Australian Motorcyclist - February 2017

W LEARNER APPROVED MOTORCYCLES: WE CHECK THEM ALL OUT
OUT A USTRAL
ID E: TEAR-
F R E E IN S
ELEVEN TRIUMPH
BEAUTIES BONNEVILLE
THE WORLDS BEST STREET CUP LAUNCH
CUSTOM BIKES GRAB HOLD OF THE CUP.
YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!
ROYAL ENFIELD
WE RIDE THEM ALL
AUS $9.95 (Inc GST)

NZ $10.95 (Inc GST)
0 2
THE CASCADES, WASHINGTON: GO LOOPY, LOOPING THE LOOP / RIDING

340798 000228
IN OTHER COUNTRIES: THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW / TRACER

TRAVEL / WHERE IS THE GRONY? / CHINA / T120 TOURING / POSTIE
NOTES 12 / LOADS OF EVENTS / BLEISURE: LITHGOW / FIRST TRACK DAY
BORIS IN THE RAIN / LESTER THE TV STAR / BEAR GETS OUT OF A TICKET
9
RACING STYLE. URBAN EDGE.
The new Street Cups stripped-back, urban sports styling adds stunning street racer attitude
to the Street Twin family. With thrilling performance from the 900cc high torque Bonneville
engine, the Street Cup is perfect for a blast around town, or escaping it all on twisty B roads.
To nd out more visit: triumphmotorcycles.com.au
/triumphaustralia @triumphaus Official Triumph

AN ORIGINAL FOR EVERYONE.
Beautiful and now even more accessible. With all the timeless style and signature
touches of a genuine motorcycle icon, the new 900cc Bonneville T100 is the great
new entry point to the classic Bonneville family.
To nd out more visit: triumphmotorcycles.com.au
triumphmotorcycles.com.au
CUSTOM IS THE GREAT GUIDE TO HUMAN LIFE. DAVID HUME
CONTENTS DROP IT
AND TRACE IT
SPECIAL FEATURE OUT = FUN!
2017 LAMS
We have a look at the new and
14 PAGE 32
current LAMS bikes for 2017
NINJA 300 v R3 COMPARO 20
7RSGRJVJKWLWRXW
TESTING
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE STREET CUP 24
Grab it, hold it, love it!
ROYAL ENFIELD RANGE RIDE 68
A right royal classic ride
TRAVEL
YAMAHA MT-09 TRACER 32
We drop the pin and go touring
PUB OF THE MONTH 44 WORLD CHAMPS AND THEY
Where the hell is Grong Grong!
MUST BE RIDDEN. PAGE 36
THE CASCADES, WASHINGTON 52
Looping the loop
BLEISURE 62
A day out in Lithgow, NSW
BONNIE T120 78
Just how good is the T120
on the open road
RIDING IN OTHER COUNTRIES 86
The basics you need to know
AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLIST 93
TOUR NZ
Come along and have a
\LQJJUHDWWLPH
POSTIE NOTES 12 94
Mo hits the Bundy
TEAR-OUT MAP
THE FIVE PUNTS 50
Cyclops opens his eye
EVENTS
SURFSIDE MOTORCYCLE GARAGE 22
The Bears favourite joint
THUNDER RALLY 72
All the thunder, all the fun.
SIDECAR GATHERING 102
Those men and their creations
TECHNICAL
AMD CUSTOM WORLD 36
68
CHAMPIONSHIP
The best contest for the prize
of World Champion at Intermot
4 www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au
New tyre
Disco
moto
over more at:
Unleash your
Michelin Power
fuLl potential
orcycle.michelin.com.au
RS
- R.C.S. 352 321 285 - 16070237 - MICHELIN - R.C.S. 855 200 507 - Photo credits: Michelin, Gregory Favre, GettyImages - 11/2016
CONTENTS
FIRST TRACK DAY 64

You asked for it. Heres what
you need to know
BRIDGES 74
Check out the engineering while you ride
USED & REVIEWED 76

Feel the revz and build a kubby
WHAT IS THAT?! 88
Newmount. Heard of them?
BEST OF THE REST

EDITORIAL
Stuart tells his best of 2016
GRIZZLING
Hes lost it this month.All complaints
10
8
52
to thewherever they go
NEWS 12
The latest goss
BACK ISSUES 73
You can still get most of them
CHINA 82
Are they in for big things?
NEW IN THE SHOPS 90

Get your bucks out
CLASSIC MORRIS 98
/HVWHU LSV LW IRU WKH WHOH
SUBSCRIPTIONS 101 WIN THE

Make it easy on yourself. CUP FOR
THE STREET.
Get a subscription!
104
WHAT SAY YOU
Things Stuart might never say PAGE 24
NEW BIKE PRICES 108
Cmon, buy that new bike!
BEAR FACED 112

Sweet talking the Police
BORIS 114
Its raining men
Australian Motorcyclist
Australian Motorcyclist Magazine
44
Australian Motorcyclist Magazine
@AusMotrCyclist
PLEASE ENJOY AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLIST MAGAZINE RESPONSIBLY AND ADD THIS ISSUE TO YOUR
COLLECTION. MOST BACK ISSUES ARE STILL AVAILABLE; JUSTVISIT THE WEBSITE WWW.AUSMOTORCYCLIST.COM.AU
OR DROP US A LINE TO CONTACTUS@AUSMOTORCYCLIST.COM.AU. AND HAVE FUN.
EDITORSPEAKS
Editor Stuart Woodbury

Editor Emeritus J Peter Thoeming
Sales Manager Ralph Leavsey-Moase

ralph@ausmotorcyclist.com.au
Photo Editor Nick Wood

Designer Amy Hale
Photographers Nick Wood

Photography, Half-Light Photography
Tassie: corners upon corners!
Contributors Robert Crick, Mike
Grant, Jacqui Kennedy, Robert Lovas, Phil
Gadd, Boris Mihailovic, Lester Morris,The
Possum,Guy Stanford, Stuart Strickland, Whats he blabbing on about now?
Michael Walley, Colin Whelan
Editorial
contactus@ausmotorcyclist.com.au
J ust before Christmas I was in
Tasmania for the Australia launch
of the new Triumph T100 and Street
comfort, despite its design parameter.
Favourite road is a simple one,
because I wrote about it. The
Cup and it got me thinking of how Queenstown to Glenorchy road in
Subscription enquiries
the West Coast of Tassie is a lot like New Zealand wins hands down. If
www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au
info@ausmotorcyclist.com.au
the South Island of New Zealand. I you have to ride one simple stunning
0412 220 680 or 0418 421 322 wonder if any of you geologists out road in your lifetime, this is it!
there know about when the world was Best riding gear would have to
Printer one big land mass and broke apart that be my Shoei X-Spirit III helmet.
either Tassie or New Zealand spun It is so light, so aerodynamic and
PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA
around in the process of reaching their comfy at the same time for what is
Distributor Gordon and Gotch current orientation? a race helmet. As for a jacket, my
I know we have said it before but Segura Retro leather jacket is by
Australian Motorcyclist Magazine is published by Tassie is a motorcyclists heaven. far my number one. I just love the
Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd. Everywhere you go, theres twisty uniqueness it gains the more I wear
PO Box 2066, Boronia Park NSW 2111 corners and beautiful scenery. If you LW-HDQVGHQLWHO\WKHQHZ'UDJJLQ
Phone 0412 220 680 or 0418 421 322. cant handle the Spirit of Tasmania Revz a riding jean that doesnt look
boat trip which is usually a rough like a riding jean. Boots, well Ive
This publication is copyright. Other than for crossing, I recommend getting in only had two pairs of boots to try
the purposes of research, study, criticism, review, touch with one of the motorcycle hire WKURXJKRXWDQGWKH'ULULGHU
parody or satire and subject to the conditions
FRPSDQLHV VR \RX FDQ \ LQ ULGHDQG iRide 2 casual riding boots are
prescribed under the Copyright Act 1968, no part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
\ RXW ,W DOVR FXWV WKH QXPEHU RI GD\V excellent. They are also waterproof!
retrieval system or transmitted without the prior
you need to be away. 2017 is going to be a huge year for
written permission of Australian Motorcyclist 2016 was a big year for us here at motorcycling. You will have read The
Magazine Pty Ltd. Opinions expressed within this Australian Motorcyclist. Lots of bikes Bears reports from both Intermot
publication do not necessarily represent those were tested, plenty of kilometres and Eicma with the bucket loads of
of Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty Ltd. No travelled all for your enjoyment and a new machines just waiting for you to
responsibility is accepted by Australian Motorcyclist heap of motorcycling gear reviewed salivate over. As you read this, Ive
Magazine Pty Ltd or the editor for the accuracy of that we hope youve read about and already got three launches over a
any statement, opinion or advice contained in the gone out and bought, which leads me couple of week period, so bring it on!
text or advertisements. Readers should rely on onto which bike was my favourite of Id also like to thank the very
their own enquiries in making decisions tailored to
2016. After much deliberation over a tiny team that makes up Australian
their own interest.
couple of frosty treats I have to say Motorcyclist. The Bear (obviously);
*Recommended retail price
Im in love with the Yamaha MT-10. Mal and now Ralph; our two
Copyright Australian Motorcyclist Magazine Pty The looks polarise some people but photographers - Nick and Nick, and
Ltd ACN 161 432 506 ISSN 2201-5442 I kind of like the transformerish our designer, Amy. Thanks for all
appearance. But of course the main your efforts over the past year.
We encourage you to keep or reason for my choice is that it is so Enjoy!
recycle this magazine. much fun to ride and can tour with Cheers, Stuart.
FROMTHEBEAR
Well, gee, thanks but
GRIZZLING
Im not quite sure what
that message means
WHAT THE @#%&*

As youll see from the next item, I
confuse fairly easily. But there are some
things that I dont understand no matter
how often I think about them.
Case in point one: why do so many
drivers stop at red lights well back from
the induction coils in the roadway that
tell the little computer that someone youre waiting for the light to change, RESISTANCE IS USELESS
is waiting? I mean, folks, if you dont why not wait with your baby safe on the Its the Borg! Check out the look on
park over the coils and theyre visible footpath? You cant all be suffering from this one! Actually I wanted to run
enough, or the lines in the tar that show terminal post-natal depression and this picture to illustrate an interesting
where they lurk are for you to easily MXVW LQ FDVH \RX WKLQN ,P EHLQJ LSSDQW and unexpected contrast at the big
see them. Is it that hard to understand Im not. Some unfortunate child is motorcycle shows in 2016. Milan,
that you need to be above them before going to get wiped out one day, and it where you would have expected a bit of
WKH\ ZLOO UHJLVWHU \RXU SUHVHQFH" 'R \RX will be their mothers (or carers) fault. fashionable input into the bike gear on
HQMR\ VLWWLQJ DW WUDIF OLJKWV PD\EH MXVW 'RQW GR LW show, was pretty traditional. Cologne,
listening to the radio, you know, shooting Im going to leave it at that. I can think on the other hand, had some beautiful
the breeze with your passenger of several more things like this, but I
Sometimes I feel like shooting you when think I need a beer.
Im stuck there because my bike hasnt
activated the coils. MIXED MESSAGE
Case in point two: why do so many I dont know about you, but Im
women dare you to kill their babies? confused enough without the gummint
That might seem a bit extreme, but how putting out mixed messages. I mean, I
else do you interpret the all too common used to think that FALLING ROCKS
habit of pushing baby strollers out into '217 6723 ZDV MXVW D ZD\ RI
the road at pedestrian crossings? While amusing us as we rode along. After all,
its quite true but also a
bit unnecessary. I mean,
I know falling rocks
dont stop except in
the Goon Show of the
word. As Neddy Seagoon
once said: I fell, but
fortunately the ground
EURNH P\ IDOO
But then I saw this
beauty. Now is that We are the Biking Borg
requirement to
35(3$5( 72 6723 gear on display with tailored jackets
meant for rocks, or for unlike the usual baggy coats and nice
WKH WUDIF" $QG GRHV new materials. Unfortunately, the brands
it supersede the upper with the most stylish clothes for women
sign? WHAT AM I and men, like Modeka, dont seem to
683326(' 72 '2" have Australian distributors. Bummer.
On the other side of Peter The Bear

Wisemans Ferry the language Thoeming
changes its meaning. Or not.
5,'(1(:=($/$1'
Guided Motorcycle Tour of South Island, New Zealand with Peter Thoeming,
The Bear, Editor of AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLIST MAGAZINE
Featuring the amazing
Omaka Classic Fighters International Airshow 2017
Tour Dates Omaka Tour Highlights; (All included in tour package)

8th April - 17th April 2017 Ride 4 legendary Mountain passes
Ride 4 National Parks
Platinum Gourmet Pass Day entry to the Omaka Classic
Fighters Airshow 2017
Helicopter Ride over the Alps with Ice Glacier Landing
Jet-boating through The Lord of the Rings canyons
Whale-watch boat trip
Entry to the Wanaka Warbirds Museum
Queenstown, Adventure Capital of the Southern Hemis
IDVWVR
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NEWS Just one of the exciting tours
already held this year - the
Dakar with Edelweiss. Amazing
times and well looked after, too!
OOPS Christmas time in just about all

Naughty Bear business means a bit of a get
In our well-received In Their Own together away from the workplace
3LFVIHDWXUHZKHUHZHJDYHVRPHRI WKH for some beverages and good
travel operators a chance to show us times. We here at Australian
what they do, I made a mistake. Just Motorcyclist got out on a friends
because I deal with the wonderful boat for an afternoon on Sydney
Franziska at Edelweiss, I thought shed harf
Harbour. Upon our return to the wharf,
be the right person to act as contact for 7KH%HDUGHFLGHGKHGEHWKHURSH GO LADIES!
you, too. Turns out she is pretty busy between the boat and wharf. Metzeler Natural Born Lady Rider
doing other stuff (including dealing with Unfortunately humans dont stretch that 2017 Calendar
me!) so Ive reproduced the correct far, nor have the strength to hold onto a Celebrating the talent and passion
contact details for Edelweiss below. 3 tonne boat, so The Bear made an transmitted by women riders
Youll be reading more about them, unwanted plunge into the harbour. throughout twelve months of imagery:
too Im going to Iceland with them Luckily his fur had been shaved not the 2017 Metzeler calendar. Titled
later in the year. too long ago as he quickly made for a Natural Born Lady Rider, it was
Edelweiss Bike Travel: +43 5264 proper rope that was close by. His ride created with the aim to dedicate a
5690-23, worldtours@edelweissbike. home dried most of his short fur and tribute to female motorcycle pride,
com, www.edelweissbike.com is the a couple of bruises were for his valent emphasizing the determination shown
correct way to get in touch with them. efforts not to drown. by women of all ages to ride their
Mention me anyway, though. motorcycles. Visit www.metzeler.com
to get hold of one.
AQUA BEAR
Xmas fun THIS WEEKEND, JAN 21!
Troy Bayliss Classic
Got nothing to do this weekend?
Well, get to the 2017 Troy Bayliss
Classic at Taree. Enjoy a jam packed
day and night of oil track racing with
many superstars and legends sliding
their way around the Taree circuit.
SPOIL YOURSELF For more info, visit
MV Agusta Parramatta www.troybaylissevents.com . D
Those boys (and girls) at Urban Moto
Imports are doing big things and this
includes plotting more MV dealers and
5R\DO(QHOGGHDOHUVDURXQGWKH
countryside. Youll read in this issue
about Ralph attending the latest RE
store in Melbourne, while in NSW
theres a new MV Agusta store opened
XSLQ*UDQYLOOHRQ-DPHV5XVH'ULYH
FDOOHG09$JXVWD3DUUDPDWWD&KHFN
them out for all you MV bikes and gear,
DORQJZLWKVHUYLFLQJ3K
Go Far.
!
EE Y B AG
Columbian Dry Bag
FRMBIA
re
DR 0
5 e n tu
4 7 . Z Advyclist zine) G iant Loop is the pioneer of the

b iiomorphic motorcycle saddlebag system
$ 2our Notor mag
c a
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y u -
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W w ed o boore adventure rider, you will appreciate
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G iant Loop high performance Adventure
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or your ride.
G iant Loop is the ideal luggage system to

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ake touring, especially when you are
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addling up on a rental or a loaner or
ha
ave too many bikes in the shed.
Great Basin Saddlebag
T he Great Basin Saddlebag is now 100%
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w
welded) roll top waterproof Dry Pods to
w
keeep your gear sorted and dry at all
ti mes. The Great basin holds up to 60
Diablo Tank Bag Pro Liitres and is the ideal bag to ride behind
you on just about any motorcycle. Double
Gas Bag Fuel Safe Bladder your luggage capacity when you add a
100% waterproof Colombia Dry Bag.
Zigzag Handlebar Bag
Round The World P
Coyote Roll Top Saddlebag Fandango Tank Bag Pro
For the full range check out our website or drop in and see us at:
Unit 1/915 Old Northern Road, Dural, NSW 2158
Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm
1300 466 6 86
a dve ntur e m oto.com.au
S P E C I A L F E A T U R E LAMS
BABY, BABY!
LAMS BIKES ARE MULTIPLYING WORDS STUART
T he Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) has

grown and grown over the past couple of years, and you
can now get a LAMS approved motorcycle from just about
every manufacturer out there.
For 2017, the LAMS offering continues to grow with many
QHZPRGHOVKLWWLQJWKHVKRZURRPRRUZKLOHWKHFXUUHQW
models have been tweaked or given new colour schemes. Any
way you look at it, the LAMS market is hot to trot and its
great to see so many new riders experiencing the wonders of
motorcycling, and experienced riders realising that jumping on
a LAMS machine will take care of pretty much all your needs
for commuting and saving money and with some of the
new adventure touring models, even more!
www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au 15
L A M S SPECIAL FEATURE
CF MOTO
All of CF Motos models are LAMS
approved. New for 2017 will be the
650MT, an adventure tourer model
that looks fresh and exciting.
DUCATI
)RU'XFDWLFRQWLQXHWRRIIHUWKH
relatively new Sixty 2 a retro 400cc
version of the Scrambler range which
is easy to ride and fun to look at.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
$VZLWK'XFDWL+DUOH\'DYLGVRQZLOO
continue with the extremely popular
Street 500. From the latest sales
SUZUKI APRILIA quarter data (Oct 16), 1175 have been
Suzuki hasnt really been big into the This Italian marque continues on with sold, making the Street the fourth
LAMS market before, but 2017 will the popular RS4 125 model, which is a highest seller of all motorcycles in
see the introduction of the GSX-R125 fun machine for the boy racer. Australia for 2016.
DQG*6;5ERWKOOLQJWKHHYHU
popular smaller capacity performance BENELLI HONDA
end of the market. These two models Essentially, Benellis entire range Honda has a large presence in the
MRLQWKHUHWUR78;'5=60 consists of LAMS approved machines LAMS market and a racy looking
and GSX650F - a good range to satisfy and the introduction of the TRK502
anyone with a taste for LAM. adventure touring model will further
strengthen this offering.
BMW
BMW Motorrad has
KDGDUHVKXIHRI LWV
LAMS bikes and for
2017 will offer the
new G 310 R and G
310 GS as its servings
of LAM. We cant
wait to see what these CBR250RR may be heading our way.
new models are Even if not, Honda has plenty of
like to ride; the GS LAM suitable for anyones taste.
looks like a really
promising effort. KAWASAKI
The green machine is introducing
new models for 2017. These include
BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE.
*Overseas model shown
SWM ADVENTURE
SUPER DUAL 650
MIKUNI
ENGINE
BREMBO
BRAKES 19 LITRES
FUEL
CAPACITY
ERGONOMICS QUALITY COMPONENTRY

Liquid Cooled DOHC Engine Seat Height 860mm Brembo Brakes
6 Speed Transmission Weight 159kg Sachs Asjustable Rear Shock LEARNER
Mikuni EFI Optional Givi Panniers APPROVED
www.swmmotorcycles.com.au www.facebook.com/swmaustralia Proudly distributed by

L A M S SPECIAL FEATURE
Wolf in LAMS clothing? If Triumph
Australia is successful, you will be able
WREX\D%RQQHYLOOHDV\RXUUVWELNH
the Versys X and the Z650L which is to be quite a capable mid-level

replacing the ER-6nL. These models adventure tourer.
ZLOOWLQZHOOZLWKWKHWRSVHOOLQJ
Ninja 300 and extensive road and TRIUMPH
cruiser LAMS available. Some big news at Triumph.
They have been talking with
KTM the powers that be to try and
Kato continues with the popular 390 get bikes meeting European
'XNHZKLFKLVDIXQN\ORRNLQJDQG A2 licence regulations
exciting machine to whirl around on. available as LAMS in this
country. What that means is
ROYAL ENFIELD that bikes like the Bonneville
$OORI 5R\DO(QHOGVPRGHOVDUH would become LAMS
delicious LAMS. While all of the models, since the A2 listing is
current range are retro models, determined only by power to
2017 will see the highly anticipated weight ratio, not engine capacity and quarter of 2016. The other notable
introduction of the Himalayan with an power rating as it is now in Australia. mention for Yamaha is the stalwart
all-new engine making for what seems XVS650 which continues to outsell
SWM many other models and has virtually
This renowned enduro bike marque been unchanged for more years
now has a range of LAMS bikes to than I can recall.
suit the retro taste out there.
We reviewed the Gran Milano RARE, MEDIUM OR WELL DONE?
440 in the last issue and found So how do you like your LAM? Any
it a nice looker. number of styles and engine sizes is
available under the LAMS regulations,
YAMAHA so no matter what your taste you can
The boys in blue (as you might get your LAM in pretty much any
call them) have an extensive style you like. Im sure Ive missed
range of LAMS to suit your some of the smaller manufacturers
taste. The R3 and MT-07L in this piece but the main thing to
have been big, big sellers remember here is that the more
for the Japanese marque younger riders we get on the road,
with both sitting in the more riders well have as the
the top ten overall in years go by as they progress to larger
Australia for the last capacity machines. D
TOUGHEN UP
YOUR RIDE
VPS STORM CARBON

Find what ts your bike at www.barkbusters.net

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E LAMS COMPARO
THE VITALS
KAWASAKI NINJA 300
PRICE: From $5799 (plus
on-road charges)
TOP DOGS
WARRANTY: Two years,
unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every
FIGHT IT OUT
6000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled parallel twin
cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
per cylinder
DISPLACEMENT: 296cc
TORQUE: 27Nm @ 10,000rpm
KAWASAKI NINJA 300 V YAMAHA R3
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet WORDS STUART PHOTOS KAWASAKI/YAMAHA
PXOWLSODWHFOXWFKFKDLQQDOGULYH
SUSPENSION: Front, 37mm telescopic
fork, non-adjustable, travel 120mm.
O f all the Learner Approved
motorcycles out there in the
shops, there are two contenders
Kawasakis powerplant in the Ninja
300, with 321cc of inline twin cylinder
in the R3 and 296cc in the Ninja.
Rear, monoshock, adjustable which duel it out for top spot each Usually this would result in a decent
preload, travel 132mm. and every quarter when sales data performance difference in the R3s
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 785mm, is compiled. Those two bikes are favour, but youd be hard put splitting
weight 174kg (wet), fuel capacity the well-established Kawasaki Ninja them in a straight drag. That has been
17 litres, wheelbase 1405mm 300 and relatively new Yamaha R3 shown when the bikes have been raced
BRAKES: Front, 290mm disc with - two boy racer machines that have against each other throughout 2016 by
dual-piston (optional ABS) calipers. picked up popularity among all sorts young hard chargers.
of riders of all sorts of ages, not For the road, torque is what you want
Rear, 220mm disc, dual-piston
only the real boy racers among us. to look at because more of it makes
(optional ABS) caliper. So, what better way to give you a bike easier to ride. The difference
COLOURS: Pearl Blizzard White an insight into these two lil rippers between 29.6Nm for the R3 and
ABS and Non ABS, Metallic Graphite than to compare them directly with 26Nm for the Ninja, although it looks
Gray / Ebony - ABS Special Edition each other? substantial, is not necessarily terribly
only, Lime Green / Ebony KRT Edition <DPDKD KDV WWHG D VOLJKWO\ ODUJHU obvious when you ride them, but on
ABS and non ABS capacity engine to the R3 against paper the R3 comes out ahead, and that
THE VITALS
YAMAHA R3
PRICE: From $6299 (plus
on-road charges)
extra torque could certainly make and power; in a direct comparison the
it easier to ride. R3s front brake has that bit less of
Handling is another big consideration, feel available. Both bikes do have ABS unlimited distance
especially for LAMS riders. Its available, and for learner riders, this SERVICING INTERVALS: Every
interesting to note that on the road the kind of safety is a great option to have. 10,000km or 12 months
Ninja has more feel, whereas the R3 is Accessories are mainly aimed at the ENGINE: Liquid-cooled parallel twin
a bit stiffer through the frame. On the boy racer market but you can also get
WUDFNKRZHYHUWKH1LQMDH[HVTXLWHD luggage for both bikes and I would cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
lot and the R3 is more stable and turns happily tour on either as they can easily per cylinder
in a little faster thanks to its shorter sit at 110km/h, no worries. DISPLACEMENT: 321cc
wheelbase. With the majority of riders 0DNLQJWKDWQDOGHFLVLRQDVWR TORQUE: 29.6Nm @ 9000rpm
who would buy these kinds of bikes, Id which bike you go for comes down
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed, wet
be looking at how they perform on the WRDFRXSOHRI IDFWRUV'R\RXKDYH
road, rather than the track. blue blood, or green blood running PXOWLSODWHFOXWFKFKDLQQDOGULYH
6W\OLQJLVZKDWUVWDWWUDFWV\RXWR through your veins? And do you want SUSPENSION: Front, 41mm telescopic
a particular bike and the Ninja has a to go with or without ABS? If you fork, non-adjustable, travel 130mm.
more supersport size look about it compare both base ABS versions on
Rear, monoshock, adjustable
whereas the R3 is slimmer and looks price, theres only a $100 difference
like a smaller capacity machine. When between the two. Either way youre preload, travel 125mm.
you actually hop on and ride both bikes JHWWLQJDZHOOEXLOWZHOOQLVKHG DIMENSIONS: Seat height 780mm,
they both feel quite roomy and very and super fun bike for your money. weight 169kg (wet), fuel capacity
similar with comfortable reach to the I would go the Ninja 300 because 14 litres, wheelbase 1380mm
bars and width and good seat to peg its been around for a while and the
spacing. Seat heights are 785mm for the factory has had time to improve it, BRAKES: Front, 298mm disc with du-
Ninja and 780mm for the R3, giving and also, Ive never owned a Kwaka al-piston ABS caliper. Rear, 220mm disc,
MXVWDERXWDQ\ULGHUWKHFRQGHQFHWR so getting a green infusion into single-piston ABS caliper.
UPO\SODFHDIRRWRUERWKIHHWRQWKH my already red (Honda) and blue COLOURS: Race Blu, Matt Grey,
ground at a standstill. (Yamaha) blood would not be a
Braking performance sees the Ninja bad thing. But seriously, you Intensity White/Rapid Red, Special
come out in front with a little more feel cant go wrong here. D Edition Movistar Replica
EVE NT
This is the coolest exhaust/
mudguard Ive ever seen.
Well, its the only one.
SWAPPING
AT SURFSIDE
E veryone has favourites of various
kinds, right? A favourite bike,
a favourite destination, a favourite
I like the way Trev and the
others engage with their customers,
and I also like the fact that they
beer a favourite bike shop. Mine is have a lot of skills themselves,
SurfSide Motorcycle Garage on Sydneys but know who can do the jobs
northern beaches. Trev, Rob and Road that perhaps they arent so The same bikes
Rat run a competent and classy, but prepared for, like paint. sidestand, welded
above all versatile workshop with a So, take this as a purely personal up from a drive
60s style caf out the front. Who could little story about a place I really
chain. Neat.
ask for more? like, and I therefore recommend.
Well, how about an eclectic collection If you feel like it, write to us about
of bikes, some there to have work the places that you really like. Well
GRQHWKDWOOVWKHSODFHDQGWXUQV try to make room for all opinions
over regularly? And how about regular at some time or other. D
Sunday events, like the recent Christmas
3DUW\DQG6ZDS0HHW",KDYHWRDGPLW
WKDW,QGLWKDUGWRUHVLVWVZDSPHHWV SurfSide
even though I have hardly ever found
anything I wanted and I am bemused, Motorcycle Garage
SHUKDSVE\WKHLQDWHGLPSRUWDQFH
with which a lot of the sellers regard www.surfside.net.au
their goods. Still, its fun. Oh, look, a 02 9905 4755
complete front end for a Velocette LE trev@surfside.net.au
:KLVSHULQJ'HDWK,ZRQGHULI WKDW 42 Winbourne Road,
ZRXOGWWKH9RJXH,PLJKWUHVWRUHRQH Brookvale NSW 2100
GD\LI ,FDQQGRQH"$QGVRRQ Yes, thats an SS Ducati
up there in storage with
an aluminium fairing.
AUTHENTIC SOUL.
Meet the Moto Guzzi V9. A motorcycle which has been created in the purest spirit of Moto Guzzi and hand built on the shores of Lake Como.
The V9 features the iconic Moto Guzzi 850cc transverse 90 V-Twin engine and the technology you have come to expect from a brand that
has been at the forefront of motorcycle innovation since 1921. An authentic motorcycle in every sense, each component of the V9 has been
designed to encompass superior quality, including Anti-Lock Brembo Braking System, Traction Control and reengineered ergonomics to
enhance the pleasure derived from riding a motorcycle.
The V9 is an elegant cruiser which has been designed from the legacy of its predecessors. Created with genuine Italian style, this universal
mid-range cruiser allows you to follow your heart wherever it may roam.
/motoguzziaus @motoguzziaus THECLAN.MOTOGUZZI.COM motoguzziaus.com.au

LAUNCH
TRIUMPH
BONNEVILLE
STREET CUP
THE GOLDEN EGG
WORDS STUART PHOTOS DEAN WALTERS
Cash, cheque or
credit card, mate!
LAUNCH
Trying to form up for a
close-in photo didnt work.
' o you reckon that Triumph has

an urban sports model in its
range? Just look at the Street Triple
a perfect example of what urban
sports is all about fun, agile and
capable of everything you might like
to throw at it in the urban jungle.
But Triumph has now released
what theyre calling an urban sports
model, and the Bonneville Street
Cup does not resemble the Street
Triple much at all.
Two different approaches to the
same idea? The zoo of Australian
media reptiles headed to lovely wants premium quality. This is actually need to look for it to see it.
7DVPDQLD WR QG RXW ULGLQJ IRU WZR where Triumph has devoted a lot of 'HWDLO RQ WKH HQJLQH LQFOXGLQJ WKH
days up the west coast on the attention, to the detail. The premium nuts and bolts has also come under
Street Cup after two days down SDLQW QLVK JRHV ZLWK 7ULXPSKV WKH QH TXDOLW\ H\H ZKLFK FUHDWHV D
the east coast on the equally new hand painted coach lines and the IHHOLQJ RI D IXOO\ QLVKHG SURGXFW
Bonneville T100 (launch report initials of that very talented painter which is well worth the money you
in the next issue). near the rear tank bolt. As well, pay. You even get a USB charging
Are you a potential Street Cup check out the suede-like alcantara socket under the seat, standard.
owner? If you are, Triumph sees seat with its seat cowl and the Speaking of the price, the Street
you as the kind of rider who wants \VFUHHQ , UHDOO\ OLNHG WKH UDGLDWRU Cup is selling for $15,600 plus on
a modern classic but prefers a WPHQW 7KLV LV WKH VDPH RQ DOO WKH road costs not bad for such a
distinctly sports focused attitude, new Bonnies, and what Triumph has great looking machine. It comes
poise and style. Someone who wants GRQH LQ WWLQJ LW EHWZHHQ WKH IUDPH in two colours Racing Yellow/
a bike thats beautiful and makes rails allows the bike to retain a lot of Silver Ice or Jet Black/Silver Ice.
them feel cool, and someone who the look of pre-radiator days. You Choosing your colour all depends
LAUNCH
on whether you want to stand out

from the crowd or be a little more
understated, but you get uber-
coolness whichever way you go.
Both the T100 and Street Cup are
built in Triumphs Thai factory. I
know that many people out there
might think they would be getting
a lesser quality product than a
bike built in the UK, but youd be
wrong. Im told the Thai factory has
regular competitions with its UK
counterparts as to who can build the
better quality motorcycle, and guess
who wins every time? The Thai
Black or yellow? factory! So no more whining about
lesser quality, okay?
The Street Cup is based on the
Street Twin (reviewed in issue #39)
with the 900 High Torque twin
motor and Street frame, which is
different from that of the T120 and
T100. Handling is medium weighted
on turn in with great stability. Even
WKHUHWURORRNLQJ3LUHOOL6SRUWFRPS
tyres do a decent job of handling a
variety of conditions.
3RZHUDQGWRUTXHIURPWKH+7
parallel twin are not as punchy as
IURPWKHVDPHHQJLQHWWHGWRWKH
T100. This is a result of the different
exhausts which require a slightly
different tune for the ECU. It is only
a small difference, but noticeable
after riding the T100 for two days
then jumping onto the Street Cup.
The best thing about the twin
exhausts are the sweet tunes that
sing their way from the rear of the
Street Cup. It was a delight to ride
close to other bikes on the launch
just to listen to the soundtrack. This
LVDOOGRZQWRWKHGHJUHHULQJ
order which gives the parallel twin a
deep bassy tone.
Triumph has tuned the Street Cup
to produce 80% of its torque in the
2750 4750rpm range, which is
where they see the majority of riders
using the bike. They are spot on,
pretty much anything over this mark
and youre only doing it to rev the
you know what out of it.
Braking sees the dual-piston Nissin
caliper up front doing a good job
seeing as theres only a single disc for
stopping the Street Cup when youre
Nice seat.
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EVENT SPONSORS & PARTNERS
LAUNCH
SPECS
TRIUMPH
BONNEVILLE
STREET CUP
PRICE: $15,600 (plus on-road charges)
unlimited distance
SERVICING INTERVALS: Every
16,000km or 12 months
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled parallel twin
cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves
per cylinder
BORE x STROKE: 84.6 x 80mm
DISPLACEMENT: 900cc
COMPRESSION: 10.55:1
POWER: 40.5kW @ 5900rpm
TORQUE: 80Nm @ 3230rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed, wet
multi-plate torque assist clutch,
FKDLQQDOGULYH
SUSPENSION: Front, 41mm telescopic
fork, non-adjustable, travel 120mm.
Rear, dual-shock, adjustable preload,
Tassie, such beauty and
travel 120mm.
having some fun through corners.
And corners we did riding so many corners!
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 780mm,
around Tassie! weight 200kg (dry), fuel capacity 12
Accessories are extensive with more packed with all you could want. litres, wheelbase 1435mm
than 120 dedicated for the Street Aside from standard anti-lock TYRES: Front, 100/90/18. Rear,
Cup. Of note is the association with braking you also get switchable (on 150/70/17
the brand Fox which has supplied or off) traction control. I found no FRAME: Tubular steel
a sweet pair of performance rear difference with it on or off, but
shocks. And continuing the quality you might like it switched on in BRAKES: Front, 310mm disc with
brands, Vance & Hines exhausts slippery wet conditions. dual-piston ABS caliper. Rear, 255mm
are available. Another great option As Triumph has done in the past, disc, dual-piston ABS caliper.
is tyre pressure monitoring, also it has used the Bonneville platform FUEL CONSUMPTION: N/A
available for the Street Cup. If you to spawn numerous offspring and THEORETICAL RANGE: N/A
ZDQWWRW/('LQGLFDWRUVWKH UDWKHUWKDQMXVWVWLFNLQJZLWKWKH7 COLOURS: Racing Yellow/Silver Ice,
Street Cup is set up to accept them. series styled bikes, its great to see
1RUHOD\VDQGPHVV\ZLULQJWRW the Street Twin and now the quality, Jet Black/Silver Ice
in somewhere: just program them fun loving Street Cup join the fold.
WKURXJKWKHGDVKRQFHWWHG What do you reckon, are you ready VERDICT:YOUR GOLDEN
Instrumentation is retro yet to hold up this urban sports Cup? D EGG IS WAITING
TR A VEL
Fun tracing
TRACING OUT
THE MAP
Our long term Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
is an awesome touring machine. It
handled the mix of open road, twisty
corners to maintained dirt roads with
ease. Comfort is good, but I found the
seat to be a little weird on this trip
YAMAHA MT-09 TRACER WORDS/PHOTOS STUART
maybe I was sitting in the wrong
position? The triple cylinder engine is
sweet as a peach so I have no words
other than to ask you, If you havent M aking the best tourer with our
long term Yamaha MT-09 Tracer
means we have to go touring! So I
occurrence that I can get out for
days like this, riding the Tracer
made it all the better.
got a Tracer, why not?! Trust me,
headed out for a day with not a cloud I decided Id drop a pin onto a map
youll really enjoy this bike for all of
in the sky the kind of day you sit in of New South Wales and work out
your travels, including the masses of WKHRIFHDQGGUHDPRI EHLQJ what might be a nice ride with that
luggage capacity! out riding and while it is a rare as a destination. The pin ended up
www.hemamaps.com.au
TR A VE L
landing pretty much near

Aberdeen so I worked
out two possible rides
and then thought, bugger
it, lets take in one of
the most stunning roads
youll ever ride thats
manageable on a road
bike Barrington Tops.
So, out of Sydney, head
out to Windsor and
XSWKH3XWW\5RDGWR
Singleton. On through
*UHVIRUG'XQJRJDQG
up to Gloucester. From
Gloucester head west
along Thunderbolts Way,
then continue on Scone
Road, following the signs
to Scone. From Gloucester to a right pub, getting onto Hunter Road and WKDQKHDGLQJEDFNGRZQWKH3XWW\
turn at the T-intersection on Scone into Scone. Follow the New England Road, ride a touch further and get
Road is about 34km. Scone Road turns Highway south to Aberdeen and onto Broke Road for the ride along
into Barrington Tops Forest Road. youve arrived at your mark. You can Wollombi Road, heading through
About 78km from Gloucester over a now prick yourself with that pin to Laguna, Kulnura and turning right
mixture of dirt and tar youll come to realise youre not in a dreamland and onto Bloodtree Road/Wisemans
WKH'LQJR*DWHDQGWKHZRUOGZLOO the sights youve just seen are for real! Ferry Road for the nice scenic gravel
open up to some of the prettiest views Once you hit Muswellbrook get route to St Albans and the tar on to
youll ever see. Carry on down past RQWR'HQPDQ5RDGDQGJRWKURXJK Wisemans Ferry and back to Windsor,
Moonan Flat and its comfortable old 'HQPDQ-HUU\V3ODLQVDQGUDWKHU making your way home from there. D
XD4
THE AMAZINGLY VERSATILE
SINCE YOU DONT KNOW ALL THE

PLACES YOULL BE RIDING...
WE DESIGNED A HELMET
FOR ALL OF THEM!
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TRIBUTED BY CAS SSONS PTY LTD AUSTRALIA
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CUSTOMISING
AMD WORLD E ighty-two bikes, 67 competitors,

FRXQWULHVWKHWK$0'
World Championship at 'INTERMOT
CHAMPIONSHIP
Customized' in Cologne in October was
by far the most impressive custom show I
have ever seen. Not only was the standard
of craftsmanship outstanding, but the level
of imagination matched it every time. The
CUSTOMISINGS CRME DE LA CRME winner of the vote by the competitors
themselves was a Japanese builder, the
WORDS THE BEAR PHOTOS AMD/THE BEAR
third time in a row that the crown has
gone to Japan. Suicide Customs scored a
FRQYLQFLQJUVWSODFHWRWDNHWKHFRYHWHG
WLWOHRI $0':RUOG&KDPSLRQRI &XVWRP
Bike Building for the next two years.
Before we go to the bikes themselves,
heres a well-deserved credit: in the
motorcycle customising world there are a
lot of staggeringly talented builders, but
it takes skilled and inspired organisation
to make a great show. There is one
organiser who stands out as the man who
creates truly great shows, and thats Robin
%UDGOH\RI $PHULFDQ0RWRUF\FOH'HDOHU
Magazine. Robins shows hit the spot, as
INTERMOT Customized demonstrated.
But on to the bikes!
OVERALL WINNER
This is decided in the
Freestyle Class, and Suicide
Customs 1000cc V-twin
Rumble Racer took it
out, making it a third win in
a row for Japan. With the
bike crated for dry shipping
to Europe several weeks
before the show, Koh
Niwa had tense days and
late evenings at the World
Championship before
managing to get the bike
UHG XS DQG FRPSOHWLQJ
the necessary run test to
qualify for the competition
- his determination in the
face of tough odds won
the admiration of the
The World Champions on stage with Class of 2016.
their creation projected behind them,
DQNHGE\DQ$0' VWDIIHUDQG5RELQ
CUSTOMISING
SECOND PLACE AND FIRST RESERVE CHAMPION

In a very broad international spread of top honours, this went to Michael Naumann of
Germany for his Ironhead Sportster-engined Simple Iron. Those Ironheads never die.
Yes, the bikes have to run and be

capable of being ridden, a nice
touch and a major difference
between the AMD World
Championship and many other
customizing shows.
This is a true world
championship. Altogether 42
bikes competed in the Freestyle
class, with no less than 14
different countries featuring in
the Top 20, with TEAM USAs
Larry Moore of Witchita, Kansas,
taking fourth overall for his
Kontrolled Kaos, with North
&RDVW&XVWRPWDNLQJIWKIRU
Alcatraz 521.
RETRO MODIFIED
,QDQH[WUHPHO\KLJKTXDOLW\HOGWKLVFODVVZDVWDNHQ
by PDF Motociclette of Italy with Big Kahuna, a
1000cc engined 1927 JD 8-valve.
CUSTOMISING
CAF RACER STEAM CRAZY

)O\LQJWKHDJIRU(DVWHUQ(XURSH.KDUNRY8NUDLQHEDVHG,URQ&XVWRP 20th place Freestyle, the unique Black Pearl
Motorcycles (ICM) took this class with with Beckman, featuring a hand-made from Revatu Customs. Yes, these people are
56bhp, 555cc 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine. insane but dont they do it well!
THIRD PLACE AND SECOND RESERVE CHAMPION

This went to 2014 World Champion Fred Krugger
Bertrand of Krugger Motorcycles in Belgium for his S&S
Cycle 103 cubic inch engined LADD.
STREET PERFORMANCE
In another success for the small but fast-growing and innovative Irish custom
scene, 2013 World Champions Mick OShea and Don Cronin (Medaza
Cycles) took this demanding class with Road Fever, a 1978 Ducati 750.
CUSTOMISING
MODIFIED HARLEY-DAVIDSON
This ever-popular World Championship class was won by German-Motorcycle-Authority
(Christoph Madaus) with his 1340cc (S&S heads) Milwaukee Mile.
11th place Freestyle, from Flame Art 2nd place in Street Performance:
Design Strom. Crazy Racers-CR1100.
WDJHG DV WKH OHDG IHDWXUH DW WKH UVW HYHU and Kawasaki; Ural from Russia; an nd German
INTERMOT Customized, the show- V-8 specialist Boss Hoss and much more,
within-a-show concept created to showcase custom including some wonderful hands-on displays
industry excellence, was widely praised by exhibitors of things like engraving and even ttoo oing.
and visitors alike as delivering an inspirational Im looking seriously at getting somee engraving
and aspirational show environmen e t that is set to done on the Sporty!
champion the professio onalism of th he international 7KH WK $0' :RUOG &KD SLRQVKLS ZLOO
FXVWRP PDUNHW IRU \HDUV WR FRPH
FRPH VDLG 5RELQ ZKHQ be staged at INTERMOT CustomizCustomized
zed at the
, KDG D FKDW ZLWK KLP LQ KLV RIFH DW WKH VKRZ Cologne Exhibition Center (Koelnmesse) in
,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH $0' :RUOG &KDPSLRQVKLS October 2018. Make a note right now and
bikes, the 200,000 plus high-mileage riders who GRQWPLVVLW,WVRQO\DKRXULJKWIURP
visit INTERMOT saw presentations of custom Australia, including stopovers
excellence from a wide range of exhibitors that And if youre interested in more information
included several of the leading major manufacturers (and maybe thinking of an entry), see www.
VXFKDV+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ%0:7ULXPSK<DPDKD dealer-world.com. D
PUBOFTHEM ONTH
RATED 3 OUT OF 5 HELMETS
The Royal Hotel,

Narrandera Street, Grong Grong
NSW 2652 Phone: 02 6956 2117
www.gronggrong.com.au/hotel
royalgronggrong@bigpond.com
Ted and Kay Obudzinski.
ROYAL HOTEL,
GRONG GRONG
WHERE THE HELL IS THAT?! WORDS/PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN
I d been chatting on the phone

for a while with Kay who, with
husband Ted, runs the Royal Hotel
is the private domain of any regular
who might be about to front. Never
want to be sitting in some blokes chair
at Grong Grong, and shes expecting when he turns up tonguing for a beer!
me when I cross the railway and pull Turns out all the regulars except
up at the front door. one have died so I can have
Teds inside using the pool table as any one I want.
KLVRIFHGHVNELOOVLQYRLFHVOHWWHUV That chair youre in was Jack Evanss
cover nearly half of the green and he but his name wasn't really Jack, it was
looks up and says his gday. John. Hed have his scotch and soda
Theyve had this place for almost a and then take a pie home for his tea.
quarter of a century, a long stretch for Every now and then hed take two
country publicans and although its pies and I ask him if his girlfriend was
quiet now I ask if any of the bar stools coming over. Every time hed look at
P UBOF THE MONTH
me the same way and every time hed 7KH UVW \HDU RQH
just say, no, the cleaner. shy of 100 people
Next to him was Merv and Jamie sat overnighted and
over there and Wally would be in that WKDW JXUH KDV
seat. His wife Betty would come in and doubled every year
stand over there. since and right as
Old Les Wall the station master and Kays explaining all
also the post master, would come this two gents come
in on his crutches and sit at the end in. Theyve parked
next to Cec. He was the only man their rigs out back
who insisted on having his beer in and can they have
the same glass, never a new one. a couple of menus
Used to drink handles. to take back to the
The only bloke still around is Charlie girls so they can
Ross whos had his 70th, 80th and decide what theyre
90th birthdays in the pub. having for dinner.
We got out all our teacups and put The free parking
on an urn for his 90th but no-one has turned the pub
was interested. The place was packed around and the sign
DQGWKH\GUDQNXVGU\ out front is very
With just 150 in the town and carefully worded:
WKHUHJXODUVVKXILQJRII.D\DQG Free Camping
Ted were beginning to worry about for Motorhomes
the Royals future when a traveller DQG &DUDYDQV
walked into their pub in 2011 Campervans and
and got talking. wizzbangs are
He was looking for a place to camp, GHQLWHO\ QRW
somewhere off the road, away from welcome.
WKHWUDIFDQGEHFDXVHRI WKDWFKDW We allowed them at the start but and then cooking their own stu
7HGGHFLGHGWRRSHQXSWKHHOG there wasn't one that we didn't have in their vans and never coming into
behind the pub for free, unpowered a bad experience with. From noise to the pub, it was just unpleasant so we
parking and camping. misuse of facilities and waste of water EDQQHGHP
But motorcycle riders?
Weve never had a single motorcycle
rider whos abused the system. They all
respect the facilities and they all come
LQWRWKHSXEIRUDIHHGDQGDGULQN
2UWKUHHERRPV7HGIURPRYHUDW
KLVRIFH
Good to hear but theres another
subject I want to get my teeth into:
Neenish Tarts.
For sixty odd years Grong Grong was
the fabled home of the Neenish Tart,
the ridiculously sweet little, well Im
calling it a pie, a cream pie. A pastry
EDVHOOHGZLWKPRFNFUHDPDQGMDP
and topped with two-tone icing, they
were probably the most fattening thing
in any school tuckshop when I was
growing up. So good theyre probably
banned now.
And it was all because some time
in the 1980s the Sydney Morning
Herald wrote a piece about them,
asking if any reader knew their
origin. A bloke from Grong Grong
FDOOHG'RXJ(YDQVGLG
'HDU0U-RXUQDOLVW
My sister Venus and I clearly
remember our mother's good friend
Ruby Neenish of Kolabi via Ardlethan
who got short of cocoa powder when
baking for her daughter's unexpected
shower tea in 1913.
Made do by making them with half
cocoa and half white icing. From then
RQWKH\ZHUHNQRZQDV1HHQLVKWDUWV
The professional and thorough
staff at the Sydney Morning
Herald, published the story the
following week and Grong Grongs
place in the historical culinary atlas
of the world was secure.
That was all good until July 2016
when Rachel Carbonell, a reporter
with Radio National took an interest
in these things and began digging.
3UHWW\VRRQVKHGXJXS'RXJ(YDQV
1RZ'RXJVJHWWLQJRQDELWDQGKH
had a confession.
In the 60s and 70s a certain theatre
critic at the SMH would dismiss
sub-standard shows with throwaway
line of, suitable perhaps only for the
*URQJ*URQJ6FKRRORI $UWV
Now this pissed-off the locals like
'RXJPRUHWKDQDOLWWOHVRZKHQKH
saw the Heralds interest in Neenish
P UBOF THE MONTH
Tarts he sensed a karmic moment,

IRUWLHGKLPVHOI ZLWKDJODVVRI UHG
and put fountain pen to paper.
:KHQ5DFKHO&DUERQHOOFDOOHG'RXJ
he decided it was time to come clean.
It was all rubbish, one big get-even.
Hed made it all up. There was no
sister, Venus, no Ruby Neenish and
certainly no unexpected shower tea!
Just one big pisstake. Total myth!
Just a very successful get-square with
Aunty up in the smoke!
While were chatting, a naked
woman on the other side of the
bar catches my eye. Its redolent of
Chloe at Young and Jacksons down in
Melbourne so I ask about her. Aint like that
&KORHRI WKH:HVWLVDSDLQWLQJ
bought by a mate of old Les Wall. Im getting a bit sick of being disappointed PRWRUF\FOHVSHFLFFDWHULQJGUDJJHGWKLV
Les had no use for it at either the great little pub down into the high three
by country pubs which think that sticking
SRVWRIFHRUWKHWUDLQVWDWLRQVRKH
some hats, maybe a rabbit trap, a couple of helmet territory whilst the value for
donated it to the pub. Ted chimes in
from the pool table: photos and a whip on the wall is enough money was 180 where 100 is good and I
Go over and have a closer look and to make their place attractive. gave it 3/5 for unique character.
WHOOXVLI \RXVHHDQ\WKLQJVWUDQJH The Grong Grong Royal Hotel Rock up with a bunch of mates, throw
Now I don't want to be too much aint like that. your tent or swag out the back, piss Ted
of a perve so I take a couple of quick off the pool table, crank up the music
Ted and Kay know that some conversation
glances from up close.
starters around the place are great but and youre going to have a great night.
1XS
&KHFNRXWKHUERREVDQGKHUIHHW theyre no substitute for a welcoming Oh, and buy a sticker before you leave,
is the suggestion. smile, a friendly attitude and warm then spend time and almost every stop
Chloe turns out to be the lucky hospitality. At the end of each day they explaining where Grongy is!
owner of not just two but three know the story of every guest, because Disclosure: Kay wouldn't take any money
breasts and the not so lucky owner of for one of my chardys. Apart from that
theyve actually asked. Theyre as
two left feet. Chloes gone from being
interested in your stories as in separating everything was paid for. This did not in
alluring to overtly sinister!
Im beginning to wonder about this you from a little of your cash! any way affect my judgements or
SODFH'HYLRXVDQGGHFHSWLYHORFDOV The lack of undercover parking and any comments about the pub.
and women with 150% of nipples
DQGDLQVXIFLHQF\RI ULJKW
legs. Im beginning to think the gene
SRROQHHGVXVKLQJ whatever theyre called. And the chardy electric blankets. Each has good strong
I glance down at Kays feet but alas, washes mine down perfectly. Kay and hooks to hang your gear and the water
shes not wearing thongs! Ted share the other, as we steer the pressure in the very clean bathrooms is
Theres no bakery in Grong Grong conversation to a bit of truth and reality. top notch.
anymore and the places I tried down Theres just three beers on tap and The Gongys well enough off the
the road didn't have any for me to bring a schooner of XXXX is $5.40, about main drag to give you a good nights
but Kay had convinced Fran over at the average and theres food on from 6pm sleep after an enjoyable evening with
general store to do her best. every night. fun hosts but alas, a diminishing
After weve chatted for a while Apart from the camping and swagging number of locals.
Kay pulls out a beautiful plate with a out back, (5 bucks for a shower), This is an abridged and adapted
couple of almost melting moments therere four rooms inside the hotel, all version of a chapter from my
sort of things but with the distinctive with at least 2 single beds. On your own IRUWKFRPLQJERRN7KH3XEWKH
neenish duotone icing. youll part with $35 for a night, with a :KROH3XEDQG1RWKLQJEXWWKH3XE
Now I know tarts, Ive got a fair bit mate, its just $20 more. to be published in August by New
of experience with tarts, and these All the rooms have either a ceiling Holland. Keep abreast at Facebook/
DUHQWWDUWVEXWWKH\UHGDPQQH or pedestal fan and all beds have 1RWKLQJEXWWKH3XED
The Ultimate Outback Machine
2017 URAL SAHARA
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CYCLOPS
run I thought 200km or so would be base route. It includes little gravel.
MXVWDERXWULJKWDQGWKH3XQWVORRNHG If you return from St Albans to the
like the way to go. Maybe it would be Webbs Creek ferry by the road you
cooler by the Hawkesbury. In case youre took up there, almost none. The
AND THE
wondering, it wasnt. Fortunately I have 3LQNURXWHLVJUDYHOIURP/RZHU
a BMW Venting riding suit, which is 3RUWODQGWR:HEEV&UHHNZKLOHWKH
brilliant in really hot conditions. Yellow route is all tar, most of it
PUNTS
Now to make it interesting. This run is SUHWW\JRRGDQGOHDYHV\RXDW3HDWV
actually interesting enough in its own Ridge. But lets get going.
right, but seeing it was relatively short I started snapping on my way down to
I thought Id try something different. the ferry at Berowra Waters. This is a
7KHLGHDWKDWQDOO\ZRUNHGLWVZD\ lovely run, although very tight, and it
through to the front in the congestion certainly gave the Street 500 something
ONE EYE IS SOMETIMES in my brain was: how about I take all to think about not to mention its
MORE THAN ENOUGH the photos from one position? I dug rider but both coped well.
out my RAM handlebar mount and
WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR WWHGRQHRI WKHFDPHUDVWRWKHEDURI
the Harley, and with the view screen of BEROWRA WATERS
the camera tilted up I was good to go. With a small caf at the eastern end
I forgive you if you cant work out

what the blazes Im on about
this time. My mate Campbell once
So all the photos, except for the one
of the bike itself taken at the Sackville
Ferry, were snapped from handlebar
of the ferry crossing and a much
larger one in the west, this is quite a
well-served little place. Try to get off
told me that I was an obscurantist, OHYHORQWKH+'6WUHHWXVLQJLWV WKH)HUU\UVWVR\RXGRQWJHWVWXFN
and I guess hes right but hang in. RQHH\HGF\FORSVH\H7KRVH5$0 behind a car on the ways up the other
Let me explain mounts are effective and versatile; take side of the valley, because its fun.
Id been punting (er, sorry) the Harley- a look at them on the web.
'DYLGVRQ6WUHHWDURXQGWKHFLW\ The map is a bit of a rats nest of routes,
and on my way to and from work for so let me break with tradition and just GALSTON
a while, and I thought Id better give it quickly describe them here as well as on A plant nursery and caf called
a bit of a run. Seeing the temperature the back of the map. Greenshades greets you straight
outside Sydney was 40 degrees, it was The Orange route, starting from ahead as you roll into Galston. The
however going to be only a bit of a Berowra and ending at Hornsby, is the caf is expensive, but their coffee is
alright. There are other shops, and a impressive pub. We usually stop for MANGROVE MOUNTAIN
cheaper caf called Rosies. a coffee just opposite the pub, where A small shopping centre offers
parking is normally available. The a chance to rehydrate here.
bridge over the Hawkesbury is set to 'RQWIRUJHWWKDW\RXQHHGWR
WISEMANS FERRY be demolished and replaced, but I NHHS\RXUXLGVXS
Solomon Wiseman certainly imagine the authorities will make sure
picked his location when he built that there is always some kind of
his punt and the pub here back in crossing available. This is the route PEATS RIDGE
colonial days. The little town has WKDW OHDGV XS WR WKH 3XWW\ 5RDG Finally, and just off our map at
a full range of services, including the end of the yellow line, the
a doctor whose assistance we Corrugated Caf provides nice big
have required on one memorable EBENEZER burgers and another chance to meet
occasion. The pub of course The Ebenezer church is a little way some more motorcyclists. At last
is a much-loved motorcyclists off the route on the banks of the look, the service station across the
destination. There are no services river, and its worth a look all by road appeared to have shut.
at the northern ferry wharf. itself. But it also has a little
caf run by some local ladies, and Distance: Call it more or less
their scones are just excellent. 200km, depending on the
ST ALBANS A good refreshment stop if you route you take.
The Settlers Arms is a small stone havent succumbed to the coffee Ferry closing times: All ferries run
building surrounded by shade perfume in Windsor. 24 hours a day, except as below.
trees and offers the usual liquid Berowra Waters, 2nd Tuesday of
refreshments and quite good the month between 12 noon and
food. It has accommodation out SPENCER 14.30; Sackville, 1st Wednesday of
the back, and camping across the On the Yellow route, the place to the month between 12.45 and 15.00;
road in front on the banks of the keep in mind is Spencer. Set at the /RZHU3RUWODQGVW:HGQHVGD\RI
Macdonald River. FRQXHQFHRI 0DQJURYH&UHHNDQG the month between 09.00 and 11.00
the Hawkesbury, it has a pleasant and nightly between 12 midnight
and motorcycle-friendly little and 0500; Webbs Creek: 1st Tuesday
WINDSOR restaurant/servo. Theres seating of the month between 09.30 and 12
2QWKH3LQNURXWH:LQGVRURIIHUV on the bank of the creek and a noon; Wisemans Ferry, no closure
a full range of services plus an reasonable amount of parking. (they have a spare ferry). D
TR A VEL
THE CASCADES,
WASHINGTON
LOOP THE LOOP WORDS & MUSIC THE BEAR
Winthrop will give you a taste of the
Old West, but with ATMs.
TR A VE L
I must have sounded like a, er,

sounding whale. Id pushed my way
out of the hotel lobby through the
bite to wash down even the cantinas
greasy enchiladas. Ah yes, if life was
perfect what would we have to aspire
But hey, my EagleRider bike was
doing the job! The County Fair was
RQDW5RRVHYHOW,WKLQNDQGWUDIF
rotating door when I released a huge to, eh? was backed up for at least three miles,
guffaw, a combination of outrage and But what had I been doing in waiting to turn into the parking lot.
mirth. An elderly couple who had just Wenatchee WA anyway? Nobody seemed to mind my using
rolled up on an RT Spyder stepped the breakdown lane well actually it
back to establish that they were not LOOPING THE LOOP was just the side of the road to keep
in any way associated with this loonie Wenatchee, along with Twisp, moving. I even got some waves, and
who was now wheezing with laughter. Skykomish, Gold Bar, Leavenworth, QRWKH\ZHUHQRWRI WKHPLGGOHQJHU
I waved them through the door and Cashmere and Concrete, lies along Then I was past the paddocks and into
wished them luck. the Cascade Loop, Washingtons the mountains. This really is beautiful
The attractive young lady behind 8OWLPDWH5RDG7ULSDFFRUGLQJWR country, with the road winding
the reception counter had just quoted the Cascade Loop Association. They, through tall pines which occasionally
PHWZRKXQGUHGDQGIRUW\YHEXFNV of course, would know. Since I was give you a glimpse of the impressive
for a room. For one night. In a kind in Washington anyway, courtesy of mountains. The road condition was
of average-looking multi-storey hotel +DUOH\'DYLGVRQZKRVHQHZWRXULQJ good too, something that can be rare
with no under cover parking for the bikes I had just ridden over on the where there are frosts these can
bike. When I replied that I hadnt 2O\PSLF3HQLQVXOD,WKRXJKW,PLJKW do terrible things to tar seal if the
intended to spend quite that much, as well take the Association at their roadbed is not deep enough.
she immediately lost interest in me. word and loop their loop. Its always a new experience when
That was okay; I had immediately lost On a bike, naturally. Usually I can rely you ride into young mountains like
interest in her when she quoted me RQ+DUOH\'DYLGVRQWRDUUDQJHZKHHOV the Cascades. The rock walls arent
that price. for me, but this time with the launch just steep, theyre amazingly steep and
I was still snickering as I pulled and all they were regretfully not able they all look different; I dont think
away, back up to the main road, but to help. Never mind; a quick call to you would confuse the Sierra or the
it soon became obvious that I wasnt Santina Keith at EagleRider Australia Rockies with the Alps or the Himalaya.
going to get anything much cheaper and EagleRider Seattle had a bike for Mind you, here on the Loop they
in Wenatchee. I suspect the place is me. Not only that, but it came at a do their best to confuse you in other
simply too prosperous. Certainly it was 50% discount; and not only that, but it ways. Take the town names. Ive
surrounded by lush-looking orchards was a discount on the Sportster price, always thought of Leavenworth as a
which no doubt produced enough for a RoadGlide. Nice. Thank you, prison; it appears in enough American
apples for every Mom in the entire folks. Let me say that this was not the movies and TV shows as such. But
USA to bake into pies, and made UVWWLPH,KDGXVHG(DJOH5LGHUDQG here in Washington, Leavenworth
the place well off indeed. As for me, Ive always found them to be helpful is a Bavarian town. Not a real one,
though, it was a wee bit too rich... DQGHIFLHQW(YHQLQ+DZDLLZKHUH of course, but one dressed up in
Looking for something that matched people are helpful enough but where borrowed architecture. Leavenworth
my credit card a little more accurately, there appears to be no translation of delivers high-voltage Bavarian
I headed north on State Highway 97, HIFLHQWLQWRWKHORFDOODQJXDJH PHPRULHVVD\VWKH&DVFDGH/RRS
following the Colorado River. I found The cab driver who took me to Association just in case youre both
exactly what I had been looking for in EagleRider on 1st Avenue from the blind and deaf. Everything from
3DWHURVDVPDOOWRZQULJKWRQWKHULYHU airport implied in a none too delicate yodelling, schnitzel, oom-pa-pa music,
7KHEDFNRI WKH/DNH3DWHURV0RWRU way that I might as well have walked. OHGHUKRVHQDQGGLUQGOVDSOHQW\
Inn was the grassy bank of the river This cost him his tip. My gleaming Not to mention the worlds largest
and there were tables and chairs just copper-coloured freedom machine nutcracker collection!
outside the rear entrance to my room. was sitting in the forecourt, and after I told you not to mention that.
0\IW\RQHGROODUVDQLJKWURRPWKDW transferring what I thought I needed A bit further along is Cashmere, with
was, made irresistible by that riverbank for a few days from my suitcase to WKH&DVKPHUH0XVHXPDQG3LRQHHU
on which I consumed some of the the bikes luggage, and storing same Village and free internationally
EHHUV,GERXJKWDWWKH3DWHURVVWRUHDV VXLWFDVHZLWKPDQDJHU-RVK'XQQH UHFRJQLVHGFDQG\DWWKHWRZQVOROO\
I watched the sunset. In Wenatchee I I was off. Interesting point here; the IDFWRU\'D,V&DVKPHUHOROO\6L
would have had to sit in my room and bike I was riding was a 2016 model, 2XL-D
grumble about the $194 Id wasted. and I had no trouble picking the ways Next is Wenatchee, which is where
Admittedly the Tex-Mex food at the in which the new 2017 models I had you came in. It is actually a pretty
3DWHURVFDQWLQDZDVJHQXLQHO\WHUULEOH EHHQULGLQJZHUHEHWWHU+'UHDOO\KDV standard-looking American town
but the beer, a local small brewery done a good job transforming a good with a long main drag featuring every
,3$ZDVMXVWQHZLWKHQRXJKKRSV tourer into an excellent tourer. fast-food chain outlets and car yards.
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SEPTEMBER 16 - 24, 2017
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TR A VE L
Thick, green forest lines the road.
One of the boys keeping guard but he actually looks more like Bigfoot! Just when you need it, theres an
open caf or pub.
3OHDVDQW HQRXJK EXW ODFNLQJ WKH FKHDS claim of glory for the dam. Built in the In the morning the turnoff
family-owned motels which are among days when folk singers praised public from 97 took me further along the
the things I seriously love about the works rather than condemning them Columbia to Bridgeport, where
United States. on environmental grounds, Woody the road crosses the river just
Guthrie had this to say about it: XSVWUHDPIURP&KLHI -RVHSK'DP
ROLL ON, COLUMBIA ON UP THE RIVER IS GRAND
One of the Native Americans
My ride up the river as I left was not COULEE DAM greatest tacticians, Chief Joseph
a random move; I was on my way to THE MIGHTIEST THING EVER once said I only ask of the
see one of the wonders of the world, BUILT BY A MAN government to be treated as all
WKH*UDQG&RXOHH'DP,QWHUHVWLQJO\ TO RUN THE GREAT FACTORIES RWKHUPHQDUHWUHDWHG+HZDVWREH
the grand in the name comes from AND WATER THE LAND disappointed, but I suppose having
the ravine in which it was built, the SO ROLL ON, COLUMBIA, a dam named after you is better than
Grand Coulee, not from some kind of ROLL ON. nothing. A little.
Road surface is excellent just about everywhere you go.
Grand Coulee Dam from Crown Point Vista.
Its a spectacular run across to the WXUQRII WRWKHOHIWIRU&URZQ3RLQW small town below the dam on the
*UDQG&RXOHH'DPIURP%ULGJHSRUW Vista. Not only is there an impressive rivers left bank, looks really sweet,
not so much because of what we view of the dam, but theres even a like something out of a 60s television
usually describe as scenery but little structure like a Roman temple serial think Leave it to Beaver. On
because this is part of that great open from which to view it. More cute the other side of the river, crossed by
land often called Big Sky Country. than anything else, it does create a an iron bridge, is Elmer City in the
Thats more a term for Montana, sense of occasion. Colville Indian Reservation. Looking
to the east, but it applies here too. I The dam deserves a sense of somewhat more modern it is also
breathe easier when Im out in the occasion, as well. Stretching across the clearly prosperous.
open like this, and so does my bike. valley it backs up the huge Franklin I continued through the reservation
'LG\RXNQRZZKDWWKHWRSVSHHGRI '5RRVHYHOW/DNHDQGSURYLGHV to Omak and good ol 97 where I
WKH+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ5RDG*OLGHLV" as Woody said, both electricity and turned left and right again to the 4000
Just before the dam itself there is a irrigation water. Grand Coulee, the foot Loup Loup Summit pass and then
TR A VE L
to Twisp. I checked in at the converted

Nissen huts of the Sportsman Motel
on the way into town on the basis
of its claim to provide clean, quiet
URRPVDWUHDVRQDEOHUDWHV7KDWV
exactly what I got, too, as well as
words of wisdom from owner Brian.
I wasnt game to raise the subject of
politics; this was a month or so before
the election and I had seen literally
dozens of Trump signs, but not a
solitary Clinton placard. That was
ZKHQ,UVWJRWDVHQVHRI WKHIDFWWKDW
Trump would win, I think.
6DGO\WKH7ZLVS5LYHU3XEKDG
The Cascades are real mountains, all right. burned down see, this doesnt just
happen to Australian pubs but since
I was in America, getting a beer was
no problem. Twisp is an arty sort of
place and there are obviously quite
a few artists and artisans living in or
near town who probably like a brew or
two; theres also good coffee at Blue
Star Coffee Roasters.
BACK IN THE LOOP

I was back on the Cascade Loop now,
but Winthrop, the next town, was
pretty much the last of the touristy
settlements. Where the southern loop
features tourist traps like Leavenworth
and Cashmere, the northern loop is
more natural. Winthrop, unlike many
tourist towns, is a pleasant place with an
Old West atmosphere and businesses
like Three Fingered Jacks Saloon, a
magnet for local and visiting bikers.
The many local beers had to remain
unsampled, unfortunately, because I
had a ways to go. After fuelling up at
the tiny servo of tiny Mazama, last
JDVWKLVVLGHRI WKHUDQJH,KHDGHG
off to what is supposedly the grandest
view on the Loop the 5477 foot
:DVKLQJWRQ3DVV
The claims are not wrong. The sight
of the rugged Liberty Bell Mountain
on the right and the road stretching
up to the pass on the left is truly
outstanding. I nearly got cleaned up
by a pickup when I stopped to take
a photo Im always complaining
about tourists stopping on the road for
photos, so I was only getting what I
deserved.
From here on, the ride through
1RUWK&DVFDGHV1DWLRQDO3DUNDQG
In the reservation not many Indians to be seen.
It gets hot out in the open country on The dam from the town of Grand Coulee. Another one of the boys, just
the way to Grand Coulee. hanging around.
This gets my championship award for Thats Liberty Bell Mountain and friends, on the way up Washington Pass.
brevity and conciseness in advertising.
Bridge connecting two of the Puget Sound islands off Seattle. Local beer good!
TR A VE L
past Ross Lake is just wonderful. I

didnt make really good time because
I kept stopping to take in the views
and take photos. Well off the
roadway, though.
And then, eventually but all too
soon, I was back in civilisation. The
UVWVLJQRI WKDWZDVDZHOODVLJQ
WKDWVDLG:HOFRPHWR&RQFUHWH,
assumed that this was a humorous
way of referring to the long Seattle
conurbation that stretches along
Interstate 5 from Olympia in the south
to Bellingham in the north, but no. It
was just the name of a town. I rode
Public advertising wall in Twisp. straight through the settlements and
crossed the highway before taking the
b ridge to the chain of islands that lies
DORQJ3XJHW6RXQG%\2DN+DUERXU
I was ready to look for somewhere
to spend the night and the Auld
Holland Inn with its windmill hit the
spot. No, I dont know why; usually I
WU\WRDYRLGWKHPHGPRWHOV%XW,
was tired, yerronner and it turned
out for the best anyway. The kindly
bloke in reception gave me a ground
RRUURRPDQGDIWHUDTXLFNGLQQHU,
hit the pillow.
Just as well I got some sleep. The
next morning dawned wet and cool,
and when I attempted to start the bike
I got nothing. Not an idiot light, not
a whisper. Twisting and turning the
ignition switch did nothing for a while
and then the switch, backed up with
a long and serious-looking stick of
metal just came right out of the tank.
Umm. I called EagleRider, and Josh
WDONHGPHWKURXJKWKH[$OO,KDGWR
do, it seemed, was to reinsert the stick,
turn the switch to the right just beyond
the usual stop and then turn it back
and the bike would start. It did, too.
The run down to the ferry at Clinton
was damp but bearable I did have my
wet weather gear handy and by the
time I rolled off the boat at Mukilteo
and up through the seemingly endless
Boeing factory the drizzle had more
RUOHVVVWRSSHG'RZQ,QWHUVWDWHWR
Renton, across to Burien and I was
rolling into the EagleRider lot. Mission
accomplished: loop ridden, dam seen
and another view of the fascinating
place that is the United States ready to
think and write about. D
My only wet day, on the $10 ferry returning to Mukilteo.
The memories
will last a lifetime...
PETER & KATH WRIGHT, WARRINGTON, UK
This magazine is filled with other peoples

motorcycle adventuresisnt it time you
had one of your own?
#RideParadiseNZ
GUIDED TOURS SELF-GUIDED TOURS MOTORCYCLE RENTAL
Your Journey Starts Here www.paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz

TR A VEL
Business Meets Leisure

This is one of our series of bleisure
or business/leisure stories; they tell
\RX KRZ WR OO WKH GD\V RII WKDW VRPH
AUSSIE BREAK
LITHGOW, NSW
of you can get when you travel for
work in Australia or overseas.
Naturally, they involve motorcycling that bad. But it was bad enough so an inferiority complex; headings in
that my friend packed his bag and my tourist brochure about Lithgow
lit out for Sydney on every Friday DUH6XUSULVLQJO\LQWHUHVWLQJ
6XUSULVLQJO\VSHFWDFXODU
B ack in my younger days I had
a mate who had been sent to
Lithgow to work off his Teachers
afternoon, only to return across the
mountains on Monday morning.
Lithgow is a far cry from those
6XUSULVLQJO\H[FLWLQJDQGVRRQ
But come, lets go and visit. You
College Scholarship. I know that days now, although the towns can of course use your own bike
some of these terms and concepts slogan: Easy to Get To, Impossible if you have one on hand, or you
wont mean anything to the WR )RUJHW PD\ VWLOO UHVRQDWH can rent one from various places
younger among you, but it was all with my mate. in Sydney. Then its just a matter
simple enough: if you wanted to But you can get good coffee, and of following the Great Western
become a teacher you attended there are cafs where you can also Highway (if you like freeways) or
Teachers College; most potential get a healthy, fresh bite to eat. There Bells Line of Road (if you like
teachers received scholarships, are also numerous sights to see both pleasant two-lane blacktop through
and once you graduated you historic and natural. Many of the scenic bush). Sadly, the latter
had to go and work wherever shops in the main street are painted alternative is receiving increasing
WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI (GXFDWLRQ in heritage colours, too. Further, attention from the boys in blue, and
sent you. An interesting take on Lithgow is surrounded by some VSHHGOLPLWVDUHGURSSLQJ'HVSLWH
the possible results can be seen truly interesting little villages and that its worth sampling; you can
LQ D OP FDOOHG :DNH LQ )ULJKW other settlements. Mind you, the always go back along the highway.
Lithgow, to be fair, was not quite locals appear to still have a bit of Its worth stopping at Bilpin and if
you like plants (and who doesnt?) key rings and much
at the Botanical Garden at Mt more! (Well, maybe its
Tomah. I can take or leave the caf a bit of a boy thing,
there for service, prices and choice but the Small Arms
but the plants are pretty smart and Factory made sewing
there are barbecue facilities. machines, too.) See
On the main road your descent www.lithgowsafmuseum.
into Lithgow will be by way of org.au for more
DWHUULFORQJVWHHSGRZQKLOO information. The
left- and then right-hander. Then museum is open
youre pretty much in town. A Tuesdays, Wednesdays
little further along, at the church, and Thursdays from
WKHUHLVDVHWRI WUDIFOLJKWV7XUQ 9.30 to 2 and on
ULJKWKHUHDQG\RXOOQGRQHRI weekends and public
Lithgows prime attractions pretty holidays from 10 to 4.
much immediately on your right; School holidays, 7 days
this is the Tin Shed which houses a a week 10 to 4.
favourite caf of ours called Salud. There is spectacular
Tania Aussel runs it and welcomes scenery on just about
motorcyclists with open arms; any road around
she tells me that We are almost 2 Lithgow, both gravel
years old hence we are launching a and tarred. The road
QHZPHQXVW'HFHPEHU out to Newnes used
:HDUHUHQLQJRXUPHQX to be a favourite of
with a strong focus on local mine, but its almost
produce. We have a lovely Orange all tarred now and a
EDVHG&RIIHH$FDGHP\5RDVWHUV bit too easy! The huge
and a Lamazoco machine to camping ground at the
FKXUQRXWWKHJULQG end, at Newnes itself,
Sounds good? If you are going is still worth a visit. No
up to Lithgow in a group, ring her supplies out there these
on 6352 1740 and Tania will open days, ever since the pub
the gate to the Tin Sheds back closed. Its a kind of
yard to let you park all together, holiday cabin place now.
and securely. Salud is open 7 days A different road which
6.30am Monday to Friday and 8am is still gravel and dirt will
weekends, with dinner Thursday, take you from the Zig-
Friday and Saturday nights with Zag Railway (currently
live music Fridays 6-9pm. closed, I think) to the
That same turnoff will take you amazing Glow Worm
to an impressive ruin on the other Tunnel. Bring a torch.
side of the railway tracks. This is So Lithgow might not
RUZDVWKHUVWPRGHUQEODVW be particularly different
furnace in Australia, built here in a lot of ways from the
because of Lithgows coal mines. town my mate escaped
There isnt much left except for from every weekend,
the brick stump you can see from but it has learned to
the main road, but the atmosphere make a lot more of its
is impressive and its been used attractions, freshened up
as a backdrop for many a photo its appearance and added By the light
session. The blast furnaces good coffee and food.
presence in Lithgow caused the Seeing that its less than There really is a lot to do and see around Lithgow, so
National Small Arms Factory to be two and a half hours ,GVXJJHVWWKHUVWWKLQJ\RXGRLVKHDGIRUWKH9LVLWRU
built here, and you can look over from Sydney, along some Information Centre out on the Great Western Highway
its absolutely fascinating museum excellent roads, that just west of town; you cant miss the giant miners lamp
where you can buy bolt action makes it well and truly by the side of the road. Or you can check www.
UROOHUEDOOSHQV'HVHUW(DJOH worth a visit. D tourism.lithgow.com before you go, or ring 6350 3239.
TECHNICAL The atmosphere in the pits is friendly
and along with the organiser, almost
all of the other riders will be helpful.
YOUR FIRST
TRACK DAY
WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED?
WORDS STUART
S o, youre thinking about giving a track day

a whirl? Youve probably seen what race
teams take or have been told by your mates of
DED]LOOLRQDQGRQHPXVWKDYHVWRJHW\RXRXW
on the track to enjoy your machine. It can all be
confusing. After a number of requests from you
guys and gals I thought Id give you a bit of a
run down on the basics to get you through the
day with maximum enjoyment. Heres a list of
items you might consider depending on just how
serious you want to get.
My multiple winning race bike, which
is tested and optimised at track days
before it gets raced most of the time.
FUEL AND FUEL SPOUT: Aside from Your bike will need
anything and everything else. Its fair to be checked by the
to consider fuel as the most essential track day provider
item you need to take with you, along before being allowed
with a fuel spout to put it into the tank. onto the track.
Tracks dont have fuel trucks attending
anymore like they used to, so getting TYRES: Good tyres on
hold of a decent twenty litre fuel your ride is number
container with fresh fuel is number one two on my list. You
on your list. Be guided by your manu- dont have to have
facturers recommendations on which slicks or the stickiest
fuel to run. treaded tyre on the
market youre here
FRIEND: A friend who can come out to to try out the track
help you and look after some of the and enjoy your bike
essentials is really good to have. I have in a faster and safe
attended a track day with only a few environment than the
tools and a tyre gauge in my backpack road. But you do need
and ridden off to the nearest petrol to be mindful of tyre
station when fuel was getting low, but pressures. Without
this is a pain. So take a mate or perhaps tyre warmers, give
even your wife/husband; it will make 33psi front and 30psi
life much easier for your day out. rear a go as a start for
most tyre brands, but
THE BIKE: Your bike should be a in remember to warm
a good serviceable condition as you the tyres up for a
Its all very well to admire the
would ride it on the road, but remem- couple of laps before really pushing
ber to take off any panniers, seat bags, the bike to its limit and consider how professionals, but that doesnt mean that
tanks bags and so on. Tape the mirrors. the bike is handling towards the end you need all the equipment they have.
R E T R O I S A L I V E A N D K I C K I N G AT
BUYING, SELLING, WE PREPARE
REPAIRING AND RACE BIKES TOO
RESTORING CLASSICS VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT
AND FUTURE Ph. 02 4958 1435
CLASSICS. CATCH US ON FACEBOOK
OTHER BIKES
1965 HONDA CD90
$2500. GREAT NICK.
1994 HONDA VFR750

DUCATI PANTAH $5,900
$2999. HEAPS OF
BMW R1100RS $4,900 1988 GSX-R1100 $6,000 We have a bit of a custom here. It started life as an REGO, GOES UNREAL.
1995, under 50,000 kilometres from new. New Genuine Black/Gold limited edition, now with SL500 back in 1981. Since then its got a 600cc upgrade
tyres. Heaps of rego, aftermarket mufer plus new paint, stickers, recovered seat and repainted plus a very rare one piece tank and seat unit. Looks and
original. Fantastic bike, nothing to do but ride it. wheels. Great bike. rides great. Be a great club bike. New tyres. Currently we
This bike was 20 grand back in 1995. have it on club rego and are enjoying it to the max. 1983 SUZUKI KATANA
1100. $6999. NON
ORIGINAL PAINT, 1170
KIT, GREAT BIKE.
KAWASAKI GPZ750R
PROJECT BIKE. RUNS
OK, WILL CLEAN UP
HONDA CBX1000 $14,900 YAMAHA RD350LC $6,900 BMW R100RS $10,000 NICE, SPARE ENGINE.
1979 American import model. Under 30,000 miles on the This bike has under 40,000 kays on the clock but the engine has 1978, UK import, 19,000 miles from new.
clock, very original. Weve got it on club rego, enjoying it. The been recently rebuilt. It has been lovingly maintained throughout its Fantastic condition, two owners. Ready to enjoy $1500.
only y in the ointment are the pod lters but we do have an life and is a real barn nd sort of machine. Its also being used on with no work to be done. Comes with panniers.
original airbox, which we will t for the new owner, and it has club rego, has good tyres and needs nothing. It has 250 stickers on
a non original seat cover. Good tyres, everything works great. it but dont let that fool you. A real timewarp this one.
Call Chris on 0404 030 925 or Dave on 0407 362 060 www.classicalgasmotorcycles.com
TE CHNICAL
of the session as to which way you go two-piece leather suit, gloves that cover are the way to go. Then you can pack
with adjusting the pressures for the your wrists, boots that allow your leath- everything you need into the car and
optimum setting for other sessions ers to tuck into or over comfortably whip the bike off the trailer at the track
throughout the day. and, Id recommend, a back protector. for an enjoyable day. And dont worry,
This is a requirement if you race, be- theres always someone who will give
TYRE PUMP AND GAUGE: Remember to cause breaking your back is bad news, you a hand to unload/load your bike at
pack in a tyre pump and quality tyre thats for sure! the start and end of the day just ask.
gauge. Youll use them as much as
you use fuel! CHAIN LUBE: Throw in a can of chain THE DAY ITSELF: Finding a track day
lube and consider giving the chain a provider is pretty easy. Search via
TYRE WARMERS: Sure, having tyre squirt after your second session. Google for your local circuit and if
warmers allows you to have better tyre \RXFDQWQGDQ\WKLQJRQWKHLUZHE-
wear and more grip from the get go, 100 MILE AN HOUR TAPE: Another great site about a motorcycle day, give them
but are they essential for average track item to have, especially if you happen a call. Youll also need to enter before
day punters? Not really, so long as you to throw the bike down the road, a the actual track day (most of the time)
warm up your tyres correctly, as I men- roll of hundred mile an hour tape can and pick a group that is suitable to
tioned above. (almost) make fairings and all sorts of \RXUULGLQJOHYHO%HLQJ\RXUUVWGD\
bits on the bike like new again. Id suggest giving the slowest group a
FOLD UP CHAIRS: Youll buy me a beer or JRUVWEHFDXVHLI \RXDUHPXFKIDVWHU
two for suggesting you take a couple of CABLE TIES: Same goes for a packet of GXULQJWKHUVWRUVHFRQGVHVVLRQDQ\
fold up chairs. There is a lot of down cable ties which can help keep your good track day provider will move you
time at track days while other sessions bike together if any bolts fall off or if up to a suitable group. You also need
are running. Being comfy, relaxing in a things get broken in a crash. to learn the track, which will
chair is a top priority. Trust me! take time before you get up to speed.
RAGS: Chuck in a handful of rags for If you happen to pick a faster group
FRONT AND REAR STANDS: Good to have cleaning up mess, or cleaning the bike. and youre not up to the groups speed,
so you can work on your bike between any good track day provider will
sessions (if need be), but unless youve EXTENSION LEAD: $ YH PHWUH H[WHQ- notice this and move you to the right
got tyre warmers, not a really essential sion lead is essential if youve got tyre group. Ask for help from the track day
item to have. warmers or have taken a cooker to provider if youre unsure of anything
whip up something tasty for lunch! throughout the day or if youd like a
TOOLS: Taking some tools along that are couple of pointers on lines you should
common for your bike is a great idea, POWER BOARD: And add in a power be taking. They are there to help you
especially tools for adjusting the front board so you can run a few things off have a great time!
and rear suspension and taking the the one lead.
front and rear wheels out and adjusting ENJOY YOURSELF! The most essential
the chain. FOLD UP TABLE: A small fold up table is thing to do at any track day is just to
one of the handiest items to enjoy yourself! If you arent having a
WATER: A must have, though you have at the track. You can put your great time, pack it up and head home,
can normally buy some at the track. helmet and gloves on there after each because when you arent having fun
Youll be in need of a good swig session and youll also have some- is when youll crash due to a lack of
of cold water after each session so where to put your food. concentration.
make sure youve got plenty of it to As for cost, take a look at my
replenish yourself. BIKE CLEANER: Of course its nice to recommendations and youll see that
have your bike looking its best for the theres a good chance that you wont
SNACKS: Another great thing to photographer who will be snapping have to buy anything at all probably
have with you. As with water, you your style during the day. Seriously, youve got all of this stuff anyway. And
can buy food at most tracks, but a youll be surprised at the amount of if you have to buy a fuel container, that
packet of snakes or some trail mix rubber that will be plastered onto will come in handy at other times.
will work wonders and potentially your machine and cleaning your bike I hope my little rundown helps you
save a lot of money. throughout the day can also let you see get out there and explore your beautiful
any other potential problems that arent machine in a safe environment. If you
GEAR: Of course your gear should be visible from your chair. really have a good time, maybe Ill
in top condition. You probably wont see you out racing a beautiful classic
get on the track without these anyway, TRAILER AND RAMP: If you want to go machine someday! Thats where the
but the things you need are a full-face all out, or dont have a friend who can fun is, you know, not on these modern
helmet (obviously), either a one or give you a hand, a trailer and a ramp superbikes! LOL! D
WINNING TECHNOLOGY FROM RACE TO ROAD
Tuono V4, direct descendant of the RSV4, is the world champion bike in the world of superbikes. With 294 grand
prix races won in world championship GP motorcycle racing, Aprilia holds the record for the most wins of any
european manufacturer in the history of maximum motorcycle competition. These are joined by an impressive 54
world titles: 38 in world championship GP motorcycle racing (20 in 125 and 18 in 250), 7 in superbike (rider and
manufacturer double win in 2010, 2012 and 2014 and manufacturer in 2013) and 9 in off road disciplines (7 in
supermoto and 2 in trial). Technology, innovation: Aprilia has racing in its blood, in its head, in its DNA.
/apriliaaus @apriliaaus Official Aprilia aprilia.com.au

RANGER IDE
HELLO TO
BOLLYWOOD
SECOND WORLD SOLUTION TO
A FIRST WORLD PROBLEM
WORDS RALPH PHOTOS ROYAL ENFIELD
W e were ready, on this perfect riding day, to

tackle Rajasthan. Sadly that was not to be
because, as I quickly realised, we were lined up in
Melbourne, not desert India but we really had the
right bikes for both places. The full range of Royal
(QHOGPRGHOVXQIRUWXQDWHO\PLVVLQJWKHEUDQG
new Himalayan, was patiently waiting for us outside
$XVWUDOLDVUVWIXOORQ5R\DO(QHOG&RQFHSW6WRUH
the freshly re-imaged Mid Life Cycles, which will
\WKH,QGLDQDJIRUWKHPDUTXHLQ0HOERXUQHV
QHDULQQHUFLW\&UHPRUQH3HUIHFWORFDWLRQDIWHUDOO
5R\DO(QHOGVDUHLGHDOFLW\DQGFRPPXWHUELNHVDV
well as conquerors of the worlds tallest mountains.
Instead of climbing every mountain we tackled
the rather more amenable environment of bayside
Melbourne on a range of the companys bikes to
give us a chance to discover just what it is that is
expected to justify an annual production rate of
ELNHVRQFHWKHQHZIDFWRU\LVQLVKHG0LG
Life Cycles owner Michael Catchpole had good
reason to host a full-on opening party for the shop
with celebrities and live music as well as marketing
gurus and other factory representatives. We got there
ODWH0HOERXUQHVWUDIFZDVQRWNLQGWRXVEXW
there was still plenty to do.
Such as grabbing a chilled beverage and Rudy
5XGUDWHM6LQJKWKH&(2RI 5R\DO(QHOGIRU
a private word after his off-the-cuff speech to the
crowd. He actually covered almost everything we
needed to know about the 115 year old company,
including its growth and the hint of more to
FRPH6HYHQ\HDUVDJRKHWROGXV5R\DO(QHOG
manufactured an already remarkable 55,000 units
D\HDU7KDWDQQXDOJXUHZDVVPDVKHGLQMXVWRQH
month this past October. The company expects
Classic 500
R ANGER IDE
Bullet 350
to continue the same growth and plant in Oxford work the same way. on those memories and experiences,
SURWDELOLW\ZKLOHPHHWLQJWKH I steered Rudy into discussing how along with the bike, to my currently ten
tougher Euro 4 emissions standard happy the companys workers are, year old son.
as well as bringing new and exciting with my mind drifting over to Indias With the Classic, Bullet and the
models on stream. northern neighbour Bhutan and its index Continental GT the mainstays of
I asked Rudy whether the massive of Gross National Happiness. the current range and the new 410cc
increase in sales was a result of Rudy dived into his repertoire of Himalayan hitting the showrooms soon
organic growth or a huge injection of answers and pulled out a beauty. Good (probably by the time you read this) it
cash - or maybe something else. Ever question; no one has asked me that was an ideal time to talk about the ways
the consummate businessman, his before, but I know our factory has the in which a non-conforming model
answer was considered and measured, lowest rate of attrition [that is, people lineup has relevance and offers success
like every answer he gave. quitting and leaving] in the automotive in this fast paced world.
After twenty seconds of accessing sector. Also we implemented a Ride Rudy suggested that it is precisely
his right side brain, sifting through Leave system where our workers, if this that encourages people to think
what must be millions of bytes of they own or can use a motorcycle, are again and slow down, turning to a Go
information, and bingo: "That is a allowed, in fact encouraged to take up to 6ORZPHQWDOLW\:KDWEHWWHUFXHWR
great question and one where a detailed VL[GD\VD\HDURIIWRZHOOULGH introducing the range.
H[SODQDWLRQLVUHTXLUHGKHVDLG How cool is that! I dont know where
5R\DO(QHOGKDVLQFUHDVHGWHQWLPHV else you could get a job like that. And of CLASSIC 350 AND 500
its production to become the largest course its free advertising for the brand. If the Classic was a movie classic, it
manufacturer in the motorcycle world by We talked about how having a Royal wouldn't be 'Gone with the Wind' or
understanding and working to an 'order (QHOGLQWKHJDUDJHLVPXFKWKHVDPH its Bollywood equivalent, nor would it
ERRNV
V\VWHP7KDWPHDQVWKHUHLVQR DVEHLQJWKHFXVWRGLDQRI D3DWHN go like the wind. The simple yet elegant
on-spec manufacturing; dealers place 3KLOLSSHZDWFKUDWKHUWKDQRZQLQJLW single cylinder and single seater in matt
their orders and the factory kicks into Becoming the custodian of, instance, one or gloss retro colours would be more like
JHDUDQGOOVWKHRUGHUV,QWHUHVWLQJO\ of the new Himalayan models would a Humphrey Bogart character study. The
many large car factories like BMWs Mini mean that I could ride and ride and pass bike requires you to reconsider your own
Bullet 500
riding style and on-road aspirations, and

learn to deal with the lack of power that
almost any other bike of its engine size
can offer. The look-alike (single cylinder)
twins, in capacities of 350 and 500,
offer simple and un-fussed transport
like yesteryears with the advantage of
modern technology like electronic fuel
injection. The 350 is pleasantly smoother
and doesnt have much of a power
GHFLWRYHUWKHDQGERWKRIIHUVROLG
ULGLQJDQGLQ5R\DO(QHOGVSHDND
VHQVH RI 3XUH 0RWRUF\FOLQJ
BULLET 350 AND 500

The Bullet, which differs from the
Classic mainly in styling and in that it
offers a dual seat, would be the star in a
working class movie. As ubiquitous as
dahl baht, the staple food of the sub-
continent, this retro motorcycle carries
the entire nation. Also found on almost
every motorcycle tour in India or Nepal,
I think it is the most convincing step
back in time that you can buy today. This
is the above-250cc transportation choice
in its homeland. The riding position is
the most comfortable of the small range
and there isnt much that needs changing
to have a great time out on the road or
in the suburbs as well as in the Himalaya.
You couldnt get more Indian than the
Bullet, even with a proper Madras curry.
A sensational assault on the senses
ULJKW WR WKH 3XQMDE
CONTINENTAL GT
Inside the showroom
of Mid Life Cycles
You can feel the difference of another
FF7KH*7LVOLNHWKH'LUHFWRUV&XW
edition of Blade Runner, the 80s Sci-Fi
movie with a young Harrison Ford. It
has more mystery, added pace, more
action and the punch is more noticeable.
In 2017 you can swing back to 1982
in a blink of an eye, turning back the
clock to a Caf Racer look and feel and
something else thats often missing these
days - character by the jam-pot full. You
get clip-ons and a crouch to suit, and the
only thing missing is a stumpy and more
DVVHUWLYHORXGHUOHWVIDFHLWPXIHU
More of a real Caf Racer than you
might image, the GT is my favourite of
the range. In an android Blade Runner
world of Replicants, the Continental
looks as good as a young Sean Young!
Shes hot, in a Vindaloo kind of way. D Rudy Singh meditates on the
UHOHYDQFHRI5R\DO(QHOGWR
todays rushing crowd.
EVE NT The control tent, and a small
crowd admiring a Scrambler.
35TH
long drop dunny, some ancient solid
concrete picnic tables, and some new
shelter sheds with timber picnic tables.
THUNDER
Those new sheds came in very handy Tex helps out with the award
later in the afternoon. ceremony wheres Bundy?
My mate and I spent the afternoon
RALLY
chatting to various folk and inspecting
some interesting machinery, while 6WXIIHG &DW DQG /RQJHVW 'LVWDQFH
periodically some joker would accelerate Single at 4480km on his KLR650. John
HUFHO\ DZD\ LQ WKH GLUHFWLRQ RI WRZQ DWWHQGHG WKH 0RWR*3 DW WKH ,VODQG
obviously a pub run. before heading to Nundle, and was then
RUMBLE AROUND NUNDLE I noticed quite a representation on his way home to Alice. A big effort
WORDS/PHOTOS THE POSSUM
of cruisers, both metric and North for a bloke battling kidney stones Im
American, and a good roll up of dual- sure the vibrations of the KLR kept the
sport machines from Japan, Austria and stones to a managable size !
*HUPDQ\7KHUHZHUHDOVRVRPH'XFDWLV
T he 35th Thunder Rally conducted
E\WKH'XFDWL2ZQHUV&OXERI
16:ZDVDJDLQKHOGDWWKH6KHED'DPV
plenty of Multistradas among them.
More than one group had the back-up
Youngest Rider was a 17 year old Tom
Burke. Chris Hillas with 1758 km was
WKH/RQJHVW'LVWDQFH'XFDWL5LGHU
camping ground, not far from Nundle. ute/van with the barby and the big esky, and Stan on his R75/6 ( which he has
The weather forecast was not to well organised. owned from new) picked up Oldest
promising, but we thought we would Sitting over a snack of cheese and Combined Bike & Rider with 112 years.
have a crack anyway. The ride up to crackers, washed down with a coldie, Stan had also collected this award at the
Nundle was under near perfect skies, and we watched the clouds building and Kosciuszko Rally a few weeks earlier !
most enjoyable. heard the thunder start. And down she The hungry horde were well catered
$IWHUDVWRSDWWKH3HHO,QQIRU came ! Sitting in the new shelter sheds, for by the Nundle Lions Club who again
necessary refreshments, we tackled the we weathered the cloud burst, and after rose to the challenge with their excellent
FOLPEXSWRWKH6KHED'DPVDOZD\VZLWK a while it was back to blue skys and travelling kitchen. The evening feeding
an eye on the rear view mirror for any sunshine normal service resumed ! was well received, and even more so
budding Carl Fogartys charging up from Later in the evening, Mal assembled the restorative coffee and tea the next
EHKLQGRQDQRYHUORDGHG'XFDWL the troops and got on with the awards morning. The bacon and egg rolls were
Wheeling into the control tent, we DQGUDIHV7KH&OXEDOWHUQDWHGZLWK pretty good too !
were greeted by Aunty Mal and his hard DQDZDUGWKHQDUDIHGUDZWRNHHS $OOSURWVIURPWKHUDOO\JRWRWKH
working helpers who relieved us of everyone on their toes. Tex and Bundy Spinal Unit, Royal Rehabilitation
PRQH\IRUEDGJHVDQGUDIHWLFNHWV0DO made a guest appearance and helped +RVSLWDO5\GH7KLV8QLWLVWKH'XFDWL
was quick to point out that there was with passing out awards. Clubs organisation of choice and
about $5000 worth of goodies to be Awards were long and mixed, but DOOWKHLUSURWVIURPRWKHUYHQWXUHV
handed out later that night. highlights were as follows - through the year also support this
The camping ground is well shaded, John Hubner from Alice Springs took excellent facility.
but you need to get in early to get the KRPH/RQJHVW'LVWDQFH/RQJHVW 3HQFLOLQWKLVUDOO\IRU2FWREHU
DWJURXQG7KHUHLVWKHVHOI FRPSRVWLQJ 'LVWDQFH0DOH/RQJHVW'LVWDQFH its a beauty! D
$XVUL
BACK ISSUES
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Back issues only cost $12.00 each including postage and packaging; just visit the website and place your
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TR A VEL
TRUST THE TRUSS

ALL RIGHT, SO HES EASILY IMPRESSED WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR
I n art and especially movies, bridges

(except Lloyd Bridges) are often
used as symbols of connection or
believed to be the only timber truss
road bridge in NSW to survive with
its original style deck still in use. So
California too, but most of the back
roads seem to cross the rivers and
creeks on iron bridges like the ones
involvement. And as with most show some respect next time you in the photos. In Utah, the citizens of
metaphors, simplicity makes for take that road. Rockville are trying to save their iron
strength. Take Simon and Garfunkels -RKQ$0F'RQDOGWKHGHVLJQHUZDV 3DUNHU7KURXJK7UXVVEULGJHWKHODVW
Bridge Over Troubled Waters. DVLJQLFDQWJXUHLQEULGJHGHVLJQDQG in the State. Many iron constructions
There is something touching about FRQVWUXFWLRQLQ16:DQG0F'RQDOG are effectively kit bridges made
bridges. Sometime in the past, truss bridges are good examples of elsewhere and taken to their location
someone cared enough to want to early Australian methods of bridge in bits before being assembled on the
establish this connection, to bring construction. Timber truss bridges spot, tab A into slot B. As well, they
people together. Thats why I like the ZHUHGHYHORSHGDQGUHQHGLQ$XVWUDOLD have often been moved as the road
Australian tendency to name bridges to achieve the highest level of timber they carried needed higher capacity
after people. bridge construction at the time. constructions, and placed where there
Its not just individual bridges, either Timber truss road bridges were ZDVOHVVWUDIF
whole classes of bridges were named built extensively in NSW because of 7KH&DOLIRUQLD'HSDUWPHQWRI
after their inventor. Take the bridge the high quality of local hardwoods Transportations Historic Highway
RYHU3HDUFHV&UHHNLQ+RUQVE\VKLUH and the shortage of steel until the Bridges of California tells me that
north of Sydney. The 1894 bridge steelworks at Newcastle were built in the proliferation of railroads in the
LVD0F'RQDOGWUXVVEULGJHEXWQRW the early 20th century. ODWHVEURXJKWDXUU\RI EULGJH
MXVWDQ\0F'RQDOGWUXVVEULGJHLWLV There are timber bridges in northern building. The railroads favored iron
The sign says it all, more or less, about the Pound Crossing Bridge in NSW.
A bridge in Humboldt County, The stress rods stick out from the side
or steel trusses for larger structures northern California, with my trusty of the laminated bridge deck.
The technologies and materials were (borrowed) Indian Chief.
already in place when the need for
highway bridges arose soon after the And theres more to bridges than days when they were built, when the
turn of the century. Thus many of \RXPLJKWWKLQN7DNHWKH3RXQG riders of early motorcycles no doubt
the earliest California highway bridges &URVVLQJ%ULGJHQHDU'XQJRJLQ found them just as useful as I do now.
were built by the same northern NSW. When it was opened Ghostly Hendersons, Matchlesses or
bridge companies from designs in August 1994, the 60 metre long NSUs drift across them
similar to the train bridges, and in bridge had the largest cellular stress The American iron bridges, just
some cases actually were recycled laminated hardwood timber bridge like the few remaining wooden arch
train bridges. deck in the world. Just exactly what bridges on the NSW North Coast,
Those boxy metal truss spans is that? Go and have a look at it if also take me back to a time when
that could be ordered up in standard \RXUHLQWHUHVWHGLQQGLQJRXWPRUH craftsmanship was a more powerful
designs from the bridge company What inspired this story, and what driver than it is today.
catalogs served the purpose of I would like to pass on to you, is the Modern is not always best; new
facilitating California highways feeling that I get when I come out of is not necessarily the most useful;
expansion at a good pace in the some stretch of forest on a back road, reinforced concrete is not the
UVWIWHHQ\HDUVRI WKHWZHQWLHWK gravel or tar, and suddenly see one inevitable material to use. Go ride
century Some have even of these iron beauties or one of the some old bridges of your own, and
been dismantled and moved to Australian wooden bridges in front of pay a silent tribute to the people who
QHZORFDWLRQV me. Its a kind of connection to the EXLOWWKHP37D
USED &REVIEWED
FEEL THE REVZ RISE! Fitment is excellent with a mid-rise WHVWDPHQWWRMXVWKRZJRRG'UDJJLQ

Draggin Jeans Revz waist, plenty of length in the legs, Jeans really are.
3ULFH wider belt loops for any type of It seems as though everyone is
Motorcycle riding jeans are never belt and a quality YKK front zipper wearing a pair of Revz and I reckon
quite the same in style and looks as a which is a decent length to make you should be too! See your local bike
normal every day type jean you might doing the business much easier. shop or visit www.dragginjeans.net to
wear, although a lot of the time you Theres also a good sized coin pocket purchase. SW
really need to be looking. However which makes getting that change out
WKRVHDPD]LQJSHRSOHDW'UDJJLQ for a coffee a breeze. BUILDING A CUBBY
Jeans, who have led the motorcycle An important feature that makes Bike Kubby
riding jeans world and continue to do the Revz so comfy is the sports mesh 3ULFHIURP
so has released what I am calling the liner. Similar in appearance to the How about a nice little cubby house
safest non-motorcycling looking riding PHVKOLQHU\RXPLJKWQGLQPDQ\ to park your bike? Well, you can
jeans to date! other types of motorcycle garments, now get a Bike Kubby which is a
7KH\DUHFDOOHG5HY]DQGWKH\KDYH but softer. You can also get knee and retractable cover that goes over your
a classic look that will suit any bike, hip armour, but Im not a fan of that entire bike and protects it from sun,
but also they do not really look like a stuff in riding jeans. hail and in a way, even thieves.
riding jean, nor do they have the bulk Ralph also recently got a pair of The Bike Kubby comes with
of a riding jean with a Kevlar liner. the Revz jeans and is in love with everything you need to set it up and
To make the Revz as safe as you them. He loves the comfort and the easy enough instructions to follow
FDQJHW'UDJJLQKDVXVHG5RR0RWR non-motorcycling jean looks. Ive when building it, although youd
a unique knit of the worlds also seen the new Revz in action with better ignore the time listed to build
WRXJKHVWEUHVWRJLYH\RXRYHU the rider sliding along the road. No it in the instructions; allow yourself
seconds of road abrasion resistance injuries sustained and not a mark on three or so hours to get it all together.
and both Level 1 and Level 2 CE the jeans! He was going reasonably The Bike Kubby is well made from
approval. I dare say that is better slow at the time through a 15km/h TIG welded steel tubing and CNC
than some leather products out there switchback, but a slide is a slide and FXWIRUDQH[DFWW7KHWXELQJLVWKHQ
on the market! getting up with no skin missing is powder coated for longevity. The
cover is made from strong,
'HQLHUSRO\HVWHUIDEULFDQG
available in either the Midnight
%ODFNDV\RXVHHKHUHRU'RYH
Grey. The cover is also waterproof
with fully taped seams, blocks
96.7% of the suns rays and is even
UHUHVLVWDQW7RNHHSHYHU\WKLQJ
nice under the cover, it is vented to
eliminate condensation.
As an added bonus (well, I think
so), you can lock the cover shut with
a padlock making it one more item
to get through if someone really
wants your ride. Since its a cover that
doesnt show anything of your bike,
no one will really know whats under
there, which is a deterrent in itself.
The Bike Kubby is available in two
sizes Sport or Touring - and comes
with a 12 month warranty which can
be upgraded to 24 months. You can
DOVRJHWDRRUDQGRWKHUELWVDQG
pieces to really make it a luxurious
kubby for your ride.
To purchase, call 1300 087 016
or visit the website
www.kubbys.com.au SW D
TOUR TES T
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120

WHATS NOT TO LOVE? WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR
3 ark the Triumph Bonneville T120

anywhere, and almost certainly
someone will come up to you and
with the possible exception of traction
control. What I dont particularly like
is the way styling is going. Consider
Im told that this is the same with
music; throughout your life, you
tend to prefer the kind of music
compliment you on the restoration the bikes I have owned most recently: that you liked in your late teens.
job youve done. Every now and then, D'XFDWL6FUDPEOHUD+DUOH\ Whatever; I just like the appearance
someone will know that this is a new Sportster, a Kawasaki W800, a BMW of motorcycles that look the way the
bike and not a reconstruction, but G 650 GS, a Triumph Bonneville T120 Bonneville does.
theyll compliment you anyway. For You can see a trend there, I think. This But that isnt all there is to like. In
buying it. It seems that everybody is a personal reaction, of course, and I fact, one of the other outstanding
loves the new Bonnie. remain wide-eyed and open-mouthed attractions of the bike is a techie
And why not? Whats not to love? when I ride one of the staggeringly one its eight valve SOHC parallel
Before we go any further, let me out powerful and capable motorcycles that twin engine is liquid cooled. That
myself as a bit of a luddite. Its not UROOWKRXJKRXUSDUNLQJORW,MXVWQG makes it remarkably smooth, and as
that I dont like technology; I just love it easier to bond with bikes that look soon as youre over about 2000rpm
ABS and the many other innovations the way bikes used to look when its almost like a big purring cat. Its
we have seen over the past few years, I got into riding. QRWKDUGWRJXUHRXWWKDWWKLVLVWKH
Compact and
businesslike, the
Bonneville T120 looks
exactly what it is a
thoroughly competent
mile muncher.
The long and, in this case, straight

road is just as much the T120s
home as winding mountain routes.
height at 785mm, and the 224kg

(dry) machine is easy to manoeuvre
around. It also has a centre stand,
bless you Mr Bloor.
The T120 has heated grips, and
they exemplify the amount of effort
Triumph has put into this motorcycle.
High Torque The button that operates the heated
engine; it claims grips is incorporated beautifully into
more than half the left grip. The instruments look
as much torque pretty trad as well, but they offer a
again as its lot of useful information like fuel
predecessor, range. The jury is still out for me on
105Nm at gear indicators, but the Bonnie has
3100rpm and RQH , MXVW QG WKDW , SD\ WRR PXFK
most of that is attention to these things, attention
available from that is better directed at the road
LGOH3RZHUSHDNV DW N EXW WKDW The Bear wears a Nolan N21, a BMW ahead or (sadly) at the speedo.
UHODWLYHO\ORZJXUHEHOLHVWKHELNHV But onto the long and
Venting suit, BMW Winter gloves, Rossi
SHUIRUPDQFH,WJRHVMXVWQHDQG lonesome road.
,PSOHDVHGWKDWWKH16:3RZHUV boots (not shown) and a smug grin. There is a USB charging socket,
That Be are not using the elapsed And why not? He gets to ride as often for such things as navigators, but I
time/distance method to control as he wants to. Well, almost. knew where I was going Sydney
those irresponsible, dreadful speed to Cooma by as many back roads as
freaks who might exceed the limit , FRXOG UHPHPEHU , KDG WWHG WKH
by a few kliks. smart-looking leather saddle bags,
The T120s service intervals are a disappoint some riders (but not me); which slip onto a unique and terribly
pleasing 16,000km.You are not meant the only adjustment is to the rear clever (and reasonably unobtrusive)
WRGGOHZLWKWKLVELNHZKLFKZLOO preload. The seat is at a reasonable chrome loop and then clip onto a pad
T O UR TE S T
The bag slides onto the

chrome loop, and then clips
onto a pad under the seat.
Those are the BMW gloves on

that sits under the seat. Simple and the seat of the bike. Mirrors
useful. The bags are capacious and
work well, top speed is a
held easily enough for a weekend ride.
Claimed fuel economy is 4.5 litres (calculaled!) 200km/h plus.
per 100 kliks, which gives a decent
range of about 320km from the 14,5l
WDQN,XVXDOO\JHWJRRGIXHOJXUHV complying. The pillion doesnt quite
(mainly because I change up early) get the same standard of comfort,
Twin discs on the
and I almost matched the factory but the back seat is still better than
IURQWDUHDUVWIRU FRQVXPSWLRQJXUH8QOHVV\RXULGH the majority of bikes. I covered
a Bonneville. like a loonie (in which case you will just under a thousand kilometres in
be on a different motorcycle) you my two-day ride, which was broken
should get 300km comfortably. most pleasantly by the Bear Armys
This and its tinted sister the T120 2016 Southern Manoeuvres at the
%ODFNDUHWKHUVW%RQQHYLOOHV Alpine Hotel, and I could not have
with twin discs up front. I wasnt asked for a better seat or a more
absolutely sure the bike needed the comfortable bike in any other way.
310mm discs with their Nissin 2 7KHVPDOODFFHVVRU\\VFUHHQKHOSHG
SLVWRQRDWLQJFDOLSHUVEXWDQHDU a surprising amount during highway
encounter with a wallaby near Nerriga travel on the Monaro.
disabused me of that opinion. They So at a reasonable $17,000
get a tick from me, as does the ABS. why isnt there one permanently in
+DQGOLQJLVMXVWQHWKDQN\RX P\JDUDJH"'RQWUXVKPH7KHUH
The ergonomics are excellent as may soon be just that; Im also
well, for someone of my just-above tempted by one of the smaller
The Bear liked the
average height. The controls, as the capacity Street series Bonnevilles,
old clich has it, fall easily to hand. and by a Himalayan, and...
OLWWOH\VFUHHQRQHRI
But the best thing about the bike Never mind. But remember:
about 160 accessories from a touring point of view is the park a T120 anywhere and
available from Triumph. seat. For the rider it is just right, a youll cop at least one, er,
bit hard initially but then pleasantly bonnie compliment. D
The Ninja 650 and learner approved Ninja
650L bring fresh attitude to the middleweight
class. Make everyday trips exceptional and
add a sports dimension to your leisure riding.
Legendary Ninja style and performance make
the Kawasaki difference.
' Super punchy 649cm3 parallel twin engine
' Almost 20kg lighter than the previous model
' Nimble and easy to handle
' True Ninja styling
' Racing inspired assist and slipper clutch
' Relaxed, sporty ergonomics and narrow seat
' Both learner approved and full powered
versions available
Pearl Blizzard White KRT EDITION

Lime Green and Ebony
kawasakiaus @kawasakimotors For more information visit www.kawasaki.com.au

Always ride responsibly. Always ride within the limits of your skills, your experience and your machine. Wear an approved helmet and protective clothing. The actions depicted here took place under controlled conditions with professional riders.
INDUSTR Y
NOBODY
LIKES US
WORDS DAVID MCMULLAN*
Our man in China looks at some of the obstacles for

Chinese motorcycle manufacturers trying to crack the
(XURSHDQPDUNHWDQGWKHZD\WKHVHGLIFXOWLHVDUHEHLQJ
perceived. Its unfortunate that the manufacturers in one of
the worlds most bureaucratised nations dont understand
the never-ending push from their brothers in Europes
bureaucracy for the constant tightening of rules
C hinese motorcycle manufacturers are very

good at creating obstacles for themselves but
Hmm, that frame looks

familiar somehow.
Yeah, who needs Euro4?
here I will detail some of the aspects
(mainly outside of their control) that WHY WOULD A
they (especially the small and medium COMMUTER [BIKE] WITH Motorcycle industry analyst and
sized manufacturers) will have to SMALL ENGINE NEED AN motorcycle parts fair organiser Ziwen
overcome to become a power on
European Union nation markets. ABS BRAKE SYSTEM? Zhang commented Whats wrong
with EURO 3? Its a perfectly good
We have recently seen a lot of THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS conformity for modern conditions.
movement from Chinese motorcycle THAT IT JUST DOESNT. I have spoken to lots of industry
companies wanting to produce staff on this matter and everyone
models for the European market, this There is a conversation with has the same opinion, EURO 4 is
rapid development is intended to get a common theme pervasive in completely unnecessary for the rider
them bedded in before the Indian the Chinese motorcycle industry. of a motorcycle with a displacement
motorcycle manufacturers begin The over-riding feeling is that under 250cc. We Chinese rarely make
their inexorable march into Europe. European and Japanese motorcycle a motorcycle over 250cc. Of course
'HVSLWHWKH&KLQHVHIDFWRULHVVORZ manufacturers increasingly fear the there are exceptions like CFMoto
UHDFWLRQWR(852FHUWLFDWHVRI evolution of Chinese motorcycles and Loncin but 98% of our export
conformity there are, at least style, market shares on the commuter models are under 250cc (another
quality and price wise, several models markets in European countries and exception could be ATVs but Im
from the likes of Zongshen, Tayo, that these companies have reacted really talking about 2-wheelers
CFMoto, Fuego and Loncin that by lobbying the European Union to here). While I agree that electric fuel
would undoubtedly become popular change the conformity of motorcycles injection is better for the environment
on European markets if they can WRPDNHLWGLIFXOWIRUWKH&KLQHVH why would a commuter with small
overcome the obstacles. manufacturers to continue their rise. engine need an ABS brake system?
INDUSTRY
Well, except for those pesky

European bureaucrats!
models to a growing world market. In

China we had Canton fair to display
models but Chinese manufacturers
began to utilise exhibitions around
the world including smaller ones in
/DWLQ$PHULFDWKH'HDOHUH[SRLQ
America and of course Intermot
and EICMA. The way that Chinese
exhibitors were treated by Intermot
and EICMA was an absolute disgrace.
They were placed in the most remote
parts of the exhibition halls, the places
were fewer visitors went. They were
absolutely marginalized. I remember
when Xie Fie from Junsun called
\RX'DYLG0F0XOODQWRDVN\RXWR
make a complaint to the organisers
of EICMA. After receiving that
treatment for a few years it was
decided by many companies that they
would not exhibit at these European
expos any more. All the exhibitors
used to go to these expos under
the organizational umbrella of one
business travel company so when
RQHUPGHFLGHGWKDWWKH\ZRXOG
boycott the European expos many
followed their lead. I will tell you
honestly that the treatment that the
H[KLELWRUVJRWZDVYHU\YHU\XQIDLU
On an optimistic note, the ride
and tech reports dedicated to
Chinese brands in many of Europes
motorcycle trade magazines are
increasingly positive. The European
The simple answer is that it just DWWDLQPHQWRI (852FHUWLFDWHV,W 2-wheeler media seems to concur
doesnt. In the opinion of many in seems that the European free market that Chinese models are being
the motorcycle industry EURO 4 UHDOO\LVMXVWIRU(XURSHDQV progressively better styled than their
ZDVLQYHQWHGWRPDNHLWGLIFXOWIRU This year will see the event of predecessors and that the quality to
Chinese motorcycle manufacturers the 2 most important and popular cost ratio now provides good value
to export to Europe as many of motorcycle exhibitions on the planet, for money. This is essential for the
them had only just adapted to EURO Intermot in Cologne, Germany, and success of Chinese bikes in Europe
3 when EURO 4 was announced. EICMA Milan. In previous years these as apart from the bigger joint venture
Chinese bikes are cheaper and less expos have been busy with Chinese FRPSDQLHVOLNH=RQJVKHQ3LDJJLRDQG
technical and they were gaining a motorcycle industry exhibitors of Loncin-BMW you are very unlikely to
better reputation in Europe and even bikes, parts and accessories but see new models displayed at Europes
outselling the Japanese at certain times in recent years the attendance of exhibitions anymore!
in countries like the UK. EURO 4 Chinese companies has reduced,
was a huge spanner in the works for Chen Long from the industry council *David McMullan is Chief Editor of
some Chinese manufacturers who had explains why. In the early years of China Motorcycle News Magazine and Auto
to absolutely revamp their research Chinese motorcycle export expansion Trade China magazine, as well as being
and development departments and exhibitions were everything, they Organiser of the CMPF Motorcycle Parts
hire foreign experts to aid with their were the only way of displaying new Fair and the Electric Motorcycle Show. D
BYO bike and well take you on a great ride
Fully supported 1, 2 and 10 day guided tours on your bike or one of ours!
Visiting scenic destinations across Victoria, South Australia and
New South Wales throughout 2017.
To find out more about your next adventure visit:

www.scenicwheels.com.au scenic
WHEELS
Just bring your own bike well sort out the rest.
MOTORCYCLE TOURS
135 Macquarie
Street Sydney
Thought the
www.waterhouselawyers.com.au taxman was going
P 02 9252 8746
M 0401971390
to take my bike
tax@waterhouselawyers.com.au
...until I contacted Waterhouse
tanwaterhouse Lawyers, the tax experts
now I ride easy thanks to WATERHOUSE LAWYERS the tax experts
TR A VEL
RIDING IN OTHER
around every corner; when the old
Jugoslavia was split up, some of the
splinters created are so small theyre
COUNTRIES
hardly there but they still have
border posts.
Okay, so lets see. Before you start out
THE BEAR you should make certain that you have
all the paperwork you might need.
3URRI RI UHJLVWUDWLRQDQGLQVXUDQFH
U ntil youve tried it, you have
no idea how much fun it can
be to ride in other countries. Even
could be something youve never
seen before, including a border post.
If youre in the Balkans, you can
for the bike, plus a letter from the
owner if the bike is borrowed, is a
New Zealand. Around every corner encounter them just about literally start. You should obviously have your
This is a fairly typical scene
from New Zealand. Why
dont you join us there on
our tour in 2017?
drivers licence; I dont usually bother
ZLWK DQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 'ULYLQJ 3HUPLW
(obtainable from the RAC or NRMA)
but Im told its vital in Spain. This is
your call.
Oh, while were on the subject
of calls: if you have a bike-to-bike
intercom, check that the frequency
is legally available. I spent a week in
Europe once talking to my mate on the
emergency services channel and would
have been in serious trouble if caught.
Within reason, you can adjust your
riding to match the locals style. But
dont forget common sense. In the
Alps, the locals habitually overtake
in blind corners, for example. I dont
recommend that. But in Borneo, the
Kota Kinabalu riders overtake any
damn way and ride on the wrong side
of the road. I do the same when Im
there its expected. In Thailand you
are almost at the bottom of the pile
of respect, just above pedestrians and
ELF\FOLVWV 'RQW SXVK \RXU OXFN
Be polite to the cops wherever you
are. In some countries they have
staggering powers, and they use
WKHP 3ROLWHO\ FODLPLQJ LJQRUDQFH
works; when they try to extract an
RQ WKH VSRW QH ZLWKRXW D UHFHLSW
pull out a previously hidden
medium-sized currency note and
sadly explain that thats all youve
got. Sometimes it works; make sure
it doesnt look like a bribe.
And take it easy, at least until you
have had a look at the scenery and
arent likely to be stunned by it every
time you turn a corner. Youll need
your attention to stay on the road and
out from under the wheels of the rest
RI WKH WUDIF D
0 0 2 2 + years
formerly Ferris Wheels Safaris
Awesome Andes 21 days: Peru, Chile, Bolivia
Life is a or nothing at all !

WHATISTHAT?
SIDE CHAPTER
at Warwick Road, Coventry, and the
entire bike was also assembled there.
It weighed 198lbs and the steering
head and frame backbone are a one-
WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR
piece steel forging. As you can see in
the photo, the frame was quite basic
LQVRPHZD\VWXEHVZHUHDWWHQHG
T he story of the Newmount is
very much a side chapter of the
much larger tale of Zndapp, the
1921, was a straight copy of a
British Levis two-stroke. The factory
promoted the Z22 as the Motorrad
at the ends and often bolted rather
WKDQZHOGHGWRJHWKHU3DLQWVKRZHG
German motorcycle manufacturer fr Jedermann or motorcycle for RUDQJHSHHOQLVKDQGWKHUHZDV
which was at one time one of the HYHU\PDQDQGEXLOWLWIRUYH\HDUV little chrome, but the striping on
biggest maker of motorcycles in It sold very well, by all reports, and the guards and the tank was very
the world and which beat BMW in Zndapp went on to create its own workmanlike and consistent. The
the competition to design a sidecar engines and notably frames, many of bike was priced at 33.
RXWWZLWKWZRSRZHUHG ZKHHOV which were made of pressed metal. Newmount started with Zndapps
for the Wehrmacht, the WW2 By the end of the 1920s, Zndapps own engine in 200 and later 300cc
German army, to use whenever it success was enough to encourage versions but eventually branched
felt like invading someone J K Starley Jnr, formerly of the out into the larger end of the
through some mud. Rover Company, to sign a licensing market with 348 and 499cc Rudge
Erwin Tragatsch in his agreement with the Germans which 3\WKRQHQJLQHV3DWULRWLVPRQO\WRRN
Encyclopaedia of Motorcycles saw him importing most of the parts Newmount so far, however; reports
FODLPVWKDW=QGDSSV UVW ELNH of a 200cc two-stroke. The tubular indicate that the bigger bikes had
the Z22 which hit the market in and somewhat basic frame was made German-made frames.
Interesting slogan; I wonder how
Matchless (which started all the who won that one. attractive 1929 model in the
way back in 1901) felt about it? (DUOLHU)HUGLQDQG3RUVFKHKDGDOVR photo, taken at the National
talked the SS into commissioning Motorcycle Museum in the
his Kbelwagen instead of a sidecar 0LGODQGVZRXOGGHQLWHO\QG
RXWW,LPDJLQHKLVQDPHZDVQRW a place in my garage. D
=QGDSSRXULVKHGLQWKHHDUO\ popular around Zndapp but its
Zndapp didnt always use pressed
30s and even began design work side valve twins and fours continued
on the Volkswagen in competition to sell well. steel for its frames, that was mostly
ZLWK)HUGLQDQG3RUVFKH,QVWHDG Newmount, meanwhile, languished on the bigger Richard Kuchen designs.
RI 3RUVFKHVDLUFRROHGDWIRXU and the factory closed its doors This post-war Zndapp Comfort 200
Zndapp proposed a liquid-cooled in 1933. Shame, really. The still shows much of the same DNA that
YHF\OLQGHUUDGLDOHQJLQH*XHVV unpretentious but compact and made the Newmount such a good looker.
NEWINTHESHOPS
freshly applied coat after just one day. International. For more information
RockSolid is available in a number of on the range visit, www.linkint.com.
QLVKHV LQFOXGLQJ 'HQLP &KLS 6DGGOH au/motocell-gold-batteries.html
Tan Chip, Cherry Bomb, Earth Brown,
Gun Metal, and Brilliant Blue. AH, THAT FEELS NICE!
)RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WR QG Dainese Pro Armour Lumbar
your nearest stockist visit 3ULFH
www.rustoleum.com.au Want to help make your travels more
comfortable, well what you need is
PURE GOLD H[DFWO\ZKDW'DLQHVHKDVUHOHDVHG
Motocell Lithium Gold Batteries WKH3UR$UPRXU/XPEDU%RDVWLQJ
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Rust-Oleum Rock Solid We all need power and having a
Ever wondered how a showroom powerful battery to keep you going
RRUJHWVWREHVRVSLFNDQGVSDQ as best as possible is a must. Claimed
while no matter how long and hard lightest option available for motorcycle
you scrub your garage, you cant seem power supply; for those looking to
WRJHWWKDWJORVV\QLVK"7KHDQVZHU achieve weight reduction - approx 1/3
is Rust-Oleums RockSolid range. lighter than the equivalent lead acid
5RFN6ROLGLVWKH',<FRQFUHWHDQG battery. The Motocell Gold is made
RRULQJSROLVKWKDWZLOOOHDYH\RXU from a new tough nylon outer case
JDUDJHRRUORRNLQJMXVWOLNHWKH construction for greater durability, (1FHUWLFDWLRQDQGFRQVWUXFWHGRI
showroom. The average Joe can enjoy KDVDQLQWHJUDWHG/&'EDWWHU\6WDWH H[LEOHH[SDQGHGQLWULOHUXEEHUWKH
seeing their ride on gloss thanks to RI &KDUJHLQGLFDWRUEUDVVWHUPLQDOV 3UR$UPRXU/XPEDULVH[WUHPHO\
RockSolids long lasting sheen. with three position multi mount comfortable while still offering
5RFN6ROLGLVDQHDV\WRDSSO\RRUDQG connectivity and each battery comes excellent lower-back protection. Just
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KEY POINTS FOR THE TOUR ... WHERE YOULL GO

W eve had a lot of requests for
our 2017 New Zealand tour and
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with breaks throughout the day for
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Guided AMM Tour - Easter 2017
Motorcycle Tours to run this one, lunch, coffee, activities etc. $UULYDO'D\)UL$SULO
VSHFLFDOO\EHFDXVHRI WKLVIDQWDVWLF ',67$1&(NPVDSSUR[LPDWHO\ Christchurch Hotel Check-in
tour they offer, including the Omaka 5(67255,'(%OHQKHLPIRU2PDND and Happy Hour
Classic Fighters event. Classic Fighters Airshow video: Day 1: Sat 08 Christchurch to Mount
If any of that gets you going, youd https://youtu.be/QGwi3ogieNU &RRN1DWLRQDO3DUN
better hurry and book your spot! You 5,'(5&203(7(1&()RU Day 2: Sun 09 Mount Cook National
DOVRJHW3HWHU7KH%HDU7KRHPLQJ riders with safe motorcycle 3DUNWR4XHHQVWRZQ
as your special host rider. control in all situations Day 3: Mon 10 Explore Queenstown/
5287(*5$'(DVSKDOW Queenstown to Wanaka
some challenging sections, Day 4: Tue 11 Wanaka to Franz Josef
TOUR BOOKING & DATES multiple mountain pass Glacier Village
6RXWK3DFLF0RWRUF\FOH7RXUV switchbacks/hairpins Day 5: Wed 12 Franz Josef Glacier
www.motorbiketours.co.nz 02725&<&/(66RXWK3DFLF 9LOODJHWR3XQDNDLNL
RIFH#PRWRUELNHWRXUVFRQ] Motorcycle Tours has late model bikes Day 6: Thu 133XQDNDLNLWR1HOVRQ
3K from various manufacturers for you to Day 7: Fri 14 Nelson to Blenheim
Skype: ride.nz choose from, in different sized to Day 8: Sat 15 Spectacular Omaka
'HSDUW&KULVWFKXUFK suit all types of riders. Classic Fighters Airshow
Saturday 08 April 2017 68332579(+,&/(,1)27RXU Day 9: Sun 16 Blenheim to Kaikoura
Return - Christchurch guide on a motorcycle plus support Day 10: Mon 17 Kaikoura
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TR A VEL
POSTIE
NOTES 12
MOS ON THE BUNDY NOW
WORDS/PHOTOS JACQUI KENNEDY
C entral Queensland holds many

JHPVOLWHUDOO\DQGJXUDWLYHO\,
was two months into my second year
riding my indomitable postie bike Mo
around Australia and revelling in our
second winter above the Tropic of
Capricorn. I had purposefully chosen
a full mesh protective jacket from
Corazzo in anticipation of the higher
temperatures and it was turning out to
be one of my better choices on this
WULS,ZDVQDOO\EHJLQQLQJWRIXOO\
understand the Grey Nomad calling.
The Sugar Bowl region of Bundaberg
and Rockhampton held very little
appeal once wed done the Bundy
Rum and Ginger Beer factory. The
cane cutting season had not quite
begun but the cane was high and dry,
swaying gently in the breeze for mile
upon mile. The smell of molasses was
in the air, heralding the new season.
The towns were heaving with casual
workers and fruit pickers with camp
grounds and hostels bursting at the
seams. The only escape was west into
mining country. Noel, from Horizons
Unlimited, had invited me to visit
Emerald and aside from having a
Big Easel to add to my Big Things
collection, it was a welcome change
from the coastal mayhem.
The 200km of road between
Rockhampton and Emerald contained
the largest concentration of trucks I
KDYHHQFRXQWHUHGVLQFH3RUW+HGODQG
in WA. Luckily there was a nice wide
verge and I was hyper-vigilant of the
approaching behemoths, being able to
maintain my speed in the breakdown
lane at the same time allowing the
trucks to overtake Mo safely. While
UHIXHOOLQJLQWKHOLWWOHWRZQRI 'LQJR
a truck driver approached and
complimented me on my safe riding
TR A VE L
stating that I was the talk of the culture, Noel and I ventured further region, stunned to see the extent of
WUXFNLHDLUZDYHV:KHQ,HQWHUHG west to gem country. Sapphire, Anakie the hole in the ground. Mile after mile,
the roadhouse to pay for my petrol, and Rubyvale contain rich veins of slashing a nasty scar on the landscape
the lady said its all taken care of semi-precious stones and an entire whilst employing thousands of
ORYH2QHRI WKHWUXFNLHVKDG community living off-grid and outside workers living in temporary humpies
expressed his appreciation by paying WKHFRQQHVRI FRXQFLOUHJXODWLRQV RI \LQ\RXWWRZQVKLSV
IRUOOLQJ0RVWDQN Stake a claim and build a shack. While free camping one night I met
Life on the road continually )RUDOHVVRQLQQGLQJVDSSKLUHFKLSV ,DQ'HQQLV+HLGLDQG&KULVIURPWKH
delivers nice surprises from KHDGGRZQWR3DWV*HPVZKHUHHYHQ Walk for Life team. They were raising
unexpected tangents. WKHPRVWERJDQSRVWLHULGHUFDQQGD money for breast and prostate cancer
Escaping from the busy road stone chip or two. by walking around Australia over the
and the heaving tourist parks, Mo After Noel returned to Emerald, next 14 months, they tag-team 10km at
and I hit the gravel and camped at I headed north for a night at the a time and cover about 50km a day. If
%ODFNGRZQ1DWLRQDO3DUNZLWKWKH VWXQQLQJ7KHUHVD&UHHN'DPDQGWKHQ you want to be a grey nomad and see
only company being magpies. The I backtracked to Capella to visit the the great land of Oz - then this is the
dirt road in deters many caravaners /LJKW+RUVHPHPRULDODPDJQLFHQW way to do it!!
IURPYHQWXULQJWRRIDUDHOG GHVLJQDQGWWLQJPRQXPHQWWRWKH Back on the coast I was told about
After a relaxing few days at Emerald $Q]DFV&XWWLQJDFURVVWKURXJK'\VDUW the tiny hilltop town of Eungella
being introduced to the farming I passed through the coal mining where I could see platypi in the
wild. Winding our way through high our route to the Eungella campsite Hatton Gorge and stopping for
FDQHHOGVUHDG\IRUKDUYHVWWKHKLOO where we were treated to the most lunch at the Ulysses Garden Cafe.
climb was a struggle for my poor PDJQLFHQWGRXEOHUDLQERZVXQVHW I had encountered virtually no rain
overloaded little mate. The anticipated across the valley. Other tourists were in the past two months touring
glorious view from the top was happily showing off their happy in Queensland with the winter
down to two metres with a thick fog snaps of platypi frolicking in the temperatures and humidity a
enveloping everything. We picked our water but that item on my fauna list pure delight. The tropical north
way slowly up to Broken River and remained unticked. was amazing and it was about to
spent a few hours poking around the The following day we descended to get a thousand times better with
little creek waiting to spot the elusive WKHYDOOH\RRURQFHPRUHDQGURGH a highly anticipated detour to the
monotremes without luck. A light through many kilometres of high Whitsunday Islands.
drizzly rain had set in so we retraced cane before venturing up the Finch Tune in again for Postie Notes number 13. D
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CLASSICMORRIS
EASY AS ABC
LESTER MORRIS, TV STAR WORDS (WHO ELSE) LESTER MORRIS
I t was in 1973, just a day or so

DIWHU,KDGQLVKHGZRUNLQJLQ
Melbourne during the short run of
On the other hand, Antonio wore a
large grey wig, his heavy and very
swiftly! made-up face by now sad
And so began a short career as
the motorcycle compere on the
Torque programme.
a stage musical, the unsuccessful and deeply lined, the gnarled hands )LUVWRII,ZDVRZQWR6\GQH\LQ
production running for only nine also made-up to age dramatically. His ODWHWROPDWHVWRI WKHEUDQG
weeks, that I received an odd phone smart costume was a grey, skivvy-like QHZ56%0:RQWKH2UDQ3DUN
call from a producer of the ABCs top, calf-length patterned sleeveless circuit, then back to Melbourne to
Torque programme, the short-lived WXQLFJUH\EUHHFKHVDQGFORVHWWLQJ OPWKHQHZ5(5RWDU\6X]XNLDW
TV feature dedicated, as its name boots. The drunken Inn-keeper had 6DQGRZQLQFRORXUIRUWKHUVW
subtly suggested, to test reports and his own (sparse) dark hair teased WLPHDQRWKHUIHDWXULQJ'HQQLV
other information for the delectation RXWIURPWKHWHPSOHVKLVRULG Skinners unbeatable, hub-centre
of avid motoring enthusiasts. face and bulbous nose disguising VWHHUHG/DYHUGDRXWWDQGDQ
For some obscure reason, the stage the two earlier characters, who were interview with the incomparable Ken
SURGXFWLRQV%URDGZD\'LUHFWRU themselves entirely unrecognisable Blake. This was followed by another
Sammy Bayes, had cast me from from each other. He carried an WULSWR6\GQH\WROPDQGFRPPHQW
Sydney in three entirely different enormous beer stein, from which upon, motocross racing and the
and extremely odd - character roles he took the occasional slurp as he accoutrements necessary to engage
in the Melbourne production of the staggered about, singing lustily with in this pursuit.
musical version of Shakespeares the ensemble. One or two other Torque episodes
Two Gentlemen of Verona, which The disparate characters were then led to the biggest gig of all,
the Management of J.C.Williamsons apparently so unusual for one actor a ride in the Forest 300, a two-
thought would play for some 18 to perform that, as part of the day Enduro which was to be run
months. How wrong they were about shows publicity, a full-page piece through the daunting, heavily-
that prediction! was published in the Melbourne Age wooded Barrington Tops area. The
I was to play the impish Cupid in in early 1973, which featured photos event was organised by the Cessnock
the opening scenes, the 84-year old of my three characters highlighted Motorcycle Club, with input from
Antonio some 30 minutes later in the alongside my ordinary face. This a Maitland motorcycle dealer called
UVWDFWDQGWKHGUXQNHQXQNHPSW article had caught the attention of Winston Stokes, an Enduro rider of
Inn-keeper in the second act. In WKH$%&3URGXFHUDVKDGP\SKRWRV some standing. I had ridden along
the role of Cupid I was dressed outside the Theatre. He recalled WKHRFFDVLRQDOUHWUDLOPDQ\\HDUV
in spangled, pink-and-gold lame my assistance for a Big Country previously, but had never ridden
Budgie-smugglers with matching programme he had produced for in an Enduro event. I accepted the
bolero jacket featuring a pair of very the ABC some years earlier, where challenge although I had no blind
large pink hearts. A red wig was I was an adviser for a piece they idea what to expect! for I was to
HQWZLQHGZLWKRZHUVZKLOHP\SLQN KDGOPHGRQPRWRFURVVUDFLQJLQ EHOPHGDWVRPHVWDJHVGXULQJWKH
sandals which matched Cupids Australia. He had wanted to include event for a forthcoming Torque
pink bow - were laced with pink and motorcycle tests in the programme episode, and there seemed to be
gold leather thongs which wrapped for some time, he told me. no way out of it!
URXQGP\OHJV3LQNJDUWHUVHQFLUFOHG He said he had rung Her Majestys It might be remembered that
my thighs and upper arms. Theatre, was given my agents details, the current Forest 300 is a very
I did my own white-face make-up and had then contacted me. It was a serious event indeed, which includes
which featured a classic Cupids bow welcome surprise, because there was motocross races on the local
lip-line, in brilliant scarlet, topped not a whole lot happening in theatre Showground as well.
off with gold eye-shadow, thick, jet- at that time, with just the odd TV ,ZDVRZQWR6\GQH\WREHVORZO\
black eyebrows and heavy mascara. commercial, and a few other bits on WUDQVSRUWHGWRWKHGLVWDQW'RUULJR
What a sight! local TV. Motel within a small, 400cc Jeep-like
off-roader Suzuki called the Jimny, emblazoned with a full-sized ABC the cameras rolled and some of
which remains the only vehicle I TORQUE screamer across the back. the more expert riders shook their
have ever encountered anywhere on :HOPHGDYHPLQXWHSUHDPEOH grizzled heads at this intrusion, took
earth which had a red-lined in which I addressed the camera the bike for an enthusiastic, lock-to-
speedometer! The speedo was to explain what was going on(?), lock squirt over some very muddy,
red-lined at a point from 70 km/ before being handed my machine, rough terrain.
hour to 80 km/hour which was an ordinary, off-road 250cc two- There was no practice on the day,
clearly its upper limit, because the and none before the event on the
little engine seemed to be revving its
two-stroke(!) head off from about "I ACCEPTED THE morrow, but there had clearly been
an enormous amount of work done
seventy Kay onwards, the noise in CHALLENGE ALTHOUGH I over the preceding days or weeks
the cabin almost over-powering. It HAD NO BLIND IDEA WHAT because I could see that there
employed a canvas, fold-down roof TO EXPECT! FOR I WAS TO were miles of coloured tapes for
DQGQRLV\DSSLQJFDQYDVVLGHV2Q
the long trip we were overtaken by BE FILMED AT SOME STAGES us to follow which were attached
to poles on both sides of the track.
everything on wheels, including DURING THE EVENT FOR A They seemed to snake off into the
(believe it or not!) a pushbike on FORTHCOMING TORQUE bush for as far as the eye could see,
RQHQRWHZRUWK\RFFDVLRQ'RUULJRLV EPISODE, AND THERE to suddenly drop down into hidden
said to be some three hours from
Sydney, but we seemed to take SEEMED TO BE NO valleys to re-emerge here and there
between the trees atop narrow
all day to get there in the little, WAY OUT OF IT! escarpments which seemed to be
ill-handling screamer. perched precariously upon a knife-
:KHQZHQDOO\DUULYHG,ZDV stroke Yamaha. This was before edge, with sheer drops down each
immediately issued with a set of really long-travel suspension systems side. I could see that there were a
%HOVWDII JUHDVLHVE\WKHOPFUHZ had surfaced, which meant that my few small signs mounted on some
I had brought my own Belstaffs short legs could just about touch the poles, which I assumed were there to
along, of course, along with helmet, ground. I was comfortable enough, advise riders of dangerous areas or
boots and heavy gloves the jacket VR , UHG WKH ELNH XS DQG ZKLOH sudden, blind corners (?).
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If I had never ridden in anything after that steep climb, and I picked sideways down another steep, greasy
like this in my life before I was up the pace, slotted into third gear VORSHZKHQ,HVSLHGRQHRI WKHOP
enthusiastic enough, for I was more and swept sideways round a bend at crew on the side of the track holding
than forty years younger at the time, the top to discover we had arrived a loud-hailer.
but I fervently hoped I would never at the first check-point. There was a +HUHKHFRPHVKHEHOORZHG
have to ride in anything like the small clutch of riders waiting to be WULXPSKDQWO\+HUHKHFRPHV
Forest 300 again! checked in, their engines silent. One shouted another loud-hailer
All riders were given a long of their number loudly declared somewhere. I saw one of the two
EULHQJRQWKHUVWGD\RI WKH to the others his total amazement cameras which they had set-up turn
event, including the fact that the WKDWWKH3RRI IURPWKH$%&KDG toward me just as the front wheel
average speeds over the carefully managed to climb to the check dropped into a deep hole and I
timed sections was expected to be point and was, in fact, on time! He was spat unceremoniously over the
(if I remember correctly) 22 miles reckoned it was probably the most handlebars. I leapt up, grabbed the
per hour a seemingly easy thing difficult section he had ever ridden ELNHDQGUHGLWRXWRI WKHKROHRQO\
to manage, but in the event very over, but I didnt bother to mention to be pelted over the bars yet again
GLIFXOWWRDFKLHYHZKHQIRUFHGWR to him that it was probably more about 50 meters further on, with
VORZO\IRUGVZLIWO\RZLQJURFN arse than class that had got me both cameras well and truly focussed
strewn streams or bounding along safely to that point! upon me.
the rugged, mountainous terrain Of course it couldnt last, because The engine conked out on the
over which the event was being held. the next leg involved a steep drop second occasion, but I started it up
We moved off singly at one-minute down a near-vertical cliff-face, without trouble and shot off, this
intervals, to be confronted almost followed by an equally steep ascent time executing the classic, semi-
immediately with a sudden drop immediately opposite. I gunned the controlled Lazy S manoeuvre
into a greasy, overgrown valley and engine, expecting to be catapulted before almost disappearing at some
a small stream, an area which had over the crest of the cliff-face speed around a high rock face. Of
FOHDUO\VHHQQRWUDIFRWKHUWKDQWKH opposite, only to find the bike course I was pelted off again several
thin wheel tracks of the machines rewarded this absurdity by executing metres later, the drama captured
which had been ridden through a neat loop-the-loop and speared RQOPE\WKHORZHUPRVWFDPHUD
there days before when the bunting side-on down the hill, digging the in those few brief seconds before I
had been put up. We then climbed a full length of its prop-stand into the QDOO\YDQLVKHGIURPWKHLUVLJKWDV,
very precipitous, near vertical slope, buttery clay. That was it for me, as I slid over the slimy surface alongside
standing on the footrests while dragged myself from under the bike the hapless Yamaha.
negotiating a narrow trail which was and tried with all my might to lift it Hey thanks for that, it was great
FOHDUO\QRPRUHWKDQDWUDFNDWWHQHG up again. Bikes slid past on either 79FRXOGQWDVNIRUEHWWHUWKH
out by a range of forest creatures side as I heaved on that immobile GLUHFWRUVDLGZKHQ,QDOO\DUULYHG
which were either nocturnal or had machine, but later in the day when back at the starting line and they
HGWKHDUHDLQWHUURU the sweep riders came around, it KDGOPHGP\WULXPSKDQW"
It was no place for heroics, because took three of them to lift the bike arrival, with my subsequent wrap-
it was no more than a second- because the prop-stand was solidly up. Naturally, they had taken a
gear climb, the throttle carefully locked within embrace of the VKRUWFXWWRWKHQLVKDUULYLQJ
feathered because the rear wheel was cloying, thick clay. I followed the there long before I did, to set up
constantly on the point of wheel- sweep riders along an easier route the two cameras. That last fall was
spin, which it very occasionally to the finish line, without an inch great as you slid quickly out of sight
achieved for a second or two. It of additional film being recorded. alongside the bike, we just managed
was very dicey stuff, because of The bike was OK, but the WRFDSWXUHLW
the deep drop down both sides, following day saw me mounted on Of course the event was gleefully
but we climbed ever upwards, the a smaller, 175cc Yamaha off-roader, shown on National TV on the
tail-end of the Yamaha occasionally which suited me better. Even Torque program.
attempting to slide over the side though I was actually disqualified, It was quite an adventure, but I
of the knife-edged trail. This then we needed the extra filming to be have noted, in the information issued
broadened out a little, which was not done so I set off again, this time concerning the latest Forest 300, a
much help, because the thick carpet with nothing like the urgency of the comment that the earliest Forest
of leaves we then encountered were previous day but still making our 300 was a bike and body wrecker,
as slippery as if they had just had an way through various check-points but these days we are more sensible,
enthusiastic, al fresco greasing. through which we were waved and have more care for the riders,
The next few miles were somewhat without reference to clipboards PDFKLQHVDQGWKHHQYLURQPHQW
TXLFNHUDVWKHWUDFNDWWHQHGRXW or times. Finally, I was slithering Its too late for me D
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EVE NT
Oh dear me chappy
SIDECAR
GATHERING Thats not a swag.
2016
This is a swag!
THOSE WILD MEN AND THEIR OUTFITS

WORDS/PHOTOS THE POSSUM
F ollowing the Off Centre Rally, I

retired to Adelaide for some R&R.
Fortunately its also the home of Rossi
is related to half of
SA and had been
visiting. Rained like
Boots, as I had suffered a blow-out a good thing half the
on the zipper in one boot, so it was night, but we were
dropped off for repair. LQVLGHE\WKHUH Watch out for those
Getting out of Adelaide was pretty Earlier, I had pesky emus!
uneventful after picking up the bagged the only
repaired boot and heading north copy of Australian
again. The wind was really picking up Motorcyclist that
and the sky looked threatening as I WKH3HWHUERURXJK
got past Gawler. newsagent gets and
As luck would have it, whenever a was pleased to see
really dark wet cloud mass loomed up, the Winifred Wells
the road skirted around it, so it was story more on
just the wind that annoyed me. this later.
My travelling mate had left ahead of Saturday dawned
me, and we had arranged to meet at cool and clear as
WKH3HWHUERURXJK+RWHO,JRWWKHUH we headed further
and put the bike out the back and north. The Silver
moved it to the ensuite room on the City Highway will
JURXQGRRUDQGVWLOOQRVLJQRI )UHG never make best Ready for anything
He showed up eventually, it seems he biking roads, but
it gets us to the pub at Manna Hill membership of the Monarchs, a with blood, feathers and crap lots
where old mate Beetle Bailey was Victorian Club with a strong leaning of crap. The impact knocked out the
running the Sidecar Gathering. to three wheels. fuel pump, and the lucky couple had
There had been some noise on Best effort goes to the blokes an enforced stay in Wilcannia until
certain forums to attempt the who turned up on a late 1948 M21 a new pump was ferried up to them.
JUHDWHVWJDWKHULQJRI RXWWVLQ %6$RXWW%LJ\ZKHHOVDQG This also caused them to miss the
Australia at this rally. There were slogging side-valve single made the Off Centre Rally!
plenty on hand ! M21 the sidecar bike back in the day. /RQJHVW'LVWDQFH6RORWKDW
We found Beet sitting out in the All attendees found a place to camp was me.
sun in front of the pub, watching in the large back yard of the pub In addition to the usual badges, Beet
the endless stream of caravaners and all night long could listen to the ZDVRJJLQJWVKLUWVDQGODWHUUHG
passing by. I showed him the road trains rattling through and the up the BBQ to feed the horde.
Winifred Wells article and he was bloody freight train drivers sounding All funds raised went to the Guide
very pleased indeed. Beetle is their horns. 'RJVDQGWKHRIFLDOFRXQWFDPH
organising a fund raiser for the As the afternoon rolled along, we out at 55 sidecars, 28 solos and one
*XLGH'RJVQH[W\HDUEDVHGRQWKH had the awards ceremony - CanAm thing.
exploits of young Winifred. /RQJHVW'LVWDQFH6LGHFDUZHQWWR Sunday morning saw us get away
There were a great many SA Neil and Vicki from Melbourne. I and head for Broken Hill then
UHJLVWHUHGRXWWVEXWWKH:$ UVWPHWWKHPRQRQHRI P\UVW Mildura for an overnight stay before
crew that had done the OCR were Alpine Rallies in the mid to late 70s, heading for home.
somewhere well to the west by now, DQGWKH\DUHVWLOOULGLQJWKH5RXWW ,I \RXKDYHDQRXWWRUKDYHDQ
KHDGLQJKRPH+DUU\WKH'XWFKPDQ they had then! interest in them, this rally is a good
represented the WA crew on his Hardluck Award went to a place to tap into the knowledge base
ZHOOHQJLQHHUHGRXWWWKLQNWKUHH (different) couple from Melbourne of some pretty amazing blokes and
wheeled tank ! who were ambushed by an emu their equally amazing machines.
McCardigan was in residence, near Wilcannia. Next year the Gathering is moving
having not had a breakdown since Urals dont go fast enough to collide to a new location over towards Burra
5R[\E\'RZQV with anything, the emu attacked them SA, so keep an eye out for it, Beetle
0DQ\RI WKHRXWWVVKRZHG and covered the right side of the bike would love to see you. D
South of Rome 13
years
& Sicily
Sublim
me Fra
ascati
art and Gaeta IT

TALY
Napoli Amalfi
architect e,
Maratea
stunning
coastaal
roads, and Cefalu
Tropea
ancien
nt Sicily
y Palermo
SI Taormina
15 TOUR April 14 28 in one trip. gento
CI
LY
days DATES October 13 27

Noto
www.adriaticmototours.com
0RWRUF\FOLVWV .HQ DQG 7DQLD ZHOFRPH

SHORT ADELAIDE \RX WR WKHLU KLJKO\ UHFRPPHQGHG FDIH
:RRG )LUHG 3L]]D 7DSDV DQG (VSUHVVR %DU
TOURS ON
BENELLI BN600Rs
Dont have much time? We lead

one-day or shorter tours on some of
the best roads in the Barossa Valley,
Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Hire exciting BN600R Benellis.
Visit www.radtours.com.au and click
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7+( 7,1 6+(' %ULGJH 6WUHHW /LWKJRZ 16:
WHATSAYYOU
E LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU, the letters are among the most keenly read parts of the magazine. Please
W try and keep letters down to no more than 300 words. Then you can read many, not just a couple. We do
reserve the right to cut them and, unless you identify yourself and at least your town or suburb and state, we will
print your email address instead. Please address letters to thebear@ausmotorcyclist.com.au
or Australian Motorcyclist Magazine, PO Box 2066, Boronia Park NSW 2111. All opinions published
here are those of the writers and we do not vouch for their accuracy or even their sanity!
rarely send them as the act of letter I enjoy reading your magazine each
writing is therapeutic in itself. month and look forward to my copy
Im really not the whinger I appear DUULYLQJLQWKHSRVW,VWDUWDWWKHUVW
to be from my writings, however, page and read every single article. In
I do resent the idea of someone the couple of times Ive met Stuart,
QDQFLQJWKHLUPRWRUF\FOLQJ Id have to say I found him a nice
GOT TO HAND IT TO YOU adventures by claiming to be raising
money for charity. You will never see
bloke and like him. Wait for it
+RZHYHU,GRQGVRPHRI KLVELNH
T his month, the prize for the

best letter of the month a
pair of the exceptional Rain Off
a summary of the money received
from donors and the corresponding
receipt from the charity for the
tests irritating. I suppose, in order
of priority the thing I dislike most is
Stuarts constant claim that a bikes
Overgloves from the equally money they received. On top of that, fuel consumption is good. What does
exceptional Andy Strapz goes to there is the cheek of rewarding the that mean? It would be far better to
an unusually long letter, one which person who raised the most money say that a bikes fuel consumption
ZRXOGQW XVXDOO\ W LQ WKH /HWWHUV by giving them an expensive prize. is good when compared to a similar
column. Weve included it anyway This charity business is all so much horsepower/capacity bike. I know
because it deserves to be aired, BS. I wonder what Boris makes of it? motorcycles are self-indulgent
ERWK IRU WKH VHULRXV UVW SDUW You might also wonder about devices and probably shouldnt be
and the (I hope intentionally) the integrity of charities accepting compared with cars, but a motorcycle
funny second bit. money raised in these circumstances. returning above 5 litres per hundred
A quick word about the prize. As Are the charities made aware of kilometres should never be given a
you may be aware by now, Andy exactly how much money is raised general description of Good fuel
Strapz is offering a pair of these and what their share of it is, or are FRQVXPSWLRQLQP\YLHZ3HUKDSV
amazing and highly effective Rain they just putting their hand out for for my own amusement Ive written
Off Overgloves to the writer of the whatever they can get? I personally and attached a copy of statements
letter of the month. The gloves are believe that all charities should be that I imagine Stuart will NEVER
WUXO\ ZDWHUSURRI , UVW WULHG RXW required by law to operate within put in his reviews.
a pair years ago and still use them) a set ratio of, say, 20% of funds As to Boris, with a famous
and have welded seams and elastic raised to administration and 80% surname like his (one of Serbias
forearm closures. They wont just to whatever it is they support, I greatest heroes) you just have to
keep your hands dry, theyll also imagine a lot of registered charities pay attention. I guess Boris is long
keep them warm and even preserve would disappear if held to this level practised at pot stirring, but it is
leather gloves worn under them. of accountability. These days its important that people like Boris
Warm hands in the cold are priceless, rare for charities to have 20% of the FDQVWLFNKLVQJHUXSDWVRPXFK
and Andy says that they even make money raised going to the cause they of the nonsense and ridiculous
heated grips work better. exist for. If I ever want to celebrate political correctness that our current
7KH JORYHV FRPH LQ YH VL]HV VR Winifred Wells ride I will do it in Australian society heaps on those
our winners will have to take a look my own way and at my own expense of us who can remember what it
at the Andy Strapz website to work and just maybe Ill write about it and was like living in this country in the
out their size and then drop Andy submit it to a magazine. 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Thats not
a line at info@andystrapz.com to even mentioning the individuals
FODLP WKHLU JORYHV 3OHDVH TXRWH \RXU [Bruce, we would not promote a charity ride ZHQGRQWKHURDGWKDWZHKDYH
full address to show that you are the where we didnt trust the operator. Anyway, to endure with equanimity to avoid
person entitled to claim the gloves. The Possum knows where Beetle lives being arrested for beating them
And then ride dry, ride warm! The best kinds of fundraisers are ones about the head for their ill-mannered
Hands-wise, anyway like The Distinguished Gentlemans Ride stupidity. Keep it up Boris, you have
where the money goes direct to the charity. plenty of fans out there.
LAUGH? WE NEARLY The organisers dont see it. Having said This has turned out to be three or
6WXDUW DQG 3HWHU that, I do agree with you about many of the four letters rolled into one. The Bear
I often sit down and write a letter but charities around The Bear] will always be the Bear and long may
Lester share his reminiscences. My garage shelves are chock full I wouldnt want to personalise or
Bruce Walker RI EUDQGQHZXQXVHGIDFWRU\WWHG change it in any way. Its the
%DXONKDP+LOOV PXIHUVZKLFK,YHUHPRYHGIURP motorcycle Id choose for
HYHU\ELNH,YHHYHUERXJKW myself, especially if I had to
And here is Bruces contribution to honesty This new motorcycle develops SD\IRULWP\VHOI
in motorcycle reviewing: 50 horsepower and that should be I know the motorcyclists who
HQRXJKIRUDQ\RQH read this magazine are really loaded
:RUGVDQG3KUDVHVZHOOQHYHUVHH I can list many motorcycles that with money, thats why I use and
Stuart Woodbury write in his bike KDYHHQRXJKSRZHUDQGWRUTXH recommend the most expensive
test reviews: The newest model actually stuff. Mind you I wouldnt
I wont mention how tall I am doesnt have and doesnt need any buy half that stuff if I had to
because everyone knows that by LQFUHDVHLQSRZHURUWRUTXH SD\IRULWP\VHOI
now as I mention it in every review This new motorcycle has a top This motorcycle costs $35,000
I write. By the way, Im really tall, speed of around 170 kilometres an but factor in another $5000 to
DFWXDOO\PHWUHV hour which, given the top speed cover all the ridiculous accessories
Im not going to recommend you limit in Australia is 130km/h, and personalising bling I am about
W6WDLQWXQHV$NUDSRYLFV6FUHDPLQJ LVIDVWHQRXJKIRUDQ\RQH to recommend and which Id add
Eagles or any of the other Fuel consumption of 5.5 litres per if I had as much money as you
DIWHUPDUNHWPXIHUVEHFDXVH,KDWH hundred kilometres on this motorcycle obviously have, to spend this
to see you wasting so much money is spectacularly lousy when you PXFKRQDPRWRUF\FOH
and putting perfectly good factory consider that most European cars can
WWHGPXIHUVRQ\RXUJDUDJHVKHOI GREHWWHUWKDQWKDWWKHVHGD\V Thats not bad, Bruce (you dont mind if
to rot away, especially since youve Anyone who thinks the motorcycles we call you Bruce, do you?) What do you
just spent $25,000+ of your hard I like are about fuel conservation reckon, other ladies and Bruces out there,
HDUQHGFDVKRQWKLVPRWRUF\FOH is stupid. Luckily The Bear pays can you supply any more words
3OHDVHEHDZDUHWKDWDORWRI for my fuel. & phrases along these lines? Actually,
our advertising revenue comes If youre concerned about excessive never mind what Stuart might or might
from the makers and importers of IXHOFRQVXPSWLRQJRDQGEX\DFDU not write. What about The Bear?
DIWHUPDUNHWPXIHUV I like this motorcycle just as it is and Surely hes guilty too
0 0 2 2 + years
formerly Ferris Wheels Safaris
Tacos n Tequila 20 days: Mexico,

Guatemala,, Belize
Life is a or nothing at all !
REAL RATES t REAL

RIDERS t REAL RESULT
Advertise your products
and services to passionate
travelling motorcyclists!
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT RALPH THE B IN BRISBANE

ralph@ausmotorcyclist.com.au The Pitstop Caf, situated on the Mount Mee tourist drive, receives
0497 046 064 tourists, day travellers, bikers, clubs and locals alike. The Pitstop has perfect
views with great coffee and excellent food.
2070a Mount Mee Road, Ocean View, Mt Pleasant, QLD 4521
07 34253652 Open Fri, Sat, Sun
W HATSAYYOU
SOFT BAG SCRAMBLING

Bear,
Ill keep this short and try not to ramble. I
took a set of these www.kriega.com.au/
saddlebags/ducati-scrambler-duo-saddlebag-
platforms.html, and added these www.
aussiebikershop.com.au/index.php.
Fitted up and tested with a few added
fastening bits, and hey, it all works giving 50
SOXVOLWUHFDSDFLW\ZLWKQRDSSLQJRUUXEELQJ
It seems ok to me Bear, just might like to do
a few adjustments, and reckon I could also
VWLOOWP\*LYL/WUWDLOEDJLI QHHGHG%RWK
the Kriega platforms (easily taken off) and the
bags were sourced in Australia at reasonable
prices, making the combination cheaper than
WKH'XFDFFHVVRULHVDQGRWKHUDIWHUPDUNHW
solutions. Not too shabby at all imo.
Cheers,
Gil
Northern Rivers NSW
Thank you, Gil, Im always interested in ideas that

work especially when I may be able to steal them for
my bike! The Bear
IANS OFF
My report on the bike show after taking
her majesty for a 3 day shopping binge in
Melbourne interrupted by the Melbourne
motorcycle show, I can say with great delight
it was very well worth the effort as I had many
queries to sort out, track leathers for girls (my
daughter) this would have been impossible
going through normal channels, some summer
wear for real pillions not those lunch boxes
some guys get to take as pillions.
Of course the one stand that was a must
was the Australian Motorcyclist magazine
PDQQHGE\WKHXVXDOVXVSHFWV3HWH 6WXDUW
unfortunately the star of that stand (Boris)
was away, the word on the street was there
were two exhibitions on in Melbourne
at the same time, one was big boys toys
(motorcycle exhibition) the other was toys
for big boys (the sexpo exhibition) and as
we know Boris is famous for following his
nose and you guessed it Boris ended up at
the sexpo exhibition, undeterred by this Boris
immediately went into action on one of the
stands as of yet we dont know what gizmos
he was peddling but apparently he was right
at home explaining the ins and outs of this
gizmo (Boris would have learnt all about
these gizmos at Sydney Boys High) and that is
where Boris spent the entire three days.
There was confusion amongst many visitors
to the sexpo regarding one particular gizmo having an
LQWHUQDOVKDIWGULYHDQGEHLQJFRQWUROOHGE\D\E\ZLUH
throttle sending it up to an 11,000 rpm orgasm.
Back to the bike show to me the star of the show was the
yellow and grey Triumph 900 cafe racer, my wifes choose
was the blue FJR1300 both would look very nice in my little
stable, as for Boriss choice we will have to wait for his report
Yours in motorcycling
Ian Gregory
Regents Park NSW
TOP BEANIE
Hi Bear,
,KDYHUHFHLYHGP\RIFLDO$XV0RWRUF\FOLVW0DJD]LQH
%HDQLH:KDWD5LSSHU,ORYHLWDQGLWWVSHUIHFWO\KRZGLG
\RXNQRZ",WSUREDEO\ZRQWJHWPXFKLPPHGLDWHXVHEXW
it will be great for our Canberra winters also it will get a very
good outing at the upcoming Isle of Man races.
Id send you a photo but there is enough of my ugly mug MAKING MOTORCYCLE
in the Bear Army article in the January edition.
Love the Mag and the articles on the Motorcycle shows.
Keep up the good work.
INSURANCE SIMPLE
Live loud.
IF YOU HAVE
Cheers
Paul Donkin (Donk)
Trooper #25
UP THE GUTS AGAIN

Bear,
QUESTIONS,
,KDYHMXVWQLVKHGUHDGLQJ&ROLQ:KHODQVVHFRQG
LQVWDOPHQWRI 8S7KH*XWVULGLQJIURP3RUW$XJXVWDWR
'DUZLQ$00 ,OLNHG&ROLQVGRZQWRHDUWK
WE HAVE
description of the towns/roadhouses along the route but
have somethings to add.
,KDYHEHHQWROG6SXGVDW3LPEDQRORQJHUVHOOVSUHPLXP
ANSWERS!
petrol, just 91 and diesel, although I dont know how long
1300 812 877

they can continue to not sell premium. If your ride must
have premium then have enough to make it to Glendambo.
,I \RXGRKDYHVXIFLHQWIXHORULIOLNHPLQH\RXUULGHZLOO
drink 91 consider a 7 km detour to Woomera. I havent
done this yet but people who have say it is an interesting NEW ENGLAND INSURANCE
town and there is accommodation including camping there
DOWKRXJK,FRXOGQWFRQUPWKHDYDLODELOLW\RI IXHO
BROKERS PTY LTD
North of Alice Springs Colin (probably deliberately) Colin
PLVVHGDFRXSOHRI URDGKRXVHV:\FOLIIH:HOODQG'HYLOV MOTORCYCLE
Marbles (formerly Wauchope, pronounce Walk-up) Hotel. INSURANCE
I havent stayed at Wycliffe Well - The UFO Capital of SPECIALISTS
$XVWUDOLDEXWDSSDUHQWO\LWLV2.,KDYHVWD\HGDW'HYLOV Letting you Live Free
and Ride Free for
Marbles Hotel and that was a very pleasant experience.
over 25 years.
Good food, accommodation and camping available.
Cheers
Jeff Cole www.facebook.com/neibpl
Alice Springs
Thats good news, Jeff. Ive just heard from a friend of a friend who did WWW.NEIB.COM.AU
WKH'DUZLQ$GHODLGHULGHKHUUVW2XWEDFNWULSDQGFDPHEDFN admin@neib.com.au
absolutely stoked, stars in her eyes and all The Bear D This Motorcycle Product is issued by&*8 Insurance Limited (ABN ,
AFSL ) trading as &*8 Insurance. You should read the Product Disclosure
Statement (PDS) before deciding to purchase this product. You can obtain a copy
of the PDS from our website (www.neib.com.au) or by phoning our ofce.
NE WBIKEPRICES
N ew motorcycle prices go up, they
go down. It can be hard to keep
track of all the changes. Australian
from all the manufacturers
currently in the country.
Things like special deals, cashbacks,
all prices (unless indicated)
exclude dealer and on road costs
and some prices may have
Motorcyclist Magazine supplies you factory discounts and bonuses are changed at the last minute as
with all the latest up to date prices ZKDW\RXOOQG%HDULQPLQG we went to the printer.
APRILIA F 800 R $13,100 X132 Hellcat Combat $94,990

www.aprilia.com.au F 800 GT $16,300 X132 Hellcat Speedster $POA
ROAD S 1000 R $19,350 R131 Fighter $POA
S 1000 RR $22,990 R135 Wraith Combat $POA
RS4 125 $5100
R nineT $21,250
RS4 125 SBK $6250 R nineT Scrambler $19,150
Shiver Sport 750 ABS $12,990
Tuono V4 1100 RR $23,000
R nineT Racer
R nineT Pure
$TBA
$TBA
DAELIM
Tuono V4 1100 Factory $25,000 R 1200 R $22,100 www.daelim.com.au
RSV4 RR $25,000 R 1200 RS $23,100 ROAD
RSV4 RR Race Pack $31,000 R 1200 RT $30,940 VJF250 $4490
RSV4 RF LE $31,000 K 1300 R $22,990 SCOOTER
Dorsoduro 1200 ABS $13,990 K 1300 S Motorsport $29,190 Bbone $3490
SCOOTERS K 1600 B $TBA Besbi $2190
K 1600 GT $35,990 S1 $3290
Sportcity One 125 $2990
K 1600 GTL $37,590
SR MT 125 $3290 ADV SPORT
Mojito 125
Scarabeo 200 ie
$4990
$4850
S 1000 XR
ADV TOURING
$22,190 DERBI
Sportcity Cube 300 $6290 F 700 GS $12,890
www.derbinoz.com.au
Sportcity 300 Street $6290 F 800 GS $16,940 SCOOTER
F 800 GSA $18,650 GP1 250 $6299
Scarabeo 300 ie $6490
SR Max 300 $6490 R 1200 GS $21,990
R 1200 GSA $24,590
Scarabeo 500 ie
SRV850
$8490
$14,990 SCOOTER DUCATI
C 650 Sport $14,150 www.ducati.com.au
C 650 GT $14,990 ROAD
BENELLI Scrambler Sixty2 $11,990
www.benelli.com.au CAN-AM (BRP) Scrambler Icon (Red)
Scrambler Icon (Yellow)
$13,290
$13,490
ROAD www.brp.com Scrambler Classic $15,490
BN 302 $5590 *All prices are ride away
ROAD Scrambler Urban Enduro $15,490
Leoncino $TBA
Spyder RS SM5 $19,990 Scrambler Full Throttle $15,490
BN600i $8990
Spyder RS S Red SE5 $23,990 Scrambler Flat Track Pro $16,990
BN600S $8990
Spyder RS S Wht SE5 $23,990 Monster 821 Dark $16,490
BN600GT $8990
F3S SM5 $25,790 Monster 821 Red $16,990
BN600GTS $8990
F3S SE5 $28,890 Monster 821 White $17,290
ADV TOURING Spyder ST S SE5 $25,490 Monster 821 Stripes $17,990
TRK 502 $TBA Spyder ST Ltd SE5 $28,990 Hypermotard Red $17,790
SCOOTER Spyder RT SM6 $31,490 Hypermotard White $17,990
Caffenero 150 $3390 Spyder RT S SE6 $39,990 Hypermotard SP $21,990
Spyder RT Ltd SE6 $41,990
Hyperstrada $19,490
BIMOTA Supersport S $TBA
www.bimotaaustralia.com.au CF MOTO Panigale 959 Red $19,990

www.cf-moto.com.au Panigale 959 White $20,490
ROAD Monster 1200 $19,990
ROAD
DB5R $37,990 Monster 1200 S Red $24,490
V-Night 150 $2690
DB10 $37,290 Leader $2190 Monster 1200 S White $24,790
DB9 $44,990 650NK $5990 Monster 1200 R Red $27,490
DB9 S $46,990 650TK $7990 Monster 1200 R Black $27,990
Tesi 3D Naked $55,990 CRUISER Diavel Dark $24,990
Tesi Race Caf $TBA V5 $3990 Diavel Carbon $30,490
DB11 $56,990 SCOOTER XDiavel $27,490
BB3 $72,888 Jetmax 250 $4190 XDiavel S $32,490
DB8 OroNero $84,990 Panigale 1299 $27,990
Panigale 1299 S $35,490
CONFEDERATE Panigale R $46,990
BMW MOTORCYCLES ADV TOURING
www.bmwmotorrad.com.au www.confederate.com.au Multistrada 950 $TBA
ROAD ROAD Multistrada 1200 Red $23,990
G 310 R $TBA X132 Hellcat $79,990 Multistrada 1200 S Red $28,490
Motorcycle Insurance Specialists

Made possible by
Multistrada 1200 S White $28,990 Goldwing F6B $27,299 KAWASAKI
Multi 1200 Enduro Red $29,990 GL1800 Goldwing $37,999 www.kawasaki.com.au
Multi Enduro Wht or Gry $30,290 CRUISER ROAD
Multi 1200 S Pikes Peak $34,990 VT400C $9799 Z125 Pro $4099
CTX700NA ABS $9999 Z250SL $5299
HARLEY-DAVIDSON VT750C Shadow
VT1300CXA Fury
$12,299
$15,999
Z250SL ABS
Z300 ABS
$5599
$5999
www.harley-davidson.com
* All Harley-Davidson prices are ride away GL1800 Valkyrie $21,999 Ninja 300 $5799
CRUISER ADV TOURING Ninja 300 SE KRT $5999
Street 500 $11,495 CB500X $7999 Ninja 300 ABS $6199
SuperLow 883 $15,495 NC750XA $9599 Ninja 300 SE KRT ABS $6399
Iron 883 $15,495 VFR800X Crossrunner $15,099 ER-6n/nL ABS $9499
Custom 1200 $18,750 VFR1200X Crosstourer $18,299 Versys 650/L ABS $10,199
Forty-Eight $18,995 CRF1000 Africa Twin $15,499 Ninja 650/L ABS $9999
Roadster $19,495 Z650L $TBA
CRF1000 Africa Twin ABS $16,999
Street Bob $22,495 Ninja ZX-6R $14,999
CRF1000 Africa Twin DCT $17,999
Low Rider $23,495 Ninja ZX-6R 636 ABS $16,499
Low Rider S $26,250 SCOOTER
NSC110 Dio $2799 Ninja ZX-6R 636 KRT $16,649
Wide Glide $24,995
MW110 Benly $3299 W800 SE $12,499
Fat Bob $25,495
Softail Slim $25,495 PCX150 $4499 Z800 ABS $12,999
Softail Slim S $29,250 NSS300A Forza $7499 Z900 $TBA
Fat Boy Lo $28,995 Z1000 ABS SE $15,499
Fat Boy $29,250 Ninja 1000 ABS $15,999
Fat Boy S
Softail Deluxe
$31,750
$28,995
HUNTER Ninja ZX-10R
Ninja ZX-10R ABS
$22,000
$23,000
Breakout $29,750
www.huntermotorcycles.com.au
Ninja ZX-10R Winter $23,200
CRUISER
Heritage Softail Classic $30,250 Ninja ZX-14R ABS $19,999
Road King $33,995 Daytona $6990
Ninja ZX-14R ABS Ohlins $22,099
Road Glide Special $36,495 Spyder $6990
1400GTR ABS $24,999
Street Glide Special $36,750 Bobber $7299
H2 $33,000
Ultra Limited $39,995
CRUISER
V-Rod Muscle $27,995
Night Rod Special $28,995 HUSQVARNA Vulcan S ABS
Vulcan S ABS Caf
$9999
$10,199
CVO www.husqvarnamotorcycles.com.au
Pro Street Breakout $42,495 Vulcan 900 Classic $12,499
ROAD
Street Glide $48,995 Vulcan 900 Custom $12,499
701 Supermoto $TBA
Ultra Limited $52,495 Vulcan 1700 Classic ABS $19,999
Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS $24,499
ADV TOURING
HONDA HYOSUNG KLR650 $8099
http://motorcycles.honda.com.au www.hyosung.com.au KLR650 Camo $8199
ROAD ROAD Versys X $TBA
Grom $3990 GT650RL $7690 Versys 1000 ABS $15,999
CB125E $2299 CRUISER
CB300F $5699 GV650SL $8250
CBR300R
CBR300R ABS
$5249
$5749
GTV650C $8250 KTM
CB400 ABS $10,499
www.ktm.com.au
ROAD
CB500F
CBR500R ABS
$7899
$8099
INDIAN 390 Duke $6095
CBR600RR $14,999
www.indianmotorcycles.com.au 690 Duke $12,995
*All Indian Motorcycle prices are ride away 690 Duke R $14,995
CB650FL ABS $9999
CB650F ABS $9999 CRUISER 690 SMC R $14,995
CBR650FL ABS $10,499 Scout $19,995 1290 Super Duke R $24,995
CBR650F ABS $10,599 Chief Dark Horse $27,995 1290 Super Duke R SE $26,995
NC750SA ABS $9299 Chief Classic $29,995 1290 Super Duke GT $26,995
VFR800F $15,199 Chief Vintage $31,995 ADV TOURING
CBR1000RR $16,999 6SULQJHOG 690 Enduro R $14,695
CBR1000RR ABS $17,799 Chieftain Dark Horse $34,995 1050 Adventure $18,995
VFR1200F ABS $17,799 Chieftain $36,995 1090 Adventure R $TBA
CTX1300 $19,499 Chief Roadmaster $40,995 1190 Adventure $23,995

Made possible by
N E W BIK E PR ICE S
1190 Adventure R $24,995 Turismo Veloce Lusso 800. $23,499 TU250X $5990
1290 Super Adventure $26,995 Brutale 1090 $19,999 GSX-R250 $TBA
1290 Super Adv R $TBA Brutale 1090 RR $22,999 DR-Z400SM $8990
Brutale 1090 Corsa $27,999 GSX-R600 $14,990
F4 $24,499 SV650 $9990
KYMCO F4 RR $33,999 GSX650F/LAMS $10,490
kymco.com.au F4 RC $55,880 GSR750 $10,790
ROAD GSX-S750 $TBA
CK 125
CRUISER
$2095
NORTON MOTORCYCLES GSX-R750
GSX-S1000
$15,990
$14,990
Venox 250 $5295
www.frasermotorcycles.com.au
Commando 961 Sport $29,990 GSX-S1000F $15,790
SCOOTER GSX-R1000 $17,490
Commando 961 Caf $33,990
Super 8 125 $2595 GSX-R1000R $TBA
Commander 961 SF $35,990
Like 125 $2995 GSF1250S Bandit ABS $12,990
Espresso 150 $2799
GSX1250FA $14,990
Like 200 $3395 PGO GSX1300R Hayabusa $19,290
Downtown 300i ABS $7495 www.pgo-scooter.com CRUISER
SCOOTER
VL250 Intruder $6690
Ligero 150 $3590
LARO X Hot 150 $3990
VL650 S40 $7990
www.laro.com.au VL800 C50T $12,990
ROAD VZ800 M50 $10,990
R11 250 $4750 PIAGGIO VZ1500 C90T $15,490
Venom 350 $4990 www.piaggio.com.au VLR1800T C109RT $18,990
CRUISER *Some Piaggio prices are ride away VZR1800 M109R $18,990
Cruiser 350 $5290 SCOOTER VZR1800 M109R Blk $19,490
Pro Street 350 $6990 Typhoon 125 $2790 ADV TOURING
Fly 150 3V $3490
DR200S $4990
Liberty S 150 3V $3790
DR650SE $8090
MOTO GUZZI Medley 150
Yourban 300
$5290
$9790 DL650 V-Strom $10,290
www.motoguzzi.com.au BV 350 Sport Touring $8190 DL650 V-Strom LAMS $10,290
ROAD
X10 350 $9490 DL650 V-Strom XT $11,490
V7 II Stone $12,490
X10 500 $9,990 DL650 V-Strom XT LAMS $10,990
V7 II Special $12,990
DL1000 V-Strom $15,490
V7 II Racer $14,990
ROYAL ENFIELD
DL1000 V-Strom XT $TBA
V7 II Stornello LE $16,500
SCOOTER
V9 Bobber $16,500 ZZZUR\DOHQHOGFRPDX
V9 Roamer $16,500 UK110 Address $2490
ROAD
Griso 1200 SE $19,490 Classic 350 $5590 AN200A Burgman ABS $5490
CRUISER Bullet 500 $7490 AN650A Burgman ABS $13,590
Calfornia 1400 Audace $23,500 Classic 500 $7790
California 1400 Eldorado
California 1400 Custom
$24,000
$21,490
Classic Desert Storm $7790 SWM
Classic Battle Green $7790 www.swmmotorcycles.com.au
California 1400 Touring $24,490 Classic Squadron Blue $7790 ROAD
Cali 1400 Touring SE $26,500 Classic Chrome $7990 Gran Turismo $7490
MGX-21 $TBA Continental GT $8590 Silver Vase 440 $7490
ADV TOURING
Gran Milano 440 $7990
Himalayan $5990
MV AGUSTA SM 500 R $8990
www.mvagusta.com.au SOL INVICTUS SM 650 R
ADV TOURING
$9490
ROAD www.solinvictus.com.au
Brutale 675 $15,799 Superdual $9990
ROAD
F3 675 $18,699 *Prices are ride away
F3 675 RC $20,999
SYM
Mercury 250 $4999
Brutale 800 $18,699 Nemesis 400 $6999
Brutale 800 RR $19,999 www.scoota.com.au
Brutale 800 Dragster $20,499 SCOOTER
Brutale 800 Dragster RR $23,499 SUZUKI Orbit 125 $2499
F3 800 $19,999 www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au Classic 125 $2499
F3 800 RC $23,490 VS 150 $2999
ROAD
Stradale 800 $19,999 Symphony 150 $2999
GSX-R125 $TBA
Turismo Veloce 800 $20,499
Inazuma 250 $4990 HD Evo 200 $4699

Made possible by
CityCom 300i $5999 Tiger 800 XRX/L $16,850 R3 $6299
Firenze 300 $6299 Tiger 800 XRT $18,150 R3 Movistar $6399
Tiger 800 XC $15,590 SR400 $8099
Tiger 800 XCX/L $17,950
TGB
YZF-R6 $16,499
Tiger 800 XCA $19,750 YZF-R6 SP $16,799
www.tgbscooters.com.au Explorer 1200 XRx $22,700 MT-07 LA $9599
SCOOTER Explorer 1200 XRt $25,200
MT-07 HO $10,299
X-Race 150 $3690 Explorer 1200 XCx/L $24,200
Bullet 150 $3990 MT-07 Tracer $TBA
Explorer 1200 XCa $26,700
BellaVita 300i $6390 XSR700 LA $10,999
Xmotion 250 $6390 MT-09 $11,999
URAL XSR900 $12,999
TORINO www.imz-ural.com.au MT-09 Tracer $15,499
www.torinomotorcycles.com.au ROAD MT-10 $17,999
CRUISER cT $21,790 MT-10SP $TBA
Veloce 250 $4695 ADV TOURING YZF-R1 $23,999
Titan 250 $6995 Tourist $23,770 YZF-R1 SP $24,999
SCOOTER Retro/M70 $24,918 YZF-R1M $31,999
Famosa 125 $2590 Ranger $24,970 XJR1300 $14,499
Famosa 150 $2990 FJR1300A $24,999
Galetta Retro $2695
FJR1300AE $27,999
Messina Classic $3995 VESPA CRUISER
www.vespa.com.au XV250 Virago $6799
SCOOTER
TRIUMPH Primavera 125 3V $5590
V Star 650 Custom $10,799
www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au V Star 650A Classic $11,299
Primavera 150 3V $6290
*Some Triumph prices are ride away Sprint 150 3V $6390 Bolt $11,999
ROAD Sprint 150 3V SE $6490 Bolt Paint it Black $12,999
Street Triple 660 $12,490 GTS 150 3V $6290 Bolt Hell for Leather $13,999
Street Triple ABS $12,990 PX150 $6490 Bolt R-Spec $12,499
Street Triple R $13,990 PX150 Touring $6790 Bolt C-Spec $12,699
Street Triple RX $14,999 946 Bellissima $12,490 SCR950 $TBA
Daytona 675 ABS $14,990 946 Armani $14,990 V Star 950 $13,999
Daytona 675R $16,990 GTS250ie FL $7890 XVS1300 Stryker $15,499
Bonneville Street Twin $13,350 GTS300 Super $9190 XVS1300 Stryker SE $16,099
Bonne Street Twin PC $13,550 GTS300 Super Sport $9490 V Star 1300 $15,999
Bonne Street Cup $15,600
XV1900A Roadliner $21,799
Bonne T100 $15,300
Bonne T100 Black $15,500 VICTORY Roadliner Tourer
ADV TOURING
$24,399
Bonne Bobber $TBA www.victorymotorcycles.com.au XT250 $6299
Bonne Scrambler $TBA *All Victory prices are ride away
Bonneville T120 Black $17,000 XT660Z Tenere $13,999
CRUISER
Bonneville T120 $17,000 Octane $17,995 XT1200Z Super Tenere $19,990
Bonne T120 Blk PC $17,200 Vegas 8 Ball $21,995 XTZ1200OE Super Tenere $21,890
Bonne T120 TT $17,300 Gunner $22,495 XTZ1200ZE SP $21,999
Thruxton 1200 $18,700 Highball $22,495 SCOOTER
Thruxton 1200 PC $18,900 Hammer S $23,995 BeeWee 125 $3399
Thruxton R 1200 $21,100 Cross Country Tour $31,995 Tricity $4299
Tiger Sport (new) $17,150 Magnum $30,995 Tricity ABS $4699
Speed Triple S $17,900 XP530 TMAX ABS $13,999
Speed Triple R $20,350
CRUISER VIPER MOTORCYCLES
America
Speedmaster
$11,990
$12,990
www.vipermotors.com.au ZERO
ROAD
Thunderbird Storm ABS $21,990
www.zeromotorcycles.com.au
Black Diamond $54,990
ROAD
Thunderbird Commander $22,490 Diamond Back $54,990
Thunderbird Comm TT $22,990 * All Zero prices are ride away
Thunderbird Comm LT $23,990 S $TBA
Thunderbird Comm LT TT $24,490 YAMAHA SR $TBA
Rocket III Roadster ABS $23,990 www.yamaha-motor.com.au DS $TBA
Rocket III Touring ABS $26,490 ROAD DSR $TBA
ADV TOURING YZF-R15 $4299 FX $TBA
Tiger 800 XR $14,090 MT-03 $5699 FXS $TBA

Made possible by
BE AR F A C E D
YEAH, RIGHT
' ont you just love the people
who tell you that they were
caught by the constabulary at some
approached 160, but I kept it pinned
and saw the needle touch 175.
As I rolled off, I heard the siren.
exceeding the 110km/h speed limit by
OHVVWKDQNPK7KHUHLVQRQH
(points had not been thought of).
astronomical speed but then talked Just for a moment I considered doing 3OHDVHEHPRUHWKRXJKWIXOLQIXWXUH
WKHLU ZD\ RXW RI LW" a runner it was something like Im sure he was laughing as he spun
Have you ever tried this? There is a 2.30am but common sense, which WKH+3FDUVZKHHOVJHWWLQJEDFNRQWR
range of responses from the had been noticeably lacking so far, the slab and heading north.
+LJKZD\ 3DWURO RU ZKDWHYHU RIFHU took over and I pulled up. It was just At least I could understand the
IURP <HDK ULJKW WR :RXOG \RX near the Mount White turnoff, on a reason why he was letting me go.
like me to book you at the actual warm, starry night. Funny what you There was another time, down south
VSHHG \RX ZHUH GRLQJ" DQG RQ WR remember. While I waited for the car RQWKH3ULQFHV+LJKZD\QHDU(GHQ
Are you trying to get smart with me, I momentarily wondered what the which was not so obvious.
VRQQ\" XVXDOO\ GHOLYHUHG E\ temperature would be like in the I had come around a left-hander and
someone who still has nappy rash. Gosford lockup. over a small bridge when I saw the
Okay, I have talked my way out of it 7KH +LJKZD\3DWUROPDQJRWRXWRI lights up ahead. The cop was standing
a couple of times, which is an the car and wandered over to me. next to his car, just off the road to the
average of once every 24 years of +RSZRRGV QHVWHK"KHVDLG left, and holding a radar gun. As I
riding, and never in Australia. Ive cheerfully, looking at the bike. The pulled over I couldnt help but notice
tried, but very carefully, always 12 volt model, too. Now then, er, sir, that he was quite angry. I thought uh
remembering the experience of one (I had just turned 20) is there any oh, heres trouble. And there was, at
RI RXU URDG WHVWHUV 3XOOHG RYHU IRU reason why you were doing OHDVWDWUVW,FRSSHGDWRUUHQWRI
speeding, Bill tried to soften the NPK" ,W ZDVXVXDOHYHQWKHQWR furious abuse that ended in a promise
cops heart by telling him that he was TXRWH D ORZHU JXUHWKDQDFWXDO to book me and all my mates if
working for a bike magazine, and presumably to reduce the likelihood we were still around the next day
testing the bike he was on, and of the miscreant arguing. I would (and speeding, presumably) and
And the eyes of the cop lit up. actually have preferred him to give throw away the key.
Ive been hoping to book one of the real speed, if only to be able to 1RZFOHDURXWKHDGGHG(K",G
\RX EORNHV IRU DJHV KH EUHDWKHG VKRZ P\ PDWHVWKHWLFNHW,QDDVK, probably been doing about 130 on a
Then, the abyss. thought of a clever answer. 100km/h stretch of road, and the last
The fact that I havent managed to 8P QR,VDLG thing I expected was to be let go. But
talk myself out of a booking in <HDKULJKWKHUHSOLHG of course I didnt argue.
Australia does not, however, You were just wondering When I got to Eden, I was telling my
mean that Ive never got away what she would do, friends about this staggering event
with it. I was on a friends ZHUHQW\RX"2QFHDJDLQ, when one of the others pulled in. He
Norton Atlas (thanks again, used all my wits to come up shall remain nameless but he knows
5RFN\ RQ WKH UVW VWUHWFK RI with a corker. who he is. I turned to him with my
the Newcastle tollway to be $K\HV,VDLG story, and a smug grin took over his
completed, and I was At least you picked a spacious face.
determined to do the JRRGWLPHVDLGWKH ,NQRZKHVDLG2QHKXQGUHGDQG
WRQ 7KH VSHHGR KDG cop, a Senior VHYHQW\VL[NLORPHWUHVDQKRXU,
been checked and Constable. didnt have to ask him if he had been
I knew that I %HFDXVHLWVQLJKW", let go as well, the answer was plastered
would have to ventured. all over his grinning mug.
hit 172km/h on No, because Im the Later, I found out from a friend in
the speedo to one on duty. I like these WKHFRSVWKDWWKH+LJKZD\3DWUROLQ
be able to claim things. Got a Commando NSW had been having a protest day,
the old ton. The coming. Now then, er, sir, refusing to book anyone.
Norton was weaving I am going to issue you <HDKULJKW,KHDU\RXVD\
a bit as we with a warning for Its true, though. D
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BOR IS
RAINMEN
S teve and I and about 60 other
like-minded people had been
out riding in the desert for three
Across the vast plain that runs all
the way to the Gulf, was coming the
biggest purple bastard of a storm
not see across the road, and was
completely drenched even before I
started the bike. Steve was hunched
days. Well, it wasnt a real desert. It either of us had seen outside of a against the forced of the rain and
didnt have sand dunes and Bedouins movie. We could see all of it, such looking small and crumpled in my
and the US Air Force carpet- was the view. It was big and tall outsize wet-weather gear.
bombing it, but it was close and pain-bruise dark. And misty But to his eternal credit, he did
enough for our purposes. with the amount of water it was start his bike and we rolled on east
It was that big empty area in the hammering down on the land, which the road totally awash and our eyes
middle of NSW, pin-marked by we couldnt see at all because of the frantically trying to blink away the
the romantically-named village of aforementioned water. There seemed rain. Steve had his visor up, and I
Ivanhoe, and our purposes, such as WREHQRWKLQJXQGHUQHDWKLWVDW had taken off my sunnies it was
they were, consisted of holding the black bottom except water. The the only way to get any vision at all.
throttles of our motorcycles open land had gone. Cars and trucks had either pulled
for as long as we could stand it, then There was also nothing much to up on the side of the road, or just
doing it again. north of where we were except the stopped in the middle, hazards
When we were done with that, old tin sheds that were the map-dots DVKLQJ6RWKHUHZDVDOOWKDWWRULGH
deaf and blasted by the high-speed of One Tree, Roto and Cubba around. I dont think we went much
wind roar, our brains sludged with and, from what I could see coming over 60. I couldnt see the speedo,
madness, we went to the pub. towards us, they were all now under but thats what it felt like.
Continuing in the vein of Macbeth, 100-metres of water. Of course, such climactic ferocity
ZKHUH 'DPQHG EH KLP WKDW UVW You can have my wet-weather is relatively short-lived. It was all
FULHV +ROG HQRXJK ZH OLWHUDOO\ JHDU,VDLGWR6WHYH over in 20kms, and by the time we
drank the Ivanhoe pub dry (the <RXVXUH"KHDVNHGKLVH\HV URGHLQWR'DUOLQJWRQ3RLQWDQG
publican was reduced to calling his gleaming with gratitude, or possibly stopped at the pub, all that was left
friends to see if they had an spare IHDU,QGSHRSOHVH\HVJOHDPPXFK was that magical post-rain smell.
VODEV LQ WKH IULGJH DQG VR LW ZDV the same for both emotions. 7KDWZDVDPD]LQJ6WHYHVDLG
time to go home. Steve hadnt done a lot of long- EULQJLQJPHWKHUVWRI PDQ\EHHUV
We thundered back to Hay, where distance riding and only came on this he planned to buy me over the
we were forced to abandon Biffa. FUD]\YHGD\GHVHUWUXQEHFDXVH, coming weeks. I have never been
He had to wait for a new tyre after told him I would sell him to Arab PRUHWHUULHGRUPRUHDOLYHDW
having fanged his until the belts sex-slavers as a pleasure-boy if he WKH VDPH WLPH
where showing. Naturally, because didnt come. So I lent him some gear Just like being a
he was one of my most beloved of and hed had a very good time, and pleasure-boy in
brothers, we attempted a makeshift now, from what we could see, it was %DKUDLQ KXK" ,
UHSDLU :H ERXJKW YH UROOV RI GXFW time to pay the ferryman. grinned. D
tape from the servo, wound them Lending him my wet-weather gear
around the tattered centreline of was no biggie. I knew it would make
his tyre, advised him to take it easy him feel better about what was about
XQWLO WKH VKLW EHGGHG LQ DQG VHW RII to happen to him. And he would
for Sydney which was only 723km think me benevolent and self-
DZD\ :H PDGH YH WKHQ WKH GXFW VDFULFLQJZKLFKPHDQWKHZRXOG
WDSH HZ RII ZRXOG LWVHOI DURXQG KLV buy me beer all the way home and
axle and almost pitched him into a probably for the next month or so.
table drain. I also knew he would be no dryer
So Steve and I left him in Hay than me, judging by what was
and headed east for Narrandera via rapidly closing in on us. Wet-weather
'DUOLQJWRQ 3RLQW JHDULVQHDQGZRUNVIRUDELW
We were maybe 40km out of but nothing would be proof against
'DUOLQJWRQ 3RLQW ZKHQ , SXOOHG RYHU the liquid Armageddon that was
and stared open-mouthed to the almost upon us.
north. Steve stopped beside me, and And then it was on us. It was like
he too stared to the north. EHLQJUHKRVHGIURPDERYH,FRXOG
www.hemamaps.com.au
CYCLOPS AND THE PUNTS
ferry, turn left along the River Road.

This is now almost entirely paved,
and it will take you through some
terrific countryside, sticking almost
entirely to the river. At Webbs
Creek, ride past the ferry and then
do a U-turn; queuing is done from
the Wisemans Ferry side. When you
leave the ferry, stick to the right and
a paved road will take you up to St
Albans. You can return by the same
road or, if you dont mind a bit of
rough surface, take Settlers Road on
the eastern side of the Macdonald
River. If you do that, the Wisemans
Ferry ferry will take you to
Wisemans Ferry.
To get back to Sydney, take the steep
road up the hill with its hairpin turn
and then continue along Old North
Road to the Galston turnoff on the
left. This time right straight
through Galston and continue down
into Galston Gorge, which
is another wonderful and rather
tight run that leaves you at Asquith
on the highway.
If you take the left branch of Cattai
Ridge Road through Maraylya, you
will reach the main road where
you turn left. At the McGraths
Hill T-intersection, turn right and
continue through Windsor and over
the Hawkesbury Bridge. Turn right
again in Wilberforce and consider
taking the right turn to the Ebenezer
T he Orange route is the basic

one here. Start at Berowra
shops on Highway 1 and turn
fun as the road down. Follow the
signs to Galston through some
pleasant horse studs and the like. In
Church if you feel like a cuppa;
return to the main road when youre
hydrated and turn right. This takes
down the road opposite the railway Galston, turn right and then take the you to the opposite side of the
station. Its signposted to Berowra right-hand exit at the big roundabout Sackville Ferry, so turn left at the
Waters; just follow the signs fairly just outside of town. This will take Lower Portland turnoff and cross
carefully (there are a couple of you out to the Old North Road, the ferry there. Now turn right, over
sharp corners) until the road takes where you turn right again. Five the new bridge. Theres some tar, but
you out of the built-up area. Youve kilometres up the road you turn left once you get a bit further it becomes
got a terrific piece of tight and into Cattai Ridge Road. This road quite reasonable dirt although the
generally well-surfaced road in front eventually splits, and you want the climb up the scarp is a bit tricky. At
of you now all the way down to right-hand branch again, to Cattai. the top, turn right into Bicentennial
the ferry; just watch for oncoming Turn right at the T-intersection and Road and continue to Webbs Creek,
traffic, because it can be very left at the turn for Sackville. where you cross the river, and cross
narrow. The ferry is straight ahead Once over the ferry, continue a little it again at Wisemans Ferry.
when you get to the bottom. way to the right-hand turn to Lower You can continue back to Sydney
Once across, try to avoid getting Portland. Be careful when you get via Mangrove Mountain, or return
stuck behind a car or worse yet a there; it is possible to miss the ferry across the ferry and take the
truck; the road up is just as much turnoff on the right. Once over this Orange route home.
TEAR-OUT MAP #48 COLLECT THEM ALL

A Celebration of Italian GP Motorcycle Racing
o nly
u s i ve & e of
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Exc earanc ary
app legend 6
the erda V
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Featuring:
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Ov
G P bik
Gianfranco Bonera, Kevin Schwantz a m ous splay
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on d
Maria Costello, Troy Bayliss
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Australian Motorcyclist - February 2017

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Australian Motorcyclist - February 2017

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