Australian Road Rider Issue 158

I’m now a licensed motorcycle riding instructor as well as a magazine editor. When I put my hand up to become an instructor some months ago, I thought it would be pretty easy – it’s not. Of course it will vary from state to state (can’t have consistency across the country, it’s a Federation and the States Have Rights you know), but here in NSW there are lots of hoops to jump through. There’s a Working with Children Check, Police Check, 90-question exam to pass from Transport NSW, MOST test (Motorcycle Operator Skills Test) and you have to do the Pre-Learner course too, as a student. Here was me thinking teaching youngsters would be a nice supplement to my work at Australian Road Rider, because being an editor of a bi-monthly magazine doesn’t…

Twenty-three-year-old Joan Mir has won the MotoGP title for Spain, Suzuki and, of course, himself, taking the title with a round to spare. The only Aussie in the field, Pramac Ducati’s Jack Miller, had an up-and-down season that included too many falls and poor results to challenge for the title – but also some great results, including narrow losses. His numerous podium finishes made him one of the stars of 2020 and his move to the Ducati factory team in 2021 will see him considered as one of the challengers for the 2022 title. Mir, the winner of the 2017 Moto3 title, graduated quickly to MotoGP and wasn’t, at the start of the season, expected to be a consistent front-runner for the title with a best result of sixth. In 2020, the…

BMW is set to launch a new R 1250 RT touring machine in Australia. Arriving in the second quarter of 2021, the machine will feature new styling, higher-spec standard equipment and improved electronics for safety and performance. “We have given the R 1250 RT a new look, a comprehensive increase in standard equipment and numerous technical upgrades to achieve a whole new riding experience,” says RT project manager Harald Spagl. “As a dynamic tourer with the incomparable BMW ShiftCam engine, it also has the perfect power unit with impressive power across the entire speed range.” The new RT has a ShiftCam variable valve timing engine that produces 136hp (100kW) at 7750rpm and 143Nm of torque at 6250. The new R 1250 RT is fitted with a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated…

Ducati has decided to shake up the Adventure bike world with a four-cylinder, 19-inch front-wheel machine aimed at beating BMW and KTM at their own game. Prices range from $28,990 to $40,690 in Australia, ride away. Here are some of the highlights: • 170hp (125kW) @ 10, 500rpm/125Nm @ 8750rpm • 19-inch front wheel (laced available) • 215kg dry weight • Aluminium monocoque frame, steel tubes subframe and aluminium double-sided swing arm • 60,000km major service intervals • Designed for long-distance riding on any road surface • 22L fuel capacity • Seat heights from 810-875mm • Improved rider and pillion comfort • Comprehensive electronics • Improved ground clearance At its core the new Multistrada appears to be more about touring – on and off the bitumen – than previous models. Of the V-twins, only the Enduro and 950 had a 19-inch front…

Thit’s kinda shocking to think the Multistrada has been with us for 17-odd years, but it’s true, the first 1000s debuting in late 2003 as 2004 models. With styling that could only have come from Ducati – an appearance only a mother could love – the Multistradas were another attempt by Ducati to broaden its range. “...THE MULTISTRADA HADN’T BEEN DESIGNED FOR UNSEALED SURFACES” A decade earlier, Ducati had launched the Monster to capture riders who loved the brand but didn’t want a sportsbike. The Multistrada was the bike to capture those wanting something versatile and while the meaning of the name might have translated to “many roads”, the Multistrada hadn’t been designed for unsealed surfaces. With styling that appeared to be influenced by Supermoto, there were also many Ducati styling cues for the…

Is the GT the peak of L-twin-powered Multistradas? The feel of the big twin is unique – no V-four can be the same... Ducati’s Swiss Army knife, the Multistrada, has a luxury touring model: the Multistrada 1260 S GT. A premium bike with price tag to match. As such, it gets pretty much everything needed to make big distances easy, fast and fun. It’s a large bike with a long wheelbase designed for comfortable two-up riding. The engine is Ducati’s proven variably valve timed, 1260cc Desmo L-twin. Ducati’s Skyhook software adjusts the suspension to suit the situation, and the electronic rider support package spares no expense. As for styling, in the world of ugly sisters that is Adventure bikes, the Multistrada is a Cinderella standout. Even more so with its own unique paint…