THE LATEST NEWS AND RACE RESULTS
MOTOR MOUTH
POWERED BY
FERRIS BREAKS THROUGH FOR SX WIN WORDS HAYDEN GREGORY
CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris has won the fourth round of the Australian Supercross C hampionship bringing an end to Justin Brayton’s streak.
As gates dropped on the main event, 2015 champ Dan Reardon immediately hit the lead closely followed by teammate Dean Ferris. The pair quickly pulled away from the pack as championship leader Brayton recovered from an opening turn crash. The Yamaha duo battled up front with Ferris waiting until lap seven to make the leading pass. In third place Jay Marmont looked set to secure his first podium on return before a speedy Wil Hahn worked his way past the Honda rider. Ferris continued to hold out Reardon for the lead, crossing the line to claim his very first Australian Supercross victory. A CDR Yamaha 1-2 was a perfect result for the team with Kawasaki’s WIl Hahn claiming the final spot on the podium. Championship leader Brayton recovered to claim fourth place while Marmont fell to fifth. Ferris now sits 11 points adrift of Brayton in championship standings with two rounds left to race. “I’m stoked,” he said. “Thank you to the team for all their effort this afternoon as I really made them work for it after my crash,” Ferris said. “I was fortunate to not hurt myself but the bike was a mess and the team did an awesome job of getting everything right for the night show and they played a huge part in tonight’s result. “Since the Motocross of Nations I have been able to get into a good routine with riding and training for supercross and I feel a lot more comfortable on the track these days. I built my own track at home so I have everything I need to do well and its already starting to pay off. “I’m really looking forward to Sydney this weekend and the addition of Chad, Cooper and Ryan will make for a great event,” Ferris ends" In SX2 racing, Gavin Faith celebrated victory with a dominant showing. Serco Yamaha’s Jackson Richardson had the early lead before Faith clicked into gear and took control of the race. Richardson would hold on for second place with championship leader Hayden Mellross securing third with a last minute move on Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Dylan Wills. Mellross continues to hold an eight point buffer in championship standings from Richardson in second. Gavin Faith also remains in contention a further nine points back in third. SX1 Championship Standings 1. Justin BRAYTON 93 Pts 2. Dean FERRIS 82 Pts 3. Wil HAHN 76 Pts 4. Daniel REARDON 74 Pts 5. Jay MARMONT 61 Pts 6. Kade MOSIG 58 Pts 7. Jay WILSON 48 Pts 8. Adam ENTICKNAP 46 Pts 9. Kyle PETERS 38 Pts 10. Luke WILSON 35 Pts SX2 Championship Standings 1. Hayden MELLROSS 89 Pts 2. Jackson RICHARDSON 81 Pts 3. Gavin FAITH 72 Pts 4. Wade HUNTER 58 Pts 5. Dylan WILLS 53 Pts 6. Joel WIGHTMAN 53 Pts 7. Wilson TODD 47 Pts 8. Jordan HILL 42 Pts 9. Aaron TANTI 39 Pts 10. Kyle WEBSTER 37 Pts
WILSON’S AVALON ANGUISH WORDS HAYDEN GREGORY IMAGE FOREMOST MEDIA
Luke Wilson registered a DNS at round four of the Australian Supercross Championship due to a hand injury.
The Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki rider qualified in 14th position before suffering a huge crash during his first heat race. Wilson had scored the holeshot and was running top three before going down and re-injuring his hand. Following the incident, Wilson tried to get back on the bike but was quickly forced back to the pits with pain. “I got off to a really good start in my heat race, I holeshotted and was in the lead which was awesome, then I think I dropped back to about third and I made a mistake, jumped off the side of the triple and jammed my hand,” Wilson said. “It’s the same hand that I’ve been struggling with but just a different area which was really disappointing. “I went out for the sight lap for the main but I just couldn’t do it, I had to make the call to pull in and keep my mind on the bigger picture. “We’ll see how we’re going this week, and I’ll be doing everything I can to be on the line in Sydney.” It was a difficult night for the Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki team as Todd Waters also sat on the sidelines following a training incident. “It was a tough weekend for us, but we’re focusing on the positives, and looking at what went well as a whole too,” Team manager Neale Wilson shared. “With Todd out with an injury, and Luke also carrying a wrist injury we knew that Melbourne was going to be a challenge, but Luke showed a lot of determination to get out there and give it a go, no matter what challenges he was faced with. “He got a fantastic start in his heat race, and was well on the pace of the guys in the top three, but unfortunately that crash in the triple section hurt him a lot and it was sort of the catalyst for the night. “Even though he was in pain, Luke headed out for the sighting lap for the final and was determined to race, but I think he made the right call pulling in, and now we can work on getting in as much recovery as possible before Sydney.” The final two rounds of the 2016 Australian Supercross Championship, the AUS-X Open, will take place this weekend, November 12-13, at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
MOTOR MOUTH
POWERED BY
HARPER WINS WILDWOOD ROCK EXTREME ENDURO
Husqvarna Factory Support rider Mitch Harper dominated Australia’s toughest Extreme Enduro.
WORDS HAYDEN GREGORY iMAGE MAD DOG IMAGES Harper won the inaugural event back in 2010 and was looking to pick up a second title as racing got underway last weekend. Aboard his MotoGCbacked Husqvarna TX300 the 24 year old hit the lead early before slowly checking out on the field over the intense 12km circuit. Crossing the finish line 11 minutes and 39 seconds ahead of his closest rivals Tim Coleman and Dylan Rees, Harper once again stamped his authority as one of Australia’s best enduro riders. Harper was awarded $6000 for his efforts and the title of 2016 Wildwood Rock champion. “This is easily the hardest race in Australia and probably one of the hardest in the world,” Harper explained. “It’s a different style to Erzberg; more of a cross-country extreme. It’s got the fast sections as well so it’s not just all trialsy technical stuff. “There were five riders a minute ahead of me off the start, but I got into the lead by the end of the first lap. I got three of them up and down the gullies, in the first three quarters of the lap, and then in the final rock garden I got the last two, and when I got up out of the rock section where it’s like a flat, rocky paddock all the way back to the pits, I was looking back and I had a pretty good lead, so I put my head down and pushed on from there. I did a few good laps and the gap was getting bigger and bigger. So then I slowed down. “The TX was an awesome choice of a bike. Struggling up these rocks sections you end up pushing the bike half the way, so the light weight was definitely a plus. I played around with the powervalve and I had it right out for the prologue so I could jump a few of the log doubles, but then for the race I screwed it in so it was real torquey, not slipping on the rocks or anything. It’s an awesome bike. I was on the clutch all day and it didn’t fade or anything. The crowd was huge out there today, in the rock gardens you’re thinking, ‘why am I here?’ But then you get to the top of the hills and you’re up on the pegs and they are all cheering and it helps you just keep you going. It’s good.” Guest rider and former World Enduro Champion Mathias Bellino had a positive start to the event but withdrew after taking a beating over the first three laps. Bellino’s focus down under is the A4DE next weekend so thought it was in his best interest to withdraw early from the race. “I am coming here for the four-day mainly, but then (girlfriend) Jess was going to Wildwood, so I say maybe I can try to do it and it will be good training for next year,” Bellino said. “I have never done any cross-country extreme racing in my life, and next year we will have some cross-country included in the World Championship. I knew it would be a tough race for me, and also because the 450 is a little bit heavy for this application. “I got the best lap time in Prologue and was leading for almost one lap when I got to the last uphill rock section. I crashed like four times and everybody caught me up and I lost a lot of time and energy. The bike is pretty wrecked! It was epic! “On the second lap I broke my gearlever and then on the third lap I couldn’t get through. It was too much for me, and I had to DNF unfortunately. “I knew I didn’t like XC races, now I’m 100% sure it’s not for me! I come from motocross and already for me enduro is a big step, but this is too much. “A big thank you to Husqvarna in Europe, my team, and especially Husqvarna Australia for giving me the opportunity to ride in this race. I’m looking forward to the four-day. “All up, for me I didn’t have the skills for that last hill, but it was pretty interesting, and it’s a good race. Honestly if I had time to train in the extreme stuff, and a more suitable bike, I would come back and try to win this race, but I don’t have the skill enough and I don’t have time to train in the extreme stuff, so that will be for later, or maybe never! (laughs)” Husqvarna Wildwood Extreme Enduro 2016 results: Mitch Harper, Tim Coleman, Dylan Rees, Ruben Chadwick, Chris Perry, Broc Grabham, Robert Nowak, Daniel Sanders, Wade Ibrahim, Hamish Macdonald
MILNER ANNOUNCED AS FIRST EVER MA ENDURO AMBASSADOR
Motorcycling Australia would like to officially announce Daniel Milner as the first ever MA Enduro Ambassador ahead of the 2016 Australian Four Day Enduro where Milner is looking to defend the A4DE outright title for the fifth consecutive year.
MA Press Release
This initiative has been developed by Motorcycling Australia to help increase the growing spectrum of Enduro racing, that alone this year has flourished under a new direction, and the introduction of a newly formed Enduro team. Providing the Enduro community with a platform for communication, and to act as a voice for the discipline Milner will work with MA to create exposure for our championships and to aid in its continuing development. Milner shared that “It is really cool. This is the first time something like this has happened, and I am really looking forward to it,” he shared. “Hopefully we can get some young people in to the sport, and also get the ones who have been there and done it before back in to it, as they still have the racing and riding in their heart. “I am happy to try and help people, and get them back on their bike. I think it is one of those things where it has always felt like the attention was on ‘Motocross’ back in the day, but seeing how much it has turned around and how much time is getting put in to Off-Roads now, I think it’s a pretty cool thing.” “It’s especially important with the talent of our riders, we have the world’s best riders here in Australia. I think that is definitely a big move for MA to do something like this, and it’s definitely the right move,” Milner finished. After a broken leg and a less than ideal run at the International Six Days Enduro, the fight in Milner has definitely not been lost as Milner shared he is more hungry than ever to claim his fifth consecutive title. “My year hasn’t gone really well, I broke my leg and had a bit of bad luck at the six day,” he started. “I have a bike which I rode at last year’s four day, so I think it’s going to be a good four days and I am probably hungrier this year than I have been in the previous years. Just from all the talk that everyone has rambled on about. “It is one of those things where I will go there and give it my all, and see how it ends up,” he finished. Milner will board his WR450 Yamaha machine as the MA Enduro Ambassador for the first time at the Yamaha Australian Four Day Enduro Championship next Monday the 14th-19th of November, where Milner will work with MA and the Enduro Commission to develop and advocate for the sport.
MOTOR MOUTH
POWERED BY
HUNTER RULED OUT OF SUPERCROSS FINALE
Serco Yamaha’s Wade Hunter will miss the AUS-X Open with a broken foot.
WORDS HAYDEN GREGORY IMAGE FOREMOST MEDIA The fourth round of the Australian Supercross Championship was short-lived by Hunter who went down in the opening moments of the main event after colliding with another rider. In substantial pain, the Serco rider laid trackside before being ushered to the pits by RaceSafe officials. X-rays have since revealed that Hunter has broken three bones in his left foot bringing an abrupt end to his supercross season. “It’s a really disappointing way to end and the incident wasn’t my fault. In the first couple of turns, there were bikes going everywhere and someone jumped across on me and we collided in the air. As soon as I hit the ground I knew something was wrong as the pain was instant. “I have had fun in the years’ championship and it’s been nice to turn my year around after a terrible motocross season,” Hunter said. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Serco Yamaha team with SX2 rider Jackson Richardson claiming second spot for the night, his third straight podium result. Richardson gunned for the top position but was unable to catch American flyer Gavin Faith. “Considering how the heat went and the dry and slippery track, taking second tonight wasn’t too bad,” Richardson said. “I knew I had to get a great jump from the start because I was so far wide, but I was able to do that and put myself in a good position in the early stages. “Congratulations to Gavin tonight. He never really made a mistake and deserved his win but this sets up a pretty good finish at the final rounds with the three of us not that far apart in the points and anything can happen at an indoor event,” Jackson ends. Richardson has closed the gap to eight points in the championship with two rounds left to race. Hayden Mellross continues to lead the class with both riders set for a showdown this weekend at the AUS-X Open.
MOTOR MOUTH
GEAR BAG
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1: RXT 2017 A727 SG1 HELMET
ltra Flow ventilation system U Large eye port to accept large-frame goggles Adjustable peak Double D-rings Lightweight ABS construction 3D fully washable/removable printed liner AS/NZS 1698 standards approved RRP $149.95
2: PROGRIP 3204 FLUORO ORANGE IRIDIUM LENS GOGGLES
ingle-felted density & preformed foam S Fluorescent frame with multilayered coloured lens Comes with multilayered mirrored ProGrip patent lens Large view screen with wider ventilation area for better airflow
Precut foam and moulded channels designed to suit most eyeglasses Treated silicon on strap to help avoid slippage on helmet CE-EN approved RRP $59.95
3: GOPRO SEEKER BACKPACK
oom for 5 GoPro cameras R 16L of space 3 GoPro mounting options Hydration compatible Durable, lightweight, weather-resistant
4:USWE INSULATED TUBE KIT
xtremely lightweight & durable E TPU tube with TPU foam insulation
B ite valve with dust cover P lug-N-Play tube connector U niversal size ¼-inch diameter drink tube
5:ALPINESTARS VENOM TECH 10
T he Limited Edition Venom Tech 10 fuses all the performance innovations of the iconic Tech 10 with an exclusive colour combination. Sporting a red lower chassis, light and dark blue upper shaft, and high-vis fluorescent yellow and white accents on the front. A visually stunning, high-performance motocross boot with a sophisticated and modern motorsports feel. The Venom Tech 10 is available from Alpinestars dealers, RRP $679.95
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6:RACETECH R15 NEON WORX BIKE STAND
Tough injection-moulded composite-alloy construction E xtra-wide stance provides excellent stability Non-slip pyramid frame plate surface allows fluids to drain easily Stackable for easy storage 4 alloy bracing bars for added strength Unique front plate wedge to assure stable fit for all frame types Large graphic side panels can be customised for 100% factory look Height: 43cm Total weight: 3.3kg Maximum load capacity: 150kg Limited edition: $139.95
7: SHIFT 2017 3LACK MAINLINE GEAR SET RP $279.90 R JERSEY: Multi-panel construction Technical moisture-wicking polyester main body Full mesh panelling for maximum ventilation Fade-resistant sublimated graphics Athletic precision-fit comfort collar design PANTS: 600D polyester main body construction Stretch rear yoke and front gusset allow for unrestricted movement Double-layer knee construction Four-way stretch panelling provides unrestricted fit
V ented knee and thigh panels for enhanced airflow and comfort
8: 2017 HUSQVARNA FE 501
1 -cylinder, 4-stroke engine E lectric start B rembo brakes M ap switch and traction control T ool-less air filter access W P Xplor 48 front fork, WP rear shock C hromoly steel frame, composite carbon-fibre subframe A luminium swingarm 1 09.3kg dry weight 8 .5L tank capacity
FEATURE:
50
FOX LAUNCH RIDE
STORY SHANE BOOTH
JOIN THE
TO LAUNCH ITS ALL-NEW LEGION OFF-ROAD GEAR RANGE, FOX AUSTRALIA PUT TOGETHER A RIDE TO END ALL RIDES. WITH AN AWESOME CREW AND TRAILS TO MATCH, THE GOAL OF FIRING UP THE FUN OF TRAIL RIDING WAS WELL AND TRULY ACHIEVED
LEGION
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t started with a road trip to Bright, Victoria, which is a place you could easily call trail riding heaven. With the Victorian alpine region at its doorstep, there are more trails into the hills here than you can poke a stick at. Combine that with clear skies and an industry crew who don’t get together for a day of trail riding too often — if ever — and we were pretty much set up for the perfect storm. I’d picked up my Husqvarna FE 501 for the ride and was looking forward to unleashing it in the bush. The participants arrived for a barbecue feast around the campfire, then hit the swags, tents, utes and vans for some sleep before the real fun began. In the AM we were provided with another feast of barbecued bacon and eggs before the formalities kicked off. Each rider was treated to a swag of the all-new Fox Legion Off-Road gear: pants, jersey, jacket, vest, gloves and boots — the whole nine yards. If that doesn’t get you excited, nothing will. We were run through all the new features of this gear — a long list of impressive stuff — given a rundown on the day’s riding ahead and then told to be ready in 15 minutes. Well, if you weren’t ready to roll you had no choice but to be. About 500m into this ride we launched straight into a hill that would break many a trail rider. It was clear very early what we were in for: a day of the kind of epic, challenging trail riding you just don’t get very often. The absolute kicker was that the moisture content on the trails couldn’t have been better — as if they’d had a sprinkler system on the day before. There wasn't an ounce of dust and, bar a few puddles, hardly any mud. We continued to ride up and down the side of these mountains on single trail that looked like it had hardly been used but was steep enough to challenge and keep things very interesting. We then started to meet the odd creek crossing or two, or three, or four — and then creek crossings became the norm. The rain that made the trails so spot on also had all the creeks flowing very well.
By lunch we’d all become creek-crossing experts and had given up on trying to stay dry — it was more along the lines of just embracing it. The Fox crew met us out at a picnic site for a gourmet lunch before we fuelled up and headed out once more. The arvo session started off with a great run along a ridgeline that had everyone hauling ass through an open fire road that again was in such great condition. That was relatively short-lived, though, as we regrouped and literally rode off the side of a mountain to begin a steep descent to the bottom. To start with it was just steep single trail, challenging but nothing out of the norm. We hit a few little streams of water and then dropped out on another dirt road to regroup. From there, things got interesting. Once again we dropped in off the main road but this time we slotted into a stream/creek/river and proceeded to follow it for the best part of the next hour. We were literally in the middle of the running water, feet off for the most part and riding over the rocks that were underneath. What an experience. The rain had it charging and we were in water over the top of our wheels more often than not.
I’d go as far as to say it was the hardest trail riding I’ve ever done and that seemed the consensus on the day — but not in a negative way; in a way that made for the best night of bench racing ever. Talking shit over a few beers about how big the waterfall I rode down was and how many times you came within millimetres of drowning your bike. No one was crashless; everyone had spent some time in the water and that’s what made it so great. When the likes of Tom McCormack and Daniel Milner are off their bikes and physically handling it through sections, you know it was legit. It was a sensational way to test some new gear, which by the way is very impressive. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing rugged enduro gear; it’s unbelievably comfortable and unrestrictive. The new off-road Instinct boots did a great job, too — the soles designed to offer grip off the bike definitely got a workout on this ride and were appreciated! My only question: when are we on again?
THE GEAR
FOX LEGION JACKET S trategically panelled ripstop and stretch Cordura construction Z ippered vents at chest, back and forearms for flowthrough ventilation B onded Cordura patches at key areas for additional protection M esh zipper pockets at waist L eft side chest zipper pocket hook-and-loop closure on wrists S oft collar for increased comfort S eamless underarm for mobility and comfort R ight and left side hem cinch with barrel lock Drop-tail design for increased coverage FOX LEGION PANT C ordura ripstop construction with zonal stretch panels T wo zipper vents for maximum adjustability D ouble-layer knee system made of full-grain cow leather and abrasion-resistant material provide high durability T hin hem at cuff to eliminate bulk in boot T riple needle stitching in critical areas Z ippered pocket to hold essentials
FOX LEGION GLOVE T ouchscreen compatibility on index finger B rushed fleece bonded Cordura for protection and warmth Clarino palm with bonded reinforcement layer in highwear areas T PU-lined Lycra gussets seal out the elements D irect-injected TRP protects from knuckle and finger impacts C ompression-moulded cuff with hook-and-loop closure FOX INSTINCT OFF-ROAD BOOT H inge lockout system stops motion before hyperflexion E xclusive Duratac Fox rubber compound provides unprecedented grip and durability on the outsole and burn guard A slim medial design keeps you close to the bike with Duratac burn guard providing grip L arge, open lug pattern on sole provides traction and reduces mud buildup F lawless buckle operation every time F ull coverage at toe box for additional protection without hindering shifting
TESTED:
KAWASAKI KLR650
GREAT ALL-
K AWA S A K I ’ S K L R 6 5 0 I S T H E B I K E T H A T D O E S EVERYTHING PRETTY WELL FOR THE BLOKE WHO WANTS A BIKE THAT DOES PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING
STORY & PHOTOS ASHENHURST
K
awasaki’s KLR650, take a bow. Come on, stand up and take a bloody bow. Yes, you’ve been derided in certain circles and far too often overlooked, but for sheer longevity and ability to provide faithful service you’re one of the greats. How many models can anyone name that have lasted as long as the KLR? It was released way back in 1987 which, to give some perspective, was the year the first mobile phone call was made in Australia. The KLR has survived all this time with minimal changes. And guess what? It’s one of the biggest-selling bikes in the adventure market year after year. Not even U2 have had chart success like that. The KLR is bigger than Rick Astley, who started and finished in the 80s. It’s more successful than grunge, which died out in in the 90s, and it’s lasted longer than the Black Eyed Peas. That’s means only the Red Hot Chili Peppers can compete with the KLR650 — but they went through eight guitarists along the way. So, yes, please direct all applause towards the KLR650 in acknowledgment of its long and devoted service. It deserves it. It’s earned it. But is it any good to ride in 2016? Fair question; let’s find out.
ON TOP & INSIDE
The KLR divides folks in the looks department. I’m split in that I don’t like the Candy Lime Green but I really like the Matrix Camo Grey. There aren’t many models that offer two strikingly different schemes to choose from, so kudos to Kawi. The bike is the epitome of simplicity. It doesn’t have a click wheel or a thumb controller or a series of electronic probes up your bum to read your thoughts and emotions and control a vast array of electronic systems. It has a speedo, a tacho, an odometer, a trip meter and a temperature gauge — end of story. There isn’t even a fuel gauge, which is, to be honest, a bit dumb. There’s a set of large handguards, which look a bit dopey but do a brilliant job at keeping the freezing wind off your hands. The rear brake and gear levers are steel, which means they can bend instead of snap, and the front brake and clutch levers feel good under light or heavy gloves.
SIR, YES SIR!
THE KLR AS A FIGHTING MACHINE In the States, the KLR650 has long been a member of the armed forces in both the standard petrol version as well as a modified diesel. The bikes are handed over to Hayes Diversified Technologies (HDT) for the conversion to a 583cc diesel engine (can also run on aviation kerosene) and the Marines use them on active duty. Other country’s forces are also looking into using the bikes as diesels, which gives you some idea of the confidence in the KLR’s chassis durability.
The seat is magnificent. It used to be shit but now it has to be up there with one of the most comfortable seats made available for the average arse. The bike is fitted with a plastic bash guard, a pipe guard and a windscreen that seems small but is surprisingly effective for anything less than freeway speeds. There is a taller genuine screen available for those hitting the open road. The tank is a 22-litre unit and the fuel is fed into a CVK40 carburetor that’s been around forever and has always proved to be reliable and easy to work with and upgrade. Seat height is a reasonable 890mm, which will suit a pretty broad range of riders, and our test bike was also fitted with the genuine luggage package that includes a tail bag and two side saddlebags.
KICKIN’ UP DUST
Riding the KLR650 was interesting given there was a crossover period for me when I had the Kawi and another adventure bike that was absolutely filled to the brim with every modern farkle and jiggery you could imagine.
This isn’t a bike you jump regularly or big time and that’s another criticism that’s baffled me. What adventure bike is made for jumping? There may be times when you need to clear a small gap or something like that and the KLR will oblige, but the limitations appear mostly upon the landing where the limited suspension travel and ground clearance make themselves known. But the opposite end of this is that the bike is comfortable and plush, a characteristic you’ll be a hell of a lot more grateful for than any ability to jump. The KLR is surprisingly nimble, with an excellent and tight turning circle and easy to ride through slower speed trails and tricky terrain, but its true home is on the more open tracks where it’s pretty hard to pick holes in the overall ride.
JACK OF ALL TRADES I rode them back to back a few times and I couldn’t escape one thing: the KLR650 was all about the ride and I really appreciated that. I never worried I wasn’t in the right ride mode or that ABS would interfere when I didn’t want or that I hadn’t told the bike I wasn’t carrying luggage any more. I just kept my eyes on the trails, not on a five-inch screen, and rode. One of the commonest complaints I’ve heard about the KLR is that it’s too slow. It’s a pretty odd call and I wonder if it comes mostly from road-bike guys because on the dirt the bike isn’t just simply slow. It’s not powerful in comparison to the adventure bike competition but it has enough to be capable and, most importantly, manageable. It builds up to speed instead of exploding. It’s quiet, it doesn’t vibrate excessively and never feels like it’s trying to get away from you. It seems fashionable to declare that anything under 1000hp is a waste of time and that if the engine
doesn’t boom like the growl of a dragon from The Lord of the Rings then it isn’t worth a damn. But try taking said ’roided-up rage machine into the bush and see how far you get when it gets slippery. Or you have to do hours on sand and bulldust and the bike just wants to spin the rear wheel. The KLR might not leap off the line or unload gobs of Trumpesque anger on the planet’s surface but it does have enough to get you pretty much anywhere. Also, because it’s still running a carbie it’s got a great feel in the slower, tricky stuff where you can feel when you’re just above the stall point better than with EFI. Although EFI would certainly improve the fuel efficiency, so the moto gods giveth and the moto gods taketh away in that case. The suspension was upgraded in 2014 to perform better off-road and the job was well done — particularly with the fork, which is less prone to aggressive diving on braking.
Before we used the term adventure bike we called a bike like this a dual-sport — and that’s pretty appropriate still. It’s an excellent bike for the bloke looking to go to and from work during the week and then pack some camping gear and head to the mountains on the weekend. There are plenty of examples through the years of KLR650s taking on epic journeys with not a lot of changes or additions to the stock machine because, regardless of how the world can feel sometimes, there’s still room for simplicity. And when you’re a day from the nearest town, alone with no mobile service, there’s something comforting about being on a bike where you’d at least know the concepts at work underneath you should something go wrong. For around $8000 it’s impossible to argue that the KLR isn’t a good buy. We know it can take you to faraway places, we know it gives faithful service and can perform the role of commuter or adventurer. And we know it still sells well because of all those things and more.
THE PROFESSOR’S TOP 10 UPGRADES TO DO TO KAWASAKI’S KLR650 WRITTEN BY CLIVE WARD OF MOTORCYCLEBIZ Kawasaki’s KLR650 is a single-cylinder 650cc adventure/touring bike. Essentially designed in 1988, it’s been a mainstay on adventure trails for 28 years. The bike has received many upgrades in those years, the biggest being in 2008 and the most recent in mid-2014. The bike is popular due to LAMS approval, reliability and value for money and is recognised as an adventure bike capable of carrying rider, luggage and often pillions many thousands of kilometres through remote roads in many countries across the world. Before tackling the many adventure challenges Australia has to offer, some upgrades are required. Below are my top 10 in my order of importance. 1. FRONT SUSPENSION UPGRADE: The KLR650 comes equipped with a simple damper rod-style front fork. Fitting aftermarket travel control valves (aka emulators) will provide a massive improvement in safety and comfort. Handling and braking efficiency are improved in both road and off-road situations. If you’re over 100kg, it’s also a good idea to upgrade the spring rate while you’re in there. You may also want to consider a heavier spring for the
rear, especially if you’re going to be carrying heavy loads and/or pillions. 2. DE-RESTRICT IT: For some unknown reason, Kawasaki supplies the bike with restrictor holes in the slide — this prevents you getting any more than 50 per cent throttle. Pull the slide out of the top of the carbie, fill the two holes near the diaphragm with QuikSteel (not the one next to the needle), smooth out flat and fit back into bike. Change main jet to #152 — or #160 if you do the exhaust mod mentioned below. 3. EXHAUST: Replace the existing heavy rear muffler with a lightweight alloy one. We’ve found the Barrett Exhausts slip-on is easily installed, sounds great and improves performance. 4. WIDEN THE FOOTPEGS: Remove the rubber top, as wet or muddy boots don’t grip on rubber well, and either replace the pegs with a new set or you can purchase peg-widener kits, which require the extra part to be welded onto the existing skinny standard pegs. This will improve grip on the pegs and reduce rider fatigue when standing up. 5. BARKBUSTERS: I recommend fitting Barkbusters. This brilliant Aussie invention protects your hands from trees, rocks and the cold. They also
help prevent levers from being damaged in a fall. 6. REAR LUGGAGE RACK: Fit a quality luggage rack to the rear. You want something that’s wider so you can fit a decent-sized waterproof duffel bag on there. 7. ALLOY BASHPLATE: Replace the factory standard plastic one with a super-strong alloy bashplate. The alloy one will provide greater protection for the frame and engine. 8. CRASH BARS: I highly recommend fitting a set of crash bars which extend upwards high enough to protect the large, wide steel fuel tank as well as the engine. 9. RAISE THE BARS: Handlebar risers will provide a better riding position, especially when in more technical terrain where standing on the footpegs is required. 10. REPLACE THE REAR SUBFRAME MAIN BOLTS: The entire rear end is held onto the bike by four small mild steel bolts. They have a habit of shearing off at the worst of times. You can buy a kit that comes with everything you need to replace the two lower bolts, to drill through the top bolt holes and replace them with a single larger-diameter hightensile one.
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2015 AUS-X OPEN PHOTOGRAPHY DAMIEN ASHENHURST