Innholdsfortegnelse for 178 i Australian Road Rider

The Fireblade, GSX-R1000 and now Yamaha R1 won't be road registrable in Europe for much longer. The forthcoming Euro5+ emission requirements are too tough for the four-pot race replicas to meet, and their manufacturers don't see the value in trying to develop technologies which will. Here in Australia though, the bikes will continue to be available, at least in the short term, so if you're thinking you want a registered super-high-performance bike, maybe 2024 is the year to buy one… I have a love-hate relationship with the class. Despite racing a Yamaha RZ350 Formula 3 bike in my 20s, doing both Stay Upright and California Superbike School courses and spending at least a few days a year on tracks riding some of the fastest bikes in the world, until traction…

ROAD RIDER TEST YAMAHA TRACER 7 Like a car dealer with a big smile… my phone navigation app was looking to stitch me up! It had directed me down a narrow road into a deep valley. Barely two cars wide and with no runoff room, it was deteriorating quickly and threatening to become dirt at any moment. Then it did… wet slippery dirt. The only option to avoid the approaching wet clay was a tricky downhill U-turn. My companions, on their large 250kg adventure bikes, soon found themselves in a spot of bother. Each unsuccessfully attempted the turn and got stuck on the wrong side of the road… with taillights pointing back up the hill. Dismounting, and engaging two-person reverse was the only option — a procedure greatly magnifying the…

FIRST RIDE BIMOTA TESI H2 & KB4 It's taken five years since Kawasaki bought a 49 per cent stake in Bimota, but now we have them in Australia. You can actually go and buy a new Bimota — either the Tesi H2 or the KB4 — from your local Bimota dealer, of which there's one in the country at the moment, Procycles in Sydney. The Bimota dealership network will grow. I think initially we're going to end up with one in each of the capital cities, but at least that means you'll be able to take your bike in and get it serviced and you'll also be able to go and see one in a showroom, which is a big improvement on Bimota from back in the old days. I…

The Harley-Davidson name is polarising — many riders won't buy anything else, whereas there are so many who say they'll never buy one… and apart from the brief lifespan of the Street 500, you haven't been able to do your motorcycle apprenticeship on a Harley because they weren't learner approved. The new X-series hopes to change that. Small, light and affordable, these new bikes offer a different riding experience to earlier Harleys and are LAMS approved — and could represent a new line of bikes to attract riders who would never have considered a bike from The Motor Co. The X siblings aren't made in Milwaukee, but there's a bit of Milwaukee magic dust sprinkled on them to ease their transition into the Harley family (they're adopted, a special effort…

ACROSS AUSTRALIA VIC: CASTLEMAINE & MALDON Gold was discovered around Castlemaine in the mid1800s, causing a population and building boom, so it's not surprising the area has something of a European feel to it. Add in a cool climate and the whole region — from Bendigo in the north to Ballarat further south — give off a Victorianera vibe, in a good way. I was exploring the area aboard a Honda NT1100. As a Sydneysider I'd ridden down backroads avoiding the Hume Highway as much as possible and felt my spirits lift when I rolled into Castlemaine. If you're riding out of Melbourne, I suggest ditching the boring M79 motorway after Kyneton and taking the Calder Highway (C794) to Malmsbury. At Elphinstone, hang left onto the Diggers Way and then…

The Royal Enfield Bullet is an extremely honest motorcycle. It's not very fast, but it is smooth and nice to ride. It's a very pleasant machine you can use as an imitation vintage bike, because a lot of people will look at it thinking it's a vintage bike, or you could use it as a bike to commute on, to just get around town on, to enjoy riding with your friends, and get a little bit of a buzz out of a single-cylinder, air-cooled, very simple machine that is also modern enough to carry ABS brakes, fuel injection, and a three-year warranty with roadside assistance. The engine is built on the same platform we've seen in the previous generations of Royal Enfield 350cc singles — the Meteor, the Hunter and…

FEATURE ANTHONY GOBERT In the wake of the outpouring of tributes for Anthony, we look back at his eventful career. What we see is a free spirit who shone brightly on the world stage, but not for long. Although he never achieved his lofty goals, Anthony earned perhaps something rarer — the awe and respect of race fans around the world. ANTHONY GOBERT – WHAT A SHOW IT WAS After observing the first eight years of the Go-Show's professional career, many were convinced there were two Anthony Goberts. One was the extraordinarily gifted motorcycle racer, enormously ambitious, focused and hard-working. When this Anthony Gobert told you he wouldn't be satisfied until he had won three 500cc world championships in addition to the Superbike World Championship, you wanted to — sorry…

MOTORRAD GARAGE DIGITAL TYRE PRESSURE GAUGE WHATZ NEW Motorrad Garage has sent Australian Road Rider one of its digital tyre pressure gauges, a compact, easy-to-use tool with a backlit display which is so cheap — just $12.95 — you should have one under the seat of all your bikes. Its compact shape means we've had no trouble manoeuvring it around discs or chains to get onto a valve, it reads out in PSI, Bar, kpa or kg/cm² and holds the reading for 10 seconds. The unit arrives ready to use, complete with batteries, and will shut itself off after 30 seconds… so we suspect the replaceable batteries will last for years and years. Having the right tyre pressures will keep your bike handling like it should and is the best…

So I'm enjoying my new bike, which is just as well as buying motorcycles is not something I do that often. Over 50 years, I've been lucky enough to ride hundreds of bikes but have owned just 15, and most of them in the first 20 years while my fortunes ebbed and flowed and I worked out what I liked. In the 30 years since, I've bought just three, including this one. For those who came in late, my new ride is a 2016 Triumph 1200 Thruxton R that I bought for $14,000 two weeks before heading off to the MotoGP last October (ARR 176). I've since added 5000km and we're getting along like a house on fire. My only reservation, apart from it not being a Ducati, concerned the…

UPFRONT ZERO MOTORCYCLES BACK IN AUSTRALIA With a history of successful motorcycle importing and retailing, Peter Stevens Motorcycles is now also the Australian importer of the all-electric Zero Motorcycles. Zero, the world leader in electric motorcycles, expects Australians will take to the brand in the coming years. The Australian range will encompass nine models including street and dual-purpose machinery. “Australia's electric vehicle demand is ramping up as the nation's charging infrastructure rapidly expands, as does availability of exciting new products like Zero's,” said Zero Motorcycles Director of International Expansion, Adrian O'Donoughue. “The powerful partnership between Zero Motorcycles and Peter Stevens will enable enthusiasts to access an established and reputable network of authorised dealers from coast to coast.” Designed and built in California and operating in 40 countries, Zero has been…

UPFRONT 2024 KAWASAKI NINJA 500 Kawasaki has sold squillions of its popular sporty small-bore Ninja twins, and for 2024 there's a new model — the Ninja 500. With an extra 52cc to play with, Kawasaki's engineers have tuned the bike to offer considerably more torque than the outgoing 400, at least in part because the bike needs to stay a Learner Approved model, and increasing the power would have jeopardised its LAMS approval. Carrying over from the earlier 250, 300 and 400 models are the sporty style, lightweight build, user-friendly riding position and excellent value for money. Updates to the engine include a redesigned crankshaft, con-rods, pistons and balancer shaft. Inside are plated bores, oil jets to cool the pistons and a lightweight flywheel so the engine can spin up…

There's not a lot of direct competition to the Tracer 7 — for some people the slightly bigger, heavier, more expensive but torquier BMW F 800 GS (from $16,685) might suit, but it's also got a higher seat and a little less weather protection. Another bike with adventure bike credentials to consider is the Suzuki V-Strom 800 (from $17,490), a castwheel machine that is also bigger, heavier, more expensive… The obvious alternative, the full-power Kawasaki 650 Versys, is no longer imported. Likewise, the Triumph Tiger 660 Sport. In other markets there's an 81hp version of the Tiger, which we're sure would challenge the Tracer… but it's not available here. Both Kawasaki and Triumph would argue that 90 per cent of sales in this category are LAMS bikes, so it's not…

ENGINE Type: Single cylinder, 4 stroke, air-oil cooled Capacity: 349cc Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Engine management: EFI PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 20.2 BHP @ 6100rpm (14.87kW) Claimed maximum torque: 27Nm @ 4000rpm Fuel Consumption: 2.63 l/100km (claimed) TRANSMISSION Type: 5-speed constant mesh Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multi plate CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Twin Downtube Spine Frame Front suspension: Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm travel Rear suspension: Twin tube Emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload Front brakes: 300mm disc with twin piston floating caliper, ABS Rear brake: 270mm disc, single piston floating caliper, ABS Tyres, F: CEAT 100/19-19 Tube Type; R: CEAT 120/80-18 Tube Type DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: N/A Trail: N/A Claimed wet weight: 195kg Seat height: 805mm Wheelbase: 1390mm Fuel capacity: 13 litres ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS AND CONVENIENCE…

RXT's new Stone helmet — available in various shades of black, white and this Classic Stripe model — is a modern helmet with 1970s style. So you get a removable/washable liner, padded and anti-flap strap with double D closure, classic stitched lining, hinged visor, vents and RXT's modern comfortable fit. The modern ABS construction keeps you safe. Available at better bike shops everywhere, priced from just $209. Scan the QR code to see all the colours and find more info. MORE INFO RXT STONE HELMET https://links.roadrider.com.au/RXTStone178…

WHATZ NEW – BARRY THE BIKE Finding anything today that is totally unique is very rare, but the Barry the Bike book series is just that — totally unique. The Barry the Bike books are based around classic motorcycles, cars and trucks from the late 1950s. The books are designed to entertain young children and bring to life motorcycle brands that are being forgotten. This book series will delight many children and stir the memories of the older generations. The books are written and illustrated by Jeremy and Mary Ann Furness, a husband-andwife team who have many years of experience in the publishing industry. “I was always told to write about something you know well,” says Jeremy. “I have been involved in riding and racing classic motorcycles for more than…

Savic Motorcycles is expecting to deliver 230 new electric motorcycles to customers in 2024, the start of a process of building a brand that will tap into the technologies of the future. Savic is both the surname of the founder, Dennis Savic, and the name of his West Melbourne tech start-up dedicated to building zero-carbon bikes for a world market. It was back in 2016 when Savic Motorcycles was established — since then its prototype machines and the technology the company has produced have continued to attract further investment from the private sector and government. Indeed, the C-Series machine, which started being delivered to customers just after this issue of Australian Road Rider went to press, has won several design awards and attracted grant funding from both the Australian government's…

There's nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road when it's stinking hot and thick with flies so bad every breath means a mouthful… unless it's freezing your wobbly bits off in the middle of the night listening to local wildlife honing in on you, looking for a juicy snack of smelly biker. Sometimes, standing around waiting for the nearest tow truck to turn up and empty your wallet is avoidable. Scouts honour, being prepared can save you grief. Here are a few examples of on-road calamities and a few clues that might help. The most common failure on the road is the one thing that keeps you in touch with mother earth. I've had my fair share of flats and that sinking feeling when the back…

LOOKING BACK The Thruxton is dead, again. First born in 1965 as a production racer, it was as rare as hen's teeth and almost as desirable, so it should have surprised no one when Triumph used the name on its cafe racer model introduced 20 years ago. Those first streetbike versions were variations on the Bonneville and were commonly known as the Thruxton 900. Low ‘bars, laced wheels, rearset pegs… everything someone pining for the 1960s was looking for, except maybe modern performance — the 70hp engine had to push around about 230kg of motorcycle, so it was more flash than dash, although the target audience didn't seem to mind too much. Priced at $14,990 at launch, that seems like a lot… bikes are cheaper now, in real terms, than…

UPFRONT 2024 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE AND STREET GLIDE The family resemblance is very much there, but there's a new generation of Grand American Tourer arriving at your Harley-Davidson dealer in the form of the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide. Make no mistake, this is the biggest upgrade to these models since the Rushmore platform was introduced in 2013 — and these 2024 models are lighter, faster and better handling than the earlier models. Unfortunately, they're more expensive, too, priced at $46,495 ride away (and it's an extra $1465 for many of the colours). “These exciting new models represent a new era for Harley-Davidson, elevating every aspect of performance, technology, comfort and style,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “Without question, these are the most enticing touring…

ARR TRAVEL ADELAIDE TO ULURU In June 1990, I stood on the side of the Lassetter Highway next to a dusty and dented Toyota Coaster with an oddball collection of backpackers and budget tourists looking at the scrub and red sand. The landscape was so foreign and intimidating that I might have been standing on the surface of Mars. I felt as though it was daring me to step away from the safety of the mini bus. One thought sounded loud in my head: “Don't lose sight of the bus or you'll die”, all while hearing the driver and leader of our tour, from Alice Springs to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, gruffly telling us to collect firewood for our camp that night. My memory of the road back…

ROAD RIDER TEST YAMAHA TRACER 7 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 3-cylinder Power: 54kW (76hp) @ 8750rpm (Euro spec model) Torque: 67Nm @ 6500rpm (Euro spec model) Capacity: 689cc Bore x stroke: 80 x 68.6mm Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Fuel system: Fuel injection Ignition: TCI TRANSMISSION Type: 6 speed Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multiplate, assist and slipper function CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Steel Swingarm: Aluminium Front suspension: Upside-down 41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustment. 130mm travel Rear suspension: Linkage shock, rebound and remote preload adjustment. 145mm travel Front brakes: Radial mount 4-piston callipers, semi-floating 298mm dual discs, ABS Rear brake: Single-piston calliper, 245mm single disc, ABS Tyres: Front: 120/70ZR17 (58W); Rear: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) ELECTRONIC RIDER AIDS Brake control (ABS): Yes Riding modes: No Engine power modes: No…

BIMOTA KB4 ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves; Euro5 compliant Capacity: 1037cc Compression ratio: 11.8:1 Engine management: EFI PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 142hp (104.5kW) @ 10,000rpm Claimed maximum torque: 111Nm @ 8000rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed, up/down quickshifter Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet, multiplate, slip/assist CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Front: chromium molybdenum steel front trellis frame: Rear: machined aluminium plate, aluminium swingarm Front suspension: Öhlins FG R&T 43 NIX30 Rear suspension: Öhlins TTX 36 Front brakes: Radially-mounted Brembo, 2 x 320mm discs Rear brake: Brembo, 220mm disc Tyres: F: 120/70ZR17; R: 200/50ZR17 DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: 24.0° Trail: 100.8mm Claimed wet weight: 194kg Seat height: 810mm (+/- 8mm) Wheelbase: 1390mm Fuel capacity: 19.5L ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES Brake control (ABS): Yes, cornering Riding modes: Yes…

I was invited to ride the Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 on what turned out to be an unseasonably chilly and wet February day. Undeterred, we set off, and it gave me (a perpetually cold female) the chance to test the windchill factor of the naked machines. I swung my leg over the X500 first, a decision made purely on the fact this bike has classic mid-mounted foot controls, as opposed to the X350's sportier riding position. The analogue speedo was the first thing that caught my eye and I immediately felt as though I was sitting atop a very grownup version of my first bike, a CB125E. This illusion was soon dissolved when I felt the mid-range torque pulling and could easily keep up without feeling like I was straining…

You want to know what you need to go touring? I'm here to help, for this is something I have 40 years of experience with, travelling across town, states, countries… So, put on your riding gear, then head for your bathroom. On foot would probably be best at this stage, I'll get to the riding soon. In your bathroom, pick up your toothbrush, slide it into the inside pocket of your jacket. Next, dig out your wallet or purse, check it has your riding licence and a credit card. Mount up onto your bike and ride… what else do you really need? ENOUGH OF THE COMEDY While touring with a credit card and toothbrush is a great way to go, it's fairly impractical and very wasteful — buying new underwear…

ARR TRAVEL NORTHERN VIETNAM We all know Vietnam is covered in jungle, and that growth comes from water and heat, so I probably shouldn't have been as surprised as I was to discover we'd be entering the Ba Be National Park by boat — and we'd have to ride the bikes onto the ferry to get there. Funnily enough, it wasn't the boat which caused our first victim, but the raised, narrow concrete strip you ride down to get to the boat… even the long-legged had trouble getting their feet down, and the less-tall Jim didn't stand a chance when balance was lost. Luckily the support crew swung into action and he was patched up quickly, with little harm done, but it highlighted one of the benefits of a guided…

WHATZ NEW DUCATI COMPANY C4 LOW-CUT BOOTS Designed by Drudi Performance and built exclusively for Ducati by Held, the new Company C4 low-cut touring boots are aimed at those looking for comfortable, waterproof footwear on and off the bike. They have CE safety certification, are designed for both touring and urban use, and feature microfibre and technical fabric upper and the mixed lace/Velcro closure, which combines easy fastening to a perfect fit on the instep. The Vibram® rubber sole is non-slip and abrasionresistant, offering safe support and protection thanks to the synergy with the ankle cups and the reinforcements on the heel and toes. The reflective inserts improve the rider's visibility, increasing safety. They are priced at $399 and you can get more information by following the link or scanning…

WHATZ NEW MACNA PROGRESS TRX DL HEATED GLOVES Macna's Progress RTX DL gloves are the latest tech for keeping warm, with dualpower compatibility, Bluetooth control, waterproofing and quality construction. Powered by lightweight lithium batteries or direct from your bike via optional 12v connection cables, the Progress RTX gloves are built to keep your hands warm and dry, whatever the conditions. The Bluetooth connectivity allows for the setting of multiple products (such as heated base layers) in a group for easy temperature management via the Macna Heated app. Features include goat leather, polymide and polyester construction, a Bemberg, Isofur and thermal lining with RTX waterproof membrane, RISC knuckle and palm protection, reflective Nighteye details, double-waterproof cuff, touch tip and lots, lots more. RRP $449.95 MORE INFO MACNA PROGRESS TRX DL HEATED…

With the launch of the R 1200 GS, BMW really started to acknowledge its big adventure touring bikes had been growing too big and too heavy — the weight loss of the new model over the outgoing 1150 was significant, 30-odd kilos, with engine output up significantly. An all-new bike only broadly similar to the outgoing model, the 1200 would last around 15 years before being replaced with the R 1250 GS in 2019, although along the way it gained water cooling among the many changes to keep the bike current. Today, five years after bushfires tore through numerous parts of Australia before storms and flooding which have damaged so many of Australia's great riding roads, bikes like the GS stand out as motorcycles which can take on the conditions…