Australian Motorcyclist

AS YOU MAY OR may not be aware by now, we’ve gone quarterly. Life has taken over and I just couldn’t continue the busy schedule of a monthly magazine, hence we’ve gone to an easier to manage quarterly roster. We had sent out emails to our current subscribers with many asking if I’m okay and so on – yes, I’m fine, thank you. So, new bikes abound and there’s some exciting new models heading our way in 2023. I personally am super happy with my 2011 Suzuki Bandit 1250 non-ABS version. When the devil’s horns pop out, I can have a bit more fun (if you know what I mean) and not worry about the front or rear chattering its head off because the ABS unit is trying to take control…

Our good mate, ‘Lukey Luke’ the stunt rider has officially retired. His final show was at the Phillip Island World Superbike round in November 2022. After a professional stunt career spanning nearly 20 years, the father of two has elected to finish on his own terms. In recent times, his own business ventures have, by necessity, taken more of his time and taken away from the vital stunt rider training and practice that staying at the top of the sport demands. “Lukey” Luke Follacchio: “I feel particularly blessed to be able to end my career this way. While the old body isn’t 100%, I am still able to give my everything at shows. It’s been an amazing journey and there are so many people to thank. If young me could…

The FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries) has welcomed the Federal Government’s consultation process on Australia’s fuel quality standards stating that the move was necessary to lower emissions from Australia’s light vehicle fleet. “Automotive manufacturers have been calling for an improvement to Australia’s fuel quality standards for more than ten years,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said. “Currently, we have some of the worse quality petrol in the advanced world. We are pleased to see the Government flag action on 95RON petrol as their preferred option in this consultation process.” Mr Weber added that it was pleasing the Federal Government was beginning to take action to address emissions in the light vehicle sector.…

Bidders were back in force for Shannons last auction for 2022. The Spring Timed Online Auction achieved a solid clearance rate of 89 per cent, with a total result of $12.9M. Amongst the 38 classic motorcycles and scooters, a superb 1928 Indian 101 750cc Scout sold for an excellent $82,000, while a 1982 Ducati 900 SS was pursued by enthusiasts before selling for $37,000 and a 1956 Piaggio Ape ‘ACI’ 150cc three-wheeler sold for $16,525. Check out all the latest in the coming auctions at shannons.com.au…

Not content to rest on their award laurels, Cape York Motorcycle Adventures, who recently took out the Outdoors Queensland Award for Adventure Tourism, has just announced a first of its kind partnership with GASGAS Motorbikes. Having used Suzuki bikes for their tours for 20 years, the move to a more fuel efficient, better riding bike from GASGAS signals yet another innovation from this tourism industry leader. “We’ve been looking to move away from carburettors to a fuel-injected bike for a while now, but couldn’t find anything that really met our needs. GASGAS is a lot lighter, which means better handling in technical conditions, the suspension is better for the type of riding conditions we do, the handlebars are stronger and the rims a heavier duty, so they can take our…

What could further enhance the already widely popular V-STROM line-up? The answer is a new addition to the family: the V-STROM 250SX. The 249cc quarter-litre sport adventure machine (with the‘S’ standing for sports and the ‘X’ for crossover) blends rugged versatility with stylish, modern adventure-inspired looks – including the legendary front‘beak’ that has been a staple of V-STROM styling since 2002. A slim, nimble chassis makes it extremely agile to get around, and narrow side panels provide an easy reach to the ground. On unpaved roads the 19-inch front wheel and ample ground clearance (205mm) add a sense of stability alongside the reassurance of dual-channel ABS on the 310mm (front) and 240mm disc brakes. A functional windscreen and knuckle covers make it an ideal touring proposition and, if pillions and/or…