MALL& IGHTY!
ONDA GROM VS ENELLI TNT
Why the novelty hasn t worn off after 50 years!
Love
or loathe it,
it’s time we
wise up to
electric
power! 30 Jan - 12 Feb , 2020
Vol 69 No 15
T A K E C H A R G E
TAKECHARGE!!
$8.95 | NZ $9.95
12 electric weapons that could change your mind!
WYNN NORTON
OR LOSE! PROMISE
Reliving the 1985 Can the new Atlas range
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JANUARY FEBRUARY / VOL /
t nts
THIS IS WHERE YOU START
Ridden/Tested
Switch Hitter
28 Up the Snowies on Yamaha’s WRF
32 Little by Little
Taking it to the big bad streets on little bikes
32
Promising the World
42 There may be trouble at Norton but the Atlas rocks
Features
50 Full Charge Ahead
Some names you know, and some you don’t, are
making e-bikes the next wave in motorcycling
60 Ones & Zeroes
KTM’s Jen Anderson is punching in the numbers that
could make the difference in MotoGP
70 Who Dares Wynn’s
In ¤ BMW set its sights on winning the maiden
Aussie Safari. Here is how it went...
80 The Modest Maestro
Lino Tonti designed some of Italy’s most iconic
motorcycles. So why isn’t he more well known?
Sport
108 Dakar Rally
Finally, Honda breaks KTM’s winning spell
116 Island Classic
The Aussies hold off the hard-charging yanks
Cover story
Take Charge!
Just when you were thinking e-bikes were
not lust-worthy, along come a bunch of
prototypes that might change your mind
SMALL&
HONDAGRO V
Why the novelty hasn t wo
Love
or loathe it,
it’s time we
wise up to
electric
power!
TAKECHARG
WYNN
ORLOSE!
12 electric weapons that could change your mi
N
amcn.com.au
Regulars
News/ He Did What?/ Access/ Living With...
Second Hand/ Top Gear/ What’s On/ Events
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In Pit Lane/ Where Are They Now?/ Gassit
42
80
“There was far
more than just a
trophy at stake”
108
ed’s desk
SAM MACLACHLAN
EDITORIAL
Editor: Sam Maclachlan
Deputy Editor: Kel Buckley
Shock tactics News Editor: Hamish Cooper
Sub Editor: Phil Branagan
Staff Journalist: Pete Vorst
Founding Editor: George Lynn
I KNOW, I know, they don’t make brmmm-brmmm noises, so DESIGN
we shouldn’t accept them. I get that. But electric-powered Art Director: Paul Andrews
Designer: Joe Ferrara
vehicles are a thing, and the two-wheeled versions of such Sir Alan Cathcart, Michael Scott,
CONTRIBUTORS
contraptions are becoming more and more viable as proper Ben Purvis, Colin Young, Mat Oxley,
modes of transport and recreation. There’s also a whole Gold & Goose, Gordon Ritchie, Paul Young,
Peter Whitaker, Tim Munro, Don Cox
AND NOT FORGETTING
generation of future travellers coming online who think Dean Mellor, Darryl Flack, Neil Spalding,
they are great… Simon O’Leary, Peter Baker,
Josh Evans & Phillip Tooth
Ask most late-teens what car they lust after and they won’t PRODUCTION
Production Manager: Ian Scott
say Ferrari, they will say Tesla. It’s a shock. But this Advertising Co-ordinator: Yang Zhou
is what changing generational aspirations look Head of Sales: Dale Johnson
ADVERTISING
like, and while I can’t see my kids wanting a [email protected]
¡
I love it, yet BST Hypertek (the cover bike) when asked National Sales Manager: Mark Evans
[email protected]
just yet, there’s a solid chance they will
¢¢ ¡ ¢
Qld Sales Manager: Todd Anderson
it doesn’t go own such a two-wheeler in their lifetime. [email protected]
¤ ¥
By the time they get a motorcycle
brmmm- licence, my oldest in five year’s time, Publisher: Jim Flynn
MANAGEMENT
Citrus Media
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the know
IT HAPPENED SINCE LAST ISSUE
CHINA’S
BIGGEST-CAPACITY,
HIGHEST-SPEC
China MOTORCYCLE
EVER!
changes BENELLI 1200 TOURER
gears WAY BACK IN 2016 we revealed been swapped for a chain and a
design drawings from China that
double-sided tubular swingarm
design, very much like that of the
showed a 1200cc triple-cylinder
tourer under development by
Benelli’s parent firm Qianjiang. old Benelli Tre-K 1130.
In terms of spec, the engine
The image here comes from the
Once known for cheap bike’s Chinese type-approval now measures 1209cc and makes
precisely 100kW. That’s exactly the
commuters, the People’s documents, meaning it’s on same output as BMW’s R 1250 RT –
surely the closest direct rival to the
the verge of production,
Republic is shaping up to be a and the same paperwork QJ1200 in terms of size and styling.
The power is put to the ground via
includes a host of technical
major player in manufacturing details, too. a 190/55 ZR17 rear tyre, while the
The earlier design images of
front is a typical 120/70 ZR17.
for a global audience the bike showed a police-spec Bosch 9.1MP ABS is fitted as
machine. That’s not unusual in standard, according to the type-
China, were a contract to supply approval, and the document
CHINA’S NEW-MODEL backers, China is throwing the country’s security forces can lists the QJ1200’s curb weight
market is up five percent off its old reputation of small, mean thousands of guaranteed at a hefty 338kg – around 50kg
(see following news cheap motorcycles. sales. The new photo, despite more than a BMW R 1250 RT.
pages) and its motorcycle Our industry sleuth Ben being disappointingly low- The stated 1550mm wheelbase
manufacturing industry is Purvis has the scoop on the resolution, clearly shows the shows it’s a long bike, too, on a
going gangbusters. latest developments that QJ1200 in civilian form. par with Yamaha’s FJR1300; the
The styling has also been
Fuelled by joint ventures will see big-bore Chinese tweaked, with changes to the BMW is 65mm shorter between
the axles.
with big-name European motorcycles being produced side panels, and in a big technical At 220km/h, the QJ1200’s top
brands and flush with cash and exported for the first alteration to the original design the speed is about where you’d expect
from wealthy industry time. HAMISH COOPER BMW-style shaft drive and single- from a bike with its combination of
s d i t d
TRK502 a European sales hit –
The TRK502 is prov
third best-selling bike
TWEAKED it nearly matched the H
Africa Twin and BMW
It’s clear that every b
the paperwork’s image
FOR 2021 – Benelli has submitte
both wire-wheeled an
alloy-wheeled version
fitted. So this might be
NEW PAPERWORK ALSO reveals – has aluminium lugg
significant updates to Benelli’s standard on future models. It
popular TRK502 adventure also has Brembo brake calipers
bike. The latest prototypes rather than the Benelli-branded
have ditched the tubular steel ones of the current machine.
swingarm for an aluminium Since Benelli has only Benelli is bringing
unit, which will be stronger and recently released the 2020 some avante
also give the hefty TRK502 a TRK502, these are 2021 garde styling to
handy weight reduction. prototypes. BP its TRK 502
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE A BOL T FROM THE V OL T
LITTLE IS THE 34 ALTERNATING 54
NEW LARGE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Flat out on Honda and Benelli tiddlers Coming soon to a power outlet near you
→ →
A JEDI has just been given
Jedi’s new §¨
MASTER! type-approval
JEDI MOTORS AND its
Sport GT 750 is small fry
among the mystifying
multitude of Chinese bike
brands. But its new 750
has just been given type-
approval by the Chinese
authorities, so it meets
emissions limits and is
certified to be sold in that
country.
Only two images have
emerged so far. One, from
the firm’s bare-bones
website, shows a civilian-
spec sports-tourer. The
other comes from the
official type-approval
documents and shows the
bike in police-ready spec,
a good way to underpin
development costs with
captive fleet sales.
The engine appears
to be a derivative of the
CFMoto parallel twin,
which has been around
in 650cc form for years
and for 2020 has been
stretched to 692cc for
the new CFMoto 700CL-
X. However, Jedi’s
homologation documents
say its version has a
capacity of 730cc. Tuned
for torque rather that
outright power, it weighs The Force is...
234kg ready to ride. BP oh never mind
KTM-POWEREDCFMOTO ADVENTURE BUSTED
THE TIES BETWEEN China’s 1000cc derivative of the LC8 investor relations
CFMoto and Austria’s V-twin engine, and since documents mention the
KTM are growing with then design patents have CFMoto deal, stating that
a prototype CFMoto emerged for a 1250cc V-twin the “twin-cylinder platform
adventure bike using KTM’s tourer, also using an engine will be available for CFMoto
LC8c parallel twin engine based on KTM’s design. and KTM products” and that
snapped on test. However, these are the the first product will be the
Recent CFMoto models first pictures we’ve seen of “CFMoto MT800” – surely the
have been styled by Kiska a CFMoto prototype using bike you see here.
Design, in which KTM has the more modern, mid-sized The name suggests that
a significant share. CFMoto parallel twin LC8c engine, CFMoto will be using the
also manufactures several used in 799cc form in the original 799cc version of the
KTM models and has plans KTM 790 Duke and 790 LC8c engine.
to launch its own using Adventure, and punched Expect an official
derivatives of KTM engines. out to 890cc in the new 890 unveiling later this year CFMoto is moving
Its 2017 V.02-NK concept Duke R. with production starting in in on the lucrative
bike was fitted with a KTM’s most recent 2021. BP Adventure market
COL UMNS SPOR T ST AR TS P A GE
SHOULD WE BRING 103 ANOTHER CLASSIC 112
BACK STROKERS? ISLAND CLASSIC
Scotty wonders what might have been All action at the International showdown
→ →
the
w
S P E C I A L R E P OR T
Threepeat
COMPARE
sales slump THEMARKET
result reflects a slowing economy How we stack up against
the rest of the world
India The world’s biggest
THE END OF A decade saw motorcycle market saw
Australia’s motorcycles December 2019 mark 13
sales end 2019 in negative months of negative growth
territory for the third with a 14.4 percent slump.
consecutive year. Overall Even Royal Enfield sales
sales of 89,199 motorcycles, dropped.
scooters and ATV/SSV China Up 5 percent.
vehicles represented a 6.1 After years of decline, the
traditional combustion
percent decline. segment grew while the
As expected the three electric scooter segment, the
Japanese brands, led by world’s largest, eased.
Honda, dominated the Japan Lost 1.7 percent to
market with over 55 percent create a new record low. An
of share. The fastest growing increase on sales tax is partly
brand was KTM-owned to blame.
Husqvarna, up 13 percent, UK Modest 1.6 percent
but off a relatively small increase with sales led by
base figure. Honda, followed by Yamaha
After a period of roadbike and BMW. Royal Enfield was
domination, off-road models the star, up 124 percent.
snatched back the crown as US Down 2 percent with
the most popular category Honda Harley-Davidson expected to
(38.5 percent of the market). announce on January 28 that
it is starting to stabilise its
Roadbikes claimed a 35.8 came in at Suzuki (6934/7.8 percent). declining sales trend.
percent share, ATV/SSVs number Worryingly, overall European superhero
accounted for 20.1 percent roadbike sales dropped 11.9 France, Europe’s largest
of total sales, and scooters one. percent compared to 2018. motorcycle market,
again took an increased Harley-Davidson had the experienced a 15.7 percent
share of the total sales with Husqvarna most sales, ahead of Honda increase, the highest since
5.6 percent. and Yamaha. Husqvarna 2012.
As expected, Honda came and KTM and KTM were the standout Shock-horror result
i at number one with performers, with increased Recession-hit Argentina’s
9 sales (23.3 percent were the sales in 2019 (+24.2 motorcycle market has
collapsed, dropping 44 per
ket share overall), standout percent and +18.3 percent cent in 2019 to hit a 20-year
wed by Yamaha (19,945 respectively over 2018). low. In the world’s worst
s/22.4 percent share) performers Yamaha led the off-road result, market leader Honda
Kawasaki (8962/10.0 sector, followed by Honda fell 29.5 per cent.
cent). Then came KTM and KTM. Overall, the off-
amcn.com.au
HAMISHCOOPER
A sick consumer market
AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS confidence hit an eight-month
low in December. Factoring in the economic effects
of our widespread bushfire disaster doesn’t make
2020 look like the start of a decade of recovery. Slow wage growth
and continued lacklustre economic growth combined with renewed
downward pressure on interest rates paints a bleak picture of despair.
Factor in a potential ‘sweetheart’ deal between China and US President
Donald Trump that could cut Australia’s export markets further and it
Time to buy a motorcycle, strap on a sleeping bag and get the hell out
becomes even more depressing.
of reality. HC P 10 BY CATEGORY – ROADBIKES
POS MODEL 2019 % CHANGE
1 Honda CB125e 1013 -9.0 percent
2 Kawasaki Ninja 400 989 -9.2 percent
AFURPHY? 3 Yamaha MT-07 885 +11.5 percent
-10.1 percent
901
H-D Breakout
4
-11.2 percent
Aussies ain’t warming to electric 5 H-D Street 500 838 +17.3 percent
6
Yamaha YZF-R3
835
IF INDIA CAN’T even get the electric 7 Yamaha MT-09 749 +1.5 percent
motorcycle market fired up, how can 8 Kawasaki Vulcan S 635 -5.2 percent
Australia? Despite a pledge to make 9 Honda Rebel 630 -15.5 percent
one of the world’s most polluted 10 Honda Grom 536 -25 percent
countries combustion-engine free within a decade, the electric motorcycle
market has stalled there. Here in Australia we have simply missed the boat
altogether. Electric motorcycles are dead in the water here. They have been
killed by electric bicycles, ranging from retro cruisers to high-end
mountain racers. With no registration or riding licence fees and
minimal policing and safety standards, they have become
the new freedom machine. I might buy one and put Triumph
logos on it. HC
road bike segment suffered light showing from the
a 1.6 per cent fall compared end of a gloomy sales
to 2018. Honda, Husqvarna tunnel. Overall scooter
and Kawasaki were the only sales jumped by 15.9
brands to increase off-road percent over 2018.
sales in 2019. Interestingly,
The ATV/SSV segment Honda was the leader,
declined 8.5 percent for followed by Suzuki,
the year with Polaris with traditional scooter
having the most sales, manufacturer Vespa
followed by Honda and third. BMW, Honda,
Yamaha. Kawasaki was the Suzuki and Yamaha all
only brand to post a sales saw increased sales in
increase. this segment.
Scooters were the only HAMISH COOPER
the know? → Barry Sheene raced a Norton Commando
Did
at Spain’s -Hour Montjuic race in ,
you
w You did not! retiring with gearbox issues. He came
second overall in (first in the F
class) on a Suzuki .
Briefs YOUR QUICK FIX
400 WSBK on February. An expanded grid of riders will add depth to Rider swaps, new Honda
TRACKSIDE TREAT
Blockbuster
ASBK
Plenty of eye candy is on offer as Phillip Island hosts Round One of
and Ducati models, new
the field while Honda debuts its long-awaited Fireblade. There will be
tyres, seven rounds in
the aural pleasure of six Ducatis on the grid, including one ridden by a
five States, including
MILLION WorldSBK debutant named Scott Redding. Supercars/Superbikes in
a double-header
Perth. ASBK will be
a ripper.
legend
That’s the number of Immortal
motorcycles Honda has Fan favourite and all-
produced since it started round nice-guy Carlin
manufacturing seven decades Dunne will be inaugurated
ago. Now think about the posthumously into the
estimates that suggest Pikes Peak Hill
million electric bicycles will be Climb Museum Hall of
sold into Europe alone over the Fame.
next decade.
REEDY’S FOUR-WHEEL FUTURE
Retiring two-time AMA Supercross champ Chad Hot & Not
Reed wants to race a car in the Bathurst -Hour
race, he tells auto-journo Greg Rust. AMCN’S
THERMOMETER
Licence
age hike
South Australia
BROADFORD GOES TO HOLLYWOOD the motorcycle licence
proposes to increase
The th edition of the Broadford Bike Bonanza age from to years,
will this year celebrate American Iron as its feature although statistics show
genre. Held over - April, the non-competitive most fatalities and injuries
event caters for road race, enduro, speedway, trials, occur in the age group
motocross and dirt track disciplines, and features higher than years.
swap meets, static displays and the annual Saturday-
night Gala dinner. Early bird pricing on tickets is Vale Ian
available until January. See ma.org.au for more info. Irving
Much respected Yamaha
D-DAY FOR NORTON mentor Ian Irving has
technician and rider
died following a short
UK niche manufacturer Norton illness. Our thoughts go
out to his loved ones.
Motorcycles has until February to avoid
a winding up order over £¢, worth
of unpaid taxes. That’s the date a UK judge
has set in the Insolvency and Companies
Court in London.
Mental Twisties . 1983 . 2005 . 1986 . 2000 . 1987 . 2003
Funny how things that seemed
so modern back in the s look
tired today. That was mainly the
case with our last quiz. Flame
burnouts and wacky BMWs are so
last century. Peter Matheson
takes the spoils!
Answers for AMCN Vol 69 No 14
the
w
Kawasaki
ups vehicle
detection ante
LATE LAST YEAR Kawasaki on-board computer as soon as they
confirmed it’s working with Bosch detect a flash of brake lights ahead,
around radar-assisted safety and while a radar is blind to that early
cruise control systems, and now it’s warning. In future, vehicle-mounted
filed patents showing even more cameras will also be able to look out
ambitious technology. for things like traffic light colours.
The documents show a sports- Of course, there are also
style bike with cameras, either advantages to radar-based systems.
working alongside a radar unit or as They work regardless of visibility
an alternative – in fog or
system to darkness – and
monitor traffic don’t require as
ahead. The much on-board
design incorpora mputing power
cameras into nterpret the
Kawasaki’s nals. THE KTM-OWNED Husqvarna may have dumped
trademark fairin ideal world, its proposed plans for a big-bore range.
lights, continuin ki would make As well as the withdra
long-running des hnologies work prototypes from its usua
theme that can b r. test routes, corporate GUESS
traced back deca BEN PURVIS documents show a shift
Another variat focus between October WHAT?!
shows the twin and November 2019, The documents also
cameras incorpo with the larger 1301 confirm GasGas is
models missing.
into the hand gua The document launching a roadbike range,
on an adventure- illustrates several including 800cc adventure
and naked models
bike, but that loo models yet to be officially and a 250-class
vulnerable to us. launched, which include nakedbike!
Using two cam a 501 range using KTM’s
instead of a radar forthcoming 500cc paral
one is already com twin, as well as a selection of upcoming
in cars. Cameras electric bikes and scooters. BP
V4SUPERLEGGERAREVEALED
DUCATI’S HIGH-PRICED Superleggera powerful than the R.
version of its V4 Panigale has been It weighs 173kg ready-to-ride – 11kg
snapped during a presentation to less than the base model, thanks to a
dealers. carbon-fibre frame, wheels, swingarm
It boasts even more extensive aero and bodywork.
wings than its siblings Inevitably, it features
which are said to add It weighs 173kg the highest-spec Brembo
50kg of downforce at ready-to-ride brakes and Öhlins and,
270km/h, a 67 percent equally inevitably, there’s
increase on the V4 R. – 11kg less an eye-watering price tag,
Technical specs than the base possibly $A145,000, with
we’ve already reported 500 set to be made. The
were also confirmed; model, thanks WorldSBK price cap means
it’ll use the high-revving to a carbon-fibre there’s no intention to race
998cc V4 engine from the Superleggera – the
the Panigale V4 R rather frame, wheels, V4 R will remain Ducati’s
than the 1103cc version, swingarm and showroom racer.
but with a homologated Production is due to
165kW it’s even more bodywork start in April. BP
14 amcn.com.au
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the
w
Headcheck
The year was...
4
News
The big news was the passing of
Barry Sheene. The double cc
world champion died on
March after a battle with cancer.
Just , Barry was survived by
his wife Stephanie, daughter
Sidonie and son Freddie.
Sport
Ricky Carmichael trucked into
the record books at Daytona’s
th round of the AMA
Supercross Championships on
March. The future off-road
G.O.A.T lapped the field up
to third position to record his
fourth Daytona win in a row,
equalling the all-time record set by Jeff Stanton.
Bike test
We assembled a gaggle of three Euro bikes for our
naked comparo. Two Italians, Aprilia’s Tuono and Ducati’s
Monster, were pitted against the best of Britain, a metallic
snot coloured Triumph Speed Triple. The pommy mount
scored the fastest lap at the Broadford circuit, was more
versatile on public roads and was over five grand cheaper
than the Tuono.
They ve got a
Editor Ken Wootton
He Ferrari engine
COVER said in there”
The news of Barry Sheene’s
death on deadline Monday what? John Hopkins after Troy Bayliss
had us pleading with the rocketed past him on the all-new
printer to resubmit the cover Ducati at the Jerez test
PICS OF THE ISSUE ERA
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1 2 Are they Crocs?
They look
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Unfortunately,
Roberto wasn’t
able to make the
repayments on
his new Tuono
after losing his
job for doing
absolutely no
work at all, and
continually
putting his feet
1. Trying to follow Kevin Curtain didn’t go all that well for Daniel Stauffer. Kev was fine though on the desk.
2. Cop a load of this death trap. Notice the trick plug leads and confidence inspiring turbo
16 amcn.com.au
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the
w
They did what? WORDS PETER WHITAKER PHOTOGRAPHY THE ADVENTURISTS
Three wheels
on thin ice
A couple of Aussies, a learner’s permit, a Ural outfit and one of the coldest
and most remote places on earth. What could possibly go wrong?
A BMW R71 air-cooled, 1
horizontally opposed
750cc sidevalve outfit, was
sent to the USSR in 1938,
complete with a licence for
the Russians to manufacture
in the Ukraine. BMW had
quickly realised the R71 was
decidedly dodgy and, with
overhead valves and other
improvements, built the R75
in time to invade Poland. By
this time Harley-Davidson
had built a clone of the shaft
driven outfit, naming it the XA.
After the war, both BMW
and Harley-Davidson
progressed to better machines
while, east of the Iron Curtain,
the Russians continued to
assemble the R71, then known
as the IMZ-Ural. The factory
at Irbit wasn’t exactly a Gulag,
though workers were treated
like slaves, as the build
quality of the machines at the
time amply demonstrated.
This is exactly the reason
Urals were selected by ‘The
Adventurists’ – Aussies
Dalbs Hutter, 36, and Dylan
Thompson, 38 – for the
inaugural Ice Run in 2012,
an event which followed the
frozen River Orb to Salekhard spring, participants need be a result of taking part are
in Russia. It wasn’t easy, then as wary of thin ice as they high,” read the pitch from
again it didn’t press the limits navigate the undulating the organisers.
of impossibility and all the moguls and monstrous “Individuals have
participants made it through crevasses created by the icy been permanently
with minimal mechanical winter winds. disfigured, seriously
knowhow. A harder challenge There is no set route as disabled or lost their lives. only two weeks before the
was required. such, but GPS coordinates are These are not holidays. These 2014 Ice Run. The pair quickly
It wasn’t too difficult for provided for known hazards are adventures, so you really discovered the organisers
the organisers to locate and refuel points. are putting both your health weren’t kidding.
Lake Baikal in the Republik It’s made abundantly clear and life at risk. That’s the “Each night we had to sleep
of Burjatien. Baikal is over by The Adventurists that whole point.” with the bike’s battery in
30,000 square kilometres in the risks involved cannot be How could such a spiel our sleeping bags and each
area, is more than a kilometre overestimated. not attract Hutter and morning we’d light small fires
deep and, while the surface “Your chances of being Thompson? The latter had under the bikes to thaw the
remains frozen well into seriously injured or dying as obtained his learner’s permit engine oil and frozen fuel
18 amcn.com.au
RACING
AND STREET
1. Hutter and Thompson flew the Aussie flag in deepest
Burjatien 2. Wet weather handling was, well, invigorating
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“We’d carry our daily rations
under our armpits to
prevent freezing”
lines,” recalls Hutter. ahead to find a camp out of
Despite this, rubber fuel the wind. I discovered a small MADE IN
lines would freeze and crack abandoned village, half dozen
during the ride, on one or so huts with collapsed DENMARK
occasion leaking fuel over roofs. I stood on the pegs and
Thompson’s leg – which faulty took my helmet off to have
wiring then immediately set a better look around as the
ablaze, offering Dylan short bike slowly ploughed through
respite from the minus 30°C waist deep snow.
as he dived off the bike into “Suddenly there was a
the snow. growling sound behind
“We’d carry our me and I turned just
daily rations under Against in time to see the
our armpits to the odds wolf. The pressure
prevent freezing. Fancy reading more from its jaws was
At minus 30°C about the pair’s icy intense, even
absolutely adventure? Head to through double-
everything we did theadventurists. layered boots. I
was determined by com. grabbed my helmet,
the temperature.” smacked the wolf and
As incredible as it sounds, frantically kicked the stalled
these two Aussies also bike whilst hitting the horn.”
encountered a rather unique Obviously Hutter lived to
problem. tell the tale – as did the bloke
“Late one night on the with hypothermia – so if any
zimnic (frozen river), one other AMCN reader is keen
of the team was suffering to defy death, the Ice run is
hypothermia and I rode where it’s at.
www.sbs.dk
Monza Imports (03) 8327 8888
Kenma Australia (02) 9484 0777
COMMANDER Distributed by
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Gassit gear!
Letter Win an AMCN prize pack!
of the access
issue Include your full name and address,
→
via letter or email. Long letters will be cut
to fit, so keep ’em short and to the point.
Oh, and the views expressed by readers here AIR YOUR THOUGHTS OR VENT YOUR SPLEEN
are not necessarily those of the editor. Access, AMCN, PO Box , World Square,
NSW, [email protected]
Letter of the issue
Kind strangers Two minutes later another
Earlier this month I went to gent pulled over and asked
pick up my motorbike from the same thing. I still had
my son’s house in Ballarat, my helmet on, so neither
Victoria, where it’s been thought they needed to stop
stored while I travelled and help some old bloke. It’s
around South America for great to see genuine care by
10 months. I had some gear people who are strangers.
on the back on my ride back Strangers is probably not the
home to Geelong, including right word, Australians is
a tent, and I realised the tent more appropriate.
poles had fallen off. I turned Jeremy Hill
around and went back up Via email
the road a few kays and
found them. Good to hear Jeremy. That
While I was pulled over kind of thing still happens,
and repacking the poles and a lot more than people
onto my bike, a car pulled may think. The one time
up behind me and a gent, I ran out of fuel when
similar age to me, early 60s, riding around Oz in , a
asked me if I was okay and if stranger collected a jerry off
needed help. I said I was fine, me and had me going again
thanked him and off he went. in mins. It happens! Sam
I discovered Eric ‘Debbo’ Debenham’s
→
achievements on a unique Corish Vincent
Starry eyed I know this longstanding Treasure Island the Supers, MotoGP, classics,
Back in my teenage long- reader would be stoked if What a brilliant, honest and club meetings, it doesn’t
hair days I discovered you could honour Debbo and bloody funny letter by Mark matter. And yes, we will still
vintage veteran Eric ‘Debbo’ satisfy my curiosity. McFarlane of Goulburn in come despite the crap food,
Debenham’s achievements Rod Borthwick Access the issue before last shit weather, blocked toilets,
on a unique Corish Vincent Newport, NSW (Amend or move, AMCN Vol two-dollar dim sims and the
and it stole my imagination. 69 No 13). long lines.
I’ve had an eye out ever Our resident sleuth Peter I am with you 100 percent, Why? Because we love
since for more in-depth Whitaker is on the case, mate! We all love the Island; the Island and everything
coverage of this fascinating Rod. I’m intrgued, too, now,
legend and I’m surprised having not heard of him.
he does not receive more Sam
frequent recognition in your
magazine (or elsewhere); he Fred fan
certainly rates a write-up in Keep Gassit. It’s one page, it’s
your ‘They did what?’ section. sometimes puzzling but it is
Recent internet research humour. If you don’t like it,
provided very little in the way don’t read it.
of details I hadn’t already Richard Veltman
managed to discover over the Via email
years. At the age of 65, I’m
beginning to wonder how I
will ever learn more about
this Aussie motorbike ace.
I’m sure that many of your
readers would appreciate a
thorough report, or maybe
even a series of them.
amcn.com.au 21
SMALL&
Why th nove ty hasn
access or loathe it, HONDAGRO V NOW EVEN MORE
Love
it’s time we
wise up to
electric
PLACES TO READ AMCN
power!
WYNN
12 electric weapons that could chan
OR
Your say
it throws at us. We love the
camaraderie, catching up
with mates, the atmosphere,
the tequila and nachos at the
Frying Pan Inn, the exhaust
notes of the bikes cruising
into Cowes at the end of
the day as we smash beers
and line the road into town.
We love the 1am pizza, the
stumble into the wrong tent,
the supermarket trolley rides
home from the pub, bumping
into riders and industry
legends down the street.
We just love it.
And that’s why we will
always come back for more…
but please just fix everything
Mark listed in his letter,
because we all agree with
him and we deserve better!
Andy Davies
Via email
You have summed up
a loose bike weekend at
the Island perfectly, Andy.
Nothing to add. Sam Over the next year or and how many?
Holy shitballs, that would
Omeo or bust two, put a bit of coin back be a ride and a half. Travel
Just a short note, and I’m sure tips noted... Sam
you’re ahead of me on this, into their communities
me and my mates have been Three bob’s
thinking about the fires in the by visiting again Vol 63 No 13 was on sale
Aussie alps. All of those roads from Monday 13 January –
from Omeo to Orbost, Swifts → stranded on the Eyre, I’m
Creek to Tallangatta and across told. Sam’s reply to the letter
the top into New South Wales. I wrote an editorial per night. We hired Honda of the issue reads ‘The right
Great swathes of country on this back in Vol
CRF250s for $40 a day, and an aides’, but it should read ‘The
burnt. The roads that we love, No Marty, but it was extra $25 per person per day right aids.’ What value for
the places that we’ve ridden just the drought I was gets you a good guide. money that Royal Enfield is
joyfully for 20 years and more. talking about then. Now Chiang Mai would have to (MOTY, AMCN Vol 69 No 12).
It will be good to support the fires as well. And be one of the best places for Pete Vorst continues to use
the people from those agreed. In fact we have a both on- and off-road riding. the term multidirectional,
communities who have been big touring bike comparo A bloke called Ian runs the when I’m sure he is aware
so hospitable to us over the coming soon, and will be place and he’s very helpful that up and down is enough
years. Maybe not right now, hitting those roads and and makes it easy for first already.
but over the next year or two, communities for that timers in Asia – he even Overall, welcome back
they will need our support. reason. Good thinking, organised our golf day! AMCN. There’s a solid spread
Put a bit of coin back into their mate! Sam Here’s a photo of two of articles and good support
communities by visiting again. people in our group admiring for clubs.
I was thinking that an My Thai a Ducati heading out for Regarding Gassit, I
article to this effect would Wanted to pass on some a Ulysses ride in the hills wouldn’t agitate for his
remind bike folk to revisit information for anyone around the city. It’s owned by removal nor would I fight for
when the smoke clears wanting to discover Thailand a British computer whiz and his retention.
(literally), and over time to on a motorcycle. We stayed has a race kit, which results Roger Fitzhardinge
help them out. in a place called Riders in 234hp. Via email
Marty Hartigan Corner in Chiang Mai – the Graham O’Halloran
Via email rooms are basic, but only $18 Via email Good to hear from you
22 amcn.com.au
Your adventure.
Our policy.
Roger, glad you even got and bikes, I knew we would
a compliment in! For the get some flak, however it QBE Insurance shares your
record, ‘multi-directional’ was an eye opener as to
is ‘operating in more than what cars are capable of love of motorcycles. It’s why
one direction’. And ‘aides’ these days. Agreed, they our policies aren’t just packed
is correct in that context. still aren’t as capable as
Glad you are liking it bikes, though. Sam with benefits, they are highly
overall, though, mate. competitive. Call our specialist
Sam Sealing fate team on 1800 24 34 64 and
I just had a thought about
Keep it real that fearful place, the Isle of ask for a ‘Price Beat Guarantee’
Please, Sam, keep Gassit! Man, that I’d like cleared up. quote today, or visit qbe.com/au
But for Christ sake, lay off On page 99 of your current
on the in-depth scooter edition (Ken Kavanagh’s
tests! They’re really boring Amazing life, AMCN Vol 69
and I would hazard a guess, No 14), is the road material
not relevant to most AMCN dirt or bitumen?
readers? By the way, my current
And as for the BMW ride/ two favourite bikes for
drive at Phillip Island (AMCN riding around town are
Vol 69 No 14), f*** mate, if I my Honda CB125e because
want to read about and look riding it feels so good, and
at car pics I’ll buy a bloody my 2013 Kawasaki W800
car mag. Seriously annoying because it also feels good
stuff. (bit of a hard seat though)
Jimi Bevel and because if I actually
Via email want to get somewhere, I’m
still in charge of the four-
We have all sorts read wheelers.
this magazine Jimi, scooter Greg Breslin
riders included. As for cars Mount Gravatt, Qld
access
Your say Facebook
Post of
the issue
Toby Price carried a lot of Aussie
support with him in the Dakar
A raffle would allow Jane
and Joe Shallow-Pockets
to be in with a chance
→
That road is sealed – but Shallow-Pockets to be in with
sealed in that era means a chance, and surely more
different things to what money would be raised in the
it does now. Basically a long run anyway.
bitumen goat track, on a Margaret Strove
bike with little suspension. Ballina, NSW
Teeth rattler... Sam
Good call, though
More for less? there are other ways to
I agree with John Purcell’s contribute. Sam
comment in (Post of the
Issue, AMCN Vol 69 No 14). Thanks, gang!
I think it’s fantastic that Just want to say a huge thank
prominent motorcyclists you for printing my Dad’s pics
like Jack Miller and Casey – he was absolutely thrilled
Stoner are getting behind the when he opened his mag on
bushfire appeal, but when Monday and saw his pics, it Instagram
the bidding soars into the was a huge surprise for him.
many thousands of dollars, And thank you for selecting @gtr_fan First ride →
of #2020
it’s hard for the average the photos as Fred’s Fave! I’ve Rode out to
punter to have a crack. just received the awesome #westheadlookout
Not only do we have no Ipone kit in the post and #westhead, stumbled across
chance of getting hold of the I will be giving it to Dad a #carsncoffee meetup now
item, it means many people tomorrow. No doubt it will back at #pieinthesky on way
who want to contribute to the get used this weekend on home!
fund-raising effort, simply the Goldwing! Thanks again
won’t be able to. AMCN, you rock!
As John points out, a raffle Elaine Prosser
would allow Jane and Joe Via email @markjek While Canberra
was hot and smoky, Mt Imlay
AMCN’s website was cool and foggy.
→
#Australia #seeAustralia
is the place to be! #igersAustralia #escape
#optoutside #NSW
Get all the latest motorcycle news #visitNSW #escape
and reviews of your favourite
bikes at amcn.com.au
24 amcn.com.au
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Triumph Speed Twin
Show goer
Is a cc machine really the type of bike you want to be
jumping on after months away from bikes?
I’LL BE HONEST, working for AMCN and not having red and classic pinstriped paintwork, to its brushed
ridden a motorcycle for 12 months is pretty poor aluminium front and rear guards and retro bench-
form. The usual trappings of a busy modern life are style seat. It has a mild sophistication to its otherwise
not good enough reasons, so I’ll put the violin away. retro styling which appeals to me.
So when Sam said he had a Triumph Street Twin for I haven’t ridden for over a year, and I’m not
me to spend some much-needed recreation on over ashamed to admit I was a bit nervous getting back
the Christmas and New Years period, I was excited. on. Picking up the bike from Sydney’s CBD, my
The Triumph Speed Twin, part of Triumph’s re-initiation into motorcycling was battling Sydney
Bonneville-based modern-retro range, is like the traffic before a two-hour ride down the south coast
mild-mannered cousin between the extreme of the RIDER PROFILE to home. The perfect mix of roads and rage to help get
Thruxton R and leisurely laid-back Bonneville T120. Name my muscle memory back up to scratch.
I have been a huge fan of the whole retro classic Paul Andrews First off the bat, it felt effortless. Phew. It’s
revival but most of the rides are usually quite mild, predictable on the throttle, the clutch is light, the
with the onus more on its show than its go. But this Height/Weight gearbox is smooth and the brakes have great power
is no slow show. As its peak torque output of 112Nm 182 cm/89kg without that snatchy initial bite which can be off-
reminds me rather early – at 4950rpm – that it’s Musing putting for a returning rider. I like the ergonomics
powered by the same 1200cc high-output parallel- Why do perfect hill starts afforded by the wide handlebars, too. It all makes for
twin found in the Thruxton. only happen in the privacy intuitive manoeuvring through city traffic and that’s
The Speed Twin is quite deceiving. It’s not a of your own driveway? exactly what my confidence needs.
physically big bike, it won’t stand tall among other Once I made it out of the city, I really could explore
bikes and it’s quite easy to swing your leg over it, that abundant torque – there’s heaps right in that low
but its big in its sheer presence. You can tell this is to mid-range where a getting-used-to-it-again rider
a quality Triumph build, with its stunning Korosi like me spends most of the time, and I frequently
It’s predictable on the throttle, the clutch
is light, the gearbox is smooth
26 amcn.com.au
Shed loads
So what are my plans while this is in my shed?
AS WELL AS gaining confidence each day using it
as a runabout, I plan on saddling up and setting
off for a proper road trip. A couple of days in the
saddle, seeing the world through a visor, is one
of the things I’ve really missed in my 12-month
hiatus, so it’ll be good to see how the Speed Twin
handles those duties.
It’ll be good to see how I hold up, too, and how
quickly it takes for my bike fitness to return. I’m
looking forward to getting some decent kays under
the belt and, if the last few weeks are anything to
go by, it should be a helluva lot of fun! Stay tuned.
1 2
found myself unknowingly sitting in fifth for long
stretches on the highway, instead of sixth.
When it comes to electronics, the Speed Twin gets
traction control that can be turned off, ABS that is
always on, and ride-by-wire which allows for three
riding modes of Rain, Road and Sport. I tried Sport
mode around Kangaroo Valley, but felt that the
throttle was a little too snatchy for me at this point in
my riding career – but can see a lot of potential fun in
that setting down the, er, track.
If there was one problem though, it would be my
knees never really reached the sides of the tank. Main. Andrews works
In fact, they sat lower and close to the engine. This hard to get his street-
means it can get a little hot on your legs when you’re cool going on the Speedy
stuck in traffic, though on the move, there isn’t much 1. The heart of the
to complain about. matter is 1200cc of liquid
Triumph has produced a bike that is both willing power
and able to match a rider’s mood and abilities – its 2. Classic Triumph
ergonomics and engine actually make it an easy bike
to ride fast, but for now, for me, it’s perfect for a mid- styling, wide bars, twin
40s returning rider who isn’t going to get carried away pipes
in the capabilities of the 1200cc nakedbike. Below. Beach, Triumph...
Well, not just yet anyway. does it get any better?
2
amcn.com.au 27
quickspin TEST SAM MACLACHLAN
PHOTOGRAPHY MARK NINNESS
Yamaha WR F
Switch hitter
With the WR F due any minute, our ride on the
model lets us take aim at what we want from the new model
imed as I was for my bush escape in Main. It might be on the 1
the Snowy Mountains late last year, way to previous-model
I needed to arm myself with some motorbike heaven but
two-wheeled weaponry – partly as Yamaha’s 2019 WR250F
A a recovery vehicle to gather up any still has the looks
children who may have rubbed their bikes on 1. Sam Mac found the
the ground, and partly to join some mates on handing in third and
an enduro ride to celebrate the end of the year. fourth spot-on
With a combination of grass-track 2. There’s no power or
shenanigans, enduro-spec single track and torque numbers; let’s
various other versatility tests on the menu, just call it ‘enough’
Yamaha’s 2019 WR250F was hard to look past
as an option. The 2020 model was not yet in the
country (stay tuned for our test of the all-new
2020 version soon), and the YZ motocrosser-
based quarter litre enduro bike was perfect for
the job. The kids thought so, anyway.
First thing we did on arrival at the property
was mark out a fun grass track loop. I did that
by leading the trio of kids around the paddock
for a few laps until we had a basic layout set,
then spent five laps on the noise cutting the
track in.
28 amcn.com.au
Comfort
The seat will suit riders of
most heights up to 1.9m Frame
and, if it comes up, provide The WRF’s is very similar
a pillion space for smaller to Yamaha’s 2018 YZ, with
kiddies. a wider swingarm mount
and stiffer tubes for better
stability.
Forks
Yamaha continues to run
KYB forks, with a set-up
leaning closer to MX, with
full (manual) adjustability. Power
The motor received a
significant upgrade for the
2018 model, with sharper
delivery and broader
torque.
The In a grasstrack situation, the bike’s YZ
2 background is obvious. Sharp steering, crisp
bike’s YZ throttle response, firm suspension – they all
added up to a wicked ride in third and fourth
background gear. Paddock riding is fun on this bike!
Once the track was cut in, though, it was all
is obvious. about the kids and their variety of machinery.
My youngest, daughter Indie, didn’t have a
Sharp suitable bike, so she took up residence on the
front of the seat with me, holding onto the bars
steering, and asking for wheelies. Not by intention, the
flat motocross seat was perfect for her to sit
crisp throttle on, her feet on mine, chasing her brothers and
loving being the fastest on track.
After a morning of that, we dived into the
response, Snowy River, then headed off to meet a mate
coming into the property. Again, it was me
fi rm leading my two boys Jai and Zac, on their
machines, with Indie perched in the captain’s
suspension seat directing traffic. It was a good feeling trail
riding (on private property) with my kids and
the WR250F was spot on for such riding – a 450
would have been too much.
amcn.com.au 29
quickspin
Yamaha WR F
Indie was now acting like she owned the
thing, sitting herself on it whenever I wasn’t
and patiently waiting until it was her turn to
have a ride – often when we had to retrieve an
upside-down sibling…
Midway through yet another riding session,
play was halted when an echidna wandered onto
the track. The kids spotted it early and came to
a stop, but not before the echidna picked the
best corner on the track to bury itself in the
middle of. I tossed up moving it, but the kids had
soon mapped out an alternative line and we got
back into it. Not long afterwards, the echidna
emerged and then ambled away, checking back
occasionally until it was out of sight.
As adept as the WR250F is at playing farm bike
and tearing up a grass track in a paddock, its real
home is deep in the bush, bouncing bars off the
trees as it snakes through tight single track.
The throttle is probably a bit too ‘motocross’
for this going – I’ll be interested to see if
Yamaha has tamed that abrupt initial throttle
response for the 2020 model we ride soon – but
the bike’s narrow, firm chassis makes light
work of relatively smooth single track. If it’s
really rough, I find the bike too firm to feel
comfortable on, and I’d honestly prefer the old
low, stable chassis of the older 2010-spec WRs
in that way.
But when the clock is on, or your riding
mates have the hammer down, the WR250F is
a scalpel that feels better the faster you go, if
you’re up to it. If you want to just cruise in this
situation, the bike is sharp and bitey. It wants
to go fast, and watching one of these weapons
having its neck wrung by a pro-level rider is
always a pleasure. It is totally up to it. For mid-
forties weekend warriors, though? It can be a bit
too much of a one-eyed race bike.
Interestingly, the 249cc engine did suffer
from some altitude sickness at my Snowy
Mountains getaway, feeling a little breathless
1
2
30 amcn.com.au
SAME, SAME,
BUT DIFFERENT
AMONG THE MANY
changes for the incoming
2020 model, is the ability
to tune the bike with
your smartphone, using
the on board wifi and
app. This, coupled with
the bar-mounted map
switch, gives me hope
I will be able to remove
the motocross-inspired
hyperactivity from the
throttle of the 2020 bike,
mellowing it for bush
use. Then, if I get to hit a
grass track, I can play with
the ignition and fueling
to spice up the throttle
response again.
I was able to do this
with the 2019 WR450F,
playing with the ignition
and fueling to mellow
the off-closed-throttle
snappiness, and it
worked well, though not
completely to what I was
chasing.
This kind of technology
makes bikes even more
versatile than before, and
the thought of a 250F that
cracks it on the grasstrack, 3 4
then with the push of a
map button, switches to
mellow and mild for bush
use gets me excited. Stay
tuned for our Australian
test on the 2020 WR250F
to find out which direction
Yamaha is going to take
this versatile enduro.
1. Everything is tucked in
and protected 5
2. Pro tip: when
designing your paddock
racetrack, make sure to
bypass any burrowing
marsupials
3. MX-derived
suspension provides
the WRF with a firm
ride, while steering and
braking is bang on point
4. Bar pad or pillion
pillow?
5. As with any Sam Mac
shoot, wheelies are a
must
amcn.com.au 31
quickspin Main. And, as you teach your kids to ride, don’t do anything
lairy... MACLACHLAN! See me in my office after assembly!
Yamaha WR F
SPECS
ENGINE
Capacity 250cc
Type Single cylinder,
four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves
Bore & stroke 77 x 53.6mm
Compression ratio 13.5:1
Cooling Liquid
Fueling EFI
Transmission Six-speed
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Final drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Power Not Given
Torque Not Given
Top speed 145km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption 6.9L/100km
(measured)
ELECTRONICS
Type Not applicabe
CHASSIS
Frame material Aluminium
Frame type Semi double cradle
Rake 26.1 degrees
Trail 114mm
Wheelbase 1446mm
SUSPENSION
Type Yamaha
Front: USD telescopic fork,
adjustable compression, rebound
and spring preload,
310mm travel
It gives away plushness and stability Rear: Monoshock, adjustable
preload, compression and
for sharpness and hyperactivity rebound, 318mm travel
WHEELS & BRAKES
Wheels Aluminium, spoked
Front: 21 Rear: 18
Tyres Metzeler Six Day
and simply lacking a bit of torque. Once back way and is strong. It starts well, though it pays Front: 90/90-21 54M
Rear: 130/90-18 69M
closer to sea level, riding at the Watagans State to have the throttle open to the little mark on Brakes Nissin
Forest in NSW, the engine is a powerhouse. I the throttle housing for best results. Front: Single 250mm disc, dual-
don’t need any more power in the tight bush, Overall, the 2019 WR250F is hard to fault if piston caliper
most of us don’t, though I would like it coming you are after a hard-charging bush bike, and Rear: Single 245mm disc,
on a bit smoother than the WR provides. it can do paddock duties, too. It is a departure single-piston caliper
When arriving at a corner that little bit too from the traditional WR250F, though, in DIMENSIONS
fast, though, the WR is incredible at helping that it gives away plushness and stability for Weight 118kg (kerb, claimed)
Seat height 965mm
you deal with it. Quality brakes – both feel and sharpness and hyperactivity. How Yamaha Width 825mm
power-wise – and that excellent steering means continues the direction of this bike will be Height 1280mm
you can wipe off speed, then just turn it and interesting, and I look forward to finding out Length 2165mm
make it. The ergonomics are great, too, thanks for myself with the all-new 2020 WR250F that’s Ground clearance 325mm
Fuel capacity 7.5L
to the MX lineage, meaning you can get right on its way to AMCN soon. SERVICING & WARRANTY
up the front of the seat when you need to, and With the 2020 version nigh, there are some Servicing First: 1000km or
standing up feels natural for my 178cm height. deals to be had on the outgoing model, if you one month
The bike’s dash is good, the sidestand is a can find a dealer with one, that is! If you do, Minor: 3000km/three months
little needle-like, but tucks nicely out of the have a chat – it’s an excitement machine! Major: 5000km/six months
Warranty Three months,
parts only
YAMAHA WR F BUSINESS END
Sky-high performance levels, tight and Aimed more at the aggressive racer or Price $12,545 (plus ORC)
Colour options blue
sharp handling, great brakes and an PROS CONS trailrider than weekend warriors – but Contact yamaha-motor.com.au
aggressive ride position fit and agro riders will love it!
32 amcn.com.au
COLLECTION 2020
Race-R
Pro GP
30th anniversar y
hELMET
THE FREEDOM INSTINCT
034 MINI BENELLI TNT VERSUS HONDA GROM
BIKES
WORDS PETE VORST
LITTLEBYLITTLE
PHOTOGRAPHY SAM MACLACHLAN
34 amcn.com.au
LITTLE
They’re small, light, affordable,
and according to some, cool. But
what the hell are they for?
’m not entirely convinced acquired licences, aren’t they?
I’m the guy for this job. For Honda has sold over 3000 Groms
starters, I’m a metre taller and since its arrival in Australia in 2016
a kilo heavier than Honda’s and, despite remaining unchanged
IGrom. It, and Benelli’s novelty- apart from being available various
sized TNT 135 are bikes for spotty- shades of ‘shit, that’s bright’,
faced, short people with newly continues to sell bucket loads. With
amcn.com.au 35
TNT Vs GROM
such decent sales figure it’s no surprise that other
manufacturers might have wanted a piece of
that lucrative micro-bike pie. Kawasaki released
its Z125 Pro the same year, and then Benelli
swaggered onto the scene two years later with
some Italian design flair, adding the TNT 125
to the fray, swiftly followed by the updated 135cc
last year.
We’ve tested all of them individually, but there’s
always been that question about which one is best.
It’s a pointless question – best for whom? And for
what? – but one that gets asked by most people that
are looking at one of these fun little machines.
Unfortunately, Kawasaki didn’t have a Z125
available for the window we needed it, so that
left the Grom and TNT to go head to head in the
hands of a couple of middle age blokes because, 1
as far as I can tell, that’s exactly who doesn’t buy
these things.
Sam and I agreed to meet at 8.30 on a weekday
morning, right in the guts of Sydney so we could
put the commuting capabilities of each bike to
the test in the delights of Sydney’s peak-hour
traffic. I live in the western suburbs, so had the
opportunity to use the M4 motorway to get to
our rendezvous. With an annoying head wind I
struggled to get my spacious surface area up to
100km/h, until I caught the draft of a B-double,
and with its help I managed to get the 124cc, two-
valve, SOHC Grom up to an indicated 104km/h.
The Honda runs a four-speed box and at
104km/h doesn’t feel like it’s got much more to
give. I continually reached for another gear and
the addition of five-speed ’box would be a bonus
for its usability.
The 135cc, four-valve, SOHC Benelli on which
Sam was making his way into town benefits from
a five-speed ’box, and on my return journey on the
Benelli I saw 105km/h on the LCD dash – without
the truck – and even then it feels like it’s got a bit
more up its sleeve. 2
The extra cubes and cog really make a difference
3 when getting off the mark. It’s punchier off the
lights compared to the Honda, which requires
substantial clutch fanning if you want to get away
quick. But when generally tooling around town,
despite its 10-percent capacity disadvantage, the
Honda feels a tad stronger in the low- and mid-
range, and only runs out of puff compared to the
Benelli in the higher end of the rev range.
The Benelli weighs in at 124kg wringing wet,
while the Honda tips the scales at 104kg, so you’re
looking at a significant difference. The weight
disadvantage coupled with similar torque figures
- 10.8Nm for the Benelli compared to 10.7Nm from
the Honda donk - probably explains why the Grom
feels stronger in the usable torque range. Braking
also suffers as a consequence; both bikes run an
identical non-ABS equipped Nissin brake setup,
but both the initial bite and stopping power of the
Honda feels just a little stronger. And the extra
weight is even more stark when you push the bikes
around your garage.
Both bikes run 12-inch wheels, and if you’re
used to riding bikes with larger-diameter wheels,
both machines can feel a bit nervous, especially
through bumpy turns. The Honda employs a 31mm
36 amcn.com.au
GROM TNT
EXHAUST SUSPENSION TYRES SUSPENSION TYRES EXHAUST
The Benelli runs a A 41mm Non- Never heard of 31mm non- The standard IRC The Honda’s
sexy little high-rise adjustable USD fork Cordial tyres? adjustable USD tyres fitted to the exhaust hangs low
twin-outlet muffler does a sterling job Neither have we. fork and rear Grom offer decent enough that you’ll
that certainly looks of keeping the TNT They go okay in the monoshock get the confidence in the chamfer off the
the business and tracking straight dry until pushed job done even with dry, but can be a bit lower edge of the
sounds pretty good, and the preload but don’t offer the Pete’s voluminous skatey in the wet muffler if you go
too. Right now, it’s adjustable rear feedback of the dimensions until they work up a about right handers
only Euro4 monoshock is a boon Grom’s IRCs seated on it bit of heat with spirit
1. The Honda cuts a
4 dashing figure in city 5
commuting
2. The Benelli brings
‘an Aussie won a world
title in 1969 on one of
these’ credentials
3. The Benny; Italian
style
4. The Grom; Japanese
practicality
5. The Honda has a
squared-off dash with
handy reset buttons
6. The Benelli goes for
a combo semi-circle-
and-square theme 6
AT 104KM/H THE HONDA
DOESN’T FEEL LIKE IT’S GOT
MUCH MORE TO GIVE
TNT Vs GROM
1. Even with an extra 10cc
the Benelli does not feel
any more powerful
2 & 3. Both bikes have
similar brakes and the
same wheel diameter,
but the Benelli has
wider rims adding to the
different tyre feel
4. The Honda’s low-
1 2 slung exhaust looks like
something you’d want to
soon replace
3 4
GROM TNT
THESE TWO ARE
GUARANTEED TO
BRING OUT YOUR
INNER HOON
taillight, while bright, is poorly angled and harder
to see than we’d like. The Honda’s old-school
incandescent setup is bright and easy to see.
After a coffee, and with the worst of the peak
hour traffic settled somewhat, we headed out onto
the mean streets of Sydney, fanging through the
labyrinth of alleyways and narrow lanes in Surrey
Hills, through The Rocks, under the Harbour Bridge
and through Circular Quay in search of answers.
Both these little devils are small and light
enough to lane split very effectively and navigating
stagnant Sydney traffic is a cinch.
Some words of advice for new players, though.
Firstly, nobody wants to be beaten by a pint-size
bike off the lights. The red mist comes over front-
of-grid drivers and they absolutely must beat you,
no matter what.
Secondly, make sure you’re in the right gear
when you’re filtering to the front of the queue;
sloppy gear choices will have you swallowed up by
tin tops, neither the Honda or the Benelli has the
ponies required to get you out of trouble. Thirdly,
both bike’s mirrors seemed to be at the exact height
of every car, ute and bus mirror in Sydney.
There’s also the niggling sense that you just can’t
be seen as well as a normal size bike. I didn’t have
any noticeable increase in issues associated with
upside-down fork while the Benelli gets a hefty inattentive drivers, but I was mindful of the need
41mm upside-down setup. In the handling stakes, to be seen and I rode accordingly. Like any bike,
the Benelli’s 20 extra kilos, combined with the you best bring your A-game if you’re going to play
chunkier fork and 15mm longer wheelbase means in the traffic.
hooking through turns happens in a much more But it’s not just the pair’s traffic-carving
stable fashion. credentials that make them appealing. It’s also
The Benelli has more of a ‘full-size bike’ feel from their anti-aging properties, and just like a tub of
the cockpit, it’s roomier to sit on, and at 780mm the Oil of Ulan’s best anti-wrinkle cream, these two
seat is 20mm higher than the Honda’s. Although can have you feeling like a younger version of
roomier doesn’t always mean more comfortable, yourself as quick as you can say “the secret of
and the shape of the Benelli’s 7.2-litre tank had our younger looking skin”. These two are guaranteed
knees pressing on the angular sides rather than to bring out your inner hoon. Every corner must be
below them. The contours of the Honda’s 5.7 litre taken at full noise, every manhole cover and speed
tank are bang on the money for my sized frame and hump is a jump and every red light an opportunity
also for the more compact-dimensioned Sam. for a stoppie.
The Benelli runs a full LED light package, but And that’s the different between bikes like the
the integrated indicators are far too dull and the Grom and TNT 135 compared to, say, a scooter of a
PENNIES VERSUS PONIES HOW THEYSTACK UP
Let’s talk about price Benelli’s TNT at $3390 Benelli TNT 135 Honda Grom Kawasaki Z125 Pro Honda Monkey
WITH THE LIST of (plus on-road costs) and Capacity 134.7cc 124.9cc 125cc 124.9cc
features for each of Kawasaki’s Z125 Pro at Power 9.5kW 7.2kW 7.1kW 7.2kW
the competitors in $4249 (plus on roads) Torque 10.8Nm 10.7Nm 9.6Nm 10.7Nm
this segment being and if you want the retro Weight 124kg 102kg 101kg 107kg
so similar, for some cool of Honda’s Monkey, Seat height 780mm 760mm 805mm 765mm
buyers the decision that’ll cost you even Warranty 2 years 1 year 2 years 1 year
might just come down more at $5999 (plus on
to a question of price. road costs), though it Price $3390 (+orc) $3699 (+orc) $4249 (+orc) $5999 (+orc)
And why not? These does come equipped
little weapons purport with ABS. Honda’s Grom
to offer maximum fun, hovers around the
at a smart price with an middle at $3699 (plus
added element of cool on road costs). But no
over alternatives like matter what choice you
scooters. There’s almost make, they all offer a lot
a thousand dollars of fun for the dough, if
difference between not a lot of horsepower.
amcn.com.au 39
GROM GROM TNT
SPECS
ENGINE
Capacity 124.9cc
Type Single-cylinder, SOHC,
2 valves
Bore & stroke 52.4 x 57.9mm
Compression ratio 9.3:1
Cooling Air
Fueling PGM-FI
Transmission Four-speed
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Final drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Power 7.2kW @ 7000rpm
(claimed)
Torque 10.7Nm @ 5500rpm
(claimed)
Top speed 110km/h (est)
Fuel consumption 2.1L/100km
(claimed)
ELECTRONICS 1
Type Not applicable
Rider aides Not applicable
CHASSIS BOTH BIKES ARE
Frame material Steel
Frame type Tubular single BUILT TO A BUDGET
backbone
Rake 25 degrees BUT REALLY,
Trail 81mm
Wheelbase 1200mm SCRIMPING ON A
SUSPENSION
Type Honda COUPLE OF SPRINGS?
Front: 31mm USD fork,
non-adjustable,
100mm travel similar capacity and price. If you can’t have fun on
Rear: Mono shock, non- one of these, you should check for a pulse.
adjustable, 104mm travel The Honda’s suspension is non-adjustable
WHEELS & BRAKES at both ends but handled my bulk without too
Wheels Cast aluminium
Front: 12 x 2.75 Rear: 12 x 2.75 much trouble, but in an ideal world some preload
Tyres IRC adjustment on the rear may reduce the Honda’s
Front: 120/70-12 tendency to chamfer the edge off its exhaust
Rear: 130/70-12 system on right-hand turns. The Benelli sports
Brakes Nissin non-adjustable forks up front but is kitted up with a
Front: Single 220mm disc,
dual-piston caliper preload adjustable rear shock. I WANT A SECOND OPINION!
Rear: Single 190mm disc, The TNT certainly likes to scrape its foot pegs
single-piston caliper when the cornering gets enthusiastic and left-
DIMENSIONS handers have the side stand fashioned into a new Angela Williams
“I WAS EMBARRASSINGLY excited
Weight 104kg (kerb, claimed) shape. Neither bike have footpeg springs fitted, to ride the pint-sized bikes. Well,
Seat height 760mm so if they get folded up, they remain up. This
Width 730mm at least my pint-sized legs were. I
Height 1000mm happened a couple of times on the Honda and like being able to just hop on and
Length 1755mm many more on the Benelli, as you tend to flick go without the usual short-person
Ground clearance 155mm the left peg up when putting the sidestand up. I strategic ‘out of the starting gates’
Fuel capacity 5.7L know both bikes are built to a budget, but really, planning. For this reason I preferred
SERVICING & WARRANTY scrimping on a couple of springs? the Grom, it’s lighter and lower – and I reckon it looks
Servicing First: 1000km Long-haul rider comfort is surprisingly good, better, too.
Minor: 5000km The seat height suited my 154cm frame and I also
Major: 15,000km as neither saddle gave me a sore bum or cramped preferred the shape of the Grom’s perch. After a
Warranty 12 month, legs, although with their penchant for scallywag while, the TNT made some pressure points known
unlimited km behaviour, you don’t really stay put in the seat on the inside of my thighs, so I would definitely lean
BUSINESS END much. towards the Grom as my preference for a cheap and
Price $3699 (plus ORC) We spent the day running amok in various parts cheerful (and very fun) commuter.”
Colour options Splendid Blue/ of Sydney. And with another three weeks under my
Matte Axis Grey Metallic,
Incredible Green /Matte Axis
Grey Metallic and Gayety Red/ HONDA GROM
Matte Axis Grey Metallic Build quality, it feels solid Needs an extra gear. Would foot peg
and Halloween Orange. Gives little away to the Benelli in the PROS CONS springs be too much to ask? Exhaust
Contact engine dept, and 20 kilos lighter drags on right handers
motorcycles.honda.com.au/
40 amcn.com.au
TNT
SPECS
ENGINE
Capacity 135cc
Type Single-cylinder, SOHC,
four valves
Bore & stroke 54 x 58.8mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Cooling Air
Fueling EFI, 1 x 28mm
throttle body
1. The Grom shares Transmission Five-speed
its mechanicals with Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Honda’s more expensive Final drive Chain
Monkey bike
PERFORMANCE
2. The ergonomics of the Power 9.5kW @ 9000rpm
Benelli are not a great fit (claimed)
with bigger riders Torque 10.8Nm @ 7000rpm
2 (claimed)
Top speed 115km/h (est)
belt of tearing around my local neighbourhood, the Fuel consumption 3.3L/100km
odd trip out to Wisemans Ferry and the untimely (claimed)
ELECTRONICS
death of an unfortunate bin chicken, I can safely say Type Not applicable
that both the Benelli and the Honda are an excellent Rider aides Not applicable
and affordable short-distance commuter. CHASSIS
And there are plenty of affordable short-distant Frame material Steel
commuters which are arguably more practical and Frame type Trestle
Rake Not given
slightly more affordable. But if you want to tack fun Trail Not given
onto that list, then there’s not many bikes that fit Wheelbase 1215mm
the bill as well as these two. SUSPENSION
Which one is best? That really does come down Type Benelli
to personal preference, and I probably preferred Front: 41mm USD fork,
non-adjustable,
the slightly more expensive Honda. It’s 300 bucks 120mm travel
more than the Benelli at $3699 (plus on-road costs), Rear: Lateral monoshock,
but just a little bit nimbler due to its lower weight adjustable pre-load,
and its ergonomics fitted me better, despite being 126mm travel
WHEELS & BRAKES
physically smaller than the Benelli. And if I parked Wheels Aluminium alloy
one in the shed, I’d use it for mug lair behaviour Front: 12 x 3.0 Rear: 12 x 3.5
No problem, we’ll give you two and screaming down to the shop. Tyres Cordial
But if I had to choose one to carry out my Front: 120/70ZR12
Rear: 130/70ZR12
Sam Maclachlan everyday commute on, I’d throw my money at the Brakes Nissin
“I’M 46, SO these petite things aren’t $3390 (plus on-road costs) Benelli. Its five-speed Front: Single 210mm discs,
aimed at me. At all. And I started box makes it far more versatile around town, and dual-piston caliper
with that statement, because it the extra weight makes it feel more stable through Rear: Single 190mm disc,
needed to preface what I am about the curves. single-piston caliper
to say. I can get being 20 and loving DIMENSIONS
the idea of leaping aboard a bright, Despite the rocky start to our relationship, little Weight 124kg (kerb, claimed)
blue conversation piece, or saying I own a Benelli, but by little I discovered that these pint-sized units Seat height 780mm
with so many other two-wheeled options out there, I aren’t just for folks that are closer to preschool Width 760mm
don’t get the attraction of these. They are fun for a bit, age than pension age, and as a hoon-around item, Height 1025mm
and do 100km/h okay, depending who is on them, so they are all sorts of fun. The small size, at first a Length 1770mm
are practical enough, but not for me. Both are well built Ground clearance Not given
enough, and if pushed I’d choose the Honda, but for the laughing matter with me on it, is what makes it Fuel capacity 7.2L
money I’d choose another genre of motorcycling than so much fun. It’s not intimidating in anyway, and SERVICING & WARRANTY
this for my two wheeled pleasure. But I would say that you find yourself pulling cheeky manoeuvres you Servicing First: 1000km
Minor: 3000km
because, like I said, I’m 46.” wouldn’t pull on a more powerful rig. And life Major: 7000km & 13,000km
needs more cheek. Warranty 24 month,
unlimited km
BENELLI TNT BUSINESS END
Sexy Italian design Tank is poorly shaped for taller riders Price $3399 (plus ORC)
Fifth gear gives more versatility PROS CONS Would foot peg springs be too much Colour options White/red,
Stability through turns is great to ask? Indicators not bright enough black/red, or red/red
Contact benelli.com.au
amcn.com.au 41
042 ROAD NORTON ATLAS NOMAD & RANGER
TEST
42 amcn.com.au
orton’s decade-long ride down the
comeback trail under the ownership
If middleweight of Stuart Garner is reaching fruition.
Production has commenced of its
650cc parallel-twin Atlas range
modern retros
unched at the 2018 Birmingham NEC Show, and
are where it’s at, nitially available in the Nomad street scrambler
nd the decidedly more dual purpose Ranger.
then Norton’s
riced at the upper end of the middleweight
arket, the Nomad retails for a ride-away price
new Atlas is
(AUD$22,575), these two all-new motorcycles
what Britons will of £9995 (AUD$18,800) and the Ranger at £11,995
presage what Garner promises should be a
constantly expanding range of entry-level models.
want
The Atlas duo are a direct spinoff from the
eight-valve DOHC parallel-twin wet-sump motor
TEST ALAN CATHCART
essentially representing the front cylinder bank of
PHOTOGRAPHY KEL EDGE firm’s 1200 V4 models, with the liquid-cooled
the 72° V4 engine, with the same chain camshaft
drive up the left side of the Atlas motor, which is
fitted with a 270° crank. This has been stroked
slightly to obtain a full 650cc, so that instead of
the V4’s 82 x 56.8 mm format the Atlas engine now
measures 82 x 61.5 mm, in which guise it delivers
the same 63kW (84hp) at 11,000rpm at the crank
on each model, with 64Nm of torque peaking at
9000rpm, running on 11:1 compression.
Norton uses a dedicated engine management
system from Mechtronic, the same supplier as on
the V4, with twin 48mm Jenvey throttle bodies,
each with a single Bosch injector and a ride-
by-wire digital throttle, but as yet no choice of
different riding modes. The six-speed extractable
cassette-type gearbox with straight-cut primary
gears uses the same ratios as the V4, with a cable
operated oil-bath clutch, and a single gear-driven
counterbalancer to eliminate undue vibration,
which it indeed does.
ATLAS NOMAD & RANGER
This extremely compact engine was entirely
developed in-house at Norton, according to the
company’s Head of Design, Simon Skinner – but
its commercial manufacture is linked to a deal
which Norton made almost at the start of the
project to supply Chinese giant Zongshen with
a 650cc twin-cylinder engine design. As part
of that, Zongshen will be supplying certain key
parts to Norton with which they can manufacture
their own more powerful version of the motor,
including the horizontally-split crankcases,
the eight-valve DOHC cylinder head and both
crankshaft and camshafts, leaving Norton to
source the other parts necessary to build the
engine locally in the UK.
Essentially this means that Norton has found
a dependable Asian supplier of key parts at
affordable prices, without having to copy its
near neighbour Triumph in establishing its own
factory in Thailand or elsewhere to achieve this. 1 2
“Zongshen approached us late in 2016 after we’d
taken the V4 engine design back in-house [from
R&D firm Ricardo], and soon after we’d begun
work on drawing up the twin,” says Skinner.
“They’d read about our plans for such a bike in a
magazine article, and knocked on our door to see
if we’d be interested in working together on the
engine, which we were.
“The company is immense – literally, raw
materials come in one end of the factory, and
motorcycles come out the other – they make
everything themselves. They have machine
shops so large it practically shows the curvature
of the earth, and they have their own foundries
etc. – everything’s made in-house. Last year they 3 4
built 4.5 million engines and 2.5 million complete
motorcycles, so it’s a huge business it’s good to
partner with.”
The Atlas duo’s UK-developed engine is fitted in
a tubular-steel perimeter chassis – again, entirely
designed but also manufactured at Norton – with
the engine as a semi-stressed component, and
an aluminium swingarm mount either side. A
fully-adjustable 50mm Marzocchi-made upside-
down fork branded as a Roadholder (the name
given 60 years ago to the suspension on Norton’s
legendary Manx GP racer and its streetbike
spinoffs) sits at a 24.5° rake on both models, but
the Ranger has 200mm wheel travel against the
Nomad’s tauter 150mm range. Same at the rear,
“[THE DESIGNS 6
WERE] DONE AT
HOME ... ON MY
KITCHEN TABLE”
SIMON SKINNER
44 amcn.com.au
ATLAS 650 NOMAD ATLAS 650 RANGER
Silver Dream Racer Rubber Shifty Style
Silver-on-black is The motor is half of The brakes would While the tyres Norton copped Some metalwork
a classic Norton the firm’s V4 engine not be out of place look like chunky, some criticism of resembles the brand’s
colour scheme that and looks unusual, at the Isle of Man dual-purpose affairs, the gearbox on its former models – and
cleverly echoes the but combines flat and TT; 320mm radial- the Avon Trailriders reborn Commando so you can bet your
brand’s classics, while available torque far mounted Brembo provides plenty of this time around, put bottom bob there will
incorporating modern beyond that of its Monobloc calipers reassuring grip on a lot of effort into a be a large accessory
technology. 650cc rivals. with ABS. the tarmac. slick shifter. catalogue.
where the braced cast aluminium swingarm “Still, I think anyone who knows Nortons really
operating a Marzocchi monoshock adjustable for well from back in the ’60s and ’70s will recognise
rebound damping and spring preload via a rising- some of the shapes on the bike. But the styling is
rate link, gives 150mm of wheel travel for the essentially based around the ergonomics, and the
Nomad, and 200mm for the Ranger. functionality – the very low 15-litre fuel tank, for
Despite its dual-purpose focus, the Ranger example, allows you to stand up on the bike easily
carries the same front end brake package as the if you’re going off-road.
Nomad, which wouldn’t look out of place on a “We have several more variants on this platform
one-litre Superbike. The twin 320mm Brembo already planned, but first we have to get these
fully-floating front discs are gripped by the Italian first two up and running in production.”
firm’s four-piston twin-pad radial Monoblock Norton claims “several hundred” orders are
calipers, with switchable dual-channel already under deposit for the two bikes, with a
Continental ABS. At the rear, there’s a 245mm 70/30 percent split in favour of the Nomad.
disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper, The chance for a first ride on pre-
altogether stopping a bike that weighs 1. What’s the term; production prototype versions of both
178kg dry in either guise, split 50/50 retro/modern? the Norton twin Twins came just north
front to rear. Both bikes use a 17-inch 2. Upswept exhaust of Norton’s 228-year old stately HQ,
rim on their rear wire wheels, with a combines good Donington Hall, where the original
front 19-incher on the Ranger shod with looks with sounds 45,000ft² factory and 10,000ft² welding
Avon’s new Trekrider dual-purpose 3. Norton’s Simon and fabrication shop have recently
rubber. The more tarmac-focused Skinner had another 12,000ft² of covered
Nomad uses the firm’s Trailrider tyres, space added to them to accommodate
5 4. Old school
with an 18-inch front. This results in clocks? Of course volume production of the range of
a 1446mm wheelbase for the Nomad, 5. Half-V4 engine is Twins. Starting with the Atlas Nomad,
versus a rangier 1470mm stride for the, a winner I was immediately thrilled by the
er, Ranger… fruity-sounding aftermarket exhaust
As on the eye-grabbing V4-SS, the 6. Seat combines fitted to the bike, which won’t be Euro5
comfort, grip and
styling of both Atlas models was style legal. Still, it was no louder than a
designed by Simon Skinner himself in Triumph aftermarket pipe on one of its
his home design studio, which actually middleweight triples, but has exactly
transpires to be a rather humdrum location. the same effect, delivering a sporty feel-good
“It was done at home where I’m undisturbed, factor to riding the bike.
and I get fed coffee by my wife, straight onto CAD That’s a sentiment enhanced by the engine’s
on my laptop on my kitchen table,” he says. “What performance with a very welcome split
I wanted to do was to not make a retro bike, but to personality. Below 6000rpm it’s an amiable all-
not make an ultra-modern one, either – I wanted rounder, happy to plonk along at low speeds
to bring in an older generation without alienating in third or fourth gear in traffic or through
younger people. towns and villages, where the accommodating
amcn.com.au 45
ATLAS NOMAD & RANGER
THE
ZONGSHEN
AGREEMENT
The ins and outs of
east meets west
ACCORDING TO NORTON
CEO Stuart Garner, none
of the bigger Western
manufacturers would
work with Zongshen,
because they’d see that
as helping a competitor.
“Yet Norton can 1 2
do so since they’re
a small-capacity 3
engine/mass-market
manufacturer, and
we’re a large-capacity
engine/niche-market
company,” he said. “So
we’re very happy to
work with them, and
vice versa, and working
with us was a perfect
way for them to develop
a premium engine at the
high end of their range.
“We’ve negotiated a
non-brand deal only for
engineering – so they
have no rights to use the
Norton name – under
which we’ve given them
certain design rights
over our 650 engine,
with engineering
support from Norton
under which our
engineers have been
going to China to help
them get that engine suspension’s generous, well-damped, travel time Isolastic mounts to cope with the tingles of
into a new generation of
Zongshen models.” delivered good ride quality over the lumps and Classic-era Commandos.
Several manufacturers bumps of Her Majesty’s highways. I was glad to discover that the Nomad’s
in Italy and elsewhere, But then show the Norton an open handling was capable of harnessing
such as Fantic Motor stretch of road and wind up the revs, this performance – I was about to write
and FB-Mondial, already and from six grand up to the 11,000rpm 1. Suspension travel ‘slightly unexpected’ but this is after all
purchase Zongshen revlimiter it is un-be-liev-ably quick- is 200mm at the one-half of a 200bhp-plus Hypersports
single-cylinder motors accelerating, with the ultra-flat torque back... motor, so it stands to reason it should
to equip their range of curve that slingshots you towards 2. ... and the front deliver thrills. I think what made it
bikes. They are eagerly on the Ranger,
awaiting the chance the horizon. The Norton’s contained versus 150mm on unexpected was the sight of an 18-inch
to purchase Chinese- weight doesn’t hurt, but it’s the fact the Nomad front wheel and Avon’s Trekrider dual-
manufactured versions that it’s much more powerful than any 3. Steering feels purpose rubber – but although this
of the Norton 650 motor of its mainstream 650cc competitors precise on both was the first time I’d ridden a bike with
for their forthcoming from Kawasaki or Suzuki, which makes types of rubber these tyres, I was pretty impressed by
range-topping twin- it so much fun to ride. their level of grip.
cylinder models – From 8000rpm especially, there’s 4. Few are going They delivered sufficient lean angle
although Stuart Garner an extra hit of performance from the to call that motor to scrape the Nomad’s low-mounted
insists that under the ‘pretty’
company’s agreement Norton motor, which propels you even 5. Front end, on the dual-purpose footrests with rubber
with Zongshen, Norton harder towards that horizon. This is a other hand, looks inserts quite badly, to the point that I
has the right to veto very invigorating bike to ride, and the street cool really do think they need to be raised.
supplies to any third single counterbalancer does its job In fact, the Nomad’s a bike with a split
party manufacturer that well – there are no undue vibes at any personality that’s a little incongruous.
it may consider to be a stage in the revband, despite the engine being It’s really an Atlas café racer both in styling and
direct rival. rigidly mounted in the frame, unlike Norton’s old- capability, much more than a putative off-roader
46 amcn.com.au
– making it really neither one thing nor the other.
I’d like to raise the footrests and stick full-tarmac
tyres like Pirelli Angels on it, maybe with a 17-inch
front wheel – though the 18-incher fitted doesn’t
slow the steering down unduly.
And full respect for those outstanding
brakes, with the Continental ABS which cut in
occasionally but not over-eagerly on strewn leaves
in country lanes. Like I said, this motorcycle
would make a pretty fine café racer, and doubtless
Norton will produce one soon based on the Atlas
platform, especially with the Nomad’s 824mm
seat height being ideal for such a bike.
Riding the Ranger confirmed this – if you want
to go off-road but to ride tarmac to get there, or
to go to work to earn the bucks to buy the bike in
the first place, this is an excellent model to do so
on. The Ranger’s taller 867mm seat still allowed
me at 180cm in stature to touch both feet down at
traffic lights, but coupled with the 19-inch front
wheel made it a confidence-inspiring trail ride
along hard-surfaced lanes and muddy tracks. The
low-speed rideability of the engine again came to
5 the fore – but just like the Nomad, show it an open
road, and the Ranger speeds along very nicely,
with just the upright riding position to contend
with in terms of windblast. Still 120kmh cruising
was lots of fun, and this is a true all-round
motorcycle with added reserves of power when
you want. And the good-looking seat on both
bikes was pretty comfy, too.
One thing I must especially compliment
Skinner and his men on is the Atlas gearbox,
which is literally faultless. The shift action is
short, precise and instant: it’s so effective that
you don’t even need to use the clutch changing
down through the gears – not that using its light-
action lever is any hardship, making both Atlas
twins ideal town bikes, especially the Ranger
where you sit high enough to see over traffic quite
THE GEARBOX IS
LITERALLY FAULTLESS
4
amcn.com.au 47
SPECS
ENGINE
Capacity 649.57cc
Type Parallel twin, DOHC, four
valves per cylinder
Bore & stroke 82 x 61.5mm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Cooling Liquid
Fueling EFI, 2 x 48mm
Jenvey throttle bodies
Transmission Six-speed
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Final drive Chain
PERFORMANCE
Power
63kW@11,000rpm (claimed)
Torque
64Nm@11,000rpm (claimed)
Top speed 215km/h (claimed)
Fuel consumption Not given
ELECTRONICS
Type Mechtronic ECU
Rider aides Continental ABS
Modes Not applicable
CHASSIS
Frame material Tubular steel
Frame type Perimeter
Rake 24.2 degrees
Trail 100mm (Ranger: 114mm)
Wheelbase 1442mm (Ranger:
1470)
SUSPENSION
Type Marzocchi
Front: 50mm USD fork,
fully adjustable, 150mm travel
(Ranger: 200mm travel)
Rear: Monoshock, electronically
adjustable preload and rebound,
150mm travel (Ranger: 200mm
travel)
WHEELS & BRAKES
Wheels Wire-spoked aluminium
Front: 18 x 2.5 Rear: 17 x 5.0 HERE’S HOPING WE’LL SEE OTHER VARIANTS
(Ranger F: 19 x 3.0 R: 17 x 5.0)
Tyres Avon Trailrider
(Ranger: Avon Trekrider) IN THE NOT-TOO DISTANT FUTURE
Front: 110/80R18
(Ranger: 120/70R19)
Rear: 180/55R17 easily. But the choice of ratios from the V4 is also brand, as long as it was a well-timed decision.
(Ranger: 170/60R17)
Brakes Brembo, ABS inspired – the top four in the six-speed gearbox Speaking of time, the new twin made a
Front: Twin 320mm discs, are quite close together, allowing you to really promising debut in the rain-hit 2019 Isle of Man
four-piston Monobloc caliper keep the engine in the boil if you’re revving it out. TT’s Lightweight race, when Peter Hickman took
Rear: Single 245mm disc, But down low it’s sufficiently flexible that you can a brand-new – like coming straight from the
dual-piston caliper pull away in sixth gear from as low as 2000rpm, Norton assembly line and never having turned a
DIMENSIONS or about 50kmh, without any real transmission wheel under its own power kind of new – street-
Weight 178kg (dry, claimed)
Seat height 824mm snatch, making this a flexible friend of a motor – legal Superlight version with a more powerful
(Ranger: 867mm) but with performance on tap when required. 102hp twin-injector motor and, within four laps,
Width Not given “We got a little bit of criticism for our gearbox had lapped just 16 seconds slower than the class
Height Not given in the Commando 961,” says Skinner. “So we’ve record. He went on to finish eighth in the race
Length Not given very much taken that on board, and worked hard after some minor problems, after lapping at over
Ground clearance Not given
Fuel capacity 15L to make that shift action really slick, both up and 120mph on a bike he’d never ridden before.
SERVICING & WARRANTY down the ‘box.” That’s how good a package Skinner and his
Servicing First: 1000km A combination of British design skills and team have masterminded in this new family of
Minor: Not given Chinese manufacturing expertise at the right price bikes, here’s hoping we’ll see other variants in
Major: Not given augurs well for the long-term future of the Norton the not too distant future.
Warranty Not applicable
BUSINESS END
Price £9,995 ride away ATLAS NOMAD & RANGER
(Ranger: £11,995 ride away) Class-leading power and torque. Pegs scrape too easily. Nomad is not
Colour options Black, white, grey Excellent brakes. Light weight, well- really off-road tough. Likely to be
blue or red built, British tradition pricey for a middleweight
Contact nortonmotorcycles.com
48 amcn.com.au
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