Innholdsfortegnelse for #362 19-08 i Just Bikes

Triumph Motorcycles is taking their range upmarket with the announcement of a new range of ultra-premium limited-edition motorcycles – the ‘Triumph Factory Custom offer’. A Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) initiative is not new, with the TFC label first appearing on the Bonneville Bobber and Scrambler in 2014, but this new “TFC offer”, announced in February, is taking the idea to a new level. The new TFC offer will consist of motorcycles that “embody the absolute pinnacle in custom Triumph design, with a unique level of enhanced performance, technology, engineering, specification and exquisite finish.” While based on existing models – at least, initially – each member of Triumph’s TFC series will be specially crafted, with hand-finishing and bespoke parts. Each will offer a higher degree of either performance, specification or finish,…

Kawasaki has delivered the latest expression of their ‘Any Road, Any Time’ mantra in the form of the Versys 1000 SE tourer. A step up from the Versys 1000 that’s been part of Kawasaki’s lineup since 2015, the Versys 1000 SE takes that base and adds a bunch of new tech and new touring-friendly features, including electronic throttle valves, electronic cruise control, electronically-controlled suspension and Kawasaki’s own advanced rider support systems. Some of these features have also been applied to the standard Versys 1000 for 2019, but the higher-grade tech is exclusive to the SE variant. The Versys 1000 SE’s base is similar to that of the non-SE version - a 1043cc inline four engine and twin-tube aluminium frame, long-travel suspension and ergonomics designed for touring. As applied to the…

After making his mark in the Supersport 300 category, Oli Bayliss will race in the traditional (ie. 600cc) Australian Supersport class this year, after signing a deal with Cube Racing for the 2019 season. Oli, the son of three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss, has been able to make the move thanks to an amendment to the category rules by Motorcycling Australia (MA) late last year. Previously, riders could not race in Aussie Supersport until they had turned 16, but the rule changes allow racers under that age to join the larger capacity class if they demonstrate ability to race at a high standard safely. Hampered by his size in the smaller Supersport 300 class, the change allows the 15-year-old to step up in class and continue to hone his…

One of the most iconic mass-market motorcycles of all time, Honda’s CB750 turns 50 this year, so what better way to celebrate the Honda four’s Golden Anniversary than taking one along to the Shannons Insurance Broadford Bike Bonanza this Easter (19 to 21 April). A feast of everything classic motorcycling, the Shannons Insurance Broadford Bike Bonanza (SIBBB) welcomes all pre-1993 motorcycles to the Victorian State Motorcycle Sports Complex, Broadford, with all circuits – road, motocross, trials, speedway and enduro – open for entrants to cut laps. There’s no racing, just riding, with all tracks in action on 20 and 21 April, but due to popular demand, the road circuit will also be open on Friday 19 April. A birthday bash for the CB750 (with all related classic Honda fours welcome)…

Australia is a bloody big place and when you’re taking it all in from the saddle of your bike its vastness can almost seem overwhelming. But it’ll seem even bigger if you’re taking it in as you trudge the last few kays into town because your bike has run out of fuel. Whether riding in the outback or just touring between big regional towns, there are often big distances to be covered that will far exceed the woefully inadequate fuel capacity of many bikes – and there won’t be a service station within cooee. Whether you ride a sportsbike, a tourer, a dual-purpose adventure machine or a dirtbike, there are plenty of different fuel carrying options that can increase your touring range to match your needs. JERRYCANS AND CONTAINERS Filling…

SWM Australia has released the 2019 version of their SM 500R, with the LAMS-legal supermotard bringing new graphics and switchable ABS. “The new SWM SM 500R is the direct result of customer demand,” said SWM Australia’s Stephen Tuff. “We expect a strong retail reaction to this model.” With fresh new graphics, the 2019 SM 500R adds the same sleek indicators fitted to the SWM RS enduro models, offering a refined look to complement the new front headlight and surround, as well as the new seat. That seat now offers more padding for increased comfort on day-to-day riding. Standard features on the SM 500R for 2019 include a 501cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with Mikuni EFI induction, GET ignition and standard electric starting. A wet multi-plate clutch and 6-speed gearbox are also…

MV Agusta’s new Dragster 800 RR America limited-edition combines elements from two of MV Agusta’s most historically-significant models. The first “America” in MV history appeared on an upgraded 750S in 1975. While the original 750S America was all red, the 750 Sport that preceded it was defined by a more “American” red, white and blue colour scheme. The 750 Sport delivered around (68hp) 50kW, but engine modifications in the America, including a capacity increase to 790cc resulted in around 86hp (64kW) and a top speed in excess of 200km/h. MV Agusta’s last gasp in the North American market back then, the 750S America was produced for less than three years. Too heavy – and also too expensive - to be regarded as a serious sportsbike, it has since come to…

As the previous millennium drew to a close, and IT departments the world over expanded their influence over companies thanks to media-generated doomsday hysteria surrounding the Y2K furphy, Suzuki set about launching what would become the world’s fastest production motorcycle… and, thanks to another kind of hysteria, the ‘Hayabusa’ would hold on to that esteemed title to the current day and beyond. Prior to the launch of the Suzuki, Honda’s CBR1100XX Blackbird held the top-speed record, but when Hayabusa came along it surpassed the Blackbird by a fair margin and would never be bettered. Sure, there are no technological factors preventing motorcycle companies from producing machines that would easily eclipse the 1999 GSX1300R Hayabusa’s measured 312km/h, but as well as a fear of the Y2K bug in 1999, there was…

Every Dakar Rally is tough, so any thoughts that this year’s Dakar would be easier just because it was shorter were instantly dismissed who’ve experienced the event in the past. Despite being around 3,500km shorter than the 2018 rally, this year’s “100% Peru” Dakar saw experienced and rookie competitors alike succumbing to the seemingly endless dunes of Peru’s desert regions. KTM came into the 2019 Dakar having won the motorcycle division for the past 18 years, but for the bulk of the event it looked like that winning streak would finally be broken. First Husqvarna, then Honda led the general classification, with KTM’s 19th straight win only guaranteed on the final day. The man who delivered that win was Australia’s own Toby Price. Price won only one of the ten…

Feeling comfortable on your bike is of absolute importance, as is having the best possible protection, and these two priorities don’t have to be exclusive of one another, so long as you’re wearing the right gear to suit the conditions. Gloves are some of the most affordable motorcycle accessories you can buy, so there’s no excuse for persisting with thick winter warmers when you’re riding in the height of summer. Of course, not all summer gloves are the same – there are different styles, different materials, different price points and different levels of protection – so choosing the right summer gloves to suit your riding can depend on many factors. Here’s how to pick the right summer gloves to suit your needs. LEATHER OR TEXTILE Gloves are manufactured from a…

The latest version of Yamaha’s evergreen XV250 cruiser is now in local dealerships. Better known as the Virago, the XV250 has been part of the Yamaha lineup for decades, and thanks to its formula of LAMS legality, a low seat height and smooth, torquey v-twin engine, the XV250 has been the first bike for countless riders. The formula that makes this compact cruiser the ideal starter is unchanged for the 2019 version, including the bulletproof 249cc air-cooled engine with TCI ignition, electric starting and dual chrome exhaust, with the proven specification extending to the 5-speed gearbox, traditional steel double cradle frame and wide handlebar placement. Tele forks up front offer 140mm of travel, with twin rear shocks offering 100mm. While the front brake is a 282mm disc, the age of…

On the eve of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) Official Test at Phillip Island in February, Kawasaki Motors Australia announced they would be stepping up their support of Australian road racing by signing on as the naming rights sponsor for the Australian Superbike category this year. The premier category, now known as the ‘Kawasaki Superbike Class’, made its debut at Phillip Island this past 21-24 February, alongside the opening round of the World Superbike Championship. “Kawasaki Motors is very happy to be supporting the ASBK in 2019 by taking on the Naming Rights to the Superbike Class” said Robert Walker, National Sales & Marketing Manager at Kawasaki Motors. “The series is as strong and competitive as it has been for several years and it’s good to see all of the…

It may only be two years old, but the Machine Show has already become a must-do event. More than just a motorcycle show ‘n’ shine, the Machine Show is a weekend-long gathering, with on-site camping at a great rural NSW location and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. All motorcycles are welcome at the Machine Show, but the main display day and judging is reserved for bikes 30 years and older only. This element of the Machine Show has already become an event highlight, attracting classic, vintage and veteran motorcycles – road, dirt, outfits, scooters and custom bikes. This year, a special invite has been extended to motorcycle clubs (see breakout) to bring all their members’ classic, vintage and veteran bikes to the show BASE AT BRAIDWOOD Based at the Braidwood Showgrounds…

There’s no denying Yamaha’s SR400 has been a keystone of the modern custom motorcycle phenomenon. Builders worldwide have turned to the humble Yamaha single for all manner of custom builds over the past decade, turning out café racers, street trackers, scramblers, rat bikes, racers and even a few that defy categorisation! Here in Australia, that renewed popularity fed a rise in grey imports and ultimately led to Yamaha introducing the SR400 to the local market as a listed model in 2014 (more on that later). A small aftermarket industry has also developed, supplying SR400 custom parts to feed enthusiast demand. While that popularity is great, it’s also made the SR400 somewhat ubiquitous. As such, to stand out amongst the crowd of custom SR400s on the scene today, you have to…