Cycle Torque August 2014

TTRACER

FEATURESALEX PICKETT TT BLOGQUAD TORQUEDREAM RACERBOOK SHOP

ALSO RIDDEN BMW S 1000 R

CAN-AM SPYDER RTVESPA PRIMAVERAYAMAHA STRYKER

FREE

2014AUGUST

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 2IN THIS ISSUE

For the love of motorcyclingCycle Torque has a sportsbike, a cruiser, a scooter and a Spyder three-wheeler on test this month, with features on Alex Picketts foray to the Isle of Man TT, reviews of Dream Racer and lots, lots more in this edition.

The Vespa Primavera scooter features the TV spot we made about the machine - the same video will be shown during Cycle Torque TV during Spring, but were happy to bring you the spot early with the test for iPad and iPhone readers.

In fact, as I type this Im taking a break from filming the TV show recently Ive been shooting some awesome new Polaris ATVs and Side-by-Sides, the Kawasaki Z1000, Triumph Thunderbirds and tomorrow the Ducati Diavel Carbon - so look for tests of those machines in recent and future issues of Cycle Torque, and then watch Cycle Torque TV for the viewing experience.

Cycle Torque TV debuts on September 7 on both 4ME (a digital free to air channel) and Aurora (on Foxtel).

Nigel Paterson [email protected]

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 3

REGULARSRIDDEN

CONTENTS

50

4132

59

05 NEWS TORQUE

17 SMALL TORQUE

19 EDITORIAL

20 DIRTY TORQUE

21 RACE TORQUE

22 GUNTRIP

68 BIKE STUFF

70 USED & REVIEWED

72 MARKET TORQUE

79 BOOK SHOP

81 TORQUING BACK: LETTERS

QUAD TORQUE DREAM RACERVIDEO REVIEW

ALEX PICKETT TT BLOG

FEATURES

24 75 79

BMW S 1000 R LAUNCH

YAMAHA STRYKER LAUNCH

CAN-AM SPYDER RT LIMITEDTEST

PIAGGIOVESPA PRIMAVERALAUNCH

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 5NEWS TORQUE

Manufactured in Australiaby Rideworx T 02 4271 8244Find what fits your bike at: www.barkbusters.net TAP EACH PRODUCT ABOVE FOR MORE INFO

Carbon TNTBENELLI has produced a Carbon Edition TNT 1130R and only five will come to Australia.Producing 161 hp (120 kW), the Carbon Edition is the lightest and most powerful TNT 1130 ever offered. To get the weight down carbon fibre has been used for all fairings, chain guard, fuse cover, front and rear fenders. Along with the weight saving, increased performance has been generatedthrough an engine mapping upgrade, HPE Carbon muffler and a DNA air filter.Other features of the trick TNT include 50mm Marzocchi forks, Sachs rear shock, Brembo monoblock calipers and a race spec sureflex ergal slipper clutch.The TNT 1130R Carbon Edition will retail in Australia for $23,490 (+ on road costs), including a two year unlimited kilometre warranty and two year premium roadside assist. n


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We proudly and professionally service later model bikes in our onsite service facilities. All types of service is covered including fitting tyres. We carry a full range of accessories and spare parts. We also have a loan bike service to keep you mobile.

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Team Honda Assaults SuzukaTEAM Honda Racing riders Jamie Stauffer, Josh Hook and Troy Herfoss will contest the 2014 Suzuka 8 Hour World Endurance race in Japan in late July, just after this issue hits the bike shops.

Hondas three Australian riders will take a break from the 2014 Australasian Superbike Championship to contest one of the worlds premier motorcycle endurance events, which will be raced on 27 July.

Two-time Australian Superbike Champion Jamie Stauffer and former Australian Supersport Champion Troy Herfoss will partner at Suzuka for the Dream RT Sakurai Honda team, while Josh Hook will ride for rival team Idemitsu Honda Team Asia.

All three will ride Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades.

Suzuka is one of the most iconic races on the calendar and its long been an event that the very best riders want to win, and Im no different, Jamie Stauffer said.

Ive had a couple of goes and done okay, but I would really like to win it, so like previous years I will be trying as hard as I can for the win.

Josh Hook, who had his first experience of the ultra-fast Japanese track last year, is equally keen to take the event on again.

Itll be strange racing against my regular teammates Jamie and Troy, but also a challenge, I really want to beat them!

As I learned last year, its a very long race and experience is everything, so I feel I am much better equipped this year for a good result, Josh Hook admitted.

Troy Herfoss, new to Team Honda Racing in Australia for the 2014 season, will be making his Suzuka 8 Hour debut.

The boys have been talking the race up for a while now, so Im pretty keen to get to our first test session to find out, Troy Herfoss admitted.

Thanks to Honda for the opportunity, I cant wait. n


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Stars for Classic TTTHE headline act for the 2014 Classic TT at the Isle of Man must surely be the Motorsport Merchandise Formula 1 Classic TT Race. Over 70 entries have been accepted for the four lap race, with a number of high quality entrants more than capable of 120mph+ laps.

After taking the victory and posting a stunning near 124mph lap in last years race, which he followed up with his second successive four timer at the TT in June, Michael Dunlop is the clear favourite for the race win, particularly as he will again be racing Team Classic Suzukis GSXR1100 powered XR69. However, theres further strength in depth this year with an increase in both the quality and quantity of the field.

Starting from number one on the road, Dunlops challengers come thick and fast with James Hillier and Dean Harrison at numbers two and three respectively on the grid. The duo will both be mounted on ZXR750 Kawasakis, Hillier with Jackson Racing and Harrison for Mistral Racing, and are sure to be major contenders. Guy Martin is scheduled to start at number four on another GSXR1100 XR69. Riding the Trident Engineering machine, it will be the Lincolnshire riders first outing around the Mountain Course on a classic machine since finishing second in the 2009 Post Classic Manx GP Race.

Possibly the most exciting rider and machine combination on the grid comes in the form of outright TT Lap Record Holder Bruce Anstey on board the Padgetts Motorcycles YZR500 Yamaha. Having made his name on two stroke machinery, the Kiwi should be right at home of the exotic ex GP machine.

Team Winfield provides a double-pronged attack with Ryan Farquhar and Gary Johnson on their 1100cc Harris Yamahas and the pairing will certainly push Dunlop hard at the head of the field while last years third placed finisher Ryan Kneen will be expecting to challenge again on the DMR OW01 Yamaha.

Many more current and former TT stars will also take on the challenge of beating Dunlop, and all on a variety of interesting machinery, from Ducati 888s, Bimotas and Honda RC30s to the humble Yamaha FZ750.

Those keen to barrack for an Aussie should keep an eye out for two time TT winner Cam Donald who will be campaigning a Seeley G50 and an AJS 7R for Ripleyland Racing. n

Michael Dunlop on the Suzuki XR69.

Cam Donald will again ride for

Ripleyland Racing.


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SUZUKI could be set to release an un-faired version of its GSX-R1000RR this year.It will most likely be called the GSR1000, and heralds the first time the company has united anything like a race style motor and a naked chassis since the B-King which used the 1300cc Hayabusa engine.It has since been canned, and since the naked 1000cc market has been getting a bigger slice of the sales pie in recent years it does seem like a smart idea from Suzuki.The B-King was a very good bike, possibly the styling was the reason it failed to sell well. There have been others from Suzuki, like the SV1000 but none of them have been that popular with buyers. Maybe Suzuki should bring the B-King out with 1980 GSX1100 inspired bodywork?Anyway, we digress, but if the retuned engine hasnt been too dulled down the bike should be able to take on rivals like the BMW S 1000 R, the Aprilia V4 Tuono, KTMs 1290 Super Duke R or Kawasakis Z1000 to name some.Styling is similar to the GSR750 but we here at Cycle Torque feel the colour scheme is important if Suzuki wants to sell a few. The bike does look nice and also seems kitted out with some decent suspension and brakes, and no-one can refute the abilities of the GSX-R engine, even if retuned.A modern Bandit maybe? n

NAKED GIXXER


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AUGUST MADNESS!

Road sales strongAUSTRALIANS purchased 53,396 new motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and scooters in the first half of 2014, with road motorcycle purchases making up 40.6 per cent of these sales.

While sales in the road motorcycle segment were up 2.2 per cent, total motorcycle, ATV and scooter sales were down 0.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2013.

Releasing the half-year motorcycle sales figures, the FCAI said Honda was the leading volume manufacturer for the period 1 January to 30 June 2014, with 12,212 sales. Honda was followed by Yamaha with 9,034 sales, Kawasaki with 5,341 and Suzuki with 4,758.

Honda also led the volume race in the road motorcycle market, selling 19.7 per cent (4,269) of the total 21,672 road motorcycles sold. Honda was followed closely by Harley-Davidson with 18.4 per cent (3,985) of sales. Kawasaki came in third, selling 13.4 per cent (2,914).

In the road motorcycle segment, KTM sales increased by 109 per cent, Indian by 100 per cent, BMW by 42.8 per cent, Yamaha by 28.9 per cent, Aprilia by 25.5 per cent and Moto Guzzi by 19.4 per cent.

In the 2014 January to June period, off-road motorcycles represented 31.7 per cent of the total motorcycle, ATV and scooter market. The 16,903 total sales represent a decrease of 1.7 per cent on January to June 2013 figures.

Yamaha was the leading brand in the off-road motorcycle market, selling 27.1 per cent (4,579) of the 16,903 off-road motorcycles sold. Yamaha was closely followed by Honda with 26.9 per cent (4,541) of sales and KTM with 15.3 per cent (2,587).

ATV sales increased 2.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2013, with 298 more units sold. Honda regained its position as the largest selling ATV manufacturer, selling 26.8 per cent (2,877) of the 10,721 ATVs sold. Honda was followed by Polaris with 22.9 per cent (2,456) of the ATV market, and Yamaha with 16.6 per cent (1,783).

The popularity of scooters continues to decline with overall scooter sales down 15.4 per cent in the first half of 2014, compared to the same period in 2013. Piaggio was the top seller in the scooter market, selling 16.4 per cent (673) of the total 4,100 scooters sold between January and June 2014. Vespa came in second with 14.2 per cent (583) of sales and Honda came in in third with 12.8 per cent (525).n


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New bird of preyTHE latest version of Suzukis biggest capacity sportsbike - the legendary Hayabusa - has swooped into Australia.

Suzukis Hayabusa simply stunned the world when it was released back in 1999, named after the Japanese bird of prey capable of speeds in excess of 300 km/h, and for 2014 the bike gets an all-new special edition Candy Red/Black livery option featuring special graphics and detailing.

Its not always smart to keep updating such an iconic machine, and it took until 2013 for Suzuki to make the Hayabusa the first Suzuki sportsbike to feature ABS.

But its not all an unchanged spec sheet, with radial mounted Brembo monobloc front brake calipers, and the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) giving the rider a choice of three available engine maps keeping new Hayabusa owners in the techno loop.

The 2014 Suzuki Hayabusa is now available in two all new colour schemes - Candy Daring Red/Glass Sparkle Black; limited to just 25 units and Pearl Vigor Blue/Pearl Glacier White. Both retain the same retail price as last years model at $19,290.

So, there might not be too many updates, but then the Hayabusa has never really needed them. n


www.sharkleathers.com.au

Cycle Torque now on iPhone and TVYOU can now read Cycle Torque in its dedicated iPhone App and soon youll be able to watch Cycle Torque TV, the new television series were producing to give you even more Cycle Torque.

The iPhone App adds to the iPad App and print, online and PDF editions, so you can enjoy Cycle Torque almost anywhere, anytime.

The success of the iPad edition has pushed us to create an iPhone version, while the online and PDF versions can be used on computers, Android phones

and tablets etc.

The iPhone editionRedesigned to suit the small screen, issues from July downloaded to your iPhone look fantastic, with all the articles and additional content including videos, 360-degree views, slideshows and lots, lots more.

The iPhone edition also gives you access to the back issue iPad versions, which can be easily enjoyed with pinch and zoom to get in close on the smaller screen.

The iPad edition has also been updated and now features pinch and zoom to get in close.

To get the iPhone edition, just search the App Store for Cycle Torque. Wed love to get feedback on the app to [email protected] and dont be afraid to review the App, too.

Cycle Torque TVLaunching on Free to Air network 4ME on September 7, Cycle Torque TV will run right through Spring, bringing you the best in bikes, products, events and even some news.

Cycle Torque TV will be similar to the magazine, with tests of 2014 and 2015 new bikes, the best bike products around, tips and advice on everything motorcycling and lots, lots more.

Free to AirAll the mainland capital cities and most of the Australian countryside can receive 4ME (www.4ME.net.au) - a digital channel which specialises in Lifestyle shows, so in addition to Cycle Torque TV, it also broadcasts lots of fishing, 4WD and travel shows. MXTV and HDTV also show on 4ME.

4ME should be in your TV on channel 64 or 74, but if your area has had a digital TV upgrade, you may need to retune your TV to receive 4ME (and youll get a heap of other channels when you do a retune, so its definitely worth the trouble). Check your TV owners manual for instructions, and if you cant find that you can probably find one online with a Google search, or check out http://retune.digitalready.gov.au for more information.

On FoxtelCycle Torque TV is also being telecast on Aurora, which is channel 183 on Foxtel - first showing each week will be at 8.30pm on Sunday nights, with repeats later in the week. Check out www.aurora.tv for more information.

OnlineAfter the TV telecasts, Cycle Torque TV will be available for catchup on the 4ME website (www.4ME.net.au) and at www.cycletorque/tv. n

Telecast Times: 4ME - 6.30pm Aurora - 8.30pm

SUNDAYS FROM SEPTEMBER 7


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USED BIKESThrough the forest

The NSW Enduro Committee have teamed up with many of NSWs biggest offroad/enduro clubs to put on the 2014 Australian Four Day Enduro, this year at Dungog in the Hunter Valley.

The area is well known for its lush hilly terrain, which can become quite difficult to ride in wet conditions due to the clay soil prevalent in the area.

2014 will see the A4DE into its 36th consecutive year and since its beginning in 1978 has grown to now attract around 300 competitors from all across the nation, with some riders travelling internationally. The Australian Four Day Enduro is one of the toughest, longest and highest recognised events in the southern hemisphere, the event is an Australian championship event which enduro riders aspire to compete in and finish and pro riders strive to win.

Scrutineering starts on Monday August 11, with the Prologue on the 12th, the three days of forest and special test stages after that. Day fours Motocross special stage and presentation is on August 16. n


Two-tone war paint for 2015 Indian Chiefs

Indian Motorcycles has announced new two-tone paint schemes will be offered for the 2015 model year Indian Chief lineup.

The Chief Classic will now be available in Indian Motorcycle Red/Thunder Black while the Chief Vintage will be available in Indian Motorcycle Red/Thunder Black, Indian Motorcycle Red/Ivory Cream and Willow Green/Ivory Cream.

The Chieftain will come in Indian Motorcycle Red/Thunder Black, Indian Motorcycle Red/Ivory Cream and Springfield Blue/Ivory Cream.

Indian Country Manager Peter Harvey said the two-tone paint schemes were among the most iconic elements of vintage Indian motorcycles dating back about 80 years.

They give the bikes a look and feel that is instantly recognisable and beloved by motorcycle fans, he said.

It is an honour to reintroduce two-tone paint for our 2015 Indian Chief models. These paint schemes pay tribute to Indian bikes of the past but come coupled with the exceptional technology and power that the Chief lineup offers. They are simply stunning, and the quality and craftsmanship of the paint jobs is exceptional.

The new two-tone colours will arrive in Australia in late October with models priced from $29,995 ride away.

Visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.au to locate an Indian dealer near you and see the full line of apparel, parts and accessories.

Indian Motorcycle joins Victory Motorcycles (founded in 1998) as a wholly-owned division of Polaris Industries Inc. Indian is Americas first motorcycle company founded in 1901, giving Polaris Industries both the oldest and newest American motorcycle brands. n


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Honda 300 here soonHondas much-anticipated CB300F is set to go on sale in August.

Lightweight, nimble and affordable, the new naked Honda brings together a combination of traits sure to appeal to both beginner and experienced riders alike.

The Japanese motorcycling giant has taken the best features from a number of its models to create the new 300.

Hatched from the frame of the CBR300R, the innovative new CB300F has shed its fairings for a sleek and versatile new look, with the performance to match.

The CB300Fs lively single cylinder engine is the same engine shared with its CBR300R sibling.

Weighing in at just 161kg, the new model packs a real punch in the performance department, with the 286cc fuel-injected engine providing responsive power throughout the rev range.

The stylish CBR500R- inspired exhaust system offers more than just good looks, featuring larger internal volume for increased performance and a mean, throaty exhaust note.

Meanwhile the specially configured seat and side covers are designed to provide an easy reach to the ground for more confidence.

The ultra-affordable price tag will make it easy to add on a few Honda Genuine Accessories.

The CB300F will be available in Australia with ABS as standard fitment and in Pearl White or Millennium Red colour schemes.

Check out www.honda.com.au or visit your local Honda Dealer in August to see Hondas newest offering. n


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BENELLI, EBR FOR BRISBANEURBAN Moto Imports has announced North Star Motorcycles as the new home for EBR and Benelli motorcycles in Brisbane, Queensland.North Star Motorcycles is a family owned and run business located on Brisbanes Northside. OwnersMichael & Lisa Edwards are bothavid motorcyclists - Michael an ex road racer who, for many years raced in the Australian Superbike Championship.North Star Motorcycles will officially have EBR and the Benelli brands in their store including the EBR 1190RX, Benelli BN 600 (LAMS), Benelli TNT 899 & TNT 1130Rfrom July 1st 2014 and will be offering test rides, service support and factory accessories.Visit them at 154 Abbotsofrd Rd, Bowen Hills, ring them on (07) 3852 5217 or check them out at www.northstarmotorcycles.com.au.

APRILIA AND MOTO GUZZI WALK ON THE NORTHSIDE!NORTHSIDE Motorcycles at Artarmon on Sydneys north shore has become a new home for Moto Guzzi and Aprilia Motorcycles.Northside Motorcycles first opened its doors in 1982, originally only selling accessories and tyres. In 1991 they made the decision to expand their business to include motorcycle sales.Dealer Principal Carl Blecher started out as an aircraft engineer but got his start in the industry through racing from 1974.The thing I like about the motorcycle industry is that it is an enthusiast market and you are selling to people that are into motorcycling with passion, Carl said.Because of this are we very excited and proud toannounce the addition of two high end Italian motorcycle brands into our lineup and look forward toworking with the John

Sample Automotive team as we continue to grow our business.The Northside Motorcycles showroom is located at 335 Pacific Highway, Artarmon. All enquiries canbe directed to Carl Blecher on 02 9439 3549 or visit their website atwww.northsidemotorcycles.com.au. Carl and his team will be holding their first Aprilia and MotoGuzzi Test Ride event on Saturday, 9 August. Bookings are essential so contact them today to secureyour spot.

SX CHAMPS ARE GOTHE 2014 Australian Supercross Championship has been confirmed for five rounds over three weekends in October and November.We have worked closely with the championship promoter and have secured guarantees for prize money and Australias leading mobile medical team Racesafe, said Dale Gilson from Motorcycling Australia.We now have guarantees in place to protect them.The series will kick off in Bathurst on 10 - 11 October then move to Phillip Island and run in conjunction with the Australian MotoGP on 17-19 October and conclude in Brisbane on 8-9 November.

NO LONG FLAT 2014DUE to what the organisers of the Long Flat Rally see as the current anti-motorcycle climate the social club that has runthe Long Flat Pub Run event for the past 20 years has made a decision not to run it this year. The social club members says they are unwilling to have the patrons of the rally potentially harassed by police, and despite past raised funds for the Long Flat community, feel they can no longer do so. n

SMALL TORQUE


TWO THUNDERING EVENTSTHE Ducati Owners Club of NSW has two upcoming events which should not be missed, especially if you love the thundering V-twin Italian masterpieces.

This years Concours dEleganceat the Royal Rehab Center at Putney (Sydney) on September 21 promisesloads ofgreat raffle prizes including amuch sought after Ducati-replica mini bike. There will be anopportunity to have your bike professionally photographed by a fellow Ducati connoisseur, John Damico of dAMICO Photography. Plus, not onlyare there all those sexy motorbikes to perve on, youllenjoytrade stands, specialists advise, bike gear, regalia and all things Italian including a pizza stand, gelato van and barista.

For more information call Chris Maloney on 0414 018 586.

The Thunder Rally has been going for over 30 years and is held at Sheba Dam Reserve near Nundle in NSW on the weekend of 24-26 October.

This is a wonderful event and bikes of all makes are welcome. So pack your camping gear and head out to this picturesque location just south of Tamworth. Accommodation can be found at Nundle if youre not keen on camping. The Dam is well stocked with big, healthy and delicious trout, so bring your fishing gear!

For more information call Auntie Mal on 0404 002 427.

TRIALS SPECTACULARTHE Trials Club of Canberra is hosting a National Open Motorcycle Trial on Sunday 3rd August. The event will be held in the Trials area of Fairbairn Motorsports Complex. Competition begins at 10 am. Access is via the ACT Motorcycle Clubs gate, Pialligo Road near Canberra Airport.

This event will see a mammoth gathering of both male and female trials riders vying for prestigious trophies at the 14th Australian Sherco Womens Cup and also the Howard Wallace Masters Shield. The event is utilising the man-made trials

arena that has been constructed with grants assistance of the ACT Government.

10,000 REASONS TO CHEERAFTER just five short years, global powersports manufacturer CFMoto has sold its 10,000th vehicle in Australia.

The achievement comes off the back of three solid years of growth which, according to ERG data has seen sales grow 473 per cent and made CFMoto Australia the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the country over the three-year period from 2010 to 2013.

DUKE DEALSDUCATI is offering loads of great deals for many bikes in its range, from the Monster 796 to the go anywhere Multistrada and the outrageously fast 1199 Panigale.

The deals on each model are slightly different and there are more than one option to save.

Get into your local Ducati dealer to check out the deals on offer.

LOWNDES GOES HArguably Australias most popular and successful racing driver, Craig Lowndes has become an ambassador for Honda.

Lowndes is a long time motorcycle enthusiast who rides regularly for both relaxation and training.

Hondas newest four wheeled ambassador now has a CBR1000RR to ride on the road, and a CRF450 dirt bike for mid-week training sessions.

Were delighted to welcome Craig into the Honda family and we are proud that he has chosen Honda as his brand of choice, Honda Australia Motorcycles National Manager Marketing, Glyn Griffiths said.

Craig has a genuine passion for motorcycling and, as a person and professional athlete, he is a great fit to represent our brand. n

SMALL TORQUE

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2015

2015

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 19EDITORIAL

FOR most of us, riding a motorcycle is more than just the feeling of the actual bike. The noise they make is definitely part of the experience.

There are a number of machines produced over the years, which have iconic sounds, and those sounds have been kept by the manufacturers because they know thats part of the allure of their brand.

I know every time I start one of my Ducatis I will smile at the sound. My 851 road bike with reverse cone megaphones sounds a bit different to the 851 race bike with different pipes, but its still a Duke. One reason I have three Honda VF1000Fs is the sound their V4 engines make. I fell in love with them years ago, and in fact the reason I bought my first bevel drive Ducati was because I followed one for about 100 kilometres when I was 21 or thereabouts. I bought one two weeks later. It doesnt matter what the noise is, Im sure all bike enthusiasts enjoy one or two more than others, and dislike some too. Whatever floats your boat as they say.

But this isnt the future. Electric powered motorcycles and cars will one day rule the roads. When I think of electric powered vehicles I think shopping trolleys and the like boring hybrid cars and low powered motorcycles. Dig deeper though and youll see some very high powered electric cars have been built, and at this years Isle of Man TT, John McGuiness did a 117mph lap of the famous course on the Mugen electric racer.

Recently I was at Queensland Raceway for the third round of the Australasian Superbike Championship. It was also the first round of the eFX Electric Superbike Championship. My son Alex was riding for the Newcastle based Catavolt team, something new for both of us. This all came about with an offer of the ride, with the team eyeing off the Isle of Man Zero TT (Zero for zero emissions) as the main goal.

Only five eFX bikes were entered, with Alex riding the only machine with a hub motor in the rear wheel. The rest had electric motors in the frame with chain

drive to the rear wheel. The bike to beat was the Voltron from Western Australia. It was run up on the dyno at the track, firstly producing 160hp and then with some tweaking, a 180hp second run. This bike is seriously fast but it does weigh in the vicinity of 250 kilograms. It has a custom made frame and top shelf suspension and brakes. It was the best built machine there and deserved to win. And it was the only one out of the five that you could

race at the Isle of Man according to Alex. In his opinion, the others at the meeting are just not ready at this stage. Catavolt has a Yamaha R6 ready to be converted to an electric racer, going the chain drive route for it. Alex is keen to develop the R6 based racer, he feels he now has enough TT experience to know whether the bike will be safe enough to race there.

The other three machines were the Yamaha R1 based Ripperton, and two bikes built by Varley Engineering who do everything from building electric mine vehicles to ship repairs. One of Varleys bikes is Honda CBR600RR based, the other a Ducati 999.

Whether its one guy and a couple of mates, or a big company, one thing which stands out is the passion all the eFX crew have. They are probably looked down at a bit by the petrol powered racers but so were the first engineers with petrol in their veins over 100 years ago. That doesnt matter to them, electric powered vehicles are their

thing and they are full steam ahead.Unfortunately the noise part of the

enthusiasm we have for motorcycles is part of the problem. So many areas we used to ride in as kids on our little trail bikes have all but disappeared, much of it down to the urban sprawl, but theres no denying the noise issue is a big part of that. Imagine the agro you get riding a pit bike in a park? And rightly so. But, turf the petrol motor and put in an electric one, like Catavolt does with Braap pit bikes and you have an altogether different scenario. Want to ride your electric dirt bikes in the bush near a housing development? They wouldnt even know you were there.

Weve shown a few big horsepower electric bikes over the last couple of years, like the ones from Mission Motorcycles, Brammo and MotoCzysz but the latest, and perhaps one of the more exciting ones is the Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire. Personally I would love to have a ride of this bike. H-D has nailed the styling and the suspension and brakes look to be built for fun.

Yes, I love petrol powered motorcycles, and will never forget the sound of those Ducatis I grew up riding, but I will embrace the electric future, especially when it involves these amazing electric performance machines.

Chris Pickett

ElectrifyingHarley-Davidson LiveWire

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 20DIRTY TORQUE

FROM 1982 to 1991 the YZ490 was Yamahas open class weapon and despite the fact that it copped a lot of criticism and was deemed a dog by many, the big air cooled monster took some of the worlds best riders to championship wins in motocross, desert racing and dirt track.

Glen Bell, Mike Bell, Damon Bradshaw, Hakan Carlqvist, Stephen Gall, Neil Hudson, Jimmy Ellis, Broc Glover, Rick Johnson, Jeff Leisk, Peter Melton, Warren Reid, Jeff Stanton and Darryl Willoughby to name a few all wrestled with Yamahas YZ490 at some stage during their careers and you can be sure that each rider wont forget their time on the 55 horse powered, air cooled machine.

So with so many great riders winning on them why did the YZ490 cop such a bagging? Well, after years of success with the YZ400 and YZ465, the Yamaha YZ490 was introduced in 1982 but it was heavier than the 465, there were some initial reliability and jetting problems, it was difficult to start and in standard form the suspension was considered sub-standard.

But, Yamaha stuck to its guns and each year the YZ490 would receive minor improvements, although the basic design from 1982 was more or less the same right through to 1991. And to rub salt in the open wounds of Yamaha YZ490 racers throughout this period we had Honda and Kawasaki in particular putting out and continually refining their water-cooled CR500 and KX500 models.

But it wasnt all doom and gloom for the YZ490. In 1982 we had Stephen Gall, Jeff Leisk and Darryl Willoughby riding the all new machine and it didnt take long for all three to start racking up race wins.

Darryl Willoughby has nothing but good memories of the YZ490. The YZ490 truly was a cutting edge model for Yamaha. I was lucky to be

involved in the development stage while I was in America during 1981, 1982 and 1983, Willoughby told me recently. A lot of testing was carried out with Yamaha America who I was a factory support rider for at the time with Kenny Clark. My local work was mainly at Saddleback and Carlsbad with suspension at a local level.

Most of the detail design came via Broc Glover, Mike Bell, Rick Burgett and Warren Reid while Hakan Carlqvist did the Europe testing, Willoughby continued. So this model really did evolve through a pedigree process and in the end Yamaha engineers designed a pure race winning bike, and that it certainly could do.

I was lucky to have a new model flown to Aust for the 1982 Grand National at Granite Park Seymour. Trevor Flood prepped it and the bike enabled me to win this National and I was so thankful to Yamaha for allowing me to race it before they fully arrived in Australia.

Dirt Track legend Paul Caslick had this to say about his days on the YZ490. Incredible, especially on a methanol fuelled, full blown Frank Pons 515cc weapon, enthused Paul. My first 490 was the 84 L model, I never got the chance to ride it standard, straight to Franks before the 84 Australian Titles at Barleigh Ranch and what a weapon!

Dad didnt enter me in the 500 Championship as he thought three classes would be too much, then on my first ride I went out and pulled a third place in the support class against the sliders. Trying to get one to hook up wasnt that hard, but when I did trying to keep the corner tight and body weight forward it was quite a challenge.

These things had 10HP at idle, and the modern 450s are soft compared to what the old 2- strokes were like. We had weapons, and everyone remembers my Yamahas. 15-42

gearing and 3rd gear starts, I could talk about my old 490s forever, mine never vibrated or rattled, they were great!

Gall went on to win his fourth Mr Motocross Championship on the YZ490 in 1982 (just six points in front of Willoughby) then went on to win the Finke Desert Race in 1983 and 1986 on the YZ490. In fact, every major big bore eligible race or championship held in Australia during that period was won by the YZ490.

But how did the 490 fare in America? Well, thanks to Broc Glover in particular the YZ490 racked up 500cc USGP wins at Carlsbad in 1983 and 1984 all the while winning 18 500cc National Championship rounds. Glover won the 500cc AMA Motocross Championships in 1983 and 1985 as well as scoring second place in 1984 against the factory equipment from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.

And lets not forget that Eddie Lawson won the ABC Superbikers event at Carlsbad in 1983 and 1985 on a modified YZ490.

Over in Europe Hakan Carlqvist, Neil Hudson and Andre Vromans all put the YZ490 to the ultimate test in the World Motocross Championships with the highlight being Carlqvists 500cc World Motocross Championship in 1983 while Hudsons best result was a third in the 1982 championship.

Carlqvists relationship with the YZ490 and Yamaha had its highs and lows with The Super Swede letting his temper get the better of him during testing in 1984. According to the legend, Yamahas Japanese engineers were testing the 1984 factory YZ490 with Carlqvist and the Swede was not happy with the bike they had prepared for him so he simply rode the bike into a small hole that was in the pit area, walked over to his truck,

grabbed a shovel and started throwing dirt over the factory machine while mumbling something like, this bike is shit and this is what we do with our shit.

Carlqvist persisted with the Yamaha against the might of the factory Honda machines till the end of the 1986 season but he never got to win another World Motocross Championship.

So there you have it, the story of the Yamaha YZ490 and the impact it made on the motocross world. Sure, the bike was not perfect but when you look back at the championships the riders managed to win on this machine you would have to say that for a short period in the history of motocross, the YZ490 ruled the world.

Darren Smart

FRIEND OR FOE - the Yamaha YZ490

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 21RACE TORQUE

IN 1995, track owners in the UK took over the running of the BSB, sidelining the long-running national controlling body, the ACU. Racing at a national level in the Old Dart has never looked back. The BSB is without doubt the best-run and most successful national series in the world thanks to private promoters. Dorna took control of the BSB in 2004 and in 2008 it invited MotorSport Vision owned by Jonathon Palmer to take over the series. In the US, it didnt work out so well. AMA Pro-Racing was sold off to DMG in 2008 and is now a basket case, as is the ASBK. You could conclude that whoever takes control of a national series is crucial.

Australia was the last country to recognise this truism. The ASC/ARTRP is based on the MSV model. MotorSport Vision Racing is the racing division of MSV, owner and operator of four of the UKs top circuits Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Snetterton and Cadwell Park. The model works. I watched the 2014 ASC round at Malalla on SBS-TV and was blown away by the solid grids, healthy crowd and the incredible tussle between Team Honda team-mates Wayne Maxwell and Jamie Stauffer. You only needed to watch a fired-up Stauffer almost losing it after finishing a shattering second to see what the Swann championship means to him. Normally the most reserved of riders, Jamie pushed a camera away then announced to a national TV audience that he had f****d up in surrendering his hard-fought lead to Maxie on the final corner. It was great TV. The Supersport action was literally out of control, all on the back of the stellar opening round at Wakefield Park. This is what a national championship should be about.

Some observers have said Australian road racing is in crisis. Perhaps more accurately, the MA-sanctioned ASBK championship is in crisis and has been on shaky ground to varying degrees for the best part of 20 years. Dont believe me? Heres an edited exchange, published in an early issue of Cycle Torque that I had with former ASBK champ and Superbike team owner Peter Goddard in 1999 about the then Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship.

Q: Whats your view on the Australian road racing scene?PG: Its been floating around the bowl of a toilet for so

long, and if something isnt done soon, the whole things gonna go down the shoot.

Q: What are the problems?PG: Its not marketed, its not run

professionally. Motorcycling Australia, theyre not marketing or business people, theyre licensing people. Theyre not promotersthey need someone to run road racing. There are professional promoters in motocross and speedway, but road racing is just blundering along. If someone doesnt stop the chain from being pulled, its going to be a sad story. Theres so much potential in Australia, lots of young kids out there. If it was done properly, it could be good again. We need more television, and better television coverage. Ive pushed hard for that to be changed and its like talking to a brick wall

Goddard was never considered a rock-throwing radical so his tirade rocked the sport. He didnt mince his words over issues that the ASBK has battled with in recent years. MA finally took his advice, but it didnt quite work out. After successfully employing the services of Terry ONeill then dumping him for IEG to run the series, the MA-sanctioned ASBK now finds itself in an even worse position than in 1999 it is not functioning at all and I cant see how it can ever be successfully revived. Even so, road racing in Australia remains afloat because there is a vibrant, well-run alternative to the ASBK the ASC. And while the ASBK lays dormant, the ASC can only grow stronger. State level and club level racing is not what it was in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, but there are pockets where it is quite healthy. Without the AFX/ASC and these hard-working clubs promoting their own series, there wouldnt be a crisis because there wouldnt be ANY local road racing at all! Naturally, there will be differing opinions about rules and overall direction.

I have a very different view from some Superbike team owners who appear to be parking their teams in the ASC in 2014 while they wait for the smouldering ASBK to be somehow resurrected. I think theyre in for a long wait. Paul Free revealed that Honda needs to be in FIM-sanctioned events adding, if the ASC is the only option, Honda will pull out. According to the Macquarie

Dictionary there is a difference between sanction (authoritative permission) and affiliation (branch or part of). MA is affiliated with the FIM, which does not sanction local racing therefore it cannot sanction the ASBK. The BSB is not ACU sanctioned, the two bodies are merely affiliated according to the ACU website. The FIM-affiliated ACU has no involvement with the running of the BSB, yet Honda UK has had a long history in the BSB under MSVR control. Their affiliation is largely ceremonial and works extremely well.

You cannot separate sport from business, or let tradition override professionalism. These are hardly new precepts, but some organisations have had trouble letting go of the past, even if it is in their own interests. At the elite level, the FIM has a role with the MotoGP rider safety committee it set up in 2003 and a few ceremonial duties, but it has no say in the major operations/direction in MotoGP or WSBK. The reality is that governing bodies across the world have very little actual involvement in running international and national road racing. Locally, it has taken the painful implosion of the WSBK to understand why. Most people agree that Australia can only afford one national series. We now have one. New MA CEO Dale Gilson would be wise to simply affiliate with the ASC so the sport can move on.

Darryl Flack

Then There Was One

The crowds show how strong BSB is!

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 22GUNTRIP

IF I recall correctly Hunter S Thompson described it as a burst of dirty thunder, the unmistakeable and distinctly unmusical rumble that announces a clutch of Harleys about to roll over the horizon and come your way.

Like most sensations it means different things to different people, and to we in the Blue Mountains its synonymous with the onset of a weekend. I dont think I know why the Harley types arrive first, but its the patch clubs who usually lead the way. Theyre often through and heading west before most of us have downed the mornings first mug of tea, failing to excite the attention of either the local chamber of commerce or the constabulary before theyre down the escarpment at Mount Victoria and gone, grumbling towards their engagement in whichever wind-blasted corner of the western plains theyre about to call home for the weekend.

More Harleys follow: newer, shinier, haute couture riding apparel, usually in smaller groups and more tentative about their progress. This group is well into its ride by the time theyve passed Springwood, and by Wentworth Falls the coffee gene is demanding satisfaction. Theyre often early enough to find parking spots, too, and there can be as many as half a dozen lined up outside Blue Mist and collecting interested glances while their registered keepers are inside exacting vengeance on Als bacon and eggs.

The riders of Japanese hardware defy classification. United only by the muted howl from their diversity of preferred four-into-one, many of these will arrive next with their heads down and tails up, a la the patch club boys, bent on attaining some remote destination for purposes unknown, while others will leave the highway and deign to rub shoulders with the other Harley people while assuaging the need for warmth and food. Others will join the lengthening queue of cars aiming for one

or other of the local beauty spots. They dont stop long. If theyre lucky theyll find a single parking spot, shove four bikes into it and wander off, helmets in hand, to gaze across the valley while one stays behind to smoke and clean his visor. Then theyre off again to repeat the process as many times as needed to justify an hour in a Katoomba pub before riding home for the footy on TV.

About now one or two of the local irritants begin to pop up: a couple of lads with well-used trail bikes, whose faith in their own immortality I do not share, take to them familiar but other little-known paths into the bush to resume their battle for supremacy with the flora. Come to think of it, we dont hear many thumping singles rasping through the village. Most of the off-road hardware that comes our way goes west the previous Thursday in the back of a ute or on a trailer, clean, often well-prepared and closely attended with fuel cans and toolboxes. Meanwhile the local Triumph man adds his note to the swelling tune on the highway, usually heading east and so going the opposite way from everybody else. What a surprise.

Theres no telling whether the Italians will arrive in numbers. There are always one or two, of course, but as a community theyre probably more critical of the weather than others and will take a long and considered look at the likelihood of wind and rain before committing themselves to a long ride on their sleek, exotic and often mesmerically costly twins. And who can blame them a couple of years back we had heavy snow one October day, adding an interesting element to the mornings labours but at least it had the consideration to arrive on a Monday and not bugger up everybodys weekend.

Perhaps the most enthusiastic of all are the newbies, fresh-faced kids on their newly acquired LAMS hardware who will sometimes appear in small, diffident groups in

the most unlikely of places, perhaps practising feet-up U-turns in residential streets, apparently for the sheer pleasure of being out and riding.

Yet that needs working at these days. Riding to and from Bathurst in the 1980s, the Blue Mountains looked very different: a looser, freer, less congested prospect. While the upper reaches of Sydneys own hills can today almost claim a continuous run of two lanes each way, the volume of weekend traffic continues to go through the roof, with Friday and Sundays calculated to test the patience of the most placid. We took our most recent visitors for a peek at Wentworth Falls itself last weekend and were surprised to find unending strings of grim-faced tourists filing silent past one another on the path to the falls. Perhaps thats why the locals hide at weekends and the Harley gang gets moving early. You have to take your time, theres no alternative.

Or perhaps there is. True, the range of coffee is limited on the Bells Line of Road but at least you still have a chance of being able to ride at your own pace. Remember doing that?

Bob Guntrip

Road Music


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CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 24Cycle Torque RACING Feature

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Continued on next page

Cycle Torque Feature

RACING in the Isle of Man TT is different to short circuit racing. Much different. On short circuits you can get away with risky overtakes, riding at 100 per cent of your ability, and with a race lasting barely 15 minutes the intensity is high but not for very long.

Theres probably a few good reasons why short circuit racers dont make good TT racers, and vice versa. Of course theres always the exception to the rule. This year Peter Hickman became the fastest TT newcomer in history, getting a lap in at over 129 mph during the Senior TT. Hickman, by the way, is one of the more well known BSB racers.

Hickman admitted hed done something like 70 laps of the course in a car before he did his fist lap on a race bike, regularly flying over for a few days of familiarisation of the course.

One of the main differences is at the TT you tend to race yourself. If you can get into the groove and be smooth throughout the race, get good pit stops, and not get held up by slower riders then you are hopefully in for a good result, as long as your bike holds together for the close to two hour race.

I knew I was in the big time this year. There would be no newcomers race. There would be no orange jacket. There would be no touring around as I got my head back in the right space. There would be no room for error. At the same time I was a proper TT racer, something plenty of riders dream of but never do.

Ive heard many times that racing on the Isle of Man should be fast touring. Not a chance. I can tell you that doing a 121mph lap is far from fast touring.

I had arrived on the Isle of Man five days before official practice started and it seemed all I was doing was waiting around. I found that out last year at the Manx GP, when there was plenty of waiting around before actually getting on the track. And with dodgy weather all around us this year, delays and postponements would be commonplace.

Looking at the entry list is the whos who of road racing between the hedges, and a few short circuit stars as well. At sign-on I recognised a fair few riders but the big stars were noticeably absent, probably turning up when the rest of us had finished. This is something they do at practice and race times too, turning up to their bikes at the last minute.

I have to admit I did feel in awe of some of the stars but at the same time they werent born TT racers, they all had to work hard to get where they are now. I knew I had the same chance to succeed if things went my way. As it turned out things didnt always go my way. In fact I had a lot of bad luck but it hasnt stopped me from dreaming about next years TT.

In this story you will find the first week or so of a blog I did while at the TT. I hope it gives you an insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the TT.

Day 1Arrived on Isle of Man after a long flight from Australia. Dropped in on the guy who made stickers for us last year and ordered some for my bikes screen and my helmet.

Photos by John Baker, Barry Clay,

Dane Gardiner, Bryce Stacker and

Chris Pickett

Cycle Torques Alex Pickett was the youngest rider at this years Isle of Man TT. Heres his story.

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Cycle Torque Feature

Picked up TT14 Island Racer magazine at servo, and found this piece on myself in the rider line up bit.

Australian rider Pickett shocked the paddock at last years Manx Grand prix when he lapped at almost 115mph in practice for the Newcomers race. He went on to finish eighth but is definitely one to watch and, the youngest rider in the entry, he lines up for Mick Charnocks team who have previously helped Cameron Donald, David Johnson and Jimmy Storrar.

Headed to the pits on Glencrutchery Road to catch up with team owners Mick Charnock and John Taubman. Checked out the bikes and came away very impressed, especially with the Superbike. Its got 6-piston calipers, massive forks off Carlos Checas world superbike, a huge alloy tank and a quick release rear wheel set up. Trick.

Over to Peel late in the afternoon to drop off my leathers for the new patches to be sewn on.

After that we did a lap of the track in our one litre hire car, which goes all right by the way.

Lastly we moved into our digs in Douglas with Maggie George and her family. Its only about one kay from the pits, an easy walk.

Jet lag had us by now so it was an early night.

Day 2Lazy day. We did a couple of laps of the circuit in the hire car.

I break the course up into four sections: Start line to Ballacraine; Ballacraine to Kirk Michael; Kirk Michael to the Gooseneck; Gooseneck back to the start/finish.

I find this is the best way to learn the circuit. There are sections I know pretty well and some I struggled with last year so I tried to concentrate on those ones.

Im excited and cant wait to get out for my first lap. Ill take it easy first up to get in the groove but not too

easy, as touring can get you killed if another rider comes up on you way too fast and in the wrong spot.

At the end of the day I was able to do a lap with Johnny Barton, one of the rider liaison guys. Its always good to hear from experienced racers like Johnny. I learn something new every time I go around the circuit.

In the car with us were other riders South African A J Ventor and British Danny Webb, both well known on the world and BSB scene.

Day 3Signed in today, got my gear sorted and had to pay another $430 for insurance as the insurance you get via Motorcycling Australia is inadequate, even though the MA insurance scheme is based on the Isle of Man. This is the second year weve had to pay this. Wish it was properly sorted back home before we come over. The cost of this one-off event insurance adds up to around $1100. If you dont have it you dont race.

The visors on my Arai helmet didnt come with tear-off tabs, so another $250 for another 3 visors. Expensive day.

Had plenty of visitors down in the pits, racers and team people I met last year, Aussie tourists and even had a good chat with Connor Cummins. Also caught up with the Aussie sidecar guys. Good to see them here. The more Aussies the merrier.

Cam Donald come down for a chat too, and my mate Bryce Stacker called in as well. Great to see them all.

Finished off the day with a curry down on the Promenade with the team.

Day 4

First day of practice for newcomers, super twins and sidecars. No practice for me as Im not considered a newcomer.

Called out to Jurby airfield to see Cam testing his Norton. Bloody hell its loud, looks special too. Seemed to me they still need to sort out the fuelling but theres not too many slow corners on the TT course, maybe it wont matter as much as on a short circuit. Time will tell I guess.

Headed out for a lap of the course. The road is one way from Ramsey Hairpin to Creg Ny Baa. We were giving the hire car some stick over the mountain but its a bit dodgy I reckon. You have to really watch your mirrors as lunatics pass you at big speeds with no room for error. Heard later the road was closed three times for crashes. No wonder.

TTRACER

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 27Cycle Torque Feature

Got to the pits, the team put new tyres on the Superbike and Supersport machines. Apparently the Dunlop slicks for the Superbike are a Strong compound, not Hard as we would call them at home. They are expected to last a full six laps. Well see.

Was looking forward to watching the first practice but it was cancelled when rain set in. This will now affect practice on Monday as newcomers still have to get their guided lap in, and rightly so.

Monday cant get here quick enough for me.

Day 5More laps around the circuit in the hire car. Its Sunday so theres no practice. I feel as though Im getting to know the circuit better each lap, and some sections I had trouble with last year are a bit clearer.

I think the trick to going fast really is knowing the circuit. All the riders here are good riders, some better than others, but theres a reason why they say you need a three-year apprenticeship before you can challenge for a win. I think if I was in with a chance of winning in three years then it would almost be a miracle.

We stop at Windy Corner to watch some of the road riders go across the mountain. That doesnt last long though as the road gets closed, probably due to an accident.

After that we catch up with the team down at a pub on the promenade and get home in the early hours, knowing if the weather is fine Ill be out tomorrow evening for practice with the big boys.

Day 6I was pretty nervous before heading out for my first lap of practice, and my first lap was on the Honda CBR1000RR superbike. I tell you what, its a beast. It wants to wheelstand everywhere, and wasnt real easy

to turn into the corners. I realised later this was probably due to the 24 litre tank which was full to the brim when I left pit lane. It was carrying around 10 kilos extra fuel than my Ducati 848 last year.

Heading out of Ramsey for the first time the bike lofted the front, I changed gear and it came up again. Tipping into May Hill I ran wide and ran up the gutter. Things happen real fast on this bike.

The engine light was on so I came in after one lap. There turned out to be nothing wrong with the bike, this happens when you disconnect certain things from the wiring loom. I should have known that but

Second lap was the supersport 600 Honda. I followed Cam Donald out on the Norton and going down Bray Hill was a nightmare straight off the bat, the bike tank-slapping like a maniac. In tighter sections it was OK but on the real fast bits it was weaving bad. On the mountain I actually thought, what the f__k am I doing here. When I came in after that lap my dad asked me how I was and I replied, f_____g scared!

By this time the team had tweaked the superbike so I went back out on that for one more lap. It was better and I was able to do a 111mph lap from a standing start, and slowing down for the pits.

Theres work to do on the 600. It feels too soft but well see what happens tomorrow. But I feel okay with that last lap.

Day 7It was supposed to rain today but Monas Isle has a climate all of its own. Luckily it turned out beautiful, and more importantly dry.

Richard from Maxton suspension came down to look at the bike and suggested some extra ride height on the 600, and soften the compression damping on the front too.

The 1000 stocker needed some setting up for me as well. Hope they work.

Practice kicked off around 6.20pm in glorious conditions. I headed out on the 1000cc superbike machine and the bike felt good. I came through for my second lap (first lap 112.5mph) and felt good. Unfortunately I broke down near Kerromoar, just after Ginger Hall. The bike simply stopped so Im not sure what the problem is. It pissed me off too as I was 14 seconds faster than my previous lap to that point of the track. I think I was up for a real good lap. The other problem is I couldnt get back so couldnt see if the 600 was better than before.

Hope the weather stays fine, I cant afford to lose many practice sessions. The fast boys are pretty much at their pace, so its up to me to go faster to qualify.

Last night I had qualified 56th out of 70 riders on the superbike, but the times are very close between many of us. As for the 600 I was dead last, with a 103mph lap.

TTRACER

Practice on the Supersport, beside Adam Child from UK magazine Motorcycle News.



That needs to improve dramatically. I know I can do it, if the bike is handling well enough.

I was 20th fastest superstocker tonight, but I reckon if I hadnt broken down on my second lap I would have been well up on that. But not everyone was out on their superstocker.

Overall happy but unhappy at the same time.

Day 8Got one lap in on the supersport tonight. The plan was to go out for two laps on the 600, two laps on the superbike and one lap on the superstocker but by the time I came around to finish my lap there were yellow flags everywhere, and red flags by the time I was near the start/finish line. Seems that not long after I left the pits a TT newcomer from Belgium, Laurent Hoffmann left for his lap. Unfortunately he made a mistake near the top of Barregarrow, coming off and injuring his leg. Dont know how bad but hes in hospital. Hope hes OK.

Anyway, I did a 111.9mph on the 600, and that was with dodgy conditions and slowing down for the yellow flags. There was too much crap on the road from the crash, and the weather was bad so the Clerk of the Course cancelled the session.

I was happy enough though.

Day 9The sidecars went out first tonight, and the weather was dodgy. As a result of the damp conditions the Clerk of the Course decided not to let the big bikes out, making it for 600 supersport and 650 supertwins only, as they have treaded tyres.

I was able to do two laps on the 600, with

a best time of 112.9mph, 36th fastest 600. My allocated number is 76 but if I qualify higher I start at my qualifying position, if that makes sense. On that sort of time, and if I keep it up, Id be jumping 40 positions ahead of my allocated number. Im trying my best but lack of practice time has hampered me a bit. But Ive already done more practice laps than I did at the Manx GP last year.

Im in front of a few people I wanted to be so thats good.

Late night, didnt get to bed until close to midnight, and Im being interviewed early in the morning on Manx Radio TT, along with Cam Donald, David Johnson, and Josh Brookes.

Alex Pickett

TTRACER

Lining up for practice at 6.30pm.

You have to scrutineer your bike before each practice or race.


TTRACER Rhencullen 1, just out of Kirkmichael.


TTRACER

My bikes were number 76 and 81.

Number 16 was fellow Aussie David Johnson.

Signing autographs was a bit of a novelty.

Davo and I ready for practice. You cant get enough practice.


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LaunchCYCLE TORQUEBMW S 1000 R

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 33LaunchCYCLE TORQUEBMW S 1000 R

Built more on function than looks, BMWs

S 1000 R is quite possibly the

sweetest naked sportsbike its

ever built.




MOST manufacturers have stripped down their premier sportsbike to produce a naked bike at some stage. Some have even made a naked street fighter style bike from scratch, but to be honest I have never ridden one as good as BMWs new S 1000 R. I have ridden some that are very good but the two areas I think which set the S 1000 R apart from the others is the engine and the optional Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) suspension.

Looking at the bike side-on you can see that BMW has taken the fairing off the S 1000 RR and done not much else styling wise. There is the similar looking asymmetrical headlight set up housed on a Transformer style of small bikini fairing, and slightly different side fairing pods. I wouldnt say its a pretty bike but it doesnt have to be. Its so good at everything else who cares what it looks like. But it would definitely look better if it had a catch pan sort of fairing, which hid the exhaust collector box.

Civilising the racerIts amazing how a few fundamental design changes have transformed the racetrack oriented RR into a machine capable of allowing you to enjoy so many more types of riding than you could ever dream of with the RR. Its so much more than just ripping the fairing off and putting a set of high handlebars on.

The main differences between the two bikes lie in the re-tuned engine, the longer wheelbase, and the revised steering head angle on the R. Add in the higher bars and lower pegs and you have a bike which is much better suited to everyday life than its sportier sibling.

The inline four cylinder engine is essentially the same as found in the RR, which really did set the standard for production horsepower when it was first released. Instead of some 190 odd ponies running rampant in the RR the R uses different cylinder

porting, cam shafts, lower compression, and fuelling to produce an engine better suited to fast road work. Theres now 160 rampant ponies to play with and peak power is found at 11,000 rpm, 2000 down from the RR. Peak torque is actually the same (500rpm lower than RR) but its the torque curve where you see the real power differences between the two. The R engine is way stronger off the bottom. I mean WAY stronger.

ElectronicsAll Australian delivered S 1000 Rs have four riding modes standard: Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. Dynamic Pro is where you unleash everything so making sure you really know what you are getting yourself in for. There is a little plug-in widget which unlocks the Pro option.


N REPORT BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY JEFF CROW

N RIDING GEAR: SHARK HELMET, SCHOTT JACKET, IXON GLOVES, AXO BOOTS.


Each mode alters the way power is delivered but for pure horsepower comparisons Rain Mode has 136 PS, a rev limit of 9,500 rpm and slightly less torque. All other modes have the full 118kW (160ps).

In this standard package you also have Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS. As you go from mild (Rain) to wild (Dynamic Pro) traction control intervention gets progressively less invasive. In the wet and in Rain Mode you can basically crack open the throttle and the engines power will be substantially reduced to save you from ending up in the trees or under a bus. In Rain Mode theres no wheelies either. I did try the traction control in the wet and it does work well. Its all about letting your brain trust it I guess.

For riders who like pointing the front wheel to the sky, Road Mode will let you pull small ones and gently bring the front down. Dynamic will let you go higher before taming it, and Dynamic Pro is yeehaa. You can of course turn the DTC off if you like.

Its essentially the same with the Race ABS system. The more aggressive a mode you select the less invasive the ABS becomes. It even detects rear wheel lift for all you demon brakers out there. Pretty easy to understand really.

While the standard S 1000 R comes with fully adjustable suspension, and good stuff at that, its the Dynamic Package which retails for a paltry $1,150, which is what I think most people will equip their R with.

This Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) suspension in this package is pretty much what is found on the S 1000 RR HP4, and actively alters the damping on the fly to suit the mode you are in, the way you are riding and the road conditions via numerous sensors mounted on the suspension.

If you want to change preload settings this must be done manually, via a hexagon head adjuster, so its nothing like the Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) system found on many other BMW motorcycles.

As part of this package you also get heated hand grips, and engine or chin spoiler and white LED indicators. You can

tell what suspension the bike has by the colour of the forks; black for standard, gold for DDC.

AccessoriesIf you want to outfit your BMW then the S 1000 R has almost everything. From the $505 alarm to $5,495 full Titanium exhaust, theres parts to make this bike either quicker, handle batter (forged wheel option), look smicker or make life easier while touring. The accessory list is extensive and well worth checking out.

On the roadThe riding position is what I expected. Compared to the RR the R has the obvious higher handlebars but the footpegs are lower and not so far rearset too. The seat is still firm and made for shortish distances but overall its immediately comfortable and inviting.

As soon as you ride off you notice the extra torque of the engine. The gearing is lower than the RR too, so you can be real lazy with the gears if you like. Top gear in town is not an issue for this engine. Power is eye popping, as are the brakes. At one stage I had the throttle pinned hard as I quick-shifted through each gear. I swear the front wheel felt like it was just hovering above the tar the whole time, and when I pulled on those big Brembo four potters for the T intersection the bike simply buried the front tyre into the tar. Top speed is somewhere near 250km/h I would guess.

Fuelling is impressive and as fault free as anything Ive used before, and the quick-shifter is smooth too. The quick-shifter feels firmer on your foot than when you use the clutch but overall again, impressive and hard to fault. Even when I was lazy the quick-shifter worked seamlessly.

When I first set off I had the bike in Rain Mode. I found this was all I needed power wise, and the default soft suspension settings worked well on the country roads we were on in Northern NSW.

As I progressed through each mode things firmed up increasingly and as conditions change, like they did on this test, I simply changed the Mode on the fly. Its very easy to do, one button and roll off the throttle.

Even though the DDC suspension has default settings you can override them. I found I preferred the bike in either Dynamic or Dynamic Pro Mode with the suspension set Soft, the default Rain Mode suspension setting.

This soaked up the bumps much better than you would think, but was still on the firm side, suiting this sort of bike. This allowed me freedom to ride with less traction control intervention and less impact on my body from the road.

Set up like this, and with the power characteristics, made this bike as real world quick as anything Ive ever ridden. Of course bad roads will still limit this bike but thats not what its about really. Its not designed to revel in poor conditions, rather be fantastic in good conditions and good even in poor ones.

Id love to ride this bike on the track too, as I reckon in Dynamic Pro Mode it would be a hoot to ride. Quite possibly Id even be faster on this bike than the RR. On top end tracks like Phillip Island it would lose out but tighter tracks would see the R maybe even edge ahead of the RR. I reckon the R would be an awesome track day bike.

Back to the standard suspension. It is good, but the DDC is just better at everything, and for $1,150 I just dont think anyone would not take that option. It is ridiculously cheap for what you get

Last thoughtsMy bike would be optioned with the Dynamic Package, which includes DDC, street legal slip on Akrapovic muffler, Sports windscreen, Comfort seat, tank bag and rear softbag.

That would take the base price of $18,990 + ORC to $23,068 + ORC. Sure its not chump change but what a bike, and a bike which would do everything I wanted it to, including track day shenanigans. Its even got cruise control! n


CONTACT DONCASTER BMW MOTORRAD FOR MORE INFORMATION. PH: (03) 8848 0000.




Retuned S 1000 RR engine has amazing stomp. Much of the rolling stock comes from the RR.Forks and brakes are beyond good.

Quickshifter is standard. Forks are fully adjustable. Wed like the speedo and tacho to swap spots. Shock settings are well suited for everyday roads.

www.cycletorque.com.au/more

www.bmwmotorrad.com.au

CALL FOR A QUOTE1800 24 34 64

WELL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S : BMW S 1000 R

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline four. Capacity: 999cc Transmission: 6-speed and chain drive Fuel Capacity: 17.5 litres Frame Type: Alloy composite bridge frame. Seat Height: 814mm Wet Weight: 207kg Front Suspension: 46mm adjustable USD Rear Suspension: Adjustable single shock Brakes: Dual 4-piston radial calipers on

front, single caliper on rear Tyres: 120/70-17, 190/55-17 Price (RRP): $18,990 + ORC



LaunchCYCLE TORQUEYAMAHA STAR

XVS1300 STRYKER

Custom Cool



XVS1300 STRYKER

Yamaha has done the tinkering for you

with the new Stryker. Its customised

already.



WHEN motorcycle designers put pen to paper on a cruiser the biggest thing in their mind has to be the styling. When you really think about it, most riders put styling first too, no matter what type of bike it is. It has to look the goods first, how it rides comes second.

In the customising game its even more so. Look at the American Chopper TV show for example. Some of the stuff they would build with raked out front ends and dodgy riding positions looked plain dangerous. And then they would tell us how good it rode. Give me a break!

You might wonder where Im going with this and the Stryker test but thankfully I can tell you the XVS1300 Stryker is not like that. Yes it has a raked out front end but it steers much better than you would expect with such a set-up, and it rides pretty good too.

Striking StyleI think theres three major design points on the Star Stryker: the 1304cc liquid-cooled 60 degree V-twin donk, the raked out front end and the down sloping twin exhausts. Using dark, flat colours the bike looks like it has an air-cooled engine (the radiator hides at the front but follows the shape of the frame), and tends to look much smaller than similar capacity

cruisers, like you would expect a proper custom to look.

I quite like the look of the bike, although it doesnt have the classic lines of some other cruisers on the market. If you look at the tank shape it looks almost like an afterthought, like it belongs on another make and model of bike. If youve ever seen the Discovery Channel Biker Build Off episodes you might come to the conclusion, like me, that the style is almost Bratz like. This is a custom style, big in Japan, where you use anything from any bike to make your own motorcycling statement. I could be wrong, but I think it looks cool. If I owned one though, the first thing Id do would be to paint it some crazy metalflake colour.

The American market gets more colours than Australia, which seems a shame. I particularly like the burgundy colour scheme they get over there. We get Midnight Black and Matt Grey. Black retails for $14,999 and the Grey colour scheme for $15,299. Plus on-roads of course.

I also like the way theres lots of steel on this jigger. Its not adorned with tacky plastic bits, especially plastic chrome which can look worn very quickly.

Mechanics dreamThe engine itself is very nice, with the big 100mm pistons belting out some admirable torque. I like big cruiser engines anyway but you can be both lazy and spirited in the way you rev the engine. It seems happy to do either.

I guess most people really only want to know how long the engine will last and how much grunt it has but I will tell you a little about its insides. I mean its fuel injected and has four valves per cylinder but a couple of the main design features of the engine are the ceramic composite cylinders and the dual counter-balancers which give the cylinder bores a long life and the rider a nice smooth engine.

Yamaha is giving a five year unlimited kilometre warranty on the Stryker, and all of its Star range of motorcycles, so the company is confident in the product. If that doesnt give you confidence in the bikes reliability then Im not sure what will.

For cog changing theres a five-speed cluster (lots of torque remember) and a clean and long lasting belt drive to the rear wheel.


Custom CoolN TEST BY CHRIS PICKETT, PHOTOS BY JEFF CROW

N RIDING GEAR: SHARK HELMET, IXON GLOVES, SCHOTT JACKET, DRIRIDER BOOTS


XVS1300 STRYKER



XVS1300 STRYKER

On the roadIt does have short travel suspension, which most cruisers have, but its only big bumps or choppy surfaces, which will test the shock. The forks though, with the long rake and the 21 inch wheel bolted to them work pretty well. I dont know how Yamaha has managed it but it actually goes around corners very well considering the front end set-up. Roundabouts or fast sweepers, once again its happy doing either. Im also glad Yamaha didnt put too big a rear wheel/tyre on the Stryker. It is a 240/40-18 tyre, which is decent enough in size but it doesnt feel that big. If it had been a much bigger tyre I think it could have detracted from the riding experience.

Now its not a light bike, being 293 kilograms ready to ride away but the seat height is only 670mm, making it easy to manoeuvre, even for shorter people. Even on some dodgy gravel surfaces and broken edges of the road the bike was easy enough to do U turns and the like, something not all cruisers are happy doing, so you shouldnt write the bike off before riding it if you think it might be too heavy.

It has a 15 litre tank and we were able to do close to 250 kilometres before really worrying we were going to have to push.

Thats around 17 kpl or 48 mpg. Not bad fuel economy in my book.

Ground clearance is very good too. The only time I remember touching down the footpegs was in a roundabout and even then I was trying to see when it would touch. Even hitting big dips in the road at speed didnt have the bike scraping.

I also liked the riding position. Normally cruisers can give my back a hard time but not so the Stryker. I think the seat design, and then relationship to the footpegs and handlebars were just good for me. You can do lots of kilometres on this bike without feeling like youve been violated.

VerdictAll in all this is one of the nicest custom style cruisers Ive ridden. The styling doesnt really do it for me but then thats always a subjective point anyway. But if I did something with the paint, and changed the exhaust design it would be on the money for my tastes.

But thats the point of a custom, isnt it? Even though Yamaha has done the tinkering for you, you can still have a massive play if you want to. n




XVS1300 STRYKER



XVS1300 STRYKERCYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 46

Double Vroom. More rake than the garden. Torque laden V-twin. Bratz black.

CALL FOR A QUOTE1800 24 34 64

WELL BEAT ANY PRICE GUARANTEED*

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S : YAMAHA STRYKER

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke V-twin

Capacity: 1304cc Transmission: 5-speed and belt drive Fuel Capacity: 15 litres Frame Type: Double cradle Seat Height: 670mm Wet Weight: 293kg Front Suspension: Conventional

telescopic Rear Suspension: Single shock Brakes: Single disc front and rear Tyres: 120/70-21, 210/40-18 Price (RRP): $14,999 + ORC



www.yamaha-motor.com.au

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 47YAMAHA STAR

XVS1300 STRYKER LaunchCYCLE TORQUE

CYCLE TORQUE AUGUST 2014 - 48YAMAHA STAR

XVS1300 STRYKER LaunchCYCLE TORQUE

Cali 1400_Custom_CYCLE TORQUE_HP_MG2_FINAL.indd 1 13/01/2014 11:00:04 AM


TestCYCLE TORQUECAN-AM SPYDER

RT LIMITED

Full Fruit



TestCYCLE TORQUECAN-AM SPYDER

RT LIMITEDFor open road freedom it doesnt get much more fully loaded than

the Can-Am Spyder RT Limited.

CAN-AM Spyders have been around for a while now and not many people could say they havent at least seen one but it always hits you how different they look from any other road going motorcycle.

Cycle Torque has tested a few Spyders since they were first released in Australia but this is the first time we have tested one of the new three cylinder models. The machine tested is the top of the range 2014 Spyder RT Limited. Its the biggest and I think the most impressive looking of the models.

Looks are deceivingOn collection I was given a rundown on the new model which on first appearance doesnt appear any different to the previous years, however this is far from the case. The 2014 model now boasts a brand new Rotax ACE 1330cc in-line three cylinder engine with power figures up from the previous models 74.5 kw to 85.5 kw. Other changes include bigger 15 inch wheels instead of the previous models 14 inch, power steering assistance has been increased and the gear box is now six speed instead of five with fuel capacity being increased to 26 litres. I was also assured that while the weight had increased to 459 kg the new engine was more economical than the previous model.

As I had recently spent some time with the previous V-twin powered Spyder I noticed the Limiteds instruments were much the same as the earlier models, so I felt comfortable with everything from the get go so to speak.

First impressionsAs I headed off my mind drifted back to the first time I rode a Spyder remembering how it took a while for me to feel comfortable riding it, especially in roundabouts. While Spyders have a cockpit layout that makes you feel youre on a bike thats where the similarity ends. If you dont lean into corners then the Spyder will fight you all the way w

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Cycle Torque August 2014