Innholdsfortegnelse for #334 17-06 i Just Bikes

Amongst the range of new and upcoming models presented by Kawasaki at the recent Moto Expo Melbourne, one of the more intriguing was the Versys-X 300; an adventure touring-inspired model based on the current Ninja 300 twin that has been confirmed for Australian delivery before the middle of this year. While the 300cc capacity may seem meagre by accepted adventure bike standards, Kawasaki believe that equipping a bike of this size, weight and engine capacity with a range of standard and optional touring features will make the concept of adventure touring more attractive to beginners. As a Kawasaki spokesperson pointed out, not everyone can handle a big BMW GS adventure tourer, or even Kawasaki’s own Versys 1000 and Versys 650, so the Versys-X300 could attract newcomers for this fact alone.…

When the new Honda CRF450R motocrosser and its 450RX enduro sibling were announced back in August, Honda Australia said the RX version wouldn’t be coming here. But demand from local enthusiasts has led Honda Australia to reverse their decision, with the CRF450RX now confirmed for local delivery from March, 2017. Originally produced for Grand National Cross Country and similar competition in the US, the CRF450RX takes the 2017 450R and adds a number of enduro-specific features, like different valving in the suspension, a sidestand, 18-inch rear wheel and different hubs on both rims. The fuel tank is larger at 10 litres and is also in plastic, instead of the 7.3-litre titaniumversion that’s used on the 450R, which contributes to the 450RX’s 8.2kg weight gain - 118.4kg versus the 450R’s 110.2kg.…

On top of their new look graphics and aggressive pricing, Suzuki are also offering a free Race Kit with sales of their RM85 and RM85L junior motocross bikes. Valued at $1,000, the free bonus Race Kit includes Pro-Circuit’s platinum exhaust pipe and R304 muffler for more power than the stock pipe, Renthal aluminium FatBar handlebars that are stronger and less prone to vibration than the stock handlebars, plus RM-Z inspired front and rear mudguards and a factory-style decal kit by Rival Ink. Priced at $5,290 for the standard RM85 and $5,790 for the big wheel RM85L, both versions are available now. See your Suzuki dealer for conditions and further details on the bonus Race Kit offer.…

NEW HOLLAND PUBLISHERS BOOK REVIEW - SPEEDWAY, by Tony Loxley A vivid, photo-packed look back at Australian oval track racing from 1950 to 1989, ‘Speedway’ is a recent release from Tony Loxley, who also authored Liverpool City Raceway and co-authored Ghosts in the Bull Pens. At 290mm x 295mm x 35mm, this 400-page hardcover is a supersized tribute to speedway competition in Australia, and while it may focus primarily on four-wheel competition, there’s plenty to keep two-wheel and sidecar fans interested. Rather than a text-heavy tome on four decades of speedway history, Loxley’s book is almost entirely photos, supported by detailed captions that give context to the images and provide additional info not immediately apparent.The photos themselves, mostly in large format, are amazing and show just how popular – and dangerous - speedway…

Suzuki’s SV650 has been updated for the third time, losing the ‘Gladius’ tag it wore as an SFV650, and gaining some styling changes that should see it appeal to a broader range of riders. What hasn’t changed with the SV650 is its eminent usability and practicality. ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES The SV650’s v-twin formula can trace its origins back to 1999 when the first generation was released. It tapped into a similar sort of market that Honda have aimed for with their more recent CB500 series, ie., returning riders and those looking for a larger-capacity learner bike. Reliable and functional, if perhaps a little plain and basic, the first SV650 ticked a lot of boxes with a lot of riders, especially in Europe. The second generation from 2003 featured styling…

The Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar for 2017 was released in late November. Sponsored by Yamaha Motor Finance and presented by Motul and Pirelli, the 2017 ASBK Championship is back to seven rounds after being cut to six last year, bookended by fixtures at Phillip Island. A date and location for Round 4 hadn’t been confirmed at press time, but Barbagallo is a possibility. Australian Superbike, Australian Supersport and the renamed Supersport 300 class will compete at all seven rounds, while the Yamaha R3 Cup, GP Juniors and Moto3/125cc GP will compete at selected rounds only. For more announcements on this year’s championship, go to: ma.org.au or asbk.com.au…

Held across three big days, this year’s Moto Expo Melbourne scored a big thumbs up from punters, if JUST BIKES’ experience at the expo was anything to go by. 18,500 visitors attended this year’s expo, which was promoted by Troy Bayliss Events (TBE) and presented by Shannons Insurance. For many visitors, it was their first chance to see the new 2017 bikes in the metal, as well as concepts and customs. Amongst these were a bunch of bikes that had been brought in fresh from the EICMA show in Italy. HAPPY TROY Having attended many bike shows in the past, JUST BIKES staff agreed that this year’s Melbourne event seemed to have a bit more of a buzz to it than past shows, despite the grey, overcast weather that hung…

When you’re starting off in the custom bike building game, you need a pretty good “billboard” for your business: something that shows your skills and your style, but more importantly, something that has been well-made and well-finished. As both a billboard and a first build for ‘SlyFox Customs’, this Kawasaki-based custom is a pretty darn good start! BOILERS TO BIKES SlyFox Customs is the creation of Nigel Fox, a Queensland-based bike enthusiast who works as a boilermaker in his day job. Given that background, Nigel knows how to work with metal, but he also did the wiring, painting, exhaust fabrication and every other element of this build himself. “Some people paint pictures to express themselves,” Nigel explained. “I wanted to build a bike that expressed myself and showed my style…