Issue 12

Click on the cover to download. (1.3mb)

R rated naked beauty: "What was BMW thinking? The world’s most powerful production naked bike? 163bhp (120kW)? 0-100kmh in 2.6 seconds? On paper it sounds like an angry, testosterone-filled monster – and yes, it can be, but it is so much more..."

Sharp new blade: "Honda’s recently released 2008 CBR1000 RR Fireblade is a huge departure from previous models in the best possible way with distinctly unique looks, stronger performance and astoundingly responsive control..."

Cruising the Upper Hunter: "Back on the Golden Highway, it is hard to believe that Sydney is only a couple of hours away. It feels like we are so far from anywhere, hardly a car goes by and the scenery is spectacular. Onwards now through the Goulbourn River National Park we looped through the wilderness heading for Merriwa. Little did we know that the ‘bit’ of gravel road we were told about would actually be a bone shaking, rutted, dusty 61kms ..."

Stoner unstoppable? "However none of the Hondas would be able to make any impression on Stoner. The Aussie World Champion relieved Pedrosa of the lead at the end of lap one and was never again troubled as he powered to a decisive win, his third of this 2008 campaign..."

Baby GS: "Having owned one of the original single cylinder models and found it wanting as a touring machine – the extra power of the new twin should make it a good all-rounder. In fact, having watched Charley and Ewan trying repeatedly to pick up their loaded 1200s on The Long Way Down – I think they would have been better off with this new baby GS..."

Issue 11

Click on the cover to download. (1.5mb)

Way off road: "The roads ranged from flat, smooth-as-bitumen hard-packed dirt to gravel and some rocky sections that would have had mountain goats shying away. A particularly steep hilly section provided a few riders with pause for thought, though all made it successfully to the top (the alternative of riding back down being the greater of the two evils)..."

The motorcycle that changed it all: "The motorcycle is most noted for its 61-cubic inch powerplant: The famed “Knucklehead” engine. The first overhead valve V-Twin engine Harley-Davidson made for public purchase, the Knucklehead gave Harley-Davidson customers unprecedented power..."

Best in show: "My favourite was the customised V Rod above which paid tribute to the overall V Rod style but really went to town on chrome and Batmanesque paintjob. Other favourites were The Beast which had to be held down with chains, and the home-on-the-range special!..."

Desmo delight: "OK, so it’s a race bike that you can (if you’re crazy) ride on the road. It takes all the original 1098 features, reduces weight even further and adds an extra 20 horsepower, traction control, sand-cast crankcases, titanium valves and con-rods, TTXR rear suspension and much more to produce the most awesome performance imaginable..."

Clutchless wonder: "With its astounding concept bike looks, long-and-low proportions, high-styled 17” wheels and powerful V-twin engine, Honda’s new DN-01 is most certainly a motorcycle that provides all the exhilarating riding enjoyment one would expect from the finest of its breed..."

Night rider: "Casey Stoner savoured the Australian national anthem with his eyes firmly closed under the bright lights of Qatar after taking victory in the first night race in the history of the sport. The MotoGP World Champion started the defence of his title from fourth on the grid and had dropped to fifth by the end of the first lap, before charging through to set up a stirring battle..."

Handmade Italian: "Since its rebirth in 2003, the famous Italian designers and engineers of Bimota have created an incomparable range of sports motorcycles based around Ducati Desmo engines. 2008 models include the award-winning DB6 Delirio 1100, the distinctive Tesi 3D with its unique ‘centre hub’ steering technology and the all new powerful DB7 Super Bike..."

Issue 10

Click on the cover to download. (1.2mb)

Fat Bob – it's Dyna-mite: "Former US Marine, Fred Fries, talked to us about his new pride and joy. Fred is the kind of guy to whom a motorbike is a Harley (forget European and Japanese); the only problem is, which one? Fresh with a permission slip in his pocket, he heads off to Classic Motorcycles, the local dealership…."

Lean, mean Ninja machine: "For the 2008 Ninja ZX-10R, Kawasaki engineers wanted to offer us ordinary riders, the sort of feedback from the machine that professional racers require to ride at the highest level..."

A classic occasion: "The bikes started to arrive. The CCCMCC made an impressive turnout in adverse conditions. There was much drying off of bikes to show off the gleaming chrome & paintwork. Bikes included a rare 1964 500cc AJS, a 1971 BMW R60S and sidecar, and a ’72 Honda 750/4. The AJS was originally one of only 150 made for the South African police and only one of three in Australia..."

A cautionary tale: "All of a sudden, my beam picks out huge catseyes in the white lines (I mean really huge, the size of bowling balls, designed to scare 4 wheel drives). Choices? Zero! Straighten up. Even brake. Off the seat. Whack! Hit the first one; bike offline; can’t hold. 120km per hour traffic to the left. Merging traffic to the right. Drop and slide at 70kmh, aiming for the runoff..."

Fireblade goes touring: "Honda’s rider friendly CBF1000 is powered by the same high-revving engine that shot the first generation CBR1000RR Fireblade to dramatic wins on racetracks around the world. Its been retuned to deliver strong thrusts of acceleration in the low to mid rev range that touring riders need most. Combined with a classy chassis, suspension and brake package, the CBF promises a sporty and responsive ride..."

Tech Briefing: "The Yamaha YZF-R6 has dominated Australian road racing over the last two years, with current champion Jason O’Halloran leading the charge. A list price of $15,499 belies the amount of new technology packed into the 2008 model. Improvements include even more linear power thanks to variable inlet tracts (YCCI) and a new Deltabox chassis, plus all-new bodywork..."

Italian for high speed: "Moto Morini’s Corsaro 1200 Veloce (Italian for high-speed), inspired by the best tradition of the Bologna motorcycle manufacturer, is chock full of Italian design flair, oh, and it goes like stink as well!..."

Issue 9

Click on the cover to download. (1.2mb)

Honda's futuristic CB1000R: "You have never seen anything like this bike. It redefines motorcycle design. Raw, powerful, muscular and avant-garde. Say hello to the astounding CB1000R, featuring a dynamic, hard-edged design that immediately grabs attention with its unmistakeable look of muscular performance."

57 degrees - too hot to ride?: "However, do you think that stopped us rocking up to the local Harley dealership? Not on your life! An hour later after a bit of paperwork (no idea what we signed as it was all in Arabic), we were astride our trusty steeds and headed off into the burning sun."

New from Buell: "An all-new model set to break the convention of the sportbike category, the Buell 1125R is powered by the Buell 1125R Helicon™ engine, an 1125cc liquid-cooled V-Twin powertrain cradled in a Buell Intuitive Response Chassis®."

Urban excitement: "The new Ducati Monster 696 is the next generation naked and the final word in urban excitement. Mantaining its traditional Monster silhouette, the 696 now looks more muscular than ever."

Suzuki M109R: "This monster packs the largest engine pistons of any production car or bike on the planet. Each of the huge 112mm forged aluminium-alloy pistons use short skirts and cutaway sides to reduce friction and provide the rider with raw, unstoppable muscle. When you first sit on it with the engine running, it feels like a large rottweiler on a choker chain straining for “walkies”."

Meet the twins: "The parallel twin engine comes from the well-known F800 model series, but beyond this, the enduro models have been completely redesigned. A completely new frame and new wheel suspensions with new spring-shock absorber elements are used, for example, which will surpass the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders.

Issue 8

Click on the cover to download. (1.6mb)

Harley Davidson's V Rod: "Just what is a power cruiser? According to Harley Davidson, it has a 240mm rear tyre, Brembo triple disc brakes, chrome slash-cut dual exhaust pipes, and a liquid cooled 1130cc V twin pumping out 115hp at 8500rpm with masses of torque across the range."

Bird of prey: "The latest version of Suzuki’s legendary Hayabusa sportsbike has been released into the wild! Building on an already impeccable pedigree, the latest Hayabusa - named after the Japanese bird-of-prey capable of speeds in excess of 300km/h - features a number of major developments to cement its place at the forefront of sportsbike engineering and performance."

Casey Stoner: "On the last lap I didn’t realise I had a gap and rode the fastest lap, which shows how well the Bridgestones worked. I’m really happy with the way things are going and think we’ll get stronger and stronger, but we’ll have to see how the season pans out. I’m leading the championship which feels a little strange but it’s only the first race of a very, very long year."

Issue 7

Click on the cover to download. (883kb)

Tasteful Italian - Benelli's sublime Cafe Racer: "Tonino was the racer of the Benelli family, gaining many successes on Benelli machines until a bad crash in 1932 ended his career. If Tonino was alive today I am sure he would heartily approve of Benelli’s Cafe Racer 1130. Steeped in racing heritage, it is nonetheless, a well mannered machine with extraordinary power lurking under the seat."

Ducatisti party hard - World Ducati Week: "The Ducati Desmosedici RR made its first ever public appearance in action around the Misano Circuit at World Ducati Week 2007. In front of thousands of Ducatisti, the pre-series version of the four cylinder MotoGP replica took to the circuit for a 15 minute session to demonstrate its awesome 200hp performance and to signify the progress of the project as it approaches production."

Buell 1125R - just super: "It was an awesome sight seeing around 5000 bikes amassed on the local soccer park ready for the grand parade through town. The crowd was so big it took 90 minutes for all the bikes to move from the park to the local stadium where the AGM was held."

Our man Casey - can they catch him?: "A new millenium, an exciting new talent and the great Alberto Puig. At only 14 years of age, Casey Stoner attracted the attention of GP legend Alberto Puig during a race in the Spanish 125cc GP. Alberto was impressed by Casey’s determination and skill and invited him to race for the Telefonica Movistar Team in the 125cc Spanish Championships the next year. Too young to legally race in Australia, Stoner had arrived on the world scene. But wait, there’s more..."

Harley Davidson - 2008 preview: "In releasing details of its 2008 range, Harley-Davidson has introduced three radically styled new models for our continued edification. The Dyna Fat Bob, the Rocker and the Rocker C are additions to a diverse line of 2008 motorcycles that also includes eight models available in limited-edition 105th Anniversary styling."

Issue 6

Click on the cover to download. (1.3mb)

Ready to Rumble - the Yamaha XV1900 Roadliner: "At its heart is a mighty low-revving, high-torque 1854cc air-cooled, eight-valve V-twin engine set in a streamlined long and low aluminium chassis. The pushrod powerplant is fed via a twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection system which unleashes incredible throttle response at any revs. Maximum torque is reached at only 2500rpm!."

Sneak Preview: "Deriving its genes from the iconic Triumph Speed Triple streetfighter and the award-winning Triumph Daytona 675 Supersport machine, the Street Triple is 675cc of pure naked aggression: lightweight, agile, and fantastic fun to ride."

Wild Hogs: "It was an awesome sight seeing around 5000 bikes amassed on the local soccer park ready for the grand parade through town. The crowd was so big it took 90 minutes for all the bikes to move from the park to the local stadium where the AGM was held."

Day Trip: "It might look minimalist, but the peformance is maximist! The new BMW Roadster matches the trend towards enhanced dynamics with greater agility and excellent all-round touring qualities. At just 198kg this would be my BMW boxer of choice for the wild winding roads. In the corners it out handles the R1200GS, and for my money, it looks better doing it!"

100 Years of the Isle of Man TT: 15 page commemorative guide - rider profiles, history, action photos. Don't miss it!

Issue 5

Click on the cover to download. (1.2mb)

Mountain High – The BMW F800ST: "I must admit, before this trip I wondered whether the F800 was going to be up to the task I'd set it. Touring over 1200km in a day and a half and loaded with camping gear for the Island, I thought I was going to really miss my own K1200RS."

It's RED, it's FAST, it's DUCATI: "The Ducati 1098 is the most powerful twin-cyclinder motorcycle in the world with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sports bike. It is the lightest, fastest stopping, quickest lapping Ducati in history."

The legend returns: "From May 20-24, the Motogiro d'Italia, the oldest Italian motorcycle road race, will be revived on the most beautiful roads of Eastern Sicily. Hundreds of bikes, passionate riders and collectors from all over the world will contribute to recreating the atmosphere, the style and the spirit of the original race."

Sporting Heritage: "First introduced in 1957 as a "street racer" the Harley Davidson Sportster family are the original hot rods of motorcycling. Now 50 years on, Harley have given them a new look and upgraded performance."

Bathurst or Bust: "The road to Oberon is motorbike heaven. Corner after Corner and not much traffic until... the heavens opened and the road quickly became a river of water."

Let the battle commence: "Phillip Island for the World Superbikes was a much different place thahn at the MotoGP. For s start, the racing was (for me) more exciting - kind of like comparing Formula One with V8 Supercars."

Issue 4

Click on the cover to download. (1.2mb)

The Buell-tiful XB12X: "Buell describe the Ulysses as an “adventure sportsbike”. Surely, that’s an oxymoron? Well, after a few thousand k’s on the 2007 XB12X, I have to say that the description fits.
Usually when I test a new bike, I’ll want to add it to my collection, but wouldn’t want to give up my own touring bike. But in the case of the Buell it’s a capable tourer – after two 600km days and an overnight camp, I arrived in Brisbane fresher than I have ever been after such a ride."

Cape York or bust : "After hearing many a camp fire yarn about the legendary SIDS long distance trail ride, this year it didn’t take a lot of coaxing from Les Jensen, then head honcho at SIDS Motorcycle Treks, to sign me up for the inaugural SIDS Cape York Motorcycle Trek. No problem - armed with a $200 camera and my trusty ‘98 KTM620 (perhaps of similar value!), off I went into the blue……actually, very grey and wet….. yonder!"

Like a bit of sport?: "My first impression is that the bike feels incredibly light to handle – no wonder when at 190 kg the R 1200 S is the lightest and most agile of all BMW’s Boxer machines – 18 kg lighter than its predecessor. Fully fuelled and with all operating fluids, the R 1200 S weighs just 213kg, which is 35 kg less than the K 1200 S. Just a touch of the clutch is all that is required to change and the gears feel much smoother than its ST stablemate."

Hi-tech, Hi-performance: "Yamaha has released its much awaited fifth-generation R1 incorporating a whole range of trick new technology to enhance the man-machine relationship. Featuring an all-new engine, chassis and bodywork, Yamaha claims the new R1 to be the most sophisticated high-tech supersport machine ever built. And it also delivers the most exciting, rewarding and responsive riding experience imaginable."

Issue 3

Click on the cover to download. (1.2mb)

Don't Mess With Me: "It's 11 o'clock on a Friday Night in Sydney and over the clamour of city nightlife there is one sound that sours above the rest - the throbbing exhaust note from the 96 cubic inch Softail engine." Read how the city fell in lust with the Harley Davidson Softail Custom.

Get Into Gear: "We decided to give jackets for Christmas, so the Pillion and I had a look through the catalogues and here's what we chose..."

96 Cubic Inches: "At the heart of the Softail Custom lies Harley Davidson's all new Big Twin powertrain for 2007, the Twin Cam 96 engine with 6 speed Cruise Drive Transmission..." We give you the rundown on what makes 2007 Harley's tick.

Bushranger Country: "Our trip to Jenolan was an opportunity for us to hide-out for the weekend, and also test how the new Harley Davidson Softail Custom handled itself with passengers, luggage and the twisted road into the caves..."

Ready To Race: "Same name, but completely new from stem to stern, the 2007 Honda CBR600RR sports a slippery new, aerodynamically designed race-ready form..."

Faceoff: Cruiser v Sports Bike: "I know a number of people learning to ride a motorcycle and they all have the same question - what bike shall I buy?... We compare the Hyosung GT250R with the GV250 Aquila."

Time to Ride: "The weather wasn't so hot, but the action was! If you're into Harley's, choppers, tattoos, leather, and beautiful women - then make sure you head for Gold Coast Bike Week..."

Issue 2

Click on the cover to download. (716kb)

Knight in Shining Armour: "Its looks are reminiscent of a K1200S, but on steriods, and
when you first sit astride it you feel somewhat like Captain Kirk on the Starship Enterprise. But press the ignition and you know you're not riding the mothership! Taking off in city traffic I expected to have some initial trouble manouevering but the bike was surprisingly light, feeling more like a sportsbike than a grand tourer." Read how the K1200GT uber tourer performed on a fully-loaded trip from Sydney to Phillip Island.

Sticky Rubber: "The first thing I noticed when the RS was fitted with its Sportec M3 shoes was how smoothly it went into corners. Before, I had to apply pressure and consciuosly attack a corner - with the M3s the bike seemed to understand when it was time to lean and my thoughts were enough to make it roll into a corner..."

MotoGP Fever: "We arrived to a scene that could have been a set from a Mad Max movie! Imagine the world after a nuclear explosion - civilisation barely holding together, the smoke from campfires casting a haze over the skyline and all manner of tents providing shelter. Not to mention the rather fierce-looking inhabitants..." Reflections from the trackside campground at Phillip Island!

Pimp My Ride: "I love the bike, but... Many riders have bought the bike they really wanted only to find, well, it's not quite right. They don't really want to make a fully-fledged streetfighter or cafe racer out of it, but they do want to tweak it a bit..." Read how an XJR1300 was transformed for under $500.

Issue 1

Click on the cover to download. (428kb)

Destination Hunter: "Sunset on a cool winter's evening sees us turning onto the Old North Road, hard-packed gravel that can be attacked with some enthusiasm (even on a touring bike) stretching before us. We cruise past vineyards and fields occupied by kangaroos, before hitting Hermitage Road (sealed) and our destination... " If you're planning a trip to the Hunter Valley check out our review of 4 quite different places to stay. From 5-star luxury to a $60 a night pub experience.

Staying Upright: "Maybe if I had mastered some of the techniques Wayne and his team teach on the Advanced Skills Course I wouldn't have ended up with my bike crushed under the diff of a truck and me on the road about 20 metres away! Sure, it wasn't my fault - the truck pulled out in front of me - or was it? If I had been better at emergency braking, or had made decisions that split second earlier, maybe I could have avoided the pain..." Read our review on on Stay Upright's Advanced Skills Course - no matter how good a rider you think you are - you will benefit from the course.

Bike Review: BMW R1200ST: "Some of the bravest decided to go around the mountains, but most chose to cut back and forth and visit as many checkpoints as possible. There are some particularly good motorcycling roads in the region - lots of sweeping curves and little traffic (apart from 2000 bikes!). The big beast loved it! Its torquey motor (0-100 in 3.5 seconds) really puts the power down and despite its size, you can take corners with real confidence..." Through rain and the snowy BMW's R1200ST delivers the goods.

Metzeler Roadtec Z6: "The difference was amazing! Gone was the chatter and skittishness that had so characterised the bike before. Metzeler have engineered the Z6 to achieve a good all round performance.The Carbon matrix compound ensures excellent dry grip, and in the wet the bike feels solidly in contact with the road..." Read on to see how by just changing the tyres you can transform a bike.

The Long Way: "Sydney to Picton? Not much of a ride? You'd be right if you took the direct route. But how about going via the Royal National Park and taking the Grand Pacific Drive to Wollongong, then on to historic Berry, up through Kangaroo Valley to the Southern Highlands, across to Thirlmere and down into Picton..." There's some great riding, amazing views from the spectacular Sea Cliff bridge.