ADV Rider #65 issue

ROYAL ENFIELD SPRING DEALS

The team at Royal Enfield clearly believe the change of weather that is about to greet us as springtime hits is worth celebrating. We don’t blame them really, nobody loves the end of winter like we motorcyclists.

And what better way to celebrate the warming of our cockles than with a new motorcycle?

If that is your plan, then Royal Enfield would like you to choose one of theirs. They’ve just announced great deals on a bunch of models, including the Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Scram 411, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.

Pricing starts at just $6990 for the nimble little Hunter 350. Go see your Royal Enfield dealer if their bikes float your boat.

ANDY PLANS SOME DOWN TIME

There’snothing like a medical emergency to make you realise that life is short, and maybe you’ve been working a bit too hard. And so it was for our mate (and contributor to this magazine) Andy of Andy Strapz fame.

So, after 27 tears of making the best motorcycle gear there is, Andy has decided that retirement is coming due.

“Spending over a quarter century building Andy Strapz® has been a fabulous ride.” Andy said.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, the quality gear we’ve made and the position we’ve hacked out in the Aussie bike industry

over the 27 years we’ve been at it.”

“It’s time to hand the keys over to someone who is ready to drop the clutch, pop the front wheel up and steer the brand toward bigger and better things.”

So, while Andy might be planning on retiring some time next year, it doesn’t mean the end of the the beloved Andy Strapz business.

Hopefully someone will come along and pick up the strapz and run with them. In the meantime, it’s business as usual at Strapz HQ.

If you’re interested in becoming the new Mr Strapz and buying Andy’s business, contact him directly at info@andystrapz. com and he can send you a prospectus.

YAMAHA JOINS THE AUTO GEARBOX BRIGADE

Well, it really was only a matter of time. The soon to be seen on our shores MT09 Y-AMT will be equipped with Yamaha’s new auto shifting gearbox, or as Yamaha calls it, the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission, hence the Y-AMT moniker.

The bike will give riders the choice of wither fully automatic operation or a finger operated shift via electric buttons. Yamaha claims that on the new MT-09 this will allow riders to fully enjoy the experience of riding that tasty triple, delivering an engaging and immersive riding experience.

And although the MT-09 is one of the best road bikes going around at present, we know you’re thinking to yourself, “It’s not an adventure bike”. And you’re correct.

But these tech advances have a way of finding themselves on our adventure bikes, and there’s a couple floating around with auto boxes already. Honda’s Africa Twin is the perfect example.

As with all things, not every manufacturer is going about the development of auto gearboxes in the same way. In Yamaha’s case, the tasks normally handled by the clutch and gear levers are looked after by small electric motors, so both levers have been dispensed with. Riders will no doubt find this an unusual set up, but Yamaha claims that the fingers are more effective at initiating gear changes than the feet as fingers are more tactile and closer to the brain.

Makes sense I guess. Their theory is that the rider can focus more on other parts of riding with the gear changes being easier to deal with. I guess that makes sense too.

The MT-09 is the basis for a couple of different models, including the Tracer GT tourer and the XSR900 and very tasty XSR900 GP. What are the odds on a road biased adventure bike built from the same platform with the auto box appearing in the future?

Or perhaps this technology can be applied to the Ténéré or Super Ténéré? That would appeal to plenty of riders.

HONDA’S MOTOGP CHAMPIONS DINNER

The evening will be hosted by Darryl Beattie and Simon Crafar.

Heading to Phillip Island for MotoGP this year?

Honda would like you to come and join them for an unforgettable evening at the Phillip Island Winery

The evening will be hosted by Darryl Beattie and Simon Crafar.

Special guests will be Honda’s MotoGP riders, Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Takaaki Nakagami and Johann Zarco.

The Honda Champions Dinner is a celebration of all things Honda, from their incredible racing history to their cutting-edge technology. You can rub elbows with fellow Honda enthusiasts and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting.

If you’re a Honda fan and heading to The Island this year, this should be on your list!

It’s on Friday night of GP weekend. Tickets are $235 and include a three-course dinner. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au

(just search for Honda Champions Dinner)

HONDA UPS THE VALUE ON THE AFRICA TWIN

Does your local Honda dealer have a 2023 Africa Twin sitting on the showroom floor? Has it been catching your eye? Waiting on the right deal before you jump?

Honda may just have come up with

what you’re looking for.

Honda’s Adventure of a Lifetime sale adds $4,000 Honda Dollars to the deal, meaning you can get all those lovely accessories you have been eyeing off without splashing out your own cash. What’s not to love?

Offers ends 30th September 2024.

TENERE 700 FINANCE OFFER

Looking to blast off into the sunset on a new Ténéré? This might be the time to take the leap.

Yamaha has a 3.99% interest rate from Yamaha Motor Finance on the new Ténéré 700 and Ténéré 700 World Raid.

They’ll even throw in 12 months of comprehensive insurance and 12 months roadside assistance.

Similar deals are available on some other models in the Yamaha range as part of their Winter Thrills promotion.

We don’t care what they call it, we just think it’s a great deal for potential buyers!

Offer ends September 30, so see your local Yamaha dealer for the info.

MATT MOSS BACK ON A YAMAHA

One of Australia’s highest credentialed supercross racers, Matt Moss, will join the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for the 2024 Australian Supercross Championship, starting on October 12.

Moss, a nine time Australian motocross and supercross champion, reignites his relationship with Craig Dack and the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team after first working with them in 2006, and Mossy is already desperate to hit the track in preparation for the 2024 championship.

Moss had an injury interrupted 2023 season, but was the highest placed Australian rider in 2022 behind US rider Justin Brayton, and is fit and fired up for a huge year and determined to be the first Australian rider to win the championship in a number of years.

“It’s awesome that Craig and I have been able to put this deal together and we share the same goal for this season. To be an Australian rider, on an Australian team, to win an Australian championship as it’s been dominated by US riders in recent times. I know we are both motivated and determined to make that happen,” Moss said.

“The Yamaha YZ450F is the bike I feel the most comfortable on and had my best results on since

returning to racing and with the support of Craig and his CDR Yamaha Team, this is the best opportunity to get back that number 1 plate.

“The series is looking so good with high profile events in each state and in great venues so we will be able show case just how exciting supercross is to so many new people and I can’t wait to get racing with Yamaha and the CDR Yamaha team behind me,” he finished.

The CDR Yamaha line up for the championship will see Moss race alongside Jed Beaton, who is right in the heat of battle in the Australian Motocross Championship. Beaton is relatively inexperienced at the tight and intense nature of supercross but a man of his talents will pick it up quickly and he will be one of the big improvers as the championship progresses.

Team boss Craig Dack said, “The contrast between the riders will work well as Moss brings years of experience at every level of supercross, while Beaton will need some time to learn the ropes and find his feet again, but I have confidence in them both representing CDR, Yamaha and our sponsorship at the highest level.

“Jed will come in with a full season of racing motocross under his belt and a real enthusiasm for supercross. I have enjoyed working with him this year and believe he will step when we hit the stadiums.

“Matt wants to race now. He is a supercross fan as well as a racer and the first question he asked when we agreed on the deal was where his bike was and when can he ride it, so the energy in the team is already high and I will have my hands full trying to keep them calm,” Dack laughs.

The 2024 Championship gets underway on October 12 at Kayo Stadium, just north of Brisbane before winding up at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on November 30.

2024 ASX Calendar

Rd 1: Kayo Stadium, QLD.

October 12

Rd 2: Kayo Stadium, QLD.

October 13

Rd 3: Win Stadium, NSW.

November 2

Rd 4: Adelaide Supercars. SA.

November 15-16

Rd 5: Marvel Stadium. VIC.

Rd 5: Marvel Stadium. VIC.

November 30

APRILIA TUAREG EXPEDITIONS

TUAREg EXPEDiTiOnS PURE ADvEnTURE TRAvEl

The Tuareg Expeditions are special itineraries on the Tuareg 660 dedicated to some of the most evocative locations ever. A special way, in true Aprilia spirit, to put the versatility of the Tuareg 660 to the test and discover breathtaking landscapes, exciting dirt roads, large metropolises, small villages and all the freedom you have ever dreamed of.