Innholdsfortegnelse for #344 18-03 i Just Bikes

New features and - as demonstrated recently by Josh Waters - new speed defines the new Suzuki GSX-R1000, which is now in Australia. Suzuki Australia said that local interest in the sixth-generation GSX-R has been so high that the first shipment had almost sold out, even prior to the new model’s official dealership release on 7 September. The race-winning performances of Josh Waters at the recent Hidden Valley and Sydney Motorsport Park rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship are likely to drive even more enthusiasts to their Suzuki dealer. The new GSX-R1000 comes in two flavours: the GSX-R1000 ABS; and GSXR1000R. The ‘R’ specification is the hotter of the two, adding features like Showa suspension, launch control, a quickshifter, lightweight battery, LED position lights and a unique black LCD instrument…

Ducati has taken a major step – and a major break with tradition – in releasing a four-cylinder engine in a volume production model. While four-cylinder powerplants have featured in Ducati’s past, including the ‘Apollo’ V4 from 1964 and other experiments in the 1970s and ’80s, the Italian manufacturer claims these don’t count as they never got beyond prototype stage, while the Desmosedici RR was a limited-edition. MOTOGP-INSPIRED The new 1103cc 90-degree V4 ‘Desmosedici Stradale’ engine takes much from the 1000cc four-cylinder Desmosedici GP engine developed by Ducati for MotoGP. The Desmosedici Stradale will be used in Panigale road bikes from 2018, with the first ‘Panigale V4’ to be unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan this November. From 2019, a shorter-stroked ‘R’ version of the engine will be used…

Anthony West has returned to the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, signing up with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing for the remainder of 2017. West replaces Puccetti’s Swiss rider Randy Krummenacher, whose wrist injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season. “I am very happy with this opportunity to return to World Superbike riding a Kawasaki with a strong team like Puccetti,” West said. “I would also like to thank my EAB West Racing team for understanding my needs and giving me the chance to take this opportunity.” This is West’s second WSBK fill-in ride in as many seasons after the Aussie competed in six rounds for Pedercini Kawasaki last year, finishing in the top ten six times, with a best result of fifth at Sepang. This season, West…

It was a visual paradox of galactic proportions. Outside Lilianfels, the most genteel chintz-and-wallpaper pile of bricks in the Blue Mountains, stood a grim mechanical array of pure Austrian venom. This was the Australasian launch of KTM’s latest and manifestly greatest range of reforged adventure bikes. And it looked like some kind of siege. Rich old people arriving in their Mercs would ask me with quivering voices, “What’s going on?” “Adventure,” I would reply grimly. “Brutal, brilliant, bang-arse adventure with a touch of orange.” “What are those motorcycles?” a more adventurous pensioner asked, standing well back from the Austrian weapons-array lest he get bitten. “Those are KTMs,” I intoned, my voice reverent. “Never heard of them,” the old fellow advised me. “They have never heard of you either, Jim,” I…

Suzuki’s 2018 version of the GSX-S1000 naked and its GSX-S1000F faired companion have arrived, with both machines boasting several changes. While it may be the “sensible” sibling to the race-winning GSX-R1000R, the new GSX-S1000 has taken on some of its big brother’s characteristics for 2018, with maximum power from the 999cc inline four increased from the previous model’s 107kW to 110kW, while peak torque is up to 108Nm from the outgoing version’s 106Nm, thanks to newly-added crankcase ventilation holes which reduce pumping losses while complying with Euro4 emissions regulations. A back-torque-limiting clutch has been added for 2018, resulting in what Suzuki says a smoother downshifts and corner entry, while the front brake hose has also been updated to improve initial stopping performance and feeling. Aesthetic changes on both models include…

Sherco’s enduro bike lineup for 2018 has arrived, covering familiar two- and fourstroke choices, but there’s also an all-new addition. The 250 SE-R and 300 SE-R two-strokes are in stock now, but a smaller companion, in the form of the 125 SE-R, is due for local release from November, with a special incentive for early orders. Sherco Australia’s Stephen Tuff says the 125 SE-R has already generated huge interest and he expects that to continue when the new off-roader arrives: “The small-bore capacity has been somewhat overlooked for some time and Sherco recognised there is a genuine demand for a highly-competitive 125cc two-stroke, so they built the best bike to fit the brief.” The 125 SE-R’s compact single-cylinder 125cc engine utilises a unique power-valve system, combining a Keihin PWK 36…

Shannons’ major competition prize for 2018 is a ‘Goodwood Revival UK Tour’ for two people, plus a new Indian motorcycle. The highlight of the 13-night, fully escorted self-drive tour is the world-famous Goodwood Revival – a genuine mecca for fans of pre-1967 motoring, motorcycling and motorsport. The winner and their partner will receive access to the 2018 Goodwood Revival, including reserved grandstand seating across all three days, plus entry to almost a dozen other motoring events, museums and attractions. Return airfares, accommodation, selected meals, luxury car hire and $1,000 spending money ($5,000 for Shannons Club members) are all part of the prize package. The winner will also score a new Indian Scout Bobber motorcycle, valued at up to $18,995 and with 12 months comprehensive Shannons insurance cover included. To enter…

1 TUFFLIFT HOISTS Contact: 03 8375 3600 www.tufflift.com.au Tufflift supply and install motorcycle hoists which live up to all expectations of the discerning motorcycle enthusiast. These professional hoists are designed for both road and track motorcycles with a range of quality features to keep your motorcycle safe and secure when working on it. The Tufflift TL.45MH is a professional lift, with a diamond plated steel platform and a removable front vice. This lift is air operated requiring between 90-100 PSI, to raise the full capacity of 450 Kgs. The lift functions with an air operated foot pedal for easy lifting and lowering. The 5 locking positions allows for different work range options. TL.45MH can also be equipped with side extensions which increase the platform work area to accommodate ATVs and…

After an absence of more than 18 months, Ducati Australia has announced the return of a LAMS-approved Monster to the local market. The original Monster 659, which arrived in 2011 as a restricted (to 659cc) version of the Monster 696, proved to be a hit locally, despite a steep price compared to the LAMS opposition. However, the Monster 659 was dropped in early 2016 and the retro-styled, 399cc Scrambler Sixty2 became the sole Ducati option in the LAMS market - until now. Based on the new-for-2017 Monster 797, the upcoming 659 will go on sale from late October as a 2018 model, with most of the full-fruit version’s features as standard, including a 6-speed transmission, ABS braking, LCD instrumentation, LED position and tail lights, Kayaba forks and a preload and…

The fifth edition of Ellaspede’s Dust Hustle - the “inappropriate dirt days” - is not too far away, so if you’re game to check out some inappropriate fun in the dirt, make sure you get yourself to this fast-growing fun event. To be held at Mick Doohan Raceway in North Brisbane on Saturday, 4 November, Dust Hustle 5 follows on from the equally fun and frivolous Dust Hustle 4 held at Tabragalba in April, where Dakar champ Toby Price was a surprise participant – in a onesie!! Rider tickets went on sale 30 August and sold out soon after, so go to the event website – dusthustle.com – to put yourself on the wait list for any cancellations. As well as the fun on the speedway track, there’ll be gourmet…

When Antique Motorcycles agreed to take on the task of turning a BMW K100 LT into a slick but safe café racer, they took on a big challenge. Building a custom is relatively easy, but building one that combines safety features with good looks is a whole new ball game. THE GERMAN APPROACH As documented in past instalments, safety was the driving force behind the SMIDSY Bike Build, so a BMW was a logical choice as the base for this custom. The actual unit selected, a 1986-model K100 LT tourer, came with an impressive list of safety features for its day, led by the Brembo brakes and Koni shocks, and don’t forget the rock-solid reliability of the BMW’s ‘flying brick’ engine. Quite advanced for its day, the 987cc inline four…

Australia’s three-member Women’s World Trophy team has won an unprecedented fifth successive title at this year’s 92nd International Six Day Enduro (ISDE). The Aussie squad, made up of Tayla Jones, Jessica Gardiner and Jemma Wilson, had already made history at last year’s ISDE when they won for the fourth time in a row. This year’s win is unlikely to ever be repeated, and certainly won’t be repeated by the same trio, as Wilson announced her retirement at the end of the event. While the girls dominated, the Aussie men’s (senior) World Trophy and Junior World Trophy teams had mixed results in an ISDE that will be remembered for being tough, competitive - and hot. RETURN TO FRANCE Held at Brive-la-Gaillarde in southern France, the location for this year’s ISDE was…