Cycle Torque April 2011

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Bargain Sports YAMAHA YZF-R15

APRIL 2011

Contents 24

38

42

launch

launch

kawasaki kx450f

triumph storm

Triumph tiger 800 XC

48 test

test

52

feature

yamaha yzf-r15

bmw adventure features

28 p plate touring PTii 41 steve crombie int ptii

REGULARS 3-20 News 22 e-Torque 23 GUNTRIP 19 LETTERS 30 race torque 32 Dirty torque 34 EDITORIAL 47 USED & REVIEWED 50 BIKE STUFF

44 BOOK SALES

Cover photos: Triumph by Lou Martin, YZF-R15 by Yamaha

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NEWS torque Casey Stoner is fit, healthy and has taken to the Repsol Honda like it’s an old friend. He won the first year of 800s, could he also win the last?

Stoner the favourite?

WHEN THE M otoGP World Championship lines up for its last year in the 800cc format on M arch 20 – just a few days af ter this issue of Cycle Torque go es to press – it will b e the Aliens – Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and, of course, Valentino Rossi – who will b e the men to b eat.

Realistic ally, only the likes of Andrea Dovisioso and B en Spies are likely to trouble the Aliens in 2011, despite the hop es of N ick y Hayden, Toni E lias, Colin Edwards and the handful of others who will front one of the smallest grids the premier class has seen in years.

Casey Stoner is the pre -season favour ite af ter dominating testing: he hasn’t been the fastest at ever y test, but he’s always been up there, despite having to lear n a new bike (he hasn’t r idden a Honda since 2006, and that was a V5 1000) and he has the 2007 M otoGP title to prove he can be fast and consistent, even if the last couple of years haven’t gone the way the Aussie would have liked.

the guys in blue dur ing 2011.

I t ’s difficult to imagine anyone else mak ing the podium, let alone win a race. H iroshi Aoyama won the last 250cc title and Toni Elias retur ns to M otoGP af ter winning the inaugural M oto2 title, but haven’t impressed in testing.

Our pick for Rookie of 2011: Cal Crutchlow.

One sur pr ise pack age has been M arco Simoncelli, who has been fast in testing on his Gresini Honda, but his inconsistent results in recent years make it hard to believe he’ll do well.

For mer winners Hayden and Lor is Capirossi must be approaching retirement, although it must be said the Amer ican was as fast as his new team-mate R ossi at some tests.

For mer Super bike r ider Cal Crutchlow is still getting to gr ips with the M onster Yamaha and could easily emerge as the rook ie of the year.

Aussie Anthony West continues in M oto2 with MZ. He’s expec ted to continue using MZ’s steel frame and develop M ar tin Wimmer ’s innovative front suspension system: the team hopes to be in the top ten this year. n

The Honda has been the bike to beat in testing. I n S epang, at the final pre -season test, the Hondas of Stoner and Dani Pedrosa were at the top of the time sheets for all three sessions, and M arco Simoncelli and D ovisioso made it the third and four th in the final session. Honda hasn’t Vale has struggled with the Ducati and won a M otoGP title since Hayden’s in 2006, shoulder surgery during the preseason. and is fielding many fac tor y machines in the field.

I n broad ter ms the Yamahas are nex t, then the D ucatis, then ever yone else. R ossi ’s results, in par ticular, would be a concer n to D ucati: his best time at S epang was 1.8 seconds slower than Stoner ’s best, but he’s still recover ing from surger y on his troublesome shoulder, so as fitness retur ns it would be silly to discount the best r ider the championship has ever seen.

D ur ing testing B en Spies impressed, of ten being quicker than 2010 champion Lorenzo.

Yamaha’s str ing of championships with R ossi and Lorenzo in recent years aren’t something the company wants to see stop anytime soon and the t wo r iders will be pushing to be #1 within the team, so expec t good results from

APRL 2011 – 3

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4 – APRIL 2011

Troy Corser, On Tour p54

See the picture gallery at www.cycletorque.com.au

Carlos Checa

Double victory Phillip Island 2010

Broc’s Back!

2nd Place, WSS, Phillip Island 2010

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NEWS torque

Compulsory riding gear coming?

AU S T R A L I A N a u t h o r i t i e s a re ex p l o r i n g t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f m a k i n g a p p rove d r i d i n g g e a r co m p u l s o r y. Cu r re nt l y t h i s i s happening under the guise o f re s e a rc h i nto d eve l o p i n g a rat i n g s ys te m fo r p ro te c t i ve c l o t h i n g - o n ce r i d i n g g e a r i s ava i l a b l e a n d h a s t h e s t a m p o f a p p rova l, i t ’s g o i n g to b e a l o t e a s i e r to m a ke i t co m p u l s o r y.

Vi c to r i a’s R o a d S a fe t y a n d Tra n s p o r t S t rate gi c Ac t i o n Pl a n fo r Powe re d Two Wh e e l e r s 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 3 w i l l “Co nt i n u e to d e ve l o p a ‘s t a r ’ rat i n g s ys te m fo r p ro te c t i ve c l o t h i n g a n d co n d u c t a p i l o t p ro j e c t.”

Th e c u r re nt D ra f t N at i o n a l R o a d S a fe t y S t rate g y re co m m e n d s, a m o n g o t h e r t h i n g s, “ D e ve l o p a n at i o n a l rat i n g p ro gra m to a s s e s s m o to rc yc l e h e l m e t s ( a n d p o te nt i a l l y o t h e r p ro te c t i ve g e a r fo r s a fe t y ) to p ro m o te market demand fo r s a fe r h e l m e t s.”

If the c u r re nt Au s t ra l i a n S t a n d a rd i s n’t s a fe w hy d o we i n s i s t o n h av i n g o n e d i f fe re nt f ro m t h e re s t o f t h e wo r l d ?

A l re a d y i t co s t s Au s t ra l i a n r i d e r s m o re to h ave h e l m e t s m a d e a n d ce r t i f i e d j u s t fo r Au s t ra l i a’s special helmet s t a n d a rd.

Some of the best helmets in t h e wo r l d a re n’t ava i l a b l e i n Au s t ra l i a b e c a u s e t h e h i g h co s t o f t h e l o c a l ce r t i f i c at i o n / te s t i n g p ro ce s s. Why d o we n e e d o u r ow n s p e c i a l s t a n d a rd a ny way ? A re o u r h e a d s s o d i f fe re nt to t h e Eu ro p e a n s a n d A m e r i c a n s ? D o t h e y h ave i n fe r i o r s t a n d a rd s ? O f co u r s e n o t , i t ’s a b o u t co nt ro l. Wh i l s t t h e re s t o f t h e wo r l d i s m ov i n g to i nte r n at i o n a l s t a n d a rd s fo r wo r l d w i d e h o m o l o g at i o n , o u r b u re a u c rat s wa nt to i nve nt m o re h e l m e t a n d n e w c l o t h i n g s t a n d a rd s j u s t fo r Au s t ra l i a ( o r

e ve n j u s t fo r Vi c to r i a ! ) . Why ?

We l l i f yo u h ave a “s t a n d a rd ” t h e n yo u c a n re g u l ate w h at r i d e r s a re a b l e to we a r. S u re i t ’s o n l y “a d v i s o r y ” n ow b u t s e ve ra l o f t h e R e gi s t rat i o n Au t h o r i t i e s a n d Pe r s o n a l I n j u r y I n s u re r s a re a c t i ve l y talking about co m p u l s o r y 5 - s t a r p ro te c t i ve c l o t h i n g fo r a l l r i d e r s. Wi t h o u t a s t a n d a rd to s ay w h at i s o r i s n’t p ro te c t i ve c l o t h i n g t h e y c a n’t m a n d ate i t – e ve n i f t h e y wa nte d to…

S o w hy n o t m a k e p ro te c t i ve c l o t h i n g co m p u l s o r y r i g ht n ow ?

We a l l k n ow we s h o u l d we a r a p p ro p r i ate p ro te c t i ve g e a r.

We l l o n s e ve ra l l e ve l s i t h a s p ro b l e m s.

Fi r s t l y w h o p ays fo r d e ve l o p i n g a s t a n d a rd, re v i e w i n g it, e n fo rc i n g i t a n d te s t i n g e ve r y d i f fe re nt s t y l e o f j a c k e t , p a nt s, b o o t s, b a c k p ro te c to r a n d g l ove s t h at co m e i nto t h e co u nt r y ?

J u s t l i k e h e l m e t te s t i n g, a nyo n e wa nt i n g to s e l l g e a r to r i d e r s w i l l h ave to e n s u re t h e i r g e a r co m p l i e s, a n d t h e co s t o f t h o s e te s t s w i l l b e p a s s e d o n to yo u, i n t h e fo r m o f h i g h e r p r i ce d g e a r.

An d w h at s t a n d a rd d o we u s e ?

Th e Eu ro p e a n s h ave a l re a d y s p e nt ye a r s and i nve s te d m i l l i o n s a n d t h e re fo re h ave by f a r t h e m o s t d e ve l o p e d s t a n d a rd s. Th e y w i l l p ro b a b l y, e ve nt u a l l y, b e co m e t h e d e f a u l t “ wo r l d ” s t a n d a rd i f o n e e ve r h a p p e n s. B u t e ve n t h e E U s t a n d a rd s a re s t i l l a wo r k- i n p ro gre s s. Why wo u l d Au s t ra l i a wa nt to s t a r t re - i nve nt i n g t h e w h e e l b e fo re t h e t y re h a s b e e n f i t te d to t h e ex i s t i n g o n e ?

Th e n co n s i d e r w h at a p p ro p r i ate p ro te c t i ve g e a r i s ? A s co o te r o n a n i n n e r- c i t y co m m u te, a s p o r t s b i k e i n t h e t w i s t i e s, a to u r i n g b i

k e o n a ra i ny d ay o r a re gi s te re d d i r t b i k e o n a f i re t ra i l a l l h ave ve r y d i f fe re nt re q u i re m e nt s. B u t t h e l aw s e e s e a c h o f t h e m s i m p l y a s a ‘re gi s te re d m o to rc yc l e’. N o d i f fe re n ce. I m a gi n e h av i n g to we a r a 5 - s t a r a b ra s i o n p ro o f s u i t o n a h o t d ay c l i m b i n g a s te e p r u t te d o u t d i r t t ra c k . I t co u l d we l l c a u s e yo u to c ra s h .

Fe w wo u l d a rg u e t h at we a r i n g a p p ro p r i ate p ro te c t i ve c l o t h i n g o n a m o to rc yc l e i s a l ways a g o o d t h i n g, a n d t h at te c h n o l o gi c a l i m p rove m e nt s w i l l co nt i n u e to b e m a d e a n d s h o u l d b e e m b ra ce d w h e n t h e y m a k e r i d i n g b e t te r. We s h o u l d a l s o, w h e n l o o k i n g at t h i s i s s u e, b e awa re t h at i nt ro d u c i n g c i v i l l i b e r t y i s s u e s i nto t h i s d i s c u s s i o n w i l l e n s u re we g e t s i d e - t ra c k e d. Th e f a c t t h at a n a d u l t r i d i n g a p u s h b i k e at wa l k i n g p a ce o n a b i k e p at h m u s t we a r a h e l m e t i s a gre at ex a m p l e o f h ow Au s t ra l i a n b u re a u c rat s h ave co nv i n ce d o u r p o l i t i c i a n s o u r ‘s a fe t y ’ i s m o re i m p o r t a nt t h a n o u r c i v i l l i b e r t i e s, s o t h e re’s l i t t l e p o i nt t r y i n g to f i g ht t h e p ro b l e m o n t h o s e gro u n d s.

S o a s k yo u r s e l f : I f Au s t ra l i a n St a n d a rd 5-star p ro te c t i ve g e a r wa s ava i l a b l e b u t m o re ex p e n s i ve a n d l e s s a p p ro p r i ate fo r yo u r n e e d s wo u l d yo u we a r i t ? I f i t wa s m a d e m a n d ato r y t h at yo u h a d to, wo u l d yo u co n s i d e r n o t r i d i n g ? Th e re a re b u re a u c rat s o u t t h e re w h o h o p e s o ! I n s a fe t y- s p e a k t h at ’s c a l l e d “ E x p o s u re R e d u c t i o n”. I f yo u m a k e i t h a rd e r to r i d e t h e n l e s s p e o p l e r i d e. Le s s p e o p l e r i d e a n d l e s s p e o p l e g e t h u r t . “ Lo o k we’ve l owe re d t h e m o to rc yc l e to l l.” I f yo u c a n’t a c t u a l l y b a n m o to rc yc l e s i t ’s t h e n ex t b e s t t h i n g f ro m a b u re a u c rat ’s p o i nt o f v i e w. n

Editor CHRIS PICKETT PUBLISHER Nigel Paterson Design & PRODUCTION Dionne Hagan, THE D MEDIA DESIGN Advertising DENNIS PENZO, 0420 319 335 dennis@cycletorque.com.au Accounts Rebecca Eastment bec@cycletorque.com.au

Meet Croz

IN THE M a rch is s u e of Cycle Torqu e we me ntione d that G ra e me Cros by, le ge nd roa d ra ce r, de b ona ire ma n a b ou t town, a nd a ll-rou nd go o d gu y a nd s tor y te lle r ex tra o dina ire, wa s cros s ing the ditch f rom his native New Ze a la nd to a p p e a r at the Ulys s e s AGM in Newc a s tle, a nd one we e k late r at the B a r r y She e ne Fe s tiva l of Sp e e d at Ea s te r n Cre e k du r ing the we e ke nd of Ap r il 1-3.

Now it ’s g oing to be ha rd for members of the pu blic to s ee Croz at the Ulys s es AG M bu t you can trot down to the Bar y y Sheene fes tival to catch him there doing s ome pa ra de la ps a nd s igning his new book titled Croz: La r r ik in Biker. I t ’s a great read, fu nny and gives a real ins ig ht into the fas t and fu r iou s days of the ’7 0 s a nd ’8 0 s roa d racing s cene.

Bu t this is n’t the only place you ca n meet a nd greet Croz du r ing his s tay in OZ. R ed Ba ron M otorc ycles at 4 Hox ton Par k R oa d, Liver pool is holding a book s igning evening at the s tore on Thu rs day M arch 3 1 , from 6 pm. This will be a great chance to g et u p clos e a nd pers ona l with the ma n hims elf, bu y one of his books and g et it a u tographed. Shou ld be one great evening. n

www.cycletorque.com.au PO Box 687, Warners Bay, NSW 2282 Ph (02) 4956 9820 • Fax (02) 4956 9824 Email: info@cycletorque.com.au Regular contributors: Darryl Flack, Bob Guntrip, Keith Muir, Alex Pickett, Darren Smart, Todd Reed, Friedemann Kirn, WWW.2SNAP.COM. CYCLE TORQUE is published by Motorcycle Publishing Pty Ltd. ABN 91 085 871 147 Printed by RURAL PRESS, NORTH RICHMOND. Print Post approved PP255003/04198 ISSN 1441-8789 Cycle Torque is available from bike shops across Australia.

If you can’t find our latest issue, call 0420 319 335.

Subscriptions are available. $24.95 per year, call 02 4956 9820 for details.

Copyright 2006. 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. 10 – APRIL 2011

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NEWS torque

Laro releases SPT 350

L ARO M o to rc ycle s ha s re le a s e d a new b ike in the fo rm o f the SP T350.

The t win- c y linde r wate r - co ole d ma chine fe atu re s a 28 litre fuel ta nk which is b igge r tha n mos t cruisers o n the ma rke t.

I t has t wi n di scs u p front and a s ing le dis c on the rear wit h an 18 -inch front wheel and 1 7 -inch rear.

The SPT350 weig hs in at 1 6 0 kg.

M ay sho uld see the firs t s hipment on dea ler ’s f lo o r s wi t h p r icing expec ted to be arou nd a ver y co m p et it ive $49 9 0 plu s on-roa d cos ts.

L aro also has ADR a pproval for its new cu s tom c r uiser c alled t h e Pro Street 3 5 0 .

The L AM S ap p roved bike featu res a DELPHI fu el injec ted engi ne a nd, a lthou g h pr icing is yet to b e f i nali sed, i t is expec ted to retail at a s pecia l int ro duc to r y p r ice of $ 5 9 9 0 plu s on-roa d cos ts for o rder s p laced before Ju ne 3 0 .

The new Pro St reet weig hs in at 1 8 4 kg (net), ha s a f ive - sp eed gear box and grou nd cleara nce of 2 0 0 mm.

I t is a water- co oled t win and ha s dis c bra kes front and rear and r uns a 2 1 -inch front wheel a nd 1 6 -inch rear.

Also, t he L aro 250 Cru is er has been u pdated for 2 0 1 1 wit h t win f ro nt dis cs, rea r dis c, ha ndlebar mou nted inst r um ent at i o n, new s treamlined fu el ta nk a nd new alloy wheels.

The co m p any als o is wor k ing on a ra ng e of new b o o t s and leathers to s u pplement their exis ting range whic h c ur rently featu res the La ro R etro jacket.

Fo r m o re info r mation contac t (0 2 ) 9 6 0 9 4 7 8 8 or c hec k o ut w w w.laro.com.a u. n

Follow the Leader C F MOTO ’S new l ear n er ap p roved m otorc ycle the Lead er 150 has hi t showro o m f l o or s w i t h an i nt ro d u c to r y pro mo tio n o ffering new bu ye r s a free C F d r y r i d er j ac ket.

Th e Le a d e r 150 o f fe rs th e m a r k e t a n e w l e ve l o f af fo rdab i lit y wi t h an ent i c i ng re t a i l pr i ce o f $ 1 9 9 0 pl u s o n - ro a d co st s.

Th e ne w m od e l u s e s C F M o to’s l i q u i d co o l e d 150cc engi ne whic h is re m a r k a b l e for a bi k e i n th i s cl a s s.

I ts l i ght we i ght ch a s s i s, l ow s e at h e i g ht a n d easy to use co nt ro ls ma ke s i t a n i d e al co m m u te r a n d l e a r n e r f r i e ndly p ac k age.

Th e ne w 150 i s f u l l y s u pp o r te d w i th a t wo -year war rant y and nat io nal de a l e r ne t wor k a n d i s ava i l a bl e i n a ra n g e o f si x vi b rant co lo ur s in cl ud i ng b l a c k , w h i te, re d, b l u e, ye l l ow a n d o range.

To ce l e b rate i t s i ntro d u c ti o n , n e w C F M o to b uyer s wi ll b e rewarded wi t h a f re e d r y r i d e r ja ck e t va l u e d at $ 2 9 9 when t hey p urc hase a Le a d e r 50 f rom th e i r a u th o r i s e d C F M o to d e aler.

Th e j a c ke t fe at ure s re fl e c ti ve p i pi n g, ve l cro cuf fs, heav y dut y m ater i al on i m p a c t p oi nt s a n d a z i p - o u t l i n e r.

Th e p romot i on ru n s u nti l Ap r i l 3 0 .

Fo r m ore i nfor m ati o n v i s i t w w w. c f- m o to. co m.au. n

12 – APRIL 2011

Tyre prices to spike?

THE prices of tyres could spike in the coming months as world prices for the raw materials used spiral upwards.

N a t u r a l r u b b e r, b u t y l a n d s t e e l - t h e m a i n c o m p o n e n t s o f motorcycle tyres - have seen big increases in their prices in recent months. Rubber in particular has spiked from around $1500/ton a couple of years ago is now trading at nearly $6000 a ton.

Butyl, which is made from oil, has doubled in price, while the Chinese steel market has forced the price up on that, too.

While these price rises have been going on the Australian dollar has risen in value against all major currencies, so we have been shielded by that factor for a while, but don’t expect that to last.

Motocross tyres, which have a high percentage of natural r u b b e r, a re l i k e l y t o b e t h e h a rd e s t h i t . C h e a p t u b e s, w h i c h a re m a d e f ro m r u b b e r, a re a l s o l i k e l y t o b e i m p a c t e d severely, closing the gap to better butyl-based tubes, which are likely to rise in price too, but not by as much.

The tyre industry has passed on significant price increases on car and truck prices already, with some rising around 20 per cent during 2010.

Luckily the tyre market in Australia is very competitive, too, so importers have been loathe to increase prices too q u i c k l y, b u t i n d u s t r y i n s i d e r s h a v e t o l d C y c l e To r q u e i t ’s only a matter of time, especially at the cheaper end of the market.

As a percentage of the overall cost of a tyre, raw materials make a bigger part of the cost of a cheaper tyre than one f ro m a p re m i u m b r a n d. R e s e a rc h a n d d e ve l o p m e n t , l a b o u r, quality control and even marketing, racing support and promotion all play a more significant part on the cost of premium brand than cheap tyres which don’t have this expense, so if you like throwing $99 tyres at your bike, don’t be surprised if they $120 next time you go shopping.

At the premium end of the market local distributors told C y c l e To r q u e t h e y a r e t r y i n g t o k e e p p r i c e s a s c o m p e t i t i v e as possible, but don’t be surprised to see increases in the next few months.n

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NEWS torque

Versys ride day

Bucket hijinks C AL L IN G all B ucket ra ce r s to the 2011 O ne Hou r Cha lle nge a nd Australian B ucket Nationa ls.

Held at Wakef i eld Par k on the 1 7 th & 1 8 th of S eptember 2 0 1 1 , this will b e an uno f f i c ial ‘Au s tra lia n title’ a s all Bu cket Nationa ls have b een since it s b egi nning in 1 9 9 3 . Bu cket R acing or iginally s tar ted o n t he 14t h o f M ay 1 9 8 8 at Oran Pa r k .

B uc ket rac ing has b ecome hu g ely popu lar s ince its inception. I t was o r igi nally st ar ted for r iders to g o racing on low cos t a nd widely availab le co m m uter bas ed machines. R oad racing is never chea p b ut t hi s is ab o ut as chea p a s it g ets, a nd the growing popu lar it y o f t he c lasses over t h e years s hows little s ign of a bating.

The Po st Classi c R ac ing As s ociation will be promoting the event and will r un m ain races for Su per lite, M otolite, and a new categ or y c alled Co m m uter li te. Su ppor t events will inclu de events for Pos t Classi c ( 1963 - 1972), Forg otten Era (1 9 7 3 - 1 9 8 2 ), New Era (1 9 8 3 - 1990) , Pre M o der n (1 9 9 1 – 1 9 9 5 ) and Sideca rs (Pos t Cla s s ic, Fo rgo t ten Era & M o der n.

Lo o k o ut i n an up co ming is s u e of Cycle Torqu e to s ee what g oes into b ui lding o ne o f thes e little fu n machines.

Fo r m o re info r m at io n call Ken Linds ay on 0 4 3 9 8 7 1 9 2 7 , or email him at k lr rc b 02@ gm a il.com. n

C AL L IN G a l l Ve rsys ow n er s on t h e Cent ral Coast, o r any where else fo r that mat ter.

A Ver s ys ow ne r s r i d e d ay w i l l ta k e pl a ce o n Su nday, Ap r il 3, dep ar t i ng f ro m M cD on a l d s on t he Pa ci fi c H i g hway, We s t G o s fo rd f ro m 9am .

R ider s w ho wa nt to jo i n th i s r i d e s h o u l d a i m to b e t here at ab o ut 8.30am , o r even e a r l i e r for b re k k i e.

Th e route w i l l t a ke r i d e rs to th e Pu tt y R o a d v i a Kulnur ra to t he Grey Gum Cafe for a le i sure l y l unc h a n d th e n ba ck to th e co a s t.

Organi se r s a re ex p e c ti n g a bo u t 1 5 to 2 5 Ve rs ys owner s to at tend at t his st age.

R epres e nt at i ve f rom K awa s a k i a re p l a n n i n g to at tend so t hey c an see all t hat K awasa k i e ngi ne e r i n g bl i s s i n th e o n e s p o t at th e o ne t i m e.

Fur th e r i nfor m at i on ca n be o b ta i n e d fro m R i d e o rganiser Ter r y R o ss o n 0431 523 2 54 or Ar t hur Co o k o n 0 4 0 2 6 2 0 5 8 9 o r Wi l l at I m age M o to rc yc les o n ( 02) 4322 7 100.

M eanti me, K awa sa k i re ce ntl y i ntro d u ce d a p o s t- p urc hase sur vey to f ind o ut wh ich K awa sa k i d e a l e rs a re m e e ti n g th e co m p a ny ’s hi gh st andard fo r c usto m er ser vice.

Th e wi nne r of t he i n a u g u ra l s u r ve y wa s I m a g e M o to rc yc les & S co o ter s o n t he centra l Coa st of N S W, w h i ch re co rd e d a cu s to m er ap p roval rat ing o f 97 p er cent.

I mage M otorc yc l e s & S co o te rs a re l o cate d at th e 5 Ways R o undab o ut, Wyo m i ng, N S W ( 0 2) 4322 7100. w w w. i m a g e m o to rc ycl e s. co m.au. n

P ro c y c le s tak e to p ho nou rs

SYD N E Y B MW deal er s h i p Pro c yc l es Hor n s by has b een award ed the prestig io us title o f B M W N ati ona l M e trop olita n M otor ra d De a le r of the Yea r.

Ru nne r up i n t h e awa rd wa s Pro c ycl e s St Peter s. The Proc yc l e s H or n s by s to re h a s a 3 0 -ye a r hi sto r y i n pa r t ne r shi p w i t h BM W m o to rc ycl e s.

Th e cove te d awa rd re co gn i s e s Pro c ycl e s as having prov i d e d t he h i g h e s t l e ve l s o f cu s to m er ser vice, profe ssi ona l i sm a n d a l l ro u n d pe r fo r m a n ce in t he B M W de a l e r ne t wor k .

“Proc yc l e s w i nni n g B M W D e a l e r o f th e Ye a r is a result of t he foc us, d e d i cati o n a n d h a rd wo r k fro m all o ur st a f f a nd a com m i tm e nt to th e B M W b ra n d whic h we wi l l cont i nue to b u i l d o n i nto th e fu tu re,” s a i d Pro c yc les Hor nsby S a l e s M a n a g e r Jo h n B u ck e r i d g e.

“At Proc yc l e s we h ave a l ways s tr i ve d to e m p loy t he be st p e op l e p o s s i b l e to wo r k i n e ve r y a s pec t o f o ur busi ne ss,” he sa i d.

“O ur st a f f a re k n ow l e d g e a bl e pro fe s s i o n a l s who value c ustome r re l at i o n s h i ps a n d th i s s e ts u s ap ar t f ro m othe r shop s. “ We wa nt our c u s to m e rs to ex pe r i e n ce th e di f ference whe n t he y v i si t u s.”

Proc yc l e s St Pe te rs (0 2 ) 9 5 5 7 1 6 1 0 . Pro c ycl es Ho r nsby ( 02) 9477 5422. n

14 – APRIL 2011

NEWS torque : PIT BITS Fly for K awasaki Team

10 -Carroll’s APRIL 2011Monster Energy TROY Kawasak i R acing Team has inked a deal to run Fly racing apparel for the 2011 MX Nationals and Fly For KawasaKi Team SuperX series.

at the reasonable cost. reunited with one of the ‘Plastic MACA head to new tracks as well Fantastic ’ Suzuk i ’s – the www.cycletorque.com.au second as revisiting regular venues. We are Entrants are allowed a minimum of t wo machines built, originally still in the process of confirming t yre/wheel size of 17in, but there is ridden by fellow New Zealander additional dates and we will no maximum limit. Gearing changes Norris Farrow and now owned by announce these in due course. are also allowed, but ver y little else Blair Briggs. for the be seriesaltered. winner. upcoming 16 &to17Murray April – Bridge Murray inoffer can Superbikes, and was a regular front-runner in This means that “ We are dates: heading Bridge SA;Australia 7 & 8 May – Outrim VIC; 4 occasions & 5 June production raceslate like the Castroland Six anyone a 450cc single c ylinder Forthea big period in the 1970s S outh on three The venues and with dates are: Kununurra WA; 28, & 30the JuneAustralian – Cairns Hour,1980s, and also the Isle of Man TT. nrated as –in or enduro bike can rock up and early H iscock was the lead up29 to 2011MXYamaha Australian Supermono Region (three tracks) QLD; 2 & 3 July – Darwin race... with minimum outlay. one of the best four-stroke racers in NT; Junior M otocross Championships Championship Calendar: Rnd 1 Eastern Creek 6, 7 & 8 July – Murray Bridge SA; 9 & 10 July 2011 ausTralian DirT the world, equallyclassic at home on big –and another VIC; highlight will be ourRaceway NSW, 2AFXC and 3 July;(Formula Rnd 2 - Wakefield Albury/Wodonga 6 & 7 August – Murray Both Xtreme) Raceway NSW, 8 and 9 October; Rnd 3 produc bikes or the early form Bridge AlburSA. y-Wodonga course which isPark and TracKtion cHampionsHip supp regs ASBK (Australian Superbike) Raceway VIC, 16 and 17 December of MA Superbikes, andthewas a regular Further scheduled t woMACA weeks priorWinton has released Supplementary informationjust regarding Coaching series promoters are introducing (Day/Night). front-runner in Entry the Forms big produc tion including to theschool Vicdates torian junior state Regulations and for the 2011 and the registration processtitle this exciting new Supermono All rounds are televised on SBS Speed Week races like the Castrol Six Hour, and can round.”

Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship. be found at www.macacoaching.com n (Supermoto RR for ASBK ) class, to and Fox Speed TV. also Isle of M an T. n Thethe Championship will Tbe held at North be run on the bitumen only. The MACA Coaching will also introduce a

NEWS torquE : PIt BItS

Carroll’s Monster Billy TROY M ackenzie, Dean Energy Ferris Kawasaki and Racing Team has inked a deal to run Fly Phil Nracing icoletti have taken deliver y of apparel for the 2011 MX Nationals their and new gearseries. and by all account SuperX are ver y happy with the look and Billy Mackenzie, Dean Ferris and Phil Nicoletti fit. “ The newdelivery Fly gear great, have taken of their fits new gear and by breathes wellare and it ’s with nice andand all account very happy the look light.fit.I’m for ward tobreathes racingwell “Thelook newing Fly gear fits great, in it and throughout former it’s nice and 2011,” light. I’m said looking forward to racingrunner in it throughout ” said former GP GP front Billy M2011, ackenzie. front runner Billy Mackenzie.

Peter Coffey, National M arketing Peter Coffey, National Marketing Manager M anager for M cLeod Accessories for McLeod Accessories who distribute Fly who Racing distribute Fly Risacing gear gear in Australia very pleased to be in Australia is verEnergy y pleased supporting Monster Kawasaki into 2011, be suppor ting Accessories M onster have Energy saying, “McLeod supported Kawasaki’s factory racing effort“M forcLeod over three K awasak i in 2011, saying, years now so we’re very happy to continue Accessories have suppor tedthat relationship 2011.

The new eye-catching K awasak i ’s facintor y racing effor t for Fly new fresh look over designs three blend yearsstraight now into so the we’re ver y of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team colours. happy to continue that relationship The gear and riders look great!” Monster in 2011. new looks eye forward - catching EnergyThe Kawasaki to Fly Fly Racing designs straight into and blend McLeod Accessories being the with new them on podium 2011.M n onster Energy fresh the look of inthe K awasak i team colours. The gear and HiscocK riders look great!” M onster For HBBB Energy K awasak i looks for ward to MOTORCYCLING Australia (MA) has Fly R acing andKiwi M cLeod Accessories announced Dave Hiscock will return beingtowith them onfirst thetime podium in for the track for the in decades 2011.the n 2011 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza (HBBB) at Easter.

Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club, North Brisbane, QLD on 25-26 June 2011 and entry 2011 forms Australian can be found on theCl MAassic website at: www.ma.org.au/track.

Dirt Track Championship

more information on the inaugural 2011 AFXC series is set at three rounds new concept to its course struc tureFor supermono BacK Yamaha sponsored Supermono Championship

MA has released the maca coacHing seT Supplementar y DaTesRegulations GLENN Macdonald has announced series and Entr y Forms for the a 2011 of dates for Classic The Motocross Australian Dir t Advanced Track Coaching Academy stretching across every Championship.

winners both series. moneyarecourses these schools– 2011 Entrants allowed a and minimum tyre/wheel YamahaofAustralian Supermoto RR size 17in,no butexception.” there is no maximum limit. willof be Championship 1 Queensland An AASACalendar: or MARnd licence is required Gearing changes are also allowed, but very Raceway QLD, 3 to 5 June; Rnd 2 Phillip Island to compete in the AFX-SBK series MACA Coaching has announce the little else can be altered. This means that VIC, 18 to 20 Nov an MA licence is required following upcoming dates:MX 16 anyone with a 450cc single cylinder or &Both whereas rounds will be televised. For more for the ASBK series. I n order to 17 April enduro bike – canMurray rock up Bridge and race...SA; with7 &information, visit www.asbk.com.au. minimum fur ther promote this new class 8 M ay outlay.

– Outrim VIC; 4 & 5 June – Should youracing, wish to enterAFX-SBK either series, Yamaha of Supermono Kununurra WA; 28, 29 & 30 June – Both AFXC (Formula Xtreme) and ASBK Race Developments (YRD) is offering two kits competitors entr y fees for the t wo Cairns Region (three (Australian Superbike) series tracks) promotersQLD; are 2to suit your level of involvement as follows: • introducing exciting new 6,Supermono of each round will be & 3 July this – Dar win NT; 7 & 8 JulyKit 1: days 17in wheels only. • Kit 2: 17in wheels, 17in offset (Supermoto for ASBK)SA; class,9to&be10 runJuly on –tyres,by So – MurrayRRBridge frontsponsorship brake, front guard,from gearingYamaha. set. the bitumen only. The AFXC at competitors ininformation the class contact - no matter Albur y/Wodonga VIC;series 6 & is7 set August For pricing and more three rounds and the ASBK series set at two of motorc – Murray Bridge SA. Johnwhat Redding brand at yrd@bigpond.com n ycle they rounds. Both series are sponsored by Yamaha enter on - will only pay $95 entr y Motor Australiainformation who will offer brand new Fur ther regarding fee per round.

YZ450Fs the winners of including both series.

MACAto Coaching school

Entries Regs close on 10 June 2011. n Supp

state and territory on the mainland of

Australia.

The Championship will be held at Nor th Brisbane Mto otorc ycle Macdonald is keen forJunior the season start. “This Club, Nor Brisbane, ontracks 25-26 season willthsee MACA headQLD to new as well as revisiting We are stillbe in June 2011 andregular entrvenues. y forms can the process of confirming additional found on the MA website at:dates w wand w. we will announce these ma.org.au/track . in due course.

“We are heading to Murray Bridge in South

Entries on 10 June 2011.

Australiaclose on three occasions in the nlead up to the Australian Junior Motocross

Championships and another highlight will MACA Set is be our Coaching Albury-Wodonga Dates course which

At the HBBB, Hiscock will be reunited with one GLENN scheduled just two weekshas priorannounced to the Victorian Macdonald Hiscock for HBBB of the ‘Plastic Fantastic’ Suzuki’s – the second junior state title round.” of two machines built, originally ridden MOTORC YCLING Australia (MA) by fellow New Zealander and now has announced Kiwi Norris DaveFarrow Hiscock

by Blair will owned return to Briggs. the track for the a period in the late 1970s and early 1980s, first For time in decades for the 2011 Hiscock was rated asBike one ofBthe best fourHonda Broadford onanza stroke racers in the world, equally at home (HBBB) at Easter.

a series of dates for The Motocross MACA Coaching will also introduce a new Advanced Coaching Academy concept to its course structure with threestretching across ever y a state track challengey toon be the debuted in the Cairns and territor mainland of QLD region in June. “We have a reputation for Australia. delivering intensive-value for money courses

and these schools will be no ” M acdonald is keen forexception. the season on big production bikes or the early form of to MACA starCoaching t. “ This season the will see has announce following

At

the

HBBB,

H iscock

will

be

and the the ASBK at t wo with a national three -track challenge to beplease Two new race series have been contact seriesseries promoterset Terry rounds.

Both series sponsored debuted ininthe the announced aimCairns to give QLD ownersregion of O’Neill on 02 4823 5711 in businessare hours and by admin@aus-superbikes.com.au.

Yamaha M otor Australia who in June. “ Wethehave a reputation 450cc motocrossers opportunity to race or email Supermono at the reasonable cost.-value forThe ASBK will offer new for delivering intensive venuesbrand and dates areYZ450Fs as follows to the

ausTralian unDer 16 speeDway

An AASA or MA licence is required to compete Cash cHampionsHip prizes and sTill a brand new dates and the registration processsiDecar a incan the be AFX-SBK series whereas an MA licence YZ450F will be on offer for the found at w w w.macacoaching. goer. iscom required series winner. n for the ASBK series. In order to further promote this new class of racing, AFXMotorcycling Australia (MA) can confirm The venues dates are: SBK Supermono competitors entry fees for the 2011 Australianand Under 16 Speedway the two days of each round will be offset by Sidecar Championship will now go Supermono ahead, Supermono Back 2011 Yamaha Australian sponsorship from Yamaha. So competitors in after it was cancelled due to a lack of Championship Calendar : R nd 1 Two national raceofseries haveentries. the classnew - no matter what brand motorcycle - Eastern Creek R aceway NSW, 2 they enter on - will only pay been announced in $95 theentry aimfee toper giveAs stated in3 the relevant General Park July ; R ndSpeedway 2 - Wakefield round. owners of 450cc motocrossers theRulesand of Competition (GCR), listed below, a

R aceway 9 Ocfor tober oppor to new race Supermono Cash prizestunit and a y brand YZ450F will be on minimum of 12 NSW, entries 8areand needed the ; R nd

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NEWS torque : PIT BITS l e v a n t G e n e ra l M a n a g e r fo r S u p e r X . “ K e v i n 2 0 ) $ 5 0 0 ; s e co n d h i g h e s t p l a ce d 3 - -Winton R aceway VIC, 16 and 17 A s s t a t e d i n t h e r ewww.cycletorque.com.au 58 MARCH 2011 S p e e d w a y G e n e r a l R u l e s o f b r i n g s a h u g e a m o u nt o f k n ow l e d g e S S R Pr i vate e r ( Wi t h i n ove ra l l To p December (Day/N ight).

(GCR), l i s t e d a n d ex p e r i e n ce to h i s n e w ro l e, 2 0 ) $ 2 5 0 ; t h i rd h i g h e s t p l a ce d S S R All rounds are televised on SBS C o m p e t i t i o n b e l o w , a m i n i m u m o f 1 2 e n t r i e s w h i c h i s g o i n g to b e i nva l u a b l e to Pr i vate e r ( Wi t h i n ove ra l l To p 2 0 ) Speed Week and Fox Speed T V. $125. a r e n e e d e d f o r t h e m e e t i n g to t h e s e r i e s m ov i n g fo r wa rd.”

For more information on the b e co n s i d e re d to c a r r y Au s t ra l i a n As G e n e ra l M a n a g e r Wi l l i a m s St ate Championships a re also inaugural 2011 Yamaha sponsored C h a m p i o n s h i p s t at u s. w i l l ove r s e e a l l o p e rat i o n s e l i gi b l e fo r co nt i n g e n c y b a s e d on Supermono Championship please contac t the series promoter Terr y Th e re h a s n ow b e e n t h e re q u i re d a n d s p o n s o r s h i p o f t h e o f f i c i a l a n ove ra l l C h a m p i o n s h i p re s u l t.

S u p e rc ro s s R e gi s t rat i o n to t h e S u z u k i S u p p o r t O ’Neill on 02 4823 5711 in business n u m b e r o f e nt r i e s fo r t h e e ve nt Au s t ra l a s i a n which h a s R i d e r p ro gra m i s f re e, w i t h fo r m s hours and or email admin@aus- to g o a h e a d, b u t i t w i l l n ow b e C h a m p i o n s h i p, re vo l u t i o n i s e d t h e s p o r t by ava i l a b l e at S u z u k i d e a l e r s o r o n l i n e h e l d at t h e G i l l m a n S p e e d way superbikes.com.au. i nt ro d u c i n g a ra n g e o f exc i t i n g at : w w w. s u z u k i m o to rc yc l e s. co m . a u / a re n aback i n of S othe u t hCycle Au sTorque t ra l i a offi o nceFr i d ayour ageing VENTURA’S Bike-Pack touring set has graced the hack, The ASBK venues and dates are as M a rc h 2 5 , i n co n j u n c t i o n w i t h t h e n e w ra ce fo r m at s, gro u n d b re a k i n g but still loved Honda CBR1100XX. ra c i n g / s u z u k i - s u p p o r te d - r i d e r. ht m l follows – 2011 system Yamaha Australian teand levision cove ra g e and the 2 0 1 1 Audedicated s t ra l i a n L-brackets S p e e d way S i d e c a rmake The Bike-Pack is a versatile system comprising for whatever – D a r re n S m a r t Supermoto RR Championship co n s t r u c t i o n o f i n n ovat i ve f u l l s i ze d C h aofmdifferent p i o n s hbikes). i p. n Once the L-brackets are in place model you have (there are versions for hundreds D e m e r i t P o i n t s u p d at e Calendar : R nd 1 Queensland you can add a pillion grab rail or a rack, and to the rack you can add one or two different bags. U S d e s i gn e d s u p e rc ro s s t ra c k s fo r R aceway QLD, approach 3 to 5 to June; R nd 2 you can have a small set-up for commuting or sports This modular luggage means t h e f i r s t t i m e i n Au s t ra l a s i a .

O K , T H I S s t o r y i s n o t re a l l y a b o u t Wand i llbags i a mfors the T obigGtouring M Of trip.

SX Phillip VIC, swap 18 toover 20toNov ridingIsland and quickly the larger racks ra c i n g b u t i t n e at l y f i t s a g a p o n An a n n o u n ce m e nt o n t h e 2 0 1 1 the Blackbird supplied Cycle a G l o with b a l the L-brackets, Ac t i o n a grab S p ohandle, r t s pack-rack h a s Mand BothForrounds will Ventura be televised.

For Torque o n s te r E n e rg y S u p e r X s e r i e s o u r p a g e. Fro m J a n u a r y 3 1 2 0 1 1 Rally-Euro bag. more information, visit w w w.asbk . a p p o i nte d Kev i n Wi l l i a m s f ro m c a l e n d a r i s ex p e c te d i n t h e co m i n g a n u m b e r o f c h a n g e s we re m a d e Mounting took seconds, but it was unusuallyWi easy Honda t o t h e D e m e r i t Po i nt s S c h e m e i n l l i aon mthe s Blackbird: Eve nt M a n a gcouldn’t e m e ntreally a s have com.au. wethen e k s. n made access to the bolts for the L-Brackets any easier to get to, so it was a really easy job. The rack N S W. G e n e ra l M a n a g e r o f i t s S u p er Should wish to and enter slippedyou into the brackets lockedeither on using the supplied tool. The bag then goes over the upright X d i v i s i o n fo l l ow i n g t h e re ce nt We c a n’t g o i n to e ve r y t h i n g b u t series, Yamaha R ace Developments rail, either over the pillion seat (the preferred option, centralise the weight) or around the other way, S u z u k i s u p p o rt r i d e r t wo o f t h e b i g c h a n g e s a re a n e x t r a over the ( YRD) is rack. offering t wo k its to suit d e p a r t u re o f M a l Pe te r. surprising feature of the is the weight s i n g l e p o i n t – f ro m 1 2 to 1 3 p o i n t s Wi l l i aismdesigned s h a s m a n a g e d t h e s u cce s s f u l p r o g r a m yourOne level of involvement assystem follows: to 1: be carried by the upright the seat. means M That X N at i o n a l s C h a m p i o n s h i p fo r t h e N OW i nto i t s e l eve nt h ye a r, a n d – fo r u n re s t r i c te d l i ce n ce h o l d e r s • K it 17in wheels only. rail, • K itnot 2:on 17in there’s 17in actually a small gap between the seat and p a sthe t 1bag 4 ye a r s a s we l l a s h e l d t h e w i t h a co nt i n g e n c y p o o l i n exce s s b e fo re t h e y f a ce s u s p e n s i o n , a n d wheels, t yres, front brake, front whengearing it’s unladen, but that’s fine. ra ce d i re c to r ro l e fo r S u p e r X s i n ce o f $ 1 2 5 , 0 0 0 t h e 2 0 1 1 S u z u k i a n i n c re a s e f ro m 1 2 to 1 4 p o i n t s guard, set.

The bag’s capacity is 56 litres, which is huge,i tbut been using Offroad fo r Slick ‘p ro fe s s i oWash n a l todkeep r i veour r s’, t h o s e s i that’s n ce p t i o n . H e a l s o a c te d a s C E O S u p p o r t R i d e r p ro g ra m WE’VE i s n ow Forusing pricing and more information the expansion zip. There is the main large section and machines clean w and tidy lately.

There’s no doubt h o a c t u a l l y d r i ve fo r a l iwe v i n g. Yo u fo r t wo Au s t ra l i a n M o to c ro s s G ra n d l i ve. contac t John Redding at yrd@ additional outer pockets, as well as plastic loops to strap get test bikes dirty, and we like to send them back m i g h t w a n t to c h e c k o u t wasw w. r t a .

Pr i x a n d i s a ve r y we l l k n ow n a n d bigpond.com n Fat plastic zips are used, too. things to as well. clean asl ipossible send us more test bikes.

Pr i vate e r ra ce r s i n t h e Au s t ra a n n ssow.they g ov. a u / d e m e r i t p o i n t s to s e e i f re s p e c te d m e m b e r o f t h e Au s t ra l i a n built really does penetrate the dirt Road Racing C h a mThe p i oSlick n s h iOffroad p yoWash A u sWe’re tr impressed a l i a n with U nthe d eVentura r 1 6gear - it’smwell u q u a l i f y a s a ‘p ro fe s s i o n a l ’ d r i ve r o to rc yc l e i n d u s t r y. and very functional. I’d be happier if it were waterproof too, without leaving an oily residue.

(A S B K ) , Au s t ra l i a n O fand f crap R o aon d thebbike e fo re yo uisjthat u s t you a s sdon’t u m ehave s o, toa n d to S pbut e eit’sd not w (the a y material S i d eiscbut a rthe stitching leaks.)

Ventura Of of the products strength’s “I am exc i te d to g e t t h e o p p o r t u n i t y R a c i n g Championship (AO R C ) , s e e w h a t o t h e r c h a n g e s co u l d b e i n get the water blaster out to remove C hoffers a mapstormcover i o n s hfori pbadsweather. t i ll a to ex te n d my i nvo l ve m e nt w i t h t h e Au s t ra l i a n M o to c ro s s C h a mscrub p i o nreal s h i hard p tor h e isp istrong p e l i nenough e. n to do most of the PRICE: Prices vary depending on your bike and the bag you the gunk.

This stuff s e r i e s to G e n e ra l M a n a g e r a n d I a m g ochoose. er. and Au s t ra l i a n S u p e rc ro s s hard work for you. l o o k i n g fo r wa rd to wo r k i n g w i t h t h e gi balso l e biodegradable fo r M oAVAIL t o r ABLE c y c lFROM: i n g Bike shopsAeverywhere u s t r a l i a i n d u s t r y a n d i t s p a r t n e r s to e n s u re C h a m p i o n s h i p w i l l b e e l iIt’s and contains no acids or g e n e ro u s co nt i n g e n c y p ay m e nt ( MMORE A ) cINFO: a n www.kenma.au c o n f i r m t h e 2 0 1 1 t h e l o n g e v i t y a n d s u cce s s o f t h e phosphates.s M o t o R o d e o s et s s i g h t s E a spacket t e rwhich n C rmakes e e k up to 4lt.

PRICE: $15 for 1oxn 170ml A u s t r a l i a n U n d e r 1 6 S p e e d w a y M o n s te r E n e rg y S u p e r X b ra n d a n d a c ro s s m u l t i p l e c l a s s e s.

S i d e c a r C h a m p i o n s h i p w i l l s e r i e s,” s a i d Wi l l i a m s.

At e a c h ro u n d o f t h e n AVAIL o m i nABLE ate dFROM: F ODirect L LO Wfrom I N GMDtImports h e e xce l l e n t t u r n or 0411 518 012. now go ahead, after it was C h a m p i o n s h i p s, S u z u k i MORE S u pINFO: p o r t www.mdimports.com.au o u t fo r t h e S o u t h Au s t r a l i a n f l o o d c a n c e l l e d d u e t o a l a c k o f M a n a gi n g D i re c to r o f G l o b a l Ac t i o n R i d e r s co m p e t i n g in e l i gi b l e A p p e a l M o to R o d e o a t Ta i l e m B e n d S p o r t s, M i c h a e l Po r ra , s a i d h e wa s c l a s s e s c a n c l a i m : H i g h e s t p l a ce d entries. d e l i g hte d to h ave K e v i n o n b o a rd a s S S R Pr i vate e r ( Wi t h i n ove ra l l To p M o to r s p o r t Ce n t re o n S a t u rd ay 5

LOAD ME UP

WASH ME

www.cycletorque.com.au

NEWS torque : PIT BITS M a rc h , M o to rc yc l i n g Au s t r a l i a i s l o o k i n g fo r w a rd to a s i m i l a r e ve n t a t E a s te r n C re e k o n M a rc h 2 7 .

Eve n t O rg a n i s e r R o b S m i t h f ro m MA’s Au s t r a l i a n R i d e r s’ D i v i s i o n said that while not as much money was raised as the first R o d e o i n Vi c to r i a , t h e e ve n t w a s s t i l l a gre a t s u cce s s. “ We wo u l d h ave l i k e d to r a i s e m o re m o n e y fo r t h e Fl o o d A p p e a l,” S m i t h s a i d. “ H owe ve r we t h i n k r u n n i n g t h e e ve n t o n a S a t u rd ay re a l l y h u r t t h e a t te n d a n ce. “ Wi t h a ro u n d $ 1 2 0 0 r a i s e d s o f a r, we’re h o p i n g t h a t we c a n d o b e t te r i n N S W w i t h t h e e v e n t b e i n g h e l d o n a S u n d a y.”

The small attendance did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of stunt rider Allan Morrisson and his stunning, but steely-ner ved p a r t n e r Ta m a r a , w h o m a d e t h e stunt display even more jaw droppingly astonishing with her astounding contribution to the s h o w.

I t ’s h o p e d t h a t N S W r i d e r s w i l l whole heartedly throw their support behind the event to put together a successful finale that raises plenty of money for what has become an ongoing nightmare for many Australians.

Ulyssians making their way home from the AGM in Newcastle are encouraged to drop in and will be most welcome.

The Eastern Creek event will

once again have a stunt show laid on, although this time around it will be the turn of local boy Dave Skelton and t h e S e r v i n’i t u p c r e w w h o s e sponsors Sartso Jeans will also be making a donation to the Flood Appeal cause.

Due to the more bitumen focused location, road riders, Motard and even MiniMoto riders are encouraged to come and have a go at the gymkhana as well as the games.

Fo r t h o s e w o r r i e d a b o u t u s i n g their own machine, once again the Australian Riders’ Division Honda CB250 will be available for general use.

The cost of riding has been reduced to $25 for the day to tr y and generate more numbers and spectators will be asked to contribute a gold coin for admission.

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n M A’s Moto Rodeos for Flood Relief c h e c k o u t w w w. m a . o r g . a u a n d click through to the MA Riders’ Division link.

Alternatively call (03) 9684 0501 and register to join the riding action at Eastern Creek for just $25.

R e m e m b e r, t h e r e’s the Minikhana for kids on dir t bikes, spectacular two-wheeled games for road riders and off roaders, and of course the Moto Gymkhana.

All proceeds go to the Salvation

M RA ( V i c) t o disso l v e ?

A S C YC L E TO R Q U E g o e s to p re s s t h e 2 0 1 1 A n n u a l G e n e ra l M e e t i n g o f o n e o f Au s t r a l i a’s o l d e s t m o to rc yc l e l o b by gro u p s, t h e M R A i n Vi c to r i a , w i l l b e r u n n i n g a n d t h e f a te o f t h e o rg a n i s a t i o n m ay we l l b e d e c i d e d.

A s p e c i a l re s o l u t i o n i s to b e p u t fo r w a rd to d i s s o l ve t h e gro u p, t ra n s fe r r i n g t h e a s s e t s to t h e Vi c to r i a n M o to rc yc l e Co u n c i l.

Th e c u r re n t m a n a g e m e n t o f M R A ( Vi c ) s a i d i n i t s e l e c t ro n i c n e ws l e t te r “ S i m p l y re - b a d gi n g t h e M R A ( Vi c ) i s a p ro b l e m m o re t h a n a s o l u t i o n . Th e s i t u a t i o n i s t h e p rove r b i a l “c h i c k e n a n d e g g” p ro b l e m ; t h e M R A ( Vi c ) n e e d s to fo r m a l l y s te p a s i d e b e fo re a n e w o rg a n i s a t i o n c a n b e b u i l t a ro u n d i n d u s t r y a n d r i d e r s u p p o r t .

O t h e r w i s e co n f u s i o n o n w h a t i s h a p p e n i n g a n d d i s t r u s t w i l l s p o i l t h e e f fo r t . I t wo u l d b e re m i s s to s ay o u r i n te n t i o n i s to ce a s e h av i n g a re p re s e n t a t i ve l o b by gro u p a n d fo r t h e m e m b e r s to s i m p l y a gre e to t h i s. Th e i n te n t i s to f a c i l i t a te t h e a re n a fo r a n e w gro u p to b e fo r m e d b a c k e d by t h e m o to rc yc l e i n d u s t r y a n d co m m u n i t y t h a t d o e s n o t h o l d a ny fo r m a l t i e s to t h e M R A ( Vi c ) a n d t h e re a re m a ny p l aye r s w i l l i n g to p a r t i c i p a te.”

Cu r re n t l y t h e M R A ( Vi c ) h a s l e s s t h a n 6 0 0 f i n a n c i a l m e m b e r s.

Fi g h t i n g t h e p ro p o s a l i s D a m i e n Co d o gn o t to, d e s p i te h av i n g b e e n o u s te d f ro m t h e gro u p ye a r s a g o. I n a n e m a i l p re s s re l e a s e, h e s a i d “C l o s i n g t h e M R AV a n d gi v i n g i t ’s a s s e t s to t h e Vi c to r i a n M o to rc yc l e Co u n c i l ( V M C ) i s n o t a g o o d m ove. R i d e r s l o s e to o m a ny s e a t s o n g ove r n m e n t co m m i t te e s to p e o p l e w h o h ave n o t p e r fo r m e d we l l i n re ce n t ye a r s. C l o s i n g t h e M R AV n e g a t i ve l y e f fe c t s e ve r y r i d e r i n t h e s t a te.”

Co d o gn o t to b e l i e ve s h e c a n re b u i l d t h e M R A ( Vi c ) to s o m e t h i n g a p p ro a c h i n g i t s fo r m e r g l o r i e s.

C h e c k b a c k o n t h e Cyc l e To rq u e we b s i te fo r t h e re s u l t o f t h e s p e c i a l re s o l u t i o n .

A r my w h o w i l l b e h e l p i n g re a l p e o p l e i n n e e d a ro u n d t h e n a t i o n to re b u i l d t h e i r l i ve s, i n c l u d i n g t h o s e h i t by t h e m o s t re ce n t d e v a s t a t i n g c yc l o n e i n N o r t h Q u e e n s l a n d.

f r a n c h i s e, d i d n’t t a k e l o n g to d i s a p p e a r b u t B oyd ’s M o to rc yc l e S u rg e r y i s s t i l l t h e re a d e c a d e l a te r s e r v i n g t h e p e o p l e o f t h e Ce n t r a l Co a s t a n d b e yo n d.

Th i s i s a g o o d w i l l e ve n t , s o p l e a s e b e g e n e ro u s w i t h yo u r g o o d w i l l.

“ We’ve a l w ays h a d a b a s i c p o l i c y o f d o i n g g o o d, h o n e s t wo r k m a n s h i p o n e ve r y t h i n g we d o,” B re t t to l d Cyc l e To rq u e.

Motohansa does Triumph

“ We r a ce, we r i d e a n d we k n ow w h a t o u r p ro d u c t s a n d wo r k a re s u p p o s e d to d o,” h e s a i d.

W I D E LY k n ow n a s a d e n o f B M W e xce l l e n ce, t h e te a m a t M o to h a n s a i n Syd n e y h a s n ow b ra n c h e d o u t to s e r v i c i n g a n d re p a i r i n g Tr i u m p h m o to rc yc l e s, n o m a t te r w h a t ye a r.

Yo u c a n e x p e c t t h e s a m e h i g h q u a l i t y c u s to m e r fo c u s e d s e r v i ce s o d o n’t h e s i t a te to gi ve t h e m a call on 02 9638 4488, or check i t o u t fo r yo u r s e l f a t 2 9 C l yd e S t re e t , R yd a l m e re.

S u r g e ry f o r y o u r b i k e s B OYD ’S M o to rc yc l e S u rg e r y o n t h e Ce n t ra l Co a s t o f N S W i s ce l e b ra t i n g 1 0 ye a r s i n b u s i n e s s.

B re t t h a s p re v i o u s l y wo r k e d a s a c a r m e c h a n i c fo r m a ny ye a r s a n d, b e fo re h e s t a r te d o u t o n h i s ow n , u s e d to wo r k fo r a m a j o r m o to rc yc l e f ra n c h i s e o n t h e Ce n t ra l Co a s t .

W h e n h e d e c i d e d to g o o f f o n h i s ow n h e re ce i ve d a b i t o f f l a c k f ro m h i s n ow - e x b o s s a n d w a s to l d h e wo u l d n’t l a s t 1 2 m o n t h s.

B re t t i s v i ce p re s i d e n t o f L a k e s M o to rc yc l e C l u b a n d i s a c l u b l e ve l M X r i d e r h i m s e l f. “ I ’m n o t a s yo u n g a s I u s e d to b e. M y h e a r t s ays ‘g o’ b u t t h e b r a i n s ays ‘n o’. I s t i l l e n j oy my M X r i d i n g,” h e s a i d.

H i s c h i l d re n M a t t , 2 2 , i s a n O p e n A G r a d e M X r a ce r a n d A my, 2 0 a l s o r i d e s. Th e y ’ve b o t h b e e n r i d i n g a n d r a c i n g s i n ce t h e y we re k i d s. M a t t n ow r u n s t h e Pro S t y l e M X Ac a d e my.

B oyd ’s M o to rc yc l e S u rg e r y specialises in p e r fo r m a n ce re b u i l d s fo r M X a n d d i r t b i k e s w i t h r a ce te c h s u s p e n s i o n a s p e c i a l t y. Th e y a l s o d o re p a i r s a n d l o g b o o k s e r v i c i n g.

H e c a n l o o k a f te r a ny b i k e yo u h ave f ro m a Th u m p s te r to a n R 1 , H a r l e y o r b e yo n d.

Yo u c a n co n t a c t B re t t o r Le a n n e B oyd o n ( 0 2 ) 4 3 9 3 9 7 3 7 o r 0 4 1 2 939 737.

– D a r re n S m a r t

We l l t h e e x- b o s s, a n d t h e b i g

In the pilot’s seat

T H E R E ’S n o d o u b t t h a t ro a d r i d e r s, especially those w h o r i d e i n a l l co n d i t i o n s co n s t a n t l y l o o k fo r t y re s w h i c h w i l l gi ve t h e m g o o d gr i p, we t a n d d r y, b u t a l s o l o n g l i fe.

Acco rd i n g to M i c h e l i n Ty re s t h e s p o r t s to u r i n g s e gm e n t re p re s e n t s o n l y s i x p e r ce n t o f t h e ove ra l l ro a d t y re m a r k e t , b u t t h a t a n i n c re a s i n g n u m b e r o f s p o r t s r i d e r s a re co nve r t i n g to s p o r t s to u r i n g t y re s to c a p t u re s o m e o f t h a t e x t r a we t gr i p a n d l o n g e r t y re l i fe.

Th i s m a k e s s e n s e to u s b e c a u s e m o s t ro a d r i d e r s wo u l d n’t p u s h h a rd e n o u g h to w a r r a n t r u n n i n g t h e s t i c k i e s t r u b b e r, e ve n t h o u g h i t d o e s gi ve a ce r t a i n a m o u n t o f co n f i d e n ce.

M i c h e l i n re c k o n s i t s Pi l o t R o a d 3 i s a n i m p rove m e n t o n i t s o u tg o i n g Pi l o t R o a d 2 i n t wo k e y a re a s. We t we a t h e r gr i p, a n d t y re l i fe.

Th e n e w t y re t re a d l o o k s ve r y d i f fe re n t to m o s t o t h e r ro a d t y re s, to t h e e x te n t i t a l m o s t l o o k s l i k e a we t we a t h e r r a ce t y re. Th e h u g e n u m b e r o f ‘c u t s’ w h i c h r u n a t 9 0 d e gre e s to t h e t y re ro t a t i o n a re c a l l e d S i p e s, a n d i t ’s t h e s e h a n d y l i t t l e i te m s w h i c h h e l p g e t r i d o f t h e w a te r. O n t h e re a r t y re t h e S i p e s a re p l a ce d i n s e e m i n g l y m o re r a n d o n p a t te r n s.

E x t ra l i fe i s d u e to t h e d u a l co m p o u n d, n o t n e w te c h n o l o g y o f co u r s e, b u t t h i s i s M i c h e l i n’s l a te s t g e n e r a t i o n d u a l co m p o u n d.

A co m p re h e n s i ve ra n g e o f s i ze s a re av a i l a b l e fo r 1 7 i n c h , a n d s o m e fo r 1 8 i n c h w h e e l s.

Pr i ce s w i l l b e co n f i r m e d by t h e t i m e yo u re a d t h i s b u t i t ’s e x p e c te d a 1 2 0 / 7 0 / 1 7 a n d 1 8 0 / 5 5 / 1 7 s e t o f t y re s w i l l co s t $ 5 6 0 fo r t h e p a i r.

We a c t u a l l y h ave a s e t f i t te d to a D u c a t i 1 1 0 0 M u l t i s t r a d a w h i c h h a s j u s t re t u r n e d f ro m a we e k ’s l a p o f Ta s m a n i a s o k e e p t u n e d to s e e h ow t h e y f a re d.

M o re i n fo c a n b e fo u n d a t w w w. m i c h e l i n p i l o t ro a d 3 . co m

18 – APRIL 2011

LETTERS TORQUING BACK Write A Letter!

WIN A Great PRIZE

This month Tenerhaz 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.

Happy as Larry

I recently purchased a pair of gloves online from Bike Gear Warehouse. I received the box and placed under the gloves was the February issue of Cycle Torque. It was unexpected and was a great example of excellent customer service which quite often is sadly lacking. Such a simple little inclusion impressed me. Well done to Bike Gear Warehouse.

Ken Day

More happy as Larry

How often can we honestly say that we are happy with a purchase or importantly the transaction? I think the Stones said best ‘you don’t always get what you want, but if you try you get what you need’.

I have just purchased Rad Guard radiator and oil cooler guards for my new BMW S1000RR. The kit looks great, awesome quality, clear instructions, packaged nicely to protect it from the rigours of transport distribution, yeah I got what I needed. What I didn’t expect and what I wanted, what we all want when we step into a store or make a purchase, and that is to be treated like we are important that our custom is appreciated. I can tell you that’s exactly what I got dealing with Paul Voglsinger and his team at Rad Guard. Not only did Paul call to confirm my order, he also confirmed the estimated delivery time and alerted me to his concerns given flood disruptions (wow, upfront and honest). He discussed the product and confirmed my understanding of the quality and gave me some hints on fitting and encouraged me to get back to him with feedback. That’s impressive, that’s looking after a customer – I was already happy.

When my packaged arrived early included was a great stubbie holder (critical for installation success) and other goodies and to top it off my freight was discounted from the total bill, all unexpected but totally appreciated. Now I’m stoked!

I’ve spent some serious money on my riding over the years and most of that spend has been getting what I needed. Rad Guard gave me what I wanted. If anyone is looking for an awesome product and to feel good about the process I encourage you give Rad Guard a try and support a great Aussie business. You won’t be disappointed!

Mark Haley

Web group

Great mag, I always pick up a copy at my local bike shop Capalaba Motorcycle Centre in Brisbane.

I have just put the finishing touches on a new website and forum dedicated to 250cc motorcycles and riders.

The website is www.2fiftycc.com and the forum is www.2fiftycc.com/forum. I’m hoping you can publish this in your news section to help me attract new members.

I’d also encourage you to join up as to share your site and associated content.

The site is free and is open to everyone who has an interest in 250cc bikes, be it classic 250s or modern bikes.

Thanks Chris from cyberspace Looks like a great place to check out if you are into 250cc escape machines. Make mine a 250cc inline four from Honda’s 1960s race lineup. Now that would be a

tasty inclusion to my garage – Ed.

Ténéré Tragic

Hi Chris, I do not think that this letter will get printed, but Cycle Torque is the third magazine I have seen flogging the Yamaha 660 Ténéré. And I have had enough!

It is darn hard to buy a bad bike these days. And the Ténéré 660 is not a bad bike. However paying $13,999 for it is a joke. Cycle Torque had a Kawasaki KLR650 advertised for $8,990, ride away in the same issue.

The Suzuki Bandit 1250 was a feature in the same issue, that came in under the price of the Ténéré, by nearly two grand and is a lot more bike! It even has an adjustable seat height. Hey, cars have had adjustable seats for how long now? And we are just starting to see them on motorbikes.

Have motor cycle designers just woken up that riders come in different sizes?

At 209kg, the Ténéré is 30 to 40kg over weight for what it is supposed to be. There was also comment about the gearing being a bit tall. How about a six speed gear box, so you could have a lower first gear. Problem solved. A Yamaha WR250 has 50mm front shocks, why does the Ténéré only get 43mm shocks?

A BMW 650 GS will run rings around a Tenere and is not much dearer. A Yamaha TDM900 is about the same price and weight as the Ténéré and a better buy again.

If I had to make a prediction, it would be that the Ténéré will be selling for around the ten thou price in the not too distance future!

Keep it straight, Cycle Torque is still a great mag.

Tenerhaz Hi Tenerhaz We actually described the Ténéré as ‘not bad value’ in our test of the bike last year (www.cycletorque.com.au/YamahaXTZ660-Tenere-SKU45/). Sure, you can buy cheaper bikes, but really, we don’t believe comparisons with the TDM900 or Suzuki’s Bandits are particularly relevant - they aren’t even vaguely similar.

Of course the Kawasaki KLR650 is a competitor, but it’s inexpensive because the tooling and construction has been unchanged for years. Yamaha’s almost completely updated the Ténéré, adopting European suspension and brakes, changing the characteristics of the motor, dumping the carbs for fuel injection and adding in a large, protective fairing.

More work was done developing the range of accessories, including panniers.

If you looked at the machine in isolation, just comparing it to other off road bikes offered by Yamaha, it’s a few grand more expensive than a WR450 but many thousands cheaper than a Super Ténéré. For many it is the perfect compromise, offering the right balance of performance, handling and capabilities.

Some will prefer to buy a cheaper bike and then spend a bit to get it to the spec of the Ténéré, but there’s plenty of others happy with the package offered.

Cycle Torque will be riding one again soon on an outback test, and we’ll be taking it there in basically stock trim. Keep an eye out for the story mid-year. – NP

NEWS torque

FNQ ROAD RACING 2010 wa s a water s h ed year for road ra cing in Townsv ille wi t h t h e fo rm at i on of t h e R oad R ac i ng Asso ciatio n o f Townsv i l l e ( RR AT ) . Th e c l u b fel t i t was now the time fo r ro a d ra c i ng i n Tow n s vi l l e to s t an d on i t s own, and separate fro m t h e Town s vi l l e M otorc yc l e c l u b w h ich currently has fo u r di sc i pl i n es to l o ok af ter. I t was a h ard d ecisio n to leave a c l u b whi c h h ad b een es t ab l i s h ed s i n ce 1925 but times c h a nge a nd t h e d ec i s i on was mad e to c h ang e with them.

J uni or roa d ra ci n g i n Tow n s v i l l e u n d e r t he c are o f t he Tow nsv i l l e M oto rc ycl e C l u b to o k a gi a nt l eap fo r ward i n 2007 w i t h e st a b l i shm e nt o f th e Ju n i o r Co r po rate Challenge ser i es b a se d on a one m a k e bi k e w i th a ve r y ti g ht s et o f r ules. B ikes are p rov i d e d to j un i o r r i d e rs f re e o f ch a rg e by t he c lub s co r p o rate sp onsor s i n Tow n s vi l l e w i th 1 4 b i k e s i n to t al, availab le to t he p ub l i c. R R AT co nti n u e s to b e a bl e to o f fer t he p arent s o f j uni or s w i shi ng to g e t a s ta r t i n ro a d ra ci ng a lim i ted num b er of sp onsore d bi k e s. Fo r a l l th e d e ta i l s g o to w w w.r rat.co m .au.

S om e of t he gra d u ate s o f th e cl a s s h ave go ne o n to race i n Europ e ; J a c k M i l l e r, Q l d C h a m p i o n s h i p ro s t r um ; Luke B urgess and J o sh Cum ing Qld Gp 125s.

2011 l ooks se t to b e a n o th e r gre at ye a r o f ro ad rac i ng i n No r t h Q ueensland, esp ec i ally wi t h R R AT leading the way. n

Updates on cycletorque.com.au Catc h t h e l ate st motorc yc l e n ews as wel l as ex pa n de d s tor i es, p h oto g al l er i es, mo to rc yc l e v i deos an d a l ot m ore at w w w. c yc l e to rqu e.co m . au.

R ece nt p ost i ngs i n cl u d e : – AMA S up e rc ro s s u pd ate – Wor l d S up e r s i m a g e g a l l e r y – M otoGP te st i n g g a l l e r y – Vi d e os: James To s e l a n d i nte r vi e w, K awa sa k i N i nj a Z 1 0 0 0 ABS, N i n ja ZX- 1 0 R, a nd H usq va r na T E 4 4 9 .

– R e a d t he c ur re nt i s s u e a n d m a ny o l d e r i ssue s onl i ne. n

Hydrogen powered Suzuki closer Ano ther hurd le has b een passed toward to ad op tion of fuel- cell vehicles, with Suzuk i g aining approva l for its first hyd ro g en-p owered sco o ter in Euro p e.

England has co m m it ted to b uilding ref ueli ng st ations for hydro gen p owered vehi c les, b ut i t rem ai ns to be s een if hydro gen o r elec t r i c b eco m e t he do m i nant p ower s ou rce fo r t he f ut ure.

The B urgm an sco o ter p ut s o ut aro und 11hp and is s a id to b e ver y si m i lar to a 125cc sco o ter to r ide.

Fi r st unveiled at t he 2009 To k yo M o to r Show, t he fu el- cell B urgm an uses b o t h a b at ter y and an air- co o led polymerelec t ro ly te f uel cell fo r p ro p ulsio n. The f uel cell produ ces elec t r i c it y t hro ugh a c hem ic al reac t i o n b et ween hydrog en and ox ygen ( i t do esn’t b ur n ala t he H i ndenberg ) with water b ei ng t he o nly em issio n. The elec t r i c it y p owers the B urgm an’s AC sy nc hro no us m o to r.

D ur ing accelerat i o n, b o t h t he f uel cell and t he batter y are used to p ower t he B urgm an’s m o to r. The b atter y g ets rec harged dur i ng decelerat io n. While c r ui si ng, t h e fu el cell p rovides m o st o f t he p ower while t he b at ter y rec ha rg es or dis charg es a s requ ired. n

CBR250R in shops H O N DA’S s p o r t y n e w e n t r y l e ve l m a c h i n e, t h e C B R 2 5 0 R , i s a r r i v i n g i n s t o re s n ow.

T h e n e w m a c h i n e fe a t u re s s p o r t y s t y l i n g with a full fairing but is aimed at the learner a n d c o m m u t e r m a r k e t s w i t h c o m p e t i t i ve pricing and a low-maintenance design.

Fe a t u r i n g f u e l i n j e c t i o n a n d optional ABS b r a k e s, the C B R 2 5 0 R i s l i g h t we i g h t a n d ve r y e a s y t o r i d e. T h e s i n g l e c y l i n d e r p o we r p l a n t fe a t u re s a s i x s p e e d transmission.

The s t a n d a rd model is priced at $5490 with the A B S a d d i n g $ 5 0 0 t o t h e p r i c e.

B u y o n e b e fo re M ay 3 1 a n d yo u c a n a l s o g e t a f re e f i r s t s e r v i c e.

T h e re’s a l s o t h e c h a n c e t o r i d e o n e fo r f re e a t o n e o f H A R T ’s “Co m e a n d t r y i t d ay s” i n A p r i l.

H A R T ( H o n d a Au s t r a l i a R i d e r Tr a i n i n g ) i s o p e n i n g i t s d o o r s i n t h re e s t a t e s t o r i d e r s yo u n g

a n d o l d : Vi c t o r i a ( S o m e r t o n ) o n A p r i l 2 , N S W ( S t I ve s ) o n A p r i l 9 a n d i n Q u e e n s l a n d (Brisbane) on April 16.

R i d e r s w i l l h ave t h e c h a n c e t o s p e a k w i t h experienced staff about the new CBR250R a n d t a k e t h e m o t o rc yc l e o u t o n t h e ro a d w i t h a H A R T i n s t r u c t o r a f t e r a s h o r t p re q u a l i f y i n g r i d e. T h e H A R T i n s t r u c t o r s w i l l a l s o b e av a i l a b l e t o g i ve a d v i c e o n t r a i n i n g n e e d s.

A l s o av a i l a b l e o n t h e d ay a re o p p o r t u n i t i e s fo r n o n - r i d e r s t o e x p e r i e n c e r i d i n g d u r i n g a g u i d e d 9 0 m i n u t e f re e ‘ t r y i t ’ s e s s i o n o n t h e H A R T r a n g e. T h e p e r fe c t w ay t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e t h r i l l o f m o t o rc yc l e r i d i n g w i t h t h e s a fe t y o f a q u a l i f i e d i n s t r u c t o r n e a r b y, t h i s i s o p e n t o a nyo n e o ve r t h e a g e o f 1 8 . A s t h e s e 9 0 m i n s e s s i o n s a re f re e, yo u w i l l need to book in.

S e e w w w. h o n d a m o t o rc yc l e s. c o m . a u fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n a n d l i n k s t o H A R T. n

E-torque

14 - FEBRUARY 2011

www.cycletorque.com.au

DIRTY TORQUE

Electronic resurrection Are two-strokes coming back?

Cycle News down the path of digital only All w e re tab lo id-s ize d p ub lic atio ns , MC N CYCLE News is back. While many of you may – the pr in t edition is still th e most popular and C yc le N e w s p ub lis he d w e e kly, Re v s a have never heard of Cycle News and have cost of eracing people. fo rtnightly. (Re v s w as re THE talkseen on thea street the decades two-strokeit wasmany bike publication in A ustr alia, with our audit -inv nte d,inbthe rieLites fly, as never copy,isfor possibly class by allowing the 250 Those of us that had the pleasure of is going to make a comeback and after a f igure knocking on the door of 40,000 copies a mo nthly quarto magazine , b ut fo lde d afte r the most important motorcycle publication two-strokes to compete at day of belting around a country motocross racing two-strokes back-in-the day, will per month - no oth er title comes close. a ye ar o r tw o .) in the USA and therefore, by extension, the all levels of racing. Last remember racing a whole season on a track I would have to say that the smell Taylor and Kim couple of sets of pistons and rings with and the scream of the two-stroke motor Th at was on e of th e big diff erences between I c o uldn’t affo rd the to kicyear k-o Cam ff C yc le To rque world.

Ashkenazi rode a YZ250 occasional clutch replacement thrown in. wasCyc a lot more prevalent than it has been Cycle News and Cycle Torq ue - I recogn ized mo re than mo nthly, and I’m glad I didn’t: l e N ews wa s a w e e k l y t a b l o i d , i n t h e and RM250 respectively in for quite some time. The question is, why? That was it, bar the usual consumables. the growth of th e in ter net was at least par tly the fo rmula o f rac ing, ne w s , e v e nts and b ike early d a ys on c ra p p y c h e a p p a p e r b u t e n d i ng the Pro-Lites class at the And it was easy to tell when your Before I go much further I will say this dr iven by people n ot really wan tin g to spen d te s ts w as ge tting date d e v e n w he n C yc le up l o oki n g gre a t , w i t h a g l o s s y c o v e r, l o t s o f MX Nationals due mainly 125cc, 250cc or 500cc screamer needed a straight out: In my humble opinion, fourCT’s Todd Reed hasmagazines, built an awesome YZ250 lookmakin for the story a future issue. to the time and money piston It would getoaffbit strokes good money on so -by g inCycle To rque kicjust ke d in 1999. page sare a nnot d d e t a ifor l omotocross. n b i k e r aThe c i n g a n dnew new s n oor ring. needed to make 250F future tooh o p e tdoughy Torq ue f ree it’ s been a big success. Cycle yc lethrough N e w s the lo okick ks gre at o nline , anda it’s Austof ramotocross l i a n publthat i cais. t i oThey n c oare uld o m a t cor h.easier toCkick motocrossers and a 250cc two-stroke has competitive. starter. No questions, guessing or looking easy to ride, they are a huge drain on the News ave cases cost 20 a per f orcent tun emore to pr in t an als o av leend thro s governing o n the iPbodies ad: I still have It w s ki l lcompetitive ed by t h eand i n tthey e r n eare t , t h e Gatl othe b ahour l power andd Other theirwouldinhmost meter, just ripailab the top offugh iTune wallet toamake post ( most magazin es in th e U SA are sold e nc o urage yo u to hav e a lo o k.

It’s c o v e rage F ina n c i a l C ri si s, tu m b l i n g b i k e s a l e s i n t h e torque than a 250cc four-stroke so in theby sights on keeping two-stroke racing alive. and replace what needed replacing. just plain too expensive to race and keep right hands theadver two-stroke should produce motocross with the to modern reliable. subscr iption) and with tising revenues o f Mo GP isfouraw e s o me , The it’sworld p ho to grap hychampionship USA a n d a bu si n e s s m o d e l w h i ch w a sThe o uproblem t of faster lap times and better race results. promoters Youthstream made the decision Despite all of this, you have to admire the strokes is that they go hard right to the takin g a h ammer ing it’ s really no sur pr ise it and no w v ide o s and s lide s ho w s als o gre at. dat e f o r t h e 2 1 st C e n t u r y, t h e l a s t p r i n t e d And in the enduro world KTM in 2010 to have only two-strokes at the moment when something serious lets go, technology that makes the modern fourcouldn ’ t surisvive.

C urre it is fre e , b ut World I do n’t knoMotocross w ho w Championships edit i on a p p eaIrimean, n g i nthese l a t ethings 2 0 1 0are . obviously still knee deep in the Junior and with so many morently moving parts banger so special. development of the two-stroke their the always likeNow F1 motors go like cut However the cost of production an while d lo ngrepairs that are w ill las t so - adv and e rtis e rs European b as e the125cc ir Motocross i t ’ s that ba c k, a s aa d i gcat i t awith l p uall b l i c aabove t i o n . the Yo piston u is having a big throw at the Championship an the extremely successful ofcan the suspension, and distr ibutionHuqvarna of a digital ver sion is much s p e nd o n c irc ulatio n figure s and s o isfar rea d i t o nbrakes the in t e rhandling n e t , w hthat i ch mmuch a k e s more i t expensive. stumps with its WR range, as is Husaberg series and a serious stepping stone to a GP And guess what. Many 250Fs, and I almost any rider will find sufficient. lower, so Cycle News isn’ t all gone… numb e rs fo r digital magazine s hav e n’t b e e n sig n i f i c a n t l y d i ff e re n t fro m t h e o l d C y c l e with its 250cc and 300cc two-strokes. ride. mean 2009 onward, are only lasting 40 to There is no doubt the modern four-stroke – over Nigel go obottom d - s eend e msdrops mo sout t o f yo uNew guys (ye s ,still mohas s t a 125cc class in its i t of wariders s n e vwho e r iwant m p oto r tcompete e d i n t o Au t r a l i abefore the Look, I don’t think that thePaterson next Zealand 50shours isNews: the choice Motocross Championships and I them. is ridiculous for b a lo product atbalmost any level. o f yo u are ke s ) s till pNational re fe r to re ad the eca use wee kl iYou es acan re ride t o o them o l d t o s e l l ofo u t s i d That e tellayou from sold masses. harder, longer... p rinte d p age rathe r thancan o ff s c re e n.first hand experience that t heir faster h o meand mafor rke t (w h but. i ch i s w h y, dwhich e s p i t eis m e to the it produces some of the best racing I have Motorcycling Australia has recently The bottom line is many racers and C yc le To rque that lo o ks grewitnessed at o nline , to o , bwith ut a gaggle of highly say i n g t wa sare t hcomplaining e m o s t i mabout p o r t athe n t mannounced o t o rcy c l ethat from for years 2011 onward parents of iracers fo r c o s t re as o ns w e hav e n’t b e e n ab le to pub l i c a t i on i n t h e w o r l d , m o s t Au s t r a l i a n talented riders battling tooth and nail on 250cc two-strokes are now eligible for the overall expense of running a modern 250F one-dingers… level of racing theo s o r screaming and 450F motocrosser inte grate o urand v ide any p ic ture galle rie s riders wi l l h a v e or n eserious v e r h eenduro a rd o f i t ). Lite class at every is a stand-alone 125cc and 250cc two-strokes are eligible for weapon. (in the fo rm o f s lide s ho wThere s ) into the digital Ab ou t a n et e rn it y o r t w o a g o , w h e255cc n I wtoa450cc s two-stroke championship in Britain and a the Open class.

A top-end rebuild on modern fourditio n, b ut wisn’t e ho p e to strong s o o n.contingent We do , of riders every year when cons iis d eri n g t h emore e d i texpensive o r i a l s t ythan l e , d e s i g Um…why n and the e500cc two-stroke strokes obviously w ebut v e r, re dethe s ign the pthey ub lic atio n to b e tteonly r race at Glen hold a two-stroke idea I guess the two-stroke is edone conten t f orbut t h ethet hreal e n damage u n -n a m d C y cleligible e To rqIuhave e , noho Helen fact, there is a wave by the someone whofo hasn’t when motor s uit digital rmat, w ith in moAmerica. re and In b igge r I reathe l i se d i t lets w a go. s c oThis m i nisgwhen t o g ethe t h e r a sdecision a m a s hwas - made even heard of a 500cc motocrosser or didn’t of discontent in America right now that the bills can get to as high as three grand plus. p ic ture s . up o f t h e d ef u n c t R e v s Mo t o rcy c l e Ne w s , t he AMA won’t allow 250 two-strokes to race consider the fact that some lunatic would There are horror stories of huge C hetwo-banger… c k it o ut at w w w.c against yc le to the rque .c o m.au.

UK’s M repair CN (M o t or y cl e Ne w s ) a n denter C y cal erace on a 500cc 250Fs in the outdoor nationals. workshop bills for C four-stroke KTM, Yamaha, The up-shot of this decision is thatisMA owners C yc le To rque n’t p lanning o n fo lloSuzuki w ing and TM are News.going around left, right and centre still making 125cc, 150cc and 250cc has taken a positive step to curbing the so this really shouldn’t be a surprise to

RRP $3,999.00 + dealer

delivery charges

few years two-strokes will take motocross over again but for those of us with limited budgets and half a brain the two-stroke is probably the most viable option to go racing.

Over the last couple of months I have been riding a 2007 Suzuki RM125 and I have been having an absolute ball. This 125 has only just recently had its first gearbox oil change and all of the running gear in the motor is original despite the flogging it’s been getting over the last three seasons.

How many 2007 250F and 450Fs are out there still going strong on the original motor? Not many is my bet...

– Darren Smart

GUNTRIP

Playing solo I SP E N D ma n y o f m y w o r k i n g d a y s w i t h a g ro up o f h a ppy s o u l s w h o b e l i e v e t h e corre c t n u mber of cy l i n d e r s fo r a n y i n t e r n a l comb u st i o n en gi n e p o w e r i n g a t w i n -t r a c k vehi c l e t o be ei ght , i d e a l l y a r r a n g e d i n a V confi gura t i on . S om e o f t h e s e p e o p l e fu r t h e r b elie v e t h a t t h e c o r re c t n u m b e r o f cy l i n d e r s for a n y mot orc yc le e n g i n e t o b e t w o , lik ew i se a rra n ged i n a V co n fi g u r a t i o n .

We l l , w e c a n t h i n k w h a t w e l i k e , a n d I ’v e cert a i n l y spe n t p a r t o f m y l i fe a g re e i n g wit h t h e sec on d o f t h o s e b e l i e fs – t h e i r m isgu i d ed n o t i on o f t h e i d e a l V-t w i n feat u res p u sh rod s a n d l o t s o f i ro n , w h e re m ine boa st s t w o ca m s h a ft s p e r p o t , q u a l i t y alloy s a n d w a t er-co o l i n g . B u t a ft e r l a s t m ont h ’ s ra n t a bo u t t h e b a r re n n e s s o f a life w i t h o u t t w o- s t ro k e s i t d a w n e d o n m e b elat e d l y t h a t w e w e re b o t h m i s t a k e n a n d t hat t h e prop er n u m b e r o f cy l i n d e r s fo r t he id e a l mo t orc y c l e i s o n e , o r a t l e a s t o n e cy lin d er p er oc c u p a n t .

Ha l f w a y t h ro u gh t h e Am e r i c a n t r i p o f a cou p l e o f ye a rs b a ck D i c k a n d I fo u n d oursel v es i n t h e c o m p a n y o f a cl u t c h o f inde f a t i ga bl y a mia b l e Am e r i ca n s w h o want ed us t o ri d e w i t h t h e m . “ I f I ’d w a n t e d t o t r a v el i n a grou p I ’d h a v e c o m e b y b u s , ” obse rv ed D i c k wi t h p o i n t e d a c c u r a c y.

As w i t h ma n y t w o -w h e e l e d e n d e a v o u r s , it ’s a bou t t h e mu s i c, a n d a n y t h i n g t h a t int er f eres w i t h i t h a s n o p l a ce o n t h e r i d e .

Whe t h er be c a use i n m y y o u t h b i k e s l a ck e d t he a bu n d a n t p ow e r o f t o d a y, o r b e ca u s e I’m i n n a t el y a gru m p y o l d s o d , I b e l i e v e t he m o t orc yc l e t o b e e s s e n t i a l l y a s o l o u n i t , dy na mi c a l l y a n d s t y l i s t i c a l l y i l l -s u i t e d t o carryi n g p a ssen ge r s fo r a n y d i s t a n c e o r

luggage in any quantity. K e e p it s mall, trim and ab o v e all light and yo u do n’t ne e d 400 ho rs e p o w e r to make inte re s ting tune s .

His to ry is o n my s ide . The s mall, lightw e ight, s ingle -c ylinde r mo to rc yc le is a c o nc e p t ric h w ith ide als , ye t take a lo o k at the las t fe w e ffo rts the Jap ane s e hav e made at c re ating a s p o rty ro ad-go ing s ingle and yo u’ll s e e de s igns s o lade n w ith the he av y hand o f his to ry that it’s s urp ris ing the y func tio ne d as mo to rc yc le s at all.

Ho nda, fo r e xamp le , hav ing do ne s o me thing do w nright p e c uliar w ith the de s ign o f the FT500 in the e arly ’80s , laid it o n w ith a tro w e l w he n the X BR500 c ame alo ng fiv e ye ars late r. P udding-b as in he lme ts , halftimb e re d ho us e s and go o dne s s kno w s w hat e ls e b e gan to fe ature w he n the marke ting b o ys tho ught ab o ut flo gging the 500 thump e r, its e lf no b ad b ike and ap p re c iab ly b e tte r than Yamaha’s o ffe ring, the SRX 600, w hic h might hav e b e e n a w illing ho rs e b ut w as unac c o untab ly lumb e re d w ith kic ko nly s tarting (w hic h w as e ithe r e c o no my b e yo nd the p ale o r an ap p ro ac h to traditio n that’s almo s t indis tinguis hab le fro m ins anity) and an e xhaus t layo ut that de fie d c o mp re he ns io n. And the n w hat? And the n no thing. The gutte ring c andle o f Jap an’s dallianc e w ith ‘c las s ic ’ die d o ut, b ut fo r a fe w s p lutte rs fro m Ho nda in the guis e o f the GB mo de ls .

The n c ame an aw kw ard s ile nc e until Euro p e re s ume d p o lis hing the ide a o f the ro rty little s ingle , thanks to the Fre nc h p re o c c up atio n w ith its Sup e rmo tard c o mp e titio ns , le gal and o the rw is e . K TM, Hus qv arna and Ap rilia hav e s up p lie d s o me

s turdy weapon r y f or th e pur pose, tr im, p o ten t an d handsome – n ote the latest tr im o ffer in g f rom H usq var na, th e SMS630 – but no ne h as exactly been the Classic Single.

M uZ an d its r an ge of Czech - made, Br itish s tyled an d Yamaha- powered models came c lo sest, tickin g most of th e boxes if lookin g a little toytown - like at the end of th e day.

Ev en so, the MuZ Skor pion Spor t was a rightf ul heir and successor to gener ation s o f Br it sin gles an d just th e thin g to leave a c r isp, bar king exh aust note mar king th e rider ’ s progress between f ields of wavin g w heat on a cool Sun day mor n ing in autumn.

The music, th e music.

Th e compar ative f ailure of the MuZ must fina lly prove, to my lastin g disappoin tmen t, the bar renn ess of th e concept in today’ s w o rld. A s much as I admire th e much de rided U J M, I pr aise above all th e vir tues o f lightness an d simplicity. But I guess with tarm ac- melting hor sepower available in b ikes th at weigh so little, today more th an e v e r it’ s possible to have your cake and e at it. But n ot f or me. I will n ever n ow be ric h enough to own th e DBD34 BSA G old Star I h ave lusted af ter f or so long, and f or all th eir supple agility I have never been a Ve locette f an . But I’ ve h ad my MuZ Spor t and en joyed th at, an d might even do it aga in if I can f in d th e r ight bike. A nyone w ith usef ul inf or mation on th e subject can c o ntact me via th e Cycle Torq ue off ice.

Happy music- making.

– Bob G un tr ip

MuZ Skorpion

Launch Report – Triumph Thunderbird Storm REPORT BY

Dennis Penzo PHOTOS BY Lou Martin

RIDING GEAR: Shark RSR Carbon helmet, Ixon Oxygen jacket, Triumph Newington gloves, Hornee Jeans, Joe Rocket Big Bang boots.

Deep down in her black, black heart she carries the pedigree of generations and now she has returned for your soul.

Launch Report – Triumph Thunderbird Storm I STAND looking in awe at Triumph’s Thunderbird Storm. It has a sheer presence which few bikes have, and it backs it up on the road, proving its bite is as big as its bark.

The boss went to the launch of the original 1600 Thunderbird, an act for which I have yet to completely forgive him.

However, he was partially pardoned by allowing me the joys of fraternising with the 1600 that featured the factory fitted 1700 big bore kit.

That lilting parallel twin at idle was almost enough for me to forgive him; at speed, we are almost friends again.

Perhaps my heart has been tarnished. I remember back in the ’70s, sitting astride my ’69 Bonneville in the workshop.

Somehow my soul was never going to be the same again.

And then along came this black, black Thunderbird. Be still my beating heart!

Yes, the hair is now much, much greyer and I’m probably not the right demographic, perhaps.

Triumph’s large capacity cruiser is aimed at a younger demographic targeting riders looking for an alternative to standard custom styling, as if being a big, big parallel twin isn’t noticeable enough on its own!

A powerful engine which delivers an exciting ride as well as those dark, brooding looks, aimed of course, at a much younger but perhaps wider audience, so maybe my demographic is in its sights after all.

One thing is for certain - black is the new black!

The black finish extends to engine

covers, clutch cover, alternator cover, pulley cover and cam cover, while the new clutch cover embellisher carries the Storm name and graphic.

On the stand:

She has a piercing gaze through those twin headlights. You won’t mistake that capricious look.

There are new handlebars with new black finish tall handlebar risers (a chrome option is available - sacrilege!). A new black finish to top and bottom yokes. The handlebar ergonomics are the same as the Thunderbird with only a slight difference in the hand position.

There is also a new tank badge featuring new Triumph calligraphy as well as a black finish for the instrument cover. I thought that was interesting. Even in its past Triumph did not often mess with things that are well established and almost iconic in their status. So the new tank script and Storm logo grabbed my eye.

And there’s no shortage of other black stuff too, such as blinker shells, headlight shell, wheels, rear guard strut - you get the picture.

Of course it comes in two colours: jet black and matt black. And, you expected?

In her black, black hear t

She is a liquid cooled parallel twin with DOHC and a 270 degree crank pumping out a sinister, 97 bhp (72kW) at 5200rpm and torque of 156 Nm (115ft.lbs) at 2950 rpm. When you hold one of those whopping 107.1mm pistons in your hand it speaks volumes more than just stats on a sheet.

And the spec sheets will tell you

about the revised camshaft, the larger piston rings, new cylinder liners, new gudgeon pins and gaskets.

But as I sat there in the briefing before the ride listening to Triumph’s Cliff Stovall give us all the lowdown on the new girl I kept turning that huge piston around in my hand, over and over.

Her stance is helped by a cast aluminium five-spoke 19-inch front wheel and a five-spoke 17-inch rear wheel. Don’t ask me what colour, I refuse to tell you. You should already have twigged to my hints.

She wears specially designed and

developed Metzelers.

Up front she has conventional Showa 47mm front forks with 120mm travel and black lowers.

Twin black Showa rear shocks with 95mm rear wheel travel and five-way adjustment look after the back end.

Twin 310mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a 310mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper provide the stopping power and do it admirably.

On the road:

The plan was to spend some time riding through the Dandenong Ranges and a few rainy patches failed to dampen our enthusiasm.

In fact, it was probably a good thing the conditions were like damp. I mean anyone can open up the throttle and just go hard in the dry.

The enjoyment came from not only the open stretches of road, but also some of the tight, twisting roads; some very wet and covered with mud washouts and debris.

Being able to use the sheer torque of the motor without necessarily shifting through the six-speed transmission which also features upgraded heavy duty clutch springs.

The Storm has an impressive amount of torque and flexibility and the conditions provided ample opportunity to put it to good use.

The belt drive is beautifully smooth and the seat height of 700mm will not deter people with short legs, such as yours truly.

The net weight of 339kg also is not

S p e c i f i c at i o n s : 2011 thunderbird storm Engine Type: Liquid-cooled parallel twin Capacity: 1699cc Transmission: 6-speed Fuel Capacity: 22 Litres Frame Type: Tubular steel twin spine Seat Height: 700mm Wet Weight: 339kg Front Suspension: 47mm Showa Rear Suspension: Showa twin shocks Brakes: Twin disc front, single rear Tyres: 120/70-19, 200/50-17 Price (RRP): $21,990+ORC (ABS +$1000) www.triumph.co.uk/australia Call for a quote

1800 24 34 64

WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

crazy heavy for a cruiser of this engine capacity and, combined with the relatively low-ish seat height, is not a problem.

The fuel tank capacity at 22 litres means you have a cruiser with decent cruising capacity.

There were several Thunderbirds on our ride, some featuring the optional solo long haul seat which is definitely the go for longer trips.

The standard seat is passable for shorter trips but once you try the long haul seat you’ll want to keep it.

There is a rider and pillion backrest combination available. The rider backrest can be adjusted on the run, with six different positions, the pillion backrest looks like it could be moved slightly further forward.

The good people at Triumph have a function on their website called Create My Triumph where you can go and literally create your own personalised Triumph with all the things that your heart desires.

Interestingly, when the first 1700 factory big bore kit became available up to 17 per cent of Thunderbird buyers chose to buy the kit when it became available - a very high percentage indeed.

So clearly, the Thunderbird Storm fulfils a need that was

Minimalist cockpit.

obviously there because you can never have too much power, can you?

Of course there’s lots of black accessories such as rear swingarm covers in gloss black, pressed single seat rack, gloss black teardrop mirrors - you can see a theme developing here can’t you?

There are Hi Flow short silencers available, although the standard pipes have a very nice note too.

Having seen all the derivatives that have evolved from the Bonneville platform it will be interesting to see what Triumph have on the drawing board for the Thunderbird, because clearly there is plenty of scope here to develop a separate big parallel twin pedigree.

Big capacity. Big torque.

On the wallet

The standard Thunderbird Storm will set you back $20,990 plus on-road costs which is a pretty competitive price for a bike of this size, capability and quality of finish.

The ABS version is $21,990 and of course they all come with two-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

So you see, a reasonable amount of money can buy an awful lot of soul. n

Snazzy little rack.

Plenty of whoa here.

Even the standard pipes sound nice.

Standard seat is ok for shorter distances.

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P plate around the world - PTII MARK Davis continues his trip around the world barely weeks after getting his Provisional rider ’s licence.

He checks out Mongolia and rushes to catch a boat before it’s gone. If you missed last issue you an catch up at www.cycletorque.com.au/emag.

The border with Mongolia is only open a few hours each day so we pressed on hoping to make the afternoon opening. All up it took 2.5hrs which is supposed to be a very quick crossing. Got shuffled from one desk to the next each with their job to do. The bikes need a ‘passport’, which the NSW rego papers serve as. Then there is customs and immigration and security and all of this for Russia and then again the Mongolian side.

Just when you think you are done there is a final gate with a stern looking guy trying to insist on us buying Mongolian third party insurance. Chris explained to him the NSW rego covers the whole world.

Well he phoned somebody and they must have said ok, so we were in.

The northern part of Mongolia is relatively green and forested.

Before too long it gives way to brown rolling hills. The route to the capital Ulan Bataar is good asphalt.

There is something like only 400km of it in the whole country. We came

across a road crew painting the centre line. There were about 15 of them. Four or five with tins of paint and a brush each and the rest scouring the roadside for bottles, rocks or other bits and pieces to put along the centre to stop people from driving over the new paint. Later on a big rock in the middle of the lane indicated that a broken down truck was around the bend. Safety first!

We checked into the Oasis, which is a combination guest-house and ger camp. Gers (or Yurts) are what most people in the countryside live in and are easily transported to follow the herds. The Oasis is the Mecca for overlanders and that night there where something like 12 bikes and two Landcruisers. I was running out of time to get to Europe so after an oil change and switch of tyres I decided I had better leave in the morning and not wait for the American crew to turn up. It just so happened that one of the guys in the camp (Hubert) had broken his leg 50km out of the capital and came back to the Oasis. His riding partner Pietro was sorting out tickets for him to return to the Netherlands via rail but might be keen to carry on. So, after lunch the next day Pietro had sorted Hubert’s arrangements and we packed up and left. The next six days were very challenging riding but also rewarding. Something like 1,800km

covered with 12 hrs + everyday on the go. If we averaged 30km/h on the GPS we were doing well.

Two maps, a GPS and a compass – how hard can it be to get from A to B? Bloody hard! There are no roads and there are plenty of roads at the same time. The roads are really dirt/ stone/sand tracks that have been made from use over time. When people get tired of one they start to drive in parallel a few metres over, making a new track. Sometimes there can be a dozen running side by side and criss-crossing. Sometimes a few will veer off for a couple of kilometres and then rejoin.

Sometimes they don’t.

Near dark on the second day Pietro got a flat for a second time so we stopped at the nearest ger and asked to camp nearby for the night. They were a family of five and invited us inside for a snack and cup of tea. I can’t tell you what it was we ate. Sheep flavoured bread I think. In the morning the whole family

was up at 5am rounding up all the animals (cows/horses/goats/sheep) as we packed up our tents. Tyre looked good, but 30min up the track it went flat. The second flat had been a ‘snakebite’ that had not been picked up and so it was patched (while being supervised by another herdsman) and we were on our way.

The last stop for the day before the town of Moron was by a small lake.

A man from a nearby ger invited us in for tea and a meal. His wife was just finishing off scraping the inside of a sheep’s intestine to throw into the pot with all the other innards. We just had the tea.

Are the twisties far?

The never-ending road…

ent?

Mongolian monum

e, USA.

Downtown anywher

The couple were fairly licking their lips and giggling at what they were going to have though. We pushed on until town and ate a huge meal on a sizzling BBQ plate just like you would expect from a Mongolian restaurant. It was still sheep though.

Don’t they eat anything else? We camped on a hill with a postcard scene of two distant gers in the valley next to the river below.

The track was good going until it started to rain so we had to slow down. 24 hours of rain saw sections of the track become unrideable so we rode off the track half the time (dodging the occasional empty vodka bottle, averaging 15km/h for the first four hours) until the rain stopped and the track was not as muddy. Only saw one other person, a local on a Chinese bike, all day. We had to rely on one of the freeze dried meals from t h e backup supply along with some three day old bread for dinner.

Finally near a town we came across a Dutch couple driving overland in a Land Rover who advised they had to make a large detour around Lake Achit as the rivers were too high and fast flowing to cross on the main track. We asked a number of truck drivers around Ulaangom about the depth of the rivers ahead and got answers ranging from 10cm to 2m.

We had crossed a number of streams

in the last five days but they had been 50cm or less and quite easy.

So, we took the advice of the Dutch overlanders and went around Lake Achit. It was the hardest and most rewarding day of the trip, with deep sand, storms, mountain passes and difficult navigation.

It started off easily, but eventually wound up a steep muddy pass and we decided to have lunch at the top at about 2,500m. As the billy boiled we were joined by three herdsmen and had a great ‘chat’ with sign language.

Down the other side we could finally see the lake and found a tiny village where the locals were split on which way we should go to reach the next city, Oligy. We worked out later why – there are two Oligys within 100km of each other. Part way to the wrong Oligy we were stumped by a raging river and were about to turn back when one of the guys from the town came by on his motorbike. He directed us correctly – 15k across a rocky plain with no track to follow.

By now we were far enough south to be on the fringe of the Gobi desert and it was a very sandy trip along the lake and into the right Oligy.

We made a beeline to the border the next morning only to be greeted by 100 vehicles backed up the road.

Rode to the front of the queue and was told to go back by a guard and

Back in civilisation

.

a couple of truck drivers. We stayed and eventually talked our way through the Mongolian side in about two hours. We then rode through no mans land about 4km to a lone Russian sentry behind a barbed wire fence and gate. He had the uniform and gun just like a cold war scene and looked at us like “What are you doing here?” There was another 10km of empty territory to go through the same rigmarole on the Russian side, but finally into the Altay Republic and sealed roads.

By now time was getting very critical as the ship from Europe to the US was leaving in ten days and there was still 8,000km to go to get there! Pietro and I parted company at Novosibirsk (where his mate with the broken leg was in the hospital with gangrene) and I put the hammer down, riding 12-16 hours a day through the pleasant but largely featureless landscape of Siberia and European Russia and the Ukraine.

The tent stayed packed up as the guesthouses were good and cheap ($15) for a room that you may have to share.

I powered on through Poland and Germany, spending less than a day in each and reached the Belgian port with four minutes to spare before the shipping company closed it’s receiving for that vessel. The bike

went RORO (roll on roll off – about 700 euros) and therefore did not need packing. The ride across Russia, Mongolia and Europe took five weeks.

I picked up the bike in Baltimore ten days later with no dramas with Customs and hit the interstate heading west. The bike still had on the Mitas nobbies put on in Mongolia, which didn’t get swapped back to more road biased tyres until Denver, where I finally got off the interstate and rode the scenic back roads over the Rockies and sections of famous Route 66 across Arizona and California. The landscapes were amazing, the roads excellent, and the food was plentiful but the experience lacked the adventure of Mongolia.

It took seven days to get to L.A., including a side trip up to northern Michigan to visit relatives for a night. I dropped the bike at a RORO service ($1,000 to Aus.) in Long Beach and took the bus to LAX with a couple of hours to spare before the flight left for Sydney.

Note: this ride was in aid of the charity bonniebabes.org. au. Equipment was donated by Barkbusters, Pivot Pegs, Sea to Summit, Kelly’s Camping, Airhawk, and Motorrad Garage. Support was provided by Kawasaki Australia.

RACE torque

Top Ten of the Decade 1 - Va l e n t i n o R o ss i - E v e r y te n y e a r s o r s o a s pec ial ri d e r e me rges w h o e ith e r d e f in e s o r d om inates an er a a n d for t h e pe r io d f r o m 2 0 0 0 to 2 0 1 0 , that ac c olade c an on l y go t o on e m a n - Va le n tin o R o s s i. With nine wor ld t i t l e s a n d b e c o m in g th e la s t r id e r to win the wor ld 500c c c h a mp i on s h ip a n d th e f ir st to s e cu r e the inaugur al MotoGP t i t l e , i t s e e me d a lm o st p r e -o r d a in e d that the m er c ur ial It a l i a n w ou l d b e co m e th e m o s t f a m o u s m otor c yc le r ac er s i n c e G i a c om o Ag o s tin i. I n a d d itio n to his br illiant r ec or d on t h e t ra c k , R o ss i’s g e n iu s to g e n e r a te global public ity f or h i ms e l f a n d m o to r cy c le r a cin g w ill b e his las ting legac y.

It i s n o c oi n cid e n ce R o s s i’s G P d e b u t in 1996 oc c ur r ed at t h e s a me t i me a s th e in te r n e t r ip p le d ar ound the wor ld, a me d i u m h e ha s ta k e n f u ll a d v a n ta g e o f .

2 - J orge L ore n z o - Wi t h t w o w o r l d 2 5 0 c hamp io ns hip s and l a st ye a r ’ s M o t o G P t i t l e t o h i s n a m e , Jo rge Lo re nzo b e c ame t h e sec on d m o s t s i g n i fi ca n t fi g u re o f t h e de c ade . He no t o nly d ef ea t e d R oss i a n d a l l t h e o t h e r s t o c l a im his firs t Mo to GP w orl d c h a mp i o n s h i p , h e h e l p e d l e v e r t h e Italian s up e rs tar ou t of Ya ma ha , t h e fa ct o r y h e s o d e s p e rate ly w ante d to f i n i sh h i s c a re e r w i t h . L o re n z o ’s e a r l y ye ars in GP w e re ma rked by c ra z y r i d i n g a n d a s u l l e n a r ro ganc e that e nde are d h i m t o n ei t h e r fa n s n o r t h e m e d i a . A s e r ie s o f s e rio us c ras he s ma rre d h i s f i r s t t w o y e a r s i n Mo t o G P, but w ith a hap p y d i spo si t i o n su p p l a n t i n g t h e a l o o fn e s s , it w as a re laxe d Jo rge w h o swoop ed i n 2 0 1 0 . I t w i l l b e i n t e re s ting to s e e ho w his n ewf o u n d c o m p o s u re w i l l s t a n d u p t o H o nda’s C as e y Sto ne r a n d D a n i P edro s a i n 2 0 11 .

3 - C a sey S t o n e r - Al t h o u g h h e h a s j u s t o ne w o rld c h a mp i on sh i p t ro p h y i n h i s c a b i n e t , i t was arguab ly the mo s t h i st o ri c a l l y s i g n i fi ca n t o f t h e d e ca d e . Altho ugh Ro s s i had tas te d d ef ea t a t t h e h a n d s o f Ni c k y H a y d e n i n 2006, Vale had ne v e r f a c ed a ri d er w i t h S t o n e r ’s fe ro c i o u s p a c e and fighting s p irit t h a t p ro d u c e d s o m e o f t h e b e s t r a ce s o f the de c ade in 2007 and ‘ 0 8 . M a ki n g C a s e y ’s a ch i e v e m e n t a l l t h e mo re re markab le is t h a t t h e A u ss i e s t e e re d t h e u n h e r a l d e d Duc ati De s mo s e dic i to c h a mp i on sh i p -w i n n i n g h e i g h t s , w h i c h no o the r ride r had do ne be f o re or si n c e . S t o n e r i s a l s o t h e o n l y r ide r to w in mo re rac e s t h a n R ossi i n t h e 8 0 0 e r a a n d , w i t h j u s t this s e as o n to go b e fo re t h e 1 0 0 0 c c f or m u l a i n 2 0 1 2 , i t w i l l b e a re c o rd he is like ly to p re ss h ome i n 2 0 11 .

4 - Troy B a yl i s s - H e m a y l a ck t h e u t t e r b rillianc e and GP a c h i e v e me n t s o t h e r s i n t h i s l i s t ca n b o as t, b ut Tro y Baylis s w ill go d ow n a s t h e Wo r l d S u p e r b i k e r i d e r of the de c ade b y quite a ma rgi n . H i s b a l l s y, n e v e r-s a y -d i e a t t i tude c o up le d to his no w orri es d eme a n o u r m a d e Tro y t h e s e co n d mo s t p o p ular ride r in t h e worl d beh i n d R o s s i , a n d w h e n h e cap ture d the final 990c c M o t oGP a t Va l e n c i a i n 2 0 0 6 , t h e m o t o rcyc ling w o rld c o uld o nly si t ba c k a n d c h e e r l o n g a n d l o u d . Aft e r all, he le d all 22 lap s o f t h e ra c e , on e m o re t h a n w o r l d c h a m p i o n N ic ky Hayde n had le d a l l yea r. H e c a p p e d o ff h i s t h re e W S B K title s w ith a s tagge ringly d omi n a n t d o u b l e fa re w e l l v i c t o r y a t P o rtimao in 2008, and w i se l y re si st e d a co m e b a ck t o r a ci n g i n 2009 and 2010. A true l ege n d of o u r g re a t s p o r t .

5 - D a n i P e d ro s a - De s p i t e c l a i m i n g t w o w o rld 250 c h a mp i on sh i p s a n d a 1 2 5 t i t l e t o b o o t , Dani finis he d be h i n d Tro y B a y l i s s i n t h i s l i s t s i m p l y be c aus e o f his unde r a c h i e v e me n t s a t Mo t o G P l e v e l . No o n e c an do ub t Dani’s s p e e d a n d a bi l i t y t o w i n r a ce s b u t w h a t h a s b e e n c alle d inc re as ingly i n t o qu est i on i s h i s a b i l i t y t o s t r i n g a s eas o n to ge the r w itho ut spi l l s a n d i n j u r y. 2 0 11 w i l l b e t h e d e fi n ing ye ar fo r P e dro s a and i f S t o n er get s t h e b e t t e r o f h i m a s H a y d e n did in 2006, HRC w ill be a ski n g que s t i o n s a b o u t h i s p l a c e i n the te am.

6 - I w a s t o ss i n g u p b e t w e e n r i d e r s fo r 6-7-8, and finally o p te d

fo r Mat Mladin. Se v e n c hampion sh ips at the elite level trumps jus t ab o ut e v e ryo ne he re on in, consider ing he was r acin g agains t a te am-mate the c alibre of Ben Spies in h is f in al year s in the AMA Sup e rb ike C ha mpionship. Mladin could’ ve won mo re title s b ut he c urio usly f ocused on win nin g r aces r ather than go ing fo r the c hamp ion sh ip in h is last two season s against Be n. Hard, unc o mp ro mis in g and extremely f ocused, it’ s a pity Mladin didn’t hav e a s e c ond shot at the wor ld champion sh ips.

But I gue s s w he n yo u’re ear n ing a rumoured $7m pa in the U S, w hy b o the r?

7- Be n Sp ie s mo me ntarily h alted Mladin’ s record breaking c hamp io ns hip run in Amer ica bef ore movin g to WSBK in 2009, w hic h the Me mp his -b o rn Texan won h an dsomely on debut.

His imp re s s iv e e ntry into MotoG P, where h e is clear ly th e best Ame ric an ride r and the o ne with the best ch an ce of winn ing a rac e fo r Old Glo ry to b re ak a remar kable f ive- year drough t. If anyo ne c an re kindle the e nor mous legacy of A mer ican wor ld c hamp io ns o f the 1970s , ’80 an d ‘ 90s, it is Ben Spies.

8- C o lin Edw ards make s th e list by vir tue of his two WSBK c hamp io ns hip s , p artic ularly his monumen tal 2002 eff or t at the de c iding ro und at Imola again st a desper ate Troy Bayliss.

The p air p ro duc e d s o me of th e most awe in spir ing r acing of the de c ade that day, b ut just as Bayliss f ound out, MotoG P is a diffe re nt le v e l alto ge ther given Colin’ s win less record in th e p re mie r c las s .

9- N o ri Haga may hav e n ever won a wor ld champion sh ip, but it’s no t fo r the w ant o f try ing. A th ree- time WSBK run ner- up, N o ri runs a c lo s e s e c o nd to Bayliss in th e popular ity stakes, b ut the luc kle s s Jap ane s e r ider is destined to become th e R andy Mamo la o f WSBK .

10- Marc o Simo nc e lli s lots in to tenth as much f or h is promise in Mo to GP as his s ingle 250 wor ld ch ampionship. A f ter a c o nfide nc e -s ap p ing e ntry into MotoG P last year, Marco h as the o p p o rtunity to b e c o me the n umber on e Italian r ider in MotoG P in the future .

– D arryl Fl ack

dirty torque

R.I.P Stephen Dinsdale LESS than 12 months after the loss of Andrew McFarlane the motocross fraternity has lost another legend of the sport with multi Queensland motocross champion Stephen Dinsdale passing away after a heart attack early in March.

He was just 46 years old.

My first encounter with Stephen Dinsdale was at an open motocross meeting in Townsville in 1983. There was quite a bit of prizemoney on offer so my brother Paul and I thought we would make the trek across from Mt Isa to take advantage of our dominance over the Townsville locals and scoop up a lion’s share of the money.

So confident were we that we went out the night before and got rolling drunk and blew all of the petrol money that would have got us back home… yeah I know… dickheads….

Anyway, I was riding a borrowed 1982 RM125 (my 1983 KX250 was prepped for the Finke which was on the weekend after this event) but I was able to enter the 125cc and All Powers races and in the opening 125cc moto this guy on a Suzuki kept on trying to pass me and even gave me a nudge or two as we made our way around the track… some half a lap in front of third place.

I kind of got the shits with the attention I was getting from behind so I brakechecked this guy in a deep rut at the top part of the track and he must have fallen over or missed the rut coz I went on to win the moto comfortably.

Little did I know that the guy behind me was Stephen Dinsdale and that he had a temper as bad as mine. There was quite a bit of abuse thrown across the pits after that race and believe me, for the rest of that meeting

Dinsdale and I rode the wheels off our bikes and beat the shit out of each other.

There was no-one else on the track that day…

To his credit, Dinsdale acknowledged the ‘good competition’ at the trophy presentation and we walked away with mutual admiration for each other, and in my case, more than enough money for petrol to get us through the 10 hour drive back to The Isa. Little did I know at the time that I had a new lifelong friend. Only a year or so later I moved to Brisbane to further my career and before long Dinsdale was staying at my place on and off so he could go to a few of the local motocross meetings and our earlier heated exchanges were laughed about.

Over the next three decades Dinsdale has been for me the staunchest of friends.

No matter where we were or how long since we last spoke, Dinsdale would be all smiles and handshakes, and genuinely keen to find out what has been going on in my life as I was with his.

Dinsdale, who was known as the ‘Mackay Mauler ’ went on to win nine Queensland Motocross Championships and become one of the fastest racers in Australia in an era where the likes of Craig Dack and Glenn Bell were dominating the sport.

And to win so many Queensland titles was no mean feat back then either with the likes of David Armstrong, Bryan Flemming, Alex Kidas, Andrew Bailey and James Deakin (to name a few) all vying for the top spot year-in year-out.

Dinsdale’s family was priority, his beautiful wife Peta along with his sons Brock and Joel as well as his daughter Natasha were the focus of Dinsdale’s life and I

know that he was immensely proud of the family he cherished and for them it is obviously a tough time.

Thanks to the dedication and commitment (and just a bit of ‘tough love’) of his father Joel Dinsdale has already made a name for himself in the sport of motocross and at the age of 14 has Queensland and Australian championships under his belt.

We all now look to Joel to continue his career as his proud father would have liked and after visiting the family the day after the funeral it is reassuring to know that there is so much support from Dinsdale’s close friends and that Stephen married such a capable woman in Peta.

Finally, there is a difference

between a hard racer and a dirty rider and Dinsdale was definitely one of the hardest competitors on the track but he was never ‘dirty’. Sure, like most of us back in the day there were times that we sent a few riders over a berm or two but it was done in the spirit of the sport and Stephen Dinsdale was the epitome of all that the sport of motocross represents.

R.I.P old mate, for me you will be sorely missed and thanks for so many fantastic memories, on and off the track.

– Darren Smart

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The tinkerer I LOVE tinkering in my shed. Well, most of the time I do, until some part or whatever plays hard ball and I get the shits with it all. I’ve never been known for my patience. They say it’s a virtue, but it’s one I wasn’t born with. I am getting better as I get older though and I realise tantrums don’t achieve much. I still throw them every now and then and I think by now my neighbours (and CT’s office crew)* know what swear words are in my vocabulary, even the farmer down the back.

Time p re s s ure do e sn’ t h elp the situation ( ‘ Pi cket t Time ’ is le ge nda r y a round t he CT of f i ce) . I’ ve h ad some me mo rab le w ig o uts while prepar in g r ace bikes f or me e tings . This has of ten been due to my son A lex’ s inab ility to ke e p the rubber side down . I n ever seemed to hav e the s e is s ue s when I was r acin g because I didn ’ t c ras h muc h. Mayb e that’ s wh y I never won much either (b ut it co uld ha ve just been because he was sl ow…) . That has imp ro v e d to a la rge degree in the last couple of ye ars tho ugh – the time pressure, n ot me winn ing rac e s . In 2009 I b uilt him a G P Mono road r acer out o f a Yamaha Y Z 250F. It was so beautif ul and I was so p ro ud o f the jo b that I inf or med him his lif e would b e in dange r s ho uld h e cr ash such a beautif ul beast.

Yo u w o uldn’t b e lie ve it but h e f ell off it in the pits at the no w no n-e xis ten t O r an Par k circuit dur in g the firs t ro und. I had reduced th e steer ing lock a tad too muc h and o ff he tip ped at walking pace af ter retur nin g fro m p rac tic e . He threw h imself un der the bike to save the p aint, go d b le s s him. You kn ow, h e n ever cr ashed that b ike all ye ar, wh ich probably didn’ t h elp h is lap time s . He re c ko ns the f ear of death was in the back of his mind e v e ry time h e rode it. Not sure wh eth er th at w as fro m me o r the bike but I do h ave the undamaged fairing hanging in th e Pickett sh ed as a reminder, to him at le as t, that you can actually go a season with out c ras hing. I’ll te ll you a secret: wh en he cr ash es I firs t make s ure he ’s all r igh t, but this is f ollowed a millis e c o nd late r b y th ough ts of th e cost of th e cr ash. A t le as t he c o me s firs t: I’ d be a bit wor r ied that I’ m a bad p are nt if it w e re the other way around.

As a c o nfirme d tin kerer, there’ s a couple of projects on the go in the C hate a u Picko shed at th e moment but at le as t I’v e manage d to get r id of some. I f in ally man aged to finis h C ycle To rq ue’s 851 Ducati wh ich tur ned out to b e a b igge r j o b than I thought. I str ipped it down to p o w de rc o at the frame because th e shitty f in ish was e ating aw ay at me . I wish I h adn’ t ( I wi sh he hadn’t , to o ) b e c aus e I quic kly f ound it was th e most complex and fiddly mo to rc ycle I’ d ever wor ked on . Th ere are w ire s and p ip e s go ing bloody ever ywhere. With some he lp fro m Ro n Yo ung Engin eer in g and Mike Ber r y f rom De s mo C linic in Sydn ey I had it sor ted. I absolutely lo v e riding it b ut now Cycl e Torque co- own er s Nigel and Ray are has s ling me to r ide it too. Th ey migh t own s o me o f it b ut it’s my baby, an d I’ m strugglin g to hand o v e r the ke ys . Le t’s just say it’ s saf e at my place at th e mo me nt.

I’v e als o go t a 198 9 Honda R S250 with an XR 600 e ngine . It w as o riginally made to r ace in a popular s ingle c ylinde r c hampionship in th e ’ 90s but last time

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MuZ Skorpion

w e rod e i t t h e e n g i n e w e n t a b i t w ro ng (it s e lfSPEND many of my dIest ruc t e d s e con d time ou t) s o i t s i t s in the s he d. I working days with aac tgroup ua l l yoft rhappy i e d t o s e l l t h e ro l l i n g chas s is fo r no t a lo t souls who of mon e y cbelieve o n s i d e r i n g t h e t r i c k w h e e ls and b rake s correct i tthe ’ s got b u number t I ’v e d e ci d e d t h e y ca n a ll ge t s tuffe d, of cylinders for any I ’internal m ke epcombustion i n g i t , e v e n i f i t i s t o ro b it o f b its to s uit my n e xt g r a n d pal a n . W h a t ’s t h a t I he ar yo u as k? engine powering I ’twin-track v e st a r t e vehicle d b u i l dto i nbe g a V F 1 0 0 0 H o n da rac e b ike fo r eight, ideally arranged th e n e w P e r i o d S i x h i s t o r i c cl a s s , f o r b ike s made in a V configuration. be t w ee n 1 9 8 3 a n d 1 9 8 9 . I t ’s p ro b a b ly no t the firs t Some of these people believe that bifurther ke you ’d p i ck t o r a ce i n t h e cl a s s b ut the n I’v e with correct nthe ev er d o n enumber t h i n g soft ocylinders s o m e o n e e l sunaccountably e ’s p lan muclumbered h of kick-only starting (which was either for any motorcycle engine to be th e t ilikewise me . economy beyond the pale or an two, arranged in a V confi I waguration. n t a g o o d V F 1 0 0 0 fo r n o m oapproach ne y (I’vetootradition nly go t that’s almost indistinguishable Well,I we think like, t h ree, n e ecan d mo re ) what s o i f we you have o ne c lutte ring from insanity) and an exhaust layout that defied and I’ve certainly spent part of umy p spa e ring m e a tthe t hsecond e o ffi ce o n comprehension.

02 4956 9820, And o r then what? lifecagreeing with ema i l m e a t c h r i s @c y c l e t o rq u e . c o m .au.

I’v e go t And then nothing. The guttering of those beliefs – their misguided Japan’s notion l ot s o f of b ithe t s aideal n d IV-twin ’m k e efeatures n t o g e t i t candle o n theof trac k. Idalliance with ‘classic’ died out, but for a few wpushrods a s h o p i nand g tlots o h aofv iron, e o n ewhere g o i n g fo r the Barry She e ne splutters from Honda in the guise mine boasts two camshafts per pot, Fest i v a lalloys of Sp e e dwater-cooling. b u t t i m e w i l l mof o sthe t like b e at me GBly models. quality and Then came an awkward silence ( hBut a hafter a h a last … ).month’s rant about the polishing the barrenness I a l so t a kof e acalife re without o f m o s ttwoo f t h e puntil ro j e cEurope t b ike sresumed , idea of the rorty little single, thanks strokes it dawned on me belatedly ma i n l y b e ca u s e Ni g e l ’s n o t u s u a l l y b o the re d to the French preoccupation with that we were both mistaken and ( rea st i cproper w ith number h is timeof ) w i t h a n y oits f that s tuff, and Supermotard competitions, legal thatl ithe cylinders otherwise. pfor oorthe o lideal d D emotorcycle n n i s o u r aisdone, v e r tor i sat i n g and manage r has KTM, no Husqvarna and Aprilia have supplied some least one cylinder per occupant. c l ue on h o w t o u s e t o o l s (w e ’v e thsturdy re a te ne d him w ith weaponry for the purpose, Halfway through the American i nst a nt d is mis s a l).

I t ’s s a fe t o s a y h e s ho uld ne vhandsome er trim, potent and – trip of a couple of years back the latest trim offering from Dick be l etand n e aI rfound t h e mourselves b e ca u s e s o m e o n enote might ge t hurt or Husqvarna, the SMS630 – but none inme the pcompany of so a r t d a mof a gaeclutch d. has exactly been the Classic Single. indefatigably amiable Americans S o Iwanted go t h ro g hride t h iwith s cy them. c l e o f p ro jMuZ e c ts and p iling up , of Czechits range who usuto p“If ro jI’d ec twanted s b e i n gto stravel o l d , ainnadgroup t h e n p ro made, j ec ts pBritish-styled iling up and Yamahacame closest, aI’d ga ihave n , a ncome d s oby o nbus,” . I t aobserved l l p l a y s h a v opowered c w ith models my s anity ticking most of the boxes if looking Dick with pointed accuracy. w hAs i c hwith so m e p e o p l e i n t h e o ffi ce w ould argue had a little toytown-like at the end of many two-wheeled j uendeavours, mpe d s h i pit’sl oabout n g a gthe o (A me n to ththe a t).day. Even so, the MuZ Skorpion music, Chris Pickett Sport –was a rightful heir and and anything that interferes

successor to generations of Brit with it has no place on the ride. * He cklin g a d d e d b y Nige l Pa te r s o n. singles and just the thing to leave a Whether because in my youth crisp, barking exhaust note marking bikes lacked the abundant power the rider’s progress between fields of today, or because I’m innately of waving wheat on a cool Sunday a grumpy old sod, I believe the morning in autumn. The music, the motorcycle to be essentially a solo music. unit, dynamically and stylistically The comparative failure of ill-suited to carrying passengers the MuZ must finally prove, to for any distance or luggage in any my lasting disappointment, the quantity. Keep it small, trim and barrenness of the concept in today’s above all light and you don’t need 400 horsepower to make interesting world. As much as I admire the much-derided UJM, I praise above tunes. all the virtues of lightness and History is on my side. The simplicity. But I guess with tarmacsmall, lightweight, single-cylinder melting horsepower available in motorcycle is a concept rich with bikes that weigh so little, today ideals, yet take a look at the last more than ever it’s possible to have few efforts the Japanese have your cake and eat it. But not for me. made at creating a sporty roadI will never now be rich enough to going single and you’ll see designs own the DBD34 BSA Gold Star I so laden with the heavy hand of have lusted after for so long, and history that it’s surprising they for all their supple agility I have functioned as motorcycles at all. never been a Velocette fan. But I’ve Honda, for example, having done had my MuZ Sport and enjoyed something downright peculiar that, and might even do it again if with the design of the FT500 in the I can find the right bike. Anyone early ’80s, laid it on with a trowel with useful information on the when the XBR500 came along subject can contact me via the Cycle five years later. Pudding-basin Torque office. helmets, half-timbered houses and Happy music-making. goodness knows what else began – Bob Guntrip to feature when the marketing boys thought about flogging the 500 thumper, itself no bad bike and appreciably better than Yamaha’s offering, the SRX600, which might have been a willing horse but was

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Launch Report – Triumph Tiger 800 XC REPORT BY

Chris Pickett

PHOTOS BY

Lou Martin

RIDING GEAR: RXT Rallye helmet, Triumph gloves, Triumph jacket and pants, Thomas Cook boots.

Utilitarian

With the adventure market ever increasing it was only a matter of time before Triumph dipped its toe in the water.

LONG travel suspension, flexible engine, comfort, protection, ruggedness. These are all important words or phrases in the adventure rider ’s vocabulary. The best adventure bikes have these very qualities, and so does Triumph’s new Tiger 800 XC. This is not some parts bin special, it’s all-new, a truly capable and exciting motorcycle, and the culmination of over three years of hard work by Triumph’s designers.

It’s in a popular market segment dominated by some truly great motorcycles, and the Triumph crew knew they had to build the right bike straight out of the box to compete against such strong opposition. It’s not perfect, no bike ever is, but bloody hell it’s good, and at $16,250 ($1000 more for ABS model) it’s priced to make a big impact on the adventure bike sector.

Tan t a l i s i n g t r iple

The factory stuck to the inline three cylinder

engine layout it knows extremely well, although it’s not just a big bore Daytona 675 engine as most pundits expected. According to Triumph UK’s Darrell Taylor, the designers knew a peaky supersport engine wouldn’t cut it as an adventure mount powerplant, so they built a new 95 horsepower 12-valve engine which shares only a limited number of parts with the sports bike’s 675cc engine. A 74mm bore is shared by both engines, but the Tiger has different pistons, although the same rings are used. A longer stroke is where the extra capacity comes from. The head casting is the same but everything inside the head is new, likewise with the gearbox; the shafts are the same but the gear ratios are different, as you would expect. About 75 per cent of the engine is all-new, but there are a couple of interesting new touches sure to please adventure riders.

Firstly the dipstick is gone, replaced by a sight glass. Checking your oil level in the middle of

the Simpson Desert is easy now, just wipe off the dust and there you go. No chance of dirt and grit falling inside now. The other is an oil-cooled 645-watt alternator. With the amount of electrical gadgets you can get for, or run, on this bike this foresight by Triumph will surely be a hit with riders, especially when it’s cold and dark and the heated handgrips, spot lights (optional extras), and if you are lucky a heated vest keep working without flattening the battery.

A three into one exhaust has the catalytic converter way up front in the collector which is to help the engine comply with current European pollution laws. Apparently being closer to the exhaust ports makes the bad gasses burn off quicker. In keeping with the bike’s design brief, the air intake is positioned high up under the seat so ingesting water and dirt is less of an issue than it could be.

Launch Report – Triumph Tiger 800 XC 800 engine – smooth and grunty.

Four pot Nissin calipers are spot on for adventure touring.

A n c i l l a ri es

The all-new frame is made from tubular steel. It’s an odd shape, but cool looking. Why is it steel and not alloy? That’s because it can be easily repaired in far flung countries where alloy welding hasn’t quite become common. Just about any little town will have an electric arc welder lying around so bending, heating or welding the frame isn’t a big issue at all, but the fact steel’s cheaper than alloy might have had something to do with it to. Keeping the frame as minimalist as possible, Triumph decided to run the swingarm pivot through the engine crankcases. Not new technology but certainly not common on adventure machines.

Steel is also used for the foot brake and gear levers. Those who have tried to bend a bent alloy lever back to its rightful place will know the heartbrake when you say to yourself, “I’ll just go that bit further”, and then it breaks. You’ve got a much better chance with steel.

45mm Showa forks are non adjustable and allow 220mm of wheel travel. At the rear the Showa single shock has preload and rebound adjustment, with 215mm of wheel travel. Keeping things in check are dual four-piston Nissin calipers and 308mm discs, while the rear brake is a twin-piston Nissin caliper and 255mm disc. Switchable ABS is optional but at the time of the test none were available in Australia. When you read this they should either be here or not far away.

As the XC is more off-road oriented than its standard sibling (a test of the Tiger 800 will be in a later issue) it uses a 21 inch front wheel and a 17 inch rear wheel, with a 90/90 - 150/70 Bridgestone Battle

Wing tyre combination. Spoked wheels are used, with Excel rims, which interestingly aren’t tubeless like in some other adventure machines. A KTM 990 Adventure I owned used tubes, while the BMW R 1150 GS which preceded it didn’t.

Truth be told, I never got a flat from either so it was never an issue. In reality I don’t expect this will either.

Seat height is adjustable which is great. Two positions are available, 845 or 865mm. It’s so easy to change the seat height it’s ridiculous. A huge elastic band holds the bars in place, and you simply put them in the lower or higher slot. In their highest position I found it nigh on perfect for me, a six footer. From there the reach for the ’bars was good. I did get the guys to rotate the ’bars forward and up later in our ride so they were better placed for standing up while on the dirt. If this isn’t enough, you can switch around the offset handlebar clamps to put the ’bars even further forward. They are nice and wide too, some 30 odd mm wider than the standard Tiger 800.

Everything else forward of the rider is very functional, like the instruments (with dual trip meters, gear indicator, fuel gauge and distance to empty etc), handguards, screen. You could say the whole bike looks very functional, designed to do the job rather than be pretty. But it’s this utilitarian style that actually makes it cool looking.

On r oa d

The standard tyres are suitable for 90 per cent road and 10 per cent dirt riding. On the road you can push them very hard before they start to cry enough. I wasn’t really surprised how much grip they had, and the

Standard screen offered enough protection without buffeting.

Sp ecific ations: 2011 triumph tiger 800 xc Engine Type: Liquid-cooled inline triple Capacity: 799cc Transmission: 6-speed Fuel Capacity: 19 Litres Frame Type: Tubular steel trellis Seat Height: 845-865mm Wet Weight: 215kg Front Suspension: USD 45mm Showa Rear Suspension: Showa monoshock Brakes: Twin disc front, single rear Tyres: 90/90-21, 150/70-17 Price (RRP): $16250+ORC–ABS$17250 www.triumph.co.uk/australia Call for a quote

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Launch Report – Triumph Tiger 800 XC front end gives enough feedback and therefore confidence to shove it into corners.

Lumps and bumps aren’t an issue with the suspension fitted to the XC. At first I found the rear end a bit stiff so I just wound back the hydraulic pre-load a couple of clicks and it was fine, only giving a bit of a jolt on big sharp bumps. At the front the only time the forks weren’t really happy was a series of potholes or the like. Overall though it was very hard to complain about the suspension, and I think the Triumph engineers have got it pretty close to the mark, and most riders would be very happy with the compliancy of the forks and shock. Hard core riders might like to play with it a bit but I wouldn’t think their numbers will be many.

We did everything from cruising through open country roads, tight windy mountain roads, and freeway jaunts in heavy rain and high wind. I think top speed is irrelevant on a bike like this.

I certainly never bothered to find it but let’s just say there was enough on tap to be loads of fun, whatever the conditions. It would have to be one of the most flexible engines I’ve ever sampled. 100km/h in sixth gear has the motor spinning at 4500rpm. I reckon the gearbox ratios, final gearing and torque of the engine makes it a great ride in any conditions. At one stage I was in sixth and pulled off the road to barely a crawl, then rode off in top gear because I forgot to back to first. I was amazed it could do that. I was even in top gear on many of the dirt roads we encountered. This doesn’t mean it’s too low geared, far from it. Simply put, the engine is a gem.

Comfort is a real plus on this bike. If I’ve sampled a better seat on any other bike I’ve ever ridden I must have a short memory. It is the right density, shape and width to let you ride seemingly forever. We did close to 500 kilometres on the first day of the launch and I felt like I could have done hundreds more no probs. The combination of the seat/’bars/’pegs positioning adds to the awesome seat. I know it’s a personal thing but for me Triumph got that part especially right.

O f f r oa d

If I owned an XC – and I could easily see one in my garage – I’d replace the standard tyres with something a bit more off-road oriented. Look at Pirelli’s Scorpion MT90 or even its chunkier Rallycross tyre. Dunlop has its D603-607 range (plus others), Michelin’s T63 is a good on/

off road tyre, as is the Anakee. I quite like Kenda’s new K784 Adventure, and its K270 Claw tyre too. I could go on, and every tyre manufacturer has a tyre which covers what I’m talking about. In short, I don’t feel the standard tyres are good enough for the type of riding I would do if I owned the Tiger 800 XC because I like to do more off-road work than Triumph reckons most XC owners will do. This is not a criticism of the bike or its standard tyres. Many of these 70 road/30 dirt tyres give very good traction on road surfaces, and offer much better traction off road than your usual more roadbased tyre.

I took the time to read an overseas test from the world launch of the Tiger 800 XC. One area the tester was a little critical was the front brakes which he deemed to be ‘spongy’ and lacking in bite. I wondered where most of his riding was done. On the road you could ask for better brakes when you are riding very hard in tight roads but on the dirt I found the brakes to be spot on. I like to lock up the rear wheel on the dirt to help aim the bike where I want, and I could do this while still holding a decent amount of front brake on to help me slow up without the chance of locking the front wheel. I don’t agree with the particular overseas tester, I think Triumph got it right.

While the flexibility of the engine makes the XC great on the road, it’s perfect in the rough stuff too. It doesn’t seem to matter what gear you’re in, the XC just motors along.

There were times the suspension bounced and

skittered around on corrugations and the like but I never found it enough of an issue that it detracted from the bike’s performance.

Ve rdict

If Triumph doesn’t sell plenty of these I’ll be very surprised. It’s certainly on the money price wise, and as an adventure tourer it’s an awesome first time effort from the English company. Sure, Triumph has offered the Tiger as a model for some years now but none of them have been as serious an off-road tool as the new XC. Triumph has a shed load of accessories for the bike too. From luggage and tall screens, to alloy bash plates and Arrow mufflers.

I’ve owned a number of adventure tourers over the years so I’ve got an idea of what works and what doesn’t. The new Tiger 800 XC works. n

Set up with optional touring luggage.

Beefy swingarm and Excel rims are made from tough stuff.

Similar instruments are found on many of Triumph’s

Cycle Torque People – Steve Crombie

Scrapes and narrow escapes are just part of the game.

LAST issue we looked at how and why Steve became an adventurer lost on earth. We continue the journey. Catch up on last issue at www.cycletorque.com.au/emag.

While Steve fell in love with South America, it wasn’t all fun and games “In Venezuela the people are a law unto themselves. You get a good insight by checking out the magazines on sale at any petrol station. They like hotted up 4WDs, guns and girly magazines. And they have a penchant for head on collisions, overtaking on blind corners, flashing high beam for no apparent reason, chesty wars and cutting in front of motorbikes in a feeble attempt to exterminate them and make way for more 4WDs. This is the worst country for riding motorbikes in all South America.

“Since leaving school I’ve crammed in over 250,000km of adventures by land and sea through about 40 countries and four continents – from Australia to the Arctic, Singapore to Sydney and the Himalayas to southern India.

“I’ve done lots of stupid things; like starving to near death in Argentina because I didn’t have a pump, getting locked up in the southernmost city in the world after a heavy night of mayhem and having a chunk taken out of my neck in Nicaragua for reasons I can’t explain.

Sometimes I was in the wrong place at the wrong time - or the right time depending on which way you look at it. I almost crashed into a Puma in Guyana, side-stepped elephants in the Nepalese foothills and battled Dengue fever in Sumba, Indonesia (amongst a myriad of other awesome diseases I’ve collected on my

travels).

“But they are mostly calculated risks with worthy rewards. Since 1999 I navigated across the Andes four times, solo trekked the Simpson Desert, sailed 14,000 kilometres down the Amazon, learnt how to ride bulls with two time world champion Troy Dunn and basically learnt the limits of my own capabilities whilst having the time of my life.”

From north to south, one of the most exciting times was swimming in the Arctic Ocean.

“It was so much of a buzz, I barely registered how cold it was. I was suffering from malnutrition at the time so it was good to get a rise out of the fact I made it there alive. Admittedly I didn’t see any massive icebergs, polar bears or killer whales. But I did see whale bones. And shitloads of oil refineries.”

Someone like Steve can’t sit idle for long and the next journey is always in mind. We wondered where that might be.

“We are in negotiations for three different documentary series at the moment. So it will most likely revolve around one of them.

Whatever it is, it’ll involve motors, lots of pain, an equal amount of pleasure and a much broader sense of purpose. I’ve lost interest in A to B journeys. The adventure has to have a deeper meaning. It’ll be a multifaceted, multiplatform mother of a documentary project.”

While Steve is now a ‘factory’ Yamaha rider much of his travel escapades was on an old Honda Dominator 650 road/trail machine.

Numerous crashes and numerous rebuilds must surely have put the old girl to motorcycle heaven.

“I still have Wolverine the trusty Honda Dominator. Red Bull X-Fighters judge and super journo Goba Obrien has been manhandling her for a year or so in the Border Ranges on the NSW/Qld border. I think Tom from TBAM Magazine has her at the moment. If anyone can put Wolverine to good use until I can afford to gold plate her and put her on my mantle I’m all ears.”

What does a world traveller do when not world travelling, does Steve’s life just revolve around this pursuit?

“I spend half my time on philanthropic projects for organisations such as Inspire Foundation, Reachout!, A.I.M.E. and School Aid. The other half is spent promoting my new book Lost On Earth (available from cycle Torque, see page 50), presenting an online series for the RTA and Motorcycling Australia teaching people how to ride motorbikes; consulting for people planning their own adventures and developing new documentary projects with Lonely Planet, Discovery Channel and a few other production houses - dreaming up new ways to explore the planet.

Also doing voiceovers, writing articles and running personalised adventure tours both in Australia and Indonesia.

“As a society we are slowly peeling back the layers of our planet and one day we will have scraped all the beautiful places, races, cultures and faces off the surface of the earth. I like sharing these things with people who don’t have the time or opportunity to explore them with their own eyes.

Besides adventure motorcycling I am addicted to canyoning, rockclimbing, spearfishing, freediving, cliff jumping, meditation, Qi Gong, Yoga, Brazillian Ju-jitzu, philosophy, drooling over maps and the opposite sex. Oh hang on. Damn. That’s all

adventure stuff. Contact me for more info, maybe not the opposite sex drooling though.”

Surely all this adventure travelling has to be life changing to a degree, but how much has Steve changed?

“As with every journey, it is the people that you share your days with that make the trip. They taught me about what life was like outside the box I was made in.

“I learnt what makes me happy, what makes me sad and what satisfies my desires as a human being. Most important of all was learning to be content with my own company and express my feelings and emotions, instead of tailoring them in a way deemed appropriate by who ever I was with at the time.

Some people may not be attracted to that mentality, but if you do not truly express yourself in a way that fits with your perspective on life, then it is hard to free yourself of the confines society can place on you. The pressure to succeed in something that may not make you happy is commonplace. The sphere of influence that surrounds you can often shift your focus to a goal that does not truly reflect your attitude or morals. So I learnt to stand alone, and be happy being me.

“I welcome discomfort and misfortune, assured that I will bounce back wiser and less vulnerable to the elements that surround me. As Dr Norman Vincent Peel says ‘The more problems you’ve got the more life you’ve got. If you’ve got no problems, you’ve got no life.’ A life without challenges is like being a man without balls. If you’ve got them, you may as well use them to your advantage.”

To find out more about Steve’s adventures search Steve Crombie on Twitter or Facebook – or check out the website www.loston.com. n

Cycle Torque Test – 2011 Kawasaki KX450F REPORT BY

Todd Reed

PHOTOS BY

Chris Pickett

RIDING GEAR: Shoei helmet, Shift nylons, Alpinestars boots.

Velvet hammer GONE are the days of rip snorting open class MX monsters. Now it’s about getting the power to the ground, being rider friendly and comfortable over longer periods. When you roll out on to the track you know Kawasaki’s KX450F is on your side, not fighting you the whole way.

Engine Anyone that’s thrown a leg over a KX four stroke since 2007 would know that the motor underneath the green machine is an absolute ripper. Over the years Kawasaki has introduced its flawless EFI system and made constant improvements to the engine and its various components, to ensure its motor stays at the front of the pack. This year the Kawasaki engineers came up with some modest

changes to further improve the 2011 bike. With sound/noise pollution becoming more and more apparent in our sport, Kawasaki took a step in the right direction by changing the exhaust system in an attempt to reduce noise. To do this the muffler length was extended, and the muffler core diameter decreased. To compliment the revised muffler, all new EFI/ Ignition settings were implemented to increase low end response and punch off the bottom. The piston skirt was modified to increase performance yet still maintain the excellent durability that it had in 2010.

Out on the track it’s easy to come to terms with the user friendly power-band and smooth engine characteristics of the

Muscular but smooth, soft but explosive.

Meet Kawasaki’s KX450F.

S p e c i f i c at i o n s : 2011 kawasaki kx450f Engine Type: Liquid-cooled single Capacity: 449cc Transmission: 5-speed Fuel Capacity: 7 Litres Frame Type: Alloy twin spar Seat Height: 960mm Wet Weight: 113kg Front Suspension: 48mm USD Kayaba Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak Brakes: Single disc front and rear Tyres: 90/100-21, 120/80-19 Price (RRP): $11,699 www.kawasaki.com.au

Flash fork coating for less stiction.

Engine feels strong but subtle.

Rear shock is much the same as last year. big bore KX. Low end power comes on in what feels like a ‘metered’ amount of power. It’s not strong and snappy, it’s very smooth and easy to use and a more mellow power curve off the bottom when compared to some of its competition. As you build through the revs the mid-top echelon of the power-curve shines and the KX grows some longer legs as it revs out quite hard for a big bore four stroke. It’s certainly not a bad thing that the green machine isn’t hitting as hard off the bottom, as it actually makes the bike a bit easier to ride and not so taxing on your body after a few hard laps around the motocross track. The power was plentiful when you needed it most as you screw on the throttle hard to make that fast exit out of a corner or for that bit of extra power to make it over the next obstacle.

The engine and EFI setting make the KX450 very responsive at almost any RPM level.

It’s quite easy to blip the throttle and find yourself in the peak RPM range and right in the meat of the power, all without the slightest hiccup or miss out of the intake system.

Chassis and suspension The Chassis and Suspension set-up remain relatively unchanged on the new 2011 machine. The Kayaba suspension has had some minor changes with the internal

Compact powerplant. valving, and we understand the chassis has received no real rider beneficial changes on the new model.

The big bore KX handles well out on the track. We played around with a few settings on the Kawasaki and managed to come up with a good base setting pretty quickly. We set the rider sag at 102mm and made sure all the clickers were in the standard position as per the recommended setting from the factory. Then we moved the forks so they were sitting 8mm up through the top triple clamp and once again set the clickers to the factory settings. On the tracks which we found to be smoother and more jump filled we stiffened up the compression setting in small amounts to make the most out of the travel on the bigger jumps. Once the tracks got rough and nasty we went softer than the factory settings as the standard clicker settings seemed to feel a bit harsh in the changed conditions.

The rest The standard handlebars on the Kawasaki are certainly a winner here at Cycle Torque, the Renthal 7/8” ’bars may not be twinwalls or tapered style bars, but for most riders out there the standard ’bars are just fine and the bend is very comfortable and easy to get used to. Bridgestone

take good care of the rubber and supply the very popular M403/M404 combo as standard equipment. The front and rear brake systems on the Kawasaki work well and have no problems, but it would be a welcome addition if the decision makers at Kawasaki decided to include a larger 270mm front rotor as standard equipment.

Anyone who has ridden a big bore 450 in recent times would probably agree with us by saying that today’s 450 off-road bikes can be quite a handful to try and pull up.

It’s not to say that the KX doesn’t stop, it’s just that the braking power could be easily improved without too much research and development.

The final say The 2011 KX450 is a great package straight off the showroom floor. The green machine has quality Japanese components from front to back and is a great bike for the average punter to work on. To top it off quality on the KX looks a million bucks too, but only costs $11,699. The engine and suspension is well set up for the average MX rider and most riders will easily adapt to the Kawasaki’s characteristics. Any rider in the market for a new 450 motocross bike should certainly take a look at the 2011 KX450F.

Books Direct 3

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Lost on Earth

“The only way I am coming home is by bike or by box,” Steve Crombie writes when he first hits the road, travelling 90,000kms from Australia to the Arctic Circle via South America. It takes him two years. He suffers from dehydration, starvation and disease. He rebuilds his motorcycle four times. Along the way Steve not only tests his limits but meets the world head on - waking up behind iron bars in Tierra Del Lost on Earth – $34.99 2

Ivan Mauger Autobiography

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

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

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

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

Ivan Mauger Autobiography – $39.95 3

4

Motorcycle Dream Garages

Fantastic Spaces. Outrageous Bikes. Motorcycles live in luxurious palaces, lavishly outfitted warehouses, and gritty shops. ‘Motorcycle Dream Garages’ takes you inside these private enclaves for a sneak peak into the homes of some of the world’s coolest motorcycles. You’ll tour a secret 10,000-square-foot warehouse in New York…a private collection housed in southern California that includes more than 25 one-off customs and highly modified sportbikes-not to mention a jet-powered motorcycle.

Motorcycle Dream Garages – $49.99

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Dual Sport Motorcycling

Everything you need to buy, ride and enjoy trail and adventure motorcycling. Sections on riding gear, tools, riding tips and safety and maintenance keep you well informed for the trip ahead.

Exploring and navigating are also covered in this comprehensive guide book.

Dual Sport Motorcycling – $55 5 Freerider MX’s Ultimate Guide to Freestyle

As freestyle motocross continues to capture the imagination of the mainstream public and motorcycle sales soaring, more riders are focusing their attentions on riding FMX than ever before. With the racing scene becoming more competitive than ever, more people are opting for the lifestyle and fun factor of freestyle, and as a result, amateur classes at events are burgeoning, and letters from readers eager to make a career in freestyle motocross are flooding Freerider MX Magazine’s inbox.

Freerider MX’s Ultimate Guide to Freestyle – $19.95 6

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KAZOOM

Young kids are fascinated by motorbikes. That’s why they stare, point and wave at bikers. Here’s a great book for them. Kazoom tells the story of a crazy race in superb cartoon images and rollicking verse. Twenty-six great bikes – including Beemer, Duke, Trumpy, Kwaka and Harley – ridden by a collection of zany characters.

Written, illustrated and published in Australia.

KAZOOM – $15.95 7

Bitch’n Bitumen

This - the ultimate riders/drivers guide book, provides 224 pages of the best roads in Tas, Vic, ACT, NSW, and QLD, including 34 maps covering loads of day rides, overnight trips and awesome week-long tours, and much more.

Bitch’n Bitumen – $39.95

To Order Call 02 4956 9820 www.cycletorque.com.au w ww.ccycletorquuee.ccom m.a .aau

www.cycletorque.com.au

Send your order to: Book Sales, Cycle Torque, PO Box 687, Warners Bay, NSW 2282 Ph: (02) 4956 9820, Fax: (02) 4956 9824

Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au

Books Direct 1

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Long Way Down

After their fantastic trip round the world in 2004, fellow actors and bike fanatics Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman couldn’t shake the travel bug. And after an inspirational UNICEF visit to Africa, they knew they had to go back and experience this extraordinary continent in more depth.

Long Way Down – $24.99 2

Long Way Round

From London to New York, Ewan and Charley chased their shadows through Europe, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia, across the Pacific to Alaska, then down through Canada and America. But as the miles slipped beneath the tyres of their big BMWs, their troubles started. Exhaustion, injury and accidents tested their strength.

Treacherous roads, unpredictable weather and turbulent politics challenged their stamina. They were chased by paparazzi in Kazakhstan, courted by men with very large guns in the Ukraine, hassled by the police, and given bulls’ testicles for supper by Mongolian nomads.

Long Way Round – $24.99 3

Race Tech’s

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

Race Tech’s – $49.99 4

American Dream Bikes

Unappreciated by the world is the fact that in today’s elusive studio of motorcycle design America is a major player for some, the major player. Dozens of designers, engineers and craftsmen are creating some of the most exciting and innovative motorcycles the world has ever seen - ever dreamed about. This doesn’t just mean “yet another chopper”.

It means names like Confederate, Ecosse, Fischer, Roehr, Vectrix (producing an electric sportbike), and MotoCzysz in addition to, and no less worthy in this context, the establishment Harley-Davidson with Buell, Victory, and even Indian. Award-winning author Alan Cathcart visits 25 shops, interviews the designers and engineers and rides the motorcycles. Each shop, interviewee and motorcycle has been photographed especially for this book.

American Dream Bikes – $75.00 5

Race to Dakar

In 2004 Charley Boorman completed his astonishing round-the-world bike trip with his friend, Ewan McGregor.

The journey left him exhausted, exhilarated and hungry for a new challenge. And what greater challenge than the Dakar rally? Beginning in Lisbon and ending in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, the rally covers 15,000 kilometres of treacherous terrain, and is widely regarded as the most dangerous race on earth. With his team-mates Simon Pavey and Matt Hall, Charley faced extreme temperatures, rode through shifting sands and stinging winds, and faced breakdowns miles from civilisation. Charley recounts his extraordinary adventures through Portugal, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Senegal. He also follows the stories of other riders - an eccentric, dedicated band of professionals and rookies who all dream of one thing: reaching the finishing line. Race to Dakar is the thrilling account of a race that has captured the imagination of millions.

Race to Dakar – $24.99

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Chrome Cowgirl Motorcycle Life

A primer for women who ride, or want to, or might simply like to jumpstart their lives, the book addresses women astraddle in a way that’s as funny as it is informative. Whether it’s how to ride, what to do to your bike, or what to wear, Sasha has the advice. What’s more, her bike savvy and street strategies pack powerful lessons, offering a friendly word from the wisecracking on how to get the most out of life’s wild ride.

Chrome Cowgirl Motorcycle Life – $39.99

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Books Direct www.cycletorque.com.au

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Custom Motorcycles

Whether you’re building a chopper, a bobber, or a customized bagger--or simply adding personality to a stock cruiser--you want your bike to stand out. It is, after all, an original.

For inspiration or direction, from the big idea to the finest detail, look no further than this book. With hundreds of examples of what builders and painters and passionate owners have done with their bikes, Custom Motorcycles is a great way to get started--or to finetune a concept.

Custom Motorcycles – $39.99 8

Motorcycle Electrical Systems

A motorcycle’s electrical system can be daunting to even the most adept home mechanic. And yet, the more complex these systems become—and the more important to a motorcycle’s function—the more useful, even critical, it will be to know something about them. That’s where this book comes in with a user-friendly guide to understanding, diagnosing, and fixing the electrical systems and components that make a bike run . . . or falter.

Motorcycle Electrical Systems – $39.99

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Ivan Mauger Autobiography

IVAN Mauger is more than the outstanding individual performer in speedway. He can also point to hugely successful partnerships on and off the track.

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

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

Ivan Mauger Autobiography – $39.95 10 The Harley-Davidson Motor Co.

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.

The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. – $79.99 11 Book of the Ducati 750SS

Although manufactured for only one year, 1974, the Ducati 750 Super Sport was immediately touted as a future classic. It was a pioneer motorcycle - expensive and rare, and produced by Ducati’s race department to celebrate victory in the 1972 Imola 200 Formula 750 race. Owing to its uniqueness and rarity, the 750 SS has become extremely expensive and desirable, fetching prices beyond the most expensive contemporary Ducati; for Ducatisti, it is the Holy Grail.

Book of the Ducati 750SS – $79.99

www.cycletorque.com.au w ww.ccycletorquuee.ccom m.a .aau

www.cycletorque.com.au

To Order Call 02 4956 9820 Send your order to: Book Sales, Cycle Torque, PO Box 687, Warners Bay, NSW 2282

Shop online at www.cycletorque.com.au Ph: (02) 4956 9820, Fax: (02) 4956 9824

46 – APRIL 2011

Adventure bound

DURING the recent Triumph Tiger 800 XC launch I sampled Triumph’s new adventure jacket and pants. To say I was impressed is an understatement. Very comfortable and stylish.

Like most textile riding apparel on the market it’s only waterproof when you put in a liner but it does have water repellant outer material.

What’s this mean in the real world? During the launch we went from low lying areas in 30+degree temperatures to the high country where it was cool, and at times wet. I found the waterproof and thermal backed lining kept me nice and toasty while the excellent ventilation kept me cool enough when it was hot. At one stage I was riding in pouring rain without my liners in and no water got through the outer layer anyway, so the resistant material actually works.

There’s plenty of pockets, 3M reflective piping to highlight you at night, and you can zip the jacket to the pants at the rear.

It’s got armour everywhere, and the neck size is made for big people. Nothing worse than a jacket which fits you perfect but the neck is too small, and it chokes you, but no worries with Triumph’s suit.

To me this is the perfect riding kit regardless of what sort of bike you are on.

– Chris Pickett Price: Jacket $495, pants $449 Avail able from: Triumph dealers nationwide More info: www.triumph.co.uk/australia

Rallye

I RECENTLY covered quite a few kilometres with one of RXT’s new Rallye adventure touring helmets on my bonce. There’s no doubt they look cool, and the styling has adventure written all over it. It’s a mix between enduro and road, with a normal road type of flip- down visor and an MX peak.

I didn’t have a tinted visor to keep the sun out of my eyes, (so I had to use my sunnies), but when it was really bright I just dropped my head a little and the peak blocked the sun out for me.

The fit was good and the wind noise was better than expected (I forgot to take my ear plugs), and I couldn’t believe it when I was told it only cost $199.

That’s a lot of helmet for the money.

– Chris Pickett Price: Graphic $199, solid colours $179 Avail able from: Bike shops everywhere More info: www.motonational.com.au

Launch Report – Yamaha YZF-R15 REPORT BY

Dennis Penzo

RIDING GEAR: Shark RSR2 Carbon fibre helmet, WileyX eyewear, Ixon Oxygen jacket, gloves by Five Gloves, Hornee Jeans, Joe Rocket Big Bang boots.

PHOTOS BY

Lou Martin

Budget Sport

WITH a special deal being offered by Yamaha you can get aboard this sporty little performer for $19.81 per week - probably cheaper than most people’s weekly bus tickets.

Apart from the small Virago Yamaha didn’t really have anything in this category and now they’ve filled the void with something which is really going to take it up to the competition, which obviously is machines like the Honda CBR125 and 250 and Ninja 250 as well as many of the other options coming from mainly Asian shores.

The bikes are built in India by Yamaha Motor India, a Yamaha entity, not a partnership with a local producer.

The quality control is obviously as good as you would expect in any Yamaha. In fact, it’s so good that the resulting popularity and proliferation of this model in India is such that there is even a race series for this bike, the R15 Race Series.

The Indian market is a tough one to crack and, anecdotal evidence suggests, if your bike won’t run for at least three years without a spanner going near it, then it’s simply not going to survive.

O n th e s t a n d

The new R15 has a very stylish and sporty look about it while incorporating several practical features such as the comfortable riding position for both rider and pillion and useful pillion grab rails either side.

The screen looks nice and the mirrors are well placed. The 17-inch wheels feature five-spoke mags that give it a modern look.

Instrumentation is easy to read and features an analogue tacho with a digital speedo to its left which also incorporates several other functions including trip meters, fuel status etc.

The R-series style Deltabox frame boasts a linked monocross suspension which makes for a great ride, and that goes for the pillion as well.

The rear mudguard hangs down pretty low so there’s plenty of splash protection, though it wouldn’t take much effort to cut it off short just below the number plate if you prefer aesthetics to commuting practicalities.

O n th e roa d

Our day started at the Deus Ex Machina temple of enthusiasm in Camperdown where we did a quick trip around some nearby waterfront suburbs.

Then it was up Parramatta Road in some serious traffic and, in parts, dubious road surfaces.

This is where you appreciate the Deltabox frame where Yamaha has optimised the longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity which gives the little R15 a comfortable but solid feel.

It is a very agile bike, and as a commuter bike that is a big plus.

We weaved the nimble R15s through morning traffic then peeled off onto one of the motorways on our way to the Eastern Creek Go-Kart track.

That was probably my biggest surprise. After having ridden all kinds of commuter bikes in this size range I can say I was pretty impressed with the R15s capacity to easily cruise at or slightly above 110km/h with obvious room to milk a little more.

At those speeds the engine is not screaming its head off. It’s actually a quiet, comfortable ride. The rear monocross suspension cushions the ride and that makes the suspension less prone to bottom out, even without

adjustment options.

Our day at Eastern Creek threatened rain a few times, but the track was dry for most of the session, with just a light sprinkle towards the end of the day that invited a little more caution.

The tight configuration of the Go-Kart track gave us a real opportunity to put the little R15 through its paces.

A very responsive throttle, good acceleration and good suspension made for a great little bike to punt around.

The six-speed transmission is smooth and easy to use, as you’d expect from a Yamaha and the single disc brakes front and back are more than up to the task on the R15.

The 12-litre fuel tank is ample and a claimed 45km/litre is believable, just.

A seat height of 790mm is not going to be an issue for most people while a minimum ground clearance of 160mm is good.

A total weight of 131kg, including fuel, will not daunt anyone.

We also got a chance to punt around a slightly hotted up version as used in the Indian R15 race series.

The Daytona kit featured race pipe, hi-lift camshaft, fuel controller, wave disc and two less teeth on the front sprocket.

Although Yamaha is still considering whether to make this kit generally available in Oz.

Inside the hear t

At the heart of our little sporty commuter is a 150cc liquid-cooled, fourstroke, SOHC, four-valve engine.

The single cylinder R15 features a forged aluminium piston running in an all aluminium DiASil cylinder which offers light weight, great heat dissipation, less oil consumption and excellent wear resistance.

The heat dissipation and light weight come from the 20 per cent silicon content in the DiASil cylinder, creating a very hard, reliable cylinder surface that makes conventional iron sleeves obsolete.

The thin and light aluminium piston is the same type as used in Yamaha’s Supersport bikes with a reciprocating mass about 20 per cent less than an engine of the same displacement carrying a conventional cast aluminium piston.

The lightweight fuel injection system has four sensors feeding info to a small 26-pin ECU as well as the fuel pump, modularised regulator and filter and a small six-hole type injector.

A large three-litre air cleaner provides plenty of clean air mix with the intake duct area allowing the engine to breathe well.

A compact, lightweight aluminium radiator helps to keep everything cool.

On the pocket

This little sports/commuter is a bike that Yamaha really needed to fill a gap in its line-up. It will also appeal to maybe those R1 and R6 owners who might decide that city commuting is going to be more fun and economical on the R15 which shares their styling cues and even heritage.

And that will also make it appeal to the first timer, learner/beginner.

With 12 months unlimited kilometre, parts and labour warranty its recommended retail price is $3999, including GST, which, with Yamaha’s special finance deal is going to make it $19.81 per week for most - hmmm, bus ticket? R15? No brainer really. n

More than enough info here.

S p e c i f i c at i o n s: 2011 yamaha yzf-r15 Engine Type: Liquid-cooled single Capacity: 150cc Transmission: 6-speed Fuel Capacity: 12 Litres Frame Type: Deltabox Seat Height: 790mm Wet Weight: 131kg Front Suspension: Telescopic Rear Suspension: Monocross Brakes: Single disc front and rear Tyres: 80/90-17, 100/80-17 Price (RRP): $3999+ORC www.yamaha-motor.com.au Call for a quote

1800 24 34 64

High clip on ’bars reduce pain on the wrists.

WE’LL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

INFORMATION FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

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Karma KBC

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History

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KBC’S new VR28R comes in most sizes, and a few different styles too.

The particular helmet shown is the ‘Karma’ and looks a treat.

It’s got all the features you’d expect from a KBC helmet, like removable and washable liner, quick release visor and full ventilation.

Price: $329 for solid colours, up to $399 for selected graphics.

Avail able from: Good motorcycle stores More info: www.kbchelmet.com CHECK out the new ‘History’ T-shirt from Honda’s Heritage Collection of apparel.

It’s got some pics and articles from Honda’s early years printed on it, including Honda’s ’60s advertising slogan, ‘you meet the nicest people on a Honda’ ad, and it does look cool.

Price: $39 Avail able from: Honda dealers nationwide More info: www.hondamotorcycles.com.au 3

Now you’re cooking!

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Slippery fit

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THE Jetboil personal cooking system stands out from the crowd because its special “flux ring” arrangement on the base of the cooking cup. It shields the flame from the wind and increases surface area available to the heat. This jigger will boil a cup in a minute! Cook noodles or a full one-pot meal, drink from the sipper lid or use it as a hi-tech billy. The gas and stove base slip neatly into the cup and it uses an auto ignitor.

Coffee plunger adapter available - yes!

Price: $187 plus postage Avail able from: Andy Strapz More info: www.andystrapz.com (03) 9770 2207 Yamalube Tyre Mount Lube is a specially formulated lubricant which allows you to change tyres quickly with less chance of damage. Use on any rim-mounted tyre to provide a lubricated surface that eases tyre installation while helping to protect the tyre bead from damage.

Preventing damage to the tyre bead improves its sealing ability.

Price: $16.80 Avail able from: Yamaha dealers More info: www.yamaha-motor.com.au/yshop

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INFORMATION FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

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Gloved up

NEW from Ixon is the RS Print glove. Comfortable and lightweight, the glove is a shorter style and besides looking trick actually feels great and has plenty of protection.

Made tough to last.

Price: $79.95 Avail able from: Leading motorcycle shops More info: www.ficeda.com.au 2

The body

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Find me

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GP bred

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POLISPORT has a new range of motocross/enduro plastic bodywork kits to suit a huge range of motorcycles.

They come in OEM colour kits for Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha. Even more kits will be available soon, including plastics for 2000-2006 year models and junior MX motorcycles.

Price: Kits are priced from only $149 Avail able from: Good motorcycle stores More info: www.linkint.com.au

DO YOU get lost on your bike often? Well not any more if you get one of these GPS trackers from Motorader.

It features a built-in GPS locator, supports Google Maps, can help recover your bike if stolen and you can even monitor it via your mobile phone.

Simple to fit too.

Price: $249 Avail able from: Most bike dealers More info: www.motorader.com.au

2

LASER has a trick looking and sweet sounding GP style exhaust for BMW’s S 1000 RR, called the X-Treme GP70.

Motohansa is doing an awesome deal where you can buy this slip on muffler for only $250 which is so cheap it’s ridiculous.

Price: $250 Avail able from: Direct from Motohansa More info: www.motohansa.com.au

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Cycle Torque Feature: BMW GS Ride with Troy Corser and Leon Haslam

Haslam and Corser on Tour

“I H A D t o s t i c k th e e n g in e in the grou n d , you k n o w, f o r th e ext ra b ra k e s . ” Tr o y C o r s e r ’s se n s e of h u mou r e x te n d s to de s c ri b i n g h i s m in o r cr a sh - w h i c h re a l l y wa s m o r e o f a w a l k i n g p a c e to p p le o v e r by t h e t i me i t h a p p e n e d wa s a re fl e c t i on o f th e n o n sto p good - n a t u r e d sle d g in g be t w e e n t h e j ou r n o s , r a ce r s and B M W s t a ff d u r in g a tw o da y A d ve n t u re to u r r ig h t af t e r t h e op e n i ng S u p e r b ik e Wo rl d Ch a mp i o n s h ip r o u n d a t Ph i l l i p Is l a n d r e ce n tly. “ I go t t o p u sh a l i t t l e b i t i n t he mu d d y off ro a d s e c t i o n s and f ou n d t h e li m i t o f t h e br a ki n g, h a d t o t r y t o p u l l i t up p re t t y f a st i n o n e o f t h e ha i rp i n s, h a d t o l a y i t d o w n

o n i t s s ide . I j us t p ic ke d it up , i t w a s a ll go o d, I lo v e d it,” C o r s e r to ld me , re fe rring to b o t h t he b ike - he s p e nt mo s t o f h i s time o n an R 1200 GS Ad v e n ture - and the ride .

B MW’s Mile s Dav is o rganis e d t h e r i d e, made p o s s ib le b y t h e fo u r-w e e k gap b e tw e e n t h e fi r st tw o ro unds o f the c h a m p io ns hip and b o th C o rs e r a n d h i s ne w te am-mate Le o n H a s l a m ’s p as s io n fo r riding o ff-ro a d.

Da v i s, w ho ro de his p e rs o nal G S Ad v e nture , p lo tte d a c h a l l e nging dirt and b itume n ro a d a dv e nture ride thro ugh Vi ct o r i a’s high c o untry. We l e ft P h illip Is land the mo rning a ft e r t he SWC rac e s and made o u r w a y to Mo unt Baw Baw

fo r lunc h, riding thro ugh th ick fo g and drizzle o n the w ay - a far c ry fro m the ho t and dusty Fe b ruary w e athe r I’d b e en e xp e c ting.

The w e athe r fo rc e d s o m e s light tw e aks to the ro ute, as muddy c lay and ro ad-b iased dual p urp o s e tyre s o n many o f the b ike s w e re n’t re ally up to the tas k o f multip le c reek c ro s s ings and s te e p c o nditions, b ut the ro ute w as s till c halle nging and lo ts o f fu n.

Sp e c tac ular s c e ne ry and aw e s o me ro ads - b o th s e a led and dirt - w e re making th e tr ip a ge nuine adv e nture .

Has lam ro de the 1200 Adv e nture and F 800 GS, wh ich he p re fe rre d. “The s maller, lighte r b ike w as a b it e asier

to f lick around, a little bit smoth er power, it gave me a bit more conf iden ce.” This came down to tyres: th e F 800 G S was wear in g the more dir tor iented knobbies.

O n the bitumen , however, Haslam wasn ’ t f ussed – h e r ipped a h ole in his BMW pan ts knee scr apin g, on kn obbies.

I wouldn ’ t have believed it if I h adn’ t ph otogr aph ed th e evidence.

He was blown away by th e coun tr yside. “It’ s unbelievable, settin g off f rom Ph illip Islan d in gorgeous sunshin e, headin g up to a ski slope then going th rough lakes and r iver s an d creeks… it’ s just f an tastic. You never get a chance to do th at when you’ re tr avelling aroun d

BMW invited Cycle Torque along for a GS adventure tour with Troy Corser and Leon Haslam…

oggles and g e th re a d ee n i ll a ...

i’m set.

i remember this one

so t o h a v e a d a y t o just pl a y a rou n d a n d hav e f u n i s grea t . ” I t wa s H a sl a m ’s first ri d e on t h e G S BM W s, a n d h e w a s im presse d w i t h t h e w a y t h e y h a n d l e d t h e diffe re nt c o nditio ns . “It rea l l y surp ri sed m e , [d u a l p u r p o s e ] a re s o me time s OK o n the dirt and n o t so good o n t h e t a r m a c , b u t [t h e G S mac hine s ] s e e me d to t ra n sf e r un bel i e v a b l y. We w e re p a s s i n g 1 000 s up e rb ike s o ne minute and go i n g t h ro u g h b i g cre e k s a n d g r a v e l a nd do ing p re tty go o d sp ee d s t h e n ext . I a b s o l u t e l y l o v e d i t . T h e w e athe r s ide o f things I’m pret t y used t o i t , i t ’s t h e w e a t h e r w e g e t in England w ith the fog a n d c ol d a n d d a m p . ” I a sked H a sl a m i f h e w a s h a v i n g a p ro b l em w ith his fro nt w he e l: he see me d t o be h a v i n g t ro u b l e k e e p i n g i t o n the gro und. “It’s got a l ot of po w e r [t h e 1 2 0 0 G S ], w e w e re p laying aro und w ith whe el i e s a n d M i l e s [Da v i s ] a n d Tro y [C o r s e r] hav e the w he e lie s , s o we h a d t o kee p u p w i t h t h e m , i t w a s g re a t. To b e ab le to do gre at whe el i e s, put i t o n y o u r k n e e , t h e n y o u ’d b e o n the grav e l s liding aro u n d , t h a t ’ s w h a t ’s fu n . To b e a b l e t o g et o ut in the c o untrys ide and j ust c h i l l i t ’ s n o t o ft e n I g e t t h e ch a n ce to do that, e s p e c ially in

yeee haaaa ... i love

my job

time...

a countr y I don ’ t kn ow so well, it’ s even more f un.”

H is major plan f or day two’ s r idin g was to n ot cr ash. “I want to ‘ Stop O n ’ today,” he to ld me , us ing an English colloq uialism I’ d n ever h eard bef ore.

“Sto p o n the b ike , as in don’ t cr ash, it’ s an English ter m. Yesterday I s c are d mys e lf a fe w tim es but I had a ball, absolutely loved it.”

His p lan - w hic h he s ucceeded at - was to “tr y a f ew diff erent typ e s o f b ike s , try the knobbies, get it loose, do some wheelies and hav e a b it o f fun.

“A b it o f o ff ro ading o n a bike of this size [ 1200 G S] is q uite e xc iting, b e c aus e the lim its are a lot ear lier [ than on the road] .”

Fro m Mt Baw Baw w e headed nor th, h itting th e dir t roads built fo r the lo gging truc ks w hich car r y huge trees out of th e f orests no rth-e as t o f Me lb o urne . It was h ere I saw f ir st- h an d th e reaction s and s kills o f a w o rld-c lass r acer, as H aslam, coming up on my r ight to o v e rtake as w e e nte re d a r igh t- hand ben d, got th e shock of our liv e s w he n a lo g truc k appeared taking up the bulk of th e road.

...knee scraping on

knobbies…

Cycle Torque Feature: BMW GS Ride

... right behind ya

buddy

... quick throw me

the soap.

I div ed t o t h e l e f t a n d w a s n e v e r i n a n y re a l dange r. Has lam, lo o king for t he be st wa y ou t , w e n t r i g h t , i n t o t h e s p o o n drain b e s ide the truc k, where h e rod e t h e 8 0 0 G S l i k e i t w a s a n e n d u ro b ike and p o p p e d o ut b ack o n t o t h e roa d b e h i n d t h e 1 8 -w h e e l e r.

The t ruc ki e wa sn ’ t i m p re s s e d b u t I w a s .

Hasl a m a l so h a s a p e n ch a n t fo r l o c k i n g h i s re ar tyre - mayb e he like s t he smel l o f bu rn i ng ru b b e r. I d o n ’t k n o w h o w many time s he le ft long b l a c k l i n e s o n t h e t a r m a c , b u t I ’m g l a d I do n’t hav e his tyre b ill.

G iven we were sp end i n g s o m u ch t i m e o n t h e dirt Has lam had turne d off t he A B S , bu t h e u s u a l l y r i d e s o n t h e ro a d w ith it s w itc he d o n.

“ABS , el e c t ron i c s, a l l t h a t s o r t o f s t u ff i s u n be lie v ab le fo r a ro ad b ik e, bec a u se i t ’ s a b o u t s a fe t y a n d w e r a c e t o p ro v ide a b e tte r, s afe r b ik e for t h e p u bl i c . T h a t ’s w h y B MW p a y u s mo ne y. It’s no t to w in races, i t ’ s t o se l l t h e i r p ro d u c t a n d w h e n w e ’re do ing de v e lo p me nt o f ABS I t h i n k i t ’ s f a nt a s t i c, b e c a u s e I w o u l d n ’t ride a b ike o n the ro ad wit hou t A B S . S i t u a t i o n s y o u c a n b e p u t i n o n the ro ad… yo u ne e d as m any sa f et y a i d s a s p o s s i b l e . ” Cors er, h ow ev er, d i d n ’t ru n t h e AB S , b e ca u se he p re fe rre d the fe e l o f t he G S w i t h ou t t ra c t i o n co n t ro l a n d AB S .

Cors er h a s d o n e h e a p s o f o ff ro a d r i d i n g , b ut no t s o muc h o n Adven t u re bi ke s, e s p e ci a l l y o ff ro a d . “ I t w a s gre at b e ing o ff ro ad o n k nobb y t yres, on ro a d o n k n o b b y t y re s w a s a b it e xc iting at time s , b ut it ’s be en rea l l y go od .

“I like t o ri d e bi ke s w i t h fu l l p o w e r, a s y o u us e d to ride b ike s . It g ives go od f e el t h ro u g h t h e b r a k e s a n d t h ro t tle . I did try diffe re nt

s e ttings at diffe re nt time s and to be h on est I just don’ t f eel c o mfo rtab le riding w ith it.”

C o rs e r w as c o mfo rtab le on th e G S A dven ture and didn ’ t wan t to do w ns ize . “Onc e I ge t o n somethin g like th at I like to stick on th e one b ike . I ge t us e d to w hat it does and I can star t playing aroun d an d hav ing s o me fun. I’m p re tty comf y on the big bike. I just enjoy r iding that s ize o f b ike .”

C o rs e r w as e nthus ias tic about the ter r ain. “It’ s f an tastic. It’ s a par t o f the c o untry I’v e ne v e r seen bef ore. My f ath er used to come down he re many ye ars ago and r ide up through these tr ails an d creeks. I’ ve alw ays w ante d to , it’s b e a utif ul. We’ ve had a bit of r ain f all so all th e riv e rs are running p re tty high and ever ythin g’ s pretty green .

“A little b it o f rain is always good on a r ide, it’ s better th an bein g dus ty and ho t. We ’v e go t all the r igh t gear, the BMW boots an d jackets w o rk p re tty w e ll ac tually, so I didn’ t get cold at all.”

The w e t c o nditio ns made tr avel a little slower than plan ned, so it w as a little late r than e xpected by th e time we ar r ived at J amieson , a s mall to w n ne ar the huge Lake Eildon. A lth ough the group compr ised w o rking p ro fe s s io nal mo torcyclists, you’ d h ave been h ard- pressed to te ll the diffe re nc e b e tween us an d an y oth er group of r ider s at th e p ub at the e nd o f a gre at day’ s r iding – stor ies of n ear misses aboun d, dis c us s io ns ab o ut w ho did the biggest wh eelie, talk of th e f an tastic s c e ne ry, te rrain and ro ads.

The n Has lam s tarte d w ith his card tr icks wh ile Davis taugh t us C anadian rule s at the P o ol table, Cor ser chatted to the locals, alcoh ol

e with Troy Corser and Leon Haslam

it’s a bird, it’s a pl

ane....

was co n sumed a n d (I ’m s u re ) l i e s w e re t o l d .

I sup p ose t h e M X TV ca m e r a a n d i P h o n e s re c o rding c o nv e rs atio ns may h a v e be en a bi t u n u s u a l , b u t t h e y a re a n e s s e ntial p art o f o ur t ools.

T he n ext d a y w a s o n e o f i n c re d i b l e r i d i n g . D av is to o k us j us t a few k i l o me t re s t o t h e l o o k o u t o v e r L a k e E i l d on, a mas s iv e s to rage reserv o i r o f f re sh w a t e r, b e fo re w e s a m p l e d t he no w fully s e ale d bit umen roa d a ro u n d t h e d a m . T h i s ro a d fe e l s like a ne v e r-e nding series o f sw i t c h ba c k s w i t h b a re l y a s t r a i g h t t o b e fo und b e tw e e n the m.

For c orn e r a f t er c o r n e r I w a s w a i t i n g fo r t h e ro ad to o p e n up , b ut it never d i d … si mpl y a w e s o m e . I t w a s o n t h i s ro ad Has lam go t his kne e down - ri d i n g a n a dv e n t u re b i k e e q u i p p e d w i th kno b b ie s . Anyo ne who t e l l s yo u t h ey d o n ’t g r i p i s w ro n g …

Before w e ma d e t h e t o w n o f E i l d o n w e t u r n ed o ff the b itume n and were b a c k o n t h e f o o t p e g s a s w e h e a d e d i n t o the b us h and do w n to a fast -flow i n g c ree k fo r a b re a k a n d s o m e p h o t os b e fo re taking in the rocky roa d s a n d f ore s t s t o w a rd Ma r y s v i l l e , o n e o f the to w ns w hic h suffere d gre a t l y i n t h e b u s h fi re s o f 2 0 0 9 fo r l unc h. If yo u’re in to w n, check o u t t h e ph o t o a n d v i d e o t r i b u t e d i s p l a y, w hic h w ill ho p e fully become p a rt o f a pe r m a n e n t m u s e u m d e p i c t i ng the trage dy w hic h w as t hose a w f ul bu sh f i re s .

For us t h e e eri e si g h t s a n d s m e l l s o f b l a ck e ne d tre e s s urro unde d b y fog an d mi st ga v e t h e a re a a n a u r a I w o n ’t b e fo rge tting anytime s o o n.

I could n ’ t c a pt ure w i t h a ca m e r a t h e s ce n t o f the b urnt tre e s , b ut I wished I c o u l d .

We s kip p e d the p o lic e -inf ested roads of the R eef ton and Black Spur and he ade d b ac k o nto the dir t f or the r ide to War bur ton an d th e Me c c anic a C afe . This mo torcycle- themed coff ee shop treated us to frie ndly s e rv ic e , e nthus ia stic r ider s and some great sh ots of Cor ser on a v intage Manc hurian Sp ecial restored a f ew year s ago.

We w e re he ade d to w ard Melbour n e by now, th rough gian t f orests and alo ng flo w ing riv e rs . It was h ere somewhere Cor ser had his mo me nt, c harging into a cor ner a bit too h ot…

A b it late r a jo urno w o uld go down too, sliding out on wet clay. That the re w e re o nly tw o minor slips sur pr ises me someh ow: the speeds, e s p e c ially o ff ro ad, w e re h igh.

It all w o und up at BMW’ s Melbour n e H Q , wh ere we packed up and he ade d o ur s e p arate w ays – the r acer s h ad a f ew more days bef ore he ading to Euro p e and the jour nos headed f or h ome.

I’v e b e e n o n many a b ike launch , man y an A dven ture r ide. This one, ho w e v e r, w as p re tty s p e c ial, takin g in many places I’ d n ever been , riding w ith guys I c o uld lear n a lot f rom, at speeds which could take the b re ath aw ay.

Whe n c an I do it again?

– N ige l P ate rs o n