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Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14It’s a bloody disgraceBARBECUES, FAMILY TIME and afternoon naps on the sofa are all favourite traditions of my Christmas break, but there’s also a tradition I hate: counting the Christmas road toll.What is required is policing that targets the real problem: mostly, crap drivingThis year it was NSW’s turn to be the horror state with a road toll double the previous year, and unfortunately, motorcyclists were part of that number. The statistics only deal with fatalities, but how many motorcyclists are nursing injuries sustained after being knocked off their bikes by drivers who just don’t look? Sit down and watch Dash Cam Owners Australia for half an hour and it will quickly become apparent what the main issue is – it’s stupidity.What’s most concerning is that lack of skill is not being identified…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Suzuki’s 2019 battle plansWHILE ITS RIVALS spent the last months of 2017 trumpeting about their 2018 models, Suzuki was notable by its silence. New at the EICMA show in November was little more than a mildly tweaked SV650.But latest indications from Japan suggests Suzuki has bucked the teaser-trend and will reveal new machines only as and when they’re ready.Next year is a crunch year – in Europe, still one of the biggest markets, several key Suzukis don’t meet the latest emissions and type-approval rules. The GSX-R600, GSXR750 and Hayabusa will all become unsaleable in the European Union from 2019 and they’re all due to be revamped before then.The most notable update will be the Hayabusa. As we’ve revealed before, the big Suz gets a complete makeover with new styling, new chassis and revamped…5 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Bike sales ride a slippery slopeAUSTRALIA’S MOTORCYCLE AND ATV/SSV sales fell 9.3 per cent in 2017 and came close to slipping below 100,000 units.A total of 104,111 motorcycles and ATV/SSV were sold throughout 2017, a decrease of 10,659 units compared to the 2016 figure of 114,770.Road bikes remained the most popular category, making up 38.6 per cent (40,187) of the market. However, the actual number of road bikes sold in 2017 was 15.9 per cent less than in 2016. Off-road motorcycles accounted for a 35.9 per cent share (37,376), ATV/SSVs 21.8 per cent (22,696), and scooters 3.7 per cent (3852).Harley-Davidson led the road bike sales with 8903 sales, ahead of Honda (7717), and Yamaha (5564). There was good news for some brands, with Husqvarna, Indian and KTM increasing their sales in 2017 compared to their…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Phil Irving MBEPhil was on the road for almost five months. It would be almost 20 years before he returned to AustraliaAt the onset of the Great Depression, 27-year-old Phil Irving was drafting parts for a diesel engine when he encountered the motorcycle that was to change his life – the Vincent-HRD.This particular machine was a well used 1928 JAP powered 600cc Model E that had just completed an epic overland journey from the United Kingdom to Melbourne. It’s owner, Jack Gill, was intent on becoming the first outfit to circle the globe. However, his travelling companion, Will Stevens, had abandoned the venture after a 12,000-mile pummeling on the pillion seat just getting to Australia.Offered the opportunity to take over, Irving wasted no time handing in his notice and liquidating his assets…5 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Giz a squizCongratulations Alistair, you’ve scored a Mini Road Chain Lube ($12.90) and a Mini Chain Clean ($11.90) kindly supplied by Link International.Send an image and details about your two-wheeled pride and joy to access@amcn.com.auGiz a squizRider: Alistair WiltonRide: 1979-ish TZ750 Yamaha.He says: Not your “average TZ750”. I originally bought the bike that Wayne Gow was racing in Australia and shipped it to myself here in NZ in 2013. Then I started a ground up rebuild. It already had a CMR frame, works performance shock, a good motor, Rob Hall pipes, 36 mm PJ Lectrons etc. I added my own preferences on TZ forks with Andreani cartridges, 300mm EBC TZ250 race discs and new Lockheeds, wheels (TRX850 front, SV650 rear, adding a cush drive) and a set of the beautiful Consortium Racing…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14BIG-BORE TIGER FAMILYTiger 1200 XRThe entry-level 1200cc Tiger, the XR enjoys all the upgrades of the new model year. Still very well equipped, the XR comes standard with switchable ABS and traction control (TC), three switchable engine modes, cruise control, Brembo front stoppers and manually adjustable WP suspension.Tiger 1200 XRXAdd to the base model’s list a five-inch TFT full colour dash and backlit switch blocks, four engine modes instead of three, semi-active suspension, cornering ABS and TC, and heated grips. There’s LED lighting all around, including daytime running lights (DRL) and self-cancelling indicators.Tiger 1200 XRTOn top of the XRX’s goodies, the XRT gets a two-way quickshifter, adaptive cornering lighting and five switchable engine modes on a bike that’s 11kg lighter than its predecessor. There’s Hill Hold Control (HHC), heated rider and pillion…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Baja’s Big 50The granddaddy of all desert races is a perfect description of the Baja 1000. It’s the gruelling off-road race which just turned 50, half a century, reaching its golden jubilee. And to celebrate, the 2017 Baja 1000 retraced the wheel tracks of the first official running of the event back in 1967. Starting in Ensenada on Mexico’s north-west coast. On the stroke of midnight, 405 competitors launched their quest to conquer the Baja Desert and race 1134.4 miles (1825.6km) flat-out down the Baja California Peninsula to the finish line in La Paz. In order to be an official finisher, you (or you and your team) are required to complete the course within the imposed 48-hour time limit – one second over and you go down in history as a DNF.…5 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14AUSSIE IRONMANHow was the start?I was like ‘you can do it, there is still plenty of time, it’s a long race’, and I kept charging onThe start of the race was great, I was about mid pack with the Ironman guys, which I thought was pretty good.Your race slowed around the 80-mile mark, what happened?I was a bit close to the highway and got distracted by another team. I came off the bike into a ravine and did a lot of damage to the bike and hurt myself.How badly hurt were you?I smashed up my helmet and was a little bit down and disappointed with myself at that stage, but I managed to get back on the bike, got back in a rhythm and got down to San Felipe which is…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14The master’s apprenticeName Franco MorbidelliAge 23Nationality Italian2017 wins 82017 pole positions 62017 podiums 122017 points 3082018 team Estrella Galicia MarcVDS, MotoGPLAST SEASON, FRANCO Morbidelli became the VR46 Riders Academy’s first world champion and next season he will become the first VR46 rider to race a MotoGP bike. Franco Morbidelli is not your usual young motorcycling maniac.Chatting with the 2017 Moto2 king is more like hanging out with a musician than a racer. His whole demeanour is different to your average young racetrack assassin: he moves slowly and talks thoughtfully, always with a knowing smile that tells you there’s more going on inside his head than he’s letting on. The 23-year-old seems so relaxed and exudes so much cool that he doesn’t seem in a hurry to get up from our table, let…8 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Earthly heroGUY MARTIN IS among the world’s best known road racers, now famous as much for his film and television appearances as for his racing achievements. As the principal player in a 2010 TT documentary film, Guy dodged death in a spectacular 240km/h fireball crash.Working with TV producers, Guy’s exploits are as diverse as attempting new world land speed records on two wheels and building a WW2 Spitfire fighter plane. Taking him to audiences far beyond the racing paddock.Irish photojournalist Stephen Davison remained focussed on Guy’s bike racing and has documented the English rider’s 17 years of racing in a new photobook, Guy Martin: Road Racer, charting the highs and lows of his extraordinary career.Alongside images which capture Guy’s racing on closed public roads and the beauty of the Irish and…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14the calendarTop 3 TV1 2018 Dakar LIVERed Bull TV 6-21 Jan 11amYou can still catch the last couple of days of Dakar from 11am on Red Bull TV. The package takes you behind the scenes and covers the challenges of the world’s toughest off-road rally. SBS is also airing a nightly package (see local guide).2 Moto 8: The MovieRed Bull TV On demand AnytimeFrom the biggest motocross tracks on Earth to the off-road wonderscape of the Australian Outback, Moto 8: The Movie pairs the greatest riders in the game and the world’s most breathtaking locations in a revolutionary new film about two-wheel passion.3 MotoGP Test Sepang LIVEVideopass 28-30 Jan 1pmCatch all the action of the Sepang MotoGP test live on MotoGP’s Videopass. Coverage of the three-day test begins at 1pm AEDT…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Three-wheeled TerrorAS WE SLITHERED around the 90-degree corner, the back straight of New Zealand’s Pukekohe circuit unfolded. All one kilometre of it, which eventually ends in a 50km/h hairpin.Life took on a new perspective as I lay stretched out as long and low as I could on the sidecar chair with my face centimeters from the tarmac.The raucous exhaust note from the 1962 Norton Atlas twin was accompanied by some disturbing mechanical clanks. From the corner of my eye I was aware of the largely-exposed primary chain thrashing around.With nothing to do but make myself as aerodynamic as possible, I had time to think... not many good thoughts.I remembered something I’d read recently about when the pioneering Wright brothers had finally developed their 1903 Flyer into a plane that could carry…3 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Performance of the issueNAME: DARRIN TRELOAR AND JESSE HEADLANDAGES: 46 AND 29CLASS: SPEEDWAY SIDECAREVENT: NANKANG TYRES/ MITCH CHASSIS SIDECAR SUPER PRIXDarrin Treloar and Jesse Headland produced a perfect display at Gillman Speedway on January 6 to go unbeaten and score a perfect 19 points in the first round of the Sidecar Super Prix.Treloar and his new passenger were made to earn their result in a quality field, with the all-star final including former Oceania Champion Mark Plaisted (13 points), current Australian Champion Trent Headland (12 points) and current World Cup Champion Warren Monson (9 points and winner of the last chance semi-final).Round two of the Super Prix is back at Gillman on January 27.…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 142019: The Doctor’s callVALENTINO ROSSI WILL not be hanging around to make up the numbers in MotoGP as he contemplates the age-defying concept of racing past his 40th birthday. Rossi will be 39 when the 2018 season opens in Qatar in March but within a handful of races he will face the agonising decision of whether to risk racing when he is 40 in 2019. Retaining young gun Maverick Viñales is an obvious choice for Yamaha, but keeping impressive rookie Johann Zarco on their books as a back-up for Rossi is also a consideration. Yamaha MotoGP team director Massimo Meregalli believes Rossi, who’s about to enter his 19th MotoGP season, understands the details of his career-defining decision. “Valentino will not want to race on knowing he can only finish 12th, he will only…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Chiodo joins Waters at two-rider Suzuki squadMARK CHIODO HAS been named as the second rider alongside 2017 Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters in the Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia squad for the 2018 season.Making his Superbike debut, Chiodo will have a lot to learn between now and the 25 February curtain raiser at Phillip Island. But as far as learning curves go, he’s arguably in one of the best places, in a team which won the title last year, and with an all-new bike.“It’s going to be a steep learning curve for sure,” Chiodo said. “However, I have a great team behind me, the current champion as a teammate, and the best motorcycle out there.”Waters is looking to defend his 2017 Superbike title and also become the first rider to win four Australian Superbike titles.“I’m really looking…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14First for TungateROHAN TUNGATE WON his first Australian Speedway Solo Championship after a four-round battle that was only resolved in the final race of the final round.In what turned out to be a fairly predictable top quartet, Tungate edged out 2016 champ Brady Kurtz with a consistent Max Fricke finishing third overall ahead of Jack Holder.Kurtz dominated the heats over the four rounds with 18 wins, a second and a DNF to outscore Tungate by seven points, but he didn’t reproduce that in the finals.At Kurri Kurri (Rnd1) Tungate won with Kurtz left pointless after he fell, Tungate won again at Undera where Kurtz was excluded after Holder fell, at Mildura Tungate only scraped into the B Final on countback, he won that and then placed third in the A Final with…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Strang at it again for 2018AUSSIE GRAND NATIONAL Cross Country veteran Josh Strang will again campaign a Rockstar Husqvarna FX450 in the 2018 GNCC series.It’s his 11th season in the high-profile American championship, and it’s a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by gear sponsor Fly Racing who has recently released a three-part series on YouTube about the likeable Aussie and his career.Called A Decade of Chasing the Dream, the series follows Strang’s career in the US from his maiden season in 2007 where he scored his first GNCC podium, his third place finish in 2008, his second place in 2009 before finally clinching his maiden GNCC title in 2010.The 13-round 2018 GNCC championship will kick off In South Carolina on 24 February and finish on 28 October in Indiana.…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14About the Woffin den ClassicThe Rob Woffinden classic is a prestigious night for West Australian speedway riders and the event has been run since 2009.Woffinden is a well known name in international speedway, with Rob riding in England from 1978 to 1993. He was a resident rider at the Claremont Speedway and won the 1987-88 WA Solo Championship.He emigrated to Western Australia with his wife Sue and son Tai (aged 3) where he became involved with Speedway again, and is now remembered as one of the many volunteers who toiled hard to complete the Pinjar Park track.When Tai decided to ride Speedway, his family were right behind him and returned to England when Tai was 15 years old. They lived in a caravan to make ends meet as Tai progressed through the racing ranks.…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14New Hailwood race replica!THIS YEAR’S ISLE of Man TT will mark 40 years since Mike Hailwood’s famous comeback win in the 1978 F1 TT, following an 11-year hiatus. And to mark the milestone, Western Australia-based Ducati specialist Vee Two Australia is producing 12 exact replicas of Hailwood’s Ducati F1 racebike, and the production run of a dozen track-only units will commemorate Hailwood’s #12 TT racing number.Vee Two Australia has secured the original technical drawings for the Ducati’s 883cc 90-degree, V-twin, bevel-drive engine, as well as the casting moulds, chassis drawings and specifications to ensure the bike is an exact replica of the one which powered Hailwood to his historic 1978 victory.“The engine used in Mike’s 900 F1 race bike was a prototype race engine designed by the Ducati factory in the mid 70s,…5 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14the knowbriefs9000That’s how many kilometres through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina Dakar competitors will need to complete if they want to see the chequered flag of the 2018 event. The opening eight stages, through the soft dunes of Peru, eliminated plenty of fancied runners.Read our half-way-point update on page 118Wouldya?!Joan Mir, the Spaniard who scored 10 race victories to claim the 2017 Moto3 world title, knocked back an offer from Valentino Rossi to ride with him at the Italian’s famous ranch. Why?Find out in our interview with Mir and Franco Morbidelli on page 86Tungate slides to top spotAs AMCN went to print, Rohan Tungate claimed the 2018 Australian Solo Speedway title following a hard-fought battle with Brady Kurtz. Read the report on page 123 and hear from the man himself in our…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14AMCN ISLAND CLASSIC: 8 reasons you need to be there!1 It’s the 25th Anniversary!The AMCN International Island Classic is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this Australia Day long weekend and the celebration is going to be big. Giacomo Agostini, Colin Edwards, Troy Corser, world-championship winning motorcycles and full access to the true legends, both man and machine, for the entire three-day event. Throw in the second annual running of the FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup, the Gala Dinner, the hugely competitive International Challenge and the fact that it falls on a long weekend and we guarantee ol’ Woose will be smiling down from above on the event he worked tirelessly to build into the remarkable spectacle it is today.2. The ANZAC spiritThe 2018 AMCN International Island Classic will play host to this year’s FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup.…4 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Great memoriesJust like the Ed’s early experiences with learning to operate a clutch, my first bike was a 1972 Yamaha JT1 mini enduro.Dad and his mates rode the first wave of Japanese trail bikes. They would carry me and my bike through the rivers up behind Licola and Dargo. Like a band of early pioneers we pushed, pulled and forded our way into legendary destinations such as Lake Tarli Karng and Wanangatta Station. Often the bikes would be turned upside down on the river bank, having the water pumped out of the crankcase. The larger bikes, after having stalled on a hill, would sometimes fire up in reverse, rocketing back down the hill.My sister also ran the thing into the back of the house. The back yard resembled a scramble track,…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14ELECTRONICALLY SPEAKING1. ENGINE MODESRain, Road, Off Road, Rider, Sport and Off Road Pro. The entry-level Tiger 1200 XR variant features only the first three, with the XRX adding Sport, and the range-topping XRT the Rider mode. Off Road Pro is reserved for the XC family and completely deactivates ABS and traction control, and switches the electronic suspension to its Off Road setting.2. SHIFTERThe multi-directional electronic Shift Assist system is flawless and Cathcart reckons it’s got a fair bit to do with the experience Triumph is gaining in developing its 2019 Moto2 machine3. BOINGERSThe Triumph/WP semi-active suspension system on the higher end models is intuitive to operate and effective in its execution4. LIGHTSAs well as LED lighting all ’round, the adaptive cornering lighting system progressively activates up to four LEDs up to…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Feel the Island QuakeThe AMCN International Island Classic has mirrored the worldwide evolution of Historic racing to become Australia’s third-largest motorcycle event, behind MotoGP and World Superbikes. The intention was clear, right from the first Island Classic in 1994. In the inaugural programme, event chairman Peter Henderson and circuit manager Fergus Cameron laid out what would become Australia’s most significant historic motorcycle racing event.“Phillip Island has been closely associated with motorcycle racing since the beginning of the sport in Australia,” they wrote. “In recognition of this, the owners and operators of the Phillip Island circuit will conduct an annual Island Classic, which will become a major event on the historic motorcycle racing calendar.” It was a hugely ambitious claim, but it came true.“All competitors over the three-day event will have an equal opportunity,…11 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14HOW BAJA BECAME A LEGENDMEXICO’S BAJA CALIFORNIA Peninsula has been the playground and racetrack for some of the world’s top riders and drivers for half a century.Some describe Baja as majestic, while others refer to it as the devil’s playground. A vast, inhospitable area, rich in culture and a reward to those who dare to take on the challenge. Very few people who visit Baja are not touched by the history of a land that looks as old as time itself.The Baja 1000 started after a Honda promotional ride, when four blokes rode CL72 Scramblers from Tijuana to La Paz, a distance of more than 950miles, in just under 40 hours. Back in those days, there were no sealed roads outside the two major cities and twin dirt tracks were the only way to…3 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14BOUND FOR BAJA?SPECTATING AT THE Baja 1000 is an experience like no other. The Mexican people are friendly, helpful and they’re mad about desert racing. Don’t expect a lot of English to be spoken, take a phrase book and learn a few simple words of Spanish.Every second year, the race is a loop race, starting and finishing in Ensenada. This makes it easier to spectate at a few different places as the course runs a massive figure eight. However there is nothing like viewing the magnificent landscape down the entire Peninsula to La Paz. Rugged coastline, beaches, dry desert, sheer cliffs and stunning mountains can be found along the way. There are cactus from one end to the other, but it is surprising to see the unusual variations heading south as the…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14The long game“I am working to reach MotoGP and be competitive in the top class”Name Joan MirAge 20Nationality Spanish2017 wins 102017 podiums 132017 pole positions 12017 points 3412018 team Estrella Galicia MarcVDS, Moto2JOAN MIR CAN be summed up in just one word: determined. The 20-year-old 2017 Moto3 World Champion possesses a unique mix of rage and control that can sway either way depending on what the situation requires. The swaying decisions made during pivotal race moments on his way to securing 10 race victories, and the 2017 title, belies his young age.Mir is no one-trick pony, each of his victories were achieved with a strategy unique to the situation.Sometimes he chose to battle within the pack, others times he checked out and built a gap which he held to the chequered flag.…5 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Diary of a Wimpy BikeRIDER PROFILEName Kel BuckleyAge/weight 37 / 60kgRiding experience A few decadesDream Bike (in this company) Harley-Davidson X90LITTLE-BIG BIKES and versatility aren’t four words I’d normally use together. Especially when I was walking around the Benelli TnT125 looking at potential tie-down points. You see, the number-plate hanger and the indicator mounts – all spots where you can usually anchor something onto the pillion seat – are mounted off the swingarm. And whenever that’s bouncing up and down, you’re never going to get anything to stay put.The only other thing in the pillion seat’s vicinity is the passenger footpeg stays and, even better, they’ve got a tiedown-sized cut out in them with my name on it. A fruitless tiedownsized cut out it would transpire, because not only are they too far forward…5 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14eventsShow time3 FEBRUARYThunder West 2018, FSB Pearlbrook, Scotts Creek Rd, Murrurundi, NSW. Steel horse muster, bike show ’n’ shine and tattoo competition. Live music, special guest Angry Anderson, camping available from 1 February (no fees) and wheelchair access. No BYO, no dogs and no fires. Entry $25; under 18s free; gates open 10am; no under 18s after 6pm. For information phone Fozzy on 0404 467 171.25 FEBRUARYSouth Coast Show & Shine Gear Head Sunday, Toora Recreational Reserve, Jetty Rd, Toora, Vic. Gates open 8am. Bikes, cars, trucks, tractors, army tanks and rides, helicopter rides, live music and more. Fully licenced and catered. Show entry $10;
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14THE A-TO-Z OF MOTOGPA – Aardvark. A burrowing animal, found in gravel traps. So that’s what the riders are looking for when they go in face first?B - …MW. Smartest motorcycle company in the paddock. Fully involved in MotoGP without all the bother and expense of actually racing.C – Crutches. Least favourite mode of transport for racers.D – Desmodromia. A land of despots where horsepower is all that matters.E – Exhausts. The things that used to make racing sound good, before electric bikes took over.F – Do you have to ask?G – Granddad. Someone who thinks real grand prix racing stopped when the two-strokes were killed off.H – Handlebars. Something for a rider to hold on to when a high-sider hurls him off his Honda. (Other brands of motorcycle are available, but not…3 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Price poised for Dakar podiumAS AMCN WENT to print, Australia’s Toby Price was sitting in fourth overall in the 40th running of the Dakar Rally, 7m35s down on rally leader Yamaha’s Adrien Van Beveren, at the conclusion of the eighth stage of the 14-stage event.Honda’s Kevin Benavides sits in a very comfortable second place, just 22 seconds behind the Yamaha rider, with Price’s Red Bull KTM teammate Mattias Walkner a further 6m12s adrift in third overall.The race at the front is a fascinating one with far more than a winner’s trophy on the line for the leading duo. It’s been 20 years since a Yamaha rider has stood on the top step of the podium (Stéphane Peterhansel, 1998) and 29 years since a Honda rider has celebrated a Dakar Rally win (Gilles Lalay, 1989).…3 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Josh Brookes signs for factory Yamaha squadAUSSIE BSB STAR Josh Brookes has signed for the factory-backed Yamaha squad for his 2018 British Superbike Championship campaign, moving from the Anvil-backed TAG Yamaha squad to the McCams Yamaha outfit for the new year.The 34-year-old will be joined by 2016 British Supersport champ Tarran Mackenzie in the top-flight two-rider squad.“I have to look to the bike to improve my results and I believe the team has more material available,” said Brookes, who came within two points of winning the 2017 title. “What the factory team has done in World Superbike is improved and that information is valuable.” The top WSBK Yamaha came 11th in 2016 and improved to fifth last year.“What they have developed will be available for the BSB team in a period of time, so I guess…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Ninja 400 excluded from Supersport 300 seriesTHE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED Kawasaki Ninja 400 will not be racing in the ASBK series in 2018 after all, according to Motorcycling Australia.The new baby Ninja doesn’t arrive in the country until late February, leaving officials little time to hom*ologate the model prior to the series starting.An increase in capacity for the P-twin engine over the previous model would also push the limits of the class, providing challenges for organisers in ensuring parity with rivals.“Unfortunately with the late arrival of the Ninja 400 in relation to the season, we are really short of time to work out a solution for the Ninja 400 to contest the 2018 Supersport 300 championship. We will use this time to monitor the solutions around the World Supersport 300 series in relation to parity, which could…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Condo 750 turns 30IF THE DAKAR Rally has rekindled your interest in offroad navigation races, and the Baja 1000’s 50th anniversary has piqued your interest in anniversaries, then there is home-grown, grass roots rally that you must attend.Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the 2018 Condo 750 will kick off on Friday 30 March with a 34km prologue to ascertain the starting order for the weekend’s race held at Condobolin, NSW. The race itself is held over two days, with car, bike and quad competitors lining up for a gruelling and competitive off road race.The course is plotted on a roadbook which competitors receive the night before the race. Bikes and quads race on a separate course to the cars, and the total distance for the two days, including transport sections is about 1050km.The Condo…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14New track for Mildura?THE MILDURA RURAL City Council has revealed plans for a $21.8 million motorsport facility in a bid to attract the investors still required to complete the project.The ambitious effort, dubbed the Mildura Motorsports and Community Precinct, includes a three kilometre road racing circuit, a go-kart track and drag strip, as well as both car and motorcycle speedway tracks, a skid pan, various off-road circuits and even a jet boat course.Stage One of the project, which has been described as ‘shovel ready’, includes the road race circuit (including the pit facilities and control tower) and the skid pan.Speaking of its need for investors, Confederation of Australian Motorsport CEO Eugene Arocca described it as a “unique opportunity”.“Investors out there, private or government, really need to look at this and embrace it,” he…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Michael RutterMichael, you’re one of the most accomplished UK racers across closed circuit and real road racing; are you looking forward to Phillip Island?Last time I was at Phillip Island was on a GP bike in 1999, so it’s been a few years. I’m really looking forward to coming over.It’s one of those fast-flowing circuits that I really do enjoy and I think it will really suit me and my style. I’ll be riding a Yamaha FJ1200 that’s being prepared in the UK by Roger Winfield. I rode a similar bike in the Classic TT two years ago but this is a new bike, totally fresh.You’ve ridden some pretty cool machines at the Classic TT: Matchless G50, Ducati TT1, Norton Rotary – what’s the most challenging thing you’ve found riding classic…6 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14GassitAustralian Motorcycle News road test photographs are posed for by skilled, professional riders under controlled circ*mstances. Attempting to imitate their actions may be dangerous. Australian Motorcycle News supports and endorses rider training and wearing protective riding gear. This year’s production cycle meant we had one last page to finish on New Year’s Day. Seriously? Who works on NYD? For most of us, that meant limited libation rations, clocking the fireworks on TV and uncommonly early to bed. And then it was back into the saddle and gearing up for this issue.…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Harley keeps it pinned!FOLLOWING Harley-Davidson’s 2017 announcement that it will launch 100 new models during the next 10 years, the American firm has applied for trademarks on three monikers destined for future models; 48X, Pan America and Bronx.The most recognisable is 48X. Since H-D already has a Sportster model dubbed Forty-Eight, it seems logical that it will be a variation on the theme. But the numeric use of the name is harder to explain, as is the X. The existing Forty-Eight’s official name is XL1200X, which might be an explanation, however in the past, Harley has also used a final X to indicate a special, like the VRSCDX Night Rod Special.Pan America instantly brings to mind the idea of a continent-crossing touring bike, but Harley’s range is already overflowing with big touring bikes,…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14The year was ... 002000Ken Wootton was weaving his usual magic through the pages of AMCN back in September 2000. Motorcycling Australia's current Operations Director Martin Port was Ken's Sport Editor and carried the nickname Pretty-boy Port. Inside the mag Gassit was found further up front in the news pages and even hosted the New Products page. You needed to go to the back page to find out where the Woose had been hidden in the previous issue. The new paint-scheme for our Long Term project Hayabusa was still on the drawing board with GSX-R colours scheme receiving plenty of approval from the team. Once painted, the Busa would be given away as a prize to one lucky reader.How much?$287,000Sydney led the way with the highest median house price of $287K, while renting a…4 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14accessFinding FredDear YUKKARNS, Many years ago as I read my latest AMCN, there was a Fred Gassit episode of particular interest to Ducati riders and historians. It told of the invention of the Ducati motorcycle which was developed by a guy called Duck Ati or Duc Ati, or whatever, but I can’t find it anywhere. I am hoping that Yukkarns, or a reader, may be able to remember this particular strip and point me in its direction. Very grateful if youse could help.Mark Opie Bungendore NSWHi Mark, I’ll ask Fred to take a look for that one. Can’t say I remember it. Maybe the readers can help out, anyone got it? Chris.Test RequestI would just like to put in a request for you to cover something when you get to…9 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14The Tiger that changed its stripesThe biggest and immediately noticeable change to Triumph’s third-generation Triumph Tiger 1200 is its whole heap of extra zip. I’m 10 minutes into my 200km squirt on the 2018 range-topping totally tarmac-focused XRT variant in the Spanish Badlands behind Almeria and I’m already loving it.Triumph’s Chief Engineer Stuart Wood has just informed me there are around 100 improvements in this new model over the uprated second-gen Explorer introduced in 2016, which was enough to make this one worthy of a name change; a slicker, sharper-sounding Tiger 1200 moniker, the Explorer tag gone for the 2018 model year.When Triumph’s Tiger Explorer adventure tourer made its debut at EICMA back in 2011, it was aimed squarely at BMW’s R 1200 GS cash cow, and for good reason. It was the longstanding king…12 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Martin’s KingForget Moto2. Forget World Superbike. The most dramatically entertaining and closely fought road racing category anywhere in the world today isn’t the sealed-engine one-make 600cc World championship for chassis-makers, nor the eight-make World Superbike shootout.Instead, what truly gets spectators’ juices flowing is the no-holds, fairing-rubbing, handlebar-clashing historic racing category for air-cooled multi-cylinder monster-bikes. Known as Forgotten Era to most, it’s vintage superbike racing at its best, and the International Challenge held each year as part of the AMCN Island Classic is the showcase event for the category.With 1982 now the cut-off build date, and with a 1300cc capacity ceiling to encourage tuners to go large on engine upgrades, historic racing’s big-bike category captures the variety and thrills of motorcycle racing’s Golden Era.In keeping with the catch-all concept of the 1980s…12 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Uusurpassed GOATAt the end of 1964, a 22-year-old Italian racer was summoned to the Meccanica Verghera factory in Lombardy. When the boss of MV called, you answered. Giacomo Agostini had won the ’64 Italian 250 Championship on a works Morini single. He had only ridden three 250 Grands Prix, finishing fourth at both Solitude in West Germany and Monza, behind three top Japanese factory riders at both venues.While impressed, Count Domenico Agusta soon let Agostini know who was in charge.“He kept me waiting for six hours, until 11pm,” Agostini said. “Then I went into his office and he said: ‘What you want?’“I want to race with your bike,” said the interviewee.It’s a classic old-school Italian team-owner story. It also represents a pivotal moment in the sport’s history, the meeting where MV…14 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14STUDENTS OF SUPERSTARDOMThe pair also have something else in common; a certain Valentino RossiMarc Marquez commanded the majority of the headlines during the 2017 MotoGP season, and rightfully so, he’s the best of the best. Four premier-class world titles in just five years makes for compelling reading. Marquez may be the man of the moment but two other world champions were crowned at season’s end, and both have their sights set firmly on unseating Marquez and his cohorts as the future superstars of MotoGP.Reigning Moto2 World Champion Franco Morbidelli will make his MotoGP debut when the 2018 MotoGP season kicks off in Qatar on 18 March. The Italian will slip into the seat vacated by Aussie Jack Miller at the Mark VDS squad following his defection to the Pramac Ducati team. Spain’s…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Handy Grand TouringAS WINTER RELEASED its grip on the south-eastern states, my Five HG-1 winter gloves quickly became too hot for daily commuting and with a couple of full-day tests on my to-do list, I required a glove that sat between Five’s HG-1 and its Stunt Evo summer glove. Enter the GT2 touring glove, and I soon discovered that while GT stands for Grand Touring, these are the most versatile gloves I own.I’ve been wearing the GT2 gloves daily for the past three months, including at our MoTY extravaganza, and I give them top marks for comfort. The Cordura stretch top allows them to slip straight on and off. Protection is via a leather palm, polyurethane (PU) palm pad and built-in PU protection on the back of the hand and knuckles.However, only…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Outta the ’GateSPEEDWAY RACING CAN give you the highest of highs or the lowest of lows. I was a Reserve for my home GP in Melbourne last year, and waiting in the pits, I knew any moment I could get a call up to race. I just try and stay relaxed and watch the heats, waiting for something to happen – maybe someone will hit the tape and be disqualified, then I’m on.As soon as I got the call-up to race, adrenaline took over and I was in the Zone.Just getting the chance to race at GP level is tough, so you need to make the most of any opportunity. In that heat I was able to beat out Maciej Janowski, Davey Watt and Martin Vaculik. As a Reserve for the meeting…3 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14THE AUSSIESTOBY PRICE IS one of three riders flying the Australian flag at this year’s edition of the Dakar Rally with off-road veteran Rod fa*ggotter riding for the factory-supported Yamaha France squad, while Scott Britnell takes on the event’s unassisted Original (formerly known as Malle Moto) category on board his self-funded Grit Adventures KTM. Of the eight stages completed at the time of publication, Toby Price had scored three third-place stage finishes to sit fourth overall on the time sheets. fa*ggotter has displayed amazing consistency with a best placed 18th (Stage 3) and a worst result of 27th (Stage 8) to be 22nd overall at the end of day eight. Britnell, who is competing in his first Dakar Rally, opened his campaign with a strong 44th place in the first stage.…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Puig replaces Suppo at HRCGRAND PRIX RACE winner Alberto Puig has been named as Repsol Honda’s new team manager for the 2018 MotoGP season, following the shock departure of Livio Suppo at the conclusion of the 2017 season.The 50-year-old will continue his role as the head of both the Asia and British Talent Cup series as he takes on the newly appointed role in MotoGP, and describes his second job as an “honour”.“I’m very grateful to HRC for this opportunity they have given me with the Repsol Honda Team,” he said. “To have the chance to be in this position in one of the most successful teams in the MotoGP championship is a very big honour for me, so I can only focus on giving my best back to Honda, and on trying to…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Four Aussie Wildcards at WSBK opener!FOUR AUSTRALIAN RIDERS have been granted an entry in next month’s World Superbike curtain raiser at Phillip Island, with Daniel Falzon, Troy Herfoss and Tom Toparis all named as wildcards for the 22-25 February event, while Wayne Maxwell has been granted a berth under Dorna’s one-event entry loophole.Falzon, Herfoss and Maxwell will join the 1000cc Superbike category, while Toparis will join fellow Aussies Ant West and Lachlan Epis on the 600cc World Supersport grid.Falzon, recently named as a factory Yamaha rider for the 2018 ASBK season, said, “Of course it’s always been a dream of mine to compete on the world stage and any experience we can gather from this opportunity will be valuable as we contest the ASBK season.”While officially only allowed three wildcard entries per round, the race…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Anderson in control in HoustonROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson sits on top of the points standings after two rounds of the 2018 AMA Supercross season.In what he described as the most perfect day in his career, Anderson was quickest in practice at the series second round in Houston on Saturday, 13 January, before backing it up with a win in his heat races as well as the main race to clean-sweep the event.“It was awesome,” said Anderson after the podium. “I’m in the zone but, at the same time, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I feel good and I’m in a good spot.”Honda’s Ken Roczen finished second in the main event to sit seven points adrift of Anderson in the standings, equal with third-place getter Justin Garcia (Yamaha).Round one…1 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14Giving it HeepsCAMERON HEEPS DOMINATED a quality field at the Rob Woffinden Classic held at Pinjar Park Speedway on January 6. Organisers proudly called it the best yet, with four-time West Australian champion Heeps stepping up to win his second Woffinden Classic, the only rider to do so in the event’s nine-year history.Daniel Winchester had a perfect score going into the final after winning all his heats, with Swedish rider Kenny Wennerstam qualifying second, having dropped only two points through. Heeps qualified third-highest point scorer for the final, running from gate four which he considered his best option.The last qualifying spot was taken by another Swedish rider, Joel Anderson. He qualified by winning the B final, after scoring 11 points through the heats.After a strong start in the decider, Heeps had ground…2 min.
Australian Motorcycle News|Vol 67 Issue 14“If you could earn a feed twice a day it was better than once a day.”TIM’S FIRST BIKE as a 16-year-old was a used 1927 250cc New Imperial which ignited a lifetime passion for motorcycling. Initially competing in local reliability trials such as the Ariel 6 Hour and the gruelling Adelaide Advertiser 24 Hour, Tim also took on the 1954 tri-state Redex Trial, an epic event which deteriorated into a rain-sodden seven-day torture test. If nothing else, this single event turned the young rider into a master of the mudbath.This proved useful, as just twelve months later he was in soggy England testing motorcycles for Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) and taking tips from works rider Gordon Jackson. By now Tim was a regular Scrambles competitor on his Matchless 350 and 500, and a win in the Welsh Three Day saw him selected for the AMC…4 min.
