Indholdsfortegnelse for May/June 2024 i Australian Motorcyclist

Forecasting a few complaints about the running of H-D articles, I’ll remind that the notions that H-D are for an exclusive group are no longer valid. See Heather Ellis’ review on the Heritage Classic and who the largest consumer group is for that bike. Check out whether Pete Vorst and Tug McClutchin disagree, or arrive at similar conclusions for the X350, and who that market audience is likely to be. The X350 is a viable choice for many motorcycling consumers, and H-D dealers regularly offer decent sales and other offers. Why cut the brand from your consideration? Also note that, for future editions, we are seeking your photos (hi-res) and short stories (up to 450 words) on your favourite urban rides. In issue 125, regular contributors offer their ideas and…

Indian has updated the Scout range, and the pricing on the new model variants is now available. $22,995 ride away will see sitting astride a new Scout, and the top end Scout 101 model will set you back $27,995 ride away. The Scout models have received a significant update, with changes including a larger engine complete with the increased power and torque that you would expect, plus a new chassis. There are a number of styling variations amongst the new models, including the Scout Classic, Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Super Scout, and the top of the range 101 Scout. Bikes are due in dealers in July.…

Shannons are giving motoring enthusiasts the chance to win a trip for two to the USA to drive some of the world’s best supercars around the famous Circuit of The Americas racetrack and exhilarating Las Vegas racetrack. You could find yourself behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, ChevroletCorvette and a Ford Shelby. The 11-day trip includes airfares, luxury accommodation in Dallas, Austin, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, tickets to two of America’s top automotive museums and $5,000 spending money. Plus, win a new Indian Motorcycle Sport Chief! The winner will also take home an Xbox Series X Console and the Forza Motorsports Game.You could win over $100,000 in prizes! To enter, just call Shannons on 13 46 46 to take out new eligible car, bike or home insurance.…

Bike theft is a nightmare, and here’s a new gadget from The UK that just might be useful in preventing it. The Hiplok DX1000 is an angle-grinder-resistant D lock, and the Hiplok AX1000 is an anti-angle grinder ground/wall anchor. Together, they make the ultimate security setup for use at home and on the move. The AX1000 can be bolted to your garage floor and used in conjunction with the DX1000 D lock, and the D lock can travel with you on the road to lock your bike up and prevent it from being wheeled away if you have to leave your bike parked anywhere. Wholesale inquiries through Advance Traders.…

After what must feel like an eternity, Remy Gardner has once again found himself on a world championship podium after finishing in 3rd place in race 2 in Assen. The 2021 Moto2 World Champ has had a tough few years after moving to MotoGP with KTM in 2022. With little support in the Tech 3 satellite team, both he and his teammate Raul Fernandez found themselves out of a gig at years end. While Raul found a new home in the Aprilia satellite team, Remy moved to World Superbike with Yamaha and after a 2023 littered with technical and health issues, 2024 looks to be getting on track. The racing is highly competitive this year, and Remy is enjoying his time in the Yamaha. After the race Remy said: “We…

IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION of Australian Motorcyclist, we reported on the first round of the FIM MiniGP series, a series that provides a relatively low-cost entry into racing for younger riders. Round One of the series, held at the Oakleigh track at the beginning of March, saw Levi Russo take out the 190cc class and Judd Plaisted take out the 160cc class. Cameron Park Raceway in the outskirts of Newcastle, NSW, hosted Round Two over the weekend of 12th-13th April and provided another fabulous weekend of quality action. Lap records tumbled which was a real demonstration of how far the riders, and the whole series, has come in the 12 months since the series last visited the track. Judd Plaisted built on his 160cc series lead by taking out both 17-lap…

WHEN THE PREVIOUS EDITION of AMM hit the shelves, just one round of WorldSBK 2024 had been run and whilst it provided hints that perhaps this season was going to be a classic, you can never infer too much from the results at Phillip Island as it is a very particular kind of track that doesn’t necessarily highlight all the strengths and weaknesses of the teams, bikes or riders. Alex Lowes, on the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) ZX10RR had put in a weekend performance that was head and shoulders above what we’ve seen from him in recent years and put him at the head of the series points ladder. Reigning World Superbike champion Alvaro Bautista, on the Aruba.it Ducati, didn’t really find his feet until the last race of the…

HARLEY CLAIMS: ‘THE ALL-NEW Street Glide and Road Glide models featuring the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 are more powerful, comfortable and lighter, and packed with advanced technology, including a new infotainment system, all wrapped up in a dramatic new visual design’. After riding the bikes we have to say: “That’s SO true!” We’re still in awe of just good these bikes are. The Street Glide and Road Glide are two variations built on the basically the same bike. The two giveaways for onlookers trying to work out which is which are: ● The Street Glide has the squarish headlight and the ‘batwing’ fairing mounted to the triple clamps. When the ’bars are turned the fairing turns as well; and ● The Road Glide has the wrap-around-style lighting and the ‘shark-nose’ fairing fixed…

I MAY BE THE EDITOR of a motorcycling magazine however I have had a long-term interest in the professional cycling tours; most particularly, the Tour de France. Watching the motards (see article below) is a natural part of the audience experience and it’s a career choice that anyone with sporting, motorcycling, and media interests could be naturally attracted to. One of the best known motards is Willy Wauthle (if you enjoy cycling you might like to follow Willy on FB www.facebook.com/willy.wauthle). Willy’s last race was in 2023 but he continues with his passion for the riding and the career that made him a household name in international racing circles. It was great to have the opportunity to interview Willy. Thanks also to his daughter Anouk who assisted with translation. Susan Plunkett…

Bimota is one of the most famous names in motorcycling, and it conjures up images of stunningly designed motorcycles with incredible chassis concepts. Whilst their racing heritage may not be as expansive as some brands, they do have a 350cc GP and a TT Formula 1 championship to their name. They were also a founding manufacturer of WSBK and won seven races in the championship’s first year in 1988, thanks to Stephane Mertens and Davide Tardozzi, the same Tardozzi now working as one of Ducati’s to bosses in MotoGP. Australians will remember Bimota in World Superbike most fondly for Anthony Gobert’s incredible win at a soggy Phillip Island on the Bimota SB8R. Bimota have generally entered into partnerships with other manufacturers and built their motorcycles around engines provided those companies.…

BMW has released a sneaky YouTube video showing a bike being ridden with no clutch lever. Details are being dropped a little at a time about what BMW is calling “Automated Shift Assistant”, or ASA. The system employs electromechanical actuators to control clutch and gear shift operations, meaning no clutch is necessary. A button on the left switch block allows the rider to choose between fully auto mode and a “manual” form of gear shifting, which will still require no manual clutch operation. The auto mode will decide for itself when cogs need to be swapped based on throttle position and engine power output, etc. BMW claims the system will allow almost seamless gear changes, providing better traction, and more comfort for pillion passengers. At this stage there are no…

The MRA TOY RUN in Tasmania is traditionally the first weekend in December. 2024 will be the 45th TOY RUN by the MRA South. The organisers are now seeking a permanent home for the event. The Christmas Pageant is a parade through the city attracting some 20,000 spectators. A perfect vehicle for MRA South to promote both the charity and road safety. The Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff MP is a motorcyclist and we hope for his interest in locating a home for this important annual event. For further information or to assist with this initiative: Jarrod Doyle. President. MRA South (The TOY RUN organiser) Mobile: 0420 506 300. Amelia Natoli. Salvation Army. Phone: 03 6231 5440. Helen Burnett MP. Formerly Hobart’s Deputy Lord Mayor. Helen has ridden pillion in at…

IT’S HARD TO NOT start this story with “back in my day”. So, I didn’t. Not quite, anyway. But I still reminisce. The Sydney I cut my road motorcycling teeth in had a couple of popular “local rides”. The type of place you go when you can spare a few hours away from the chores and get on the bike for a quick blast. The Old Pacific Highway, commonly called The Old Road, and the road through the Royal National Park south of Sydney were the popular spots. For those in Sydney’s west, like I was, Bells Line of Road presented opportunities for all sorts of trouble. Back then the speed limits were higher and largely unenforceable in the twisty bits with the available technology. They were therefore appropriately ignored…

OUR AUTHOR REALIZED A long-held dream, rode 3,400 kilometers through seven US states with his sister and visited the fastest place in the world, where speed fanatics from all over the world gather once a year for the ‘Bonneville Speed Week’ and hunt for records. Most of us motorists have a secret ‘bucket list’ in the back of our minds - magical places that we definitely want to experience for ourselves once in our life. Be it the loneliest highway, the most drivable road in the middle of nowhere, the windiest 100 kilometers - or as in my case, the fastest place in the world. The huge, dry, salt lakes in the US state of Utah are definitely one of the places where the highest land speeds of over 1,000…

I CANED HARLEY’S NEW X350, I caned it remorselessly! I tried to break it by thrashing it around town and when that didn’t work, I took it for a 600-plus kilometre ride into Western NSW and I thrashed it some more, well outside what Harley envisage the X350 would be subjected to by the average punter – it didn’t break! It was only as I sat at the Hill End pub in Western NSW, contemplating the X350’s ground-down side-stand bracket and exhaust bolts, that the red mist cleared enough for me to realize: firstly, the X350 was laughing off my attempts to break it; secondly, I was having way more fun than I thought I would on a LAMS approved bike; and thirdly, not only can the X350 handle the 9-5…

“OUR RIDING SKILLS IN CURVES WERE TESTED ON OUR VERY FIRST DAY WHEN WE RODE ALONGSIDE THE WANDERING DANUBE RIVER SEPARATING SERBIA AND ROMANIA.” IF ONE WORD COULD describe the riding experience in the half dozen Balkan countries on the AMT Intriguing Southeast Europe tour, that word would be variety. That variety includes mountain twisties, scenic and rugged shorelines, picturesque river valleys, lush forests, and rolling hills dotted with vineyards reminiscent of Tuscany. This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path type of tour, so riders signing up for it will have a blast getting off the main roads and visiting places that other tourists zoom right past. Expect to tackle a few challenging roads, though. That’s to be expected when visiting countries new to tourism. Experiencing — and overcoming — those challenges…

What do you do when you are the owner of a custom bike shop and a mad Ayrton Senna fan and the 30th anniversary of his tragic death rolls around? You build a bike in his honour, obviously. Francisco Ali Manen, owner of Lord Drake Kustoms in Malaga, Spain, took a customer’s Harley Sportster and fashioned it around the Rothmans colours of the car Ayrton was killed in. He also dealt with the rear number plate holder and some other bits and pieces, such as a new cafe racer screen, a flat tracker handlebar, new minimalist LED turn signals and a LED headlight have been installed. There’s also a reupholstered seat, and a funky new exhaust with a brutalistic carbon cover. But the most significant change in this restyling has…

It’s been 24 years since the FIM World Motocross Grand Prix visited Australia, but next year it will take place in Darwin, thanks to an investment from the Northern Territory Government. The deal with MXGP rights-holder Infront Moto Racing was announced recently, and sees the event locked in at Darwin from 2025 until 2029. The FIM Women’s MX World Championship will also be held at the event. The racing will take places on a purpose-built track at the Hidden Valley Raceway in September. “This is big. The MXGP is an incredibly popular and high-profile major sporting event and to be able to host it here in the Territory is a real coup. It’s also incredible to be showcasing the women’s event, which has never before been held in Australia,” said…

Looking for an incredible deal on a new mid-sized adventure bike? CF Moto’s 800MT is gaining traction in the local market, and to spice things up a little they are offering over $2,000 worth of goodies if you buy one before July 31. Every model in the 800MT range is included and scores a free Expedition Essentials Accessories Bundle, and the extras on offer will help owners push the touring abilities of their bikes to the maximum. What every adventure rider needs is some good quality soft luggage, and goodies available include Hussar soft panniers, dry bags, a Hussar Duffel bag, a pair of Ranger Wilds side bags, CNC oversized alloy footpegs, a side stand extension plate, and other goodies. Like all great offers, time is limited, so see your…

The team at Andy Strapz hasn’t redesigned their famous luggage strap in 20 years, and there’s a very good reason for that. Since they first came out and made the vile, eyeball-pulverizing occy strap obsolete, they have been the pinnacle of luggage planning for riders. If you want to strap something to your bike, you use Andy’s stuff. Simple. Or you don’t, and suffer the indignity of luggage failure and being laughed at by your friends who know you should have used the famous green straps. Regardless of all of that, they have now decided to design a new strap, on the premise that in order to make it worthwhile it needed to be stronger, more adaptable, easier and faster to use, and just plain sexier than the old ones.…

THIS COMPETITION WAS ANNOUNCED in last issue. We received two entries: Story: Eldest son Keith and his twin brothers Peter and Ben aged fourteen, cooked up a plan to ride the Nullarbor and visit Western Australia. So the plan evolved and in July 1991 we set off, me on my 1984 XJ900 and Keith on his FJ1200. It was a great trip and our family have done that crossing many times before and since on two wheels and four. The photo was obviously not taken on a smartphone but with a Nikon F-501 SLR film camera. Years ago I had it enlarged and framed and it hangs on our family room wall. My grandsons love it! As this was the first competition and only two entries were received, we are…

ATTENDING NEW-MODEL RELEASES IS part-and-parcel of working on a bike mag, but some are tougher than others. The launch of the Street Glide and Road Glide was about as good as it gets. If it were possible today to ride in a Harley-Davidson freedom story from the 1970s, this is what it would be like. THE EARLY MORNING SUN glistened as its refection arced across the deep lustre of the bike’s tank. After an hour or so of effortless cruising through the foothills of southern Queensland and into NSW, it was starting to feel as though a coffee, and maybe a pastry, wouldn’t have been out of place. As we carved through the Numinbah Valley with the growling V-twins quietly devouring distance, and the surprisingly well-handling bikes carved along the…

“I SERIOUSLY ASKED MYSELF, LIKE MANY A RIDER WHEN WE REACH A CERTAIN AGE: ‘IS IT TIME FOR A BIT MORE COMFORT … AND A LOT MORE POWER?’” LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT. I’m not a Harley rider. I’ve never ridden one, so to speak, until the 2024 Heritage Classic 114. My only ride on this iconic motorcycle born out of Harley’s panhead Hydra Glide dresser from the 1950s was a very short test ride when Harley Davidson and Indian did a ‘come and try day’ at the Melbourne Showgrounds about 10 years ago. The lasting memory from that day was the 1954 hit by Big Joe Turner, ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’. But maybe it was the Indian that left those rock and roll lyrics in my head, on repeat, for…

Yeah, not really. But that’s only because my people are six feet tall and not very flexible. Were it not for that, the X350 may just tick some boxes. I haven’t spoken to Pete (who wrote the main review of the bike) about his thoughts, but he’s an even taller lad than me, so he’s my people too, and I’m going to assume he found the same issues as me, but you can read for yourself in his piece. So, what’s wrong with it? Let’s get that out of the way, and then we can deal with what’s right with it. And none of this is the bike’s fault. It’s just not made for 6ft burly guys with legs as flexible as week old sourdough. When I first climbed aboard…

SO, WE ARE ON a Vmax 1200 carbon from 2002 4500 km. My client’s request was to take inspiration from motocrew’s Vmax café racer, by crossing it with an exclusive Porsche 911 series, on a low-mileage motorcycle, keeping the identity of the Vmax, and to add the RAGE signature of the workshop. It took me several months of research to find the rare gem of 4500 km, entirely original. An analysis of the details of the Porsche (model limited to 500 examples) had to be carried out, then solutions had to be found to transfer them to the motorcycle, without falling into excess. Before tackling the modifications and the Rage badge obligations, it was necessary to increase the power, however, given the low mileage, it would have been a shame…