing well in Moto2 is no guarantee either. Stefan Bradl dominated the 2011 Moto2 championship and performed admirably in his early seasons on a satellite Honda before a nasty crash in Malaysia dented his confidence and his stocks.

After scoring a pole and a second at Indy on board his LCR Honda, he’s now battling to get into the top ten on his Forward Yamaha. Conversely Bradley Smith underperformed in Moto2 but burst onto the premier class in a blaze of slides, lock-ups and an increasing number of crashes. At the 2014 German GP, Smith had thrown it down the road four times in practice and qualifying. I couldn’t bear to watch him anymore and feared for his safety. Over the summer break, the Oxfordshire tumbler looked deep inside, calmed himself down, started to visualise and plan his every move and finished 2014 with a string of top five finishes topped by his first podium at Phillip Island. In 2015, he has clearly out performed his tough team-mate Pol Espagaro, who had previously had the wood on the crash-prone Brit.

Jack needs to take the same approach as Bradley.

Miller has been in a somewhat unusual position in that HRC has placed no pressure on him in the first two years of his three-year deal. They possibly figured that Jack would put enough pressure on himself. In 2014 he proved to be one of the most determined and ruthless racers in the paddock.

Expecting the wildly ambitious Aussie to take it easy was always a big ask. During the summer break, he revealed that he was having difficulty adapting to the enormous stopping power of his big Honda, but was getting the hang of gassing it up out of corners.

Watching Miller in free practice at Assen prior to the break, it was clear he was starting to boogey with the bike by getting it to shake, rattle and roll out of the turns. Trouble was he took Hector Barbera out in the early laps of the race en route to his first caution.

For a rider who races to win, 2015 has been awkward and frustrating. Less is more, smooth is fast, calm is energy. Doctor’s orders.

– Darryl Flack

GUNTRIP

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 28

Pilgrimage LATER this month I’ll be making my fourth trip back to the UK in three years. The circumstances alone make it special, but there’s a little extra about this one that I don’t expect to be repeating: I’ll be borrowing a bike from Triumph, a Bonneville T100 Spirit, thanks to the good folk at Cycle Torque and Mark Berger at Triumph Motorcycles Australia, and riding the roads of my youth.

I remember the A roads around my neck of the woods well. What’s changed is a new motorway/ bypass system that’s reduced the old highways to the status of local routes.

Which is fine by me. I can trickle around my old haunts without being a pest to anyone else, see what’s happened to Drayton, Sutton Courtenay, Culham and the rest, during the 20 years since I last rode around there. Bucolic little villages, halftimbered houses, pubs with creaking signs, cows grazing and daisy-dotted meadows; I don’t imagine it’ll have changed too much. I’m just expecting this little problem with the weather.

If you haven’t done it before, I heartily recommend you try riding the UK. Nowhere’s very far away and if you know your way around you’ll be able to find plenty of good roads to travel. Apart from going equipped for the weather, the one thing you need is patience; because without insider knowledge, the chances are you’ll be sharing roads with a fair proportion of the 60 million other people on the island who will be going to the same place at the Email us your same time as you. feedback

But it’s worth the effort. There’s plenty to see and do, whether your interests run to Downton Abbey or something a little more challenging. This time, though, it won’t all be touring; not for me. The trip is basically business, and I’ll be returning photos, buying people drinks, saying thanks for the help they’ve offered me during a project that’s taken up a big chunk of the past three years.

They’re dead now, most of the heroes of my youth, but in 2012 I finally found the time and the resources to write my own tribute to them; and there’s still an elderly gentleman in Derby, perhaps sitting in his living room as I write these words, to whom I’d love to give a copy of my book. His name is John Cooper. In some ways his three British championships are probably the least of his achievements, as he plied his trade for more than a decade, racing through the tense days of the 1960s and early 1970s, beginning his career on Manx Nortons and Seeleys, moving on to a TR2 Yamaha in his own frame and racing his final seasons on BSA and Triumph triples. He could win anywhere on anything, and that made him one of the greats – among the last of his generation.

I’ll also be calling in at the headquarters of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. It’s housed in a modest, redbrick building on a main road through a light industrial part of Burton-on-Trent, not far from Mr Cooper in Derby, and has the best specialist library there is. At different times I’ve spent weeks exploring its shelves while the irrepressible Pam plied me with tea and Peter kept up the supply of the anecdotes.

Their enthusiasm and hospitality is breathtaking, and

they’re as warm and helpful to complete strangers as they are to old friends.

There are others: Adrian Sellars and his gleaming Manx Nortons, Elwyn Roberts and the vast collection of photographs that threatens to take over his modest Welsh cottage; Gary James and his impressive ranks of raceday programs and reminiscences of Uncle Tom Kirby, the team owner who at different times managed to find bikes for Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, Bill Ivy, our own Jack Findlay, and many more.

All these people have helped and all deserve my thanks. There’ll be plenty to do, whether or not I find time to go to any Rugby World Cup matches; but most of all I’m looking forward to heading for Derby again. They say you should never meet your heroes, and on previous experiences I’d agree; but with John Cooper it worked out just fine.

– Bob Guntrip

BUNDOORA BMW MOTORRAD IS TURNING ONE. CELEBRATE OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY WITH US.

It’s our birthday and we’re inviting you to celebrate with us.

The first anniversary of Bundoora BMW Motorrad is an occasion to mark our trusted experience within the Doncaster BMW family as well as the undeniable passion we share for the Ultimate Riding Machine. And for a limited time, we are offering you some very special gifts to accompany your new BMW motorcycle*.

Visit us today and join in the celebrations.

COMPLIMENTARY FIRST SERVICE* Bundoora BMW Motorrad 62 Enterprise Drive, Bundoora VIC 3083 Ph: (03) 9468 8000 bundoorabmwmotorrad.com.au LMCT 8560

COMPLIMENTARY $200 RIDER EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES*

Doncaster BMW Motorrad 814 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108 Ph: (03) 8848 0000 doncasterbmwmotorrad.com.au LMCT 8560

*Offers valid for new BMW motorcycles ordered and delivered between 24/8/15 and 31/10/15. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. First service must be conducted by Doncaster BMW or Bundoora BMW. Service exclusions and conditions apply. Rider Equipment and Accessories allowance can only be used at Doncaster BMW and Bundoora BMW.

Tap to experience more

BMW S 1000 XR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

Vapour Trail

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 30

BMW S 1000 XR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 31

The S 1000 XR is the road racer’s GS.

BMW S 1000 XR

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 32

CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

Vapour Trail

WATCH VIDEO NOW

N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY MARK DADSWELL N RIDING GEAR: KABUTO HELMET, IXON APPAREL, GLOVES BY FIVE GLOVES, AXO BOOTS.

WE ALL know BMW’s S 1000 RR is one of the most potent sports bikes on the planet, and it’s dripping with technology. BMW realised it was missing out on customers though, the ones who wanted the engine of the RR but with a more real world ability. And so the S 1000 R naked bike was spawned.

A retuned engine made it better at lower to mid range speeds and the riding position was much nicer on the body. But we all knew the bike to sit between the two was a sports touring sort of bike better suited to coping with Aussie conditions. The writing was on the wall and finally BMW built the bike, a bike which to be honest is so good it has basically no peers in the environment it was designed for. BMW is calling it an Adventure Sport motorcycle but BMW is also quick to say it’s no adventure bike. In other words it’s no GS with an inline four cylinder engine.

B Road Blaster In the right hands this bike is insanely quick on back roads. It has the suspension and the engine to embarrass most other machinery. Realistically not many manufacturers are making a bike to seriously take the S 1000 XR on in its natural habitat, but bikes like the latest Ducati Multistrada 1200 can. Of course that’s comparing apples to apples with the same rider, and it would come down to what you prefer as in brand rather than the actual ability of the motorcycle.

The engine package is essentially the same as found in the naked S 1000 R. It’s been retuned from the RR version, so now has 160hp (118kW) at 11,000 rpm and maximum torque of 83 lb-ft (112Nm) at just over 9000 rpm. The retuning has made it possibly an even faster real world engine than the RR engine with Continued on next page

Continued on next page

BMW S 1000 XR

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 33

CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

40 more ponies running rampant. By the time the 200 ponies lift their skirts, the 160 ‘retuned’ ponies have already bolted.

All Australian delivered S 1000 XRs will come basically fully loaded with regards to suspension and electronic rider aids. So it gets ABS Pro, which works even as the bike is leaned, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which comes as part of the optional Pro riding modes. There’s also electronically controlled suspension, Dynamic ESA, which allows you to adjust the suspension – yes it’s a separate thing – plus riding modes and more. There are optional extras also but standard the bike comes highly equipped.

Understanding the ‘Aids’

SPECIFICATIONS: BMW S 1000 XR

MORE

ENGINE TYPE: Liquid-cooled inline four CAPACITY: 999cc TRANSMISSION: 6-speed and chain drive FUEL CAPACITY: 20 litres FRAME TYPE: Alloy composite bridge frame SEAT HEIGHT: 840mm WET WEIGHT: 228kg FRONT SUSPENSION: 46mm USD fully adjustable forks.

REAR SUSPENSION: Single shock with preload and rebound adjustment BRAKES: Dual 4-piston calipers on front, single caliper on rear.

TYRES: 120/70-17, 190/55-17 PRICE (RRP): From $22,190 Ride Away www.cycletorque.com.au/more CALL FOR A QUOTE

1800 24 34 64

In standard trim the XR comes with two riding modes, Rain and Road, but if you purchase the optional ‘Dynamic’ package for $1,375, you get DTC, Gear Shift Assist Pro (quick shifter), Riding Modes Pro, ABS Pro, Cruise Control and LED indicators, phew, you get access to two other riding modes, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. As with pretty much every other rider aid system built, the further you go up the performance chain on the XR, the less intrusive the rider aids become.

I won’t go into each and every accessory because there is quite a few, from touring to performance and bling, but the other main optional package available is the Touring Package where you get Dynamic ESA, the attachments for a GPS, a luggage grid and case holders. You can of course decide not to buy any of this and go with the base model but if you want to retrofit any of these options at a later date it will cost you more than if you ordered it from new.

Vanishing Point If you unleash all the power this has and go with the least amount of electronic intervention you will be heading towards the horizon at an alarming rate. This bike has so much stonk off the bottom it’s fun with a capital FAAAAARK! Thank the stars it has the brakes and the suspension to match it. The suspension isn’t built for racetracks, it has decent travel designed for our crap roads, but it’s still on the soft side of sport. I found the suspension hard to fault really, whether it be when the bike is rolling and the electronics are doing their job or when you are adjusting the pre-load settings. It all just works as it should. Nothing is perfect of course but as an all-round package the XR is pretty right.

Continued on next page

BMW S 1000 XR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

I loved the engine for it’s usable power, and it’s this sort of power that makes it more fun on the road than the RR’s powerplant. Of course they are very similar but while the RR keeps going after the XR has signed off it’s in territory most riders will never be on the road. The engine gets a ‘buzziness’ to it around 4000 rpm but it’s nothing that’s unpleasant.

The gearing is shorter than I expected too. I guess it’s part of the ‘real world’ aspect to the bike and to be honest I probably wouldn’t bother changing it. Top speed is around 250 kilometres, or so I’m told, so the short gearing no doubt plays a part in this too.

I found the seat could be better for me. Maybe I have a weird arse, I’m not sure, but I have sampled better seats. I’d also go for the tall seat option not just for the height aspect but for the shape of the seat, which I’m sure would make my backside happier.

Besides being a cool looking jigger in an apocalyptic sort of way, the whole fairing thing works fantastic.

The manually adjustable screen works a treat with minimal buffeting, and you can hear the engine clearer when the screen is fully up. You get plenty of protection from the elements too, and after jumping on to the S 1000 R naked bike for a while on the launch I found the side fairing pieces on the XR actually worked.

Yep, it’s a beauty I could easily live with the S 1000 XR. In fact I loved it. This sort of bike is tailor made for Australian conditions, and the level of inclusions it has for $22,190 + ORC makes it competitive price wise with any bike it would go head to head with. n

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 34

BMW S 1000 XR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 35

BMW S 1000 XR CYCLE TORQUE LAUNCH

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 36

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Wail of the Banshee

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

MV’s 800s.

Three cylinders and three styles.

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 39 cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 39

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 40

Wail of the Banshee N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY TIM MUNRO N RIDING GEAR: KABUTO HELMET, SPIDI JACKET AND GLOVES, XPD BOOTS

I LOVE the idea of using one engine design to power a range of motorcycles.

Development costs will be reduced and therefore the price should be lower for the consumer, and spare parts and service items should be easier to get, especially when it’s a niche manufacturer.

MV Agusta is one of those niche manufacturers and the current Australian importer is working hard to get over the impression the bikes are unreliable and hard to get parts for. Buying an MV has always been for riders looking for a machine outside the norm. Every MV I’ve ever ridden has been flawed in some way, and over the years poor fuelling has been the biggest bug bear of an MV. But each of the 800 range you see here was very good in that department and overall sweet motorcycles to ride. Yes they are more towards the hard edged end of motorcycling, but for most buyers that will be part of the appeal.

Naked and unafraid The Brutale range is aggressive and edgy, with the Dragster RR the crowning glory here. The bikes share the same basic platform, with the Dragster getting the the sexy spoked wheels and a number of other updates. There’s quite a few electronic rider aids on the Brutale. You can adjust throttle sensitivity, engine braking, engine torque and traction control (over eight levels). It’s quite the compact design, and if you are six foot you will find it on the small side.

I rode both the Brutale RR and the Brutale Dragster RR on the track and the road and it’s well suited to track day shenanigans and it’s fun on the road too, slthpugh aimed more at the Sunday fun rider rather than the touring enthusiast.

After trying a few different settings on the track, I settled on ‘Normal’ settings for both throttle responsiveness and engine braking. In this set-up both Brutales were lots of fun on the track. You can throw them around easily and the 800cc

engine provided more than enough power for smile-inducing sessions. The only fault I could really highlight was the quickshifter, which required a bit of thought and positive action from the rider so the odd false neutral or two wasn’t encountered. This got better as I got more adept at working with it but there’s no doubt it needed some adjustment for seamless action. The Brutale has around 140 horsepower so it’s no slouch and it weighs only 186 kilos dry.

And it has such a lovely sounds from those three pipes.

Bigger Super Sport The 800 F3 is the big brother of the Supersport 675 and as such has more grunt.

It feels much the same to sit on, seems to handle the same and looks much the same too.

On the track this my favourite bike, with great brakes, handling and power. The track is of course where this bike feels most at home, and there is enough room for bigger riders. In fact it feels roomier than the Brutale. Anyway, once again I Continued on next page

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 41

CYCLE TORQUE TEST

tried the Sport map and didn’t really like it, with the throttle responsiveness too aggressive for me. I found it upset the bike on initial throttle openings as you exit the corner. No drama, that’s why there’s more maps to choose from. I again selected ‘Normal’ and loved it. The quickshifter also needed a positive foot and I think the bike needs a steering damper. It would shake its head under hard acceleration but I was riding hard, for me, and it never showed this trait on the road. It wasn’t a safety issue but I would fit one to my F3 if I had one. Lovely bike with a nice top end rush.

MORE

Tourer or Street Fighter There were also two sports/tourers to sample on the road ride, the Tourismo and the Stradale, both with lower powered versions of the 800 engine.

The Stradale has 115 horsepower and is a much more aggressive bike to ride than the Tourismo. This aggressiveness is more in the riding position as the Tourismo only has five ponies less. There are a number of riding maps to choose from, as well as the traction control and so on.

I certainly felt more at home riding the Tourismo because the Stradale, even with its panniers, definitely felt like a supermotard, with the rider well forward compared to the Tourismo.

Personally I felt too cramped on the Stradale but loved the engine and the handling. The Tourismo, well that was another story. What a fantastic bike.

Plenty of room for taller riders, the seat was OK although I’d want some extra padding for longer rides, and the weather protection from the fairing was good too.

perspective. I only rode it on the road whereas the Brutale and F3 I also sampled on the track. It did everything right and has more than enough power.

On the track I loved the F3 as that’s where it belongs. The three cylinder engine is a joy to use and loves being revved out towards its redline, and has a wondrous wailing not to it when it is.

And so does the Brutale. My favourite here was definitely the Dragster RR. What a cool looking bike, and it just loves being caned. It has all the power you want and can best be described in one word. Aarooogh!

Both of these bikes can be ridden ridiculously hard on the road, with their capabilities better than most riders, and they are both towards the ‘flightier’ end of the sports touring market I reckon.

So there you go. MV Agusta’s 800cc range really does have something to suit most riders. Prices for this group start at $19,999 for the Stradale, the F3 800 and the Brutale 800 RR, while the Tourismo comes in at $20,499, and the Dragster RR at $22,999.

Overall

Not cheap but then again not expensive either. But what you get are bikes with performance, style and exclusiveness. Nice. n

My favourite out of all the bikes was the Tourismo but you have to keep that in

Continued on next page

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 43

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 44

MV AGUSTA 800 RANGE CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 45

MV Agusta F4RC Reparto Corse Photo by Tim Munro

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 46

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a far-flung, timeless dimension.

Beyond the narrow confines of the road. In a world where the only boundaries are marked by scorching acceleration, burnouts and engines revved to the max. Now open your eyes. You’re astride the new MV Agusta Brutale 800 Dragster, 3 cylinders of deliberately designed madness.

$21,990

RidEaway

2 year unlimited kilometre warranty 2 year premium roadside assist

Register for an upcoming Riding Experience

mvagusta.com.au YMA9493_Blue_Santa_Fun Bike_CT_curves.indd 1

11/09/2015 2:47 pm

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Adrenalin Everywhere

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 48 cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 48

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 49

CYCLE TORQUE TEST

Adrenalin Everywhere N TEST BY NIGEL PATERSON, PHOTOS BY BRIAN DYER AND DUCATI N RIDING GEAR: KABUTO HELMET, SPIDI JACKET AND GLOVES, XPD BOOTS

Want to get the adrenalin pumping?

On every road the new Multistrada can be exciting...

For 2015 Ducati has built a new Multistrada, changing the frame, the running gear and most importantly the engine to make it less angry, more flexible and even more powerful.

The Multistrada is Ducati’s most versatile bike, capable of carving up winding roads, taking on the urban grind, eating freeways and even blasting down gravel surfaces. The nearest thing to an Adventure bike from a company famous for its road racing machines, the new Multistrada is particularly suited to Australia and our awful bitumen and endless dirt.

Externally the bike hasn’t changed too much - it still looks much like the first Multistrada 1200 from five years ago. There’s an upright riding position which the Europeans call enduro, a protective half-fairing, tall seat and you can get it in a variety of colours, but we all know red goes fastest.

Under all that bodywork though there have been lots of changes.

DVT The headline change is the DVT - Desmodromic Variable Timing. Designed to take away the angry, rough feel of the engine in the low and mid-range, the new system uses hydraulics to control the camshafts to alter valve overlap at different engine speeds, making the bike a lot smoother and more civilised without sacrificing top-end performance.

Earlier Multistradas were cranky beasts. The engine felt rough, tough and cantankerous, which is fine in a high end sportsbike like a Panigale, but it’s not so pleasant on a machine aimed taking on the traffic. Most manufacturers get around these sorts of problems by reducing horsepower for more touringoriented machines, but that’s a no-no for Ducati, which decided there must be a way to keep the performance by make the bike nicer to ride - so they invented DVT. Much smoother off the bottom and sweet in the midrange, the new DVTequipped Multistrada is really fulfilling the promise it made but didn’t quite keep five years ago - there’s still the blistering 160hp top end, but now it’s civilised down low like a versatile bike should be.

Unlike many systems the DVT works on both intake and exhaust valves and not only makes the power delivery more civilised, it also reduces fuel consumption.

Engine updates also reach to the handlebars, with cruise control now standard - and so it should be. Any serious touring bike should have cruise control so I suppose better late than never, and Ducati’s done a good job here, with the easy-to-use switchgear mounted on the left handlebar.

Continued on next page

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 50

CYCLE TORQUE TEST The cruise control is a part of the updated electronics, which now feature an Inertial Measurement Unit: now the bike’s computer knows knows the roll, pitch and yaw of the bike - so it can tell if you’re upright and giving it a handful to bring the front wheel up for a bit of one-wheel fun, or if you’ve got it cranked over and maybe full throttle isn’t the greatest idea.

The IMU talks to the other fancy electronics - Ducati Traction Control, the ABS system and the other acronyms in an effort to ensure the dumbest part of the whole shebang - that’s the bit inside the helmet - stays happy.

Ducati has changed the way it sells the Multistrada - there’s no longer a vast array of models, but just two, which you can then customise with kits for the type of riding you do - Sports, touring, urban or enduro.

So the top of the range is the $27,990 1200S DVT - it has the same engine as the standard model but features semi-active electronic suspension, a full colour TFT instrument panel, bluetooth smartphone connectivity and bigger brakes than the much cheaper 1200 DVT we have here.

This bike is the $23,990 standard 1200 DVT with the touring kit - panniers, heated grips and a centre stand. If you want luggage which is more city friendly, you can add the Urban Pack, which features a large top box and USB-charging equipped tank bag.

For those smart enough to realise this Ducati is probably the fastest twin on a public road, there’s the Sport Pack with a Termignoni muffler, carbon guard and billet brake and clutch reservoir caps.

The final pack is for enduro. Fog lights and Ducati Performance/Touratech engine protection bars, radiator guard, oil sump guard bigger side stand base and off-road footrests.

All of the kits are $1787 except the Urban Pack, which is $1098.

All types of roads The Multistrada is a superb touring bike. The riding position is really comfortable - there’s a bit more room than on earlier models, and the seat height is adjustable - and the fairing offers genuine protection from the wind,

while the optional integrated luggage carries a decent amount.

As a sports bike the Multistrada’s success up the switchbacks of Pikes Peak in the USA are testimony to its real-world sporting ability. There’s heaps of cornering clearance, horsepower and while it might get eclipsed in top speed by lighter, more slippery machinery and on the smoothest of surfaces by race track refugees, throw a few bumps in and the Multistrada rider will be going around all but the best of riders.

Taking on the urban duties sees the Multistrada able to jump kerbs easily, get through gaps in the traffic as the ‘bars are higher than most cars’ mirrors and that great bottom end means she jumps from the lights to the front of the traffic flow with ease.

As far as the enduro side goes, the Multistrada is surprisingly capable. I’m always nervous of 17-inch front wheels, loose surfaces and unseen potholes, so if you’re planning on doing mega distances on the gravel, maybe the Multistrada isn’t your best choice - however what the Multistrada does offer is the chance to take that tourist route with its stretch of dirt road, take the fire trail to the top of the ridge to shoot the sunset, ride the back road which happens to join two bits of twisty bitumen.

So maybe the Multistrada isn’t really four bikes in one - but it’s about as close as you can get in 2015.

Conclusion The DVT-equipped Multistrada is easily the best ever made. My criticisms of earlier models - lumpy engine, no cruise control, cramped riding position - have all been addressed with this version and there’s little left to criticise. Individuals might find the screen isn’t high enough to push the breeze over the helmet, there’s little lower-body weather protection, and the acres of plastic means it could be prone to damage if you try to get too adventurous, but really, I’m nitpicking.

The DVT Multistrada is simply one of the most capable, most fun and most exciting bikes available today - or ever. n

CALL FOR A QUOTE

1800 24 34 64

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200

WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

CYCLE TORQUE TEST I WET WEIGHT: 209KG I FUEL CAPACITY: 15 LITRES

SEAT HEIGHT: 825-845MM

I FRAME TYPE: TUBULAR STEEL TRELLIS

WATCH VIDEO NOW

I PRICE (RRP): FROM $23,990 + ORC

FRONT SUSPENSION: 48MM USD FULLY ADJUSTABLE FORKS. REAR SUSPENSION: FULLY ADJUSTABLE SINGLE SHOCK

FRONT TYRE: 120/70-17

FRONT BRAKES: DUAL 4-PISTON CALIPERS

REAR TYRE: 190/55-17 LIQUID-COOLED L-TWIN CAPACITY: 1198CC

TRANSMISSION: 6-SPEED AND CHAIN DRIVE

REAR BRAKES: SINGLE CALIPER

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 52

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 53

2015 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 54

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 55

…and there was light

THE WORLD’S FIRST HELMETS TO FEATURE THIS TECHNOLOGY.

• • • •

«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.

shark-helmets.com

www.ficeda.com.au

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers CYCLE TORQUE TEST

RMX Racers

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 56

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 57

CYCLE TORQUE TEST

RMX Racers Pro, Expert, Mug Punter.

Three testers, three factory race bikes.

N TEST BY TODD REED, PHOTOS BY CHRIS PICKETT

IT’S not often that we head out on the dirt, or on the tarmac for that matter, on race team bikes. You see, while race bikes are all shiny and have all the latest bits and pieces bolted on, they are also highly tuned for specific conditions, and heavily modified to suit the rider’s personal preferences.

In theory race bikes aren’t always the best way to evaluate a bike for the general public, but when a race team comes knocking on the door asking us to test their race bikes, what are we meant to do? Say no? Not a chance!

Lean Burn Trent Lean, MX1 Australia Suzuki Off-Road Race Team Manager and reigning Enduro Masters class champion, was kind enough to line up a test on his own race bike along with his E2 team-mate on the Suzuki Off-Road team, Luka Bussa.

We even got to ride them on the very same tracks the bikes had raced the two days before in the final round of the 2015 Australian Off-Road championships.

There were three bikes on offer for the day, all of which were 2015 RMX450Zs. Trent had both his race bike and spare bike ready to go while Luka had freshly prepped his RMX following the weekend’s racing. Each bike was slightly different, but also much the same. Team sponsors had helped kit out all of the

bikes with Metzler Tyres, Domino Handlebars and Grips, Acerbis Handguards and Acerbis headlight and taillight kit, Kite wheel sets, Kite oversized front brake rotor kit, Kite radiator hoses, RK chains and Suzuki aftermarket radiator braces.

From there each bike had the airbox modified, a quite simple and easy exercise the team perform by cutting some larger holes in the airbox. A Yoshimura cherry bomb fitted, which is simply an EFI device coupled to the machine which comes in the original spares kit right off the showroom floor.

Specifically Speaking At this point each bike becomes much more personal, Luka Bussa, the team’s Pro E2, told us he began with the standard RMX450Z and after hours of riding his local hotspots, he felt the need to inject a bit more spice into it. Jay and Jess Foreman of the Suzuki Motocross team, take care of the engines and RG3 suspension for the Suzuki Off-Road team. So the boys set to work on tailoring the Showa suspension to suit a 75kg Enduro Pro, the end result is a set-up that Continued onpage next page Continued on next

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 58

CYCLE TORQUE TEST is a bit stiffer on both compression and rebound damping at the front and rear of the bike. The engine mods were simple, yet quite effective, the cylinder was lowered slightly to raise compression, with standard RMZ450 motocross camshafts fitted along with a standard RMZ muffler. ECU mapping updates and a gearing change top off the list of engine mods, with Luka choosing to shorten up the gearing to 13 front 51 rear, from 13 front 50 rear. Luka likes a handlebar that is of a “medium” height and bend, with his brake and clutch levers set-up close to horizontal.

Riding in the Masters class (+45 years) and weighing in around the 95kg mark, the set-up Trent Lean is chasing is quite different to that of Luka Bussa. Trent has been on Suzukis for a number of years, with the RMZ motocross bike being his previous platform for off-road racing. The 2015 release of the fully ADR RMX450Z make the new bike choice a no brainer and Trent shifted to the offroad blooded RMX. Unlike Luka, Trent wasn’t looking to spice things up with his RMX. Instead, he created a platform which was easy to ride with a stiffer set-up to suit his size.

The engine remains almost standard with only a Yoshimura Cherry Bomb, and a complete standard exhaust off the RMZ motocross model. Gearing changes were made with Trent preferring a taller set-up, down at the rear by a tooth to 49. This combination of gearing and exhaust aims to get a bit more out of each gear with the more aggressive exhaust and longer gearing. Trent’s larger stature called for heavier fork and shock springs to be installed in the Showa suspension, along with different valving to suit the off-road racing conditions.

A lower bend of handlebar graces the cockpit of the RMX, with Trent running all of his controls in what most would describe as between neutral and low positioning.

The third bike in our test would be Trent’s spare bike, set up almost the same as his race bike with the only changes being that the suspension valving is standard, with heavier springs, and a smaller 48 tooth rear sprocket.

Todd’s Opinion The RMX450Z is a great bike in stock trim, with loads of potential for improvement if you know what you’re after. I had a great time at the Aussie launch a few months back in the Victorian High Country, as you might have read

in our May issue. Following that, I was interested to see what the enduro guns would come up with for their race spec.

Luka’s bike is set up quite similar to how I would have my own. I felt comfortable right away with his handlebars and general control set-up. At 75kg he is a bit more “race fit” than I am, but his RG3 suspension worked well out on the chopped up track we had left for us following the two-day AORC Final. Most of the plushness of the stock RMX was maintained, but deeper in the stroke things were much stiffer which helped give that race bike feel as it held up much better on the big hits. When I first spoke with Luka, I was surprised they went looking for more punch out of the engine, as most 450s have more than Continued on next page

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 59

CYCLE TORQUE TEST enough power. But after riding the bike I was pleasantly surprised with the power output. It seems to have a bit more power through the mid and up higher in the revs, which helps the power come on a bit faster when you’re already moving along and want that extra squirt of grunt. Overall, Luka’s bike maintains all the great attributes of the RMX but adds a bit more aggression to it all without going as far as turning it into a motocross bike.

Trent maintains a very trail orientated feel to his bikes, the engines are quite close to standard and are very easy to ride. Long days on the trail or longer cross country races can be quite tiring and a nice easy engine might not be as exciting, but when your arms are aching and hands blistered from hanging on, it’s nice to be able feel like you’re still riding the bike, not having the bike ride you around.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t as big a fan of Trent’s suspension set-up, but with him at 95kg this thing isn’t meant for my 80kg backside anyway.

The stroke holds up well and doesn’t blow through or wallow, which the stock set-up does at times, but with my lighter weight it felt a bit unsettled coming into and going out of turns.

I haven’t used the Metzler tyres before, and I was impressed with their performance on both bikes. The MC4 Mid-Soft tyres worked well across the varied terrain, and after a weekend’s riding before we got to some of them, they appear to hold up quite well too. The Kite 270mm oversize front brake rotor was fitted on all bikes, and this has to be one of the best mods out there for 450cc off-road owners. If you use your front brakes a bit, which you should be, there a multiple brands available but the Kite unit is very impressive. n

Second Opinion I’M not exactly what you’d call a ‘Gun’ off-road racer. Sure, I’ve done my fair share of bush riding but not at the level these three bikes were built to compete at.

Todd’s gone into some detail of each of the bikes, and although the changes don’t seem to be that great they do make quite a difference to how they feel on the track.

First up I sampled Trent’s ‘practice’ bike, number 988. On paper this is the most tame of the three but I found it to be peakier than I expected. Trent weighs in around the mid 90 kilo mark, sort of around where I am too. He’s updated the suspension to suit himself and I felt comfortable on this bike mainly because of that.

When I jumped on his Number One bike though I felt even more comfortable again. The suspension was better than on the 988 machine, in fact it felt brilliant.

I loved the engine changes too, well the engine ancillary changes. There hasn’t been much done to this engine internally, but even though it had more power on paper than the 988 bike it felt easier to ride. More grunt and easier to use.

Sounds perfect doesn’t it?

It was until I took Luca’s bike for a spin. This definitely had more power again, the engine felt fantastic. Luca is much lighter than me so his suspension set-up didn’t suit me. That said, it was still an extremely high performing package.

Overall the best bike for me was Trent’s Number One beast. I can honestly say it’s the best dirt bike I’ve ever ridden. I guess that’s what happens when you get a rider of Trent’s experience and ability building a bike to suit themselves as best as possible.

The only way it could have got any better was to transplant Luca’s engine into Trent’s race bike. Now there’s an idea...

– Alex Pickett

Email us your feedback Continued on next page

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 60

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 61

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 62

SUZUKI RMX450Z factory racers CYCLE TORQUE TEST

GALLERY

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 63

CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 65

Coaching the next generation There’s more to coaching than letting your kid loose in the paddock according to Paul Caslick.

COACHING has been an extremely powerful tool used by many professional athletes and teams over many decades. Coaching and mentoring has taken on a completely new level amongst performance athletes and in motorcycle competition has been proven to accelerate a competitor’s success, from junior level all the way through to elite professional road racing, speedway, enduro, motocross and desert racing or off road.

wanting a piece of their hero and from here our coaching system began. We have had many coaches since the early ’80s share their knowledge with the younger generation but it has only been the last 10-15 years with a saturation of coaches that the level and quality of our coaching has been constantly developing and evolving to move with the technology of machines and changes in riding techniques across most disciplines.

Coaching can be in many forms and the best coaches must be able to competently show knowledge and development in on-bike skill and technique improvement. This also encompasses off-bike physical training including diet and exercise for pre adolescent teens and above, life planning and also education in maintaining a high level of concentration and focus throughout a yearly program that can see some athletes travelling across many continents and experiencing many different cultures as an individual or representing their nation.

Unfortunately New South Wales experienced some deaths in quick succession involving teenage riders on full sized machines. The department of Sport and Recreation became involved and from here the Junior Coaching Program was forced into the system. Many situations began to surface from this system in its early days. Some coaches were using the system as an easy cash grab and abusing what should’ve been an easy system to maintain a rider’s level of basic knowledge in an annual licence renewal system.

I believe our pioneer for high level coaching in Australia has been without doubt Stephen Gall. During his career, Hungry Creek just outside of Wollombi, would often fill with hundreds of keen young and not so young riders just

What the system has done unfortunately is degrade the high level of coaching that this country has to offer. In a ‘No Fail’ accreditation system, ‘coaches’ have saturated clubs and states with many believing they can actually coach due to a system that provides a piece of paper that accredits them to do so. So in actual Continued on next page Continued on next page

CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE

fact we have been promoting mediocrity and those that suffer are our next generation of world champions. Some of these riders we will never see as they have moved on and away from the sport, numbers are down on what we used to have. Sure the GFC has also contributed with escalating costs associated with motorcycle competition but the system has become too hard for new parents that haven’t grown up in this sport or had any prior experience themselves as competitors.

Coaching is an art and should be taken far more seriously than a tick box session. It astounds many elite level coaches how many club members can now be referred as a ‘coach’. Many of these club members haven’t ever experienced competition, have no idea on what they’re attempting to communicate due to lack of practical experience but are allowed to sign away your child’s accreditation and future. Every parent needs to know what has to be conducted on these days and also hold the coach accountable for each tick box being signed as completed.

I believe the JCP system from within a club organisation should be free from charge to protect and support the members and licence holders. Maybe we need to look into the system and rename the club coaches as a “Junior Club Licence assessment officer” and place restrictions on what they are able to conduct which would be as the title suggests.

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 66

Australia’s elite level coaches are world class, this was obvious when the British Olympic Committee poached a lot of the Nation’s top coaches into their system in 1996. Our elite coaches are part of a system that involves education, study and practice at the Australian Institute of Sport, so the term Elite Coach can be across many forms of athlete development from athletics to swimming, cycling and soccer. Elite coaches can recognise what is needed in an individual to improve both attitude and performance, on and away from the competitive arena.

Elite motorcycle coaches have athletes that could be trained into world class runners, swimmers, weight lifters, cyclists, boxers and gymnasts. They are responsible for that athlete’s training programs, rest programs, practising and planning systems, dietary and nutritional advice and planning, preparation and travel considerations involving their competition. Elite coaches have developed their own systems that they know work for them in extracting trust and respect from those riders that they have as part of their team or employment. Their system is far from the misguided and misinterpreted system that labels too many as coaches in this country.

Elite coaches are paid in the same way a tradesman carries out their day to day business. They trade many hours of Continued on next page

CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 67

A second view on coaching In past years the word ‘coaching’ in motorcycling has certainly undergone some change. This being for many reasons, some good and some bad. The main changes I have seen happen is Motorcycling Australia has implemented rules and regulations on how much coaching junior riders should undergo each year. The main reason for this is to increase the safety level in our sport and decrease the injury rate. The other change is a spin off from that and it is that there has been the need for many more coaches to be accredited to handle the demand of riders that need coaching.

We could sit here and argue for hours or days about what is right and what is wrong in the coaching world but that is not my intention at all with this. This is purely my view from my experience in the sport. I started racing at the age of 6 and went on to race professionally for some time, whilst racing I was coaching for Stephen Gall for a number of years also. I guess you could say this was earning my stripes or doing my apprenticeship. I have been running Yamaha’s Motocross training arm Y-AIM in Queensland for eight years now and also run Elite Camps with my fellow coaches for Motorcycling Australia.

experience, blood, sweat and tears, many hours of trial and error being their own crash test dummies, finding out what works and what doesn’t - all to shortcut a competitor’s career to success. Over many years of broken bones, many hours of rehabilitation and physical therapies, Australia’s elite motorcycle coaches are formed from the foundation of experience and successful years of dedication, commitment and passionate competition.

Next time, as a parent, you consider contacting a coach for assistance for your child, make a list of questions from this information. You owe it to your child to make sure they are in the very best of care and most importantly the ‘coach’ understands compassion, consideration and has the knowledge to support your trust in assisting your number one.

Email us your feedback

– Paul Caslick

My view is that every other sport all around the world has regular coaching or training sessions where the athlete is working towards a goal with each session having a specific purpose. Unfortunately for Motocross I believe there is a lack of structured coaching or training in many rider programs. This I believe leads to many riders having a mediocre career and not really having a direction. An easy solution or starting point is contacting a reputable coach or trainer and making a plan that you both consistently stick to for a length of time. Note: A length of time is not one week, one month or one year. You need to build a base and keep fine-tuning yourself.

Back to my point I made earlier about the need for more coaches to handle the demand of riders. This is where I see cracks in the system. Every track I go to or Facebook post I see it seems more and more coaching stickers or businesses if you can call them that popping up.

Now please do not get me wrong I have nothing against anyone having a go or getting involved with helping riders but the questions that need to be asked are: Where did they get their coaching experience? What level of racing was achieved? What level of rider are they targeting?

Would you let someone with very few qualifications or experience build your house? NO. But you will leave your developing child in their good hands…

There is a place for everyone to fit in but just because someone has done a two-day coaching licence course or have watched a professional experienced coach train their kids for a year or two doesn’t mean they have knowledge of the information they are giving. It simply means they are repeating what they have heard someone else say.

In other sports the coach doesn’t always have to be an ex-player or professional to be good but tell me this: if someone has never ridden a motorcycle at a reasonable level how could they possibly know the feeling and feedback the rider will get from the bike from making a line change, technique change or bike set-up change? Motorcycling is a unique sport and it’s not as easy as standing on the sidelines saying do this or do that. The rider needs to know why they are doing what their coach asks and how it will make the bike react. Something that can only come from experience.

As I mentioned this is just my view and to the parent out there at least do the right thing for your kid’s sake and wellbeing and actually ask some questions when hiring a coach or trainer.

– Chris Urqhart

with

FOR

G N I HAV

LL A IT

Sometimes you need a bike that can do everything – a perfect all-rounder. One day you need two-up touring, the next could be commuting. Sometimes you just want a back-road sports bike. The new Tiger Sport 1050 meets many demanding roles.

With its sharper handling and punchier performance, we haven’t just made slight tweaks here. The bike is all-new from the rear of the fuel tank back, and just about everything you can see has changed over the previous Tiger 1050. While stocks last. Bike featured is carrying optional accessories.

facebook.com/triumph.australia

Official Triumph

triumphmotorcycles.com.au

CYCLE TORQUE GEAR

Bike Stuff Road smarts

1 DUNLOP has released its new range of RoadSmart lll Sports / Touring radial tyres. The Dunlop tyre designers have seriously focused on all the requirements of what the Sports / Touring rider requires when developing its new range.

The RoadSmart lll will deliver class leading high mileage while offering exceptional wet and dry grip and quick warm-up at low temperatures.

High speed stability, rider feedback and comfort have also been improved. The RoadSmart lll is now available in sizes to suit most motorcycles at a retail price lower than ever before.

Price: From $429.90 per set Availability: Better bike shops More info: www.monzaimports.com.au

3

1 2

Podium is the place

2 AGV Sports Group’s Podium suit features 1.3mm and 1.4mm thick full grain cowhide with fully perforated leather on the entire front, thighs, lower back and calves. Metal screen air induction vents on each shoulder. There is even a twoway chest entry zipper. Advanced Safety Seam Stitching used throughout as well as accordion leather Spandex stretch panels for better mobility.

Aramid stretch material panels also feature as well as aerodynamic speed hump with foam spine pad and pre-curved arms for better fit. Durable, adjustable, replaceable knee sliders with exterior metal armour protectors on shoulders and knees.

Price: $961 Availability: Direct from AGV Sport Australia More info: 02 6331 8881

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 69

Phase Hyperion gear

3 THOR’S new range of Phase Hyperion offroad gear features jerseys with Raglan style sleeves, stretch knit cuffs and collar, model specific patch embellishments, 100 per cent moisture wicking polyester fabric and no-fade sublimated graphics.

The pants are pre-curved 600D poly oxford construction for durability, leather inner knee panels, stretch panels for flexibility, double and triple-stitched with ratchet style waist closure. A sewn-in liner has hidden inner hip pocket and removable pads are included.

Price: Jersey $49.95 Pants $159.95 Availability: Good bike shops More info: www.gasimports.com.au

07 3386 1600 cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 70 6/4 Old Pacific Highway YATALA, QLD

AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE

ACCESSORIES

07 5432 3999

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS

2/75 Lear Jet Drive

CABOOLTURE, QLD

CLEARANCE WAREHOUSE SHARK S900C HEDGE HELMET

F OX 2 015 V2 RACE MX HELMET

.95

.95

RRP $ 37 9 . 9 5

RRP $349.95

S AV E $ 12 0

WHILE STOCKS L AST

SHARK S700S ZARCO REPLICA HELMET

S AV E $ 8 0

*

WHILE STOCKS L AST

A M A’ s P R I C E

.95

RRP $599.95

RST PRO SERIES C P X- C L E AT H E R JACKET

KABUTO AEROBL ADE 3 HELMET

WHILE STOCKS L AST

A M A’ s P R I C E

.95

S AV E W$H I L15 0 E STOCKS L AST

*

www.amawar ehouse.com.au * * * O R D E R S D I S P AT C H E D D A I LY * * *

.95

UP TO

A PAIR

!

BELL S TA R CARBON PINNED HELMET

$299

.95

$499

A M A’ s P R I C E

.95

RRP $450

RRP $449.95

SHOP ONLINE

WHILE STOCKS L AST

A M A’ s P R I C E

$99 SAVE $150 FROM

S AV E $ 2 0 0

.95

RRP $329.95

ALL 1/2 PRICE!

S AV E $ 8 0

$249 $299 A M A’ s P R I C E

MENS & WOMENS

$299 $399 A M A’ s P R I C E

$229 A M A’ s P R I C E

B U L L- I T R O A D JEANS CLEARANCE

ARLEN NESS S AV I O U R L E AT H E R JACKET

S AV E $ 15 0

WHILE STOCKS L AST

R R P $ 74 9 . 9 5

S AV E $ 2 5 0

WHILE STOCKS L AST

Follow us on facebook for details on the latest arrivals and exclusive deals!

CYCLE TORQUE GEAR

Bike Stuff

Get on your skate

1 MURPHY Metal Fabrications is a Brisbane based, Australian owned and operated company that offers an affordable, aesthetically refined, structurally engineered means of manoeuvring your pride and joy around your congested carport, garage or workshop. The Murphy Moto-Skate Moto-Skate sizes increase proportionately - there’s a Mini size for bikes up to 200kg, a Mid size for up to 350kg and a Max for up to 500kg.

Price: Mini $279, Mid $299 and Max $329 Availability: www.murphymoto-skate.com.au More info: Facebook

HIT Air hits the track

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 71

2 HIT Air just got serious with the first Suzuka 8 Hour participant wearing one of their MLV-C vests for the full race. Made of 600D Polyester Lumidex (Reflex) Polyester mesh with the airbag tube made out of polyester. There is a 60cc gas cartridge and the whole things weighs in at 1.1kg. Available in red, blue, white, brown, black.

Price: $750 Availability: 0430 AIRBAG or info@HitAirAustralia.com.au More info: More info: 02 9540 1500

Light it up

3 OSRAM globes are OEM gear on many European brands and are now here with a high performance lamp range. The Night Racer offers 90 per cent more light, up to 35m longer beam, 10 per cent whiter light and ADR compliant.

Price: Night Racer Single $32.95, twin $59.95 Availability: Better bike shops More info: 02 9484 0777

CAN’T GET YOUR HEAD DOWN? You need an MRA screen to replace your OEM screen on your bike!

If a screen Is good enough for Tom sykes, IT’s good enough for you!

Not only Tom Sykes, but dozens of World Championship riders use MRA racing Double Bubble screens, they really are that good. MRA (Motorcycle Racing Accessories) have a huge racing history. In 1988 the company successfully developed windscreens with burbling edges that reduce air resistance when the rider is in the tucked position adding 5km/h to top speed. In 1992, MRA invented a process that enabled burbling-edge windscreens without distortion. In that year, Gary McCoy used an MRA windscreen on an Aprilia and achieved the highest top speed (official measurement) in the 125cc world championship. He also used this configuration to win several Grand Prix races. In 1994 MRA were the first manufacturer to introduce double-bubble screens. In the following years, renowned riders like Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Alex Barros, Carlos Checa, Andrew Pitt, Gary McCoy, Ralf Waldmann, Nobby Ueda used MRA racing windscreens. The latest generation of MRA screens employ a significantly improved dome shape that is flattened on its upper side so that, instead of lift, it generates the desired down force. The new design eliminates lateral turbulence in the helmet area. Front-mounted air intake slots reduce negative pressure under the dome by improving airflow at the end of the windscreen. Available in a wide range of colours, styles and sizes for most makes and models. Ask your local dealer for MRA screens.

Australia’s Best Selling Motorcycle is now even MORE AFFORDABLE

100% LEARNER FRIENDLY

100% SPORTS EXHILARATION

0% COMPROMISE

SUPER AGILE AND EASY TO RIDE

POWERFUL PETAL DISC BRAKES

LARGE 17L FUEL TANK

ABS AND NON-ABS AVAILABLE

BUILT ON RACE-BRED TECHNOLOGY

LIGHT & SMOOTH SLIPPER CLUTCH

PROVEN RELIABILITY

5 COLOUR CHOICES AVAILABLE

Get down to your local Kawasaki dealer and ask for a test ride today... conTacT your nearesT sTockIsT for deTaIls!

For more information visit www.proaccessories.com.au

Your Ninja... Your Kawasaki.

kawasakiaus

www.kawasaki.com.au

CYCLE TORQUE GEAR

Bike Stuff

LEDs now on hand

1 BARKBUSTERS, the world’s leading handguard specialist now has auxiliary LED lights for attachment to their handguards covering JET, VPS and Storm plastic guards. Designed to maximise your visibility to approaching vehicles they provide additional running and/or signal lighting to your motorcycle. Available in in installation sets for one handguard pair. Each light consists of 15 super bright LEDs. Price: From $69.95 Availability: Good bike shops More info: 02 4271 8244

Softail filters

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 73

2 K&N’s range of RK Series filters for 2013-2015 Harley Softails upgrades performance without disturbing the bike’s heritage. The Series covers Softail models including Breakout, Deluxe, Fat Boy and Heritage and remains hidden behind the factory air cleaner cover.

Price: $279 Availability: Good bike shops.

More info: 02 9820 4444

Scramble for Oggy

3 OGGY Knobbs are now available for the 2015 Ducati Scrambler. State of the art techniques and top quality components are used to make Promoto’s Oggy Knbobbs. You can get front and rear Axle Oggys as well. They are available in black or white and are a fraction of the price of the average bike repair bill.

There’s even spare bits in case you have to replace them.

Price: Axle Oggys: $99. Oggy Knobbs: $185.

Availability: Good bike shops.

More info: www.kenma.com.au

BLACK WIDOW

MILES BETTER

PACKAGE

Avon has produced a tyre that compromises little Simon Roots / Fast Bikes Magazine

RS MODEL CAN-AM SPYDER

+ FREE AKROPOVIC MUFFLER VALUE OF $1,196 $16,990

Sure-footed agility inspires confidence at all speeds

STORM 3D X-M • High performance plus extended mileage • The Storm 3D X-M version will deliver 15%-20% extra mileage compared to the current Storm range • Interlocking three dimensional points hidden in the sipes to improve stability and grip, limit tread flex and allow the tyre to warm up quickly (3D Sipes) • High performance single and multicompound super rich silica tread enhances wet grip (SRS)

SERIOUSLY LOW PRICE.

www.westernmotorcycles.com.au/rs-sale

Western Motorcycles SYDNEY

PH: 02 4733 1733 283 MULGOA ROAD PENRITH 2750 SALES@WESTERNMOTORCYCLES.COM.AU

www.avon-tyres.co.uk

Remarkable level of grip impressive stability at speed

With a tyre life of over 10,000 miles they sound good to me

A fantastic road tyre that works on the track too Alan Dowds / SuperBike Magazine

Stuart Barker / RIDE Magazine

Jon Urry / Motor Cycle News

Mike Armitage / Bike Magazine

THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT WESTERN MOTORCYCLES. TAKE A FREE, NO OBLIGATION TEST RIDE AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE.

Inspires confidence for serious lean angles

MADE IN BRITAIN

Richard Ashcroft / Rescogs.com

QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA YXZ1000R

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 75

Dirt Squirt Yamaha’s entry into the world of performance side-by-sides is stunning.

WATCH VIDEO NOW

N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY JEFF CROW

THE side-by-side performance/race market has been dominated by North American based manufacturers, until now. Yamaha has built one angry, illtempered and crazy side-by-side which will surely have to sway some side-byside buyers to the Japanese way of thinking.

Powered by a three cylinder inline engine, the YXZ1000R screams like a banshee on heat and accelerates like a cut snake.

Why a triple?

Machines like the Polaris RZR and the Can-Am Maverick are powered by V-twin engines with CVT auto gearboxes. Until now no manufacturer has built a serious performance side-by-side with a manual gearbox, so not only did Yamaha go with an inline triple it went the full hog with a manual ’box with a sequential shift. This makes it very much like driving a car.

The RZR and Maverick have dominated off-road side-by-side racing simply because there’s not much else to buy if you want to race. That might make it sound like they are not up to the job but that’s not the case. I spent one of the most enjoyable afternoons in this job driving a Polaris RZR across the Mojave desert a few years ago and they are an amazing bit of kit. After talking to some old hands at this off-road racing the Yamaha might have to be further developed a tad before it can take on the modified racing Polaris and Can-Am jiggers but when it is then it’s game on.

It’s hard not to be impressed when you see a YXZ in the flesh. It looks ultra

purposeful and when you get inside there’s room to burn. It’s comfortable and feels like it’s meant for one thing only... to go flat out.

I first assumed the 998cc engine was taken from the MT-09 roadbike but according to Yamaha insiders it’s a powerplant used in snowmobiles, originally 1050cc but now reduced to 1000 for the YXZ. Power is around 110hp according to the same insiders, and as you would expect it is fuel injected.

Further delving into the mechanicals you can see the engine is very solidly mounted, therefore reducing the prospect of broken engine mounts, apparently a common occurrence on side-by-sides with flexible engine mounts in race conditions.

Continued on next page

QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA YXZ1000R It looks as though much thought has gone into making this machine as race ready as can be straight from the factory, with a radiator mounted out of harm’s way and fully adjustable long travel Fox Podium RC2 piggy back shocks.

Driveability My first sample of the YXZ1000R was with Mr Motocross god Stephen Gall at the wheel. Besides racing motorcycles at the highest level in Australia, Gall also raced sprint cars and speedway midgets for many years so he knows how to read terrain and pedal an off-road racer, whether it be two- or four-wheeled. A couple of laps at his pace showed what the YXZ is capable of and hearing that three cylinder engine on full noise was a wonderful thing indeed.

When I got behind the wheel I found it easy to drive. It needs some revs to get off the line cleanly and without stalling but once underway the sequential gearbox was dead set easy to use and dare I say, more ‘car like’ than other side-by-sides I’ve driven. I noticed the YXZ ‘bucked’ around more with me at the wheel than it did with ‘Gally’ but I put this down to his quicker pace gliding the machine over the bumps rather than hitting every one like I was.

One thing I always liked about the Polaris RZR was its suspension, and I have to say during my short drive the Yamaha YXZ felt as good, which is high praise.

Prices aren’t released just yet but talk is it will be between 25 and 30 grand. Get one now and get it ready for next year’s Finke! n

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 76

QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA YXZ1000R

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 77

QUAD TORQUE TEST YAMAHA YXZ1000R

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 78

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW 2015 CAN-AM SPYDER F3.

Photos by RH Photography

CRUISING RIDING POSITION. CUSTOM FIT. TOTAL FREEDOM AND CONFIDENCE

Thank you See offers at canamspyder.com

FOR PRICING & TEST RIDE CALL 1300 725 949

to all of our loyal customers for all of the support throughout 2014, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Here’s to a prosperous 2015, with the same level of service, we hope to, yet again, achieve high results.

www.worthingtonmotorcycles.com.au • Ph (02) 4340 3555 Cnr Central Coast Highway & Kangoo Road, Kariong, NSW, 2250.

SHOP TORQUE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 80

The Flavour of Boonah The building that now houses Flavours Café was purpose built in 1916 as a suite of offices to serve the new Boonah Butter Factory.

This building contained the Manager’s Office, Accountant’s Office, Clerk’s Room, Public Office, storerooms and staff dining room. In total the co-operative spent more than 10,000 pounds on the new factory and office complex.

The butter factory still stands to the northwest of the cafe. The Boonah Butter Factory in its prime was the largest butter factory in the southern hemisphere and had 958 suppliers of cream. The butter was world renowned and was mainly shipped to England. The wooden boxes that the butter was packed and shipped in were made by the local mills from locally sawn pine.

In 1999 the building was purchased by the Neilsen family and operated by Aran Neilsen for 14 years. During its transformation into Flavours Café in 2000 the heritage of the building was enhanced and wherever possible appropriate material was used to bring the building to its wonderful state as it is today.

Since the middle of 2014 Flavours Café has been operated by Graham Neilsen & Jeanette Richardson. The building has also been made wheelchair accessible.

The Scenic Rim Regional Council recognised the historic significance of the building in 2014 and placed it on the Scenic Rim Heritage Register.

Flavours Café is a fully licensed cafe/restaurant and is situated on the corner of Railway Street & Yeates Avenue in Boonah which is the gateway to the Fassifern.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am to 4pm. Flavours is available for private functions, Christmas parties or special dinners, breakfasts or meals for groups or clubs. Platters for functions may also be ordered and delivered in Boonah if required.

The buildings character allows the customers of Flavours Café to enjoy fine food, tea and coffee in a truly remarkable old building.

While the cafe caters for all tastes the menu is based on country style cooking and wherever possible using local produce. It also caters for people with special dietary requirements. The cake/sweet cabinet is always stocked with delicious treats, all made in house to enjoy with your coffee or tea. n Continued on next page

CYCLE TORQUE STORE

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 81

Book Shop 4

3

2

1

5

8

9

10

6 7

1. The Triumph Bonneville Bible – $69.99

The story of the Triumph Bonneville - its conception, design and production, how it compared to the competition (British and Japanese), and how it was seen at the time. A fascinating history of a British icon.

2. The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. – $39.99

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.

3. Custom Motorcycle Fabrication – $59.99

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.

4. BMW Cafe Racer – $49.99

Covers the evolution of the BMW sports bike to the BMW cafe racer. This title commonly associated with the cafe racer scene, the growing trend

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

8. Moto Guzzi Sport & Le Mans Bible – $59.99

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.

6. Velocette Motorcycles – $69.99

9. BMW Custom Motorcycles – $39.99

5. Round Oz Ride – $70

“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

7. Italian Custom Motorcycles – $39.99

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.

Many books have been published about BMW motorcycles, but no-one has focussed solely on the BMW chopper, bobber, trike and quad bike custom scene - until now. Although not normally associated with the brand, there are some fantastic BMW customs out there, old and new; this book showcases them in all their innovative glory.

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.

To Order Call 02 4956 9820 Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au

TAP cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 82 PRODUCTS cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 ORE FOR IM82

MARKET TORQUE

RADIATOR GUARDS

S1000RR / HP4

Order online or call direct Ph: 07 3869 3016 120a Hoskins St, Sandgate, QLD

2015 MODELS

Ph: 07 3869 3016 Fax: 07 3869 0704 www.helperformance.com.au Order online or call direct MULITSTRADA 1200 Website: WEwww.helperformance.com.au HAVE A LINE TO SUIT ANY CORNER Email: helperformance@bigpond.com MT-07

1190 / 1190R / 1290 SUPER DUKE

MT-09

www.radguard.com.au

WE HAVE A LINE TO MOTO NOISEGUARD SUIT ANY CORNER A Custom Moulded Noise Plug and Music Listening

R

WHAT’S STOPPING YOU!

Ph (02) 6658 0060 Interface all Built into One. Designed by Motorcyclists, for Motorcyclists.

NOT ENOUGH SPACE? CHECK US OUT NOW!

Take the guesswork out of insurance claims Mobile Frame Measuring without dismantling Computer guided precision measurement

•Acts as high quality custom noise plug when not connected to a music source

THE WORLD’S ONLY TRUE FOLDING

All data printed on the Sticker specs Scheibner-Chassis-Certificate

framealign.com.au

● For all •Motorcycles and5Car Applications Up to Class or 34 dB(A) attenuation (Deep impression, full concha) Pro Musicians audio driver fully ● Dont put up with a spongy brake incorporated into custom mould lever! •Firm it up and reduce Professional singleyour audio driver (L&R) Effectively a musicians stoppingIn-Ear-Monitor distance! ● For all Road Riders, Track Riders, ● ALL OUR KITS and CUSTOM LINES are Cruiser Riders, & Dirt Riders. manufactured with atubing high grade •No hollow ● All our lines are manufactured in Stainless Steel Braided Hose, Stainless Australia and comply with the Australian •Tangle highSteel quality, conductive for flexibility Steel Banjo’s andfree, Stainless Boltsthick coiled Standard ADR 42/04wiring SAA, SAE, BS, JIS, and rider/racer Washers.comfort DIN, ISO, ECE, and FMVSS 106 Approvals TRAILER with Copper Optional dual canal featuring ● Add this simple upgrade to your and are labeled accordingly. non-linear filter for varied sound attenuation • Moulds available in a range of colours (Blue, red, glittered) braking system and feel the ● Covered With A Life Time Warranty difference in your stopping power. ● From $69.95 per line Delivered •Deep basses, clear mid tones and crystal clear high tones

.com.au

• Backpacks • Tankpacks • Hydration HEL PERFORMANCE AUSTRALIA • Drybags •Detachable PO at "Y" for1078 desired lengthSt, Brighton QLD 4017 Box Nathan

w w w. b u l l d o g f o l d i n g t r a i l e r s. c o m . a u s a l e s @ b u l l d o g f o l d i n g t r a i l e r s. c o m . a u Phone: 08 9467 2636

Fender Sticker

Phone: 0428214017

Laser cut to white edge

Ph: 0409 959 737 WHAT’S STOPPING YOU! •Standard 3.5mm headphone jack

•Perfect for plane, train etc....Simply plug into your iPOD and eliminate background noise •Enjoy professional quality audio free from background interference.

R •Lab manufactured, hypo-allergenic soft silicone custom moulds

EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLE Going Somewhere?

NOISEGUARD ADVENTURES WWW.FOLDINGMT.COM HEL 1-4 95x130 07-11.indd 1

Ramp Sticker

Laser cut to white edge

Tours of Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Switzerland, The Alps, The Dolomites, The Stelvio, The Pyrenees Etc – Since 2003!

Call Ross in Sydney on 0418 133 756 naylor.ross@gmail.com www.europeanmotorcycleadventures.com

• Tailpacks • Waistpacks • Helmet Bags • Accessories

MOTO

•The only custom moulded noise plugs/monitor headphone set to feature a canal wax cap for effortless maintenance

Wax Cap for Effortless Cleaning and Maintenance

29/7/11 12:29:16 PM

A Custom Moulded Noise Plug and Music Listening Interface all Built into One. Designed by Interface all Built into One. Motorcyclists, for Motorcyclists.

Designed by •Acts as high quality custom noise plug when not connected to a music source Motorcyclists, for Motorcyclists.

•Up to Class 5 or 34 dB(A) attenuation (Deep impression, full concha) An Impression of your ears is required. Turnaround approx. custom NoiseGuard Moto •Professional single audio driver (L&R) Effectively a musicians 1 week. Cost: $435.00 Includes L&R Call Hearlink on with extension (Not pictured), cleaning and maintenance tools, In-Ear-Monitor 6 wax caps, instruction manual and1300 semi-softHEARING carry pouch. andystrapz.com Contact: johnny@hearlink.com.au or Call Hearlink on 1300 HEARING •No hollow tubing www.noiseguard.com.au www.noiseguard.com.au •Tangle free, high quality, thick coiled conductive wiring for flexibility and

A Custom Moulded Visit Andy Strapz first.Noise Plug and Music Listening

Fully compatible with Jabra BT 3030 bluetooth device Receive and re dial phone calls

Adjust volume, skip, play and pause music straight from the device Jabra bluetooth sold separately

NoiseGuard Moto cable extension included

Pro Musicians audio driver fully incorporated into custom mould

®

rider/racer comfort •Moulds available in a range of colours (Blue, red, glittered)

Optional dual canal featuring non-linear filter for varied sound attenuation

TAP cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 83 PRODUCTS cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 ORE FOR IM83

MARKET TORQUE

A complete range of hose, fittings, pads, brake lines and accessories to transform your ride. $0/'*%&/$& t $0/530- t 1&3'03."/$& t 3&-*"#*-*5:

John Stamnas

GARAGE

Pty Ltd

email johnstamnas@aol.com www.johnstamnas.com.au

MOTORCYCLES

(07) 5447 7411 JS_Big_Twin.indd

1

25/08/2010

11:38

HIT AIR airbag motorcycle jacket Fall and impact protection.

3Chest 3Neck 3Shoulders 3Back 3Spine 3Hips 3Bottom

HIT AIR Australia M: 0430 247 224 www.hitairaustralia.com.au

EXHAUSTS We make bikes sound great, with the widest range of mufflers covering all types of bikes.

Formula 1 Motorcycle Exhausts

www.formula1mc.com.au Now at 80A Plain St, Tamworth, NSW Phone 02 6762 8077 or 0422 017 165

MOTORRAD JKT, inflated

MOTORCYCLE

SUPERSTORE 03 58 222 466

4 Purcell Street Shepparton (Next to train station)

WWW.AJSMOTORCYCLES.COM.AU

Historical Rylstone, gateway to the Bylong Valley.

Traditional pub style rooms.

Great Beer garden out the back!

Lock up sheds available upon request.

BISTRO, POOL TABLE, JUKEBOX, WOOD FIRES, TAB, FOX SPORTS. 60 Louee Street Rylstone 2849 NSW • 02 6379 1118 www.rylstonehotel.com.au

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 84

BACK

ON THE

BOX

RETURNS TO YOUR TV SCREENS WITH SERIES THREE OCTOBER 8 Join the email newsletter to be notified of when Cycle Torque TV is being telecast

TORQUING BACK

Letters Importing

LOVE the rego read in the July issue. Finally a non sugar coated story about oz.

I’m moving to Australia in a year or so with wife and kid. They’re Australian and I’m a South African imposter. Can you please give me some intel on how I can get my two bikes into Australia?

One off road 2-stroke racing bike, and a Triumph Daytona. The Australian websites are bloody labyrinths. Thanks for the iPad app, only mag I read.

Keep up the cracking work!

Regards, Andries Brand Hi Andries, You can apply to have them imported easy enough. If you have owned the Daytona for more than a year no probs, it’s a personal import.

Classic bikes/cars are much easier. The race bike shouldn’t be an issue either because you can’t register it here. You apply via Dotars website https:// infrastructure.gov.au/ – Ed.

TT wonders

THANKS for the articles by young Mr. Pickett. As the chances of me getting to the Isle of Man TT is next to none I once again enjoyed his exploits. I’d hate to be you, but as ya mate said, the pit crew do the worrying while the riders have the fun.

The other reason for e-mailing is that you really know how to make a real man cry. The BMW F 800 R is a fav and when I first saw the Classic Gas Motorcycles’ ad for the Katana 750 I was going to ring them and offer a 20 per cent down payment and the rest over four years cause that’s how broke I am. Love those machines so if I can’t have them then your experience riding them will have to fill the void. As always keep up the excellent work.

John Da Rin

See me now?

LACK of motorcycle visibility, or car driver’s lack of awareness, or a combination of both had been making my ride to work on dark winter mornings interesting to say the least. It’s far too easy to jump into a car, still half asleep, coffee in travel mug, heater on and wake up as you drive, but not conducive to a safe ride for those of us on two wheels as the still dozing drivers pull out from side streets, or across the carriageway, happily unaware that not everything on the road has four wheels, two wide set headlights and airbags.

So, onto Ebay for a couple of rolls of reflective tape, an afternoon cutting and sticking once it had arrived, and the difference is remarkable, suddenly in the hours of darkness, people are paying attention. Ok, it’s not exactly stylish, I don’t like adding decals to my bike (or car), but it’s a small price to pay, both figuratively and literally ($12) for reducing the

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 85

risk of being side swiped on my way to work. Is it legal? Well I’ve seen some debate on forums, but I can’t find any specific rule or regulation forbidding it.

It’s hard to see the difference when riding the bike, but a couple of pictures with flash enabled gives a good demonstration. $12 for a safer ride, it’s a no-brainer really.

Ride safely, Duncan Haller Thanks for the tip Duncan. Great advice. –Ed.

Monsteriffic

GREAT article on The touring Monster. I have been thinking of buying panniers for that very reason.

The standard Monster does not have Ohlins front/back, reserved for the S model. Great photo shoots,truly great article.

Thank you, Claudio No probs Claudio. I’m sure Aunty Mal will appreciate your thanks. He writes some great stuff, I always love his eclectic style. – Ed.

Adventure is in!

Firstly I’d like to say “great magazine!”, Please keep it up. I have been riding consistently for over forty five years (since age fifteen) and have seen many fashions come and go in that time. Motor cycles are no different as you well know.

Now we seem to be in the “Off road / Adventure” trend at the moment. To be able to get off the tar seal to see our great land is a fabulous idea, so please can you tell me why none of the major manufacturers have built a diesel powered motor cycle for this purpose?

The modern diesel is a quiet, very light weight high tech piece of gear with maximum torque at low rpm, coupled with the fact that diesel engines are far more efficient than petrol engines and give superior range and less volatility when carrying extra fuel. To me it seems to be a nobrainer.

I would like to read your thoughts and that of your team as well as your readers.

Alan Bartlett Good question Alan. I really don’t know. I guess the main reason is the relatively good fuel economy of motorcycles hasn’t required the necessity for manufacturers to develop a diesel motorcycle engine for mass production.

Of course we’ve seen diesel powered bikes before, but they are either home made or built in small numbers.

I would also be interested to get some feedback on this, not that I’m busting to go out and buy one mind... – Ed.

Write a Letter!

WIN A GREAT PRIZE This month Alan Bartlett has won a Cargol Turn & Go puncture repair kit. Available from better bike shops everywhere and there’s a video of one being used on the Cycle Torque website.

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

TAP TO SEND LETTER NOW

CREDITS

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 86

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.

cycletorque.com.au OCTOBER 2015 I 87

cycletorque For the Love of Motorcycling Rate us and Subscribe via iTunes & each month Cycle Torque’s iPad edition will be downloaded automatically.

www.cycletorque.com.au