51
Top Electrics Will Damon be
a success in its
own right, or a
target for an
acquisition?
ancy from an unknown
MA in November – is perhaps
planned by a mainstream
n in 2021 it eschews some of
me electric bikes and instead
g petrol bike riders.
entional six-speed
though they’re not really
ymco says it gives riders more
k it in second gear and get
stationary to 110km/h, or you
to maximise acceleration and
long with the transmission, is
oth an emotional connection
an indication of motor revs to
e right ratio, just as you would
otorcycle.
h the firm hasn’t quoted
claimed 205km/h top speed
km/h acceleration in 3.9s put
same league as Zero’s SR/F,
as a peak of 82kW.
is-wise, there’s an aluminium
ame, Öhlins suspension and
brakes, ticking all the right
es haven’t been revealed, but
production on the cards we’re
won’t be astronomically high.
DAMONHYPERSPORT Erik Buell’s Fuell Fllow;
interesting bike,
Spellcheck nightmare
REVEALED AT THE Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las
Vegas at the start of 2020, the Damon Hypersport is making big
promises to revolutionise motorcycling – not only with electric
power but also with revolutionary safety tech.
The first machine from startup Damon Motorcycles, the
Hypersport took a ‘Best in Innovation’ award at CES, where the
bike appeared on the booth of technology partners Blackberry,
which provides its QNX operating system as the basis of the
Hypersport’s ‘CoPilot’ safety system that’s part and parcel of
the machine. It uses radar and 360-degree cameras alongside
an ‘onboard neural net’ to monitor traffic around the bike and
warns the rider – via vibrating handlebars and threat alerts in
the mirrors – about potential dangers that other vehicles pose.
While we’ve already seen Bosch develop front and rear radars
to help crash avoidance, Damon’s idea goes a step further by
transmitting data from each incident, along with information ANY TIME ERIK Buell is involved with the design of a bike
about the rider’s reactions, back to a cloud computer system, you can be sure it’s going to be unconventional and probably
allowing the company to learn from every event. better in reality than its on-paper specs suggest. If that holds
Initially, the firm plans to build 25 ‘Hypersport Premier’ true with the forthcoming Fuell Fllow (yes, with two Ls, even
models, with a price of US$39,995 (AUD$57,935). They’ll be though the badges on the prototype only spell it ‘Flow’),
followed by a more affordable Hypersport HS version, priced at then it will be an electric bike to watch.
US$24,995 (AUD$36,205). Unlike most electric offerings,
Both versions have a 150kW motor and a claimed range of the Fllow isn’t insanely expensive.
321km. The Premier features the usual high-spec mix of Öhlins In its domestic market, it costs
suspension and Brembo brakes, while there’s no word yet on US$10,995 (AUD$15,925) and can THE FLLOW
what components the HS model features. be pre-ordered right now. For
As well as the electric power and futuristic safety systems, electric motor, freeing up space ISN’T INSANELY
that, you get a 35kW hub-mounted
the Hypersport features the sort of variable riding position
that’s been the stuff of concept bikes for at least the last 30 in the magnesium monocoque
years. At the press of a button, the screen, seat, bars and pegs chassis for its 10kWH battery, EXPENSIVE AT
are claimed to move. electronics and 50 litres of storage
quoted at 137km/h, although A$15,925
space. The bike’s top speed is
only for short periods – the
sustained top speed is a slightly
disappointing 88.5km/h.
is clearly a bike aimed at u
rather than touring. At cit
range is quoted at 240km.
The 180kg weight is lig
than many electric bikes,
charging times can be as
as 30 minutes at a ‘Type 2
charger. Plugged in at hom
the recharge time is som
slower – 10 hours on a nor
110V US electrical socket.
ZERO SR/F – THE STATE OF THE ART
ALTHOUGH IT’S CLEAR there are plenty of interesting electric bikes
meandering towards production, the specs of several of the future
machines seen here actually serve to show what an impressive job US
firm Zero has done to create its current range-topper, the SR/F.
With its 82kW motor, 200km/h top speed and 198km range, the
SR/F is already on a par with the ambitious predictions for bikes that
have yet to reach production.
Sadly, Zero dropped out of the Australian market in 2017, before the
SR/F was launched. Although it didn’t rule out making a return in the
future, we’re still waiting for that to happen.
amcn.com.au 53
Top Electrics
BSTHYPERTEK
BST HAS MADE its name for its high-end carbon
fibre wheels but with the Hypertek it’s making
the step into motorcycle manufacturer – albeit
still only for riders with vast amounts of money
to spend.
There’s no question that the Hypertek is a looker,
thanks to design from former Ducati man Pierre
Terblanche, but while its 80kW motor is on a par
with the best of today’s electric bikes it might be
hard to justify the US$80,000 (AUD$115,885) price
tag. A 300km range sounds tempting, and the
Hypertek unusually combines a clutch with its
single-speed electric transmission, offering a little
more control to the rider. The Hypertek;
At 205kg, the bike’s weight is lighter than most minimalist design
similarly-powerful electric bikes, as you’d expect mixed with carbon
from a firm with its background in carbon fibre. fibre... everything
That material is used for the wheels, frame and
even the fork.
Is the Curtiss Hades the
electric bike John Britten CURTISSHADES
might have built?
CURTISS – THE COMPANY formerly
known as Confederate – has shown several
designs for electric bikes but its Hades
model is edging towards production with
deliveries scheduled to start in the first half
of this year.
The Hades is another high-end offering,
priced at US$60,000 (AUD$86,915),
although that’s US$15,000 (AUD$21,725)
less than the firm originally projected. It’s
also been significantly redesigned since the
firm originally showed it, with a completely
new chassis, changes to the suspension and
a reshaped battery pack.
On the original design the battery,
encased in a finned lozenge-shaped
THE HADES HAS A COMPLETELY
NEW CHASSIS, CHANGES TO THE
SUSPENSION AND BATTERY PACK
54 amcn.com.au
VERGE TS And we all thought that KTM had
cornered the ‘orange’ market
ANOTHER WILD-LOOKING electric offering that its
makers promise will be delivered to customers in
2020 is the Verge TS.
With styling that’s defined by its attention-grabbing
hubless rear wheel, the Verge is being offered in
Europe for EUR 24,990 (AUD$40,333), with pre-orders
already underway. That conversation piece of a rear
wheel is actually an integral part of the motor, hence
the orange electric cables running to it, and like the
Fuell Fllow it means there’s more space in the chassis
for batteries.
Peak power is listed at 80kW, which appears to
be around the realistic limit of current tech for
production electric bikes – Zero’s market-leading
SR/F has similar performance. Claimed 0-100km/h
time of ‘under 4s’ is about par for the course, too, as is
the range; Verge says it will offer two battery options,
giving either 200km or 300km on a charge.
Weight, at 225kg, is again roughly where we’d
expect it to be on an electric bike with this sort of
performance, and despite the radical rear wheel
there’s little else unconventional about the TS, which
once again goes to Brembo and Öhlins for its brakes
and suspension.
The firm does make a big deal of its torque,
claiming an insane-sounding 1000Nm, but it’s
worth noting that the hubless, direct drive design 80KWAPPEARSTOBETHE
means you can’t make a direct comparison with the
crankshaft torque figure of a conventional bike. After
the torque-multiplying effect of a gearbox and final REALISTICLIMITOFCURRENT
drive ratio, many conventional bikes will also hit
the 1000Nm mark if you simply measure the torque TECHFORELECTRICBIKES
exerted at the rear tyre.
housing, thrust suggestively forward and
hung almost entirely unsupported below VINS EV-01
the main frame. Now two flat aluminium
structures fill that gap and the battery’s DESPITE GOING ALMOST unnoticed at
shape has been revised. The rear shock, last year’s EICMA show, the Vins EV-01
mounted horizontally above the battery, might actually turn out to be the most
has moved downwards as well. convincing electric sportsbike we’ve seen
Other innovations, including the carbon- yet – combining engineering knowledge
fibre girder forks and swingarm that share from a bunch of ex-Ferrari employees with
the same moulding, remain. proven electronics from Zero.
Where Curtiss originally said the Hades The EV-01 is based on Vins’s petrol-
made 162kW (217hp), it now confusingly powered machine, the Duecinquanta,
claims that while the motor is ‘capable’ of which uniquely features a 250cc, fuel
that figure it actually operates at a peak injected, two-stroke V-twin mounted
of 72kW (96hp), and has a continuous-use in a carbon monocoque chassis. That
maximum of 36.5kW (49hp). radical 55kW two-stroke is replaced
Similarly, the firm claims that the motor with batteries and a 51.5kW Zero electric
is capable of 369Nm, but actually operates motor in the EV-01, while other elements
at a peak of 199Nm.
including the carbon girder front
suspension and an unusual transverse-
mounted, pushrod-operated rear shock
are carried over unaltered.
At less than 170kg, the EV-01 is far
lighter than most electric bikes with
similar power, although still far more
than the Duecinquanta, which comes in
at only 105kg in road-going Strada form.
amcn.com.au 55
Top Electrics I keep hopin’ we’ll SWEDISH FIRM
CAKEÖSA Ösa; motorcycle or CAKE HAS A
eat Cake by the
workbench?
WHILE MANY of 2020’s electric promises are intent DIFFERENT TAKE
on trying to push the boundaries of performance or
technology, Swedish firm Cake has a rather different ON ELECTRIC
take – focussing on markets that conventional bikes
simply can’t reach. MOBILITY
The Ösa is Cake’s second bike,
coming after its original Kalk – a
mountain bike inspired off-roader.
Designed to hit an entry price
point of EUR 4500 (AUD$7260)
in Europe, the Ösa is a low-
performance machine – its peak
power is 10kW and maximum
sustained performance is only
4kW for a moped-style top speed of
50km/h. A pricier Ösa+ version, at
EUR 6500 (AUD$10,485), manages
a continuous peak of 7kW, enough for a 100km/h top
speed and its range depends on the battery you pick.
The cheapest option is the ‘Lite’, which can take the
Ösa 75km and the Ösa+ 60km. For a little more, the
‘Long’ battery ups that range to 120km in the Ösa and
100km in the Ösa+. The battery choice also impacts
the bikes’ weights – with the Lite pack, they come in
at 77kg, rising to 82kg with the Long.
Cake wants owners to be able to use them as mobile
workbenches; 5v and 12v DC outputs are included for
tools and there’s an optional converter that gives 110V
or 220V AC outputs.
ELECTRIC you only need to count the A BATTERY-ASSISTED registration information mean
At the other end of the market
it’s hard to get precise numbers,
BIKES ARRIVE number of kids on so-called PUSHBIKE IS TAKING in the UK around 60,000
electrically-assisted bicycles
hoverboards or the commuters
were sold last year, a number
on electrically-assisted
WITH A pushbikes to see that society THE PLACE OF A SUB- that’s expected to rise to near
has already accepted the key
100,000 in 2020. In 2018 more
tenet that battery power is a
than 400,000 were sold in
WHISPER, viable means to get around. 50CC MOPED the Netherlands – overtaking
With no official registration
the number of purely pedal-
powered bikes sold there – and
figures, licences or taxes on
NOT A ROAR these low-speed electric modes as they’re replaced by these nearly one million found buyers
in Germany. Those numbers
of transport it’s hard to quantify
cheaper, easier-to-own
become, but we can get a clue
swathes of the population
ALTHOUGH IT’S TEMPTING to look just how pervasive they’ve alternatives. Back in 2010, EU suggest that there are huge
moped sales stood at 588,811,
out for a single game-changing by looking at the vehicles that but double-digit year-on-year getting a taste of motorised two-
electric bike that sweeps all they’re replacing. For many, a drops since then mean that in wheeled transport.
before it and turns the market battery-assisted pushbike 2018 just 273,645 were sold in With the inevitable increases
on its head, the reality is that is clearly taking the place the same region. in taxes on cars expected during
electric motorcycles are edging of a sub-50cc moped, and Although the lack of this decade, and the growing
into our consciousness in a figures from Europe show number of cities restricting or
much quieter fashion. that the sales of mopeds have banning their use in an effort to
The idea of rechargeable collapsed spectacularly cut congestion, e-bike sales are
modes of transport is already an likely to multiply fast.
accepted one. Teslas are dream Some estimates suggest
cars for many, and cheaper that as many as 150 million
electric four-wheelers from more electrified bicycles will be sold
mainstream brands are being in the EU markets over the next
adopted on mass – not by decade. Even if just a small
radical early adopters, either, percentage of those buyers
but often by those who’ve only decide they’d like to upgrade
ever seen cars as a necessity to an electric motorcycle,
and don’t care one jot about there’s going to be an enormous
what makes them go. demand to be filled.
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Top Electrics
Harley-Davidson is
heavily committed to
electric bikes
HARLEY-DAVIDSON KAWASAKIELECTRIC
ELECTRICBIKES PROTOTYPE
ONE OF THE surprises of November’s EICMA show
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS rarely been a firm to break new ground was Kawasaki’s prototype electric bike – a machine
when it comes to tech but the company’s LiveWire is one of the few that shows the firm has an interest in battery-
convincing electric offerings from a mainstream bike firm to be on powered models but one that avid, long-term AMCN
the market right now. Yes, it’s far too expensive, but Harley is intent on readers might have recognised. That’s because we
leading the way in the electric bike market revealed the patents for an identical machine way
and that means more – and cheaper – back in 2013.
electric offerings are coming. DURING2021-22 In fact, the prototype appears to date back even
Harley’s own predictions are that electric further than that. The earliest patent documents for
bikes will reach ‘cost parity’ with similar- HARLEYSAYSIT the design were filed in 2011, which is a lifetime ago
performing internal-combustion engine in a field where the technology is developing rapidly.
bikes by the end of the decade, and by then However, one thing is clear: Kawasaki has been
the firm will have a wide range of battery- WILLLAUNCH working on the development of electric motorcycles.
powered models on its books. Like Kymco, Kawasaki seems to have decided that
During 2021 and 2022 Harley says it will TWONEW motorcyclists want multi-speed gearboxes, even if
launch two new electric bikes at a more the torque characteristics of electric motors mean
accessible price point than the LiveWire, they’re not really necessary. The prototype here
and the firm has released sketches of a ELECTRICBIKES features a four-speed box. Suspension and brakes
flat-track-style machine to illustrate what borrowed from an older Ninja 300 give a pretty clear
we can expect at least one of them to look indication of the prototype’s performance level, but
like. During the same period Harley will launch additional ‘lightweight we’re hoping that Kawasaki hasn’t really shown its
urban’ electric bikes including models that blur the line between hand yet.
bicycles and motorcycles, and at least one electric scooter. If this is the bike the firm developed back in 2011,
surely there are far more advanced machines sitting
in Kawasaki’s R&D department right now.
The Big K has solid
resources to put
into electric bikes
amcn.com.au 59
060 FAST JENNY ANDERSON
TALK
Jenny Anderson is Pol enny Anderson has lived most of her life
Espargaro’s electronics in data. When she was a kid she fitted her
first sensor to her racing kart. Then she
strategy engineer J Logging data became an obsession, which
added another, then another, then another.
in the Red Bull KTM went with her when she graduated to cars
MotoGP team – so what and then into bike racing, aboard a Suzuki SV650.
Now she finds herself with one of the neatest
does she do and how but toughest jobs in motorcycling: working for
the factory Red Bull KTM MotoGP team as Pol
did she get there? Espargaro’s electronics engineer. This means
she’s in charge of all the control strategies –
traction control, anti-wheelie, engine-braking
WORDS MAT OXLEY control, torque delivery, launch control and so on
PHOTOGRAPHY GOLD&GOOSE, – that keep his 270-horsepower RC16 V4 on track
ANDERSON ARCHIVE AND MO and in check.
amcn.com.au 61
JENNY ANDERSON
Anderson’s story is a testament to the joys of
finding an interest when you’re young, following
your heart and investing yourself into doing what
you love.
“Obviously I love data – it’s my job and it’s my
passion,” says Anderson, the 33-year-old from
Woking in Surrey in the UK. “And one of the things
I love most about bike racing is the fact that you
never really know what’s going to happen one lap
to the next.
“In cars, there are so many things you can
understand a lot easier, because all the vehicle
dynamics are much clearer. They’ve been
researched for many years, the equations exist
to explain almost every situation and you can
simulate a lot more because there’s no variable you
can’t control. The biggest thing on a bike is that
you have a guy that weighs 60 to 70 kilos and you
have no idea where he is on the bike when you’re
looking at the data – it’s a mystery!
“In bikes, the rider makes a massive difference,
the rider is everything – his confidence, his ability,
his talent. I noticed this when I started racing
bikes – on two different days my lap times could
be very different depending on my mentality, my
feeling, my confidence.”
Anderson’s racing journey began when she was 1 2
nine years old, racing 60cc kiddie karts.
“The data thing started when I was a teenager,
racing 250cc superkarts. Sensors were becoming
more commonplace and it was just curiosity –
what can we learn from this? Superkarts have
a proper engine and gearbox, so we got an rpm
sensor so we could play with the gearing.
“Then we found all the other stuff you can buy:
steering sensors, brake-pressure sensors, lambda
probes to check fuelling and jetting, wheel-speed
sensors... it all evolved from there.”
Anderson wasn’t a particularly geeky kid.
“My favourite things at school were music,
woodwork, and art. And at that age I never thought
that data was something that could lead anywhere
or be a job; it was purely a hobby.
“When I finished A-levels I became a postman, “MOTOGP WAS ANOTHER
to get fit and get paid at same time, then go racing
at weekends. All I wanted to do was race – work, WORLD FROM CARS”
save money and spend it on tyres, that’s all I cared
about. When Anderson got her first paid data job with
“Then at some point you realise you’re not Lewis a car team she started racing bikes, on her rare
Hamilton and it’s time to find a proper job. I was weekends off.
a bit lost, I had no real direction, so I was looking “I’ve always been a massive bike fan and
at night courses at a local college. They did a MotoGP fan. When I was growing up I was 1. KTM’s MotoGP team is
on the way up
foundation degree in motorsport engineering and watching Valentino Rossi and screaming at the TV!
I thought, maybe this could be interesting. It was another world from cars – these guys were 2. Anderson, right, has
“That opened my mind to what’s possible.” like gladiators. become a key player
Anderson did a foundation degree in motorsport “In 2013 I bought an SV650 for £4000 and I had 3. It doesn’t always work
engineering, then got a bachelors and a masters at ten grand of datalogging stuff on it, which I’d out as planned...
Oxford Brookes University. taken off my car. I struggled a lot coming from 4. Pol Espargaro has
“I did my masters dissertation on an F1 cars to bikes because when you start something become one of MotoGP’s
sidecar; I don’t know why! I was going to a few when you’re very young you learn subconsciously, star racers
bike races at Brands Hatch and I met these guys you don’t realise you’re learning. So not only did 5. Anderson learned her
Matt MacLaurin and Ade Hope from the AMR F1 I have to learn new cornering lines for bikes I had trade by racing herself
sidecar team, and I said, do you mind if I stick to unlearn my car lines. Also you need a lot more 6. ... on Proddie bikes
some sensors on your sidecar to try and learn feeling for the limit of the tyres and there’s more 7. ... after starting off in
something? They were ace and I owe them a lot.” bravery required.” kart racing
62 amcn.com.au
3
THE NITTY GRITTY
Electronic-control systems are a mystery to
most motorcyclists, so what does Anderson
actually do?
“DURING SESSIONS I’M in the garage with Pol, his crew
chief and his data engineer. The data guy is responsible
for running the bike, the crew chief does everything on
the chassis and anything electronics-wise Pol shouts at
me! If I’m watching Pol on the TV and I see a movement
on the bike I note it down and ask him when he comes
in – you had a moment at Turn Three, is this something
that’s bothering you?
“After each session we have a debrief, when Pol picks
out the key points he wants fixing for the next session.
“I make all the software maps and tune the maps
during the sessions – the torque map, the traction-
control map, the engine-braking-control map, the
anti-wheelie map, the launch-control map and the
4
shifting map.
“The biggest things are the torque and traction-
5 control maps, getting the right balance between
the two. During race weekends you’ve got different
scenarios to consider. In qualifying you don’t care about
tyre wear, so I just want to make sure I don’t restrict Pol
in any way, but if something happens there’s enough TC
to catch him. Then you think about the race – how can
we get the best performance without burning the tyre?
“Between races I spend a couple of days analysing
what we’ve done, what we’ve learned and what we
could’ve done better. Then I spend a couple of days
starting to think about the next race – what happened
last year and what happened the year before.”
6
The KTM gig started in 2015 with a job advert in
a magazine.
“KTM didn’t even have a MotoGP bike at the
time. When I applied for the job I presumed it
was with their Moto3 project. I sat down for a
Skype interview with their head of electronics
Dan Goodwin. He said: ‘Hi, I’m interviewing you
for a job with our new MotoGP project.’ I was like,
7
‘Okay, cool!’
“Initially they were a bit hesitant to take people
from car racing because there’s a mentality that
they are two worlds apart. But one of the reasons
they took me was that I was working with GP2 and
GP3 cars, which use Magneti Marelli hardware
and software, which MotoGP used from 2016. So
Dan said, ‘here’s the ECU for the bike we are going
to build, get something ready so it can run’.”
Anderson was data engineer for KTM’s MotoGP
amcn.com.au 63
JENNY ANDERSON
1
“THE RISKS POL TAKES TO DO
WHAT HE DOES IS UNBELIEVABLE”
test team, then data engineer for Espargaro and like Pol adapt so quickly. If what he was doing on
finally strategy engineer for the former Moto2 the bike doesn’t work anymore he’ll do something
world champion. different the next lap. But if, let’s say, he starts
And although Anderson’s job is about data, it’s forcing the bike more with his body because it’s
also about building a relationship with the rider. not turning the way it was before, you can’t always
“I really like working with Pol and I understand see that in the data.
more and more when he explains his feelings. “Sometimes I don’t like to watch the TV,
Sometimes he doesn’t explain things in words – especially in qualifying, because the risks Pol
he does it with his arms and with noises, which takes to do what he does is unbelievable. People
means I need to look for this or that. One of the don’t appreciate that the guy in P1 isn’t necessarily
biggest parts of this job is to translate what the the guy taking the most risks
rider feels and what he says into what you see “I have huge respect for the riders, especially
in the data. This is one of the most challenging Pol. He’s so motivated and so focused, even
things.” though our bike isn’t the best on the grid. Whether
The complexity and mystery of motorcycle we’re fighting for 15th or the top 10, every session
Main: KTM is putting
a lot of effort into its racing can be as frustrating as it is fascinating for he’s 100 percent. I love my job, can’t imagine doing
MotoGP team, including Anderson. anything else.”
shutting down its Moto2 “It’s not easy from the engineering side. We can Anderson, Espargaro and the rest of the MotoGP
project. Jen is pictured make a change to the bike, but comparing the data paddock are back in action at the first preseason
here, standing to the left between two runs is often very difficult because tests at Sepang, Malaysia, over 7-9 February. The
of KTM CEO Stefan Pierer in the data you don’t see the change you’ve made, 2020 MotoGP championship gets underway in
you see the results of the change you made. Guys Qatar on 8 March.
64 amcn.com.au
red tape. The 1985 Wynn’s Safari was the
Another iconic race long lost to politics and
inaugural running of what would transpire
last of which was held in 2014. into 27 editions of the Australasian Safari, the
WHOLE
SHOT
The 2020 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia was the 13th edition
Portuguese rider Paulo Gonçalves would start, though
tragically he didn’t see the finish line. He was one of very few
riders who had competed in the Dakar on all three continents
in the iconic event’s history. He will be sadly missed.
be TOURATECH
PREPARED
TOURATECH
AUSTRALIA
1933 CARBOOR - EVERTON ROAD,
CARBOOR, VICTORIA
PHONE: (03) 5729 5529
WWW.TOURATECH.COM.AU
EMAIL: [email protected] WWW.TOURATECH.COM.AU
070 EPIC WYNN’S SYDNEY TO DARWIN
ENDURO
70 amcn.com.au
WORDS PETER WHITAKER
PHOTOGRAPHY PETER WHITAKER,
RIC WILLIAMS & BUSHDRIVER
MAGAZINE
It was Australia’s
first international
cross-country rally
and it unfolded into
a race that was as
gripping as it was
gruelling
WYNN’S SYDNEY TO DARWIN
s much to attract international media
interest as to promote the Wynn’s
Safari locally, the organisers of the
inaugural Sydney to Darwin Rally,
ATom Snooks and Hans Tholstrup,
invited dual Paris-Dakar winner Gaston Rahier
to headline the rider line-up.
Earlier that year, the former World Motocross
Champion had teamed up with Eddie Hau, the
European Enduro Champion, to contest the Baja
1000. Their BMW R 80 G/S was hardly suited to
the notorious Mexican pony express, yet they
claimed a class win and finished fifth outright.
So it was that Eddie would accompany
Gaston in the 1985 Wynn’s Safari, where
the expectations were that the experienced
teammates would be the first to taste the
Champagne in Darwin. And generate
international press coverage for the event.
And just to negate any possibility of
disappointment, BMW Australia had entered
a pair of Nissan Patrols in the names of BMW
Race Technicians, Herbert Wimmers and Hunut
Phol, whose ‘navigators’ were none other than
former Australian Rally Champion George
Fury and Denny Hulme, New Zealand’s former
Formula 1 world champ. Because you see, the
Wynn’s Safari rules stated that competitors – and
only competitors – could assist one another.
So, if Gaston faced a problem that he and Eddie
couldn’t fix, they could expect a very fast Nissan
to arrive in short order; complete with a factory
technician, a comprehensive kit of BMW spares
and, most importantly, so-called competitors.
These logistics were way beyond the level of 1
preparation and expense of the most fancied
local rider to take on the might of the BMW
juggernaut. Cessnock earthmover by trade
and dirtshifter by choice Phil Lovett had
already produced one upset as the first non-
Territorian to win the Finke Desert Race. Then
he became the first Aussie to score a Gold Medal
at the International Six Days Enduro. Always
optimistic, Lovett figured his experience in the
Australian outback would level the playing field.
Entrepreneurial Bathurst Yamaha Dealer and
State Enduro Champion Allan Cunynghame was
another experienced competitor who, with the
backing of Yamaha, Castrol and Yokohama, put
competitive machines under brothers Andrew
and Michael from the Goddard motorcycling
dynasty; with himself as lead rider. All three
riding Yamaha TT600s.
Honda Australia entered a pair of V-Twin
XLV750s before Honda Australia Rider Training
(HART) instructor Peter ‘Duck’ McDonald talked 3
some sense into the marketing department.
BMW AUSTRALIA HAD ENTERED A
PAIR OF NISSAN PATROLS IN THE
NAMES OF BMW RACE TECHNICIANS
72 amcn.com.au
2
4 5
1. A casually dressed
official sends Steve Instead, Duck painstakingly assembled a pair
Chapman on his way of Honda XR600s complete with re-stickered
2. Gaston Rahier opens Yamaha 26-litre fuel tanks for himself and World
the gate for Eddie Hau Trials competitor Steve Chapman.
3. Phil Lovett bested the “It seemed crazy,” recalls Chappie. “But Honda
Beemers for six days offered me the ride, and the appeal of seeing the
4. Some of the entries Outback in such a short period of time captured
were burdened by my imagination.”
carrying heavy gear, Of the 67 solo and five sidecar entrants, there
Rahier and Hau were not were a handful of entrants such as Richard
5. Jim Cairns didn’t Neilsen, Brian Dance, Cliff Maggs and Steve
make it past Alice Chiodo who could claim some competition
Springs on his KTM600 experience, however the vast majority of
6. Self-service for Honda 6 hopeful adventurers were typified by New
rider Peter McDonald Yorker Jim Rogers.
amcn.com.au 73
WYNN’S SYDNEY TO DARWIN
1
RAHIER AVOIDED THE BOG BUT
LOST NINE MINUTES DOING
CIRCLE WORKINTHEDARK
With no racing experience, Jim entered
his BMW R 80 RT-powered EML outfit as an 2
extension of his adventures across the Caucasian
Mountains and Alaska. Jim and his sidekick
Don Parker – a fellow New Yorker – were merely
seeking some excitement Down Under. Sadly,
along with the other four outfits and over half
the solo riders entered in the Sydney to Darwin
epic, the two Americans never made it as far as
the Northern Territory.
Cheered on by a crowd of more than 5000
spectators, the high-profile stars Rahier and
Hau were the first to depart Sydney Showground
headed for Bourke, but failed to arrive before
sunset. The 600km transport on the Great
Western Highway presented no problems other
than boredom, though 12mm of rain decimated
the field on the two short special tests. In the flat
1. John Barry, one of the and featureless mulga, Rahier avoided the bog
four-strong Army Team that brought so many entrants undone, but lost
2. John Crawford, 250 nine minutes doing circle work in the dark. As he
Class Winner himself predicted, Phil Lovett on his KTM 600 GS
3. Phil Lovett bested the was the first motorcycle to arrive at the Bourke
Beemers for six days Showground, four minutes up on enduro ace
4. Countdown for Eddie Hau.
Andrew Goddard The second day, across the picturesque channel
5. Rahier waves country to the south west Queensland town of
Chapman on through Windorah, Rahier used the power of the BMW 4
6. In a VW Beetle he to set fastest time of day, though Lovett retained
built in his shed, multi the overall lead with Eddie Hau holding third
Bathurst 1000 winner place just ahead of the two Hondas. Over 20 bikes,
Larry Perkins was in including some of the more fancied runners, were
contention to win until already being trailered back to Sydney.
the 11th hour A further nine bikes never made it through the
7. Rahier started longest leg of the Safari, refuelling at Birdsville
the event as the hot before heading north to Tobermorey on the
favourite to take the Queensland-Northern Territory border. Many of
outright win these retirements were recorded as mechanical
8. The few weary DNFs, though it was often the rider who was too
finishers had endured fatigued to continue. Steve Riley was nearly one
at least 7188km of of them.
“Gruelling Outback “It was a big day,” says Steve. “Over 1100km.
Australia”, even though And I’d been riding in the dark for hours. With
the event poster 6
‘promised’ just 5000 kay only the standard Honda headlight I just couldn’t
amcn.com.au
74 amcn.com.au
WHAT
WYNN’S
BECAME
Not once, but twice!
WHAT BEGAN AS the
Wynn’s Safari became the
Australian Safari in 1989
and then the Australasian
Safari, an event I competed
in both 2002 and 2003. I
regard each of those events
as among the dumbest
things I have ever done,
right on par with the Macau
GP. Why? Because in that
many kilometres, at that
speed, things happen that
you have zero ability to fix.
The hard-as-nails
attitude of the Wynn’s
Safari carried over to
the Australasian event,
3
brilliantly run as it was
by Octagon Motorsports
when I competed. Long
700km days in the saddle
off-road – leaving before
first light and, if you ran into
trouble, arriving in the dark
– are hard yakka. I loved
it, though, and each event
made for so many stories
I could have filled AMCN
with just a re-cap.
I once hit the same
kangaroo twice at twilight
on the run into Parc Ferme
and somehow stayed
upright – the team didn’t
believe me until they found
Kangaroo fur wedged in the
radiator guard. The poor
thing hopped in front of me
when I was doing 70km/h,
knocking me into an epic
tankslapper. It must have
been rolling in between the
wheels as I somehow got
back on the seat, before
the rear wheel kicked
skywards after hitting it
again. Lucky.
5 Watching Andy
Caldecott ride from the
back of the field at full noise,
hearing Alfie Cox complain
about Aussie farm gates,
which you had to open
and close mid-competitive
section, seeing Andy
Haydon bellow in pain as
they tried to ‘re-locate’ a
knee which turned out to
be broken… I’ll never forget
those two races, or stop
mourning the end of the
iconic event in Australia,
when it wound up after the
2014 race.
7 8 SAM MACLACHLAN
amcn.com.au 75
amcn.com.au
75
WYNN’S SYDNEY TO DARWIN
1
EDDIE HAU HAD BEEN MEDIVACCED TO MOUNT ISA
HOSPITAL WITH SUSPECTED HEAD INJURIES
2
1. 7188km of outback with that on your back? Tough as 2. ...or, with the bumper-sized bumbag approach. Still tough as 3. Allan Cunynghame
finished off the podium but returned to win the following year 4. Another gate for Chappie 5. Andrew Cowan and Fred Gocentas in the
winning Mitsubishi Pajero 6. Both Andrew [standing] and Mike Goddard were DNFs
76 amcn.com.au
3
see the track and regularly crashed into the
scrub, having to wait for the dust to settle before
lifting my bike out.
“Then I had a big crash and lay there for 10
minutes. I’d had enough, but I had no way of
getting home if I quit. The only way was to get
on that stinking bike and continue. So I got up,
walked around in the dark until I tripped over
my bike and managed to get going again.”
Not long after an exhausted Riley arrived at
Tobermorey, the front runners were already
taking off towards Alice Springs. Eddie Hau was
not among them. Covered in blood, the BMW
rider had been medivacced to Mount Isa Hospital 4 5
with suspected head injuries. It turned out to be
a broken nose.
Lovett led Rahier off the start by a narrow 6
margin of less than four minutes, and increased
his lead by another two. Steve Chapman and
Peter McDonald were the only other riders in
contention, with Allan Cunynghame over an
hour in arrears. Needless to say no one enjoyed
the respite in Alice more than Steve Riley.
Now without a speedo, Lovett had no means
of navigation and was forced to follow Andrew
Cowan’s Pajero where, caught in its dust, he
crashed heavily. This let Rahier into the lead –
until a gibber smashed the rocker cover on the
Belgian rider’s BMW. The repair took 20 minutes,
which put Lovett back in the lead, though
oil seepage on to the KTM’s rubber cam belt
eventually terminated Lovett’s challenge.
With the final two days ahead, Rahier now held
the biggest margin in the event, over 21 minutes
ahead of Chapman. MacDonald was a further
one hour adrift. Now well above the Tropic of
Capricorn with daytime temperatures above
40°C, most competitors were in survival mode for
amcn.com.au 77
WYNN’S SYDNEY TO DARWIN
2
1
RAHIER HAD NO MEANS TO
CARRY OUT A REPAIR AND WAS
FORCED TO WAIT FOR SUPPORT 3
300 kays between Top Springs and Katherine. “The pitch black 5am start produced one of
There was nothing particularly remarkable the marvellous tales of sportsmanship to emerge
about Rahier’s BMW getting a puncture, but what from the craziness,” he recalls.
was remarkable was that Rahier had no means to “Chapman, leading Rahier for the bike
carry out a repair and was forced to wait for one honours, had no lights. Rahier immediately
of the BMW support vehicles to arrive. For the invited Chapman to trail him until sun-up,
first time in six days and over 6000km, Honda- an hour away. This meant that Rahier had
mounted Steve Chapman hit the lead. thrown away a golden opportunity to take an
But all was not well in the Honda camp. The unbeatable lead.”
front end of Chappie’s XR600 was badly smashed In that last competitive stage, Rahier reduced
and, as he was now without either a speedo or the margin from eight minutes to three, proving
headlight, leading out in the morning would both the diminutive Belgian and the BMW were
prove impossible. Steve Riley was on hand. quicker than Chapman’s Honda, but Chappie
“I was happy to give Chappie my digital speedo was the first to reach Darwin.
and help calibrate it but we were hassled by the Tholstrup and Snooks were dismayed their
officials,” he said. “Although it was all above publicity coup had failed. And it’s obvious the
board, it appeared obvious to me that Hans BMW marketing executives and beancounters
Tholstrup didn’t want Honda to beat BMW.” must have spent many hours of blamestorming.
So, without a headlight, Chapman was up the Talent such as Denny Hulme and George Fury
Alligator River. Long-time motoring journalist doesn’t come cheap, but perhaps they of all people
Peter Mackay, himself a contestant in the Auto understood Rahier’s desire to make the rally a fair
Division, remembers the situation. fight all the way to the chequered flag.
1985 WYNN’S SAFARI MOTO DIVISION
POS RIDER BIKE TIME
1. The big-buck BMW 1 Steven Chapman Honda XR600 21h09m
team ran in formation... 2 Gaston Rahier BMW R 80 G/S 21h12m
3 Peter McDonald Honda XR600 22h44m
2. ...before Rahier was 4 Allan Cunynghame Yamaha TT600 24h21m
stranded with a flat 5 Dean Johnstone Yamaha TT600 25h49m
rear tyre 6 Steve Riley Honda XR600 29h38m
3. By the time his 7 John Crawford Kawasaki KLR250 30h34m
31h17m
support crew (um, 8 Laurie Power KTM GS 600 31h53m
9
David Murray
Yamaha XT600
fellow competitor) 10 Paul Bell Yamaha XT600 35h50m
stopped, it was too 11 Fred Powell BMW R 100 G/S 36h18m
late to save the day 12 Glenn Williams KTM GS 600 36h20m
4. Steve Riley, an 13 Steve Wilson Suzuki DR600 38h15m
outstanding rookie 4 14 Wayne Farley Honda XR500 38h57m
78 amcn.com.au
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080 DESIGN LINO TONTI
GURU
THE
MODEST
MAESTRO
The most accomplished motorcycle
engineer you’ve never heard of
WORDS ALAN CATHCART
PHOTOGRAPHY CARLO PERELLI/MOTOCICLISMO D’EPOCA
he roll call of illustrious Italian motorcycle designers is a
long one, but alongside such legends as Carcano, Taglioni,
Tamburini, Marconi and Galluzzi, Lino Tonti’s name is
generally overlooked. Yet this shy, modest progettista played
T a part in forging his country’s incomparable road racing
heritage, as well as developing Moto Guzzi’s unique design format that
still lives on today.
Tonti was born in 1920 in Cattolica and, after obtaining his diploma
in aeronautical engineering, the youthful prodigy was hired as a
draftsman by Benelli in 1937, swiftly progressing to the road racing
department under Tino Benelli.
There, he worked on the 250cc DOHC single with which Ted Mellors
beat the supercharged DKWs to win the 1939 Lightweight TT, and in
1950, Dario Ambrosini scooped the 250cc World Championship. He
also helped design the supercharged Benelli 250cc four-cylinder GP
racer, before he was conscripted into the Italian government’s wartime
aviation program in 1941.
Postwar, Tonti originally teamed up with his friend Massimo
Pasolini – father of the famous Renzo – to adapt military transport
jettisoned for civilian use, but in 1947 he designed a prototype DOHC
single for Pasolini to race with some success on the street circuits of
the Adriatic Coast.
The 75cc DOHC Linto (as in LINo TOti) Bialbero was later increased
to 125cc for road racing, and a 50cc version also appeared later.
Spurred by the success of the then-new Vespa, in 1950 Tonti unveiled
a futuristic-looking big-wheel scooter, the Linto Cigno 125, as a direct
competitor to the best-selling Moto Guzzi Galletto. He succeeded
in selling the project to Aermacchi, where Tonti was hired as chief
engineer and which lead him to settle in Varese for the rest of his life.
But in 1954 his design for the equally avantgarde Dama 160 scooter
using an Aermacchi engine was rejected by management, prompting
Tonti to leave. But not before he used his own Linto Bialbero engine to
power an Aermacchi streamliner which, ridden by Massimo Pasolini,
smashed NSU’s 50cc and 75cc World records on the autostrada running
north from Milan.
80 amcn.com.au
LINO TONTI
1 2
5 6 7
In 1956 Tonti moved to replace the Ducati- Some of Lino Tonti’s motocross and road racing models.
bound Fabio Taglioni at FB-Mondial as chief classic designs; These were headed by the MT-61 model (standing
engineer Alfonso Drusiani’s assistant in charge 1. The 1956 Linto for Motociclo Tattico, or Tactical Motorcycle – 1961),
of the GP racing team. There, he was responsible 75 Bialbero a 318cc four-stroke single replete with features
for developing the potent DOHC singles which 2. Tonti overees wind allowing it to be ridden across rough ground and
won both 125cc and 250cc World titles in 1957, in tunnel testing of Moto through deep water, like a high-mounted air filter,
the hands of Tarquinio Provini (125) and Cecil Guzzi’s V7 Sport for the raised mudguards, a water-resistant engine and
Sandford (250). But at the end of that season, 1972 Imola 200 electrics, and a snorkel exhaust. This duly won a
Mondial owner Count Boselli withdrew from racing 3. Lino Tonti with the standoff with Moto Guzzi and Gilera to win Bianchi
alongside Moto Guzzi and Gilera, leaving Tonti Linto 500 and sponsor an Italian Army contract for 4000 bikes.
redundant. But the classy Count not only paid the Umberto Premoli (L) and Tonti was also given the budget to develop
members of his title-winning team a handsome mechanic Alcide Biotti a 250cc DOHC parallel-twin Bianchi GP racer,
bonus, he also allowed Tonti and Sandford’s race 4. Tonti enjoys which when it appeared early in 1960 with central
mechanic Giuseppe Pattoni to have free access to remembering some of gear camdrive inevitably held an uncanny
the Mondial parts shelves to continue racing under his designs resemblance to the Mondial/Paton 250, but was
the Paton (PAttoni/TONti) name. 5. The 1959 Mondial better engineered. In the hands of Tino Brambilla,
This resulted in the 125GP Paton, essentially a Paton Dicky Dale, Derek Minter and Silvio Grassetti, the
single-cam Mondial production racer with a Tonti- 6. The 1960 Bianchi 5GP Bianchi 250 twin suffered from the same handicap
designed twin-cam head, of which around a dozen Bicilindrica as the Mondial, and was too heavy to compete
were made in 1958, including a pair supplied to 7. The 1969 Linto 500 effectively in the quarter-litre class.
British millionaire Stan Hailwood for his then 8. Tonti (R) at Moto But by scaling it up to 350cc and eventually to
18-year-old son Mike to ride in his inaugural TT Guzzi’s 750 V7 Sport 500cc, Tonti created a very competitive contender,
that year, finishing seventh. launch at Monza, with with a good power to weight ratio and compact,
Tonti also took over the porky, overweight racers Mike Hailwood wind-cheating build. For 1961 Bianchi mounted a
Mondial 250 twin which Drusiani had built in 1955 (centre) and Roberto full-on assault on the 350cc World Championship,
but never raced, redesigned the cylinder head and Patrignani (L) with Scottish riders Bob McIntyre and Alistair
sheded some kilos. Pattoni entered it as the first
Paton twin in the 1959 Italian GP at Monza, ridden TONTICREATED A
by Giampiero Zubani, who DNF’d. But this was still
saw him produce several new civilian, military, COMPETITIVECONTENDER
a work in progress when Tonti was hired by Bianchi
that same year, heralding a five-year period which
82 amcn.com.au
Circus a much faster and more competitive
alternative to their elderly British singles.
The Linto 500 was unveiled in November 1967,
and to speed up the project and cut down on
costs via the use of already available components,
Tonti’s design utilised several Aermacchi parts
in its construction – sensible, really, given that
the Harley-owned factory was literally a stone’s
throw from Premoli’s Varese car workshop where
the project was conceived. And that by then the
fleet little pushrod singles had earned a name for
themselves as reliable and competitive privateer
mounts in the 250/350cc classes.
3 4 But by then Tonti was working for Moto Guzzi,
which in 1967 had finally gone bust and been
taken over by SEIMM, which decided to fire
8 Giulio Cesare Carcano, the legendary designer of
all Guzzi’s landmark postwar products. In 1968
Tonti was hired to replace him, and managed
to convince the beancounters to sanction the
development of a sportier version of the transverse
V-twin 700cc V7 model which Carcano had
developed from the basis of an engine he’d built in
1960 to power a small three-wheeled truck.
Assisted by Carcano’s disciple Umberto
Todero, Tonti transformed the placid V7 into a
genuine high-performance motorcycle, although
development work was interrupted by labour
unrest which saw the Mandello del Lario factory
picketed. Refusing to accept the delay, Tonti
was helped by Todero and some experimental
department mechanics to load a set of engine
castings and a stack of chrome-moly steel tubes
late at night into a van to whisk them away to
his home basement workshop. Weeks later the
King joining Brambilla in a three-man team.
McIntyre finished fifth in the World series, King THE LINTO 500
eighth and Brambilla 10th, while the light, good- The bloke’s 500cc grand prix racer was as fast as it was frustrating…
handling twin beat the MV Agusta four to win
the Italian 500cc title in Brambilla’s hands, a feat THE LINTO COMPRISED a tubular steel space frame with a 360° OHV parallel-twin
which Remo Venturi repeated in 1964. But that engine consisting of two horizontal 250cc Aermacchi cylinders and heads on a
coincided with the end of Bianchi’s battle against specially-designed crankcase. Essentially, everything outside the crankcase mouth,
the odds financially, and in September ’64, it filed including conrods, was Aermacchi; the rest made by specially-commissioned outside
for bankruptcy. suppliers. A dozen race bikes were sold, and
That same month Lino Tonti was recruited a prototype streetbike completed, but never
developed.
by Gilera to design two new models with which Lintos soon gained a reputation as
company owner Giuseppe Gilera intended to troublesome devices that were frustratingly
mount a marketplace comeback for Italy’s oldest fast when they chose to perform as intended.
motorcycle marque. Both men now understood Ignition problems were a constant plague,
that, with the advent of the affordable small until in 1970 Premoli installed Dansi
car, a motorcycle would henceforth be a leisure electronic ignition, which completely solved
instrument rather than an everyday mode of the difficulty. Customers all suffered brief
but frustrating glimpses of the promised
transport. Tonti therefore modernised Gilera’s land with the occasional good result,
most popular current model to create the 124 5V and Swiss-Hungarian Gyula Marsovski
sports single, which was an immediate success managed to make his Linto reliable enough
when introduced in 1966, especially in Regolarità to finish second in the 1969 500cc World
Casa guise as one of the first street enduros. championship behind Giacomo Agostini’s
He also designed the equally acclaimed all- MV – perhaps because he was accustomed
new B500 parallel-twin, but this never reached to the rigorous maintenance requirements
production due to a lack of capital to underwrite of a two-stroke Yamaha.
But though works rider Alberto Pagani
manufacturing costs, prompting Tonti to leave scored the Linto’s only GP victory in Ago’s
Gilera ahead of the inevitable 1969 Piaggio absence at the 1969 Italian round at Imola,
takeover. While awaiting another job, he revived every Linto rider suffered copious problems
his old Linto brand in conjunction with former which were nevertheless gradually ironed out.
racer turned car dealer Umberto Premoli, to create On a factory bike incorporating all these improvements Pagani enjoyed a successful
a 500cc twin-cylinder GP racer aimed at delivering 1971 season, finishing fifth in the 500cc World championship. But by then the four-
to the privateer members of the Continental stroke era of GP racing was drawing to a close, and the HIR Kawasaki represented an
even faster, if only slightly less fickle, two-stroke privateer option.
amcn.com.au 83
LINO TONTI
1. Tonti at Misano in 1985
with a Linto and its owner
Massimo Zaghini
2. Giuseppe Pattoni with
Mike Hailwood about to
start his first IoM TT race
in 1958 on a Paton
3. Tonti on the Moto
Guzzi I-Convert 1000
4. Tonti with a 1953 Linto
Dama scooter
5. The 1967 Paton 500
Bicilindrica
1 2 3
THE 750 HAD 4 5
A TOP SPEED
OF 200KM/H
prototype V7 Sport telaio rosso (red frame) originally a café racer with clip-on handlebars and
was completed and, after shakedown tests a bikini nose fairing, before evolving into a sports
at Monza, set 19 World records including the tourer with three-quarter fairing and a 1000cc
1000km distance at an average speed of 206km/h engine. As a prelude to this, Tonti had helped his
(128mph), the 100km at 218. km/h (135.8mph) and longtime friend Reno Leoni with special parts
the one-hour mark at 217km/h (134.8mph). for the Moto Guzzi AMA Superbike racer he was
But it also handled well, too, thanks to what’s campaigning for US importers Berliner, with which
become known as the telaio Tonti – Tonti’s frame – Mike Baldwin beat the Japanese fours to win the ’76
which allowed the factory race team with riders like AMA round at Loudon.
BITTER Brambilla and Jack Findlay to become successful small-block V50 motor which was also available in
In 1977 Tonti also completed development of the
in both Endurance and Formula 750 events. This
PILL led SEIMM to sanction a customer street version, tax-busting V35 guise, and powered the range of
for which Tonti was set three pre-requisites: 200kg,
entry-level Guzzi models until it was phased out
Ironically, the Linto’s 200km/h and a five-speed gearbox. The Moto in 1989. Tonti’s final card in a lifetime of creativity
Guzzi 750 V7 Sport which entered production in
was the Moto Guzzi V-1000 Convert, introduced for
greatest rival to be best of 1971 encompassed all these as the first streetbike the US police bike market as the first large capacity
the rest in its five years of
GP racing was the Paton, in the world with a homologated top speed of over automatic motorcycle with shaft final drive. The
which Tonti had helped 200km/h, setting a significant milestone in the manual gearbox grew a Sachs torque converter,
his former partner Pattoni history of the Italian manufacturer. which let you stop the bike in either gear and
develop into a fast and Before that, in 1970 Guzzi had launched the accelerate away again without using the clutch.
reliable package. California as its first fully focused contender for In 1990 Lino Tonti retired to spend more time
the American cruiser dollar, which Tonti had cultivating his garden in picturesque Sacro Monte
developed from the V7 Police model that in 1969 in Varese, until he passed away on 8 June, 2002
had been chosen by the California Highway Patrol aged 81. He’d spent a lifetime in motorcycles in
over Harley-Davidson. The California was also a pursuit of perfection – albeit most frequently
huge commercial success, prompting Argentinian starting out with someone else’s design which
Alejandro de Tomaso to purchase Guzzi from the he’d substantially redevelop to achieve the
banks in 1973. Tonti’s calm but decisive manner performance and appeal it had failed to secure
went down well with the mercurial de Tomaso, first time. For that reason many consider him to be
and Lino’s insistence on developing the V-twin a top troubleshooter rather than a progettista par
model range proved to be the right call. excellence – but either way, Lino Tonti left a rich
In 1976 Lino Tonti unveiled Moto Guzzi’s best- heritage of desirable and significant motorcycles
selling model of the era, the 850 Le Mans which was behind him.
84 amcn.com.au
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ROAD
READER
Reading the road
If there’s one thing that will make you a better road rider, it’s by
becoming a road reader. Here’s a few quick tips
WORDS KELLIE BUCKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY SHUTTERSTOCK
I f you listen to your mother, then riding a motorcycle good advice, there’s actually a whole lot of information to
be garnered from your surroundings which can – and will –
is more like a ghost train at a theme park; you never
make you safer on the road. You may think you have no idea
know when things are going to jump out of nowhere
and scare the living daylights out of you.
what’s around the next corner, but there’s a good chance you
And, while in some respects that may be true and
Surprise! do. You just need to know what you’re looking for.
1 A surprise makes us do silly 2
things. We react immediately
according to our instincts without
sufficient time to think and assess.
And depending on our skill and
experience, those immediate
reactions while travelling at
speed on a motorcycle, could
either be extremely helpful or land
us on our bums. It’s pretty easy
to then blame whatever it was
that surprised you, be it another
vehicle, an animal or changing
road conditions, but if your brain
can identify a potential hazard
early enough to give you both the
space and the time to, at best,
make a quick plan and execute it
or, at worst, roll off the throttle and
reduce your speed, then you’re
going to greatly reduce the risk of
coming unstuck.
The little things what dangers may or may not cars all waiting to exit that sports The big things
2 In a car we have climate lay ahead. Garbage bins along ground almost definitely means 3 As well as a heap of small
control and music to create the side of the road, for example, there’s some fed-up and frustrated clues which can indicate what’s
a familiar and comfortable indicates that there just may drivers willing to make a silly ahead, there’s a lot of really large
environment in which we can be a garbage truck stopped on decision and pull out in front of things that can give us a heads
be relatively relaxed in, but on your side of the road just over you and into a gap that isn’t there. up as to what lies ahead, too.
a motorcycle your senses are that blind crest which is rapidly If you can read the signs and be Learning to read the natural
instinctively heightened – you approaching. Or the fresh-looking prepared, the element of surprise landscape, for example, can
notice more, hear more and even horse poo that you negotiated will be reduced, and with more make an otherwise blind crest
smell more – so we’d be mad safely just back there probably information and more time, you’re or corner more visible. Imagine
not to put that to good use. Little means there’s a horse or two being going to make a smarter, more you’re approaching a crest; you
things dotted around the place ridden at the other side of that considered choice if presented can’t see what the road does on
can give us valuable clues to blind corner. Or that long line of with a think-quick situation. the other side of it, but directly
86 amcn.com.au
1
5
Little things dotted around
the place can give us clues
to what dangers may or
may not lay ahead
Use your senses and take in
whatever clues and information ahead you’ve spotted a chimney.
might lie ahead on your ride able to see up to a kilometre or so
Straight away this tells you the ahead of you. You can see, either
road must veer off to either the left through other traffic travelling on
or the right – it’s a fair assumption the road or through some of the
3 the house hasn’t been built in tips outlined above, where the
the middle of the road – so you’d road goes. So other than perhaps
reduce your speed to something a few road surface or wildlife
appropriate to negotiate an surprises, you’re comfortable to
upcoming corner that may have sit on the 100km/h signposted
otherwise caught you by surprise. limit. If, however, you find yourself
Depending on the environment, on a country road, but this time
it may even be possible to in a heavily wooded area with
determine which way the roads hills and undulations, the farthest
veers and already be set-up for point you can physically see on
a left- or right-hand bend before the road ahead is constantly
you actually see it. You might changing and, at the same time,
notice a tree line which indicates so is the time you’ve got to pull
the direction of the road, more the bike up, or be presented with
roofs or chimneys might be an a think-quick scenario if required.
indicator, even a ridge line along So it’s not a bad idea to adjust your
a mountain. Like any skill on the speed according to the farthest
bike, you get better and quicker at point you can physically see, to
reading the environment around put yourself in a situation where
4 you the more often you do it. you’re comfortable being if things
Remember to use it as an indicator unexpectedly turned pear-
rather than fact, and always be shaped.
prepared for things to still jump
out of nowhere. Look back
5 As if all that looking forward
Look out! isn’t taking enough of your
4 We’ve all had it drummed attention, it is just as important to
into us that we need to be looking get in a habit of regularly checking
well ahead, and it’s something we your mirrors so you’re building a
all do. It’s a good idea to look as far full 360-degree zone of awareness
ahead as possible and set yourself around you and your bike. A far
some conscious guidelines too high proportion of motorcycle
around speed and distances, crashes in Australia are rear-end
depending on your experience. affairs and it’s just as important to
On an open 100km/h country road be aware and have enough time
with very few trees or undulations to take well-considered evasive
in the landscape, you might be action if and when required.
amcn.com.au 87
PRICE GUIDE
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY
AMCN ARCHIVES
TRA GLIDE
3
2
1
4
Harley desirable
Despite big mileages resale values remain high for Harley’s
flagship tourer. The Ultra Classic is built for the long haul…
WRITING A BUYING-used article on Harley- upgrading the electronics to a 12-volt unit from You need good brakes to
Davidson’s flagship Electra Glide model is akin the previous six-volt system. 1haul down 600kg of H-D,
to producing a food review on a McDonald’s That first H-D Electra Glide was initially rider, pillion and baggage
menu. It’s a bit difficult to know where to start as offered with optional carry-over features like a One of the best seats
v
e
the selection is so diverse – plus it’s changed so dual-muffler exhaust system and a hand-shift/ 2 er fitted as standard –
often over the years. foot-clutch arrangement. Since then there have plus there are plenty of after
The Electra Glide name can trace its roots been numerous incarnations from Panhead to market versions around
back to 1965, although the basis of the model Shovelhead to Evo to the current Twin Cam. There’s lots of capacity in
actually stretches back to 1948 with the But time marches on, and the Electra Glide 3 the panniers and topbox,
introduction of the FL (aka Touring) line-up. has morphed into the thoroughly-modern which has mounts for the
In recent years it’s been possible to buy a base version that’s available today, albeit still with audio system’s antennae
Electra Glide (FLHT), an Ultra Classic version classic ‘retro’ styling so indelibly linked to the
(FLHTCU), a Limited version (FLHTK) and big V-twin. Dual mufflers are
even an up-spec performance-enhanced CVO We’ll concentrate on the most recent 4 typically H-D, with
deep chrome and effective
Screamin’ Eagle version (FLHTCUSE). incarnation for this Buying Used feature, the
Introduced in 1965, the Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic that was introduced in silencing that lets out enough
FL Electra Glide was the last Harley model 2006. It’s a model that was Australia’s fifth most of the trademark rumble to
impress the neighbours
fitted with the Panhead engine and the first popular touring motorcycle in 2010, according
big Harley-Davidson with an electric start. to the official FCAI sales figures for new-bike
Converting to an electric starter also meant purchases.
Your adventure.
Our policy.
NEW PRICE
$ , ( ) - NAMING RIGHTS
$ , ( ) A tour back through the years
SECONDHAND ● The FL was introduced to the Harley-Davidson
$ , - $ , model line in . It used a ci ( cc)
version of the Knucklehead OHV engine from the
ci ( cc) EL form.
● The FL continued relatively unchanged until
, when it was given the redesigned Panhead
engine. The Panhead had aluminium cylinder-
heads to reduce weight and improve cooling and
self-adjusting hydraulic lifters.
THE The Electra Glide is ● In , a year after receiving the Panhead
engine, the FL was given hydraulically-damped
telescopic forks. In honour of its first production
LOW the quintessential motorcycle so equipped Harley-Davidson named
the FL the Hydra Glide.
● In the Hydra Glide’s transmission format
DOWN Harley touring was reversed from hand-shift/foot-clutch to
foot-shift/hand-clutch, although the original
format was offered as an option until .
WHAT TO LOOK motorcycle ● A more highly-tuned engine with high-
compression heads, higher-lift cams and
FOR polished ports was offered with the FLH version
HARLEY ELECTRA GLIDES of .
get ridden – and ridden long ● The FL model was given a new frame in
distances. Check for the usual With its combination of classic styling, a Big which included a rear swingarm and dual rear
wear and tear on a motorcycle Twin engine, floorboards, hard luggage and shocks. The model name was changed from
that has travelled long distances plenty of chrome trim, the Electra Glide is the Hydra Glide to Duo Glide.
– swingarm and steering-head quintessential Harley touring motorcycle. The ● The third and final name change given to the
bearings; brakes and brake Ultra version featured here gets Harley’s proven basic FL model occurred in , the final year
lines; tyre wear; leaking fork air-cooled, fuel-injected, 1584cc Twin Cam 96 of the Panhead engine. These last Panheads
seals; rear shock absorber were the first big-twin Harley-Davidson engines
damping; blue colouring of engine and comes with the full bells ’n’ whistles to be equipped with electric starters, with this
exhaust headers; noisy tappets; treatment of a luxo tourer. innovation leading to the model name Electra
oil weeps around gaskets. The Electra Glide features a fork-mounted Glide.
Oil weeps and blue pipes could Bat Wing touring fairing, a rubber mounted ● In the Panhead gave way to the
indicate sustained high-speed engine and lockable saddlebags. Add in a Tour- Shovelhead and a per cent increase in power.
use or an over-heating engine. Pak cargo system, a 40-watt Advanced Audio ● A fork-mounted fairing became available on
The dark days of AMF System by Harmon/Kardon, additional fender Electra Glides in and became known as the
ownership are long gone, with and saddlebag trim, cruise control, armchair- ‘batwing’ fairing.
current Harley’s bullet-proof and like saddle, good protection from the elements, ● An ci ( cc) engine was made optional
reliable. There’s no need to be cavernous luggage compartments and the Ultra on the Electra Glide in , but by was the
put off by an Electra Glide with standard fitment.
high mileage. has everything a serious tourer requires. ● The Shovelhead engine was replaced by the
Well, nearly everything. Unlike Honda’s cc Evolution (or Blockhead) in .
SERVICE HISTORY GL1800 Goldwing or BMW’s K1200LT the Ultra The Twin Cam engine was introduced in ,
HARLEY’S 45-DEGREE V-twin doesn’t have a reverse gear, so be wary where initially as ci.
Twin Cam engine is a proven you park. A loaded weight of around 450kg ● The current Milwaukee engine was introduced
and robust design that has with fuel and luggage (but no rider) can prove on the model in , in either ci or ci
a lifespan stretching from challenging if your parking space slopes the versions.
through to the current. wrong way.
For the - Electra
Glide Ultra Classic featured Over the years, the performance of the Electra make for a relaxing ride. Sure, you can’t punt a
here oil and oil-filter change Glide has continued to evolve. In 2008, H-D big and heavy bike like the Ultra as you would a
intervals are recommended at touring models became available with Brembo sports-tourer like Honda’s VFR1200 through the
km intervals, with valve brakes and an independent ABS system. An twisties – but horses for courses.
adjustment ‘automatic’. Electronic Throttle Control was also introduced Like all Harleys the quality of the paint,
Air-filter and sparkplug in 2008. chrome and polished alloy on the Electra
replacement will depend to In 2009, the Electra Glide, along with all Glide is superb, although some of the bolts and
some extent on the type of use, of Harley-Davidson’s touring motorcycles, brackets can be a bit low-rent.
with primary chain oil changed received a new chassis. The stamped and However, a motorcycle is more than just the
at , km intervals and
major inspections at , km welded single-piece frame that Harley had used sum of its parts and that’s the case with the
and , km. for three decades was replaced with a cast, Ultra. It also explains why Harleys currently
A minor service should cost single-spar, rigid-backbone frame. dominate the Touring sector on Australia’s sales
around $ , but prices will vary The relaxed thump of the big V-twin plus charts, with not only the top-seller (2019 Street
from dealer to dealer. the luxury appointments of the Ultra certainly Glide Special), but seven models in the top 10.
Call our specialist motorcycle insurance team
on 1800 24 34 64 or visit qbe.com/au
Conditions apply. QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd. ABN 78 003 191 035.
AFSL 239545. Consider the PDS to see if a product is right for you.
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the largest display of Brough Superior south
of the Equator, Harley-Davidsons, Vincents, Racing where & when
and tributes to icons such as speedway legend
Ivan Mauger and more. For more information
see motorcyclemecca.nz. Road racing Rd4 19-21 Jun, Snetterton, NFK Rd7 18-20 Sep, Requista, FR
MOTOGP WORLD C’SHIP Rd5 10-12 Jul, Knockhill, FIF Rd8 16-18 Oct, Zschopau, DE
Rd1 8 Mar, Losail, QT Rd6 24-26 Jul, Brand Hatch, KEN AORC
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Motorplex, 150 Aerodrome Rd, Bairnsdale, Rd4 19 Apr, Termas de Rio Hondo, AR Rd9 4-6 Sep, Oulton Park, CHS Rd5-6 18-19 Apr, Nowra, NSW
Vic. Gates open 12pm Friday; night racing Rd5 3 May, Jerez, ES Rd10 18-20 Sep, Assen, ND Rd7-8 1-2 Aug, TBA, SA
from 6pm. Bitumen and dirt drags, 50cc kids Rd6 17 May, Le Mans, FR Rd11 2-4 Oct, Donington Park, LCE Rd9-10 19-20 Sep, Omeo, Vic
racing, trailbikes, roadbikes, quads, stunt Rd7 31 May, Mugello, IT Rd12 16-18 Oct, Brand Hatch, KEN Rd11 17-18 Oct, Wynyard, Tas
7 Jun, Catalunya, ES
FIM EWC
Rd8
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Rd5
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$20; campsites $20; and race fee $100. For Rd12 9 Aug, Brno, CZ AUST HISTORIC ROAD RACING C’SHIP Rd8 22 Feb, Arlington, TX
information or bookings phone 0402 375 199. Rd13 16 Aug, Red Bull Ring, AT Rd1 1 Mar, Matterley Basin, UK Rd9 29 Feb, Atlanta, GA
Rd14 30 Aug, Silverstone, UK Rd10 7 Mar, Daytona, FL
MARCH Rd15 13 Sep, Misano, IT Off-road racing Rd11 14 Mar, Indianapolis, IN
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Kingston, Qld. Gates open 10am; all entries Rd18 25 Oct, Phillip Island, AU Rd2 8 Mar, Valkenswaard, ND Rd13 28 Mar, Seattle, WA
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Rd6
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information phone 0432 832 494 or see Rd4 18-19 Apr, Assen, ND Rd9 24 May, Teutschenthal, DE Rd2 24-29 May, Rally Kazakhstan, KZ
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qldvvmc.com.au. Rd5 9-10 May, Imola, IT Rd10 7 Jun, Saint Jean d’Angely, FR Rd4 14-23 Aug, Rally do Serteos, BR
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Reserve, Cnr Anzac Hwy and Adelphi Tce, Rd9 1-2 Aug, Oschersleben, DE Rd14 26 Jul, Loket, CZ Rd2 30 May, Teterow, DE
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judging then begins at 1pm; show closes Rd12 26-27 Sep, Magny-Cours, FR Rd17 23 Aug, Itti-KymiRing, FI Rd4 18 Jul, Cardiff, UK
4.30pm. More than 100 Italian bikes on Rd13 10-11 Oct, El Villicum, AR Rd18 6 Sep, Afyonkarahisar, CN Rd5 25 Jul, Hallstavik, SE
Rd6
1 Aug, Wroclaw, PL
display. Food and refreshments merchandise ASBK Rd19 13 Sep, TBA, TR Rd7 15 Aug, Malilla, SE
stands and trade displays. Entry $5 per bike Rd1 28 Feb-1 Mar, Phillip Island, Vic Rd20 20 Sep, Imola, IT Rd8 29 Aug, Togliatti, RU
28-29 Mar, Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd2
FIM MXoN
for DOCSA members; $10 for non-members; Rd3 9-10 May, The Bend, SA 27 Sep, Ernee, FR Rd9 12 Sep, Vojens, DK
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Owners Club of SA. For information phone Rd5 8-9 Aug, Morgan Park, Qld Rd1-2 4-5 Apr, Horsham, Vic FIM TRIAL GP
Greg Sheridan on 0459 197 264 or email Rd6 12-13 Sep, Winton, Vic Rd3 3 May, Newry, Vic Rd1 23-24 May, Sokolov, CZ
5-7 Jun, Motegi, JP
Rd2
[email protected]. Rd7 3-4 Oct, Philip Island, Vic Rd4 24 May, Gympie, Qld
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Rd2 28 Jun, Assen, ND Rd8-9 22-23 Aug, Coolum, Qld Rd5 10-12 Jul, Tong, DE
Rd3 16 Aug, Red Bull Ring, AT FIM ENDURO Rd6 29-30 Aug, Cahors, FR
Rd4 13 Sep, Misano, IT Rd1 17-19 Mar, Marco de Cavaneses, PT Rd7 5-6 Sep, Pobladura de las Regueras, ES
Rd5 15 Nov, Ricardo Tormo, ES Rd2 24-26 Apr, Lalin, ES FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS
BRITISH SUPERBIKE C’SHIP Rd3 5-7 Jun, Spoleto, IT R12-13 Sep, Gouveia, PT
Rd1 10-12 Apr, Silverstone, NTH Rd4 12-14 Jun, Hungaroring, HU FINKE DESERT RACE
Oulton Park, CHS Rd5 17-19 Jul, Saaremaa, ES 5-8 Jun, Finke, NT
y, Donington Park, LCE Rd6 24-26 Jul, Skovde, SE *Provisional
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Rally the troops
JAN- FEB -
FEBRUARY MARCH - MAY
26th Nulli Secundus Rally, Nug Nug Camping George Begg Classic Speedfest, Teretonga Revving The River Festival, Murray Esplanade The Aussie & The Indian Parade, Silverton,
Ground and Caravan Park, Nug Nug Reserve Park, Invercargill, NZ. The inaugural Pde, Echuca, Vic. Show and shine ($10) NSW. Head to outback NSW for the largest
Rd, Nug Nug, Vic. Bands, food, drinks, George Begg Classic Speedfest will honour 10am-12pm, Mankini Run ($20) 12.30-1pm, gathering of Indian motorcycles in Australia,
gymkhana, regalia and Saturday morning Invercargill’s reputation as NZ’s premier Poker Run ($20) 2-5pm and blues band and an attempt at the world record. Meet
ride. Licenced venue; no BYO, no dogs and no wheeled destination. Spectators and ($20) 5.30-7.30pm at Henry’s Bridge Hotel. 11am on Friday in Broken Hill and head to
glass. Onsite toilets and showers. Tickets $50. competitors alike are invited to get into the Supporting Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation. For Penrose Park at 8am on Saturday for 9.30am
Hosted by Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club spirit of Kiwi motorsport’s heyday and come information phone Allan on 0412 985 211 or parade. Entry $111 per bike; first 300 to
Australia. For information see tomcc.com.au. along kitted out in retro gear. Fun for the whole see facebook.com/revvingtheriver.org. register receive extra goodies in rego pack. For
family, the George Begg Classic Speedfest will information, registration and an orientation
- FEBRUARY be a spectacular weekend of racing. MARCH- APRIL video see theaussie-theindian.com.
28th Redback Rally, 4km out along Boort Z Owners Victoria 25th Year Celebration
Rd, Charlton, Vic (follow the signs in town to - MARCH Rally, Lake Nillahcootie Camp, Midland Hwy, - MAY
the rally site). Gates open noon Friday. Entry Conondale Rally, Green Park, Conondale, Qld. Barjarg, Vic. Entertainment, show ’n’ shine, Hotrod and Custom Auto Expo, Rosehill
$30 at the gate or $25 prepaid includes Rally opens 12pm Friday. Food, drinks, show food, drinks and onsite amenities. No BYO; no Racecourse, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill,
badge. Fully catered, live bands Friday and ’n’ shine, trophies, gymkhana, raffle and live pets. Camping $30 prepaid with patch; dorm- NSW. Gates open 9am to 5pm. Bikes, hotrods,
Saturday nights, entertainment, trophies and music. Family friendly rally; great camping style bed $50 prepaid with patch; $40 at the customs and muscle cars. Australia’s biggest
gymkhana. No BYO and no glass. Presented and facilities. No glass and no dogs. Hosted gate. Funds to The Good Friday Appeal. For custom bike build-off, trade stalls and kids’
by Sketa Grimshaw Tourers Motorcycle Club. by Kawasaki Z Owners Club, Qld. For more more information see zowners.com.au. entertainment. Adults $30; concession $20;
For information and rally entry forms see the information email [email protected] children $10; family $70; weekend adult pass
website at www.redbackrally.com.au. or see zownersqueensland.com. MAY $50. For more information phone Andy on
Dubbo Motorbike Rally, Talbragar St (between 0418 113 832, Donna on 0419 170 873 or
- FEBRUARY MARCH Macquarie and Darling Sts), Dubbo, NSW. email [email protected].
43rd Karuah River Rally, Frying Pan Creek Cystic Fibrosis Dice Run, BP service station, From 8am to 5pm. Thousands of motorcycles
campsite, Chichester State Forest, via Western Hwy, Rockbank, Vic. Meet 9am; in one place, along with bike-related - MAY
Dungog, NSW. Map at Bank Hotel Dungog. stands up 10am. Ride to Little River Hotel. vendors, manufacturers, food & drink stalls Get Chopped, Archer Falls Airfield, 1253
Catering on Saturday afternoon; Dungog for Family event; raffle; giveaways; and sausage and merchandise. Entry is free. All bikes Neurem Rd, Woodford, Qld. Gates open 9am.
other supplies. $25 includes badge. Hosted by sizzle. Registration $10. Funds to Cystic welcome. For more information, directions, Bikes, cars, rat rods, trucks and customs.
BMW Touring Club of NSW. Phone Rob Lovett Fibrosis Community Care. For information accommodation options, merchandise Licenced bar, live music, onsite camping and
on 0417 267 425, email rob@gaslightbooks. see the ‘3773 MCC Ellan Vannin Rides and and other attractions in the area see more. Adults $10, kids free; camping $5 per
com.au or see www.bmwtcnsw.org.au. Events’ Facebook page. dubbomotorbikerally.com. night. For information phone 0448 114 001.
With crocky riding pillion I
quickly learned to never use
the expression “Bite me”
Aussie made designs,
from a life on the road
the road beckons
visit us online or call
(03) 9786 3445
buyersguide
A Z OF NEW BIKE PRICES Claimed / Measured
MODEL PRICE ENGINE POWER TORQUE WEIGHT TESTED LAMS MODEL PRICE ENGINE POWER TORQUE WEIGHT TESTED LAMS
$AUD CC, TYPE KW NM KG VOL / NO. $AUD CC, TYPE KW NM KG VOL / NO.
Aprilia aprilia.com.au R 1250 GS Adventure Exclusive $31,540 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT
R 1250 R $21,325 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 239w* 69 / 08
Dorsoduro $15,790 896, V-twin 70* 90* 212k* 67 / 13 R 1250 R HP $27,810 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT
RSV4 RF $31,990 999, V4 148* 115* 204w* 67 / 6 R 1250 R Exclusive $26,340 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT
RSV4 RR MY19 $26,490 999, V4 148* 115* 204w* NT R 1250 RS $22,625 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 243w* 69 / 08 x
RSV4 1100 Factory $33,990 1078, V4 160* 122* 199w* 68/22 R 1250 RS Sport $28,490 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT x
Shiver 900 $15,190 896, V-twin 70* 90* 218k* 67 / 12 R 1250 RS Exclusive $27,490 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT x
SR 50 MT E4 $2990 49, Single 4* 4.8* 107d* NT R 1250 RT $32,790 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 243w* NT x
Tuono RR $23,490 1078, V4 129* 121* 180d* 68 / 22 R 1250 RT Sport $33,690 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 243w* NT x
Tuono Factory $27,190 1078, V4 129* 121* 180d* 68/22 R 1250 RT Elegance $33,990 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 243w* NT x
Benelli benelli.com.au S 1000 R $20,390 999, Four 121* 114* 205w* 66 / 22
S 1000 R Sport $22,790 999, Four 118* 112* NG NT
All prices are ride away S 1000 RR $23,550 999, Four 146* 113* 197w* 66 / 22 x
Leoncino $8990 500, P-twin 35* 46* 207k* 67 / 11 S 1000 RR Sport $25,990 999, Four 146* 113* NG NT x
Leoncino Trail $9590 500, P-twin 35* 46* 207k* 68 / 08 S 1000 RR Race $27,990 999, Four 146* 113* 208w* NT x
TnT 135 $3990 135, Single 9.5* 10.8* 124w* 69 / 15 S 1000 RR M Sport $30,990 999, Four 146* 113* NG* NT x
TRK 502 $8790 500, P-twin 35* 45* 235w* 68 / 07 S 1000 XR $22,850 999, Four 121* 114* 228w* 66 / 22
TRK 502 X $9390 500, P-twin 35* 45* 235w* 68 / 03 S 1000 XR HP $23,675 999, Four 121* 114* 228w* 66 / 22
502 C $9790 500, P-twin 35* 45* 235w* 59 / 07
Braaap.........................................................................................................braaapmotorcycles.com.au
Beta betamotor.com.au
ST-250 Shadow $3499 250, Single 12* 17* 132d* NT
2020 RR 125 2T $11,495 125, Single NG NG 100d* 69 / 10 Urban $1500 125, Single NG NG 69d* 65 / 22
2020 RR 200 2T $12,295 190.2, Single NG NG 103d* 69 / 10
2020 RR 250 2T $12,595 249, Single NG NG 104d* 69 / 10 BRP au.brp.com
2020 RR 300 2T $13,095 293.1, Single NG NG 99d* 69 / 10 * indicates ride-away price
2020 RR 350 4T EFI $13,295 349.1, Single NG NG 111.5d* 69 / 10 Spyder F3 SE6 $32,199* 1330, Triple 86* 130* 430d* NT
2020 RR 390 4T EFI $13,595 386, Single NG NG 111.5d* 69 / 10 Spyder F3 LTD $35,499* 1330, Triple 86* 130* 430d* NT
2020 RR 430 4T EFI $13,795 430.9, Single NG NG 112.5d* 69 / 10 Ryker 600 $14,899 600, P-twin 35* 47* 270d* 68/18
2020 RR 480 4T EFI $13,995 477.5, Single NG NG 112.5d* 69 / 10 Ryker 900 $17,299 900, Triple 58* 76* 280d* NT
2020 X-Trainer 250 2T $10,995 249, Single NG NG 104d* 69 / 10 Ryker 900 Rally $18,999 900, Triple 58* 76* 285d* NT
2020 X-Trainer 300 2T $10,995 293.1, Single NG NG 100d* 69 / 10 CFMoto
BMW bmwmotorrad.com.au mojomotorcycles.com.au
All prices are ride away
* indicates ride-away price 150NK $3490 149, Single 10.7* 12* 135d* NT
C 400 X $9090 350, Single 25* 35* 203d* 69 / 02 250NK $4290 249, Single 19.5* 22* 151d* NT
C 400 X ion $11,490 350, Single 25* 35* 203d* 69 / 02 650NK $6490 649, P-twin 41.5* 62* 193d* NT
C 400 GT $10,340 350, Single 25* 35* 207d* 69 / 02 650MT $7990 649, P-twin 41.5* 62* 213d* 68 / 25
C 400 GT ion $12,090 350, Single 25* 35* 207d* 69 / 02
C 650 Sport $14,875 647, P-twin 44* 66* 237d* 63 / 16 Ducati ducati.com.au
C 650 GT $15,775 647, P-twin 44* 66* 249d* 61 / 19 All prices are ride away
F 750 GS $14,290 853, P-twin 57* 83* 224w* 68 / 14 959 Panigale Red $22,490 955, L-twin 115.5* 107.4* 176d* 65 / 13
F 750 GS Tour $17,580 853, P-twin 57* 83* 224w* 68 / 14 959 Panigale White $22,990 955, L-twin 115.5* 107.4* 176d* 65 / 13
F 850 GS $18,140 798, P-twin 63* 83* 191d* 68 / 14 959 Panigale Corse $25,990 955, L-twin 115.5* 107.4* 176d* 65 / 13
F 850 GS Rallye $18,540 798, P-twin 63* 83* 248w 66 / 20 Panigale V4 $31,390 1100,V-4 NG NG NG 67 / 22
F 850 GS Rallye X $21,890 798, P-twin 63* 83* 248w 66 / 20 Panigale V4 S $39,990 1100,V-4 NG NG NG 67 / 22
F 850 GS Tour $21,530 798, P-twin 63* 83* 248w 66 / 20 Panigale V4 Speciale $63,190 1100,V-4 NG NG NG 67 / 22
F 850 GS Adventure $19,440 798, P-twin 63* 83* 248w 66 / 20 Panigale V4 Speciale (Magnesium) $68,190 1100,V-4 NG NG NG 67 / 22
F 850 GS Adventure Rallye $19,915 798, P-twin 63* 83* 248w 66 / 20 Panigale V4 S GP $42,790 1100,V-4 NG NG NG 67 / 22
F 850 GS Adventure Rallye X $23,680 798, P-twin 63* 83* 248w 66 / 20 Panigale V4 R $63,190 999,V-4 NG NG NG NT
G 310 R $6050 313, Single 25* 28* 158.5w* 67 / 05 √ Diavel 1260 $29,790 1198, L-twin 119* 130.5* 234w* 62 / 11
G 310 GS $7150 313, Single 25* 28* 169.5w* 67 / 10 √ Diavel 1260 S $34,890 1198, L-twin 119* 130.5* 234w* 62 / 11
K 1600 B Deluxe $39,990 1649, Six 118* 175* 306d* NT Hypermotard $20,790 937, L-twin 83.1* 97.9* 204k* 66 / 08
K 1600 B Grand America $41,990 1649, Six 118* 175* 306d* NT Hypermotard SP $25,990 937, L-twin 83.1* 97.9* 201k* 64 / 11
K 1600 GT $39,490 1649, Six 118* 175* 306d* 66 / 22 Monster 659 $12,490 659, L-twin 37* 44* 187w* 68/ 08
K 1600 GT Sport $40,265 1649, Six 118* 175* 306d* 66 / 22 Monster 797 $13,490 803, L-twin 55* 68.9* 187k* 68/ 08
K 1600 GTL $41,190 1649, Six 118* 175* 306d* 66 / 22 Monster 821 $17,500 821, L-twin 64* 78* 188w* 60 / 22
K 1600 GTL Elegance $42,550 1649, Six 118* 175* 306d* 66 / 22 Monster 821 Stealth $18,590 821, L-twin 64* 78* 188w* 69 / 08
R nineT $22,490 1170, Boxer 81* 119* 222w* 63 / 23 Monster 1200 $22,990 1198, L-twin 108* 124* 213k* 67 / 10
R nineT Pure $18,025 1170, Boxer 81* 116* 219w* NT Monster 1200 R $30,190 1198, L-twin 112* 125* 207k* 65 / 08
R nineT Racer $19,475 1170, Boxer 81* 116* 220w* 67 / 03 Monster 1200 S Red $26,990 1198, L-twin 108* 124* 211w* 63 / 16
R nineT Scrambler $19,075 1170, Boxer 81* 116* 220w* 66 / 08 Monster 1200 S Grey $27,190 1198, L-twin 108* 124* 211w* 63 / 16
R nineT Urban G/S $19,075 1170, Boxer 81* 116* 220w* 66 / 08 Multistrada 950 $20,990 937, L-twin 83.1* 96.2* 227w* 66 / 14
R 1250 GS $23,890 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 238w* 69 / 09 Multistrada 950 S Red $23,490 937, L-twin 83.1* 96.2* 227w* 66 / 14
R 1250 GS Rallye $25,465 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT Multistrada 950 S Gloss Grey $23,790 937, L-twin 83.1* 96.2* 227w* 66 / 14
R 1250 GS Rallye X $30,590 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT Multistrada 1260 $26,490 1260, L-twin 117* 136 232w* 64 / 22
R 1250 GS Exclusive $28,890 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT Multistrada 1200 S Red $31,190 1260, L-twin 117* 136 235w* 66 / 10
R 1250 GS Adventure $25,865 1254, Boxer 100* 143* 268w* 68 / 17 Multistrada 1200 S White & Grey $31,390 1260, L-twin 117* 136 235w* 66 / 10
R 1250 GS Adventure Rallye $26,890 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak $38,490 1260, L-twin 110.3* 124.5 222w* NT
R 1250 GS Adventure Rallye X $32,290 1254, Boxer 100* 143* NG NT Multistrada Enduro Red $31,990 1260, L-twin 117.7* 136 254w* 65 / 21
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