Australian Motorcyclist Issue #93

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THINK YOU’RE COOL? YOU WILL BE WITH OUR SUMMER GEAR GUIDE

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TR ORCYCLE T O M N IA

AV E L M A

TRIUMPH THRUXTON ON RS

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NOVEMB

ER 2020

HARLEYDAVIDSON DAVIDSON

e r i w e i v LELECTRIFYING

ADDICTION

HOW W BLOODY COOL IS THIS! PUB OF THE MONTH

MULGA CREEK HOTEL

a gem

t o h - EAEATS s up e r UBER

SUMMER GEAR / DESTINATION: GUATEMALA / MAP: TASSIE / TURBO ZRX1200R! CROOKWELL ADVENTURES / SEVEN DAYS IN WA / COME OUT: PERTH

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340798 000228

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AUS $9.95 (Inc GST) NZ $10.95 (Inc GST)

YAMAHA R15 FOR

STUART: DON’T GIVE UP! / THE BEAR: BUT WHAT’S THE POINT? / BORIS: THE POINTY END

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FROM

$9790 RIDEAWAY

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@RoyalEnfieldAusNZ

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CONTENTS SPECIAL FEATURE

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SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

SUMMER GEAR Being cool is what it’s all about

“STAY COOL, STAY HUMBLE, STAY BEAUTIFUL AND JUST RIDE!” Stuart

XXXXX

TESTING

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TRIUMPH THRUXTON RS Show ‘n’ Go! HARLEY-DAVIDSON LIVEWIRE Plug in and get addicted YAMAHA R15 Uber Eats has never been so hot

SIMPLY A GEM

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LIL’ RIPSNORTER

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TRAVEL

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AWESOME DESTINATIONS Guatemala PUB OF THE MONTH Mulga Creek Hotel

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CROOKWELL Don’t break any bones!

PARADISE / AMM TOUR Looking better all the time WESTERN AUSTRALIA Seven days of delights COME OUT Perth, this is your call!

TEAR-OUT MAP

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TASMANIA Tall tales and twisty roads

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ELECTRIFYING ADDICTION

TECHNICAL

73 74 104

USED & ABUSED Hey there, cutie KAWASAKI ZRX1200R Turbo madness LONG TERMERS Adjusting parameters

MORE GREATNESS FORCED INDUCTION

52 50 20 IT’S AWESOME

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8 10 72 82 106 109 112 114

EDITORIAL Don’t give up, everyone NEWS Absorb the information CALL TO ACTION Will you get behind it?

ADVICE Ten things for you to do WHAT SAY YOU? Say what you want to say NEW BIKE PRICES New stock arriving, so start buying BEAR FACED What’s the point?

BORIS The pointy end

Australian Motorcyclist

Australian Motorcyclist Magazine

Australian Motorcyclist Magazine

@AusMotrCyclist

Please enjoy Australian MOTORCYCLIST Magazine responsibly and add this issue to your collection.

MOST BACK ISSUES ARE STILL AVAILABLE; just visit the website www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au or drop us a line to contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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EDITORSPEAKS Don’t give up!

Editor Stuart Woodbury Contributing Editor J Peter Thoeming Sales Manager Ralph Leavsey-Moase ralph@ausmotorcyclist.com.au Designer Jacqueline Page Photographers Nick Wood Creative, Half-Light Photographic Contributors Jacqui Kennedy, Robert Lovas, Boris Mihailovic, Chris Pickett, The Possum, Colin Whelan, Bob Wozga Editorial contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au Subscription enquiries www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au info@ausmotorcyclist.com.au

Printer PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA Distributor Gordon and Gotch 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.

Y

OU KNOW, ALL THIS covid-19 stuff has got a lot of people down in the dumps.

I personally think the toll of the ‘side-effects’ covid-19 will bring to many will be a bigger problem than the virus itself over the short to medium term. As I type this, a lot of Victorian residents are getting restless and I don’t blame them.

So, what I’d like you to do is reminisce; if you can’t get out for a ride, think about all the fun you’ve had and remember that days will get better. How about we start this all off by you telling us your favourite ride, your favourite place to go for coffee or to talk bullshit with your mates – it’s times like these that make lifetime memories.

So, send in your emails to me stuart@ausmotorcyclist.com.au and let’s get this party started!

I have two favourite rides – the first one is the Putty Road. The Sydney end start is not too far from my place and the other favourite is a blast on Great Alpine Road in Victoria. I’ve got some pretty fond memories of amazing fun with good mates destroying tyres through the endless twists and turns. The best part for me is starting out of Omeo heading to Harrietville.

For coffee I’ve now switched from the kiosk at Wisemans Ferry when I’m on my own, which is surprisingly not bad (and the ride out there is pretty good) to Hillbilly Cider at Bilpin on Bells Line of Road. I’ve become obsessed with their Root Ginger and Apple Cider. It’s non-alcoholic, which is perfect while out riding

and tastes awesome.

They also do great wood-fired pizzas for lunch. The laid-back and relaxed atmosphere is one of the main things that’s got me hooked into going back they quite a bit – escaping the rat-race of the insanely crazy world we’re living in, it’s nice to relax and really not have a care listening to the birds in the trees and throwing the ball for their dogs when they’re there. If I’ve got my pillion in a million on the back, Wild Pear Café at Dural is our ‘go to’ café for a great breakfast and beautiful coffee.

A quick update on the Z900 – nothing has been done in the last month as I’ve concentrated on building the FZR1000 race engine.

I’m hoping for a busy month coming up – fitting the race engine and finally getting the Z900 down to Shaun at D Moto to get the wiring completed and fire it into life.

I’ve had an update from Mark at Sydney Custom Spraypainting and all the Z900 bits are under hi-fill and he’s waiting for work to ease up so he can spend some decent time getting the colour work bang on the money. I can’t wait!

Enjoy!

Cheers, Stuart.

*Recommended retail price Copyright © Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd ACN 161 432 506 ISSN 2201-5442

We encourage you to keep or recycle this magazine.

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For more information visit www.kawasaki.com.au

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NEWS ON THE COMEBACK? Are two-strokes making a comeback? Well, little known company, Langen hopes to give a boost to bringing more two-strokes back with their aptly named, “Two-Stroke”. It’s a retro styled naked bike with a 90-degree, V-twin 249cc twostroke engine that punches out 56kW. Featuring a handcrafted frame, Ohlins forks and K-Tech twin shock rear the ‘Two-Stroke’ weighs in at 114kg (ex-fuel). Despite being a limited build and being priced around $36,000 it’s a start to bringing back the heydays of smokers.

Check out langenmotorcycle.co.uk for more.

BIG BOY CFMOTO has unleashed the largest-capacity, most powerful – and most luxurious – motorcycle in China: the 1250TR-G grand tourer.

Unveiled at the recent 2020 Chongqing Motor Expo and on sale in China in the first half of 2021, the 1250TR-G is a luxuryappointed civilian version of the 1250J police and state guest escort motorcycle, which debuted in May as a successor to the 650TR-G. The 1250TR-G is powered by a 1279cc liquid-cooled V-twin derived from CFMOTO’s partnership with KTM. As such, the largest-capacity and most powerful motorcycle in China has impressive outputs of 105kW at 8500rpm and 120Nm at 7000rpm.

Running gear comprises a sixspeed transmission, a slipper clutch

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and chain final drive. The 1250TRG has a fuel capacity of 22.7 litres and a kerb weight of 300kg.

In addition, the 1250TR-G features semi-active WP electronic suspension with electrically adjustable damping and preload as well as a ride-by-wire throttle with four ride modes.

Stopping power comes courtesy of Brembo radial-mounted calipers, which integrates with the surety of cornering traction control and cornering ABS systems for maximum stability when faced with road debris while leaning.

In keeping with its GT virtues, the 1250TR-G features a premium JBL multimedia sound system; an electrically adjustable windscreen; heated grips and seat; a tyre-pressure monitoring system and a generous luggage capacity via hard panniers and a topbox, which includes a pillion seat backrest as standard.

Furthermore, in a motorcycling first, the 1250TR-G features a massive 12.3-inch colour TFT dash, which provides an unobstructed display of vehicle information and Bluetooth connectivity.

We hope to see it land in Oz in 2021, with pricing yet to be confirmed.

GO LARGE Harley-Davidson offers power-hungry street riders a new performance option with the introduction of the Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Crate Engine for select Softail model motorcycles.

The new 131 cubic inch (2151cc) V-Twin engine delivers the biggest, most powerful street-compliant engine Harley-Davidson has ever created.

The Screamin’ Eagle 131 is a bolt-in replacement engine for select 2018-later model HarleyDavidson Softail motorcycles originally equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight engine (following on from the earlier released 131 kit for touring models), designed to run at high RPM and to provide a significant boost of torque from cruising speed.

Riders will experience commanding performance from the moment the throttle is cracked open on the Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine, performance backed by the assurance of a 12-month factory limited warranty when installed by an authorized H-D dealer. Priced at $9764.92 AUD, $11,480.73 NZD) all models require additional purchase of ECM recalibration with Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner for proper installation. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.

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BEST OF THE BEST

ANOTHER AUSSIE

IMTBIKE, the veteran motorcycle touring company based in Madrid, Spain, announced it has been recognised as 2020 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner for motorcycle tourism. This award is given to companies that exemplify traveller’s ultimate favourite, top 1% of hospitality businesses around the globe.

IMTBIKE credits everyone in the IMTBIKE family for their positive attitude and dedication to exceptional service and quality. They would also like to thank all the wonderful people that have toured and rented motorcycles with them over the past 23 years and look forward to many more years of exploring the world together.

“Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor.

“Although it’s been a challenging year for the travel industry, we want to celebrate our partners’ achievements. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.”

To see IMTBIKE’S reviews please visit - tripadvisor.com/Attraction_ Review-g187514-d11829427-ReviewsIMTBIKE-Madrid.html To find out more about IMTBIKE’s tours and rentals please contact them at: tours@imtbike.com call - tel: (412)4682453 or visit the website - imtbike.com

KTM Racing has recognised more Aussie talent for their Rally team. Daniel Sanders will join Toby Price and the other team members immediately with his first outing being the Andalucia Rally (Oct 6-10) in the build up to Dakar in 2021.

We wish Dan all the best.

H-D INDIA CHOPS HOGS Harley-Davidson motorcycles will no longer be built in India, as part of restructuring actions that the

MMM BMW Motorrad is set to unleash the all-new, race-bred M 1000 RR to the local market in Q1, 2021. The first-ever BMW M model from BMW Motorrad, this homologation special with elements derived directly from BMW’s Superbike World Championship program will be an amazing bike to ride. Check the specs - 212hp and kerb weight of just 192kg combined with racing aerodynamics and suspension will have you setting personal bests.

Andreas Lundgren, General Manager of BMW Motorrad

company refers to as ‘The Rewire’ strategy. As well, sales of the Sportster range and the Street 750 will cease in Europe. Jochen Zeitz - President, Chairman and CEO of Harley-Davidson outlined, “The Rewire” intends to re-look HarleyDavidson’s product strategy, as well as focus on about 50 markets, mainly in North America, Europe and parts of Asia Pacific, that represent the “majority of the company’s volume and growth potential.”

Australia, said the release of the special new model would strike a chord with the local market.

“We are delighted to announce that next year we will bring in the M RR, the first-ever BMW M model that combines incredible racetrack developed performance and aggressive looks,” Mr Lundgren said. “We are certain it will resonate with our fans and high-performance enthusiasts here in Australia.” Further specification detail and local pricing information for the first-ever M RR will be announced closer to the Australian launch in early 2021. D

VALE BRUM We’re sad to bring you the news of the passing of a great friend to Australian Motorcyclist – Neale Brumby. Neale was the owner and Editor of Heavy Duty magazine and we’ve all spent many great times with ‘Brum’ over the years. I think Heavy Duty and Australian Motorcyclist are the only two independent magazines to have ever cross promoted each other in their respective magazine. Our sincere condolences go to Brum’s wife,Viv and kids.

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TEST

TRIUMPH TH R

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H RUXTON RS

h c t a m Go to w o h s e h t WORDS STUART PHOTOS NICK WOOD CREATIVE

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T’S ALL WELL AND good to create a motorcycle that’s amazing to look at, which Triumph has done with the current Thruxton, but giving it some go, and I what I mean by “go” is “go bloody fast”, is another thing. But that’s what you get with the new Triumph Thruxton RS. The original launch of the current shape Thruxton was at a private race track at Murray Valley in northern VIC. A great little track that takes a little bit of learning to get the quick change of direction changes perfect for a quick lap time. I got to thrash the original Thruxton around there a few years ago and found it such a fun bike to ride. When I heard about the new RS version, I was wetting my pants in anticipation of testing it for you. So here we go…

The Thruxton RS looks undeniably cool, sure, but when it comes to performance, the RS delivers the highest performance of any Bonneville in Triumph’s 118-year history.

Triumph says its latest Twin cranks out 77 killawasps at 7500rpm (6kW more than the Thruxton R) and 112 of Newton’s 昀椀nest at 4250rpm – 700rpm lower than the Thruxton R, making it the most powerful production Twin ever produced by the British brand.

The Thruxton RS’s 1200cc parallel twin features a 270-degree 昀椀ring order as well as a full host of internal upgrades and weight savings that equates to a 20% reduction in inertia, allowing the RS to spin more freely all the way to its 500rpm higher redline. What delivers the slight bump in performance is mostly the 12.1:1 compression ratio, boosted from the previous 11.0:1.

Much like the Triple family of RS models, the Thruxton’s motor spins up quickly into its powerband allowing you to keep revving it out longer than its siblings. This will have you bouncing it off the limiter a few times until you get used to it.

The torque 昀椀gure claimed hasn’t changed from Triumph’s Thruxton R, but as mentioned it comes in 700rpm lower, this lets the Thruxton RS launch out of a corner like it’s been shot out of a cannon, but you

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TEST

can also be lazy with the throttle as you get around three-quarters of full torque at only 2700rpm – this does make the front wheel head skyward regularly, by accident of course.

Three power modes come standard and while I mainly used Sport, Road mode with its slightly softer throttle is great for general riding…in traf昀椀c and so on. Rain, well, let it sit in the naughty corner as you’ll never use it.

Each mode also has a different level of traction control but for the ultimate amount of fun you can also turn it off.

One of the things I appreciate most with the RS is its crisp throttle/ fuelling. There’s little freeplay and you 16

feel connected when you twist your right wrist.

Radially-mounted Brembo M50 calipers, as well as a Brembo radial master cylinder, now provide superbike levels of stopping power and feedback at the Thruxton RS’ lever.

On the other side of the bars, lever pull is now made even lighter with the torque assist clutch, which uses a reduced-size clutch package, allowing engineers to make the entire engine narrower. Shifting is equally positive and without slop at the foot lever.

Spoked tube-type 17-inch wheels are wrapped with Metzeler Racetec RR K3 rubber, a welcome addition providing the Thruxton RS with trackday ability tyres. When warmed up you can chuck the RS into just about any corner and it whips around.

Geometry and suspension remain unchanged from the R model.

A nice steep 22.8-degree rake and short trail coupled with a relatively short 1415mm of wheelbase give the Thruxton RS that quick turn in.

One thing Triumph is renowned for is not just 昀椀tting a set of Öhlins front and rear, but testing all options from fork/shock manufacturers and coming up with the best combo available. The RS is no different with full-adjustable Showa 43mm big piston forks up front, while Öhlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoirs provide the same amount of adjustability in the rear.

The up-spec suspension does a good job of handling the RS’ 197kg (dry), or around 212kg wet weight. This is around 6kg lighter than the R model.

Despite the lean forward clip-on handlebars I didn’t get a sore back

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Specs TRIUMPH THRUXTON RS PRICE: $25,390 (ride away)

and rebound, travel 120mm.

WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance

DIMENSIONS: Seat height 810mm, weight 197kg (dry), fuel capacity 14.5 litres, wheelbase 1415mm

SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 16,000km or 12 months ENGINE: 1200cc liquid-cooled cylinder, 4-stroke, 97.6 x 80mm bore/stroke, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder POWER: 77kW @ 7500rpm TORQUE: 112Nm @ 4250rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet multi-plate assist clutch, chain 昀椀nal drive SUSPENSION: Front, 43mm inverted fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, travel 120mm. Rear, monoshock, adjustable preload, compression

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TYRES: Front, 120/70/ZR17.

Rear, 160/60/ZR17 BRAKES: Front, twin 310mm discs with radial four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, two-piston ABS caliper.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.59 litres per 100km, premium unleaded THEORETICAL RANGE: 259km COLOURS: Jet Black, Matt Storm Grey and Silver Ice VERDICT: Plain and simply gorgeous

or wrists while riding the RS, I did however 昀椀nd the seat a little average.

The seat to peg height, while being sporty is quite comfy too.

The Thruxton RS is a thing of beauty – everywhere you look, the 昀椀nish and attention to detail is at a premium. Just have a look at the dual clocks, the sexiest polished triple tree on the market, Monza-style fuel cap, and brushed aluminium tank strap are all throwbacks to British racing machines of a bygone era.

The RS keeps the R’s dual clocks up front with small LCD displays offering trip info, ride mode, fuel level, gear indicator, and average fuel consumption among other standard information. Tucked away under the seat is a USB port and case for charging whatever device you may 昀椀nd yourself needing to charge.

The Triumph Thruxton RS is now the most expensive edition of the Bonneville family - $25,390 ride away is a lot of bikkies, but when you see it in the 昀氀esh and the amount of attention it attracts, the price will make it all worth it. To put this into perspective, the R model at $23,990 makes the $1400 worth it in my mind – the extra performance, better handling and stunning looks would cost triple that if you were to pay someone to provide it.

If the standard Thruxton RS isn’t sexy enough for you, try the accessory ‘Track Racer’ inspiration kit! This consists of a front ‘Dolphin’ fairing, lower clip-on handlebars, rear mudguard removal kit with compact rear light, and compact LED turn indicators.

If that’s not enough you can also get a drilled brushed aluminium tank strap, comfort seats with one featuring cross stitching, adjustable billet levers, stylish grips or heated grips if you wish. You can also get luggage if you want to travel. In total there’s just over 80 accessories for the RS! The Triumph Thruxton RS is a modern classic that’s done just right.

Exquisite vintage/classic styling and performance to have you leading the pack. I like it and so did everyone else who saw it. My ears are only just starting to grow back after being chewed off by the numerous people who wanted a perve. D

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Ventura - The evolutionary luggage system for motorcycles.

Photo by Barnabas Imre

Join the EVOlution of the Ventura bike pack system with the new style flat EVO rack and EVO packs.

VENTURA is available from your favourite motorcycle store. For more informa琀椀on about VENTURA products visit www.kenma.com.au email: sales@kenma.com.au or phone 02 9484 0777.

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TRAVEL

AWESOME DESTINATIONS #2

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a l a m e t a u G WORDS RICHARD MILLINGTON IMAGES MOTORRAD TOURS

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T R AV E L

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HEN IT COMES TO places around the world to ride motorcycles, there are so many possibilities for epic riding, sensational scenery and fascinating culture. To help you pick through and inspire you to get out and find your ultimate riding adventure, we’ve compiled destination guides for some of the best places in the world to ride your bike.

Guatemala; here is one of the warmest, most welcoming places you could hope to visit, with some breathtaking scenery to boot. A skyline dominated by volcanoes surrounds fascinating ancient ruins and colonial architecture; and some incredible towns and villages. The riding offers an engaging mix of flowing mountain passes and rougher roads, shared with the occasional local driver urging a dilapidated pickup truck up the side of a mountain, stacked with as many people as can fit in the back.

The roads Guatemala is on the spine of the Andes so the roads are predominantly,

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well, mountainy and twisty.

You’ll also find a wide variety of road conditions from perfect, brand new black top through to absolutely terrible. Roadworks, for instance, can be particularly exciting – they’ll just dig up the road and then sling some mud down – hey presto, temporary diversion complete. The road bases suffer from instability, so road heaves, landslides and big cracks are a constant battle. Some of the areas have given up with bitumen all

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2020

E K O R T S R E D N U H T T U O RUN

FOR A LIMITED TIME RECEIVE

$2,000 WORTH OF ACCESSORIES ON ANY 2020 THUNDERSTROKE INDIAN MOTORCYCLE. FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER www.indianmotorcycle.com.au *T&Cs apply. See indianmotorcycle.com.au/special-offers

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T R AV E L

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together and gone for cobbles or bricks, as they’re far easier to put back down after a bit of movement.

There is some really good mountainous riding but don’t ever take the surface for granted. If you like some unsealed road, you’re in for a treat in Guatemala – there are lots of dirt roads again, of varying quality. Anything round a volcano is a good bet for a great riding road, with the caveats mentioned above.

One of our favourite roads is Highway One (CA-1) - dull name but a great riding road, especially between Huehuetenango and Lago Atitlan.

This is a poor country so the road

standards are low and the vehicle standards are lower. Spotting the ingenuity that goes in to keeping ancient vehicles running is one of the most entertaining bits of riding in Guatemala. We’ve seen everything from a bucket of petrol being used as a gravity feed fuel tank strapped to the roof to blocks of wood jammed above the axles of a pickup to stand in for long-ago collapsed springs.

There are still a reasonable number of horses on the road being used as transport. Guatemala is perhaps best described as a great adventure biking destination rather than a great riding roads destination.

The weather As with any mountainous region, be prepared for changeable weather conditions and a range of temperatures – it will be chilly at altitude. It’s considerably wetter May through October, so riding in the drier half of the year will be more fun.

The best places to visit For cities and culture you don’t want to miss Antigua and Chichicastenango.

Antigua is the old capital city of Guatemala – a stunning old town surrounded by volcanoes and filled with fascinating Spanish architecture.

It’s a great base to travel to other

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T R AV E L sights from and is the perfect spot to unwind on a day off the bike.

Chichicastenango is a fantastic town to visit on market day – Thursdays are best. Nestled high up in the mountains, the town becomes a sea of vivid, quaking colours. For the ancient Mayan ruins that we picture when we think of Central America, you have the choice of the huge Tikal National Park or you can hop over the border into Honduras and visit the Copan Ruinas. Ride up into the north of the country through the Sierra de las Minas national park and on to the coast and the Caribbean Sea. Check out Rio Dulce on your way through – an old pirate haunt at the entrance to Lago de Izabal.

The bits to avoid The current capital Guatemala city isn’t the nicest place to head on a bike. It’s exactly what the stereotype of a big Central American city dictates – noisy, busy, fumy, not particularly pretty and not particularly safe. Also it’s worth avoiding riding at night – the unpredictable roads are one part of the problem, but you also have to be weary of dodgy local vehicles and people driving with their lights off to save wear and tear on their headlight bulbs.

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ALL NEW PRO TANK BAGS, RINGS AND ACCESSORIES. The evolutionary new range of PRO tank bags from SW-MOTECH feature easy-fit magnetic alignment with a secure snap-lock fixing mechanism. The MOLLE system allows for the attachement of additional waterproof smartphone and tablet holders.

With 9 new PRO tank bags to choose from including a magnetic and strap-on alternative, there’s a perfect fit for every bike.

7 RING-MOUNT OPTIONS

MAGNETIC

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For more information call or visit one of our showrooms or shop online at: SYDNEY Unit 1, Race Central 32-34 Peter Brock Drive Eastern Creek NSW 2766

PERTH Unit 1 108 Welshpool Road Welshpool WA 6106

T: 02 9748 3006

T: 08 9350 9052

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Who is Motoradd Tours The food Guatemalan coffee is fantastic, but you’ve got to find it – it’s a major export and so sometimes the stuff served locally is a bit disappointing – the trick is to find the right little local cafés and that comes with a bit of trial and error. Food is predominantly what we imagine as Mexican – rice, beans and meat served in tortillas folded in subtly different ways.

Our favourite bit No hesitation here – it’s the superfriendly locals in fabulous colourful dress. The locals really are the stars of the Central American hospitality; incredibly friendly, genuinely the nicest people you’ll ever deal with. Southern Mexico is a simple and fairly poor area, but Guatemala is really poor. Despite this, you’ll find that the people who have nothing, will happily try to give you half of it; it’s very humbling.

The police seem to follow the same

pattern; they’re charmingly crooked, but maybe crooked isn’t the right word. The best way to explain is that if they stop you for speeding and you’re pretty sure you weren’t speeding, they’re generally just trying to get ten dollars out of you because they haven’t been paid for a couple of months: not exactly legit, but dodgy in an endearing way.

It’s really difficult to put your finger on exactly why, but Central America is one of those places that you just feel like you could happily stay and travel round in forever. Guatemala is a truly beautiful country, full of incredible colonial architecture, stunning exploding mountains (aka volcanoes) and fascinating historical ruins. It is friendly, colourful and the history of the ancient cities still retains an air of mystery that only serves to make them feel more magical. D

Motorrad Tours is an Official Travel Partner of BMW Motorrad, founded by Richard Millington, the man behind the words inw this feature. Richard has years of experience and literally millions of miles of route planning and tour delivery under his belt. Between Richard and his team of tour leaders, they have a comprehensive knowledge of the best riding destinations on planet Earth and they’ve spent the last decade perfecting riding adventures around them. From the Highlands of Scotland to the rice paddies of Vietnam, Motorrad Tours trips keep people coming back time and time again.

So if you want to see the best a country has to offer the adventurous motorcyclist, give Motorrad Tours a call on +44 (0)1622 776686 or log onto their website motorrad-tours. com to see where they are headed to next, once they can.

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HARLEYDAVIDSON LIVEWIRE

w e n A ion t c i d ad WORDS STUART PHOTOS MARK WATSON / STUART

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B

EFORE YOU CURSE, SNIGGER and turn your back on an electric bike you need to get your head out of the same old weeds and realise the HarleyDavidson Livewire is a new form of technology that is in its early stages and, well, to sum things up, H-D has gone out on a limb to offer you a motorcycle that is far better than you could imagine.

I’ve never had much luck with electric bikes and for me to come away from the one day launch around Sydney with a changed mind should prove the point. The Livewire isn’t just a half arsed attempt – H-D really has put a lot of research and development into this bike – one of the reasons it’s taken a few years to finally be released to the market.

“Harley-Davidson” isn’t the name you’d associate with an electric bike, or ultra-modern, up-to-date technology – the persona is of an old clunker and a fat, hairy leather lover in the saddle. Well, H-D isn’t really targeting the Livewire to that kind of rider, rather someone that is an early adopter of new technology

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and, of course, someone who wants a motorcycle that not many others will have. This is, in part, due to the purchase price too. A cool $49,995 ride away is a lot of dosh and I personally think H-D has missed the mark here. If it was ten to fifteen grand cheaper I reckon they’d sell a lot more, but when a manufacturer decides what price should be put onto a motorcycle all of the background work – research, design, technology must be considered.

Shame the Livewire will be out of the price range for many. Good luck to those that can afford it and want a fun (and unusual) bike.

So, lets electrify your knowledge with the main component of the Livewire – the motor. The Samsung sourced, Internal Permanent Magnetic Synchronour Motor with Water Jacket Cooling has been given the moniker, “Revelation” by H-D, it revs to 15,000rpm and punches out 78kW and 116Nm of torque, and that torque is 100% from standstill!

This thing accelerates faster than you could imagine and feels very much like a bike with 120kW. You

can easily light up the rear tyre coming out of slow corners if that creates more of a picture of how hard the Livewire accelerates. The sound is quiet but the little noise the Livewire does make sounds a bit like a supercharged sewing machine with its electric whine. Or, if you’ve ever been to Dubai airport and ridden the electric train between terminals – the Livewire sounds just like it.

There is no traditional transmission fitted to the Livewire, it is your ‘twist and go’ type like a scooter. This is connected to a belt final drive. Being belt driven means there’s no chain slap over rough roads, helping with a more premium experience. I remember riding a Zero electric bike a few years ago with chain drive and it sounded terrible banging and clanging as you rode along. This is something you simply don’t hear on a petrol powered motorcycle as the engine noise drowns out any chain noise.

Powering up the Livewire is as simple as pressing the switch on the right hand switchblock, following the on screen dash prompt and you’re

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ready to ride. There is a slight pulse (or push) you will feel at a standstill.

This is designed to let you know the bike is active and ready to go.

The Livewire is powered (or ‘fuelled’) by a 15.5kWh high voltage battery composed of lithium-ion cells. It does come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty as well.

There are four different power modes – Sport, Road, Rain and Range, each offering different levels of power, regeneration, throttle response and traction control. There are also Custom modes. You can set up three different ones which display as A, B or C. You can emphasise power, regeneration, throttle response and traction control how you like.

Regeneration puts energy back into the battery when you’re off throttle and in Range mode the ‘engine braking’ (or regeneration) 34

pulls up the Livewire strongly. In slow moving traffic you only need a light amount of brake application. Road mode feels more ‘natural’ and Sport mode, due to it being rather draining on the battery, has a high level of regeneration.

Battery range is what you’ve probably been hanging for me to tell you about from the start; if you ride in Range mode expect around 200km, in Road or Sport modes expect 120-160km. With this kind of range if you lived in or around a city (for example, Sydney) you could ride the Old Pacific Hwy or National Park and return home without the need for a charge. Wanting to do more than that you’d need to plan to be at a public fast charging station at the right time to make your planned route work.

In terms of charging, the Livewire comes with a 240 volt wall charger

located under the seat, which plugs into the ‘fuel filler’. It will take around ten-twelve hours to give the Livewire a full charge.

You can download a public fast charging station app and charge the Livewire this way. An 80% charge will take 40 minutes and a 100% charge takes 60 minutes. A select number of Harley-Davidson dealers will offer fast charging stations as well. Or, if you have heaps of cash you can purchase your own fast charging station for the home. It costs around twenty grand, though.

Harley-Davidson wanted the Livewire to be a premium product, so the fitment of top level equipment is what you get. The latest cornering ABS, cornering traction control, rear-

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Specs HARLEY-DAVIDSON LIVEWIRE PRICE: $49,995 (ride away)

and rebound, travel 115mm.

WARRANTY: Five years, unlimited distance

DIMENSIONS: Seat height 780mm, weight 251kg (ready to ride), wheelbase 1490mm

SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 12 months MOTOR: Internal Permanent Magnetic Synchronour Motor with Water Jacket Cooling POWER: 78kW TORQUE: 116Nm TRANSMISSION: ‘Twist and Go’, belt final drive SUSPENSION: Front, 43mm inverted fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, travel 115mm. Rear, monoshock, adjustable preload, compression

wheel lift mitigation and drag torque slip control wrap up the electronic features, for braking, Brembo radial mount calipers are fitted and the suspension consists of Showa big piston forks and Showa monoshock – all fully adjustable.

Coming in at 251kg ready to ride the Livewire feels just like any other motorcycle at this weight. Turn in requires a bit of muscle but once you get into the corner and start to ease the brakes off, the Livewire turns nicely and on exit points where you

want it. As there’s no gears your riding style will need to adjust, but this will only take you a couple of hours. Sticking you to the ground are a special set of Michelin Scorcher sport tyres, which are okay, but I’d want something a little different to help with a touch bit faster turn in.

The motor is the main component of the frame. The side alloy pieces of frame you see are bolted onto the motor and bulkhead. The shock/ swingarm is also bolted to the motor.

Ergonomics are sporty, despite an upright looking handlebar. The seat is not overly comfortable and there is a bit of weight on the wrists. If the

TYRES: Front, 120/70/ZR17.

Rear, 180/55/ZR17 BRAKES: Front, twin 300mm discs with radial four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 300mm disc, twin-piston ABS caliper.

BATTERY CONSUMPTION: Claimed 152 – 235km depending on mode and type of riding COLOURS:Vivid Black, Yellow Fuse, Orange Fuse VERDICT: Embrace the new addiction footpegs were ten millimetres lower and ten millimetres more forward it would help greatly.

Accessories, as you can imagine with Harley-Davidson, are plentiful.

You can convert the Livewire into a solo rider with a change of seat, fit heaps of carbon fibre and alloy pieces and even fit luggage if need be.

When you ride the new HarleyDavidson Livewire it quickly becomes addictive, especially if you love lightning fast acceleration. If I had a lot of spare cash to splash I’d have one in the garage as a ‘play thing’ as the Livewire is by far and away the best electric motorcycle you can buy. D www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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PUBOFTHEMONTH

STRIKE IT RICH ... m e g s i h with t WORDS/PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN

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RATED 5 OUT OF 5 HELMETS

Mulga Creek Hotel Mitchell Hwy, Byrock, New South Wales.

T: 02 6874 7311 www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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PUB OF THE MONTH

S

O, ANYWAY THERE’S NO mine, no diggings, without their mullock piles and noodling for good pubs is no different – clichéd themed oh-so-cute and quaint joints with transient staff and oblivious management with zero-care factors about the organic entity of which they are briefly a part, are the inevitable slag piles of fossicking for the gems of the outback hotel landscape.

A few years back I was told live on air during an interview on Darwin breakfast radio, by the manager of a pub in the Territory, that I should visit ‘her’ pub so I could do a yarn about it.

“Emma, I’ve actually been to the Daly Waters Pub three times and there’re reasons it’s not in the book.

Can I ask you the same questions I’ve asked each of the itinerant staff who’ve been working each time I’ve visited?”

She was happy for me to do that.

“Emma…… Daly Waters. Who was Daly, how’d the place get its name?”

“I have no idea, sorry.”

“Okay and do you know anything

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about the indigenous mob who’re the traditional owners of the land around there?”

“You’ve got me there, sorry but I have no idea.”

“And Emma when I arrive at a pub, the first thing I always ask is where I shouldn’t sit …. Which stools and seats are the perches of the regulars because I’m going to have zero chance of getting any stories from an old mate if he comes in and I’m in his pew.”

“No, we don’t have anything like that. In our pub you can sit anywhere you like.”

“So you know nothing of the black stories of your place, nothing of its white history and not too much of a connection with the locals.

So why would I write about it?”

Clunk. Line went dead.

“I guess, Colin,” reflected the host, “that you’ll not be selling many copies in Daly Waters.”

Too right, but for every slag pile, every mullock heap, unless it’s a blue duck, there’re gems – precious places like, well… like, Mulga Creek Hotel at Byrock.

I’ve dropped in here three times and every time it’s been wet. Today’s no exception and there’re puddles out the front in the empty parking area.

Henry Lawson graced Byrock in 1892, on his way to Bourke, sent there by JF Archibald to ‘dry out’ from his chronic alcoholism and his only slightly less chronic depression, and provided with a one-way train ticket and ten quid in the pocket of his threadbare daks. There’s a word for that, but we’ll get to it in a bit.

“About Byrock we met the bush liar in all his glory. He was dressed like – like a bush larrikin…He’d been everywhere including the Gulf…

He had learned butchering in a day (and) was a bit of a scrapper…

He worked with a man who shore four hundred sheep in nine hours.”

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PUB OF THE MONTH

Lawson didn’t so much mind liars.

He later wrote an exquisite few pars on them when telling a yarn about Hungerford but on this occasion another old mate in the party finally had enough. “…a quiet-looking bushman in the corner… grew restless... and took the liar down in about three minutes.”

Two years later Byrock must’ve been at its apogee. Another Sydney to Bourke train traveller wrote a column syndicated by most major papers of the time: “(Byrock)… is a small place, but seems to have more than its usual share of hotels, as I counted no less than five.”

Five pubs! Here!

Today’s there’s just the one. And not much else. The pub’s the general store and it’s also the post office – a speck in the middle of the red soil.

As I park Super Ten in front of the lone parking meter (all proceeds to the RFDS) there’s an old mate leaning on the rail looking out at the world with slitted eyes from under a blue cap cradling a schoonie with the froth 40

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freshly blown off in one hand.

Paul’s mo, trimmed in the middle so it won’t singe up from the endless brown paper durries he smokes, drips down around the ends of his mouth giving him a pensive, old world air.

He runs the place with his wife, Gail – has been for ten years at Christmas – after first buying the place in August 1980. But it burnt down that November (‘was a genuine accident.

We were shattered, heartbroken’) before they could take possession and the owner took four years to rebuild it.

Paul was in the bar the day it re-opened in 1984 and waited for a quarter of a century before the pub, to which he felt so connected, became available again.

We head inside where Rebecca, one of those rare travellers who’re well suited to hospitality explains the Covid regs and as she’s grabbing me a beer, the place gets busy with the arrival of Greg in his flanno over a hi-viz work shirt.

Greg Smith’s one of those blokes you hope to run into in places like this. He was born into pubs, has lived

in them, his family’s been involved in them and he’s spent more than his share of his time and funds on the fun side of the bar.

His great-grandmother owned the stunning Railway at Ravenswood in the mid-1800’s followed by a stint in one at Charters Towers and then another up in Cooktown.

“There’s some sort of memorial to her in the town. She took up the Cooktown Pub just before they found gold in the Palmer River. It was rich pickings and the only fella who didn’t find gold was the bloke who didn’t get out of bed in the morning.”

Greg’s great grandmother had a very good heart. “Most of the hopefuls who arrived by boat from down south wouldn’t have a razoo so she’d grubstake pretty much every penniless dreamer who came by.”

Yep, I didn’t know what that meant either. Look it up. It’s a bloody great word, eh! And it’s pretty much what Archibald did for Henry Lawson back in 1892.

We talk about pubs past and present and about the number that - how

do I say this? – are lost to fire. From Gravesend to Forbes to Barringun to Carrathool. He tells me a yarn about a pub not too far from here: “… So after the fire the assessor came around and told the owner the moment a terminal fire starts, ownership switches from the client to the insurance company and after looking at the still smoking ruins he had one major question to ask the publican: Just why was the main bar full of mattresses from the rooms upstairs?”

We rock back and have a swig at our respective well-spaced tables.

“Ah yes,“ he smiles, “this is the country of the big match.”

High on a side wall of the pub, above some photos of locals behaving poorly, getting bogged and one of a steam engine in the station where old Henry stretched his legs, there’s a T-shirt displaying its back.

“BYROCK Home of the NGEMBA PEOPLE” They’re part of the Kurulkiyalu or “stone country mob”. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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PUB OF THE MONTH Paul’s back inside for a bum warm in front of the log fire and it’s important for him to show me the important parts of town.

“Finish your drink and I’ll take you down to the waterhole and rock-pools.

The road’s deep wet clay in bits, so the ute’s the go. Help you understand this place a bit. The original pub ruins are down there too.”

A quick skull (actually it’s skol) and soon we’re sliding down the wet bits and teeth rattling over the drier stretches for a few kms until a dip signifies the Mulga Creek which we cross and then park up.

Not much left of the old pub, but its walls and outline can be made out and then it’s down to the creek which has a bit of water and then back to a parking area just off the road at the entrance to the Wuggarbuggarnea.

That’s Byrock Rockholes to you.

Paul points off to the south-west where, some 30kms or so is Coronga Peak, a long-dead volcano that millions of years back spewed its igneous phlegm over the country here, dotting the red earth with granite blotches.

This stuff ’s impervious to weather and allows no seepage. Any rain or morning moisture remains long after the creek beds have run dry.

The main rockpool here, fed by a long deep flue only rarely runs dry and for thousands of years has been a place of survival and a centre of indigenous beliefs.

“Baiame” – the great creator in Ngemba stories – had his home here and he dug the waterhole - known

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Spectacular South Africa

Himalayan Heights Dalmatian Delights Moroccan Magic

Beautiful Baltics

Yaks ‘n’ Yetis

Awesome Andes Incredible Iceland

It's hard to believe, but this iconic image is now more than 20 years old.

It's a bit grainy; we took it on our first Andes tour, waaay back in the late 90's.

Many others have followed.

But none has bettered.

World On Wheels.

Leading the way for 27 years.

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PUB OF THE MONTH

as ‘Bai’ which means semen - with his stone axe and the long flue which feeds the main pool was where he dragged huge firewood and larger animals for food.

Several times a week cars will turn off the highway at the pub and head down here, bringing Ngemba people from Bourke mainly – to spend time at this site and to reconnect with their stories and their land.

Don’t come to the Mulga Creek Pub and not come down here.

There’s a road-train out front of the pub when we get back and Paul slides in behind the bar to help Rebecca.

There ain’t too many locals in Byrock on a Tuesday night so after a simple but good dinner washed down with 6 buck schooners, I head out the back to my digs in ‘the barracks’ where 50 bucks gets me an air-conned room, good comfortable bed and a jug and makings for a brew in the morning.

I take a look at the wide country out the back. Not a mullock pile in sight.

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You’re welcome When publicans like Paul and Gail have such a connection with their pub that they imbue the place with a feeling that you’re a welcome guest in their home, then their house is indeed a ‘public house’.

With the only pub up in Bourke seeming to’ve dropped the ball after a change of licensee, the Mulga Creek Hotel, at just on 8 hours from Sydney is an ideal place to head for when clearing out and heading bush from the Emerald City.

The accommodation ranges from single beds in the ‘barracks’ at $50 a pop, to 3 motel rooms up the front ($70 a single, $90 for two) and a cabin with a queen bed and bunks for extras. All are air-conned with screened windows.

For 10 bucks you can throw your

swag on the grass out back and use the amenities that’re open 24/7.

The food’s basic but available from 8 each morning until 9pm and with the large parking area out front, the place is popular with truckies meaning the prices are low and the helpings big.

There’s no gambling and you’ll only be using your phone to take pictures and that won’t worry you a bit!

It rated 160 for value where 100 is decent, and off the scale for unique character and personality. There’s nothing you look for in an outback pub that this one is wanting so this place, which I’d never dream of passing and not dropping in to, gets the whole shebang of 5 (dusty) helmets.

Disclaimer: Contrary to industry practice, I willingly paid full freight. D

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TEST

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Y

AMAHA’S TIDDLER, THE R15, has been around for a few years now. You might have had your Uber Eats delivered by an R15 as it’s a popular choice among the Uber riders. For 2020 this latest model (Version 3.0) has been totally revised.

The main talking point of the new R15 is the engine. A highcompression, 155cc single-cylinder engine delivers claimed class-leading performance thanks to the new Variable Value Actuation (VVA) system, producing more power and torque than ever before.

The cylinder head features a single cam that

YAMAHA YZF-R15 VERSION 3.0

g n i t c a y l b a i r a V WORDS STUART PHOTOS NICK WOOD CREATIVE

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TEST actuates the four valves. The rocker arms on the inlet valves shift between two lobes, one pro昀椀led to suit low rpm running, and another with a more aggressive lobe pro昀椀le for high revving performance. The rocker arms are switched between the two lobes via a solenoid activated motor at a predetermined point of the rev range. The result is high revving performance without sacri昀椀cing low-to-midrange torque and rideability.

The technology delivers an 18.3 percent increase in power from just a three percent (5cc) increase in engine capacity.

The engine also features a lightweight forged aluminium piston with DiASil coated cylinder wall, larger diameter intake and exhaust ports, upgraded fuelling, a 5.5 litre air cleaner that’s 60 percent larger than on the outgoing engine, an assist and slipper clutch and a new muf昀氀er with a threestage expansion chamber. In addition to the extra power produced, the new engine is also more economical on fuel, delivering a claimed excess of 450km from a single tank, that’s an incredible 45km (2.22L/100km) per litre. I achieved slightly more than the claimed 昀椀gure, but still a very lightsipping 3.60L/100km, giving this tiddler a theoretical range of 305km from the 11-litre tank.

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Comparing performance to the outgoing model, the new R15 pulls away from traf昀椀c lights strongly and clears the tintops, which used to be a struggle. Power and torque continue to feel strong to around 80km/h where power and torque level off up to around 120km/h. Remember, we’re talking about a 155cc single cylinder engine here!

The frame has seen a 20mm increase in width between the left and right pivot points, now measuring 221mm, this has allowed the 昀椀tment of a new delta-shaped swingarm.

Reinforcement of the swingarm is by internal ribbing, to accommodate a wider 140/70-17 rear tyre on a wider rear wheel, and the wheels are a newly designed 10-spoke. Handling is simply awesome. If you’ve ever ridden one of these smaller capacity, lightweight kind of bikes you’ll know they love high corner speeds and the new R15 loves them even more and it does it more easily too! If you’ve got big kahunas to punch into a corner where you would normally back off on a larger capacity machine, then a smile that you’ll have time and time again cornering faster than you can think is what you’ll receive. The MRF tyres 昀椀tted standard are sporty and give good grip. It really is surprising how much fun can be had on small bikes. If you follow top level racing you’ll more than likely see the racers training on small capacity bikes just like the R15 – there is a reason for that as you can really push the limits, hold high corner speeds and 昀椀nd the edge more easily.

Slowing down all the fun sees a 15mm larger, 282mm front brake disc and twin-piston caliper.

At the rear is a 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper. With this combo you’ll be feeling you can out-brake Valentino Rossi and thanks to a lack of rear ABS you can play around and back it in if you want to get the heart pumping.

Visually, the R15 is totally different from previously. It looks like big brother, the R6, just smaller. Race-inspired styling with super slim twin-eye LED headlights gives an aggressive look similar to the R1. This 昀氀ows into the racing-inspired fairing, which is

Specs YAMAHA YZF-R15 VERSION 3.0 PRICE: $4799 (ride away)

preload, travel 97mm.

WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance

DIMENSIONS: Seat height 815mm, weight 138kg (wet), fuel capacity 11 litres, wheelbase 1325mm

SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 10,000km or 12 months ENGINE: 155cc liquid-cooled single cylinder, 4-stroke, 58.0 x 58.7mm bore/stroke, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder POWER: 13.7kW @ 10,000rpm TORQUE: 14.1Nm @ 8500rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet multi-plate assist/slipper clutch, chain 昀椀nal drive

TYRES: Front, 100/80/17.

Rear, 140/70/17 BRAKES: Front, 282mm disc with two-piston caliper. Rear, 220mm disc, single-piston caliper.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.60 litres per 100km, premium unleaded THEORETICAL RANGE: 305km COLOURS: Racing Blue, Thunder Grey

SUSPENSION: Front, telescopic fork, non-adjustable, travel 130mm.

VERDICT: Uber hot!

Rear, monoshock, adjustable

claimed to be more aerodynamic, featuring a central air intake and ‘open’ tail section just like the R6 and R1 and there’s even an indentation in the tank to get you tucked in tight for better air昀氀ow – even a big elephant like me could tuck in okay.

Checking out all the info while riding comes via multi-function LCD instrument panel and to keep the racing-inspired theme the top triple clamp looks similar to the one on the Yamaha MotoGP M1.

Ergonomics are good, for what you’d expect to be a bum up, head down kind of ride and I’d have no problem commuting on the R15

every day of the week, then have a play on the weekends.

At the time of writing, Yamaha doesn’t offer any accessories for the R15, but there are plenty available aftermarket.

Yamaha’s YZF-R15 doesn’t just look like a racer, it is the model of choice for the Motorcycling Australiarun Oceania Junior Cup road race class, a series aimed at introducing 11 to 16 year olds to the track with a view to unearthing the next world champion. So, if you fancy yourself teaching those young punks a thing or two on a bike, jump on the new R15 and get practicing! D www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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TEAROUTMAP#93

TELL A TALL STORY You’ll get it in Tassie WORDS STUART

T

HIS MONTH’S MAP IS all about one section of this route – Storys Creek Road. It is used as one of the timed sections for Targa Tasmania and if it’s good enough for tin top drivers, it’s even more reason for a motorcycle and you riding it to enjoy it. The rest of this route is awesome as well. The first section is a little ho-hum but there’s nice countryside to see.

LAUNCESTON Launceston is Tasmania’s second major city and a vibrant hub for food and wine, culture and nature. In fact, the whole region is packed with city

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and country charm, gorgeous old towns, excellent food and wine and beautiful scenic highlights.

Also one of Australia’s oldest cities, Launceston has one of the bestpreserved early cityscapes in Australia with its elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture and century-old parks.

Just a short walk from the city centre (if you’ve got time), Cataract Gorge is a slice of wilderness right in the heart of town and Launceston’s star natural attraction.

There’s also plenty of culture on offer at art galleries, museums and design studios. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is the largest

regional gallery in Australia.

For wine lovers there’s a smattering of great wineries just north of the town.

EVANDALE Evandale offers accommodation with that lovely village atmosphere, and it’s also cheaper than Launceston.

It is a National Trust classified Georgian village, popular with tourists for its unspoiled heritage buildings, notably St Andrews Church, the Uniting Church, with its classical belltower and Doric columns, Blenheim (1832) in High Street; Royal Oak (1840) and adjoining stables now

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TASMANIA

Storys Creek Road This route does contain a couple of short gravel sections that can be ridden on any motorcycle as they are normally well-maintained and in good condition.

Head south out of Launceston on Midland Hwy to Evandale and continue on Nile Road. (There is about eight kilometres of good gravel road in this section). At the end, turn right on Glen Esk Road. Follow Glen Esk Road down to Midland Hwy, turning left, then turning left again after two kilometres on Esk Hwy. As you get to Avoca and cross the bridge

you need to turn left on Storys Creek Road and make sure the tyres are warm as this is the time to give them a workout!

Storys Creek Road turns into Rossarden Road about a third of the way along, stay on Rossarden Road to the end and turn right on Mangana Road. Mangana Road turns into Mathinna Road at Fingal. Follow this north and around to the west to Upper Esk. (The Upper Esk arc of this route has around twelve kilometres of good gravel). Veer around to the left and continue on Gunns Road. Follow

Gunns Road to Upper Blessington Road and veer left. Follow this road all the way to the end and turn right on Blessington Road. Follow Blessington Road all the way back to Launceston and it’s time for the tall stories to come out at the pub of who did what and raucous laughter.

Distance – 245km Fuel – Launceston, Avoca Road Conditions – transport.tas. gov.au or police.tas.gov.au

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Evandale Antiques, Clarendon Arms hotel (1847) and Fallgrove (1826) in Russell Street; Solomon House (1836), and the saddler’s shop (1840) at the intersection of Russell Street and High Street.

Just down the road is Clarendon House - arguably one of Australia’s greatest Georgian houses still standing today. It has formal gardens and grounds, a tree lined avenue, Italianate facade, restored early colonial outbuildings and is owned by the National Trust.

The wealthy grazier and merchant James Cox (son of William Cox) had the house built in 1838.

AVOCA A 19th century small town with attractive sandstone Georgian and Victorian buildings. Get to the Post Office and grab the A4 sheet titled simply, “Avoca” which provides a brief history of the town and has info on the towns eight buildings of historic significance.

FINGAL Pick up a map from the Information Centre when you arrive and explore the town on a self-guided walking tour of Fingal’s historic buildings.

Then, visit Evercreech Forest Reserve, where you’ll encounter the world’s tallest white gum trees - the 90-metre high White Knights - or take a 15-minute ride to Mathinna Falls - a collection of stunning cascades located a short walk from the car park.

An unmissable event on the Fingal calendar is the annual Fingal Valley Festival, a robust celebration of local traditions and history that attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

Don’t miss the festival’s World Coal Shovelling Championships, and make sure you stick around for the wood chopping and roof bolting events too!

UPPER ESK A landmark for this ride, the South Esk River is great for a swim in the warmer months, or just beautiful to sit and enjoy the views. D www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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TRAVEL

CLOSE-BY ADVENTURES YOU DON’T NEED TO GO FAR FOR SOCKS OR TO BREAK YOUR COLLARBONE WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR

Sydney would be one of the few major cities in the world to have such superb and basically untouched countryside within a couple of hours’ ride.

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T R AV E L

Conditions do vary, but all in all the gravel roads of the Upper Lachlan are excellent.

S

IND SIE DEUTSCHER?” SAID Frau Lindner.

“Ja,” I replied, intent on keeping things simple. “Aber woher wissen Sie das?” “Die Aufkleber auf Ihren Satteltaschen sind meistens von Deutschland.”

Aha. The stickers on the F 750 GS’s panniers had given me away. I’m not actually German – any more – but I do go back to the Old Country regularly and I can’t resist collecting stickers that remind me of my ancestry. I should say I did go back; the virus has locked me up in Australia as it has most people except ex-PMs who will, with a bit of luck, stay away.

Don’t extract too much about my

politics from my distaste for Tony Abbott. I’m one of those unfortunates who is to the right of Genghis Khan where his left-wing friends are concerned, and to the left of that bloke who got the ice pick through his skull in Mexico – Trotsky -- to the right-wingers. I consider that I am a moderate. Enough said, and don’t ask me about Tronald Dump.

Frau Lindner and I had a good chat about being an expat in Australia, and then I headed off for my day’s ride back home to Sydney from Crookwell.

That’s where I was, of course, at the fulcrum of a trip into the countryside.

Lindner Quality Socks has been an attraction

in Crookwell for as long as I can remember (yes, okay, that’s not especially long these days) and is surely the only shopfront sock factory in a country town in Australia. Do drop in if you get the chance, and buy some of the excellent socks while you’re there. I have a couple of pairs that I’ve been wearing for decades and that are still going strong, unlike the ones I buy from Country Road.

I had stopped off in Crookwell after a refreshing ride from Lithgow through O’Connell, Rockley, Trunkey Creek and Tuena because I have always liked the town, and bought my socks whenever I could from

This is moss, colonizing burnt space after our major fires during the previous season.

Not sure whether the Triumph was for sale or just left there after a big night.

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The Riders Tour Paradise Motorcycle Tours in association with Australian Motorcyclist Magazine is heading back to the South Island for one of the best tours ever held.

Not only will you be seeing and riding all the best bits of the world-famous South Island, but you’ll be heading to Invercargill for the Burt Munro Challenge.

Four days of old school racing where you can literally touch the action flying past you.

Stuart and the Paradise crew are hanging for this tour, it will be one not to be missed.

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EMAIL info@paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz

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T R AV E L I’m happy to recommend the Rockley pub after a calm, pleasant beer on one afternoon.

Halfway through my calm, pleasant beer in Rockley.

Lindner’s factory and shop. My absolute recommendation.

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Lindner’s. There is much else to like in Crookwell although the place does have one drawback; more of that later.

I was retracing a ride with Jeremy Bowdler of blessed memory that had seen me in Bathurst Base Hospital many years before. We were on our way to Holbrook from Sydney and I had suggested that we go kind of the back way, over roads that were gravel then. Many of them have since been surfaced, but even then it wasn’t the gravel that brought me undone – it was a concrete creek crossing with a floodway that was all of maybe five centimetres under water. Under the surface, that shallow crossing was coated in green slime with a secret mission from the Slime Creatures to bring motorcyclists undone.

My BMW RT obliged with a tank slapper that threw me over the handlebars, or more importantly nearly over the windscreen which broke my collarbone on the way. When the ambulance arrived and the ambo got out with the big scissors, I said “No. Do not cut my jacket. It is new.”

“This is gonna hurt,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter. Don’t cut my jacket.”

I don’t know if I impressed him with my fortitude, but when he had me in the back of the ambulance he said “This is one of the flash new country ambulances. We’ve got every drug you ever heard of.

What would you like to try?”

“Pethidine,” I said. “Hit me with pethidine.”

“Nah. Can’t do that. The docs get pissed off if we give anybody painkillers. Makes diagnosis difficult.

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I have an obsession with near-dead trees.They just keep on living, no matter what.

But hey. We’ve got a Packer Whacker.

Want to try that?” A Packer Whacker is a portable defibrillator, yclept after the media mogul who donated a heap of them to the Ambulance Service after one saved his life.

“Noo… not with a broken collarbone,” I self-diagnosed (correctly). “Thanks anyway.”

At the hospital, the docs gave me pethidine after they had diagnosed me

and strapped up my arm up.

The phone call to Mrs Bear was as weird as you would expect.

“Heyy…” – “Is that you, Bear?

Where are you?” – “In, ah, in Bathurst Base. Hospital, man…” – “What is going on? Have you crashed? Are you on drugs?” She is smart. Much too smart for me. “Ah, yeah, but it’s, you

know, cool. I’ll, ah, I’ll fly back home tomorrow. It’s cool, it’s cool.”

Once a child of the sixties, always a child of the sixties. Especially on pethidine. They say you can’t get addicted to it, but heyy… I dunno, man. I do not know. The flight was actually not cool. It was in a Hazelton’s Shorts 360, a kind of box with wings,

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DURATION 15 days / 13 riding days

ROUTE LENGTH 2.500 km (1.600 miles)

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T R AV E L Yes, Crookwell is pretty high up in a continent that rarely gets up to much.

Okay, the Black Stump pub doesn’t want you.

Cool. I understand.

which cannot manage to get more than a few feet off the ground and which was bounced up and down mercilessly by Blue Mountains upand down-drafts. The pethidine wore off after a while. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.

Today, these roads are sealed and most floodways are now bridges.

I reached Rockley without incident and imbibed a heart starter in the extremely pleasant pub. There was only one other customer, but the Staggering number of wind generators out here. I must say I like the idea.

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New camping rules on the Wombeyan Road. I’m not sure what this is all about in a national park?

feeling was warm and welcoming on a cool day. Not so in Trunkey, where a sign outside the Black Stump Hotel announced that service was for locals only in this time of the virus.

I couldn’t be bothered getting annoyed and shouting abuse from over the road, so I continued on my way.

I’m not sure how to take this kind of thing. I mean, on the one hand nobody really wants to drown in the fluid filling their lungs, I understand that, but then again is it a serious

problem for a little backwoods pub like, ah, where were we again, Trunkey Creek? Can’t blame them for looking after their regulars, I suppose. But it’s not a good sign for the future. This is not the last pandemic.

But meanwhile the Wunderlich accessories I used to personalize the F 750 GS were working a treat. The screen, especially, is excellent but the seat is not far behind. Er, behind?

All in all, the bike was proving to be exactly what I wanted – a relatively lightweight and easy to manage

motorcycle that I would be perfectly happy to take just about anywhere.

Arriving in Crookwell in the late afternoon, I was immediately confronted by the Problem. This is my inability to get a decent meal in this town. I don’t want to go on about this, so let me cover all three of my attempts in one go: for a late lunch, I had a chicken sandwich with chunks of chicken and slices of white bread, both straight out of the fridge and with no flavour whatsoever.

For dinner I had a not-too-bad pizza sadly drenched in barbecue sauce,

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T R AV E L It’s weird how so many tourist facilities always seem to be for sale…

making it more like a flat Mars bar than anything else; and my breakfast scrambled eggs were a fluffy cloud which appeared to have been assembled from dehydrated eggs.

The bacon had, just possibly, caught sight of the frypan on its way from freezer to plate.

It’s important to note that these complaints are just mine. The good people of Crookwell are obviously happy enough with the tucker available.

I really like Crookwell. I like the people, who are as nice as they could be. I just love the painstakingly clean Upland Pastures Motel (a major consideration in the days of the plague), where I spent the night. It would be hard to beat, with its policy of letting motorcyclists ride their bikes up to the door of their units and out of the weather. Let me just say that none of these meals were produced by the motel. I more than like the opportunity to buy excellent socks.

Even the woman at the servo where I filled up was really pleasant.

The Criterion’s beer was outstanding, with obviously cared-for clean lines.

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But geez, the food… maybe I’m just being overly fussy. No. I’m happy to report that I forgot all about tucker on my morning run.

I headed for Taralga by way of Laggan, where I will seriously one day have to sample the much-touted pub (touted, at least, by its own signs) but it was closed, and I did no more than admire Taralga’s two pubs before carrying on to the moreor-less nonexistent Richlands and the turnoff to Wombeyan Caves.

The caves complex is closed at the moment, predictably enough, but don’t be put off by all the ‘closed’ and ‘detour’ signs. The run from Richlands over to Mittagong is clear and a brilliant ride – a combination of narrow tar (at both ends) and pretty well-maintained gravel in between.

There is a section of ‘tar’ down to the marble quarry (which you won’t really see) where the macadam surface is so thin that potholes have taken over the job of the tar in many places and produced a surface that’s a bit like a Seinfeld episode, but it’s just a matter of being careful.

Overall this is a wonderful

opportunity to stretch the legs of any adventure bike you may own. The regular reminders to blow your horn at blind corners are worth remembering, because the road is frequented by both big tipper trucks engaged in some inexplicable efforts at the caves and keen four-wheel drivers on the way to some recreation in the gullies of the ranges. I shouldn’t write ‘frequented’.

I only encountered one truck and one bunch of three four-wheel drives.

But watch the corners, even though you’re not likely to encounter much oncoming traffic during the week.

The road is narrow and occasionally somewhat demanding, with no significant protection from flying into space, but it is perfectly capable of being traversed by a road bike.

Back in 1981 when I was editor of Two Wheels magazine, Mrs Bear and I covered it on a Goldwing.

I also used it some years later for a photo session with the Coke Moke, a Mini Moke which had just completed the London to Sydney rally. It’s in the Birdwood museum now.

Whatever. This is a wonderful part of the country, and I encourage you

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Parson’s General Store looks like a thoroughly pleasant place to stop. I didn’t have time.

An American friend of mine once said, “What kind of country has ‘high’ as the second level from the bottom in six grades of fire danger?”

to tackle it some time, on a road bike or something a bit more dirty.

Just watch the corners.

All in all I covered about 650 kilometres including a hundred and fifty kilometres of dirt over two days, which is hardly an achievement but which was a lot of fun. Even in the days of Covid-19. Surprisingly, I saw only three other bikes during the entire ride; two KTMs and an Africa Twin.

Come on, get out there. And send us a photo. D

Roads are in remarkably good repair.This must be a swinging seat… if you know what I mean.

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S P E C I A L F E A T U R E Summer gear

BE HOT TO TROT WHILE STAYING

COOL AND

CLASSY COMPILED BY STUART

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Y

EP, ITS’ STARTING TO heat up again as summer fast approaches. I’ve already swapped over to a mid-season jacket and summer gloves to combat cold mornings and warm afternoons.

Within a month, or about the time you’re reading this it will be time to dust off the summer gear and see what you’ve got and whether the moths have eaten any holes in it, or it stinks so bad you’re embarrassed to wear it.

That all means you should be looking at what the various distributors who sent info into us want you to know about and consider buying for your summer riding.

Check them out at your local bike shop or online!

SW

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Summer gear

MACNA macnaridinggear.com.au or your local bike shop

Cool Vest Dry Evo – $249.95 Based on a simple evaporative system. Add 600ml of normal temperature tap water into the opening on the upper back, the water is absorbed into the special internal weave and as air passes over the vest, the evaporative effect creates significant cooling. Depending on the temperature and humidity, 600ml’s will last up to 3 days. Works best under a jacket that allows air-flow.

Available in 4 Men’s sizes S-M, L-XL, 2-3XL & 4-5XL.

Atmos Gloves – $99.95 The all new for 2021 Macna Atmos gloves are made from supple goat leather combined witha high airflow material, carbon knuckle protectors,double layer palm and little finger with a normal length cuff to prevent sunburn on the skin between the end of your jacket and gloves. Superbly comfortable and fully CE Safety Approved.

Available in Men’s Black sizes S-3XL.

Velocity Mesh Jacket – $199.95 Equipped with large mesh panels providing ideal ventilation on hot summer days. Lightweight and super comfortable to wear. Now constructed to meet or exceed the new European CE Standard prEN17092. This means all materials, seams, zippers and armour have been rigorously tested for seam strength, burst, tear and abrasion resistance and impact absorption. Ride safe in Macna.

Available in Black, Black/Olive or Black/Camo, men’s

sizes S-3XL.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE MERLIN merlinbikegear.com.au or your local bike shop

Shenstone Jacket – $329.95

Merlin’s first ever mesh jacket, developed for the Australian summer.

The Shenstone is a midlength, heritage style jacket constructed from genuine Halley Stevensons Scottish waxed cotton and high tenacity polyester nylon mesh. Superb comfort and fit are the result of carefully crafted panels and stitching, a removable 100% waterproof and breathable lining along with top of the range components like pre-fitted D30 shoulder and elbow armour.

English company Merlin has constructed this jacket to meet or exceed the new European CE Standard prEN17092.

Available in Black, men’s sizes S-3XL. 64

imcaustralia.com or your local bike shop

Route Modular (Flip-Up) Indian Motorcycle Helmet – $350 High quality thermoplastic modular helmet with distinctive graphics.

This helmet features vents, Pinlock anti-fog, D-ring closure, detachable cheek pads, integrated sun visor and is Bluetooth compatible.

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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KAWASAKI kawasaki.com.au or your local bike shop

Sunnies – $30 With UV-protective lenses, these black nylon framed sunglasses are sure to enhance your cool image.

The black frames have contrasting white Kawasaki logos on the arms. Stylish Green reflective UV400 polarized lens in a handy Kawasaki printed cloth bag for safe keeping and lens cleaning.

Torque Cap – $25 Kawasaki Torque Curved peak cap is a custom brushed cotton/poly twill with 6 panel construction and snap back closure for easy adjustment. Clean looking embroidered white Kawasaki Logo on the front. ‘Torque’ stripes on either side give this cap a distinctive look. Lime green stitching detail on the peak and lime green top button.

Ninja T-shirt – $29 Black Fashion T-Shirt made of cotton for comfort in everyday wear.

Attractive Green Ninja logo and grey honeycomb background in Plastisol print across the chest accented with green Kawasaki Ninja logo on the lower back and white Kawasaki in the sleeves. This cotton jersey is twin needle stitch for a strong and neat finish.

Available in sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 2XL, 3XL and 5XL. (No 4XL). www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Summer gear

DRIRIDER dririder.com.au or your local bike shop

Apex 5 Air Jacket – $279.95

The new Dririder Apex 5 Airflow jacket features a Maxtex Polyester 600D outer shell, full flow mesh and 1000D reinforced shoulders and elbows, removable Texland Reissa waterproof and breathable liner, CE armour with hi-density foam back pad, safety stitching with Coats thread, action stretch in shoulders and elbows, mesh comfort lining, dual arm, hip and waist adjusters for a tailored fit, 3 external pockets, 1 inner pockets + mobile pocket, reflective printing and a waist connection zip for pants.

Available in 3 men’s colours, sizes XS – 8XL and 2 ladies colours sizes 6 – 22.

Air-Ride 2 Long Cuff Gloves – $79.95 Summer sports touring gloves made from premium cowhide and full flow mesh, featuring carbon fibre knuckle, finger and wrist protection, double layer palm with Pittards leather, stretch panels for dexterity and a large Velcro cuff closure.

Available in 4 colours, sizes XXS – 5XL.

Titan Jeans – $229.95 Made with heavy duty stretch denim featuring safety stitching, lined with DuPont Kevlar fibre based fabric in all major crash zones, CE Level 2 knee armour and hip armour pockets (sold separately). The Titan is a slim fit jean which can zip to your jacket. There’s both sizes of zip included for retro fitting to older jackets without a matching zip, with regular style jeans pockets.

Available in 4 colours, men’s sizes 28 – 46.

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Air-Ride 5 Jacket – $199.95 Australia’s most popular summer jacket! Made from a Maxtex 600D polyester and abrasion resistant mesh outer shell, featuring a Reissa waterproof and breathable removable liner (8000mm/5000mm), CE armour with hi-density back protector, mesh comfort liner, power stretch chest panels, action stretch in shoulders and elbows, pre-curved arms, Neoprene stretch comfort collar, reflective print, arm and waist adjusters, 2 outer and 2 inner pockets and a connection zip.

Available in 10 men’s colours, sizes XS8XL and 5 ladies colours sizes 6 – 22.

Climate Control EXO 3 Jacket – $399.95 Outer shell made from HT mesh, Polyester 600D and Oxford Leather, featuring D30 LP2 Pro intelligent CE Armour and a hi-density back pad, removable waterproof and breathable liner (10,000mm /8000mm), removable 85g thermal liner, stretch panels in chest, shoulders and elbows, precurved arms, sports collar with Neoprene comfort roll, arm and waist adjusters and a waist connection zip for pants.

Available in 2 colours, sizes XS – 6XL.

Air-Tech 2 Waterproof Touring Boots – $199.95 Upper made from PU leather and heavy-duty Nylon breathable fabric, featuring a Hipora waterproof and breathable liner, moulded Nylon shin and ankle guard, shock absorbing Latex foam on flex panel, polyester lining with open cell foam for comfort, Techno GI thermoplastic toecap and heel, auto lock YKK zip with adjustable Velcro flap, anti twist moulded Nylon mid sole, vulcanised high density anti-slip sole, TPU shift pad and reflective for night time safety.

Available in sizes 39 – 48.

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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KLIM adventuremoto.com.au

Badlands Aero Pro Shorts Gloves – $255 World conqueror built to meet the demands of the intercontinental adventurer, the Badlands Aero Pro glove is specifically designed to be your go-to glove for the majority of riding conditions. Whether you are riding down the street or taking on your biggest adventure you can count on the Klim Badlands.

Baja S4 Range – Jacket $845, Pants $765, Gloves $155 The Baja S4 range was born for open deserts and towering sand dunes. The jacket, pants and gloves excel in a multitude of hot weather environments with extensive venting, protection features for confidence on the street, and the dexterity to perform in demanding off-road conditions.

Induction Road Gear – Jacket $595, Gloves $225 Using proprietary Klim Karbonite Mesh, the Induction Jacket combines the highest ventilation with the highest level of abrasion resistance in a streamlined motorcycle jacket design. Combined with the Klim Induction Glove redesigned with KLIM specific rider grip this is a combo anyone could ride in.

SELECT EDGE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES

Marrakesh Range – Jacket $625, Pants $595, Gloves $165 The Marrakesh is engineered to excel in a wide temperature range while providing the highest degree of comfort and durability. With a perfect combination of ventilation and abrasion resistant materials, the Marrakesh is Klim’s most comfortable motorcycle gear range.

sales@selectedge.com.au www.selectedge.com.au (03) 9467 7622

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Summer gear

RUKKA

innotesco. com.au

StretchAir jacket and trousers have a great, body hugging fit thanks to many elastic insets.

The bootcut trousers can be worn inside as well as over the motorcycle boots. Rukka purposely does not fit it with zippers on the legs for enhanced wearing comfort.

StretchAir is made of extremely air permeable knitwear, containing mostly Cordura AFT as well as several areas with the even wider meshed AFT+. Despite its breeziness, this outer material is highly abrasion resistant, with extra Cordura AFT reinforcements on the elbows and knees further increasing protection.

Jacket and trousers are fitted with the new, CE certified Rukka D3O Air XTR Level 2 joint protectors.

R.O.R Suit – Jacket $855, Pants $675

Stretch Dry Suit – Jacket $570, Pants $515

Stretch Air Suit – Jacket $640, Pants $560

Even in the summer, a nasty rain shower can interrupt your motorcycle tours at any time. Rukka has developed the StretchDry suit to protect motorcyclists for such days.

The ideal addon for protective gear that does not offer weather protection, it is simply worn over the motorcycle suit.

Designed as pure weather protection without protectors, the StretchDry is made of a water and wind proof, breathable Gore-Tex 2-layer laminate with a light polyester fabric outer layer as well as 500D Cordura reinforcements in exposed areas of jacket and trousers. In addition, the StretchDry has large air vents and mesh insets from below the arms all the way down to the waist.

As an alternative to the StretchDry, the two-layer laminate Rukka R.O.R. is another addition to lend summer suits perfect weather protection.

A fully-fledged suit, it comes without protectors and is great for cross-country touring, as well as a regular rain suit to pull over on warm, rainy days. Thanks to numerous air vents, the R.O.R. also ensures a great climate even in hot temperatures.

In addition, it has protector sleeves, allowing to fit it with Rukka D3O protectors and wear it on its own.

Airium Gloves (and Airi for ladies) – $130 The new Rukka Airium and Airi gloves do it all. The CE certified gloves are made of a top quality textile, which is remarkably elastic, breathable and abrasion resistant and therefore ensure perfect fit, good ventilation and passive safety. Integrated protectors for the fingers, knuckles and scaphoid bone increase protection even further, while 68

special pads on the palms and fingertips increase the grip. Sturdy Velcro strips on the cuffs help keep the gloves securely in their place. In addition, touchscreen fingertips for thumbs and index fingers on both gloves allow operating a GPS system or a smart phone with gloves on.

Available in black, Airium men’s sizes 6 – 14, Airi women’s sizes 6 – 10.

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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SCREEN ADJUSTER FÜSPORT

for Yamaha Ténéré XTZ700 (Model 2019-on)

fusportboots.com or your local bike shop

Stormer Boots – $169 and laces with zip entry to make it easy to get them on and off.

The comfortable and lightweight design makes the Stormer not just a riding boot but an all-day shoe.

Available in grey, sizes: 39 – 46.

EI

ED

S T RA L I AN O

Easy to install

ELDORADO eldoradohelmets. com or your local bike shop

Easy to adjust

Charlee Gloves – $59 The Eldorado Charlee motorcycle gloves are retro styled and designed to fit and feel as good as they look. Top grain cowhide, reinforced Kevlar palm protection with perforated fingers allow the rider to be protected but stay cool on the road. With a look straight out of the ‘70s the Charlee is the perfect

WN

100 %

AU

N AUSTRA L IA

MA D

The bestseller Füsport Stormer boot has a casual look with full protection features to keep you safe on the road. Featuring a midrise design with an anti-rip canvas outer, antislip and wear resistant sole, cushioned insole, moisture management

glove for any ride.

The Charlee motorcycle gloves come in men’s and women’s fitment.

Available in men’s bronze or black/grey, sizes S – 3XL and women’s bronze or black, sizes S – XL.

Designed and manufactured in AUSTRALIA, this kit will give you 80mm of adjustment over the stock screen. In the raised position, the difference in ride comfort is remarkable. Wind noise reduction is very noticeable and airflow underneath your screen reduces the vacuum effect, creating smoother airflow and reducing turbulence. In the lowered position, the screen sits at the same height as stock.

The kit comes with all you need to install yourself!

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Summer gear

HELD BIKER FASHION heldaustralia.com.au

Tropic 3.0 Jacket – $299.99 Outer shell made from HerosTec 600 Denier fabric, featuring certification under FprEN 17092, protective garments for motorcyclists, soft collar, cool mesh in front, back and arms, Held ClipIn technology, arm adjustment, two inner and two outer pockets, CE

protectors in shoulder and elbows, optional EN 1621-2:2014 back protector, reflective sections, Velcro for optional chest protector and a connecting zip.

Available in black, black/fluro yellow, grey/black, grey/blue, grey, grey/red, sizes S – 5XL.

Desert Summer Gloves – $130 Made from highly abrasionresistant kangaroo leather palm and mesh fabric (100% polyester), leather detailed back, featuring a colourfast and sweat-proof lining, Velcro adjustment at cuffs, elasticated leather panels on back, thumb and fingers, perforated finger panels and sidewalls of

fingers in lightweight mesh fabric, hard plastic knuckle protection covered with Superfabric brand material (32% polyester, 68% epoxy resin), Superfabric reinforcement on edge of hand and double leather at palm.

Available in black and men’s sizes 6 – 12, ladies sizes D-6, D-7, D-8.

Air Stream II Gloves – $145 Made from highly abrasionresistant kangaroo leather palm and mesh fabric (100% polyester), leather detailed back, featuring a colourfast and sweat-proof lining, Kevlar and DuPont Coolmax lined back, special step seam avoids pressure points on inner hand and enhances feel, Velcro adjustment at cuffs, perforated

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leather back, perforated finger panels and sidewalls of fingers in lightweight mesh fabric, perforated hand for maximum ventilation, feel and comfort, hard plastic knuckle protection, Superfabric reinforcement on fingers and edge of hand and protectors on edge of hand, covered with leather.

Available in black, sizes 7 – 12.

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DAYTONA

RJAYS

outfit until I matched a Yamaha Bolt to innotesco.com.au a replica Steib chair. Still, the Beemer rjays.com.au or your local bike shop outfit covered a lot of miles and was Air-Tech Jacket – $399.95 The RJAYS Air-Tech is a sports leather

find any photos, so you’ll have to settle and textile jacket for all seasons with CE for one of the Bolt. armour. The blend of 3D Mesh panels with leather inserts offers a high level of breathability and protection. Removable waterproof and thermal liners mean you can adjust to suit any weather.

Available in men’s black/white, sizes S - 4XL, and men’s black/ white/yellow, sizes S – 2XL, and ladies black/white, sizes 8 – 18.

Journey Xcr Waterproof Summer Boots – $420 Perfect summer boots: short shaft, easy access and light - all Daytona’s trademark comfort features. But that’s not all; they are truly waterproof too, thanks to Gore-Tex XCR. Coupled with the punch vented leather and lack of insulation makes these the perfect waterproof boots for nearly all-year-round riding. These waterproof motorcycle boots have a short cut and no zips for ease of use. Slip them on and off with ease. The sole contains a galvanised steel shank for extra rigidity.

Air-Tech Gloves – $89.95 Made from Goatskin leather, P/Span and Microfibre, featuring TPR knuckle protection, Tricot lining on back of hand, double layer palm, TPR palm slider, Armortex Kevlar palm pad, Neoprene cuff for comfort, finger gussets, silicone print on fingers, touch screen compatible Smart tip on thumb and wrist closure with Velcro.

Available in black/grey, sizes S - 2XL, black/red, sizes S - 2XL and black/yellow in sizes S - 2XL.

Ace 2 Perf Boots – $169.95 Made from leather featuring perforated panels for cooling, comfort mesh lining, Italian Techno GI toe and heel protection, padded me and my riding. Both bikes I bought in-socks with memory foam, ankle protection with 4mm moulded EVA foam, reflective panels, moulded plastic insole, vulcanized proof that marketing hype works!

Both rubber sole, gear lever pad, lace closing system and the boots are CE approved.

Available in black, sizes 37 – 48 and chugging brown, sizesthrough 41 – 48.the D countryside. Both Let it be known, BMW have pretty

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CALLTOACTION

WE AS AUSTRALIAN RIDERS

DO NOT GET A GOOD DEAL! L

ET’S GET AUSTRALIA MOVING again with a better deal for Powered 2 Wheelers!” says Stuart Strickland, ex-MD of Honda MPE. We need our Federal and State Governments and Councils of Australia to get Australians moving again! Lower the cost of Powered 2 Wheel Registration & CTP ($50 - 50cc; $100 – LAMS; $200 Open). Standardise Powered 2 Wheel Registration and CTP Australia-wide. LA category vehicles should be able to be ridden on a car licence Australiawide. Incentivise commuters to purchase electric powered 2 wheel transport through green fund rebates (as per current solar rebates) and no stamp duty charges. Provide a national exemption from motorway, bridge and tunnel toll charges. Make parking free and allow footpath parking as long as public thoroughfares and walkways are not compromised.

There is little doubt that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently challenging every single aspect of our society. Since the lockdowns and exponential increase in people working from home there has been a signi昀椀cant reduction of traf昀椀c on our roads. The current situation is testing for all of us but going forward we could all bene昀椀t and enjoy the following:

Sweet, sweet air The most evident of all changes is that the air in our cities is clearer, so now is the time to rethink our use of single 72

occupant vehicles. Seeing landmarks not normally seen due to pollution haze has been noticed the world over.

As the pandemic eases and the cars return to our roads, the air quality will deteriorate. Powered 2 Wheels can substantially reduce emissions in comparison with a car. This can be further reduced through the use of electric 2 and 3-wheelers.

is hard to achieve social distancing: this will be front of mind for many everyday commuters returning to crowded public transport facilities.

Powered 2 wheel commuting allows social distancing.

Friends with [many] bene昀椀ts

Many commuters already bene昀椀t by using powered 2 wheel transport with ever-increasing electric options emerging on the market daily. This is still one of the most ef昀椀cient, cost-effective, minimal impact ways to deliver commuting solutions, as it allows commuters to quickly complete their daily travel routines with 昀氀exibility and distance capability like no other commuter, and at the same time contributing to less air and noise pollution, less CAN we do something traf昀椀c and parking congestion, about it? Yes, more money in your pockets we CAN! in these dif昀椀cult times, better mental wellbeing and free time due to less commuting time, taking control and have FUN Less congestion at the same time. Let’s encourage = better commuting more people to commute by powered People now working and studying 2-wheel transport. It is the simplest, from home have realised the cost most cost-effective personal transport savings of not paying to park or fuel solution which satis昀椀es social their vehicles that they use for their distancing measures. daily commute. Powered 2 wheels are also more convenient, saving valuable Let’s keep costs of powered 2-wheel time and providing tangible social and transport as low as the impact they economic bene昀椀ts to individuals and have on our roads, infrastructure and families alike. environment. Support the cause now and sign the petition at www.change.

Social distancing in a tin can org/a-better-deal-for-2-wheels Public transport is a great way to Stuart Strickland, move large numbers of people, but it media@twag.org.au

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USED&ABUSED Dririder Vivid 2 ladies jacket – $319.95 Finding just the right jacket can be somewhat hit and miss sometimes, but my partner has found the one she loves in the Dririder Vivid 2 jacket. She has worn far more expensive jackets and not found them as good as the Vivid 2, which does say a lot for the features and ‘cut’ of the jacket. She is normally a size 8-10 with an ample chest so she chose size 14 in this jacket and it is a little loose at the bottom, but fits great everywhere else – something to think about when working out sizing. This ranges from 6-22.

The Vivid 2 is available in three colours – Raven (Blk/Wht), Candy (Blk/Gry/Pink) or the one she chose – Atlantic Blue, which is obviously blue with some black and white.

Designed as an all-season jacket the outer shell is made from abrasion resistant 900/600 Denier Poly fabric, RIPSTOP and 500D air mesh which allows a nice flow of air through the jacket on warm days. For the colder rides there is a removable thermal liner and a removable waterproof and breathable liner (10,000mm/8,000mm).

For comfort, the neoprene comfort collar with soft microfibre inner feels nice against the skin and doesn’t chafe.

Multiple adjustment points allow you to get it fitting just right and as most women know, getting the fit just right is always different to a man. The chest area is comfortable and the bottom area of the jacket is flared out, which makes it comfortable sitting on the bike.

There’s also arm adjustments and Velcro wrist closures.

Protection comes via CE armour in the shoulders and elbows with a hi-density foam back pad. They all fit as per they should, which many jackets can’t promise. Pockets are obviously important with two outer pockets and four inners. The inners fit a smartphone and glasses, with the two outers great to keep hands warm on a cold day while standing around off the bike. For added safety there’s reflective print for low light visibility and matching pants are available with waist connection zip in the jacket.

My partner is extremely happy with the design of the Dririder Vivid 2 jacket, and doesn’t she look great with her ‘matching’ HJC helmet which also features quite a bit of blue. Check out all of the Dririder gear at your local bike shop or dririder.com.au

VIVIDLY SEXY

SW

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GREW UP IN THE late ’70s and ’80s, let’s say 77 to 87 being my formative years in motorcycling, when aged 15 to 25. That’s my period and the models I lusted after then, but could never afford, have a special place on my want list. KH750, CBX1000, RD350LC, Z1000R, RZ500, GSXR750 RG - there are many, some I have. Don’t get me wrong, I love all bikes, modern stuff too, OK maybe not cruisers - and scooters don’t count, but other than that… I fully understand how much better bikes are now and how good we as motorcyclists have it today. Someone once told me, these old bikes you lust over from your youth, don’t ever ride them, just look and admire, for they are like that girlfriend you wanted back then – not the same as you remember anymore, they will disappoint you today. Too true! Keep your memory and don’t ride them again.

This was good advice, which I failed to put into place, taking my long wanted RZ500 for a blast from the past when I finally found one in 2007, it scared the shit out of me, and not in a good way!

By today’s standards and what we have become accustomed to, it is, well…. crap.

So now I just look at them and admire.

I

The Replica

WORDS/PHOTOS DEREK HENDERSON AND CHRIS PICKETT

M

ANY OF YOU READING this would have modified your own motorcycle in some way, often every motorcycle you’ve ever owned has got your personal touch, so to speak. But how many would have the internal fortitude to put a turbo on a motorcycle? Some have tried,

more often than not failing, because the road to turbo heaven is littered with melted pistons and melted minds. Derek Henderson decided to have a go and came out the other end with a great bike and his mind intact. Here’s Derek’s own take on his Turbo ZRX1200R Kawasaki.

CP

When Eddie Lawson won the superbike world championship on that gorgeous KZ1000S1, which led to the birth of the Z1000R ‘replica’, that was ‘my period’. I wanted one so badly back then, but it was out of my reach on apprentice wages, then life got in the way. It’s a common story.

Fortunately, Kawasaki knew there was a bunch of diehard tragics like myself that missed out in their youth and so released the ZRX in 1997. Undoubtedly, a better bike in every way to the Z1000R of 1982, or even (dare I say), the exotic, rare, and highly valuable Superbike Championship winning KZ1000S1 it replicated, a fact that even a tragic like myself can’t argue. Anyway, circumstances had me waiting for the upgraded ZRX1200R and this particular bike is my 2001 model (with a twist), which I bought new in 2002. You see, in Australia, we had a different colour (livery) of ZRX1200R every year, that’s all that changed from 2001 to 2008!

Though it wasn’t until 2008, the last of, that we got the bike in the true Eddie Lawson Replica livery. So this bike has www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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CUSTOM been fitted with that body work and my 2008 model ZRX is now Red in the GPz livery. That in itself is a long story, but let’s just say, Eddie’s bike had black wheels, gold brake callipers, black frame, silver swing arm, black forks and gold shock reservoirs as did the 2001 ZRX, but not the 2008, the 2008 only had the lime green livery right. So the ‘bodywork’ was duly swapped to my 2001. To get the rest right you have to buy the earlier ZRX1100R, which has the black engine covers, just like Eddies KZ1000S1. This is how it all started, building myself a modern day Eddie Lawson Replica, replica. Old school look with new age ability.

In deep

When I started this project I didn’t know much more than the very basics about turbo systems and as some say, a little knowledge can be dangerous and in this case, expensive. My ‘kit’ eventually arrived in October 2012 and I started getting my head around it all. I’m a frustrated motorcycle mechanic in some ways, but in reality I earn my crust as a mechanical engineer, so I kind of know the basics and got my head round it all pretty quick. Some of the parts were missing (and still are) and some were sent back to The States for replacement with workmanship issues. Rough as guts basically! Finally by February 2013 I had all the bits as good as they were The decision going to get. Yes, that was well over I’m not completely sure how a year after order! The parts still didn’t the turbo decision happened, but fit by the way, so this is either a one I definitely wanted more sports bikeoff, or the jigs are wrong! Fortunately like performance out of the ZRX. I now at least had the basics and a I wanted my ZRX to have a similar much better understanding of what 1 to 1 power to weight ratio as my I was doing. Having the good Ducati 1098, and maybe pretty it up fortune of working at an engineering a bit. It had to be rideable but with company, I could make good what I big gains in performance. That ruled had, ditch what I wasn’t prepared to out high compression big bores, use and make or source the missing cams, flat slide carbs and a whole bits. So let’s say by the end of 2013, bunch of other stuff I’d tried before two years later, I was ready to start on other bikes. A simple computer with this ‘kit’. Lucky I had other bikes search “ZRX1200R 200Hp”, and to use, because the sump and carb enter. There it was in front of me, mods were done on exchange, so the a Turbo! More research told me bike was out of action most of this the stock motor is strong enough time. Anybody that may be thinking for 12 PSI boost, well north of 200 about buying a Turbo Kit, from my rear wheel horsepower and an earth experience, there is no such thing. moving 170 lbs.ft torque. No lowered The suppliers of this particular ‘kit’ compression, which is pretty low were pleasant enough to deal with and to start with at 10.1 to 1! The weak generally pretty helpful. link in the motor for more boost The most important thing to start I found out is actually the inlet valve with on a turbo build is the position springs, which are overcome by the of the turbo, and the exhaust header pressure trying to force them open. supplied with the kit did that, but only That, and the pistons apparently. after much modification to fit the So no engine mods below that healthy outlet ports of the motor. With the level of boost and there was turbo in the ideal position for a ‘bolt on’ kit available from plumbing and lubrication, The States for under you have a starting “I’M NOT $5k U.S. – with the point. Getting oil COMPLETELY exchange rate at 1 to and from the SURE HOW THE = 1, too good to turbo has to be TURBO DECISION be true? Well yes, right. As I said but that is where earlier the ZRX HAPPENED, BUT I project Turbo Rex is basically a ZZR DEFINITELY WANTED really started, the motor and a ZZR MORE SPORTS BIKE-LIKE has an oil cooler, order was placed in PERFORMANCE OUT a ZRX not. So all December 2011!

the plumbing and ports exist within the sump pan and you just need to know what you’re doing and tap into it. No scavenge pump is required, the turbo gets oil to and from the motor by what exists, with some external hoses and non-return valves added.

There was an additional mod made to the sump to better supply oil to number two and three main bearings, which is a weakness on this motor.

As I was loading up the crank with all these extra ponies, it seemed like cheap insurance to me. There is a fair bit of oil plumbing under the motor, but it is not as complicated as it looks, provided you know the basics of what you are trying to achieve. The hoses and fittings supplied with the kit were cheap and nasty, so I ditched them, only using the non-return valves and the Aeroflow braided oil lines with full flow fittings I made up.

The turbo is a Garrett T3 with external waste gate, fitted with a Turbosmart Ultragate38 and that set up all fits in and works pretty well.

The turbo is bush bearing, not roller bearing and as antiquated as that sounds, it’s not a bad idea on a bike.

Ball bearing turbos spool up really quickly and have boost coming in at really low RPM, maybe fine on a car, or a big lazy twin, but I can promise you a ZRX is no slouch below 5,000RPM in stock trim anyway. Boosting that bottom end on an already strong motor would see some scary launches and corner exits.

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I wanted the bike to have the same low and mid-range manners. This big oversized turbo we have here spools up pretty slow, bringing boost in from around 5,000RPM when things start getting a bit manic!

The cold pipe/wrap pipe/intake pipe, whatever you know it as, the one that goes from the turbo air outlet to the plenum, or air box if you like, didn’t fit either, but again the basics and sizing was good and after some mods to miss the radiator at the front and the frame at the back, it fitted in pretty well.

The plenum I received was gorgeous, a billet CNC machined thing of beauty, so no complaints there, other than knowing what I know now, if I had to do it again, I’d change a few things with that too.

Fuelling Carbs are stock with some mods carried out by the kit supplier on exchange. This was all made out to be ‘secret men’s business’, which it is not and in reality nothing other than jetting, needle position, raised floats, air screw adjustment and the like.

Basically no different to doing a jet kit, for those that can remember what that is/was. Basics apply, off boost nothing changes, under 5,000RPM the bike is the same. Primaries, needles, mixture screws and the like are no different a set up to doing a jet kit to get the fuelling right for a pipe and filter upgrade on a stock bike. Just like installing a jet kit, you start with www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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CUSTOM the main jet, only when that is right do you play with the rest. If your bike was running sweet off the bottom and in mid-range before the turbo, it’ll be just fine after. Boost is only happening off the main, so the main is the only change you need and that is not by much, if any! My other ZRX with 4 into 1 and K&N filters runs sweet with 135 mains. Stock is 95. This turbo bike runs 110 mains! How so? Well it had me baffled at first too. But the wide band air/fuel analyser I fitted gives you the facts. That incidentally didn’t come with the kit and is the single most important thing you will need in setting this lot up. What we are playing with here is Oxy Acetylene.

Too much fuel not enough air makes a weak flame – weak burn equals weak power. A good flame is a perfect mix of fuel and air and is what we were after, but too much air, ie, if the bike leans out too much, it’s like pulling the oxygen lever on the oxy acetylene cutting torch, which blows holes in steel, or pistons in this case! Get your set up wrong and that is your destiny.

The carbs and fuelling set up were the biggest challenge to get right, every change you make is a two hour job, to get these carbs off, make one change and fit back on. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have had them off and on. I reckon I could almost do it blind folded. There is much information and ‘advice’ available on the old interwebs, but as I discovered there are 10 wrong directions from self-confessed internet experts, for every one genuine helpful hint, or tip

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you might find. Don’t research or pay any attention to what you read on the internet, unless you have some basic understanding of what you are doing.

Go see Jamie at S&R Pro, pay him some money and pick up your bike when he’s done, it’ll be cheaper and quicker in the long run. You’ve read that before but It’s good advice. When I first started this project and didn’t know too much, there were so many experts out there, but let me say, now that I’m finished and I know a bit, I have discovered there are actually few that really know this stuff and that there is a big difference between a bike turbo set up versus a car setup.

Do not listen to car guys either! There are people in Australia that know this game, that specialise in bike turbos, there is no need to go to the USA, or the internet – save your time and money.

That said, one thing I did learn from the internet after much research and trying to understand what I thought the problem was, is the importance of reference pressure. To explain, carbs normally pull a vacuum through the intake with the piston sucking in on the down stroke, with the inlet valve open. The fuel bowls of the carbs are normally vented to atmosphere, so the atmospheric pressure in the bowls as such is more than the vacuum in the intake, fuel is therefore drawn out the bowl through the main jet and into the intake. But now with the turbo on boost, the intake is under pressure which will push through the main jet into the fuel bowl and blow the fuel out, this won’t work! We

“THE TURBO IS A GARRETT T3 WITH EXTERNAL overcome that two-stroke with by pressurising a power band WASTE GATE, FITTED the fuel bowl, on steroids that WITH A TURBOSMART this is done gets stronger and ULTRAGATE38 AND THAT stronger as the by connecting SET UP ALL FITS IN AND revs climb, it’s the bowl vents (which previously quite addictive.

WORKS PRETTY went to atmosphere), With the pressure in the WELL.” to the pressure side of the system, the plenum that I started with. Pressure is pressure right? Whether you take your tyre pressure from this side of the tyre, or the other, it’s the same. So anywhere on the pressure side should be the same and OK to reference bowl pressure from? Well, there is a better way and I can assure you this was the answer to my carburation issues through the transition to boost, when it stuttered and farted right through the rev range from zero boost to full boost pressure. And when I shut the throttle from full boost while the system was still pressurised for a nano second it flooded the motor and stuttered and farted again. The fuelling was nightmarish! I read an article about ‘pitot tubes’ and CV carb turbos, such as this. A pitot tube is the little tube you see sticking out the front of an aeroplane. What it does in that application is establishes the air speed of the plane, through air velocity. Measuring the wind velocity pushing the air on the nose of the pitot tube as pressure, which is what it is. So, if there is a head wind, that is considered to be speed forward, ie, the speed the plane is moving through the air, not ground speed, that is another instrument, GPS today probably. By installing a pitot tube in the pipe between the turbo and the plenum, pointing towards the air flow, it references the velocity of the air flowing through the pipe as pressure, even when there is no pressure in the system there is flow over the pitot, which is sent to the carb bowl as pressure and therefore the pressure in the bowls is always marginally higher than the pressure in the plenum leading up to and including full boost, so the carbs are always reacting slightly ahead of boost. The way power comes in on a turbo bike is like nothing I’ve experienced before. It’s exponential, the higher the revs get, the quicker the power builds. Kind of like a

bowls being increased with boost, the fuel pressure to the bowls needs to do likewise. Too much fuel pressure will overcome the needle and seat and flood the motor, too little will stop fuel getting into the bowl and lean out the mix, resulting in melted pistons.

So, the fuel pressure control is pretty important. Normally fuel is gravity fed to a carburetted bike and this isn’t going to work either. A high pressure fuel pump was supplied with the kit, as was a rising rate Mallory fuel pressure regulator. The rising rate regulator not only allows you to adjust the base fuel pressure, it also receives reference pressure from the pressure side of the turbo, which I took from the existing vacuum port on the intake, between the carb and the inlet valve. The rising rate regulator uses this reference pressure to proportionally adjust the fuel pressure.

When the bike idles, it naturally draws a vacuum (even with a turbo), which gives you a false indication of base pressure. I believe it’s best to set the base fuel pressure when the motor isn’t running, therefore when you start the bike the fuel pressure actually goes down as the reverence pressure is now negative, while the bike is idling.

I set the base pressure on 3 PSI, the needle and seat will handle about 4 to 5 PSI max. As the pressure rises, the fuel pressure does so proportionally as well, so at 5 PSI boost, the fuel pressure will be 8 PSI, always 3PSI ahead of pressure in the system, or bowl pressure and voila, getting fuel into the pressurised intake is sorted. As this is an important function, the fuel pressure regulator selected has to be suitable. The Mallory supplied wasn’t, so that got ditched and someone local that knows this stuff pointed me in the right direction (thanks Jamie) and suggested that an ‘old school’ Mallpassi was the way to go, so more changes and the fuelling was sorted.

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CUSTOM high pressure pump goes back to the tank. As I didn’t want to cut into my beautiful ELR livery tank, so nicely painted by Kawasaki, I used the twin outlet Pingle fuel tap supplied with the kit, where one outlet goes to the fuel pump and the other is connected with the return line. Only problem with this cheat is that if you forget to open the fuel tap when you start the bike, you drown the motor and yes, I have had raw fuel running out the exhaust already. I have now fitted a switch on the fuel pump, so the worst that happens if I don’t follow the, open fuel, switch on pump, start sequence, is that it won’t start. It makes me think through the start process, rather than ignition on, press starter.

All the fuel and pressure reference plumbing I changed from the budget and dodgy rubber stuff supplied, to Samco Silicon hoses, the fuel lines obviously having liners.

The build of the bike seemed to take forever and I always seemed to need something, a hose, a bracket, a fitting, a bolt. It was a long slow process, the good part of which was that you really didn’t notice the money disappearing, or maybe the wife didn’t.

With all this ebay shopping, one thing leads to another, a couple of beers later and you are ordering Hel brake and clutch lines, anodised bolts and other such blingy stuff, Pazzo levers, wheel tape, decals and the like. It seemed every few days there was a package arriving from somewhere in the world. I even splashed out on a custom made Corbin ‘Holeshot’ saddle in carbon print leather, which I think really finishes off the ELR look I was chasing. Ohlins springers are next!

I don’t really know what the bike has cost so far, but if I had to guess, to get the bike where it is today (including the bike) it would be cheaper than buying a new 2016 superbike. If I had to add my labour, that would be a different story!

Hundreds of hours of my spare time have gone into this bike, but it was much more entertaining than watching TV. For me, it was cheap therapy.

Fired up

The first start-up was a success, well she started! See YouTube link https://youtu.be/FkxPOxVL2xI 80

Understanding my limited capability with tuning this lot running blind, I gave Dave at Sydney Dyno a shout, he came very well recommended and I can understand why, lovely bloke and knows his craft. However, when Dave heard what I had done and worse, heard that the bike was still carburated, he virtually showed me a crucifix!

He explained the risks in tuning it, or even running it on the Dyno!

Dave suggested that Jamie at S&R Pro would be the only person he’d recommend to look at a home built, old school turbo. I gave Jamie a call and although he was understandably a bit reluctant at first, dealing with imported opposition, DIY stuff, but when he saw the bike and heard my story, he weakened. Jamie agreed to do the black art stuff on his Dyno, provided I did the carb changes and followed his instructions. Great bloke, great shop and on top of their game, open and helpful and full of good advice, as were his crew. My bike was on the Dyno for the best part of a day, with me working like an apprentice doing the spanner work.

It was a memorable day and I learned so much from Jamie, so thanks again mate, you are a legend.

The day on the Dyno showed up a few basic issues; a) That the bike was way too rich. b) That the Mallory Fuel Pressure Regulator wasn’t doing the job and c) that the plenum and intake system was blowing off at 4 or 5 PSI. What else we discovered was that the bike was already developing 165Hp and 124 lb.ft torque on the back wheel! Now to put that into perspective, the bike stock is 122Hp and 82.6lb.ft on the crank! A Ducati Diavel develops 96lb.ft of torque, an H2R develops 115lb.ft, a V-Max 123 lb.ft, pretty impressive signs of things to come. So off I went with a job list from Jamie to complete.

The fuel pressure regulator was changed out as instructed and the plumbing redone to suit, I made up plates between the plenum and the frame to prevent the plenum from blowing off under pressure. I bought and fitted the wide band air fuel analyser and I started changing jets and carbie settings endlessly. Going for a test ride, back for more changes, test ride… and that is kind of how

my spare time went for a while – then I read about the Pitot tube, and bingo!

Took the bike for a spin and it was perfect, scared me a bit spinning the rear in third while whacking it in a quite spot I know. That brought on a decision to fit heavy duty clutch springs, as the torque required to do that was not going to get held by the stock clutch for too long! So I have since fitted Barnett clutch springs to the otherwise stock clutch basket.

When I woke the next morning, I thought I’d been dreaming! It took so long to get to this point and then, bang, one change and everything is sweet? So, I took it for another spin to make sure! It was right, but what I did discover was testing the bike on the road was, well, just crazy! Testing the bike on the road and trying to study the gauges to check the setup was bordering on suicide. Life preservation kicked in and I decided the only way forward was to set a GoPro up on the tank to look at the gauges, take the bike down to ‘Race for Real’ night drags at Eastern Creek and study the video after each run. This I did and the bike ran awesome and the fuelling was perfect. Have a look at the YouTube link https://youtu.be/ kdKw6p4-Wt0. Now remember these are proving runs, I’m not really giving it the berries and you can see I am mostly short shifting around 8,000 RPM! There is a lot more in there at 5 PSI, particularly on the launch!

Turbo lag doesn’t exist on a big bore bike like the ZRX, there is power and

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Owner profile DEREK HENDERSON, 54

then there is more power which builds rapidly to manic power. It’s kind of hard to explain, but there is no lag.

When you are running pinned through the gears, like on the drag strip, you don’t feel the turbo coming in, it’s just like a very quick bike as the boost is on max and doesn’t move, or drop off from 2nd gear to top. But on the street, wow you feel that boost coming in! I fitted a quick shifter to eliminate lag during gear change, but with or without it, there is no difference with lag, there is none. The quick shifter does sound quite awesome though, popping through the gear changes.

Again old school, the quick shifter on a carburated bike just cuts ignition for a nano second, but it keeps fuelling, so you get a little pop on the gear change which is pretty horn, on top of the whistle of the turbo. Just awesome! None of this tschhhh, tschhh from a pop off valve either.

The Turbosmart Ultragate is a very clever Australian design waste gate and is a combination dump valve/pop off valve, it maintains the pressure in the system perfectly and drops it off as soon as you close the throttle, check the YouTube again. The boys at Turbosmart should be pretty proud to know that the Yanks are supplying their gear with their kits, all the way back to Australia!

I now have a 10 PSI spring for the gate, so around 40 odd additional rear wheel horsepower in a packet, for $35!

I am waiting for a slot on Jamie’s dyno to find out the facts and then head

down to night drags for another play.

The bike as you see it is fitted with stubby dump pipes as were supplied with the kit, which are remarkably quiet, or should I say, quieter than they look. The turbo actually quietens the exhaust as it spools up, try telling that to the Highway Patrol! Nice and tidy as they are, Mr Policeman doesn’t like them much and at the end of the day it doesn’t fit my Eddie Lawson Replica, replica objective. I am currently finishing off a ‘period correct’ Kerker AMA megaphone from the 1980s, which I found on line, fitted with a 2 ½” race ‘baffle’.

There were three main goals when I started this. First I wanted to build the bike well enough to win the judges over in a show. The bike has won Best Japanese on show, I rode it there!

Second I wanted the bike to develop 200 rear wheel horsepower. It’s done that and much more. Third I wanted to run a sub 10 second quarter mile.

I haven’t achieved this just yet but I’ll be having a good go at it. If I can’t do it I might need some hired help, or have my testicles re attached maybe.

It’s been a long journey to get to this stage with my ZRX1200R Turbo but what has really amazed me is the lack of modifications I needed to do to the engine itself. All I’ve done is plug the smog ports, provide extra lubrication to main bearings two and three and replace three of the original six clutch springs with heavy duty Barnett race springs. That’s it. If only the rest of it had been that easy.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INTO BIKES? I have been into bikes for as long as I can remember. My first memory is as a young boy standing at a television shop watching a muddy motocross race through the shop window and my mother trying to drag me away thinking my attraction was the colour televisions on display, as colour TV was a relatively new thing. In Scotland where I hail from colour TV started in the late ’60s. So, say I was seven or eight. I didn’t get into bikes properly myself until I was 17 when I boldly felt I could challenge my parents’ authority.

They were dead against bikes at first.

WHAT OTHER BIKES HAVE YOU OWNED? My first bike was Honda CB125T2 in 1979, followed by a 1981 Kawasaki z550, a 1982 GPz1100B2 which took on many guises, a 1997 Triumph Daytona T595, a 1997 Kawasaki KDX200, a 1998 Triumph Daytona T595 and a 2008 BMW R1200GS Adventure. I bought all these bikes new except the BMW and regret selling every one them, so now I don’t sell them anymore! I currently own a 1981 Yamaha RD350LC, a 1984 Yamaha RZ500, a 1985 Yamaha RZV500R, a 1996 Kawasaki ZX7R, a 1997 Kawasaki ZX7’RR’, this 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R, a 2008 ZRX1200R, a 2009 Ducati 1198s and 2014 BMW R1200GS LC Adventure WHAT OTHER BIKED WOULD YOU LIKE TO OWN? There are too many to mention, but if money was no objective, a 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000S1 would be top of my list.

WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE OTHER THAN MOTORCYCLES? Windsurfing, but motorcycles take up most of my free time, whether I am riding them, looking at them, tinkering with them, reading about them or talking about them. D www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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ADVICE

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”

JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER

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10

THINGS TO DO (before you forget how) WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR

H

ERE WE GO. FAMOUS people give you – yes, you! – advice on how to run your motorcycling life.

Knowing how useless most of them were at running their own lives should not make you despair. Well, not yet. What’s that quote about the saddest words being “it might have been”? It’s all too true, says The Bear, although “pen” does not really rhyme with “been”.

Many years ago, when the author John Steinbeck felt old age creeping up on him, he invented the camper van.

No kidding, he really did. He bought a small truck and had a caravan built onto the back of it; nobody else had ever really thought of doing that before. Steinbeck wanted the camper because he could feel that he was getting old but didn’t want to give in to the feeling and was determined to take one more look at the America he’d known and written about.

The result of the trip he took was a book called ‘Travels with Charley’, and

while it isn’t much like the rest of his stuff it makes wonderful reading.

But what about you? You might not be growing old, but there’s a bad virus around even apart from the plague and you never know but you might have already caught it. It’s called ‘conservatism’, and people as young as 18 have been diagnosed with it.

Conservatism makes you reluctant, and eventually unable, to try new things. It leaves you in a rut, boring as - well, really boring - and almost permanently sour.

Motorcycling is usually a good antidote to conservatism, but you still need your wits about you, and you need an occasional inoculation.

That’s what this story is about - a dozen doses of antidote. Try one or try them all and you’ll be a happier, more flexible and more relaxed human being. Oh, they also cure dandruff and sciatica. All right, just kidding about the last two. I think. I don’t even know what sciatica is. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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ADVICE

1

Be perverse

Next time you come to a crossroad, take the branch that doesn’t look like the one you want. Mae West said, in Klondike Annie, “Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.” She was so right.

All sorts of wonderful things may lie down that road you’d never normally take. Even if there’s nothing special down there, it will be a different nothing special from the nothing special you usually see. And let’s face it - the best thing that can happen is that your whole life will be changed (for the better, with a bit of luck and let’s face it, could it get worse?) and you’ll emerge from that back road a better person. The worst thing, of course, is that you’ll be run over and killed by a sleeping Volvo driver you would never otherwise have met.

But hey, you want everything?

2

Be excessive

Don’t just buy that HarleyDavidson Road King or Indian Challenger. Go for the Motor Clothes or the Indian equivalent as well, and the several thousand bucks worth of accessories the salesman is trying to flog you. Don’t forget the bumper bar lights that play Dixie in morse code.

It’s only money. Your marriage was probably headed for the rocks anyway, and those big Hogs and Indians are real chick magnets. Well, okay, the chicks involved usually have kind of crepe-y skin, but so do you.

And don’t just have a double JD before you turn in for the night when you’re on a trip. You can handle at last another half bottle before you become unconscious. And just think - that means you won’t need to climb those rickety old stairs to the pub’s upper floor. Your mates will carry you.

Oops. Dropped him again.

Hunter S. Thompson said, “I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they’ve always worked for me.” That bloke started out as a sportswriter and look where he is today. Apart from dead. Can you honestly say that you’re one hundredth as famous as Thompson, you with your polite and safe way of life? Eh?

3

Be irresponsible

When his troops once showed a certain reluctance to charge into enemy cannon fire, the Old Fritz (Frederick the Great, King of Prussia) shouted, “What’s the matter, dogs, do you want to live forever?” In German, of course. The shamefaced troops charged, and fought their way into history. Of course heaps of them died, too. Nobody said this was gonna be easy.

But if you were going to be responsible, you’d be driving the Peter Vulcan Replica Volvo (historic Victorian reference here) while wearing a four-point harness and crash helmet.

1

And probably drown when your in-dash navigator sent you down the wrong road. Folks, life is not a movie! Then again, a movie isn’t life, either.

4

Be unpredictable

“At the end of dinner it used to be that the men would retire to the billiard room and the women would go into the parlour. Men and women no longer separate after dinner, however. They now separate after twenty years of apparently happy marriage.” That’s P.J. O’Rourke, an acknowledged expert at unpredictability.

Why can’t you come up with this sort of thing? Go on. It doesn’t have to be divorce. What about you go out and buy a bike that nobody would ever have dreamed you’d be interested in? Let’s say you’ve always ridden BMWs, and now you suddenly show up at the pub aboard a... well, what about a Buell?

Of course they’ll all carry on about how they knew you had a mid-life crisis coming, and how you’re trying to regain lost youth; but underneath they’ll be bothered to blazes.

“Who would have thought it, eh?

The old duffer had a surprise left in him...”

And of course your wife will be the most surprised of all, especially if she just told you that she’s pregnant with your fifth child and the bike will have to go in order to finance another bedroom. Surprise, dear!

Lots of fun there.

2

3 1. “I wish someone would invent a crash helmet so I wouldn’t have to worry about these boys on their pushbikes…”

2.They sell these in New Zealand. Seriously.

3. And if you think that’s… interesting, try Frogburgers.

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“Try this exercise -- it’ll make you feel great. From a seated position, get up and walk to the bar. Mix one jigger of dry vermouth with seven jiggers of gin. Pour over three quarters of a cup of cracked ice and stir well. Strain and pour into a glass. Twist one lemon peel over the top. Sit down and drink. Build your stamina slowly and soon you’ll be able to do ten or twelve of these!”

P.J. O’ROURKE

5

Be irreligious

E.M. Forster wasn’t sure about religion. He said, “faith, to my mind, is a stiffening process, a sort of mental starch, which ought to be applied as sparingly as possible.”

It’s the same with bike religion.

You know, the kind that makes you stay with Suzukis if the first bike you owned was a Suzuki, or whatever.

Bugger that. Change (or at least modify) your religion, even if it means buying a differently coloured set of leathers. At least no motorcycle brand is going to insist that you shave the middle of your head!

Well, okay, apart from KTM.

6

Be freewheeling

“A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation,” according to Saki (H.H. Munro). Sounds fine, and no more really needs to be said here, does it?

Well, okay, just a little bit. I’ve just

remembered the vintage bike collector in Victoria who, when he saw the first of the Katanas, fell in love so badly he just had to have one. When it was parked out in the shed with all his other – and much older -- bikes, his wife came down to bring him a cup of tea (for the first time in decades) and noticed it. Naturally enough she asked him if he’d bought yet another bike.

“This old thing?” hubby said, “I’ve had this for years.”

Apply this principle to things like maintenance. A, er, friend of mine does it, and he just had a major success. He’d left oiling the chain on his bike for so long that his mechanic told him that he’d never need to oil that chain again!

Well, admittedly that was because it was stuffed, but you understand the principle of the thing. Don’t you?

7

Be disrespectful

8

Procrastinate

“A conference is a gathering of important people who singly can do nothing, but together can decide that nothing can be done,” said Fred Allen.

Ain’t that the truth. I have a friend who reckons that decisions by random groups of people are superior to those made by our elected representatives.

He’s probably right, but he’s never ridden with the bunch I do.

“Down to Gehenna, / Or up to the throne, / He travels the fastest / Who travels alone.”

That’s Rudyard Kipling and when it comes to summing up the old colonial spirit there’s no-one to beat him. The old colonial spirit? Gordon’s Gin, usually, which is also traditionally the fastest way out of Manchester.

You knew that? Okay.

“Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful,” said Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. Did this man know Pauline Hanson or what?

I can just imagine Nietzsche being pulled over by the Highway Patrol.

“All beings hitherto have created something beyond themselves: and ye want to be the ebb of that great tide, and would rather go back to the beast than surpass man?... Lo, I teach you the Superman! The Superman is the meaning of the earth. Let your will say: The Superman SHALL BE the meaning of the earth!”

“Just speak into the tube, sir…”

“The great secret in life [is] not to open your letters for a fortnight.

At the expiration of that period you will find that nearly all of them have answered themselves,” according to Arthur Binstead, whoever he was.

Actually I think he was the bloke who invented those brakes that clamp onto the rim of old, useless belt-driven so-called vintage garbage heaps from England.

9

Be a loner

10

Ignore all of the above

Soon after he submitted the above, we found that the Bear had mislaid his medication. He has since been put back onto it, and says he “can’t understand how” he could possibly have written the above. D

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4 4. Me and my gang, ready to ride out and cause havoc again.

5. Finally, if I had to go to the doctor, this would be the doctor for me. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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T H E R I D E R‘ S T O U R

Book your spot.

Now!

PARADISE M

OTORCYC LETOURS INFO@PA .CO.NZ RADISEM OTORCYC LE TOURS.C O.NZ PH: +64 2 74 765 03 5

THE RIDER’S TOUR 2021 Join us for South Island & Burt Munro Challenge delights

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I

T HAS BEEN a couple of years since we held an Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Tour but our great association with Paradise Motorcycle Tours has got the brains – Stuart (AMM) and Mike (PMT) -together to come up with our next tour: The Rider’s Tour!

This is a tour that is NOT to be missed. It really is going to be that good. Not only will the tour be covering a lot of the best of the South Island, but the cream is we’ll be tying it in with the Burt Munro Challenge – four days of blow your mind racing events, motorcycles, and simply old fashioned motorcycling fun.

Before we get into the details, if the first paragraph had you saying, “I’m in already!” well, do not delay and book your spot. Contact Mike or one of the fine crew at Paradise Motorcycle Tours now – jump onto paradisemotorcycletours. co.nz, email info@ paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz or phone +64 274 765 035.

Due to Covid-19, Paradise Motorcycle Tours has a fully refundable deposit if restrictions are still in place and an extended time before full payment is due to allow this ever-changing pandemic to ease.

The Rider’s Tour will see you riding the best roads with the best guides, all on new/near new BMW motorcycles as Paradise

Motorcycle Tours is an Official BMW Motorrad Partner. This means they have attained certification by BMW Motorrad that they know how to conduct a professional and exciting tour and offer you amazing motorcycles to ride. This really does make the experience all the more better. Paradise Motorcycle Tours isn’t a Trip Advisor ‘Hall of Famer’ for nothing.

Both AMM and Paradise are

encouraging solo and two-up riders to attend this ripper tour. If your pillion feels like hitching a ride in the support van for a section of road to let you tear up some tyres or would like a whole day off the bike – cool.

They’ll just to put up with weird New Zealand jokes from the driver. LOL! The AMM Burt Munro Challenge Rider’s Tour 2021 in association with Paradise Motorcycle Tours NZ will include the following…

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THE RIDER’S TOUR

Monday 8 February Arrive Christchurch Our accommodation is just 7 minutes from the Airport.

On arrival use the courtesy phone to inform the hotel you’ve arrived and they will collect you and bring you to the hotel.

Meet Stuart and his partner Lisa and the Paradise team that evening. Say hello to your motorcycle and complete the paperwork. Welcome drinks are on us tonight.

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Tuesday 9 February Christchurch to Mount Cook Village 335km We’ll be away by 9am and three bends and three short straights and we’re out of Christchurch and into the countryside. Thankfully we’re not north of Christchurch and don’t have to put up with interminably brain numbing dead straight roads, you’ll be straight into it at the click of the fingers.

We’ll ride through The Canterbury Plains, across the Rakaia Gorge on the Inland Scenic Route, and onwards through Geraldine and Fairlie, Bukes Pass and

Tekapo, before arriving at our accommodation in Mount Cook Village.

We will have marvelled at the Blue Lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki and had our first taste of sweeping bends with views of magnificent mountains and very little traffic. A chance to take a helicopter trip around Mount Cook and land in the snow from Glentanner heliport near Mount Cook this afternoon, weather dependent. This is at additional cost and has to be booked in advance, we’ll talk about it with you after you have booked the tour. It’s the most popular activity on any NZ tour.

The ride into Mount Cook Village is one that will simply blow your mind out of the universe, if not for the view, but the awesome road.

Wednesday 10 February Mount Cook Village to Invercargill 430km An awesome ride through Central Otago today.

Fantastic roads, stunning scenery, the Lindis Pass, Cromwell, Alexandra and its moonscape, just wonderful riding all the way to Invercargill.

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No State Highway 1 for us, only stunning roads.

Thursday 11 February Start of BMC We’re at the Burt Munro Challenge for the next four days and exclusive to Paradise we aren’t going to miss a thing. First up is the Hill Climb this morning and then you have a choice of E Hayes and Sons, the most amazing hardware shop in the world, with its eclectic mix of all things combustion engine powered, as well as all the original Burt Munro Bikes, a film copy you can sit in for a photo, and lots of memorabilia.

You also have tickets to Motorcycle Mecca and Bill Richardson Transport World.

This evening we have the Drag Races to entertain us.

Friday 12 February Today we can see where Burt learnt to race and ride a bike fast, we’re off to the Beach races. Don’t forget you should take the opportunity to ride through the Catlins when you get time, your guides will be only too happy to give you advice on routes. Live music tonight if you’re interested.

Saturday 13 February Its Sprint races this morning and Speedway this afternoon

and more live music tonight, and your last chance to go see anything you didn’t have time to fit in before.

Sunday 14 February Invercargill to Te Anau 220km We have Street Races this morning, and then it’s time to bid a fond farewell to Invercargill as we avoid the crowds taking the obvious route to Queenstown, and take the road less travelled, the Southern Scenic route to Te Anau, our gateway to the unspoilt area of Fiordland, with its lakes and mountains and waterfalls.

Monday 15 February Te Anau-Milford Sound-Queenstown 392km An early start today as we ride 110kms to Milford Sound to arrive in time for our cruise on the Sound.

Henry Cole of “Worlds Greatest Motorcycle Rides” toured with us and after the Milford Ride said it was the best motorcycle day ride of his life. The ride up to The

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THE RIDER’S TOUR

Homer Tunnel and the entry into a cathedral of mountains, snow, ice and waterfalls is awesome. It might even snow (if you’re lucky) in the middle of summer!

Our Milford cruise is another example of not taking the obvious route.

We cruise in a small ship, far from the madding crowd that the other cruise ships have, which enables us to get far closer to all the points of interest in the Fiord – get wet if you want under one of the many waterfalls.

Our day continues after the cruise, we get to enjoy the spectacle and the road to Te Anau, and then after lunch we ride to Queenstown for the first of a two-night stop.

Tuesday 16 February Relax day - Explore Queenstown.

Take a ride to Glenorchy or Coronet Peak, explore Arrowtown, enjoy wine at Gibbston, throw yourself off something high 90

attached to your life by elastic, or take a jet boat ride: the opportunities are endless, and your guides and the hotel will help you arrange and book anything you’re interested in. Or just kick back and relax, take a stroll into town, enjoy the lake and mountain views and don’t do anything much.

Wednesday 17 February Queenstown to Franz Josef 350km It’s the Ice Run today, a wonderful ride up the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand, and then onto Wanaka, alongside lakes and mountains to the Haast Pass, then the Salmon Farm, Bruces Bay, glorious rainforest, Fox Glacier Village and our home for the night, Franz Josef. You have another chance to take a helicopter trip this afternoon if you missed the first trip, and again tomorrow morning, the weather (mountains attract clouds) means we get up

about 50% of the time.

The riding today will be some of the best you could imagine.

Thursday 18 February Franz Josef to Punakaiki 220km Through the rainforest heading north on the west coast, our first stop is Hokitika, the centre of a Gold Rush in the 1800s, and its too grand buildings are memorials to its once wealthy heritage.

It’s the town the book The Luminaries was based on.

It’s now the centre of the greenstone or Pounamu industry and if you are

interested in buying genuine and authentic greenstone ask your guides where to go to get the real thing at a reasonable price.

Heading north again we ride through Greymouth, and then alongside the sea until we reach Punakaiki, and our hotel beside the sea for the night. Don’t forget the Pancake Rocks!

Friday 19 February Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs 290km We start the day riding beside the ocean heading north and then turn inland to the lower Buller Gorge.

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We ride alongside the river following the twists and turns before heading inland to Reefton, the first town in New Zealand to get electric light. We’ll stop for a break and give you time to wander the interesting collection of shops in Main Street, maybe chat to the bearded miners, although there is speculation locally that they may not have mined anywhere, they’re certainly bearded.

Onward through the forest, we have left ‘rainforest’ behind at the ocean and now we are riding through beech forest, long sweeping bends through the forest until we reach Springs Junction.

A quick stretch and a comfort stop and we’re into the Lewis Pass, in our opinion one of the most scenic of the main passes and great riding. Hanmer Springs is our next stop staying at a new hotel just 10 minutes walk from town.

Saturday 20 February Hanmer Springs to Christchurch via Kaikoura 310km An early start for those who have asked for Whale

Watching out of Kaikoura (additional cost, must be pre-booked, weather dependent). For the rest it’s a lovely ride through the inland route to Kaikoura for an early lunch and then a ride beside the sea before heading inland and then onward to Christchurch.

It’s the end of your tour, but we won’t abandon you at the hotel, we will celebrate the tour with drinks and a farewell dinner as we look at all the photos people have taken during the tour, and tonight it’s all on us.

Sunday 21 February Departure

Tell ‘em the price, son…

Per person prices for the tour are in NZ$ BIKE CLASS

SINGLE RIDER OWN ROOM

COUPLE TOTAL PRICE

2 RIDERS, 2 BIKES, SHARE ROOM

BAND A

12,300

13,600

9,600

BAND B

13,200

14,400

10,500

BAND C

13,400

14,600

10,700

INCLUDED 14 day tour 13 nights’ accommodation

After breakfast it’s time to say our sad farewells.

Paradise hope to see you again, in New Zealand or maybe on one of their European Alps or Balkans tours, when we can travel to Europe again.

12 days’ riding including 4 at the Burt

Get excited! The time to book is now, this is going to be a trip of a lifetime. D

Farewell Dinner and celebration of the tour

9 breakfasts Welcome drinks Lead Rider Tour Guide Support Vehicle with 8 passenger seats and tour guide

Entry to all Burt Munro Challenge events including live music Turbo ticket to Motorcycle Mecca and Bill Richardson Transport World Milford Sound Cruise Paradise Cap Burt Munro Challenge commemorative T-shirt.

Not Included - anything not listed above.

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READER‘STRAVEL

SEVEN IN WA

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N DAYS

l l a a sm ture? n e v ad

WORDS/PHOTOS PAUL CHURCH & JOHN BRISTOW

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R E A D E R ’ S T R AV E L Thursday Perth to Kalgoorlie 661kms Good friend John Bristow (J.B.) (70) 2017 Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 and I , Paul Church (67) 2009 Suzuki Bandit GSF 1250 SA set off on a small adventure. Prior to this we had prepared the bikes, fitting top boxes and panniers to both. The top boxes just had essentials like first aid kit, water bottles, visor cleaning microfibre cloths, toilet rolls and hats. A small number of tools was under the seats, which most bikes have a little bit of room for there. Don’t forget the chain lube either; we did the chain oiling as a ritual each night.

I left home in Edgewater, a northern suburb of Perth and met up with J.B. at his home in Beechboro, an eastern suburb of Perth. We went via Great Eastern Highway as far as the Lakes Roadhouse, where we turned and headed towards York, before turning right onto Talbot West Road, a lesser road that goes to Beverley. This road is one of Western Australia’s best kept secrets, as it has a good surface with good visibility around corners.

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At Beverley we met up with three friends who were going to travel part way with us, but couldn’t spare the time to do the whole trip, Mike Jones (KTM), Phil Drew (BMW GS 1200) and Mike Bode (Triumph Tiger). We had a coffee break before setting off towards our first day target of Kalgoorlie. Phil Drew rode with us to Mawson before heading to home.

Mike Bode left us at the fuel stop in Kellerberrin, as he wanted to ride to Tammin to check out the home that he was raised in, which was and still is the town’s bank. Mike Jones had lunch with us in Merredin, but this was his destination, as his landscaping company was working on a project close by and he had a site meeting there that afternoon.

This left J.B. and me to head east along the Great Eastern Highway.

A fuel top up in Southern Cross allowed us to make it comfortably to Kalgoorlie and to our accommodation for two nights, the Palace Hotel. There are plenty of service stations on this road at Merredin, Southern Cross, Yellowdine, Bullabulling, Coolgardie and others, as it is the

main route for traffic to the Eastern States. You also get to travel through the wheat belt and goldfields. The museum at Coolgardie is well worth a visit, to see how the areas opened up due to the discovery of gold and how tough some of the living conditions were. The route we had taken made it a ride of 661 kilometres for the first day and we were all sorted by 5pm with bikes in secure parking in the hotel at the rear of the building.

A couple of cleansing ales in the Exchange Hotel, which incidentally still employs a “skimpy” bar maid, was next on the agenda, followed by a meal next door at Paddy’s, which is the restaurant attached to the pub, and all was well with the World.

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Friday Kalgoorlie sightseeing 23km The second day at each stop, we had decided, would be a sightseeing day, so we did a mere 23 kilometres. We only used the bikes to ride to the Mount Charlotte Lookout, which overlooks the whole of Kalgoorlie and is well worth a visit, especially at sunset. There is some interesting information to read on the panel about water or the lack thereof in the early days. Water was more important than gold during the gold rush years, until famed engineer C.Y. O’Connor had the vision of pumping water from Mundaring, near Perth, to the goldfields, which became a reality in 1903. It was then on to the “Super Pit” which has to be seen with your own eyes to comprehend and realise how huge this hole in the ground is. From there we rode to the nearby town of Boulder and had a walk around.

Boulder is now virtually connected to Kalgoorlie, as the urban sprawl even takes effect in this remote place. We then parked the bikes

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R E A D E R ’ S T R AV E L

and explored on foot the iconic town that is Kalgoorlie. Contrary to popular belief, the roads in Kalgoorlie are not paved with gold, but there is plenty close by. We also spoke with many interesting characters, which mining towns tend to attract. We had a most enjoyable day and earned our dinner and refreshments that night.

Saturday Kalgoorlie to Esperance 419kms A reasonably early start with the Goldfields Highway being a very good road out from Kalgoorlie to Kambalda and soon we had a few kilometres under our belt. We then joined the Coolgardie – Esperance Highway, passing through Widgiemooltha (the location of the largest gold nugget ever found in the Goldfields, tipping the scales at 1136 ounces, in 1931) and then on to Norseman. This is where you can turn east towards the border, Adelaide and the Eastern States or you can carry on south towards Esperance, which is what we did. We refuelled the bikes and ourselves at the Norseman BP Roadhouse before continuing.

It was then a comparatively easy ride through Salmon Gums and Grass Patch, which has been a town site since 1910 and was a watering spot for 96

the Esperance to Norseman Railway.

Locals sought to change the name to “Warden” in 1949, but objections soon had it changed back to Grass Patch. Carrying on through the small township of Gibson we arrived in Esperance mid-afternoon and found accommodation at the Comfort Inn – Bay of Isles. We settled in and then had a ride around to get our bearings and check out this nice little town.

Then it was time for the chain ritual and bike check.

Sunday Esperance sightseeing 82kms After a leisurely start, we had a ride around the tourist loop that takes in a very scenic coastal road. We then turned inland to investigate the pink lake, which incidentally wasn’t pink.

High salt content is required to turn the lake pink, but over the last few years freshwater entering the lake has negated the complex chemical reactions which cause the colour phenomena. While there we had a nice chat with some other tourists, who were visiting from Switzerland and Italy. It’s always good to hear stories from other travellers and tourists, especially if they are overseas visitors.

People tend to talk to motorcyclists,

where they wouldn’t engage in a conversation with car or camper drivers.

We like this and are always prepared to have a yarn. It’s amazing what you get to find out, as everybody seems to trust us with some of their inner most secrets and thoughts.

We rode out to see the Esperance Stonehenge on Merivale Road, just a few kilometres out of Esperance Township. It is the only full-size replica of the original Stonehenge, which is of course in England, but it also appears as the original would have looked around 1950 BC. It consists of 137 stones of local pink granite and is well worth a look when you are in that area. Riding back into Esperance we grabbed a quick bite to eat before spending a very pleasant couple of hours in the extensive museum. Besides local artefacts of interest, it also has some parts of the Skylab U.S. Space Station that crashed to Earth nearby on 12th July 1979.

One interesting anecdote is that as a “gag” N.A.S.A. was issued a $400 fine for littering. It was not paid until California D.J., Scott Barley asked his listeners to donate money to clear

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N.A.S.A.’s books. The 昀椀ne was duly paid and Barley received the key to the city for his efforts. N.A.S.A., to its credit, hasn’t littered in the Shire of Esperance since the Skylab incident.

Esperance has many nice artistic features and the ones that stood out to us, were the whale tail sculpture and the brilliantly built clock tower, both on the waterfront. There is also a wonderful mural by Graeme Miles Richards on the RSL building and toilets depicting the Battle of Beersheba, where a heavily forti昀椀ed town 43 kilometres from the Turkish bastion of Gaza, was the scene of an historic charge by the 4th Light Horse Brigade on 31st October 1917.

The mural was unveiled on Anzac Day 2016.

Yes, we liked and enjoyed Esperance.

Monday Esperance to Albany 502kms We made a reasonably early start after refuelling the bikes and set off towards Albany. We don’t tend to start our riding too early in the mornings, as that is when you get quite a bit of kangaroo activity because they are about for a morning feed. Conversely, we like to be at our destination by 4.00pm to 4.30pm for the same

reason. It’s not worth the risk, except in an emergency, of course.

We encountered quite a lot of road works on this stretch of our journey.

The 昀椀rst were only a few kilometres out of Esperance, which was 12 kilometres of red dirt. This had been watered to keep the dust down and was slippery in places. This is when you are thankful that you have taken the time to balance the bike load, as when they are top heavy you can get a “hairy” ride.

We also met up with a couple of guys from the Netherlands on BMWs who were doing a very similar trip to ours. It’s amazing how you tend to stop for fuel and eats and keep bumping into people you have met

on the way. We passed through Mungulinup and Ravensthorpe and then remained on National Route 1, South Coast Highway by turning left at Jerramungup. Just as we approached Albany the road joins the Chester Pass Road and this leads you into the township. The road conditions after the road works were actually fairly good, so we made good time with an easy day’s run.

When arrived in Albany we followed the signs to the Tourist Information Centre. However, when we arrived there, they had relocated to the High Street the day before and the signage had not been changed. We eventually tracked them down to a temporary of昀椀ce in the town library. Albany www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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R E A D E R ’ S T R AV E L was quite busy that week, for a reason that nobody seemed to be able to pinpoint, but we were eventually able to get accommodation at the Albany Holiday Units at Middleton Beach.

We were lucky this time as this unit was great with two bedrooms, lounge, spacious kitchen, bathroom and even a washroom/laundry area. It also had an outside area where we could park and work on the bikes. In future it may pay to book ahead as Albany is becoming more popular as a holiday destination every year.

Tuesday Albany sightseeing 72kms One of our 昀椀rst ports of call was Mount Clarence for the Anzac Memorial and Lookout. This overlooks the town and also King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour, where on 1st November 1914, 30,000 Anzac troops boarded a 昀氀otilla of assembled ships bound

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for the battle昀椀elds of the Great War. Little did they know at that stage that many were headed for the disastrous campaign in the Dardanelles, which was Gallipoli. We paid our respects at the Memorial and also checked out the Anzac Museum that was inaugurated 100 years after that fateful day on 1st November 2014.

We then made the trip out to the Blow Holes and the Gap and Natural Bridge, which are notoriously dangerous natural phenomena along this rugged coast. Recently viewing platforms and walkways have been constructed for the safety of visitors and sightseers, but some 昀椀shermen still risk going out on the rocks.

Some unlucky ones have been known to be swept off the rocks by freak waves that seem to happen quite frequently along this coast.

(Eight 昀椀shermen have lost their lives in recent years due to this).

A new law has recently been introduced where 昀椀shermen in certain areas have to wear life jackets.

Wednesday Albany to home 547kms We awoke on the last morning of our trip to pouring rain and a forecast of it to continue most of the day.

So, it was ‘don’ the wet weather gear and grin and bear it. We travelled north on the Albany Highway, but shortly after Mount Barker we turned off the highway onto more interesting but challenging roads and headed towards Frankland River and onto Boyup Brook. This was where we stopped for coffee and to remove our wet weather gear, as it was 昀椀ne weather here, but still quite cool. After refreshments it was on to Donnybrook, Bunbury and then the lunch stop at Spill the Beans Café in Halls Head, just out of Mandurah.

Two friends met us here, Ian Moon and Gary Johnson and rode the last 100 kilometres home with us. These roads were the least enjoyable ones, as we used the Forrest Highway, Kwinana

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Freeway followed by the Mitchell Freeway which have good surfaces, but are fairly straight and of course busier than what we had got used to, as we travelled nearer to the Perth Metropolitan area. Also, the thought you are nearly home plays a part in your attitude and the last hour seemed the longest of the whole trip.

It was, however, a great little trip and break. Anybody contemplating a trip like this, we say “do it”, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Of course, you can see much more and venture further from the route we took, to take in many more outback towns, all with their individual stories and history, if you allow more time. But this one suited both of our schedules.

We didn’t have any issues with either bike and it was just a case, in the following few days, of cleaning and fully checking the bikes.

I couldn’t have asked for a better bike travelling companion than John.

We are now looking forward to another trip away in the near future D

Places to remember These few websites are just some of the ones we used for this trip… palacehotelkalgoorlie.com exchangekalgoorlie.com.au superpit.com.au comfortinnbayo昀椀sles.com.au/ comfort_wp esperancestonehenge.com.au rainbowcoast.com.au/areas/ albany/mountclarence

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TRAVEL

t u o t Ge If you like coal, you can collect some on this ride

WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR

OF

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1

N 2 1. Western Australian roads might be a bit straight at times, but to make up for that they are also usually in good shape.

2. As you know, the road of the righteous is often narrow.That’s true of the one from Marradong down to Quindanning – or it was last time I was there.

PERTH

O, SERIOUSLY, THIS IS about lunch at the pub. Not just any pub, either, but the one at Quindanning which has long been a favourite with motorcyclists of different types. But just riding down to Quindanning would be a bit too obvious. Let’s make a real ride out of it – say six hours without the time you spend over lunch. And let’s take in some enjoyable roads while we’re at it.

I know that Sandgropers don’t really need to get away as badly as their more easterly compatriots do because the plague has not settled in nearly as badly, but who needs an excuse for a ride? Especially a day ride which can become a little demanding.

The most obvious place to start is in Victoria Park, just below the Causeway.

Take Shepperton Road or the Albany Highway (number 30) south – they join up just down the road – and drift down through the traffic to Armadale.

If any of your friends live in the southern suburbs this is a good place to meet them.

You change roads here, to the South Western Highway, number 20.

You’ll stay on this to Pinjarra. It is not an exciting road with a lot of more-orwww.ausmotorcyclist.com.au 101

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T R AV E L

1 1.The bar of the

2

Quindanning Pub. It’s a classic place, and is in fact worth an overnight stay.There’s a caravan park in Williams.

2. Dwellingup also offers accommodation in the form of a caravan park, as well as good coffee and snacks right on the main road.

3. Leaving the Quindanning pub on the way home.

3 less straight stretches, but there aren’t too many built-up areas and it’s a good chance to blow the cobwebs away before you sample something more interesting.

That something starts with the road from Pinjarra to Dwellingup and continues with the run over the Darling Range. As with most southwestern countryside in Western Australia, there isn’t much ‘range’ to the Darling Range, but it does offer a few hills and some nice scratching.

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at Marradong, which in fact requires a bit of a right-hand turn, and continue to Quindanning on the Williams River.

You can’t miss the pub, it’s right at the bridge and, from memory, one of very few buildings in ‘town’.

After lunch, gird your loins because the most interesting (and longest) part of the ride is to come. Cross the river and continue south-east to the Collie Williams Road. Turn right and enjoy the ride into Collie, where you can probably pick up that piece of coal I mentioned. They have a lot of it.

Then continue the enjoyable ride down what is now the Coalfields Road (number 107) to the South Western Highway at Roelands. Cross the highway and carry on to the junction with the Forrest Highway dual lane motorway, which is also Highway 1.

Turn left at Lake Clifton to stay on Highway 1, here called the Old Coast Road. This will take you up to Mandurah over a couple of bridges.

Just north of Mandurah turn left again to once again stay on Highway 1. It is now Mandurah Road. This will take

you up through Rockingham into Perth where another turn, this tiume to the right in O’Connor, will keep you on Highway 1 again till you get to the Kwinana Freeway. Turn left onto that and it will take you back to your starting point. Easy as.

I have had it suggested to me that it would be better to do this ride the other way around, so that the long part is done in the morning and it’s an easier ride home in the afternoon.

Sounds good to me – there’s always another weekend! D www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au 103

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LONGTERMERS

GETTING RAPID Honda CB1300S Having now 昀椀tted up the Rapid ECU to the big bad CB1300S I’m rather impressed with the increase in performance. The Rapid ECU does have a lot of features, but one that I was especially hoping I could use was the self learning feature. This changes the fuelling as it learns how you ride. Unfortunately the CB1300S doesn’t have an oxygen sensor in the exhaust, so this feature will need an O2 sensor welded in there.

However, after speaking with the Rapid Bike ECU guys they feel I’d be wasting my time when the ECU has already been set for the slip-on muf昀氀er and air intake mods I’ve done, and

having access to the tuning software I can re昀椀ne the tune if I feel like it. The rev limit has been raised 1000rpm which has come in very handy as the big in-line four felt a bit cut off when it hit its previous limit. I guess the biggest difference I’ve felt is the extra torque, making the big 1300 a muscle 昀氀exing beast.

The Rapid Bike ECU retails for $699 and the tunability and other gains have made the Honda CB1300S an even sweeter ride. Check out rapidbike. com.au call (07) 3881 3999 or email info@rapidbike. com.au to see what they can do for your bike, or to ask any questions.

SW

GETTING PLUGGED IN Super Soco TC Max The past month has been a much more pleasant experience with the Super Soco. I’ve adjusted to how far I can go with a one hundred percent charge and most importantly, I’ve worked out where I can recharge to 昀椀t into my riding plans.

The speed limits around where I ride are mainly 80km/h, which requires me to ride the Super Soco in mode 3 most of the time.

When I slow down, or take off from traf昀椀c lights I have it switched to mode 2 – whether this makes any difference to the overall 昀椀gure I’m yet to 昀椀nd out, but my rides have consisted of going to the shops, to see the boys at D Moto

and some other running around. This is where I’ve found the Super Soco to be a great bike to have – in some ways better than owning a scooter as you have better control and can really have some high speed fun through corners thanks to its light weight.

Parking the Super Soco at the shops means I can put it pretty much wherever thanks to it being rather small, and lane 昀椀ltering is awesome as you can whip through small gaps where you’d have to stop on other bikes.

Let’s see where we whizz around on the TC Max next month.

SW

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The judging will take place at the Promoter’s premises, Suite 4b, Level 1, 11-13 Orion Rd, Lane Cove West NSW. The winner will be drawn by the Editor of Australian Motorcyclist Magazine on Thursday 19 November, 2020 and will be notified by telephone or email. One entry per person will be permitted during the promotional period. The winner will be drawn at random.

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WHATSAYYOU?

W

E 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 wee do not vouch ffor their accuracy or even their sanity.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

T

HIS MONTH’S WINNER IS Richard who is part of a good cause. Email me your t-shirt size and mailing address, mate.

SW

BLOODBIKES I represent a volunteer organisation called Bloodbikes Australia, and am the Sydney area Coordinator.

The Bloodbikes movement, actively operating in the UK for many years, is now in Australia and supporting the Mater Hospital in Brisbane working with Deb Hornsby GM Mater Pathology (Deb.Hornsby@mater.org.au) and her staff. At this stage, Bloodbikes Australia dovetails into the current blood distribution system.

Bloodbikes Australia transports Blood when: • all other methods are exhausted, saving the expense of taxis and • the lane filtering ability of motorcycles allows for reduced delivery time during heavy traffic.

To date Bloodbikes Australia has delivered blood for use in surgery as well as transfusions for cancer patients.

Currently The Mater and Bloodbikes Australia are pursuing opportunities for further deliveries.

Like the UK, we are looking into the logistics of transporting urgent samples for testing (including Coronavirus samples) from where they are taken to testing locations, looking into the collection and transport of breast milk where required, medical equipment,

SALES INCREASE Hi Stuart, Referring to your comment on the increase in motorcycle sales during ‘The Pandemic’ (September 2020) I’m hoping, that maybe...just maybe...

medicines or anything where Bloodbikes Australia may assist. Recent discussions with The Mater are now looking into ways in which Bloodbikes Australia can help, especially in these difficult times.

Bloodbikes Australia works at the behest of the Hospitals and stands ready to expand what we transport as and when the Hospitals identifies the areas that could benefit from extra capacity.

Bloodbikes Australia is entirely voluntary, we volunteer our time, fuel and our own motorcycles.

We are not an emergency service and abide by all the road rules and speed limits. We are not Police or Ambulance “wannabes”. We are just motorcycle enthusiasts who want to make our passion for riding available to do some good in the community.

We currently have 26 volunteers in New South Wales, including regional areas such as Gosford and the Central Coast, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Wollongong and across Sydney. We also are represented in all states except NT. We have now done our first two collections and deliveries in NSW for SydPath at St Vincents of COVID test samples. See below posts on the Bloodbikes Australia Face Book page https:// it’s a sign that people are now taking responsibility for their own destiny.

That is, making the personal decision to steer clear of potentially ‘germ ridden’ public transport and opt for a more satisfying mode of transport that also

www.facebook.com/Blood-BikesAustralia-100659697987471 .

I came across this 10min video doco on YouTube today. It’s about the Bloodbikes organisation in the UK and the services they offer.

They have been going since the 70s so we’re a bit behind them in terms of the organisation, but it’s something we aspire to. https://youtu.be/r1ZqkjhNsgI .

Below are two web links, one to our Facebook Page which is our primary source of information and publicity and the second is to Bloodbikes UK which is our inspiration: • https://www.facebook. com/Blood-BikesAustralia-100659697987471/ • https://www.bloodbikes.org.uk Please do not hesitate to contact myself in Sydney (details below) or Peter Davis (our Founder in Brisbane) if you would like any more information.

Regards, Richard Alder Bloodbikes Sydney Coordinator bloodbikes.sydney@gmail.com 0406 085 783 requires the rider to take responsibility for themselves. And live their lives!

Just my 10 cents worth but for whatever reason it’s good to see an increase in Motorcycle sales!

Cheers, Andy, Sydney NSW

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reasons for the daily figures of these reasons for the daily figures of these reasons for the daily figures of these

TAG ALONG?

FOR THE BEAR

I’m sure legs look fine to the ones that Hiyour Stuart, care…your family.

As fiforneyour notthat being a I’m sure your legs look to the ones I’m really interested inbike tagging along sure your legs look fi ne to the ones that veryI’m good exercise machine, you better get an care…your family.

As for your bike not being a on one of your photo shoots someday. care…your family.

As for your bike not being adventure bike and do some hillclimbs, that will very good exercise machine, you better get an It would be pretty cool to see how a very goodbike machine, you better get anwill allexercise done. get the it’s muscles burning!

- Cheers, Stuart. adventure and do some hillclimbs, that and do- some hillclimbs, Steve. get adventure the Thanks, musclesbike burning!

Cheers, Stuart.that will get the muscles burning! - Cheers, Stuart.

Hi Steve, To be honest, it’s not that exciting! LOL! All I do with our photographers is pick a nice spot and go up and back past the camera endless numbers of times and then choose somewhere for coffee. Ha! Cheers, Stuart.

DUCATI NSW THANKS

For The Bear Who Has Almost Everything - https://www.domo. com.au/product/bear-armchair/ LOFL! Chris

OLD BANGER Hey guys, I loved reading about that bitsa old race bike you put in number 92.

It’s great to have a bit of various pieces to read. Keep it up. And while I’m on about it, it’s great to see you guys still publishing as the others have fallen by the wayside. AM is the best mag in the country and it shows that you’re still here and producing awesome stuff for us to enjoy.

Thanks, Kelly, Armidale NSW

Hi Stu, I just wanted to say a big thanks for donating a 12 month subscription to The Thunder Rally prize pool, it is most greatly appreciated. figures of the people that die daily from WHERE IS IT?that Cheers, Auntythe Mal essential trips within confines of the fifigures of from gures of the thepeople people that die daily from Hi all, essential trips within the confi nes of the essential trips within the confines of the I’ve just been up to Nundle, Mal, and I I’m asking a favour, please share this rode out to the rally site. No wonder the to all your bike riding friends. I’m searching for a 1983 BMW R100RS Ducati club chooses this location: that ride up to Hanging Rock is worth bottling. NSW Rego No. ZH 567 that I bought new from the factory and brought Cheers, The Bear

home to Australia as a private import after a long working holiday in Europe.

I’ve searched the RMS but all they can tell me is that it was last registered in 2005. I sold it to buy a car when my first child was born in 1994 and if it’s possible to find it I would like to buy it back for sentimental reasons although I admit it is a long shot. It is pearl white, a colour not available on Australian models at that time, with red and grey pinstripes, factory panniers ers.from it. bushfi res and you Staintune do not getmuffl a break Engine No. bushfi resNo. youbegins donot not833, getaFrame abreak breakfrom fromit.it. bushfi res you do get begins 639. Does anybody know of a bike fitting this description? Anyone with information on the whereabouts can contact me via Facebook or ADB magazine.

Many thanks, Warren Jack xr40098@hotmail.com

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W H AT S AY Y O U HELP Guys, hello.

I’m a journo at The Australian.

I wondered if you would be willing to talk to me and help me sort out in my own head which of two bikes to buy. I need a motorcycle therapist.

Cheers, John Lethlean Hi John, Sure, I can help you with that.

What are the two bikes and what type of riding do you mainly do?

Cheers, Stuart.

John: My head says a lightweight adventure bike like the KTM 390 Adventure but my serious leaning is to the Svartpilen 701 which has come down in price A LOT, like $10400 ride away.

I’ve owned big bikes in the past (R1200 R and a Triumph Tiger 80 XC) and I just think I’ll miss the grunt. By the same token, I’m not tall, and I’m a sprightly 60, so I don’t want anything heavy again.

The bike is not for commuting, other than the very occasional ride from Margaret River to Perth. It’s mostly for fun transport around the region and the occasional unsealed

road to beaches, which I think the Svartpilen could handle.

I have watched every video on YouTube in languages I can understand and some I can’t on both bikes. The weird thing is that some reviewers have complained bitterly about the Huskies vibration and other reviewers have made a point of saying the vibration level is very low for a single. As an armchair consumer of such media, these two polar opposite opinions are perplexing. It’s not like some of the other issues of the bike where there is clear consensus, such as the dash, the mirrors, or even the operation of the quick shifter.

My problem is that no dealers in Perth have one available for test riding, and Perth is a gentle three hours drive for me, anyway. The best I can come up with is a ride on a Vitpilen if I set it up in advance because it belongs to the dealer principal, apparently.

Anyway, thank you so much forgetting back to me. I got my first GT 80 in 1973 and been riding bikes ever since. In fact I’m more into them now than I ever have been any time of my life, except perhaps when I raced motocross during high school.

As a journo, I always love reaching out

to fellow journos on such matters.

If I’m spending $11,000 I want to make sure I’m spending it right.

Stuart: The Svartpilen really isn’t an ‘adventure’ bike as such – it’s more a hipster city kind of bike with tyres that kind of look like an adventure tyre. I dare say the engine is the one taken from the KTM 690 Duke and, yes, it will vibrate a bit (as any big single will).

I think, for another couple of grand the Yamaha MT-07 Tracer will be a good choice – it will handle some dirt and will give you plenty of great times on weekend rides and the like.

Another two I’d recommend are with the Kawasaki Versys 650 or Kawasaki Ninja 650. Again, as per the Yamaha they will handle some dirt and be great fun to ride.

If you want value for money the Honda CB500X would also be worth a look.

John: There’s a lot to think about whenever head and heart get thrown into the same cocktail.

Really appreciate your input, I’ll start doing some research on the Yamaha.

All the best, John Lethlean.

TOUR OPERATOR The guide to the stars DIRECTORY

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:

ADRIATIC MOTO TOURS – Europe www.adriaticmototours.com info@adriaticmototours.com CENTRAL OTAGO MOTORCYCLE HIRE AND TOURS – New Zealand www.comotorcyclehire.co.nz info@comotorcyclehire.co.nz EDELWEISS BIKE TRAVEL – Worldwide tours* *Guided, Self-Guided + Rental www.edelweissbike.com IMTBIKE TOURS & RENTALS – Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Europe and Thailand www.imtbike.com tours@imtbike.com

MAGIC MOTORCYCLING – Thailand and Croatia www.magicmotorcycling.com tour@magicmotorcycling.com MOTORRAD TOURS – Worldwide office@motorrad-tours.com www.motorrad-tours.com PARADISE MOTORCYCLE TOURS – New Zealand & European Alps www.paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz RIDE THE WORLD MOTORCYCLE TOURS www.ridetheworldmotorcycletours.com david@rtwmotorcycletours.com

ROMANIA MOTORCYCLE TOURS – Europe www.romaniamotorcycletours.com office@romaniamotorcycletours.com SOUTH PACIFIC MOTORCYCLE TOURS – New Zealand www.motorbiketours.co.nz office@motorbiketours.co.nz TEWAIPOUNAMU MOTORCYCLE TOURS – New Zealand www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz nzbike@motorcycle-hire.co.nz WORLD ON WHEELS – Europe, Iceland, South America, India, Asia, Mexico, Africa & Himalaya www.worldonwheels.tours Adventure@WorldOnWheels.Tours

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NEWBIKEPRICES

M

ost prices exclude dealer and on road costs and some are ride away prices – ask your local dealer for the best possible price!

APRILIA www.aprilia.com.au ROAD Shiver 900 ABS Dorsoduro 900 ABS Tuono V4 1100 RR Tuono V4 1100 Factory RSV4 1100 Factory SCOOTERS SR MT 125 Scarabeo 200 ie

$15,190 $15,790 $22,490 $27,190 $33,990 $3390 $5190

BENELLI www.benelli.com.au *All Benelli prices are ride away ROAD TnT 125 402 S 502 C Imperiale Leoncino Leoncino Trail Leoncino Sport 752 S

$4390 $TBA $9990 $TBA $9390 $9890 $TBA $12,990

ADV TOURING TRK 502 TRK 502 X

$9390 $9890

$36,990 $37,990 $40,490

ADV SPORT S 1000 XR S 1000 XR Carbon Sport

$22,190 $29,290

ADV TOURING G 310 GS F 750 GS F 750 GS Tour F 750 GS Low Susp F 750 GS Tour LS F 850 GS F 850 GS Rallye F 850 GS Rallye X F 850 GS Tour F 850 GS Low Susp F 850 GS Rallye Low Susp F 850 GS Tour Low Susp F 850 GSA R 1250 GS R 1250 GS Rallye R 1250 GS Rallye X 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

$8090 $13,590 $17,305 $13,840 $17,005 $17,990 $18,390 $22,305 $21,805 $18,240 $18,640 $21,505 $TBA $23,490 $24,940 $29,890 $28,140 $31,390 $25,490 $26,390 $31,590 $30,790 $30,540

SCOOTER C 650 Sport C 650 GT

$14,150 $14,990

CAN-AM (BRP) www.brp.com

BMW www.bmwmotorrad.com.au ROAD G 310 R F 800 R F 800 GT S 1000 R S 1000 R Sport S 1000 RR S 1000 RR Sport S 1000 RR Race R nineT R nineT Pure R nineT Scrambler R nineT Racer R nineT Urban G/S R 1250 R R 1250 R HP R 1250 R Exclusive R 1250 R Spezial R 1250 R R 1250 RS Sport R 1250 RS Exclusive R 1250 R Spezial R 1250 RT R 1250 RT Sport R 1250 RT Elegance R 1250 R Spezial K 1600 B K 1600 GT

K 1600 GT Sport K 1600 GTL K 1600 GTL Elegance

$5790 $12,990 $16,300 $19,390 $21,690 $21,990 $23,990 $25,690 $22,490 $17,690 $18,750 $19,150 $18,750 $21,240 $27,040 $26,065 $26,765 $22,540 $28,215 $27,215 $28,065 $32,290 $33,190 $33,465 $34,215 $36,490 $36,490

Spyder F3 Spyder F3-S Spyder F3-T Spyder F3 Limited Spyder RT Spyder RT Limited

$TBA $TBA $TBA $TBA $TBA $TBA

$68,190 $63,190 $150,000 $20,990 $23,490 $23,790 $23,750 $23,990 $26,490 $31,190 $31,390 $33,190 $38,490 $31,990 $32,190 $34,690 $34,890

www.harley-davidson.com

www.cf-moto.com.au

* All Harley-Davidson prices are ride away $3290 $3990 $6490 $7990 $7990 $7990

DUCATI www.ducati.com.au *All Ducati prices are ride away ROAD Scrambler Sixty2 Scrambler Icon Scrambler Full Throttle Scrambler Café Racer Scrambler Desert Sled Scrambler 1100 Scrambler 1100 Special Scrambler 1100 Sport Monster 659 Monster 797 Monster 821

ADV TOURING Multistrada 950 Red Multistrada 950 S Red Multistrada 950 S Grey Multistrada 950 S Red Spokes Multistrada 950 S Grey Spokes Multistrada 1260 Red Multistrada 1260 S Red Multistrada 1260 S White/Grey Multistrada 1260 S T-Pack Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak Multistrada 1260 Enduro Red Multistrada 1260 Enduro Sand Multistrada 1260 Enduro Red T-Pack Multistrada 1260 Enduro Sand T-Pack

$18,590 $20,790 $25,990 $17,790 $20,250 $22,490 $22,990 $25,990 $22,990 $26,990 $27,190 $30,190 $29,790 $34,890 $30,190 $35,490 $35,790 $29,800 $33,900 $31,390 $39,990 $42,790 $63,190

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

CF MOTO ROAD 150NK 250NK 650NK 650TK 650MT 650GT

Monster 821 Stealth Hypermotard Hypermotard SP Supersport Supersport S Panigale 959 Red Panigale 959 White Panigale 959 Corse Monster 1200 Monster 1200 S Red Monster 1200 S Grey Monster 1200 R Red Diavel 1260 Diavel 1260 S X Diavel X Diavel S Black X Diavel S White Street昀椀ghter V4 Street昀椀ghter V4 S Panigale V4 Panigale V4 S Panigale V4 S GP Panigale V4 Speciale Panigale V4 Speciale Magnesium Wheel Panigale V4 R Panigale V4 R Superleggera

$13,490 $13,990 $17,540 $18,990 $19,290 $16,990 $18,990 $19,990 $12,490 $13,490 $17,500

CRUISER Street 500 Street Rod SuperLow 883 Iron 883 Iron 1200 Forty-Eight Forty-Eight Special Custom 1200 Roadster Street Bob Low Rider Slim Fat Bob Fat Bob 114 Sport Glide Deluxe Fat Boy Fat Boy 114 Breakout Breakout 114 FXDR 114 Heritage Classic Heritage Classic 114

$9995 $12,995 $15,495 $15,495 $16,495 $18,995 $18,995 $19,250 $19,495 $23,495 $24,250 $26,250 $27,495 $30,250 $27,750 $29,495 $30,995 $33,995 $31,250 $33,995 $35,495 $31,750 $33,995

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NEW BIKE PRICES Road King Road King Special Road Glide Road Glide Special Street Glide Street Glide Special Ultra Limited Freewheeler Tri Glide Ultra

$34,250 $35,250 $36,495 $37,495 $36,495 $37,495 $39,995 $40,250 $50,995

CVO Street Glide 117 Road Glide 117 Ultra Limited 117

$49,750 $49,995 $52,995

www.honda.com.au

CRUISER CMX ADV TOURING CRF250R Rally CB500X NC750XA Africa Twin Africa Twin Adventure Sports Africa Twin Adventure Sport DCT VFR1200X Crosstourer SCOOTER NSC110 Dio MW110 Benly C125 Super Cub SH150 PCX150 NSS300A Forza

$3490 $5399 $2399 $5999 $7599 $7699 $14,999 $9799 $9999 $9999 $10,299 $16,799 $18,086 $28,499 $35,999 $41,999 $42,999 $8099 $7299 $7999 $9999 $17,499 $19,699 $19,999 $18,299 $2799 $3349 $5199 $4999 $4599 $7999

HUSQVARNA www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/au ROAD Vitpilen 401 Svartpilen 401 Vitpilen 701

$11,592 $11,592 $18,337

INDIAN www.indianmotorcycles.com.au *All Indian Motorcycle prices are ride away CRUISER Scout Bobber Scout FTR1200 FTR1200S FTR1200S Race Rep Chief Dark Horse

$32,995 $33,995 $34,995 $35,995 $36,995 $40,995 $49,995

KAWASAKI www.kawasaki.com.au

HONDA ROAD Grom Monkey CB125E CB300R CB500F CBR500R CBR600RR CB650F CB650R CBR650F CBR650R CB1000R CBR1000RR Fireblade CBR1000RR Fireblade SP Goldwing DCT Goldwing Tour Goldwing Tour Premium

Chief Vintage Spring昀椀eld Spring昀椀eld Dark Horse Chieftain Dark Horse Chieftain Limited Roadmaster Roadmaster Elite

$18,995 $19,495 $20,995 $22,995 $24,995 $28,995

CRUISER Venox 250

$5295

SCOOTER Super 8 125 Like 125 Espresso 150 Like 200 Downtown 300i ABS

$2595 $2995 $2799 $3395 $7495

LAMBRETTA

ROAD Z125 Pro KRT Z400 Ninja 400 Ninja 400 KRT Ninja 400 SE Z650L Ninja 650/L Ninja 650/L KRT Ninja ZX-6R 636 Ninja ZX-6R 636 KRT W800 Café W800 SE Black Edition W800 Street Z900 Z900RS Z900RS Café Z1000 Ninja 1000 SX ZX-10R ZX-10R KRT ZX-10R SE ZX-10RR ZX-14R Brembo Ohlins Z H2 H2 SX SE+ H2 Carbon H2 R

$4249 $6499 $6699 $6949 $6949 $10,499 $10,699 $10,999 $14,999 $13,999 $13,999 $11,999 $12,999 $12,699 $16,499 $16,499 $15,999 $16,999 $20,999 $23,900 $26,999 $35,500 $22,099 $23,000 $33,000 $41,900 $65,400

CRUISER Vulcan S Vulcan S SE Vulcan S Café Vulcan 900 Classic Vulcan 900 Custom

$9999 $10,199 $10,499 $12,499 $12,599

ADV TOURING Versys X 300 SE Versys 650/L KLR650 Versys 1000 SE

$6599 $10,799 $8199 $22,499

KTM www.ktm.com.au ROAD 390 Duke 790 Duke 790 Duke R 1290 Super Duke R 1290 Super Duke GT

$7295 $14,995 $15,495 $25,995 $29,695

ADV TOURING 690 Enduro R 790 Adventure 790 Adventure R 1090 Adventure R 1290 Super Adv S 1290 Super Adv R

$17,595 $21,195 $22,695 $24,295 $28,395 $29,195

www.lambrettaaustralia.com.au V125 Special Fix V125 Special Flex V200 Special Fix V200 Special Flex

$4290 $4290 $4990 $4990

MOTO GUZZI www.motoguzzi.com.au ROAD V7 III Stone V7 III Special V7 III Racer V7 III Anniversario V9 Bobber V9 Roamer

$12,990 $13,990 $16,490 $16,990 $15,190 $15,190

CRUISER Cali Audace Carbon Cali 1400 Eldorado Cali 1400 Touring SE MGX-21

$23,990 $23,990 $25,990 $35,000

MV AGUSTA www.mvagusta.com.au ROAD F3 675 F3 675 RC Brutale 800 Brutale 800 RR Brutale 800 RR Pirelli Brutale 800 RR America Brutale 800 RR RC Brutale 800 Dragster RR Brutale 800 Dragster RC Brutale 800 RR Hamilton RVS #1 F3 800 F3 800 RC Superveloce 800 Turismo Veloce Turismo Veloce Lusso Turismo Veloce RC Turismo Velo Lusso SCS Turismo Veloce Lusso RC SCS Brutale 1090 Brutale 1090 RR F4 F4 RR F4 RC F4 Lewis Hamilton

$20,490 $26,990 $20,490 $23,490 $28,990 $26,990 $30,880 $26,390 $30,880 $36,880 $49,990 $22,490 $28,990 $49,990 $22,490 $25,990 $29,880 $29,990 $33,990 $21,490 $24,990 $26,990 $36,990 $58,880 $89,880

PIAGGIO www.piaggio.com.au *Some Piaggio prices are ride away

KYMCO kymco.com.au ROAD CK 125

$2095

SCOOTER Typhoon 125 Fly 150 3V Liberty S 150 3V Medley 150

$2790 $3490 $3790 $5290

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Yourban 300 BV 350 Sport Touring X10 350 X10 500

$9790 $8190 $9490 $9,990

PEUGEOT www.peugeotmotorcycles.com.au *All Peugeot prices are ride away SCOOTER Tweet 125 Tweet 125 Pro Django 150 Belville 200 Metropolis 400

$4290 $4390 $5290 $5590 $14,790

ROYAL ENFIELD www.royalen昀椀eldaustralia.com

*All Royal En昀椀eld prices are ride away ROAD Classic 350 Classic 350 Redditch Bullet 500 Classic 500 Classic 500 Redditch Classic Chrome Bullet 500 Trials 650 Interceptor Classic 650 Interceptor Custom 650 Interceptor Chrome 650 Continental GT Classic 650 Continental GT Custom 650 Continental GT Chrome ADV TOURING Himalayan

$6490 $6490 $8690 $8990 $8990 $9190 $9190 $9790 $9990 $10,290 $9990 $10,190 $10,490 $7490

SUPER SOCO www.supersoco.com.au *All Super Soco prices are ride away ROAD TS Sport TC Café Racer TC Max alloy wheel TC Max wire wheel CUX CUX Special Edition Ducati

$4790 $5490 $7990 $8290 $4990 $5490

SUZUKI www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au ROAD GSX-S125 GSX-R125 TU250X DR-Z400SM GSX-R600 SV650 SV650X GSX-S750 GSX-R750 GSX-S1000 GSX-S1000F GSX-S1000 Katana GSX-R1000 GSX-R1000R GSX1300R Hayabusa CRUISER Boulevard S40 Boulevard C50T Boulevard C90

$3390 $3490 $5990 $8990 $14,990 $8990 $9490 $11,490 $15,990 $15,190 $15,990 $18,990 $21,990 $25,490 $19,290 $7990 $10,990 $15,490

Boulevard M109R

$19,490

ADV TOURING V-Strom 250 DR650SE V-Strom 650 V-Strom 650 XT V-Strom 1000 XT

$6190 $8090 $10,990 $11,990 $16,490

SCOOTER Address Burgman 200 Burgman 400

$2490 $5490 $10,490

www.imz-ural.com.au

SWM www.swmmotorcycles.com.au ROAD Gran Turismo Silver Vase 440 Gran Milano 440 SM 500 R SM 650 R

$7490 $7490 $7990 $8990 $9490

ADV TOURING Superdual

$9990

TRIUMPH www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au *All Triumph prices are ride away ROAD Street Triple S 660 Street Triple RS Street Twin Street Scrambler Bonneville T100 Bonneville T100 Black Bobber Bonneville Bobber Black Bonneville T120 Bonneville T120 Black Speedmaster Thruxton Thruxton R Thruxton RS Speed Twin Daytona Moto2 765 Tiger Sport Speed Triple RS

$14,900 $19,800 $15,890 $17,990 $17,300 $17,300 $20,590 $22,100 $19,990 $19,990 $22,100 $21,100 $23,990 $25,390 $20,350 $28,990 $19,800 $25,290

CRUISER Rocket 3 R Rocket 3 GT

$29,990 $30,900

ADV TOURING Scrambler 1200 XC Scrambler 1200 XE Tiger 900 GT & GT Low Tiger 900 Rally Tiger 900 GT Pro Tiger 900 Rally Pro Tiger 1200 XRx Tiger 1200 XCx Tiger 1200 XRt Tiger 1200 XCa

$22,500 $23,990 $20,950 $21,990 $24,150 $24,750 $26,600 $28,200 $29,990 $31,990

TRIUMPH FACTORY CUSTOM (TFC) www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au *All TFC prices are ride away ROAD Thruxton TFC Bobber TFC Rocket 3 TFC

URAL

$33,990 $29,990 $38,990

ROAD cT Ranger Ranger Sportsman LE Ranger Sahara LE

$23,290 $26,490 $29,690 $29,990

VESPA www.vespa.com.au SCOOTER Primavera 125 3V Primavera 150 3V Sprint 150 3V Sprint 150 3V SE GTS 150 3V PX150 PX150 Touring 946 Bellissima 946 Armani GTS250ie FL GTS300 Super GTS300 Super Sport

$5590 $6290 $6390 $6490 $6290 $6490 $6790 $12,490 $14,990 $7890 $9190 $9490

YAMAHA www.yamaha-motor.com.au ROAD YZF-R15 MT-03 R3 R3 SP YZF-R6 MT-07 LA MT-07 HO XSR700 LA MT-07 Tracer MT-09 MT-09 SP XSR900 MT-09 Tracer MT-09 Tracer GT Niken Niken GT MT-10 MT-10SP YZF-R1 YZF-R1M FJR1300AE

$4299 $5799 $6299 $6399 $17,499 $9999 $10,699 $10,999 $12,299 $12,299 $13,999 $12,999 $15,499 $18,199 $21,999 $23,999 $18,999 $21,999 $23,999 $31,999 $27,999

CRUISER Virago V Star 650 Custom V Star 650A Classic Star Bolt C-Spec Cafe Star Bolt R-Spec V Star 950 XVS1300 Stryker

$6799 $8799 $9299 $8699 $11,999 $13,999 $15,499

ADV TOURING XT250 Tenere 700 Super Tenere Super Tenere ESP

$6299 $15,499 $19,999 $21,999

SCOOTER D’elight 125 NMAX 150 Tricity 150 XMAX 300 TMAX 560

$3399 $3999 $5099 $6999 $16,599

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BEARFACED

BUT WHAT’S THE POINT, BEAR? W

HAT GOES AROUND, SO they say, comes around.

That is especially true of vinyl Long Playing records which are experiencing a resurgence. I’m pleased about this; my first major career (you can hardly call ordering spares for Skyhawk jets or sticking up posters for the Wayside Chapel a career of any kind) was as art director of what is now Sony Music Australia.

The change to CDs always made me a little sad because there wasn’t the space to create the kinds of striking covers you could on a 12-inch LP. I’m equally pleased about the move back to classically styled motorcycles we have been seeing over the past few years. Most of the industry, it’s true, is off to Transformer Lookalike Land but that’s fine. While they go Sci-Fi, I’m happy with the likes of Triumph Classics and fascinated by what’s happening in India with brands like Jawa and Yezdi. The retro trip doesn’t always work; Ducati had no luck with its Sport Classics, but they recovered beautifully with the Scrambler concept.

What I’m hoping is that we will also see a resurgence in print. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, motorcycle magazines have been dropping like, um, well, I’m trying to think of a simile that’s acceptable in a family magazine… dropping, anyway.

I think there are only two monthly mainstream motorcycle magazines left in the US, and unless I’m looking at the wrong part of the ‘newsagent’s’ shelves (don’t get me started on so-called ‘newsagents’) we are the only general interest monthly remaining in Australia.

Print has been under attack from two directions. On the one hand we have the net, with its admittedly unedited but free content. You can’t necessarily trust it, but at least you’re

not paying for it. Yet, anyway: there are changes coming. On the other hand, reading has become its own enemy with the success of Kindle and similar applications. I have to admit that I’m guilty here. I pay pennies for some great science fiction for my Kindle.

There does seem to be a resurgence in print sales. Our circulation is picking up noticeably and book sales are also rising. I contribute to Lonely Planet books, and while I’m not privy to their sales I do know that they spend a lot of money on them. Look for the latest one, about circumnavigations of the globe, out soon. I need hardly note that I wrote the motorcycle chapter.

Here in Australia, Lester Morris is releasing the second volume of ‘Vintage Morris – Tall Tales but True from a Lifetime in Motorcycling’.

Volume 1 sold well, I believe, and this book deserves to do just as well.

If for some reason you haven’t bought Volume 1, do it now. You’ll certainly want to after you read Volume 2.

With his usual humor and unbeatable flair, Lester describes more events from his 70 years in motorcycling. You can get a signed copy of this book or of Volume 1 by contacting Lester at lm2@tpg.com.au.

Cost is $29 plus $14 postage nationwide in Australia.

You can order both volumes for $64, saving $8. These books make wonderful gifts for the motorcyclists in your family or your circle of friends.

For overseas order, Amazon has a Print on Demand service which will save you money and time.

Get in touch with Lester about that.

I’m tossing up myself whether to produce one, two or all three of the books I have more or less ready to go. They are a re-edited version

of my around-the-world book ‘The King of Every Kingdom’; my on-the-road cookbook called ‘Cordon Bear’ and the long-gestating ‘World’s Great Motorcycle Roads’.

Drop me a line at thebear@ ausmotorcyclist.com.au and tell me whether you think I should go ahead or keep the bloody things to myself.

So are books going to make a comeback like vinyl and – I had to pinch myself when I read this – music cassettes? Mrs Bear still has a cassette player integrated into a clock radio, but even she isn’t sure about this idea.

It’s a bit like bringing back points for bike ignition; a (forgive me) pointless exercise.

D

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Aus�r��i�� Mag�����

AVAILABLE AT ZINIO FOR YOUR APPLE OR ANDROID TABLET. SEARCH FOR US ON THE ZINIO WEBSITE OR VIA THE LINK ON OUR WEBSITE.

ADVERTISERS LISTING IFC,3 – Paradise Motorcycle Tours

57 – Adriatic Moto Tours

OBC – Pirelli

59 – Get Routed

IBC – Indian Motorcycle

61 – Motorrad Tours

4, 5 – Royal Enfield

65 – Rukka

9 – Kawasaki

67 – Select Edge

15 – Triumph Motorcycles

69 – Rocky Creek Designs

19 – Ventura

71 – Eaglescreens

23 – Indian Motorcycle

105 – Subscriptions

27 – Motorrad Garage

107 – D Moto Motorcycle Engineering

39 – IMTBIKE Tours & Rentals

107 – Borrie’s New Book

43 – World On Wheels

107 – Drinking Rivers Book

55 – Paradise Motorcycle Tours

108 – Tour Directory www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au 113

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BORIS

WORDS BORIS MIHAILOVIC

THE POINTY END G

IVEN THIS MAGAZINE’S DEMOGRAPHIC, it’s unlikely any of you have ridden a superbike lately.

Or even a supersport 600.

I swear, Editor Woodbury seems like one of those gigantic nurses in a retirement village at times.

And that’s fine. I’m not having a shot. After all, I’m just a year shy of the big six-o myself. So, it’s not like I’m out cutting sick laps on the latest 200-plus horsepower trackweapon all that often either.

But I did the other day, and it was, as always, revelatory.

The bike in question was a 2020 Yamaha R1. But you could substitute any brand, because at the pointy end, they are all much of a muchness to the Great Unskilled and Unwashed – of whom I am one, though I am probably cleaner than some of you hoary old piss-dribblers.

So the R1 arrives at my house, and because I live scant minutes from the legendary Putty Road, I stare at it for a few hours, knowing full well what awaits, and then I mount up and off I go – all 59 years of me.

And let’s face it, I’ve never been one of those slightly-built, snake-hipped ladyboys, so there’s that to consider as well.

Ten minutes later I am fully engaged in the bends at the northern end of the Putty, the so-called Ten Mile. It’s so called that because there’s 16km of relentless,

beautifully cambered and surfaced corners that range from 15km/h to 55km/h. And there’s 99 of them, and I flatter myself I know them because I have ridden them so many times.

But everything is different on a superbike.

Because superbikes are designed for one glorious reason alone – and that’s to demonstrate the manufacturer’s grasp of the purest motorcycle concept on earth – speed.

Superbikes are designed to go fast and if they’re not going fast, they’re not fulfilling their design brief. And I don’t mean “fast” like ordinary “I’m having a real go on Sunday” fast.

I mean proper fast – real heart-in-drymouth, pay-serious-attention, O Sainted Jesus! fast. It’s the kind of fast all of us pretend to, but few of us can lay true claim to.

You all know some motorcycle media, and thankfully this fine magazine is not one of them (probably because the Editor is so stupidly fast on a bike despite his Biblical proportions), hire a former racer to test a superbike. I’ve always thought this to be kinda stupid for two reasons.

Firstly, a racer’s views on a bike have no relevance in the real world.

No normal human can ride a superbike like a racer can.

And secondly, racers can’t write, pretty much exactly like I can’t race. They’re painful to read and I am painful to watch. So I don’t race. And they shouldn’t write.

Anyway, here’s me and the R1 fully engaged in the Ten Mile.

Neither of us are truly happy.

If the thing could talk, I’m sure it would be saying: “Oh come on, bitch-boy, you call that fast?”

And I’m just grunting and levering my manifold old injuries from side to side, fully cognisant the R1 is light-years away from being pushed to its limits, but also fully cognisant I’m going to jail for a long time if a Highway Patrol car should suddenly appear.

I arrive at Grey Gums, and just about fall off the side of the thing.

My neck aches, my back is spasming, and my thighs are throbbing like a drum. The R1 just sits their ticking with a smirk on its evil face.

Once upon a time, a man of any age and whatever skill could buy a litre superbike and commute on it. They were softer and milder back then. They are now so wicked they need a computer to stop you killing yourself. Make no mistake, there’s not a superbike out there now that isn’t entirely focused on demolishing lap-records. Of course you can still ride them on the road, and you should because they are the absolute ne plus ultra of a bike manufacturer’s art. Just understand that road-riding is not what superbikes are about anymore.

Ergonomically, they are a race bike.

I know this because I have ridden two ASBK race bikes and they feel the same – just even more feral at the throttle.

But damn me for a cussed and recalcitrant sinner, I still love the buggering shit out of them, because they are pure and uncompromising, and an utter delight at speed.

They are what a motorcycle is when it’s being the best motorcycle its maker can create.

The problem is me. I’m polluted and impure. The years have made me thus.

And I damn my body for betraying me in that regard. Happily, I understand they can still lower you onto and lift you off one of these race-crouch jiggers using a small crane.

That means I will still relish the chance to ride every superbike I will ever get my hands on.

After all, I ain’t dead yet, am I? D

114 www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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THE ROAD ISN’T CALLING, IT’S BEGGING.

For a limited time, purchase an FTR 1200 S Race Replica through Indian Motorcycle Finance and receive:

3.99% P.A. COMPARISON RATE*

3 YEARS

3 YEARS

WARRANTY

ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE

BOOK A TEST RIDE www.indianmotorcycle.com.au *3.99% p.a. comparison rate is available to approved applicants of Pepper Money on the Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica and Chief Darkhorse models from 1 October 2020 and is subject to change. Comparison rate is based on a secured Consumer Loan amount of $30,000 for a 60 month term. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different amounts or terms, will result in different comparison rates. Available to private buyers only with a maximum term of 36 months and 10% deposit required. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. A dealer origination fee may apply. Indian Motorcycle Finance is a registered name of Polaris Sales Australia Pty Ltd. Finance provided by Pepper Asset Finance Pty Ltd ABN 56 165 183 317 & Australian Credit Licence 458899. Applications must be approved by 31 December 2020 and settled by 31 January 2021.

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1/10/2020 3:42:20 PM

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AMM NOVEMBER 2020

TRIUMPH THRUXTON RS / H-D LIVEWIRE / YAMAHA R15 / SF: SUMMER GEAR / MAP:TASSIE / POTM: MULGA CREEK HOTEL / GUATEMALA / CROOKWELL / COME OUT: PERTH

ISSUE #9, VOL 8