Indholdsfortegnelse for November/December 2024 i Australian Motorcyclist

CHRISTMAS IS AS MUCH about looking forward to the year ahead as it is appreciating the year that was. With the festive season upon us it’s a good time to contemplate 2024. Whether it’s because you barely survived, or it was one out of the box, the result is the same, we still want the next year to be better. We put an eye on EICMA in this issue, having a look at the goodies that await us, and a glimpse of where motorcycling is heading in the years ahead. There is a lot of tech coming onto bikes these days, and with a 2020 BMW R1250RT myself, I really appreciate how dynamic suspension, riding modes and integrated communication and GPS can improve your ride. By the same token I…

Finally, finally finally. The long rumoured, long awaited, long sought after YZF-R9. They’ve dropped that glorious CP3 engine into a sportbike package, and not only that, it has a new chassis and a new set of wheels to match. Power figures are solid and identical to the MT-09: 117 hp (87 kW) and 93Nm at 7000rpm. The suspension has been upgraded with KYB suspension with a 43mm USD fork and matching mono shock, plus upgraded brakes with Brembo Stylema callipers up front, paired with a Brembo radial master cylinder. It’s good to see Yamaha address the market since the departure of the R6 (and possibly the R1?). The R9 has big shoes to fill but we know what that CP3 engine can do and we have no doubt it will…

The new Honda Hornet stings, and now it comes in litre-class bike flavour. Historically, the Hornet series has been recognised for its inline-four engine, affordable price tag, and comfortable ergonomics that cause a stir on the streets as it did with the competition. After a period of absence, the lineup makes a strong return with a powerful one-two punch, first with the CB750 and now with the CB1000. The Aussie market is set to receive the SP variantonly, which has slightly more power thanks to a valve in the exhaust, and better suspension and brake systems. Powered by a detuned Fireblade-derived engine, with power and torque at 155hp (115.6kW) and 107Nm respectively, it features an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, Showa SFF-BP front forks, and Brembo Stylema brakes. A quickshifter comes…

This one really did bring a tear to the eye. The Tiger 800 was one of the most impressive bikes we’ve ridden in the past decade or 15 years. When it first burst onto the scene in 2011 we were in awe of the linear power delivery, the sensational feel, and the incredible ability of the bike, on and off road. That awe stayed with us through the years as the electronics were added, the capacity increased to 900cc, and we felt the 800 of blessed memory had drifted into the nostalgic past of fantastic rides, incredible places and wonderful people. But now there’s a new Tiger Sport 800, which, Triumph says, is ‘designed to provide the perfect balance of exhilarating sports performance and long-distance touring capability’. The bike features…

Kawasaki’s Ninja 1100 lineup for 2025 builds on the updates seen in the new Versys 1100 but with a sharper focus on sport-touring performance. As expected, the Ninja is slightly lighter, more compact, and more focused on twisty roads compared to the more comfort-oriented Versys. The engine capacity has been bumped from 1043cc to 1100cc, with Kawasaki claiming improved low-to mid-range power to offset Euro 5+ compliance regulations. Two variants are on offer: the base Ninja 1100SX and the premium 1100SX SE. The SE version adds an Öhlins S46 rear shock and an upgraded Brembo braking package, including calipers, discs, and braided steel lines. Both models benefit from the same Kawasaki Quickshifter and advanced electronics found in the Versys, including traction control and cornering ABS. The Ninja 1100 is set…

Mv Agusta has released another piece of art, a model that belongs as much on the road and the track as it does in a private museum. With only 300 units to be produced, we think most would be in the latter. Compared to the standard F3, the F3 Competizione goes further by shaving off 14 kg through carbon wheels, a lithium-ion battery, and a titanium Akrapovič exhaust developed exclusively for this model. MV Agusta also equips it with Öhlins NIX30 forks, TTX36 shock and a 19-position steering damper. A new 9-disk assist and slipper clutch lightens lever pull by 50%, and the advanced electronics suite features a 6-axis IMU, launch control, and a 5.5” TFT display. Visually, the Competizione stands apart with its forged carbon aerodynamic elements, Alcantara saddle,…

BMW’s new R 12 S is a stylised variant of the R 12 NineT, paying tribute to the iconic R 90 S. Its bold Lava Orange metallic paint and classic spoked wheels evoke a vintage flair, matched by the 1170cc air and oil-cooled boxer twin. Suspension is fully adjustable, and stopping power comes courtesy of radially mounted four-piston Brembo callipers. It seems to be possible to spec the original NineT to have a similar style, with the same cowl and brake components, but you will lose out on the gorgeous orange paint and simply going straight for the R 12 S costs less.…

Ducati’s 2025 Multistrada V2 trims a remarkable 10 kg, thanks to the new 890cc V2 engine and revised chassis. The engine gains a few top-end horsepower, however, it makes less low-mid range torque, but the larger flywheel specific to this model should compensate for any torque drop especially when combined with the overall weight reduction. An aluminium monocoque frame pairs with a steel trellis subframe, and the seat height can be adjusted from 810 mm to 870 mm (with the optional low or high seats). The V2 S steps up with Ducati’s semi-active Skyhook Suspension, featuring anti-dive and anti-squat characteristics. Both models now boast a TFT dash and subtle styling tweaks up front, and the Multistrada V2 is now one of the lighter models in its class at 199kg wet…

At EICMA this year, KTM unveiled a more potent version of their 990 Duke through a Duke R variant. A few changes were made that increased power and improved handling. A revised map boosts output by 7 hp, outmuscling rivals like the Z900 and MT-09. and WP APEX suspension (with steeper swingarm travel and revised linkage) sharpen handling. Curb weight is 190 kg dry, with seat options at 825 mm or 840 mm. Stopping power comes from Brembo’s SysTema setup, including 20 mm larger discs and an MCS radial master cylinder, paired with 1390 Super Duke R wheels. Topping it off, KTM’s new modern 8.8” wide TFT dash has made it to the segment.…

GUY ALLEN, NOW RUNS his own motorcycle website at AllMoto.com and has been a stalwart of the motorcycle industry for nigh on 40 years as a journalist, author, road tester, publisher and finally - accidental collector. Guy, also known as Guido, was looking at retirement and relaxation when he noticed he had become a collector with over 30 motorcycles. Realising he was spending more time working on them than riding, he decided to cull the flock and send ten of his puppies out to auction. This isn’t a sales pitch for his bikes though, it’s a good opportunity to talk to him about the best way to buy a motorcycle these days, for us who just want one. CHANGING TIMES In the old days it was easy, just go out…

THIS IS HOW BIKER events should be—raw, real, and rich in camaraderie. For those who haven’t heard of it, the Gerzurgan Bike Weekend is a hidden gem, held on the last week of October every year for over 40 years. Nestled in the rugged countryside around Mudgee and Hill End, this event spans 20+ acres, all owned by a dedicated group of “members.” I was invited by one of these members, and honestly, I had no idea what was in store. When I rolled into Mudgee, the locals were curious. When I mentioned Gerzurgan, I got a few raised eyebrows and looks that said, “Wait, you’re here alone?” Despite any initial hesitations, this turned out to be one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. Gerzurgan attracts a mix of…

IF YOU’RE UP AROUND Rutherglen cruising Kelly country on the great motorcycle roads up that way, or searching for a cheeky chablis amongst the many wineries in the region, every rider will be delighted by a visit to Caffeine n Machine. The name gives little away, though the cafe racer out the front provides some hint of what awaits inside. On entering, after passing the Excelsior and Triumph sitting in the window, you will be greeted by a Harley sitting pride of place in the middle of the room, and at the counter a vintage bike painted in Caffeine n Machine colours sitting on the bar in front of the coffee machine. And if that’s not enough, wait until you head into the back room where a full scale museum awaits…

MEET BENJAMIN, A MOTORCYCLE enthusiast with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and Cus’Tom, the workshop that brought his vision to life. A remarkable transformation of a 1986 650 CX E into a bespoke café racer with HRC-inspired gray decor. This project has been years in the making, beginning with Benjamin’s purchase of the bike from a military navy veteran and culminating in its recent completion at the Cus’Tom workshop. The story spans from an aircraft carrier workshop where the bike’s engine was first renovated, to Benjamin’s garage where it awaited revival, and finally to Cus’Tom, a workshop renowned for creating unique motorcycles. The 650 CX E wasn’t just a motorcycle—it was a base with history and potential. Benjamin wanted a rare, head-turning café racer that would honor the bike’s past while…

SCORPION EXO, THE GROWING helmet manufacturer has made its Australian debut this summer. Scorpion is known for producing high-quality helmets that compete with brands like HJC and Shoei. You may have spotted their helmets on famous riders in MotoGP and SBK, with names like Alex Rins, Alvaro Bautista, and Aron Canet among their users. One of Scorpion’s standout features is its unique and innovative “AirFit” system, which is a mechanism that allows the rider to inflate small air bladders located inside the helmet’s cheek pads. Using a small button pump on the inside of the chin of the helmet, creates a secure, tight fit, pressing the cheek pads closer to the rider’s face - enhancing comfort, stability, and noise isolation. Until now, us Aussie riders could only purchase Scorpion helmets…

The CP3 890cc motor is fantastic, and Yamaha’s quite correctly made great use of it in several models. Tracer is definitely a road-oriented bike. It’s a damn good one, we fully allow, but like Honda’s NC750, it doesn’t look well suited to the rough stuff. Of course, there are plenty of riders who don’t have a Simpson crossing as part of their plan for the coming year, and we bet the Tracer can actually be surprisingly capable off road within reasonable limits. For 2025 the Tracer 9 gets an LED matrix lighting system, which Yamaha says is a first of its type for a motorcycle. Combined with a front camera, it automatically adjusts the light beam intensity based on lighting conditions, allowing optimum visibility without dazzling oncoming vehicles. All versions…

Honda’s Rebel 1100 gets a fresh update for 2025, futher refining comfort and practicality for this model. Riders will appreciate the thicker 10mm seat cushion, repositioned grips (12mm higher and 28mm back), and forward-set footpegs (50mm), all said to improve ergos and comfort. The addition of Honda RoadSync across all trims is a standout feature, offering hands-free navigation, music streaming, weather updates, and more via Bluetooth on iOS or Android devices. A new USB socket is now standard. The Rebel 1100 continues to be available in both DCT (automatic) and manual models.…

The Triumph Speed Twin 900 is for those who seek an old-school classic look and feel with modern features (and a warranty!). Refreshed for 2025, the Speed Twin 900 receives updated styling, new chassis, upside-down forks, rear suspension, a new aluminium swingarm and more. The Speed Twin 900 is powered by Triumph’s 900cc high-torque Bonneville twin engine, delivering 80 Nm (59 ft-lbs) of torque at only 3,800 rpm. Changes are quite extensive, and warrants a review. We think it stays true to being a modern classic, even though it has traction control and ABS, it still only has 5 gears!…

We haven’t had a great deal of experience with the Big Mofo Versys. We found the 650 a capable bike, and we were astonished at both the performance and versatility of the 300 – who can forget the Touratech guys blasting across the centre of Australia on them – so we’re inclined to feel the big Kawa is likely to be a stellar performer…pretty much all the multi-cylinder Kawas are. For 2025, and on show at EICMA, the Versys gets an engine-capacity boost of around 50cc, jumping from 1043cc to 1099cc. Don’t get too excited. As we’ve seen in so many bikes lately, it looks as though the capacity increase is to help cope with the loss of performance in compliance with Euro 5+ regulations. That’s not just Kawasaki. That’s…

BMW’s updated S1000R and M1000R arrive with a striking dual LED headlight, delivering a sharper, more aggressive and appealing aesthetic. A lot of people have criticised the outgoing model as looking too “Honda Grom-like”, and many have voiced their happiness at the fresher look. Aside from fairings and design, not a lot else has changed for their naked flagships. They both now have the “M Quick-Action” throttle and are Euro5+ compliant. However, the S1000R has inherited a few up-spec changes from her big sister. The S100R now makes 5 more horsepower, has a few mm longer wheelbase, a shorter final drive ratio and a few other electronic goodies like engine drag torque control.…

Ducati’s 2025 Panigale V4 and V4S arrive with a bold new look, inspired by the legendary 916, featuring redesigned headlights, fresh fairings, and a controversial switch to a dual-sided hollow swingarm, though Ducati says it’s lighter with better traction and tyre life. Drag is down by 4% and the aluminium monocoque frame now has 40% less lateral rigidity which Ducati says allows for improved suspension performance at extreme lean angles. Updated cams offer higher lift, while revised variable-length intakes have more range, though overall powerand torque remain largely the same, albeit meeting stricter Euro5+ standards. Additional gains are possible with freer-flowing exhausts. Both models shed a few kilograms, with the V4S even lighter thanks to a lithium-ion battery and forged wheels (the V4 keeps cast wheels and a lead battery).…

WONDERING WHERE YOU’LL RIDE this weekend? Are you over those short rides to a pub for lunch? Hankering to go for a real ride? Want to meet like-minded riders? Then the All Aussie Riders Hard Arse Riders Challenge Facebook group could be for you. I too had been tiring of the same old rather short rides to the same old pubs until by chance, I came across the hard arse riders on Facebook. I contacted Caro Lin Wallbridge, the group’s administrator, and asked about joining one of their rides to check out if this group was for me. Caro set up a 600km challenge riding from Lilydale on Melbourne’s outer east along the Great Ocean Road and back via Colac. As a national group, regular challenge rides are posted for all…

LOCATED ON STATION STREET, on the corner of Railway Place, Fairfield, Victoria and just short of the train lines, the prominent Gassit sign and the range of used bikes adorning the pavement outside the store leaves no-one guessing as to what their business it. And the older amongst us well remember the name of Gassit - Fred Gassit - a cartoon character who featured in the back pages of AMCN for many years; a motorcycling anti-hero we aspired to be while lamenting his many bad decisions. Simon Murray is the owner of Gassit Motorcycles and he tells me how they got the name: “We all knew about Fred Gassit and we liked the name, applied on the business registry and it was available so we grabbed it,” was the simple…

VICTORIA’S SOUTHEAST COAST BECKONS adventure riders with its blend of rugged terrain, serene beaches, and winding trails that promise an unforgettable journey. From the dense forests of East Gippsland to the windswept beauty of Cape Conran, this region offers a perfect escape for adventure riders seeking the thrill of the road less travelled. There’s something magical about riding through the Australian wilderness, especially when the roar of your motorcycle is the only sound breaking the tranquillity of vast open landscapes. That’s exactly what we experienced on our recent multi-day trip, riding from Wodonga to the southeastern coast, with overnight stops at McKillops Bridge and Cape Conran. It was a journey through rugged terrain, across high-country tracks, and down to the beautiful and pristine beaches of Cape Conran! Our bikes? A…

’D LIKE TO THINK it isn’t just me who is often dreaming of heading off to explore. But in reality there are probably only a few times in our lives when that might be possible without the constraints of time, abandoning parents, partners, wives, children, grandchildren … it’s difficult! This means we’ll be lucky to grab a couple of weeks here or there and why so many of us are looking for means and ways to satisfy within an increasingly time squeezed life. Either way it’s all about choices. Touring is one thing as is equally the short trip that’s more often about getting away personally or with others and then there’s those excursions that swing more around a cultural and landscape mix to illuminate a destination. Whether that be…

IT’S 8:00AM ON a weekday and I’m riding my Triumph Thruxton into Melbourne’s CBD from the Yarra Valley. It’s a clear crisp morning. The sun is shining and the further I ride; the wider I grin. I ride past vineyards, lush green fields dotted with sheep and fat cattle. As I reach the outskirts of Melbourne’s eastern fringe the traffic thickens. I soon filter through the gridlock. There is one person per car. They look bored; but I’m in the zone. An hour or so later (depending on my luck with lights), I’m at the office, my bike parked outside, my synapses firing. In my communications role, I mostly work from home with occasional in-person meetings in Melbourne where I park my motorcycle right outside the office on the footpath. Victoria…

THE SBK COMMISSION HAS unveiled set of changes for the 2025 season, among the most notable updates, riders will face stricter penalties for failing to slow under yellow flags, a move seemed to be aimed directly at marshal and rider safety. Sustainability takes center stage with a new rule limiting tyre usage during events. Exemptions will allow top performers in select championships under 17 years of age to compete in the 2025 Supersport World Championship under specific conditions, signaling a shift toward nurturing the next generation of racing stars. On the technical front, engines will face tighter fuel flow caps, starting at 47 Kg/H in 2025, with further restrictions pending analysis for 2026. Aerodynamic appendices, such as winglets, will now adhere to MotoGP-inspired guidelines. Rider safety also sees a boost with…

Honda’s NC750X now has a sharper look and more braking power thanks to dual front discs. A redesigned seat and new TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity up the ante from previous models, and, at EICMA at least, a Dual Clutch Transmission. At the time of writing we couldn’t find any guarantee that gearbox would be available in Australia. It looks a great long-distance bike, and Honda can be relied upon to offer a great range of accessories. For those looking for a first-class all-rounder and who don’t want to go too hard-core, this could be a great option.…

Triumph’s Trident 660 receives a light refresh for 2025. Changes include updated ABS and Traction Control, now managed by a six-axis IMU, which would deliver quicker and more precise response by tracking lean angle, brake pressure, and throttle input. Adding to the excitement is the newly standard up-and-down quick-shifter, dubbed “Shift-Assist,” for seamless gear changes. Cruise control is now added, which is handy even if it is a naked lams bike. The suspension system has been upgraded with Showa’s 41mm upside-down forks featuring ‘big piston’ damping, which should improve both traction and comfort.…

The Z900 has been one of the best bang-for-buck bikes ever offered. First launched in 2017, refreshed in 2020, and now for 2025 - the Z900 receives another update that changes styling and components. No major changes to the engine, but what has changed is an updated style with new fairings and an updated headlight featuring a triple-LED design. The brake light also gets a modern redesign. It’s no longer in the shape of a ‘Z’, but instead awide ‘H’ shape that looks like it would do a better job of alerting following drivers. Kawasaki claims a 16% improvement in fuel efficiency, and a new six-degree IMU has been added that gives lean-sensitive ABS and traction control. Riders will enjoy the new up-and-down quickshifter and a five-inch TFT dash with…

BMW is no stranger to continually updating their litre flagships and this year is no different. The latest M1000 RR for 2025 gets a major performance boost with a reworked engine featuring new port designs, combustion-chamber shaping, and titanium valves, titanium exhaust system, oval header inlets, and modified pre-silencer. The compression ratio gets a bump up to 14.5:1 from 13.5:1, making it one of the highest for any motorcycle (and pretty high for cars as well)! All combined, BMW claims their engine produces 218 horsepower at the crank (162 kW), up 6 horsepower. The new 58-degree “M Quick-Action” Throttle should also help indelivering a sharper response. Handling gets an upgrade with a revised frame mount, new Slide Control for acceleration drifts, and Brake Slide Assist for controlled braking drifts. Aerodynamics…

Beyond the headline upgrades, Ducati has refined numerous details for the 2025 Multistrada V4. A new front-end design inspired from the classic 916 and 1098 styling surrounds the dual headlights. The V4 Granturismo engine still churns out 170hp (126kW) and 123Nm of torque, but now runs cleaner. With ‘extended’ rear-cylinder deactivation, the rear bank will now stay off, even when riding around at low speeds. Ducati claims overall fuel efficiency has gone up by six percent. Panniers now sit 25mm further back, and the swingarm pivot has been changed to sit 1mm higher. That should slightly aid in anti-squat performance. The V4 S has received other goodies like the Skyhook DSS EVO semi-active suspension, which uses a sensor within the fork to rapidly change rear-shock damping to soak up bumps.…

The new Big Daddy of the adventure world – along with the BMW 1300 GSA – KTM’s 1390 Super Adventure S Evo is powered by a V-twin LC8 engine derived from the fearsome Super Duke R. When only the biggest and best will do, the 1390 delivers – 173hp and 145Nm of torque with a stiffer frame and latest-generation WP semi-active technology. A new eight-inch colour dashboard with touchscreen and offline navigation capability is the techno hub of the bike’s electronics, which also comes equipped with front radar for Adaptive Cruise Control. The 1390 Super Adventure S Evo will be available with KTM’s Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which KTM claims to be one of the most innovative engine developments made by the company in recent years. With any other company…

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MOTORCYCLES is the new rage nowadays. I have ridden a few of these, but this is the one I have had the most fun on. I am talking about the new Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT. The Yamaha MT-09 is famed for being one of the most fun and friendly motorcycles around. The AMT system has made it even more interesting. My focus in this review will be the transmission but I will talk about other things as well albeit briefly. I’ll start with the looks. I am a fan of the MT line in terms of design. I like its futuristic robot-y vibe. There may be people around who may not find it appealing but I have no complaints in this department. With this MT, Yamaha has shuffled…

“LIBERATOR” is the new work of the famous motorcycle customizer Francisco Ali Manen; and it could perfectly be the custom bike that Captain America rides in one of his movies today A Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy with twin cam engine transformed in the Harley transformation workshop in Vélez Málaga (Spain) by Lord Drake Kustoms; and which is a tribute to the bike of the famous Marvel superhero, who appears with various models of motorcycles from the legendary American brand in some of his movies. But this new work by Fran Manen and his team at Lord Drake Kustoms is inspired by the WLA model called LIBERATOR from 1942, used by the US Army during World War II and which the superhero rides in the movie ‘Captain America: The First…

THE WALCHA MOTORCYCLE RALLY, held annually in the picturesque town of Walcha, New South Wales, has become a cornerstone event for motorcycle enthusiasts across Australia. This year’s rally delivered on its promise of a blend of exhilarating rides, engaging activities, and the warm hospitality that Walcha is renowned for. Arthur Christine Fisher Keeble A MOTORCYCLIST’S HAVEN Nestled at the intersection of two of Australia’s premier riding routes—the Oxley Highway and Thunderbolts Way—Walcha offers riders a unique combination of challenging terrains and breathtaking landscapes. The Oxley Highway is celebrated for its over 300 twists and turns, making it a favourite among road riders seeking an adrenaline rush. In contrast, Thunderbolts Way provides a more relaxed journey through the scenic New England region, appealing to those who prefer a leisurely ride. Additionally,…

AFTER YEARS OF WATCHING Scooby-Doo cartoons and reruns of Gilligan’s Island, I genuinely thought quicksand would be more of a struggle in life than it has been in my 49 years on this planet. I’d started to think the stuff didn’t really exist—until I found myself roaring with exhaustion, sweating like a Melbourne Cup nag, and using a whole new range of colourful language as I tried to drag Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 World Raid out of the sucking sand of the Colo River, northwest of Sydney. Punting a 200-kilogram adventure bike through a sandy river seemed like a good idea at the time, and I almost made it—right up until the rear tyre lost its hopeless struggle for traction in the soft, quicksand-like riverbed and bogged the World Raid down…

WHEN IT’S PURE DIRT you’re after, few places can compete with the extensive web of trails that span the rugged landscape of the Victorian High Country. Throw in some river crossings, steep ascents, ridgeline rides, historic huts, and mountain views for days, and the adventure is just hotting up. With all that, it’s little wonder the High Country has become an adventure rider’s dream. Victoria’s Alpine National Park—one of the largest in the country at 6,474 sq km—and the State Forests that flank it at all ends, offer a smorgasbord of adventure trails that can take you in whichever direction you want to rev your engine. The choice becomes a little overwhelming for the uninitiated, so we’ve packed a few ideas for you. A good place to start is in Bright,…

ADVENTURING BY MOTORCYCLE is a sure way to find yourself face to face with some epic geography, action and wonderful human characters. What’s more it is exciting and your photography of these adventures should be a reflection of your experiences that is captured and preserved so at any moment such can be relived again and again. In this regard, I’m of the belief there are a couple of types of photographers. Those who document moments and put their camera away once they’ve captured the ‘obvious’ and the more exciting photographer who ‘sees’ into and anticipates the excitement that comes from exploring what they are amidst, might be around the next corner, pauses and works out how they can capture that moment. In my view. philosophically at least, this ambition ought to…