Australian Motorcyclist Magazine is published by Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd. Suite 4b, Level 1, 11-13 Orion Rd, Lane Cove West NSW 2066 Phone 0412 220 680.
This publication is copyright. Other than for the purposes of research, study, criticism, review, parody or satire and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed within this publication do not necessarily represent those of Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted by Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd or the editor for the accuracy of any statement, opinion or advice contained in the text or advertisements. Readers should rely on their own enquiries in making decisions tailored to their own interest.
We encourage you to keep or recycle this magazine.
EDITORSPEAKS
DO YOU FIND you suffer road rage or aggressive driving from those tin tops around you? Do you also suffer from aggressive riding by other motorcycle riders? Well, it could all be down to the motorcycle (or scooter) you’re on.
As you’re no doubt aware I get to ride a lot of motorcycles and scooters. It is amazing the reaction you receive from drivers and other riders depending on the type of two-wheeler you’re riding. Take for example the Indian FTR1200S and Peugeot Django 150 – two polar opposites on the scale of all things two wheels. But they share the same road rage and aggressive driving and riding from those around them. Drivers of tin tops tend to cut you off, close up a gap while lane filtering and then try to floor it/race you when the traffic light goes green. Other riders tend to stick their nose up at you, will try and ride faster than what you are and then slow down in front. Luckily the Indian can deal with just about all of this quite easily as it has a good level of power to clear off, but the Django, while it does jump from the lights well, is pretty slow after that (in the scheme of things).
Is it the headlight on each of these bikes that gets such a
reaction from both drivers and riders? Is it the appearance of each bike? Or is it some other weird force that causes the reactions only some two wheeled machines attract? Whatever it is, it’s certainly a very strange thing to experience. Take for example when I had a KTM 990 Adventure R long term bike about nine years ago – it was like the seas parting, no one would dare not move out of its way. Not that I ever did anything different to warrant this reaction, there was just something about what others saw in their rear vision mirror, or… something. Also, take the current bike I’ve just ridden – the Yamaha MT-10: drivers and other riders move out of its way.
The big thing that makes this all weird is I’m still the 195cm giant, riding like a cut snake, yet those bikes that attract this weird phenomenon will always still have clowns cutting me off and trying to race me for no other reason than the type of bike I’m on. The unfortunate side effect (for me, anyway) is that it makes me get my ‘race-mode’ on, the red eyes switch on and I end up being the one dishing out the road rage – riding like a man possessed to teach these imbeciles a lesson.
Have you been the subject of this kind of experience?
Tell me your story –stuart@ausmotorcyclist.com.au Enjoy Cheers, Stuart.
IT’S OFFICIAL
ONE LEFT!
The legendary, Bear Army has one spot left available. If you want to terrorise the pubs and cafes of Australia you must act NOW! Commander Bear is waiting to give you your stripes. First in gets the spot – Pay your $250, supply your t-shirt size and get ready for world domination. Send an email with the heading, “Bear Army Last Spot” to contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au
SAD TO SEE
Motorcycle sales continue to head downward which is rather sad to see such an amazing lifestyle really start to suffer. The latest sales figures supplied by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries revealed 62,973 motorcycles, ATVs and scooters were sold during the first nine months of 2019, compared with 68,460 for the same period in 2018. This represents an 8.0 per cent decline
for the market, with all market categories except scooters affected by the downturn. If you’ve remotely thought of buying a new motorcycle, rush into your local dealer today and grab a deal. You’re not only making yourself happy but doing your bit to help the motorcycle industry.
Te Waipounamu Motorcycle Tours has been appointed an Official BMW Travel Partner in New Zealand. Established in 1987 Te Wai are one of
the longest established rental and tour companies in the world. Spokesman, Nan Miao said, “We began with R100RS and R65 models thirty two years ago and we are delighted, now, to be connected with BMW in an official capacity.”
With depots in Auckland and Christchurch, Te Waipounamu has the country well covered and some of the staff may be greying around the edges a little, but in the motorcycle
touring business that’s called experience. Contact them on nzbike@motorcycle-hire.co.nz or www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz
SHOW ME THE MONEY
With sales totalling more than $2.4m, Motorclassica’s auction of 38 rare, collectible and historic number plates saw bidding hotly contested by a
packed auction crowd at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building.
Held on centre stage at Motorclassica, the auction was conducted by Australia’s longestestablished classic car auctioneers Shannons, in conjunction with VicRoads Custom Plates.
Highest seller on the night was for the Victorian single letter number plate ‘Q’, the fi rst time a single letter plate had been auctioned for 10 years, which reached a record $181,000.
One of the earliest and most desirable motorcycle number plates to come to public auction, ‘4’, also generated huge interest and sold for $150,000. It will be interesting to see what bike this plate goes on!
THE CHALLENGE IS ON
Indian Motorcycle has dramatically redefined the American bagger with its introduction of the 2020 Indian Challenger – available early 2020, a striking combination of American muscle, next-level technology, and premium comfort are claimed to
You will fall in love with this luxury limited edition Turismo Veloce, it represents the perfect combination for sheer riding pleasure and endless touring. With electronically controlled semi-active suspension, heated hand grips, central stand and integrated GPS sensor. “Unconfined emotions” is what this tourer with a racing soul is all about. Be quick, only 250 units available worldwide.
REPARTO CORSE RACE LIVERY
CARBON FIBRE FRONT SPOILER
FORGED ALUMINIUM RACING WHEELS
SCS SMART CLUTCH SYSTEM
LIMITED EDITION - CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN
deliver a truly unmatched riding experience.
“The Indian Challenger delivers a new level of performance for riders who understand that the seemingly small details make a huge difference,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. It starts with the all-new Indian PowerPlus engine, Indian’s first liquidcooled large displacement motor (108 cubic-inch, 60-degree V-twin) that packs a best-in-class 122 horsepower and 178Nm of torque. Riders can customise the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting one of three ride modes, including Rain, Standard and Sport –resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct performance personalities. The Challenger features all the premium touring amenities riders expect from Indian Motorcycle, including electronic cruise control, full LED lighting, a long-haul seat, ABS, keyless ignition, and weatherproof saddlebags with over 68 litres of storage space. In addition, a modern and aggressively styled chassis-mounted fairing sits over the Challenger’s inverted front suspension. This, combined with the bike’s lightweight cast aluminium frame and hydraulically adjustable Fox rear shock, delivers unrivalled handling and rock-solid stability. Race-spec radially-mounted Brembo brakes provide superior stopping power as
well. Two versions will be available –the Challenger Limited ($39,995 ride away) and the Challenger Dark Horse ($39,595 ride away). See your local dealer to secure yours on the first shipment.
TELL ‘EM THE PRICE
A lighter, more powerful and more features than ever before, 2020 Africa Twin is ready to take you on even bigger adventures! Available in four variants pricing ranges from $23,499 –$26,499 plus on road costs. See your local dealer to place an order.
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY
Stuart has wanted and Ducati has delivered, the new Streetfi ghter V4 has been publicly shown for the fi rst time and what a cracker it is! 208hp, which can be upgrade with a ‘race kit’ to 220hp and some of the sexiest looks on the road. We’re sure Stuart will fi ll many buckets with drool by the time it arrives.
CHARGE ME
The venerable Kawasaki Z 1000 has spawned offspring – the Z H2, a naked supercharged litre bike with 200hp makes this supernaked machine one of Kawasaki’s most powerful street models ever. Look for this supercharged beast on showroom floors early 2020. D
The current Yamaha R1 has been a hit around the world, winning many championships, pushing for wins in World Superbike and of course being promoted by one of the greats, Valentino Rossi. Two models are available, being the R1 and up spec R1M. For 2020 the main upgrade is to meet the restrictive Euro 5 emissions regulations, but what has that done to the R1 and R1M in real life? I headed out to Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Yamaha R-Experience track day to give both bikes a blast.
Rather than just choke the R1 and R1M to meet Euro 5, Yamaha has redesigned many components to give both bikes more performance – amazing, but true.
Some of those new features/redesigns include a redesigned cylinder head, fuel injectors, finger-follower rocker arms, and camshaft profiles, new ride-by-wire system with YCC-T and Brake Control (BC) and Engine Brake Management (EBM) for a total of seven electronic control rider aids and the major part
www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au
to help bring the bike to Euro 5 is the exhaust now features four cat convertors with less holes than previous and a quieter muffler. With an increase in engine performance Yamaha has also improved handling with Öhlins ERS NPX front fork with integrated gas cylinder and optimised rear shock settings (R1M) and KYB upside-down front fork with new internal shim stack design (R1) and optimised settings (read different spring and internals) for the linked-type Monocross KYB rear shock (R1). Match this revised/updated handling to the new Bridgestone RS11 OEM tyres and you’ve got a very potent package straight off the showroom floor. This is exactly how I rode the bike at SMSP. Normally most manufacturers will put a set of sticky tyres on for track launches, but I ran with the OEM road tyres which worked fine. The R1M has gone to a 200 rear tyre, but I found in standard trim the skinnier 190 on the R1 turned slightly better. The
THE NEW PIRELLI ANGELTM GT II JUST AWARDED BEST SPORT TOURING TYRE OF 2019.
Pirelli ANGEL™ GT II wins the comparative test dedicated to Sport Touring tyres carried out by the prestigious Italian magazine Motociclismo.
“The performance of the Pirelli tyres is exceptional, excelling in all the items of our tests and in all categories … ANGEL™ GT II has managed to mix an excellent riding feeling with record-breaking tread wear”
electronic Ohlins on the R1M has an endless amount of adjustability so this could be sorted quite quickly.
To make it slipperier there is new bodywork with wings, which most manufacturers seem to be doing now –MotoGP filtering down into production bikes. The R1M is now wrapped in carbon fibre bodywork including the tail – this all looks simply amazing. I found the new fairing design works very well, even for my tallness, as I could tuck in out of the wind and not get the bike disturbed as I back off and pop up for turn one.
And, not forgetting one of the most important parts of any motorcycle, the front brakes feature a new brake pad, which give great initial bite and overall strong performance.
Not stopping there, Yamaha has fitted shorter intake tubes for a 12% intake reduction, repositioned the injectors for a smoother and more direct flow and the crank has been revised to allow more oil lubrication for better reliability and reduced oil churning for higher rpm power.
A fly-by-wire throttle system is now used on both bikes, the settings are very direct in Mode A with full power and when I went out on the R1M I destroyed the rear tyre in five laps as it would just spin up, so after discussing this with ex-WSBK and World Endurance Champion, Steve Martin I tried Mode C with full power, which resulted in far better drive off the corner. In fact he wondered who would use Mode A as even he felt it was too much.
As with just about all of the top level litre bikes, electronics are extensive, the R1 and R1M feature many more electronic aids, such as Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for threedimensional vehicle attitude detection, Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) technology, ten levels of Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), Lift control system (LIF), Launch Control System (LCS) with revised settings, Quick Shift System (QSS) with upshift and downshift function and power mode selection system (PWR). Playing around with all of these settings will take some time to sort them for your personal level of experience, but as a base I had most of them set low so I could get the bike moving around how I like it, but there is so much adjustability you can ride like a pro.
Yamaha has introduced a new ride away pricing system rather than the recommend retail plus on roads which we’re used to. The R1 is priced at $26,339 ride away and the special R1M, which now features a unique
production number plaque adding to the exclusivity is priced at $34,849 ride away. A nice touch to such a stunning looking motorcycle.
Accessories are purposeful and once you’ve heard a crossplane crank R1 you’ll be ditching that standard full system for a freer-flowing Akrapovic or aftermarket full system.
From the limited amount of laps I got on both bikes I’m rather impressed with the levels of performance, especially bikes that were basically taken out of the crate and handed to this crazy madman to thrash the pants off. Seeing 288km/h on the digital thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display before watching and backing off for turn one is pretty handy for a bike off the showroom floor. Better set up and stickier tyres would see that rise.
To get the full story a Communication Control Unit (CCU) (standard equipment for R1M, optional accessory for R1) through two apps is just the thing to tell you exactly what’s going on. You can also send YRC settings to the bike plus loads more.
Yamaha are looking at running more R-Experience days around the country, I highly recommend you get on board and book in for a couple of test laps on either the R1 or exclusive R1M so you can pick which one will be parked in your garage. For me, the R1 would be the one as I’m a bit old school and like the traditional suspension, but if you love the computer age, the R1M is hard to go past. D
Specs
PRICE: $26,339 / $34,849 (ride away)
WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled in-line four cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 320mm discs with radial mount four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, single-piston ABS caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: N/A
THEORETICAL RANGE: N/A
COLOURS:Yamaha Blue, Midnight Black (R1), Icon Performance (R1M)
VERDICT: WHICH bLUcRU ARE YOU
YAMAHA R1 / R1M
Does it get better than New Zealand? words/photos tHe Bear
In retrOSPect, I probably shouldn’t have mentioned the rain even though it was pouring down outside the little roadside dairy somewhere near Whakamaru. The response I got was a glare from the bloke behind the counter.
“Australia’s hanging onto the High!” he said, neatly blaming my own country and exonerating his for the bloody awful weather.
New Zealanders notoriously have a collective chip on their shoulder about Australia and Australians. You see it in T-shirts for sale in tourist shops that say ‘My Dad says I can do anything except play for Australia’ and ‘I don’t care who wins as long as Australia loses’.
I’m now going to let you in on a secret. There is no need for any of this. Not only are the Kiwis better at rugby, they’re better at a lot of other things too. And as for motorcycling… New Zealand probably offers more outstanding riding, considering its limited size, than any other country in the world. As the crow flies it’s only 1400km from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south, and some 250km west to east from New Plymouth to Napier, but there’s a lot squeezed into that area.
There are mountains everywhere, which means that there are corners everywhere too. Not only that; because the islands essentially stretch from north to south, they offer a number of climate zones which are multiplied by the many microclimates produced by mountains and coastline. If you were designing a country purely for motorcyclists, you’d be hard put to better Unzud.
So let’s take a look at the place from a motorcyclist’s point of view.
1. Hilton International sued the Blackball Hilton, so…
2. “You lookin’ at me, cuz?” NZ dairy is excellent.
Roadside stops are frequent and friendly.
Kiwi pubs are friendly and well appointed.
GETTING THERE
Here’s good news to kick off: In 2019, Air New Zealand became the first company to achieve a ‘threepeat’ in the Reputation Institute’s Australian Corporate Reputation Index. Yes, for the third consecutive year, Australians chose the Kiwi airline as their most respected company. Good to know if you’re thinking of visiting its home. And of course Air New Zealand flies to the US, Canada and Asian ports as well. There is also significant competition from other airlines across the Tasman from Australia, so fares are reasonable.
You can fly into Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, although Christchurch is probably the best choice. Because the South Island is more popular with motorcyclists, there are more rental companies there (see sidebar). But Auckland also has its share of renters, and there is good reason to ride the North Island, too.
Should you want to take your own bike, you have two options from anywhere in the world. You can send it by air or by sea; there are advantages
and disadvantages to both (which we’ve covered in other stories), but if you’re coming from Australia then shipping with Get Routed (see sidebar) is what we would recommend. It gets your bike to Christchurch and owner Dave Milligan will complete the official paperwork for you.
WHEN TO VISIT
The very best times to go are probably before or after the summer school holidays. These extend from just before Christmas to the end of January, so December or February/March are your best bet. The prices for accommodation should be lower and the weather will mostly be good. Even if Australia does hang onto the High, there are so many microclimates that you can usually find somewhere to ride in the dry.
The ferries across Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton run all year, but they may be held up if the winter weather gets really rough – I’ve been stuck in Wellington for three days. That’s rare, though.
WHERE TO GO: SOUTH ISLAND
Christchurch is on the east coast of the South Island and makes a good starting point for a variety of trips. Because the best riding is across the Southern Alps, I would not recommend a route around the island, although that is possible and pretty good in its own right.
Depending on what you want to do and see, the optimal route is probably north to Hanmer Springs, then on to Reefton over Lewis Pass and on to Westport before tackling the excellent coast road back to Greymouth. From here, cross the range again by way of Arthur’s Pass and then turn south to Geraldine and Lake Tekapo. Take the side trip to Mt Cook Village and on your return head for Wanaka and across the Crown Range to Queenstown. From here, loop around to Te Anau and ride up to Milford Sound. Back down to Invercargill and along the coast to Dunedin, Timaru and back to Christchurch.
Wonderful riding, but unfortunately you miss most of the west coast and Haast Pass as well as Blenheim with
its wonderful aircraft museum in the north. Hmm. It does look as if you’re going to have to devise your own route, depending on what you want to see and how much you’re prepared to backtrack.
Get your bum on a bike
If you want to take your own bike, we recommend Dave Milligan’s operation Get Routed (www.getrouted.com.au). For summer 2020, Dave has one shipment to NZ from Melbourne and one from Brisbane. It’s timed so you can take in the Burt Munro Festival, 8-10 February; NZ Classic Racing Register Pukekohe meeting; 22-24 February; and the BEARS Sound of Thunder Ruapuna meeting. There are many motorcycle tour operators and rental companies in New Zealand. You will have no problem finding them on the interwebs. Those with whom we have experience and we are happy to recommend include:
South Pacific Motorcycle Tours, https://www.motorbiketours.co.nz/ 43 Roscrea Pl, Christchurch 7692, New Zealand. +64 3-312 0066
Central Otago Motorcycle Hire, http://comotorcyclehire.co.nz/ 271 Bannockburn Road, RD2, Cromwell, Central Otago New Zealand. +64 3 445 4487, (mob) +64 27 445 4488
Te Waipounamu Motorcycle Tours, https://www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz/ 28B Byron St, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand. +64 3-372 3537
Whatever you do, don’t miss a run out to Akaroa from Christchurch, the hot springs at Hanmer Springs, the Glenorchy Road from Queenstown and of course the Burt Munro celebrations at Invercargill. The Milford Sound Road is good too, watch out for snow and ice around the Homer Tunnel.
Where to go:
North IslaNd
If it’s difficult to suggest a single ‘best’ route on the South Island, it’s completely impossible for the North Island. Let’s just say that there are options.
You could head north, through the beautiful forests to Ninety Mile Beach (I believe it’s still open for riding and driving) and back by way of the Bay of Islands. You could also turn east and follow the coast through Thames, around the Coromandel Peninsula and down to Tauranga and Whakatane before tackling East Cape and continuing to Gisborne and Napier. Up to Taupo from there, and then either across to New Plymouth or up to the volcanic area around Rotorua. South from Taupo is the famous (and not very deserted) Desert Road which skirts the great volcanoes. You might even continue by way of Masterton and the winegrowing area from Napier to Wellington.
The place not to miss in the North Island is the Southward Motor Museum in Paraparaumu, just north of Wellington. The must-have selfie is with the sign for the small town of Waikikamukau, pronounced ‘Why kick a moo-cow’. Seriously.
1
1.Yes, it does rain a fair bit but it’s also wonderfully green.
2. Wherever you go, the sea is nearby.
3. River fog over the road near Westport.
4. It can get cold in the South Island!
5. Are those islands or peninsulas? Who knows!
The mountains are rarely far away.
OVERVIEW
The thing to remember about New Zealand is that it’s difficult to find a road you won’t like. It’s no surprise that motorcycling is popular with the locals, and the islands are a must-ride destination for many Australians.
Fuel is reasonably priced, although the price changes just as frequently as it does in Australia. Traffic can be a problem in Auckland and, to a lesser extent, Wellington but not elsewhere. Motels typically include small but complete kitchens with their rooms and are well-priced too, and there is camping everywhere – much of it free.
Policing can be quite keen, but you’ll be grateful for that because it keep the tourists in their camper vans in line. They are probably the main danger on the road. Dangerous animals include deer and possums. Crime is pretty rare and mostly comprises theft from cars. Christchurch has suffered from well-publicised earthquakes, but I’ve been there many times and have never felt more than a slight touch of the ‘trembles’.
Should you ride New Zealand? If you haven’t, of course you should. And if you have, I suspect you’re just waiting for an opportunity to go back. Just don’t mention Australia’s tendency to hang onto the High. D
1. Southward Motor Museum has some unique bikes.
2. Omaka’s Aviation Heritage Centre has a superb aircraft museum.
MV AgustA produces some amazing looking motorcycles, and one of the most outstanding is the Dragster 800 RR. Spoked wheels, anodised hubs and custom looking paintwork really set it off and the RR we tested was kitted out with shiny grey, fluoro yellow and yellow anodised parts. It really is an attention grabber and as MV Agusta says, “Motorcycle Art”.
One of the main attention grabbers of the Dragster RR is the funky taillight with its swoopy LED cutting a fine figure for those behind. It is also a taillight shape you won’t see on any other motorcycle – check out the picture to see what I mean.
Fitted in the trellis frame of the Dragster RR is the long running 800cc three-cylinder engine. It has plenty of power (103kW) and strong torque (87Nm) which the triple platform is renowned for. MV has put a lot of thought into the latest version, fitting a new cassette style gearbox, new cylinder head and cam timing, new starter clutch and new primary and oil pump gears, all designed to increase reliability, performance and noise. The engine, in three cylinder fashion, is still very mechanical in the noise it pumps out. The raspy bottom end turns into an aggressive sounding midrange to a screaming top end which will have you smiling all the way. It certainly attracts attention wherever you are. I could only imagine how good this whole package would sound fitted with a free-flowing full exhaust or slip-on muffler.
An extensive electronics package is fitted to the RR. Called, “MVICS” – Motor and Vehicle Integrated Control System - it features a new firmware package, new Mikuni ride-by-wire throttle with revised hardware, EAS 2.0: quickshifter for both up and down shifting –something I found to be extremely smooth, even at low speed - new security immobiliser, new reinforced side stand sensor, 8-level traction control, switchable Bosch ABS and
Freedom shouldn’t be compromised
And having the right insurance with the right insurer is the first step in making sure you’re always free to ride.
New England Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd (NEIB) has been providing custom motorcycle insurance solutions to Australian riders for 30 years. The majority of the NEIB team are owners and riders themselves. They understand what it means to know your motorcycle is protected by the right insurance, so you can ride with complete peace of mind.
With NEIB, nothing gets between you and the road:
NEIB are the only people you need to talk to when arranging your insurance. With special licensing arrangements, the NEIB team can handle all aspects of your motorcycle insurance with courtesy and efficiency.
They also know that with insurance, security is the key:
NEIB has been working with CGU Insurance for over twenty years. Chosen for their long history operating in Australia and excellent credit rating, CGU Insurance is part of Australia’s largest general insurance group, IAG.
With two or three wheels, NEIB has you covered:
NEIB are motorcycle insurance specialists in Australia and have a policy that is perfect for whatever you’re riding including:
• Cover for high value and custom-built motorcycles;
• Automatic Flexible Riding Gear cover provided to different levels of protection*;
• Motorcycles/Trikes cover for Tour Operators;
• Public Liability insurance for Tour Operators underwritten by CGU;
• Flexible payment options.
four level engine mapping, which includes a customisable level where you can set up power, torque, engine braking, throttle sensitivity and rpm limiter.
Braking is taken care of by Brembo for the hardware and performs perfectly with loads of feel and power. Add in the electronics from Bosch using their latest “9 Plus” control unit, which includes rear wheel lift mitigation (RLM) it is an excellent package. RLM activates when the brakes are strongly applied to both wheels: it is actually only one wheel that decelerates. This is because on motorcycles, especially on a sports bikes, the wheel load shifts in the direction of the front wheel, often causing the rear to lift. To help in cases such as this, Bosch developed this rear-wheel lift control. This function evaluates the slip values of both wheels. If the rear wheel threatens to lift up while braking, the rear-wheel lift-up control adjusts the pressure in the braking circuit of the front wheel with precision to keep the rear wheel on the ground.
Handling is as you would expect – firm. It’s fully adjustable, which allows you to set it how you like. For me, I’d dial in a little more front compression and rear preload to help with
acceleration. Rigidity and feel through the trellis frame is excellent to provide a handling package you can push on a race track if you felt the need. On the road you can ride swiftly and with the feedback you want (so long as the blue shirts aren’t watching).
I find it quite funny the name of the bike is “Dragster”. With such a short wheelbase (1400mm) the Dragster RR isn’t ideal to do what the name suggests – drag race. Being short, it is rather wheelie prone, whereas for drag racing you’d want a longer wheelbase, or at least a much longer swingarm to calm things down.
The design of the Dragster RR makes it look aggressive, displaying what art in a motorcycle can be. The look is also slim, but unfortunately that doesn’t run through the entire bike. Ride with the bar end mirrors folded out and there’ll be no lane filtering going on – fold them in however and you can filter most traffic, but the bar/mirror combo is still rather wide.
Accessories are quite extensive through the MV Agusta Special Parts ‘Corse’ Collection. Exotic materials like titanium, carbon fibre and billet alloy are what’s on offer, then you can continue further and add racing switch blocks and more. I would personally love to have the “Ultra Violet” full titanium exhaust which would make the Dragster RR look even more exotic.
switch blocks more. I would personally
exhaust which would one
MV Agusta’s Dragster RR is such a unique looking motorcycle out in the jungle that is our world that it’s hard to walk past one without either admiring it or wanting to ride it, or both. D
Specs
MV AGUSTA DRAGSTER 800 RR
PRICE: $26,390 (plus on-roads)
WARRANTY: Three years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 15,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled in-line three cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 320mm discs with radial mount four-piston switchable ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, two-piston switchable ABS caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7.21 litres per 100km, premium unleaded
THEORETICAL RANGE: 228km
COLOURS: Nardo Grey, Pearl Ice White
VERDICT: AN ARTY EXPERIENCE
CHRISTMAS MEANS
getting fat eating too much food and drinking too much alcohol, it also means it’s time to give pressies to loved ones and friends and what better gift could a motorcyclist get than one from the following selection! SW
ROCKY CREEK DESIGNS
www.rockycreekdesigns.com.au
Motoplug Phone Mount for Wireless Phones - $69.95
Have the latest phone that charges on a pad? Then this phone holder/ charger is for you! It will hold and charge your phone whilst riding, so no need to plug in a USB cable. When your phone has finished
charging, simply switch the charger off.
Pair your phone to your bike coms and you’ll have “turn by turn” navigation, or listen to your favourite tunes. Comes with an option to mount on a mirror base. Watch how to install on You Tube https://youtu.be/3nU9_Dj1X4o
MotoPressor Puncture Repair Kit - $79.95
This kit contains the award winning MotoPressor Puncture Repair Tool, 5 repair strings, inflation tool and 3
16g CO2 canisters. The size of the bag with all products is 13.5cm x 10.5cm x 4.5cm deep so it makes a great stocking stuffer! For video https://youtu.be/ kUK6jjd9Dvc
KAWASAKI
www.kawasaki.com.au or your local dealer
KLX ‘Get out and Play’ Cap - $20
Trucker style cap with a snap back closure, Kawasaki KLX logo 3D embroidered on the front, ‘Get out and Play’ tag line, white Kawasaki logo embroidered on both sides, strong dual colour peak provides good sun protection and the mesh back is there for great airflow.
Throttle T-Shirt - $29
Black cotton fashion T-shirt which has great softness and comfort for everyday wear, utilising 155gsm cotton, an attractive Plastisol lime green graphic print, Kawasaki logo across the front and bottom right and cotton jersey and twin needle stitch for strong and neat finish. Sizes from XS – 5XL (no 4XL).
Ninja T-Shirt - $29
Black cotton fashion T-Shirt which has great 1005 cotton softness and comfort for everyday wear, utilising 155gsm cotton, an attractive Green Ninja logo and grey honeycomb background Plastisol print across the chest, green Kawasaki Ninja logo on the lower back, white Kawasaki logo on the sleeves and cotton jersey and twin needle stitch for strong and neat finish. Sizes from XS – 5XL (no 4XL).
Photo by Barnabas Imre
MACNA
https://macnaridinggear.com.au/
Velocity Mesh Jacket - $229.95
The Velocity jacket is equipped with large mesh panels and provides ideal ventilation on hot summer days. Featuring a comfort mesh liner, CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad, but CE back protector prepared. Manufactured to meet or exceed new CE standard EN17092. Available in Olive Green and Black Camo. Available in Men’s sizes S - 3XL.
MOTUL
www.linkint.com.au
MC Care Pack – Road - $49.90
Motul’s Road Care Pack offers great value for money, and comes with an impressive range of products that will assist in keeping street bikes
and their riders looking their best. A terrific gift idea for the enthusiast and new rider alike.
• Moto Wash - Powerful biodegradable cleaner & degreaser for the entire motorcycle. Efficiently removes all traces of grease, dust, soil, insects, brake pad residues, etc.; it dries evenly leaving an anti -corrosion film. Protects paintwork and varnish. Biodegradable
• Wash & Wax - Wash & Wax Spray is a waterless cleaner that cleans and provides shine to all surfaces. Leaves a protective wax film for extended effectiveness
• Helmet & Visor Clean - Helmet & Visor Clean cleans the outside of the helmet and visor without leaving any marks. Anti-insect effect. Suitable for all helmets and for all visor technologies.
MERLIN
www.merlinbikegear.com.au
Wyatt Kevlar Jeans - $249.95
Introducing “Wyatt” Route One Kevlar jeans by UK brand Merlin. Premium AAA Denim with a “Huntsman” water repellent coating and 220gsm DuPont Kevlar lining. Straight leg with externally accessible Level 2 CE knee armour plus pockets to fit hip armour if required. Lined with “comfort mesh” for a more comfortable feel.
These jeans are manufactured to meet or exceed CE standard
EN17092. Available in Blue Mens’ sizes 30” - 40”.
CL-1060-R Tail Bag (small) - $119.95
Introducing a compact Tail Bag suitable for LAMS bikes, sport bikes or any motorcycle with a small pillion seat. This new tail-bag has easy mount straps supplied, holds 12 litres and expands to 15.3 litres when required. Made from industry leading water resistant UltraMax material, semi-rigid lid to ensure the bag maintains its shape, including rain cover. Includes a lifetime warranty.
TOUGHER THAN THE REST
SW-Motech’s TraX Adventure range sets the benchmark in aluminium touring cases.
Designed to be extremely tough, they are made from 1.5mm aluminium. Side cases are available in 37 and 45 litre sizes, the top case has a capacity of 38 litres.
Choose from a range of TraX accessories to complement your set-up.
So whether you are taking on an off-road challenge, touring the open road or just beating the rain on the way to work, get a case that’s 100% adventure proof.
MOTORRAD GARAGE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
All purchases from Motorrad Garage valued at $75 or more made between 1st - 31st December 2019 come with a free SW-Motech Neck Buff and Motorrad Garage Stubby Holder while stocks last.
TCX BOOTS
www.tcxboots.com.au
Street Ace Air - $219
A shorty style urban and commuter boot that’s comfortable even on the hottest days, all the while offering high levels of protection and a super grippy sole. Upper made from high quality perforated leather with a vintage finish – the perforations let the airflow massage your feet as you ride. An Air Tech breathable lining allows the feet to breathe and the reinforced ankle, heel and toe areas are great just in case. An extra grippy sole is impervious to oil and water and is extremely durable. Available in Anthracite Grey in sizes Euro 36-48, US 3.5-13.
KENMA www.kenma.com.au
Cargol Turn ‘N’ Go Emergency
Tyre Repair Kit - $69
Be prepared; get a Cargol tubeless puncture repair kit right now for all your vehicles. Get yourself off the shoulder faster and safely back on the road again with Cargol “Turn &
commercials. Get yours through your favourite motorcycle store.
BC BATTERY CONTROLLER
www.batterycontroller.com.au
GO” emergency tubeless repair kit. The GK004 kit contains: 4 x Cargol “Turn & Go” style plugs, pliers to remove object included, 4 x Co2 Bottles with straight and 90 degree adaptors. Not only for bikes, but also cars and light
BC K900 Edge - $99.50
100% Made in Italy, the BC K900 EDGE is a smart battery charger and maintainer with 3 selectable programs (6V, 12V and 12V CAN-
Bus for BMW). With 1 Amp and 8 automatic steps, it is designed for a complete maintenance of all kinds of 6V and 12V traditional batteries, from lead-acid to AGM, from 1.2 Ah up to 100 Ah. Fully automatic, it can stay connected to the battery 24 hours a day. It comes with clamps, mounting eyelets, an adapter for cigarette lighter and an adapter for 12V DIN.4165 sockets for BMW motorbikes. 3-year warranty.
HELD BIKER FASHION
www.heldaustralia.com.au
Evo-Thrux II gloves$189.99
The Held Evo-Thrux II is a racing/sport glove at a friendly price point, yet offers all the good stuff from more premium models. Constructed from supple goatskin and kangaroo leather and equipped with knuckle protection
BOLD
Share the passion. Experience motorcycle intercom the way it should be.
and a SuperFabric palm slider. An Aramid fibre lining at the back of hand provides extra protection. Available in sizes 7-12.
T-Shirt Evolution - $30
100% cotton t-shirt with ‘Evolution’ fashion print on the front. Male cut and available in black and sizes S-4XL.
MOTOMUCK
www.motomuckproducts.com. au or www.ficeda.com.au
Combo Bike Wash
Pack - $52 $52.00
Package includes 1L No Brushes,
No Effort PH Neutral Motorcycle cleaner, 750ml Colour changing PH Neutral Brake Dust Wheel Cleaner, and a pack of 50 Big Motowipes to clean the bugs off your screen and the dust off your face! This will get all the Muck sorted from your Dirty Weekend on your Motorcycle - Dirt or Road.
Motorcycle Cleaner
5L - $44.20
You’ve got to get this stuff as a gift for your Motorcycle loving family member or friend. So Easy - No Brushes, No Effort Motorcycle Cleaner that is PH Neutral and leaves a protective coating that makes future cleaning so much easier, and enhances the surface keeping your steed looking like new for years to come. It’s a must to free up your time for more riding! Dirt or Road.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
www.h-d.com.au or your local dealer
Ride Free Shirt$93.21 - $100.38
The Ride Free Shirt features the inspired life moto penned by Willie G, a guy who knows about life on the open road. The signature tag line is printed in bold, carefree style to remind enthusiasts how to live every day. For day-long comfort and easy care, this men’s short sleeve shirt is styled from all-cotton, prewashed twill. Available in sizes S-4XL.
Horizontal Engine Print Slim
Fit Tee - $57.36
100% cotton jersey. Styled from soft, combed cotton, the Horizontal
Engine Print Slim Fit Tee is a shirt you’ll want to live in. The visual is enhanced by layering printed art with high-density graphics. This men’s short sleeve shirt is a versatile choice for any season.
Fit: Slim Fit - fits closer to the body. Available in sizes S-3XL.
Rubber Skull Patch
Stretch Cap - $43.02
Materials: 97% cotton, 3% spandex. 97% cotton, 3% spandex. Rubber graphics on front and tonal embroidered graphics on back. Official FlexFit silhouette with interior comfort stretch band. Available in sizes S-L.
#1 Retro Slim Fit Tee - $35.85
Materials: 100% cotton jersey. The supersize #1 art tells you this men’s short sleeve shirt is for the serious race enthusiast. The #1 Retro Slim Fit Tee body displays one of H-Ds most iconic race graphics emblazoned in stars and stripes. Fit:
Slim Fit -fits closer to the body. Available in sizes S-3XL.
MOTORRAD GARAGE
www.motorradgarage.com.au
Kettenmax chain cleaning and lubricating system$49 - $79
Extend the life of your chain and sprockets by easily keeping your chain maintained with this innovative device.
The assembly completely
encloses the chain so it can be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated in just a few minutes with absolutely no mess. A series of internal brushes effortlessly clean the chain and distribute lubricant to where it is needed with minimal waste.
Available in two models, Classic and Premium, from Motorrad Garage
https://www.motorradgarage. com.au/39_kettenmax
SW-Motech Traveller Seat
Cushions - From $172
Enhance rider and pillion comfort with Traveller air cushions. The bi-elastic artificial leather surface, breathable spacer fabric, non-slip underside, and integrated robust ROK straps are designed to make SW-Motech’s Traveller the best of the cushions on the market.
Easily inflated with just a few breaths of air and adjustable via an internal valve.
Buy any of the Yamaha fun bike range (PW50, TT-R50E, TTR110E, TT-R125WE, Raptor 90 or YZF50) for Christmas and get a free Kinchrome 53 piece tool kit valued at $299. Also, ride now and pay later with no repayments and no interest for the first six months. See your local dealer for T&C’s. D
LAUNCH TEAROUTMAP#82
NO BAD ROADS FROM
Queenstown
QUEENSTOWN IN New Zealand’s South Island stands out for many reasons. But there’s one in particular that means something to motorcyclists. There can be few, if any, towns or cities in the world which are surrounded by so many wonderful motorcycle roads. I presume that’s why Yamaha chose it
for the launch of their three-wheeler, the Niken – giving me the opportunity to ride all of those great roads again.
As you can see from the map, I’m not the only one who was impressed by Queenstown and its surrounds. Sir Peter Jackson chose to shoot quite a few scenes of the
Lord of the Rings trilogy in the area, too. If you get tired of riding one terrifi c road after another you can always chase down some of those locations. There are also tours which will take you to some of the less accessible places. But here’s a quick run-down on some of the places on the map.
WORDS THE BEAR PHOTOS YAMAHA (NIKEN LAUNCH)
www.hemamaps.com.au
ORANGE ROUTE
One of the world’s great bike roads, the run out to Glenorchy offers a good surface, excellent corners and, if you can take your eyes off the road for long enough, wonderful views across the lake. There are few side roads or even driveways, but do keep an eye out for wild and domesticated animals. Do it twice; it’s worth it. Or even more times.
GREEN ROUTE
The fact that you are not meant to take rental vehicles out on the Skippers Canyon run is a good indication that this is not a smooth and gentle road. There’s bungy jumping along the way, but you won’t see too many tourists after Charlestown. Best done on a bike with off-road capability, this is not easy or, I suppose, particularly safe. Be warned.
PINK ROUTE
Only a short stretch of this run is especially impressive on a bike, but to make up for that it’s really impressive! The twisting road up to the Remarkables Skifield offer opportunities to discover how quick you really are around hairpins. There are some good views over Queenstown, the lake and the valley, too.
PURPLE ROUTE
This run down along the lake is a huge hoot as you hug the cliffs to stay away from that drop to the water. You can follow it all the way down to Lumsden or you can turn around anywhere you like – but beware of other traffi c hooking it, too – and do the stretch you like best, again. Good for photos, too.
YELLOW ROUTE
As for Skippers Canyon, but stay
on the right for a quick run up to Coronet Peak and its ski field. A short run but another opportunity to check out the capabilities of your bike – and yourself!
BLUE ROUTES
Both of these routes between Queenstown and Arrow Junction take you to the beginning of the Crown Range Road, which will take you on to Wanaka on one of the best mountain roads anywhere. You can get there on the southern arm of the Blue route, which follows the highway, or you can go north and be tempted by Arrowtown’s many attractions. Either way, you end up at the foot of Mount Scott with the brilliant corners that will take you up along its side to an outstanding viewpoint and then on to Cardrona and Wanaka.
QUEENSTOWN
Yes, it’s a tourist mecca, and unlike some others it is busy year-round. Skiing in winter and sightseeing, trekking and just relaxing keep it buzzing in the other three seasons. But as we know, there’s always an opportunity to have fun on a motorcycle.
The tourist centre of town overlooks Lake Wakatipu and offers a wide range of accommodation, entertainment and food. Nearby, the most popular tourst attractions are probably the Shotover jet boats and the bungee jumping out on the Cromwell road.
GLENORCHY
This is a small town on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu with a pleasant pub which has good food. The main tourist attraction is the jet boat ride.
ARROWTOWN
If Queenstown is considered a tourist town, what can you call Arrowtown? In the international style of re-created historic settlement to extract the maximum from tourist pockets, Arrowtown has a highly photogenic main street and the usual souvenir and sweets shops. There is no shortage of eating houses, either, which tend to be much like the ones in Queenstown but perhaps a little more laid-back. Cars and especially buses can fi nd parking diffi cult here but there’s always room for a bike or three.
Arrowtown might be a cut-andpaste replica of, say, Berrima in Australia or Cripple Creek in the US, but it still has its own charm and is worth a stop, perhaps just for a wander around and a hot or cold drink depending on the season.
FRANKTON
If you fly in you will land here, but otherwise there’s not much of interest in Frankton. It is a bit of a dormitory suburb for Queenstown.
CARDRONA
It’s just off the map, but it makes a pleasant destination on the road to Wanaka, officially the Crown Range Road. The pub is almost too cute to be true and a howling success as a backdrop to endless selfies, but it also serves a decent meal and has a comfortable, sunny beer garden as well as open fires in winter. Beware, though, it can be seriously overcrowded at the weekend and on holidays. It’s on the way to the Cardrona ski fields, too. D
The KawasaKi w800 has been around for quite some time.
The Bear owned a green W800 a few years ago (you might remember it?) which we improved with a few bits and pieces and changed the suspension settings. Roll on to the present and the W800 now comes in a ‘café’ version –very much suited to those looking to fit into the ‘garage’ theme that’s around at the moment. But the W platform has been around a lot longer than most of the riders who will pop their butt on the brown gunfighter style seat that’s fitted to the Café.
The W series Kawasakis kicked off way back in the mid-‘60s and shared some characteristics of classic British parallel-twin motorcycles. It was a 650cc engine which continued until the early ‘70s. The W650 was reintroduced in 1999 with a lot of modern characteristics but still retained that old school feeling. In 2011 the engine grew to become the W800. The extra power was very welcome and Kawasaki did
a great job of still retaining that old school bike feeling.
The Café version we tested here still has some old school feeling but with a change from rear drum to now a 270mm disc to comply with ABS regulations, and Euro 4 compliance has taken the slightest bit of the old school away.
Housed in the tubular steel frame is a revised engine, the W800 Café air-cooled parallel-twin is 773cc and retuned for peak torque at 4800rpm - up from 2500rpm on the outgoing model. A 360-degree firing order makes this a true ‘twingle’, which means both pistons move up and down in sync with a power pulse from one or the other on every rotation, kind of like the old Triumph engines. This seems to be unique nowadays as most manufacturers have moved to a 270-degree crank for more useable power and torque, but I find it rather nice to have that silky smooth 360-degree motor purring away.
The traditional peashooter styled mufflers have been ‘tuned’ (according to Kawasaki) and offer a custom exhaust note; the main thing I noticed is the increase in performance and a nice raspy tone to the exhaust note. Where the outgoing model felt like you were holding your hand over the intake, this Café version has a bit of punch – not that much, but enough to satisfy.
Aesthetics of the engine (the main eye catching feature) have been improved to give the W800 Café an extremely high build quality feel. I’m glad to see Kawasaki has retained the air-cooled engine though, there’s just no way to hide a radiator or make it look cool on a bike like this, and the cooling fins on the barrels, exhaust clamps and hidden EFI components make the classic/retro look complete. Well, there’s one more thing. The bevel-gear drive shaft that connects the drive gear to the single over-head cam is external for all to see, and that
distinct little feature just puts the oldschool coolness into overload.
Kawasaki has fitted a slip-andassist clutch that delivers a light pull at the lever and some protection from excessive back torque – not that it’s really needed. A five-speed transmission completes the package and while it could do with a 6th gear it’s nice to keep that bit of old-school with only five.
A change from a 19-inch front wheel to an 18 gives the W800 Café swifter handling and matches this to a slightly stiffer frame and the goodness continues – larger 41mm diameter forks, beefier triple clamps, beefed up shocks, ‘M’ styled handlebar, larger front disc and ABS are just some extra goodness built into this machine. Ergonomics are probably better than you’re thinking. The handlebar is quite deceptive as it looks like you’d be breaking your back, but instead you only have a slight amount of weight on your wrists. The seat looks good but
for me it wasn’t a long distance option. I was okay around 100km. Otherwise the seat to peg height and reach to the handlebar is very relaxed.
Instrumentation is via dual traditional clocks, with a multi-function digital display in the left and the dazzler lights on the right – a bit of modern with the right amount of old school.
Braking is of course far and away improved from the previous model, that is a no-brainer. There is a decent amount of stopping power and the ABS is calibrated nicely.
Accessories are limited to mostly a few bits of bling, but if you really wanted to add or change anything you’d be mostly looking at custom items anyway.
Despite the changes to the W800 bringing it closer to the present day than to the ‘60s I feel it’s still old school enough to give you that sense of flared jeans, loud shirts and bushy unkept beards. Take one for a whirl and relive the past. D
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4.82 litres per 100km, premium unleaded
THEORETICAL RANGE: 311km
COLOURS: Metallic Magnesium Gray with Galaxy Silver
VERDICT: OLD SCHOOL ENOUGH
Camp life – reading the Sunday paper
HPossum at the 38th KosciusKo Rally
Getting’ out of the house
AVInG Been LAID up for a while, I decided I needed to get out and what better way to do that than get on the bike and go to a rally!
The trip down to Albury was uneventful and a couple of days were spent there catching up with friends and relatives. Then it got serious –Thursday morning was the departure time and with a full fuel load and clear skies we headed for the hills.
The run up into the foothills was an opportunity to work on the chicken strips before we pulled into Corryong for morno’s. The bakery and coffee shop is a community owned venture, but the pies were good and the brews hot.
The run out through Khancoban onto the Alpine Way was a cracker, although some roadworks slowed things up a bit.
My mate and I arrived at the Swampy Plains Camping area just a few minutes after the Cat Herders had pulled in – they came down via Cooma and Thredbo, and reported plenty of snow up the top.
A late shower that afternoon was shrugged off as we were all under
cover and getting comfortable over a few social sips.
Friday was another glorious day, spent picking up firewood and counting kangaroos. The organisers showed up in the afternoon, in time for a substantial downpour which also included hail. And, right in the middle of the worst of it, in rolls Bruce from Canberra – looking like a drowned rat as we waved from under our large tarp!
The rain blew away and it was back to sunshine and a walk about which found the SA mob had set up camp not too far away. Bailey and his crew had made a lazy two day trip across from Adelaide and had even preordered a box of Coopers at the IGA Supermarket in Corryong, which they picked up on their way through.
Saturday was another perfect day, and the firewood which turned up Friday was available for distribution which cheered up the pyromaniacs.
Later in the afternoon everyone gravitated to the control tent where BMWACT President Gary was a very happy chappy. He had 10 club members on site helping out, and the smell of Bratwurst and sauerkraut was wafting from the cooking area.
All 60 badges were sold – one sold twice as the entrant said he had enough badges at home – so there were 61 paid entrants and a number of freeloaders.
The only award was best club attendance, which went to BMWTCNSW.
Raffle prizes came from BMW Group Australia, and Mitchell Smee – a Ducati riding associate of the club – who donated a number of tool sets. Some blokes must have spent up big on tickets as there were a number of multi-prize winners. John Ramsay from North Ryde won the major prize – a BMW dry bag.
I keep saying this is the best camping spot in Australia, so pencil in next October and come along and experience great roads, questionable company, and a terrific rally. D
1. Martin and Bratwurst 2. Is that dinner? 3. Hand delivered
4. John and his prize
WORDS/PHOTOS The Possum
e Duke of Edinburgh Hotel
Main St, Booligal T: 02 6993 8123
FB: Booligal Pub
GO TO HELL! YEAH I guess like me you’ve been told that on a few occasions. Well let me invite you one more time!
Banjo Paterson didn’t really believe in slagging off the bush. He left it to Henry Lawson to concentrate of the privations, the cruelty, the inhumanity and the harshness whilst he himself mostly romanticised it, almost never trashing any person or any place.
But for Booligal he was prepared to make an exception. He gave it both barrels:
“…the saying far and wide Along the Riverina side Is ‘Hay and Hell and Booligal’
“Oh, send us to our just reward In Hay or Hell, but, gracious Lord, Deliver us from Booligal!””
When Super Ten delivers me south on the Cobb Hwy to Booligal in the early arvo the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel looks anything but hellish after camping last night in minus-6 up at the Willandra Woolshed.
The bar’s quiet except for a woman behind the bar in one of those strong single-colour work shirts everyone has out here, (hers is blue) and a Hahn baseball cap. This is Gwen, partner of the boss who’ll be here very soon and whilst she’s waiting for the afternoon rush, she’s rolling paper stubby coolers for longnecks.
Don’t know about these? You open a newspaper out flat on the bar,
place a longneck beer on top with its neck protruding over the side. Take the top couple of sheets and roll the bottle into the paper, fold the bottom over and secure with sticky tape. Place in fridge.
There’re regulars who come in each day and Gwen and partner Clint know which takeaways they all have and how many, “so we make sure we have them all rolled, chilled and ready.”
On more hellishly hot days, Gwen splurges on three, sometimes even four sheets of newspaper, and she reckons the real estate sections are on thicker paper so they get used for regulars who are, er, special.
It has (in years gone by of course) been known for locals to measure the length of a trip in longnecks. Ivanhoe is three beers away and Hay just two, but of course that no longer happens – it’d be illegal.
I ask her to put a couple aside for me and as I head out to get some drone shots before the shadows grow too long, a filthy work ute with a matching driver in should-bepensioned-off hat and fluros and his mate pulls up.
“Just ask anyone around western NSW if they know Maverick the windmill mechanic, they’ll most likely know me.”
With his offie, Dan, Maverick’s working on a broken mill about 70kms (probably 2 longnecks on the old scale) from town. “You want ‘em up, I’ll put it up for you. You want it down, I’ll rip it down and if you want it fixed, I’ll mend it for you.”
I figure his business must be declining with the move to solar.
“Mate, there’s heaps of farmers
returning from solar to the windmills. Mostly because the effing grey nomads can’t steal windmills to power the fridges in the million dollar caravans!”
We move outside so Maverick can multi-task: talk and drink and smoke and when he asks me why I’m out this way I tell him about Willandra last night and the One Tree Hotel tonight.
“Camping eh? So,” he asks, “what sort of dog you got?”
No space for a dog on the bike.
“You must freeze at night. Out here when it gets real cold we just chuck another dog on! Don’t ever go camping without a dog and don’t ever buy a swag you can’t get your dogs into when the nights get real cold! The dogs’ll thank you and you’ll owe them too!”
Maverick smiles and blows smoke out the corner of his mouth and as I wrestle with images from the saying about laying down with dogs and picking up fleas, the talk turns to eagles.
“Considering they’ve got no knives they sure can tear the flesh fast,” he applauds, “and the only way to get the skin off a rabbit or a fox faster than them is with a compressor.”
“Eh?” From their looks I can tell that Maverick and his mate are now certain they’re talking with a city bloke without an ounce of smarts.
“So when you kill a rabbit or a fox and you want the pelt, there’s only one way to do it quick and clean. You stick a compressor hose into the skin just under the tail, turn on the air and the dead animal blows up like a balloon. But it’s just the skin separating from the body meat so you then just slit the skin and it
all peels off. I’ve skun a hundred an hour like that.”
I search my brain for some life skill I know that I can share in return for this nugget but I come up blank.
A bloke who’s big enough to have his own postcode wearing a black hat and loud red shirt arrives. This is Clint, Gwen’s partner and he’s got a couple of minutes if I want a chat. So we head inside and under a photo and clippings of an old local named, “The Sherriff” we grab a table.
All I’m going to say is that Lionel (“The Sherriff”) was hanged with some 8 gauge wire from a tree out the front of the old hotel for telling some blow-ins to pipe down. Wanna know more? You’re gonna have to make tracks!
Clint shares some other true horror stories from a previous pub he bought with his folks – tales about his dad being assaulted, the water supply being cut off and the place burning down.
“When we realised we had to get out, dad and I got list of eight pubs we were interested in and started driving. This was the second one we checked out and it was also the last. I knew this was where I wanted to be. Small town, good people, great history.”
The One Tree Pub, where I’m camping tonight is 35kms down the
road and legend has it that One Tree is the “Hell” in Paterson’s poem. But it’s got another, more concrete connection with this hotel at Booligal.
In 1862 Alexander Finch built the One Tree Hotel and two or three years later, he let the place and moved north to build the original Duke of Edinburgh in Booligal. Not many days that you get to visit two pubs that were founded by the same fella.
Ironically, the pub down at One Tree that’s long been closed was a success for its founder but the Booligal pub which is still going today, wasn’t so good for Finch.
I show Clint some old clippings about the place including the notice of insolvency of the place’s founder and another when he was charged with removing some of the assets before the receiver could move in.
Clint smiles, “I know I’m never going to be the richest publican, I’m just aiming to be the best.” We do a quick tour, to the accommodation rooms.
All up there’s 5 available, two have a double and two singles ($60), and the others have two beds at $40 PRPN. All have A/C and heaters.
You can camp free on the grass out the back and pay $5 if you want a shower. If you think you need to
lock up your bike up or protect it from rain or dew, you’re probably not reading this.
It’s no accident there’s no gambling in this place. “It diminishes funds which are crucial to the town and the ones who are putting the money into it are the ones who can least afford it. We’re not here for people’s last dollar and we’re not here for their widowed mother’s pension, we’re here to be part of the community and to support the community.”
To which I can only add, “a-effing-men!”
There’s lunch and dinner 7 days and you can pick up basic groceries (and your mail if you’re a local).
Rod the Ranger pulls up a pew.
He’s an indigenous bloke working up on the old Booligal Station which is now a National Park and ‘could you please make sure you write that it’s after 5.00pm so I’m no longer working?”
He was born in Ivanhoe, son of a Yorta Yorta father from Balranald and he identifies as a Niampa man ‘because that’s the mob who are the traditional owners of the land where I was born.’
He’s spent most of his working life reading the land, gaining knowledge and sharing it about its history, its long history of his peoples. He worked for years in the swamps down around Griffith and, “we
found a lot of stones in the swamps down there that weren’t from that country so we knew it was a meeting place. And there’s no burial sites there because it is a meeting place and if anyone did die there they’d be put in a tree until the group was heading out back to their homelands and then the body would be taken back for burial in their own soil.”
He shares a very different perspective to this land: insightful, caring, holistic. I ask him about a malodorous weed that surrounded my camp last night and he tells me it’s exotic, from, he thinks, South Africa.
Dan lights up. “It’s Devil’s Claw, stinks like crazy but has these incredible seed pods – we’ve got a couple in the truck.” He’s gone a minute and returns with the most extraordinary pieces of plant I’ve ever seen. A pair of huge
antlers obviously evolved to hook onto grazing animals extends from a rough central pod, again designed to attach and be spread. It’s almost 6 inches high and a thing of wicked beauty.
The light’s fading and the place is filling up. There’s live music from a young local from Hillston and it’s the end of a long dry week for many so I grab my wrapped long-necks, say my regretted goodbyes and head south.
The night’s clear and crisp as I pull up out front of the One Tree Hotel. Perfect to get the star shot I’m wanting around 3am. I throw up the tent, and then in the stillness, ‘phhht’ a beer, still chilled within the paper cooler and lean back on Super Ten. If this place and Booligal are close to Hell, you can invite me here anytime - my afterlife ain’t going to be so bad after all! D
“Genuine”
That’s the word that’s needed here. I genuinely wish I’d been able to stay the night at this place, run by a genuine couple with genuine motivations and ideals and surrounded by genuine locals and blow-ins.
If you want to escape the false facades of people and places that would sell their souls and prostitute their intentions to make fast, easy money, there is simply no more authentic place to find yourself than the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel at Booligal.
It’s just 40 bucks a night, a measly half that if you’re with a mate, meals any time you’re hungry and run by a couple who won’t let you get one step inside the bar before you’re hit with a “G’day”.
No matter when you front, you won’t be the most interesting person in the bar!
When you chuck in the town’s roots, history and poetical connections, this pub scored 5/5 for unique character. It doesn’t lack a single thing that an outback pub should have and scores a 5 helmet rating and 170 on our value rating where the benchmark standard is 100.
The One Tree Hotel just down the road is an incredible bonus and for addicts like me of pubs and their histories, this is akin to a shrine. There are no facilities and no bins for rubbish. Please leave only tyre tracks and please don’t climb the fence.
Banjo Paterson was wrong: This ain’t Hell, it’s damn close to Heaven!
THe ButterFLY effect is an interesting concept which basically states that “The flap of a butterfly’s wings in the Pilbara can cause tornados in Nebraska”.
A “Twist of Fate” implies that something happens by chance and it can change the outcome of a project for good or bad, or can steer you in a certain path or destiny that you were not expecting.
From a motorcyclist’s perspective, both these theories have had a profound effect on the modern world. For example, In 1952, riding their Norton, ”The Mighty One”, from Brazil to Peru, Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Grando took time off from their medical school to embark on an adventure they hoped would enlighten their perspective of the world, see places they had only read about in books – or to get away from Uni for a holiday and pick up some women along the way. In very simplistic terms, what they saw and experienced on their journey, the social injustices borne by the native Indians and miners, exploitation and forced poverty by corrupt forces lead Ernesto to become a Marxist revolutionary instrumental in the Cuban Revolution. Today he is known worldwide as Che, a symbol of the idealist. His face pasted onto posters and T-shirts is a symbol of the anti-establishment, a logo for human rights and individual liberation.
Years later, in 1967, while riding his ’64 Triumph T100 along a back road in Woodstock, New York state, Bob Dylan lost control of his bike and crashed. The event is shrouded in mystery, with no hospital admissions, ambulance call outs or incident report. Some said Dylan died, some said he suffered brain damage while others suggested that it was a setup so he could to kick a drug habit. He disappeared from the spotlight for a while. The closest explanation for his absence was given in the autobiography Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan wrote, “I had been in a motorcycle accident and I’d been hurt, but I recovered. Truth was that I wanted to get out of the rat race.
Having children changed my life and segregated me from just about everybody and everything that was going on. Outside of my family, nothing held any real interest for me and I was seeing everything through different glasses.”
Regardless of what the truth is, without the motorcycle crash in ’67, Dylan might never have retreated to “Big Pink” (a communal band house) with The Band and recorded the “Basement Tapes” nor would we have the albums “John Wesley Harding” or “Blood on the Tracks” to listen to while working on our bikes in the shed.
In 1968, Robert Pirsig rode his Honda CB77 Super Hawk with his son and two friends on an eight week trip from Minnesota to California. It became the backdrop for one of the most important books of the late twentieth century – “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”. It’s an examination of values, quality and how to live better, while bonding
with his son and struggling with his demons. Riders still retrace Pirsig’s route to get an insight into his writing and thoughts.
In 1978 while competing in the Abidjan to Nice Rally, Thierry Sabine became lost riding in the Tenere Desert. While fi ghting through the sand dunes, he decided that this would be a fantastic place to hold a regular amateur rally.
Thus, the Paris to Dakar was born and has since become the worlds’ toughest motor race. Continuing with fate, on the 14th January 1986 he was killed when a sudden sandstorm forced his helicopter into a sand dune in Mali, during the Dakar race. All on board perished.
A simple Twist of Fate or the Butterfly Effect? Maybe a combination of both. All happened while riding a motorcycle, all changed the world for the riders and were instrumental in changing the world. Every time you embark on a ride regardless of the duration, every turn
Motorcycle Shipping
into a lane, a track or run along a highway is a voyage of discovery that opens your eyes to something new. Sometimes it changes you, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes, it takes a while for you to comprehend what you experienced.
Coming into Mittagong, sleeping trees line the highway, branches reach to the sky catching the sun’s rays. Their golden leaves, long ago fallen, swept by icy winds and freezing rain lie on the foot paths and in gutters. Winter isn’t coming, it is already here. Turning left into a side street to park the bike looking for somewhere to warm the bones, a coffee and something hot to eat, an odd sign hanging from an awning draws me to the brick building. Nasz Stolik –translated to “Our table”.
It must have been a twist of fate to turn down Station Street. The café sells an assortment of Polish food from cakes and pastries to cold meats and pickled herrings. The store owner tells me a variety of people come
from faraway places just to enjoy the dishes. Makes you wonder: if General Kosciuszko was still alive, he would probably be riding here on a Norton Commando before heading out to put another mark upon the world.
On a winters day you can’t go past a plate of pierogi. For those unfamiliar with pierogi, they are East European dumplings made of cheese and potato served with sour cream and
bacon - pillows of comfort on a cold day. Am ambient murmur fills the crowded room. In the far corner, two men dressed in black talk to an old guy with a cat, something about Orion’s belt. I found this odd and wrote it down just in case I have a memory lapse in the next 10 minutes and can’t remember how I got here. The days ride was to explore some of the minor roads around
Bowral and there is something very enjoyable about riding in the Southern Highlands in the winter. The towns have a peaceful atmosphere reflected in a relaxed ride where you can appreciate the narrow roads and the landscape.
Heading to the coast from Bowral, a road sign at Glenquarry showing “Tourist Drive” points to Kangaloon. These places are worth exploring;
sometimes they are hidden hamlets, sometimes just localities. Nothing is learnt unless the roads are travelled. This one runs past Wingecarribee Reservoir through Kangaloon and East Kangaloon into Robertson. Robert Pirsig wrote that he took up motorcycle riding because he was unable to fly. “Motorcycle riding was the closest thing to flying…and you saw more on a bike”. The bike glides along the bitumen rising and falling with the contours of the hills, rolling into the bends. With the cool air in my face I smile, I can understand exactly where he was coming from.
Rows of letter boxes on a lane mark the existence of people and stone fences keep cattle in their paddocks. The stone fences evoke images of Scotland with men in kilts tending their livestock. The fences must have taken great skill in the building. Pulling over for a photo op, a herd of cows comes running up to us as soon as they see the camera. Kangaloon must have the world’s friendliest cattle.
Coming to a stop at Robertson, every man and his dingo has been to the Robbo Pie shop, so Rod and I turned right heading to Moss Vale. McGraths Road branches left from the Illawarra Highway with a sign displaying “Burrawang”. We ride through a tunnel of trees and emerge on a well-groomed English street, the Burrawang Pub sits opposite the English Scottish & Australian Bank of 1882, which gives an indication of the history of the area and the original settlers. The warm smell of a fire draws Rod and me to the door of the pub. A long bar and fireplace are in the front room of the pub, while at the back, another fire warms a room that looks over the beer garden and valley. Definitely a place to bring my wife and friends to, for lunch or dinner. If stopping for lunch, it’s an idea to book if you want a table inside. It can get very busy.
There is nothing like riding in winter and then sitting by a fire, having a beer while steam comes out of your
This spectacular combination of rugged mountains and stunning coastal roads will satisfy the real rider in you, giving you some of the most invigorating riding in Europe. Breathtaking scenery, roads to die for and rich history will make this trip a truly magical experience.
11 Day Adventure 15 - 25 May 2020 NZ $7,500 Attend MotoGP Mugello, Italy on 29-31 May Join us for the ride of a lifetime in northern Thailand. Experience the most incredible, scenic and challenging motorcycle riding you’ll ever have! Our tour on sealed back roads will satisfy the most ardent corner loving road rider. Come and have a blast with us!
mouth during a conversation. It must be cold, some of the patrons commented on our sanity for riding here in this temperature... If only they understood.
The motorcycle has been an important part in changing the world, be it a symbol of rebellion, a symbol of independence, a catalyst for changing your outlook on life or simply a machine some people dream of owning.
Heading back to Sydney via Hill Top, we take a detour to look for some dirt and stumble across the Southern Highlands Shooting Complex – an interesting place to visit if you are a former or current shooter. They cater for rim fire as well as centre fire with distances from 25m to 800m.
With the last leg home, the sun sinks closer to horizon. Near Cawdor, sheep graze in the fields and the shadow of the bike grows longer in the field
beside me. I contemplate the day’s ride. Was it a twist of fate to find a Polish café down a side street or a great country pub by detouring off the highway following a sign pointing to Burrawang? Would disturbing a butterfly sunning itself in Burrawang cause someone in Nebraska to hop on a motorcycle and ride the plains? Will the act of discovering unknown places prompt a move for a better quality of life? Only time will tell. D
TOUR OPERATOR DIRECTORY
ADRIATIC MOTO TOURS
Europe & Asia www.adriaticmototours.com info@adriaticmototours.com
CENTRAL OTAGO
MOTORCYCLE HIRE AND TOURS – New Zealand www.comotorcyclehire.co.nz Info@comotorcyclehire.co.nz
COMPASS EXPEDITIONS
- North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa www.compassexpeditions.com
The guide to the stars - The who’s who in the zoo of motorcycle travel worldwide is what you’ll find here. We’ve travelled with many of them and know them all, so they come highly recommended. In alphabetical order, they are:
PARADISE MOTORCYCLE
TOURS – New Zealand & European Alps www.paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz
- Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Europe and Thailand www.imtbike.com tours@imtbike.com
MAGIC MOTORCYCLING
Thailand and Croatia www.magicmotorcycling.com tour@magicmotorcycling.com
RIDE THE WORLD - Australia, India, South Africa, Vietnam, USA Adventure rides out of Las Vegas www.ridetheworld.com.au david@ridetheworld.com.au
SOUTH PACIFIC MOTORCYCLE
TOURS – New Zealand www.motorbiketours.co.nz office@motorbiketours.co.nz
WORLD ON WHEELS - Europe, Iceland, South America, India, Asia, Mexico, Africa & Himalaya www.worldonwheels.tours Adventure@WorldOnWheels.Tours
ThE ShAggY CoW
Expectational coffee and food stop in the Southern Highlands 112 Main St Mittagong 02 4872 2966
Best café and fully licensed restaurant on the way to Philip Island Circuit I Vista Place, Cape Woolamai Philip Island, Victoria 0427 475 681 York LANE
City Laneway cafe/bar run by the original Ducati riding ace racer. York Lane behind Clarence St 02 9299 1676
PITSToP AT MT MEE CAFE
A great ride to a beautiful location north of Brisbane
2070a Mt Mee r d, o cean View, Queensland 07 342536520
grEY guMS CAFé
Really the Centre of the Universe if you are travelling up The Putty 8679 Putty r oad, Putty NSW 02 6579 7015
ChuBBS
Definitely a haven for people interested in classic motorcycles and filling their bellies! 42 Windbourne r d, Brookvale 0420 546 477
WE RECENTLY HAD
Boris give his view (issue #77) on the new Indian FTR1200S from the world launch, but what’s it like back on home turf – we lived with the new FTR1200S for a couple of weeks to find out. With styling of a flat tracker I think the FTR should be a sell-out. From the very first time I saw a picture of the FTR (in pre-production get up) I was sold. There is no other motorcycle available on the market that has the distinct flat tracker style of the FTR and what’s better than looking different to everyone else on their bikes. This does mean, like a number of bikes now going for a distinct look you’re going to be locked into buying a specific type of tyre to keep it. The FTR has Dunlop’s new DT3-R tyre with its unique ‘flat track’ tread pattern. The tyre itself is also quite square in its construction, meaning, you’re not going to be leaning it over Marc Marquez style any time soon before it either puts you on your head or you’re sideways flat track style spinning up the rear tyre.
The V-twin engine and 6-speed gearbox are simply a peach to ride with (once warm), power and torque is strong and depending on the mode you’re in, it is instant. I found this in
Sport mode using the Track setting – which turns off traction and ABS, you’ll think you’re Scott Parker sliding your way round the streets; in the lesser direct power modes the FTR is as silky smooth as I reckon you can get for a V-twin donk. The gearbox shouldn’t belong on an American motorcycle but it does and it’s just like the engine – silky smooth. You almost think you’re using a slick Japanese gearbox, not one that’s bolted to a V-twin.
The one thing I didn’t like about the FTR is filling it up with fuel. The tank is under the seat which has resulted in a filler neck design that’s going to require a banana chair and a slab of whatever’s cold to pass the time before it’s properly full. I dare suggest you plan your rides with mates so the fuel station is right next to a coffee shop or pub so they can relax while you’re still filling.
Ergonomics are excellent – upright with a well-supported seat is about as good as a naked bike can get. Handling is very stable and balanced. Thanks to a long(ish) wheelbase and long trail (130mm) slow speed manoeuvring is easy and very controlled. Turn in is mid-weighted and so long as you don’t crank it right over there’s plenty of feel and grip.
I like a bike with thought put into the details, the FTR has nice “Indian” logos in the LED headlight and tail light, and everywhere you look you can see the detail put into the overall design – from the frame to the stylish subframe, Protaper handlebar, Brembo braking and adjustable suspension. This runs into the tablet-like instrument panel. You can swipe (with any gloves on) through two different displays and even resetting the trip meter can be done with gloves on – all you need to do is touch the icon to get to the trip meter you want to reset and hold your finger on it until it resets. The FTR comes with cruise control which is a nice addition and you can connect your phone/music through a communications device – because we all need to stay connected nowadays (apparently).
Accessories are well thought out and extensive. You can bling it up, get more performance or set it up to do some touring. I personally like the carbon fi bre side covers, seat cowl and front guard. Our test bike did have the high mount Akrapovic slip-on muffl ers, having thought this was the best-looking option for the exhaust I now think the standard low mount Akrapovic slip-ons (fi tted to the S model) would look best. As an aftermarket option S&S do a full high mount system (called the Grand National) which simply looks amazing.
I really like the Indian FTR1200S, it’s such a unique motorcycle, and damn it looks sexy. If only we could buy all the motorcycles that we’d love to have! D
Specs
INDIAN FTR1200S
PRICE: From $22,995 (ride away)
WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 8000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled V-twin cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BRAKES: Front, twin 320mm discs with radial mount four-piston switchable ABS calipers. Rear, 260mm disc, single-piston switchable ABS caliper.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7.46 litres per 100km, premium unleaded
THEORETICAL RANGE: 174km
COLOURS: Race-replica
VERDICT: I JUST WANT ONE
V85TT MOTO Guzzi
Mandello’s magic WORDS ralph PHOTOS STU arT and ralph
We OFTeN DO a BiT of nostalgic navel-gazing around here. Apart from picking at loads of belly-fluff, Stuart revisits the 1970s and‘80s, especially for the potent two-strokes and big inline fours. Meanwhile, The Bear vacillates across the centuries espousing how good motorcycling was when it innovated the electric starter motor. I’m not shy to admit I’m a product of the ‘70s and
the halcyon days of Italian superbikes. I had a few too. One of them as the Moto Guzzi Mk 2 Le Mans although it was nothing compared to the eight Laverdas and a few Ducatis which passed through my hands. Although, when I think of Moto Guzzi I’m transported back to the six weeks of doing a lap of Italy on a little V35 in 1995. I purchased it at a youth hostel on the shores of Lake Como (Como
Happy times
The V85TT has grown so well into its 2020 shoes. The Guzzis of my early riding years - and let’s face it you will find it difficult (until now) to convert one of the ‘70s or ‘80s owners to new machinery - were like a character-filled naughty child. You were forever forgiving or trying to explain their novel or authentic behavior and their round peg in a square hole syndrome. They did beat to a different drum and could be disobedient and temperamental. Nothing like a Ducati nor as beastly as a Laverda.
No matter what, a Moto Guzzi will and always be endearing and appeal as the tribe who like to call themselves-the Ragged Fringe of society. Until now. This new platform of 853cc modern is as if your child has grown up into a sophisticated, well educated, good looking, smooth and classy adult and all of your friends are in total disbelief that this could ever have happened. It did because Piaggio believed and threw buckets loads of euros into making an iconic brand up-to-date to help the eagle fly well into the present. If Stuart believes the V85TT has broad market appeal, anybody will. I knew that the minute I put it into first and took off. The rest of my time was pure selfindulgence and a bit of navel gazing into my own past.
Specs
MOTO GUZZI V85TT
PRICE: $18,890 single colour, $19,590 tri-colour (plus on-road charges)
WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Air-cooled V-twin cylinder, 4-stroke, 2 valves per cylinder
di Lago) for $900 and rode umpteen thousands of kilometres (unregistered) on that sweet transverse V- twin. Guzzis tend to make you feel nostalgic. This brings us to the V85TT which Stuart covered on the Australian launch in the blizzards of the Victorian Highlands. He brought you up to date with the quality, its features and the sheer class of the 853cc twin. So my take is based on having ridden hundreds of Moto Guzzi models as a European specialist mechanic (my use-by date came when electronic fuel-injection came in but I have still continued to ride them up until this day) and this means my blood flows like the icy streams of water cascading into the alpine lake near Mandello. I gush.
Is the V85TT as soulful as any Guzzi before it? Does it still wear the label of the Maserati of motorcycles? And do you have to still test-ride one for a week rather than around the block to be a convert?
The V85TT is a total package in many respects. The engine is smooth, although there is still that Guzzi
transverse V-twin pumping. The large capacity twins used to thump through the handlebars like a couple of prize-fighters’ fists pumping away. That satisfying throb is still evident although it feels more like that gentle punching of legs that you can feel (if you ever have) from a baby in utero and is equally beautiful! It will pick up smoothly with less torque -still a healthy 80Nm - or urge than the stump pulling older 850 or 1000cc twins produced. The surprise is the lively mid-range response as the modern 850 really comes alive. Matched with the lightest clutch lever action and the quietest, slickest gearbox (unlike any Guzzi on the planet) the V85TT flies. Rev it, yes why not, because it is fun and for me there is no mechanical hindrance to stop me. Blend that powertrain with a neutral comfortable ride, and it’s not only the ergonomics but also the chassis and suspension making the V85TT a fun package. If you deliberately shut on and off the throttle (only done to ascertain
behavior) the Moto Guzzi doesn’t complain. It won’t misbehave, run wide or sink the rear suspension as the shaft drive overrides the spring. Yes, the handling is a surprise. Actually, it is a revelation. Mandello has settled for compliance and predictability and the Michelins grip well. The Brembo brakes have the exact amount of feel and power required for the job. I had a constant bombardment of criticism about the retro chunky appearance of the V85TT. I’m not going to buy into Guzzi’s “Classic
Enduro’ label. One man’s quiche might not satisfy or replace another man’s meat pie! At least give the mid-size Guzzi a go. You probably suffer from the same dilemma a lot of potential buyers do when scoping the touring and especially gravel road capable adventure bikes. We often stick to the simple low cost and low weight 650cc and less capacity. That makes great sense. The mid-sized 750 to 950cc often get passed over because for a few grand more you immediately slip into the big status, big power and
huge miles capability. I’m almost with you, but my licence is always teetering on the precipice of disaster. That’s where the V85TT, the KTM 790, BMW 750/850, the Triumph Tiger and Ducati’s Multistrada 950 slip in. The magic playground of satisfying ‘real’ performance and enough loss of weight to suddenly take away the fear that restrain us. The Moto Guzzi V85TT ticks every box in that class. Enough of everything and missing nothing. It isn’t a Maserati or a Michelangelo but it is superb. D
adriaticmototours.com
Riding on Sardinia, Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Siena, Leaning Tower in Pisa, riding on mountainous Corsica, Chianti region.
HAVE YOU DONE… The paperwork?
WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR
The Banjo proBaBly had it right when he wrote “Clancy’s gone to Queensland droving / and we don’t know where he are.” That’s what people did then. Today, Clancy’s more likely to have gone to America to ride Route 66, and we know all too well where he are because he keeps posting photos of himself at places like the Cadillac Ranch on Facebook.
But the Banjo’s Clancy had it easier.
He had far fewer ‘t’s to cross and ‘i’s to dot. The worst thing he was likely to face, apart from camp cooking, was those bloody huge Queensland blowflies. Today’s Clancy, on the other hand…
Today, the difficulties of travel almost all involve paperwork. Those papers you sign with your “thumbnail dipped in tar” are part of a vast wad of forms (not all actual paper, of course) that focuses on you wherever you go and that requires consistency and minute attention to detail to make sure it does not reject you and leave you so even
you don’t know where you is. Am. Are. Case in point. My name is Joerg Richard Peter Thoeming, though I wish fervently it were just Sammy Hall or the like. Back in the mid-‘60s, I finally got fed up with trying to get people to pronounce my first name even approximately correctly, and decided to use one of my middle names instead. No problem, you’d think, and you would have been right for forty years or so.
Then the dreaded craze for consistency struck and I could no longer catch planes with a ticket made
“Yes! Here is my International Driving Permit!”
out to Peter Thoeming. I could not do much of anything with the name that I, and everyone else, had become used to over the decades. Look, I wasn’t even trying to use The Bear as my name, although there’s a funny story about that I’ll tell you one day. I just wanted to be known as good ol’ Peter, but it was not to be. I had to change my bank documentation including credit cards, membership details and much else. It was, and remains to this day, a pain.
But enough of me. Let’s talk about you, assuming you’re going overseas, and look at just two of the bits of paper you’ll need. Travel insurance is the first thing you should sort out, especially but not only if you’re going to America.
The US health system can be tough on you if you have a crash or get sick, so make sure you have appropriate cover there. Much of the rest of the world is more reasonable. The Australian Government has reciprocal health care agreements with the governments of the United Kingdom,
the
Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Malta, Italy, Belgium, the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand, for instance, and even if there is no agreement, medical costs can be minimal. Mrs Bear and I experienced this on a trip to Germany.
But adequate insurance is vital anyway in case something serious happens and, for example, requires you to be airlifted back to Australia.
That is, however, not the only thing you want to keep in mind. Many insurers will not cover you if you’re riding a motorcycle, especially one over 125cc. Check the fine print. And none will pay out if you’re not wearing a helmet or you don’t have an “appropriate license” for the country in which you’re riding. In many countries, this means an IDP.
“I
didn’t know I needed one of those!”
If the locals require you to have an International Driving Permit then that’s what you need (even though you are almost never going to be asked for it) because if you don’t, your insurer has grounds to deny any claim.
The IDP, often called an International Driver’s License, is a grey cardboard folder with your photo and a dozen or so translations of your home country’s license. It costs $42 plus postage and is available from your local auto club (NRMA, RACV etc).
Officially, it:
“is issued to holders of an Australian state/territory driver’s licence. An IDP is a special driving permit for tourists, authorised by the 1949 United
Nations Convention on road traffic, as: a means of allowing you to drive internationally, without further tests or applications, provided your domestic driver’s licence is valid;” and “proof that you hold a valid driver’s licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP. An IDP is not a standalone document or a substitute for a valid driving licence—you must carry your Australian state/territory driver’s licence with your IDP at all times…” – “An IDP is valid only for 12 months from the date of issue or the expiry date of your Australian driver’s licence” whichever comes first.
The gummint reckons that it also “provides you with an extra piece
“My friend here has the paperwork…”
of identification along with your personal details (this can be useful if you are ever asked to surrender (or lose) your passport, which can happen under certain circumstances in some countries).” Of course a photocopy of your passport or a picture of it on a USB stick will do the same thing and will not cost $42 or last for only 12 months. I think someone was fishing for any reason they could find to get you to pony up, there.
That quote, above, is also incorrect in another way – when it references the authorizing Convention. It is true for the IDPs issued in Australia by the AAA. But there are three IDPs, not just the one, and they are required for different countries. There was a 1968 Convention as well, ratified by 72 countries but not by Chile, Taiwan (Republic of China), Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Holy See, Indonesia, Ireland and others. The earlier 1926 Convention has an IDP that is required by Iraq, Somalia and Brazil and is also valid in Liechtenstein and Mexico.
Will any of this matter when you’re out on the road in any of these countries? No, at least as far as I can determine. The AAA doesn’t seem to want to know, just proffering its grey cardboard folder. All you can hope in the worst case is that your insurance company is happy with that, wherever you are…
Okay. Now just before I go let’s look at the classifications into which the 1968 Convention divides licences. Motorcycles are category ‘A’, very simple. Or maybe not because ‘A1’ is motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125cm3 and a power (sic) not exceeding 11 kW (light motorcycles). Fine so far? But category ‘B1’ is motor tricycles and quadricycles. Does that include sidecar outfits?
I’m afraid my head is beginning to hurt. We’ll take this up again some other time… D
MPIReLLIAngel GT II
any oF yoU have ridden on the venerable Pirelli Angel GT sport touring tyre. We’ve had you writing in over the years saying you got 17,000km from a set and varying distances under that – not bad for a tyre that gave so much. When Pirelli recently released the updated Angel GT II we had to grab a set to see if they could be any better. Our test bed is our long term Z900RS, which had almost finished off its sticky track day biased tyre we recently tested.
Features of the new Angel GT II include a new structure with variable cord end count derived from supersport technologies combined with industry leading compounds, high-silica compound to match the new tread design derived from racing Diablo Wet technologies coupled with a dedicated contour, tread design refined to couple with the new carcass, tread design and compounds coupled with specificallydeveloped profile and a tyre that makes the difference when it comes to how electronic rider aids interact with the riding experience.
The look of the Angel GT II is totally different, with the front looking more like a racing wet (as Pirelli mention some cross over there). When fitting the Angel GT II (at D Moto Motorcycle Engineering) I did notice the carcass is a little stiffer from the previous Angel GT which was quite soft to fit. This hasn’t impacted on tyre comfort whatsoever, in fact I dare say thanks to the compounds used the Angel GT II is one of the most comfortable tyres I’ve ridden on.
Grip is always one of the major factors you want from any tyre – no matter the price and Pirelli has nailed
this, the Angel GT II works straight from cold and when it’s warm you’ll be amazed at how sport tyre like it really is. I could push extremely hard on the front into corners and get on the gas much earlier out of corners and this was really only evident after jumping off one bike which I’d been riding quite hard, ridden hard on the Angel GT II to jump back on the other bike and wonder why the front and rear where sliding so much when cold! I guess in lamens terms the GT II feels like it has a bigger handprint on the ground.
That runs into wet performance as well, I’d not worry about any sliding as the amount of grip and feel the GT II supplies gives you the sense you’re riding on a dry road.
The profile of the Angel GT II has given the Z900RS slightly faster turn in, which also makes the handling lighter and more relaxing to ride – perfect for those long days in the saddle.
Longevity should be 10,000km plus depending on how well you look after them and ride – amazing considering how much grip and performance is on offer, where not all that long ago these types of features where considered track day tyre levels of performance.
The Pirelli Angel GT II has knocked the sport touring segment for six; I thought the Metzeler Roadtec 01 was King (which it was) until the release of the Angel GT II. They really are that good. All popular sizes are available including a 19 inch front with pricing for the Z900RS sizes being $219.95 for the front and $319.95 for the rear. See your local Pirelli dealer or www.linkint.com.au. D
a hOGGoes flying
What better way to ride to an air show than a... glide?
WORDS/PHOTOS the bear
IT’S 7.00aM anD I’m in the parking lot of Bunnings at Thornleigh. Alone. I am supposed to be meeting my fellow riders here and now. Or am I? A quick phone call confirms the time, but the Bunnings I’m supposed to be decorating is at Belrose. Hmm. I’m sure I knew that, but somehow my mind changed it on me… probably not enough sleep. Twenty minutes and potentially a couple of speeding tickets from cameras later, I join the other three adventurers.
I’ve got to say that Harley’s 2020 Sport Glide lives up to its name. Oh, there’s a bit of graunching in corners – although not nearly as much as formerly – but there’s also plenty of hurry-up and the tyres stick reassuringly.
A quick handshake all round and we’re on our way. Our Fearless Leader has planned the ride down to the last short cut and he takes us out of the city by way of all the possible byways. As it happens, it would have been faster to just stick to Mona Vale Road and the motorway, but where’s the fun in that when you can terrorise the odd Pomeranian in the back streets?
By the time we’re climbing Bell Bird Hill with a bit more graunching but also some very nice acceleration out of the 15 and 25km/h corners, I’m coming to terms with the Sport
Glide. The new Softail frame really is a spectacular advance on the previous effort; the bike is stiff and smooth through all the corners and the 1746cc Milwaukee Eight (valves, not cylinders) 107 engine demonstrates just as much improvement as the frame. This is a very different bike from on old Softail. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the comfort factor. Despite the relatively forward position of the footpegs, which means all my weight is on my ample bum, the riding position is comfortable – and will continue to be that way for the 1000km I’ll put up on the bike. It almost goes without saying that the seat is also outstandingly comfortable; for me, anyway. I’m not at all sure how Mrs Bear would react to the tiny flap of a pillion seat.
On second thought, I know exactly how she’d react, which is one reason why she’s not here.
We collect our other travelers at the Bathurst Bunnings (did you say the Bunnings cheque was in the mail?) after a quite reasonable coffee in the shop and slip through town, passing our third highway patrol car for the morning. There have also been a bike and a breath test unit, with more to come after we head towards Cowra. Ah, it’s the weekend of the Supercars, or the Taxi Racing as a friend of mine who shall remain nameless calls it.
We still manage to average a reasonable speed, helped by the fact that all the highway patrol is facing the other way, and share lunch at
One of Temora’s Spitfires.
the Hong Kong Chinese in Cowra. No sign of tear gas, but they charge $2.50 a head for Chinese tea. I felt like demonstrating too.
It’s a smooth run south with the hills of Koorawatha and Darnanbilla Nature Reserves on our left before we roll into Young and turn off towards Temora. On a sports bike or even a sports tourer it would be tempting to call this 80km stretch boring, but on the Sport Glide is passes pleasantly
while I try to remember all the words to ‘Orange Blossom Special’, inspired by the bike’s Scorched Orange paint, set off tastefully by Silver Flux highlighting. All I can come up with is “…it’s that Orange Blossom Special, rollin’ down the track, that Orange Blossom Special, bringin’ my baby back…” in an attempt at Johnny Cash’s gravelly voice.
We split up in Temora because I booked late and have to stay in
another motel from my mates, but we reconvene in the Services’ Club for a pretty good dinner. Next morning I ride out to the airfield while the others walk. They’ve worked out that it’s only two kilometres for them, but by the time they arrive they’ve walked more like four. They took local advice.
“Yeah, just go down here… no, wait, go back that way and then turn left and there’s a hole in the fence on your right – or have they fixed that?
The Sport Glide by the side of the road on the way to West Wyalong.
The Ryan is a super4b-looking aircraft with its polished-alloy fuselage.
Anyway, just head for the Showground and then…”
They’re hot and sweaty but, God bless ‘em, they’re in good spirits because we are about to see some wonderful old planes show off their tricks in the air above us.
The planes perform in twos or threes, except for the Spitfire MkVIII which closes the day’s flying. In the meantime we watch a bright yellow Tiger Moth and a beautiful little silver Ryan; a Cessna 0-2 and a Birddog (owned and flown by the Chief of Air Force, who is a reader of this publication –hi, Mark); a Harvard, Wirraway and BT-13; a Hudson and Boomerang and then finally the Spitty. This is followed by an opportunity to walk out almost up to the planes, apparently a unique feature of Temora air shows.
For the blokes sitting opposite me, dinner at the Club is enlivened by a chap sitting at a table behind me and out of my sight lines. As we voice our carefully considered criticisms of the likes of Donald Trump and our own Prime Minister, whatever his name is, he apparently gets progressively more upset and it takes his wife to hold him back from bursting upon us and distributing the foam from his lips over us. She manages to drag him out of the dining room and my friends who have
1. A Vietnam War era Cessna jet sits in the hangar.
2.The Tiger Moth was originally based here in Temora during the war.
been observing him burst into laughter. I have breakfast at the World’s Slowest Café in the morning and once again ride out to the airfield again while the others, having learned their lesson, take a cab. The show today is a bit repetitive, so I head off and take some photos of the bike along the West Wyalong road. I wonder if anyone is ever confused by the mileage markers leading north and south from Temora: both have ‘WW’ on them –West Wyalong and Wagga Wagga. The bike continues to be a lot of fun and I can feel the 107 cubic inch engine’s torque of 145Nm at 3250rpm. It weighs 317kg on road (lighter with the small fairing and panniers removed), but feels lighter anyway as I manoeuvre it around. The paint and chrome glisten in the sun, and a local stops to “make sure I’m all right” –really to admire the bike and ask if the paint is standard.
We ride back the next day via Harden and the Hume Freeway, and as I prop the bike on its sidestand in my garage after a thousand kilometres I can only marvel at the fuel consumption: just under 5 litres per hundred kilometres despite enthusiastic riding.
I could get used to Sport Gliding, even at $27,750. Have to get another seat for Mrs Bear, though. D
2.
1.The Hudson bomber and Boomerang show off their paces.
Much of the countryside is in poor condition, but Temora seems to be weathering the drought quite well.
UseD&ABUseD
SIT DOWN, MATE
CORBIN IS THE DUCKS GUTS
Richard at Select Edge Motorcycle Accessories is the new distributor in this country for the famous Corbin seats. Richard also has a number of other great products available so I suggest you check out his website – www. selectedge.com.au
Upon speaking with Richard a couple of months ago he suggested we get a custom made Corbin seat for our long term Kawasaki Z900RS. He took us through the variety of options and asked some questions about the rider – weight,
height, type of riding and so on. About a month later the stunning Gunfighter seat turned up at the office, which we duly fitted onto the Z900RS and set about punching up the ‘required’ 2500km. Corbin suggest their seats will not be at their best until you’ve completed at least this type of distance, so we followed their instructions, hence some time has past since we originally received it.
Our first ride with the Gunfighter was of amazement – it was so comfortable and supportive, and our thoughts were of just how good it will be after 250km of riding!
A bit of background about Corbin…Corbin Seats started back in
the 1960’s when Mike Corbin wanted to upgrade the seat on a Norton Atlas motorcycle. Over 50 years later and the Corbin brand is synonymous with quality, hand crafted motorcycle seats worldwide.
Corbin USA operate out of a factory located in Hollister, California this location has the famous Wizard’s cafe and is worth checking out if in the area, a showroom is also located in Ormond Beach, Florida.
All the Corbin products are of a touring quality, hand built with pride in the USA using proprietary, purpose-built materials and patented manufacturing processes. Just ask anyone that owns a Corbin
seat or read the thousands of reviews on the internet.
Corbin has more seat applications across more brands and models than any other motorcycle seat maker. 23 motorcycle brands are covered with more than 1400 unique part numbers and over 70 colour and material options. Corbin are sure to have a seat that suits your requirements.
As mentioned there are any number of colours and material options available for your custom Corbin seat. For the Z900RS we opted for the Gunfi ghter saddle as a start. This turns the Z900RS into a single rider seat, but there are an endless number of options, as I said. Next was choosing the material. We opted
for a leather rider seat which black vinyl everywhere else. Black stitching was also chosen and we added the orange piping to match the orange of the RS. Even the ‘Corbin’ logo on the side of the seat can be whatever colour you’d like. We opted for silver.
Fitment was easy (as expected), but while it could have been a swap and go type seat I’m rather fussy with how seats click into a bike so I fitted a thin washer under each bolt for the latch for an even better ‘click’ onto the RS.
As this seat was designed and made for my father he has been the one that’s clocked up the 2500km (well, that’s just now hit 2847km as I type). He is simply blown away with how good Corbin has designed this seat – he says it is more and more comfortable the more he rides the bike and is “THE BEST” seat he’s
ever ridden on, and let me tell you, he has ridden a lot of motorcycles over the years and experienced many of the other ‘custom’ seats available on the market.
I could rave on for many pages about what my father thinks of the Corbin Gunfighter seat but I think you get the picture that it is simply amazing. I strongly urge you to contact Richard at Select Edge to discuss and order your Corbin seat – you will be blown away, but please, remember to give it the minimum 2500km to ‘break in’. Visit www.selectedge.com. au email sales@selectedge.com. au or call Richard on 03 9467 7622 (international customers dial +61 3 9467 7622). You will be buying me beers for the recommendation. Actually, make that some expensive Shiraz – thanks. SW D
The winner, from HarleyDavidson Gold Coast
Gold Coast HarleyDavidson has won the 2019 Australian and New Zealand Harley-Davidson custom motorcycle build-off competition, Battle of the Kings, which returned to Australian and New Zealand shores for the second year.
From the 26 participating dealerships across Australia and New Zealand, five finalists were selected by the general public. Each finalist was judged and scored against three categoriescharacter, styling and x-factor - by the carefully selected Battle of the Kings Judging panel made up of experienced industry professionals and ambassadors.
Using a Softail Slim as the base model, Gold Coast Harley-Davidson entered their custom motorcycle Hollister Riot into the CHOP category – one of three new design categories implemented for the 2019 build off – to create a masterpiece that pays respect to the old Panheads and Knuckleheads.
The springer front end stands out as a main feature of the build, with custom bars, an original style muffler from a 1930s Harley-Davidson and
a custom-made two into one exhaust with old school ribbing along with a chain and sprocket.
The Milwaukee-Eight engine has the most identifiable heads since the Shovelhead, and they were a key feature in the build alongside an original style Solo Saddle seat slimmed down and a paint scheme that pays respects to Harley race bikes of the 1940s, completing the vintage look.
Gold Coast Harley-Davidson will now go on to represent Australia / New Zealand against other international winners. Four builds will be selected via online voting from International markets, meeting the U.S.A winner at the EICMA in Milan, Italy to battle it out for the Global Custom King title on centre stage.
The Winner of the 2019 Global Battle of the Kings Competition will be announced this November.
“Another fantastic year for the competition, with even more amazing custom motorcycles which generated record amounts of public engagement and excitement. The
three style categories, Dirt, Race and Chop showcased the versatility and creativity of our dealers when it comes to creating world class custom builds. However, there can only be one winner and we couldn’t be happier to have Hollister Riot from Gold Coast HarleyDavidson represent Australian and New Zealand with their modern twist on the ageless heritage of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.” Keith Waddell, ANZ Marketing Manager
Public voting to nominate your international finalist opened on 2nd September. For more information on the Battle of the Kings competition visit www.h-d.com/BattleOfTheKings and for all the information on the models used and genuine HarleyDavidson parts and accessories take a look at www.h-d.com.au . D
RestO Part 9
1976
s lower pace WORDS/PHOTOS stUart
TiMe, MONeY aNd all the other things in life have got to me this last month as progress on the Z900 resto has dramatically slowed. All I’ve managed in that time is to fit the seat and restore the unobtanium airbox and while I was there, restored the taillight bracket. If you recall back to the start of this restoration, I mentioned this bike appeared to have been used as a dirt drag bike, which resulted in the carbs being fitted with air filter pods and the airbox chucked out at some time in its life. At the time I purchased this bike I didn’t think this as too much of a problem. I had quickly looked online and seen that you can purchase
KaWasaKI Z900 a4
new/reproduction airboxes; little did I know the airbox fitted to the A4 is totally different and rarer than a hen with pearlers whiter than Jaws. I was lucky enough to find one that needed restoration for $300 – a great price when others are near $1000 and in need of work too!
I set about restoring the airbox which need some heating to get a small indentation out, a small amount of plastic body filler to fix some nicks and scratches, then a repaint in high heat satin black so it is close as you can possibly get to a factory original airbox back in 1976. Because I’m a fussy bastard I also restored the mesh inners of the
airbox – no one will ever see them, but in my mind the bike wouldn’t be ‘complete’ unless I did everything. So, off I went and made them look just like new too.
The taillight bracket was in good condition (shock horror to me) so basically all it needed was a rub over with some sandpaper and a paint – in satin black. I fitted this up with my new reproduction taillight – job done.
In the next month I have no idea what I’ll get done, those bloody carbs are next on the list, I’m also looking at sending the bodywork off for painting. So check our next issue! D
FREECOM 1+ is the world’s most advanced Bluetooth communication system whether you are riding alone or with a passenger.
NEWINTHESHOPS
EXTEND IT
Touratech Pannier Extensions
Get the most out of your pannier and create maximum space with Touratech’s Volume Booster pannier extension. It increases the volume of your original BMW aluminium pannier by 12 litres!
Simply place the Volume Booster between the pannier and the lid to increase the height of your pannier by 11cm. The ingenious mechanism engages in the lockable latch of your pannier and makes any other locking system superfluous. In a matter of seconds, you can hook in the new safety cable and open, load and close your pannier as usual.
The pannier extension is made of the same high-quality materials as your BMW pannier. Thanks to the precise fi t and the seal in the plastic frame, your pannier remains waterproof and fi ts perfectly. Okay, let’s see if the kitchen sink will fi t in now!
Available from: www.shop.touratech.com.au
REWIND SUMMER
Macna Rewind jacket - $249.95
This sporty jacket is equipped with large mesh panels providing unsurpassed ventilation on hot summer days. No more plain boring
black – introduce some colour and visibility to your summer riding! Now constructed to meet or exceed the new CE Standard prEN17092. This means all materials, seams, zippers and armour has been rigorously tested for seam strength, burst, tear and abrasion resistance and impact absorption.
Available in two colour options: Black/White/Red & Grey/Black/Blue in Men’s sizes S - 3XL.
FLARES ARE BACK
Klock Werks Indian Flare Windshields
THEY’RE SLEEK SW-Motech ION tankbags
Klock Werks patented Flare Windshield design provides a new standard in touring comfort and style for 2014-2019 Indian Chieftain and 2015-2019 Roadmaster riders. The windshield installs easily using stock mounting hardware, and maintains stock windshield height adjustability. The innovative design of a Flare windshield features “hips” at the outer edge of the shield that re-route the air to add downforce to the front of the bike, improving stability vs riding with a stock shield. The “flip” at the top of the Flare is designed to kick the air up and back to provide “clean”, less turbulent air for the rider and passenger.
Klock Werks Flare is the first windshield of its kind, and has impressed riders both visually and with how well it performs.
Klock Werks has been building bikes and designing parts since 1997. They have a reputation for creating new and innovative products, which are proudly distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Rollies Speed Shop. For your nearest dealer phone 07 3252 5381 or visit www.rolliesspeedshop.com
The new generation of ION tank bags feature a sleek new design. Elements of soft vinyl, the stitched ‘SW MOTECH’ bull and reflective textile welts give the black tank bags their signature look.
Of course, the new ION tank bags have tried and tested features like volume expansion, an integrated map holder, mesh compartments on the inside and a splash-proof cable feed-through and integrated carrying handle - all at an attractive price. One particularly handy feature for everyday riding is the practical mounting system: In seconds, the ION tank bag can be fixed to the ION tank ring and removed just as quickly via the QuickLock function.
The compact ION one tank bag is suitable for almost all tank shapes and is perfect for short tours. Contact Motorrad Garage to purchase –www.motorradgarage.com.au
IXON TO THE RESCUE Ixon Summer Range
For those skeletons that have been staring out the window longingly for winter to get a wiggle on, Ixon has come to the rescue as a bearer of good news – spring is here, and summer is just around the corner with the 2020 Ixon Summer range now better than ever! No more wasting away as a result
of riding withdrawals.
sitting in a board room for a day. The best part is you don’t have to do it alone! There is something for every rider, now all your mates can join you on your journey or take their own path to discover what the freedom of what life means to them, and what makes it special. Racing, Adventure, Urban, Heritage, and Roadster - take your pick of the 2020 range now, including some of the most advanced, featured jacket technology of the modern motorcycle era. Locate your nearest dealer: www.ficeda.com.au/ dealerlocator or visit www.ficeda.com. au to view the entire range.
Ixon really wants to re-emphasize the importance of their crowned motto #RideYourWay as a pinnacle for all riders to embrace this summer. It’s more than a theme or a fancy slogan decided by a team of office workers
SCREEN IT
HP Racing Screens
OB83 Get Routed Manx HPH.qxp 24/10/2019 5:49 pm Page 1
UK Bodywork Specialist Pyramid Plastics has just launched the latest colour matched Racing Screens for the Yamaha Tracer 900 GT & BMW R1250 GS HP. Pyramid is really taking aftermarket painted parts to the next level, focusing on high quality designs, triple layer colour matches
and lacquered-in logos. Set your bike apart from the rest with an exclusive accessory that looks like it came straight out of the manufacturer’s
own factory. Made from the same high quality High Impact Acrylic used by Puig & Ermax, Pyramid’s new Racing Screens will arrive ready to fit within a matter of minutes using the comprehensive fittings and instructions provided. Pyramid’s new Racing Screens start at £145 and are also available for the Yamaha MT-10 SP & MT-09 SP, among other models. For more info just contact sales@pyramid-plastics.co.uk
BATHE ME IN LEATHER
Aerostich Transit suit
After a six-year absence, Aerostich’s waterproof/breathable/seam-sealed all-leather Transit suit is back, and now it’s better than ever.
From its revolutionary introduction in 2008 through 2013 (when specialized materials became unavailable), the Transit suit’s wellearned reputation was as the very best leather riders’ gear available.
The new Transit 3 jacket and pants suit has all the exact same functional details and features as the original, but it uses an all-new 1.2mm perforated, waterproof-breathable, seam-sealed leather. Compared to the original it’s just as durable, and as tough, and as waterproof - and now it’s also a bit softer, more comfortable and easier to break in.
The Transit 3’s fully seam-sealed micro-perforated breathablewaterproof leather contains a permanent impregnation to keep it from absorbing water so it does not become heavy during long wet rides, and after the rain ends it dries almost immediately.
Thousands of micro-vents across the leather’s surface ensure comfort during high activity by removing excess moisture inside through a unique waterproof membrane. You’ll ride drier through rain, fog or misty conditions. The Transit also feels noticeably cooler and more comfortable under a hot direct sun compared to traditional leathers.
A complete set of fitted yet easily removable TF 5 impact armour systems — elbow, shoulder, knee, hip and back — provides
maximum protection with less movement restriction.
The Aerostich Transit 3 is ideally suited for every riding situation. Jacket sizes 38–52 Short, Regular and Long. Pants sizes 30–44 waist, Short, Regular and Long. Order now through Aerostichwww.aerostich.com.
BOOT IT
New Falco Boots
Falco has three new boot styles for you and your motorcycling life. The fi rst is the EsoRace which as the
name suggests a sports/racing boot. Second up is the Marshall, a shorter adventure boot made for year-round comfort, tested weatherproofi ng, and a design to tackle any adventure in any environment or weather condition. Last up for your consideration is the casual styled Lennox, an urban boot designed for unparalleled comfort. See your local bike shop or www.fi ceda.com.au
STOP RIGHT THERE, BIG BOY! Arlen Ness 15” Big Brake Kit
The 15” Big Brake Kit from Arlen Ness upgrades not only performance, but also improves the style of your factory wheel. Providing up to 30% more stopping power than factory or factory-sized brake rotors, each fl oating rotor is constructed from 420 stainless steel, and is drilled for optimum performance and heat dispersion. Each kit includes a fl oating rotor, brake caliper adapter bracket, and necessary chrome hardware. The kit comes with billet brake caliper adapters to properly relocate the factory brake caliper to the proper position, and also utilises stock rotor hardware. Best of all, the easy bolton installation means no need to re-bleed the brake system.
For your nearest dealer phone (07) 3252 5381 or visit www. rolliesspeedshop.com D
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, the letters are among the most keenly read parts of the magazine. Please try and keep letters down to no more than 300 words. Then you can read many, not just a couple. We do reserve the right to cut them and, unless you identify yourself and at least your town or suburb and state, we will print your email address instead. Please address letters to contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au or Australian Motorcyclist Magazine, Suite 4b, Level 1, 11-13 Orion Rd, Lane Cove West NSW 2066. All opinions published here are those of the writers and we do not vouch for their accuracy or even their sanity.
LETTER OF THE MONTH
THIS MONTH’S winner, David talks of the love of our big brown land. Well done, mate, send me your mailing address and t-shirt size.
Cheers, Stuart.
WHEREVER YOU MAY ROAM
Stuart,
Thank you for renewing my yearly subscription of Australian Motorcyclist and its valuable information on all kinds of Motorcycling, especially the “Letters to the editor.” They are great information for those who wish to roam this big brown land by motorcycle.
I’ve been reading Australian Motorcyclist for umpteen years and always look forward to the Postie delivering it. Naturally he’s a rider of a Postie Honda 110.
I’m retired and have been riding which seems forever, but I’ve been to USA mainly driving but this last trip in September I went to Lewiston Idaho .What a great part of America it is, I cannot describe the options over there but I missed out using a Harley because of other commitments whilst I was there. So homeward bound I made a
decision to get my arse on one of my bikes and head north to Burringbar near the Qld / NSW border. I selected the Yamaha FJR1300 which is 17 years old, it has good range and is reasonably comfortable. It also has reliability and good brakes; also fitted with Avon Storm 3 tires which turned out to be the best selection I could have made as the return trip was entirely different to the first one even though I selected the Pacific Highway from Newcastle north and return.
Wednesday morning boots (polished) and saddles, tank bag, BMW pants, gloves and the cool weather multi-layer jacket. Off to Raymond Terrace for “Full Fuel” to the brim. 24+ litres of 98 - the target is Port Macquarie so off I go, and all went well, bike was a little sluggish as it has been in hibernation for some months in my shed with its stable mates - an 05 BMW R1150R and a 77 Kawasaki Z1000.
It was wheels up at 6am and the sun was in the worst position possible, straight in the eyes and it’s something which you overcome and then the sore backside sets in, but Port Macquarie arrives 200 and something kays later and time to refuel, 10 litres - not too shabby at all. Throw the leg over the beast after a bottle of water and again headed north this time the target was Grafton. Everything went well and partied up with an unknown rider on a Suzuki Katana? And through Coffs Harbour and eventually to BP Grafton. Time to stretch and get the blood back in the bum, Suzi was left somewhere in Coffs Harbour. Back on board the dreaded
road between Grafton and Ballina, it was terrible, the traffic was thicker than the fleas on my dogs back, the only thing missing was a London Bus! It seemed to take forever but Woodburn was my limit and the proverbially bottle of chocolate milk with a slab of nice fresh battered fish was the go. I felt much better and took off for that beautiful bit of highway at Ballina and then like a scalded cat towards Burringbar, the turn off is clearly marked and the ride for the last few kilometres is fantastic on the old Pacific Highway. The bike by this time performed well and the Avon’s stuck to the road like the proverbially shit to a blanket. 3.30pm at my Vietnam mates’ home in the boonies (LOL).
Thursday AM, shitty weather and time to reconsider the plan B - to go or not to go, by 2pm and lots of procrastination it was, “Sorry Bernie, gotta go”.
Repack the just washed smelly underwear, and re-place the tank bag (best thing ever), readjust the scarf and bike uniform - pants and jacket and off back on the southbound Pacific Highway where I’d first turned off, then full bore as it looked terrible above me.
Ballina: bike is humming beautifully and I was dry and it started to rain, sort of. The weather slowly became worse and much darker as the clouds from the south west seemed to change directions towards me. How true that was, by Woodburn it was the real McCoy, as in RAIN! The Horizon seemed to give me some joy and I had the sun right in the eyes again but it was short lived, then the rubber wiper on my left hand forefinger, decides to leave town - no way of cleaning my visor properly…mumble, mumble . By the time I reached Grafton Southbound BP I was almost
drowned, the weather - it somehow shit itself.
Undercover and filled the carnivorous fuel tank with 17 litres of fuel (holds 25) which is nearly 25 kilometres per litre because the majority of the trip was roadworks and 80km/h, some 60 and then short stretches of 100km/h.
I’m fully fuelled and that wonderful lady attendant at the BP, she rang the Country Comfort for me at Coffs
Harbour Big Banana and booked a room for me, she must have thought I really needed help! (Thank goodness). Okay, southbound and just over 100km to go in pitch blackness, thunder and almost hail. Oh shit it was time to put the professional riders
brain into gear and stop feeling sorry for myself. It was time to ride and that’s exactly what I did and believe it or not the cars and trucks seemed to simple disappear, but the rain had eased right off. Great run -4000rpm 120km/h and the road was all mine, the twin headlights on the yammy simply worked a treat, one of the idiot lights in the instrument cluster was not working which gave me a limited impression of my speed but the rev counter was okay so I related to that. Mooney Beach, just north of Coffs Harbour the heavens opened up big time, so bad I could hardly see at all even with both headlights on high beam. I approached my Motel and I could not see the opening over the Highway until a
semi with all his big lights illuminated the way for me, so I bit the bullet and went for it. It’s a miracle that I did manage to eventually pull up at the Country Comfort Reception. The Night manager must have received the message and was waiting, he gave me the key to a room #8.
Next to their office. What a relief! Hot shower, nice meal to the room, it felt so good to get the gear off and hopefully dry the wet weather gear off.
The A/C was on full heat and I could still hear that heavy rain in a deafening cresendo. Bed and crash and burn with the spare blanket on.
Time: 5.30am Friday morning, some sunlight and time to go. Again, hot shower (Long), get dry and all my kit was good and dry, isn’t it good to put some dry riding boots on, I love to polish my boots, now I know why!
Yamaha FJR 1300 went first go, warmed up, replaced bags back on and time to head south in the glorious wonderful sunshine. Fantastic morning, until I managed to get to just south of Coffs Harbour it turned into a “London Fog” all the way to Port Macquarie again. And for only 9.9 litres and that was from Grafton south to Port Macquarie.
In real terms this Yamaha FJR 1300 is performing really well, more grunt than you’ll ever use and great fuel economy on a long trip in any weather.
I arrived home in Newcastle at 10.30am after having breakfast at Bulahdelah. Boy did I need it, coffee too. The Bike did not use a drop of oil. It’s done nearly 100,000km.
Lessons learnt - the tank bag was in fact a great tank cushion to rest your chest on to relax and the gloves were only just waterproof, the jacket and pants as old as they are really work. But the highly polished boots did stay dry which as some of you may know that dry boots and socks is heaven. What a trip, now for the next one… David Benge
Hi David, Great stuff, the FJR is certainly a proven machine.
Cheers, Stuart.
THE JOYS
Hi Stuart,
A few stories from the excellent November Mag have caused me to take pen to paper.
I cut my motorcycling teeth during the ‘70s now recognised as a golden age of motorcycling. I have several very different motorbikes from that decade. Removing the rose coloured glasses I appreciate that those bikes (although a joy to ride) cannot meet the demands that my riding places on a bike in 2019. The fact they are 40-50 years old with brakes from that era contribute a lot to that reality.
Most of my current riding is on a 13yo GS1200 BMW for 2 up longhaul touring and a 15yo ZRX1200 Kawasaki (itself a retro ‘80’s style bike). By modern standards both of these bikes are simple in nature, free from electronic aids, easy to service & maintain and most importantly, a joy to ride. I am not cocooned from what modern bikes have to offer, most recently having ridden K1600
and R1200RT BMW’s. Both beautiful bikes but in my mind the electronic complexity distracted from my riding experience. By way of example I learned that I had to scan through several computer screens to turn off the heated grips on the K1600 – an exercise accomplished with a simple switch on my 2006 bike. Stuart, I share your love of giving life back to an old bike and spend many hours in the shed myself. Unfortunately, these days it appears that riders now expect (quite rightly) that their bike will not break down so do not carry tools or the ability to use them. Was it Bear who once said that the modern rider’s toolkit is a mobile phone? Unfortunately, riders are missing the enjoyment and understanding that comes from servicing and maintaining their own bike and how that intimacy could enhance their riding experience.
Technical Skill - Personal Service
Comprehensive or minor servicing
Performance engine mods
Cylinder head reconditioning
Welding and machining service
Fuel injection specialists
Race and track bike preparation
Tyre supply and fitting
Ducati spares
REXXER ecu tuning
Although our background is Ducati we will happily service any motorcycle brand!
Cheers, Tony Gray Graceville QLD
Hi Tony, Well said, mate. Glad you’re enjoying the wonders that motorcycles and motorcycling can bring. Cheers, Stuart.
BOOKED AGAIN
Hi team, Great piece, Bear, but two noticeable absentees. These are the days that must happen to you, by Dan Walsh, and “Lone Rider”, by Elspeth Beard. The first is rather gonzo in its (nevertheless entertaining) approach and style, by a somewhat bratty and mechanically clueless UK motorcycle scribe. The second book is inspiring, the author is gutsy, resilient, mechanically competent, and brutally honest about herself. The last few chapters had me, a grown man,
AMAZING PUBS & AMAZING STORIES
thE bEst books about riding bikEs EvEr writtEn $ 20 E ach plus postag E register your interest today! SEARCH "NOTHING BUT THE PUB" ON FACEBOOK THE NEW BOOK FROM COLIN WHELAN COMING AUG 2020
in tears. I’d love to meet her in real life. You’ve got to read it!
Cheers, Bryan King Sunshine Coast QLD.
Sounds interesting, Bryan. Thanks for the tips.
Any chance of getting the ISBNs from you?
Cheers, The Bear
BORIS’ “REVIEWS”
I refer to Boris’ recent article criticising journalists for being lazy and just regurgitating spec details and press releases when reviewing bikes.
Last year I purchased a Kawasaki Z900 RS, largely due to the detailed and highly favourable review in ‘Australian Motorcyclist’ and it’s simply stunning.
Regards John Richardson
Hi John,
Good to hear, mate. Hope you’re loving the RS; I know my father is loving his!
Cheers, Stuart.
WHAT’S THE GO
Hi Stuart,
We’re looking at riding the Bruthen Hwy (C612) from Orbost to Bombala as part of a Snowie Mountain (Summer) ride next year. I know there are some unsealed sections along the way, there is no mobile phone reception at various locations and there is limited opportunity to purchase fuel. We will be riding a road bike (Guzzi Breva), unsealed roads don’t frighten us and the Breva has good fuel range, so I don’t think we’ll get stranded. Is there anything else you might know that will help us enjoy the experience?
Thanks for the best motorcycle magazine on the market.
Regards, Peter Glasson Glenlyon.
Hi, Peter.
Watch the leaf litter, and don’t expect fuel between Orbost and Delegate. Otherwise, have a good time. I used to do that road on my Turbo all the time.
Cheers, The Bear
NO TECH NEEDED
Hi guys, I want to say I liked Ralph’s review on the Himalayan. It really shows there’s no need for all those fancy pantsy techno wizardry so-called adventure bikes. Just get out on a simple machine and have a great ride is what I reckon. Then if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere it’s not so hard to fix.
Thanks, James Sutton
NOW THAT’S ADVENTURE
Hi Stuart, I remember reading about that Rickshaw Run a while ago and wondered how it all went. I loved reading in the last issue (#81) about the ride. I reckon it’s a real adventure, something I’m going to look at doing.
Regards, Jonathan.
Hi Jonathan, I’d love to do that ride too. I think the memories made would last a lifetime.
Cheers, Stuart. D
TR 1250 RS
R 1250 R Spezial
R 1250 RT
R 1250 RT Sport
R 1250 RT Elegance
R 1250 R Spezial
K 1600 B
K 1600
K 1600 GTL Elegance
S 1000 XR
G 310 GS
F 750 GS Tour
F 750 GS Low Susp
F 750 GS Tour LS
F
F
F 850 GS Rallye Low
$17,305
$13,840
$17,005
F 850 GS Tour Low Susp $21,505
F 850 GSA
R 1250 GS
R 1250 GS Rallye
$TBA
$23,490
$24,940
R 1250 GS Rallye X $29,890
R 1250 GS Exclusive
R 1250 GS Spezial
R 1250 GSA
R 1250 GSA Rallye
R 1250 GSA Rallye X
R 1250 GSA Exclusive
R 1250 GSA Spezial
ScooTeR
C 650 Sport
C 650 GT
CAN-AM (BRP) www.brp.com
Spyder F3
$28,140
$31,390
$25,490
$26,390
$31,590
$30,790
$30,540
$14,150
$14,990
$TBA
Spyder F3-S $TBA
Spyder F3-T
Spyder F3 Limited
$TBA
$TBA
Spyder RT $TBA
Spyder RT Limited
CF MOTO
www.cf-moto.com.au
$TBA
DUCATI
www.ducati.com.au
*All Ducati prices are ride away
Road
Scrambler Sixty2 $13,490
Scrambler Icon
Scrambler Full Throttle
HUSQVARNA
KAWASAKI
sCooTeR
SWM
www.swmmotorcycles.com.au
Road
Gran Turismo
$7490
Silver Vase 440 $7490
Gran Milano 440
SM 500 R
SM 650 R
$7990
$8990
$9490 adv TouRing Superdual
TRIUMPH
www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au
*Some Triumph prices are ride away
Road
Street Triple S 660
$9990
$12,800
Street Triple S $13,800
Street Triple R
Street Triple RS
Bonneville Street Twin
Bonneville Street Cup
Street Scrambler $15,900
Bonneville T100 $15,300
Bonneville T100 Black $15,300
Bobber $18,000
Bonneville Bobber Black $19,500
Bonneville T120 $17,200
Bonneville T120 Black $17,200
Speedmaster $19,500
Thruxton $18,700
Thruxton R $21,100
Speed Twin $18,000
Tiger Sport $17,550
Speed Triple RS
CRuiseR
Thunderbird Storm $22,800
Thunderbird Commander
Thunderbird LT
Rocket Roadster $23,990
Rocket Touring $26,490 adv TouRing
Scrambler 1200 XE
Scrambler 1200 XC
Tiger 800 XRx/L
Tiger 800 XRt
Tiger 800 XCx/L
Tiger 800 XCa
Tiger 1200 XRx
Tiger 1200
$21,700
BEARFACED
THE DEVIL DRINK
RECENTLY, I NOTED on an American website that I have the occasional drink when I’m out riding. And not after the day’s ride is over and the bike is locked up. Actually during the day, with lunch, and I ride afterwards. I wasn’t talking about a lot of booze; one beer, to make the lunch go down better. Far, far below blood alcohol content of .05, the legal limit in Australia and most other countries.
have a .03 limit.
The US has a limit of .08 – but I copped a hiding for suggesting that I had that beer and then got onto my bike. Stories of friends who had one beer and then died in a highway crash abounded, although nobody actually managed to directly link their mate’s drink with that crash. It was as if I was letting a very big, mean and pissed-off mountain lion out of the bag. These people were genuinely afraid of having a drink, and of anyone else having a drink, before riding.
people getting pissed and creating havoc on the road –not people who simply had a couple of drinks as part of their social life.
Yes, there are places where even the one beer would get me into trouble; Armenia, Azerbaija, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan and Romania for example mandate zero blood alcohol. China, Poland, Estonia and Sweden allow up to .02. Serbia, Japan and Uruguay
My late mate Geoff Scharer of the George IV pub and brewery in Picton, south of Sydney, was the man who did more than anyone else to make the craft brewing revolution possible. He had a sign painted for the front of the pub that said “Two beers and a mag / won’t colour the bag”. This was in the days when breathalyzers consisted of a plastic bag which discoloured when it detected alcohol above the legal limit in your breath. I always thought that was not only clever but also fair. After all, the drink driving law is there to stop
That’s clearly not what my American critics believe. I think their reaction is more a result of the publicity (I’m tempted to write ‘propaganda’) which addresses ‘drink driving’, not sensible drinking. To me it’s in the same class as campaigns which insist that ‘speed kills’, when it clearly does no such thing. What makes these people so sure that one beer with lunch will lead to perdition? After all, .05 is good enough for the citizens of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, and many others, while Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, among others all have the same limit as their home country.
Meanwhile, as you can see from the pictures I’ve assembled for you, the craft brewers of Australia, at least, are right into the relationship between bikes and beer. These are just four examples of beer labels which reference motorcycles – and I’m sure there are many more. Come to think of it, send me examples if you run into any others. And drink sensibly, whether you’re riding or not. D
BORIS
THEY’VE WON, YOU KNOW
IT’S NOT POSSIBLE for me
to shake the feeling that They have won. ‘They’ being a bunch of things. Firstly, there’s the State; the faceless men who write our laws, direct the police, and socially engineer the society they can control and milk – a society which will always and inevitably vote for its own destruction and rebirth.
Secondly, there’s you. You know who They are. You even, may your eyes rot in your empty head, support Them in Their endeavours. And you have become Them. You are They. After all, They have promised safety. And what kind of idiot doesn’t wanna drink that Kool Aid?
Me. I’m the kind of idiot who doesn’t. Even the most casual observer will know the new motorcycle market continues its downward spiral. It’s bad. Ask anyone who works in the industry. How bad is it? Some marketing managers are hoping this is the new normal. Some are hoping its possibly bottoming out. Others think it’s going to get worse and it will never get better.
Motorcycling, it seems, is no longer the province of rebellious youth, delightful freaks in search of highspeed thrills, or steel-eyed road warriors grinding out the miles and sipping beer in far-off pubs.
Certainly, some of those road warriors and speed freaks remain. But their beards are greyer, their prescription chemicals are more crucial, and they just ain’t being replaced with younger versions of their kind.
Some of the blame for the downturn in new motorcycle sales can certainly be laid at the feet of stagnant wages growth, the casualisation of the workforce, and the feminisation of society. But a good part of it can also be attributed to the Them – the clerofascist bastards who continue to rule us
as if we were retarded children bent on mischief and misdeeds. Children who cannot possibly make any decisions for themselves, be trusted to act responsibly, and who must instead be legislated into obedience so the only outlet of entertainment that remains to them is gambling.
Concerts? Music festivals? Ordering shots at a bar? Finding an open bar after midnight? Not a hope.
Getting on your crazy high-powered motorcycle and going for a deathdance on a deserted road where the only price to be paid for error is yours? Sure, that’s kinda remotely possible if your balls are large, your timing’s right, and Lady Luck is smiling at you. Otherwise be prepared to spend time in jail for doing 190 in a 100 zone on an empty road in the middle of nowhere if the police just happen to catch you.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world gets on with living the best life it can live and laughing at this pack of obedient slaves who were once citizens of a wonderful country called Australia.
Motorcycle sales are not down in Europe. They are up, in fact. Motorcycle sales are booming in the developing world. Things are more or less steady in the US, though it is showing the same trend we Downunder have not so much embraced as married in the last few years. And that trend is that riding motorcycles is an old peoples’ pastime. The kids just aren’t doing it. I don’t blame them. Who the hell wants to spend four years riding a LAM in a fluoro vest? Who is stupid enough to subject themselves to a level of policing that’s the envy of North Korea?
Us old people, that’s who. But not all of us old people. Just some of us.
The rest are more than happy to make tut-tut noises each time they see a bloke on a bike doing something they consider unacceptable – like chucking wheelies, or riding very fast.
Piss on you, you disgusting old fascists. It’s precisely because of you motorcycling is in the state it is in.
You’re the people who have happily accepted the police truncheon of compliance and servitude that’s been working its way between your bumcheeks for decades. You think it’s a good thing to be policed the way we’re being policed. Because you actually believe you’ve been made safer.
You applaud the laws. You crave safety like dogs crave the shelter of their kennels.
Dante knew what you where when he passed into Hell…
“At once with certainty I understood this was that worthless crew hateful alike to God and to His foes. These wretches, who never were alive, were naked and beset by stinging flies and wasps that made their faces stream with blood, which, mingled with their tears, was gathered at their feet by loathsome worms.”
Even meek and mild Jesus hates people like you…
“I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:14-16).
And I hate you too.
For it is people like you who are killing motorcycling.
Young people look at you old yellow curs on your bikes and they would rather catch trains than follow your lead to the Land of Safety.
Because there is no way back. D
a month of pure exhilaration.
NEW RIDES. REAL THRILLS.
There’s nothing like the exhilaration of hitting the road on a brand-new Harley-Davidson®. And now you have the opportunity to bring that feeling home for a month. All you need to do is register* and you’re automatically entered into a draw to win an extended 4-week test ride and a $1,000 in-store voucher to make sure you’re geared up and ready to go. Are you ready to test your heartbeat? ENTER TO WIN. H-D.COM/MY20
Shannons are offering motoring enthusiasts the chance to win a 15-day trip for two to London and the 2020 Goodwood Revival. One of the biggest historic motorsport events in the world!
Plus, tour through the English countryside visiting historic locations and unique motoring museums including the Williams F1, British and Beaulieu Motor Museums, plus the Jaguar and Morgan Factories.
The winner will also receive a new 2019 Indian FTRTM 1200 S Motorcycle.
Your adventure. Our policy.
As a motorcyclist, you know that bike riders are different. It’s the open road, how it feels to be at one with your machine and the freedom to go your own way.
QBE shares your love of motorcycles. It’s why riders across Australia have trusted us for over 35 years to look after themselves and their bikes.
QBE Motorcycle Insurance policies aren’t just packed with benefits, they are highly competitive. Call our specialist team on 1800 24 34 64 and ask for a ‘Price Beat Guarantee’ quote today, or visit qbe.com/au
AMM dece M ber 2019 YAMAHA r 1/ r 1M / XMAS GIFTS / T r AV e L NZ / dr AGST er rr / W800 c AFÉ / POTM: b OOLIGAL / MAP: NZ / FT r 1200S / V85 TT / T e MO r A ISSU e #10, VOL 7 82
