Australian Motorcyclist Issue #99

99 us tralian

, BRR! IT S GETTING COLD, RUG UP WITH OUR MEGA WINTER GEAR GUIDE

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FREE INS

R-OUT IDE: TEA

AU S T R A L

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YCLE TR M OT O R C

AV E L M A

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M AY 2 0 2

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TRIUMPH TRIDENT THE BEST SLICE OF

LAM ON THE MARKET? CARTOON LE BEAR WRAP YOUR LAUGHING GEAR AROUND THIS!

KAWASAKI ZX-10R

ONE WORD…FAST!

CLASSIC PORN WILD SOUNDING HONDA CB750F BOL D,OR

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340798 000228

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

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PATAGONIA / MOROCCO / KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 / NZ MUSEUMS: MUST SEE! / POTM: COURT HOUSE HOTEL / MAP: ARMIDALE ROAD / MMM…BEER! STUART HAVE A GO

THE BEAR THINKING WITH HIS STOMACH

, BORIS WHAT S WRONG? 8/4/21 4:53 pm

BOOK BOOK A TEST A TEST RIDE RIDE OROR ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE AT AT

ROYALENFIELD.COM.AU ROYALENFIELD.COM.AU

gn esign

@RoyalEnfield_Aus_NZ @RoyalEnfield_Aus_NZ

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CONTENTS

O, WIND, IF WINTER COMES, CAN SPRING BE FAR BEHIND? Percy Bysshe Shelley

SPECIAL FEATURE

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WINTER GEAR GUIDE Staying warm is key

TESTING

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TRIUMPH TRIDENT The best LAM on the market?

KAWASAKI ZX-10R Faster than fast KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 Touring and testing versatility

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BE THE FASTEST

TRAVEL

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NEW ZEALAND MUSEUMS Smell the Castrol R BARREL OF LAUGHS Drink your way around the Northern Rivers AWESOME DESTINATIONS Patagonia

MOO, MOO What in the cow’s name…?

EDELWEISS: MOROCCO Tour with us

TEAR-OUT MAP

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IT’S GOT IT ALL

PUB OF THE MONTH Court House Hotel

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AWESOME… PATAGONIA

ARMIDALE ROAD Heading nowhere

EVENT

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AROUND YOU GO Beetle is beetling around

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SUCCULENT LAM

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36 90

AURAL PORNOGRAPHY!

TECHNICAL

59 60 90 98 102

CLASSIC CHALLENGE All the prep, for no action LONG TERMERS Bye bye HONDA CB750F BOL D’OR You’ve not seen something so good MOTO MORINI Remember them?

MASH Hot Lips Hoolihan?

MORE GREATNESS

6 8 45 106 109 112 114

EDITORIAL Have a go NEWS Hmm…interesting BEAR CARTOON Wrap your laughing gear around this WHAT SAY YOU? A new prize!

NEW BIKE PRICES Updates for some of your favs BEAR TALES Thinking with his stomach BORIS What’s wrong?

Australian Motorcyclist

Australian Motorcyclist Magazine

Australian Motorcyclist Magazine

@AusMotrCyclist

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

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EDITORSPEAKS Editor Stuart Woodbury Contributing Editor J Peter Thoeming Sales Manager Ralph Leavsey-Moase ralph@ausmotorcyclist.com.au Designer Blair Pagan 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. *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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Having a go

M

Y MATE, CHRIS AND my Period 6 Yamaha FZR1000 (Norton JPS lookalike) had (well, attended) our first race meeting of 2021 at the recent Old Bike Classic Challenge (read about it further on in this issue). Its usual rider, Alex Pickett wasn’t available due to work commitments so I spoke with Chris about who might ride it. I was one option, but there is this young guy, Jack Passfield we know who is one of the top ASBK Supersport riders. Shaun at D Moto Motorcycle Engineering has helped Jack out for the past couple of years and I thought it would be great experience for Jack to ride The Beast.

He’d never ridden anything like the FZR before so we headed to Sydney Motorsport Park courtesy of MEGA Ride Days so Jack could acquaint himself with riding a different style of bike, with far more power than he’d ridden before.

I was impressed with Jack’s approach to riding the FZR – he didn’t just go out and flog the crap out of it and risk crashing it. No, he built up his speed, came in and asked for changes and the speed naturally flowed.

We found a base setup that we both think will work very well for him. As it was set up for larger riders the front springs were changed, as was the rear spring. We also changed some other

fine details to suit the way Jack likes his bikes set up. One funny thing that did come from Jack’s test was he started to get arm pump and blisters on his hands – I told him that’s what big bikes do when you’re riding them fast on the track. We both had a laugh and said he needed to do some push ups before the race meeting!

I recently got back out on the track too. It had been almost eighteen months since my last whirl on a race track. I took the Kawasaki ZX-10R for a couple of sessions, again, courtesy of the great folk at MEGA Ride Days. MEGA hold ride days at both Sydney Motorsport Park and Phillip Island, check them out - smsprd.com and phillipislandridedays.com.au Finally, my Kawasaki Z900 restoration is completed. I have been fine tuning the carbies as it looks as though the cutaways in the slides have been modified in the past (remember, this was a dirt drag bike in the past), resulting in the standard jetting not working correctly. Now I just have to get some great snaps by one of the ‘Nick’s – Nick Wood Creative or Half Light Photographic.

As soon as that’s done, we’ll have a nice spread for you to read and view as a snapshot of the last two years it’s taken me to do this resto.

Enjoy!

Cheers, Stuart.

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Alw

THE NEW

You can beat all opponents, but there is always a challenge you still have to face, the one within yourself.

For those like you who rise to any challenge, we have developed the new Ninja ZX-10R & Ninja ZX-10RR. Now that you have the definitive race focused Ninja, face yourself.

For more information visit www.kawasaki.com.au Always ride responsibly. Always ride within the limits of your skills, your experience and your machine. Wear an approved helmet and protective clothing. The actions depicted here took place under controlled conditions with professional riders.

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NEWS

KINGPIN

CFMoto Australia is releasing the new 650NK SP Edition at an attractive $7,790 ride away.

The bike is the new kingpin of the CFMOTO NK range providing riders with even more features including KYB suspension, Pirelli Angel ST tyres, new slipper clutch, enhanced 6 speed gearbox for optimised gear changes, large 5-inch TFT display, Bosch EFI (Euro 5), new rims and new aggressive NK styling.With sleek European styling thanks to Kiska Design (KTM’s designer), the 650NK SP is said to be just the first of many new and exciting CFMOTO motorcycles coming this year.The 650NK SP is available in two colour options, Athens Blue or White/Black.

All new 650NK SP purchased before May 31st will be eligible to receive an extended 3 Year Warranty (normally a 2 Year Warranty). cfmoto.com.au

ZIPPY

BMW Motorrad will introduce updated iterations of its successful C 400 X and C 400 GT scooters to the Australian market in May this year. Both models benefit from a range of upgrades that elevate their road presence and style while providing new levels of rider engagement. Priced from $9,090 check them out at bmwmotorrad. com.au and we’ll be testing them once they arrive.

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TEN YEARS OF DAPPER The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is calling on riders all over the world to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on Sunday, 23rd May, 2021.

2021 marks a historic year for this global motorcycling event. This is the first year it is running on the new date in May. Since 2012, the event has connected hundreds of thousands of classic and vintage style motorcyclists from over 100 countries around the world and to date has raised US$27.45M for men’s health. In 2021, the DGR looks to raise a further US$2.55M for charity beneficiary Movember, bringing its decade of fundraising to a grand total of US$30M. The event for 2021 boasts some of the most amazing prizes yet, with four brand new motorcycles from major partner Triumph Motorcycles. One of these motorcycles will be a custom, 1-of-1 DGR x Triumph motorcycle, made only

for the winner of the 2021 Gentlefolk Competition. Adding to the Triumph prizes are custom top 50 fundraiser helmets courtesy of Hedon helmets with a very special design to commemorate the event’s 10th year anniversary. They have also offered up 10x hedonist helmets, which will be custom-painted by 10 well-renowned artists and auctioned off during the campaign.

Returning in 2021 is Belstaff, taking the mantle of the event’s motorcycle outfitter partner, providing classic motorcycle outfits for top fundraiser and sprint prizes for event fundraisers, and ELF lubricants is the official lubricant partner of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

To register, fundraise, and support the wonderful work that DGR do, head over to www.gentlemansride.com and celebrate 10 years of riding dapper in the world’s most stylish motorcycle event!

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NEWS

ELECTRIC POM

NO WARMERS

Fancy running slicks on your track bike but don’t want the expense of having to have tyre warmers and front and rear stands? Well, Metzeler is now offering the new TD (TrackDay) Slick. No need for warmers, fast warm up, consistent performance and able to handle many heat cycles the TD Slick is an exciting product to fulfill track junkies delights. Not only don’t you need all the fanfare that normally goes with running slicks but the price of the TD Slick keeps plenty of moolah in your wallet too! $179.95 for the 120/70/17 front and $219.95 - $229.95 for the 180-190200/55/17 rears. The TD Slick will also be available very shortly in a 180/60/17 rear profile. If you already have all the gear the TD Slick can be used with warmers as well. Stuart will be grabbing a set for a track test (no warmers) very shortly. Oh! And the rear TD Slick is reversible! So, if you run at one track with a certain type of corner you can maximise wear by turning it around – how good is that! See your local Metzeler dealer to grab a set!

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The exciting Project Triumph TE-1 Prototype has completed Phase 2 of development. Project Triumph TE-1 is a ground-breaking collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles and the UK’s electrification experts, each of whom is focussed on creating innovations in their own areas. “The motor produces 130kW or almost 180 horsepower, but weighs only 10 kilograms, much lighter than existing technology and clearly a small fraction of the mass of traditional internal combustion engines.” said Andrew Cross, Chief Technical Officer at Integral Powertrain Ltd. The bike’s design is organised into four main phases: we look forward to the next phase completion. If the specs of the engine and the sketches of the bike are anything to go by, it should be quite something to ride.

DESTINATION YAMAHA 2021 Yamaha Motor Australia has announced a calendar of Destination Yamaha ride events for 2021. Their experienced operators are keen to offer Yamaha customers a wide range of unforgettable experiences. Destination Yamaha is the name given to travel events that have a specific Yamaha focus or interest. The aim is to offer customers fulfilling postpurchase experiences.Yamaha partners are selected because they are the best in the business and offer the most detailed

local knowledge combined with years of experience running successful tours.

Destination Yamaha partners include South Australian Motorcycle Adventures (SA area); RideADV (East Coast) and South Coast Detour (NSW and VIC). To find out more about Destination Yamaha, including Yamaha’s self-guided tours, to view the ride calendar and to register your interest in Destination Yamaha events, check out: https://yma.news/ DestinationYamaha

SERVI-CAR HELP!

A great friend of the magazine wants to buy a Harley-Davidson Servi Car. Do you know of one for sale? Send us your details so our friend can get in touch! contactus@ausmotorcyclist. com.au

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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TRIUMPH TRIDENT 660LAMS WORDS RALPH PHOTOS IKAPTURE

TURNS OUT, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO! www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au AM0521.indd 13

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E HAVE SAID IT before and will most likely say a few more times in the foreseeable future: “learners have it so good these days”. I started (like most from our era) on a 100cc, then moved to a 125, leapt onto a 250 and finally, after my first year, graduated to a 350 and wasn’t that an eye opener. Next up a 500, and skipping a 750, I did the big leap to a 1000cc rocketship (or so it seemed). For me, after a steady rise in size and speed, nothing seemed insurmountable. Learning in small building blocks had a lot going for it, but it’s different today when you factor in modern suspension, accessible power, state-of-the-art brakes, tyres and electronics in the new norm.

It became a mild debate during the launch of the new Triumph Trident, for better or worse, whether a new rider could actually start and finish their career (in my case, 48 years riding and still going strong) with just one motorcycle. With this motorcycle as good as it is, we decided that it would be possible. Not entirely desirable perhaps, but possible.

That’s not what Triumph wants to hear, of course. They want the new Trident 660 to be a stepping stone 14

into the rest of their range. Triumph has designed and placed the triple in the market place to not only attract new riders but also older ‘returning’ motorcyclists. It is even intended to capture mature riders who want a well-built motorcycle that is light and easy to use, as they finally admit their likelihood of winning a championship

is slipping out of reach.

As it happens, the Trident is likely to fulfil all of those desires. Its learner legal 660cc triple pumps out just under 40kW of power and 59Nm of torque. Those figures better those of the immediate big LAMS opposition rather well. Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki and particularly Yamaha (with its

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hugely successful MT-07L) slip below both claimed readings and you can feel that on the road from the moment you engage first gear and give the unique triple a whiff of throttle.

It was a smart move by Triumph Australia to conduct the launch in Melbourne, which has some excellent twisty mountainous roads on its doorstep, just right to challenge and utilise the Triumph’s scrumptious punch and predictable manners.

Even the road-holding is better than I expected. A lot better! So are the brakes and all those neat finishing touches. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our first day’s riding was a mix of first urban, then some great country roads and then topping off the ride 16

with 90 minutes of some of the best and most twisty roads you could find.

All this within two hours of the city, including Mt Baw Baw. In a nutshell, this is not only a class-challenging package but a really impressive LAMS bike in all respects.

The power delivery is smooth and abundant. The triple lays down drive in the first four gears almost like a full powered 600/650 mainly due to its low weight and good torque. It feels very grunty in the low to mid-range and had I been a brand-new rider, I might even have found a little too responsive. Put the acceleration down to a redesign of intake and exhaust to match the internal changes made over the donor Street Triple.

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YOU WANT SOME LAM ON THE PLATE

Two of the most direct choices to sway you away from the new Trident are the Kawasaki Z650L and the Yamaha MT-07LA. Both are excellent in the naked fun class of urban tearaways. Both are twin cylinder and both push out a little less power (38.3 and 37.8kW respectfully) out and can’t match the grunt of the Trident’s 50Nm @ 6500. The LAMS Ducati Monster and Honda 4 are under the above numbers as well. Pricing-wise they are close, in the green corner at $10,499 (plus on roads) and the blue at $11,849, although that is ride away. All-in-all they are separated by $1000 give or take. Believe me, the Trident does have that exclusive quality feel and look about it. The Ducati will cost you another $2000 to go red. There will be some real savings in the servicing costs with the long service intervals of the Triumph at 16,000 kilometres between visits vs 10,000 kays for the twins. I would be happy to recommend either one but I feel the Trident offers more of everything, whether it is tech, feel and ultramodern, new to the market, looks.

Given the target market as mentioned above it covers the bases in a remarkable fashion.

If you are a new rider and hanker for the Trident you may feel a tiny bit intimidated from my comments above. Don’t be, just try leaving the engine mode in ‘rain’ for a couple of weeks while you get used to the quick pickup in the gears. Switch to the normal ‘road’ mode and you will find enough power to keep 90% of riders happy for a long time. Besides, there will be music in your ears as the intake creates a raspy yet mellow wail and the muffler announces its presence if you are close by. In a good way. Young new riders do have it all!

In ‘road’ mode power comes on strong and builds solidly matching the increase in revs. The fueling is the standout feature for me, although as an experienced rider the pin-sharp steering and stability equaled the fueling, keeping me entertained.

The power flattens off a little at 7000rpm and it can be a waste of time exploring the last 3000 revs to the redline unless you enjoy the noise or want to save a gearchange or two. Victoria being overpoliced Victoria, most of our speeding was in the corners and not on the transport sections of straight roads although on behalf of mature riders I found oneforty was comfortable and 5000rpm

in top was a pretty relaxed 105km/h.

Triumph points out that the Trident offers the middle ground between the virtues of a twin (punchy down low) and the exciting top-end of a fourcylinder engine. I don’t think you even need to bother with the comparison.

The 660’s is really a unique powerplant (until MV Agusta knocks up a LAMS copycat) offering smoothness and character, along with that soulful soundtrack that the triple is known for. Be happy with what you have Triumph, it’s brilliant!

We indulged in a few thousand corners, mainly the third and fourth gear type with the occasional second for tighter hairpins. With Showa suspension up front (non-adjustable) and at the rear (only preload adjustment) the ride is on the sporty side although the excellent seat does offer all-day comfort. The front, as I said, is pin-point accurate and a line can be adjusted at will. I hit a really bad humpy bump in a corner and copped a little of ‘this could get ugly’ flap from the alloy handlebar for a split second. I was expecting worse but got out lightly and was impressed with the stability.

The shock is a little more basic but fits the target market and price point well enough. It’s difficult to pretend you are a learner one minute and then enter an excellent series of turns and not get carried away. If the road is www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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smooth and tight then be surprised by how capable the Trident is in the handling equation.

If you do get carried away the Nissin two-spots will do their bit -- no doubt.

They look a little basic and old tech.

Don’t be concerned by the lack of showiness, as they feel fantastic for light to medium braking and even if you tend to trail-brake into turns, the Nissins offer the right amount of retardation. Get it wrong and the ABS will be a suitable teacher for any indiscretions. I could only get the ABS to kick in if I was deliberately provoking the system. Hard braking and massive potholes started to expose the Trident’s limitations in spec’, say compared to a Street Triple 765 but then you are looking at an $8000 difference.

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In a nutshell, this is not only a classchallenging package but a really impressive LAMS bike in all respects.

At its competitive pricing, you will not feel like there is much missing in the Trident. The round TFT dash is functional and looks great with its crystal-clear layout. The control joystick switch works well. The special Trident or Triumph touches abound with branding in key places. LED lighting and daytime running lights are fitted and while Triumph could have saved a few bucks they choose not to. Tap the fuel tank and it’s plastic, all 14 litres of it! We averaged

a 4.8L/100km most of the time. There is a mix of steel and alloy in the frame and swingarm.

The traction control can be switched off if you want to wheelie like a Moto2 star and while you are at it you can hook into Google maps and also control incoming phone calls through the dash. Something that was reserved for Dick Tracy during my first years on that Yammie DS7!

One benefit of the fresh design is the new five-spoked wheels which are

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EST

ON ROAD. ON TRACK. ON AVONS.

ESTABLISHED 1885

WWW.PROACCESSORIES.COM.AU

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lighter than the Street Triple’s. The retweaked rear subframe also lowers the seat a little but importantly creates that distinctive look. Chuck in premium Michelin Road 5s and the Trident does stack up well. The gear shifting had a solid feel, although like most press bikes, and especially ‘launch’ bikes, these needed more miles on them to be their best.

Now, Triumph isn’t going to get out of gaol just yet with a faultless scorecard. Other than a small tankbag and a bag suitable for strapping to the rear seat, I can’t see a decent option for loading up and travelling to Phillip Island for a weekend of revelry!

This is a one person, next to no gear motorcycle, if ever there was one.

Also, I was a bit bothered by the confused styling. Blame my age or my orientation (I like clean lines and retro more than funky) but the Trident is mixed in the palette department. The chunky rounded tank and graphics, nice and rich in British heritage, look a little out of place against the sharp and neo-aggressive look of the minimalist seat and hard-edge short exhaust system. Before you think ‘that can be made to go anyway’ there isn’t an aftermarket offering just yet.

Still, the looks grew on me after two solid days of riding although I will never did really get used to the way the seat unit disappears into the cosmos.

Then again, no one will ever offer me a job designing motorcycles. After years of riding many, many learner bikes, what Triumph has managed to pull off is a functional and class-leading effort.

If you are after an easy to ride, punchy, great handling, stacked-full-of goodies machine which will be ideal for a learner as well as an experienced rider then you better check your wallet. It will be empty quicker than you can utter “is a triple better than a twin?” The Triumph Trident is that good. Even the price is competitive at $10,990 plus the usual statutory on road costs. As is the way these days you will find an array of accessories to satisfy any rampant spending needs you harbor. D

Specs TRIUMPH TRIDENT 660 LAMS PRICE: $10,990 (plus on-road charges) WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 16,000 km or 12 months ENGINE: 660cc liquid-cooled in-line three-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder POWER: 39.8kW @ 8750rpm TORQUE: 59Nm @ 5000rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, chain final drive SUSPENSION: Front, inverted fork, non-adjustable, travel 120mm. Rear, monoshock, adjustable preload, travel 133.5mm.

DIMENSIONS: Seat height 805mm, weight 189kg (wet), fuel capacity 14 litres, wheelbase 1401mm TYRES: Front 120/70ZR17. Rear 180/55ZR17.

BRAKES: Front, twin 310mm discs with twin-piston calipers. Rear, 255mm disc, single-piston caliper.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4.8 litres per 100km, premium unleaded THEORETICAL RANGE: 290km COLOURS: Crystal White, Sapphire Black, Matt Jet Black with Matt Silver Ice, Silver Ice with Diablo Red VERDICT: A prime cut at the Learner’s banquet

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TRAVEL

THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD

of Castrol R

Motorcycle museums in the land of collectors WORDS THE BEAR ︱ PHOTOS THE BEAR / STUART WOODBURY

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T R AV E L 1

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1.Burt Munro’s statue in Invercargill.

2.This New Zealand design from the Southward Museum could perhaps be a little more elegant.

EW ZEALAND IS ALMOST spooky. Its museums hold so many treasures from all over the world that it is quite eerie. What do I mean? Well, for instance, parts of Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine, the world’s first computer, designed and built in England in the 1820s, were found under a shepherd’s hut in Southland in New Zealand and are now in New Zealand’s major museum Te Papa. Nobody seems to know how they got there. To Southland, not to Te Papa.

Let’s just look at some of the museums in the Land of the Long White Cloud and see what’s there – particularly in relation to motorcycles, but also aviation which fascinates me like no other technology. Should you not be interested, all I can say is that you’re missing out.

In the listings below, I have generally avoided noting opening hours because nobody knows how the plague is going to work out. The telephone numbers are listed, so you can call. The list is roughly north to south, with the jump from Te Ika a Maui (the North Island) to Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) after Te Papa and before Omaka.

With a bit of luck, you will be able to check out some of these places by the time this issue reaches the printer; I’m looking forward to seeing the couple of places I haven’t visited.

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T R AV E L Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) Auckland

805 Great North Road, Western Springs / 200 Meola Road, Pt Chevalier. The sites are linked by a vintage tram ride. p 0800 668 2869 p 09 815 5800, w https://www.motat.nz/ Adults $19, students and overseas seniors $10, family $45 (2 adults, up to 4 children) Call for opening days / hours

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Packard Motor Museum

Old Dairy Factory, 1146 State Highway 14, Maungatapere, Whangarei p 09 434 8214 e info@packardmuseum.co.nz w https://www.packardmuseum.co.nz/ Adults $20, children $10 (5-15yrs), family $ 50 (2 adults plus children) Call for opening days / hours.

As well as one of the largest Packard collections anywhere, this place has a collection of heavy machinery, an ‘English Shed’ with a wide assortment of British cars (plus a Trekka, New Zealand’s own car, which is a must-see) and something like 65 classic and vintage motorcycles.

The museum had an interesting beginning. Graeme Craw, his wife Moira and Moira’s sister went to a stock auction near Te Puke. They purchased ten Angus heifers but at the end of the auction thirteen sheep came up for sale.

Graeme, who couldn’t resist a bargain, bought the sheep. Except he had a problem: he couldn’t transport both the sheep and the cattle.

Graeme’s sister-in-law told him of a big, old car for sale. Perhaps he could buy that to cart the sheep? He bought what turned out to be a Packard Tourer, with a straight eight motor. He pulled out the back seat and carted the thirteen sheep to his farm at Anawhata. And he was so impressed with the Packard that he started to collect them.

Moral of the story? Ladies, don’t let your sister advise your husband on the subject of sheep transport or you’ll end up with a home paddock full of old bangers.

28

In 1960 the Old Time Transport Preservation League, the Royal Aeronautical Society (New Zealand) and the Historic Auckland Society banded together with the aim of establishing MOTAT at Western Springs, a suitable site to house some of the sizeable transport heritage already collected by the League for preservation. The land was transferred to MOTAT in 1963 and the Museum opened to the public in 1964 on its current site, Te Wai Ōrea, which means ‘waters of the eel’ in Te Reo Māori.

The museum holds some 300,00 “items highlighting Kiwi innovation and ingenuity” according to the website, but there are a few things from overseas as well, especially in the outstanding aviation hall. Being Australian, I know I’m going to be accused of kiwibashing when I mention that I find the museum’s ‘Vision’ just a little… odd. It is, in part, “I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past”. Make of that what you wish.

Some of the displays are just plain weird as well, like the collection of Air New Zealand teaspoons, but there are many fascinating things like the scooter helmet worn by former Prime Minister Helen Clark. It looks as if she had a few offs, going by the scratches. You’ll find motorcycle treasures scattered throughout the museum, including a sweet little DKW scooter which I’d take home like a shot. There are a couple of Douglases, a 1912 Canterbury-made Pearse, and of course an NZ-made NZETA scooter.

Please note: If the video or photographs are going to be uploaded onto a website, blog or similar, then permission from MOTAT must be sought.

If you are unsure whether you need permission, get in touch and someone will assist you.

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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4

5

1. No, this isn’t a display at MOTAD, it’s just a roadside attraction.

2.There are even more museums than I have been able to cover.

3.You can see why they call the Southward a

6

CAR museum.

4. It holds a mixture between bike and tank,

Southward Car Museum

too – an NSU Kettenkrad.

5.The entrance to the Southward Museum, which is set in beautifully maintained grounds.

No, I don’t know why they chose a horse and buggy.

6. Admiring the jumbled lineup of two- and three-wheelers upstairs at Southward.

3

250 Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu p 04 297-1221 w https://www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz/ Adults $20, children (5-15) $5, family 2 adults/3 children or 1 adult/6 children) $45 Call for opening days / hours

Just to make it interesting, the Southward is in the North, not the South, Island. To be fair it is in the south of the North Island, but its name has nothing to do with being south of anywhere. It is named after its founder, Sir Len Southward, who had the vision to create what is surely one of the most comprehensive motor museums in the southern hemisphere. The complex also includes a theatre, which gets the thumbs up from our thespian mate Lester Morris. Lester put on many a show there.

The museum hall is upstairs and the restoration workshops are downstairs, but I think it might take a bit of serious begging to be allowed to see the latter. The displays include a charming selection of the small cars that were all that most New Zealanders could afford after the war, but there are also some wonderful, rare and inspiring cars in the well laid-out hall. They are admittedly bunched up together a little, but it is possible to get a reasonably good look at all of the vehicles from most sides.

Motorcycles are mainly banished to a crowded mezzanine, which is a real shame because, apart from the usual suspects there are absolutely unique bikes, some made or modified in New Zealand. Bikes are clearly an afterthought, but then the place is called a car museum so I suppose we should be grateful for small mercies. The place is well worth the admission, anyway. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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T R AV E L

Museum of New Zealand / Te Papa Tongarewa 55 Cable Street, Wellington p 04 381 7000 w https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/ Entry is free Te Papa Tongarewa is open every day except Christmas Day from 10am to 6pm

Commonly known as Te Papa, this amazing place on the Wellington waterfront is a store of everything Kiwi, including (and this is where it gets interesting for us) a Britten V1000. Yes, one of John Britten’s masterpieces is on display, so if you find yourself in the Windy City for whatever reason, you need to drop by to pay your respects. ‘Nuff said.

1 2

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

79 Aerodrome Rd, Omaka, Blenheim, Marlborough p 03 579 1305 e info@omaka.org.nz w https://www.omaka.org.nz/ WW1 exhibition: Adults $25, children (5-14) $12, family (2 adults 2 children) $65 WW2 exhibition: Adults $20, children (5-14) $10, family (2 adults 2 children) $55 Discount available if you want to see both.

Call for opening days / hours

A visit many years ago to Knights of the Sky, the WW1 exhibition, gave me an insight into the depth of memorabilia you can find in New Zealand. My excellent guide was showing me through the displays, which will demonstrate to you why Sir Peter Jackson is as good a film director as he is – the attention to detail is fantastic – when we came to a glass cabinet which held a Blue Max, a Pour le Mèrite, perhaps the highest German award for bravery at the time. The card identified it as Ernst Udet’s. He was the second-highest scoring German fighter ace in WW1, after the Red Baron.

“Is that really Udet’s?” I asked. “The genuine thing?” My guide smiled.

“No,” he said. “When Udet found out that he had been awarded the Blue Max, he had one made ahead of time to impress his girlfriend. This is that 30

3

one.” Almost better than the real thing.

“How is it that New Zealand ends up with all this stuff?” I asked. “Oh,” he said, “New Zealanders are great collectors…”

The WW2 exhibition Dangerous Skies is not quite as riveting as Knights of the Sky in some ways, but it has some wonderful exhibits. One that fascinates me is the display about the Night Witches, the Russian 588th Night Bombers flown entirely by women pilots. The Stalingrad Experience is, if you’ll pardon the expression, chilling. My father flew into (and out of ) Stalingrad several times and would never talk about the flights or what he saw.

Yes, there are a couple of motorcycles

on exhibit but the Omaka displays are about the entire war environment.

Well worth going to see. In my opinion not just world standard but defining the world standard, and I’ve been to the Smithsonian and the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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1.Te Papa Tongarewa is one of two

3. Omaka is worth seeing at any

places (that I know of) in New

time, and there are bikes as well as

Zealand where you can get a close

planes on display.

look at a Britten 1000.

4. A Piatti scooter at Southwards.

2. It isn’t a motorcycle, but I suspect

New Zealand imported many more

you’ll be interested in the Spitfire

different brands of two wheelers

as well.

than Australia due to relaxed laws.

Mike Pero Motorcycle Gallery 1 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch p 03-423 9506 e info@motorcyclegallery.co.nz w motorcyclegallery.co.nz Adults $15, children under 14 free Call for opening days / hours

4 Highlands National Motorsport Museum

Corner SH6 & Sandflat Road, Cromwell, Otago p 03 445 4052 e info@highlands.co.nz w https://highlands.co.nz/action-experiences/ highlands-museum/ Adults $30, children $10, family $60, seniors $20 Call for opening days / hours

I have never been at the Highlands National Motorsport Museum, so I can’t really tell you all that much but it seems to be a bit like the museum at the track in Bathurst in New South Wales. There do appear to be some motorcycles but they’re kind of overwhelmed by the cars. That’s a shame, seeing how many New Zealanders and New Zealand bikes have made impressions on the world’s race tracks over the years. But as I say, I haven’t been there, and the website is not very informative but give the place a go anyway! It certainly looks nice out there in the countryside, and I definitely intend to drop in next time I’m in the area.

Yes, it’s that Mike Pero. “I have an absolute passion for motorcycles,” he writes. “I bought my first bike at 14 years of age, I started a motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship when I was 17 and I won my first New Zealand Road Racing Championship (Up to 410cc Production Series) when I was also 17. I went on to win 5 other National Championships including the 500cc Racing Class, two years in a row. I still ride, and race bikes today. I’m a motorcycle mechanic by trade and am the Patron for Motorcycling New Zealand. We’re by no means the biggest collection of bikes but we do have an interesting line up of motorcycles and a place that you should find interesting.”

Modest, like a true New Zealander.

Mike’s collection includes more than 60 motorcycles, mainly from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s and including many definitive race bikes. The displays change from time to time, so even if you’ve been there before you will find it worthwhile to stop in again.

And not only that. Now combined with the gallery is a dinky-di Boeing 737 flight simulator. “Here’s a chance for you to fly a 737 with a real airline pilot,” says the ad, and how often do you get the chance to crash an airliner? Mind you, 737s seem to crash all by themselves even without your help. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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T R AV E L 1.That’s my borrowed Harley,

National Transport and Toy Museum / Warbirds & Wheels

1

not a display, at the National Army Museum.The tank is a display.

891 Wanaka - Luggate Highway, Wanaka (next to Wanaka Airport) Phone: 03 443 8765, website: https:// nttmuseumwanaka.co.nz/ Adults $19, children under 18 $5, families $45, seniors $16.

Call for opening days / hours

A friend of mine (who, admittedly, managed a resort there) once said, “Wanaka should be called Funaka!”

He’s right, too. Wanaka takes all the trouble in the world to compete with Big Brother Queenstown, just over one of the world’s best motorcycle roads, with attractions classy and cheesy. This museum is one of the classy ones.

“This fascinating museum houses one of the largest private collections in the world!” says the website.

Well, okay, that’s a good way to start. “With over half a century of collecting and preserving pieces from the past, the museum houses over 600 vehicles. Including classic cars, motorcycles, fire appliances, military vehicles, buses, trucks, tractors, construction gear and boats” and “20 Civilian and Military aircraft from the 1930s to 1990s.”

It’s like some insane uncle’s giant garage. There are 60,000 toys with something to fascinate the child in everyone, such as clockwork and battery powered toys, dolls, teddy bears, pedal cars, remote control models, money boxes and thousands of scale models. That’s not to mention the interesting displays of aircraft, cars and motorcycles at Warbirds & Wheels.

And you’re not stuck just looking at stuff. The museum offers indoor and outdoor playing areas, adult sized pedal cars to ride (lemme at ‘em!) as well a picnic area. The museum shop has thousands of models and gifts.

“Light refreshments are also available.”

What could be better, apart from a collection of ‘20s pinups? Sorry, that’s just me. The fire station is cool, too.

Anyway, Wanaka rocks.

32

2. Just in case you’re considering invading Unzud, forget it.They’re ready for you!

3.The Wanaka museum holds this outfit which looks as if it could go around the world right now.

4. And here, at E Hayes, is one of Burt Munro’s original bikes.

The real thing.

5. A Crouch Special at E Hayes Motorworks.You never know what you’ll find here.

2

3

National Army Museum (Te Mata Toa)

27 State Highway 1, Manawatu-Wanganui p 06 387 6911,w https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/visit/ There are different types of ticket. The basic one costs: Adults $15, children $5, seniors or students $10, family $35 Open every day except Christmas Day, 9am to 4.30pm.

I couldn’t help myself. Here’s the introduction to the museum café. “Welcome to The Mess Tent, our new military themed cafe and dining experience. Enjoy a coffee in the relaxing atmosphere of an army mess tent (!) whilst looking out to the majestic Mount Ruapehu.

“Try our signature “Bunker Buster” gourmet sausage roll and “Super Soldier Sausage” or bangers and mash army style as well as an extensive menu.” Who could resist the Bunker Buster and, come to think of it, the Super Soldier Sausage sounds exciting…

The museum, housed in a suitably grim concrete bunker-style building, is one of the better war museums I have seen. I like being reminded of the many actions in which New Zealand soldiers have fought alongside Australians, as well as all the work they have done alone. New Zealand has a proud military history, even though the Maori Wars might seem a bit… colonial. Well worth a stop if you’re riding the Desert Road.

Worth seeing is the memorial greenstone wall “Roimata Pounamu / Tears on Greenstone”, which commemorates New Zealand’s war dead from the three Armed Services and the Merchant Marine.

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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E Hayes Motorworks Collection

168 Dee Street Invercargill p 03 218 2059 e admin@ehayes.co.nz w https://www.ehayes.co.nz/ Admission is free during normal shop hours (not surprising since it’s a hardware shop)

E Hayes and Sons, Invercargill is New Zealand’s largest independent Hammer Hardware and TradeZone Industrial store, but that’s not why it is in this list. It is also the home of Burt Munro’s authentic, original and legendary ‘World’s Fastest Indian’ motorcycle. Yes, it’s the real thing.

Store owner Norman Hayes helped Burt to get the materials he needed to modify the bike. Norman bought two of his bikes and all his parts when Burt’s health deteriorated.

The entire store is home to the unique E Hayes Motorworks Collection representing what the website modestly calls “one of the finest private collections of FREE TO VIEW classic motorcycles, automobiles and engines in New Zealand”. It is easily that.

Continuing in the modest line, the

website says that “Every year hundreds of visitors from all around the world journey to E Hayes and Sons’ Invercargill store for one reason - to see a remarkable vintage motorcycle with their own eyes and stand in the presence of a legend.” It’s actually more like thousands of visitors. The 100 or so vehicles as well as working examples of early vintage machinery, pumps, engines and lathes make up a collection unlike any other.

Walking through the store is almost a surreal experience and it’s hilarious following some other devotees around – you get a constant barrage of “Oh!” and “hey, didn’t your dad have one of these” and “Look!”. It’s fantastic. They keep adding to the collection, too, which makes the place a must-see as often as you can.

4

5

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T R AV E L 1.Yes, it’s a truck. But doesn’t it look great at Richardson’s?

2.This Morikwaki at Motorcycle Mecca looks ready to go.

3.What motorcycle museum would be complete without a couple of Vincents?

4. A unique Britten two-cylinder prototype on display at Motorcycle Mecca.

1

2

3

Bill Richardson’s Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca 25 & 491 Tay Street Invercargill p 0800 151 252 (ext 1), e info@transportworld.nz, w https://www.transportworld.co.nz/ Transport World – Adults $35, children $20, concessions $30. Family pass $85.

Including Motorcycle Mecca – Adults $60, children $30, concessions $50.

Family pass $150.

Well, if the World’s Fastest Indian and a museum in a hardware shop isn’t enough for one small regional New Zealand city, there’s this place as well. Claimed to be the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world, it holds immaculate examples of almost every Henry Ford letter car, 1930s V8s, a display of Volkswagen Kombis, more vintage trucks than you can probably imagine, and classic cars from marques like Citroen, Jaguar and Mini. “Bill Richardson Transport World is a petrolhead’s dream come true,” they say and they aren’t wrong.

But this is a motorcycle magazine, so you are probably going to be more 34

interested in “the largest and most diverse display of classic motorcycles in New Zealand,” which joined Transport World in 2016. It holds more than 300 motorcycles from as far back as 1902.

From some of John Britten’s productions to Brough Superior, Classic Motorcycle Mecca has it all and the museum allows guests to get up-close-and-personal with the bikes they love best. There are no stuffy display cases here: just 360-degree views of some of the finest classic British, European and American motorcycles as well as Japanese, speedway and motocross machines.

Housed in two restored heritage buildings, this classic motorbike collection is yet another reason to make your way down to the deep south of Unzud.

Oh, and there is an outstanding motorcycle

art collection.

So that’s it for New Zealand motorcycle-related museums for the time being. I suspect more will pop up before long, and knowing the Kiwis they will contain more amazing displays. D

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www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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PART OF YOUR FREEDOM

NEW PRO REAR BAGS FROM SW-MOTECH AVAILABLE NOW

PRO CARGO BAG

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motorradgarage.com.au www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au AM0521.indd 35

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S P E C I A L F E A T U R E W in te r g e a r

IT’S GETTING COLD Stay toasty

W

INTER IS FAST APPROACHING and that means having the appropriate gear when it starts to get cold. Staying warm is paramount and there is plenty of great items on the market for you to look good, stay warm and be safe. Here’s what the distributors want you to know about…SW

INNOTESCO

innotesco.com.au

Rukka Wiima Gore Infinium fleece jacket – $235 The Rukka Wiima fleece combines the best of both worlds; Outlast Temperature Regulation and Gore-tex Infinium wind protection. Outlast Temperature Regulation stores and releases body heat. It works to keep the wearer’s temperature not too hot... not too cold... but just right, over a broad range of environments and activity levels. 100% windproof and breathable Gore-tex Infinium material ensures optimal protection against wind while retaining breathability. Infinium products can be worn either directly on the skin or above the functional layer to form an additional warming layer. Gore-tex Infinium panels are strategically placed on the chest, shoulders, collar back and on top of the sleeves. The Rukka Wiima is incredibly fine and thin, you barely know you’re wearing it. The material it’s made from is windproof so, whatever you wear it beneath, it will reduce the effects of wind chill. Sizes: XXS – 3XL

Daytona TransTourMan GTX adventure boots – $768 Travel adventure boots with cross genes and 7 highlights. ADV Touring boots never looked so good and never felt so comfortable. The Daytona TransTourMan GTX Boots minimize the use of synthetic materials on the exterior. Instead, Daytona uses hydrophobic cowhide backed by breathable Gore-Tex waterproofing for a combination ready to take on whatever weather you experience on the road or trails.

A clever Velcro and zipper design allows you to fine tune the fit around your ankle and calf. A single adjustable buckle helps secure the boots to your feet. Ankle and shin protection are hidden under the handsome leather exterior with a replaceable midsole so you can stand on your pegs without fear of wearing through your sole.

The Daytona TransTourMan GTX Boots will keep your feet dry and protected so you can focus on the adventure. The quality is apparent the moment you put them on. I can finally ride all day, comfortably walk for miles and not think about boots or your feet. Sizes: 38 – 49

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www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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Rukka Rimo-R jacket and pants / Rimorina jacket and pants for women – $935 (jkt), $750 (pnt) Rukka Rimo-R is an ultimate adventure suit designed to keep you dry and cool on the trail. It’s coming with a massive number of vents spaced throughout for warm weather riding, which is then subtly balanced by the fully breathable, windproof, and waterproof GoreTex laminate. For a light weight and strength, the Rukka Rimo-R outer shell has Gore-Tex 2-layer laminated to the shell fabric, which will make sure it stays waterproof and you also have 500D Cordura reinforcements on the shoulders and elbows for added strength and abrasion resistance. For your safety the suit comes with plenty of reflectors along the back, arms, and chest to make you more visible.

Rimo-R suit has pockets for shoulder, elbow, back, hip and knee protectors and there are even pockets for a divided chest protector to give you full coverage. Or you can you can wear an armoured protector shirt like Rukka RPS AFT underneath your Rimo-R jacket - your choice. There is huge amount of ventilation for airflow, chest, on either side, all along the sleeves with zip in the bicep and another in the forearm, and air outlets on either side of the back. Each one is fastened with water-resistant zippers, which is also a great touch to make sure that the Rimo-R will keep you dry. Rukka has same style and construction for ladies, but of course with more feminine cut. Women’s suit is called Rimorina. Sizes: Men 46 – 66 (XS – 6XL), Women 34 – 50 (XS – 5XL)

Rukka Shield-R jacket and pants – $2030 (jkt), $1405 (pnt) The Rukka Shield-R Jacket is a top of the range touring suit featuring the best materials and quality construction currently on the market. The Shield-R is a 4-season option for spring, summer, fall, and winter riding thanks to a Gore-Tex construction and thermal liner. The Shield-R comes with GoreTex Pro 3-layer shell. This Gore-Tex Pro laminate product is 100% breathable, wind proof, and waterproof, and the 3-layer construction means that the waterproof membrane is protected from internal abrasion.You get even more safety in the abrasion zones with Armacor and Keprotec shoulder and elbow reinforcements. Armacor is a Kevlar-Cordura weave built to give you ultimate heat and abrasion resistance. Keprotec coming from the textile manufacturer Schoeller giving extreme abrasion and tear resistance by using aramide yarns.

Rukka haven’t held back in the impact protector department either, Shield-R comes with a full D3O armour set, shoulder, elbow, full back, chest armour in the jacket and hip and knee armour in the pants.

Simply, it is claimed there is no equal to Shield-R in the market. Sizes: 46 – 66 (XS – 6XL)

Rukka Thermog+ winter gloves – $250 The Rukka ThermoG+ are a short glove built to keep your hands safe from the weather and the road.

Rukka have gone all out on this glove making sure you’re getting those high-quality third-party materials with Gore-Tex laminates, 3M thinsulate, and more to make sure you keep warm and dry. The outer shell of the ThermoG+ is composed of an abrasion resistant material with additional leather at the palm for abrasion resistance and durability. To make the gloves more comfortable for touring riders, they also include a visor wiper in the index finger as well as touchscreen fingertips in both the index finger and thumb, so you don’t have to take your gloves off to adjust your GPS. Since the ThermoG+ are designed for touring, this means that they will be exceptionally comfortable. Putting them on, you have a stretch rib knit in the wrist and an adjustable strap in the wrist for comfort and fitment. Sizes: 6 – 14 37 AM0521.indd 37

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

Winter gear

MACNA

macnaridinggear.com.au

Equator Men’s & Ladies Jacket – $499.95 The Jacket of choice for many dedicated riders. The Equator jacket features air vent panels and both a separately removable thermo liner and Raintex waterproof and breathable lining to easily adapt to any circumstance. Lining: 3 Layer system with removable Raintex waterproof and breathable membrane, plus a zip out thermo liner, safety: reflection on chest and back, Night Eye reflection, Safe Tech CE armour protection at shoulder and elbow, CE back protector prepared,Vision Vest prepared, comfort: air panels in chest, air inlet in arms and outlet on back, coat hanger, arm adjustment straps, Easy Cuff light and short pant connection zipper.

District Jacket – $249.95 Casual comfort with the full suite of protection. Zip the hoodie off when not required or clip it back so it doesn’t flap around.

Built to meet or exceed European CE Safety Standard EN17092.

Materials: Cotton polyester mix jersey, lining: polyester mesh, safety: shoulder RISC CE level 1, Elbow RISC CE level 1, RISC CE back protector prepared, belt loop, reflective details chest / elbow, Aramid reinforcements at shoulder / elbow / back, comfort: hoodie holder, detachable hoodie, width adjustment cuff, zip grip.

Ion & Ion Hard-Wired Electric Heated Gloves – Battery powered: $399.95, Hard-Wired: $299.95 Ion Men’s Electric Heated Winter Gloves. Fully armoured, full length, totally waterproof with the ability to control the level of warmth for your hands.

You will never ride another winter without a pair. Materials: Goat leather and soft flex Cordura, lining: Raintex waterproof breathable membrane and Bemberg comfort liner, safety: manufactured to meet or exceed the new CE Safety Standard EN 13594:2015. RISC knuckle protection, padded palm, comfort: electric heated with 4 temperature levels, 30-degree buckle, double Velcro wrist closure, ergo thumb, touch tip, screen cleaner.

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www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

AM0521.indd 38

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EVERY RIDE

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Drop into one of our stores or call us for advice for winter adventure riding gear.

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Shop online at adventuremoto.com.au or in any of our stores. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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

Winter gear

KAWASAKI

kawasaki.com.au or your local dealer

RPM Hoodie – $69 Looking warm in the soft cotton black hoodie, tuck your hands in to the Kangaroo pocket for added comfort on cooler days and nights. Kawasaki logo and unique graphic add a touch style. Adult sizes from XS-5XL. Exclusive to Kawasaki Australia.

KRT WorldSBK Jacket – $220 Whether you’re supporting trackside or simply living a fast-paced lifestyle, do it in impeccable style with the KRT WorldSBK jacket. A fulllength zipper,Velcro cuffs and zipper pockets cater to convenience, while bold KRT, Ninja and ZX-10RR logos and official sponsor patches.

Super warm puffer style. S–4XL

Chicane T-Shirt – $45 (Adults), $35 (Kids) Want to add another layer to your winter clothing wardrobe, grab the Chicane t-shirt. Long sleeve cotton with graphics that match the RPM hoodie. Available in both adult and kids’ sizes there is winter warm for the whole family. Australian sizes. Exclusive to Kawasaki Australia. Adult sizes XS-5XL, Kids sizes from: 04-14.

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www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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SELECT EDGE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES selectedge.com.au or 03 9467 7622

Corbin Canyon Dual Sport saddles Honda ST1300 – from $1899 This saddle offers ultra-levels of comfort for those chilly mornings with its internal heating feature.

For more information check them out at corbin.com/honda/st1300.shtml

BMW R18 – from $2199 Available with optional heating and backrests to keep you warm and secure on those wintery days. Check them out at corbin.com/bmw/bmwr18dte.shtml.

Kawasaki GTR1400 – from $1849 Shown here with optional heating giving you extra hours of comfort over the winter riding season, also shown with optional backrests. Check them out at corbin.com/kawasaki/kc8cdse.shtml.

Looking to add a heated seat to your motorcycle? Contact Select Edge to find out what options are available. selectedge. com.au, sales@selectedge.com.au, 03 9467 7622. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au AM0521.indd 41

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

Winter gear

DRIRIDER

dririder.com.au

Strada Boots – $229.95 The Strada boot is a Sport/Touring boot made from leather with suede highlights to complete the style. Fitted with a waterproof breathable membrane, shin & ankle protection with anti-twist nylon mid sole. Large flex zones front and rear for greater dexterity and comfort. Sizes 39-48.

Nordic 2 pants – $259.95 Made from 600D polyester Cordura, nylon DobbyMatt and premium cowhide leather, featuring CE armour with EVA padding on hips, waterproof membrane, mesh comfort liner and removable thermal liner, stretch panels in waist crotch and knees for comfort, dual waist adjustment, 2 thigh vents, reflective to increase night time visibility and connection zip for jacket. Sizes S-6XL. 42

www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT

Compass 4 Jacket – $219.95 (adult), $199.95 (youth) Outer shell made from 600D polyester, reinforced with 1000D on shoulders and elbows, featuring Reissa waterproof and breathable membrane (8000mm/7000mm), removable thermal liner, mesh comfort liner, CE armour with hi-density foam back pad, soft collar with Neoprene edge, arm and waist adjusters for a tailored fit, 5 outer and 2 inner pockets, reflective to increase night time visibility, connection zip for pants. Available in four adult colours and two youth colours.

Alpine Gloves – $99.95 Premium cowhide leather construction, featuring 100% waterproof and breathable Hipora liner, thermal insulated lining, polyurethane molded PU knuckle protection, 3M reflective piping for night time visibility, waterproof gaitor with drawstring closure, pre curved fingers for comfortable fit and an all-important visor wipe. Sizes S-3XL.

Everything you will need to get you out of trouble if you get a puncture.

Available from Rocky Creek Designs or all good motorcycle stores through Pro-Accessories

This kit contains our award winning MotoPressor Puncture Repair Tool, 5 pre-glued vulcanized repair strings, an inflation tool and 3 x 16g CO2 canisters and a neoprene bag.

The bag with its contents, will take up a small amount of room in your pannier or pocket.

The size of the bag containing the kit is only 13.5cm wide x 10.5cm high x 4cm depth and weighs just 582g.

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

Winter gear

MERLIN

merlinbikegear.com.au

Barton II Waxed Jacket – $469.95 A shorter style modern-retro waxed cotton jacket, made from genuine Scottish Halley Stevensons 12oz Silkwax fabric, featuring Reissa active waterproof and breathable lining, removable 150g quilted thermal lining, zip open ventilation panels front and rear, D30 CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour, rear armour pocket to fit CE back protector, multi adjustable cuff, biceps, collar and hem, premium YKK zippers used throughout, manufactured to meet or exceed the new CE safety standard. Colours: Black & Olive.

Axe Overshirt – $229.95 Making a bold, custom rider statement is the new checkered Overshirt style jackets from British company Merlin.

Designed to look and feel just like a heavy-duty cotton shirt but fully lined with Dupont Kevlar and fitted with CE Armour in the shoulders and elbows and a foam back pad essential for safe motorcycle riding. Dupont Kevlar offers superior abrasion resistance and is featured as a lining through the whole garment, sandwiched between the heavy-duty cotton outside and the black mesh inside, this Dupont Kevlar is a completely discreet and an active form of protective Armour. The foam back pad can be upgraded to a CE back protector if required. Be seen and look on trend in this range of check coloured Riding Overshirt style jackets from Merlin. Available now in Red, Blue, Grey or Dark Blue.

Ranton Gloves – $119.95 Classic Heritage styling with all the latest safety and manufacturing benefits.

Constructed from premium Scottish Waxed Cotton and leather with knuckle and finger protection and a breathable/ waterproof liner. These Merlin gloves provide that authentic retro look with maximum comfort and without comprising protection. Available in Black or Brown D 44

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S I G N A TU R E B E A R Our very own talented, Peter “The Bear” Thoeming has penned some very funny cartoons for you all to roll around on the floor and have a laugh. Enjoy…

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TRAVEL

f o BARREL

LAUGHS

Drink your way around the Northern Rivers

O

CCASIONALLY SOMEONE TELLS ME that I have the best job in the world, riding motorcycles around and visiting all sorts of great places (I wish, at the moment, but it will happen again!) Well, Meet Jarryd who has at least as good a job as I do.

He will pick you up in his Behind the Barrel Brewery & Distillery Tours minibus from wherever you’re staying in the Ballina/Alstonville/Byron Bay area and show you around for a half or full day. But he won’t show you just anything; he’ll take you to the local craft breweries and distilleries. And not just that. He will also shout the drinks and a terrific beer-themed lunch. It’s all included in the tour cost.

“We will take you to various breweries and distilleries,” he says.

“Guided tastings are included at each venue. Skip the queues and have all drinks brought to you. No lining up!

The tour includes 4-5 beers and spirits at each venue. 15-20 drinks altogether.

Breweries and distilleries we visit may include Stone and Wood brewery, Cape Byron distillery, Lord Byron distillery, Husk distillery, Wandana Brewing and Seven Mile brewery.”

Jarryd is not only affable and unshakeable – on my tour he had to hunt out some of the participants who seemed to have missed the meeting 46

place – but pleasantly knowledgeable without ever being pedantic. Even I, as a past editor of the Australasian Beer Guide, found that I learned things from his presentations.

We ended up visiting the original Stone & Wood Brewery, in Byron Bay’s Arts & Industry Estate (they now have a much larger one in Mullumbimby), Lord Byron Distillery nearby and Wandana BEHIND Brewery at Mullumbimby.

THE BARREL The Wandana brewers have BREWERY & DISTILLERY TOURS the intriguing idea that their small batch brews are 1/52 Gibbon Street Lennox Head 2478, improved by music, so they 0405 328 829, play appropriate recordings behindthebarrel.com.au to the brew as it ferments, $169 Full Barrel Trip, app 6 through speakers mounted hours. $139 Arvo (half on the stainless-steel tanks. day) Session, app Interesting thought? Yes… 3-4 hours. sure. Their beer was pretty good, anyway.

We also had a Japanese-style beerthemed lunch at Yulli’s Restaurant in Byron Bay. Yulli, the owner, not only offers meals targeted at specific brews but has his own beer produced and canned. Terrific idea, and a great diversion if you ever find yourself weary of Byron Bay’s other attractions.

The distillery was interesting as well, and I had my first ever Pina Colada. I am not usually a cocktail person with the exception of an occasional whiskey

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I can’t tell you how impressed I was by Stone & Wood brewery’s obvious dedication to variety in brewing, even though Pacific Ale makes up 95% of their sales.

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T R AV E L 1

4 sour or martini, and I think I’ll stick to that in future too. The drink, served in a hollowed-out pineapple, was quite tasty but rather sweet for me.

But the real highlight of the tour for me was Stone & Wood. I like their Pacific Ale, although I am not a huge fan, but I was seriously impressed by the amount of experimental and seasonal brewing they do at the smaller brewery. According to Jarryd, they even brew a batch every year by the method immortalized in their name, using hot stones and wooden brewing vessels like the monks of old. Sadly, they had run out of that.

Some of their brews are amazing, and I would recommend a visit to their premises to anyone even vaguely interested in beer. And who isn’t? Well, if you’re with someone who isn’t, they can sample Stone & Wood’s alcoholic sodas. A word of warning: the local Highway Patrol know where the breweries and distilleries are, too. D

2

3 48

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1 The chef prepares the evening

Mullumbimby is housed in an

barbie outside the Wandana

industrial unit in an industrial

brewery. Hey, can we move to the

estate.That means they can have

Northern Rivers? Not for the beer,

night-time entertainment without

for the barbecues. I swear.

annoying any neighbors. Clever.

2 Jarryd has the tasting paddles

5 That’s my Pina Colada, as served

filled at Stone & Wood. Quantities

in a frozen, cored pineapple. And

are generous, but as he says: “You

it has an umbrella in it! The very

don’t have to drink it all.” I’m sorry?

epitome of luxury for many people,

What was that again?

but a trifle sweet for me.

3 Wandana’s tasting paddle.The

6 An empty can of one of

numbers are a guide to the printed

Yulli’s brews, re-purposed as a

descriptions of the beers, so you

candleholder.That’s not a bad

can be sure you don’t miss out on

idea in itself. I can think of several

any fine details of the particular

people who would love a set of

brew.

these for Christmas. Full, of course.

4 Like most breweries these days, the Wandana Brewery at

5

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TEAROUTMAP#99

ARMIDALE ROAD Nowhere run

WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR

ARMIDALE

One of Australia’s oldest and most important inland cities, Armidale is known as the Cathedral City and has an interesting and historical streetscape which has been preserved carefully.

Much of the city’s business revolves around education, involving the University of New England and several prestigious schools. Sitting as it does a kilometre above sea level, Armidale has a proper four seasons with occasional snow in winter. Cool climate wines and the craft brews of the Welders Dog brewery round out the attractions.

tearooms. Be warned: one of our readers has noted that ‘tearooms’ is entirely correct, as “they couldn’t make a good cup of coffee if their lives depended on it”. The pub is pretty much the standard modern Australian country variety, without much character but with lots of goodwill. The rooms are laid out

WOLLOMOMBI

There might be little or nothing of Wollomombi itself, but there is a walking track to Australia’s secondhighest waterfall in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Wollomombi Falls is worth the slight detour.

EBOR

This little settlement on the banks of the Ebor River, with Ebor Falls nearby, has a pub, a service station and 50

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ARMIDALE ROAD

ORANGE ROUTE

The Waterfall Way / Armidale Road is the most direct route from Armidale to Grafton, and is sealed all the way. The road surface could be better in places, mainly because it has been squeezed into ridges and dissolved into potholes by log trucks, but it is perfectly manageable if you take a little care.

Scenery is outstanding; this is one of the most beautiful rides in New South Wales with sparse highland paddocks, temperate rainforest and then the river flats of the Nymboida, Orara and Clarence rivers.

GREEN ROUTE

If you have ridden that road often enough, you might like to head north along the New England Highway to Guyra and then turn east to Ebor by way of the just about invisible Wongwibinda. Cool name, though.

This route is also sealed, is a little longer but won’t take much more of your time.

Distance – 200km Fuel – Armidale, Ebor, Tyringham, Coutts Crossing, Grafton

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along a corridor vaguely like a motel’s, but access is from the bar. Motorcycle parking is available in the woodshed and while there is no lockable door, the barmaid looked genuinely puzzled when I last asked about the possibility of theft.

“Here?” she said. “I… don’t think so…”

TYRINGHAM

Some hundred people call Tyringham home, but you’d be hard pressed to find more than ten per cent of that number. While there is a small general store which doubles as a bottle shop and also sells fuel, it is not allowed to sell hot food or drinks, according to the one per cent of the population which greeted me.

Across from the shop is a neat little picnic hut next to the telephone box.

This is equipped with a kitchen chair – leading me to assume that there is no mobile coverage here. Apparently that is true, but you do get a data connection from a small Telstra cell.

NYMBOIDA

Russell Crowe’s now-closed museum is the largest building in Nymboida, but the township does have a school.

COUTTS CROSSING

Not far from Grafton, Coutts Crossing

is a dormitory suburb for that city and offers pretty much all services.

GRAFTON

A prosperous city, now quite a long way off the new freeway, Grafton is known as the Jacaranda City has everything you’re ever likely to need.

It was supposedly Dorothy Parker who noted of Los Angeles that when you got there, there was “no there there.”

You don’t need to cross the Pacific to find that mystifying occurrence. Just ride either of the roads suggested by this month’s tear-out map.

While the settlements at either end of our road are definitely ‘there’, most of the ones along the way have gone missing or have never been there in the first place. Wollomombi, Hernani, Dundurrabin, Billys Creek and, on the other road Wongwibinda are really only names on the map. As well, Tyringham and Nymboida are pretty much just settlements by courtesy. The only places that give the impression of being genuine little townships are Ebor and Coutts Crossing.

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KAWASAKI

R 0 1 ZX One word…FAST!

WORDS STUART ︱ PHOTOS SD PICS / STUART

I

’VE RIDDEN EVERY KAWASAKI ZX-10R since the early 2000s and I’ve liked the progression, especially since 2012 or so, that the bike has made. The early models were a bit of a handful, but Kawasaki has worked hard to make the ZX-10R easier to ride and damn fast. However, the word, “fast” is simply no longer adequate with the 2021 model. I took it to Sydney Motorsport Park, courtesy of Sydney Motorsport Park Ride Days, to give it a whirl. On road tyres, no warmers and no suspension setup, I was carving people up left, right and

52

centre and with the lack of drive off corners from the slippery road tyres I was still passing other modern litre bikes down the straight – what fun!

The six World Superbike titles the bike has earned courtesy of Jonathon Rea can only help the production version of the new ZX-10R to become better and better – the WSBK team would want certain things built into the production version to help make their race bike faster.

A host of changes have been made to engine and chassis – including a higher rev limit and new lightweight pistons. New styling with the ‘wing-

like’ frontal area of the fairing for improved aerodynamics and new features like Electronic Cruise Control and a TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity enhance street-riding enjoyment.

Handling is one area where you can make up mega amounts of time. You can have all the power in the world and if it isn’t available into, around and out of corners fast, then your competitiveness will be gone. The previous ZX-10R already handled awesomely, but some small, yet significant changes have made the 2021 model handle even better again.

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The swingarm pivot is 1 mm lower, which enables better rear suspension action during corner exits. A longer wheelbase (1440 mm - 1450mm) care of a 2mm greater fork offset and an 8mm longer swingarm offers even greater overall stability. The revised fork offset results in a shorter trail, which facilitates changing direction, especially in the off-throttle phase of the corner (after tip-in, before apex).

The new geometry moves the frontrear balance slightly forward (0.2%), contributing to improved handling and turning performance. A wider fork clamping area for the lower tripleclamp and revised rigidity balance for the fork outer tubes help as well.

More track-focused suspension settings include a lower front spring rate (21.5 N/mm - 21.0 N/ mm), complemented by firmer compression damping and softer rebound damping. The settings make it easier to weight the front wheel, and contribute to lighter handling – faster turn in. I did add one turn of compression on the front which helped under extreme braking into turn 2 and turn 9 at SMSP, but I didn’t want to change too much as the front feels excellent as it is. You might also wonder what the anodised red tube on the back of the fork is for? It’s an External Compression Chamber containing pressurised nitrogen gas which helps to manage the pressure increases in the Damping Force Chamber, enabling very stable pressure increases, which ensures consistent damping force generation – all designed for super-fast riding.

And, with the rear, more trackfocused settings include a stiffer spring rate (91 N/mm - 95 N/mm), complemented by softer compression damping, and softer rebound damping. The revised settings are claimed to make it easier to induce a pitching motion even when on the throttle while maintaining the rear ride height. Rear grip suffered with me – a combination of the rear spring being too light and riding on the track at my

pace with a road tyre. I did wind in some more compression, which helped slightly. For the majority of riders, the standard spring weight will be fine and you can fine tune the settings from there. I would suggest any serious track day punters opt for a more suitable set of tyres.

On the road, for which the standard settings are more set up, I found the ZX-10R to be -- just awesome. Again, turn in is light, heaps of feel and the rear was soft enough to handle rough bitumen. All I’d suggest for the road is bumping up rear preload and compression slightly and that’s all, leave the front as is. To aid the light turn in, the front and rear wheels are

some of the lightest on a production bike.

The Ninja ZX-10R engine balances big power with manageability. Peak torque is positioned high up in the rpm range, making it easier to get back on the gas, while a strong lowmid range further helps acceleration coming out of corners. Finger follower valve actuation and other features based on feedback from Kawasaki’s WSBK factory team contribute to a peak power of 149.3kW (156.8kW with ram-air), which can easily be increased care of a full race exhaust.

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TEST

maintaining the engine’s performance and easy-to-use character. There’s also a new oil cooler. Rather than routing coolant from the radiator to the oil cooler and back to the engine, the new oil cooler is air-cooled and has an independent circuit. Oil is routed from the left lower crankcase to the oil cooler, then returned on the right side.

The increased cooling performance contributes to engine performance at all rpm.

Riding the ZX-10R, the engine feels like a 600 to 6000rpm. It needs to be revved before it gets up and boogies.

For track and road riding I would 56

want to drop one tooth off the front sprocket for better control out of slower corners.

In the specs column you’ll notice the road fuel consumption of 7.92L/100km, bear in mind that on the track this increased to something like 21L/100km, so remember to take fuel if doing track days!

Ergonomics feel quite roomy for a ‘race bike with a headlight’. The handlebars have been moved forward 10mm which contributes to more room, but also aid in lighter turn in with a bit more leverage. I could tuck in easily thanks to the 40mm higher

screen and the seat to peg height, where the 5mm higher for this new model was still reasonably comfortable.

I would have liked the accessory tank grip pads as I struggled to grip the tank and seat. On the track I tried my best ‘Mick Doohan’ riding style so I wouldn’t keep slipping. LOL! The all-new, compact 4.3” alldigital TFT colour instrumentation gives the cockpit a high-tech, highgrade appearance. It can be switched between two modes - Type 1: designed for ordinary use and easy-toread on the road, displaying digital speedometer, digital bar-style

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tachometer, gear position indicator, throttle application, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, volume of fuel consumed, low fuel indicator, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, call/mail indicators, and Economical Riding Indicator.

Type 2 is designed with circuit riding in mind, important information like tachometer, current and best lap times, and gear position is prioritised and presented graphically for easy digestion. You can also switch the

colour of the screen from white to black. An external race-style shift lamp placed above the instrument panel provides you with a highly visible bright white light which was great to use on the track. I never really noticed it on the road – maybe I wasn’t revving it hard enough!

You can also connect your smartphone to this ZX-10R, with all sorts of fun to be had changing settings and/or reviewing information from your ride.

The latest Bosch electronics help keep braking, traction control and engine braking all working at their

best. Of five levels of traction control I ended up on Level 2 having started with traction turned off and probably looking like I was in a drifting competition. Level 2 allowed a small amount of slip but would help drive the bike off the corner and not have it bog down.

Four riding modes are available: Sport, Road, Rain and Rider. I used Rider mode with full power (why use anything else) and the good thing about Rider mode is you can switch the traction control to your liking with a direct feeling. Some quickshifters can feel a bit ‘soft’ and can result in the ignition being cut when you don’t want it to, not so on the ZX-10R. To complete the electronics package, Ohlins supplies the electronic steering damper. Unlike a mechanical steering damper – in which the settings, once fixed, must cover all riding conditions and speeds – the damping characteristics are changed electronically according to vehicle speed, and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. At low speeds, the settings were chosen such that damping does not interfere with the bike’s intrinsic lightweight handling.

At high speeds, damping increases to provide enhanced navigation of road surface conditions.

I bang on about quickshifters all the time and that’s because they’re awesome! The ZX-10R has up and down and works perfectly.

Brembo front calipers are hugely powerful and the ABS is not intrusive and I never had it kick in on the front into the hard braking areas of turn 2 and 9. There is also cornering ABS if you get it all wrong and one thing I did like is the electronic control of rear ABS lets you take control in certain circumstances. As the tyres slipped and slid (especially around Corporate Hill) I used a lot of rear brake to try and help it stay on line and turn. With a standard ABS system this could result in ABS kicking in, but the electronics are smart enough to work it all out and not intervene – awesome!

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TEST TFT meter, but you can get a pair of Marchesini forged aluminium wheels for even lighter handling and faster acceleration. The big news is you can get a selection of race kit parts for track only work. The parts include – Race kit ECU: in addition, the ability to modify fuel and ignition maps, the race kit ECU enables more detailed settings in the following areas, among others: - For each of S-KTRC’s 5 modes, traction control and wheel lift control (usually linked) can be adjusted independently - Kawasaki Engine Brake Control settings can be adjusted for each individual gear - Output to the electronic steering damper can be disabled to enable the use of a mechanical steering damper Note: Race kit harness must also be fitted.

Offset steering head collars allow the steering stem position to be adjusted +/-4 mm forward/backward from the standard position (Standard: +0 mm).

Other collars enable the caster angle to be adjusted.

Offset swingarm pivot collars: allow the swingarm pivot position to be adjusted +/-1 mm up/down from the centre position (Standard: +0 mm).

Other race kit engine parts include: alternate head gaskets; oil catch tank; chain tensioner; connecting rod and crankshaft journal bearings (4 thicknesses available); clutch; gears; engine cover gaskets.

Other race kit chassis parts include: chain guard; alternative/replacement fork springs; rear ride height spacers; racing harness.

If you’re serious about having one of the best litre sportsbikes on the market you better pop into your Kawasaki dealer and place an order, and, if you’re super serious, (or going racing) the limited production ZX10RR is what you’ll want. There are only 500 worldwide and they’re priced at $42,000, so you might be lucky to get one. If not, wait until later in the year when race teams will be wanting to move on current race bikes and grab one of those. The ZX-10RR does come from the factory in road legal trim, so ask for the road gear as well if buying a race bike…just in case. D 58

Specs KAWASAKI ZX-10R PRICE: $26,000 (plus on-road charges) WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 12,000km or 12 months ENGINE: 998cc liquid-cooled in-line four cylinder, 76x55mm bore/stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder POWER: 149.3kW @ 13,200rpm TORQUE: 114.9Nm @ 11,400rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet multi-plate slipper clutch, chain final drive SUSPENSION: Front, 43mm inverted fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, travel 120mm. Rear, monoshock, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, travel 115mm.

DIMENSIONS: Seat height 835mm, weight 207kg (wet), fuel capacity 17 litres, wheelbase 1450mm TYRES: Front, 120/70/ZR17. Rear, 190/55/ZR17 BRAKES: Front, twin 330mm discs with radial four-piston ABS calipers. Rear, 220mm disc, single-piston ABS caliper.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7.92 litres per 100km, premium unleaded THEORETICAL RANGE: 214km COLOURS: Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White (KRT), Flat Ebony (KRT) VERDICT: Make the others green with envy

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CLASSICCHALLENGE

It got wet anyway… on the way home

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY… Old Bike Australia Classic Challenge

All stripped and the

WORDS & PHOTOS STUART

cleaning begins, even without being raced . Yes, I’m a bit crazy

All set up and waiting…

T

HE USUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL of Speed held in March each year at Sydney Motorsport Park had been renamed this year to the Old Bike Australia Classic Challenge. Due to Covid there were no international racers attending so the Post Classic Racing Association (PCRA) made the event a larger scale club type meeting.

I had spent months prepping, The Beast, my and my mate Chris’s Yamaha FZR1000. Alex Pickett who usually rides it had to work so we decided to give young hotshot Jack Passfield – a top Australian Supersport runner -- a go on it.

I took Jack for a test day at SMSP and he quickly set some good times.

Roll onto the Classic Challenge weekend and the weather was looking nasty. Jack was keen to go out in the rain, but the torrential and consistent downpour flooded the track in many areas causing the Clerk of the Course to cancel the first day of the meeting.

Fingers were crossed for the second day of racing with lighter rain predicted.

It wasn’t to be, the rain continued to hammer down and none of the rivers and deep puddles around the track had changed. They had possibly become worse, so the Clerk of the Course made the (again) tough decision to cancel the days racing. So, The Beast

didn’t even get started.

It was such a shame, all the people at PCRA had put in a huge effort to make this a wonderful event – they should be congratulated. Entries were huge with 200 odd bikes set to hit the track, but I guess Mother Nature had other ideas and the lack of drainage at SMSP hit the nail on the head for any racing.

As Jack didn’t get to have a race I have promised him another go and we’ll look at running a round of the Retro Superbikes with St George Motorcycle Club. I’ll also be getting Alex back on the bike for one of the other St George Retro Superbike rounds, or a PCRA meeting.

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LONGTERMERS

UNPLUGGED Super Soco TC Max

Well, after getting to adjust to the Super Soco for the last few months, it has been returned.You will get to see what it has been replaced with, but adjusting life around an electric vehicle has been an interesting learning curve. I can’t remember what it was like when I first got my licence and planning where service stations were to fill up, but I assume the same planning has been what I’ve done while riding the Super Soco.

Making sure there’s enough charge for where I’m going and if there is a charging point at the other end, that I can return to where I started for a charge. I also lent the Super Soco out to a good friend.

She fell in love with riding it. She loved that it was something different, but how

light and easy to ride it is. She even considered buying it! You can’t get much better praise than that. The TC Max is extremely light so handling is awesome in traffic. Almost like riding a mountain bike in a way. There is enough power to keep up with traffic and just enough

to pull away from traffic lights to clear traffic behind. As an inner-city machine that needs very little maintenance, other than checking tyre pressures and charging the battery, the Super Soco TC Max is a smart choice. Keep an open mind and go check one out. vmotosoco.com.au SW

after a lap around the block saying he was simply stunned at how much better the braking performance is. The feel and power (straight from the get go) from the SBS pads made the RS feel like it had the latest and greatest race bike braking system. SBS EVO Sinter pads have that effect on every bike we’ve now fitted them to. We’ve even had a couple of you guys and girls tell us how great you’ve

found them. So, what are you waiting for?

Grab a set and whip them in.You’ll fall in love. For the Z900RS the pads are priced at $76 per side. As mentioned, grab them from Kenma, all good bike shops and in Melbourne, Monza Imports. SW

STOP THAT! Kawasaki Z900RS

Hitting something like 26,000km on the Z900RS, it was now time to replace the front discs and brake pads. The standard discs had warped with a healthy shudder when squeezing the lever, so my father purchased some discs from Metal Gear and I sourced the simply amazing SBS EVO Sinter pads from the great folk at Kenma – kenma.com.au. Replacing the discs is easy enough – make sure when you’re putting each disc bolt back in to place some Loctite on the threads. Replacing the brake pads is a relatively simple job too on the RS. I slotted in the SBS pads, bolted the calipers back in place and cleaned everything up with some brake clean – a great idea after working on your brakes, and especially on new discs as there can be some manufacturing oil or dirt. I sent the old boy off for a test ride, mentioning the pads will get better after 100km or so and he came back

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WORDS RICHARD MILLINGTON IMAGES MOTORRAD TOURS

AWESOME DESTINATIONS #7

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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.

AMM Patagonia – one of the great wilderness regions of the world – is an incredibly rewarding place to ride a bike. It is no exaggeration to describe the scenery as truly phenomenal; from the luminous unworldly colours of the glacial lakes to striking mountain peaks and panoramic vistas stretching out to a distant

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horizon with not a shred of evidence of human interference. Patagonia is made up of the bottom third of Chile and Argentina and includes the vast, windswept plains of the Patagonian steppe, the jaw-dropping views of the Argentinean Lake District and the imposing peaks of the Andean mountain range. All of this in a region with a huge mixture of cultural flavours ranging from a German village to remote sheep farms via Gaucho cowboy settlements somewhere along the way.

If you’re not yet sold on this fascinating destination for a spot of motorcycle exploring, then the cuisine just might win you over.

The Roads

Patagonia has several iconic roads, but definitely the top two are Carretera

Austral and Ruta Cuarenta. Carretera Austral was built by the Chilean army under dictator Augusto Pinochet to connect Chile with its Patagonian region. It runs through thick forests, fjords, glaciers and steep mountains and is still largely a dirt road, although more tarmac crops up each year. Ruta Cuarenta (Route 40) rivals the famous Route 66 in the USA for length, at around 5,000 kilometres running north to south across the Patagonian Steppe, alongside the Andes. Now it is mostly tarmac, but still with some great dirt sections for those who like a little gravel beneath their wheels.

Outside of these two there are endless dirt roads and dirt trails to explore.

Great mountain riding balances super twisty roads with very beautiful scenery.

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Austral out of the village of Puyuhuapi with a fantastic climb up some 15 hairpins on a really tight, steep climb. That and the wind on the steppe are probably the most interesting sections of the trip. One common theme though is the sealing of these iconic roads – you really do need to get out and ride Patagonia now, before all the best bits are bitumen and full of bus tours.

Who is Motorrad Tours

Motorrad Tours is an Official Travel Partner of BMW Motorrad, founded

by Richard Millington, the man behind the words in this feature, and run by Chris Hone. Between them they have years of experience and literally millions of miles of route planning and tour delivery under their belts. Along with their 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 www.motorrad-tours.com to see where they are headed to next.

Almost too beautiful; I watched someone a couple of years ago ride clean off the road because they were staring at the scenery thinking “I can’t believe I’m riding a bike in a place like this”. Of course, shortly after thinking that he wasn’t; he was sitting beside his bike on the grass verge feeling a bit silly.

Riding across the Patagonian Steppe can be very challenging thanks to the varying surface and powerful cross winds; be prepared to ride leaning over at 25 degrees in straight line.

On Ruta 40, if the wind hits on the gravel sections you have to pick a track

where the trucks have worn the gravel down to a nice hard base. This works a treat right up to the point where wind lifts you into the soft gravel or you get to a corner. Everybody seems to take slightly different lines around the corners and that nice hard base track you’ve been enjoying fades away to a nice spread of soft gravel. And then the tracks all drift back together and the nice worn-in hard base reappears; it’s challenges like these that make the trip such an adventure, keeping you on your toes every step of the way.

There’s a section of the Carretera

The Weather

The riding season in Patagonia is short, essentially November to the end of March. Spring is the best time to go, that’s November, as you’ll get lambs springing around fields, baby guanacos, wild flowers; it’s just a beautiful time to be there. As you’ll be riding in the Andes, and you are a long way south it can rain, it will be cold at altitude at times and it can even snow.

If you go in the summer, basically January, you’re more likely to get better weather but it isn’t as pretty and there’s still no guarantee that it won’t rain or snow on you. Temperatures can be as high as late twenties, and we’ve seen as low as two degrees Celsius. Which leads us on to what riding kit to take.

Simple answer, take it all. The warm stuff, the waterproof stuff and the layers.

The best places to visit

We keep banging on about the views, but each time we go, every single day consists of ‘wow’, then another ‘wow’ and then a bigger ‘wow’ and then you’ve run out of ‘wows’ and the word starts to sound silly. But it really is like that every day; blue lagoons, green lagoons, incredible lakes, incredible mountains, the national parks; it just goes on and on.

As well as the views, (did we mention the views?) you have to visit Butch Cassidy’s hideout and the five kilometre wide Perito Moreno Glacier. If you keep going down you end up crossing the Magellan Straits onto Tierra del Fuego, the land of fire. Riding through Argentinean Tierra del Fuego you suddenly find the road becomes ten lanes wide from two lanes and is dead straight for three kilometers. And then ten lanes becomes two and you realise you’ve been riding on an emergency runway; a fallout from the Falklands www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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TECHNICAL

provided engine and transmission, the R 50 donated the frame and running gear) turned out to be useful but never really ideal; for a start the Ural sidecar was too heavy. I didn’t build the perfect outfit until I matched a Yamaha Bolt to a replica Steib chair. Still, the Beemer outfit covered a lot of miles and was a lot of fun. I don’t seem to be able to find any photos, so you’ll have to settle for one of the Bolt.

ANDY STRAPZ The food andystrapz.com

Avduro Panniers – $475

RALPH - KTM SUPERDUKE / BMW R 1200 GS

DRIRIDER Split Decision

dririder.com.au

I owned both in the late 2000s and Touring 2 Panniers – $199.95 these bikes meant different things for 600D Ripstop construction featuring universal fit expandable soft side bags (18–31L capacity), Velcro fitting and attachment straps, extra side compartments, heat resistant base in case of accidental contact with the exhaust, includes PE boards for shape retention, equipped with rain cover and shoulder strap, anti–scratch non–slip material on inner side and reflective strip for night safety.

Argentina is famed for its food and Patagonia is home to some of the best steaks and red wine in the world. In most places you can eat incredible steak and drink fine wine and still come home with change from $50.

The name Avduro nods its lid to the mix of Our favourite bit Enduro and Adventure.

Accommodation will vary from lovely Since their inception in four-star hotels to lots of comfortable 2003 Andy Strapz panniers hosteria; the Patagonian take on a have evolved in line with simple hotel offering comfortable, the demands of modern en suite accommodation. You’ll find Adventure riders. lots of cabins, nice cabins, along the Made in Australia from their tried crashed,in17oz way too.and Sleeping a bunkroom working sound like Aussie, Dynaproofed canvas, on theya are packedfarm (punmight intended, it, but staying in the foursorry) with new approaches roughing to the existing features. berthremain estancia bunkrooms always a The basics of the pannier bags unchanged from is those highlight for me.

No wifi, no Andy made for himself all that time ago. If it ain’t broke… phone power a generator Although the basics stood signal the testand of time andfrom Aussie riders, – it’s proper remote living and a great that doesn’t mean the nice little extras can’t be tweaked and thing to experience. The back-to-basics improved such as what you’ll find with the Avduro.

setup and enforced room sharing breeds a great atmosphere, fresh lamb cooked on a parrilla enjoying Scoota Bagz war.

Criss-crossing the border with paperwork and border rules, Australian conversation over a backdrop of Navigator Mini Tank Bag – $74 Chile, you continue down to Ushuaia Nationals don’t need a visa, but you unspoilt stargazing.

Magnetic – $59.95 – the southernmost city in the world. will need an IDP (International Patagonia is a genuine wilderness; A small courier style, FifteenRipstop kilometres south offeaturing there is athe Driving Permit).

As youbag travel an incredible place to ride a 600D construction non–slip shoulder withthrough an Lapataia National Park magnets where the Patagonia, you’re likely to into motorcycle, with vast stretches anti–scratch base, strong forroad secure holding, external flap.cross A very neat stops and you reach the revered sign and out of Argentina several times. includes waist strap and is sized at 180x130x30 – size to carry on the bike. across the plains, broken up by saying Fin del Mundo – The End of The good news is the border tight, technical mountain passes. great for carrying phone, wallet, money and/or cards.

Designed to fit an A4 the World. South from there it’s the crossings are safe, sensible and The weather can vary hugely, but sized file, Andy’s Scoota Antarctic Ocean. legitimate – they’re not bribe-fuelled the hospitality is always the same – Bagz are constructed from 1000–denier hustler borders friendly, happy and there’s always a me and my riding.here.

BothThey bikesare, I bought (jargon for bloody tough) Korda nylon with waterproof The bits to avoid however, for paperwork, so special welcome for those tackling without teststicklers riding, and placed an order backing and brown oil–less oilskin, a combination ofGo both!

If you’re hiring bikes on a trip through prior maketosure you have all your bike and the country by bike. there now, their arriving in Australia. It’s Functional and handsome enough for everyday use the Scoota in the Patagonia starting in Chile, you will personal documents in order and discover unspoiled settlements STUART – BMW R 1200 GS proof that marketing hype works! Both two external pockets with dividers underand the front have to finish in Chile – you can’t ready with freedom a fewfeatures spare pages for all-- the middle of nowhere try not to Water-Cooled Magic represented in every sense flap andOh inside the bag, rear–mounted handle, angled enter Argentina with a bike and leave performance stamps in your passport. and don’t ride off the road while admiring the or travel, wheelstanding or without it or vice versa. However carry any fresh fruit with you, strap that’sfor a optimal scenery.

DidAnd I mention how good the shoulder comfort. a rugged two– Let it be known, BMW have pretty chugging through the countryside. Both many pieces it’s in. On the subject of big no no. viewsclip arefor already?

D removal. inch side–mounted release helmet–on

The 2010s

were instrumental in consolidating their brands in their respective markets.

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much always held amazing new bike launches and the introduction of the

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TOURTEST

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KAWASAKI VERSYS 650L Versystility to spare

T

HE PROBLEM WITH ENJOYING the wonderful corners and spectacular scenery of the Northern Rivers in NSW is that you’ve got to get there. Not much of a problem from Brisbane or the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, but it’s 800km plus from Sydney by the most direct route and correspondingly more from other major bunches of motorcyclists. Most of the bikes that will take you up there over that kind of distance will not be ideal for the motorcyclist’s heaven that awaits you. Most of the bikes that will provide maximum enjoyment up there, on the other hand, will not be comfortable while you cover the distance.

What to do, what to do. As it turned out, Kawasaki came to my assistance with an unexpected machine – the Versys 650L. In its own way, the bike is the latest in a long line of 500 to 650cc twin cylinder motorcycles that stretches back to before even I began riding.

These bikes have always been honest, workmanlike machines – although in the early days they were also

WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR

performance bikes – which have served millions of motorcyclists with reliability and enthusiasm.

“What?” I hear you cry. “You‘ve done it again, Bear. The Versyses (Versii?) have always been adventure bikes!”

The early models were certainly an attempt at that, complete with the somewhat awkward styling that Japanese manufacturers often imposed on their adventure ranges, especially in the single and twin mid-size class.

See Suzuki’s V Strom and any number of Honda attempts to get the look right. Along with that awkwardness in looks the bikes have always (go on, hit me with an exception) been somewhat ambiguous in their equipment.

They have, without wishing to be critical, been ‘soft’ adventure bikes.

This Versys is even softer, and the better for it.

Despite the relatively long-

travel suspension, it is a road bike – something confirmed by the tyre choice if you need confirmation.

Kawasaki reveals a certain uncertainty about the bike which, apparently, “refuses to be restricted to any one classification. Difficult to explain and impossible to categorise, the Versys

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TOUR TEST

650L is one of those machines that exceeds the sum of its parts.” Right.

Kawasaki says that the headlight layout is intended to provide a more aggressive, sporty design than the previous stacked headlights, and that’s worked well. The overall appearance of the bike is quite sporty, one of the things that makes it look less like an adventure bike. Airflow management was a priority when the bike was designed, and the moveable screen does a good job.

Overall comfort is spot on. Kawasaki has taken trouble to direct the engine’s heat downwards, away from the rider, and the rubber mounts keep vibration to a minimum. The handlebar is also rubber mounted, but it avoids the wobbly feel that that can cause.

So, what is the Versys 650L? You can’t call it a soft adventure bike. That sounds like an insult. And it isn’t that, anyway. It is a well-designed and wellequipped road bike. One that doesn’t need any qualification beyond that. It is a motorcycle that I suspect anyone, no matter what bike they already had in their garage, would make room for.

It would supplement just about any other bike you owned.

Motorcycles with midrange capacity are very nearly ideal allrounders. They are light enough to handle effortlessly, solid enough to carry two people and luggage, able to handle poor quality roads, torquey enough to pull out of corners and hardy enough to survive even Australian roads. The Versys fits into that wish list perfectly. Apart from the light and effortless handling, I really liked the forgiving way the bike would power out of corners. On the Oxley Highway I missed the ideal line a couple of times, as one does, but the bike just tracked out. The power restriction for Learner status didn’t worry me, and I kept up comfortably with much larger bikes.

Given the amazing range, the bike is a perfectly adequate tourer except for the seat which does get a bit painful after a day or so in the saddle.

Nothing an air seat won’t fix, but I was determined to try the bike as-is. I carried my gear in a Nelson-Rigg tank 72

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bag and a Kuryakyn luggage roll, but you can get panniers, a top box and other gear for the bike from Kawasaki’s extensive range of accessories. The 28 litre panniers will each hold a full face helmet according to Kawasaki, but I couldn’t check that for you. Panniers and top box can be locked with the ignition key. The panniers mount without unsightly rails, and can be used with the 47 litre top box. Payload has been increased by 30kg to 210kg.

The seat is at a reasonable height, but the pillion seat is higher and the luggage roll on top of it made it impossible for me to swing my leg over the way I normally would. This became a problem at times, but I can’t see a way around it. If you’re a bit short in the inseam, don’t load luggage onto the pillion seat. All in all, although the bike makes a perfectly adequate tourer it is probably more in its element as a city bike and weekend scratcher.

The Versys’ Candy Lime Green with Metallic Spark Black does look smart, and it matches the general build quality. The single instrument binnacle is easy to read and offers the combination I prefer: a dial for revs and a digital readout for speed.

The ‘remaining range’ readout is as pessimistic as these are on most bikes, but the other instruments are good.

I put nearly 5000km on this bike over a couple of weeks, which might seem to contradict what I’ve said about the seat’s suitability for long distance work. The comfortable riding position helped. I even did a one-day 850km run down the superslab because I had to get home. Most of my riding, however, was on roads that looked a bit like sections of the Tail of the Dragon. Much as I enjoyed the bike’s handling and steering, what probably impressed me more than anything else was the range. Five hundred kilometres per 21 litre tank is adventure bike territory, as is the service interval of 12,000km even if the rest of the Versys is more like a road bike. Point to note: I am notoriously easy on fuel consumption. You might not get my 4.2km/l. D

Specs KAWASAKI VERSYS 650L (LAMS) PRICE: $ 10,799 (plus on-road charges) WARRANTY: Two years, unlimited distance SERVICING INTERVALS: Every 12,000km or 12 months ENGINE: 649cc liquid-cooled parallel twin cylinder, 83x60mm bore/stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder POWER: 41.3kW @ 8000rpm TORQUE: 55Nm @ 5500rpm TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet multi-plate clutch, chain final drive SUSPENSION: Front, 41mm inverted fork, adjustable preload and rebound (on separate legs), travel 150mm.

Rear, laydown single shock, adjustable preload, travel 145mm.

DIMENSIONS: Seat height 840mm, weight 216kg, fuel capacity 21 litres, wheelbase 1415mm TYRES: Front, 120/70/ZR17. Rear 160/60/ZR17 BRAKES: Front, twin 300mm petal discs with twin-piston calipers. Rear, 250mm petal disc, single-piston caliper.

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4.2 litres per 100km, premium unleaded THEORETICAL RANGE: 500km COLOURS: Candy Lime Green with Metallic Spark Black VERDICT: Ain’t no lamb

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PUBOFTHEMONTH

COURT HOUSE H

It ’s got it all

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RATED 5 OUT OF 5 HELMETS

E HOTEL

Court House Hotel 27 Hanson St Corryong Vic T: 02 6076 1711

WORDS & PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN

N

O TOWN THAT I know of in Australia has forged (what an appropriate term!) its identity on unproven myth, legend, hearsay and downright invention more than Corryong on the Upper Murray has done with a bloke called Jack Riley.

You can’t enter the town from any direction without being welcomed by a silhouette of a fella on a horse with a whip.

The fella, not the horse. There’s a statue you can’t avoid in the middle of the main street. There’s hardly a store without some tacky representation of “The Man”.

Banjo Paterson explicitly denied that any one person was the model for his Man from Snowy River but that hasn’t stopped local ‘experts’ and vested interests from pushing aside the claims of up to half a dozen old stockmen as being the inspiration for ‘The Man’ in favour of their bloke.

Jack Riley, whom Norman Abjorensen in 1995 labelled, “a dubious character, a tailor by trade, and a man who did time for horse stealing...a skilled bushman…but a braggart as well,” is but one of the claimants.

His grave up in the Corryong cemetery is inscribed, “In Memory of The Man from Snowy River Jack Riley buried here 16th July 1914”. Doesn’t mention that he was born on the other side of the world or that spent very little time in this town. To call him a Corryong person because he died here is a bit like calling Captain Cook a Hawaiian. www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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PUB OF THE MONTH

Corryong Loop 1

Corryong Loop 2

It’s a goodun’ Court House Hotel

Good staff, very friendly locals, quality blow-ins, decent food, reasonable drinks prices, secure bike parking and good accommodation, this place pretty much has it all – and that’s before considering the surrounding roads and countryside. And the surrounding Corryong-Towong-Tintaldra-Cudgewa-B400 to Shelley Rd-Shelley Rd(C547)-Murray River Road to Granya – Tallangatta – Koetong- Corryong loop is one of the best 3 hours of riding you’re going to ever do. Then there’s a 6-hour beauty down through the Nariel Valley to Omeo and back up through Mitta Mitta (great pub), Tallangatta and home and you’re going to need a couple of nights here. And remember, if you’re running late, ring ahead and you’ll still have dinner waiting. Five Helmets, 120 for value and on the strength staff and locals, 4.5 from 5 for character.

Koetong Hotel

A top place reborn and under the care of a riding couple anchored in their community but welcoming of riders and other visitors. I’ll be overnighting here as soon as they get the accommodation up and running. An esky full of drinks and meat to cook down beside my tent? Hell yeah! Wasn’t there long enough to rate it but if you don’t enjoy this place, I’ll refund your drink money! Koetong Hotel 6156 Murray Valley Highway Koetong T: 02 60727515

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So, Jack Riley is a double myth: his connection to Corryong and his connection to the poem are equally fantastical. And the blokes at the bar of the town’s Court House Hotel, on the clear cool day I drop in are well aware of it.

Hume puts his empty 7 oz glass back on the bar. “It’s a bit of fiction. It brings people to the town which is a good thing and no-one gets hurt so it’s a harmless bit of fun.”

Unlike Riley, Hume was born in the local hospital, and was ten years old when the Black Friday fires devastated the town in January 1939.

“I remember it hitting the town. It went from one side of the hills to the other and then just swirled back onto

the town. All the family got in a truck thing and we went down to the creek and stayed under the bridge there for a day and a night and then two days later after we left, the bridge burnt down too. Will never forget it – the

noise and the heat. No-one who was there then ever could. Our farm was pretty much all burnt out, so we all just had to start all over again.”

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PUB OF THE MONTH measured. Maybe he’d just seen it all before.

As he has his first for the day, Hume tells that he was a late starter to drinking. Our farm was a fair way out of town and we didn’t have grog in the house and we didn’t have a car either - we used to have to ride the horse to come in here and I wasn’t sure about riding home after a few so I never really had the opportunity until I was 25 and went to a party at Cudgewa.”

Once he’d established he could manage a horse after a beer, Hume starting drinking here at the Courthouse hotel but it was very different back then: “Right here where I’m sitting was

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where the hitching rail for the horses was, and beside that was their water troughs – they were only knocked down maybe thirty years ago. And where the dining-room is now, that used to be shops and a haberdashery” Guarding the pub’s front door when I’d pulled up was a mobility scooter with a lapdog on the footrests, enjoying the sunshine. Belongs to George, known around here as ‘Grumblebum’ who has his own pew where he’s near the taps, “so the beer’s fresh and cold” and can see the race monitors with his remaining eye.

He reckons he’s not the dog’s owner just its ‘designated driver’ but when I ask him about it, ‘Sheepdog’ down

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A must stop

O

NE OF THE GREAT surprises from my ride down here last month was coming around a curve on the Murray Valley Highway and seeing bikes out front of the Koetong Pub. Yep, this landmark spot has re-opened which is great news to counter the closing of the Cudgewa Hotel, half an hour east. Next day I headed back.

In November 2019 Shelley and husband Alan put their deposit on the Koey pub, which’d been closed for almost a year. During settlement the fires ravaged the area but the pub wasn’t touched and, figuring the worst had passed, settled on the pub on March 6th 2020.

Two weeks before the state was locked down.

They spent the time renovating and sorting the paperwork. Two days after the liquor license was granted, the second lockdown clamped them shut again. But they’ve made it through and it is one of the few small pubs around already open 7 days a week.

Folks from Tallangatta, Corryong and from publess Cudgewa are fast becoming regulars and the pub’s repaying the support of the locals by sourcing all its goods from around here.

All meat comes from one of my favourite butchers - Cavanagh’s

in Tallangatta and all bread from the excellent bakery next door to them. Eggs are from Granya, honey comes from Pine Mountain, biltong from a fella in Cudgewa while coffee comes from Honeybird at Mt Beauty. The fruit and veg plus pies are brought in from Corryong by the Kiewa Milk milkman.

Just two beers on tap (Schooners are $7.00, pots $5.00) and in a complete mobile phone blackspot the place proudly boasts it’s ‘wifi free’.

Effectively no accommodation right now as the only self-contained cottage is permanently booked with post-fire crews.

The plan is to quickly fix the backyard and offer free camping for pub patrons. There’ll be a large bbq and they’ll will offer ‘barbie packs with meat from Cavanagh’s and salads and of course whatever drinks are required.’ Sounds a brilliant concept. Imagine a group ride rocking up to a pub with tents or swags and having all the essentials just waiting for you.

Just a quick drop-in – enough time to sample the homemade slice and a decent coffee - convinces me that this traditional rider stop is back big time. Healthy now, in good hands and headed to a great future. Don’t zoom by!

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PUB OF THE MONTH Look mum, no hands!

This is a highly abridged and adapted excerpt from my forthcoming book: “Drinking the Rivers,Vol 1.

The pubs and people of the Murray and Edward Rivers”, to be (finally) released after a 12-month covid delay by New Holland in August 2021 for Father’s Day. To register your interest in a pre-publication signed copy just email me at: idrink@ nothingbutthepub.com

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the bar puts it that the current dog’s nowhere near as good (or as hardy) as Grumblebum’s previous one: “One day I was going out fishing with George and we were almost at the river and I got out to open a gate and Patch jumped out wanting to chase a hare and George just hit the gas and ran over his dog - put skid marks on him and all but it was real muddy so Patch pretty much got squashed into the mud but he was pretty messed up, bleeding and all. And I said we’d better take him up to the vet but George said not so fast, we should put the rods in first so we did and the dog pulled through. When we got back our baits had been taken but the fish’d gone. Wasn’t a real successful day.”

I head out for a spin up to Koetong where the pub’s reopened (see sidebar) and when I get back Adam in wellworn bluey and fluro daks is chowing on a meal that’s getting washed with Bundy.

He’s a log truckie and he’s on the phone relaying dinner orders to Tamaraw - who’s taken over from Murray behind the bar - from his

mates still back up the mountain. It’s 7.45pm and the kitchen’s supposed to close in 15 minutes. Little chance they’ll be here by then.

At five-to the chef comes out and Adam tells him to start their meals but chef says he’ll wait until right at the end. They eventually front at a quarter past, no more than 2 minutes after their plates have hit the bar. This is that sort of pub.

One of ‘em, Luke’s got Stars of David tattooed on each knuckle, ‘so even if I lose a fight the bloke I punch will see stars’ and there’s the word ‘king’ scorched between his thumb and first finger so he can see it when er... never mind.

These blokes are working flat chat.

They’re pulling down the fire damaged eucalypts before they dry out too much. Their window is closing and so their days are long and you’re going to encounter a logging truck along the wonderful twisting roads of this area.

Meanwhile the burnt pines are useless.

Super Ten gets parked undercover in the secluded and security camera scoped side driveway. Two employees

live in adjoining houses and if there’s no room for your bikes at the pub, they’ll make undercover room available at their homes. Beat that!

I take my prawn fettucine - decent but not brilliant - out into the quieter sanity of the restored beer garden and tell Adam, Luke and the Witnesses that I’ll try to be up for their invitation to join ‘em at 5am for a trip up the mountain. In the morning, after a brilliant night’s sleep in a double bed, I smash the alarm and rollover.

All 13 available rooms ($75 a single, $100 a double) have ensuites, heater, pedestal fan, mini fridge and a jug. Most are newly painted, bright, windows are screened and the balcony out front is a smasher for your morning brew.

There’s a feed on 7 days until 8pm and if you’re like the loggers and running late, ring ahead and you’ll still get dinner.

Corryong’s Court House Hotel is up there with the most motorcycle friendly accommodation-providing pubs on the Upper Murray.

And that’s no myth. D

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• Adriatic Coast & the Balkans • Mediterranean • Alps • Central Europe

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TRAVEL

DO HAVE A COW, MAN

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Or maybe just visit in this case MOO MOO ROADHOUSE 5887 Tweed Valley Way Mooball, 02 6677 0057

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HEN YOU SEE A roadhouse painted to look like a Holstein cow – not the shape, just the colouring – what can you do but stop for a look and, in my case, fuel? The Moo Moo Café (or roadhouse, depending on where you read a description) has been there for many years, but it has become far more accessible since the road that runs past it is no longer the main northern highway. That’s taken care of by a nearby freeway. You no longer need to worry about being taken out by a semi when you turn into its driveway.

This Tripadvisor review says it all: “A lovely drive to get to the café. There was lots of leather and lycra when I was there, amazing breakfast, wonderful coffee... yumm coffee. Wonderful staff happy and fun. A large motor bike on the verge so you can’t miss the cafe. Fuel and toilets available.”

Who could ask for more? Well, the café advertises not only ‘fuel, food and coffee’ but also ‘Mad Bikes, Hotrods, Memorabilia and a Gift Shop’. Yes, the place has it all and this is in a tiny settlement of what seems like half a dozen houses. There is a pub and another café down the road, but this is the one for motorcyclists. Obviously it is also a major gathering point for our tribe!

The giant Yamaha race bike parked across the road would make the place impossible to miss even if it wasn’t for the black and white cow patterned power poles which already do that job. On the road to the north are the Burringbar Esses, once part of the main highway and now a much quieter opportunity to practice your cornering. Beware the speed camera on the northern side!

PT (We salute the motorcycle-friendly Northern Rivers, NSW in our next issue.) D 82

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1 Motorcycle memorabilia, a few old bikes

3 The nice lady behind the counter assured

and a lot of graphics brand the Moo Moo as

us that the fuel was definitely not sourced

a motorcyclists’ hangout, although the ‘lycra

from bovines.

brigade’ gets in there too.

4 It’s a good thing that the race bike across

2 If the ancient Golden Fleece bowser in

the road has trainer wheels. Someone had

the background is to be believed, this speed

fun with this – can any reader give us a bit

record device is jet powered.We couldn’t get

more information about it?

anyone to start it up for us.

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R E A D E R ‘ S T O U R M o ro c c o

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THE BEST OF MOROCCO ! t n i o j

s i h t k c o r Let’s

Book your spot.

Now! EDELWEIS S BIKE TR AVEL SPORTPL ATZWEG 14 6414 MIE MING / A USTRIA PH: +43 5 264 5690 EDELWEIS SBIKE.CO M

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READER’S TOUR

E

DELWEISS BIKE TRAVEL IS keen to get an Australian Motorcyclist magazine readers tour on the go and boy have they started strong. Rockin’ Morocco is the place and all we need to hope is international travel opens up shortly.

This will be a trip not to be missed.

This 14 day trip to Morocco includes places that are not on the normal Edelweiss Morocco tour, so we all get something special for joining it.

The ‘Best of Morocco’ tour will be held from 24 October to 6 November 2021. Not only that, but we have organised an annual readers tour from now on. So, get your interest registered with the folk at Edelweiss and let’s get there and have an awesome time!

Riding level

As you can imagine, Morocco has dirt roads, so please bear in mind that your experience level should high enough to be able to manage riding on dirt roads.

We’re told the degree of difficulty is not beyond any normal rider who has ridden on a dirt road. If you haven’t, you’ve got time to do it before the tour.

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Best of Morocco (Tour code: SPT21027) 24 October 2021 – 06 November 2021 14 days/13 nights – 12 riding days

Day 1 Arrival in Marrakech Day 2 Marrakech to Essaouira Day 3 Essaouira to Agadir Day 4 Agadir (rest day) Day 5 Agadir to Tizourgane Day 6 Tizourgane to Foum Zguid Day 7 Foum Zguid to Mhamid Day 8 Mhamid to Zagora / Agzd Day 9 Zagora / Agzd to Boumalne Dades Day 10 Boumalne Dades to Ait Ben Haddu Day 11 Ait Ben Haddu (rest day) Day 12 Ait Ben Haddu to Taroudannt Day 13 Taroudannt to Marrakech Day 14 Departure from Marrakech Highlights • • • • • • • •

All the highlights of Marrakech The old town of Essaouira Agadir and the Atlantic beaches Ride through the dessert Camp in the dessert Wadis and oasis The gorges Todra and Dades The ancient town of Ait Ben Haddu

• • • •

Two times crossing the Atlas Mountains Riding the Atlas and Antiatlas mountains The most spectacular pass Tizi n Test Fantastic food, Berber culture, etc.

Daily distance 175-330 km

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Included services •

All overnights (comfortable middle-class hotels, oriental kashbahs and riads) during entire tour Breakfast every day 2 picnics/lunches 13 dinners Motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage Third party liability insurance for motorcycles Comprehensive vehicle insurance for motorcycles with deductible according to the booked motorcycle model

• • • • • •

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•

• • •

Tour information package in English or German including safety tips, details about the hotels, the route and the sights English and German speaking tour guide on motorcycle Support van for luggage transportation Edelweiss Riding Tips

Optional services

Optional deductible reduction on included motorcycle insurance (Cover All / Cover Plus)

Services not included

All services not mentioned and all items of a personal nature.

Please note

This group tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Terms and conditions

Edelweiss terms and conditions can be found at edelweissbike.com/en/ reisebedingungen.php. D

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Tour price per person in USD Price for a Rider in a Double Room

The Bear S

ays

THIS IS N OT ONLY A WONDER FUL TOUR , BUT THE COST IS VE RY REASONA BLE.

Motorcycle Category 1: BMW G 310 Gs, BMW G 310 R, Honda NC 750 S, Honda NC 750 S DCT, Honda NC 750 X, Honda NC 750 X DCT, Suzuki Vstrom 650, Yamaha Tracer 700

USD 5980

Motorcycle Category 2: BMW F 750 Gs (Lsp), Yamaha Tenere 700

USD 6120

Motorcycle Category 3: BMW F 850 Gs, BMW F 900 R, BMW F 900 Xr, Ducati Monster 821, Ducati Multistrada 950, Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin, Honda CRF 1100 L Africa Twin Dct, Suzuki Vstrom 1050 Xt, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Yamaha Tracer 900

USD 6340

Motorcycle Category 4: BMW R 1250 Gs, BMW R 1250 Gs (Lsp), BMW R 1250 R, BMW R 1250 Rs, BMW S 1000 Xr, Ducati Monster 1200, Ducati Multistrada 1260 S, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Yamaha Super Tenere

USD 6560

Motorcycle Category 5: BMW R 1250 Gs Adv, BMW R 1250 Rt

USD 6770

Price for a Passenger in a Double Room

USD 3990

Single Supplement

USD 590

Minimum Number of Participants: 8

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CLASSICRACER

HONDA

F 0 5 CB7

BOL D’OR Revolutions through Evolution WORDS PICKO / TONY HERD PHOTOS ANDREAS WEINAND & BUGGANTAR PHOTOGRAPHICS

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CLASSIC RACER

H

OW DID TWO TENACIOUS New Zealanders, with a lifelong passion for Post Classic motorcycle racing, overcome countless technical challenges to develop what is arguably the fastest and most exquisitely built classic Honda Four ‘monster’ on the planet? Oh! And you should hear this thing!

Never have you heard such aural pornographic delights!

A handful of years ago at a Bikers Classic race meeting held at Belgium’s Circuit de SpaFrancorchamps, the team of Vince & Hyde Racing competed in a round of the CSBK Masters Series with their beautifully built AMA Honda CB750F Superbike Replica and were immediately competitive, taking second in the AMA Legends class and fifth overall on their very first race at Spa. This is their story…

THE VINCE & HYDE RACING TEAM BACKGROUND

Rider: Vince Sharpe, Auckland New Zealand.

Vince is 61 and is the team’s very experienced rider, having started in road racing with

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production motorcycles over 40 years ago. Back in the Seventies and Eighties, Vince campaigned Honda CB750Fs, CB900Fs, the mighty six-cylinder CBX and also the CX500, culminating with the limited production CB1100R at race tracks all over New Zealand.

Vince also competed in Australia in events including the Castrol 6-Hour, Bathurst and Arai 500 races, and the Coca Cola 800.

Crew chief/Engineer: Brent Hyde, Auckland New Zealand Just one look at the Vince & Hyde Racing Honda CB750F Superbike and you can immediately see this is one extremely special and beautifully presented motorcycle.

It literally bristles with exquisitely handcrafted components. With almost every nut, bolt, washer, both axles, the swinging arm pivot and all engine mount bolts and even the engine connecting rods being made of titanium, it is clearly a great testimony to Brent’s engineering skill and astounding attention to detail.

Incredibly, Brent has no formal training in automotive or mechanical engineering.

In 1975, while competing at a local drag racing event, Brent got

chatting to fellow competitor Vince Sharpe who was using drag racing as a way to improve his road racing starts. From this a lifelong friendship a partnership was born that has continued for more than 40 years.

THE EARLY DAYS – MUCH PAIN, LITTLE GAIN.

Way back in the early Eighties, the motorcycle racing world was treated to the spectacle of ‘Fast Freddie’ Spencer and Mike Baldwin successfully competing in the AMA Superbike races with highly developed versions of the DOHC Honda engines. These were basically stock bikes provided by the factory then ‘hot rodded’ by talented American engineers to be competitive.

However, back then, these racing engines had a couple of major issues that neither Honda nor the American Honda Motors (AHM) builders of these hot rods were able to solve during their racing life. With these engines, racers and engine builders very quickly found out the hard way that when the engine was revved to more than 10,500 rpm, it would almost immediately break the long A cam chain that runs from the crankshaft to the exhaust cam.

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Tech specs EIGHT: including oil and •W 5 litres of fuel ready to race: 171kg

dry clutch, fitted • Hwith ondaV&HRSCphosphor bronze

aluminium AHM • Jreplica es Builtswing-arm and Ohlin

plates.

shocks

reverse oiling of the gearbox.

fitted with anti-dive, external compression and rebound damping adjustments (made from billet and only 5 sets were ever manufactured).

AHM rear wheel H onda RSC dry sump oiling • GSuperbike enuine period • Phorsepower OWER: 180+(yep, •

41.3mm forks over 200 at system and oil cooler. Includes the crankshaft).

• E NGINE CAPACITY: 1188cc & Hyde Super head • VValve ince train weight is 50% of OEM.

• Crane cams. high compression, • Cslipper ustomtype pistons and low friction rings

• Titanium conrods.

• Lcrankshaft. ightened and polished •

Honda RSC close ratio gearbox fitted with ceramic bearings.

4 into 1 exhaust • Hheader onda RSC pipes with titanium

intermediate pipe and muffler

Link G4 ECU, high • Gclamps. enuine AHM billet triple • Ienergy gnition:coil over plug, one coil per cylinder. period correct Nissin • Gtwin enuine piston brakes and floating package includes • ELambda, lectroniccrank discs. position, cam position, throttle position, and • D ymag magnesium wheels rear wheel speed sensors. fitted with ceramic bearings.

CHASSIS

Bol d’Or frame with • Rsteering estoredhead moved 25mm rearwards, 50/50 weight balance.

• Metzeler K1 Slicks AHM aluminium fuel • Gtank enuine - used by Freddie Spencer (3kg versus stock steel tank at 6kg).

axles, swing-arm bolt, • Tsteering itaniumstem and all engine

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CLASSIC RACER

The other major issue was the cylinder head design. This design had the carburettors squeezed tightly together and the inlet ports for the first and fourth cylinders angled in towards the centre line of the bike to keep the ‘rack’ of carburettors as slim as possible. That worked fine for a road bike, but in racing applications, this prevented the cylinder head from breathing efficiently at higher rpm, limiting top-end power.

Like those many tuners of the Honda engines who had gone before

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them, Vince & Hyde Racing also very quickly ran into the problem with the breaking of the A cam chains and the resulting engine damage. Brent says that during the decade and more they have spent developing this bike and searching for a solution, they would have broken so many cam chains they have lost count and in turn have stripped and rebuilt the engine at least 300 times.

It got to the point where, among other competitors, the Vince &

Hyde Racing bike was considered fast, but very unreliable and unlikely to finish, so it was never seen as a real threat.

NEW THINKING NEEDED With boxes of broken and damaged cylinder heads building up in the workshop and a rapidly shrinking race budget, it was clearly time to think outside the box for a solution.

After looking carefully at some modern motorcycle engines where 16,000rpm red lines are considered

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normal, and how the cam chains in those engines are controlled, Vince and Brent decided it was worth trying to adapt some of that technology as a possible solution.

Brent had a hunch the problem was being caused by a combination of the length of the A cam chain and the frequency of the harmonics occurring on the chain on the ‘loaded’ front side of the chain (as the crankshaft rotation pulls the chain down off the front of the exhaust camshaft sprocket).

The thinking was the frequency and effect of this chain stressing harmonics increased as engine rpm climbed.

This was causing the chain to try and ‘climb’ up and off the sprocket teeth, dramatically stressing the chain and causing the all too familiar catastrophic failure.

With these harmonics in mind, Vince researched every Morse cam chain tensioning system possible and thought the Aprilia V4 engine had suitable componentry to work from. He tracked down his previous Matich Racing employer, Kris Matich, from Australia where Kris was the GM for Aprilia and they provided detailed photographs of the engine components. Then, using a dummy engine build with cardboard and plasticine, a shape was formed to better direct the cam chain.

From here a drawing was made and passed to another engineering friend specialising in industrial plastics with a plan to make some form of template.

Soon, Vince & Hyde racing had two prototype cam chain guides.

While this was going on, people around the world on Internet forums that Brent contributed to were eagerly watching and waiting to see

SELECT EDGE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES

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how this development unfolded.

Much to Brent’s surprise, they were also wondering, if it were successful, whether it would be for sale.

The combination of the custom guide and tensioner for the A chain and use of the correct heavy duty cam chain enabled the bike to spend a whole racing season with the rpm limit set to 11,000.

During each teardown for inspection throughout the season, the new bits looked like new and were never replaced during the whole season.

Since then, Vince & Hyde Racing has sold some 500 sets to racers and road riders alike.

This has funded further development and racing of the Superbike, so it has been very much a win win situation for the team and the customers.

BREATHE, BABY, BREATHE! ENTER THE “SUPER HEAD”…

Despite having procured a genuine Honda AHM cylinder head, originally produced by Vance and Hines from the USA, and used it to good effect for one season, Brent felt there was still more power to be had from the engine. If he could just come up with a way to remove the angled inlet ports in a way that also kept it compliant with the Rule Book for the Period 5 Pre ’82 Classic Motorcycle racing class, this would allow the engine to breathe more effectively and develop more power across the board, but especially at high rpm.

For several years, Brent had contributed to the CB1100F.net forum and through this had met Ivan Zanzani, from Pesaro in Italy. What they have come up with is both a simple, at least

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CLASSIC RACER

on the surface, and extremely elegant solution to the problem.

Through the use of four custom CNC machined manifolds and removal of material from the cylinder head, they have been able to alter the inlet ports so there is now a straight path directly from the edge of the inlet port right down to the heads of the inlet valves. There is also a slight downdraft effect as the carburettors also sit slightly higher on the cylinder head.

The first outing of the bike fitted with the new Super Head demonstrated the bike was developing much more power and sounding crisper and sharper. Several of these Super Heads have now been made and delivered to customers overseas and considerable interest

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and excitement was shown at Spa by many Honda engine builders who stopped by to look at the bike and inspect the Super Head the team had on display.

OUR SPA EXPERIENCE

“For a bunch of 60-year-old plus guys from New Zealand who have shared a lifelong passion for tuning and racing these old Hondas, the idea of competing on the world stage at the internationally famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was an enormous step. But after a successful first outing with the new Super Head in late 2014, and another at the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed held at Sydney Motorsport Park in Australia, the team decided it was time to bite the bullet and make the

journey to see whether or not the bike really would be competitive against the best in Europe.

The organisers operate to different machine specifications for their CSBK series. They operate three classes in the one race: Vintage is similar to NZ Post Classic specs but uses original diameter wheels; AMA Legends is the class in which they raced, with bikini fairings allowed; and Open Extreme.

The last two classes are allowed late model USD forks, radial brake calipers, 6.0” rear wheels and flat slide carburettors. And the Open Extreme class has engines out to 1400+cc!”

Friday’s race day dawned unseasonably hot but Vince qualified very well at 2:51.5, which placed

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him second in the AMA Legends class behind Malte Schröder and seventh position overall – remember, there are 70 bikes on the grid!

Vince finished fifth overall and second in class, with his fastest lap time being 2:48.4, shaving more than three seconds off his qualifying time. After downloading the data from the ECU on the bike after the race, it was clear all the vital signs were well within limits despite the extremely high ambient temperature and long periods of time spent flatout on the 7km circuit.

An unexpected surprise came later that afternoon when was Vince awarded a trophy for coming second in the AMA Legends class.

What was also very special for Brent and Vince was to see that around 90 per cent of the DOHC Honda four engines being raced had

been fitted with the Vince & Hyde Racing curved guide and cam chain tensioner. Even better, there were no failures reported from any of these competitors with these parts.

Sunday dawned with cooler temperatures and an early morning shower had dampened the track, so wet tyres were made ready, considered briefly, but put aside – and the slicks stayed on. The track was drying very quickly.

“Vince started seventh on the grid and went screaming past on the first lap on the entry to the famous Eau Rouge corner in fourth outright position. The second lap saw him closing rapidly on third and leading the AMA Legends class, but unfortunately the bike developed a gearbox problem and he was unable to complete the race.

Despite the DNF, they were

extremely pleased with the results.

Their journey to Circuit de SpaFrancorchamps and the experience over the three days of the Bikers Classic event, including two rounds of the German CSBK Masters Series, has to be one of the greatest motorcycle racing experiences of their lives. To come all the way from the other side of the world and for the Vince and Hyde Racing Superbike to be so very competitive against the best of the Europeans, quite literally right out of the crate, has been a dream come true for the whole team. They were made to feel extremely welcome by everyone they met and have been truly humbled by the generosity and hospitality received.

“Of course, the difficult question now is how do we get back for next year?” D

15 November - 04 December 2021 14 November - 03 December 2022

Adventure rides and tours around the globe

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TECHNICAL

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THE UNLOVED

n a i l I ta WORDS PICKO ︱ PHOTOS MOTO MORINI

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TECHNICAL

The Corsaro Veloce remains to this day one of the most exciting bikes I’ve ever ridden.

M

OTO MORINI’S BIG TWINS had it all, except enough buyers to make the marque last.

In 2006 the big news in the motorcycle industry was the rebirth of this fabled Italian motorcycle manufacturer.

Tales of big capacity V-twin motorcycles had us journos begging for more. PS Importers, who at the time were the importers for a number of major brands, including Triumph and Hyosung, looked at taking on the renewed Moto Morini brand, and had a bike to evaluate. In the end, the PS Importers dynasty decided to leave well enough alone, a smart decision as it turned out, so the ball was picked up Stoney Creek Power Sports, a niche motorcycle company based in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Stoney Creek Power Sports had started by importing weirdo sorts of machines, in reasonably small numbers. They were never going to take on the might of the big players, and then the Moto Morini thing happened. To be fair there was more than enough interest in the motorcycling press to make the company think importing Moto Morinis was going to be a financial windfall for them. They even took on Benelli.

EARLY SPARKS

The first test rides of the 9 1/2 naked Moto Morini went well, despite the bike having a slightly weird riding position. It felt raw but had good power, loads of street cred and looked fantastic, with what you might call a modern retro sport of style.

Sales were going okay by 2007 but weren’t setting the world on fire. Then came the Corsaro, the 1200cc liquid cooled V-twin naked bike. Around the same time you could get the limited edition Corsaro Veloce, basically a specced up standard Corsaro and then in 2008 the adventure sports Granpasso was released, and even a scrambler. By then though, the company was in trouble, and the flow on effect was to also catch out Stoney Creek Power Sports, who went into liquidation that same year.

Plenty of Moto Morinis sat unsold on showroom floors as the Global Financial Crisis hit and Moto Morini itself was in dire straits.

Then dealers started selling them off cheap, and the liquidators auctioned off the remaining bikes from the importer as well as a few Benellis.

People got bargains, buying bikes for around half their new price.

At the time I thought it would be great to buy one but of course didn’t have the financial

wherewithal to fund that dream.

Plus, it has to be said, there was the spectre of parts back up from an almost non-existent company.

Such a shame.

What the whole GFC and Moto Morini going broke thing did was deprive us of more great Moto Morini models in the future. Yes, they were a little on the unrefined side but the Corsaro Veloce remains to this day one of the most exciting bikes I’ve ever ridden. I had it for a couple of weeks, did lots of kilometres and I would have owned one in a heartbeat if I could have afforded it.

And what wasn’t to love? The styling was cool, but then I like naked bikes in general, it had around 140 horsepower and a fair chunk of torque as well. It handled fantastically, and the sit up riding position made for easy bend carving.

With the importer going broke in Australia and no-one prepared to take the brand on while the parent company was struggling big time, new ones were still being built right up until 2010. Then came a lull for a couple of years, and in 2012 Moto Morini started getting revamped older models out the door. There’s even a new Granpasso out which looks the business. But this is all overseas, you can’t buy them in Australia.

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had lost interest in the bike, failing to ever come and pick it up despite requests to do so. In a weak moment I got the owner’s details and offered him a price to take the unloved Morini off his hands.

A NEW OWNER

WHAT’S THE ISSUES

Overall, Moto Morini’s engineering has proven to be sound. Like some Italian bikes of this era, the electronics can be troublesome, especially in the fuelling department. A close friend of mine is a Ducati specialist and I am a constant visitor to his emporium of Desmodromics. Around 18 months ago I saw a silver Moto Morini Corsaro awaiting his attention. He had told me the bike was bought

from a now defunct Hunter Valley dealer during the liquidation sale and was there to have a few minor things done, including a tendency to flame out when hot. That’s nice, I said, and went on my merry way. Fast forward 18 months and I again saw the tail of the Corsaro hiding out the back under a blanket. “Is this bike back,” I asked.

“It never left,” was the reply. It seemed the ‘cutting out when hot’ problem had never been solved, and the owner

A fresh battery and some fresh fuel had the bike start pretty much right up after 12 months of sitting. It has one of those starter systems that keeps turning the engine after you have taken your thumb off the starter button. It works ok but I’ve never liked them.

I serviced the bike and fitted a new oil filter, which are like hen’s teeth apparently, and started riding it. In standard form the fuelling was fine but in the box of bits I got was a Power Commander. Obviously, that had been on the bike at some stage but then removed. Why? And then on my first ride in traffic the bike started to cut out when it was at operating temperature.

It would always fire straight back up but it happened enough to be a pain, and so began a journey with another very well-regarded motorcycle repair shop. It turns out they had worked on the bike in the past, and its history was littered with attempts to fix this fault. It also turns out it’s a relatively common problem on this era of Morinis. My bike at some stage had a Termignoni exhaust and a race ECU fitted. Many different maps have been installed into the ECU but none have really worked all that well. I can’t complain about the shop’s work ethic on my bike, that’s for sure.

The next step is probably to fit an exhaust and see if that works with the race ECU. If it doesn’t that’s ok, most of my riding is done in the country, not stop start stuff. It won’t stop me from enjoying the bike. The first time I rode it, it brought back the memories of why I loved them so much when they were new. It’s an easy bike to ride quickly, and it’s something you will not see on the road very often.

Parts backup is reasonably good via overseas suppliers, and there are forum groups to keep you in the loop.

These bikes are worth checking out if you get the chance. Because they were sold in limited numbers, they are a bit of a collectors’ item now, quite an eclectic one. D www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au 101

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NEWS

A MASH-UP FROM FRANCE Un sidecar tres lourd

T

HERE IS A NEW factory three wheeler on the market, challenging the monopoly that Ural has enjoyed for far too long. The newcomer is the Mash Side Force, a military-look outfit based on the MASH 400cc single cylinder Force bike. If it does nothing but get the Irbitzers to bring their prices back down to something more reasonable, it will have done a good job.

But there is a problem. According to the best information I can dredge up (the MASH specs page), the Side Force weighs in at 342 kilos. That is ten kilos or so more than a Ural.

A French friend of mine used to tell me about the way his father would stymie the tax man by taking gold bars, hidden on the floor of his car, into Switzerland to deposit them in a secret account. Can we have something similar happening here? Surely not.

For a start, they’d take the gold bars out before pre-delivery. But why would

a modern 400cc single matched to a freshly-designed sidecar (admittedly one made of steel) weigh more than the antiquated Ural design? Je ne sais pas, mon ami, je ne sais pas. While we’re on the subject of the French, if they insist on using English names will someone please help them to come up with something more evocative?

Maybe the Hot Lips Hoolihan?

In May 2020, Mash first presented the Desert Force 400, a singlecylinder model with an army look and a 13 litre fuel tank. For the 2021 season, it is available with this sidecar which is made of steel and at least partly explains the weight. It offers a watertight lockable trunk carrying a spare wheel..

To allow the bike to cope with the higher demands of sidecar operation, an additional oil cooler has been fitted in front of the engine. A reverse gear has been added to the five-speed transmission. An adjustable steering

damper provides reassurance over poor surfaces. Eighteen-inch wheels, 4.60-18 on the front and the sidecar and 5.10-18 on the rear with an extended swingarm, each have their own disc brake.

The 445cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine is based on a much-copied Honda powerplant and produces 28.6hp as against the Ural’s 32hp, which does not augur well for anyone expecting high-speed running. On the other hand, the Mash outfit is priced at 10,999 Euros, less than two thirds the price of the cheapest Ural.

Bad news if you’re interested in a Side-Force; there is no Mash importer for Australia as far as I can tell.

Anyone interested? They have quite a reasonable range of bikes. See mashmotors.fr .D PT

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TRAVEL

HE’S AT IT AGAIN ong

l a g n i Beetle WORDS POSSUM

I

NTREPID ADVENTURER BEETLE BAYLEY is at it again.

Following his fundraiser for the Guide Dogs, where he retraced the steps of Winifred Wells and her 1950/51 trip from Perth to Sydney and return, he has decided to follow Winifred again.

Two years after her heroic transcontinental trip on the mighty 350 Royal Enfield Bullet, Winifred launched again from Perth - this time with her father along for the ride - and circumnavigated Australia in a clockwise direction, starting and finishing in Perth.

For this trip she used a new 350 Bullet and father was relegated to the Perth-Sydney-Perth machine. By all accounts this trip was at a more relaxed pace than the 21-day solo dash undertaken two years earlier.

Beetle has had the recreation of Winifred's circumnavigation in mind since he embarked on the Perth Sydney Perth trip. Initially he was going to just do it because he could, with no fanfare. It was to be something of a tribute to Winifred who had sadly

PHOTOS BEETLE BAYLEY

died in Mornington Vic. in early 2020.

However, always with an eye for a good cause, Beet has picked up support from the Children's Leukemia & Cancer Foundation (Inc.), so the next big ride will be a fundraiser for that worthy cause.

In keeping with the spirit of Winifred, Beetle will be riding the 350 Classic 2016 model he used on the Perth Sydney Perth ride - unless Royal Enfield comes along with an offer of the new 350 Meteor (we all live in hope).

Beetle plans to launch from the Union Hotel in Tangambalanga (not far from Albury/Wodonga) in September 2021 and take 40 days to complete the journey in a clockwise direction.

As with the previous ride, all funds raised will go to the Children's Leukemia & Cancer Foundation, https:// childcancerresearch.com.au/

how-you-can-help/make-a-donation/ and costs associated with the trip will come out of Beetles own pocket. He will also be carrying a Spot Tracker that you can follow 24/7.

If you are interested in making a donation, or offering a night’s accommodation, or a tyre or just a cold drink along the way, you can contact Beetle ( beatbay3@gmail.com/ phone or txt 0458294271) D

*Ter The judgi on T

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SUBSCRIBE THIS MONTH AND WIN SW-MOTECH TRITON 20L GREY BACKPACK Supplied by our friends at Motorrad Garage

Valued at $153, the Triton backpack is robust, multifunctional and of course waterproof, with 20 litres of storage space. Made from Polyester, it guarantees wear resistance, elasticity and protection from all-weather conditions. The padded harness system and waist strap are adjustable, which ensures excellent carrying comfort. *Tried and tested by us for over two years and still going strong*

1 YEAR (12 ISSUES) $104.95 (2 FREE ISSUES) 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES) $199.95 (5 FREE ISSUES) To subscribe to Australian Motorcyclist please visit our website www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au / email us at contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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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 22 April, 2021 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 we do not vouch for their accuracy or even their sanity.

on p114 January ‘21 edition. What a pathetic piece, so juvenile, so unbecoming of a classy publication.

I do hope we see better in future editions but it won’t be likely from Boofhead Boris.

Otherwise, congratulations on a great publication.

Cheers,Richard Hi Richard, I have spoken to him and the last couple of issues have been much better from him.

Cheers, Stuart

WHEELS UP NO WAY!

Hi Stuart, I read with interest about that CB750 race bike. How about the machining on the barrel! Did you see how much material they took out of that thing!

As you called it, “insane’!

Cheers, Ian

THE HOARDER?

Stuart, Bear et al, Happy to have just updated my subscription for another 2 years. I actually have all 98 editions of your magazine and enjoy the read from cover to cover. Does this make me

a hoarder? I also have 3 magnificent 2-wheel machines in my garage. All registered but none ridden very much these days. But that’s another story - I do aim to change that sometime soon.

Looking forward to Edition 100 and many more. Keep up the good work.

Cheers,David – CQ Thank you, mate.

Cheers, Stuart.

BOOFHEAD

Well... Stuart, I thought your magazine was top class until I saw Boofhead’s contribution

Stuart, The cover picture on issue 98 was a cracker. I sat and stared at it for quite a while. Love the snake of the road in the background too. Keep up the great work and roll-on issue 100!

Regards, Jim Hi Jim, I actually got in trouble from Kawasaki for that shot, as it’s not in their policy for activities like this on the street. But of course, it was shot on a private road in a secret location.

Cheers, Stuart.

LETTER OF THE MONTH

M

ARC IS THE WINNER of our new letter of the month prize from the great folk at Motul. He’s gone crazy for the crazy chickens… enjoy cleaning your chain, mate. Send me your mailing address.

GONE CRAZY!

Lads!

How bloody good was that Pub of the Month in the last issue (#98). The crazy chicken racing has got me hooked. I’m going there to get amongst it.

Ben who runs the joint sounds like a top bloke too. I’ll be seeing him soon and putting my money on the green chook! Green eggs and ham, anyone.

Hahaha! Maybe you guys should hold a Motorcyclist gathering there and we call the chickens names of bikes and then we can really see which bike the fastest. Ha! Great stuff, love this magazine.

Cheers, Marc NSW 106 www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au AM0521.indd 106

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to improve my biceps to improve my biceps improve my biceps Hito Harry, I’m Harry, sure your legs look fine to the ones that Hi OLD BIKES…NEW BIKES GOODLY Hi Harry, care…your family.

As fiforneyour being a I’m sure legs look to thebike onesnotthat Stuart.

Hiyour Stuart, I’m sure your legs look fi ne to the ones that very good exercise machine, you better geteditorial an a care…your family.

As foryour your bike not being I have just read latest Firstly, great mag, love it each care…your family.

As forbikes yourbetter bike adventure bikethe and doKawasaki some hillclimbs, that will very good exercise machine, you getnot anbeing about newer on offer.

I a month.

The Versys very good exercise machine, you better get an have several bikes in the shed, S burning! you reviewed inStuart. the get the 1000 muscles - Cheers, adventure bike and do some hillclimbs, thatnone will bike andtodowas hillclimbs, that will come close the latest offerings, issue (97) great. get adventure the last muscles burning!

- some Cheers, Stuart. get the muscles burning!

Cheers, Stuart. islooking close toat40-the years old, an ‘84 Ione was electronic

Braidwood. Purpose to ride, have a social get together Purpose and havetosome Braidwood. ride,food have whilst a social Braidwood.

Purpose to ride,food have whilst a social out.

Now, noand such trips. get together have some together some whilst Iget know there has been panicfood in terms of out.

Now, noand suchhave trips. out.

Now, no such trips. buying up of products like loo paper, I know there has been panic in terms of I knowup there has beenpasta, panic in paper, terms of tissues, hand canned buying of sanitizer, products like loo buying up of products like loo paper, tomatoes andsanitizer, other products.

This panic tissues, hand pasta, canned tissues,has hand sanitizer, pasta,incanned buying been ridiculous my tomatoes and other products.

Thisopinion panic tomatoes other products.

This panic and created a problem of store supply buying hasand been ridiculous in my opinion buyingthere has been ridiculous instockpile my opinion where no need and created awas problem of to store supply and created a problem of store supply GPz When Ilast started suspension yearriding in where COVID 1 750R. version goods there at home. note thattothe news wasIno need stockpile where there was no need to stockpile the ‘70’sjust 40-year-old bikes were goods you have sold me on Dear but Stuart, reportsatsay that aI note smallthat supermarket COVID 1 early home. the news COVID 1 goods at home. I note that the news positively little more this new only is than Clearly there ismodel. aancient, lot ofNot economic group Drake’s has refused to buy back Dear Stuart, reports say that a small supermarket Dear Stuart, which reports say that a small supermarket push bikes.

750 itsuper-sized cheaper, isCOVID19 greatMy foroldand downturn as a result of it 150 x 32 roll packs of toilet paper and Clearly there is a lot of economic group Drake’s has refused to back Clearly there is adifferent lothappy of economic group Drake’s has refused to buy buy back is not much to thethe current keeping things with is further impacting on sales andand Ianditit 150 132ltrroll sanitizer.

GLAD downturn abut result ofofcar COVID19 packs toilet paper and downturn a result COVID19 150xx32 roll packs of ofI am toilet paper they and breedasifas you ignore the electrickery. “boss”, as you mentioned would think motorcycle sales (which I refused a refund as the individual is further impacting on car sales and I 150 x 1 ltr sanitizer.

I am GLAD they is further impacting onfrom carto sales and I to 150 x 1 ltr sanitizer. I am GLAD they Bike development inception you’d be hard pressed think have been down anyway pre concerned was having 20 people would think motorcycle sales I I it refused as individual the 1970’s was I think really notice theenormous, difference would think motorcycle sales(which (which refusedaarefund refund as the theabout individual Covid19). chase these products and then hepeople think have been down anyway pre concerned was having about people hashave slowed inpre the last 20 concerned and machines will always progress between theconsiderably two. I anyway like the think been down was having about 20 20 There is nobody much on the roads in attempted to re-sell on E-Bay. Serve Covid19). these products and he theAs or 30paintwork years. Development faster from early days of invention. grey as well, let’sseems to be chase Covid19). chase these products and then then he theThere ACT except who by necessity bugger right being aE-Bay. scungy There is nobody much ononthe attempted to re-sell on the centred around electronics andingadgets for modern bikes, the focusServe on frame, see thethose “Highly Durable ishow nobody much theroads roads in attempted tofor re-sell on E-Bay. Serve the have to go out for work or food and individual! the ACT except those who by necessity bugger right for being a scungy not design or engineering.

I do agree suspension and braking technology Paint” goes in real life. the ACT except those who by necessity bugger right for being a scungy though, anything that makes riding individual! isthat night day compared to 80s Regards, Mark, QLD essentials.

All said,and I think your quoting of have to gogo outout for ororfood have to forwork work foodand and individual! safer and bikes more reliable has to be bikes I consider it similar to the way I have been managing to use the bike for fi gures of the people that die daily essentials.

All that said, I think your quoting offrom essentials.

All that said, I think your a good thing.

As always, a great and a bike of 40 years earlier would have GREAT STUFF essential trips within the confi nes of the cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mozzies I have been managing from I have been managingtotouse usethe thebike bikefor for fifigures guresof of the thepeople people that that die daily from read. handled and braked incomparison! comparison to Ientertaining haven’t enjoyed aaconfi bike mag who shares the passion, regardless ACT border but that isthe big change and murders is an unfair essential trips within the nes the heart disease, diabetes, mozziesYes essential trips within confi nesoflike offrom the cancer, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Cheers, Peter Glasson. an 80s model. this since the old Two Wheels that of their ability or choice of machine. ourACT weekly ride group we would toand date the total numbers of COVID19 ACT border butbut that from murders isisan unfair Yes border thatiswhere isa big a bigchange change from and murders an unfair comparison!

Yes Yes, do play aexceeded huge of partby asweekly a kid I’dof eagerly pedal my pushy to to So, Ielectronics have subscribed, toCOVID19 most usually ride out the where ACT to, say, deaths World Wide would our weekly ride group wewe would the total numbers ofbe our ride group where would todate date the total numbers COVID19 Hi Peter, now,magazine, but that isbut thethanks same with just the newsagents fororevery month and a week’s the Goulburn orout Boorowa Yass worthWide or less perhaps ofthe the by usually ride ofofthethe ACT to,to,or say, deaths World would befor exceeded by usually ride out ACT say, deaths World Wide would Yes, bikes massively about shit everything. read everyhave page evolved once I got it home.from spare paper at the end :) Goulburn BoorowaororYass Yassoror week’sworth worthor or less less perhaps of the Goulburn orallor Boorowa aaweek’s years prior and to say the early 80s Let’s Jorgan see where technology leads bike I40love bikes respect anyone Hugh

reasons for the daily figures of these deaths, however this fipandemic of COVID reasons for the daily gures of these reasons the daily gures these 19 is notfor normal andfipandemic as youofwould know deaths, however this of COVID deaths, however this pandemic of COVID hasisthe potential for totally overwhelming 19 not normal and as you would know Hi Hugh, 19 is not normal and as you would know the hospital and medical resources of all has theThanks potential overwhelming forfor thetotally kind words, has the potential for totally overwhelming countries.

I am aware of any cancers the hospital andnot resources of all although Imedical don’t think the shiny the medical resources of all etc hospital youpaper canI and catch from shaking countries. am not aware ofgood anysomeone’s cancers would go too as countries.

I am notfrom awareshaking of any cancers paper.

LOL! hand orshit touching contaminated surfaces. etc you can catch someone’s etc you can catch from shaking someone’s Stuart.

So, comparing normal worldwide deaths to hand orCheers, touching contaminated surfaces. hand or touching contaminated surfaces.

COVID19 deaths is likeworldwide trying to compare So, comparing normal deaths to So, comparing normal worldwide deaths to apples BORIS and oranges.

COVID19 deaths is like trying to compare COVID19 deaths is likedissing trying Boris to compare All the people I felt your came across as apples andeditorial oranges. apples and oranges.

“Get Life”.

Don’t read it, dismissive ofa the seriousness of as Covid19 I felt your editorial came across I felt your editorial came across as page! you know where it is.

Last and smacked a bit of self-centredness in dismissive of the seriousness of Covid19 dismissive of the Ignore it! seriousness of Covid19 highlighting the inconvenience it hasinin and smacked bit self-centredness and smacked aabit ofofaself-centredness Don’t ruin top read because caused you.

I like bikes and riding too, but highlighting the inconvenience has highlighting thepage, inconvenience of one personallyit itIhas love many people have had to alter travel plans caused you.

I like bikes and riding too, but his column (even though feel caused you.

I like bikes and riding Itoo, but etc for the greater good. many people have had to alter travel plans development in the next few -plans no he hashave a firm grip on years his nether many people had to alter travel Ietc think thatgreater all the media reporting forthe the greater good. doubt more electronics, maybe region).

Begood. a boring readeven if though etc for worrisome for people as it is think that theAustralian media reporting though so we fly around and avoid we succumb to the lowest IIiswings think that allallcan the media reporting though repeated and repeated and like the is worrisome for Australian people all the other clowns on the road!

LOL! common denominator. is worrisome for Australian people asasit itis is Cheers, Stuart.

No name provided bushfi res you do not get alike break repeated and repeated and likethe thefrom it. repeated and repeated and Every time you turn on the T.V, look bushfi res you do not get a break fromit.atit. bushfires you do not get a break from BORIS 2 Facebook, listen to the radio it is in your Everytime timeyou youturn turnon onthe theT.V, T.V,look look Every atat FIRST BIKE Stuart, face or ears.

Facebook, listentotothe theradio radioit itisisininyour your Facebook, listen Stuart, don’t always agree with what Boris IIHi try toears. reduce my listening/reading/ face or ears. face or Your piece on new bikes etc gotof has to say but I am well to once orlistening/reading/ twiceaware a day tomekeep up tryto toreduce reduce mylistening/reading/ IIwatching try my thinking about my first bike I got asis how he writes to get a reaction. with developments -twice more than that watching onceorortwice daytoto keep watching totoonce a aday keep upup a learner. had a BSA Bantam which As for theI couple of blokes that with developments - -more than that with developments more than thatis is wouldn’t have pulled skin off a rice sent letters in the last the issue, I think

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W H AT S AY Y O U pudding. I laugh at how slow, how crap the brakes were and in general just how poor of a motorcycle that was compared to anything on offer for learners nowadays. They have it so good.

I did have another idea, what about everyone write in and tell us what was their first bike. What do you think?

Cheers, Paul QLD Hi Paul, My first bike was a Yamaha XT250 – cracker of a motorcycle. I like your idea of everyone telling us what their first bike was. So, everyone, tell us what your first bike was and a tiny bit about it, maybe you’ve even still got that first bike in the garage!

Send your laughs into contactus@ ausmotorcyclist.com.au

DAMN

Gents, Obviously, the New Zealand tour isn’t going ahead, although at the time of me writing this to you the discussion is that there will be a bubble open up between us and NZ. I would really like to support the guys at Paradise, is there something else in the pipeline later in the year? I really hope so as I’d love to

get there and ride.

And the Morocco tour I see you’ve now got. Do you reckon this will come off? I don’t see how Aussie’s will be travelling to places like that this year?

Kind regards, Mick Hi Mick, We are working on organising something with Paradise for later in the year, once the winter season is over.

Paradise is also offering self-guided tours before the snow hits, but you’d have to be quick – providing the travel bubble opens up.

We hold our hopes high that the world changes, but Edelweiss isn’t in this for the short term, they are keen to hold a magazine tour every year from now on.

Whether this year’s tour goes ahead or not, we can only wait and see.

Cheers, Stuart.

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 135 $3690 502C $9090 Leoncino $8490 Leoncino Trail $8990 752 S $11,690 ADV TOURING TRK 502 TRK 502X

$8490 $8990

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 $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

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

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

CF MOTO

www.cf-moto.com.au ROAD 150NK $3290 250NK $3990 650NK $6490 650TK $7990 650MT $7990 650GT $7990

DUCATI

www.ducati.com.au

*All Ducati prices are ride away ROAD Scrambler Sixty2 $13,490 Scrambler Icon $13,990 Scrambler Full Throttle $17,540 Scrambler Café Racer $18,990 Scrambler Desert Sled $19,290 Scrambler 1100 $16,990 Scrambler 1100 Special $18,990 Scrambler 1100 Sport $19,990 Monster 659 $12,490 Monster 797 $13,490 Monster 821 $17,500 Monster 821 Stealth $18,590 Hypermotard $20,790 Hypermotard SP $25,990 Supersport $17,790

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 Streetfighter V4 Streetfighter 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 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

$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 $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

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

www.harley-davidson.com * All Harley-Davidson prices are ride away CRUISER Street 500 $9995 Street Rod $12,995 SuperLow 883 $15,495 Iron 883 $15,495 Iron 1200 $16,495 Forty-Eight $18,995 Forty-Eight Special $18,995 Custom 1200 $19,250 Roadster $19,495 Street Bob $23,495 Low Rider $24,250 Slim $26,250 Fat Bob $27,495 Fat Bob 114 $30,250 Sport Glide $27,750 Deluxe $29,495 Fat Boy $30,995 Fat Boy 114 $33,995 Breakout $31,250 Breakout 114 $33,995 FXDR 114 $35,495 Heritage Classic $31,750 Heritage Classic 114 $33,995

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NEW BIKE PRICES Road King $34,250 Road King Special $35,250 Road Glide $36,495 Road Glide Special $37,495 Street Glide $36,495 Street Glide Special $37,495 Ultra Limited $39,995 Freewheeler $40,250 Tri Glide Ultra $50,995

Chief Dark Horse $28,995 Chief Vintage $32,995 Springfield $33,995 Springfield Dark Horse $34,995 Chieftain Dark Horse $35,995 Chieftain Limited $36,995 Roadmaster $40,995 Roadmaster Elite $49,995

CVO Street Glide 117 Road Glide 117 Ultra Limited 117

KAWASAKI

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

HONDA

www.honda.com.au ROAD Grom $3490 Monkey $5399 CB125E $2399 CB300R $5999 CB500F $7599 CBR500R $7699 CBR600RR $14,999 CB650F $9799 CB650R $9999 CBR650F $9999 CBR650R $10,299 CB1000R $16,799 CBR1000RR Fireblade $18,086 CBR1000RR Fireblade SP $28,499 Goldwing DCT $35,999 Goldwing Tour $41,999 Goldwing Tour Premium $42,999 CRUISER CMX $8099 ADV TOURING CRF250R Rally $7299 CB500X $7999 NC750XA $9999 Africa Twin $17,499 Africa Twin Adventure Sports $19,699 Africa Twin Adventure Sport DCT $19,999 VFR1200X Crosstourer $18,299 SCOOTER NSC110 Dio $2799 MW110 Benly $3349 C125 Super Cub $5199 SH150 $4999 PCX150 $4599 NSS300A Forza $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

ROAD Z125 Pro KRT $4090 Z400 $6799 Ninja 400 $6899 Ninja 400 SE $7149 Z650L $10,499 Ninja 650/L Grey $10,699 Ninja 650/L Black $10,999 Ninja ZX-6R 636 KRT $15,199 W800 Café $13,999 W800 Street $13,499 Z900 $12,699 Z900RS $16,499 Z1000 $15,999 Ninja 1000 SX $16,999 Ninja 1000 SX SE $17,199 ZX-10R $26,000 ZX-10RR $42,000 ZX-14R $22,099 Z H2 $23,000 H2 SX SE $29,300 H2 Carbon $41,900 $9999 $10,199 $10,499 $12,699 $12,799

ADV TOURING Versys X 300 SE $6899 Versys 650/L $10,799 KLR650 $8199 Versys 1000 S $19,999

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

KYMCO

*All Indian Motorcycle prices are ride away

kymco.com.au

CRUISER Scout Bobber $18,995 Scout $19,495 FTR1200 $20,995 FTR1200S $22,995 FTR1200S Race Rep $24,995

ROAD CK 125

$2095

CRUISER Venox 250

$5295

SCOOTER

$2595 $2995 $2799 $3395 $7495

LAMBRETTA

www.lambrettaaustralia.com.au

www.kawasaki.com.au

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

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

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 $23,990 Cali 1400 Eldorado $23,990 Cali 1400 Touring SE $25,990 MGX-21 $35,000

MV AGUSTA

www.mvagusta.com.au ROAD F3 675 Brutale 800 Rosso Brutale 800 RR Dragster 800 Rosso Dragster 800 RR Dragster 800 RC Dragster 800 RC Race Kit F3 800 F3 800 RC F3 800 RC Race Kit Superveloce 800 Red Superveloce 800 Black (Carbon) Turismo Veloce Rosso Turismo Veloce Lusso Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS Brutale 1000 RR Rush 1000 Rush 1000 Race Kit

$24,290 $22,890 $26,990 $24,390 $28,390 $31,590 $33,190 $25,490 $28,690 $31,890 $32,390 $33,090 $25,990 $30,790 $34,990 $49,990 $53,990 $58,390

PIAGGIO

www.piaggio.com.au *Some Piaggio prices are ride away SCOOTER Typhoon 125 Fly 150 3V Liberty S 150 3V Medley 150 Yourban 300 BV 350 Sport Touring X10 350 X10 500

$2790 $3490 $3790 $5290 $9790 $8190 $9490 $9,990

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PEUGEOT

V-Strom 1050 V-Strom 1050 XT

*All Peugeot prices are ride away

SCOOTER Address

www.peugeotmotorcycles.com.au SCOOTER Tweet 125 Tweet 125 Pro Django 150 Belville 200 RS Metropolis 400

$3590 $3690 $4790 $5290 $13,490

ROYAL ENFIELD

www.royalenfieldaustralia.com *All Royal Enfield prices are ride away ROAD Meteor 350 Fireball Meteor 350 Stellar Meteor 350 Supernova Bullet 500 Classic 500 Classic 500 Chrome Interceptor 650 Classic Interceptor 650 Custom Interceptor 650 Chrome Continental GT 650 Classic Continental GT 650 Custom Continental GT 650 Chrome

$6540 $6840 $7240 $7890 $8190 $8390 $8640 $8840 $9140 $8840 $9040 $9340

ADV TOURING Himalayan 410

$6540

SUPER SOCO

www.supersoco.com.au *All Super Soco prices are ride away ROAD TC Café Racer TC Max alloy wheel TC Max wire wheel

$4990 $6990 $7290

SCOOTER CUX $4490 CUX Special Edition Ducati $4990

SUZUKI

www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au ROAD GSX-S125 GSX-R125 DR-Z400SM GSX-R600 SV650 SV650 LAMS GSX-S750 GSX-R750 GSX-S1000 GSX-S1000F GSX-S1000 Katana GSX-R1000 GSX-R1000R GSX1300R Hayabusa

$3490 $4490 $9390 $14,990 $8990 $9190 $11,790 $15,990 $15,190 $16,290 $17,490 $21,990 $25,490 $19,490

CRUISER Boulevard S40 Boulevard C50T Boulevard M109R

$7990 $11,190 $19,790

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

$8290 $10,990 $12,290

$16,490 $18,990 $2820

VESPA

SWM

www.vespa.com.au

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 $14,900 Street Triple RS $19,800 Street Twin $15,890 Street Scrambler $17,990 Bonneville T100 $17,300 Bonneville T100 Black $17,300 Bobber $20,590 Bonneville Bobber Black $22,100 Bonneville T120 $19,990 Bonneville T120 Black $19,990 Speedmaster $22,100 Thruxton $21,100 Thruxton R $23,990 Thruxton RS $25,390 Speed Twin $20,350 Daytona Moto2 765 $28,990 Tiger Sport $19,800 Speed Triple RS $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

Ranger $26,490 Gear Up $27,990 Gear Up Sahara SE $31,490 Gear Up Adventure SE $32,250

$33,990 $29,990 $38,990

URAL

www.imz-ural.com.au ROAD cT $23,290

SCOOTER Primavera 125 3V $5590 Primavera 150 3V $6290 Sprint 150 3V $6390 Sprint 150 3V SE $6490 GTS 150 3V $6290 PX150 $6490 PX150 Touring $6790 946 Bellissima $12,490 946 Armani $14,990 GTS250ie FL $7890 GTS300 Super $9190 GTS300 Super Sport $9490

YAMAHA

www.yamaha-motor.com.au ROAD YZF-R15 $4299 MT-03 $5799 R3 $6299 R3 SP $6399 YZF-R6 $17,499 MT-07 LA $9999 MT-07 HO $10,699 XSR700 LA $10,999 MT-07 Tracer $12,299 MT-09 $12,299 MT-09 SP $13,999 XSR900 $12,999 MT-09 Tracer $15,499 MT-09 Tracer GT $18,199 Niken $21,999 Niken GT $23,999 MT-10 $18,999 MT-10SP $21,999 YZF-R1 $23,999 YZF-R1M $31,999 FJR1300AE $27,999 CRUISER Virago $6799 V Star 650 Custom $8799 V Star 650A Classic $9299 Star Bolt C-Spec Cafe $8699 Star Bolt R-Spec $11,999 V Star 950 $13,999 XVS1300 Stryker $15,499 ADV TOURING XT250 $6299 Tenere 700 $15,499 Super Tenere $19,999 Super Tenere ESP $21,999 SCOOTER D’elight 125 NMAX 150 Tricity 150 XMAX 300 TMAX 560

$3399 $3999 $5099 $6999 $16,599

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BEARTALES

THE FOOD IS BETTER AT THE ROYAL I

HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA why that sentence seemed like a good title for a story. But I heard it a couple of times from different people in Guyra, and it just stuck in my mind.

I can hear you wondering what this is all about, so listen very carefully. I shall say zis ernly wernce.

SPOT, the Senior Persons’ Occasional Tourers, was on a ride to the north of NSW. Among other places, we were due to take in the Oxley Highway and some other New England roads, staying at various small towns and eventually returning via Willow Tree. The northernmost point of our travels was to be Guyra, not far past Armidale.

All went pretty well. The scenery, so brown just a little while before then, was exuberantly green after mild rains, and even the trees so recently scorched by bushfires were putting on their best clothing with leaves running up their trunks in the absence of burntoff branches. What an amazing place Australia is.

We got to our first overnight stop in Wingham, where we were staying at the Wingham Motel, had an enjoyable dinner at the pleasant pub and slept the sleep of the righteous. In my case, of the mechanically augmented righteous.

I have recently acquired a sleep apnea machine, which means that I dress up with a muzzle like Hannibal Lecter before activating a slurping vacuum gadget which, against all expectations, actually helps me to sleep.

It cannot be said to do the same thing for my roommates.

The morning provided a highlight in that one of our intrepid band could not find his bike keys. We diligently searched everywhere. I even wandered over to the pub, which the cleaner

opened for me so I could check the floor of the dining room. Nothing there, or anywhere. The keys were on the same ring as the top box key, but the top box was locked so there was no chance they would be in there. Or was there?

It developed that this particular brand of motorcycle luggage could snap shut and lock without the key.

Since it now seemed likely that the keys were in the topbox, violence was applied to the lock to get it to open.

Screwdrivers, spanners and even tyre levers were helpless against the lock.

Finally we secured the topbox to the back of another SPOT and, in the absence of a locksmith in Wingham, despatched him to Taree.

His phone calls were anticipated with all the rapt concentration of the latest updates from the Ever Stuck, or whatever that monstrous ship in the Suez Canal is called. First call: yes, there is a locksmith’s as the phone had assured us, and yes it is open.

But the locksmith is not in yet. He is expected momentarily. Second call: he has opened the top box! The SPOT is instructed to rummage though it.

Third call: no keys are obvious. He is instructed to check not-so-obvious places. Fourth call: he has found the keys! He returns in triumph, while the original SPOT swears to change his brand of topbox.

Continuing north we headed up the Oxley Highway, and I discovered just how much fun a Versys 650L can be in tight twisties. Despite the L, signifying LAMS legality, the bike proved to be an excellent steed when getting away from other SPOTS on markedly more powerful but also bulkier bikes. I have not had so much fun since I last had so much fun, quite a while back. After

a respectful stop at the still-closed Gingers Creek where the Frog and I once spent a hilarious night depleting the stock of red wine, we reached Walcha.

I know Walcha pretty well. Not only have I stopped there more than once, but we even had a Bear Army manoeuvre there based at the Royal.

For some reason, this time I simply did not recognise the place. That was probably just a matter of turning off the Oxley at a different corner, but I found it deeply disturbing. I did recognize the road out.

But I see I’m running out of space.

Let me just summarise the next couple of days by saying that the New England Highway in Guyra was eerily quiet outside our motel, the Shiralee.

The Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum in Tamworth was as good as always.

Hello, John! The Willow Tree Inn was expensive but worth every penny, both for the accommodation – strangely, across the road – and for the food.

Just to make it clear that Australia is not like other places, we did all of this in bright sunshine, just a few days before that appalling rain and flooding that enveloped NSW. I watched TV with a shudder of empathy as places like Gloucester where I had recently eaten, slept or just ridden disappeared under the muddy water.

I hope the Royal in Guyra is okay; the food really was good. D

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Australian Magazine

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 – Shannons Insurance

37 – IMTBIKE Tours & Rentals

OBC – Nelson Rigg

41 – Adventure Moto

IBC – Kenma

69 – Select Edge

4-5 – Suzuki 9 – Kawasaki 11 – Royal Enfield 13 – Aprilia 19 – Motorrad Garage

71 – Eaglescreens 73 – Innotesco 87 – Adriatic Moto Tours 89 – Motorrad Tours 105 – Subscriptions 107 – D Moto Motorcycle Engineering

21 – Paradise Motorcycle Tours

107 – Borrie’s New Book

25 – Ducati

107 – Drinking Rivers Book

29 – Pro Accessories

108 – Tour Directory www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au 113

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BORIS

WORDS BORIS MIHAILOVIC

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THEM? J

UST BETWEEN US OLDER gentlemen – since it’s a fair bet no-one under the age of 500 even reads magazines anymore – I reckon the vast majority of younger riders are sissy bitches.

One only has to look at the social media feeds of any ride group to be convinced of this fact.

I spend a fair bit of time on social media – since it is my way to market.

As a result, I see all sorts of terrifying and shameful things posted by young riders. Once, I sought to engage with them, to shine a light into the dim recesses of their miserable “I just got a bike” lives. That did not go down well.

Now I just point and laugh at them, because they nauseate me and are worthy of nothing but my contempt.

Happily, their time on bikes will be brutally short and painful.

There are many causal factors at play here. It is a perfect storm – and it is creating an entire generation of worthless, terrified riders, obsessed with safety to the exclusion of all else, unwilling to ride in the rain, in the wind, on the dirt, or even out of the city they live in.

What they’re afraid of I have no idea.

But they are certainly afraid.

And frightened people have no business being on a motorcycle, ever.

If riding a bike constantly terrifies you, and renders you unsure to the point of helplessness, then the best thing you can do is fall off and break some of your stuff, sell your bike from your hospital bed, and buy a car.

Now before all you old farts start bleating about how important safety is, and how crucial wearing all the right gear is, and how utterly vital it is that we all encourage these young people by chewing their food for them, just stop. In fact, stop, and piss off as well.

Did you take up riding bikes

because it was safe? Do you think wearing all the “right” gear will stop you from crashing or prevent the crush-injuries you’re gonna get as a result? Do you honestly think pandering to the trembling fawns bumbling about on their LAMs bikes is helping them?

This is a bloodsport, girls.

You pay for your errors in blood, and bone, and cartilage. And sometimes, if it goes particularly poorly, you pay for it with your life.

That’s how it is.

And that is why it is the greatest thing you can ever do with yourself.

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

But don’t, by all that is holy, try and denature or pasteurise what motorcycling is, damn your wretched, rheumy eyes. Shut your denture-filled mouth about “safety”, and tell it like it is.

Tell the kids to ride all the time. In all conditions. On all road-surfaces.

Tell them to improve their riding skills constantly. Tell them never to become complacent. Tell them to be always on their A-game. Tell them to stop going on horrifying group rides where they learn nothing because everyone on it is just as useless as they are. Tell them to stop posting their shameful mewlings on public forums. Tell them to stop whining and bleating like sheep. All that does is attract wolves.

And stop saying things like “Ride Safe”.

It’s “Ride well”, you doddering old turd.

Happily, it’s unlikely any young people will come in contact with you old people. Most of you are just as bad as the young fools. You just have less of an excuse for being a safetynanna. You’ve just got scared in your old age, haven’t you?

It’s not like you were raised in a risk-averse society, is it? Unless you’re

one of those late-adapters, or worse, one of those sad twats who stopped riding for two decades because the creature you married insisted you sell your bike so she could have a new kitchen, then you started riding when riding filled your soul with screaming, incandescent joy.

You couldn’t understand why everyone didn’t ride. How could anyone NOT want to feel like this?

You burned with the desire to ride – you literally flamed from within. And you rode everywhere all the time – and your skill-set grew, didn’t it?

You chased better riders. You learned from your mistakes. You thrived and you prospered as a motorcyclist. I’ll bet you even sorta welcomed the push to make motorcycling “more accessible”, didn’t you?

I did. Dumbest thing I ever done in a cavalcade of dumb shit I have done.

The moment we made riding less special, is the moment we allowed the current crop of terrified teenaged dickheads to call themselves “riders”.

And they’re not that.

They’re just flogs with bikes – which they will soon crash, and then spend the rest of their lives telling every clown who cares to listen how dangerous bikes are.

And that’s the only thing they will ever be right about. D

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It’s not where you’re going ...

It’s how you get there.

Photo by Barnabas Imre

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