Innholdsfortegnelse for 187 i Australian Road Rider

Supernakeds, big-bore sports tourers, chrome-laden retro classics, Aussie-made electric bikes… and those are just the bikes featured in this issue. Some of the other genres include sportsbikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, motards and more. And then there are new bikes and there are old bikes… Yep, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to the huge range of road bikes available these days. There really is a machine to suit just about every purpose and every budget, whether you want to blast across the country, carve up a racetrack or just putter along to the local café on a Sunday morning. And that's the great thing about motorcycling – it's not about one right way to do it. Some of us live for the adrenaline hit of a litre-class…

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Edelweiss Bike Travel — 45 years of guiding motorcyclists across some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. Since 1980, the Austrian company has built an international reputation for crafting unforgettable riding experiences, from twisty alpine passes to sweeping coastal roads and exotic far-flung routes. To celebrate, riders and friends from all over the world converged on Edelweiss' headquarters in Mieming, Austria, for a weekend that perfectly captured the spirit of the brand. The heart of the celebrations lay in the surrounding Austrian Alps, with guests joining guided tours that wound through spectacular mountain passes, lush valleys and charming alpine villages. The event wasn't just about the riding. It was also a chance for the global Edelweiss community — past and present…

ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke inline four, DOHC, 16 valves Capacity: 1099cc Compression ratio: 11.8:1 Engine management: EFI with ride-by-wire throttle PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 100kW (136hp) @ 9000rpm Claimed maximum torque: 113Nm @ 7600rpm Fuel consumption: 5.7L/100km (measured) TRANSMISSION Type: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, assist and slipper CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Aluminium twin-spar, engine as stressed member Front suspension: Showa 41mm USD fork, preload, compression and rebound adjustable Rear suspension: Öhlins S46 shock, remote preload and rebound adjustable Front brakes: Dual 300mm discs, Brembo M4.32 radial-mount monobloc calipers Rear brake: 260mm disc, single-piston caliper Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 F: 120/70ZR17, R: 190/50ZR17 DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: 24.0° Trail: 98mm Claimed kerb weight: 234kg Seat height: 835mm Wheelbase: 1440mm Fuel capacity: 19L ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES IMU-based ABS and traction control, power modes, riding modes, quickshifter (up/down), cruise control,…

We put Yamaha's long-awaited YZF-R9 through its paces at the racetrack in the last issue of ARR and came away impressed. However, we really wanted to see if it performed as well in the ‘real world’, so we grabbed ourselves a road-registered test bike to ride over the potholed bitumen of this wide brown land. As Deano wrote in his track test, the YZF-R9 feels like a bridge between the street-friendly MT-09 and the track-focused R1, bringing R1-level tech and chassis capability to a very usable, rider-friendly package. And a quick look at the Yamaha Supersport lineup further underlines the niche that the Japanese marque is aiming to fill with the new R9. There's the popular learner-approved YZF-R3, then further up the food chain is the sharp little R6 followed…

ENGINE Type: Water-cooled, three-cylinder four-stroke, four valves per cylinder Capacity: 890cc Bore x stroke: 78mm x 62.1mm Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Engine management: Electronic fuel injection (TCI) TRANSMISSION Six-speed with quickshifter Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet, multi-plate PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 87kW (117hp) @ 10,000rpm Claimed maximum torque: 93Nm @ 7000rpm Top speed: 240km/h (estimated) Fuel consumption: 5.2L/100km (tested) CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Aluminium Deltabox Front suspension: 43mm KYB USD fork, fully adjustable, 120mm travel Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, 118mm travel Front brakes: Dual 320mm discs, radially mounted Brembo Stylema calipers, cornering ABS Rear brake: 220mm disc, single-piston caliper, switchable cornering ABS Wheels: Lightweight 5-spoke forged aluminium Front: 3.5 x 17in Rear: 5.5 x 17in Tyres: Bridgestone RS11, 120/70 ZR17 (f), 180/55 ZR17 (r) ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES Ride modes: Sport, Street, Rain, plus two custom and four track modes, lean-sensitive traction…

It's true. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. When I first saw the Savic C-Series Alpha production prototype at a show back in 2021, I was immediately drawn to what I thought was an elegant electric take on the cafe racer concept. My companion on the day said it looked like a bar fridge on wheels. Clearly, you can't please everyone, especially when it comes to electric motorcycles. Nevertheless, my interest was definitely piqued, and I have kept an eye on the progress of the Savic project ever since. There has been plenty of hype and lots of merchandise available during this period, leading some to refer to Savic Motorcycles, rather unkindly, as a ‘T-shirt company’. However, the opportunity for me to actually ride a Savic bike…

MOTOR Type: Three-Phase AC Internal Permanent Magnet Controller: Bespoke MOSFET-based control system with Field Oriented Control (FOC) Cooling: Liquid BATTERY Type: Lithium-ion Capacity: 16.2kWh Recharge time: 240v (10amp) outlet charging to 80%: 7 hour 15amp or Level 2 charging to 80%: 4 hours; to 100%: 6 hours. PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power 60kW Claimed maximum torque 200Nm TRANSMISSION Type: Single speed Final drive: Belt CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Aluminium (with battery as stressed member) Front suspension: Savic-developed telescopic fork, 130mm travel Rear suspension: Savic-developed monoshock, adjustable preload with up to 35mm travel Front brakes: Brembo M4 Twin 320mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, Bosch ABS Rear brakes: Brembo Single 260mm disc, two-piston calliper, Bosch ABS TYRES F: 120/70ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III R: 180/55ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: 24° Trail: 103.5mm Claimed kerb weight: 280kg Seat height: 780mm Wheelbase: 1440mm…

TESTED! Nine months into regular use, Kabuto's F17 GP MIPS lid continues to impress – not just for its eye-catching Remy Gardner Replica design, but for its performance, comfort and long-term durability. Let's start with the fit. Based on advice from Moto National, I went with a size Large — one size up from my usual Medium – and it was the right call. The F17 feels snug and secure without any pressure points. The Coolmax antimicrobial liner still looks and feels fresh, and it's easily removable for washing. I've fitted an Interphone comms unit and had no dramas – there's plenty of space for speaker placement and wire routing, and the pre-formed pockets make installation a breeze. The helmet also plays nicely with glasses thanks to the sculpted interior…

TESTED! Helmet-mounted cameras can be a useful safety tool, as well as a fun way to capture your rides. Navman's MiVue Rider DC aims to do both, with front and rear coverage and a feature set designed specifically for motorcyclists. Mounting the MiVue Rider DC is straightforward. The unit attaches to your helmet via a 3M adhesive pad, and once clipped in it powers up automatically. It feels a little heavier than a typical comms system and protrudes a touch, but it doesn't feel awkward in use and soon becomes part of the helmet setup. The MiVue runs front and rear cameras, recording in dashcam style. Video quality is decent – good enough to clearly read licence plates at close range – and that's really what you want from a…

Developed in collaboration with Roland Sands Design, the Roam Handlebar Bag from Kriega is ideal for cruisers with high 'bars or any bike where space is at a premium. Built from RSD waxed cotton and 1000D Cordura, it features a waterproof roll-top main compartment and a removable smartphone pocket with a touch-sensitive TPR screen cover for navigation. The phone mount can be positioned in portrait or landscape orientation. A YKK zip front pocket offers internal organisation with elastic dividers and a key clip, while the Hypalon MOLLE panel and Velcro ONE-WRAP straps make for easy mounting in a variety of locations. Available in Black or Ranger colourways and backed by a 10-year guarantee. KRIEGA ROAM HANDLEBAR BAG RRP: $169 WEBSITE: www.kriega.com.au…

LOOKING BACK By the late 1960s, the once-dominant British motorcycle makers were showing their age. Brands like BSA, Norton and Triumph still carried prestige, but their engineering and production methods often lagged behind a fast-changing market. Reliability was patchy, styling slow to evolve and prices creeping upward. Meanwhile, in Japan, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki were moving from small commuter bikes into larger, more powerful machines aimed squarely at export markets. The 1969 Honda CB750 Four was the tipping point – a powerful inline-four with an electric starter, disc brake up front and bulletproof reliability, priced to undercut the British competition. Yamaha's two-stroke twins, Kawasaki's screaming triples and Suzuki's water-cooled GT750 were also in the fray. By the late 1970s, Japanese bikes ruled the sales charts. They offered performance, refinement…

Suzuki has taken the wraps off the latest GSX-R1000R, introducing a host of engine, chassis, electronics and styling updates to mark the 40th anniversary of the GSX-R family. With 15 FIM Endurance World Championship titles to its name since 2001, the GSX-R1000 nameplate continues to be synonymous with performance, reliability and pure riding enjoyment. The 2026 GSX-R1000R meets the latest Euro 5+ emissions regulations while delivering even sharper performance. Its 1000cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four now runs a higher 13.8:1 compression ratio, new crankshaft and crankcases, larger exhaust valves, reshaped piston heads, revised ports and injectors, a wider cam chain, and new single-stage velocity stacks for cylinders one and four. Suzuki's SR-VVT variable valve timing and finger-follower valve train remain, with changes to profiles and components for improved output and durability.…

The Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges has launched a new Ride & Rest package tailored specifically for motorcycle travellers — and it includes a complimentary copy of Australian Road Rider magazine. Designed for lovers of two wheels, the Ride & Rest package offers a restful night in a stylish, upscale room, followed by a hearty breakfast at the hotel's acclaimed Workshop Kitchen. Guests also receive free entry to the onsite Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum, home to an impressive collection of 60 classic, vintage and custom bikes. The museum is open daily from 9am to 4.30pm and has become a must-see stop for riders passing through the region. Importantly, the package also includes a complimentary motorcycle magazine with Australian Road Rider featured as part of the offer. Whether you're into touring tips,…

The Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE walks a fine line – and it walks it well. It's the kind of motorcycle that invites you to grab the keys, disappear for a few days and enjoy the ride and the destination, all without needing a chiropractor when you get home. It's the natural evolution of a successful formula, bringing together sportsbike dynamics and grand-touring sensibilities in one exceptionally capable package. Now in its fifth generation and bumped up to 1099cc, the Ninja 1100SX SE gains more torque, sharper styling, higher-spec componentry and subtle but welcome refinements aimed at realworld comfort. While it carries on from the Ninja 1000SX in name and style, this is a very different bike once you're onboard – smoother, faster, more comfortable and better equipped. SIT BACK, STAY…

2025 BMW R 1300 RS Price: $23,990 +ORC Engine: 1300cc boxer twin with ShiftCam technology Power: 107kW (145hp) @ 7750rpm Torque: 149Nm @ 6500rpm Kerb weight: 245kg 2025 YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT Price: $25,599 ride away Engine: 890cc inline 3-cylinder Power: 87.5kW (119hp) @ 10,000rpm Torque: 93Nm @ 7000rpm Kerb weight: 227kg 2025 SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT Price: $19,990 ride away Engine: 999cc inline 4-cylinder Power: 112kW (150hp) @ 11,000rpm Torque: 106Nm @ 9250rpm Kerb weight: 226kg…

It doesn't take much to make an M 1000 R stand out in a crowd. The original was already one of the most potent hypernakeds on the market, blending superbike power with roadster ergonomics and a suite of class-leading electronics. But for 2025, BMW Motorrad has tweaked and refined the formula with a raft of detail updates aimed at enhancing performance, comfort and style. Having tested the original model at its global launch in Spain, and riding several examples of the M 1000 R here in Australia, I was eager to get my hands on the updated Competition variant and see how it performs on local roads. Finished in White Aluminium Metallic Matt, the test bike looks every bit the premium piece of Bavarian exotica it promises to be. The…

Now there's another option for fans of the Classic formula — the new Classic 650. Powered by the familiar 648cc parallel twin, the Classic 650 takes that same retro aesthetic and combines it with real-world performance and open-road comfort. In short, it's the bike many Royal Enfield fans have been waiting for since the launch of the Interceptor and Continental GT. So, if you're torn between these two retro beauties, which one deserves a spot in your garage? Let's take a closer look at how they stack up in the real world. CLASSIC LOOKS, DIFFERENT CHARACTERS Styling is one of the biggest drawcards for any Royal Enfield, and both the Classic 350 and Classic 650 have it in spades. But side by side, it's the 350 that arguably nails the…

“Mate, even if I had one at hand, I wouldn't give it to you.” He gestures at a GS Trophy on the showroom floor. “Any of the guys wanting to do what you want to do, they do it on one of those. That's an adventure bike, ya know? Thirty-litre tank, luggage, 130 horsepower… you want to ride to Melbourne, that's what you need — not a 125. That's just impossible, mate.” The GS is showroom perfect. You could lick the tyres and still eat your dinner off them. “How much?” I ask. “Twelve hundred a week. What's your budget?” “About eleven hundred less than that. Hence the 125.” “Nah, sorry mate. Even if we had one in stock, I wouldn't let you take it. Not once I know what…

JUST IN! Desinged by Melbourne-based Black Pup Moto, this Tallarook adventure gear has been steadily evolving. Now in its third generation, this gear has been shaped by real-world riding in the Victorian High Country, with attention to the things that matter — from crash protection and waterproofing to comfort and convenience. My early impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The first thing that jumps out is the build quality. The 1000D Cordura construction on both jacket and pants feels tough to the touch, with strong stitching and reinforced seams throughout, while the impact zones – shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and the seat — are all layered with abrasion-resistant leather. CE Level 2 armour is standard across the board. In the jacket, the shoulder and elbow armour is long, well shaped and comfortable,…

AGV's new K7 delivers extreme protection in one of the most compact full-face helmets in its class, designed for any road use from sporty rides to long-distance touring. Its composite-fibre shell weighs just 1450g (in the smallest of three shell sizes) and is paired with four EPS sizes for a precise fit. Built to AGV's Extreme Safety design protocol, the K7 easily surpasses ECE 22.06 standards and incorporates a collarbone-protection profile originally developed for the track. Aerodynamics were honed in a wind tunnel, giving the K7 high-speed stability for both sports and touring use. The new visor mechanism is compact and smooth in operation, with more EPS in the temple area for greater protection. AGV's patented Air Diffusion Crownpad Technology optimises airflow inside the helmet for maximum ventilation efficiency, while…

The time has come to sell my Norton. Actually, that's not exactly true: the time has long since passed to sell my Norton. I'd promised my better half I'd sell it when I bought my Thruxton, which was almost two years ago. I don't like to rush things, but hopefully by the time you read this, the Commando will be gone. I hate selling bikes, especially to people I don't know. This has been the case since 1982, when I attempted to sell another Norton to partly fund the purchase of a new Ducati. The legendary 900 Supersport was on special for $4000, down from $5500 in what turned out to be an end-of-model run-out sale. It was the bargain of the century, not so great for the poor schmucks…

ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke inline four, DOHC, 16 valves Capacity: 999cc Compression ratio: 13.5:1 Engine management: EFI with ShiftCam variable valve timing and ride-by-wire throttle PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 154kW (210hp) @ 13,750rpm Claimed maximum torque: 113Nm @ 11,000rpm Fuel consumption: 7.5L/100km (measured) TRANSMISSION Type: Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with Shift Assistant Pro (quickshifter up/down) Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, assist and slipper CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Aluminium bridge frame, engine as stressed member Front suspension: Marzocchi 45mm USD fork with Dynamic Damping Control (semiactive), electronically adjustable Rear suspension: Marzocchi monoshock with Dynamic Damping Control (semi-active), electronically adjustable Front brakes: Dual 320mm discs, radialmount M four-piston calipers Rear brake: 265mm disc, single-piston Brembo caliper Tyres: Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS11 F: 120/70ZR17 R: 200/55ZR17 DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: 23.9° Trail: 99.3mm Claimed kerb weight: 199kg Seat height: 830mm Wheelbase: 1450mm Fuel capacity: 16.5L ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS…

ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 350 ENGINE Type: Single cyliner, 4 stroke, SOHC, air cooled Capacity: 349cc Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Engine management: EFI PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 14.9kW (20.2hp) @ 6100rpm Claimed maximum torque: 527Nm @ 4000rpm Fuel consumption: 4.0L/100km TRANSMISSION Type: 5-speed constant mesh Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multiplate CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Steel tubular twin downtube Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel Rear suspension: Twin shock, adjustable preload, 90mm travel Front brakes: Single 300mm disc, twin-piston floating caliper, ABS Rear brake: Single 270mm disc, single-piston floating caliper, ABS Tyres: CEAT Zoom Plus F: 100/90-19 M/C R: 120/80-18 M/C DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: N/A Trail: N/A Claimed kerb weight: 195kg Seat height: 805mm Wheelbase: 1390mm Fuel capacity: 13L ELECTRONICS, RIDER AIDS & CONVENIENCE FEATURES ABS, LED lighting, Tripper Navigator (opt/ standard on Emerald Chrome and Gun Grey/ Stealth Black variants), combination digital/ analogue instruments, USB-C charger, removable…

The sweeping bends felt like a racetrack. The views looked like they'd been lifted from a postcard. The food? Delicious, cheap and endlessly available. But the heat, the traffic and the sheer number of people? Oppressive doesn't even begin to cover it. India is a vast, chaotic and confronting place to ride. With a population pushing 1.4 billion, finding a quiet corner can feel like trying to score an empty pub on Grand Final day — not impossible, but you'll need divine intervention and some serious luck. Yet in the mountainous south-west, India reveals its magic. Cooler temperatures, smooth ribbons of asphalt and breathtaking scenery combine to reward riders who persevere through the mayhem. This is where the joy of travel truly kicks in. GETTING THERE I'm notoriously bad at…

After a life-threatening crash at the Isle of Man in 2019, it looked likely that Royce Rowe's racing career was over. Years of local rounds, track days, bike development and logistical work had gone into making an impression at the Manx GP with the hope of gaining a berth into the TT. While this particular dream may have abruptly hit the brakes, his desire to make a mark on the road racing scene hasn't faltered. “It took me a good 12 months to recover fully and start moving properly, then obviously a lot of physio and training to start building up the muscle I had lost,” says Royce. Having been involved with motorcycling his entire life, beginning with juniors before graduating to the bigger-capacity classes, the idea of walking away…

JUST IN! Eurogrip tyres promise the possibility of good performance with a wallet-friendly price. So how do they stack up? To find out, a pair were fitted to my 2019 BMW R 1250 RT, priced at just $410 for the pair. They replace a set of worn Michelin Road 6 tyres. My first thoughts? This should be interesting… First, let's run through the technical info. The Roadhounds are a modern radial ply tyre using dual-compound technology and high silica rubber content for optimum wear and wet-weather performance. Wet-weather cornering performance is said to be further enhanced by the sipe pattern, while the rubber recipe has been engineered for consistent performance over a wide range of temperatures and road dampness. The ‘Quadrazone’ rubber compound technology features four different zones within the…

JUST ARRIVED! Compact, minimalist and purpose-built for riders, the Beeline Moto II is a sleek navigation device that packs impressive functionality into a unit barely larger than a watch face. Finished in stealthy black, it mounts neatly to your 'bar without cluttering your cockpit — perfect for nakedbikes, classics or customs where space and style matter. The clear, high-contrast display is designed to be readable in all lighting conditions. It's glove-friendly and simple to operate, showing intuitive turn-by-turn navigation arrows that make following a route effortless. Paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth, it uses the Beeline app to deliver either route guidance or a compass mode. The app allows you to choose between ‘Fast’ and ‘Fun’ routes, and there are options to avoid tolls, ferries and highways. You can also…

We've all done it. Flicked through the classifieds of a magazine or trawled the internet and found some bright young thing that takes your eye. Next thing you've outlaid a fortune, showered it with baubles and ridden the wheels off your new-to-you motorcycle. After a few months/years/decades, depending how loyal you are, you lose the love for that once new machine. Another bright young thing takes your eye and before you know it, the bank balance takes another hit. Your old love is abandoned to the scrap heap of time. I've seen them abandoned and chained up on the streets of Paris; corralled in a forgotten corner of backyards in Melbourne; left to rot in the blazing Australian sun. The orphans of motorcycling. I can't help myself; unless there's absolutely…

After riding the Bear 650 at its Aussie launch earlier this year, I came away thinking it was probably the pick of the Royal Enfield 650 platform — and that's saying something, considering how well received the Interceptor, Continental, Super Meteor, Shotgun and now the Classic have been. Fast forward a few months and I now have a Bear parked in my garage. I picked it up nearly new off a mate who hadn't really bonded with it. Well, actually, he was keen to free up some funds for an old Laverda he wanted to buy, and I was more than happy to help. With 1100km on the odo, the first service done and the Boardwalk White paint scheme gleaming under a sunny sky, I handed over $9000 and rode…