Innholdsfortegnelse for 183 i Australian Road Rider

With so many new bikes landing in 2025, it certainly is an exciting time to be taking the reins at Australian Road Rider. To be honest, I’m not sure why Nigel pulled the pin after only five-and-a-half years or so, but I guess the lure of riding to far-flung places around the world had something to do with it. Since he left, he’s already done a stint in California, and more recently has been riding in South-East Asia. Although I am the new kid on the block at ARR, this won’t be my first time writing for the title, having penned a few articles for Mick Matheson when he was the editor around a decade ago. ARR has a been around for a long time and has built up a…

The new Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2 are two of the first models to receive the new 890cc V-twin engine. The new Panigale V2 will be available in Australian dealers from April and the Streetfighter V2 will follow in July. Ducati says the new twin-cylinder Panigale is a completely redesigned bike, and thanks to the new 90° V2 engine and a monocoque frame (weighing just 4kg), it becomes the lightest Panigale ever, tipping the scales at 175kg (kerb), which is 17kg less than the previous Panigale V2 S. Ducati claims that despite having less power and torque than the MY24 Panigale V2 (114kW/102Nm), the new model offered similar performance levels on track during testing thanks to its lighter weight, modern chassis, new ergonomics and ease of riding. And with a…

BMW Motorrad says the near-production-ready Concept F 450 GS shown at EICMA late last year offers a glimpse of a BMW GS for the LAMS class, and what a whole new model series between the BMW G 310 and F 800/900 could look like. In a nod to the success of other bikes in the midsize adventure class like the CFMoto 450MT and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, BMW wants a slice of the action with this new GS model. “What was particularly important to us in the development of the new BMW Concept F 450 GS was to achieve the best handling for this segment and combine it with strong performance and optimal accessibility. The riding pleasure on-road and off-road is a top priority for this A2 [LAMS] BMW GS,”…

This is what Fran Manen and his team at Lord Drake Kustoms think Captain America might ride in one of his Marvel superhero movies one day. Called the Liberator, the bike is based on a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and is said to be inspired by the 1942 WLA Liberator model used by the US army during WWII, and which the superhero rides in the movie Captain America: The First Avenger. This Liberator features a 240-section rear tyre, custom rims, Legend air suspension, a SuperTrapp exhaust system, half monkeys and a custom fuel tank finished in Oak Metallic Green with a gold star that represents Captain America’s shield.…

There is something special about this Yamaha MT-09. It might look like any other MT-09, with its minimalist angular bodywork and compact LED headlight in that Darth Vader-like cowling, but what makes it special are the bits that are missing. Look a little closer and you’ll see there’s no clutch lever and no gear lever… That’s because this is the new Yamaha MT-09 AMT, which represents the manufacturer’s first foray into the world of self-shifting gearboxes on motorcycles. While this would suggest it features an automatic transmission, AMT actually stands for Automated Manual Transmission, which may sound like an oxymoron if ever there was one. But in this case, ‘Automated Manual’ is an apt description, because the MT-09 AMT runs the same gearbox as the manual MT-09, with the automated…

Lane-splitting through peak-hour traffic, on the lookout for a small lane behind the Royal Enfield dealer where I’ve been told a fleet of shiny new Guerrilla 450s is parked, I spy a splash of colour out of the corner of my eye. I turn my head to see a host of gold-flake black and red, white pearl gloss and blue, and bright yellow and purple petrol tanks glinting in the sun. I’ve definitely made it to my destination, as there’s no confusing the Guerrilla paint schemes with anything else on the market. This colourful approach is clearly part of Royal Enfield’s marketing strategy for its fun retro 452cc single, as the Indian motorcycling giant claims that the Guerrilla is a “declaration of independence from the mind-numbing conformity of the modern…

Sports-tourers have evolved into crossover machines, bikes with the power and handling of a sportsbike yet with the comfort and practicality of a tourer, and the BMW S 1000 XR is one of the best of the breed. This new-generation model has received numerous updates to the formula developed over more than a decade, including more power, changes to the ergonomics, a high-capacity battery, new colours and a new range of optional equipment and accessories. PERFORMANCE BMW tells us the new S 1000 XR produces 125kW (170hp), 5hp more than the old model, and I’ve got to say this is hard to confirm. Put simply, both the old and new are rocket ships, and although I have been doing this gig for a while now, detecting a three per cent…

The SR/F’s final drive is a custom-designed high-torque-drive carbon-toothed carbon-fibre belt from Gates Carbon Drive. While Zero technicians use a specific tool to measure the belt tension during servicing, owners can also use an app to check it themselves. The free-of-charge Gates Carbon Drive smartphone application measures belt tension frequency. This is performed on the lower belt span, close to the centre (between the sprockets). You hold your phone in such a way that the microphone is as close to the drive belt as possible, but not touching. Then you pluck the belt with your thumb or a wrench so that it vibrates like a guitar string. Yes, really. The microphone will measure the vibration’s frequency. Then you rotate the rear wheel a quarter-turn and repeat the frequency measurement. You…

The thermometer reads eight degrees below zero and my fingertips are numb with the onset of frostbite. My lips are cracked and dry and my bowels are twisted up; I haven’t been to the toilet for a week. The tendons in my shoulders and upper arms feel like they’re about to snap and as I draw on the reserves of my energy to stop my motorcycle from slipping on ice. And at 5009m above sea level, my head pounds from altitude sickness and just breathing is a labour in this snowy windswept pass called Dongda La in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China. I’m on a two-week, 4300km overland ride to the Mt Everest North Base Camp in Far Western Tibet that began in Lao Cai, a small Vietnamese…

MOTOREX V-SYNT 4T ENGINE OIL RRP: $34.95 (1L); $129.95 (4L) WEBSITE: www.motorexoil.com.au/v-synt-4t Motorex has developed a new fully synthetic oil engineered specifically for the demands of today’s high-revving, high-temperature V-twin and V4 motorcycles. Called V-SYNT 4T, it is available in 15W50 and 20W50 viscosity grades. V-SYNT 4T 15W50 is said to feature special hydrocarbon compounds in the additives to ensure the lubricating film remains at low temperatures and when the engine is hot at peak revs. Motorex claims the oil ensures consistent power delivery and top-tier wear protection in all temperatures, and that it’s suitable for use in the latest-generation Harley-Davidson Revolution Max and Ducati engines requiring fully synthetic oil. It meets JASO MA2 standards, making it ideal for wet multi-disc clutches. V-SYNT 4T 20W50 has been tailor made to suit…

While many fretted about a non-event called the Y2K bug at the close of the last millennium, Suzuki was busy launching what would become the world’s fastest production motorcycle — the GSX-R1300R Hayabusa. How fast? A measured top speed of 312km/h blew away the previous record holder — the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird — and this top speed would not be bettered by any other production motorcycle… ever. While there are no technological factors preventing bikes from exceeding the 1999 GSX-R1300R Hayabusa’s 312km/h, fearing regulators would ban such fast machines, the Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers got together and came up with an informal agreement to implement a 299km/h limit. This means the original Hayabusa will always be known as the world’s fastest production motorcycle. The Hayabusa is no one-trick pony.…

GET DOWN 2024 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin wasted no time getting down to business on his first outing on the 2025 Aprilia RS-GP late last year at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Knee down, elbow down and shoulder down. CREATOR’S 916 This is Massimo Tamburini riding his own 916, the legendary bike that he developed on the roads of Rimini and at the Misano and Mugello circuits — not in a wind tunnel — over a period of six years before it went into production in 1994.…

BMW has updated its midsize twins with significant technical and visual upgrades and more standard equipment for both the F 900 R and F 900 XR models. The revised F 900 R starts at $15,250 (+ORC) and the F 900 XR from $20,940 (+ORC). “With a significantly extended range of standard equipment, fully adjustable upsidedown forks, lighter wheels and a weight saving of 3kg, we have been able to make the BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR even more attractive,” says project manager Anton Huber. “The new BMW F 900 R also benefits from a sportier riding position and the BMW F 900 XR from optimised aerodynamics.” BMW says both F-models are designed for sportiness and fun in twisty terrain. The new BMW F 900 R is a…

White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) has applied its advanced aerodynamics to an electric bike thanks to a collaboration with Zero Motorcycles. The re-engineered Zero SR/S concept incorporates a bifurcated aerodynamic duct running directly through the centre of the motorcycle, channelling air from behind the front wheel and exiting above the rear wheel. To enhance the airflow through the patented duct, the team has also designed a new aerodynamic front fender and fork shroud package, ensuring maximum airflow through the system. The concept behind WMC’s central air duct has been honed as part of its land-speed record program, and in this application on the Zero SR/S, the optimised dual-channel design and upstream architecture is claimed to deliver a 10 per cent increase in aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in range at highway speeds, in…

BMW F 900 R, from $15,290 + ORC The 2024 BMW F 900 R is a dynamic, midsize naked bike equipped with an 895cc parallel-twin engine delivering a claimed 73kW (99hp) at 8500rpm and 88Nm at 6750rpm. The bike features advanced electronics, including multiple riding modes and dynamic traction control. Its lightweight frame and ergonomic design make it ideal for city rides and twisty roads alike, and it has an accessible 815mm seat height (optional from 770mm to 865mm) and 211kg kerb weight. It offers riders a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and modern tech in an accessible package. Ducati Monster, $19,700 ride away The Ducati Monster is powered by a 937cc Testastretta L-twin engine producing a claimed 82kW (111hp) at 9250rpm and 93Nm at 6500rpm. The lightweight frame and…

The Zero SR-X, which was first unveiled in February 2023, has finally made it to Australia. Unfortunately, not as a production machine, but as a one-of-a-kind semi-faired concept bike. Created in collaboration with Huge Design as part of Zero’s Design the Future Development Program, the SR-X is basically the same as the SR/F (and SR/S) in terms of chassis and mechanicals, but with a low ‘front-heavy’ silhouette and dramatic sculpted bodywork. Bill Webb of Huge Design, who was also responsible for the Zero SM concept bike that heavily influenced the development of one of the Zero FXE, said the SR-X concept bike strived to hit a design sweet spot for the near future of electric motorcycles. The aim, he said, was to combine clean lines and disciplined design detailing with…

Range anxiety and charging infrastructure still plague the EV industry, but data from Zero Motorcycles (taken directly from the bikes, not owner surveys) shows that approximately 90 per cent of its customers charge at home with the standard 240v/10amp charging cable. So, the combination of a 6kW charger plus 17.3kWh battery is enough for most people. Nevertheless, a dealer can install a 3.6kW Power Tank ($6060.61 plus fitting) on the SR/F in the place of the standard tank storage compartment. This increases the overall capacity of the motorcycle to 20.9kW/h, which improves the riding range and charge times. Owners can also go for a $5681.82 (plus fitting) Rapid Charging Module accessory to boost onboard charging power to 12.6kW. This will increase the charging rate to around 2.5 per cent per…

This is one of my favourite rides… and not just because it’s on my doorstep. This route takes in some of the most fun, twisty roads you can find and it’s less than a 90-minute ride south of Sydney. It also encompasses some fantastic scenery, some great places to stop for a feed and a drink, and plenty of other stuff to see and do. The ride starts just south of Wollongong at Albion Park, where you can fuel up your bike before heading west along Tongarra Road, which soon morphs into the Illawarra Highway. Once you’re past the last roundabout, the road becomes a 90km/h zone and the countryside opens up with beautiful green rolling hills at the foot of the impressive Illawarra Escarpment. But don’t get too excited…

ACE BIKES BUCKLE-UP RRP: $99.95 WEBSITE: www.proaccessories.com.au Securing motorcycles for transit in the back of a van, ute or on a trailer can be fraught with danger, especially when it comes to tying the bike down. The Ace Bikes Buckle-up is a new product that will make this task easier and will minimise the potential for damage. The Buckle-up is an all-in-one handlebar tie-down solution that comes with plasticised hooks with resilient locking clips for additional security. At 3m long and 35mm wide, the Buckle-up tie-sown strap has a lashing capacity of up to 300daN. It is fitted with an integrated faux sheepskin sleeve to protect your motorcycle from scratches and other potential damage. The tie-down is equipped with fully galvanised 50mm cam buckles, and the plasticised hooks minimise the chance…

The TCX Shifter Sport boot is described as a sporty road shoe that is versatile and comfortable for everyday riding. The boot features a soft microfibre abrasion-resistant and suede leather upper with reflective inserts, an Ortholite footbed with long-term cushioning and breathability, and a Groundtrax rubber sole for grip and feel. The lacing system is secured with a Velcro band and protection is provided with ankle, toe, heel and gear shifting reinforcement. Available in Black in sizes EU 39-48. TCX SHIFTER SPORT RRP: $199 WEBSITE: tcxboots.com.au…

Friday afternoon for those with their nose to the grindstone is POETS’ day. For us crusty old bikers here in the goldfields, it’s off to church. We’re a devout lot and worship at the altar of the motorcycling gods every Friday afternoon and woe be tide if you don’t front up. We don’t have fancy buildings perched on the highest hill, but we do have our own shrines. Thinking about it, mine sits proudly at the highest point on my modest acreage. Dingleberry’s, Mad Mick’s and Ian the Lav boy’s (because he owns a Jota) all sit on their highest ground. TB (a.k.a Sparky because he owns a HD Livewire) has just finished building his and again it’s close to the heavens. Sparky is a devout follower of some two-wheeled…

A well-fitting motorcycle helmet is crucial for your safety and comfort on the road. It’s not just about following the law — it’s about protecting yourself from serious injuries. Choosing the right-size helmet can make a significant difference in both protection and riding experience. 1. WHY FIT MATTERS The primary purpose of a helmet is to protect your head during an impact. A helmet that is too loose may shift or even come off in an accident, while a helmet that’s too tight can cause discomfort and headaches, distracting you from the road. A properly fitted helmet absorbs impact effectively, minimises wind noise and provides a stable, snug fit without causing pain. 2. MEASURE YOUR HEAD Most of us have a fair idea of the size of our own head,…

There were a lot of new bikes and new motorcycle tech unveiled at EICMA late last year, but one of the standouts was Ducati’s new 890cc 90° V-twin engine that will be initially available in the new Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2 models that are set to go on sale in Australia in April and July of this year respectively. Notably, the new engine does away with Ducati’s traditional desmodromic valve actuation in favour of the manufacturer’s IVT (Intake Variable Timing) variable valve timing system. This extends valve clearance adjustments out to 30,000km, which will save owners a significant amount of money when it comes to servicing. Another standout feature is just how much lighter this new V-twin is compared to the existing V-twins in Ducati’s model range. At just…

CFMOTO’s long-awaited 675NK was revealed late last year and it is obvious that the Chinese manufacturer is aiming this new nakedbike at the likes of the Triumph Street Triple and Yamaha MT-09. While not quite as powerful as the Triumph or the Yamaha, the 675NK’s 675cc DOHC inline triple is claimed to make a handy 67kW (90hp) of power and 70Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with an upshift quickshifter and a slipper clutch. Under the aggressive styling, designed by Modena40 studio, is a high-strength steel perimeter frame paired with a lightweight aluminium swingarm. The 675NK has a 1400mm wheelbase, a 26.5° steering head angle and 94mm trail. The 675NK runs fully adjustable KYB suspension front and rear and J. Juan radial-mount, four-piston calipers up…

Considered some of the best realworld sportsbikes since their release in 2012, the Aprilia Tuono V4 and Tuono V4 Factory just keep getting better, and now there’s an update for both of the MY25 models headlined by a new design with advanced aerodynamics, including the addition of wings, a new APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic package with a predictive function, and an increase in engine capacity from 1077cc to 1099cc with a corresponding increase in power and torque. Aprilia says the new design is characterised by compact, pared-back shapes which enhance the Tuono’s sporty appearance, yet offer more protection from the airflow. In addition, the new Tuono now features two overlapping wing surfaces which are claimed to increase the vertical load by 2.5kg at 250km/h, providing more stability at…

ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled in-line triple-cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder Capacity: 890cc Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Engine management: Mikuni EFI PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 87.5kW (117hp) @ 10,000rpm Claimed maximum torque: 93Nm @ 7000rpm Fuel consumption: 4.6L per 100km (measured) TRANSMISSION Type: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with automated manual shift Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slipper CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Aluminium twin-spar frame Front suspension: KYB 41mm USD fork, fully adjustable, 130mm of travel Rear suspension: Double-sided swingarm with monoshock, fully adjustable, 130mm travel Front brakes: Twin 298mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers Rear brake: Single 245mm disc, single-piston caliper Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport H2 F: 120/70ZR17 (58W); R: 180/55ZR17 (73W) DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rave: 24.7° Trail: 108mm Claimed wet weight: 193kg Seat height: 825mm  Wheelbase: 1430mm Fuel capacity: 14L ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES Cornering ABS, Cornering Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS),…

ENGINE Type: Water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder engine DOHC, 16 valve Capacity: 999cc Compression ratio: 12.5:1 Engine management: Bosch, IMU PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 125kW (170hp) @ 11,000rpm Claimed maximum torque: 114Nm @ 9250rpm Fuel consumption: 6.2L/100km (tested) TRANSMISSION Type: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox Final drive: Chain Clutch: Multi-plate, slipper CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Aluminium composite bridge frame, engine self-supporting Front suspension: 45mm USD fork, Dynamic ESA, electronically adjustable damping, 150mm of travel Rear suspension: Aluminium double-sided swingarm with monoshock, Dynamic ESA, electronically adjustable damping, 150mm of travel Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs, radialmounted 4-piston calipers Rear brake: Single 220mm disc, single-piston caliper Tyres: Bridgestone S22 F: 120/70ZR17; R: 190/55ZR17 DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Steering head angle: 65.1° Trail: 116mm Claimed wet weight: 227kg Seat height: 850mm  Wheelbase: 1552mm Fuel capacity: 20L ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES ABS Pro, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, MSR Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic…

MOTOR Type: Permanent magnet, brushless Controller: Insulated-gate bipolar transistor Cooling: Air BATTERIES Type: Lithium-ion Capacity: 17.3kWh Recharge time: 6kW charger: 20-80% 1 hour;  Level 2 charging to 95%: 2 hours PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 84kW Claimed maximum torque: 190Nm TRANSMISSION Type: Single speed Final drive: Belt CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Steel tubular trellis Front suspension: Showa 43mm USD Separate Function Big Piston fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel Rear suspension: Showa monoshock, fully adjustable, 140mm travel Front brakes: J.Juan twin 320mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, Bosch ABS Rear brakes: J.Juan single 240mm disc, two-piston caliper, Bosch ABS Tyres: Pirelli Diablo Rosso III F: 120/70ZR17 (58W); R: 180/55ZR17 (73W) DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: 24.5° Trail: 94mm Claimed kerb weight: 227kg Seat height: 787mm Wheelbase: 1450mm ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES Bosch Advanced MSC, Rain, Eco, Standard, Sport and Custom rider modes, ABS, traction control, drag…

For many of us, non-competitive ride days held on racetracks are a huge part of our motorcycling lives. Smooth surfaces, run-off areas, no oncoming traffic and no speed limits — it’s a perfect recipe for two-wheeled fun. But it hasn’t always been so. Prior to the early 1990s, access to Australian tracks was restricted to racers or those attending rider-training programs. And when the first ride days appeared, they were relatively rough and ready affairs. The old days still live fresh in the mind of Steve Brouggy, the founder of the most successful and long-lived provider of ride days in Australia, Motorcycling Events Group Australia (MEGA). “During those early years, there were numerous operators,” he recalls. “Most of them motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted to facilitate the environment that they themselves…

MEGA has used BMW S 1000 RR motorcycles as hire bikes for more than a decade, as they provide a useful combination of high power and rider safety tech. The head of marketing at BMW Motorrad Australia, Joel Simondson, says BMW Motorrad’s support of MEGA Ride Days has been a fantastic success in growing the exposure of the S 1000 RR and other BMW performance motorcycles. “Steve and his ride days team deliver an unbeaten level of professionalism and experience for Australian customers, and we’re excited to see how we can continue to evolve this partnership in the years to come,” he says. During the 30th anniversary ride day, BMW Motorrad Australia had a production M 1000 RR in the pits on slicks, and ARR managed to bag a ride…

The Interphone U-COM 8R is claimed to be the most intuitive intercom equipped with Mesh technology on the market, providing a dependable connection and effortlessly connecting with groups of up to 24 other intercoms with just a simple click. Interphone says the U-COM 8R is compatible with Sena, TFT, GPS and OEM systems from the biggest helmet manufacturers on the market. Of course, it can be connected to phones, GPS receivers and compatible motorcycle TFT devices via Bluetooth 5.2. The U-COM 8R features new 40mm HD speakers that are said to deliver immersive sound quality, allowing you to enjoy deep, rich audio whether you’re listening to the radio or your favourite playlists, plus the audio remains clear in the background during conversations. A new dedicated Interphone UNITE app (IOS and…

I’m enjoying riding a nakedbike again, especially now that my high-speed days are behind me. I’ve only ever owned two bikes with fairings, both of them Ducatis, which, for the most part, I rode as fast as I could. Maximising adrenalin has now made way for pursuing Zen-like calm and I feel more in the motorcycling moment with only clip-ons, instruments and headlight leading the way. The downside is I do get cold when it’s cold and wet when it rains. The cold I can handle with thermals, but staying dry is more problematic. Wet-weather gear that coped perfectly well on my 900SS doesn’t cut it on the Thruxton and I’m too old to climb into a proper rain suit. So my solution for now is to simply avoid riding…

LOOKING BACK Late last year, Ducati celebrated the 30th anniversary of the iconic 916 model, exhibiting eight iconic bikes that tell the story of this legendary 90° V2 machine at Auto e Moto d’Epoca in Bologna. The eight V2 machines on display focused on Ducati’s Superbike racing successes from 1994 to 2002: the four 916s that saw Carl Fogarty crowned WorldSBK Champion in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999; Troy Corser’s 916 from 1996; and Troy Bayliss’s 996 from 2001, 996 from 2000 and 998 from 2002. According to Ducati: “The Ducati 916, together with its descendants, is in fact the most successful classic superbike of all time, boasting an extraordinary list of 121 victories, eight Manufacturers’ World Titles and six Riders’ World Titles in the World Championship dedicated to production-derived…