Cycle Torque January 2011

Page 1

JANUARY 2011

CONTENTS 16

TEST

HUNTER DAYTONA

24

30

HUSQVARNA TE449/511 & TC449

DAELIM VJF250

LAUNCH

52

34

38

PIAGGIO MP3

HYOSUNG GT650

TEST

TEST

PROJECT

FEATURES

TEST

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD ‘BIG BIRD’

20 TOURING VIETNAM 40 STAYING UPRIGHT 43 COMMUTER TORQUE - WHAT’S NEW 44 VICTORY VISION TOUR 47 QUAD TORQUE – CAN-AM REGULARS 3-10 NEWS 11 LETTERS 12 EDITORIAL 13 RACE TORQUE 14 DIRTY TORQUE 15 GUNTRIP 49 BIKE STUFF 50 USED & REVIEWED

54 BOOK SALES Cover photos: Husqvarna by Paul Feeney Group, Daelim by NP, Hunter by CP

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NEWS TORQUE

Super Supers

From the World SBK Winter Tests: Leon Haslam riding the new BMW, Chris Vermeulen checking out his new ZX-10R. Pics 2Snap. WITH the World Superbike round at Phillip Island rapidly approaching it’s time to start organising your trip. February 25-27 are the dates and you will see some of the best racing on the planet. Not only is the racing tops, the circuit speaks for itself in beauty, atmosphere and speed. Besides the superbikes and supersport machines from the world championships, you’ll also get to see the Historic masters, and Australian superbike, supersport and superstock support classes. Superbike racing is all about showcasing the latest generation of high-performance four-stroke street bikes, with seven manufacturers set to battle it out for the 2011 world championship – Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, BMW and Aprilia. Much more than prototype-based grand prix racing, superbikes have a greater connection to the general public, because people can see the bikes they own being ridden at fearsome speeds. Phillip Island has one of the highest average speeds of any circuit in the world,

and in the 2010 round Italian Max Biaggi (the eventual world champion) reached 319.8km/h down the main straight on his Aprilia V-four. The championship regulations allow fourcylinder bikes of up to 1000cc, or twins up to 1200cc. At the moment, Ducati is the only marque which is using a twin-cylinder configuration. In 2011, the minimum weight for both twin-cylinder and four-cylinder bikes will be 165kg. There are many ways you can enjoy the event. From trackside camping to renting a flash pad in Cowes. Sit on the grass or do it in style with one of the many VIP Hospitality packages available from the circuit or manufacturers. A couple of websites have all the info you need on ticket prices, where to stay and what level packages are available. Try www. phillipislandcircuit.com.au, phillipisland. com. Www.judithwright.com.au is also an excellent website for accomodation. Also there to entertain is stunt riding, and the bike expo. Thinking about giving it a miss? Wake up to yourself. Q

Big step for Bike Binge

THE proposed motorcycle TV show ‘Bike Binge’ held its launch at the QSAC Stadium, on the eve of final round of the 2010 SuperX, held at the same venue. With representatives from Mojo, Honda, KTM, Yamaha, Cassons, TeamMoto, Lanotec, Swann Insurance, Motorcycling Queensland, Redline Motosports, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Castle Media, along with legends Stephen Gall and Troy Carroll. Many other motorcycling identities were also in attendance, to hear Bryan Flemming, the man behind the project introduce his team of presenters.

Cycle Torque’s Darren Smart and co-presenters Courtney Knight and Jemma Wilson gave the audience a brief overview of the show that will feature the likes of off-road legend Geoff Udy, trials genius Eljay Driessens and multi Australian Motocross and Supercross Champion Troy Carroll to name a few. It’s these personalities who will showcase what makes motorcycling such a special experience,

directly targeting the non-motorcycling public but still catering to the motorcycle enthusiasts across Australia.

Open discussion followed that led to a list of specific calls to action thanks to the positive feedback. All in attendance gave the Bike Binge show concept a thumbs up. Bike Binge will have a pilot show ‘in the can’ by early 2011 and have scripts for 11 more shows ready to put to the networks by Easter 2011. If anyone is interested in being involved or would like to receive up-dates about the show please contact Bryan Flemming via e-mail at flyan238@bigpond.com. To read more about the show, visit Bike Binge on facebook. Q

JANUARY 2011 – 3

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NEWS TORQUE

BMW uncovers K 1600 GT AT THE recent Melbourne Motorcycle Show BMW gave the media and its dealers a sneak look at the all-new six cylinder K 1600 GT. In Australia for the occasion was David Robb, the man in charge of styling on the new look grand tourer. “It’s been a three year project to get us to this stage,” said Robb. “There were a number of styling touches the team thought were imperative to set the K 1600 GT apart from its competition.

knew what is important to other riders. We wanted the bike to look fast even while standing still, and the front look had to be muscular. We think we have achieved our goals. Not only is the K 1600 GT stylish to look at, it also performs well aerodynamically, and the inline six cylinder engine has more power than most riders will ever need.” BMW unveiled the bike to the masses on Saturday and Sunday, where thousands of people got the chance to check it out in the flesh. Q

“All of the design team are riders so we felt we

Vale Rob Carrall…

SAD news is never easy to give or take, and it is with sadness that Cycle Torque informs you Rob Carrall has passed away. Rob was well known in the road racing community, and died on December 12, while enjoying one of his other passions, music. Rob died suddenly while performing with his band. The fact he was only 49 years old is a tragedy. Newcastle-based Rob was a very talented championship winning A-grade racer and will be missed by his many friends. A huge turnout of family and friends ensured Rob had the a farewell he so deserved. Our condolences go to his family. Q

…and Tony Kirby

AFTER the print edition of Cycle Torque went to press we received news Tony Kirby, well known bike journo, event organiser and great enduro and adventure bike rider has passed away at his home in Victoria aftre battling Motor Neuron Disease. Kirby was a former editor of ADB and the founder and owner of SideTrack magazine. Our condolences go to his family and friends. Q

4 – JANUARY 2011

ALL NEW DAYTONA 350 OUT NOW! FEATURING DELPHI FUEL INJECTION

DESIGNED FROM THE GROUND UP AS THE MOST INNOVATIVE RETRO 250 CUSTOM FULL SIZE PRODUCTION CHOPPER EVER CREATED. More custom FEATURES than any Japper :- Classic “California Old School” slim chopper style - absolute quality throughout with outstanding attention to every detail - adjustable 21 / 24 inch ride height - Raked front end with 21”front wheel - wide 16” alloy rear wheel - fuel tank centre mounted ignition switch & speedo / instrument console panel - “Bates” style headlamp - Alloy custom forward controls - Dual front discs & rear disc with twin piston calipers - Drag bars with hidden wiring - OHC Vertical Twin cylinder Liquid Cooled, twin carby performance 4 stroke electric start engine - 5 speed, Slash cut exhaust pipes

LPHI NOW WITH DE JECTION IN EL ELECTRONIC FU

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Melbourne MC Expo

THOUSANDS of punters lined up to check out the latest and greatest machines, accessories and riding gear at the recent Melbourne Motorcycle Expo. One of the headline acts was the BMW K 1600 GT mentioned in another news story, the all-new Honda CBR250R, and Yamaha R15 small capacity sportsbike, the big bore Aprilia Shiver and Moto Guzzi café racer. And how could you miss the Ducati Diavel which was out of this world. All of the major players in the market were there, even a number of the newer manufacturers like Tonelli, Hunter Motorcycle Group, CF Moto, and Daelim. Kymco was also on hand to show its ATVs and solos.

go as far as Husqvarna or KTM. Kawasaki showed its new W800, and all-new ZX-10R. What about Victory? Pulling off the covers of the new Vision trike must have been special for the Victory team, it certainly was for us, as was checking out the new cruisers and Speed Triple from Triumph. Jeans, paintings, rear sets, jackets, glasses, helmets, boot polish. If you wanted it, it was at the show. Well done to ETF for putting on another great show. Q

Suzuki celebrated 25 years of its GSX-R, and if you wanted loads of dirt you only had to

EDITOR Audited CHRIS PICKETT CAB 31,850 AUDIT PUBLISHER Oct to Mar 2005 NIGEL PATERSON The circulation records of this DESIGN & PRODUCTION DIONNE HAGAN, THE D MEDIA DESIGN ADVERTISING VIC: BRIAN SULLIVAN, 03 9583 8377 QLD: DARREN SMART, 0412 183 797 SMARTY@CYCLETORQUE.COM.AU ADVERTISING MANAGER DENNIS PENZO, 0420 319 335 DENNIS@CYCLETORQUE.COM.AU ACCOUNTS: REBECCA EASTMENT BEC@CYCLETORQUE.COM.AU 6 – JANUARY 2011

www.cycletorque.com.au PO Box 687, Warners Bay, NSW 2282 1I t 'BY 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.

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Rookie of the year

NEWS TORQUE : PIT BITS

AUSTRALIAN speedway star Darcy Ward has been named the 2011 FIM Rookie of the Year at the FIM Gala ceremony in Portugal after a brilliant season competing in the United Kingdom and Europe, highlighted by his victory in the FIM Under 21 Speedway World Championship. In winning the World Championship for the second consecutive year, became only the second 16 - Ward JANUARY 2011 rider to ever win the prestigious title twice. 2010 has seen Ward win the Under 21 Championship for the second time and score solid results in the British Elite League for the Poole Pirates team alongside fellow Australian star Chris Holder.

With much of next season’s preparation already underway, there is only one remaining piece of the puzzle still to be finalised - the rider line up, which is expected to be announced soon.

brilliant weekend of racing, with the “Dream Team� of Brookes and Maxwell completing 215 laps in the six hour race to finish ahead of Team Honda Racing and Team Suzuki.

“It’s been quite a work in progress, but it’s all come together very well,� said Motologic’s Paul Free, whose team spent 2010 on Ducati 1198 machines, with Jamie Stauffer and Jordan Burgess in the saddles.

After impressing with their speed in qualifying and winning Superpole, the GAS Honda were the team to beat and delivered on their pre-race favourites tag. A delighted Brookes praised the efforts of his GAS Honda crew, singling out the riding of his teammate and close friend Wayne Maxwell for special mention.

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“I think we’ve got a good program in place. We haven’t got too much more to do and we’re all organised.

GUNTRIP

Another year older “Simply put, I’m happy to be back with Honda; it’s very familiar territory, and we’ll be working with an extremely strong motorcycle.� Q

The talented Queenslander has two Australian Under 21 Speedway Championships to his world titles and was part of the Australia team that Metcalfe to Thor tubeless tyres, modern metallurgy and BET on it scored third overall at this FIM Speedway lubrication technology but I’m happy Should the year’s still impish if increasingly TEAM Makita/Rockstar Suzuki’s Australian recruit World Cup. Wardcareworn is expected to return to Australia to accept as my Christmas Valentino Rossi make a success Brett Metcalfe hasthese signed with Thor andpresent Parts again this year. of his debut season with Ducati next for the upcoming 2011 Australian Solo Speedway Unlimited for the 2011 and 2012 AMA Supercross \HDU ZH FDQ ZLWK VRPH FRQÀ GHQFH H[SHFW Championship. Q and Motocross seasons. to see a puff of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at year’s

Go right at the roundabout There can be disadvantages to

“All of ustechnology, at Thor are however. excited toThey havetell Metty back Marvin Musquin out end announcing his election as pontiff. me people

on the team, â€? Thor G.M.such Dave Gowland said.slaves “He No? Okay, would you have bet on seeing are becoming unquestioning DUAL World MX2 Motocross Champion Marvin on and the track, and as a 1200cc supercharged V6, albeit in is a greattoguy theirboth sat-navs thatoffthey’re driving Musquin has severely injured hisfrom knee Horex at the 2010 prototype form, before the into lakes. I’d like totalented say I’m everyonethemselves saw this summer is an extremely Bercy Supercross and all accounts the toracer. end ofby 2010? So what will are miss you going bet We’re surprised, but it just so. Like so2011 many all very excited for isn’t the upcoming on for the year ahead – replica model 1926 of these things the idea is inspired but the full AMA Supercross season for KTM. season. â€? Ner-a-Cars being offered by Honda? use we make of it pulls the rug out a little. Musquin is reported to have a torn ACL that required And as wewas don’t quite live our The Australian rider with Thoryet in 2007 and lives 2008 within an all-enveloping electronic safety Arithmetic surgery, which in turn means he will be out for as as a member of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ bubble, it’s probably still worth learning 6WLOO RQ WKH VXEMHFW RI WKH EDIĂ LQJ +RUH[ long as six months. Musquin had spent the best Kawasakihow team, before spending withor to get your bearings2009-2010 from the sun part of a month, VHH WKLV HQWHUSULVLQJ *HUPDQ RXWĂ€ testing with Roger DeCoster at the W LV the GEICO Honda race at Powersports the very least taking in team. a littleMetcalfe maptrying to persuade would-be buyers that American KTM supercross facility before camshaftsâ€?. heading to Well, from time time. Oh 2011 yes, and it has “triple overhead makes a reading great addition to antoimpressive line-try Bercy, finishing there second opening night it’s behind get your nearest andVillopoto dearest (Monster to turn off areon three camshafts, true, and up whichtoalready includes Ryan the mobile sometimes. I have reservations they’re certainly overhead. But if this the American Honda rider Justin Barcia. Energy Kawasaki) and the entire Monster Energy/ engine is a triple-overhead-cam unit, then

about the effect it’s having on the average

Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team. Musquin crashed the second nightoverhead of the Paris IQ of the western world. theonVFR800 is a quad cam. Any four? event and it wasadvance obviouson from the very beginning The entire MX team is eagerly awaiting the InThor the wind that the man who KTM was relying on to boost start of theBy2011 Energy AMA Supercross Reliability is a Japanese invention my Monster count from the chart thoughtfully their American campaign had damaged his knee. kicks on offthe onAMA January 8th athelmets Angel provided website, Having spent many long years in series which He was one of the several riders to injure themselves compulsory privileged position of having newStadium are in Anaheim, Calif.in Q just 20 states of the at the event, including the veterans Michael USA. I was reminded of the Yanks’ motorcycles supplied to me Byrne on a monthly ambivalent attitude to helmets last week basis I’m hardly going to shout (wrist), Grant Langston (dislocated hip) to andstart British when read a trenchant defence (made by odds butQI can’t help marvelling atHonda our wins ISix Hour rider Max Anstiethe (knee cap). IRUHEHDUV PRVW RI ZKRP FDUULHG VXIÀ FLHQW a Harley rider, oddly enough) of lettin’ the THE duo of Josh Brookes and Wayne Maxwell breeze blow through yer beard. As have I read tools for a full side-of-the-road rebuild led their Demolition Plus GAS Honda team to victory it, the two central points of this bloke’s and thought little of repairing a punctured Honda returns argument were the6whole was tube 100 miles from anywhere in a stormin an absorbing 2010 Bel(a)Ray Hour thing Endurance HONDA and Motologic have night. announced infringement of hisChampionship. personal liberty lashed Sunday Maybe their one day Race, I’ll thean Australian Endurance and (b) helmets didn’t do a whole heap stop being for electronic reunion for the 2011 grateful Australian Superbikeignition, A picturesque Phillip Island played host to a Championship assault.

“To be partnered up with Wayne, who is one of my best mates, was a real thrill and all the people involved in the Demolition Plus GAS Honda team are all old friends, who I’ve been involved with for many years so it was a great environment to be a RI JRRG DQ\KRZ :HOO LW¡V GLIĂ€ FXOW part of,â€? he said.

8 – JANUARY 2011

THE 2010 SuperX Championship has been run and won – here’s Smarty’s wrap-up‌ “I think females are much smarter than men. Despite a failed marriage and a heap of failed relationships this really came to light when one of my mate’s wives looked at the 2010 SuperX blurb which announced Chad Reed, Davi Milsaps, Ivan Tedesco, Mike Alessi, Justin Brayton, Ryan Villopoto, Kevin Windham, Josh Hansen and co were all competing in the series. “It’s a load of shit,â€? she said, “last year we were supposed to get Bubba and Alessi and neither turned up. I’ll be surprised if Chad even turns up for more than a round or two if he is as crook as they say.â€? Hmm, I blew this off as ‘what would she know’ but

arguing with (a) and so far as (b) here we are at the series end and yep, the only “The weather didn’t play anythe partangels in the race at all goes it’s true you’d need rider of all of the above that rode the whole series WR VDYH \RX LI \RX ZHQW KHDG Ă€ UVW and the track conditions were perfect all the way was Josh Hansen who possibly could have been into a telegraph pole at 100mph. through. getting big money from Monster and Thor to stick So where does that leave us? On around‌ the allowed side of common I hope. “This us to worksense, on fuel strategies and tyre I have no doubt there management, and in the are endaitlot couldn’t have been Chad rode one round just to prove a point and get more people walking around today better, â€? he added. his team sold in the USA, Milsaps and Tedesco were who wouldn’t have been without helmet. And as for insistingRoad on Racing scene no-shows, Alessi might as well have not turned up, Inatheir return to the Australian the right splatter yourself all place overall Mick Grant andbrilliant Graeme Crosby, the day. Villopoto Brayton was for hisback fewin rounds, Team HondatoRacing captured second over the countryside and have the a no-show, Windham won one round and podium with riders Jamie Stauffer and Glenn Allerton taking community don rubber gloves and pick track go and what’s the lap record?â€?) theabundance next. Jeff Alessi turned up late a deserved podium position.things must be up the pieces, I suppose and an of personality. He in the series and did nothing. different in a country where so many also a shrewd judge of motorcycles Team Suzuki rounded out the podium, with thewas citizens apparently believe a governmentand men. Like Barry Sheene he was Hey, was great (except duo of Josh Waters and Shawn Giles finishing thirdone of the the backed health system is some kind of greatracing personalities of his era, to the two mudders), there and are still only atohandful of Aussies overall. socialist conspiracy. is endlessly likeable brought world championship motorcycle that can ride supercross at anracing international level InWhen a brilliant display from touch of Danny Australasian men were ‌ young duo Kris McLarena long-overdue and Lee Hogan and Ham are doing a great andIfNick Waters, the for pairsome earned a fourth overalladaptability and realism. All manner of you’re looking reading job as commentators. matter holiday season, you finish forover theirtheAnkermann Motorsports HondaSHRSOH KDYH Ă€ QLVKHG VHFRQG LQ D ZRUOG title and leftPro-Open just a name the history could do a great deal worse than delve In the classinJosh Hansen was unreal to team and claimed victory in the Superstock 1000 ERRNV 1RW &UR] 5HDG KLV ERRN DQG Ă€ into Graeme Crosby’s autobiography, watch, I will look forward to seeing QG how he goes in class. out why. Larrikin Biker. It’s been available for a the US in 2011 and once again Jay Marmont proved few weeks now class and the man were himself Among the other winners thewill talented to be for the best Aussie by far. I was disappointed in cheerfully sell you copy JohnWaiting the sun Triumph Australia trioanofautographed Christian Casella, via his website, www.graemecrosby. Sydney gets annual Tye Simmonds (asrainfall was he)total and Dan Reardon rode Chiodo Aussie abroad com. I and haven’t clocked it yet,Jed butMetcher, it should whocomparable with in northern way below parStornoway but Dan McCoy did his best to shake combined to take out the Supersport class ahead be a great read. Yes, he was a factory Scotland. The rain is warmer here, of up the factory dudes. QLVKHG VHFRQG WR of<DPDKD SLORW DQG Ă€ Troy Herfoss and Brodie Waters of Team Suzuki. course, but just as wet and every bit as Franco Uncini in the 1982 World 500 persistent especiallyclass in the summer, In the– Pro-Lites I was really rooting for PJ The RidingSA.com team of Championship, but that Danile hardlyFalzon, beginsLevi to Day,whenLarsen. the peak riding I think mostseason peoplearrives. were butWith dumb luck and Liam Wilkinson and Michael Brenton claimed theluck, we’ll see the sun in plenty of time measure his greatness. What I remember some dumb mistakes cost the Yank the title and like is his ability ride anything andCessnock win, Superstock 600tocrown, while Team wereto put in some miles this summer. Either Hansen we will look forward to seeing how PJ goes a wealth of memorable quotes (on the winners of the Production and Veterans classes. Q way, let’s all be careful out there. cover of the book: “Which way does the Bob Guntrip in the States in 2011. Ryan–Marmont is my new hero

r delivery charges

RRP $3,999.00 + deale

2010 SuperX – The Wrap

and I look forward to him racing the 350 in 2011.

NEWS TORQUE : PIT BITS

The Pom Steven Clarke and fellow Suzuki pilot Lawson Bopping were great value while the likes of Josh Cachia (who took out Marmont in one of the rounds) and Codie Mackie (who took out Larsen in another round) are no doubt frustrated by their own mistakes. Hopefully they learn from these.� Q

Racesafe on track THE motorcycle community rallied together to raise $10,000 for trackside medical service, Suzuki RACESAFE at the recent Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship Awards Evening at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

ride. For just $23,500 racers can take ownership of a fully kitted FX600 spec machine ($23,000 for ASBK Superstock spec). This includes the cost of a new unit, all the labour charges associated with preparing it to full superstock spec and also includes all the road going parts so you can return the unit to standard when you wish. Customers will need to advise their riding details and weight etc and YRT will set the suspension of the bike up according to their initial needs.

“We’re fortunate to boast the best motocross facilities in the world in the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship,� said MX Sports Vice President Davey Coombs. “Several of our tracks have hosted national events for nearly four decades, including such legendary race tracks as RedBud, Unadilla, High Point and more, while our newer facilities present the vision of the future for American Motocross. The 2011 season - which will be the 40th year of this tour - is going to be another epic chapter in American Motocross.

to expect from the younger guys coming up,� said Windham. “Historically they go fast but they have a tendency to crash but Ryan Dungey definitely broke that mould over the last few seasons.�

Three pins AFTER initial reports that Team BTOSports.com/ BBMX rider Michael Byrne had broken his wrist at the 2010 running of the Bercy SX it has been revealed the plucky Aussie has only dislocated his JANUARY 2011 27the opening right wrist and should at worst miss round of the AMA Supercross series.

Each bike will be run on YRT’s dyno and an individual dyno sheet will be supplied. For FX600 www.cycletorque.com.au the Power 2011 schedule: May 21 Hangtown Motocross Classic Sacramento, Calif; May 28 Freestone Commander will be mapped during the dyno runs. Raceway Wortham, Texas; June 11 High Point CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE: RIDING JEANS Riders added their autographs to 20 AGV helmets Interested parties are asked to contact John Raceway Mt. Morris, Pa; June 18 Budds Creek Byrne was looking smooth and fast on his new which were featured in a silent auction. Redding on yrd@bigpond.com. Q Motocross Mechanicsville, Md; June 25 Thunder Suzuki ride but the crash on the Friday night ended Valley Motocross Lakewood, Colo; July 2 RedBud his weekend prematurely. Doctors decided minor The generosity and goodwill of those present will Buchanan, Mich; July 16 Spring Creek Motocross surgery would be the best solution to heal the ensure RACESAFE’s presence at 2011 Australian JDR goes Hi-­5 Superbike Championship events, ensuring peace of JDR KTM has announced a five rider team of Millville, Minn; July 23 Washougal MX Park damage. Washougal, Wash; August 13 Draggin Unadilla New “The surgeon placed thee small pins in Byrne’s wrist mind for riders competing at the highest level. champions for the 2011 Australian Motocross and BMW Berlin, N.Y; August 27 Moto-X 338 C-EVOSouthwick, to stabilise the dislocation, and post surgery reports “Suzuki RACESAFE is very thankful for this generous Supercross Championships. inside Delmont Mass; September 3 Steel City Raceway were Draggin very positive in terms of minimal ligament contribution,â€? said RACESAFE Director of Emergency Ryan Marmont and Dan Reardon will compete on Pa; September 10 Pala Raceway Pala, Calif.Q damage, C-EVO â€? was the official blurb from the team’s PR Services Simon Maas. “Without the support of the the 350SX in the Pro Open class while Matt Moss, Outside gurus. ASBK paddock and the industry, we simply wouldn’t Josh Cachia and Brenden Harrison will contest massively stronger than the cotton With its full Kevlar and Dyneema IN RECENT yearsto there’s beenthis an critical jeans. The Iconic is stretch Bootleg, lining when it’s not required. There’s be able to make it to the track provide is a bummer sure that Michael got hurt, but Proand Lites all-newlining, 2011additional model 250SXused inthe jeans, alsowith muchthe stronger lining for comfort, in the number of makes WKH ,URQKRUVH LV FODVVLF Ă€ W WKH .HOO\ a variety“It of sizes and stylesfor available. Windham back service.â€? Q explosion the injury could have been so much worse. In the heat resistant nylon or pockets for armour, ankle straps to and models of riding jeans - denim and more are cargo pants and there’s also the www.tkdjeans.com F. All five ridersthan have several Australian Motocross polyester thread. keep pants place and colour fast with protection. Conventional 5HYROYHU DQG WKH 6DJD D VSHFLĂ€ AMERICAN legend Kevin Windham is F back for his big picture, he will possibly miss Anaheim 1 and Championships under their belts whilein Reardon, Importantly for the sliding to keep them looking jeans basically tear to shreds in a women’s jean. www.nedswear.com. Teknicthen will be back for Phoenix. Michael has been professional racing on the powerful Moss and Marmont have alltechnology tasted success in 17th year of 2011 MX Nats motorcyclist, Kevlar does not melt new longer, Draggin describe C-EVO au crash, so some smart people have A manufacturer of leathers, textile unbelievable work with so far, and this is just a GEICO Powersports Honda CRF450R for the 2011 and its supercross. impact tolerance is high. as the ‘Next Generation’ of Kevlar incorporated a variety of technology and denim based ridingto gear, Teknic CHANGES have been announced to the 2011 bump in the AMA Supercross series. Cordura is another product used jeans. Dyneema is billed as ‘The - most commonly Kevlar – into offers thesmall Violator Kevlar jeansroad. for There are still nine months Sartso “I’m really excited for 2011 and I believe the 350 Australian Motocross Championship, with a few because of its high strength, abrasion World’s Strongest Fibre’, and is an jeans to provide stylish riding men andwith the Warrior Kevlar Jeans With military-grade high burst 28 races to go infor the year after Anaheim 1, this point, no matter myKevlar age orand theoptional competition, SX-F will be the perfect suit my style new dates confirmed. resistance and protective qualities.bike to integral partriding of every pair of“At Draggin gear which offers an alternative to women. we Withhave features such of as Knox strength DuPont plenty time to achieve all our goals it’s all about staying with what works, â€? said the 30 Jeans, alongclass, withâ€?Kevlar. standard denim far better suited to armour, stretch panels and cowhide CE-Approved knee armour, Sartso and build when I move into the Open Ryan The updatedmotorcycling. 2011 MX Nationals calendar: BMW R1 team Draggin’s range motorcyclists’ trim, the togetherâ€?, Teknic jeanssays offer moreowner Forrest Butler. Q Jeans offer“The excellent protection. year old Windham. seasons are always long Marmont commented. “I’m stoked to be able to of step Broadford VIC Although March 6th; R2are Appin NSW there leather and3rd April;BMW has chosen to go with cotton jeans is unparalleled and is available Designed with a fashion edge, Sartso than just style and protection. www. and all we can do is be patient and see how the year up and it gives me something to strive for. It will be from many bike shops around riding pants, most10th; ridersR4 Murray MHDQV ORRN DQG Ă€ W JUHDW IRU ERWK PHQ teknicgear.com Q and Cordura, with removable knee R3 Raymondtextile Terrace NSW April a learning year2 Denim and I do have aAustralia. lot of respect for the unfolds.â€? and women. There’s a full range www.dragginjeans.net most of R5 theToowoomba time choose toQLD ride in protectors, for its City Bridge SA May 8th; May 22nd; Hornee Jeans in action. jeans, because they are comfortable, of styles including classic cut, relax Trousers. Theyriders, are lightweight, Open but I hope to be competitive and I’m Windham has 18 AMA Supercross class victories R6 Coonabarabran NSW June 19th; R7 Albury Vic fashionable and practical off the Ă€ W FDUJR SDQWV DQG HYHQ D PLG ULVH gradually fade justthat like Ijeans from Hornee Jeans confident can be up there. â€? sits ninth on for thetheall-time AMA win July 3rd; R8 Moree NSW July 23rdjeans /24th (Possibletheir 2 slightly washed-out look when bike. But conventional certainly hipster girls available fromlist and is Hornee builds men’s and and women’s looking to keep likes of Ryan Dungey and Chad aren’t an30th off‌ / 31stnew, Sartso.the www.sartso.com supplied a belt and riding jeans in aat variety The team’swith 2011 campaign will commence next of styles. day event) Vets; R9practical CoolumDURING QLD July (2 are but most of us thought come inyear’s sizes XS-XXXL. At BMW Featuring SafetyReed Cell, all honest right from round one. “There needs to MX Nationals season opener tothe beHornee held at day event Grand finale) Vets. Q they were. So now we have a number of dealers only. Hornee’s products have extra Kevlar Spyke be a lot of attention on those guys, but I also think Victoria’s premier circuit at Broadford on March the manufacturers offering jeans with to provide increased safety. Features A European-based manufacturer there’s going to be some people this year 6th. Q most, if not all, of the features of include military grade Kevlar which of motorcycle gear including racethat creep Draggin Jeans Yamaha R6FRQYHQWLRQDO MHDQV ZLWK WKH EHQHĂ€ racers W RI and wet weather Easily the best know manufacturer is ultra-thin for comfort, heavy up duty from thesuits shadows, â€? he added.gear, “It’sSpyke going to be an better crash protection. double stitching and doubleexciting layers season also produce Cordura of motorcycle jeans, Draggin makes THE Yamahamuch Racing Team (YRT) has put together and it’s denim my joband to be one of the guys 2011to AMA MX men Calendar Most this with Kevlar, in the hip, knee and thigh regions. riding jeans. Available in men’s and a full range suit ladies, and some packages fordo budding racers.a There’s no making things exciting. â€? product developed by DuPont, www.horneejeans.com ladies’ sizes. www.spyke.it even youths and children. doubting itsthe R6massive is one American of the best machines in itsTheirMX SPORTS Pro Racing has released the 2011 Lucas chemical latest product is the C-EVO Christophe Pourcel and Jake Weimer market sector, on the road and the track. Oil AMA ProfullMotocross schedule Trey Canard, company. Jeans, which feature European Championship NEDS Jeans all move toTKD the 450 class in 2011 which widens the Kevlar comes in many forms, &( DSSURYDO WKH Ă€ UVW PRWRUF\FOH Nedslocations Motorcyclefrom Wear produce a TKD Jeans have a unique feature: which consist of 12 rounds with YRT can offer the complete package at a very age gap between Windham and the riders EXW WKH W\SH XVHG LQ MHDQV LV D Ă€ EUH jeans toCalifornia achieve this standard. variety of ladies’ and men’s Kevlar you can zip out the full-length Kevlarhe will to New England. reasonable cost, all you need to do is turn up and bang bars with next season. “You never know what

Save your arse There’s no excuse for not wearing jeans which offer protection as well as style and comfort.

Cycle-­Torque-­halfpage-­hora.indd    1

6/12/2010 Â Â Â 2:55:59 Â PM

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NEWS TORQUE

Fat Boy Lo Project Bike -­ For Sale YEP, it’s that time again, when we let a project bike go to make room for a new one… so it’s time for a tearful goodbye to the Cycle Torque Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo. This bike has about 8000km on the clock, is a 2010 model (built late 2009), is in excellent condition and comes with nearly 12 months NSW rego and about $6000 worth of touring equipment and performance parts.

SMALL TORQUE Riders’ Division back MOTORCYCLING Australia (MA) has announced the positions of Riders’ Division Manager and Riders’ Division Assistant have both been filled. The positions have been taken up by well established motorcycle enthusiasts Rob Smith (Manager) and Michael Stafford (Assistant). Q

Motorcycle instructors wanted STAY Upright motorcycle rider training company is currently looking for exceptional people to teach the skills of motorcycle riding at the learner and provisional level. Essential requirements: You must have held an unrestricted motorcycle licence for at least three years, be willing to work some weekends, complete the RTA Instructor training course and obtain an RTA Instructor’s licence. If you would like further information please call Wayne Clarke or Paul Willows on 02 8824 9980.Q

DirtWise training

The Rush pipes, Screaming Eagle tuner and K&N air filter have added 16 horsepower at the rear wheel and we have just-fitted Pirelli Night Dragon Tyres, too. We’re asking $26,000. If you’re interested call 02 4956 9820. Q

For live links of all the web and email addresses below, read the digital edition available on www.cycletorque.com.au

Basic requirements for participation include a valid Australian Open Class Motorcycle licence, plus full safety gear including helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and enclosed shoes or boots. All riders must register participation on-line prior to the ride days. Visit www.ktm.com.au for a KTM Street Fleet demo ride day in your area. Q

Speed for Austar? THE AUSTAR pay TV network is facing a huge backlash from customers over its lack of attention to motorsport fans. Speed TV was recently launched on Foxtel. Essentially it takes all motor racing from the Fox Sport channels and has put it on the new channel. While this is fantastic for Foxtel customers, Austar customers (most of regional Australia) have to put up with smoke and mirrors from Austar executives who say they are currently in negotiations with the Premier Media Group over plans to bring Speed TV to viewers in Regional Australia. Irate subscribers have been venting their anger at Austar’s own Facebook page. “I know it’s deeply frustrating for customers not to have a definitive answer, but we hope to have one one way or the other soon,” said a spokesperson from Austar. Q

ENDURO racing legend and instructor, Shane Watts has announced the confirmation of one of his popular two day “DirtWise with Shane Watts” Academy of Offroad Riding Schools to be conducted in the heart of the magnificent Otway Ranges, near Aireys Inlet, Vic on Jan 15/16 (Sat/Sun). Unfortunately though due to some of the school being conducted in State Forest, youth riders will be unable to attend this school, plus all bikes must have a minimum of Rec Rego – no exceptions! Cost for the two day school will be $380 (includes a free DirtWise t-shirt), with discounts available for previous students and extra family members.

Trooper Lu’s gets gold

Go to www.shanewatts.com for more info. Q

THE idea behind the three hour“Breakfast Torque”event is to provide an environment where riders can get access to advice from motorcyclist experts. The event is hosted each year by Jonesy from Sydney radio station 2WSFM, and presenters include Guy Stanford (MCC of NSW), Professor Danny Cass from Westmead Trauma Unit, Ambulance Paramedics and Stay Upright instructors. There is a low speed riding instructional demo, and a simulated emergency response to a staged accident with a stunt rider. Guy Stanford gets members of the audience on stage and explains the pros and cons SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2010 LOFTUS OVAL, PRINCES HIGHWAY, LOFTUS of the riding gear they ride in. 8.00AM >11.00AM At the last event in October at Loftus Oval in southern Sydney over 50 stalls and displays were staged by local dealers and distributors who donate over $5,000 worth of prizes each year. The event is coordinated by Sutherland Shire, Rockdale and Kogarah Councils, the St George Sutherland Ulysses Club, the NSW Ambulance Service and the Motorcycle AL LE LOCC C Council of NSW. With a budget of around $15,000 OR NYT MOTE VE supplied mainly by the local councils, this is a brilliant example of how the community can work together to help motorcyclists stay informed. Keep an eye out in Cycle Torque for the next Breakfast Torque. Q

Reunion IN MARCH 2011, one of NSW’s oldest bike clubs, Bankstown Wiley Park Motorcycle Club celebrates its 60th year Anniversary. The club will host a reunion of past, present and life members at the Greyhound Social Club, 140 Rookwood Rd, Yagoona on Saturday 12th March, 2011 from 6pm till 11pm. Tickets are $20 including a buffet meal. The night is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends. There will be a static bike display in the auditorium along with photos, trophies and memorabilia. The Club is seeking memorabilia for this display. For ticket sales, memorabilia for display and further information contact Bob McGlinchy on 9601 1260 or Carolyn Warran on 0411 025 282 or email your enquiry to bwpmcc60years@hotmail.com. Q

KTM Summer Series ROAD bike enthusiasts of Australia will be able to experience KTM Australia’s street fleet summer series demo rides which are set to tour the nation with a full range of on-road KTM Motorcycles in Summer 2011. Commencing in January 2011 the KTM Street Fleet Summer Series will visit selected KTM dealerships. The full range will be available for demo including KTM Naked Bikes, Supermoto Bikes, Sports Tourers, Adventure Bikes, and all new Superbike models. With special pricing on most 2009 and 2010 model KTM on road models it’s the perfect time to try before you buy. Each KTM Street Fleet day will be attended by KTM staff who are fully trained in all areas of KTM motorcycle technology, from set up to sales of parts and accessories.

10 – JANUARY 2011

TROOPER Lu’s Garage at Moorebank in Sydney were recently nominated for the local business awards in South Western Sydney. It is a program run by Cumberland Newspapers. As part of the selection and winners process there are mystery shoppers and various tests, checks and measures to determine who the winners of each category are. Trooper Lu’s Garage were selected as finalists, and when the voting stopped took out the gong in three sections - Best New Business, Best Motoring Category and Employee Excellence. Q

Breakfast Torque

FREE BREAKFAST FOR RIDERS // SIMULATED CRASH SCENE RIDING SKILLS DEMONSTRATION // DISPLAYS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY GEAR SHOW // WIN GREAT PRIZES NEW PRODUCTS // EXPERT SAFETY ADVICE AND TIPS GUEST MC “JONESY” (FROM 101.7 WSFM) // BIKES!!!

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WITH SPECIAL THANKS

AMBULANCE SERVICE OF NSW

FOR MOTORCYCLISTS BY MOTORCYCLISTS

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LETTERS TORQUING BACK On Highways of Horror Gday Chris, Just wanted to say how spot on you were with your ‘Highway of Horror’ editorial. 30 years - JANUARY I spent 15 with 2011 Victoria Police, the last 8 \HDUV DW WUDIĂ€F XQLWV LQFOXGLQJ Ă€YH \HDUV ULGLQJ on and off-road bikes with a two year stint as an instructor. ,Q WKDW WLPH , VDZ GULYHUV DQG ULGHUV GR VRPH stupid things but you know the biggest excuse I heard, “I wasn’t speedingâ€?, and that was the thing that frustrated me the most. With this constant SXVK RQ VR FDOOHG VSHHGLQJ WKH JRYHUQPHQW KDV EUHG D SRSXODWLRQ RI GULYHUV ZKR WKLQN WKDW DV ORQJ DV WKH\ DUH GULYLQJ NP K XQGHU WKH VSHHG limit they are safe where in fact they are constantly distracted by looking at their speedo and not concentrating on what is around them. As you said they also think it’s their right WR GULYH VORZO\ UHJDUGOHVV RI WKH FKDRV DQG frustration they cause behind them again bred by WKH JRYHUQPHQW¡V FRQVWDQW FDPSDLJQ RQ VSHHGLQJ ,W KDV EHHQ VDLG IRU \HDUV EXW WKH JRYHUQPHQW doesn’t listen. We need a serious rehash of our GULYHU ULGHU WUDLQLQJ LQ WKLV FRXQWU\ :KHQ \RX DUH WDXJKW WR GULYH D SROLFH YHKLFOH LW¡V DOO about being aware of your surroundings, reading WUDIĂ€F DQG LGHQWLI\LQJ KD]DUGV DQG SRWHQWLDO GDQJHUV :KHQ \RX REWDLQ D FLYLOLDQ OLFHQFH WKHUH LV QRQH RI WKDW $OO \RX KDYH WR GR LV GULYH around the block and make sure you stay under the speed limit. We need to get real on road safety in this country and not make it an easy cash cow for the JRYHUQPHQW Anthony Wolfe

HDFK VL]H (J 0XOWLVWUDGD LQ WKH last issue. , KDYH D 67 $%6 7&6 DQG D 1999 XR600R. 7KH 67 SDQQLHU FRQĂ€JXUDWLRQ LV www.cycletorque.com.au skinny in comparison to the current ELNHV (YHQ VR , FDQ WHOO LQVWDQWO\ when the panniers are not on from the moment I back the bike out of the garage. Regards Garry

CYCLE TORQUE TEST – PIAGGIO MP3

Rubber and lugagge Hi Chris, , DP LQWULJXHG E\ WZR WUHQGV WKDW KDYH QRW EHHQ commented on by Motorcycle journalists. 7KH VWDQGDUG IURQW W\UH VL]H IRU PRVW ODUJH road bikes is width 120, sidewall 70, wheel 17 since about 1996. The rear has continued to grow. 3DQQLHUV KDYH JURZQ WR ULGLFXORXV ZLGWKV VRPH times exceeding the bike fairing width by 30 cm on

WRITE A LETTER!

WIN A GREAT PRIZE

This month Anthony Wolfe 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.

Sure footed triple A novel Hiidea that works. that road condition is not poor in many parts Garry

There’s no doubt tyres sizes, especially rears, by Test and pho have creeped uptos over the years. Many would argue kett is Pic that Chr rear tyres are too wide and upset handling RI WKH ELNHV %XW WKH LS VLGH WR WKDW LV WKH ODS RIDING GEAR: AGV jacket, met, Ixonproduction-based times hel current road racing bikes stars gloves. ine Alp get. If a 190/60-17 tyre was way too wide, as people say, you think this would be a hurdle hard to get past. Of course there’s much more to lap times than just this. As for panniers, I remember riding through a gate when I forgot I had the panniers on. You can imagine the result. Seriously though, I recently tested the Triumph Sprint GT which had a pretty big set of panniers on. It didn’t harm the handling, I can tell you that. If I had them fully ORDGHG LW PLJKW EH D GLҏHUHQW VWRU\ WKRXJK (G

More Horror Dear Chris, ,¡YH MXVW UHDG \RXU 1RYHPEHU HGLWRULDO Âś+LJKZD\V of Horror’ and feel you should be congratulated. , GRXEW , KDYH HYHU UHDG D PRUH LQIRUPHG DQG THREE-wheel motorcycles aren’t exactly a new idea but accurate description of the reasons for Piaggio has taken the the design to newthe heights with its MP3. For 2011 the a new roads. look, a new terribly sad outcomes on MP3 our has public Theengine, and ride-by-wire technology. IHZ SHUVRQDO H[SHULHQFHV \RX KDYH UHODWHG LQ WKLV piece go a Before long way toward explaining exactly what happensThe prior many crashes, fatal andtwo front MP3’sto most obvious design feature is the otherwise. wheels I waswhich particularly struck with your lean over, giving the rider a ‘feel’ pretty much same as a ‘normal’ Both front wheels in fact comment at the the beginning ofmotorcycle. the article about operate independently of each other, much the same as a car, WKH TXDOLW\ RI URDGV DQG GULYHU DZDUHQHVV EHLQJ while carrying the same lean angle.to the road the two main culprits contributing This has been a feature of the MP3 since its inception. WROO 2I FRXUVH GULYHU DZDUHQHVV ZRXOG KDYH WR Another interesting feature is you can lock the front wheels be the priority of the two. This is not to say

of the country. What I’m trying to say Chris LV WKDW WKH PDMRULW\ RI GULYHUV ZKR FUDVK KDYH absolutely no understanding of how easy it is to NLOO WKHPVHOYHV 7KHQ WKHUH LV WKH DGGHG KD]DUG RI diesel spill and other pollutants on the road. And QHYHU IRUJHW WKRVH RI XV ZKR DUH VWLOO DOLYH GXH to the skill of others. The arrogance and lack of courtesy displayed by WKDW ROG WUXFN GULYHU \RX PHQWLRQHG LV V\PSWRPDWLF of the road rage problem which contributes in no small way to motorists and riders taking unnecessary risks and again, congratulation to you for grasping the nettle and pulling the cretin RYHU 7KHVH GD\V LW VHHPV WKDW WKH WUDIĂ€F SROLFH ZKR WKLQN WKH\ DUH SURWHFWLQJ XV IURP RXUVHOYHV would prefer to issue infringement notices to WKRVH ZKR SDVV WKLV W\SH RI VHOĂ€VK DQG RU SRRUO\ VNLOOHG GULYHU WKDQ LQLWLDWH D ELW RI SURDFWLYH thought. $QG Ă€QDOO\ &KULV , DP DOVR VLFN WR P\ EDFN WHHWK with the bleating from senior cops and politicians who wring any their hands onsteep camera while stating in position, position. So on driveways or uneven how terrible it the allwheels is. in Perhaps ground, just tilt lock place andyou walkcould away, orsend use the centre stand. HDFK WUDIĂ€F EUDQFK LQ WKH FRXQWU\ D FRS\ RI WKH A smallishand capacity four-stroke editorial maybe, justengine maybeanda CVT few of them transmission has been used from the get go. PLJKW Ă€QDOO\ JHW LW (GXFDWLRQ LV WKH NH\ DV ,¡P VXUH \RX NQRZ &KULV Now DQG ORWV DQG ORWV RI ULGHU GULYHU WUDLQLQJ Headlining the mechanical changes is the 278cc Quasar engine, which foundhand in a number of other Piaggio models.their Without thatis the wringers are wasting The fuel-injected four-valve engine produces just over 22hp time, and my tax dollars. at 7,500rpm, maximumand torque coming ain beaut 1000rpmarticle. Thanks for with listening again, lower. Liquid-cooling makes sure it keeps its cool on a hot Pete Boniface. day in the CBD (although if we saw an MP3 on tour in Cairns. North Qld.

JANUARY 2011 – 11

www.cycletorque.com.au

EDITORIAL

Island life

THERE’S something special about Phillip Island. Sure, plenty of Victorian holidaymakers make the pilgrimage to PI each year but for me the pilgrimage is all about racing. There’s unlikely to have been one year during the last decade where I haven’t driven through the gates to the circuit, whether it be to race, cover the racing or for a bike launch. It starts before that though. The anticipation, the work getting ready and so on. I’ve had some memorable rides down to PI and when I hit that roundabout not far from San Remo, , ÀQG P\ SXOVH TXLFNHQV DQG WKH excitement builds up. In my journo role I’ve tended to spend much of my time in the media centre, and a bit of catching up with friends who love PI too. Last year’s World Superbike round saw me spend much of my time in the pits or on the pit wall. My son Alex was racing his Triumph Daytona 675 in the Aussie support classes and it was very exciting

to be a part of such a huge event. During the meeting we were able to visit the factory Triumph World Supersport Team, have a tour of their garage and chat with the riders and team boss. They even lent us some spare parts after we stuffed up. It’s this type of friendliness which makes the World Superbike round at PI such an amazing event. It’s often been said the World Supers is much lower key than the MotoGP round. I would have to agree. The crowds are smaller, you can get accommodation easier and you can ride your bike around the circuit to change your vantage points. You still get the big screens, you still get the great commentary, you still get the noise, close racing and adrenaline surging through your veins but it just seems, easier. 2Q RQH RI P\ ÀUVW WULSV , UHPHPEHU buying a folding chair for $10 from a hardware store in Cowes and strapping it to the back of my bike. My mates and I would just ride around the circuit

and put out the chair and watch the racing, moving along when we felt like it. We had a few cool drinks to keep us hydrated. It was a great few days. There’s always a big contingent of Australian support classes and you can check them out close up by cruising WKURXJK WKHLU SLW DUHDV ,W·V GHÀQLWHO\ worth paying a bit extra to do so. A big highlight of the support racing is the historic superbikes. This class is for bikes built up to 1982 and the racing is furious and loud. Remember stars from the past like Robbie Phillis and Malcolm Campbell? Well they are still at it, on machines from ‘their’ era. I UHFNRQ TXLWH D QXPEHU RI UDFH SXQWHUV go just to watch this. The modern racing is just a bonus. The race meeting is only part of the fun though. What about the ride down? I’ve taken a few different routes down to PI in the past. Coast, mountains and country. I’ve done most and enjoyed them all, and on sports bikes, tourers and adventure machines. It doesn’t

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12 – JANUARY 2011

Swingarm Adaptor

Wheel Balancer Kit

matter what’s your poison, there’s a route right for you. Normally I’d take a couple of days to get there and back, sometimes more. One time my friends and I stayed one extra day in our rented house, leaving on Tuesday to head north for home. The roads were amazingly devoid of WUDIÀF 7KH WULS KRPH ZDV DQ DEVROXWH blast. Let’s face it. Most bike nuts like watching both MotoGP and World Superbikes but many can only afford to do one trip to the island. If you’ve never been to see the World Supers at PI, now’s the time. – Chris Pickett

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RACE TORQUE

Nights in Red Satin ,1 +,6 WHUULĂ€F DXWRELRJUDSK\ Âś:KDW LI , KDG QHYHU WULHG LW¡ 9DOHQWLQR 5RVVL KDG some interesting things to say about Ducati and Italian fans. Although his comments DUH Ă€YH \HDUV ROG DQG ZULWWHQ DW D WLPH ZKHQ KH ZDV KDSSLO\ OLYLQJ LQ /RQGRQ DQG in his second year with Yamaha, it is quite revealing in how he sees himself, his countrymen and the bright red Bologna marque. Never in a million years did Rossi WKLQN KH ZRXOG Ă€QLVK KLV FDUHHU DW 'XFDWL RU UHWXUQ WR ,WDO\ DIWHU IDOOLQJ IRXO RI WKH local tax man. Semi-exiled in England’s capital, Rossi’s comments about Italians were prefaced by his revelations of his night-owl nature that sees him up ‘til 3am on non-race nights. “I have a special relationship with the night,â€? he wrote. “I like moving in it, living in it, thinking in it, relaxing in it. The night fascinates me, because it’s the period of least confusion. The ZRUOG FDOPV GRZQ LW JRHV TXLHW $QG EHVLGHV ,¡P 9DOHQWLQR 5RVVL ,¡P ZDQWHGÂŤ ,¡P D fugitive. “Yes, I’m always running away from my beloved countrymen - the Italians,â€? he continued. “I’m proud to be Italian. I’m proud of our merits and I regret our shortcomings. Italians are exceptional people in every way, even when they start loving you because that’s actually when problems can arise. Italian people are warm, empathetic and spontaneous. But they can also be excessive, oppressive and disrespectful. I don’t know who said that Italians will forgive everything except for success. Whoever it was, they were right because it’s absolutely true.â€? The tall-poppy syndrome may be alive and well in Italy, but Rossi’s debut victory with Yamaha reignited the love affair. “Since the 2004 season, I’ve been a man on the run. And there’s QR HVFDSH QR HQG LQ VLJKW EHFDXVH ZKHUHYHU , JR WKH\ Ă€QG PH , FDQ¡W JR WR WKH EDU IRU a cappuccino because I would not be able to drink it. To be fair, I can do it in Tavullia >5RVVL¡V KRPH WRZQ@ EXW WKDW¡V WKH RQO\ SODFHÂŤ RWKHUZLVH ,¡P D KXQWHG DQLPDO “I can’t stop anywhere, not even at a petrol station. Somebody will recognise me and before I know it I will be swallowed up by a small crowd. Having said that I do mix with people, it’s just that I wish I could do it as a normal person, because deep down I’m a QRUPDO SHUVRQ 7KLV LV SDUW RI WKH UHDVRQ ZK\ , KDYH WR OLYH DW QLJKWÂŤÂľ 7KLV GLVFRXUVH is as much about the perils of fame as it is about unbearably fanatical Italian fans. However, it reveals a highly sensitive soul who is incredibly private, belying Rossi’s highly extroverted, fun-loving image that he concedes is responsible for whipping up the unwanted adulation. When word inevitably leaked out about Rossi’s clandestine meetings with Yamaha in 2003, Ducati emerged as a third suitor after Yamaha believed Rossi was only using them as a bargaining chip against Honda. In July 2003, Rossi and his then manager Gibo drove

Rossi and his old amigo Jeremy Burgess are already hard at work ensuring the Ducati is ready for 2011.

down the autostrada late at night to Bologna. They met with Livio Suppo and Claudio Domenicali, who took them through the factory. “Walking around, you could almost breathe in the history and tradition. The walls of the factory are ancient, nothing looks new, except for what’s inside which is all about the future; technology, ideas, passion, you could feel the creativity surging through the place. I was proud of Ducati, not least because they’re an Italian team, and I was glad to be talking to them. We compared plans and outlooks; the technical side of the bike and racing, the relations with sponsors, promotional duties. The more we talked, the more I began to feel that while we were both up for a challenge, my outlook was somewhat different from theirs. And that was what made me think that pursuing Ducati was not a good idea. Honda had no trouble proving time again that its technology was better than everyone else’s, which was out of line with this new obsession I had; proving that the rider is more important than the bike. In Ducati, I saw a little too much of that Honda attitude in their plans. They were Ă€JKWLQJ WR HVWDEOLVK WKHLU ELNH DQG WKHLU WHFKQRORJ\ DQG WKDW ZDV WKH DEVROXWH SULRULW\ I understood that their vision was different from mine, at least from what it was at the time.â€? Indeed, this meeting took place seven years ago, a generation in MotoGP. When it comes to Italian Ducati fans, there is none more devoted than Paolo Pirozzi. Paolo was recently in Australia on his ‘Around the World in 80 Clubs’ tour aboard a factory-supplied Multistrada 1200. While he is a Ducati ambassador, Paolo is a full-time DGYHQWXUHU ZLWK D Ă€HUFH VHQVH RI LQGHSHQGHQFH +H ZDV JXHVW DW D GLQQHU RI WKH 16: 'XFDWL 2ZQHUV &OXE DW )UDVHU¡V 7RUTXH %DU DQG *ULOO DQG ZKHQ VRPHRQH VXJJHVWHG WKDW he must be thrilled with Rossi joining Ducati, that someone was warned that Paolo was not exactly a fan of The Doctor. The reason? Italian Ducati fans have a long memory, and have never forgiven Rossi for passing up the Ducati ride for Yamaha. The fact that he KDV EHODWHGO\ MRLQHG %RORJQD DIWHU EHLQJ VTXHH]HG RXW DW <DPDKD KDVQ¡W ZDUPHG WKHLU hearts either. And while it may only be a coincidence, Ducati’s decision to withdraw its :6%. VTXDG ZKHQ LW ZDV QHJRWLDWLQJ D PHJD PLOOLRQ GHDO ZLWK 5RVVL ZDV WKH Ă€QDO VWUDZ for the Ducatisti. “Ducati has such a long and great history in World Superbike, going back to Lucchinelli, Roche and all the others, and now, it is gone. And what for, to pay for 9DOHQWLQR"Âľ 3DROR DVNHG UKHWRULFDOO\ LQ 6\GQH\ Ferrari has had a policy since the ’70s to resist hiring Italian drivers because of the undue pressure the tifosi SODFHV RQ ERWK WKH WHDP DQG SLORW $V PXFK DV 9DOHQWLQR ZLOO well feel the heat from Lorenzo and Stoner in 2011, the hottest blow torch could come from within. – Darryl Flack

JANUARY 2011 – 13

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DIRTY TORQUE

Huge year ahead Chad Reed on his way to victory in Newcastle.

line up to race at each round.

MotoGP Rossi on Ducati, Stoner on Honda, Lorenzo on the Yamaha with Spies as his team-mate. It’s just too good to be true. This will be an epic year with no love lost among any of these riders so after a year RI ZDYHG ÀVWV VPDVKHG IDLULQJV DQG à DUH XSV , predict that The Doctor will be back to the number one spot.

World Superbike <((+$$ , PDGH LW 'HVSLWH Ă DSSLQJ off the back of a heap of high powered motorcycles, waking up in strange places DQG SLFNLQJ Ă€JKWV , FRXOGQ¡W SRVVLEO\ win, I managed to scrape through to DQRWKHU \HDU $QG E\ P\ UHFNRQLQJ LV JRLQJ WR EH D GHDG VHW FUDFNHU :K\" Well, I’ll tell ya‌ I may be a bit different from most but I see a new year like this and mark my calendar accordingly: AMA Supercross, FIM World Motocross Championships, MotoGP, World Superbike, AMA 0RWRFURVV 0; 1DWLRQDOV 6XSHU; 9 Supercars, State of Origin, NRL, AFL, 7ULDWKORQV DQG UH UXQV RI 0$6+ÂŤ $QG , KDYH WR Ă€QG WLPH IRU P\ daughters, testing motorcycles, my JLUOIULHQG P\ PDWHVÂŤ DOO WKH ZKLOH WU\LQJ to make a living. So, like most people, Smarty is a busy boy! With great anticipation I look forward to seeing the battles on and off the motorcycle tracks throughout the world and for me 2011 will see some of the best action we have seen for years so here’s Smarty’s take on how the new season will VKDNH RXWÂŤ

AMA Supercross Ryan Dungey will dominate the series. There is no way Chad, ‘Bubbles’ Stewart, Christophe Pourcel, Trey Cannard, Andrew Short, Justin Brayton or Ryan 9LOORSRWR ZLOO EORZ ZLQG XS KLV EXP

14 – JANUARY 2011

Sure, one or two of these riders may win some races here and there but Dungey will be way too strong when it counts the most so here it is in writing, Dungey with a couple of rounds to spare.

AMA Motocross What I am really looking forward to is seeing our own Brett Metcalfe on the factory Suzuki RM-Z450. ‘Metty’ should make his way onto the podium a few times during the Supercross series but look out when they go outdoors. The AMA Nationals is going to be sensational with all of the riders above (bar Bubbles) in contention for some wins and again I think Dungey is the rider to beat but if Metty is uninjured he will be fast so look out Dungey. My money is on Metcalfe for the AMA National Motocross Championship. The 250F class in the AMA Nationals will be wide open and with the likes of Justin Barcia, Jake Weimer, Dean Wilson, PJ Larsen, Eli Tomac, Blake Wharton and a gaggle of other hopefuls belting each other all season it will be nothing short of thrilling. My money is on Dean Wilson QRZ WKDW 0DUYLQ 0XVTXLQ LQMXUHG KLPVHOI at Bercy.

World Motocross Championship This is a little easier to pick. No-one will be able to beat Ken Roczen on the KTM in the MX2 class or Antonio Cairoli in MX1.

They are the fastest and with Stefan Everts doing the mentoring KTM will once again dominate the championships.

MX Nationals The Australian MX Nationals will be another phenomenal year and the Pro Open class will be a cracker with Josh Coppins joining three time champ Jay Marmont on the CDR Yamaha team and Dean Ferris joining Billy McKenzie at Monster Energy Kawasaki team. Obviously KTM will have Dan Reardon and Ryan Marmont on the 350 while Honda will feature Cheyne Boyd and Todd Waters. I assume Suzuki will have Jake Moss on the 450 so that makes it nine riders at least with the ability to win motos but my prediction is that after a couple of years on the Aprilia Josh Coppins will be crowned champion on the Yamaha. In the lites class Matt Moss (now on KTM) would have to be the favourite if he can string together constant results but I would have to put my money on Kirk Gibbs or Brendan Harrison for the 2011 championship trophy.

SuperX Unfortunately I can’t give a prediction on SuperX for 2011. In the past a number of the ‘headline’ riders haven’t shown for some reason or other, even though promotional material said they would, so it’s hard to determine who will actually

0D[ %LDJJLÂŤ ZKR would have thought after years of everyone loving to hate the old dog that he pulls himself not only another world championship but the admiration of everyone who loves motorcycle racing, and after last year you have to go Biaggi IRU WKH FKDPSLRQVKLSÂŤ 7KH $SULOLD LV so strong and ‘The Roman Emperor’ is as determined as ever. I will look forward to the likes of Corser, Haslam (now on BMW), Rea, Checa, Toseland and co going hammer and tong taking a few wins here and there and Marco Melandri on the Yamaha will be interesting. Haga is history, sorry.

The Rest $V IRU 9 6XSHUFDUV WKH )RUGV DQG Holdens are much the same anyway, so how anyone can have allegiance is beyond me), NRL, AFL, State of Origin (Queensland obviously), Triathlons etc, you really don’t care what my thoughts are there and no matter how much I want the frustrating Frank Burns to get shot in Korea I will keep watching my MASH re-runs. So sit back and enjoy 2011, by the time you read this Queensland will have dried out a little, the KTM 690R and I should be out for a blast, and I will be having a good hard think about what else I can cram into 2011. Who’s up for a ride? – Darren Smart

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GUNTRIP

Another year older BET on it Should the still impish if increasingly FDUHZRUQ 9DOHQWLQR 5RVVL PDNH D VXFFHVV of his debut season with Ducati next \HDU ZH FDQ ZLWK VRPH FRQÀGHQFH expect to see a puff of white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at year’s end announcing his election as pontiff. No? Okay, would you have bet RQ VHHLQJ D FF VXSHUFKDUJHG 9 albeit in prototype form, from Horex before the end of 2010? So what are you going to bet on for the year ahead – replica model 1926 Ner-a-Cars being offered by Honda?

Arithmetic 6WLOO RQ WKH VXEMHFW RI WKH EDIĂ LQJ Horex, I see this enterprising German RXWĂ€W LV WU\LQJ WR SHUVXDGH ZRXOG EH buyers that it has “triple overhead camshaftsâ€?. Well, there are three camshafts, it’s true, and they’re certainly overhead. But if this engine is a tripleRYHUKHDG FDP XQLW WKHQ WKH 9)5 LV D TXDG RYHUKHDG FDP $Q\ DGYDQFH RQ four?

Reliability is a Japanese invention Having spent many long years in the privileged position of having new motorcycles supplied to me on a monthly basis I’m hardly going to start to shout the odds but I can’t help marvelling at our forebears, most of ZKRP FDUULHG VXIÀFLHQW WRROV IRU D IXOO side-of-the-road rebuild and thought little of repairing a punctured tube 100 miles from anywhere in a storm-lashed Sunday night. Maybe one day I’ll stop being grateful for electronic ignition, tubeless tyres, modern metallurgy and lubrication technology but I’m happy to accept these as my Christmas present again this year.

Go right at the roundabout There can be disadvantages to technology, however. They tell me people are becoming such XQTXHVWLRQLQJ VODYHV WR WKHLU VDW QDYV that they’re driving themselves into lakes. I’d like to say I’m surprised, but it just isn’t so. Like so many of these things the idea is inspired but the use we make of it pulls the rug out a little. $QG DV ZH GRQ¡W TXLWH \HW OLYH RXU OLYHV within an all-enveloping electronic safety bubble, it’s probably still worth learning how to get your bearings from the sun or at the very least taking in a little map-reading from time to time. Oh yes, and try to get your nearest and dearest to turn off the mobile sometimes. I have reservations about

Mick Grant and Graeme Crosby, back in the day. the effect it’s having on the average IQ of the western world.

In the wind By my count from the chart thoughtfully provided on the AMA website, helmets are compulsory in just 20 states of the USA. I was reminded of the Yanks’ ambivalent attitude to helmets last week when I read a trenchant defence (made by a Harley rider, oddly enough) of lettin’ the breeze blow through yer beard. As I read it, the two central points of this bloke’s argument were (a) the whole thing was an infringement of his personal liberty and (b) helmets didn’t do a whole heap of good anyhow. Well, it’s GLIÀFXOW DUJXLQJ ZLWK D DQG VR IDU DV (b) goes it’s true you’d need the angels WR VDYH \RX LI \RX ZHQW KHDG ÀUVW LQWR D telegraph pole at 100mph. So where does that leave us? On the side of common sense, I hope. I have no doubt there are a lot more people walking around today who wouldn’t have been without a helmet. And as for insisting on the right to splatter yourself all over the countryside and

have the community don rubber gloves and pick up the pieces, I suppose things must be different in a country where so many citizens apparently believe a government-backed health system is some kind of socialist conspiracy.

When men were ‌ If you’re looking for some reading matter over the holiday season, you could do a great deal worse than delve into Graeme Crosby’s autobiography, Larrikin Biker. It’s been available for a few weeks now and the man himself will cheerfully sell you an autographed copy via his website, www.graemecrosby.com. I haven’t clocked it yet, but it should be a great read. Yes, he was a factory Yamaha pilot DQG Ă€QLVKHG VHFRQG WR )UDQFR 8QFLQL in the 1982 World 500 Championship, but that hardly begins to measure his greatness. What I remember is his ability to ride anything and win, a ZHDOWK RI PHPRUDEOH TXRWHV RQ WKH cover of the book: “Which way does the track go and what’s the lap record?â€?) and an abundance of personality. He was also a shrewd judge of motorcycles

and men. Like Barry Sheene he was one of the great personalities of his era, is endlessly likeable and brought to world championship motorcycle racing a long-overdue touch of Australasian adaptability and realism. All manner of SHRSOH KDYH ÀQLVKHG VHFRQG LQ D ZRUOG title and left just a name in the history ERRNV 1RW &UR] 5HDG KLV ERRN DQG ÀQG out why.

Waiting for the sun Sydney gets annual rainfall total comparable with Stornoway in northern Scotland. The rain is warmer here, of course, but just as wet and every bit as persistent – especially in the summer, when the peak riding season arrives. With luck, we’ll see the sun in plenty of time to put in some miles this summer. Either way, let’s all be careful out there. – Bob Guntrip

JANUARY 2011 – 15

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CYCLE TORQUE TEST – HUNTER DAYTONA Riding gear: OGK helmet, M2R ‘Cutlass’ jacket, gloves by Five Gloves, Drayko by Draggin jeans, Thomas Cook boots.

16 – JANUARY 2011

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Cool for cats

Young or old, you can be cool too.

Continued on next page JANUARY 2011 – 17

Cool for cats &\FOH 7RUTXH DGYHUWLVLQJ PDQDJHU DQG )DLUID[ H[ MRXUQR Dennis Penzo has been a cruiser man since Bonnevilles had the gear change on the right-hand side so let’s hear what he thinks of the new Daytona. “Apart from naked bikes like ’60s Triumphs, Honda Fours and Yammie 650s my personal cruisers have revolved around things like XV750 and 1100 Yamahas. In the almost five years I’ve been at Cycle Torque the kinds of cruisers I have enjoyed reviewing are things like the Yamaha 1900 Roadliner, the Kawasaki VN900, Suzuki’s Boulevards, Honda’s VT750S, Triumph’s America, the Victory Hammer (yum) and our recent project Harley Fat Boy Lo. And more recently the new Hyosung 650 and 700 are a nice take on the theme. When I started riding bikes there was no such thing as LAMS, hell, there was no such thing as a breathalyser! When the first Hunter 250s came out I thought they were an interesting proposition for younger riders looking for that stretched cruiser style. It’s interesting to see the evolution of this marque now that the 350 Daytona has landed. It arrived on our doorstep an hour after the number plate went onto the first one in Australia. The first thing I noticed about this new bike was the length. The Daytona is as long as our Project Harley Fat Boy Lo. The Daytona was designed by a Californian firm and is very easy on the eye. It exudes the air of a traditional cruiser and you get a sense of

17-year-old Alex Pickett thought of the Hunter Daytona. “It looks pretty cool, doesn’t it? I reckon it does. There’s no stonkin’ big V-twin inside the frame rails but the little 350 goes well enough to keep up with traffic. It’s a big bike too, much bigger than you would think just looking at it. When you sit on it there’s plenty of room, and the ’pegs are a bit of a stretch so room isn’t an issue unless you’re seven feet tall. Not being used to this sort of bike I was a bit uncomfortable at first but it didn’t take long for me to really enjoy riding it. The softail style rear end coped well enough with the bumps, and so did the upside down forks. I thought the front brake was a bit weak – the back brake was much stronger – but I I’m used to pretty good brakes on my road racing bike so this might colour my view a bit. All up I think it’s a cool bike and it lets young people like myself get a taste of why older riders like cruisers so much.”

On the wallet So what’s it going to cost to own? Well at $6990 plus onroad costs it’s not going to be expensive to put this cruiser on the highway. And the price is backed up with a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which applies to all the Hunter range of bikes. ,I \RX ZDQW WR ÀQG RXW VRPH PRUH DERXW WKLV QHZ HQWU\ OHYHO FUXLVHU DQG ZKHUH WR H[DPLQH RQH LQ WKH ÁHVK FKHFN out www.huntermotorcyclegroup.com.au. Q

Young While I’ve been around cruisers for much of my riding career we thought it would be interesting to hear what

Who needs more than this to cruise cool?

Ignition looks straight off a Harley-Davidson.

Billet forward controls look the part.

Freeway cruising is no trouble for the 350cc parallel twin engine. (Studio images by Adrian Fowler.)

Old

that sitting on the bike with the position of the handlebars and their relationship to the seat and pegs. The solo seat has a nice contour. This does not feel like a little bike but, having said that, it would not be an intimidating machine for a new rider to come to grips with. The rake of the front end, the mudguards, blingy looking forward controls, the minimalist instrumentation - it all carries that essence of the traditional cruiser. Out on the highway she performs the way you would expect of a cruiser. The liquid cooled twin cylinder powerplant features the respectable DELPHI fuel injection system and the five-speed ’box won’t give you any grief. The suspension is up to the task which is a big plus (remember, we rode it on NSW roads). The brakes do their job adequately, the front’s a bit firm but it will pull you up solidly and the rear brake is quite good. Front wheel is 21 inch and rear is 16 and offer a nice stable ride. Twin discs reside up front, a single at the rear. The forward controls are basically the same as those on the Hunter Spyder and the Bobber and there is position adjustment on the gear shift and rear brake. There are other options available on the Daytona including a rear sprocket with four less teeth as well as a dual seat with padded sissy bar as a free accessory. A young rider wanting to feel the wind in his, or her, face would not be concerned at this bike’s ability to be used almost as a tourer. The engine is big and capable enough to make thoughts of longer rides in the countryside or seaside a reality, whereas a smaller bike might make you think twice for fear of over exerting the motor. You can imagine a young rider strapping a sleeping bag to the handlebars and heading into the unknown, just like Hopper and Fonda in Easyrider. Maybe it’s just us older riders who remember the film.”

New school sporty upside down forks and twin discs.

7+( +XQWHU 0RWRUF\FOH *URXS·V FF PLQL FKRSSHUV have been a huge hit with riders over the last couple of years, and the company recently managed to get the new IXHO LQMHFWHG FF YHUVLRQ WKURXJK WKH VWULQJHQW $'5 rules. We could go on about the specs but we thought most riders would be more interested in how they perform, handle, and feel. As for the looks, you make up your own mind.

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JANUARY 2011 – 19

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CYCLE TORQUE TOURING FEATURE

Visiting Vietnam Millions of people, millions of scooters, untold beauty

Story and pics by Terry Johnston

WITH a population of 84 million people cramped LQWR D ODQG DUHD WLPHV VPDOOHU WKDQ $XVWUDOLD Vietnam can be crowded. Perhaps the most crowded areas are the streets of its cities. 7KH PLOOLRQV RI 7 0RGHO )RUGV DQG 9: %HHWOHV built are less than the number of 50cc Honda Cub step-through bikes sold over the last 40 years. The majority of these bikes were sold in southeast Asia. Mr. Honda mechanised the personal transport of our northern neighbours and today the results are obvious LQ 9LHWQDP 7KRXJK PDQ\ VWUXJJOH RQ WKH &XE KDV DOO but been replaced by 110cc models resembling sport versions of the venerable postie bike. Eleven million of these ‘scooters’ are registered in 9LHWQDP , DP XQVXUH KRZ PDQ\ ZHUH SDVVLQJ WKH intersection of Nguyen Hue Road and Le Loi Street in Saigon as I stood on the footpath. However, it was an unbroken stream that blocked my way to the other side of the road. Advice given by locals was to look at the oncoming stampede of bikes, step out and walk SXUSRVHO\ DQG WKH ELNHV OLNH D VFKRRO RI Ă€VK GHIWO\ avoid the moving obstacle. It seemed to work as I arrived, if a little nervously, unscathed on the other side. A centrifugal clutch leaves the younger riders a free hand to text and ride concurrently. The passing parade of bike riders includes grandmothers, families of up to Ă€YH RQ RQH ELNH GHOLYHU\ ULGHUV WRWLQJ 79V EDU IULGJHV cages with pigs, chickens or other unfortunate animals destined for the dinner plate. The multitude of the city’s needs are laden on Honda Waves, Yamahas and a sprinkling of Chinese step-through clones. Trucks

are banned from the city centre, and cars are largely limited to taxi use and a few of the richer citizenry.

Into the adventure zone Tomorrow I and several other Aussie and Kiwi ULGHUV ZLOO IDFH WKH WKURQJ RI WUDIĂ€F DV ZH EHJLQ D motorcycle tour to the Mekong Delta in the south, then to the Chinese and Laos borders in the far north and west. Support vehicle, mechanics, interpreter,

accommodation and the myriad other details are in the hands of our Aussie tour leader. All I have to do is select a bike from the good, bad and ugly in Mr. Binh’s JDUDJH $ VXIÀFLHQW VHOHFWLRQ RI ELNHV PHDQV ZH DOO JHW later model 400cc to 750cc Japanese bikes. This is a special dispensation for foreign motorcycle tourists as the locals are limited to maximum 175cc engine size bikes. Leaving Saigon it felt as if my bike could be

Continued on page 22 20 – JANUARY 2011

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JANUARY 2011 – 21

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Visiting Vietnam

Continued from page 20

carried along by the throng of surrounding motorcycles. Where initially chaos theory VHHPV WR JRYHUQ WUDIĂ€F EHKDYLRXU WKH PHWKRG in the madness gradually becomes apparent. 7XUQ DFURVV RQFRPLQJ WUDIĂ€F DV RWKHUV GR merge, but rarely stop and wait for a break (such phenomena are few and far between). Riding soon becomes a pleasure. Toll booths are for cars and trucks and major roads have ‘motorcycle only’ lanes where passage is free. It feels good to outnumber the tin tops by about 100 to 1. Of course there are accidents and notwithstanding previous assertions, the ‘bigger is better’ rule applies, so the bus and truck is given due deference. The odd bingle is generally at low speed on light, low powered scooters. Our big multi-cylinder bikes exude an alpha male presence which gives kudos, if not mating rights.

Old battle lines The ride is the thing, the journey or whatever cliche you care to apply. We ride through exciting Asian cities, towns and villages where trade, commerce and life happens on the roadside. Barbers, bakers, motorcycle mechanics work on the footpaths. 3DVW SDGG\ ÀHOGV WURSLFDO UDLQIRUHVWV DQG astounding mountain and coastal roads, the ride continues. The route takes us through the DMZ which is the demarcation for North and 6RXWK 9LHWQDP VR ULJRXURXVO\ IRXJKW RYHU between 1962 and 1975. Hanoi, in the north, is the capital of 9LHWQDP +HUH ZH FKDQJH WR FF +RQGD DQG <DPDKD WUDLO ELNHV WR UHà HFW WKH PRUH challenging nature of the roads and terrain. We avoided the monsoon season but a tropical storm on the way to Thac Ba Lake slows progress. Deserted, unsealed hill roads through tropical rainforests offer great riding. A homestay at a Montagnard or ethnic Dzao peoples village with cold beer and roast pork

22 – JANUARY 2011

over hot coals ends a somewhat special day. On to Sapa in the mountains adjacent to the Chinese border. Home to the mountain Hmong people and surprisingly cool with a climate that can see snow in winter. The road from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu reminds me of the foothills of the Himalayas with sparsely travelled winding mountain roads. Dien Bien Phu is the famous French Indochina battle site near the Laos border. Here is as close as I will ever be to being a works rider when my bike gets a puncture. All I have to do is wait for the support vehicle to catch up carrying the mechanic. The tyre is repaired whilst I look on offering appropriate, unasked-for advice. Apart from this minor inconvenience and the odd broken clutch cable, the mechanic was rarely troubled. This was a little surprising as the normal 9LHWQDPHVH DWWLWXGH WR PDLQWHQDQFH LV WR ÀOO with petrol and keep riding till it stops going. The tour ends with an overnight cruise on a junk in Ha Long Bay, beer in hand, not bothering to count the 1,969 limestone islands in this World Heritage site. Twenty three days on a motorcycle in an exotic country with a diverse culture makes for a memorable ride and a lasting experience. The Top Gear ER\V LQ WKHLU 79 SURJUDP covered just some of our route. If Jeremy was almost converted to motorcycle touring, I did not need to be. Riding a bike is the best way to see a different country and it is thanks to Saffron Road Tours at www.saffronroad.com for the opportunity to experience a wonderful biking experience. So following the scuba dive, the bungee jump and certain other experiences I am not prepared to admit in the public domain, 9LHWQDP E\ PRWRUF\FOH LV QXPEHU WLFNHG off the bucket list. So next is... Q

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JANUARY 2011 – 23

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24 – JANUARY 2011

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LAUNCH REPORT – HUSQVARNA TE449/511 & TC449 TEST BY TODD REED PHOTOS BY PAUL FEENEY GROUP Shoei helmet, Shift nylons, Alpinestars boots.

Think big bores are dead? Think again.

Thunder Road JANUARY 2011 – 25 Continued on page 26

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HUSQVARNA is entering a new chapter in the life of ELJ ERUH RII URDG PRWRUF\FOHV :LWK WKUHH FRPSOHWHO\ QHZ ELNHV HQWHULQJ WKH PDUNHWSODFH LQ WKH 7( 7( DQG 7& WKH (XURSHDQ JLDQW NLOOHU LV ORRNLQJ towards taking a larger slice of the motorcycle market E\ SURYLQJ WKHUH¡V SOHQW\ RI OLIH OHIW LQ ELJ ERUH IRXU stroke off roaders. Husqvarna is keeping its prices FRPSHWLWLYH WRR ZLWK WKH 7& ¡V 553 7( DQG 7( DOO SULFHV 25& ,W LV QR VHFUHW WKH +XVTYDUQD HQJLQHHUV KDYH EHHQ ZRUNLQJ towards an all new 450cc based model, with prototype spy photos leaked and an ageing production model 450 in the marketplace. It was only a matter of time before we would VHH D QHZ ELJ ERUH +XVN\ VLWWLQJ RQ RXU VKRZURRP à RRUV

Chassis & Suspension Top to bottom, front to back and inside out these bikes got a new everything. Japanese suspension giant Kayaba has now taken over the management of the front and rear suspension. With so many new concepts on this bike, combined with the latest suspension technologies, KYB are an excellent label to bring in and get the new Huskys handling like a dream. It was also interesting to note the KYB units look strikingly similar to the suspension found on the Yamaha range. A new linkage system sits underneath the rear shock, labelled CTS. The ‘Coaxial Traction System’ is a linkage like no other on a motorcycle production line. The raised structure is mounted above the swingarm and it is claimed this system provides improved acceleration and less wheelspin. This linkage also offers increased ground clearance as there are no parts mounted below the swingarm. A grease nipple is also mounted on the vertical linkage arm, a nice touch for those of us who

26 – JANUARY 2011

like to keep up to speed with the maintenance schedule on our bikes. The completely new double cradle steel frame also has a more rigid torsional structure, offering improved strength and less rear shock transfer through the bike.

Engine Take a close look and you might notice the powerplant VLWWLQJ EHQHDWK WKH PLJKW\ +XVTYDUQD ORRNV D ORW OLNH WKH motor hanging below the BMW G450X. Well, just between XV KHUH DW &\FOH 7RUTXH DQG DOO RI \RX UHDGHUV RXW WKHUH WKH motor comes straight from the BMW family, tweaked to suit WKH +XVTYDUQD FKDVVLV DQG HUJRQRPLF OD\RXW 6LQFH %0: DFTXLUHG +XVTYDUQD D IHZ \HDUV¡ EDFN WKH ,WDOLDQ EUDQG KDV been able to advance in leaps and bounds over a very short period of time with its motor development. The 449 and 511 ‘donk’ is your general DOHC, four-valve, water-cooled 450cc off-road powerplant. In TE mode, the 449 punches out a very respectable 49HP at the rear wheel, while the TC gets a bit more poke, due to some revised cam and timing settings to punch out a very competitive 53HP on the PFG group dyno. It also gets different gearbox ratios. Fuel duties are taken care of by a Keihin 46mm Electronic ,QMHFWLRQ 6\VWHP IHDWXULQJ D GXDO Ă DS V\VWHP RQ WKH 7( model for smooth and progressive power delivery. A VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ GHVLJQHG VL[ VSHHG RII URDG UDWLR JHDUER[ ZRUNV wonders on the trail and offers a wide range of options for all levels of riders out there. The TE comes standard with two exhaust options, a Euro 3 emissions standard system FRPHV DV VWDQGDUG DQG LV UHTXLUHG WR SDVV WKURXJK $'5 standards. Once you get the big rig past ADR, then there is an Akrapovic system waiting for you to bolt on and unleash the rest of the power the TE has waiting.

2Q WKH 7& PRGHO D YHU\ VLPLODU VLQJOH Ă DS PP .HLKLQ throttle body and Electronic Injection System provides the engine with all the right amounts of juice to get the big UXQQLQJ OLNH D GUHDP $ Ă€YH VSHHG ¡ER[ JLYHV WKH 7& D PRUH PRWRFURVV VSHFLĂ€F JHDUER[ DQG LQFUHDVHV WKH UDWLRV between gears to get the most out of the big bore Husky out on the MX track. The MX model features a dual curve ignition system which allows the rider to switch between a smooth and aggressive map depending on rider preference or weather conditions. Bolted onto the TC is a full Titanium Akrapovic exhaust system. Yep the Akrapovic pipe is VWDQGDUG HTXLSPHQW RQ WKH 0; PRGHO DQG DQ\RQH ZKR knows the brand will understand the Akrapovic system LV PDGH IURP WKH EHVW TXDOLW\ PDWHULDOV DQG LV DQ DEVROXWH work of art.

Ergos There are certainly a few features on the new TC and TEs which will make you look twice. The fuel tank is mounted directly below the seat and the fuel cap is placed right behind the seat at the rear of the bike, allowing the seat to extend right up to the front of the bike. The airbox is located at the front of the bike above the radiator and is tucked away behind the radiator shroud, usually where the fuel tank might be. You might also notice the front sprocket is mounted behind the main frame rail. While these are certainly innovative ideas and work well in theory, it will be interesting to see how the everyday consumer adapts to WKH FKDQJHV PDGH E\ WKH +XVTYDUQD HQJLQHHUV 2QFH \RX look past the above mentioned items the Italian Stallion is all class. The cockpit features Magura tapered handlebars, ZKLFK DUH TXLWH FRPIRUWDEOH DQG PRVW ULGHUV ZLOO EH PRUH

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On the Track First of all we jumped on the TE449 and KHDGHG RXW LQWR WKH EXVK :H TXLFNO\ JRW used to the TE after a few laps around our special test loop, and began to settle into a nice pace. The TE449 offered a very steady ride and was really comfortable on the trail.

When we came to the rocky and snotty uphills the 449 had plenty of power and got us around with ease. The EFI works great in the bush and whenever you need that short TXLFN UHVSRQVH WR JHW XS DQG RYHU D WUHH URRW or log the TE picks up and responds without missing a beat. The TE motor is a little more sedate than the TC motor, and through the trail we found this to be great along with the six-speed box. It allows the rider to cruise along at a leisurely pace or blast through the trees like an off-road champion. While we were in the swing of things on the special test enduro loop we busted out the TE511. The 511 is simply a big bore version of the 449. After a few laps on the trail the extra power of the 511 was very noticeable and made the hill climbs and snotty trails that bit easier when you needed the power. The suspension on the 511 is identical to the 449, and on both bikes we found the suspension to be very comfortable and easy to ride. At

times we found the standard clicker setting made it a little hard to turn LQ DQG Ă€QG WKH UXWV LQ WKH WXUQV but we’re sure its nothing a bit of testing and clicker adjustment ZRXOGQ¡W Ă€[ The TC was the last bike left on the list to test, and the motocross WUDFN DW WKH +XVTYDUQD WHVW IDFLOLW\ in Braidwood NSW was in top condition. After spinning a few ODSV DQG Ă€QGLQJ D JRRG UK\WKP RQ WKH Ă RZLQJ VDQG\ OD\RXW WKH TC449 was handling anything and everything we could throw at it. Sailing over the the biggest jumps on the track was no problem, and the EFI worked fantastic as we never had a bog or miss all day long. The standard KYB suspension worked well and only needed some clicker and sag adjustments for us to come up with a great base setting. We tested the dual map ignition system and the aggressive style map was certainly the map of choice. The aggressive power delivery helped us to exit the corners and get up and over jumps much easier than with the smooth map, which at times felt WRR Ă DW DQG OLQHDU 2YHUDOO ZH came away very impressed with the TC package.

Verdict Well we must admit we came away surprised with the new +XVTYDUQD DQG 7KH 7& PRWRFURVV model is a great bike for the track, and with a few tweaks such as a more aggressive EFI/Ignition map and a rider customised suspension setup, this could be a very competitive bike in the open class for riders of any skill level. The TE was great fun in the bush and for the average weekend trail blazer, this bike simply needs you to add fuel and ride it. Q

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S : HUSQVARNA TE449/511–TC449 Engine Type: Liquid-cooled single Capacity: 449cc/477cc Transmission: 6-speed – 5-speed Fuel Capacity: 8.5 Litres Frame Type: Cr/Mo steel cradle Seat Height: 963mm Dry Weight: 113kg – 108kg Front Suspension: 48mm Kayaba Rear Suspension: Kayaba Progressive Link Brakes: Single disc front, single rear Tyres: 90/90-21, 140/80-18 – 80/10021, 110/90 – 19 Price (RRP): $11,995, $12,295 + ORC – $11,495 www.husqvarnamotorcycles.com.au Underseat fuel tank allows the seat to go all the way forward – and keeps the weight of the tank nice and low. 28 – JANUARY 2011

All new Kayaba Progressive Link shock.

than happy with the standard bend. A Brembo hydraulic clutch is a 10 out of 10 item. The silky smooth action, combined with the very predictable feel makes for possibly the best feeling clutch action in the market. Brembo brakes control the stopping at both ends with a 240mm rear disc and a big-time PP IURQW GLVF ZKLFK RQFH DJDLQ LV TXLWH possibly the best stopping power in its class. +DQGJXDUGV FRPH DV VWDQGDUG HTXLSPHQW on the TE models, they are a must have for any off-road rider and it’s great to see Husky throw in these aftermarket items as standard HTXLSPHQW

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BMW based engine is a powerhouse.

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JANUARY 2011 – 29

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Korean cred There’s a new kid on the block, but, truth be told, he’s been around for a while.

30 – JANUARY 2011

Test by Dennis Penzo, n Photos by Nigel Paterso RIDING GEAR: ro Shark RSR2 helmet, La d an rtl jacket, Triumph Po s, in gloves, Draggin Oilsk Thomas Cook boots.

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:+,/( ROGHU ULGHUV OLNH P\VHOI PD\ UHPHPEHU VHHLQJ the Daelim name around on various scooters over WKH \HDUV WKH 9-) PDUNV WKH FRPSDQ\¡V Ă€UVW IRUD\ into our market with an aggressively sports styled commuter vehicle. 'DHOLP VWDUWHG H[SRUWLQJ WKH 9-) LQ DQG SODQV to take a more aggressive stance in cultivating overseas PDUNHWV DQG WKLV ELNH LV WKH Ă€UVW VWHS LQ WKDW GLUHFWLRQ %XW Ă€UVW D OLWWOH EDFNJURXQG WR JLYH \RX DQ LGHD RI ZKHUH this company is coming from. Daelim started motorcycle production in December 1978 and later on merged with KIA, which is an important point in the company’s history as far as motorcycles go. KIA was founded in 1962 and collaborated with Honda to produce motorcycles for the Korean market only. Daelim actually started exporting two-wheeled vehicles in 1995 and its push into the US, Asian and Latin American markets in the mid 1980s led to the establishment of an assembly plant in Argentina in the 1990s as that market grew. But it’s still doing well in Korea where the brand has a 60 per cent share of a two-wheel market that produces between 110,000 and 120,000 units per year. Daelim already has several scooters under its belt and in 2011 plans to roll out two new LAMs 250s, a naked and a cruiser.

On the stand 1RZ EDFN WR WKH 9-) $SDUW IURP LWV DJJUHVVLYH looking sport styling this little baby has some very nice features. Twin 290mm discs up front look good as well as actually work well. The rear is a single disc.The red trim on the

wheels and brake calipers look cool. We had the white model but there are other colour variants - the red/ black/ white one also looks good. A new red colour scheme will be added to the lineup in the new year. Seat height is 780mm and is not too much drama for most riders. The frame cradle perimeter frame, nicely covered over by the sporty looking full fairing. Front suspension is non-adjustable telescopic which is competent and single shock rear with adjustable preload. The brake lever is adjustable, instrumentation is good and easy to read with a combination digital/analogue speedo and tacho as well as the usual warning lights for fuel, temperature etc.

On the road 7KH ÀUVW WKLQJ WKDW JRW P\ DWWHQWLRQ ZDV WKH JHDUER[ Lovely smooth, positive gear changes. No clunky missed gears or false neutrals, it’s everything you expect from a ZHOO IXQFWLRQLQJ ÀYH VSHHG ER[ 7KH OLTXLG FRROHG IRXU VWURNH '2+& VLQJOH F\OLQGHU engine has a nice throaty little burbling sound emanating from its Euro III compliant exhaust and it will reach NSW expressway speeds without screaming its head off. Actually there is very little vibration from the single cylinder as the engine balance shaft keeps it all operating smoothly. 7KH 9-) LV IXHO LQMHFWHG DQG KDV HOHFWULF VWDUW DQG ÀQDO drive is via chain. No bike in this size range has what you would call startling acceleration and the Daelim is no different. But, having said that, it’s smooth, can do a civilised top end speed without tickling the redline and looks good in

the process. Weighing in at 173kg dry weight it will be a very comfortable ride for the LAMs rider looking for something that has a bit of style about it and goes well. ,Q WKH KDQGOLQJ GHSDUWPHQW WKH ELNH LV TXLWH D FRPIRUWDEOH performer, especially with such little weight to throw around. The tyre sizes probably help here too with an 11 inch front and 14 inch rear. The riding position is a sporty style without being too extravagant. The handlebar-footpeg ratio makes for comfortable ergonomics and unless you’re an extremely tall person it will be okay. The fuel tank holds 15 litres which is a tidy amount of fuel in a bike this size, so it carry you a decent range. :H GLGQ¡W GR IXHO FRQVXPSWLRQ Ă€JXUHV EXW OHW¡V IDFH it, how much fuel are you going to use on a fuel injected 246.9cc single-cylinder with a bore and stroke of 73 x 59?

On the pocket At a recommended retail price of $4990 plus on-road costs this bike is not going to break the bank. Further inspiring WKH FRQÀGHQFH OHYHOV DSDUW IURP WKH IDFW WKDW PDQ\ FRQVXPHUV DUH IXOO\ FRJQLVDQW RI WKH TXDOLW\ RI PDFKLQHV (both cars and bikes) that are now coming out of Korea, is the two-year unlimited kilometre warranty. If you’re new to the motorcycle world and are in the market for a sporty looking LAMS bike of this size, the Daelim must be on your list of machines to test ride. The bike was supplied to us from the Australian distributor Mojo Motorcycles. For further information call them on 03 8363 1600 or check out www.mojomotorcycles. com.au or www.daelimmotors.com.au. Q

Continued on page 32 JANUARY 2011 – 31

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Old school front brakes have no trouble pulling up the Daelim.

Very sporty looking fairing.

Gauges offer all the info you need, and riding position is sporty without being too hard on the wrists. 32 – JANUARY 2011

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JANUARY 2011 – 33

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Sure footed triple CYCLE TORQUE TEST – PIAGGIO MP3

A novel idea that works. Test and photos by Chris Pickett RIDING GEAR: AGV helmet, Ixon jacket, Alpinestars gloves.

34 – JANUARY 2011

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7+5(( ZKHHO PRWRUF\FOHV DUHQ¡W H[DFWO\ D QHZ LGHD EXW 3LDJJLR KDV WDNHQ WKH WKH GHVLJQ WR QHZ KHLJKWV ZLWK LWV 03 )RU WKH 03 KDV D QHZ ORRN D QHZ HQJLQH DQG ULGH E\ ZLUH WHFKQRORJ\

Before The MP3’s most obvious design feature is the two front wheels which lean over, giving the rider a ‘feel’ pretty much the same as a ‘normal’ motorcycle. Both front wheels in fact operate independently of each other, much the same as a car, while carrying the same lean angle. This has been a feature of the MP3 since its inception. Another interesting feature is you can lock the front wheels in position, any position. So on steep driveways or uneven ground, just tilt lock the wheels in place and walk away, or use the centre stand. $ VPDOOLVK FDSDFLW\ IRXU VWURNH HQJLQH DQG &97 WUDQVPLVVLRQ KDV EHHQ XVHG IURP WKH JHW go.

URXQGDERXWV DQG WKH OLNH DQG LW IHHOV WRWDOO\ FRQĂ€GHQFH LQVSLULQJ GRLQJ VR (YHQ LQ ZHW FRQGLWLRQV LW IHHOV Ă€QH FUDQNHG RYHU <RX FDQ WLOW ORFN WKH ZKHHOV EXW RI FRXUVH \RX RQO\ do this while parked or sitting at the lights. When the lights turn green and you open the throttle, the tilt lock mechanism releases automatically and the MP3 operation returns to normal leaning mode. :LWK WKH WZLVW DQG JR &97 WUDQVPLVVLRQ WKH 03 LV D KRRW WR ]LS LQ DQG DURXQG WKH WUDIĂ€F DQG ZLWK LWV ÂśGLIIHUHQW¡ ORRN ZH FHUWDLQO\ JRW SOHQW\ RI QRWLFH IURP GULYHUV DQG pedestrians. Out on the open road the MP3 belts along amazingly well, considering it’s only a ‘300’. $QG ZKLOH LW¡V D EODVW LQ WUDIĂ€F LW¡V SRVVLEO\ HYHQ PRUH VR RXW RI FLW\ OLPLWV &RUQHUV DUH child’s play, and a lack of ground clearance was never an issue. In the tight stuff – where power can’t be capitalised on – you can imagine keeping up with much bigger sportier bikes, it’s that good.

Now Headlining the mechanical changes is the 278cc Quasar engine, which is found in a number of other Piaggio models. The fuel-injected four-valve engine produces just RYHU KS DW USP ZLWK PD[LPXP WRUTXH FRPLQJ LQ USP ORZHU /LTXLG FRROLQJ PDNHV VXUH LW NHHSV LWV cool on a hot day in the CBD (although if we saw an MP3 on tour in Broken Hill we wouldn’t be surprised), and the DIRUHPHQWLRQHG DXWRPDWLF &97 WUDQVPLVVLRQ PDNHV LW YHU\ easy to ride. Piaggio calls the MP3’s front suspension ‘Articulated TXDGULODWHUDO¡ DQG JRHV RQ WR JLYH D GHWDLOHG WHFKQLFDO description. Most people will be happy with knowing it will soak up the bumps on our crap roads with aplomb, and in wet conditions will provide the rider with more JULS DQG FRQĂ€GHQFH WKDQ D WZR ZKHHOHG VFRRWHU RQFH WKH\ get their head around it. 12 inch wheels are used up front, a 14 inch rear, and disc brakes all round. While most MP3s will live in the city it’s no tiny machine. Length is 2130mm, width 745mm, and seat height 780mm. Fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, and although this might sound a tad small, the Quasar engine doesn’t drink much so can cover a decent distance before running dry.

How does it ride? Well it rides very nice in fact. It’s a little unnerving KHDGLQJ RXW LQWR FLW\ WUDIÀF IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH EXW \RX TXLFNO\ JHW WR JULSV ZLWK KRZ LW ZRUNV It’s amazing how much lean angle you can get through

JANUARY 2011 – 35

Continued from page 35

10 - JANUARY 2011

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LETTERS TORQUING BACK Being a maxi-scooter style machine it has plenty of )DVKLRQ Ă RS RU IXWXUH"

WRITE A LETTER!

WIN A GREAT PRIZE This month Anthony Wolfe has won a Cargol

under-seat storage, and with the top box even more :H GHĂ€QLWHO\ KDYH WR SXW LW LQWR WKH IXWXUH FDWHJRU\ Turn & Go puncture repair kit. long way toward explaining exactly what On Highways of Horror Available from better bike shops everywhere and so. TheChris, top box kit comes with a colour matched box, Sure, happens there’s a prior bit of fashion it too, butfatal as an overall to manyincrashes, and Gday there’s a video of one being used on the Cycle otherwise. I was particularly Just wanted to say on you wereaccess with your padded back rest, andhow oncespot mounted gives design it works extremely well. It’s not struck hard to imagine Torque website. with your comment at the beginning of Send your letters (and/or great bike pictures) to ‘Highway of Horror’ right through to under editorial. the seat. It costs $1039. Other much bigger capacity bikes like this (Piaggio’s sister The Editor, Cycle Torque, PO Box 687 Warners the article about the quality of roads I spent 15 years with Victoria Police, the last 8 accessories include a number of screens, from a shorter company Gilera does have slightly bigger capacity Bay, NSW 2282 or email DQG GULYHU DZDUHQHVV EHLQJ WKH WZR PDLQ \HDUV DW WUDIĂ€F XQLWV LQFOXGLQJ Ă€YH \HDUV ULGLQJ chris@cycletorque.com.au. culprits contributing to they the would road toll. than standard unitbikes for $346, right up to a super-tall similar machines), and we think be a great on and off-road with a two year stint asunit an 2I FRXUVH GULYHU DZDUHQHVV ZRXOG KDYH WR instructor. which goes over the rider’s head and retails for an eyeVXFFHVV LI ULGHUV FRXOG VHH WKH EHQHĂ€WV 2QH WKLQJ LV IRU be the priority of the two. This is not ,Q WKDW WLPH , VDZ GULYHUV DQG ULGHUV GR VRPH VWXSLG watering $1210. The bike itself retails for $9,990 + ORC VXUH ULGH DQ 03 DQG \RX¡OO VHH WKH EHQHĂ€WV Q to say that road condition is not poor in things but you know the biggest excuse I heard, Rubber and lugagge which is a bit of a bargain. many parts of the country. What I’m trying to say “I wasn’t speedingâ€?, and that was the thing that frustrated me the most. With this constant push RQ VR FDOOHG VSHHGLQJ WKH JRYHUQPHQW KDV EUHG D SRSXODWLRQ RI GULYHUV ZKR WKLQN WKDW DV ORQJ DV WKH\ DUH GULYLQJ NP K XQGHU WKH VSHHG OLPLW WKH\ DUH safe where in fact they are constantly distracted by looking at their speedo and not concentrating on what is around them. $V \RX VDLG WKH\ DOVR WKLQN LW¡V WKHLU ULJKW WR GULYH slowly regardless of the chaos and frustration they FDXVH EHKLQG WKHP DJDLQ EUHG E\ WKH JRYHUQPHQW¡V constant campaign on speeding. ,W KDV EHHQ VDLG IRU \HDUV EXW WKH JRYHUQPHQW doesn’t listen. We need a serious rehash of our GULYHU ULGHU WUDLQLQJ LQ WKLV FRXQWU\ :KHQ \RX DUH WDXJKW WR GULYH D SROLFH YHKLFOH LWV DOO DERXW EHLQJ DZDUH RI \RXU VXUURXQGLQJV UHDGLQJ WUDIĂ€F DQG identifying hazards and potential dangers. When you REWDLQ D FLYLOLDQ OLFHQFH WKHUH LV QRQH RI WKDW $OO \RX KDYH WR GR LV GULYH DURXQG WKH EORFN DQG PDNH sure you stay under the speed limit. We need to get real on road safety in this country DQG QRW PDNH LW DQ HDV\ FDVK FRZ IRU WKH JRYHUQPHQW Anthony Wolfe

There’s no shortage of luggage space. More Horror

Dear Chris, ,¡YH MXVW UHDG \RXU 1RYHPEHU HGLWRULDO Âś+LJKZD\V of Horror’ and feel you should be congratulated. I GRXEW , KDYH HYHU UHDG D PRUH LQIRUPHG DQG DFFXUDWH description of the reasons for the terribly sad outcomes on our public roads. The few personal H[SHULHQFHV \RX KDYH UHODWHG LQ WKLV SLHFH JR D

36 – JANUARY 2011

&KULV LV WKDW WKH PDMRULW\ RI GULYHUV ZKR FUDVK KDYH absolutely no understanding of how easy it is to kill WKHPVHOYHV 7KHQ WKHUH LV WKH DGGHG KD]DUG RI GLHVHO VSLOO DQG RWKHU SROOXWDQWV RQ WKH URDG $QG QHYHU IRUJHW WKRVH RI XV ZKR DUH VWLOO DOLYH GXH WR WKH skill of others. The arrogance and lack of courtesy displayed by that ROG WUXFN GULYHU \RX PHQWLRQHG LV V\PSWRPDWLF RI WKH road rage problem which contributes in no small way to motorists and riders taking unnecessary risks and again, congratulation to you for grasping the nettle DQG SXOOLQJ WKH FUHWLQ RYHU 7KHVH GD\V LW VHHPV WKDW WKH WUDIÀF SROLFH ZKR WKLQN WKH\ DUH SURWHFWLQJ XV IURP RXUVHOYHV ZRXOG SUHIHU WR LVVXH LQIULQJHPHQW QRWLFHV WR WKRVH ZKR SDVV WKLV W\SH RI VHOÀVK DQG RU SRRUO\ VNLOOHG GULYHU WKDQ LQLWLDWH D ELW RI SURDFWLYH WKRXJKW $QG ÀQDOO\ &KULV , DP DOVR VLFN WR P\ EDFN WHHWK with the bleating from senior cops and politicians who wring their hands on camera while stating how terrible it all is. Perhaps you could send each WUDIÀF EUDQFK LQ WKH FRXQWU\ D FRS\ RI WKH HGLWRULDO DQG PD\EH MXVW PD\EH D IHZ RI WKHP PLJKW ÀQDOO\ JHW it. Education is the key as I’m sure you know Chris, and ORWV DQG ORWV RI ULGHU GULYHU WUDLQLQJ :LWKRXW WKDW the hand wringers are wasting their time, and my tax dollars. Thanks for listening and again, a beaut article. Pete Boniface. Cairns. North Qld.

CVT transmission – twist and go.

Hi Chris, , DP LQWULJXHG E\ WZR WUHQGV WKDW KDYH QRW EHHQ FRPPHQWHG RQ E\ 0RWRUF\FOH MRXUQDOLVWV 1. The standard front tyre size for most large road bikes is width 120, sidewall 70, wheel 17 since about 1996. The rear has continued to grow. 3DQQLHUV KDYH JURZQ WR ULGLFXORXV ZLGWKV VRPH times exceeding the bike fairing width by 30 cm on each size. Eg Multistrada 1200 in the last issue. , KDYH D 67 $%6 7&6 DQG D ;5 5 7KH 67 SDQQLHU FRQÀJXUDWLRQ LV VNLQQ\ LQ FRPSDULVRQ WR WKH FXUUHQW ELNHV (YHQ VR , FDQ WHOO instantly when the panniers are not on from the moment I back the bike out of the garage. Regards Garry Hi Garry There’s no doubt tyres sizes, especially rears, have creeped up over the years. Many would argue that rear tyres are too wide and upset handling of the bikes. %XW WKH LS VLGH WR WKDW LV WKH ODS WLPHV FXUUHQW production-based road racing bikes get. If a 190/6017 tyre was way too wide, as people say, you think this would be a hurdle hard to get past. Of course WKHUH¹V PXFK PRUH WR ODS WLPHV WKDQ MXVW WKLV $V IRU SDQQLHUV , UHPHPEHU ULGLQJ WKURXJK D JDWH ZKHQ , IRUJRW , KDG WKH SDQQLHUV RQ <RX FDQ LPDJLQH the result. Seriously though, I recently tested the 7ULXPSK 6SULQW *7 ZKLFK KDG D SUHWW\ ELJ VHW RI SDQQLHUV RQ ,W GLGQ¹W KDUP WKH KDQGOLQJ , FDQ WHOO \RX WKDW ,I , KDG WKHP IXOO\ ORDGHG LW PLJKW EH D GLҏHUHQW VWRU\ WKRXJK (G

300cc engine has no trouble keeping up with the traffic.

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JANUARY 2011 – 37

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Touring and testing

PROJECT HYOSUNG

It’s the holiday period. Time to put some miles under the wheels of our GT650. I’VE been accused of hiding the keys to Cycle Torque’s long term Hyosung *7 7KHUH PLJKW EH VRPH WUXWK LQ WKDW EXW ZKHQ WKH UHVW RI WKH FUHZ DW &7 get to ride all sorts of wonderful bikes I think I’m within my rights. Anyway, EHFDXVH ,¡YH EHHQ RQ P\ Âś/¡V IRU PRVW RI WKH WLPH ZH¡YH KDG LW WKHQ LW¡V RQH RI WKH few bikes I can ride that come through the doors at CT HQ.

On the pipe , UHDOO\ OLNH WKH +\RVXQJ¡V 9 WZLQ HQJLQH EXW WKH VWDQGDUG SLSH PDNHV LW VRXQG a bit ‘soft’, if you know what I mean. A call was made to MC Performance – www. PFSHUIRUPDQFH FRP DX ² DQG WKH\ VHQW XS D FDUERQ Ă€EUH PXIĂ HU ZKLFK ORRNV WKH JRRGV ,W ZDV HDV\ WR Ă€W WRR ,¡P XVHG WR ZRUNLQJ RQ P\ UDFH ELNH DQG DQ\RQH ZLWK VRPH LGHD KRZ WR XVH WRROV VKRXOGQ¡W Ă€QG LW D SUREOHP WDNLQJ WKH RULJLQDO PXIĂ HU RII and putting the snazzy carbon one on. There’s only a few allen headed bolts holding it on. Didn’t it sound good then. It went from sounding like a scooter to a full on superbike. Well, that might be stretching the truth at either end but it does sound tough now. , IRXQG WKH *7 DOZD\V KDG D ELW RI D ψ XIĂ€QHVV¡ RII WKH ERWWRP DQG , WKRXJKW PD\EH LW ZDV EHFDXVH LW ZDV QHZ ,W¡V VWLOO WKHUH ZLWK WKH QHZ PXIĂ HU DQG SUREDEO\ D OLWWOH PRUH SURQRXQFHG WKDQ EHIRUH , TXLFNO\ JRW XVHG WR LW DQG GLGQ¡W Ă€QG LW D SUREOHP

On tour 1RW ORQJ DIWHU WKLV , WRRN WKH *7 RQ D WZR GD\ ULGH IURP 1HZFDVWOH WR 3RUW 0DFTXDULH across the famed Oxley Highway (they tell me it’s famous but I’d never heard of it before WKH ULGH VR LW FDQ¡W EH WKDW IDPRXV , PRXQWHG D 9HQWXUD VWLFN RQ WDQN EDJ 2I FRXUVH WKDW can’t hold all my gear, including my going out stuff – you gotta look good, even at Walcha \RX NQRZ ² VR , VWUDSSHG D EDJ WR WKH &\FOH 7RUTXH +RQGD %ODFNELUG ZKLOH WKH ROG PDQ wasn’t looking. Along for the ride were a few of dad’s mates. Even though I can only do 80 km/h I was looking forward to all these 30km/h bends ZKLFK PDNH WKH 2[OH\ PRWRUF\FOLQJ QLUYDQD DSSDUHQWO\ $IWHU ZH Ă€QDOO\ JRW WR WKH VHULRXV bends – that GT’s seat is a bit hard,

38 – JANUARY 2011

even with the sheep skin we put on for the trip – I was able to enjoy the ride and still keep within my speed limit. We took a detour up to Comboyne which is a very pretty spot. After that it was on to Gingers Creek for a coffee and a chat, then on to Walcha for the overnight stay. We stayed at the Walcha Royal CĂĄfe which is on the main road from Wauchope, on the left just before the roundabout to head back down to Gloucester. The facade is Art Deco (Dad told me) in style and looks cool. It has top accommodation for very reasonable prices. You can stay in rooms upstairs or in the granny Ă DW RXW WKH EDFN :H VWD\HG LQ WKH JUDQQ\ Ă DW ZKLFK FDQ WDNH DERXW HLJKW people. The cafe is licensed and has lots of old bric-a-brac and so on to give the place a great ‘feel’. Dinner was fantastic and I ate up big seeing dad was paying. Toni and Brad own the cafe, own bikes themselves, and their number is 02 6777 1117. Next morning a big brekkie and off down Thunderbolt’s Way to Gloucester and then home. We also stopped in at a new cafe in the main street of Gloucester. It’s called the Roadies Cafe and has an old Indian motorcycle, and a Rudge speedway bike inside. It was packed with other riders so you know it’s a good place to stop. The weather was a bit dodgy on Saturday, and hot on Sunday but I had a blast. All up we did 700 kilometres over the two days. Now I know why the old man goes touring as much as he can. And I thought it was just to get away from his family. Only two days after this I was off to do my ‘P’s course at Newcastle. The high handlebars and easy riding position suited the type of exercises we had to do, especially the slow speed ones. I left the MC Performance PXIĂ HU RQ IRU WKH 3 SODWH FRXUVH ,W¡V QRW WRR ORXG DQG LV OHJDO DQ\ZD\ In the next installment you’ll see how we turn the GT650 into our idea of a cafe racer. – Alex Pickett

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JANUARY 2011 – 39

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Staying Upright WHEN you’re looking at joining the ranks of Australia’s motorcycle community shopping around for a suitable steed is not the only thing that should be on your mind. You should also be shopping around for education, knowledge, roadcraft, in fact, you should be looking to stay upright at all times on your steed. So that brings us to Stay Upright, the organisation, whose mission it is to keep you upright and safe on the road. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that Stay Upright KDV TXLWH D QXPEHU RI FRXUVHV DYDLODEOH WR EXGGLQJ motorcyclists. The starting point of course is the mandatory courses to obtain your Learner’s permit and then later your Provisional Licence. Then there’s the Manage The Road course to give you some real life experience where it counts, on the road. You can also do the Bike Preparation course which, as its name implies, teaches you how to prepare your bike for the road. There are also private lessons and practice sessions available through Stay Upright. If you’ve got a hankering for the dirt you can even do a Trail Bike Course to improve your off-road riding skills. Then, as your education and knowledge develop you can do various advanced rider courses like the Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 courses which are defensive rider training covering all skill levels. &\FOH 7RUTXH UHFHQWO\ SXW RQH RI LWV \RXQJ FRQWULEXWRUV Shayne Penzo, through the Advanced Course. The course covered many aspects of defensive rider training including Roadcraft, General Riding, Braking, Obstacle Avoidance and Cornering. After the introductory session in the classroom riders then headed trackside at Eastern Creek Raceway. Each aspect covered in the course was fully explained by instructors, led by Wayne Clarke on the day, and then each aspect that students were to undertake was demonstrated by other instructors. The Roadcraft and General Riding components of the course covered many things from scanning ahead, monitoring instruments, being aware of surroundings and concentration through to posture and how to set up and VTXHH]H \RXU IURQW EUDNH The next section on braking was very interesting. After an instructor demonstrated various stopping distances using

40 – JANUARY 2011

front, then rear, then both brakes, he offered a real-life demonstration of how brakes should be used. Watching an instructor demonstrate emergency braking WHFKQLTXHV ZDV D JUHDW LQWUR IRU VWXGHQWV ZKR ZHUH WKHQ supervised and individually mentored in their braking exercises. The braking drills led into the Obstacle Avoidance component of the course which focussed more on counter steering and the effective way to change direction or position. 9DULRXV GULOOV LQ WKH 2EVWDFOH $YRLGDQFH SDUW RI WKH course involved setting out witches hats spaced out at varying intervals so students could use their countersteering lessons to swerve through this course. And if you think you need a hot little sportsbike to do this course, think again! The

Advanced Course had a variety of students whose bikes featured everything from a Harley-Davidson through to various road bikes such as Ducatis, Triumphs, and even a couple of two-strokes. Shayne used his own bike, a Suzuki GSX R750. The last component of the day was cornering and that covered scanning ahead, position of body, head, eyes, planning approach with gear and speed and also how to use the rear brakes to trail through corners. And if you want to take things that step further there is always the Advanced II Cornering and Braking course which will take your skills a step further. Stay Upright can help you turn theory into reality. For more information on what Stay Upright has to offer the motorcycle community ring (02) 8824 9980 or check out www.stayupright.com.au. Q

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JANUARY 2011 – 41

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L

LAMS

approved

Controls 4 position adjustable front brake lever and digital speedometer

Brakes Class leading 290mm double front disc brakes

Liquid Cooled

Electronic Fuel Injection

Engine Designed and manufactured in Korea, the liquid cooled DOHC fuel injected 250cc engine delivers reliable power for smooth and effortless riding

Aggressive Sports Bike Styling Sporty, affordable, quality built and loaded with extras. The Daelim VJF 250 is the QHZ NLG RQ WKH EORFN DQG UHGH¿QHV WKH PHDQLQJ RI YDOXH The VJF 250 is set to raise the bar for 250cc sports leaner approved bikes coming standard with a liquid cooled EFI engine, twin front disc brakes and looks that are sure to give you some street cred. Manufactured in Korea, the VJF 250 is built to the highest of international standards and is fully supported by a 2 year unlimited kilometre warranty. Arrange a test ride today to see what all the fuss is about. FOR ADDITONAL INFORMATION OR FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER PLEASE VISIT 42 – JANUARY 2011 WWW.DAELIMMOTORS.COM.AU OR CALL (03) 8363 1600

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The smart way to work

CYCLE TORQUE FEATURE: COMMUTER BIKES

Kymco’s 300i features modern styling and a fuelinjected engine.

We’ve taken a look at what’s available to ride to work, and you’re spoilt for choice‌

$8675$/,$16 DUH H[FHOOHQW FRPPXWHUV PRVW RI XV OLYH LQ ELJ FLWLHV DQG WUDYHO WR work each day in cars, buses or trains. Few of us walk, pedal or ride to work, but here at Cycle Torque we reckon commuting E\ PRWRUF\FOH LV GHĂ€QLWHO\ WKH JR ² RQ balance between cost, time, effort and fun, motorcycles win out. If you’re serious about commuting on a motorcycle or scooter though, it pays to have the right ride for the job. Big bikes will kill you with tyre costs and maintenance, off-road machinery and tyres aren’t suited to slippery roads, sportsbikes aren’t GHVLJQHG IRU WKH VQDUO RI FLW\ WUDIĂ€F A good commuter bike will be cheap to buy and run, offer some luggage carrying capacity, be easy to park and manoeuvre, and still be fun to ride. Many people around the world believe scooters are the best commuters because they are lightweight, offer great weather protection, very simple operation (most are automatics) and are easy to park. Modern scooters come in sizes from 50cc to 650cc, with two or three wheels, in faired and XQIDLUHG JXLVHVÂŤ ZH UHDOO\ DUH VSRLOW IRU choice these days. If a commuter motorcycle is more your style, we recommend looking for something which will be economic to run. This usually means small capacity (under 650cc), an upright riding position with standard or accessory luggage gear. Trail ELNHV Ă€WWHG ZLWK URDG W\UHV RIWHQ PDNH great commuters if you don’t need to carry much. All the bikes mentioned in this article are LAMS approved, so are suitable for everyone.

Benelli Benelli’s range of four scooters includes a retro 50, a sporty 50 and a pair of comfortable, fully faired 125 and 250cc machines. With its Italian heritage, Benelli PDFKLQHV DUH D TXDOLW\ SURGXFW DQG ZHOO worth a look. www.motorsportimporters. com.au

Bollini Bollini say its Speed 200 is purpose built for the daily commute. Robust and

Laro’s V-Retro 250 looks cool and should be great in traffic.

designed for reliability and comfort this little jigger is inexpensive at $2290 plus ORC but still big enough for taking on the freeway, too. www.motorsportimporters. com.au

BMW You mightn’t think of BMW as a builder of commuter bikes, but the G 650 G is Learner Approved, has ABS standard and is designed to take on variable road surfaces, is easy to ride, park and own. http://www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au

CF Moto There’s three machines from CF Moto suitable for the commuter: the RT and GTR 150cc scooters and the Leader, a 150cc PRWRUF\FOH &\FOH 7RUTXH KDV WHVWHG &) 0RWR¡V TXDGV DQG KDYH EHHQ LPSUHVVHG E\ WKH TXDOLW\ DQG YDOXH VR WKH FRPPXWHU PDFKLQHV DUH GHĂ€QLWHO\ ZRUWK D ORRN ZZZ cf-moto.com.au

Daelim Daelim has been around for many years, and now has a new importer keen to make the brand as well-known in Australia as it is overseas. The S1 scooter is perfect for commuting, while the B-bone is radical in its styling it could be a fun thing to ride to ZRUN RQ :H¡YH WHVWHG WKH 9-) LQ WKLV LVVXH RI &\FOH 7RUTXH ZZZ GDHOLPPRWRUV com.au

handling in traffic. http://www.hyosung. com.au/

Kawasaki With a huge range of Learner Approved motorcycles, Kawasaki has a lot to offer new riders and commuters. Our picks IURP WKH KXJH UDQJH DUH WKH 9HUV\V ABS, a semi-faired twin cylinder machine which offers comfort, performance and fun, especially if you’re a tall or bigger rider. The KLX250SF is a Supermoto machine which should be cheap to run and cope with the day-to-day rigours of commuting well, while the ER-6n is a great package with cutting-edge styling. http://kawasaki.com.au/

jumping, park-anywhere attitude you need in a tough Australian city. www. laro.com.au

Megelli The Megelli 250S is based on the sporty 250R but with a more upright riding position, no fairing and a lower price it’s more suited to commuting. It makes up for the lack of fairing and standard luggage with the $3999 + ORC price tag. http://www.motorsportimporters.com. au

Piaggio

9HVSD LV QRZ D JHQHULF QDPH IRU D VFRRWHU EXW 9HVSD KDV DOZD\V EHHQ SDUW RI 3LDJJLR WKH ,WDOLDQ Ă€UP ZKLFK VWDUWHG WKH VFRRWHU era, and still leads it in many ways. Kymco With around 20 scooters across the Honda With a huge range of scooters and 3LDJJLR 9HVSD DQG *LOHUD EUDQG QDPHV 7KH 975 LV D JUHDW FRPPXWHU ELNH DQG small-capacity commuter bikes, Kymco there is a huge amount of diversity and it’s been in Honda’s line-up for many, many is really putting an effort in to get you choice on offer. The top of the line is the years, but it’s certainly not the only machine riding one of its machines. One of the Gilera Fuoco 500, a three-wheeled leaning biggest manufacturers in the world, to take a look at from Big Red. The CB400 scooter which offers power, carrying is available with or without ABS, and offers Kymco knows a lot about what it takes capacity, weather protection and the sureto build economic and stylish, yet the fun of a four-cylinder machine for the footed handling you can only get with the inexpensive, machines. Kymco’s website trip to work. extra rubber on the ground of a third tyre. shows the full range, but we liked the Honda’s range of scooters is huge, from Also in the Piaggio range are sporty Like 50 and 125cc scooters with their retro 50cc to 400cc, and all are designed to get VFRRWHUV UHWUR VFRRWHUVÂŤ EDVLFDOO\ LI \RX¡UH style and included top box, although the you through your commute in comfort Xciting 500 and Downtown 300i with and stye, without huge expense. http:// Continued > ABS scooters shows the Taiwanese motorcycles.honda.com.au/ company isn’t just about little machines. If you prefer a motorcycle commuter, Hyosung the CK125 is a bikini-faired 125cc airHyosung, from South Korea, has been a huge success in Australia with its range cooled four-stroke which would cost peanuts to run. www.kymco.com.au of well-priced mid-range machines. For the commuter market Hyosung is offering Laro sports, cruiser and Laro Motorcycles has a cruiser and naked machines. We scooters well suited to commuting, but like the GT650 EFI WKH QHZ 9 5HWUR UHDOO\ FDXJKW RXU and the GT250 EFI for eye. Balloon-style tyres on laced rims, their upright riding simple styling and a basic motor means The Tonelli C250 is big positions and easy this machine looks perfect for the kerbenough for two.

JANUARY 2011 – 43

www.cycletorque.com.au

The smart way to work LQWHUHVWHG LQ VFRRWHUV \RX¡OO Ă€QG VRPHWKLQJ IURP 3LDJJLR you’ll like. http://piaggio.com.au/

PGO A Taiwanese company which has been building scooters since the Sixties, PGO has a range of scooters available in Australia. We like the look of the X-hot 150 with its modern styling and fuel injected engine. http://www. motorsportimporters.com.au

QJ The QJ brand is derived from the Qianjiang Group, which is one of the largest motor vehicle manufacturers in China, producing over 1.5 million vehicles per annum. The commuter range includes a basic 150cc motorcycle and a 50cc scooter. www.motorsportimporters.com.au

Sachs Sachs is a German company established in 1886. Currently there’s four Sachs models in Australia, from the radical unfaired MadAss to the X-Road 250 (Supermoto) to the Express (basic commuter) and the Amici scooter. www. sachsbikes.com.au

Suzuki Our favourite three Suzukis for commutmting are the 400 and 650 Bergman scooters and the DR-Z400SM. 7KH ÀUVW WZR DUH ORJLFDO FKRLFHV ZH OLNH SRZHU DURXQG WKLV RIÀFH DQG WKH %HUJPDQV SURYLGH KHDSV E\ VFRRWHU standards, making them especially suitable if there’s any freeway travel in your journey. The DR-Z400SM is the Supermoto version of Suzuki’s evergreen dual purpose DR-Z. With its upright riding position, road tyres and potent motor, getting between VXEXUEV WKURXJK WKH WUDIÀF DQG HYHQ RYHU WKH RFFDVLRQDO kerb is great fun on a DR-Z400SM. http://www. suzukimotorcycles.com.au/

The Yamaha Cygnus 125 is currently being offered at a great price.

its retro Italian styling and pricing from $1895 ride-away. Available in 50 and 125cc capacities. www. torinomotorcycles.com.au

TGB &\FOH 7RUTXH KDV RZQHG D 7*% scooter, and when we did it proved reliable and fun. It was a 101S and was just as comfortable buzzing across the paddocks at race tracks with a photographer at the controls as it was commuting. TBG has a huge range of scooters these days from 50cc to 250cc. www.tgbscooters.com.au

Yamaha Our favourite commuter from Yamaha is the XJ650L, because it’s great fun as well as being great value and easy WR RZQ 7KH ULGLQJ SRVLWLRQ JLYHV D JRRG YLHZ RI WUDIÀF LW VOLSV WKURXJK WUDIÀF VQDUOV HDVLO\ DQG WKH IDLULQJ SURYLGHV D bit of protection on the freeway. In scooter territory the Yamaha Cygnus is a 125cc fuelinjected four-stroke priced at $3999 (ride away in most places). Big enough for longer trips and even for carrying a passenger, the Cygnus offers a great balance EHWZHHQ HFRQRP\ TXDOLW\ DQG versatility. At just 120kg with a full tank of fuel, the Cygnus will haul anyone about at reasonable speeds without costing too much. www. yamaha-motor.com.au Q

Tonelli A new brand to Australia, Tonelli offers scooters, commuters and even a delivery bike, all with two-year warranties. Tonelli is an Australian company which imports its bikes and makes sure they meet all Australian UHTXLUHPHQWV KWWS ZZZ WRQHOOL FRP DX

Torino Torino has a range of scooters, cruisers, choppers and road-trail machines. The Romeo has caught our eye with

Simple, inexpensive, reliable: Bollini Speed 200.

44 – JANUARY 2011

Yamaha’s XJ650S is a great commuter and a whole lot more.

The  evolution  of  the  popular  Madass  continues.  Introducing  the  new  Sachs  X  Road  250cc,  a  striking  learner  legal  250cc  motorcycle.  Designed  in  Germany,  the  Sachs  X  Road  delivers  exceptional  reliability,  responsive  performance,  striking  styling  and  a  list  of  unexpected  additional  features.

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L LAMS

approved

The  light  weight  chassis  and  safety  features  make  the  new  Sachs  X  Road  the  ultimate  commuter  and  learner  legal  friendly  package.

X  Road  250

$4390 ride  away  including  12  months  reg*

The  name  says  it  all.  Designed  in  Germany,  the  Madass  shows  the  freethinking  of  modern  Europe,  but  on  two  wheels! Is  it  art?  Is  it  a  scooter?  Is  it  a  motorcycle?  Who  cares! :KDW LW GH¿QLWHO\ LV LV WKH EHVW ZD\ WR JHW DURXQG RQ WZR ZKHHOV turning  more  heads  that  a  super  model  in  a  bikini! The  Madass  is  a  concept  that  works  making  every  trip  fun! Everyone  loves  Madass.  Now  in  3  popular  colours,  take  one  for  a  ride  today!

Madass  125cc

$3490 ride  away  including  12  months  reg*

www.sachsbikes.com.au *Ride away prices are in VIC only and includes dealer pre delivery, stamp duty and 12 months registration. Ride away pricing will vary from state to state and we ask that you contact your local dealer for additional information

JANUARY 2011 – 45

www.cycletorque.com.au

QUAD QUAD TORQUE TECH

A bashing good idea ‘ATV Offroad’ installs ‘Ricochet’ Skid Plates.

WHEN you pay a lot of money for your ATV then you want to keep it in good condition. If you get your kicks from getting GLUW\ RII URDG WKHQ LW SD\V WR Ă€W D EDVK SODWH WR NHHS WKH underside free from damage. :H WRRN RQH &DQ $P 5HQHJDGH PRGHO DQG Ă€WWHG D protection kit from Ricochet - P/N 6678W Complete Skid Plate Set Renegade 500/800 2010. This kit comes with all mounting KDUGZDUH LQFOXGHG DQG LV FRPSDWLEOH ZLWK Ă€WWLQJ D ZLQFK &DQ $P $79V KDYH D VSDU IUDPH DQG WR SURWHFW WKLV IUDPH D full 5mm thick alloy skid plate set from ‘Ricochet’ was in order. :H VWDUWHG RII E\ WLSSLQJ WKH $79 XSULJKW ZKLFK WRRN WKUHH RI XV to do safely. We then secured the bike so it wouldn’t fall while we worked on it. We started off by removing the factory plastic front guard and then the thin factory alloy front skid plate. We also gave the spar IUDPH D TXLFN ZDVK DQG WRXFKHG XS ZLWK SDLQW DQ\ VFUDWFK PDUNV from previous trail use. This is optional, but it will prevent any rust later on. We then installed the new Ricochet front skid plate using all the new provided hardware - all existing Can-Am bolts are no longer XVHG DQG DUH UHSODFHG ZLWK TXDOLW\ KLJK WHQVLOH QXWV EROWV DQG washers. Next step was to install the rear skid plate before getting ready

IRU WKH ODUJH FHQWUH Ă RRUERDUG VHFWLRQ :H WKHQ OLQHG XS WKH FHQWUH Ă RRUERDUG VHFWLRQ ZLWK WKH IURQW and rear skid plates before adding the relative brackets. Then we VHFXUHG WKH Ă RRUERDUG VNLG SODWH XVLQJ WKH KLJK WHQVLOH ]LQF SODWHG 7RU[ VW\OH EXWWRQ KHDG EROWV WKDW DUH XVHG VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ WR SUHYHQW getting caught up on trail objects. 2XU DWWHQWLRQ PRYHG RQ WR WKH PRVW YXOQHUDEOH SDUWV RI WKH $79 ² WKH $ DUPV DQG &9 ERRWV 7KH $ DUPV FRPH IURP WKH IDFWRU\ with standard plastic A-arm guards but don’t protect the rubber &9 ERRWV D JUHDW GHDO 7KHVH DUH HDVLO\ GDPDJHG E\ VWLFNV DQG other trail objects, so Ricochet has designed these larger A-arm. Removal and installation is easy. Last thing to do was to check all nuts and bolts were tight, and ORZHU WKH $79 VDIHO\ WR WKH JURXQG 1R GULOOLQJ RU PRGLĂ€FDWLRQV WR WKH $79 ZHUH UHTXLUHG 7KH NLW also came with some spare nuts, bolts and washers in case you damage any of the hardware. You can get the ‘Ricochet’ kits in either full sets or individual pieces and there is also the option of black anodise, olive drab or natural aluminium like used. These can be obtained from www. atvoffroad.com.au. Words by G.Trotman, pics by D.Hunter.

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www.cycletorque.com.au

QUAD

QUAD TORQUE TEST – CAN-AM COMMANDER TEST BY CHRIS PICKETT PHOTOS BY BRP

SIDE STEP

Power, purpose, poise.

&$1 $0 KDV Ă€QDOO\ MRLQHG WKH EXUJHRQLQJ VLGH E\ VLGH $79 PDUNHW 1RW RQO\ GRHV LWV &RPPDQGHU KDYH FODVV OHDGLQJ SRZHU EXW it’s also at the pointy end of the market with handling. It’s hard to determine the future of the side-by-side market in Australia. Overseas where the laws are perhaps friendlier to this type of vehicle the market is strong. In $XVWUDOLD LW¡V GLIĂ€FXOW WR UHJLVWHU RQH ZKLFK will no doubt reduce the impact it has.

What’s on offer? For the farmer it’s hard to imagine they wouldn’t be super impressed with the Commander. BRP Australia will offer four variants of the Commander: 800R; 1000XT, 1000XT Camo, and 1000X. All four versions use the Rotax engine, incidentally owned by Can-Am’s parent company BRP. %RWK WKH KS 5 DQG KS FF 9 WZLQ engines are based on the same platform and are fuel injected. In fact BRP state the 1000cc HQJLQH LV WKH PRVW SRZHUIXO DQG IXHO HIÀFLHQW in its class. %RWK HQJLQHV DUH OLTXLG FRROHG ZKLFK LV great for extremely hot and cold conditions. Single overhead cams and four valves reside in each cylinder head. Both share a 91mm bore, with a longer stroke used to gain the extra capacity for the 1000cc unit. &RPPRQ IRU WKLV FODVV LV D &97 transmission, and the Commander range is no different. It has high and low range, and reverse. Shaft drive is used across the range, ZLWK D ORFNDEOH IURQW GLIIHUHQWLDO $W WKH à LFN of a switch you can change between 2WD and 4WD.

Model differences While the standard Commander is the cooking version, the XT and X models go up LQ VSHFLÀFDWLRQ PDLQO\ ZLWK WKH ÀW RXW DQG better suspension. Weight, wheelbase, carrying capacity and

interior is much the same for the standard DQG ;7 ; PRGHOV 2Q WKH ;7 \RX TXLFNO\ notice the alloy wheels and Maxxis Bighorn tyres. Other extras include a winch, heavy duty front bumper, different mudguards, and leather steering wheel. Taking it up a notch on the ‘X’ are fully adjustable Fox Racing piggyback shocks, 12 inch alloy beadlock wheels, and edgier graphics. $ ORRN DW WKH VSHFLĂ€FDWLRQV VHHV WKH ZHLJKW tip the scales at 585kg dry. The tip tray can hold 272kg and you can tow up to 680kg. And with a fuel tank which can hold 38 litres it would take a pretty big farm to need more than that for the day.

On track Being a Canadian product the Can-Am is of course left-hand drive. This doesn’t take much to get used to. Bigger drivers will ÀQG LW D ELW RI DQ HIIRUW WR JHW LQ DQG RXW especially with a helmet on. Once you’re in there’s no problem for room, even for six footers. Harnessing you in is the seatbelt and sporty snug seats. A race-style mesh net keeps your arms in too if you get too keen in the rough stuff and tip it over. That said, we gave it a thrashing and were impressed by the stability of the Commander. Well, we may have driven it but it was former world rally ace Michael *XHVW DQG 9 6XSHUFDU driver Greg Murphy who really let loose on the big bore Commander. With both of them giving us a

lesson in driving we saw exactly what the 669 ZDV FDSDEOH RI :H HYHQ JRW DLUERUQH TXLWH D IHZ WLPHV DQG ZHUH VXUSULVHG KRZ ZHOO WKH 669 KDQGOHG the landings. Our backs were happy too. Having an auto gearbox choose ratios lets you concentrate on driving and it’s plenty of fun in that regard, and the amount of power on tap increases your grin as well. One nifty piece of thinking from the designers are the removable seats. If you’re in the outback and ready to camp, just rip the seats out and presto, you have seating by the FDPSÀUH

Will Aussies love it? For the farmer the Commander would be an awesome vehicle to have. Not only can it take a load, it’s also nimble and can get into tight places if need be. There’s so many more XVHV WKDW TXLFNO\ VSULQJ WR PLQG %HDFK DQG ULYHU ÀVKLQJ VKRRWLQJ FDPSLQJ DQG MXVW

plain fun spearing around a dirt track. Fun or work, it can do both. Prices start from $19,699 for the 800, and go up to $25,050 for a Camo coloured 1000XT. If there’s a sticking point it could ZHOO EH WKH FRLQ UHTXLUHG WR JHW RQH EXW WKH\ do compare favourably on price with the PDMRULW\ RI 669V RXW WKHUH GHSHQGLQJ RQ what brand you get. Are they bad value? We don’t believe so, they come with a high level RI HTXLSPHQW DQG ZH WKLQN LW DOO GHSHQGV on the use you can get out of one – this all depends on which state you live in and what you want to do with it. We can certainly imagine taking one to a EHDFK IRU D VSRW RI ÀVKLQJ RU PD\EH LQWR WKH forest to bag a trout, and having loads of fun along the way. Q

JANUARY 2011 – 47

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48 – JANUARY 2011

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INFORMATION FROM OUR ADVERTISERS 1

DIRTWISE

1

2

Join Shane Watts, the legendary off-road racer and skills instructor, as he gives you the analysis and in-depth instruction of how to master corners, braking, and tight tree single-track sections of the trails. Get the inside VFRRS RQ WKH VSHFLĂ€F WUDLQLQJ H[HUFLVHV WKDW ZLOO IDVW WUDFN \RXU OHDUQLQJ DQG VNLOOV LPSURYHPHQW 7KH ZKROH VHULHV RI 'LUW:LVH ,QVWUXFWLRQDO '9'V are a ‘must have’ for any offroad enthusiast, trailrider or racer. PRICE: $30 inc shipping AVAIL ABLE FROM: Direct from Dirtwise Academy MORE INFO: www.shanewatts.com 2

3

CARBONISE ME

6+$5. SURGXFHG WKH YHU\ ÀUVW KHOPHW ZLWK D FRPSRVLWH FDUERQ ÀEUH Since then, Shark has continued the theme with its RSR range. Now, the RSR 2 is the new generation of carbon helmet from one of the world’s leading helmet manufacturers. It has an exceptional safety/weight ratio and enough features to boggle the mind. All sizes available. Comes in black or white. PRICE: $995.95 AVAIL ABLE FROM: Leading motorcycle stores MORE INFO: ZZZ ÀFHGD FRP DX 3

SAFE SEX

:(¡9( DOO KHDUG WKH WHUP ´LI LW¡V QRW RQ LW¡V QRW RQ Âľ ,Q WKLV FDVH LW¡V DOO about keeping your bike safe. Adventure Moto has a heap of different products available, including the Bike Condom. It’s not designed to last forever but is easy to use and small enough to store under your seat. PRICE: $11.95 AVAIL ABLE FROM: Direct from Adventure Moto. MORE INFO: www.adventuremoto.com.au 4

4

GET YOUR ROCKS OFF

RAD Guard now have the Yamaha XTZ660 TĂŠnĂŠrĂŠ radiator guard available. $V XVXDO WKH\¡UH YHU\ HDV\ WR Ă€W DQG ZLOO JLYH \RX SHDFH RI PLQG RQ DQ\ terrain. $YDLODEOH LQ SROLVKHG DOOR\ WLWDQLXP Ă€QLVK RU EODFN PRICE: $195 (check out the specials page on our website) AVAIL ABLE FROM: Rad Guard Australia. MORE INFO: 02 66580060 or www.radguard.com.au 5

STREET SMART

NEW from Dunlop is the Sportmax SportSmart. Using the famous NTEC technology, the SportSmart will no doubt be a winner, whether it be street riding or track days. Available in many sizes to suit most modern bikes. PRICE: Fronts from $205, rears from $289. AVAIL ABLE FROM: Dunlop stockists MORE INFO: www.dunloptyres.com.au 6

5

6

UP TO DATE

LOOKING for a super-stylish motorcycle calendar that focuses on bikes rather than girls? The world’s largest custom bike website, Bike EXIF, has just released its 2011 calendar. Sydney-based editor Chris Hunter has selected thirteen jaw-dropping machines from builders including Australia’s own Deus Ex Machina. Clubs take note: there’s a 25 per cent discount for bulk order. PRICE: more about it at www.bikeexif.com. Price US$14.95, payable via credit card or PayPal. AVAIL ABLE FROM: You can order the calendar from Magcloud at www. magcloud.com/browse/Issue/133595. MORE INFO: www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/133595. 7

CLEAR VISION

8

KEEPING your visor clean is a constant battle, especially in summer. Check out this lens cleaning kit. Inside is a handy bottle full of cleaning à XLG DQG D FORWK WR ZLSH LW DQG WKH JULPH RII Small enough to keep on the bike so it’s there whenever you need it. PRICE: $26.95 AVAIL ABLE FROM: Direct from Adventure Moto MORE INFO: More info: www.adventuremoto.com.au 8

AS STICKY AS LICORICE

7

PIRELLI has just released the new Diablo Rosso Corsa. Highlighting the new tyre is the three zone compound to give better mileage in the middle and better grip on the edges. Pirelli say the WSBK compound on the edges of the tyre transmit 10 horsepower more than any tested reference tyre. Wow! PRICE: Front $219.00, rears from $299.00. AVAIL ABLE FROM: Pirelli stockists nationwide. MORE INFO: www.linkint.com.au.

JANUARY 2011 – 49

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SOLID FOOTING WE FITTED a set of Gilles Tooling rear sets to our Triumph Daytona 675 race bike UHFHQWO\ DQG ZHUH YHU\ LPSUHVVHG ZLWK WKHLU TXDOLW\ DQG KRZ HDV\ WKH\ ZHUH WR Ă€W (YHU\ VHW RI UHDU VHWV ZH¡YH HYHU Ă€WWHG KDVQ¡W EHHQ WRWDOO\ VWUDLJKW IRUZDUG WR EROW on. The AS31GT kit from IMS racing has a bunch of different sized spacers, extra bolts and a few other bits and bobs so you can tailor the rear sets to suit yourself. While the kit is designed to go through the frame, as per the original set-up, we were able to put ours in race shift mode using the extras in the kit. So, no extra time on the lathe machining up spacers, or waiting for your machine shop to do so. We had gone all season with the standard ’pegs but put on the Gilles Tooling ’pegs for the last round. No slippage, better control, great looks, adjustability. Can’t ask for much more than that. PRICE: From $534.40 AVAIL ABLE FROM: AVAIL ABLE FROM: Direct from IMS Racing MORE INFO: More info: 03 8742 7000, or www.ims-racing.com.au

TALK TO ME /$67 PRQWK 6HQD¡V %OXHWRRWK LQWHUFRP VHW IHDWXUHG LQ RXU %LNH 6WXII 6LQFH WKHQ ZH¡YH Ă€WWHG WKH GXDO SDFN WR D FRXSOH of helmets. 7KH KHDGVHW LV VWUDLJKWIRUZDUG DQG QRW WLPH FRQVXPLQJ WR Ă€W ,Q RXU H[SHULHQFH WKHVH W\SHV RI LQWHUFRPV QHHG \RX WR tailor the lining inside your helmet to suit your personal attributes. Depending on your helmet and the size of your ears, you may need to cut out some of your helmet lining. Once that’s done you need to pair the system to your phone, and the second helmet. %HVLGHV P\ KHOPHW , DOVR Ă€WWHG LW WR P\ VRQ¡V IRU D UHFHQW WULS +H¡V RQ D OHDUQHU OLFHQFH DQG LW ZDV JUHDW EHLQJ DEOH WR speak to him as we rode along the famed Oxley Highway. ,W¡V HDV\ WR XVH DQG WR Ă€W EXW PDNH VXUH \RX WDNH WKH WLPH WR JLYH \RXU HDUV URRP ,I \RX KDYH WKH HDU SLHFHV WRXFKLQJ \RXU HDUV \RX¡OO IHHO OLNH WXUĂ€QJ WKH KHOPHW LQWR WKH EXVKHV DIWHU D YHU\ VKRUW WLPH DQG WKLV LV DQ LQGLFDWLRQ RI \RXU Ă€WWLQJ WHFKQLTXHV UDWKHU WKDQ WKH KHOPHW RU WKH LQWHUFRP V\VWHP PRICE: Single pack $290, dual pack $549. AVAIL ABLE FROM: Direct from Adventure Cams MORE INFO: More info: www.adventurecams.com.au or call 1300 115 007

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JANUARY 2011 – 51

Bling Kong

52 – JANUARY 2011

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CYCLE TORQUE TEST – TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD ‘BIG BIRD’ TEST BY CHRIS PICKETT PHOTOS BY ADRIAN FOWLER RIDING GEAR: AGV helmet, Spyke jacket, Hornee jeans, Thomas Cook boots.

What do you do with a bike with outrageous grunt? That’s easy, give it more. WHEN Triumph’s new generation Thunderbird was released it was the biggest capacity production parallel twin ever built. In fact it still is the biggest. There may have been the odd eclectic creation out there built using some obscure engine but this is the real world, where you can trot down to your local Trumpy dealer DQG EX\ D WDUPDF WHDULQJ PRQVWHU ULJKW RII WKH Ă RRU If that’s not enough, Triumph decided to put a big bore kit on its accessory list. So for those out there that honestly EHOLHYH FF DQG 1P RI WRUTXH MXVW GRHVQ¡W FXW LW there’s a factory big bore kit which takes capacity to 1699cc, JLYHV \RX DQ H[WUD 1P RI WRUTXH DQG SXQFKHV SRZHU XS from 85 hp to 100.

Without the power up This is getting a little ahead of ourselves though. Cycle Torque Ă€UVW WHVWHG WKH 7KXQGHUELUG DURXQG D \HDU DJR ZKHQ it was launched in Australia. We came away very impressed with the bike’s grunt, comfort and handling. Make no mistake, this is a big ‘cruiser’ and minimal ground clearance and the problems that go hand in hand with it will always be an issue for this type of machine. If you have never ridden a cruiser, especially one with this much poke, you need to adapt your riding style to get the best out of it. Once this is done, the Thunderbird can be ridden very rapidly indeed. Triumph had already stated it would be concentrating on WKUHH DQG WZR F\OLQGHU HQJLQHV IRU LWV HYHU LQFUHDVLQJ Ă HHW RI SURGXFWV 7KHUH ZRXOG EH QR 9 WZLQV RQ WKH KRUL]RQ VR you get the impression Triumph built the big bore parallel twin to be as much a point of difference as it was a good engineering design. Cycle Torque was lucky enough to see an engine apart and we can tell you it is substantially made. We can’t imagine one wearing out in a hurry. And even though it’s water-cooled a lot of thought has gone into having the fuel injected engine look smooth and pretty. It’s no lithe Betty Boop but it’s no Mama Cass either. As with Triumph’s other parallel twins, the Thunderbird XQLW XVHV WKH GHJUHH Ă€ULQJ RUGHU WR JHW LW WR ÂśIHHO¡ OLNH D 9 WZLQ DQG WKLV KHOSV PDNH LW PXFK VPRRWKHU 7KHUH DUH four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams as well. Punching through the gears is a fuss free affair, with Triumph going to helical cut gears for a solid but strangely TXLHW RSHUDWLRQ %HOW GULYH LV XVHG IRU WKH Ă€QDO GULYH In keeping with the gargantuan look and grunt of the HQJLQH LV DQ HTXDOO\ KXJH VWHHO WZLQ VSLQH IUDPH ZKLFK XVHV the engine as a stressed member. Not insubstantial 47mm Showa forks are raked out to 32 GHJUHHV ZLWK PP RI WUDLO 6KH¡V QR TXLFN VWHHUHU EXW WKHQ again it doesn’t need to be. Showa shocks are used down back, and are 5-way adjustable for pre-load. If you like to constantly twiddle with the suspension then buy a Daytona 675 instead.

The kit Comprising of cams, pistons (compression remains the same), rings, liners, gaskets and new tune for the ECU, the big bore kit retails for $1,195 which is a real bargain if you

ask us. Getting this sort of extra power for such a small amount isn’t easy. And if the kit is installed by a Triumph dealer and you retain the standard silencers you will keep your factory warranty for these parts. 7KHVH ZHUHQ¡W WKH RQO\ H[WUDV Ă€WWHG WR WKH test machine though. The team at Triumph Australia must have used just about every factory accessory to personalise the ‘Big Bird’. If you want chrome, there were lashings of it, even the wheels were chromed. Purposeful sounding twin exhaust? Yep, they were there. Another neat styling touch was the headlight nacelle which gave the bike a ‘sportier’ look. If you check out the accessory list you’ll see the prices are very reasonable. All up the extra ‘extras’ ran out to around $7800. Of course you don’t have to buy everything, you can buy one item if you like but it goes to show what you can buy if the desire takes you.

Worth it? ,W¡V KDUG WR TXDQWLI\ RU JLYH DQ RSLQLRQ RQ ZKHWKHU WKH bling accessories are worth stumping up your hard earned for. It’s very much a personal thing. One thing is for sure, we’d go for the big bore kit because it’s ridiculously cheap. That’s not to say the Thunderbird in standard 1600cc form is a wheezing underpowered form of transport. Of course it’s not, it’s a stump pulling behemoth which is a blast to ride. If you are unhappy with the power from the standard bike there’s probably a loose wire inside you somewhere, but hey, it can’t hurt to have a bit extra, can it? Q PART NUMBER A9708170 A9618050 A9738164 A9738134 A9618043 A9738135 A9738130 A9648004 A9730642 A9730641 A9738148 A9610200 A9738133 A9738186 A9730610 A9738114 A9718013 A9718011 A9718018 A9758102 A9638044 A9738156 A9738157 A9738167 A9638032 A9738069

PART DESCRIPTION Flyscreen Kit Silencer Kit Short Chrome Rear Pulley Chrome Swingarm Cover Big Bore Performance Kit Chrome Lower Belt Guard Chrome Wheel Kit Chrome Fork Slider Kit Caliper Caps, Chrome Rear Caliper Cap, Chrome Rear Master Cylinder, Chrome Oil Filler Cap, Badge Polished Oil Gallery Chrome Clutch Lifter Instrument Visor, Chrome Rr Fender Embell Medalion Chromeline Rider Foot Peg Chromeline Gear Shift Small Brake Pedal Finisher Single Seat Rack, Pressed Twin T Handlebar Housing Switch Kit Clamp, Switchcube, Chrome Chrome Levers Oval Mirrors, Drilled Master Cylinder Cover

RRP $319.00 $665.00 $739.00 $245.00 $1,195.00 $169.00 $1,485.00 $739.00 $69.00 $35.00 $55.00 $75.00 $39.00 $48.00 $59.00 $26.00 $195.00 $55.00 $61.80 $195.00 $295.00 $455.00 $39.00 $175.00 $254.00 $125.00

Harnessed somewhat by the belt drive.

And pulled up by the fork-twisting front brakes.

Don’t really need to know the revs when there’s this much torque on tap. 104 cubes of hell-raising grunt.

Bling everywhere. JANUARY 2011 – 53

www.cycletorque.com.au

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

www.cycletorque.com.au

1

Norton Commando

1

The aim with this book is to provide a wide range and collection of road tests, comparison tests, new model descriptions, long term tests and other articles, taken from the world’s motoring magazines. Informed and reliable test comments, specifications, performance data and photographs. This book deals mostly with cars of a highly specialised nature and are generally printed in smaller quantities. The most comprehensive book of our several road test book series, containing 208-220 pages with 400-450 illustrations. Norton Commando – $59.50 2

100 Years of Motocycles

A visual history of two-wheeled motorized transport: the motorcycle. Contains around 300 photographs from PA Photos’ huge archives, spanning the whole of the 20th Century. The story of the motorcycle starts when it was little more than a bicycle frame with an engine strapped on, soon becoming a purpose designed vehicle for cheap every-day transport, navigating congested urban traffic, for long distance travel, cruising and holidays. Some machines became test-beds for mechanical refinement and thrilled spectators at race circuits and off road tracks throughout the world. From the temperamental vintage machines of the early 1900s, to the motorcycling subcultures of the 1940s Hells Angels, the 1950s Cafe Racers, and the Mods and Rockers of the 1960s, all aspects of the motorcycle are celebrated. 100 Years of Motocycles – $29.99 3

One good run-Legend of Burt Munro

Now a motion picture starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, The World’s Fastest Indian was released in Australia in April 2006. One Good Run is the amazing story of Kiwi motorcycling legend, backyard engineering genius and land speed record holder Burt Munro. He broke several international speed records with a motorbike he modified in his Christchurch shed and still holds several records in the US. With Sir Anthony Hopkins playing Burt, this true-life, little guy beats the odds story renewed interest in one of the legends of land speed racing. One good run-Legend of Burt Munro – $29.95 4

2

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 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 6

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 7

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 8

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

54 – JANUARY 2011

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from Cycle Torque 6

4

5

7

9

9

10

8

Motorcycle Journeys Through Western Europe

Europe is high on everyone’s travel list. It has great roads, beautiful scenery, centuries of history, and is relatively safe. A potential stumbling block for some motorcyclists is the false perception that it costs too much and they don’t know exactly where to go. Toby Ballentine maintains in his Motorcycle Journeys Through Europe that you can rent a bike in Europe and put together your own tour. Europe is high on everyone’s travel list. It has great roads, beautiful scenery, centuries of history, and is relatively safe. Motorcycle Journeys Through Western Europe – $44.95

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 fine-tune a concept. Custom Motorcycles – $39.99

10

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

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