Innholdsfortegnelse for 188 i Australian Road Rider

Sometimes it takes a long ride – or even several – before you really gel with a bike. That wasn't the case with the CB1000 Hornet SP tested in this issue. I picked up the bike on a Friday morning at Honda's workshop in Somerton, strapped my bag to the back and pointed north, with the first stop just a few hundred metres up the road to fuel up and grab a water for the two-hour freeway run to Glenrowan. This boring – and speed-camera-littered - stretch of road gave me ample opportunity to reacquaint myself with Honda's TFT display and get my head around the Hornet's various settings and systems. It also highlighted the absence of cruise control, which is about the only blot on an otherwise well-equipped bike.…

The 2026 Yamaha XSR900 GP is available in a striking Legend Yellow colour scheme that celebrates ‘King’ Kenny Roberts’ incredible racing career. Priced from $22,049 ride away, the flagship Sport Heritage model continues its blend of retro racing style and modern performance – now with a striking new colourway honouring one of the sport's true greats. The major update for 2026 is the introduction of Legend Yellow, a bold livery inspired by the iconic GP-winning YZR500s ridden by ‘King’ Kenny Roberts. The yellow and white design with black Yamaha speedblocks gives the XSR900 GP the visual punch that Roberts had when he won three 500cc World Championships and wrote his name into racing history. The XSR 900 GP – a retro-weapon packaged into a motorcycle engineered for today's roads –…

Royal Enfield's annual One Ride event has once again proven the strength of its global community, with the 14th edition delivering record participation across Australia and New Zealand. Late last year, more than 1300 riders registered for 44 individual rides across the region - a huge leap from last year's 800 registrations. It marks the biggest-ever turnout for One Ride locally, reflecting the brand's growing presence and the enthusiasm of its loyal owners. Launched in 2011, One Ride has grown from a small celebration in India to a worldwide phenomenon. While the 2025 edition saw 40,000-plus riders take part across more than 60 countries, the local numbers show that Australia and New Zealand are fast becoming a hub for Royal Enfield's famously passionate riding culture. One Ride celebrates individuality and…

Dear ARR, We're Bea and Helmut, currently on an epic motorcycle adventure across Australia! So far, we've clocked about 20,000 adventurous kilometres on our 55-year-old 50cc Kreidler Florett vintage mopeds from Germany. But this isn't just another blacktop tour. We're here to push both ourselves and our classic rides on some of Australia's toughest tracks. We've already conquered the Old Telegraph Track, Bloomfield Track, Condamine Gorge Road and the Oodnadatta Track, and now we're gearing up for the legendary Gibb River Road. We'd be thrilled to share our unique adventure with Road Rider readers. Hi Bea and Helmut, Wow! That looks like an epic adventure, especially on such small bikes, and we'd love to run something on it in ARR. Let's keep in touch. Dean…

For me, the Hornet name isn't just a badge - it's part of my own riding history. Back in the mid-2000s I owned a CB900F Hornet, and it left a lasting impression as a bike that blended sportsbike grunt with everyday usability. But the Hornet story goes back even further for Aussie riders, to the late '90s, when the CB600F first hit local showrooms. With its CBR-sourced inline four, sharp styling and affordable price, it quickly won a following among those chasing sportsbike thrills without the pain or cost. A few years later, the bigger CB900F arrived, offering more muscle in the same lean, streetfighter-styled package. Both cemented the Hornet as a fun, fast and great-value option for everyday riders. After a long hiatus, Honda revived the Hornet name here…

OUR GEAR When we first mapped out this trip, Mick Hone took one look at my well-worn kit and took pity on me. I ended up kitted out as follows: Helmet: Nolan X552 Ultra Carbon with N-Comm comms for bike-to-bike chat. Fitted with a C.R.A.S.H. (Caution, Road, Accident, Serious, Help) card containing my vital info for emergency services. Boots: Alpinestars Toucan Tech Series - excellent support and protection, and comfortable all day. Jacket / Upper Body: Alpinestars Tech Air vest with spare canister - this airbag vest is the best crash protection I've worn. It takes some getting used to due to the snug fit, but charging is simple once registered online. It can be switched between Off-road, Street and Race modes at the press of a button, and a…

On the surface, the campground had the usual big-event look and feel… but dig a little deeper and it was anything but ordinary. Maybe it was the group of naked blokes queued outside the shower block, or the guy blasting around in a golf buggy fitted with a 200hp superbike engine. Then there was old mate down the road, who spent the entire weekend - day and night - turning his used-tyre pile into smoke, limited only by how quickly he could swap rubber. As fatigue and inebriation set in, the spectacle became increasingly comical. Thankfully, no one copped a tyre lever to the face. Welcome to a European GP campground: they're on another level compared to Phillip Island. Viewers of Dorna's slick GP coverage will occasionally hear commentators mention…

Co-developed with Midland for LS2 Helmets, the LS2 Spectrum brings high-end connectivity and crystal-clear audio to your ride. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the latest LS2 models, it combines an ultra-slim form factor with advanced technology for easy communication on the move. Powered by Bluetooth 5.1, the Spectrum connects up to four riders with a claimed intercom range of 1200m, while AI-powered noise cancellation is said to filter out wind and engine sounds for clear speech even at highway speeds. Audio quality is handled by RCF 40mm Ultra HD speakers, delivering rich, dynamic sound whether you're chatting with mates, taking calls or streaming music. The Spectrum features a fully waterproof design and offers up to 20 hours of talk time. It pairs easily with smartphones, GPS units and TFT displays,…

Pirelli has unleashed a new option for performance-minded cruiser riders with the Diablo Powercruiser, a tyre designed to combine muscular styling with the agility and precision of the brand's sports range. Borrowing from Pirelli's Diablo racing heritage, the Diable Powercruiser is built for riders who want corner-carving confidence without sacrificing long-haul comfort or high-speed stability. Featuring racing-inspired structures and a slick shoulder design for maximum dry grip, the Diablo Powercruiser is claimed to deliver dynamic handling and sharp steering response across a range of big-capacity cruisers. The dual-compound rear tyre uses silica-enriched rubber and advanced plastifying resins designed to boost grip during cornering while maintaining excellent wear resistance through the centre strip. The front compound is engineered to provide consistent feel, stability and predictable feedback. Visually, Pirelli says the Diablo…

If you're considering a sporty but unique twin for your ride life, the Yamaha TRX850 remains one of the best-value classics on the Aussie secondhand market. Now some 25 years on from its discontinuation (it ran in Australia 1996-2000) and with proper care, a TRX850 can still deliver a rewarding mix of road manners, character and upgrade potential. THE MACHINE BEHIND THE APPEAL Yamaha's TRX850 was derived from the TDM850 but built as a lighter, lower and sportier machine. Power comes from an 849cc parallel twin with five valves per cylinder (three inlet, two exhaust) and a dry-sump design with the oil tank integrated into the engine above the gearbox. This layout eliminated external oil lines, gave quicker oil warm-up, and allowed the engine to sit lower in the frame…

Ducati has introduced a new Emerald Green livery for the 2026 Scrambler Nightshift, inspired by 1970s motorsport icons. Developed by the Ducati Style Centre, the new colour replaces the current option and will be available in Australia from March 2026, priced at $21,700 ride away. The Nightshift represents the more classic side of the Scrambler family, with a stitched Café Racer–style seat, black spoked wheels, compact LED indicators, side number plates and a minimal front guard. A flat handlebar and ‘bar-end mirrors complete the look. Power comes from Ducati's 803cc air-cooled L-twin with Desmodromic distribution, producing 73hp (53.6kW) and 65.2Nm. The engine runs electronic fuel injection and a ride-by-wire system, paired with a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch. A tubular steel trellis frame houses a 41mm Kayaba fork and rear…

The all-new Triumph Trident 800 naked middleweight roadster is aimed at delivering lively real-world performance, rider-focused tech and sharp urban attitude. It's available now from $16,695 rideaway. At the heart of the Trident 800 is an all-new 798cc three-cylinder with triple throttle bodies for instant response, strong mid-range and a howling top end to the 11,500rpm redline. Triumph quotes 85kW (113hp) at 10,750rpm and 84Nm at 8500rpm. A lightweight chassis teams with adjustable Showa suspension for quick steering and composure at speed. Up front is a 41mm USD Showa SFF-BP fork with adjustable compression and rebound; the rear Showa monoshock offers preload and rebound adjustment. Braking is handled by four-piston radial calipers on 310mm discs with braided lines. The split seat sits at 810mm with a narrow standover, and fully…

An extraordinary eight-cylinder motorcycle design from the 1930s has been brought back to life, with the Galbusera 500 V8 making its public debut at Italian Bike Week 2025 in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. Conceived in 1938 by Plinio Galbusera of Brescia and Adolf Marama Toyo (born Roberto Antonio Ivanicich), a pioneering speedway racer and engine builder from Fiume, the revolutionary two-stroke V8 never made it beyond prototype stage. Almost 90 years later, Italian craftsman Mirco Snaidero has meticulously reconstructed the bike from just four surviving photographs - a process documented in the new book Footsteps of Marama Toyo: Mysteries Unveiled and the Dream of the Galbusera V8 - The Vanished Motorcycle, curated by Franco Damiani di Vergada and published by Tiglio Edizioni. The fully functional replica features a 500cc longitudinal V8…

When Bob Wozga's wife Christine was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer in September 2024, he decided to channel his energy into something positive - a fundraising ride for the Cancer Council of Australia. The result was Cruisin’ for a Cure, a group ride from Pheasants Nest Service Centre to the Criterion Hotel in Crookwell, NSW, raising $2327 for cancer research. Joining friends on various bikes including a Suzuki V-Strom, BMW F 700 GS and Kawasaki 1000, Bob led the ride south through Mittagong, Bowral, Bundanoon and Marulan before braving cold winds en route to Crookwell. After a warm welcome at the local pub, raffle prizes were drawn - one winner joyfully announcing she'd recently completed her own breast cancer treatment. The event also highlighted the often-overlooked toll on carers.…

Dear Deano, I loved the stories “Never Too Old” by Brian Rix (ARR 184) plus “Therapy” by Geoff Seddon, and your “How Old Is Too Old?” (ARR 185), which I can relate to, being 78 years young and still riding motorcycles. By last October I have been riding for 51 years and over that period I have owned 13 machines, starting in 1974 with a 100cc Yamaha then graduating up to a BMW 1000cc road bike with various sizes in between. Most have been BMWs with a few Ducati Monsters along the way. For a number of years my late husband Ken and I had eight machines in the garage, five of which were historic BMWs that Ken had restored, including two matching R90S models which had His and Her…

The Europeans - KTM's 1290 Super Duke R, Aprilia's Tuono V4 Factory and BMW's M 1000 R deliver exotic performance, but at $30K-plus. The Honda undercuts them while still offering Fireblade DNA and premium kit.…

Some motorcycles are built to get from A to B. Others are built for the journey itself. The Harley-Davidson Street Glide Ultra is very much in the second category - a fully dressed grand tourer designed to carry rider, passenger and luggage across vast distances in comfort, with a soundtrack as rich as the scenery. Priced from $48,750 ride-away in Australia, the model tested here wore the striking Blue Burst paintwork (+$1465) and a “black finish” chrome-delete package (+$500), tipping the ticket past the 50 grand mark before accessories. At this price point, expectations are high. Happily, Harley's flagship batwing-faired tourer delivers plenty. HOP ON BOARD From the saddle, the first impression is one of comfort and commanding presence. The seat is wide yet tapered at the front, making it…

MV Agusta makes expensive pieces of motorcycling exotica with racy names like Rush, Brutale and F3, right? Well, yes, that's true, but the octogenarian Italian firm has also clocked that there are some dollars to be made in the adventure market segment. And so now we have the Enduro Veloce, a bike that its maker says is a 70/30 road/off-road machine, which I reckon is a bit of a sweet spot when it comes to Australian touring conditions. However, don't be fooled into thinking this is a parts-bin special cobbled together to make a quick buck. The Enduro Veloce features a new engine platform and a host of top-end componentry that, on paper, makes for a very capable machine. Of course, we don't ride bikes on paper, so a proper…

The phone rings. It's Mick. One of our quartet can't make it. DJ (Darren James) won't even start the ride. Has his daughter had the baby? No. His wife KJ got up in the middle of the night and promptly broke her ankle in a fall. Nurse DJ is gated, his bike packed and fuelled, sitting forlornly in the garage. Mick, Billy and I finally get together and head off. Mick has travelled the furthest on his fully loaded 800 which looks like a pack mule, but it's all soft bags and swag, albeit weighing over 50kg. We head off on a cool crisp Victorian country morning. I'm keen to make distance to our first overnight stop at Hopetoun, where my old workmate Steve runs the community hotel. Mick sacrifices…

Schröcken, Austria, is simply amazing. I wanted to spend hours, days, weeks waiting for the light to change, waiting for the perfect photograph of this incredible mountain range, waiting for an image which could become a postcard… except we don't do postcards anymore. Every day on the Best of Europe Tour with Edelweiss Bike Travel felt like we were riding through the scenes of postcards. When I was a kid they would arrive from relatives having exciting travel adventures, with images of foreign lands or wherever they were on holiday. These days we just post selfies to Facebook, and do it so often it's no longer exciting - and travel becoming easier over the decades has made it a bit less exotic too, I suppose. But if the idea of…

If you've got a bike on club rego, you'll know the importance of keeping that pesky logbook handy - and filled in before each ride. To make life easier, the team at Andy Strapz has come up with a simple but effective solution: a rugged logbook pouch designed to live on your bike. Made from the company's trademark 17oz canvas, the pouch secures to your handlebar or mirror via a Velcro strap and features a clear front sleeve with reflective trim. There's room inside for both your logbook and a pen, meaning you're less likely to misplace them or forget to sign off before heading out. Available individually or in three or six packs, the Logbook Pouch is a clever Aussie-made product aimed squarely at making vintage and classic bike…

If your Hayabusa's front brakes are due for a rebuild, TRK's Brake Caliper Piston & Seal Kit offers everything you need in one tidy package. Designed to suit 1999-2007 models, the kit includes two 38mm stainless-steel pistons, matching seals and dust seals, bleed nipples and covers, copper washers, caliper joint split seal, and even a sachet of brake grease for reassembly. The stainless pistons are a worthwhile upgrade over stock items, resisting corrosion while ensuring smooth operation and consistent braking performance. The kit is a cost-effective way to restore stopping power and extend the life of your calipers. Wemoto supplies this kit and has similar options for a wide range of bikes, both new and old. Whether you're servicing your daily ride or tracking down hard-to-find parts for a restoration,…

LOOKING BACK Way back in ARR #016, founding editor Peter ‘The Bear’ Thoeming wrote a piece on the magazine's long-term test Honda CB900F Hornet. This is what he thought of it: “The Hornet is what is generally called a ‘naked bike’, which is to say it's just a motorcycle without a sports or touring fairing, set up for reasonably relaxed riding. Naked bikes can still be fast; the CB900 is powered by the now-superseded 919cc engine first introduced in the FireBlade. “We've had the Hornet as a long-term test bike, and one of the attractions of that is that you can change them. Unusually, I wasn't tempted to do anything to the handlebars; on many bikes I find that raising them, bringing them back slightly, or both, can make the…

Ducati has revealed the 2026 Panigale V4 R, its most extreme road-legal superbike yet. Developed alongside Ducati Corse, it represents the closest connection so far between Ducati's MotoGP and WorldSBK race machines and what customers can buy for the track. Power comes from the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, producing a claimed 160.3kW (218hp) and revving to 16,500rpm in sixth gear. With the optional racing exhaust and Ducati Corse Performance Oil, output rises to 178kW (239hp) and top speed exceeds 330km/h. Aerodynamics take a step forward with MotoGP-derived Corner Sidepods and larger biplane wings, generating 25 per cent more downforce for improved stability. The chassis uses Ducati's Front Frame and Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, suspended by Öhlins NPX25/30 and TTX36 units with an SD20 steering damper. Braking is handled by Brembo…

The 2026 Kawasaki KLX300 has arrived in Australia priced at $7849 plus on-road costs, and the big news is that it's now fully road-registerable. Designed as a lightweight dual-sport machine, the KLX300 blends everyday usability with genuine trail capability. Power comes from a 292cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine, producing 19kW at 8000rpm and 24Nm at 7000rpm. It runs fuel injection for smooth throttle response and easy starts, and is paired with a six-speed transmission for versatile performance on both sealed and dirt roads. Drawing heavily on Kawasaki's enduro and motocross heritage, the KLX300 features a high-tensile steel perimeter frame, 43mm inverted cartridge fork, and Uni-Trak rear suspension with adjustable damping and preload. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels with dual-purpose tyres highlight off-road intent, while it's fitted with 250mm…

In late 2025, Yamaha hosted another edition of its bLU cRU Master Camp, an intensive training program in Spain designed to identify and nurture the next generation of racing talent. The week-long event brought together promising young riders from around the world for hands-on coaching and real-world experience both on and off the track. Highlights included R7 track sessions at the Aspar Circuit, go-kart races, and a final Superpole shootout to close out the week. Italy's Alessandro Di Persio set the fastest lap to claim top honours at the podium ceremony. Mentoring duties were taken on by a stellar line-up: 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo, teammate Alex Rins, Jack Miller, Miguel Oliveira, six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea, Andrea Locatelli, Remy Gardner, Stefano Manzi, Yuki Okamoto, and 2024 WorldSSP300 World…

The new R 1300 RT is the latest in a long line of BMW touring motorcycles, stretching back to the mid-70s… so a lot longer than I've been riding. For my entire adult life they have pretty well always been there, an option for the well-heeled to own a motorcycle built to carry two people in comfort with huge load capacity and legendary - although some might argue mythical - reliability. The new R 1300 RT is simply the latest version of that ethos, and it carries with it a five-year warranty, the best in the motorcycling world and one which does go some way to skewer the idea that BMWs are less reliable than they once were or haven't kept pace with the competition. In five years you could…

THE ROCTANE BLENDS BAVARIAN ENGINEERING WITH BAGGER ATTITUDE - AND IT DOESN'T WHISPER ITS ARRIVAL BMW's R 18 family has always marched to its own beat - retroinspired but modern beneath the surface. The Roctane, introduced in 2023 and updated for MY25 with new finishes and options, adds a bagger flavour to the boxer-based heritage range. And boy, does it look the part. Finished in Mineral Grey Metallic Matt, with black chrome exhausts, blacked-out engine and black fork covers, the Roctane draws attention everywhere it goes. That streamlined 1930s-inspired design gives it the feel of a vintage hot rod, with a dose of German precision. The headlight nacelle-mounted speedo with LCD insert is a standout visual element - both stylish and functional - and even though the tacho is tiny,…

I haven't made up my mind yet about Artificial Intelligence. You may not have noticed, but whenever you ask a question on Google, the answer is now usually generated by AI as an ‘AI overview’. In the past, websites related to your query would appear and you had to research them yourself to find the relevant information. These days, multiple sites are sifted by a computer algorithm – and some scary robot brain out in the cybersphere delivers the answer. As a true sceptic, I decided to pose a question and test the response – awarding AI either a pass or a fail. The question I posed to my new-found artificial friend was: “What is the best motorcycle road along the Murray River?” A millisecond later my screen lit up…

A New Zealander on a Benelli, a Brit riding an MV Agusta, a Polish rider aboard his wife's Ducati - at the Moto Giro d'Italia, motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe come together for a week of Italian roads, shared history, local cuisine and endless curves. A PASSION FOR MOTORCYCLES That simple phrase not only captures the spirit of the Moto Giro d'Italia, but also explains why so many riders from all over the world return year after year. When you combine that passion with Italian food, stunning scenery, and the timeless charm of centuries-old towns, you've got the recipe for an unforgettable week. I had dreamed of riding in the Moto Giro for years. The idea goes back to my days in southern Germany, when I stumbled across a…

JUST ARRIVED! When it comes to riding gear, versatility is everything. Conditions can change in a heartbeat on a long day in the saddle - hot sun one minute, rain showers the next, chilly alpine air at dawn followed by sticky humidity in the afternoon. That's where the Berik Transformer textile touring jacket comes into its own. Designed to adapt across seasons and terrains, it promises all-day comfort without compromising safety. At its core, the Transformer uses a tough 500D polyester outer with waterproof coating, reinforced with stretch inserts for mobility where you need it most. Safety hasn't been skimped on either - the jacket carries a CE AA rating and comes with removable CE armour at the shoulders and elbows, so you're protected when things don't go to plan.…

The Two Way 100W Socket with handlebar mount is a compact and lightweight motorcycle battery maintainer and charger. It offers fast and bi-directional charging, allowing you to both charge your device and keep your bike's battery charged. The Two Way 100W Socket is ideal for riders who need a reliable and fast charging solution. It is especially useful for those who need to quickly recharge their mobile devices while travelling and for those who want to keep their motorcycle battery in good condition. This is a clever solution with certified waterproofing for those looking for a two-in-one, space-saving and secure device. It fits all handlebars and motorcycle batteries and supports USB-A and USB-C cables. INTERPHONE 2-WAY BATTERY CHARGER & MAINTAINER RRP: $179.95 WEBSITE: www.interphoneaustralia.com.au…

As I stand on the hill overlooking the National Carillon on the small island in Lake Burley Griffin, gazing at a wall full of names alongside nearly 2000 other riders who have made the annual pilgrimage to Canberra, I can't help but think that those of us who ride motorcycles are somehow wired differently. Two days ago, in the early dawn, more than 400 of us gathered at a memorial wall on St Kilda Road, Melbourne, in the shadow of the War Memorial, where plaques remember police officers killed while serving their community. Among us is a 16-year-old kid who no longer has a mother, joining the ride with us to Canberra. Thanks to my mate Mick Hone, Warrick is kitted out in riding gear and determined to travel pillion…

ENGINE Engine: 849cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel twin, 5-valves per cylinder, 270° crank Power: 59kW (79hp) @ 7500rpm Torque: 83Nm @ 6000rpm Weight: Approx. 202kg (dry) / 215kg (wet) Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork (adj. preload/rebound), monoshock rear (fully adjustable) Brakes: Twin 298mm front discs with 4-piston calipers, 245mm rear disc Fuel capacity: 18L Notable tech: Trellis-style frame, dry-sump engine with integrated oil tank, sportier geometry than TDM850…