Indholdsfortegnelse for 179 i Australian Road Rider

Way back in the 1950s, Harley-Davidson realised it needed some lighter bikes – so it built the Sportster. Now Royal Enfield is building a bike that has been inspired by the design. You'll note I said inspired, not copied, because the new Royal Enfield Shotgun is powered by a parallel twin rather than a V-Twin and, well, there have been lots of bikes inspired by the Sportster over the years (and the British might argue Harley-Davidson was copying their ideas when HD came up with the Sportster in the first place!). However Royal Enfield did it, the new Shotgun looks pretty cool. As do the new BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT. And the Yamaha XSR900 GP… Good-looking machines inspired by decades-old designs, aimed at appealing to a lifestyle…

UPFRONT CFMOTO 450CL-C CFMOTO has introduced the 450CL-C, a LAMS-approved midrange cruiser with British style – and a low-maintenance Gates belt final drive. The retro good looks hide some advanced tech, like ABS and traction control, while the 449cc parallel twin is liquid-cooled and produces 30kW (41hp) and 42Nm of torque. It's another variant of the engine being used in the NK (naked), MT (adventure) and SR (sports) models. Using the same motor across different bike styles helps keep costs down, which is one reason why the 450CL-C is priced at just $8490 ride away. The tech extends to LED lighting, a 3.6-inch TFT display, USB charging port and USD forks. Wheels are 16-inch with fat tyres – a 130 section up front and 150 at the rear. There's a…

ROAD RIDER TEST SUZUKI GSX-S1000GX Red Rocket flashed by, just as I was approaching the yellow and black sign with the squiggly line on it, the sign motorcyclists love the most. Red Rocket obviously thought I was going to hold it up, but I was on the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, not some slow, spongy touring bike… I set out in pursuit. It was a beautiful autumn midweek day; the road was quiet and the surface in good condition. An opportunity to safely up the pace had presented itself. I don't have to be invited twice. In no time, the GX was into a nice rhythm, floating through corners at an engaging pace. Life is glorious. It wasn't long before I started to catch Red Rocket. We weren't in a race,…

ENGINE Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-cylinder Power: 112kW (150Hp) @ 11,000rpm Torque: 106Nm @ 9250rpm Capacity: 999cc Bore x stroke: 73.4 x 59mm Compression ratio: 12.2:1 Fuel system: Fuel injection, 40mm x 4 throttle bodies Ignition: Digital TRANSMISSION Type: 6 speed Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multiplate, assist and slipper function CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Twin spar aluminium Swingarm: Aluminium Front suspension: 43mm upside-down fork, continuous electronic adjustment, customisable, 150mm travel Rear suspension: Linkage shock, continuous electronic adjustment, customisable, 150mm travel Front brakes: Brembo radial mount monobloc 4-piston callipers, semi-floating 310mm dual discs, ABS Rear brake: Underslung single-piston calliper, 240mm single disc, ABS Tyres: Front: 120/70ZR17 (58W); Rear: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W) ELECTRONIC RIDER AIDS Brake control (ABS): Yes, with cornering function Riding modes: 3 modes, customisation within modes Engine power…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, parallel 2-cylinder, 270deg crankshaft Power: 37kW (PS) @ 9500rpm Torque: 39Nm @ 7600rpm Capacity: 449,5cc Bore x stroke: 72 x 55.2mm Compression ratio: Not given Fuel system: Fuel injection Ignition: Digital TRANSMISSION Type: 6 speed Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multiplate, assist and slipper function CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Steel Swingarm: Steel Front suspension: 37mm upside-down fork, 130mm travel Rear suspension: Single shock, 130mm travel, preload adjustment Front brakes: Radial-mount 4-piston callipers, semi-floating 320mm disc, ABS Rear brake: Single-piston calliper, 220mm disc, ABS Tyres: Front: 110/70ZR17; Rear: 150/60ZR17M/C ELECTRONIC RIDER AIDS Brake control (ABS): Yes Traction control: Yes Quickshifter: No Cruise control: No DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: Not given Trail: Not given Length x width x height: 2000 x 810 x 1130mm Claimed…

ROAD RIDER TEST DUCATI SCRAMBLER FULL THROTTLE SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Type: L-Twin, Desmodromic distribution, 2 valves per cylinder, air cooled Capacity: 803cc Compression ratio: 11:1 Engine management: Electronic fuel injection, 50mm throttle body with Ride-by-Wire system. Termignoni stainless-steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 73hp (53.6kW) @ 8250rpm Claimed maximum torque: 65.2Nm @ 7000rpm Fuel consumption: 5.4L/100km TRANSMISSION Type: 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift up/down Final drive: Chain Clutch: Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Tubular steel Trellis frame Front suspension: Upside-down Kayaba 41mm fork Rear suspension: Single rear shock, adjustabble for preload. Front brakes: Ø330mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS Rear brake: Ø245mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS Tyres:…

AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDER BIKE TEST ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN 450 As the front wheel deflected off a rock, I thought I was going down… but just as quickly, the back tyre slipped around on the sandy surface of the hill, back in line with the front, and the brand-new Himalayan 450 I was riding simply chugged forward, avoiding what felt like an inevitable lie-down just seconds earlier. The mishap was one of many I experienced on the Australian launch of the new Royal Enfield Himalayan, but at no time did the bike go down, despite the challenging conditions on the route mapped out by multiple Isle of Man champion Cameron Donald. Day one had been a road ride from Melbourne to the Victorian High Country, day two the adventure route and…

AUSTRALIAN ROAD RIDER BIKE TEST ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN 450 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Type: Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke with four valves Capacity: 452cc Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Engine management: EFI, 42mm throttle body, Ride by Wire PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 40HP (29.44kW) @ 8000rpm Claimed maximum torque: 40Nm @ 5500rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed constant mesh Final drive: Chain Clutch: Wet multiplate with slip & assist CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Twin spar steel tubular Front suspension: 43mm USD Showa forks, non-adjustable, 200mm of wheel travel Rear suspension: Linkage single rear shock, adjustable for preload, 200mm of wheel travel Front brakes: single disc, twin-piston caliper, ABS Rear brake: single disc, single-piston caliper, switchable ABS Tyres, F: 90/90-21; R: 140/80-17 DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES Rake: N/A Trail: N/A Claimed wet weight: 196kg (90% fuel load) Seat height: 825/845…

ROAD RIDER TEST HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE AND ROAD GLIDE SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Type: Milwaukee-Eight 117. Air/liquid-cooled four-stroke V-twin with four valves per cylinder Capacity: 1923cc Compression ratio: 10.3:1 Engine management: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) PERFORMANCE Claimed maximum power: 105hp (78kW) @ 4600rpm Claimed maximum torque: 176Nm @ 3250rpm TRANSMISSION Type: 6-speed Final drive: Toothed Belt Clutch: Wet, slip & assist CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR Chassis: Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded Front suspension: 49mm (1.9in) Dual Bending Valve Conventional Rear suspension: 3in. (76.2mm) Dual Outboard Emulsion with Preload Adjustability Front brakes: 32mm (1.3in.), 4-piston fixed axially mounted dual floating front discs rear Rear brake: Single fixed disc Tyres, F: 130/60B19 M/C 61H;…

READER REVIEW – GARMIN XT2 GPS WHATZ NEW The road to my purchasing a Garmin XT2 started back in 1968, when I got my “Big Bike” license and bought my first motorbike, a Suzuki T20. This was in the days when a Triumph Tiger and the Suzuki 500s were considered big bikes. At this time my brother had a BMW R69S that I borrowed for a short ride, bringing it back five hours later, and led to my love of the Boxer twin. I sold my T20 in 1970 and the next time I rode a bike was in 1984 when I was storing my other brother's unlicensed Moto Guzzi, and literally rode it around the block a couple of times to keep everything loosened up. We migrated from Africa…

I have been spending a lot of quality time with my new squeeze but that's why you buy them, isn't it? Physical attraction ignites the fire, but it's the magic you make together that bonds you for life. As summers go, mine was relatively cool and wet, but I still racked up thousands of kilometres in the saddle. Many of them were logged locally, either solo or with mates, often to favourite watering holes at Wollombi or Spencer. The road surfaces are generally not much chop, but the Triumph takes the ripples and potholes in its stride, certainly better than my other bikes ever have. And there's always the Old Pacific Highway if I want to have a mid-week play. I also got in a few longer rides, the first…

UPFRONT 2025 INDIAN SCOUT – ALL-NEW AMERICAN ICON Indian Motorcycle's Scout has been a mainstay of the manufacturer's lineup since launching the modern version a decade ago, and soon we will have the 2025 version with a new chassis, engine, two trim levels and lots of accessories available to give endless customisation options. The style is familiar but updated. The engine, the 1250cc SpeedPlus, offers up to 111hp (82kW) while the chassis is now steel to make customisation easier. Some things remain the same, however, like a low seat and classic Indian styling. The lineup will include five models (Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout and 101 Scout). “Scout is a beloved model and the most iconic and historic of our lineup, resonating with all types of riders,…

UPFRONT DUCATI DESIGN EXHIBITION Talk to a lover of Italian design – especially the country's cars and motorcycles – and enthusiasts get all emotional, talking about the sensual nature of the styling and the passion that creates. Ducati has set out to explain the process through a recent exhibition at the Leonardo da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum during Milan Design Week earlier this year. Titled “Forma – Feelings Designed by Ducati in Borgo Panigale”, the exhibition was created with the aim of accompanying visitors in the discovery of the design process through which all Ducati motorcycles are created: a magical combination of beauty and high-end technology, performance and emotions, in which form and function work in symbiosis. According to Andrea Ferraresi, director of Strategy & Centro Stile Ducati,…

Kawasaki Versys 1000 - $21,000+ORC Australia no longer gets the Versys 1000SE with electronic suspension, so you can save a few thousand over the Suzuki with the current model, which has more conventional forks and shock. However, the Kawasaki is 20-odd kilos heavier, isn't as up to date, and doesn't feel quite as dynamic as Suzuki's GX. BMW S 1000 XR - from $28,670 Ride Away The bike to beat in the category, the BMW is a ripper – fast, comfortable, capable. It's also more expensive than the Suzuki, and the price can escalate a lot if you start choosing lots of genuine options and accessories, so be sure to compare like for like. There's also the F 900 XR if you'd like something lighter and cheaper. Also consider… Honda…

ROAD RIDER TEST 2024 CFMOTO 450NK Last year we were impressed with CFMOTO's 450SR, its sports 450… and now we have the NK, which uses the same engine in a modern roadster configuration. Looking at the 450NK for the first time in the well-padded ARR garage, it presented as a pleasingly different small naked bike – and it is small. Not tiny, but definitely compact. The 450 twin engine is much the same as the one we sampled at the 450SR launch (Issue 174, Oct 23). However, it is more efficient, making an additional 2.5kW (37kW/9500rpm) at 500rpm less than the SR's 34.5kW/10,000rpm. The frame and swingarm are manufactured from steel (typical at this end of the market). Braking is via a single front 320mm disc gripped by a four-piston,…

ROAD RIDER TEST DUCATI SCRAMBLER FULL THROTTLE Sometimes, I just like to ride. Not to go fast or go far or go hard or get dirty… just ride. When I feel like this, a Ducati Scrambler is the perfect bike. For my height, weight, experience, the 803cc Scramblers are perfect in this role. The V-twin engine provides a delightful throb, the upright riding position is comfortable, the styling retro and beautiful. It's all I need for a ride and nothing I don't. When perfect is the absence of anything that makes something imperfect, some rides on a Ducati Scrambler are perfect. Of course, it's not a perfect bike, but it can provide the perfect ride. FULL THROTTLE There are three models of the new midrange Scramblers, with Ducati Australia able…

ROADS TO RIDE VICTORIA, LOY YANG TO YARRAM See this map in Calimoto. Follow the link or scan the QR code to see the map on your device or computer: will open in Calimoto if installed. https://links.roadrider.com.au/Loy-Yang-Yarrum-179 At Road Rider we occasionally like to offer ride suggestions based on some hidden gems we've found. This suggestion isn't long (about 60km), but it packs a lot into those few kilometres. It runs north to south, from the Latrobe Valley over the Strzelecki Range and on to the Victorian Bass Coast town of Yarram. THE PROLOGUE The Loy Yang power plant complex marks the start of the special stage. To get there, I did a tour of the ales… Sale, Rosedale and Gormandale – a 30-minute liaison from my overnight accommodation. Leaving…

CFMOTO 450MT - $9495 Ride Away Two cylinders, more power, same weight… no brainer? Maybe, but the simplicity and robust build of the Himalayan shouldn't be ignored. Suzuki V-Strom 250 Here at Australian Road Rider we love V-Stroms, although we haven't had the chance to test the smallest member of the family. It's not going to have the performance of a Himalayan 450, but might be a little more approachable for some thanks to its 19-inch front wheel and legendary Suzuki reliability. KTM 390 Adventure An Asian-built bike for a European brand, the smallest KTM Adventure has racier styling and heritage, although overall performance isn't going to be vastly different to the Himalayan. The KTM is lighter, produces more power but less torque, has less suspension travel and runs a…

Stay put. The tornado will come through in about 25 minutes, don't get back on the bike until it's passed.” Welcome to Texas. The advice has come from a local who had received the alert on his phone, a local we'd been chatting to… he said he had to leave immediately. When we asked what we should do, he said, “Stay put as the tornado will hit in about 25 minutes” – and not to get back on the bike before it had passed. We were seriously worried. BIGGER IN TEXAS They say everything is bigger in Texas and the speed limit certainly was. We had entered the state from New Mexico and as we rode east of El Paso, the speed limit on Interstate 10 (I-10) was 130km/h, 10km/h…

WHATZ NEW CALIMOTO – PHONE APP TOUR PLANNER & GPS Released world-wide five years ago, Calimoto is probably the premier navigation app available today, and it's now reaching into networking too. Developed in Germany, its Australian content is pretty good and growing, although it's primarily a road-based app – there are lots of good gravel roads it will find, but lots it won't. What it does do is find a route that is likely to suit you better than the default mapping apps, lets you plan a tour, create a round trip, record your trip and more – and all of these things are part of the free package. As a bit of a test, I asked it to plan a route from my place north of Sydney to Phillip…

Available over the years in both full power and LAMS approved, the Kawasaki Versys 650 is one of the most versatile, capable and fun machines around, and it's a bargain, too. Most people look at the crossover styling, 17-inch wheels and can't work it out though, and move on to more traditional machines. But they'll have missed out on an interesting bike – and yes, I'm a little biased in this case, I own one. I came to own this bike through an intermediary, my eldest son… he was still restricted to a LAMS machine when the chance to buy this bike came up at a good price and we had a couple of old bikes whose value had sky rocketed during Covid. So they got sold, the Versys got…

UPFRONT BMW R 12 & R 12 NINET UNVEILING Irode to the evening unveiling of the BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT in Sydney, a two-hour ride down (at peak hour) and 90-minute ride home, because I choose not to live in a big city and riding is my preferred way of travelling. The R 12 nineT (from $26,495 ride away) is a new generation of the bike we're pretty familiar with – a modern naked dressed as a classic roadster. The R 12 (from $22,575 ride away) is more your classic cruiser, with a taller front wheel, lower seat, and therefore a slightly more lay-back riding position. BMW's marketing department was calling it a launch, but I call it an unveiling, because we didn't get to ride the…

ARR TRAVEL RIDING INDIA DURING THE BATHUKAMMA FESTIVAL The blast of a horn and an outstretched hand beckons us towards the tuk-tuk door. It's Naseem, our city guide on three wheels. We jump in and she expertly manoeuvres her electric vehicle around Charminar, Hyderabad's imposing landmark. An impressive four-columned, 56m-high structure dating from the 15th century, the city symbol is the location of crowded night markets, traffic relentlessly swirling around its magical minarets and arches. Amazingly we find our fellow travellers amid the colourful chaos and head back to the hotel. We plan to leave early tomorrow to avoid the city peak hour, to allow us time to become accustomed to our newly rented Royal Enfields. Brimming with confidence and determination, Naseem engages briefly with the local vendors then heads…

Most bikes have two seats, but few are built for two people. The GSX-S1000GX is one of the few. Pillion suitability has been designed in from the start – a flat, reasonably wide seat for both rider and passenger, great grab rails built into the standard rack, footpegs which aren't too high or in a crazy position. There's also a taller premium seat available, something I'd be ordering with the bike if I bought one. If I have one bugbear with the GX, it's the rider's seat-to-footpeg distance, which feels a little tight – Suzuki has sacrificed comfort for sporting ability in this respect. While I was a little disappointed at the degree of knee bend for a big crossover bike, it's a small price to pay to ride a…

“THE NK HAS GENUINE X-FACTOR…” Kawasaki Z500 – $7994 + ORC ($1500) A new 2024 model and growing from the Z400, this bike has the history of Kawasaki behind it and a long history behind the motor. Honda CB500F – $10,500, depending on location A good-looking and proven package with decent spec and a long history. Showa USD forks, 190kg. Only available in yellow and it's a bit more expensive than the CFMOTO. KTM 390 Duke – from $8195 RA Sporty yet single-cylinder powered, the 390 Duke is a fun ride with some nice inclusions and tech. Great suspension and instruments.…

BMW R nineT Scrambler - from $23,970 Ride Awav Cast wheels, Boxer twin, conventional fork… the bigger engine produces lots more power and torque (it really compares to the 1100cc Ducati Scramblers) and more weight, but worth a look. Triumph Scrambler 900 - from $19,190 Ride Away Less power but more torque, British-style v Italian, parallel twin vs L-twin. Laced 19-inch front wheel but less suspension travel than the Ducati. Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail - from $11,990 Ride Away A parallel twin with laced wheels (19in front), block tyres and a low price. Lots of fun without being a stand out in any area except value for money.…

Rub Oases: The “Empty Quarter”, the largest sand desert in the world, stretches across the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. A hostile environment from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf, about half the size of the Northern Territory. Even where today the skyscrapers are taller than anywhere else in the world, 50 years ago there was nothing but sand. From the 16th to the 19th century, the pearl trade flourished in a small village on Dubai Creek, but with the advent of cultured pearls in the 1930s, the coastal region quickly fell into oblivion. Until 1966, when oil was discovered off the coast. Today, Dubai is seen as the epitome of lavish luxury. Western expats live well, while migrant workers from countries such as India, Pakistan and Nepal…

Harley-Davidson has made the biggest updates to its Street and Road Glides in the best part of a decade. The new models, which will sit on showroom floors alongside some carryover versions of the older bikes, represent massive changes to the style, design, weight and performance of HarleyDavidson's Grand American Tourers. To the outsider, to the general public, to the non-motorcyclist, and even to people who don't ride Harley-Davidsons, they may not look significantly different to the earlier models, but they definitely are. Harley's engineers and designers spent an enormous amount of time trying to get every component to stand on its own and yet make all those components combine to create a beautiful Grand American Touring motorcycle. The reason for this is so that when motorcycles are customised, the…

Faster to use, more adjustable and stronger than any Andy Strapz before it, the new Adapta Strapz use a combination of materials and parts to create one of the best luggage accessories we've ever used at Australian Road Rider. It's the familiar 2-inch-wide elastic stretch webbing material for the main section which holds your gear in place, with a side-release buckle to make loading, unloading and tensioning quicker and easier. To use the Adapta Strapz you loop the inchwide webbing through a loop on your bike – a gap in the rack, a footpeg or frame rail, whatever. In use the strapz hold your gear snugly yet they're easy to access and re-attach, and because the Strapz are wide, they don't put undue pressure on your gear and won't fling…

Tankbags are a great way to carry gear, although modern motorcycle design has hampered their usefulness. Having luggage sitting at the middle of the bike is great for weight distribution, doesn't get in the way of a pillion passenger and it's always close to hand, but mounting issues, the shape of tanks, the possibility of scratches and getting in the way of handlebars and beer bellies have been problems. The SW Motech Tank Bag Pro Daypack addresses those issues and does it well, providing a stable platform that doesn't get in the way and carries a useful amount of gear. It attaches via a PRO Tank Ring – a fibreglass-reinforced plastic horseshoe-shaped device that attaches to your filler cap and is built to suit many makes and models (I have…

Frank Kleinitz is an inspiration. He exudes a positiveness that few humans could find in his position. This is his story. Living and working overseas, expats gather just like bike riders seem to gravitate to each other wherever they are. In 2008, Frank was living in Qatar and went out riding with mates one sunny morning like he had done many times before. Frank was getting ready to fly out of for a break from work as a Telecom technician. He hadn't finished packing but the call from mates to go for a ride through the pristine white sand dunes was irresistible. All are accomplished dirt and road riders. Frank was on his Yamaha WR450 while all his mates ride Honda CRFs. Anyone who's ridden sand dunes, particularly stark white…