CAN-AM SPYDER RT - Cycle Torque

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APRIL 2010
CAN-AM SPYDER RT
T hree
l egged
touring touring touring
CAB
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2010 KX250F
APRIL 2010 - 1

APRIL 2010 Contents
12
TEST
CAN-Am SPydEr rT
roAdSTEr
30
TEST
LAro 250
CruiSEr
20
FEATurE
JourNEymAN
features
36 QUAD TORQUE
48 Biking in RUssiA
reGuLars
3-10 nEws
18 EDiTORiAL
24 gUnTRip
25 RAcE TORQUE
29 E-TORQUE
34 LETTERs
39 mAjOR EvEnTs
50 BikE sTUff
26
TEST
KAwASAKi
KX250F
42
TEST
Bmw S 1000 rr
44
FEATurE
dEuS mT-01
51 UsED & REviEwED
54 DiRTy TORQUE
CyCLe torque: 02 4956 9820
fuLL detaiLs paGe 39
Cover image: Can-Am by Nigel Paterson, Kawasaki by Chris Pickett
NeWs torque
yAmAhA LAuNChES Big-
BorE AdvENTurE TourEr
Yamaha is back in the adventure Tourer market with
the launch of the XTZ1200 Super Ténéré. It’s the first time
Yamaha has built a twin cylinder adventure machine since
the XTZ750 in over 20 years.
Built to take on the successful machines in the category
from BMW and KTM, the Super Ténéré is designed to handle
well both on and off road while offering the best longdistance
capabilities in its class.
Although the engine seems outwardly similar to the
parallel twin motor powering the TDM900, Yamaha has said
it’s an all-new powerplant.
The 1199cc twin features a 270-degree crankshaft, which
will offset the firing of the cylinders and give it the feel of a
V-twin. Putting out more than 100hp from the four-valve,
DOHC fuel injected, the bike should have plenty of grunt for
the class.
The Super Ténéré bristles with the latest technology, too,
including YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), sidemounted
radiators, traction control, three-position ABS with
a Unified Braking System, shaft drive and rider-selectable
engine maps.
Adventure riders will be pleased to hear the bike has a 23
litre tank, aluminium rims suitable for tubeless tyres, a 12volt
power outlet, optional factory panniers and adjustable
seat height.
The engine is slanted forward to lower the centre of gravity
and to allow downdraft intake. Mounting the radiator on
the left side prevents the wheelbase from being too long, a
common problem on inclined-cylinder designs.
The result is a machine which is compact, great for narrow
trails or city streets. It’s slim for a twin, too.
Having a ride-by-wire throttle means the traction control
system can control fuel injection, the engine’s ECU and
throttle position if rear wheel speed exceeds the front’s.
However, there are three user-selectable traction control
options – off, TCS1 and TCS2, allowing the rider to choose
the level - or not - of traction control.
Also rider selectable is Touring and Sport modes. Touring
mode flattens out the torque curve compared to Sport Mode,
making for a more relaxing ride.
Yamaha chose to use a steel frame for the Super Ténéré
with the engine as a stressed member. Offering both strength
and flexibility, Yamaha believe the Super Ténéré’s chassis
offers the best balance of comfort and performance. Dual
backbone tubes not only allow the fuel tank to sit lower,
but also give excellent access to the engine for maintenance.
Chassis components a long way from the centre of gravity,
such as the rear subframe, are alloy.
Front suspension is by 43mm upside down forks with
adjustable spring preload. The rear features a shock
adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
The fairing is designed to give excellent weather protection,
but Yamaha has also fitted crash guards to minimise damage
if the bike should fall. The guards also serve as hand-holds to
manoeuvre the bike out of difficult situations if need be.
Pricing and availability if the Super Ténéré hasn’t been
announced yet. n
APRIL 2010 - 3

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Electric sizzle
moTocZYsZ – pronounced motosizz – is building one of the
most advanced, exciting and fast electric bikes anywhere – and
not only plans to win the TTXGP with the bike, but also
help put lots of machines on the grid by offering a $10,000
discount to the first ten teams to put a E1PC on the grid.
The man behind the company is architect and racer Michael
Czysz, who built a 990cc machine which he’d planned to
put on the MotoGP grid, only to have the FIM drop the
capacity to 800cc. Instead of re-tooling to the smaller
capacity, he looked to the future and decided to go
electric.
The heart of Czysz’s latest design is the ‘Electric
D1g1tal Dr1ve’ System of proprietary controller and
electrical storage, claimed to be one of the highest torque
density motors in the industry. It’s MotoCzysz’s design, the
company claiming the currently available technology may be
well suited to golf carts but not to high performance motorcycles.
Matched with a liquid-cooled brushless DC motor there’s a claimed
100hp and a massive 338Nm of torque – impressive stuff.
MotoCzysz put a bike on the grid at last year’s TTXGP on the Isle of
Man, but gremlins forced a DNF – but this year is planning to win.
Beyond racing though, Czysz is offering his products to the world. No,
you can’t buy a complete bike - at least not this year - but for $US42,500
you can get a MotoCzysz D1g1tal Dr1ve system complete with batteries
and a chassis. You need to bolt on running gear and the company says
you can fit almost any swingarm.
Get in early with a plan to compete though, and $10,000 comes off the
price.
In 2011 you might be able to buy a complete motorcycle… n
get Booked for a cause
The Grand Prix Motorcycle is
acclaimed author Kevin cameron’s
latest book – and you can get
yourself a copy and support the
morong spinal unit at the same
time.
Cycle Torque has been supplied
24 copies, and they will be sold
to the highest bidders through a
silent email auction until May 10.
Carrying a price in the USA of
$39.95, The Grand Prix Motorcycle
would be expected to retail in
Australia for around $59.95.
The top 24 bids will each be sent
a copy - just email your bid to bec@
cycletorque.com.au and she will
call you after May 14 to arrange
payment (make sure you include
a daytime contact number). Cycle
Torque will pay the postage: the
amount you bid and pay will go to
the Morong Spinal Clinic, so don’t
be stingy, bid what you can afford
(but with 24 books to be sold,
there’s also a good chance you
won’t miss out).
Sub-titled The Official Technical
History and carrying a forward by
three-time World 500 Champion
Kenny Roberts Senior, The Grand
Prix Motorcycle is the story of how
the best road racing machines have
evolved since the championships
commenced in 1949.
Each championship-winning bike
is featured, along with sections
devoted to various eras: the bikes,
riders, technology and rules.
The amount you will learn from
this book about grand prix bikes,
their riders and the championship
is simply amazing - every race fan
should read this book.
Remember, the top 24 bids
will get the books, and all of the
money raised by the bids will go
to the Morong Spinal Clinic. You
must get your bids in by May
10 to bec@cycletorque.com.au
and don’t forget to include your
name, address and daytime phone
number. n
Seth smashes record
AMERICAN freestyle legend, Seth Enslow, made history on March 2, smashing the
existing world record motorcycle jump of 157 feet (approximately 47.85 metres) by over
five metres.
Riding a Harley-Davidson XR1200, Seth jumped 175 feet (53.34 metres) under the
watchful eye of sydney harbour Bridge.
The death defying stunt recreated an unforgettable Harley-Davidson motorcycle
benchmark set by the infamous
Evel Knievel in 1975 and a world
record most recently set by
Bubba Blackwell in Las Vegas,
1999.
still high from the jump, seth
said: “This is awesome, i’m
stoked!”
Harley-Davidson’s, Adrian
o’Donoughue, added: “We’ve
worked hard at creating history
and we’re all glad he landed it
safely. The wheels are already in
motion for what we do next!”
The world record attempt
was broadcast live on www.
harleyworldrecordjump.com.
Log on to watch the replay.
The world by multistrada
DucaTi, in conjuction with one of
the world’s leading motorcycle tour
operators, has put together four rides in
four countries – and you can go along.
Designed to promote the new 1200
Multistrada and its versatility thanks
to the various engine maps, suspension
adjustabillty and more, tours which
take in Australia, Spain/Morocco, USA
(California) and Italy are sure to be
exciting.
The Multistrada Travel Experience is
being promoted as “The world as you’ve
never seen it, the bike as you’ve never
imagined it. Four exclusive journeys
that let you explore places, cultures and
thrills in the most intense, exciting way
possible.”
The trips include rides in Spain
and across the Strait of Gibraltar and
into Africa, the hidden beauty of Italy,
the awesome expanse of
Australia and the rugged
ocean coasts of California.
Designed to offer
heaps of variety in the
travel experience and the
capabilities of the new
Multistrada 1200, this has got
to be the ultimate way to test
ride a new motorcycle.
The trips are 9-16 days,
depending on the country.
Prices are from 3550 euros.
See http://www.
multistrada.ducati.com and
click on ‘travel experience’
for more information. n
4 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 5

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QBE winners
ToNy and alison smithies from hobart, Tasmania, were the lucky
winners of QBE’s Superbike World Championship Competition.
QBE motorcycle policyholders were eligible to enter. The lucky
winners were flown up from their home state into Melbourne,
transported down to Phillip Island, given VIP passes including
corporate hospitality and even scored a helicopter flight back to
Melbourne after the racing.
“The Australian Superbike Races were highlight,” Tony told Cycle
Torque. “We got to watch the last one from the pit wall, and that was
fantastic.”
“QBE have really looked after us”, Alison, who rides a scooter, said.
QBE regularly offers policy holders the chance to win great prizes. n
victoria bans trucks
VICToRIA will become the first
australian state to ban trucks
travelling in the right-hand lanes of
freeways.
VicRoads Minister Tim Pallas recently
announced the move was planned to
improve safety and reduce congestion
on key freeways, and address
complaints that slow moving trucks
clog roads when they overtake.
Trucks caught driving in the righthand
lane of freeways consisting of
three lanes or more would face fines of
$350, Mr Pallas said.
The bans apply to all heavy vehicles
weighing 4.5 tonnes and over, except
buses, and will be enforced by
VicRoads and Victoria Police.
Starting in July, the new rule will first
apply to a 38-kilometre stretch of the
Princes Freeway, then the Melbourne
Ring Road, Eastern Freeway and
EastLink.
Mr Pallas said the ban wouldn’t start
on the M1 until its roadworks were
complete, and would not apply to the
West Gate Bridge.
The move was to ensure ‘driver
safety’, Mr Pallas said, with a recent
RACV report showing 83 per cent of
motorists believed trucks should be
restricted from the right-hand lane.
“I do feel a bit intimidated by
trucks on the road... and we all have a
responsibility to drive safely,” he said.
Calls to limit trucks from some lanes
on freeways first started after a triple
fatal crash in the Burnley Tunnel in
2007.
Last year an accident on the Monash
Freeway involving two trucks and a ute
instigated further calls for the move.
oran Park demolished
After the Monash Freeway incident,
the chairman of the Victorian Freight
and Logistics Council, John Begley, said
limiting trucks to left hand lanes may
not be the answer to solving freeway
congestion.
“I think they would probably cause
more congestion to some extent,
because you would have a continuous
flow of trucks... the slowest truck
would dictate how fast that lane went,”
he said at the time.
“What happens to people who are in
the middle and outside lanes who want
to take an off-ramp? If trucks were
lining the inside lane all the time, how
would anybody then get across safely
to exit the freeway?”
While the new rule seems to be a
fait accompli, enforcing it may be a
different matter. n
6 - APRIL 2010
Sad but true – Oran Park Raceway is gone, demolished. At a time when authorities are trying to make going fast on
the road considered to be a social evil, we’re also losing tracks faster than they can be built. If the noise nazis and go
slow crowd have their way we won’t be having fun at any speed.
* MAXIMUM DEALER RIDE AWAY PRICE. OFFER ENDS ON 30 JUNE, 2010, UNLESS EXTENDED. THE RIDE AWAY PRICE INCLUDES 12 MONTHS
PRIVATE REGISTRATION, 12 MONTHS COMPULSORY THIRD PARTY INSURANCE, DEALER DELIVERY AND STAMP DUTY. OPTIONAL EXTRAS NOT
INCLUDED. BASED ON A PRIVATE PURCHASER WITH A GOOD DRIVING RECORD – MAY BE HIGHER FOR OTHER PURCHASERS.
APRIL 2010 - 7

NeWs torque NeWs torque
villopoto wins, dungey leads
KAWASAKI’S Ryan Villopoto has taken his fifth win of the 2010 AMA Supercross Championship, closing the gap to
series leader Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) to only 17 points.
Just before Cycle Torque went to press the championship headed north to Toronto in Canada. Villipoto and Dungey were all
set to continue their battle for the title, especially after Chad Reed and James ‘Bubba’ Stewart withdrew from the series early
in the championship due to injury.
At Toronto it would be Villopoto who would triumph
over his championship rival Dungey, with Trey Canard
third on his Honda.
I really wouldn’t be in this position without all of my
team and everyone involved,” said Villopoto. “The last
couple weeks we’ve been on it and it’s what we need
to do. The racing is close and it’s been tough. I need to
make up ground and I got to make those passes quick.
I also need to keep getting good starts.”
The top ten results for the Toronto round or the
championship doesn’t make for good reading for
Australian fans.
Reed didn’t score one point before exiting the series
and Dan Reardan doesn’t feature in the top ten either,
a mixture of injury and average results keeping the
talented rider out of the championship pointy end. n
Josh’s Strang-lehold
AUSTRALIA’S Josh Strang has won the first two rounds of America’s GNCC series. Strang has been contesting the series
for a couple of years now, and the suzuki rider is now showing the dominant form many pundits have predicted.
Strang, from Inverell in NSW, sits on top of the Pro class table with 60 points, 14 clear of second placed Chris Bach (KTM)
and Charles Mullins (Yamaha) another seven points further adrift.
“I’ve worked hard for this and it feels good,” said Strang after his win in the Maxxis General GNCC in Washinton, Georgia.
“And to get two wins is great. I got a good start, perhaps the best start I’ve ever got on the 450, and I rode well. I think I was
better prepared for this race
than I was in last week’s race in
the sand and my bike worked
awesome, so it was a good day
for us.”
For those in the antipodes,
last year’s champ Paul
Whibly is the next rider on
the standings who hails from
down under (NZ). Whibley
rides a Yamaha WR450F and
finished 10th in round one in
Florida but came back with
a vengeance, trailing home
Strang to take second in
Georgia. Next best Aussie is
Husqvarna’s Glenn Kearney
who has finished 6th and 12th
respectively. n
Buy our two-fitty
CYCLe Torque’s Yamaha YZ250F is up for sale. We bought it new in the second half of 2008 and spent a couple of months
turning it into our Project GPmono road racer.
The bike never turned a wheel on dirt, all the MX items (including bodywork) were taken off and stored while we fitted
Supermoto wheels, rear sets, clip-ons and fairings. We also shortened the original suspension internally and modified the top
end of the engine. The result was 37 horsepower at the rear wheel.
Now it’s back to MX trim, although the suspension is still in shortened form, making it perfect for dirt track. It looks as new
(even the original tyres/chain/sprockets are brand new) and we can have the suspension changed back to full length if you
want it for motocross.
The engine has done less
than 20 hours work but we
have replaced the piston/
rings and serviced the top
end, so it’s ready to go.
$6,500 will buy you
the bike which is cheap
considering it looks as new
and has never turned a
wheel in the dirt.
Give us a bell on 02 4956
9820 or 0404 030 925. n
demo the Spyder rT
yoU CAN ride a
Spyder RT, just like
the one on the cover
of this issue, by
signing up for the
Can-Am Spyder
Experience currently
travelling
around the country.
Of course other
models of Can-Ams
revolutionary Spyder
will also be available
to sample during the
demo tour as Can-Am
travels around the
country with
a bunch of the
radical threewheel
machines
and a big
hospitality truck.
The highlight is
the RT though, the
machine Can-Am like
to describe as ‘touring
re-invented”.
Participants will
get to experience the
Sypder – they are
unique machines,
every motorcyclist
should ride one
to see what all the
fuss is about. You’ll
get a two-hour
introduction to the
vehicles, including a
rider training and a
technical presentation
before you get to
put one through its
paces. After your ride
you can discuss the
machines with other
riders, representatives
from the manufacturer
and local dealers.
To find out where
and when you can
register to try the
Can-Am Spyder RS
and RT, visit: www.
spyderexperience.
com. The demo tour
is free. Register early,
spots are limited. n
8 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 9

more hyosung for
less
FOR a limited time only,
Hyosung is offering $1000 cash
back on its GT250R.
Offering ‘More bike for less
bucks’ than its competitors,
this offer is only available
until April 30. Hyosung is also
offering $500 cash back on it’s
GV250, GT250, GT650, GT650R
& GT650S road bikes.
See your participating
Hyosung dealer for details or
visit www.hyosung.com.au.
Thunderbird the best
seller
TRIUMPH’S new
Thunderbird is the best-selling
bike in the ‘Cruiser’ category
and third overall in road bikes
during February, according to
the FCAI National Sales Report.
“We were always confident
that the Thunderbird would
make it’s mark in the Cruiser
category”, commented
Triumphs Marketing Manager
Mal Jarrett, “but to have it as
the third biggest selling Road
Bike, and tenth best selling
bike overall, has exceeded all
expectations”.
Corser Concept
WHEN novices go for their L
plates they basically do a course
on a small ashphalt square to
absorb the rudiments of balance
while trying to digest the
controls of their machine.
Once they pass certain basic
criteria they’re ready for the
open road. But what if you
could go somewhere and learn
to be totally comfortable with
motorcycles and the art of
riding them in a controlled and
safe environment?
There is such a place. Dale
Corser’s Corser Concept
Motorcycle School operates on
a rural property by Dale Corser
who, with his brother Troy, is
well known in the motorcycle
industry.
Dale is a Motorcycling
Australia accredited coach
whose target market is from
small children through to
60-year-olds.
“Troy and I learned to ride
on a farm in an open paddock
and this is a very comfortable
sMaLL torque
environment to learn basic
riding skills,” Dale says.
“It’s not intimidating and is
perfect for either new starters
or for people wanting to safely
improve their skills.”
The school uses XR100 and
TTR 150s and classes consist of
six people so there is plenty of
close, personal instruction.
The one-day course
also includes lunch, light
refreshments and a completion
certificate at the end of the day.
Group bookings are available
and alternative dates to those
on the Corser Concepts website
can be organised.
Just mention this Cycle
Torque article for a $50 discount
on your course in April.
For more information ring
Dale Corser on 02 4297 5587 or
check out the website,
www.
corserconceptmotorcycleschool.
com.
Ben & Eddie
YAMAHA is producing a
series of videos entitled Ben &
Eddie, where 2009 Superbike
World Champion Ben Spies
and four-time 500cc champion
Eddie Lawson discuss aspects
of racing, technology and lots
more. The first two instalments
are already up and there’s
more to come. Check out www.
ychampions.com.
gold Coast Show
THE Australian Motorcycle
Expo Gold Coast attracted bike
enthusiasts from all corners of
the Sunshine State in February.
The three-day event brought
together a wide range of
manufacturers from the
motorcycle, scooter, ATV and
PWC markets, all offering a
look at their latest range.
The 10,000sqm Gold Coast
Convention and Exhibition
Centre was packed to capacity
with close to 100 exhibitors
presenting a complete range of
accessories and services.
Event Manager Mark Petersen
said the event attracted solid
visitor numbers and kicked off
a year where the motorcycle
sales market was expected to
begin to bounce back.
“The Australian Motorcycle
Expo Gold Coast has proven to
be an exceptional event in its
first two years,” said Petersen.
“The 2010 exhibition saw a
good roundup of models from
manufacturers and a variety of
motorcycle industry exhibitors
offering value to visitors.
“Visitor numbers were
lower this year but exhibitors
reported back with some
positive feedback.
“The action demonstrations
proved very popular once
again, and the show put on by
Eric Malone (multiple jet ski
world champ) had everybody
awe-struck.”
Next up on the Australian
Motorcycle Expo calendar is
the Melbourne event, to be held
from November 26-28.
Forest 300
DUNGOG’S legendary Forest
300 enduro event is on again,
based around the Dungog
Showgrounds, May 8-9.
It’s also rounds 1 and 2 of
the NSW senior and junior
enduro championship. The
junior special stages and the
StadiumX style tracks will be
in the Showground itself for
great spectator viewing, and
the surrounding areas offer
incredible enduro riding.
The Forest 300 ran from
1974 until 1978. During that
period, as many as 300 keen
Enduro riders scrambled their
way around the surrounding
hills of Dungog. Last year it
was “brought back from the
dead” to the delight of the old
dogs of the Enduro scene who
remember the good old days of
what has been described as the
best riding on the East Coast.
Email ren4dan@bigpond.com
for more information.
Crusty’s on the coast
YES it’s true the Crusty
Demons are coming to the
Central Coast on Saturday,
April 17 as part of their Beyond
the Apocalypse Regional
Australian tour.
The good people at Image
Motorcycles & Scooters,
of Wyoming, are happy to
welcome the Crusty Demons
to the Bluetongue Stadium
on the Central Coast and are
happy to support the range of
PROZ range of motorcycles
supplied by the International
Motorcycle Company including
the awesome Blade 150.
Of course the entire PROZ
range from the bandit 125 to the
top of the line Blade 150 are the
weapons of choice and official
pit bike for the Crusty Demon
team.
The Crusty Demons would be
arguably the greatest freestyle
motorcycle riders on the planet.
The show also will include
quads, snow mobiles, 50s
Harleys, freaks and the
Woodstock Crusty Babes.
For tickets and more
information go to @crusty.
com and you can get your
hands on a PROZ from Image
Motorcycles. More information
from the folk at Image on 02
4322 7100.
Check the crusty.com website
for further dates and venues.
2010 Easter Bike week
Postponed
Due to international
logistics and event schedules
Bike Week at QR (Queensland
Raceway) has had to be
delayed. A number of
unexpected difficulties came
to light in the eight weeks
since QR & Bike Week signed
up to run the event at Easter.
Some of the key resources,
especially international
participants, that had been
promised are no longer able to
make the Easter date.
When faced with the hard
decision of providing a greatly
diminished event at Easter or
waiting for a clearer calendar,
probably in early August,
it was decided to hold off
until such time as organisers
had clear commitments of
support from the local traders,
clubs and the international
competitors.
Now QR and Bike Week
have some clear air to
negotiate with the key
participants and promote Bike
Week to a wider audience you
can expect a much bigger and
brighter event than originally
envisaged. n
10 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 11

Three wheel sTarship
CyCle Torque TesT –
Can-am spyder rT roadsTer
TesT By Chris piCkeTT phoTos By nigel paTerson
RIDING GEAR: Zeus helmet, BMW jacket,
Can-Am gloves, Draggin Jeans, Motodry boots.
Tour in comfort
without even
putting your
feet down.
12 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 13

Three wheel sTarship
CAN-AM has responded to the masses,
introducing the Spyder RT Roadster
touring model. its luggage capacity and
electronic gadgetry rivals any twowheeled
tourer on the market, although
it’s an altogether different experience to
ride.
The RT Roadster is joined by the RS
(Roadster Sport) which has a much
sportier riding position and a lot less
of the ‘fruit’ which the RT boasts. Base
price of the RT is $32,190 and goes up to
$41,590 for the full fruit semi-auto.
Cycle Torque has sampled Can-Am’s
Spyder a couple of times now but we
were keen to test the new RT, because of
its updates but also to see how it would
stack up against bikes like the Goldwing
and BMW’s K 1200 LT.
Can-Am obviously knew that to appeal
to customers who might normally look
at the aforementioned two wheeled
tourers it would have to come out with
all guns blazing, offering just about every
conceivable option you’ve ever seen on
a bike. Many riders of the luxo-barge
tourers are advanced in years and the size
of such bikes can cause difficulties with
low speed manoeuvring, especially twoup.
One thing the Spyder offers is total
feet up riding. As a result balance should
never become an issue with it.
in the garage
The heart of the well appointed three
wheeler is a 1000cc Rotax V-twin engine
(Can-Am’s parent company is BRP, which
incidentally owns Rotax).
On tap is 100hp from the fuel-injected
donk – with fly-by-wire throttle – and
final drive is by belt. You can opt for
the manual five-speed gearbox, or the
semi-auto five-speed which is actuated
by thumb and index finger. Reverse gear
is easily actuated and you’ll need it if you
park nose in.
There’s so much under-skin framework
and electronics that it could almost
be a car. The size and design of the
vehicle dictates the chassis, and modern
technology such as the traction control
and creature comforts dictate metre after
metre of wiring and computers.
There are so many safety and comfort
features on the RT Roadster we couldn’t
possibly cover them all in detail here. In
an attempt to keep you as safe as possible
there’s the Stability Control System which
automatically alters power and braking
if the RT becomes unstable; ABS brakes
which need no real explanation, and
traction control which changes fuel and
ignition settings to reduce power when
needed. The traction control settings will
also accommodate your riding if you
have the optional RT-622 trailer fitted,
once it gets through ADR-requirements.
On the comfort side of things you
have the very plush leather seat, electric
windshield, heated hand grips (the
passenger has their own controls for the
heated grips which sit either side of the
pillion seat), stereo (which gets louder as
your speed rises) with iPod integration
and enough luggage space that if it’s not
enough maybe you should be driving a
minibus. Besides the obvious panniers
and top box there’s a front luggage area
and one just in front of the rider. All up
155 litres. If you have the trailer there’s
over 700 litres available.
It’s a very pretty machine. Everything
is contoured and the whole body design
flows, and it certainly has a presence on
the road.
ride impression
For a rider around the six foot mark
or taller the riding position is a little
cramped. There’s plenty of leg room
but we tended to feel we were pushed a
little too far forward, making you slump
as you grabbed the ’bars. It’s a personal
thing and totally dependent on your own
physical makeup. Footpeg positioning
was spot on, and pillions get footboards.
Our pillion found the rear seat and
backrest quite comfortable.
Firing up the engine has a muffled sound coming from the
space-age looking pipe, but at least you know it’s a healthy
V-twin powering you along. The gauges give you all the
information you need. Essentially it’s the same as a car – trip
meters, fuel gauge, stereo details, outside temperature, gear
indicator, time etc. If you can’t find it here then you probably
won’t need it.
Power steering is standard, so low speed manoeuvring is
very easy. We picked up the Spyder from BRP’s headquarters in
Bankstown on a Friday afternoon, so it was straight into peak
hour. At first it can be an intimidating machine to ride, but so
are any of the big two-wheeled tourers, especially at low speeds.
It’s more about the size and steering, not anything to do with
balance. This quickly goes away though as you get used to using
the linked brakes (no front brake lever, the foot pedal operates
them all) and the slightly quirky steering which you tend to
continually overcorrect until you become accustomed to it.
Power wise the engine feels a bit flat down low if you are
lugging it in too high a gear, but get it revving and it accelerates
quicker than you would expect something this size and weight
(dry 421kg) to do.
Not all electric windshields work that well but this one does.
From fully down to bolt upright it was spot on, allowing you to
keep your visor open the whole time. Buffeting was minimal,
and the control on the left handlebar easy to reach.
in the corners
Of course lane splitting is a no go but after we left the traffic
snarls and freeway (the cruise control was great on the freeway)
we were onto a beautiful set of bends. This is where you’re most
likely to experience the stability and traction control systems
doing their jobs. It’s also where you’ll start to find you need
to be fairly physical with the steering if you want to ride in a
spirited manner. It’s very much like a quad bike to ride, you
steer in the direction you want to go and lean off the inside
while you’re doing it.
We encountered some wet bends and the extra foot print of the
three tyres made it a blast to ride, allowing you to wag the tail out
just a little, all the time feeling confident in the bike’s ability to
cope with the conditions.
You do need to adjust your style of riding to suit the Spyder. A
couple of times I came into a bend and braked firmly, causing the
bike to want to run wide. I soon realised this was because of the
linked brakes. So a change of tact, brake before you enter the bend
and release as you are steering, just like you do in a car.
The other idiosyncrasy which takes a little getting used to is
the stability control. If you go through a corner fast enough to
14 - APRIL 2010 Can-Am didn’t have to look far for the
APRIL 2010 - 15
Dash is as comprehensive as a car’s.
Rotax engine. It’s in the family.

Three wheel
sTarship
Lots of things that go
bump, grind and whirr.
lift the inside front wheel the stability control
will cut in, reducing power to get the whole
show back in control. If you are two-up it
happens easier, we assume due to the extra
weight transference of the pillion. This only
happens when you are ‘having a go’. Once you
know how to get the best out of the Spyder you
can ride it quite fast indeed through a set of
bends.
Air suspension regulates the ride and
this is adjustable via buttons just below
the dash. Harder or softer, it doesn’t get
easier than this. An electronically
controlled park brake ensures it
stays put too.
The last word
For riders who love long distance
super touring but who find the luxo
tourers too much to handle, the Spyder RT
Roadster is just the ticket. It also gives you a
viable alternative to a motorcycle – you still
get the same fresh air feeling. It does take some
time to get acclimatised with its handling
characteristics but once you do you’ll appreciate
what it’s got to offer. n
Own this bike from:
$652.54 per mth
rates from 7.99%*
finance
www.gorapid.com.au 1300 790 411
*Rates and Repayments are subject to change daily – conditions apply
SpecificationS:
2010 Can-am Spyder
engine Type: Liquid-cooled V-twin
Capacity: 991cc
Transmission: Five speed/belt drive
Fuel Capacity: 25 Litres
Frame Type: Surrounding spar
Seat Height: 750mm
dry Weight: 421kg
Front Suspension: Doubla A-Arm
rear Suspension: Monoshock and
swingarm
Brakes: Dual 4-piston calipers, single
rear.
Tyres: 165/65R14, 225/50R15
price (rrp): From $32,190
www.brp.com/en-AU/
Call for a quote
1800 24 34 64
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editoriaL
ThE PiTS
I RECKoN most race fans,
whether it be motocross,
road racing or even V8
supercars, have no real
idea of the life in the pits.
Tension, frustration, glory
and elation are all part of
the game but making sure
your rider or driver is ready
to race is often harder for
the team than it is for them
to be on the track.
Of course this all depends
on the conditions of your
particular pit. If you are
working for a Formula
One team it would mean
clean garages, with plenty
of space, pretty girls, nice
catered lunches and good
motels.
The other end of the
spectrum could be a
motocross meeting in
country Australia, where a
Quikshade, sangas and soft
drink is all the comfort you
get. Spare parts in plastic
tubs and a small box filled
with tools from Supercheap.
Your mechanic in the dusty
pits? Well, that would be
your dad most likely.
In club racing it’s all done
for the love of it. You tend to
see more and more people
wearing race style shirts
with their team emblazoned
on it, and maybe some
sponsors, but generally each
race meeting is a juggle
between what’s absolutely
necessary and what isn’t.
Your income usually
dictates where you
sit between these two
scenarios, whether you
are driving a beat up ute
or Hiace van and sleeping
in the back of it, or if you
are turning up in a new
Mercedes jumbo van and
living it up at a nice motel.
But whatever your income
stream, it can still go either
way in the pits and on the
track. Take the recent World
Superbike round at Phillip
Island for example. Paying
spectators see the action on
the track but in many ways
the real action and drama
is in the pit garages. Cycle
Torque was there to race in
the Superstock 600 class and
we had a shocker, but we
weren’t the only ones.
I’ll give you a snapshot
of what happened to five
bikes sitting side by side
in the pit tents at Phillip
Island. The riders and
their teams experienced
everything from elation to
deflation. Often the pressure
can feel overwhelming,
and it matters not whether
it’s forced on you or self
inflicted, the stress levels
can be high.
Three different brands of
motorcycle covered these
five and the space between
each one was minimal.
Packed in like sardines,
two bikes and gear, people,
tables, tyre warmers, tools
etc were packed in a 6x3m
section. At the track you are
often working on the bike, if
only to put in fuel or check
tyre pressures, but you’re
always doing something.
Practice and qualifying
went well enough for each
one of these five riders but
38 - APRIL 2010 www.cycletorque.com.au
TORQUING BACK
LETTERS
at not the run completion events but of hire qualifying the we Yes had I know lane people (same will electrical say issue again – self
facilities to the clubs that this is changing but I
a brake then run hose the jump events ship. and Whose do fault can assure inflicted), you as a person one bike crash and three
all the work etc as now.
who mixes with a lot of
was that? Well number one mechanic good results. More frantic action in the
If all the funds collected in uential people not
– me. from In the the charity rush to rides change around tyres after involved in pits, motorcycling one team it trying to trace the fault
the country were directed to de nitely is not. For many
practice Keep Kids to make Off The it Street, out for qualifying how years I I have and suggested one team a repairing a crashed bike,
long would it take to achieve charity be formed named Keep
positioned one of the front brake hoses all within a metre and a half of each
a facility like Lakeside
Kids Off The Street. The idea
under Raceway, the front which guard was recently rather than of over this is other. all motorcycle No room, frustration and much
up for sale? I doubt if it charity is directed to this
it. would Out my take rider more went than two for qualifying and the sole head purpose scratching. of this But we are all friends
years to accumulate enough charity is to own real estate
and when he returned and stopped to and you just accommodate each other’s
to purchase such a facility for motorcycling.
have and the within control 10 years tyres a checked, similar the hose needs in such a small area.
facility in each state I feel
attached would be itself achievable. to a hot tyre and ripped Magee defence We all had a long wait for race three.
What a bene t to motorcycling I am a regular podcast
out when he rode off. That caused a In that time people were lounging
and this would be there
listener of yours and a long
frantic forever, run just around getting
time motorcyclist having just
the pits to procure around, some left the track and went
more facilities each year, clocked up 50 years since
spares. leaving We a borrowed legacy of enormous a full front brake my rst Honda back Monkey to their bike rented house and we
proportions to the future of ride that got me hooked for
system off Aark Racing for the first managed to put our bike in gear with
motorcycling.
life. I still after 54 years won a GP.
race and then also borrowed Ron of life can’t get enough
hoses off a the tyre warmers still on! Normally
Queensland of motorcycles and turn
World Supersport team. Thanks guys! to podcasts I don’t to enhance make my those sorts of mistakes.
As a motorcyclist all my
knowledge.
Everyone life including else many was years fine but the first I was listening Ages ago to the I happened to make a
race racing was and to bring being problems in the
latest podcast and was
to light. comment to the father of one of the
motorcycle business it has shocked to hear Darren Smart
Two always bikes concerned had electrical me that issues the which say that Kevin riders Magee’s in our group of five. “You win
motorcycle movement gives
remarks regarding the World riders are.
caused so much them to charity to miss and the yet start, the Superbike other Championships
races in the shed long before you get
three the had public good still results. basically Happy and were sad outdated. to the Now track,” Kevin, I may have said. I was
hate us while bureaucrats, as anyone would know, was
faces councils in the and five politicians pits. see a legend of constantly the sport reminded and of this statement
us as fodder for legislation hence deserves a bit more
Race two saw one bike start from pit many times over the weekend. Our
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families were sharing in the the Studio) same it’s rented on
the Cycle Torque website
house so I couldn’t (www.cycletorque.com.
escape his taunts. I
au/podCastList.php). You
did see the irony can also of it search all though. for Plenty Cycle
Torque in iTunes
of dramas for Team (www.itunes.com)and
Cycle Torque, and all
subscribe to our audio,
self inflicted. video and eMag podcasts,
all free – NP.
Well, our last race came up and once
again the gremlins Double in our standards
electrical
I have noticed what seems
system stopped to be us a double from starting standard the
regarding the law of wearing
race. The fastest helmets rider while out riding of the five got
motorcycles.
taken out while leading the race, so he
When our brother motorcyclist
wasn’t happy. who We wears also colours weren’t on his happy back
rides his bike in a funeral
but everyone cavalcade else was. he, I under could the go law, on
is not allowed to remove the
about the final results of each single
helmet as a mark of respect
rider but let’s for just his say mate. one rider won the
But the ladies of the other
round, one sexual rider didn’t persuasion score are any points
applauded and encouraged
and the other three were in between.
to bare all and ride their
Last year motorcycles Team Cycle without Torque helmets had
around the streets of Sydney
some good at results, the annual finishing Gay and well Lesbian in the
Mardi-Gras.
MRRDA series. Karma had to get us
Don’t get me wrong I feel
some time wearing I suppose a helmet and it is looks sensible. like it
Thank you for a great paper/
chose the first mag. round Great of price the too. ASBK to do
Henry Drap
it. I hope it pisses off for the rest of the NSW
season.
Send your letters to
chris@cycletorque.com.au
– Chris Pickett
The glory side of racing. Relaxed looks belies the intensity behind the scenes.
18 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 19
against us.
respect than that I feel.
2010
I look forward to Kevin’s
input to the sport and it
has always been obvious that
he puts a lot of time and
effort into his broadcasts.
He ‘personalises’ what is a
very intense series and the
fact that he knows the riders
and they know him means that
often things that Kevin talks
about would mean that without
him we would have no idea
of what might be the real
story behind an incident,
for example other than the
of cial press release. I had
to have a bit of a laugh to
myself to think that someone
who is from a dirt bike
background by the sound of
your introduction would seem
to think he would know more
about WSBK than someone who
has raced them not to mention
Darren is entitled to his
opinion as we all are but I
think in the case of Kevin
Magee he should understand
that there are a lot of
people out here that think
Kevin is as important to
the game as the current day
Paul Manson
Wauchope, NSW
Smarty thought some
of Magee’s were a bit
outdated. If you missed
the podcast (CT #45 - Back
RANGE
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CyCle Torque Touring FeaTure
Journeyman
Two wheeled freedom – on a global scale
maThias schmid (matz)
has spent the last five years
exploring the world on
adventure bikes. he’s found
freedom, excitement, pain and
even love on his journey. We
caught up with matz at the
recent World superbike round
at Phillip island so you could
get a glimpse of his travels.
But it didn’t just happen,
it took a desire to explore
nurtured over a number of
years in the early part of Matz’s
life to put him on this path.
“I grew up on a small dairy
farm in Northern Switzerland,”
said Matz. “ The dairy farm
had been in my family for
generations but I soon realised
that it was too much hard work
for little pay, and it wouldn’t
make me happy.
“Early I learned how to use
tools to fix my bicycle, and
because I prefer contact with
people not cows I decided to get
an apprenticeship at a bicycle
shop.
“When I was 14 I got a 49cc
two-stroke Sachs motorcycle. I
tuned it to go faster and then in
1984 I went on a big trip with
some mates to Italy. It was a
big trip in those days on such
a bike. On the way back I had
the dream of riding around the
world.
“After that I did the same to
become a motorcycle mechanic.
I started to race MX in the
Swiss championship. I started
to do some trips around South
America on different single
cylinder motorcycles. Then
in 2000 I opened up a bicycle
and motorcycle repair shop in
Switzerland.”
There always seems to be
an event which becomes the
catalyst for starting a trip, and
for Matz it involved a member
of the opposite sex.
“I had my busy bike repair
shop for a couple of years, and
then my relationship broke up.
When that happened I started
to seriously think about doing
the ’round the world trip, the
one I dreamed of when I was a
kid. I sold my shop, bought a
cheap reliable bike, modified it
and set off on my loop around
the world.”
The trip kicked off in Europe
and isn’t over yet.
“I left home in August 2005,
through Germany, Austria,
Eastern Europe, Turkey, Iran,
Pakistan and to India.
“I couldn’t get into Burma
due to visa issues so I shipped
my bike by sea to Malaysia and
Asia, then onto Japan by ship.
That wasn’t such a good idea
because my Honda Transalp
had to be put back to standard
to be allowed on Japan’s roads.
In Japan you could only buy
the 400cc Transalp. It was very
difficult because of the language
barrier. In Japan everyone is
taught English in school but noone
speaks it because they are
too afraid to make mistakes.
“From there I shipped the
bike to Canada and rode south
to Florida.”
But while Matz was living the
dream, life goes on everywhere
else.
“I got a call that the guy who
bought my business had gone
bankrupt so I had to fly home
to Switzerland to get my stuff
out and I worked in a factory to
make some money to continue
my trip. In February 2007 I was
back in the USA, just in time for
Daytona Bike Week. Then up to
the awesome Barber Motorcycle
Museum in Birmingham
Alabama, New York, Eastern
New Foundland and back to
20 - APRIL 2010 Continued on next page >
APRIL 2010 - 21

CyCle Torque Touring FeaTure
– Continued
Journeyman
Canada.
“I had to go home again because of my
divorce but I was back three months later
where I headed south again to LA where I
met a super chick who was right into bikes.
My visa ran out but I didn’t care, life was
unreal with Wendy at Paradise City and
we did trips around the USA, including
Bonneville Speed Week.”
But the desire to continue the trip was
still burning inside Matz.
“I went to pick up some parts from a bike
dealer and I heard that the Dakar Rally was
going to be held in Argentina. That was
only 20,000 kilometres down the road. A
couple of days later I had my bike packed, I
left the American dream and headed south
to Mexico.
“I travelled through Guatemala, Salvador,
Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama,
then I had to ship the bike by plane because
there is no road from Panama to Columbia.
Then to Ecuador, Peru, Chile and finally
Argentina. I made it at the right time to
see and follow the entire Dakar Rally for
the 16 Days and 9500km – one of the most
amazing experiences on my entire trip! I
actually got to help some racers out when
they broke down, including the winner
Marc Coma. I planned to go over to Africa
from Buenos Aires but I realised that it
would be the wrong time of the year with
rain. I had some Aussie friends, Ken and
Carol, who talked me into riding through
New Zealand. A couple of months later I
shipped my bike to Australia so I could do
all the extremes of every continent.”
Matz’s Transalp has been his travelling
partner for the entire journey and it has
covered over 220,000 kilometres without an
engine rebuild. That’s not a misprint either.
We wondered why he chose that particular
bike over others.
“After a couple of trips around South
America on single cylinder bikes I knew
I needed a twin cylinder machine for my
big journey, one which could go for a huge
amount of kilometres without a rebuild.
“When I started my apprenticeship in
1987 the Transalp had come out and I’d
never heard of any engine problems with
that bike and I had worked on ones with
300,000 kilometres on the clock without
major work on the engine. That’s why I
chose a second-hand Honda Transalp. Mine
is a 1991 model.”
Matz’s Transalp is far from stock to cope
with the rigours of international travel.
“I needed to carry loads of luggage so I
fitted panniers with quick release clips. I
had to position the muffler lower to fit the
panniers. I also fitted a big tank bag with
side bags. I put extra fuel tanks on either
side of the engine, holding 12 litres. A
bash plate is fitted and I attach spare parts
and tools to it, heated handgrips, throttle
lock (cruise control), higher ’bars and
handguards. I have a higher screen, cruiser
footpegs to stretch the legs, automatic chain
lubrication (Scottoiler), extra temperature
gauge and a modified airbox where I have
put a foam filter on top of the original
paper element.
“In the top box I have an electronic
charging system with an inverter so I can
charge batteries and power my lap top
computer.”
Even though the Transalp is reliable,
things eventually wear out. We wondered
what parts needed the most attention on
Matz’s bike.
“The common problem with the Transalp
was the failing of one of the CDI units
under the seat. Over the years the seat’s
plastic shelf gets deformed and touches the
CDI connection, causing problems. I simply
lowered the CDI and problem solved. The
first real breakdown was in Australia when
the sidestand broke, after 19 years and over
200,000 kilometres.
“Other than that I changed the clutch
outer and front disc at 150,000 kilometres,
and clutch plates every 50-70,000
kilometres.”
Matz tries to live as frugal as possible but
it still costs money to survive.
“Depending on the continent it costs
from $20-100 AUD each day. Cheapest fuel
I came across was 10c a litre in Iran, and its
neighbouring country Turkey was the most
expensive at $2.20 a litre for fuel.
“I camp in the bush as much as possible
because I need my money for food and
fuel. I also belong to an organisation called
Comunatie SERVAS where I can stay for
two nights for free with people all over the
world. To become a member you need to
become a host for travellers yourself.”
As Matz’s trip is far from over Cycle
Torque wondered where to next for the
intrepid traveller?
“I’d like to go to Cape Town in South
Africa but the season is wrong at the
moment so I’ll try and get there in May or
thereabouts. The plan is to then ride north
back home to Switzerland in one year to
catch the northern spring/summer in 2011.
“When I’m home I’d like to build a
motorcycle friendly place so I could host
bikers from all over the world. I’d also like
to help riders set up their bikes for trips like
I have done.”
Matz has seen and experienced many
cultures during his journey some easy to
understand and some not so easy. Danger
also lurks everywhere.
“India was fascinating. There were almost
no criminals because the Indian culture
believes in reincarnation. As a result they
try to do nothing wrong during their lives
so they can get a better time in the afterlife.
“Other countries have their own
idiosyncrasies for a bike rider. Australia is
pretty safe except for the kangaroos which
jump out in front of you. I also had a road
train sit on my backside at 120km/h which
was scary.
“In Canada you have to watch bears
which look for food at your campsite. They
are big and can eat you. Western Pakistan
was very strange, like out of an early Mad
Max movie. Kids run around with guns and
people live in burnt out cars with bullet
holes in them.
“India is the most dangerous place to
ride. It has bad dusty roads with big pot
holes. Bicycles everywhere, sacred cows
in the middle of the road and oncoming
trucks, buses, cars and even tractors on
your side of the road. A couple of times a
day I would be forced into a ditch to miss
mad drivers.”
“I’ve had a some close shaves on the bike.
I nearly lost my balance at 100km/h at the
Bonneville Salt Flats while standing on it
(check globalbiking on Youtube). In LA I
hit a car at 120km/h after the car and had
overtaken a truck on a three-lane highway.
That was close, I just held control of the
bike but my helmet still smells to this day
from being sick in it.”
If you see a battered but very wellequipped
Honda Transalp then flag Matz
down. Buy him a coffee and you’ll get
some great stories. You can also visit his
website at www.mathiasschmid.ch where
you’ll find great photos and learn more
about Matz’s trip. It’s in German but you
can click on the translate button. n

GuNtrip raCe torque
Northern blights
EASING yourself out of
Sydney via the Pacific
highway requires the
patience of a saint. Despite
the state government’s
apparent conviction that
everything in the garden
is rosy, i’m still astonished
that the arterial route to
Newcastle and Brisbane
can rarely muster no more
than two lanes in either
direction. But then again
i’m writing this on a
computer running Windows
Vista, so what the hell do i
know?
This much: it gets better
north of the Hunter. The
challenge of the Bulahdelah
bends has disappeared for
those seeking the quick
coastal route north, but new
stretches of dual carriageway
bearing gratifying smooth
tar go some way to make
up for the lack of geometric
interest.
And there’s the scenery.
Undulating hills giving way
to mountains in embryo
that bear the first traces
of flushed vegetation I
associate with moving closer
to the tropics. And then the
daily lot of governmentbacked
irritation rears its
ugly head again. Call it
perverse if you like, but
whenever I pass road works
it’s always smoko time.
North of Taree is a 30km
strip where the highway is
being widened. I know this
to be true because there are
plenty of signs advertising
the point. It’s all 80km/hposted,
slow enough for the
occasional glance sideways
and so to concede that
there’s evidence pointing
to some form of human
activity going on behind the
dividing wall at some time
in recent history. It’s just
that I never see any, and this
time we were rolling past
at 10am on a Friday. And I
had plenty of time to look,
too, because we were stuck
at the time behind a cheery
P-plater who clearly thought
it reasonable to bimble along
at 10km/h below the limit.
The work peters out
around Port Macquarie,
and we’re back in the dark
ages for a while where the
exhortations to keep left put
you in the worst repaired
truck damage to the concrete
surface. The road has a hint
of menace about it now. Tall,
dark trees edge up to the
road and reduce the sun to
a flickering presence; the
highway weaves left and
right, rolling over blind
crests and plunging into
short, abrupt valleys. On the
radio there’s news of a headon
somewhere in front of us,
at a place called New Italy.
It’s a bad one: two people
killed, two more in hospital.
We roll up behind the
inevitable white caravan
and take a breather as it
bounces and lurches along
at a more relaxed 90km/h.
The mood soon becomes
clouded with frustration.
One of the road’s abiding
problems is the number of
rugged individualists who
seem to think it reasonable
to putter along well below
the speed-limit on a two-lane
arterial road. Roadside signs
promising “Overtaking lane
5km” really aren’t too much
of a comfort.
Then there are the semis,
in groups of three or four,
whistling south as we roll
north, but scarcely less
intimidating for that. It’s an
ugly picture: of an old road
struggling to cope with its
traffic; of resources stretched
too thin. The surface truly
isn’t bad for most of its
length, and there are three
lanes wherever they can be
squeezed in, but that’s the
problem: the road follows
its original route, when the
traffic was predominantly
local and nobody much
minded whether it detoured
around irritating local
topographical features
or not. Today the mix is
volatile: trucks, tourists,
late-running business folk
and local racers jockeying
for position on a road that
struggles for width over
much of its length.
There weren’t too many
bikes on view: the inevitable
clumps of Harleys running
south, one or two heavily
but stylishly laden big-bore
BMW tourers and, around
major population centres,
a few R1s and FireBlades.
Just as inevitably, an ancient
XL250 Honda, two-up and
festooned with mismatched
luggage, wheezing up a
steep hill flat out at 80.
North of Grafton the
going becomes easier again,
developing a folksy feel as
the road winds its way along
riverbanks on one side and
sugar cane on the other. The
trucks are still there but on
the plains they don’t seem
quite so big.
A last stop for juice and
then the final run into
Brisbane, along the Gold
Coast Highway through
thickening Friday night
traffic. The flight from the
city seems every bit as heavy
as Sydney’s and driving
habits even more aggressive;
perhaps it’s the frustration,
among the more recent
migrants, of learning that
you don’t leave the traffic
behind when you leave
Sydney or Melbourne.
And now it’s over; we
become part of the jam
ourselves, easing along
Coronation Drive into the
western suburbs of Vegas.
Even with an overnight
break and travelling in
midweek the Pacific is still a
demanding ride. The middle
stretches, remote from the
influence and resources of
Sydney and Brisbane, are
the toughest and demand
respect. Proceed with
caution.
– Bob Guntrip
PSyChE-ouT 101
PSyCHING out is a tactic that many
riders of all levels of racing employ
these days, but its origins in motorcycle
racing go back at least 40 years to the
number one sporting nation of the
world where american footballer Vince
Lombardi coined the famous phrase,
“Winning is not everything, it’s the
only thing.”
One of the great characters of the
burgeoning American motocross scene
in the early ’70s was Mitchell Nelson
Weinert – better known as Jammin’
Jimmy Weinert. The Jammer can lay
claim to several milestones including
being the first American to beat the
tough-as-teak European riders in the
annual Trans-AMA Series, the first dude
to have his call-sign ‘Jammin’ Jimmy
stitched onto the back of his leathers, and
the first rider to employ carefully crafted
psyche-out tactics to befuddle his rivals.
Early in his professional career, the
Jammer had more than a few run-ins
with rivals of all nationalities which
helped hone his psyche-out routine.
Years later Weinert admitted he was
scared of some of his opponents, but
knew he could never show any fear.
In an excellent feature article written
by Sam Moses for Cycle magazine in
February 1975, Weinert described his
first encounter with tough Dutchman
Pierre Karsmakers, who ironically would
go on to become Jimmy’s neighbour at
Mission Viejo, California – after Weinert
moved in.
“I remember when Pierre first came
over, we almost got into a fist fight down
in Florida,” said the Jammer. “Brad
[Lackey] and I were in about seventh
or eighth, going for first American and
this guy was behind me, running into
me and things. At first, I didn’t realise
he was there because I was so much into
racing with Brad, but then I heard him
yelling and screaming and I said, ‘Oh,
wow’ and let him pass. He came over
to me after the race and he says, ‘You
should have moved over. I’m the Dutch
champion and I’m faster than you’, and
all this, and I’m going, ‘Hey, I don’t give
a damn who you are. I’m out here racing
trying to be first American. I always
move over when I see you guys coming,
but I wasn’t thinking about that this
time. If you can’t handle it, well...’ We
had a few words, but then he apologised
because he knew he was wrong and
I apologised too. We’re pretty good
friends now, but like I tell him. ‘Hey, on
the race track, I don’t give a damn, man,
you’re my enemy. If I have to run you
over, I’ll run you over. That’s money out
there’.”
In 1972, Weinert was Yamaha teammate
to Gary Jones, with Gary’s dad
Don Jones in charge of the team. Weinert
said he should have won the 1973 250
championship secured by Jones, but was
thwarted by a number of mechanicals to
finish fourth.
“We had a few fights, me and Gary
and the old man Don, but never any fist
fights. Gary knew better than to mess
with me because he knew he would
probably get the short end of the stick.
“Pierre and Jones had something going
once too, but Jones was too afraid to hit
him. I think Pierre would hurt him. I
remember one time at Atlanta, Don Jones
came looking for Pierre with a crescent
wrench.”
Weinert had a reputation for his hardpartying
lifestyle until he married Kathy,
“a quiet alert blonde with a degree in
psychology” wrote Moses. Mmm. So the
Jammer got his psyche smarts from his
wife!
“I should train a lot more then I would
be so good,” said Jimmy in 1975. “I’m
happy-go-lucky. So is Joel Robert and
he’s been six-time world champion.
But I’m more serious than people
think. I’ve got this image that wasn’t
ever completely true, and it definitely
isn’t now. But I guess I encouraged it. I
remember once in Michigan I couldn’t
sleep the night before a race so I went
out at 1am to get something to eat, and
who should I run into at a Jack-in-the-
Box but Don Jones and some other guys.
So I pretended I had been out partying
and was drunk, and they all look at each
other, like, ‘This guy is smashed.’ But I
was just hungry.”
Karsmakers wasn’t the only European
whose air of superiority got up Weinert’s
nose. Another was fellow-Kawasaki
rider, GP star Torleif Hansen.
“Last year at the Trans-AMA [1974],
Torleif Hansen expected all the best
Kawasaki parts just because he was a
factory grand prix rider,” said Weinert.
“He told me, shaking his finger, ‘I’m the
number one Kawasaki rider and don’t
you forget it, bay-bee.’ Ha. This year, I’m
number one [in America] and he only
got fifth in the world championship. I
can’t wait to see him over here.”
The Jammer recently revealed that
the decision to move next door to
Karsmakers in the early ’70s was not just
about psyching out the tough Dutchman
– it was also to learn from him.
“I said to myself, ‘How am I going to
learn from what these sons of bitches do
to get ready for a race?’. So I bought a
house right next door to Pierre. I’d see
him getting ready to come out of his
house at 8am, and I’d put a can of beer
in my hand and step outside. He’d come
outside and say, ‘Weinert, what are you
doing?’
“‘Pierre, look at you, all tense and
trying to get into shape. You gotta stay
loose man, you gotta stay loose’. He’d
run off, shaking his head, and then
I’d go to the gym and hit the Nautilus
equipment.”
The Jammer spent a lot of time
trying to psyche his opponents, some
of which weren’t even his own ideas,
and his best ever year in 1976 was the
result of working as hard as or even
harder than Karsmakers, whom he
would roundly razz for taking it all too
seriously! Jammin’ Jimmy, a true legend
of American motocross with a PhD in
Pysche-out.
– Darryl Flack
24 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 25

RIDING GEAR: Troy Lee Designs helmet,
AXO nylons, Alpinestars boots.
Green
IN THE most competitive class
in motocross today, the KX250F
would certainly have one of
the best reputations around.
The Kawasaki is known for
being fast, punchy and being
seen at the front of the pack.
With more championships than
fingers can count, Kawasaki
set upon refining its already
proven package for 2010.
Engine
Fast is the first thing that
springs to mind after spinning a
few laps on the green machine.
The KX-F has a very fast and
responsive engine which puts
the power down very effectively
and has you taking off in a real
hurry. Even with all the latest
fuss about fuel injection, the
boys at Kawasaki have stayed
with what they know and kept
the trusty old carby on board
for 2010. It’s a little surprising
Kawasaki hasn’t moved to
injection on the 250F, but the
250’s fuel metering system
works very well and doesn’t
have many of the flaws seen on
its rivals in the past.
The Kawasaki engine has
good power off the bottom but
it really shines once you get it
revving a bit more and discover
the mid-top end power. If you
give the clutch a bit of a flick
and don’t mind getting the
revs up then you will love the
KX250F.
We rode the quarter litre
CyCle Torque TesT – 2010 kawasaki kX250F
Gone are the days of
constant major change –
evolution is the plan man.
ExtrEmE
TesT By Todd reed phoTos By Chris piCkeTT
thumper in various conditions
and we must say that the KX
engine is very versatile and
works well across the board.
We blasted the green machine
around our Supercross track
where it was fast and aggressive
enough for any obstacle. We
took it to a few local MX tracks,
with the dirt ranging from soft
loam to slippery hard packed
terrain. In the loam the KX
pulled hard and never got
bogged down and pulled us
around with ease. On the hard
packed dirt the KX was still
great as it was very controllable
on the loose surfaces.
Although it may seem the
2010 KX-F is the same as the
’09, there have been many
refinements to the engine to
help find extra horsepower and
durability. The piston has been
redesigned and is now claimed
to be as good as any ‘race spec’
piston and yet still extremely
durable. The exhaust system
has been overhauled, it has a
new shape and design with a
longer head and a shorter mid
section to improve the bottomend
power. The exhaust is still
stainless steel; stronger and
more durable than titanium, but
heavier.
The radiators have been
bulked up and are now thicker
and wider to further improve
cooling and strength.
Frame and Suspension
The chassis received a couple
of minor changes for 2010, all
of which would go unnoticed
to the naked eye. By making
the frame slimmer through the
top of the main spars, wider
down near the footpegs and
redesigning all the gusset pieces
around the frame, it is now
lighter and more rigid. The
suspension received internal
damping changes to help
improve the balance of the
suspension with the revised
chassis. The twin-chamber
Showa forks and shock do a fine
job of holding up the Kawasaki
and are a well-finished package
with Kashima coatings on the
fork tubes and shock body, and
a super-hard titanium coating
on the lower fork tubes to help
reduce friction and improve
strength against scratches and
dents.
On the track the suspension
on the Kawasaki works well
across most conditions. The
fork and shock hold up really
well and have good bottoming
resistance as we found out
after pounding the suspension
around our supercross track
for a few laps. After testing the
bike at a few more motocross
locations we found that by
setting the correct rear shock
spring preload (static sag)
and fine-tuning the clickers
we were able to come up
with a really good setting for
each track. We set the sag at
around 104mm and pushed the
front forks through the triple
clamps as far as we could and
the bike handled the rough
conditions and still turned and
steered really well. If there was
anything to complain about it
was under heavy braking on
rough downhills we found the
rear end to be a bit unstable and
kick around a little bit more
than we liked.
26 - APRIL 2010 Rear shock has all the adjustment Engine retains old-school carby. KX250F engine is one of Forks get Kashima APRIL coating 2010 to make - 27
fruit.
the strongest in its class. them slide easier.
The rest

The bike comes in a two-tone
green and black colour scheme,
which looks really cool when
matched up with the black rims
and various other coloured
parts on the bike. The KX
comes standard with Renthal
handlebars which give the
bike a great feel and sets off
the controls. The 50mm wide
footpegs are a great addition to
the green machine and allow
much better control from your
lower body, as well as more
comfort.
The final word
The 2010 KX250F ticks all
the right boxes. The durability
of the 250cc four-stroke
Kawasaki MX bike has been
vastly improved over the years
and the 250F is a very reliable
machine. The bike is as fast as
ever and is punchy and lively to
ride which makes cutting laps
a whole lot of fun. Last but not
least the little green thumper is
a very cool looking ride. Would
we get one? Yes. At $10,699 we
think it’s good value, but get in
before the end of April for the
$750 cash back deal on both the
KX450F and the KX250F.
If anyone out there is
interested in getting a new
250cc four stroke, take the trip
to your Kawasaki dealer and
check one out in the flesh.n
Own this bike from:
$216.89 per mth
rates from 7.99%*
finance
www.gorapid.com.au 1300 790 411
*Rates and Repayments are subject to change daily – conditions apply
SpecificationS:
2010 KaWaSaKi KX250F
engine Type: Liquid-cooled single
Capacity: 249cc
Transmission: Five speed/chain drive
Fuel Capacity: 8 Litres
Frame Type: Alloy twin spar
Seat Height: 955mm
Kerb Weight: 105kg
Front Suspension: 47mm USD
rear Suspension: Uni-Trak
Brakes: Single 2-piston caliper, singlepiston
rear.
Tyres: 80/100-21, 100/90-19
price (rrp): From $10,699
www.kawasaki.com.au
e-torque
more racing than ever
THE World Superbike
Round at Phillip Island
was probably the worst
ever for australia at
home. Not one podium
in either of the world
championship classes
- indeed, Troy Corser’s
top ten was the best.
We don’t even have
any regular riders
in the supersport
championship anymore
- a few years ago it was
more a case of “Which
aussie will win”, there
were so many in the
class.
But that was then and
this is now and the only
thing certain in life is
change. A few years ago
Cycle Torque devoted
pages and pages to
the Aussie rounds of
the SWC and Grand
Prix, but with better
television coverage,
ever-increasing
quantities of websites
running more and more
detail on the racing
Cycle Torque is becoming
more feature based. Try
finding stories like the
ones on the Russian
Motorcycle Club (p62)
or our round-the-world
rider (p20) online and
it’s a lot harder.
That doesn’t mean
Cycle Torque isn’t still
committed to racing
though: you’ll find a
Special Edition eMag
devoted to the Phillip
Island round of the SWC
on our website (www.
cycletorque.com.au),
and if you subscribe
to the eMag via iTunes
(www.itunes.com)
you’d already have it,
because they download
automatically when you
open iTunes.
At Phillip Island we
also started uploading
lots of the pictures
from the round onto
our Cycle Torque page
on Flickr (http://www.
flickr.com/photos/
cycletorque/): if you
‘steal’ these photos for
personal use we’re not
going to sue you, either.
At the MotoGP round
last year we produced
a Special Edition after
each day. We liked that,
but decided to go for
diversity of media this
time around, doing
the podcast, video and
Special Edition.
And if you’re reading
this in the electronic
(eMag) edition all the
links are live, just click
on them to be taken to
those pages.
We also made a short
video of young Alex
Pickett racing the Cycle
Torque Triumph Daytona
675 Project Bike, which
is also up on iTunes
and the website: it’s not
the most professional
production we’ve ever
made, but it was very
quick to produce thanks
to some new software.
Some portable recoding
gear meant our podcasts
were also different from
the usual fare.
The combination of all
the different forms of
Plus
World Supersport
Australian Superbike
Championship
SWC Phillip Island
Special Edition
The ‘cover’ and opening spread from the Cycle Torque Superbike
World championship Special Edition eMag we published to the Cycle
Torque website and iTunes after the racing.
You can still get it easily - www.cycletorque.com.au - and it’s free, of
course.
The printed edition is also available as an eMag every month.
media Cycle Torque now
produces makes, I think,
for a better product
than just the newspaper
you’re probably
reading right now (our
electronic audience is
growing, but the print
edition with nearly
40,000 copies is still
bigger).
Cycle Torque also
has FaceBook (www.
facebook.com) and
Twitter (www.twitter.
com) feeds, which you
should sign up for
because we’re going
to be giving away
some Really Cool Stuff
through those channels
this month, and
hopefully long into the
future. Just do a search
for Cycle Torque and
you’ll find us. Searching
for ‘motorcycle’ on
FaceBook Groups
returns over 500 hits,
so there’s plenty out in
social mediaj35
land for riders.
So although there’s a
lot less racing in Cycle
Torque’s printed version,
we still love our racing
and you now have
access to a lot more than
in the old days.
– Nigel Paterson
28 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 29

CyCle Torque TesT – laro 250 Cruiser
RIDING GEAR: Vemar helmet,
Rivet Monsoon jacket, Triumph
Portland gloves, Draggin Jeans
Metros, Spyke Matador boots.
TesT By dennis penzo phoTos By Chris piCkeTT
Using a now established engine platform
Laro has taken the plunge and released its
own branded product.
Laro lashes out
LARo Motorcycles and
accessories make no
bones about it, the 250
Laro cruiser is designed to
be an economical budget
motorcycle capable of a
little bit more than just
tootling around town.
If you want bling and high
performance there are plenty
of other machines out there
which fit the bill.
But this little cruiser isn't
designed to compete with
the machines at the top end
of the market, although,
having said that, the
distributors have enough
confidence in their product
to put a two-year unlimited
kilometre warranty on it.
Not bad for something that
you can walk into a shop
and buy with your credit
card.
But where does this
confidence come from? How
do they know it will last long
enough in the real world to
make it a viable proposition?
Part of this answer lies
in Laro Motorcycles and
Accessories’ owner Anthony
Famularo's intimate
knowledge of how the
Chinese market works.
Having started his
connection with Chinese
motorcycles back in the days
of Arqin Motorcycles he has
learned many tough lessons.
In fact Laro has since taken
on all the responsibility for
warranty and spares for
the Arqin bikes in Australia
since the brand disappeared
from the local market.
The other thing Famularo
has done is visit Chinese
factories so often that he's
even got a basic working
knowledge of Mandarin.
"I've learned that you have
to know who you're dealing
with every step of the way,"
he told Cycle Torque.
"And you can only do
that if you are actually
there talking to them and
negotiating directly.
"It's no good just finding
a factory which produces a
cheap vehicle and shipping
it in by the container load.
"The Australian market
is much more sophisticated
than that. You need to
have an economically
priced vehicle but it also
has to meet certain basic
requirements of reliability
if you're going to survive in
the marketplace."
There are several other
brands of bikes in Australia
which use basically the same
engine, some air-cooled, and
the later models with liquid
cooling like the Laro, so this
configuration has been
around long enough to develop a
small market for itself.
Laro has a partnership with Lifeng
who manufactures the components
in Wen Zhou and assembles them in
Shanghai.
Laro also has teamed up with
Lifan to distribute their products in
Australia.
The first Laro branded cruiser is
Instruments are minimalist, but there’s
five warning lights in the speedo dial.
powered by a 250cc twin cylinder
liquid cooled four-stroke engine.
Although it’s maximum power
output is 14.8Kw (20hp) it can
manage a top speed of around
135kmh.
on the stand
Despite its small engine capacity
the bike is purposely pitched at the
cruiser market with its raked front
end topped off with flat bars on
high risers.
The seat is quite comfortable
and the pillion has a backrest for
comfort.
The cruiser styling cues continue
with the bobbed rear mudguard and
the bike comes standard with crash
bars, which are easy to remove. Two
bolts at the top and one each side is
all it takes to do away with it.
on the road
Our test started in Sydney when
we picked up a new machine with
very few kilometres on the clock.
So, by way of introduction, we test
rode a bike that had been run-in and
with aftermarket pipes, which didn’t
sound too bad.
Then we took the ultimate test
through peak Sydney traffic, then
onto the F3 Freeway and up to
Newcastle.
It was a pleasant surprise to find
that the gears didn’t jump and the
clutch didn’t stick even in heavy
traffic on a very hot afternoon. It’s
a five-speed gearbox with a chain
drive.
The Laro 250 does accelerate quite
smoothly and the brakes can handle
the work in traffic even if the rear is
a drum brake and the front a single
disc.
The suspension is pretty basic with
no adjustment on the front end and
preload only on the twin shock rear.
Its performance was adequate.
The front wheel is an 18-inch five
spoke alloy with 90/90-18 tyres and
the rear a 130/90-15.
So, that was the first test passed
with flying colours. The next step
was the freeway. Bearing in mind I
was riding a brand new machine I
kept it pretty much to 100-110km/h
freeway speed limit, although it was
obvious the bike had more left.
The twin pipes have a solid little
note without being overbearing.
King/queen 30 - APRIL seat, 2010 backrest looks good…
Footboards on a 250 cruiser! Massive risers and flat ’bars.
APRIL 2010 - 31

The riding position is quite The speedo is located on the fuel SpecificationS:
comfortable with the flat
handlebars offering a relaxed
riding position.
The rider has footboards instead
tank and has ample warning
lights for indicators, high beam,
temperature etc.
The other handy little thing we
2010 LarO 250
engine Type: Liquid-cooled parallel
twin.
of footpegs. Perhaps the boards noticed is that there is a lockable Capacity: 234cc
could be a bit longer. They were compartment under the right-hand Transmission: Five speed/chain drive
okay for my feet but perhaps a
larger rider might need just a little
more room.
side cover which has a half-decent
little tool kit.
on the wallet
Fuel Capacity: 14 Litres
Frame Type: Steel cradle
Seat height is 70cm so it won’t In NSW the bike retails from Seat Height: 700mm
present any problems for shorter
riders and the bike weighs in at
180kg.
$3990 + ORC and comes with twoyear
unlimited kilometre warranty.
With its price and warranty it
Kerb Weight: 180kg
Front Suspension: 37mm telescopic
The 14 litre fuel tank should will certainly find its own niche rear Suspension: Adjustable twin
mean well over 200km between in a budget conscious consumer shocks
fuel stops, plenty for the sort of
riding this bike is likely to see.
market. n
Brakes: Disc/drum
Tyres: 90/90-18, 130/90-15
Own this bike from:
$91.20 per mth
price (rrp): From $3,990
32 - APRIL 2010
finance rates from 7.99%*
www.gorapid.com.au 1300 790 411
*Rates and Repayments are subject to change daily – conditions apply
www.laro.com.au
APRIL 2010 - 33

32 - APRIL 2010 www.cycletorque.com.au
1 Cycle World’s Manufacturer Guides
One of the world’s most popular motorcycle magazines, Cycle World, has
collected its tests, features and articles about various brands through the
years and put together the collections shown here. If you’ve an interest in
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TITLES INCLUDE: Cycle World On BMW 81/86 • Cycle World On Honda
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Yamaha 62/69
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2 101 Road Tales
A collection of entertaining columns fi rst published in the USA’s Rider
magazine, Clement Salvadori’s tales have been entertaining American
riders since 1988. Now, 101 of those engaging Road Tales have been
brought together in one book, cleverly illustrated by his long-time friend
Gary Brown.
Don’t expect a detailed travel guide to places near and far, but rather a
guide to the enjoyment of travelling, especially by motorcycle. These tales
are spun by an observant and experienced traveller who can make a quick
ride on the back roads near his home just as entertaining as a trip across
the country.
was $55 now $41.95
3 Freerider MX’s Ultimate Guide to Freestyle
As freestyle motocross continues to capture the imagination of the
mainstream public and motorcycle sales soaring, more riders are focusing
their attentions on riding FMX than ever before. With the racing scene
becoming more competitive than ever, more people are opting for the
lifestyle and fun factor of freestyle, and as a result, amateur classes at
events are burgeoning, and letters from readers eager to make a career in
freestyle motocross are fl ooding Freerider MX Magazine’s inbox.
was $19.95 now $14.95
4 Legendary Motorcycles
Some bikes become legends, from Burt Munroe’s Indian to the
Easy Rider choppers to anything owned by Steve McQueen or Elvis.
This book tells their stories. Lots of modern and old photographs,
hardcover, forward by Jay Leno.
was $49.99 now $34.95
5 Choppers and Custom Motorcycles
From early efforts of the ‘60s and ‘70s to the radical machines of today,
Choppers and Custom Motorcycles profi les these rolling works of art with
informative descriptions and vivid photography.
was $29.95 now $19.95
6 The Ultimate Guide to Choppers
The chopper is now a worldwide phenomenon, although many are limited
to the show circuit by local licensing regulations. This book describes the
entire chopper movement from its origins in California to its widespread
success today. It is a must read for any Harley-Davidson or chopper fan.
was $29.95 now $19.95
7 Tattoo
Tattoo: From Idea To Ink, is an indispensable resource for tattoo artists
and collectors alike. The book offers artwork, artists, and suggestions for
anyone looking for that perfect piece of art. In addition to a full section
fi lled with original artwork from master tattooists, the book features work
by industry legends.
was $55 now $39.95
8 Motocourse 2006/07
Now in its 31st year, Motocourse continues to go from strength to strength
as the fortunes of MotoGP worldwide continue to fl ourish. Compiled by
leading motorcycle journalist Mike Scott, Motocourse is not simply a lavish
document on the MotoGP and Superbike seasons, it is a highly collectible
resource that has sold out for each of the past three years. It is widely
recognised as the leading annual in this exciting sport. Motocourse is
packed with detailed race reports, in-depth analysis, rider profi les and
outstanding photography that brings to life the excitement of this massively
popular sport.
was $119.50 now $74.95
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9 The autobiography of Colin Seeley
1950s Britain was a time of great innovation for the motorcycle. In 1954, riding
his father’s Vincent outfi t, little did he realise how interwoven his own life and the
motorcycle scene would become. Through sheer hard work and determination Colin
built his reputation as a perfectionist in all things, well respected then and now. Packed
with photographs, the book is one man’s vivid memories of motorcycle racing, from
the thrills of sidecar racing to the development of the Seeley marque, The book is
lavishly illustrated in full colour. With 288 pages.
was $105 now $74.95
10 Race to Dakar
In 2004 Charley Boorman completed his astonishing round-the-world bike trip with his
friend, Ewan McGregor. The journey left him exhausted, exhilarated and hungry for a
new challenge. And what greater challenge than the Dakar rally? Beginning in Lisbon
and ending in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, the rally covers 15,000 kilometres of
treacherous terrain, and is widely regarded as the most dangerous race on earth. With
his team-mates Simon Pavey and Matt Hall, Charley faced extreme temperatures,
rode through shifting sands and stinging winds, and faced breakdowns miles from
civilisation. Charley recounts his extraordinary adventures through Portugal, Morocco,
Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Senegal.
$24.99
11 Motorcycle Dream Garages
Fantastic Spaces. Outrageous Bikes. Motorcycles live in luxurious palaces, lavishly
outfi tted warehouses, and gritty shops. ‘Motorcycle Dream Garages’ takes you inside
these private enclaves for a sneak peak into the homes of some of the world’s coolest
motorcycles. You’ll tour a secret 10,000-square-foot warehouse in New York…a
private collection housed in southern California that includes more than 25 one-off
customs and highly modifi ed sportbikes-not to mention a jet-powered motorcycle.
$59.95
12 Motorcycles - Life on Two Wheels
The early history of motorcycles closely parallels that of automobiles. Being far
simpler devices, however, motorcycles lent themselves to wider development by
back-yard mechanics, whose fi rst efforts typically involved little more than strapping
a small “store-bought” motor to their bicycle. These pioneering souls were often the
fi rst in their town to experience the thrill of motorized travel, and many were asked to
build duplicate machines by admiring neighbours.
was $29.95 now $19.95
13 Essential Guide to Dual Sport Motorcycling
Everything you need to buy, ride and enjoy trail and adventure motorcycling. Sections
on riding gear, tools, riding tips and safety and maintenance keep you well informed
for the trip ahead.
Exploring and navigating are also covered in this comprehensive guide book.
$55.00
14 Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance
The purpose of this book is to introduce the novice motorcycle mechanic to the basic
mechanical concepts and that go into designing, building and maintaining modern
motorcycles. By performing their own basic maintenance readers will gain a much
better understanding of how motorcycles function, and develop a much better feel for
the health of their bike and deal with little problems before they become a big one,
or worse, a serious safety issue. This text is written so that anyone with the proper
training and the right attitude can become a competent if not excellent mechanic.
$65.00
15 Geoff Duke-The stylish champion
The winner of six world titles on British and Italian machinery, Geoff Duke was the fi rst
post-war superstar. Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion is a hardcover book running to
over 250 pages documenting the riding life of the handsome Brit.
Featuring many images of Duke in action, statistics of Duke’s results and lots more,
this is the defi nitive guide to one of the most successful racers motorcycling has ever
seen.
was $59.95 now $34.95
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torquiNG BaCK
Letters
Write A Letter!
WiN A GreAt PriZe
This month Ron from Queensland has won a Cargol Turn-n-Go puncture
repair kit for his excellent idea of a motorcycle charity.
With all the tools and equipment you need to get on the road again
quickly, this kit is essential for anyone who even thinks they might get a
puncture.
available at better bike shops everywhere.
send your letters (and/or great bike pictures) to The editor, Cycle Torque,
PO Box 687 Warners Bay, NSW 2282 or email chris@cycletorque.com.au.
Thanks CT
Thanks Cycle Torque for my
new Ducati. That’s right it’s
because of Cycle Torque that
I have a new black Ducati
Monster 696 in the garage.
Nearly 20 years since I owned
a motorcycle, I had been
tossing around the idea of
getting back on a bike. My
threats over the last year
to get back on a bike had me
contemplating another dirt
bike, maybe a registered
KTM or late XR. Then I went
down the scooter path after
I saw a Sachs Mad Ass, but I
thought that might begin to
wear thin pretty quickly. It
was around this time I had
a day’s work up in the NSW
Southern Highlands. During
a break, I stopped into the
Robertson Pie Shop and grabbed
a pie, coffee and a copy of
the October ’08 Cycle Torque
and walked outside to take in
the beautiful early spring
day. I immediately noticed the
three Ducatis on the cover.
There they were sitting up
at Stanwell Tops with my home
town of ‘The Gong’ in the
background, just begging to
be ridden over that Sea Cliff
bridge. I turned straight
to the review and read with
enthusiasm. The new Monster
fared well – good suspension,
good brakes, more power,
lighter.
After a test ride I was sold.
There are few things in life
as exciting as the day you
pick up a new Ducati after a
20 year break from owning a
bike. I’ve spent every spare
moment threading the mountain
passes around the Gong. It’s
only the recent rain that’s
got me off the Monster long
enough to find my old dog
eared copy of the October
issue under the lounge and
write this letter. So thanks
again for pointing me in
the right direction and I’ll
look forward to grabbing more
copies of Cycle Torque from
the Robertson Pie Shop in the
future.
Mark
Wollongong
Customised pasta
I recently read a letter from
Chris Fowler in ‘Torquing
Back’, March 2010, in which
he asks about customising. I
thought I’d give him some food
for thought.
Do you remember that feeling
when you can’t seem to find
the end of that long string
of spaghetti? You suck and
slurp, knowing that little
bits of pasta sauce are
flicking all over your nice
clean clothes, but you just
can’t stop… you resist the
urge to bite it off, knowing
that the end is coming up
quickly. Yet, no matter,
how long this goes on, the
end of the pasta seems to
take forever to reach? This,
my friend, is motorcycle
customising. Yes, the essence
of the chase for good food
is what drives us to tinker
with our scooters, trikes and
bikes.
My customising days are
limited to imagination and
wallet, in that order. I
love my bike, in a purely
material sense, and really
like to ride it. Therefore,
any customising has to happen
relatively quickly to reduce
the off-road time. It is truly
amazing to see how much is
available online and through
catalogues. Start the journey
easily with replacement grips,
mirrors and foot pegs. Then,
extend yourself a little
with handlebars, windscreens
(a bikini fairing can look
very cool on the right bike)
and exhausts. Inspiration?
There’s abundance at every
newsagent’s motorcycle
shelf. No two people ever
customise their bike alike,
so there isn’t much need to
be concerned about having your
bike looking like someone
else’s.
I recently read about a
bloke who wanted ideas on
customising his new HD Muscle.
Ideas? I’ll give you one.
Make yourself a big bowl of
pasta and plonk yourself in
front of a laptop, Google
‘customise my bike’ and see
how long your slurping takes
to get through over a million
matches. You’ll need another
bowl.
Greg Dwyer
FXDC, BrisVegas
Future generations
I propose the motorcycling
community create a charity
called Keep Kids off the
Street. It would raise
funds by having some of
the current donations to
the general charities from
Toy Runs and other charity
rides redirected to Keep
Kids off the Streets and
use those funds for the
acquisition of land and
race tracks to give kids
places to ride. The benefit
of course is the charity
would own the facility
whether it be a club
house, speedway, road race
circuit, motocross track
etc. The charity would not
run events but hire the
facilities to the clubs
that then run the events
and do all the work etc as
now.
If all the funds collected
from the charity rides
around the country were
directed to Keep Kids
Off The Street, how
long would it take to
achieve a facility like
Lakeside Raceway, which
was recently up for sale?
I doubt if it would take
more than two years to
accumulate enough to
purchase such a facility
and within 10 years a
similar facility in each
state I feel would be
achievable.
What a benefit to
motorcycling and this
would be there forever,
just getting more
facilities each year,
leaving a legacy of
enormous proportions
to the future of
motorcycling.
As a motorcyclist all my
life including many years
racing and being in the
motorcycle business it has
always concerned me that
the motorcycle movement
gives so much to charity
and yet the public still
basically hate us while
bureaucrats, councils and
politicians see us as
fodder for legislation
against us.
Yes I know people will
say this is changing
but I can assure you
as a person who mixes
with a lot of influential
people not involved in
motorcycling it definitely
is not. For many years I
have suggested a charity
be formed named Keep Kids
Off The Street. The idea
of this is all motorcycle
charity is directed
to this and the sole
purpose of this charity
is to own real estate for
motorcycling.
Ron
Queensland
Magee defence
I am a regular podcast
listener of yours and a
long time motorcyclist
having just clocked up 50
years since my first Honda
Monkey bike ride that got
me hooked for life. I
still after 54 years of
life can’t get enough of
motorcycles and turn to
podcasts to enhance my
knowledge.
I was listening to the
latest podcast and was
shocked to hear Darren
Smart say that Kevin
Magee’s remarks regarding
the World Superbike
Championships were
outdated. Now Kevin, as
anyone would know, was
a legend of the sport
and hence deserves a bit
more respect than that
I feel. I look forward
to Kevin’s input to the
sport and it has always
been obvious that he puts
a lot of time and effort
into his broadcasts. He
‘personalises’ what is a
very intense series and
the fact that he knows the
riders and they know him
means that often things
that Kevin talks about
would mean that without
him we would have no idea
of what might be the real
story behind an incident,
for example other than the
official press release. I
had to have a bit of a
laugh to myself to think
that someone who is from
a dirt bike background
by the sound of your
introduction would seem to
think he would know more
about WSBK than someone
who has raced them not to
mention won a GP.
Darren is entitled to his
opinion as we all are
but I think in the case
of Kevin Magee he should
understand that there are
a lot of people out here
that think Kevin is as
important to the game as
the current day riders
are.
Paul Manson
Wauchope, NSW
Smarty thought some
of Magee’s were a bit
outdated. If you missed
the podcast (CT #45
- Back in the Studio)
it’s on the Cycle Torque
website (www.cycletorque.
com.au/podCastList.php).
You can also search for
Cycle Torque in iTunes
(www.itunes.com)and
subscribe to our audio,
video and eMag podcasts,
all free – NP.
Double
standards
I have noticed what seems
to be a double standard
regarding the law of
wearing helmets while
riding motorcycles.
When our brother
motorcyclist who wears
colours on his back rides
his bike in a funeral
cavalcade he, under the
law, is not allowed to
remove the helmet as a
mark of respect for his
mate.
But the ladies of the
other sexual persuasion
are applauded and
encouraged to bare all and
ride their motorcycles
without helmets around the
streets of Sydney at the
annual Gay and Lesbian
Mardi-Gras.
Don’t get me wrong I
feel wearing a helmet is
sensible.
Thank you for a great
paper/mag. Great price
too.
Henry Drap
NSW
Send your letters to
chris@cycletorque.com.au
36 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 37

QUAD feature
Play horse
TesT & phoTos By Chris piCkeTT
ARCTIC Cat’s 1000cc recreational
aTV boasts the biggest and most
powerful engine in its class. if you
want to experience the power for an
adrenaline hit, no problem, it will
blur the scenery quick smart. But if
you need to mend the odd fence or
two, or feed the cows, the Thundercat
has you covered there as well.
Powertrain and suspension
As the engine component of this ATV
is at the forefront of its promotional
literature we might as well start there.
A 951cc liquid-cooled and fuel injected
V-twin engine powers the Thundercat
H2. Arctic Cat doesn’t quote any power
figures but there is plenty on tap, that’s
for sure. At idle it feels very lumpy,
like it’s raring to go. Revs build quickly
as you give the thumb throttle a quick
hit. Instantly you are aware this will be
an exciting ride.
Transferring power to the ground is
the Duramatic automatic transmission,
which uses a centrifugal clutch and
primary and belt-driven clutches to
harness the grunt. Arctic Cat says the
constant engagement extends belt
life and also makes for better engine
braking. There’s also a rear differential
spike load damper which allows the
transmission to deliver maximum
power to the tyres without driveline
wear. In essence this is a clutch
work or play.
Arctic Cat’s Thundercat
is happy doing either.
system which slips if you have a
sharp increase in torque from a heavy
landing or impact, which in turn helps
protect the drive-line from damage.
A switch on the right handlebar
allows you to select between
2WD/4WD/differential lock. High
and low ranges are also available via
an easily accessible hand lever just in
front of the rider’s left knee.
250mm of suspension travel (preload
adjustable) will soak up most hits, and
275mm of ground clearance will let you
get over most obstacles. For 2010 Arctic
Cat has lengthened the wheelbase by
50mm in an attempt to harness the
power of the Thundercat.
on the farm
The thing we like about the
Thundercat is its ability to work and
play hard. This thing gets up and
boogies, make no mistake about that.
If you want to ride like a larrikin the
Thundercat will let you carve up the
paddock or jump logs like no-one’s
business. But if you need to carry hay
or drag a trailer full of fence posts
through the mud the Thundercat can
accommodate you too.
In 2WD the big cat is a ball of
fun. Tail out action is pretty much
instantaneous. If you start hitting
rocks and erosion banks at speed
the Thundercat starts to show the
workhorse in its design. In other words
the ATV is aimed more so at the farmer
who likes a bit of fun rather than the
sporting ATV rider. Arctic Cat actually
has a competition ATV called the
Mudpro. It looks very similar to the
Thundercat but does have a couple of
styling touches to let you know which
one’s which.
In 4WD mode you can go most
places. Our test farm had been deluged
by rain and was very wet in places.
Even muddy uphill sections were
dispatched with ease in 4WD, while
2WD struggled at times, especially
with the power at hand. Get throttle
happy and the rear wheels would spin
easily. One method of countering this
was to be very on/off the throttle to
get traction. But it didn’t matter really,
just flick the 4WD switch and presto,
instant traction. Although we didn’t
really need it we did lock the diff to
see what the difference was. On one
particularly slippery section – one we
wouldn’t normally tackle in such wet
weather – the diff lock got us up where
you would normally struggle.
If you want sideways action you’ll
need to keep it in 2WD. One downside
with 4WD is a larger turning circle but
it’s horses for courses; sometimes you
38 - APRIL 2010 Rear rack is huge, and there’s a similar one at the front. Engine is tucked away.
APRIL 2010 - 39

need it and sometimes you don’t.
Load carrying capacity is
impressive. It can tow close to half
a tonne, and the heavy duty front
and rear racks can carry a serious
amount of gear too. There’s plenty
of accessories available as well,
like the front winch and rack bags
to make life easier.
The final say
The Thundercat is what Arctic
Cat calls a ‘Recreation’ ATV. In
many ways it’s perfect for the
hobby farmer who doesn’t need
the hassle or cost of a tractor and
who also wants to have a little
fun on the farm, as well as doing
the chores needed to keep the
property ship shape.
At $15,995 inc GST it’s not
chicken feed but much cheaper
than most tractors that’s for sure,
and unless you are ploughing
paddocks will do many of the
same things Tommy the Tractor
can anyway.
More info: www.arcticcat.com
or 02 9647 2588. n
MAJOR EVENTS
ALL ThE muST SEE EvENTS BroughT To you By
more info www.cycletorque.com.au & in the next issue
APRIL
Bankstown Custom motorcycle Show
WHEN: April 2, 2010
WHERE: Bankstown Paceway, 178 Eldridge
Road Bankstown
WhaT: This show has everything, from
a speedway solo display from St George
MCC, to Freestyle MX, Outlaw sidecar
demos, live music, burnout comp, reptile
show, trials, trade displays etc etc etc.
You name it, it’s probably here. There’s
also $40,000 in cash and prizes to be won,
including a raffle Harley-Davidson.
CoNTACT: www.hardnfast.com
Australian Four day Enduro
WHEN: April 8-11, 2010
WHERE: Portland NSW
WhaT: Dirt Bike Promotions has given
away the running of the A4DE, so this
year it’s being taken on by the Oyster Bay
Motorcycle Club, with support from a
number of other clubs. Portland is situated
between Lithgow and Bathurst in NSW’s
Central West, so in April the weather should
be just right for riding. Throw in some
amazing forest riding and it should be a
great event.
CoNTACT: www.ma.org.au.
Barry Sheene memorial
WHEN: April 3-4, 2010
WHERE: Eastern Creek, NSW
WhaT: Classic racing at its finest, always a
huge range of racing machines doing what
they do best. You also get the chance to see
heroes of yesteryear’s racing.
CoNTACT: www.postclassicracing.com.au.
eDitoR
chRis pickett
publisheR
nigel pateRson
Design & pRoDuction
Dionne hagan, the D MeDia Design
aDveRtising
vic: bRian sullivan, 03 9583 8377
QlD: DaRRen sMaRt, 0412 183 797
sMaRty@cycletoRQue.coM.au
aDveRtising ManageR
Dennis penZo, 0420 319 335
Dennis@cycletoRQue.coM.au
accounts: Rebecca eastMent
bec@cycletoRQue.coM.au
Australian Speedway Sidecar
Championships
WHEN: April 3-4, 2010
WHERE: Newcastle Showground, NSW.
WhaT: Sideways action and dirt flying.
CoNTACT: Jennie Lilley 02 4988 6722.
Bikes Between the Boards rally
WHEN: April 3, 2010
WHERE: Oberon Leagues Club, North St,
Oberon NSW.
WhaT: $30 camping fee, band, fully catered,
good fun.
CoNTACT: Nick Wills on 0417 252 685 or
nickwtc@hotmail.com.
Broadford Bike Bonanza
WHEN: April 3-4, 2010
WHERE: Broadford, Victoria
WhaT: After last year’s very successful
event, you’ll again have the chance to see
some amazing machines from yesteryear,
plus sample your own machine on the track.
Track time is available for your classics,
whether they be road racers, road bikes,
trials or vintage MX. And there’ll be a swap
meet too.
CoNTACT: www.ma.org.au.
drag ‘N’ Brag
WHEN: April 11, 2010
WHERE: Western Sydney International
Dragway
WhaT: All Harley drag racing. Race your
street bike or your dedicated drag bike. Bike
show, live music, family friendly.
‘Tour of duty’ Poker run
WHEN: April 17, 2010
WHERE: ACT
WhaT: Good fun run, prizes, entertainment etc.
CoNTACT: www.vvmcfederal.com.au.
Crusty demons
WHEN: April 17, 2010
WHERE: Bluetongue Stadium Central Coast
NSW.
WhaT: Beyond Apocalypse Regional
Australia tour.
CoNTACT: @crusty.com
honda rjays road race Series
WHEN: April 18, 2010
WHERE: R1, Wakefield Park NSW
WhaT: Great race series, from superbikes
to juniors.
CoNTACT: www.stgeorgemcc.com
www.cycletorque.com.au
po box 687, Warners bay, nsW 2282
Ph (02) 4956 9820 • Fax (02) 4956 9824
email: info@cycletorque.com.au
Australian mX Nationals
WHEN: R2, April 18, 2010
WHERE: Horsham, Victoria
WhaT: Australia’s premier MX series,
Under 19s, Pro Lites and Pro Open classes.
CoNTACT: www.ozmotox.com.au.
Maximise the va
the CAB Membe
unapproachable rally The CAB brand which ha
WHEN: April 30-May 2, 2010 synonomous with credibi
WHERE: Nundle, NSW As a member of the CAB
WhaT: Centered around the Norton including brand a CAB Member
but the rally welcomes bikes and sales riders flyers of and newslett
all ages and nationalities. Organised Using rides the badge will re
for faster and slower classics. That includes
This badge has been cre
the bikes as well.
other promotional mater
CoNTACT: www.nocnsw.org.au, Steve 0447
622 211 or Chris 0404 030 925.
formation Guide
RegulaR contRibutoRs:
DaRRyl Flack, bob guntRip, keith MuiR, DaRRen sMaRt, toDD
ReeD, FRieDeMann kiRn, WWW.2snap.coM.
cycle toRQue is publisheD by MotoRcycle publishing pty ltD. abn 91 085 871 147
pRinteD by RuRal pRess, noRth RichMonD.
pRint post appRoveD pp255003/04198 issn 1441-8789
cycle toRQue is available FRoM bike shops acRoss austRalia.
iF you can’t FinD ouR latest issue, call 0420 319 335.
subscRiptions aRe available. $24.95 peR yeaR, call 02 4956 9820 FoR Details.
copyRight 2006. all Rights ReseRveD. no paRt oF this publication May be RepRoDuceD in
any FoRM, incluDing electRonic, Without WRitten peRMission oF the publisheR.
please contact the eDitoR beFoRe subMitting FReelance contRibutions.
40 - APRIL 2010 Trailer hitch is heavy duty:
Front shocks are
APRIL 2010 - 41
towing capacity is nearly 500kg!
adjustable for preload.
CAB
AUDIT
Members
Cycle Tor
Audit display badge
CAB
AUDIT
Audited
31,850
Oct to Mar 2005
The circulation records of this
publication have been submitted
for independent audit with the
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O
All pre

CyCle Torque TesT – Bmw s 1000 rr
TracTion a TracTion
RIDING GEAR: KBC helmet, Spyke
leathers, Alpinestars boots and gloves.
TesT By Chris piCkeTT phoTos By lou marTin
Lion hearted on one hand,
a pussycat on the other.
BMW’S S 1000 RR is one of the most technologically advanced
road bikes ever built. as a sportsbike it has few equals. as a road
bike it may be a little out of its element, as is any of its competition
in that market segment, but it offers a level of safety from its
electronic wizardry that takes the game to a whole new level.
In our January issue we reported on the S 1000 RR world launch
at Portimao in Portugal. Our publisher came away very impressed,
lauding the bike’s virtues on the race track and also the traction
control and ABS.
None of these things are new. Both have been around for a while
now but BMW were pioneers in the technology. To say the company
has got it right with the S 1000 RR is an understatement to say the
least.
I was able to sample BMW’s new superbike at the Australian
launch at Phillip Island, and then on real roads a month later. I won’t
go again into fine detail on the mechanics or electronics, for that you
can read the January issue online at www.cycletorque.com.au where
you’ll not only be able to read the full issue, you’ll also be able to read
the dedicated Emag on the S 1000 RR which has more images and
detail than the printed issue.
Launch time
At the technical briefing on the bike I couldn’t help but be
impressed with BMW’s first effort at such a machine. Did I expect it
to be so technically advanced? Yes. BMW has led the way in so many
areas of motorcycling that anyone with an eye for history would
know the German company would have made sure the bike was
right from the get-go.
The bike looks just like any 1000cc sportbike: slim, aggressive and
with a sporty riding position. As we got the tech injection there were
little things that made you think, ‘this bike is trick’! For example, you
can adjust the suspension damping with the ignition key. There’s not
20-odd clicks on damping control – the S 1000 RR has 10. So each one
actually makes a noticeable difference. And when a cam follower
was passed around I think we were all amazed at how light it was,
weighing an imperceptibly low amount. No wonder the engine likes
to rev.
For our first session we were asked to ride the bike in Rain Mode
which limits the horsepower to 150. Also we should stay in fourth
gear to sample the torque. Yes, it does have plenty of torque. You
could ride the entire track in fourth easily, the bike pulling out of the
hairpin turn four and MG corners without complaint. A few laps like
that and I started using the whole ’box. Sorry I flouted the rules, I
couldn’t help myself. Even with ‘only’ 150hp this jigger is fast.
The bike has four modes: Rain, Sport, Race, Slick. The first three
42 - APRIL 2010 The control centre.
APRIL 2010 - 43

Own this bike from:
$652.54 per mth
rates from 7.99%*
finance
www.gorapid.com.au 1300 790 411
*Rates and Repayments are subject to change daily – conditions apply
are available, the fourth can only be The secret is the traction control. I felt
activated by a BMW dealer. Simply so safe with it on that I never wanted
put, Rain has the aforementioned to turn it off to see what the difference
150HP, Sport, Race and Slick have
full power which is quoted as 193:
serious grunt. The ABS and traction
would be. I could crack open the
throttle with gay abandon exiting a
corner like Siberia and you could feel
SpecificationS:
2010 BmW S 1000 rr
with full adjustment, including
high and low speed damping.
Rear shock is also Sachs, same
As received the bike was
set up on the stiff side, giving
me a few sharp hits from the
was on open roads and as such
the bike in this set up handled
well enough but when you
strain your neck to look where
you are going. If you are six
foot or thereabouts you will
control systems are less intrusive the
‘higher’ you go up the modes. In other
words, Rain Mode has both kicking
the tractional control doing its job –
beautiful.
The traction control and ABS system
engine Type: Liquid-cooled inline four
Capacity: 999cc
deal with damping adjustment.
on the road
rear end. At my first stop I
backed off the compression
and rebound damping with
pushed on through the corners
the bike was not as good as it
could be. I then adjusted the
find this to be the case. If you
are shorter you might not. One
thing I didn’t like was the high
in much earlier than Slick Mode does.
Superbike racer Steve Martin was at
the launch and he likened the system
doesn’t come standard in Australia. It’s
a $2500 option (over the base $21,900
+ ORC) but is well worth it. You can
Transmission: Six speed/chain drive
Fuel Capacity: 17.5 Litres
While the S 1000 RR is fairly
comfortable on the track,
it’s not so easy on the body
the key (a screwdriver is
needed to access rebound on
the shock). I left preload and
damping from basically full soft
to three turns in from soft on all
fronts and this felt much better,
frequency vibration through the
’bars. I didn’t really notice it on
the track but at constant speeds
in Slick Mode to that of a full-blown
superbike.
Not that long ago it would have
turn one or both off via a button on
the handlebars but I’d leave them on
all the time.
Frame Type: Alloy
Seat Height: 820mm
when you tackle our goat
tracks in Australia. For my
road test I took the bike on a
high speed damping alone. In
an ideal world I would have
sorted the pre-load but daylight
offering enough compliance
from both ends without
upsetting the handling in the
it is noticeable.
The last word
been hard to imagine a race bike with And with the quick-shifter –
Wet Weight: 206kg
1000 kilometre weekend ride was a burning so I left my tight corners.
As a track day bike it’s
193hp, let alone a road bike. That said,
while the bike was very fast, it didn’t
standard on the Australian model
– you just spear through the gears Front Suspension: 46mm USD forks
through Mid North NSW, on
roads which were, at times, less
tampering to the clickers. This
vastly improved things on the
There’s not a lot of wind
protection, the mirrors are OK,
possibly the best I’ve ever
ridden as a complete package.
seem demonstrably more so than with the throttle held wide open. If rear Suspension: Fully adjustable
than ideal for a sportsbike. comfort side. Most of the trip the seat is hard and you will BMW has priced it very
any of the competition’s 1000cc inline
fours, or Ducati’s big twin. What I’m
getting at is they are all fast, they all
propel you down Phillip Island’s main
you can’t get your jollies doing this
sort of stuff you are probably already
dead. Low down power is strong.
When you get to 7,000rpm the bike
single Sachs shock
Brakes: Twin disc front, single disc rear.
ABS option.
competitively and if you
are able to procure a bike
from the first shipment you
will be lucky. The S 1000
straight with eye popping intensity.
Where I came away thinking this
was something special was with
starts to shift forward with real
purpose, and when you hit 9,000rpm
it goes absolutely mental. Redline is
Tyres: 120/70-17, 180/55-17
price (rrp): $ 21,900 + ORC
RR is proving popular, and
why wouldn’t it, a new
benchmark has been set
the traction control and ABS. Most
sportsbike riders will tell you it’s a load
of wank. But I’m here to say it isn’t.
I’ve ridden some special bikes around
‘The Island’ but never as fast as this.
14,000rpm.
What’s the rest of the S 1000
RR’s running gear like? Top shelf,
that’s how good. Radially mounted
Brembo calipers, 46mm Sachs forks
www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au
Call for a quote
1800 24 34 64
We’ll Beat aNY PrICe GuaraNteeD*
Taill-ight is a work of art in itself.
Massive swingarm looks the part, and
quickshifter comes standard on Aussie bikes.
which others will surely
have to follow: for now, they
are all playing catch-up. n
44 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 45

Deus like to
strip down
motorcycles to
a bare minimum
IMAGINE a motorcycle which, in standard form, is a very outlandish
looking machine, has loads of torque and a presence which gets the rider,
shall we say, ‘noticed’. That’s the yamaha MT-01.
Then get a customising and tuning house to go to town on the very same
bike and you’ll get a loud, obnoxious and anti-social bike that just cries out to
be thrashed. Ride this baby in town and babies will cry, women will swoon,
men will be envious and Mr Plod will be looking for a place to stop you.
When we rode this bike we didn’t notice any of these things happening, but
they might have.
In the February issue (check it out now: www.cycletorque.com.au/eMaglist.
php) we checked out the Deus ‘God of Speed’ Yamaha SR400-based street
machine which was very cool and produced lots of drool. We also talked
about the ideology of Deus Ex Machina at Camperdown in Sydney, which is
all about getting the perfect ‘look’. Of course it’s all in the eye of the beholder
but if you like bikes which are different, you’ll no doubt be aware of Deus and
its products. If not, go to www.deus.com.au.
Back to the MT-01. Everything on the Deus MT-01 was done in-house at the
Camperdown style emporium, except paint. So you can get yours done in the
same colours as this particular machine, or you can have it pink with white
polka dots, or even white with pink polka dots – whatever takes your fancy.
When the MT-01 first came out you could buy tuning packages directly
from Yamaha, pipes, engine bits etc. Deus has stayed away from ripping into
the engine. The bike is powerful enough standard so the look and noise side
of things have been altered. The result is a much leaner looking bike than the
standard jigger, and a much louder one too!
46 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 47

Bodywork
Besides the custom paint, the front guard has been ‘trimmed’, the
headlight is hidden behind a racing number plate setup, the tank
has been ‘shaved’ (an old custom term for de-badging) and a street
tracker racing style single seat holds the rider’s bum in place.
rolling stock
Marchesini rims sit front and rear, standard brakes are equipped
with stainless steel braided lines and a loud and proud two-intoone
reverse cone megaphone exhaust gets the nasty gases out.
Deus has also retuned the standard ECU to cope with the exhaust
change.
Bits and bobs
A higher set of street tracker ’bars’ greets the rider as he or she
gets to grips with the beast, a set of stainless steel mirrors are small
and neat, smaller indicators, and LED stop lights decrease the rear
real estate markedly. The rear subframe has also been substantially
modified and the relevant wiring hidden.
on the street
The riding position is more upright than standard because of the
handlebars, and also the lower seat. At first it seemed too upright
but you soon get over this. You get over it as soon as you fire up
the engine and release that soulful sound from the reverse cone
muffler. Boy does this baby sound mean! Off into the traffic we
went and riding through the inner city had heads turning our way
constantly. Besides pre-warning the walking public of its imminent
arrival, the colour hits them between the eyes while waiting at the
lights. Even during the photoshoot we had to move people away to
get the shots.
We didn’t get to sample the MT-01 on the open road but around
the back streets of inner Sydney it was a delight. We just wanted to
whack open the throttle all the time. The only glitch in the arsenal
was a slight hiccup off idle – maybe the retune was giving the
engine a little too much fuel at low revs. Other than that it was a
ball of fun to ride.
Let’s face it, Deus stuff isn’t cheap but exclusivity never is. In
this form the Deus MT-01 will cost you $29,500. Quite an amount
of man hours has gone into this bike and then you have top shelf
items like the Marchesini wheels and custom exhaust, so it’s easy
to see where the money goes. You can get Deus to source a bike for
you and get the team there to do the work, or you can get your own
ride and take it directly to Deus.
If you ask nicely you might even be able to buy certain bits
yourself and fit them at home. Whichever direction you take you
will have a stylish and individual motorcycle which also packs a
serious wallop.
– Chris Pickett
Hand made pipes. Loud and proud. Racing number plate deftly hides the headlight.
48 - APRIL 2010 Let the world know! Street Tracker seat isn’t made for the long haul.
APRIL 2010 - 49

From russia with Love...
NyET!
WouLD you offer your throat to the
Wolf? meatloaf’s words raced through
my mind as i approached the sexton
Club, the lair of the Night Wolves’
motorcycle club just outside of moscow.
What an intimidating site it was – the
wolf and claw logo at the entrance,
the huge steel doors at the entry and
surreal Mad Max movie set style of the
club house, nightclub, bike shop and
restaurant… it all really confronts the
visitor.
I’d finally got the chance to visit here
after seeing a doco on TV where Aussie
muso and didjeridu virtuoso Charlie
McMahon and his band were a big hit. So I
thought I’d go and check out the club and
find out what I could about where Russian
motorcycling and the culture in general
was at. And bugger!… it was closed!
My research showed that the Night
Wolves have recently developed the
‘Wolf’, in conjunction with the Russian
bike manufacturer Ural Motorcycles…and
also a range of motor clothes. The bikes
are cruiser-styled choppers with a motor
derived from the 1941 BMW motor that
was reverse engineered to service the war
effort (much like the Harley-Davidson XA
flat twin shaft drive).
In the adjacent bike shop (constructed
as a surreal locomotive) I got some idea
of what was to come. Boris and Svetlana
gave me a “NYET” when I asked them if
they spoke English/German/Italian… I
was buggered so I resorted to sign language
“…how do I get in next door”? I got NYET
with the crossed wrists which I presumed
to mean don’t even think about it. Well, I
thought shit – I’ve gotta give it a go!
So in through the barricades I go…
what an awesome sight. The inhospitable
entry was wide enough for about five
bikes abreast with a huge open area and a
central bar that you can ride right up to on
your bike… how good is that? The whole
area was like an industrial wasteland and
included an awesome stage area full of bikes
and ironmongery of all sorts.
I was taking it all in and
about to snap off a pic when
I copped a high pitch whistle
and a “NYET”… and the
crossed wrists! Damn, a guard,
or should I say Mr Evil given
his in-elegant appearance. I
argued in sign language and
used all sorts of internationally
recognised words like “Press”
“Magazine” “Journalist”…”Take
me to ya leader”? And eventually
he pointed to the restaurant
so I marched off down there
thinking… Geez, I hope I don’t
end up, like, disappearing! So
into the restaurant I go and there
are three more of them (a troika,
eh?) and about as friendly as
robbers’ dogs! So I go through my
spiel again… English? German?
Press? Hell… I just want to take
some photos, talk to someone
intelligent and see ya motor
clothes…I might even be able to
promote your business a little fer
Chrissake… how hard is that?
I was getting frustrated at this
stage but then it was their call.
I thought – I could get beaten
up and dumped, thrown out or
they’ll turn into eloquent Phd’s
and discuss the past and present
biker culture in more than
monosyllables and let me take
a few pics. Ta..Da…I got option
B and was frog marched to the
imposing steel gates where I
whipped around and got off a
couple of shots but well aware
that it could have all gone the
wrong way! Massively cheezed
off I decided to give the bikes
and motor clothes a miss, I also
waited an hour for a taxi but
nothing came. I also had no
idea where I was because I’d
travelled here by cab. So far, I’d
learned two words of Russian…
”Nyet” and “Metro”(train) so I
started to walk shouting metro
at every person I saw. And, an
hour and a half later… without
a beer in sight I staggered into a
metro station. A flip of the coin
could have seen me in Moscow
or mugged. Interestingly I
ended up in Moscow but I think
I was mugged anyway because
the taxi ride to the Wolf lair was
$100 US and the trip back on the
train was about 50 cents.
There is a biker culture…
fortunately I came across them
in action at the Sunday night
street drags at a panoramic
lookout over Moscow. The
police had decided some time
ago that they couldn’t beat
the proceedings so they just
supported the concept by
blocking off the main road for
safety and let the bikers go at it.
Bikers are bikers and they were
having fun.
I think there is a bigger story
here and an interesting biker
culture… but my advice for
any aspiring researcher is I
recommend a pre-requisite in
Russian language, negotiating
skills, insurance policy and a
big wallet.
– Turk
50 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 51

infORmATiOn fROm OUR ADvERTisERs
1 FuELLEd uP
2
1
3
HUSABERG’S FE390, 450 and 570 EFI models can now
have a longer fuel range thanks to Safari Tanks.
16 litre front and 10 litre rear tanks are available, and
they were tested by the Husaberg race team in last year’s
Australasian Safari, so you know they are built to last.
Both tanks can be filled from one point too, so no dicking
about when you’re tired and dusty in the outback.
PriCE: Front – $781, rear – $604.
AvAiLABLE From: Safari Tanks
morE iNFo: 03 5729 5556 or www.safaritanks.com.au.
2 Four SEASoNS
AXO’s Melbourne textile jacket is the result of much
badgering from Aussie riders. AXO has taken all these
ideas and made a jacket to suit our riding conditions
and climate. It would make a great enduro or adventure
jacket, and wouldn’t look out of place on a road bike
either. With removable sleeves, ventilation and massive
pouches the jacket is made to protect and be comfy doing
it.
PriCE: $219.95
AvAiLABLE From: All good bike shops
morE iNFo: www.ficeda.com.au
3 KNoB your S 1000 rr
WANT some protection for your S 1000 RR? Well check
out Oggy Knobs’ range for the Bavarian beast.
Frame and front/rear axle knobs can help reduce crash
damage which will make life happier in the event of your
bike not staying rubber side down.
PriCE: Axle sliders – $99 per end, Frame sliders – $175.
AvAiLABLE From: Leading motorcycle stores
morE iNFo: www.kenma.com.au
4 LEAd iN your PENCiL
IF YOU’VE ever had a battery go flat you’ll know it’s a
pain. Planet Moto has a range of batteries for extremely
good prices; lead acid, semi sealed and gel models
which will fit virtually any bike. They carry a 12 month
warranty and Planet Moto will beat any advertised price.
Free shipping Australia wide. Trade enquiries welcome.
PriCE: Various
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morE iNFo: 1300 457 878 or www.planetmoto.com.au
4
5 giXXEr TuNE
MC PERFORMANCE has some trick Venom pipes for the 2010 Suzuki
GSX-R1000.
Comes as a cat pipe (replacing the catalytic converter) and two mufflers.
The result: Horn looks, horn sound and even a power increase. Fancy that!
MC Performance has a range of Venoms to suit the Gixxer and is also doing
package deals with the cat pipe.
PriCE: Mufflers from $1100, cat pipe $350. Prices inc postage.
AvAiLABLE From: Direct from MC Performance
morE iNFo: www.mcperformance.com.au
6 gET TriBAL
PROGRIP has its 2010 Tribal range of MX gear on the shelves now.
The Italian made products are worn by loads of pro racers and look
absolutely smick.
Three colour combinations available, and most sized people catered for.
PriCE: Jersey $79.95, Pants $269.95
AvAiLABLE From: Good bike shops everywhere.
morE iNFo: www.jtr.com.au
7 CovErEd uP
IF YOU love your Yamaha R6 you’ll want to make sure it’s covered up so
the dust and water can’t get on it.
Yamaha has a genuine cover which follow the lines and contours of the
bike, so it’s a perfect fit.
Fits 2002-2010 models and comes in black or blue.
PriCE: $249.90
AvAiLABLE From: Yamaha dealers nationwide
morE iNFo: www.yamaha-motor.com.au/yshop
8 iTALiAN STyLE
AGV has a new range of road/race helmets to keep your bonce as safe as
possible.
The K4 comes in a range of sizes and colours (inc graphics models) so
there’s something to appeal to not only your head but your eyes as well.
PriCE: Solid colours – $399. Graphics: $449.
AvAiLABLE From: Leading motorcycle stores
morE iNFo: www.agv.com
8
52 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 53
6
7
5

18 - APRIL 2010 www.cycletorque.com.au
GUNTRIP
Northern blights
gET wirEd
WE’VE had the Scala Rider Q2 from Cardo
Systems in trial for a couple of months
now and find it a great way to help you get
around on a bike. mix is volatile: trucks, tourists, late-running
business folk and local racers jockeying for
The set will let you talk from bike to bike
position on a road that struggles for width
(up to 500 metres) over much or of rider its length. to pillion. That’s
There weren’t too many bikes on view:
if you buy the Multiset which has two units.
the inevitable clumps of Harleys running
We’ve had a single south, one set or two on heavily trial which but stylishly allows laden
us to use answer big-bore our BMW phone, tourers use and, around a GPS major
population centres, a few R1s and FireBlades.
system and also listen to some tunes. You can
EASING G yourself lf out t of f Sydney S d via i the th
Paci c Highway requires the patience of
a saint. Despite the state government’s
apparent conviction that everything in the
garden is rosy, I’m still astonished that the
arterial route to Newcastle and Brisbane
can rarely muster no more than two lanes in
either direction. But then again I’m writing
this on a computer running Windows Vista,
i i l til t k t i t l t i
so what the hell do I know?
This much: it gets better north of the Hunter.
The challenge of the Bulahdelah bends has
disappeared for those seeking the quick
coastal route north, but new stretches of
dual carriageway bearing gratifying smooth
tar go some way to make up for the lack of
geometric interest.
And there’s the scenery. Undulating hills
giving way to mountains in embryo that bear
the rst traces of ushed vegetation I associate
with moving closer to the tropics. And then
the daily lot of government-backed irritation
rears its ugly head again. Call it perverse if
you like, but whenever I pass road works it’s
always smoko time. North of Taree is a 30km
strip where the highway is being widened. I
10km/h below the limit.
The work peters out around Port Macquarie,
and we’re back in the dark ages for a while
where the exhortations to keep left put you
in the worst repaired truck damage to the
concrete surface. The road has a hint of
Just as inevitably, an ancient XL250 Honda,
get FM radio two-up stations and festooned and also with plug mismatched in your
luggage, wheezing up a steep hill at out at
MP3.
80.
On one ride in North crap of weather Grafton the and going heavy becomes easier
again, developing a folksy feel as the road
traffic we were winds able its way to find along riverbanks our way on to one a side
destination with and sugar our cane GPS on system the other. The easily. trucks No are
still there but on the plains they don’t seem
more days of quite stopping so big. and getting out a
street directory. A last When stop for a call juice and comes then the in or nal run the
One of the road’s abiding problems is the into Brisbane, along the Gold Coast Highway
number of rugged individualists GPS who lady seem to talks through to you, thickening the music Friday night is instantly
traf c. The
think it reasonable to putter along shut well out. below ight from the city seems every bit as heavy
the speed-limit on a two-lane arterial road. as Sydney’s and driving habits even more
Roadside signs promising “Overtaking Very handy lane gadget, aggressive; and perhaps battery it’s the frustration, life at up among to
5km” really aren’t too much of eight a comfort. hours is the better more recent than migrants, expected. of learning that you
know this to be true because there are plenty
of signs advertising the point. It’s all 80km/hposted,
slow enough for the occasional glance
menace about it now. Tall, dark trees edge up
to the road and reduce the sun to a ickering
presence; the highway weaves left and right,
Then there are the semis, in groups of three don’t leave the traf c behind when you leave
PriCE: Multiset $659, single $369
or four, whistling south as we roll north, but Sydney or Melbourne.
scarcely less intimidating for that. AvAiLABLE It’s an ugly From: And now Strike it’s over; Group we become Australia part of the
sideways and so to concede that there’s
evidence pointing to some form of human
activity going on behind the dividing wall
rolling over blind crests and plunging into
short, abrupt valleys. On the radio there’s
news of a head-on somewhere in front of us,
picture: of an old road struggling to cope with jam ourselves, easing along Coronation Drive
morE iNFo: www.strike.com.au/cardo or
its traf c; of resources stretched too thin. The into the western suburbs of Vegas. Even with
surface truly isn’t bad for most 1300 of its length, 792 044 an overnight break and travelling in midweek
at some time in recent history. It’s just that I at a place called New Italy. It’s a bad one: two and there are three lanes wherever they can be the Paci c is still a demanding ride. The
never see any, and this time we were rolling people killed, two more in hospital.
squeezed in, but that’s the problem: the road middle stretches, remote from the in uence
past at 10am on a Friday. And I had plenty of We roll up behind the inevitable white follows its original route, when the traf c and resources of Sydney and Brisbane, are the
time to look, too, because we were stuck at caravan and take a breather as it bounces and was predominantly local and nobody much toughest and demand respect. Proceed with
the time behind a cheery P-plater who clearly lurches along at a more relaxed 90km/h. The minded whether it detoured around irritating caution.
thought it reasonable to bimble along at mood soon becomes clouded with frustration. local topographical features or not. Today the
– Bob Guntrip
$3990
RRP
Plus on road costs from $500.* On road costs
based on 12 months registration for NSW
calculated at time of publication.
On road costs varies from State
to State.Please contact your
local dealer.
LEARNER
LEGAL
Ride your own way... 250 Metro jacket
gET your FivE
RACERS like to be as comfortable as possible when on
the bike. This allows you to concentrate on getting the job
done, not worrying whether your leathers are too tight etc.
I’ve been wearing my new Five RFX1 MotoGP Tribal
gloves which not only fit me perfectly, they look awesome
as well.
They are designed to protect your hands to a high degree
and when I saw pictures of Andrea Dovizioso’s gloves
after he crashed his Honda GP bike I knew they were for
me. His hands came out unscathed, the gloves took the
crash in their stride and you could keep on wearing them.
A I’ve used my ‘Tribals’ a few times now and I’m super
impressed with them, you hardly know they are on.
Check out the photo, the gloves look very ‘factory’. You’ll
also notice my OGK helmet with no visor. I was in a hurry
to change visors and didn’t clip it in properly. It jumped
ship down the main straight at Phillip Island. – Alex
Pickett
PriCE: $329.95
AvAiLABLE From: Good bike shops Australia wide
morE iNFo: A GET WIRED www.motonational.com.au
WE’VE hhad d the h Scala l Rider d Q2 ffrom Cardo d Systems in trial l ffor a couple l of f months h
now and nd it a great way to help you get around on a bike.
The set will let you talk from bike to bike (up to 500 metres) or rider to pillion.
That’s if you buy the Multiset which has two units. We’ve had a single set on trial
which allows us to use answer our phone, use a GPS system and also listen to
some tunes. You can get FM radio stations and also plug in your MP3.
On one ride in crap weather and heavy traf c we were able to nd our way to a
destination with our GPS system easily. No more days of stopping and getting out
a street directory. When a call comes in or the GPS lady talks to you, the music is
instantly shut out.
Very handy gadget, and battery life at up to eight hours is better than expected.
PRICE: Multiset $659, single $369
AVAILABLE FROM: Strike Group Australia
MORE INFO: www.strike.com.au/cardo or 1300 792 044
www.cycletorque.com.au
54 - APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 - 55
B
APRIL 2010 - 31
B GET YOUR UR FIVE
RACERS like to be as comfortable as possible when on the bike. This allows you to concentrate
on getting the job done, not worrying whether your leathers are too tight etc.
I’ve been wearing my new Five RFX1 MotoGP Tribal gloves which not only t me perfectly, they
look awesome as well.
They are designed to protect your hands to a high degree and when I saw pictures of Andrea
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came out unscathed, the gloves took the crash in their stride and you could keep on wearing
them.
I’ve used my ‘Tribals’ a few times now and I’m super impressed with them, you hardly know
they are on.
Check out the photo, the gloves look very ‘factory’. You’ll also notice my OGK helmet with no
visor. I was in a hurry to change visors and didn’t clip it in properly. It jumped ship down the
main straight at Phillip Island. – Alex Pickett
PRICE: $329.95
AVAILABLE FROM: Good bike shops Australia wide
MORE INFO: www.motonational.com.au

dirty torque
From Bunting To The Bush
TOBY Price and Josh Strang are the latest
in an extremely long line of motocrossers
who have taken to the off-road scene like a
duck to water, so I thought it was time we
looked at some of the greats who have gone
from racing between trackside bunting to
smashing their way through the bush.
Before we go much further I will say this
from personal experience: it is no picnic
racing enduros, pony expresses, cross
countries or desert races. I was once of
the opinion that I, as a reasonably handy
motocrosser, I could go across and whip the
off-road boys if that ever took my fancy.
And sure, I won my class at Finke and took
wins at a few small local off-road events
but whenever I had a crack at anything at
either state or national level I got smoked. I
was at the first ever endurocross at Dargle
(around 1991) and was third in class and
something like 150th outright after riding
my arse off all day on Kawasaki’s then allnew
KLX650R.
And I am sure that a lot of the tattooed,
earinged, sub-whoofa’d, hat-on-sideways
young motocrossers of today have a similar
view to mine many years ago but nothing
is surer that their results would emulate my
failures if they had to go head-to-head with
the likes of Stefan Merriman or Kirk Hut-
56 - APRIL 2010
ton in the bush.
My first memory of a motocrosser doing a
serious enduro was a guy by the name of
John Behrens (I think that is how you spell
his second name). John was a nationally
rated motocrosser who either won or got
close to winning a major enduro on an
IT490 back in around 1981. Apparently he
was seriously fast and as loose as it gets
and one of the mags ran a photo of him doing
a monster wheelie out of a gully.
Next was multi Queensland Motocross
Champion David Armstrong who took a
bog-stock KX250 and gave the world's best
enduro riders a lesson at the 1988 A4DE
held on the Sunshine Coast. I was there
and Army tore the place apart with sheer
determination coupled with a little local
knowledge and his motocross skills.
One of the legendary performances put
in by a motocrosser doing enduros has to
be Stefan Everts when he won the 2003
ISDE in Brazil OUTRIGHT. Everts did the
event after winning the 2003 World MX1
Motocross Championship and absolutely
stomped the best enduro riders in the world.
In 2006 former World Motocross Champion
Shayne King rode his first enduro: it was
the ISDE at Taupo and the Kiwi legend
managed to win quite a few special tests
Stefan Everts successfully mastered both MX
and enduro disciplines.
and ended the event 11th outright while
just last year former motocross GP punter
Johnny Aubert won the World E2 Enduro
Championship with another GP top runner
Rodrig Thain finishing the championship
in fifth.
AMA motocross and supercross regulars
Guy Cooper, Kyle Lewis and Rodney Smith
all extended their careers by hitting the
GNCC series with some success while former
AMA 125cc Motocross Champion and
Motocross GP winner Mike Brown moved
to the WORCS series in America last year
and won it on debut.
And here we are at the start of the 2010
season and former Australian Motocross
Championship mid-packer Josh Strang
has won the opening round of the GNCC
series in America while former Australian
Junior Motocross Champion Toby Price has
started his AORC defense with wins at the
opening two rounds at Port Macquarie.
So the bottom line is this, if you are a
motocrosser and want to have a go at the
off-road riders on their home turf I applaud
you: it will be a humbling experience for
99 per cent of you and from my experience,
that never hurt anybody.
– Smarty