Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol 74 Issue 03 i Australian Motorcycle News

“SO WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT MANUAL ’BOXES WILL ONE DAY GO OUT OF FASHION?” I WAS lucky enough to be in the middle of my first stint on AMCN in 2010 when Honda dabbled with a self-shifting transmission on its VFR1200F. While the VFR1200F was never the success Honda intended it to be – it was expensive at $21k for starters, which was $3k more than a Fireblade at the time – it was an impressively high-tech sports-tourer. After years of sweet-handling but not-so-potent midsized V4s (VFR750s and VFR800s), finally here was a V4 Honda that offered touring comfort but with a genuine sportsbike-like 127kW (170hp) on tap. Sure, the VFR was no lightweight, tipping the scales at 267kg wet, but that willing V4 powerplant ensured it still had…

Yamaha has announced its MT-09 will be the first of a range of bikes fitted with its new semi-automatic gearbox and it will be in dealers before the end of the year. The MT-09 Y-AMT is mechanically identical to the standard model, but with the addition of a semi-auto shift system. That means it has the same engine, cast-alloy frame and identical adjustable suspension but gains an additional set of computer-controlled actuators for the clutch and gear-shifter, plus new handlebar controls to operate them. The semi-automatic transmission system is quite straightforward. There’s a normal gearbox and clutch, but the clutch and the shifter are connected to a pair of electromechanical actuators instead of hand and foot controls, and a standalone ECU takes inputs from existing sensors and controls them as…

Born in 1924, Neil Hawke was the first-born son of Ellie, a teacher, and Clem Hawke, a Congregational minister. When Ellie fell pregnant five years later, she wanted a girl and set aside the name ‘Elizabeth’. Ellie nevertheless suspected it was going to be another boy, and Robert James Lee Hawke was born in December 1929 in Border Town, South Australia. Young Bob was brought up to the echo of ‘you were meant to be a girl’ from his loving mother, and thus formed a very close relationship with his father. Annoyed rather than hurt by his mother’s utterances, Bob dedicated himself to becoming a man to reinforce his gender to not just his mother but the world. Then tragedy struck. Neil, who was Dux at Kings College and had…

Heading down to an underground carpark at dawn in the ancient Mediterranean port city of Barcelona, I see a row of shiny motorcycles. The bikes are all new Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 roadsters and the smiles are on the dials of the assembled international press pack, as we are about to ride out into the Catalan hinterland on what promises to be a fine summer’s day. Royal Enfield also does a lot of testing near Barcelona, so its development riders are very familiar with the mountain roads of the Catalan pre-coastal range that we will be exploring today. I am told that they have planned the most scenic and twisty route on offer, so expectations are high. Even in the pre-dawn light, the bikes we are riding look bright and…

WHOLE SHOT Oli Bayliss is following in the wheeltracks of his famous father, Troy, racing a Ducati V-twin in a world championship. Oli’s Supersport Panigale V2 makes the same power as his dad’s old 998. That’s progress! Gold & Goose WHOLE SHOT With a test of the Panigale V2 Bayliss in this edition, we couldn’t go past the opportunity to include a poster of Troy and his 2001 teammate Ruben Xaus in full flight on the 998, the final version of Ducati’s original Superbike. Gold & Goose…

RACING WHAT, WHERE & WHEN ROAD RACING AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP Rd5 7-8 Sep, Phillip Island GP Circuit, Vic Rd6 4-6 Oct, One Raceway, NSW Rd7 8-10 Nov, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, SA BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP Rd4 4-6 Oct, One Raceway, NSW Rd5 TBA Rd6 8-10 Nov, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, SA AUSTRALIAN SIDECAR CHAMPIONSHIP Rd4 15-16 Sep, Phillip Island, Vic SOUTHERN CLASSIC 9-10 Nov, Broadford, Vic AUSTRALIAN HISTORIC ROAD RACE CHAMPS 15-17 Nov, One Raceway, NSW NATIONAL BEARS CHALLENGE Rd4 14-15 Sep, Phillip Island, Vic Rd5 12-13 Oct, SMSP, NSW (provisional) Rd6 16-17 Nov, Broadford, Vic MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Rd10 4 Aug, Silverstone, UK Rd11 18 Aug, Red Bull Ring, AT Rd12 1 Sep, Aragon, ES Rd13 8 Sep, Misano, IT Rd14 22 Sep, Misano, IT (KZ cancelled)…

“A BLOODY EXPENSIVE WAY TO LEARN THAT OLD CONKER AGAIN…” OKAY, TIME FOR a little curtain lifting. At my age a bloke’s got very little to lose from being honest. It’s time. For about 20 years from the late 1980s I used Ruby, my 1984 Harley Softail, as a prop to build a magazine and rebuild a life. The magazine was Live to Ride (LTR); the life was mine post mining. Magazines were booming and Harleys, once they gained reliability and a button start, were selling like silicone at an all-English rally. Through sheer nepotism – thanks Bill! – I’d scored a start with Two Wheels magazine and got a foot in the publishing door. It was a major step for a 30-year-old bloke who’s biggest accomplishment had been getting…

RYAN VICKERS has transformed his 2024 British Superbike Championship campaign with a stirring career-first triple victory at Brands Hatch. The OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing rider dominated the weekend, making consistent lightning starts to break the field with the highlight being a winning margin of 7sec in Saturday’s opener. The podium battle behind him was intense, with Honda Racing UK’s Tommy Bridewell the most consistent with a 2-2-4 result to maintain his championship lead. Hager PBM Ducati challenger Glenn Irwin was caught up in an opening-lap crash with Danny Kent (MCAMS Racing Yamaha) and Danny Buchan (DAO Racing Kawasaki) in Race 2, limiting his points haul. Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) was the best of the Aussies, with both him and Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) scoring top-10 finishes but…

Swapping the V-twin for a V4 in Ducati’s range-topping superbike seemed risky in 2018 but the 2025 version makes an even bolder play by ditching the single-sided swingarm and bringing in MotoGP-type aero and rider aids. Rumours of the swingarm change had Ducatisti up in arms across the internet, but before we get into the details let’s look at the 2025 Panigale V4 as a whole. More power? Yep. Less weight? Of course. But the closer you look, the clearer it becomes that this is a major change, even if the engine and chassis are developments of its predecessor. As well as a new ‘face’, the whole bike has the stance and shape of a 2020s reimagining of the 916. It might be 30 years since Massimo Tamburini’s defining masterpiece…

It’s been a year since CFMoto surprised the world by demonstrating a prototype three-cylinder sportsbike and the company has finally taken the wraps off the finished version – dubbed 675SR-R – and released key information about its specifications. The key numbers are 70kW (94hp) of power matched by 70Nm of torque and a dry weight of 175kg. That last figure is measured without fuel and other fluids, as type-approval paperwork filed shows that in ready-to-ride form, including a full tank, it comes in at 195kg. But those headline figures are only part of the story. That 70kW power figure isn’t as impressive as we’d hoped, and even CFMoto itself said that it would make over 100hp (74kW) at last year’s EICMA show. There’s a strong chance that the initial version…

KAWASAKI WHEELED out its unique prototype hydrogen-powered bike in front of the Suzuka 8-hour crowd demonstrating that it’s a viable possibility for eco-friendly bikes of the future. Built as part of Kawasaki’s involvement with the HySE research association, where it works alongside Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Toyota, the prototype is based on the supercharged four-cylinder engine from the Ninja H2. The engine is suited to hydrogen conversion because its supercharger means it can pack more air into the cylinders – hydrogen requires much more air than petrol does to reach its correct air/fuel ratio. The engine is modified to be fitted with direct fuel injection to add the hydrogen after the intake valves have closed. Kawasaki says the bike’s chassis has been designed specifically to be able to fit the…

Every now and then, all the elements of a motorcycle will harmonise, elevating it from a bundle of bolted-together parts that form a vehicle into a bike that comes to life with character and temperament, and the whole package just resonates with you. All variants of BMW’s now decade-old R nineT series have been some of those bikes for me. Over the years I’ve spent time on the Pure, I’ve ridden the Racer and even packed up the Urban G/S and rode it almost 1000km in the middle of winter to the 50th anniversary Alpine Rally in 2019. There’s something about that 1170cc boxer engine mounted in a long and low chassis and topped off with on-point styling that really speaks to me. It’s modern, but not over the top.…

In 2001 Troy Bayliss rode the wheels off a 996R to win his first of three WorldSBK titles and then continued on to become one of the most successful Ducati racers ever. He is the only Ducati rider to have won three world titles on three different models (the 996R, the 999 and the 1098R). Ducati has celebrated that first world title with a 20th anniversary Bayliss inspired, individually numbered, V-twin powered Panigale. It features several high-end components also found on the recently released Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition, including race-spec suspension and brakes. Superbikes have come a long way since 2001; back then, the World Superbike rules allowed a 1000cc twin to compete with 750cc 4-cylinder motorcycles. These days, Troy’s youngest son Oli is racing a Panigale V2 in…

Barry Sheene and Suzuki’s RG500 grand prix racer go together like fish and chips. Man and machine were mutually beneficial: Cockney hero Sheene probably wouldn’t have won his two 500cc world championships without the RG500, but would the square-four two-stroke have been so good without Sheene’s input? When Sheene won his second 500cc title in 1977, all but three of the top 29 points scorers rode RGs and when Kenny Roberts took the crown in 1978, the American was one of only five riders in the top 29 who didn’t ride an RG. In other words, Suzuki’s creation democratised the premier class like no other motorcycle before or since. The RG also won the fastest GP in history – a race average of 217.37km/h at Spa-Francorchamps, with Sheene in 1977…

In early 1963, 20-year-old budding photographer Danny Lyon was being driven by a mate through Wisconsin, USA, when a group of motorcycles overtook their Volkswagen on both sides. It was a moment that would change Lyon’s life. Decades later, in an interview to promote his autobiography, This is My Life I’m Talking About, the 80-year-old explained what happened after he yelled at the driver to keep up with the riders. “I’m shooting through the front window with a 105mm lens (on an East German–made single-lens reflex Exa body) and I make this picture called Route 12, Wisconsin, which I think the British Museum later declared as a masterpiece of photography. It’s a pretty good picture. It’s perfectly arranged. It’s done through the front window of a moving car, and it’s…

Marking the start of the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics area of North Queensland, the Paluma Range takes in a rainforest near Townsville and leads you into a seriously fun riding route. It offers that irresistible mix of a smooth surface and low to mid-speed corners which, while narrow in places, provides an excellent variety of scenery and is a cool getaway on hot days. With all this on offer it is hardly surprising that the area is well set up to cater for both day visitors and campers. The road to the top of the mountain from the Bruce Highway is a well sealed strip of winding bitumen that would put a smile on any sportsbike rider’s dial. The turn-off is on the left heading north from Townsville, after…

“IT’S A BIG EFFORT FROM EVERYONE WHO HELPS ME AND TO END WITH THE CENTENARY TROPHY FEELS RIGHT” I’VE TALKED about this one for quite a few years. I’ve looked at this as the 24 Hour Trial that you want to win, the 100-year centenary race. This year is the third time I’ve won the event and it was close – about a two-minute margin. South Australia’s 24 Hour Trial is a really unique event but I don’t think it’s that hard physically compared to something like Hattah. I think that’s the hardest race in Australia. The 24 Hour is drawn out in an enduro format where there is a lot of waiting. There are transport stages as well and you have to take off on your allocated ‘starting minute’…

THE STRONG Australian contingent at the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours was spearheaded by Josh Waters, who raced with Ducati Team Kagayama to a strong fourth place. Teammate Ryo Mizuno was incredibly fast all weekend and, after qualifying second, led the race during the opening 25-lap stint. With Aussie data specialist Adrian Monti on board and official factory backing from Ducati, Suzuka was a high-profile event for the V4 R with Ducati Corse’s Paolo Ciabatti also present. Battling oppressive 37°C heat, the team was still in podium contention after Waters handed over to Hafizh Syharin with one and a half hours remaining. Both Syharin and Mizuno had been affected by dehydration with the team’s strategy being adjusted mid-race after Mizuno began suffering cramps. Without fresh tyres, Syharin couldn’t stick with…

A DISGUISED prototype for a new 250SR-R was revealed and run on track at the company’s recent CFMoto Day – the same trick used to tease the 675SR-R and 500SR models last year. Details are still scant, with the only confirmed information being that the engine is a 270-degree parallel twin, similar to the unit used on the larger 450SR, and that it will rev to 14,000rpm. Those numbers put the bike into the same ballpark as Honda’s CBR250RR, which is good for 31kW (41.5hp) at 13,000rpm, and should be enough to outperform Yamaha’s R25 (26.4kW/35.4hp at 12,000rpm). While the prototype is disguised, it appears to use a frame with a steel-trellis front section and aluminium castings around the swingarm pivot. The swingarm itself is a double-sided design, not the single-sider…

“In a world full of lunatics, it’s great to know you have an ally with evidence when the shit hits the fan” True that! That was the winning entry from Doug Henderson who has found himself with a brand-new Navman MiVue bike dashcam for his efforts! Onya, Doug! 14,273km South Australian hard-arse Chris Hunt has ridden a Honda CB125F 14,273km in 33 days to set a new fuel economy record. Chris used 335.95 litres of premium unleaded to average 2.35L/100km. For more information head to caseforless.wordpress.com. X-CAPE 750 INCOMING New design registrations filed by Moto Morini reveal an upcoming X-Cape adventure bike packing the company’s new V-twin engine, which combines the new 749cc 90° V-twin with the off-road style of the X-Cape to create an X-Cape 750. We expect it…

TO NOW IN 2013 BMW was celebrating its 90th birthday, and so collaborated with renowned designer Roland Sands to reimagine a modern interpretation of the brand’s hugely popular R 90 S. Unveiled at Italy’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este that same year, the so-called Concept Ninety was the forerunner to the first R nineT unveiled later that year and put into production for the first time in 2014. It became an instant sales hit. In January 2014, Jon Urry tested the bike for AMCN in Europe ahead of its Australian release and noted, “believe it or not, demand is so high that even the factory workers who build the nineT have to wait until May 2015 until they can even get one!”…

THE BIKE TROY BAYLISS rode to the 2001 Superbike World Championship was a full-factory Ducati 996R. Powered by a short-stroke 998cc Testastrett a engine producing about 99kW (133hp) in road trim, it would become one of the most iconic Ducati roadbikes thanks to our Aussie mate The V2 Bayliss styling was chosen to mimic the 996R that he raced to that first world title, with the green on the side fairing inspired by the Infostrada sponsorship of the day, as well as the small Shell logo – Shell still partners with the Ducati factory today. Only 500 of the original 996Rs were built and they sold in Australia for $52,000. When you think about it, it makes the V2 Bayliss feel like an absolute steal at $30,400, considering inflation and…

We’re huddled in a circle with a bunch of Mexican bikers on the ferry from Baja to mainland Mexico. In broken Spanish we ask about a remote route we want to take soon after landing. They shake their heads and after a few minutes reach their conclusion: “Very bad road. Big problem. Don’t go.” Our faces light up. We have been in Baja for the past few weeks. It’s like a soft introduction to Mexico with lots of American tourists in the main towns, but now we want to get stuck into the real thing – mainland Mexico. We roll down the ramp on our Honda CRFs and head straight for the Devil’s Backbone. COWBOYS Apparently, the Devil’s Backbone is one of the world’s most dangerous roads because of its…

“IF YOU WANTED A TOP RIDE WITH HONDA, YAMAHA OR SUZUKI, THE 8 HOURS WAS PRETTY MUCH COMPULSORY” THERE MUST have been chills down the spine of Honda at the Suzuka 8 Hours – the key race for them and the other Japanese factories. Sure, Honda won – extending its domination at the circuit built at the behest of revered founder Soichiro Honda. Its third in succession, and 30th in 45 races (Yamaha has won eight, Suzuki five, Kawasaki two). And, sure, Yamaha and Suzuki finished second and third for an all-Japan podium. But fourth and fifth? Well, that’ll be Ducati and BMW. Both of them, and especially increasingly race-dominant Ducati, likely to strike fear into the corporate hearts of Japan Inc. The big race was different in another way,…

FORMER NSW Deputy Premier and unwitting YouTube star John Barilaro has been announced as the most recent addition to the board that oversees Motorcycling NSW. While chair Madeleine Bowditch enthused that “MNSW will benefit considerably from John’s extensive experience in public service and leadership”, the former Deputy Premier of NSW is better known for a string of controversies, including a long-running legal battle with Google and YouTuber Jordan Shanks, aka ‘Friendlyjordies’. Shanks took aim at Barilaro over his family’s acquisition of the Marco Polo Social Club in Queanbeyan, with subsequent escalations resulting in a ‘Friendlyjordies’ producer being arrested by the NSW Fixated Persons Unit after complaints by Barilaro. After sharing news of the appointment on its social media channels, Motorcycling NSW was met with instant backlash and disabled comments. In…

Grant, how did Jayden get involved with the team initially? It all began at Misano last year when Jay was there testing for the R3 Cup. We were in the paddock and met a gentleman called Michael Hand and his daughter Katie, who was there as a wildcard for a bit of testing. They were the only other people who spoke English with just about everyone speaking in Italian or Spanish. We hit it off immediately and he was very happy with the way that Jay performed and adapted to the track. Our friendship and relationship developed over the year and again at Donington they were there with Katie and we started a dialogue around that time. Michael was asked to form the brand-new team for Macadams – MIH Solutions/Macadams…