Home//Australian Motorcycle News/Vol 66 Issue 15/In This Issue
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Another dream machineLOOKING AT OUR computer-generated interpretation of the rumoured V4 Ducati Superbike gracing our cover reminds me of the first encounter I had with the lovely Desmosedici RR, Ducati’s limited-production road-legal version of its MotoGP race bike.The rumoured V4 Ducati is said to be destined for the WSBK championshipThe meeting was entirely accidental; wandering through Fraser Motorcycles at Wollongong I peered into the Ducati area and had my eyes almost sucked from their sockets by the sheer beauty of the V4-powered Italian machine. I had read about the Desmosedici RR, and often wondered who would be in a position to part with $100,000 for a motorcycle. But obviously such people were out there because the bike only lasted two weeks in the showroom before it disappeared into some lucky bugger’s garage.I…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Triumph working on new Tiger 800THIS SPY SHOT shows a very early mule for Triumph’s next-generation Tiger 800. It’s a testbed machine intended to experiment with different geometries and riding positions, allowing engineers to narrow it down to certain dimensions before taking the next step and sketching out a purpose-made chassis.The centre section is stock Tiger 800, including the engine and much of the frame. At the front, the steering head has been hacked off and replaced with a massive piece of billet aluminium. This will allow the head angle and steering tube position to be adjusted to simulate different chassis layouts.Similarly, the handlebars are mounted on adjustable brackets to allow them to be moved around.At the back, an extension has been welded to the swingarm to add more scope for lengthening the wheelbase.Given the…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15briefs20 years agoan emergency nurse sat in his tin shed cursing a second-hand sewing machine as he devised a safer luggage strap. These days his company is a major player in the Aussie motorcycle scene. Happy birthyear, Andy Strapz. And good onya!Хорошо!Award for best bike promo goes to Russian three-wheel specialist Ural. The video includes river crossings, fields of boulders, and of course sidecars. Search YouTube for ‘Ural Product Testing’.And check out our Ural Sahara feature on page 54while you’re at it.EBR OUTFor the (actually, we’ve lost count) time, Erik Buell has issued a press release announcing the imminent closure of his motorcycle manufacturing enterprise. The announcement comes 33 years after Buell built his first RW750 racebike and one week after the announcement that fellow American brand Victory Motorcycles is…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Click shareASK ANY MOTORCYCLIST how they feel about being a pillion and you’ll likely hear rumbles of negativity surrounding things like trust and discomfort. But ask those same motorcyclists if they’d prefer to sit in the back of a taxi during Friday afternoon traffic watching the meter tick over at twice the rate of the odometer and most of them would opt for the back of a safely handled, lane-filtering bike any day of the week.Just last month, Honda South-East Asia signed an unprecedented deal with ridesharing company GrabBike. The Japanese motorcycle giant is not known for daring or risky business practices, so if it is jumping feet first into the sharing economy, then perhaps we ought to be taking notice.Honda and GrabBike signed “a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Fatal attraction“The Triumph was a mess and Bankin not much better”THAT 29-YEAR-OLD Ellis Matthewman Bankin settled readily into the life of Head Teacher at Badger Creek School in rural Victoria appeared out of form.Though educated as a teacher, Bankin had spent the previous decade in such eclectic positions as a cropper in Oklahoma, a cowpoke in Texas, a miner in Death Valley and an usher in New York City’s Roxy Theatre. He then worked his passage back to Australia as second steward and did a little teaching before heading off to Europe to ride a pushbike to his ancestral home in Scotland.Over those unsettled years Bankin became a health fanatic, living on a daily meal of vegetables and raisins and claiming to drink nothing but water; for both health and economy.…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Trial by wireHow far it will go before it runs out of steam? I’m sure I would have worn out before it didAS THE YEARS tick by it’s getting harder and harder to find places to ride motorcycles easily and legally, especially for kids and those of us who are just getting into the sport and don’t want to travel to the ends of the earth to ride a bike. OSET has recognised these issues and set about making an alternative that may not be completely green, but is at least inconspicuous by its stealth.In 2004 Ian Smith showed serious vision to produce a light yet robust electric trials bike for his son, and it created a new niche market. In fact, the OSET philosophy since those early days ticks a lot…5 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Same same but differentIn unrestricted form, the 650NK will continue to produce power to around 52kWInteriorThe smaller NK’s engine achieves a total capacity of 400.4cc with a reduced bore and stroke of 68.4 x 54.5mm, and has a lower compression ratio than the 650NK.At 83 x 60mm bore and stroke, the 649.3cc engine’s stroke is around 7.4 per cent shorter relative to its capacity than the 400NK, but due to its LAMS restrictions doesn’t get to take full advantage of a short stroke engine’s potential ability to breathe better at higher rpm. In unrestricted form, the 650NK will continue to produce power all the way to the rev limiter, with a maximum output of around 52kW along with the wider spread. Sadly, there are no plans to bring a full power model to…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15ZERO DSRBATTERY/MOTORMotor Z-Force® 75-7R passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent hi-temp magnet, brushlessController High efficiency, 660 amp, 3-phase brushless controller with regenerative decelerationBattery Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligentMax capacity 15.9kWhNominal capacity 14.0kWhCharger type 1.3 kW, integratedCharge time (standard) 10.8 hours» With one accessory charger 6.3 hours» With max accessory chargers 3.0 hoursInput Standard 110V or 220VMax power 50kW @ 4000rpmMax torque 144NmTRANSMISSIONType Clutchless direct driveClutch N/AFinal drive 130T / 30T, Poly Chain® GT® Carbon™ beltCHASSISMaterial AluminiumFrame layout Twin-sparRake 26.5°Trail 117mmSUSPENSIONFront 41mm Showa inverted cartridge fork, fully adjustable, 178mm travelRear Showa 40 mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock, fully adjustable, 179mm travelWHEELS/TYRESWheels Cast aluminium Front: 19 x 2.5 Rear: 17 x 3.5Tyres Pirelli MT-60 Front: 100/90-19 Rear: 130/80-17BRAKESJ-Juan, Bosch Gen 9 ABSFront: Single 320mm disc, two-piston floating caliper,Rear: Single 240mm disc, single-piston floating…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Ural SaharaENGINEConfiguration Flat twinCylinder head OHV, two valves per cylinderCapacity 749ccBore/stroke 78 x 78mmCompression ratio 8.6:1Cooling AirFueling EFIPower 31kW @ 11,600rpm (claimed)Torque 56.9Nm @ 8600rpm (claimed)TRANSMISSIONType Four-speed, plus reverseClutch DryFinal drive ShaftCHASSISFrame material SteelFrame layout CradleRake Not givenTrail Not givenSUSPENSIONFront: IMZ leading link forkRear: Double-sided swingarm, two Sachs shocks, spring-preload adjustableSidecar: Single-sided swingarm, Sachs shock, spring-preload adjustableWHEELS/TYRESWheels Aluminium rims, steel spokes All: 2.5 x 19Tyres Duro All: 4.00 x 19 TT HF-308BRAKESFront: Single 295mm disc, four-piston Brembo caliperRear: Single 256mm disc, HB single-piston caliperSidecar: Single 245mm disc, dual-piston Brembo caliperDIMENSIONSWeight 331kg (dry, claimed)Seat height 785mmWidth 1100mmHeight 1700mmWheelbase 1473mmFuel capacity 19L with 3.5L reservePERFORMANCEFuel consumption Not givenTop speed 115km/hCONTACT & SALE INFOTestbike Ural Motorcycles AustraliaContact www.imz-ural.com.auColour options BeigeWarranty two years, unlimited kmPrice From $25,470 (+ ORC); as tested $26,970 (+ ORC); with…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Johnny on the spotRiders milled around the Phillip Island pits, checking and re-checking their bikes as I waited anxiously for the most dominant racer in World Superbikes since the late 90s to appear. Thanks to the clandestine efforts of a public relations mastermind, none of the trackday riders at the circuit – or indeed Jonathan Rea himself – had any idea what was about to unfold. And given Rea’s reputation as a fierce competitor and a man of measured words, I was not anticipating a positive reaction when we interrupted his morning fitness regime for an interview.Rea had been doing a good job of keeping a low profile with his Australian wife Tatia and young sons Jake and Tyler on their usual pilgrimage Down Under. Few would know that he escapes the bitter…10 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Old-school dirtyTHE GROWING NUMBER of Scrambler-style motorcycles released during the past year has resulted in an increase in demand for retro-style motocross helmets, especially Bell’s new Moto III model.Buying a Bell Moto III enables you to rock the classic ’70s look with 21st Century safety technology.The strong and lightweight fibreglass composite shell is available in three sizes, the chin bar is EPS-lined, and the liner is removable for cleaning.Straight out of the box the helmet is snug and comfortable, but the big test will come when I wear it for hours on end.It weighs just 1400g and is available in a range of colours, including this cracking fluoro orange. Topping off the retro look is a five-stud peak.With a number of modern-retro scrambler-type bikes being launched in 2017, you’re sure to…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Hunter hijinksIt’s simply a matter of how much time you have – and how much fun you want to have!To the north-west of Sydney you will find some excellent roads winding up and down the hills and escarpments that form the gateway to the lower Hunter Valley region.The Bylong Valley Way between Kandos and Denman as well as the Putty Road from Windsor to Singleton are both popular routes for riders heading north towards the Hunter region, and both offer a tempting mix of interesting townships and awesome tarmac.We kicked off this ride in Kandos because it has a good bakery for breakfast, as well as a motorcycle museum worthy of a quick visit. It’s only a short run from here to Rylstone, where there are other options for food and…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15the calendarTop 3 TV1 AMA Supercross Rd5Online Sun, 5 Feb 10.30amThe fifth round of the 2017 AMA Supercross season kicks off on Saturday 4 February at 3.30pm in Oakland, California, which is 10.30am Sunday AEDT. You can catch the main event live at www.supercrosslive.com.2 Dougie Lampkin: Wheelie ManRed Bull TV On demand AnytimeTwelve-time trials World Champion Dougie Lampkin tries to wheelie around all 59.5km of the iconic Isle of Man TT course without putting his front wheel down once. It’s intense and it’s on www.redbull.tv whenever you want to watch it.3 MXTVOnline On demand AnytimeIf you can’t get enough dirtbike action head to www.mxtv.com.au and catch up on past episodes. Alternatively, check out the program’s YouTube channel for shorter clips at www.youtube.com/user/mxtvshow/videos.…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Triumph comes to the Moto2 fancy-dress partyModern Triumph has as much to do with the ancient marque as an Aprilia with a Spondon chassis at the TT, where it was called Norton. It’s claptrapCOMMENTATORS NO DOUBT wiser than I have waxed lyrical about the return of Triumph to GP racing in 2019, when the historic British marque becomes Moto2 engine supplier.I am here to play dog in the manger. And to tell anyone sharing that sentimentality not to be so silly.Triumph is just a name, and its heritage has nothing to do with modern Triumphs – or even much to do with World Championship GP racing.Likewise, Triumph will do little to add depth or character to Moto2. The class will remain not only a fancy-dress party for road engines, but also a talent graveyard for all…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15briefsIrish aim higherThe Irish are coming back next year with the Aussies and Team UK as their target. “We need two more good bikes,” said Paul Byrne, the top Irish points scorer and fourth overall in the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy. Team captain Mike Meskell confirmed he has this covered and is in the process of securing two more competitive XR69s. “I came here two years ago to tick something off the bucket list,” he said. “Now I’m hooked and we’ll be back bigger and better next year.”USA comes up TrumpsTeam USA beat Team NZ and won the inaugural Trump Trophy (see p. 115) to repeat their success in 2016. In a strong indication of their future potential Pat Mooney showed speed and consistency to finish 12th overall in the…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15American prideTHE ‘AMERICANA’ EVENT was again a crowd favourite. This is where four heats of 10 riders are whittled down by progressively eliminating last-placed riders until only three of the original 40 riders are left.There are twelve races in all, just three laps at a time, so starts were paramount and survival was more important than race wins – at least until the final when Herfoss delighted the fans by holding off American pair Jared Mees and Sammy Halbert.Michael Kirkness, American Henry Wiles and early leader Luke Gough bowed out in the semi-final.Mees saw the irony in that result as the Americana was held around the oval track, which is Mees’ specialty in the US, while all the other races at Old Bar were conducted on the specialised local track, which…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Casey on 2017 DucatiTHE 2017 DUCATIDesmosedici has the potential to be competitive without winglets despite losing the advantage of two years of aerodynamic development.That’s the feeling of double world champion Casey Stoner as he opened the winter tests at Sepang aboard the GP17 which will carry the hopes of Jorge Lorenzo’s ambitious world title bid.Winglets are now banned in MotoGP with strict regulations allowing only one fairing design update during he season.Ducati Corse boss Gigi Dall’Igna has been a leader in aero development and it was feared that the winglet ban could have a negative impact on the handling and performance of the Ducati.But on used tyres and without pushing for a fast time Stoner was on a fast race pace - an unofficial 2m01.1s in less than ideal conditions during his rain…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15HRC eyes horsepowerA HONDA HORSEPOWER boost is on the agenda as the Japanese giant plots the defense of Marc Márquez’s world championship for the season ahead.Top-end power was once a Honda signature, but not so in 2016 with the RC213V overshadowed by Ducati’s V4 rocketship. Even Yamaha got in on the act.Reality struck early at the power-hungry Qatar circuit for the opening race with Andrea Iannone’s Ducati topping out at 351.2 km/h compared to Márquez’s Honda at 342.7 km/h. Rossi’s M1 came in at 344.9 km/h on the speed sheets.Despite winning last year’s championship, Honda now believes it needs a top power upgrade to go with the improved midrange power delivery and stability from its latest V4 with a counter-rotating crankshaft.In 2016 all factories got an easy top-end boost with the rise…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Hope for HondaTHERE WAS A lot of 2017 in the Honda Fireblades that Nicky Hayden and Stefan Bradl rode for the first time at Jerez, but there were still some significant touches of 2016 as the Honda World Superbike/Ten Kate squad only got their new bikes a couple of weeks before the start of the new test season.The first day was very much a shakedown, but things improved as time went on.“Of course yesterday we had a lot of little shakedown stuff we had to do,” said Hayden, “but today I can say the bike ran all day. We didn’t break any track records but we ran all day and made a couple of little steps. The reality is we are really behind. So there is not a lot we can do,…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15BriefsBrookes hits the roadsJOSH BROOKES WILL ride in this year’s Isle of Man TT on a Norton alongside compatriot David Johnson. It will be Brookes’ third time competing at the IOM TT where he set a ‘newcomer’ lap record of 127.726mph in his rookie year (2013).Guy Martin has also returned to the famous road race and signed a deal to ride the new 2017 Honda Fireblade with 23-time winner John McGuiness and the Factory Honda Team.Wild ridersJOSH BROOKES, ANT West and Matthew Edwards have been confirmed as wildcards at the WSBK Round at Phillip Island. Brookes will be teaming up with Elite Roads Motorsports on board the very same Yamaha YZF-R1M on which he won the BSB in 2015. “I’ve never had the chance to really shine at Phillip Island,…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Beach bash is back!ON 18-19 FEBRUARY, the Levis Motorcycle Club will revive the Sellicks Historic Beach race for the first time in 60 years.When our ancestors were looking for somewhere to go fast and break records, the beaches south of Adelaide (Sellicks and Silver Sands) provided the perfect venue.Motor racing was first conducted on Sellicks Beach in the early years of the 20th century and, apart from some time off during the Second World War, the club ran the Sellicks Beach event through to 1957. Many early racers rode their bikes to the beach, stripped them down to the bare minimum, raced for a couple of days, then put the bike back together and rode home.Those competitors with a bit more money might have brought their bikes to the beach in their sidecar.The…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Shane Watts“This is the best country ever and we’re just going to see how things go for the next couple of years”You started your pro riding career two decades ago and have always had a knack for attracting attention and doing things differently. Tell us about the time you almost rode the whole range of KTM bikes to victory in America’s Grand National Cross Country?Just a pissing contest, that’s all it was. Just to prove a point. One of the dickhe*ds over there – one of the guys I was racing against – said I could only win on a 125. I heard that on the break over Christmas after winning the previous year (1999). KTM wanted me to ride a 200 in the first round for marketing purposes, which I…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15“He reckoned I had to get a real job”What got you into bikes?My dad owned Peter Rice Honda at Capalaba and I started racing motocross and dirt-track on a RM80 and then a CR80, which I finished fourth on in the Australian championships at Rocky in ’85. I quit racing for a while, then I came back racing those Honda trikes and finished second in the Nationals. It was fun and I guess it gave me a different skill set.Your dad had quite a different training regime for you and your brother.Throughout my racing career, no one taught me anything, but we had a place that was built on that hard, red clay and whenever it rained Dad would send me and my brother out to the clay on our little bikes. We spent most of the time…4 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Ducati confirms V4 superbike!THE 2018 REPLACEMENT for Ducati’s 1299 Panigale is set to use a 1000cc V4 engine derived from the Desmosedici MotoGP bike.“It is a masterpiece of engineering” — Claudio DomenicaliSpeaking to the press after the firm’s 2017 MotoGP team launch, both Ducati boss Claudio Domenicali and Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti referred to the forthcoming bike.Domenicali said: “The engine development we have made in MotoGP has been exceptional; we have an engine which is very reliable, very light, compact and has a lot of interesting technology. We are seriously thinking of introducing it to regular customers as it is a masterpiece of engineering.”He went on to explain that such a bike would be a mass-made model rather than a limited-edition überbike like the firm’s old GP replica, the Desmosedici RR.Domenicali also revealed…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Ducati Diavel DieselDESPITE THE NAME, the Ducati Diavel Diesel isn’t a radical leap into the world of compression-ignition engines for the Italian firm. It’s actually a tie-in with the Diesel fashion label, following on from the Monster Diesel offered in 2013.However, Ducati’s description of the bike is nearly as insane as the idea of powering it with diesel fuel. If you’ll indulge us for a moment, the press release accompanying the bike’s unveiling says that the designers “were inspired by a hyperkinetic dynamism of a post-apocalyptic, retro-futuristic world.”Huh?!The bike is covered in brushed-steel panels, with visible welding and rivets. Despite having the appearance of an unfinished special, the Diavel Diesel is a limited production model.The bike’s mechanical spec is stock Diavel; the special parts include bodywork, Diesel logos on the sides, a…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Patent reveals new Moto ParillaMOTO PARILLA’S PLANS to bring a new range of 750cc parallel-twin bikes to production are still largely secret, but these new patent drawings show the latest development from within the Italian-owned company.Last year we revealed how Parilla was the latest home for the SUV750, a bike that started life back in 2012 as the Brutus 750 concept. It reappeared at shows in 2013 under the Caterham name, but again didn’t reach production. Now that bike, designed by Alessandro Tartarini, is the basis of the Moto Parilla plans.More recently, we revealed design drawings for a retro-style scrambler using the same engine and chassis as the SUV750, and now the company has registered patents on a third set of drawings that show a quite different style of bike.The new design appears to…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15HeadcheckCOVERSuzuki’s GSX-R400 is more than just another little bike – she’s a real goer. Test by Bob Maron, but that weirdo on the cover is expat Kiwi Sean KellyThe year was... 001984ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR was proclaimed our national anthem and green and gold as our national colours, which were employed on our Medicare cards with the launch of the new government health scheme. The summer Olympics came to Los Angeles, as did crack cocaine. Australia introduced the one dollar coin. On 2 September, in what is now referred to as the Father’s Day massacre, seven people were killed and 28 injured when the rival Comancheros and Banditos bikie gangs had a big shootout in Milperra, a south-western suburb of Sydney. McDonald’s franchise founder Ray Kroc passed away aged 81 and…4 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15accessLetter of the issueLife: better with bikesI have just returned from a ride. Didn’t have anywhere to go, I just felt like a ride. A few kays down the highway, and then some backroads from Herons Creek to Wauchope, and out to the highway at Telegraph Point before returning via the highway again. It felt great all the way.I used to ride a bit on a farm – on an old DT250, which was a great bike for that job – but it was work. Then I didn’t ride at all for a long time. Never had a licence. Then a few years ago, my son-in-law had a Vespa in Sydney that he wasn’t riding, so we bought it and brought it back to Port Macquarie on a ute. I…8 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Pre-unit perfectionPIPEBURN.COMThe bike’s appearance in the The Great Escape has become the stuff of legendIN RECENT YEARS auction houses like Bonhams and Mecum have sold older motorcycles for insane amounts of money, with vintage Brough Superiors, Harleys and board trackers fetching up to and even beyond one million dollars. But an auction can also be a great place to buy a much cheaper custom bike, with bargains to be had and rare gems offered up.It was at one such auction in Las Vegas that Cleveland’s Jesse Basset from The GasBox met Kirk, a future client and owner of this incredible 1960 pre-unit Triumph TR6 sprung bobber. Kirk was there to buy; in fact, he was bidding on one of Jesse’s creations, a perfectly timeless Indian. But auctions can be cruel and…4 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Second OpsMark VenderHe may frown a lot, but Mr Young is a softy at heart. While orchestrating the recent MOTY ride on very non-learner bikes, he somehow found room in the van for the 650NK and then pointed me in the direction of the Forrest-Apollo Bay Road with orders to ‘go have some fun’. I duly followed his instructions.The 650NK was a joy to ride along those twisting roads, with more than enough grunt for a LAMS rider right through the rev range, reassuringly powerful brakes, easy handling and an upright postition with scope for leaning into the ’bars.Back in Melbourne I found it an excellent commuter – thin enough to filter to the front of the queue, and punchy enough to blast away. I tried the 400NK too, but was…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15DESERT STORMTROOPERPRACTICALLY THE ENTIRE CATALOGUE OF BOLT-ON GOODNESS HAS BEEN TICK-BOXED FOR THIS MODELUral Australia has added an Adventure-spec sidecar to its range so that tricyclists who want to go bush no longer have to DIY. There are many home-brewed hi-mile rough-road rigs out there, but it’s fair to say that no two are the same and each one represents one owner’s view of what’s needed to tame the wide brown land.Predictably, the Russians have a slightly different view.The Ural Sahara isn’t actually a new model, but is rather a Ranger with the lot. Think of an adventure-related accessory and chances are it’s already there; practically the entire catalogue of bolt-on goodness has been tick-boxed for this model. Long-range LED spotties? Check. Barkbuster-style handguards? Check. Spare wheel? Check. Shovel? Check –…9 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15The glorious failureThe line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass itElbert Hubbard, writer and philosopher, 1856-1915There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this lineOscar Levant, composer, actor and comedian, 1906-1972It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever.David St. Hubbins, Spınal Tap, 1947-.Fewer than five hundred Bimota 500 V-Due two-strokes emerged from the Rimini firm’s tiny factory, and the bike has gone down in history as a spectacular disaster. Hyped as the saviour of the two-stroke, it instead became the final nail in the coffin for two-banger sportsbikes.Revealed in late 1996, the V-Due (Italian for V-Twin) was arguably the most talked-about bike of 1997 while its development continued, with the promise that production models would reach dealers in 1998. It…11 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Beaut bootsWHEN FIRST I put together my ‘retro boot wish list’ I realised how much of a fussy bugger I’ve become. I’m not trying to be difficult, I just detest products that prioritise fashion over function, and unfortunately that accounts for a lot of what’s on offer in the vintage market.But that’s definitely not the case with RST’s Roadster boot.This classically styled boot meets all my unreasonable demands, and also comes with a handy zipper for easy donning and doffing. The laces are retained for authenticity and a proper fit, but they’ve also ticked the safety box by including internal ankle and heel support as well as a toe box.On top of all that, it’s nice to see that RST hasn’t plastered them in gaudy branding so you can walk around…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15On the road againA CHRISTMAS BREAK at AMCN wouldn’t be complete without a binge on awesome biking adventures at places we ordinarily don’t get the time to visit. Thankfully our rapidly improving Fiat was more than up to the task of ferrying a load of road and dirtbikes on a round trip to Sydney from Melbourne.We also made the most of the journey with a detour to the majestic Blue Mountains for some bush bashing, and a day of rubber-smoking good times at one of the most underrated tracks in Australia – Wakefield Park. If trackdays on a shoestring are your thing, Wakefield is one of the lowest priced around, and it also has reasonably priced on-site cabin accommodation perfect for visitors from interstate.At the end of the week-long journey our trip meter…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Country NSWESSENTIALSThe distance between Rylstone and Denman is around 125km. While both towns offer fuel options, you will only find 95 octane; there’s no Premium 98 available outside the bigger towns in the region. The bakery at Kandos is a good option for breakfast or lunch. There are a couple of cafés in Rylstone where you can pick up a pie and a coffee, or something more substantial. The Globe Hotel in Rylstone is our favourite for a meal or cheap overnight accommodation. It has plenty of character and a bistro open seven days a week.Fix ItThere are few options along this route for mechanical assistance, so take your own tools and spares, particularly if you follow our detour. If you get into trouble your best bet is to get to…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15eventsShow time4 FEBRUARYBathurst Street & Custom Motorcycle Show, outside Bathurst Civic Centre, Russell St, Bathurst, NSW. Cash prizes and trophies, trade stalls, live music and more. Free general entry; $10 competition entry. For more information phone (02) 9635 0761 or see www.greghirstenterprises.com.au.18-19 FEBRUARYSellicks Beach Historic Races, Sellicks Beach, SA. In 2017 the Sellicks Beach Speed Trials will start from the Silver Sands Ramp running south toward Sellicks. Tickets already on sale; because of the environmental and cultural significance of the area the event is limited to 10,000 people each day. Entry to the track on the day will be by pre-purchased ticket only. For details and tickets see www.levismcc.asn.au.26 FEBRUARYShannons South Coast Nationals, Moruya High School, Moruya, NSW. Bikes, hotrods, street machines, vintage and big rigs. Trade stalls, kids’ activities,…9 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Living the dreamLast year was an awesome year for meAFTER TWO YEARS of international racing, I am back home racing for 2017 in the ASBK over-300 Production class and R3 Cup on a Yamaha YZF-R3.I had applied to the Asia Dream Cup at the end of 2014 as I felt I had done enough training and had the experience to test my skills overseas. A short time later I received the confirmation that I was able to attend the Malaysian preseason test, and that was the same couple of days where I got the all-clear to race the full season.These past two seasons in the Honda one-make series have been well spent. It made my riding better in every way and I will be forever thankful to all the promoters, managers and…4 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15It’s all about the bikesNo 40: Simon Cook Unlimited Post Classic Honda CB750One of the original ‘T-Rex’ Hondas that shook up the Post Classic Unlimited class in the early 1990s, this old warhorse is still a winner.Simon bought it in 1998 from Perry Jory, business partner of Rex Wolfenden, and has won two national championships on it.One involved him driving alone from SA to Perth, beating Rex at his own game, then driving back home with the trophy on the back seat and the bike in the trailer.“I camped on the side of the road halfway across the Nullarbor and cracked a bottle of red to celebrate,” said Simon.A mechanic by trade, Simon has converted it to 1120cc running on methanol. He also replaced the original 35mm fork with 38mm stanchions. Apart from that…4 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15All for the love of dirtLONG-TIME FANS of the sport revelled in watching the Legends in action as big names from various disciplines brought memories flooding back.Recently retired dirt track star Darren Herrick was the standout, taking out the Barry co*ckle Trophy by outpointing road racer Damon Buckmaster, world speedway champion Jason Crump and dirt track legend Chris Watson over the three rounds.The exciting support events held in the afternoon session produced wins for Kurtis Tydd in the 450cc class, Kye Thomson over American Henry Wiles in the 500cc two-stroke class, and Amy Wedd in the keenly contested Women’s class.The junior classes were also appreciated by fans with wins for 10-year-old Senna Agius (Under 13s) and two Taree club riders – seven-year-old Hayden Nelson (Under 10s) and 13-year-old Kye Andrews (Under 16s).…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Sweet songSTONER ALSO SAYS THAT factory riders Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso are in for a “sweet” surprise with the 2017 edition of the Desmosedici V4, an engine that is already regarded as the fastest in MotoGP.A focus on midrange response and a smoother first touch of the throttle will be welcomed, especially by Lorenzo with his precise cornering style.“I think the engine is something our riders will like,” Stoner said. “Ducati have been working at making the engine a little sweeter coming off that first touch of the throttle and the latest version is better from the midrange all the way through… It just feels softer and works much better in conjunction with the traction control, more progressive.”A new exhaust system is part of the package too. The pipes have now…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Jones enters the frayMIKE JONES MADE his first steps into the European Superstock 1000 Championship with a two-day test at Jerez in Spain between 24 and 25 January, on his 1200cc Aruba.it Racing Ducati team Panigale.For the 22-year-old the timing of the move overseas is perfect. “As an Aussie I raced Superbike in Australia for three years and had success there,” said Jones, who finished the Jerez tests with 111 laps under his belt and a very respectable best lap of 1m43.670s, set on day two. “I think the next step for me was definitely coming here to race in the European Superstock 1000 Championship. I think it will take me to another level because I’m riding at new circuits with new competitors who will push me further. This for me is the…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15It’s Fricke to the Max!MANY FANS WOULD expect the reigning World Under 21 Speedway champion and 2017 Speedway Grand Prix reserve to win the Australian Under 21 Championship – and that’s exactly what Max Fricke did.Fricke actually won the Australian crown for the fourth time with an emphatic victory at the Kurri Kurri track last Saturday (28 January).Riders get five years in the Under 21 ranks and Fricke put his name alongside Leigh Adams and Chris Holder as four-time winners – Adams placed third in his second year, Holder was unplaced in his first, and last year (his fourth) Fricke placed third behind Jack Holder.At Kurri Kurri, the big three of Fricke, Holder and Brady Kurtz could not have had more varied nights.Fricke was superb, a 15-point maximum in the heats where he was…4 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15GassitAustralian Motorcycle News road test photographs are posed for by skilled, professional riders under controlled circ*mstances. Attempting to imitate their actions may be dangerous. Australian Motorcycle News supports and endorses rider training and wearing protective riding gear. Especially if you’re travelling in unfamiliar environments, like AMCN contributor and occasional sub-editor Steve Kealy is about to do. He’s off on a round-the-world biking adventure with the missus on suitably kitted-out DR650s – who says romance is dead? First stop the Americas. Buena suerte mate, we expect plenty of updates so we can share your adventure stories around Gassit HQ and publish the most embarrassing episodes here.…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Ducati gets jet technologyDUCATI MAY BE disappointed to be losing the now-banned winglets from its MotoGP machine in 2017, but a new patent reveals that the company has another idea that could more than make up for the loss. It’s going to turn its exhaust pipes into jet engines.No, it’s not April Fools’ Day. Ducati’s idea is to add a clever variable-size outlet to the exhaust pipe of the Desmosedici that looks and works like the variable-area jet outlet of a fighter plane.On fighter aircraft the size of the exhaust nozzles on the engines can be varied by changing the angle of the overlapping metal petals.The Ducati system is a miniaturised version of the same idea, using a worm gear operated by a remote electric motor via a flexible cable to alter the…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Benelli 750 twin closes in on productionTESTING IS UNDERWAY on the Benelli 750cc parallel twin we first scooped last year – suggesting it will be ready for an official reveal before the end of 2017.Videos have emerged in China, where the Benelli is being developed by parent company Qianjiang, showing finished-looking bikes in action.The as-yet-unnamed bike is even proudly displayed at the firm’s headquarters, as seen in this picture.The red prototype reveals there have been few changes made since our last pics. The exhaust silencer has been mildly reshaped and there are new castings for both the main and pillion footpegs. The headlight is fractionally different and the rear brake caliper has been repositioned from above to below the swingarm.The 750cc twin being developed in Italy is basically two cylinders of Benelli’s existing triple, and was…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Old meets new with Midnight RacerITALIAN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE manufacturer Energica has revealed a retro-styled electric bike called the Midnight Runner.The distinctive machine is a collaboration between Energica, which provided the 100kW electric motor, and Verona-based Apache Custom Motorcycles, which created the old-school styling.According to Apache, inspiration for the look came from grand prix racebikes of the 1970s, with the hand-made fairing and bodywork finished in a British Racing Green colour scheme.“Midnight Runner is a roar of the engine to the eye, not to the ears,” an Apache spokesperson said. “It is a perfect fusion of past, present and future. It’s a race in the night, a beacon that lights the way, and it is silence.”According to Modena-based Energica, the Midnight Runner can go from 0 to 100km/h in three seconds and has a decent range…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Head to head1995 Bimota DB3 MantraJust 454 examples of the Bimota DB3 Mantra were produced from 1995 to 1998. The powerplant was sourced from a Ducati 900SS, with a chassis and groundbreaking styling from French designer Sacha Lakic. Likened to a gold-plated Versace toaster, the Mantra’s weird look was helped greatly by its highly capable running gear and chassis that was later used in Bimota’s razor-sharp DB4. In 1996 the model received styling tweaks to the front and rear ends, and the gaudy yellow paintwork was joined by a more dangerous-looking red-and-black option.What it’s gotThe Bimota DB3 Mantra is powered by an air and oil-cooled, 904cc, 90° SOHC, carburetted four-stroke V-twin with two valves per cylinder. Power runs through a six-speed constant-mesh gearbox. The front suspension is a 43mm conventional fork with…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Giz a squizCongratulations Paul, you’ve scored a Mini Road Chain Lube ($12.90) and a Mini Chain Clean ($11.90) kindly supplied by Link International.Send an image and details about your two-wheeled pride and joy to access@amcn.com.auGiz a squizRider: Paul FreestoneRide: 1981 Honda CBX1000He says: My dad owned one when I was at high school when the CBX ‘B’ first came out. I always wanted one for myself as I loved the way it looked and sounded. After keeping my eye open for many (many, many) years, I spotted one for sale exactly the same as my dad’s and luckily for me only a few kilometres from where I lived, as I had been considering buying one from the eastern states. It’s an Australian delivery CBX, only 17000km on the clock when I bought…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15You take the high road, and I’ll take the electrodeSales of electric motorcycles are on the rise, as improvements in range and charging time make them ever more appealing. But it’s one thing to swish along enjoying the sound of silence on your daily commute to and from work, and quite another to do serious mileage – isn’t it? Like, making a week’s tour of northern California. Yet that’s just what I did aboard a 2016 Zero DSR.I’ve been riding each new Zero model for the past six years and have seen the gradual improvements. For 2016, energy density was boosted, giving models with the PowerTank supplementary battery a claimed 317km range in urban use, or 158km at 113km/h on the highway, and a combined city/highway range of 174km – the first time this has exceeded 160km on any…13 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Local rulesDesign rules for sidecars are far from uniform. In New South Wales they require a handbrake or parking-brake-like device and home-built rigs require an engineer’s certificate. In some other states they don’t.In Victoria, it’s worth registering a sidecar as such, though VicRoads only recognises the expression ‘outfit’. A sidecar can carry up to four people, a motorcycle only two. In a crash involving a registered sidecar, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will look after four people – for anything registered as a motorcycle, only two.Sidecars can only be mounted to the left of the bike in Australia, probably to prevent riders poking passengers over the white line when overtaking.…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Bimota unicornsPhotos show how much the engine provides structural rigidityTesi 500 racerPiero Caronni has long since sold all the old-stock bikes that he bought from Bimota’s bankruptcy sale in 2003, but he’s still got his own collection of very special V-Dues. Among them are the original Tesi 500 racer and an original V-Due prototype.Starting with the Tesi 500, there’s clearly little relationship between the firm’s original vision of a hub-steered GP machine and the roadbike that came four years later. The engine is recognisable, but made of magnesium, and that’s where the similarities end.The Tesi’s hub-steered layout means the frame is completely different, and strip-down photos show just how heavily the engine is relied on to provide structural rigidity. It’s basically all that connects the pivots for the front and rear…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Anatomy of a NortonA COUPLE OF years ago it was predicted that books would be killed off by the Kindle, but that’s not going to happen while there are still people like Niels Schoen around. This Dutchman is passionate about the Garden Gate Norton Manx that he inherited from his uncle, and he is also passionate about books.As a freelance mechanical engineer, Schoen realised there was a way to share his passion with others. And it involved completely dismantling his 1948 Model 40.He parked the Norton in the living room of his fourth-floor Rotterdam apartment, so at least he had somewhere warm and dry to work. He then began unbolting every single component, breaking it down to the smallest part, and carefully measuring every dimension with old-tech calipers and steel rules before using…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15MetamorphosisStep1. Strip offThe rear mudguard and rack were the first to go. As the intention of this makeover is to obtain maximum visual impact for minimal effort – and do all the work myself in a standard home garage – I will not be cutting the subframe or any other part of the bike.Step 2. Look good as isOnce I had all the lights, guards and tank off I could see a multitude of custom possibilities for this bike.Step 3. Look Ma, no ’barThe dirtbike-style handlebar was next to go, set to be replaced with the Clubman ’bar. Care needed to be taken to make sure I drilled the holes in the correct places for the switchblock locating lugs. The lugs on the Nemesis switchblocks can also be removed.Step 4.…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15topgear1 Gear HaulersKenma Australia From $4491800 251 145kenma.com.auThe light and stable Ventura Aerodynamic Bike-Pack is now available for the Suzuki SV650. Once fitted with L-Brackets, the SV650 can accommodate a range of luggage options via the Astro Top-Box, Sport-Rack, Pack-Rack or Grab-Handle, from a capacity of 10 to 102L. See the website for full details.2 It’s Got Your BackMonzaImports $199.95(03) 8327 8888monzaimports.com.auThe Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1 Back Protector is a lightweight protector designed for street or performance riding. It features hard-shell vertebrae protection and energy absorbing viscoelastic memory foam. It’s ergonomically profiled for sport riding, has plenty of ventilation and comes in sizes XS-XL.3 Tank PodAndy Strapz $245(03) 9786 3445andystrapz.comThe all-new Andy Strapz Safari Pod is a 3L tank bag designed to fit on long-range fuel tanks. It uses the filler…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15My harem on two wheels“MOTORCYCLES ARE LIKE harem girls, a man must have more than one.”How many bikes is enough, and when do you realise you have too many and the ‘harem’ becomes a hell on wheels?So said the grizzled vintage racing veteran on the Discovery Channel documentary I was watching.Outside the thermometer inched above 40ºC, so actually riding for pleasure was not an option. That’s why I was lying in front of the television in a darkened room with the ceiling fan on and the windows and blinds shut tight.However, the comments got me thinking about the pleasure of being able to walk out to my shed and choose from my small ‘harem’. And many people, especially former seventies longhairs like me, have a dozen or more motorcycles, not just the few I’ve…3 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Brit-trick!How much can a koala bear? Last year the Poms siphoned the python all over the Aussies. This year the margin was only 11 points. Yes, 11 stinking little points turned our Australia Day weekend into another celebration of all things Pommie. And to rub salt into the wounds, their star rider Jeremy McWilliams set a new lap record for the International Challenge.But seriously, in the end it didn’t matter who won. The racing was some of the best ever seen in the history of this popular showdown. Crowd numbers were up, the weather was perfect, and the International Challenge grid was packed with some of the biggest names in racing.After a weekend of fierce competition, Australia went into the last of the four legs quietly confident but still needing…9 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Mees the toast of TareeAUSTRALIA’S TOP DIRT track racers and a sprinkling of top riders from other disciplines could not stop US star Jared Mees from becoming the first two-time winner of the Troy Bayliss Classic when the 2017 Motul Pirelli Classic meeting presented by Shannons Insurance was staged at the Old Bar track in Taree, NSW, on 21 January.It was back-to-back wins for the four-time AMA Grand National champion, who also won here in 2015 (last year’s Bayliss Classic was washed out).Mees capped an exciting day and night of racing in ideal conditions.Trade displays and two shows by a stunt plane added to the on-track activities, which was not just the 57-event program but also included another sensational display by Japanese rider Masatoshi Ohmori getting his bike down to some inconceivable angles when…2 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Bayliss banterTHERE WERE TWO messages from Troy Bayliss.Firstly, reports of his retirement were exaggerated: “I’ll be riding for the rest of my days,” he said.But on the future of the Troy Bayliss Classic, he was not as emphatic: “The future is not 100 per cent sure in my mind unless we get more support.“Our focus was always to put on a great event here at Taree and help promote dirt track racing here in Australia, and it has done both those things. But we don’t want to keep the meeting at its current level, we want to be able to bring more and better riders and put more off-track features into the event to make it even better. But that requires more support and more backing.”PLACINGS1 JARED MEES2 TROY HERFOSS3 MICHAEL…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Jorge on trackCASEY STONER HAS faith in Jorge Lorenzo’s ability to adapt to Ducati’s red devil after nine years on a Yamaha M1. He believes Lorenzo’s trademark style – based on precision, corner speed and smoothness – will ensure that the Spaniard makes a successful transition to the Desmosedici.“I have no doubt Jorge will adapt and so far his adaptation has been quicker than I thought, he will only get better,” Stoner said.“It might take a little time because he’s been riding Yamaha for a lot of years and that bike was a very similar package for all that time.“It’s all up to Jorge, he knows how to ride, he knows what he wants and I know how much talent he has. I had to deal with that a lot when we…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Rea rules roostWITHOUT RESORTING TO qualifying rubber Jonathan Rea scored the fastest time of the Jerez January tests on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, thanks to some small power lifts from his engine, work on his Showa rear suspension and a gigantic boost to his confidence and personal fitness after a winter spend training hard in Australia.“I’ve been working really hard on my bicycle, and dropped some kilos, and I’ve also been in the gym a little bit. But there is nothing like bike fitness.”Rea set his fastest time over both test days – a 1m39.809s – after a rare heavy crash that required him to change leathers and helmet and take an hour or two out. His toughness and determination to go again saw him back on top of the times, complete…1 min
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 66 Issue 15Roczen cracks!RED BULL KTM rider Ryan Dungey took his first win of the season at Anaheim II, but it was a bittersweet victory as rival Ken Roczen (HRC) suffered a horrific crash that could put him out for the remainder of the season. Dungey’s teammate Marvin Musqvin came home second, seizing the opportunity when HRC rider Cole Seely stalled briefly before recovering to third. Chad Reed (Yamalube Yamaha) was seventh and fellow Australians Joel Newton (Suzuki RM-Z450) and Geran Stapleton (Honda CRF450) both lined up but failed to qualify through.Round 4 in Pheonix saw Eli Tomac take the holeshot and his first win of the season. Chad Reed put in a classy ride to charge through to second position at the midway point, and Dungey gave chase but had to settle…2 min
