Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 32 i Australian Adventure Bike

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS Meanwhile, back in Austria … KTM might have been fighting for its financial existence, but half a world away, the Red Bull KTM Factory race team was doing what it does best: dominating the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. And this time it was Aussie rider Daniel Sanders who was leading the charge and in the process never put a foot wrong. And yeah, the orange brigade sure was stoked to take the win, with young gun Edgar Canet backing it up with victory in the Rally 2 class. SUNSET SAILING Some photographs just ooze atmosphere. Like this one of a KTM 890 Adventure R sailing over a southern European sunset. Kodak gold, for sure! STICKS & STONES We’d never heard of Deadwood, South Dakota, but after…

What a mighty 12 months it’s been for the Aprilia Tuareg and Italian international rally racer Jacopo Cerruti. Just two years after the Italian factory presented its ‘Back to Africa’ project — created to bring Aprilia back to the great desert races — the Aprilia Tuareg and lead team rider Cerruti have celebrated another victory in the latest staging of the annual Africa Eco Race. This time the legendary African rally was decided only at the last special stage, as Cerruti, who went into the race as defending champion, and arch rival Alessandro Botturi from the Yamaha Ténéré Experience team, fought tooth and nail for the outright victory across the entire 6000km of competition on African tracks packed with sand dunes and rocks. Cerruti ultimately took the win after Botturi…

If you love your global roaming and get inspired by stories from fellow adventurers who have taken aim on far-flung corners of the globe, then here’s a book you need to get your hands on. The Moment Collectors Asia: Twenty Traveller’s Tales from the Most Diverse Continent on Earth is a collection of 20 adventurous moments of life on the road in Asia by Sam Manicom and friends. It follows on from the inaugural book in the series: The Moment Collectors — Twenty Traveller’s Tales from Around the World that was published in 2022. Connected by motorcycles and insatiable curiosity, the many and varied stories in The Moment Collectors Asia take you from the heat of the central Asian steppes to the snow-topped mountains of Nepal, from the back roads of…

Mention the Victorian High Country to me and I’m like a dog being offered a juicy treat. My eyes widen, my ears prick up in anticipation — hell, I may even start to salivate! So imagine my reaction when I was offered a seven-day tour of this magical place on brand-new Honda CRF450RLs … I was froffing with a capital F! Woody and Ellyse of Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures didn’t have to ask Nugget and me twice to join them on their week-long adventure ride. The High Country is Australia’s premier adventure riding destination with endless hills, challenging river crossings, breathtaking scenery and legendary campsites — the place has it all. As if the deal couldn’t get any sweeter, we would be the first to ride Ellwood’s brand-new fleet of Honda…

It’s been said that the beauty of Norway is impossible to describe. I would go one further and simply describe Norway as impossible. The scenery is impossible to replicate in a photo or a painting. The riding is impossible to describe to anyone, rider or otherwise. The infrastructure, efficiency, quality of life and general social wellbeing are unparalleled in any other country I’ve seen. And I’ve seen a few. Our Fabulous Fjords riding tour in July last year started in the capital Oslo, and we headed inland via the high, superb Valdres National Park to visit our first high pass, Geiranger. It’s a stunning climb through sensational mountain scenery, with waterfalls everywhere and endless switchbacks to challenge your throttle control. Several viewing platforms at the top afford a sweeping panorama…

It’s no surprise to discover that when it comes to set-ups for the MAD-TV Royal Enfield Himalayan project bike, the Darcinator has been working to much the same charter as we have with the AAB CFMOTO 450MT project bike. As he explained in one of his YouTube updates on the Himalayan, his goals for the build have been to make the Indian ADV machine more pleasurable and safer to ride, while also boosting its reliability and durability. It’s a pretty simple formula, and it’s been achieved without spending a fortune on farkles, as we so often do with long-term project bike builds. But with the Himalayan, and the CFMOTO for that matter, busting the piggy bank and spending dollars on bolt-ons like a drunken sailor would fly somewhat in the…

A motorcycle’s cooling system typically includes a radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant, hoses, cooling fan and an expansion tank. All these items need to be working in unison to maintain optimal engine temperature by absorbing heat and transferring it away from the engine. To help understand these key components and what they do, here’s a quick explanation: + Radiator: This is the primary heat exchanger, where the circulating coolant transfers and dissipates heat to the surrounding air. + Water pump: A pump that actively circulates the coolant through the engine and radiator. + Thermostat: A valve that controls the flow of coolant by opening and closing based on engine temperature, ensuring the engine reaches optimal operating temperature. + Coolant (Anti-freeze): A liquid mixture that absorbs heat from the engine and…

We’re coming up to six months wearing Alpinestars Tech Air Off-Road airbag systems, and I’m kind of glad to say neither Ad Man Mitch nor I have activated a deployment of the system … yet. Which means we haven’t hit the deck — which is good — but truth be told, we are kind of keen to see what the deployment experience is like. Mitch and I received our TAORs at the same time, and Mitch was quicker to gravitate to wearing the airbag system. He’d been a longtime Alpinestars Bionic body armour pressure suit wearer, so wearing the TAOR feels familiar to him — it’s just a little heavier. I’ve always relied on inbuilt armour in ADV jackets for protection, plus I tend to run pretty hot when riding,…

We do like quality tools here at AAB HQ, and so do the majority of ADV riders. And we especially like good tools that do the job they’re designed for, while at the same time being designed to be compact to help save space in your gear setup. So it goes without saying that we’re stoked to have received this Motohansa Yamaha Pro ADV Tool-Kit for review, which is actually kitted out specifically to suit Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 range, including the World Raid. It’s a full kit of professional-quality tools and comes wrapped in its own Velcro-fastening tool roll. And how’s this? Motohansa offers a lifetime warranty — now that’s reassuring. The kit starts with a seven-piece wrench set that includes 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 19mm…

There’s no I in team. Just like there’s no I in adventure. And as I get older, the more I seem to appreciate that adventure riding doesn’t have to be a team sport. Some things in life can be well enjoyed with all your mates. But perhaps they could be enjoyed even more so if you have ‘no mates’? Confused? Let me try and explain. I’m fortunate enough to have plenty of mates — like most people, I would like to think. But now that I’ve just turned 60, I find myself keener than ever to simply climb on my bike and go ride, on my time, my route and my agenda. Without having to think about my mates. Or where they want to go. Or when they want to…

KTM has pulled the wraps off its much-awaited 390 Adventure R and X models, and in a time when the Austrian brand is fighting for its economic survival, they’ve come out fighting. Here’s how KTM kicked off this new model announcement: “The KTM 390 Adventure R is the most off-road capable middleweight adventure bike in its segment. Yes, it’s a bold claim, but with a 399cc powerplant, true rally-inspired design, 230mm adjustable suspension, and 21/18 inch wheels, this new addition to the KTM R stable simply rewrites the rulebook.” And KTM then added: “This motorcycle is designed and developed in Austria and assembled in India.” Which is kind of important to reassure KTM customers, for while the production lines in Austria might have been idle for a few months as…

Chinese brand CFMOTO has fired its latest shot in the ADV wars, with its all-new 800MT-X adventure bike landing on Aussie showroom floors tagged with a very sharp price that is sure to shake up the opposition. The 800MT-X is priced at just $14,990 ride-away with 12 months’ rego and comes with a bonus CFMOTO ‘MT’ branded adventure helmet valued at $299. The introductory pricing offer is available until June 30, 2025, after which the price will revert to $15,990 ride-away. Key features of the 800MT-X include: + 799c liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine with 285-degree crankshaft. + Maximum power: 70kW @ 8500rpm. + Maximum torque: 87Nm @ 6750rpm. + Bosch six-axis IMU. + Cornering ABS, rear-wheel switchable for off-road use. + Bi-directional quick shifter. + Power Assisted Slipper Clutch (PASC).…

Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 450 Hanle Black model now joins the Kamet White variant in offering a wire-spoked tubeless wheels version, giving riders even more choice for their adventures. Tubeless wheel versions of the Hanle Black have been arriving in dealerships in recent months, while limited stocks of the tubed version continued to be available, satisfying customers on either side of the tubed/tubeless debate. Contact your local Royal Enfield dealer for more information and to stay updated on latest availability and pricing. www.royalenfield.com.au…

Back in 2023 Ducati Australia produced the Un-Finkeable documentary that covered Nick Selleck’s romp down and back along the Finke Desert Race track aboard a Ducati DesertX. He covered the 460km journey in a single day and used a single tank of fuel to do it. Now the Ducati Australia multimedia team has been at it again. They recently released a sequel dubbed Un-Disclosed, and it’s another televisual feast for the senses. This time Nick is joined by Ducati Product Sponsor Andrea Rossi from the factory in Italy, who is making his first visit to Oz, and the pair climb aboard a pair of new Ducati DesertX Rally bikes … and they go for it! Desert, rivers, mountains, everything, — Nick and Andrea and their DesertX Rallys embark on a…

There’s a reason why Stephane Peterhansel, Cyril Despres, Marc Coma and Aussie Toby Price are referred to as ‘Aliens’ amongst the legions of mere mortals that are the backbone of the Dakar Rally race scene. They’ve each scored multiple wins in the world’s most gruelling rally race, and they’ve all had years when they thoroughly dominated the event. This year an Aussie beekeeper from the far-eastern outskirts of Melbourne took a massive step along the road to one day planting his name amongst the Dakar greats. Daniel Sanders didn’t just win this year’s Dakar Rally; he dominated it. Totally. Leading from start to finish, Sanders crushed his opponents in a race that covers a bike- and body-breaking 7700km over 14 days. And this in a year when the vast majority…

It’s early Thursday morning on the main street of Boonah, on the edge of the picturesque Scenic Rim region of southeast Queensland, and Flavours Café is doing its regular trade of coffees and cakes as patrons come and go. Settling into a table and chairs outside on the footpath, a couple of old stagers make themselves comfortable as they dispute whose turn it is to shout the morning coffee. But these two blokes look a little different. They’re not your regular retirees on their way to a play a round of golf, or decked out in dress whites to chuck a few ends at the local bowling greens. No, this pair is wearing adventure bike riding gear, and their mighty steeds are cooling their heels against the kerb nearby. While…

Adventure riding has many guises, as riders have different skills, different bike setups, different budgets, different commitments and different expectations. For some their adventure riding may be a spontaneous few days away enjoying time with mates, while for others it may be a meticulously organised and epic trip of a lifetime. We are inspired by a smorgasbord of adventure riding videos, magazine stories and the envious reports of our smug, smart aleck friends who never stop yakking about their own experiences. We dream of perfect undulating paths winding through the most breathtaking of scenery, discovering picturesque landscapes that unfold in real-time before us as we effortlessly steer our two-wheeled steeds through the serenity of this glorious sunburnt country. But can this perfect scenario be the case for all adventure riding?…

Which way do you look? When you have panoramic scenic views out to the horizon, a sharp trailside drop off to your left, a grassy track with limited traction right in front and a map to check which way the trail is headed on your ’bars, that makes four different angles that need to be constantly viewed. Sensory overload is real — and one of the fun challenges of riding the 2025 Yamaha NZ Adventure Rally. Led by Kiwi MX legend and former World MX champion Ben Townley, the sensational three-day ride centred around New Zealand’s picturesque East Cape on the North Island. The 1100km route covered many different terrains, from slide-inducing gravel roads to slippery grass tracks, and the scenery showed why New Zealand is considered a bucket list…

Yes, the push is on to get AAB’s esteemed editor, Clubby, into a tent, in the wild, with only the gear and food he brought on the rear of his adventure motorcycle. Who would have thought that the undisputed oracle of all things motorcycle adventure would have an aversion to motorcycle camping — an aversion surpassed only by his dislike of a red-hot beef vindaloo curry? Eating hot curry does strange things to his body. His anus turns into a high-pressure fire-hose. Not pretty, and certainly something to be avoided. By the time you read this passage, he will have endured sleeping on the ground among insects and reptiles. Overnight, he may have practised the Moody Method Of Urination (MOU), pronounced as in the word cow. Clubby on the road,…

And the new model releases from KTM keep on coming … meet the 390 Enduro R, another cab on the rank in KTM’s new range of Indianmanufactured 390 models, which also include adventure, road and motard variants. Vital stats for the new 390 Enduro R dual-sport machine include: + Revamped 393cc LC4c single-cylinder engine. + Street and Off-Road ride modes and switchable ABS. + Steel trellis frame with pressure die-cast sub-frame. + Adjustable WP APEX suspension with 230mm wheel travel front and rear. + 21/18-inch wheel sizes with BYRBE brakes. + LED lighting and 4.2-inch TFT display. + 9-litre metal fuel tank. + 270mm ground clearance. + 1475mm wheelbase. + 890mm seat height. + 159kg weight (without fuel). KTM Australia has advised the ride-away price for the 390 Enduro R…

If there’s a place we are absolutely busting to go ride again, it has to be the spectacular South Island of New Zealand. And when we say spectacular, we mean it — and it’s just a three-hour flight from the east coast of Australia, yet the riding feels like you are an entire world away! And when we do get there, it’s going to be with the crew from Ultimate Adventure Moto New Zealand, who specialise in fully-guided ‘off the beaten track’ adventure motorcycle tours that will excite your senses and blow your mind. They offer a selection of amazing and unique tours that range from one-day to three-weeks in duration, to ensure there is something to suit every rider on any budget. Everything is provided, including a KTM motorcycle,…

Triumph Motorcycles Australia is rolling on a high, increasing sales by more than 25 per cent year-on-year through 2024 despite challenging market conditions. With a strong dealer network of 30 representatives right around Australia, and the brand’s successful entry into new market categories that include motocross and 400cc street and scrambler models, countless new riders have been welcomed to the legendary British brand. And with more new motocross and street machines coming soon, Triumph says its new model momentum is set to go up another gear for 2025. www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au…

Honda HRC has taken the wraps off a very special CRF450RX Rally. To be produced in limited numbers — just 50 examples — it will be available as a customer bike to rally competitors. Based on the Monster Energy Racing Honda Rally race team bikes, this red rocket is loaded with plenty of fruit and will no doubt have a price tag to match! The bike comes packed with an up-spec CRF450RX motor and Akrapovic exhaust, and boasts a rally tower for optimal placement of navigation equipment, while the total fuel load is 36 litres thanks to dual front tanks holding 22 litres and a 14-litre rear tank that also acts as the rear sub-frame of the machine. Sure to be pricey — around 35,000 euros! — we’re not expecting…

It’s been a while since I spent my life travelling the Grand Prix race-tracks of the world as a professional photographer. In fact, it’s been about a decade since I last photographed test bikes and new model launches. Over the years I’ve been-there-and-seen-that when it comes to motorcycle racing: as well as road race GPs, I’ve covered MX GPs, the ISDE, the Isle of Man and Speedway World Cup events. But I have never been to a Dakar. So this year I decided to change that, and I stumped up a fair lump of coin to jet off to Saudi Arabia and be part of a ‘chasing Dakar’ tour to get an up-close view of the action. Or so I hoped. Now deep into my 60s, I still love riding…

One week it’s the Victorian high country chasing around ADV training guru Miles Davis on an extensive photo shoot. The next it’s a charge around the Scenic Rim region of south-east Queensland, photographing old-school moto heroes Stephen Gall and Mal Dalton on one of their regular Thursday rides. And another it’s trying to keep the dust in sight of AAB Ad Man Mitch Newell on a romp along the Yengo Trail west of Wollombi in the NSW Hunter Valley. Whatever the recent AAB editorial assignment, the AAB/MAD TV CFMOTO 450MT long-termer has been ready and raring to go. And the best part of the deal is the living is easy when it comes to life with the popular little 450 twin from China. In fact, it’s cheap and easy, because…

At the beginning of an adventure bike training course, I will ask the riders to introduce themselves, tell the group how long they have been riding and detail what they are looking to gain from the course. One of the most common goals people have is to gain confidence when cornering off-road. It’s clear that cornering has its challenges when you’re confronted with loose surfaces, camber, ruts and more. Let’s break down some of the basics to provide some clarity when it comes to cornering. FIRST THINGS FIRST I would say that most riders that are having trouble with cornering suffer from the following points: + Not looking far enough ahead and setting their speed for the corner, before the corner. + Not picking the correct line to give the…

You see a lot of Pirelli Scorpion Rally Race tyres on the bikes of Aussie adventure riders, and the common denominator is they’re generally riders who like to push the off-road side of the ADV riding scale. Pirelli’s Scorpion Rally Race tyres are renowned for their performance in off-road conditions while still being entirely capable on the tar, as well as offering good mileage. We’ve been running these Scorpion Rally Race tyres on our latest Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and CFMOTO 450MT long-term project bikes, and being smaller-capacity bikes with some decent off-road capabilities, the block-knob design Pirellis have proven themselves once again. Both bikes were fitted with the Scorpion Rally Race tyres before our recent outback run to Tibooburra and south-west Queensland, and they lapped up that ride with…