SWEEPING

KIWIS
CHASING THE TAIL
AT THE KTM NZ
ADVENTURE RALLYE

ISSUE 33

RIDING WITH MILES: TIPS TO RIDE SAFER & FASTER, WITH MILES DAVIS
AUS $14.95*
NZ $14.95 (Both incl. GST)

YAMAHA ADVENTURE RALLY: TÉNÉRÉS TAKE ON THE VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY

CHINESE TAKE-AWAY: CFMOTO LEADS THE ADV CHARGE FROM CHINA
BAJA DAZE: DOWN & OUT FOR THE COUNT ON THE BAJA PENINSULA
ROD’S ROCKET: ROD FAGGOTTER’S RALLYE ADVENTURE SPEC TÉNÉRÉ 700
FEELING HUNGRY? RIDING DOWN MEMORY LANE TO HUNGRY CREEK MOTORCYCLE PARK
 56
EDITOR Andrew Clubb
EDITOR-AT-LARGE Dave Darcy
TECHNICAL EDITOR Clive Ward
DESIGNER Malinda Hadiwidjojo
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Mitch Newell 0402 202 870
[email protected]
David Strong 0411 424 072
[email protected]
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Mila Rojano
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Martin White
[email protected]

CHAIRMAN/CEO Prema Perera

PUBLISHER Janice Williams
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Vicky Mahadeva
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Emma Perera
CIRCULATION BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Mark McTaggart

Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head office

(02) 9805 0399. Australian Adventure Bike #33

CONTENTS
is published by Australian Publishing Pty Ltd,
Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113.
Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714.
Melbourne office, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South
Melbourne Vic 3205. Phone: (03) 9694 6444.
Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd, Singapore, and

ISSUE 33, 2025

distributed by Gordon and Gotch, Australia. This
book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for
the purpose of private study, research, criticism
or review as permitted under the Copyright
Act, no part may be reproduced by any process
without written permission. Enquiries should
be addressed to the publishers. The publishers
believe all the information supplied in this book FEATURES
to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, 36 CHINESE TAKE-AWAY
however, in a position to make a guarantee to this
effect and accept no liability in the event of any CFMOTO is leading the charge from
information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses China, but what other ADV bikes could
and phone numbers were, after investigation
and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up soon be set to follow?
to date at the time of printing, but the shifting
sands of time may change them in some cases.
46 YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ RALLY
It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that The Victorian High Country is alive with the
advertisements which appear in this publication
comply with the Competition and Consumer
sound of Ténéré 700s, and plenty of them.
Act 2010 (Cth) and the Australian Consumer 56 MOTOS WITH MILES
Law. The responsibility must therefore be on
Expert ADV riding coach Miles Davis

68
the person, company or advertising agency
submitting the advertisements for publication. passes on plenty of tips to help make you
While every endeavour has been made to ensure
complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be a faster and safer rider.
held responsible for any errors or omissions. 68 BAJA DAZE
*Recommended retail price ISSN 2209-2374
Copyright © Australian Publishing Pty Ltd When a bunch of good ol’ boys from the
MMXXV ACN 003 609 103 USA got together for a Baja ride, they
umco.com.au
We are a member of: ended up getting way more adventure 90 SNOWY MOUNTAIN HIGH
than they bargained for. Great riding for a great cause: welcome to Kat’s
80 SWEEPING KIWIS Adventure Ride to benefit newborn babies.
What’s life like when you’re a sweep 98 FEELING HUNGRY?
rider on the KTM NZ Adventure Rallye? We take a ride down memory lane to the long-
Sprocket tells his story. lost home of Hungry Creek Motorcycle Park.

6 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 7
CONTENTS

46

102 ROD’S ROCKET 114 ENDLESS MILES

Rod Faggotter’s special Rallye Get your toes wet as Miles Davis
Adventure Ténéré 700 is tailor tackles river crossings.
made for big days in the saddle. 116 THE PROFESSOR’S WORKSHOP
110 PROJECT BIKE: CFMOTO 450MT More tech advice from Clive Ward.
After a memorable 10,000km, it’s 120 INSTA ADV
time to bid farewell to the mighty Digging up some digital gems
SWEEPING midget 450MT. from the world of Instagram.
KIWIS 124 MEMORY CARD
Take a peek behind the scenes
CHASING THE TAIL
AT THE KTM NZ
ADVENTURE RALLYE REGULARS of what goes on at AAB.
14 ZERO OUT NOW 128 GEAR & GADGETS
From the Editor’s desk. More new products than you can
ISSUE 33
16 IT’S A MAD WORLD shake a stick at.
RIDING WITH MILES: TIPS TO RIDE SAFER & FASTER, WITH MILES DAVIS
AUS $14.95*
NZ $14.95 (Both incl. GST)

YAMAHA ADVENTURE RALLY: TÉNÉRÉS TAKE ON THE VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY Has Darcy gone mad? 138 SHOWROOM
CHINESE TAKE-AWAY: CFMOTO LEADS THE ADV CHARGE FROM CHINA
BAJA DAZE: DOWN & OUT FOR THE COUNT ON THE BAJA PENINSULA
ROD’S ROCKET: ROD FAGGOTTER’S RALLYE ADVENTURE SPEC TÉNÉRÉ 700
18 NEWS ROOM The latest and greatest products
FEELING HUNGRY? RIDING DOWN MEMORY LANE TO HUNGRY CREEK MOTORCYCLE PARK
More new bikes, more great rides from SW-Motech.
and more ADV goodness.

ON THE COVER
Chris Birch parting the waters on
the KTM NZ Adventure Rally. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MAIL ORDERS:
Photo: Rob Kerber/KTM 1300 303 414

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 7

 SCENIC
OVERLOAD
It never ceases to amaze us how much
amazing scenery New Zealand packs into
its North and South Islands. While the high
country stations of the South Island are
best known for adventure riding, the North
Island is no slouch either when it comes to
eye-popping vistas and terrain to remember
for a lifetime. Like these lush green clifftops
north of Gisborne, which were part of the
recent Yamaha New Zealand Adventure Rally
that was hosted by legend Kiwi MX hero
Ben Townley. What a view!
PHOTO: CAMERON DUNCAN/YAMAHA

8 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 9
ON LOCATION

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 9

 MAKING
WAVES
No mistaking New Zealand off-road
hero Chris Birch when you see him on
the trail at the KTM Adventure Rallye.
He’ll be the one aboard a booming
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, up on
one wheel, spraying cool, clear Kiwi
creek water in every direction!
PHOTO: ROB KERBER/KTM

10 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 11
ON LOCATION

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 11

 ONE LUMP
OR TWO?
Sure, here in Australia we know all about
dodging kangaroos and emus. But camels?
The double-humped hazards are real when
you ride adventure bikes in the Middle East.
PHOTO: HUSQVARNA

12 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 13
ON LOCATION

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 13

 14
ZERO OUT NOW

LEFT: It felt great to get half the tank off

the World Raid to get to the main wiring loom.
But right about then you realise you have to
put it all back together again! Photo: TC.

unable to access all the features it controls

via the bike’s TFT display.
I tried pulling the switch apart and
cleaning and lubing it inside. I tried ‘the mod’
and cut the internal spring shorter. But try as
I might, I just couldn’t get the thumbwheel to
work consistently.

STEP BY STEP
So I finally scored a replacement switch
block with thumbwheel from Yamaha Motor
Australia’s spare parts division and I couldn’t
wait to spend a leisurely day in the shed
fitting it. Actually, it wasn’t all day — but
nearly! The wiring for the new switch block
and thumb wheel attaches to the bike’s
main wiring loom under the World Raid’s
fuel tank. Of course, the World Raid has
two fuel tanks, but for this job only the
right-side tank needed to come off. Bonus!

THE WHEEL DEAL

However, getting the right-side tank off
involved removing the SW-Motech crash bar
on our bike, a whole bunch of plastic covers
and pieces and then lifting the tank half —
often tell the story about the time a MECHANICAL CHALLENGES yeah, it’s a task.

I pack of us were romping south toward

Nimmitabel on one of our annual Ride
to The Snowy Ride adventures when
the back end of my XTZ660 Ténéré started
slithering and sliding, and right away I knew
Being a pro on the tools is an acquired skill.
Like playing the cello. Or performing brain
surgery. Just like I wish I could ride like
Daniel Sanders, I dream one day of having
the confidence and the skills of the Professor
But the job is doable, even for an ol’ ‘ten
thumbs’ like me. But I would suggest you
note or photograph what fasteners go
where as you remove them! And just for
kicks, stop for a moment when you do get
it was a flat tyre. Damn it. on the tools. the tank off and have a gander at all the
So I parked up under a tree, hoisted the bike I will try many a mechanical task, and while parts buried under the fuel cell atop the
onto the centrestand, got the toolkit out and my tool-time resume is littered with burred motor. I just don’t know how the engineers
started to get into the job of a rear tube swap. bolt heads, stripped threads and torn tyre make everything fit in there.
A few moments later, sweep rider bead wires, I do like to have a go. So when After getting the new part fitted and the
extraordinaire Clive ‘The Professor’ Ward a replacement thumb wheel switch block bike all back together, how good was it to
rolled up, took one look at the scene of me turned up for AAB’s long-term Ténéré 700 be able to access all the on-bike info and
on my knees battling to get the axle out World Raid, I was all over the job like a options again, and select the ABS setting
and bellowed: “Clubby, move away from the third-year apprentice: lemme at it! you want … it’s awesome!
tyre levers!” My thinking was, how hard can it be to I can’t wait to let the Professor know I
The Professor is well aware of my form replace a switch block? Just disconnect and got the job done and I didn’t short out any
on the tyre levers. And his concerns were remove the old one, then plug the new one electrical components or send the dash into
justified shortly thereafter as he removed the in. Too easy. an error code frenzy.
rear tyre and promptly discovered torn wires Curiously, this was the first time I have had And I can’t wait for AAB’s next Ténéré
in the bead. to make a ‘warranty parts claim’ on a Ténéré 700 long-termer to arrive. It’s the new
“You fair butchered this tyre getting it — ever. And I’ve owned a lot of Ténérés 2025 model that boasts upgraded ergos,
on, didn’t you?” the Professor stated, rather over the years. The AAB T7 World Raid had suspension and electronics, including a
than asking. racked up 15,000km and while I will always choice of ride modes for the first time. And
I couldn’t argue. The evidence was there decree the World Raid is the best Ténéré how’s this? There’s no thumb wheel, instead
for all to see. Yes, I had certainly struggled ever, that clunky thumb wheel fought me there are arrow selection buttons on the
to get the new tyre fitted two nights earlier. most of the way. It would give up the ghost switchgear, while ABS can be selected by a
They don’t call me ‘the Butcher’ for nothing! most of the time and regularly leave me button on the dash … excellent! — Clubby

14 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

THE NEW
R 1300 GS
ADVENTURE
THE UNPREDICTABLE AWAITS
With the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, freedom is boundless. Mighty yet handy,
complex yet robust and with unrivalled riding capabilities both on and off road,
you’re ready to take on the next adventure with the #SpiritOfGS.

The 145-horsepower boxer can take you right to the heart of your adventure.
Equipped with a 30 litre tank and options such as Automated Shift Assistant and
Adaptive Vehicle Height Control, your R 1300 GS Adventure can do some of the
thinking for you. Follow your instincts and focus on the adventure at hand.

Learn more ƺEPZPRWRUUDGFRPDXUJVDGYHQWXUH

 16
IT’S A MAD WORLD

It got me thinking: would he have fared

Sun’s out, buns out! Nugget
and Dave just couldn’t help better in an air vest? I’m not sure. Pete
but dip a toe in Rara Lake in landed hard on his arse and the impact
remote north-west Nepal. transferred up his spine. Maybe the vest
Photo: Nosh Mistry.
wouldn’t have made a difference. What I do
know is I’ve owned an air vest for a couple
of years — and barely use it. I get the safety
benefits, but it’s another layer. It’s heavy and
hot, especially in summer. And the charging?
Don’t get me started.
There have been improvements lately, but
I’m still not seeing widespread uptake of
them. There’s maybe one or two riders in a
group of 40, but the ones who are wearing
an air-vest swear by them. But for most of
us, the jury’s still out.

R AND R
I’ve got a habit of hanging onto bikes, so I’m
in a bit of a ‘renew and refresh’ phase with
my KTM 690 and Husky 701. There’s no way
I’m parting with the 2011-model 690 that I
rode from London to Sydney. I still ride it.
Every time I swing a leg over, I get hit with
special memories of places like Kazakhstan,
sleeping in tall grass on vast plains.
But the old girl is getting temperamental.

GOATS, GAIA & The last time Clubby rode it, fuel started
pouring from every orifice. He was convinced

GOING THE DISTANCE it was going to catch fire and blow up —

literally. It’s actually in the shop scoring some
TLC as I type. And please, no jokes about
ugget and his Gaia maps never Our recent trip to Rara Lake was proper rocker arms, fuel injection or wiring at this

N cease to amaze. There we were,

perched on the edge of a steep
gorge in the Himalayas, deep in
remote north-western Nepal, about 60km
from the Chinese border. The drop to the
adventure. Navigation was a challenge. Food
and accommodation weren’t guaranteed.
Fuel was sold in water bottles, if you could
find it. We ran on instinct with only a rough
destination in mind. It was old-school, and
sensitive time.
As for my 2021-model Husky 701, it’s also
getting a makeover, headlined by a set of
WP closed-cartridge forks and a few tasty
extras. I’ll report on the farkle-up in the next
bottom? You may as well have been flying just brilliant. My mate Nosh has a cracking edition of AAB.
an aeroplane. photo essay of the ride coming up in the In the meantime, I’m looking forward to
Nugget points across the valley to a trail next issue, so look out for that. throwing a leg over the Ducati DesertX Rally
clinging to the cliff face and barks: “We real soon. There was a lot to love about the
could ride that!” CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME standard X, and the Rally ups the game with
I fired back: “That’s a track for mountain Speaking of old-school, my lifelong riding top-of-the-line suspension. Bring it on!
goats, you bloody w@nker!” buddy Peter Donaldson took a bad tumble — Dave Darcy
“No, no, we could ride that,” Nugget on Wisemans Ferry Road recently. We go
pleaded. “It’s on my Gaia. Look, see!” way back, to the first Honda XR250 Pro-Link
Sure enough, the path was accurately days. He had a Yamaha IT175, while I had a
mapped. But what didn’t it show? The swing mighty Kawasaki KDX250E. We rode all over
bridge flapping in the Himalayan breeze at Gloucester and camped at Frying Pan Creek.
an altitude where jets could fly underneath it. Pete had flown down to Melbourne, bought
I reckoned if you stuffed up the launch a preloved Honda Transalp and was riding it
onto that bridge, you’d have a good 15 home, making his first dip into the adventure
seconds of cartoon-style airtime before riding scene. Just hours from home, a
MAD TV
smacking into the creek bed below. Like kangaroo took him out — badly. As I write Dave Darcy is the Producer
straight out of a Wile E. Coyote scene this he’s in Royal North Shore Hospital with of the Motorcycle Adventure
(millennials, look it up!) Boom: you’d be significant internal injuries and a busted lower Dirtbike TV channel on
YouTube. Grab a beer, settle
flattened! And then a Himi lands on you for back. He’s lucky — he can walk — but the back and press Play!
good measure. recovery will be long. The bike didn’t make it.

16 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 ducati.com

NEWĚ{QGz^ĚVwVv?Ě/Ggg‡

Race Wilder
3]VĚiVĚVwVv?Ě/Ggg‡Ě^wĚGĚhkzkvQ‡QgVĚTVT^QGzVTĚzkĚz]VĚwskv^VwzĚGiTĚhkwzĚ^izvVs^TĚk[ŽþvkGTĚViz]{w^GwzwÙĚTVw^\iVTĚ[kvĚGT€Viz{vVĚGiTĚVu{^ssVTĚ
^z]Ěz]V̀Vv‡ĚPVwzĚvGQVþTVv^€VTĚQkhskiVizwÞ

V€VgksVTĚGiTĚzVwzVTĚGzĚz]VĚvGQVzvGQfwÙĚz]VĚiVĚVwVv?Ě/Ggg‡Ě^wĚvVGT‡ĚzkĚGQQkhsGi‡Ě‡k{Ěki̇k{vĚhkwzĚV†zvVhVĚGT€Viz{vVẃ^z]Ě^zw̖šhhĚ
@ Ěw{wsViw^kí^z]Ě^iQvVGwVTĚzvG€VgĚGiTĚQgkwVTĚQGvv^T\VĚ[kvfÙĚ^iQvVGwVTĚ\vk{iTĚQgVGvGiQVÙĚGiTĚsvk[Vww^kiGgþgV€VgĚzVQ]i^QGgĚVu{^shVizÞĚ3]VĚ
iVĚQGvPkiĚwzVVgĚQVizvGgĚwskfVT́]VVgwĚGiTĚg^\]zVvĚQkhskiVizv‡Ě^ggĚ]Vgṡk{ĚzGQfgVĚGi‡ĚkPwzGQgV́^z]Ě{isGvGggVgVTĚsVvŽkvhGiQVĚGiTĚsvVQ^w^kiÞĚ
3]VĚiVĚg^€Vv‡ÙĚ^iws^vVTĚP‡Ěz]VĚVwVv?Ěz]GzĚ
izk^iVĚ!WkĚskVvVTĚzk̀^Qzkv‡ĚGzĚz]VĚvŒPVv\vkTVkĚ,vkgk\{VÙĚVi]GiQVwĚ^zwĚk[ŽþvkGTĚiGz{vV́^z]Ě
GĚ{i^u{VĚGiTĚT^wz^iQz^€VĚwz‡gVÞĚ

:]Vz]Vv̇k{čvVĚgkkf^i\Ě[kvĚk[ŽþvkGTĚGT€Viz{vVwĚkvĚGĚvGgg‡þvG^TÙĚz]VĚiVĚVwVv?Ě/Ggg‡Ě^wĚvVGT‡ĚzkĚ]Vgṡk{Ěk€VvQkhVĚz]VĚhkwzĚT^[Ž^Q{gzĚQ]GggVi\VwĚ
and propel your dreams beyond every limit.

VwVv?Ě/Ggg‡ÞĚ/GQVĚ:^gTVvÞ

Overseas model is shown and specifications may vary for the local model. The model in this image may feature accessories and merchandise that are not supplied as standard. Always wear protective
hkzkvQ‡QgVĚQgkz]^i\́]ViĚv^T^i\ĚGiTĚkPV‡ĚgkQGgĚvkGTĚvV\{gGz^kiwÞĚkĚikzĚGzVhszĚzkĚvVQvVGzVĚz]VĚv^T^i\ĚwQViVĚTVs^QzVTĚ^iĚz]^wĚ^hG\VÞĚ kizGQżk{vĚ
{z]kv^wVTĚ{QGz^ĚVGgVvĚ[kvĚhkvVĚ^i[kvhGz^kiÞ
 18
NEWS ROOM

YAMAHA REVEALS
TASTY TÉNÉRÉ 700
GYTR RACER

The Ténéré GYTR 700 rally

bikes have serious drool
factor, but Yamaha claims
all the trick bolt-on parts
are available through their
GYTR division or from
third-party suppliers.

he factory-backed Yamaha Ténéré + A full complement of GYTR hard parts

T Spirit Experience rally team, in

partnership with Riders for Health
(powered by Two Wheels for Life),
has unveiled its all-new Ténéré 700 GYTR
race bikes at the 2025 season-opening Carta
and accessories.
+ Michelin tyres and bib mousse inserts.
+ Akrapovic exhaust system.
+ Acerbis plastic handguards and
frame guards.
Rallye event in Morocco. + Fully adjustable KYB suspension
And it’s a case of the former World prepared by OTS.
Raid-based T7 race bikes are gone, replaced + Excel rims and Haan wheelsets.
by brand-new twin-cylinder missiles that are + Twin Air air filter.
based on the latest 2025 Ténéré 700 Rally + Kutvek custom graphics.
model, which is sold exclusively in Europe + F2R roadbook holder.
01
and the UK. + Braking brand brake components.
Lining up on the new sky blue bombers in + Shad seat.
Morocco were long-time Yamaha rally team + Carbonmade carbon-fibre parts. 02
racer Alessandro Botturi, who was joined by The exotic-looking T7s are said to be fitted
nine-time MXGP winner Gautier Paulin, who with parts available to the public, either
would be making his international rally racing through Yamaha and its GYTR division or
debut. Missing from action was Pol Tarres, through third-party suppliers.
the hard enduro and rally ace sidelined while Competing alongside Botturi and Paulin in
recuperating from recent shoulder surgery. Morocco were several Ténéré Spirit Experience
The new race bikes were set to dive in at riders in the Race category, while a number
the deep end, with the Carta Rallye featuring of TSE customers were taking part in the Raid
seven stages across no less than 2,000km of category, where they get to experience all of
remote Morocco desert. the adventure and excitement of rally without
The new T7 GYTR racers are indeed all the pressure of riding against the clock.
new, featuring: www.yamaha-motor.com.au

18 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Alessandro Botturi (left) and new team mate Gautier Paulin are all smiles with their new
Ténéré Spirit Experience Ténéré 700 GYTR race bikes before the Carta Rallye in Morocco.

01: GYTR rear fuel tank set-up returns and we’re guessing it’s likely a straight carry-over from the ’24 model and World Raid. 02: Akrapovic exhaust system is fitted,
but of course. 03: Official details and capacity of the front fuel tank were scarce, but we’re expecting it’s an Acerbis item. 04: GYTR foot pegs help to keep your boots
in place. 05: F2R road book is carried in a carbon-fibre and alloy tower set-up. 06: GYTR clutch cover allows quick and easy access to the clutch pack for servicing. 07:
Carbon-made bashplate to protect the bike’s underbelly and help with dune surfing. 08: Beefy KYB fork and single disc set-up dominate the front-end spec of the bike.

03 04 05

06 07 08

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 19

 20
NEWS ROOM

BMW STEPS BMW’s new R 12 G/S

captures the style of the
original R 80 G/S and with
the Enduro Pro package

BACK IN TIME shown here scores an

18-inch rear wheel, Enduro
Pro ride mode, hand guards,

WITH R 12 G/S
skid plate and knobby tyres.

verything old is new

E again — just look at the

R 12 G/S that’s recently
been revealed by BMW. If
you reckon the latest R 1300 GS
range might be a little OTT when No, it’s not the original R 80
it comes to technology, gadgets G/S, but in this colourway
the standard R 12 G/S sure
and gizmos, the R 12 G/S could
does look like it!
be just the BMW you’re looking
for instead. another optional Enduro
The R 12 G/S is designed Package Pro includes an 18-inch
to capture the essence of the rear wheel, bar risers, off-road
original R 80 G/S that was pegs, hand guards, engine
released 45 years ago, and we guards, longer sidestand and
have to say BMW has done an Enduro Pro ride mode.
awesome job of doing precisely Suspension travel is 210mm
that. But the new bike is a far front and 200mm rear, with
cry from the 800cc and 50 240mm ground clearance.
horsepower of the original! However, the Enduro Package
The R 12 G/S is powered by Pro boosts the ground clearance
an 1170cc air/oil-cooled Boxer to 255mm, and it also ups the
powerplant that pumps out 109 standard seat height of 860mm Midnight Black is another colour
horsepower at 7,000rpm and to 875mm. scheme for the air/oil-cooled
115Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. It Fuel capacity is 15.5 litres, Boxer twin-powered machine.
comes packed with Rain, Road while the bike’s road-ready
and Enduro riding modes, along weight is a claimed 229kg.
with ABS, traction control and The R 12 G/S is expected
MSR engine braking control. to arrive at Australian BMW
A quick shifter, heated grips, dealerships mid-year, with
cruise control, hill start control, pricing for the standard model
tyre pressure control and from $23,990 plus ORC, while
connected ride control are all the upspec Enduro variant with
available as options as part of Comfort and Enduro Package
BMW’s Comfort package. Pro options will be priced from
Wheel sizes are 21-inch front $27,990 plus ORC.
and 17-inch rear; however, www.bmwmotorrad.com.au

20 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 22
NEWS ROOM

Suspension and detail

updates should help
boost the popularity
of Honda’s Dakar-
styled CRF300 Rally.

HONDA
UNVEILS
UPDATED
CRF300L DUO
onda’s American distributor Meanwhile, a new radiator

H recently unveiled updated

CRF300L and CRF300 Rally
models for the 2025 season
and the new bikes are expected to
arrive in Australia soon.
and fan grille improve engine
heat management, while LED
headlights and turn signals
offer better visibility.
Updated graphics round
The rock-solid reliable small-bore out the changes.
thumpers, which were originally Honda Australia is yet
released back in 2020, have received to officially announce
some important upgrades for 2025, details of the new 300s,
not the least of which is to the bikes’ but we understand the
suspension, which has been known to bikes are due here soon,
be on the soft side. so for the latest details and
The new 300s have scored stiffer pricing, be sure to visit your
shock damping to deliver improved local Honda dealer or check
bottoming resistance. The rubber out the Honda website.
bushing in the upper shock mount has motorcycles.honda.com.au
been replaced by a bearing, while up Honda’s CRF300L dual-sporter
front the 43mm USD forks have also has also been updated for 2025.
been updated.

22 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 24
NEWS ROOM

From Portugal to you,

AJP PR7
again! AJP motorcycles
are back in Australia and
the PR7 is the kind of rally-
bred adventure machine

RETURNS many riders dream of.

TO OZ

ack in 2014, Portuguese motorcycle as 250, 310 and 500 four-stroke trail/ As for the Gold Edition PR7, it comes fitted

B brand AJP set a cat amongst the

pigeons at the Intermot Motorcycle
Exhibition when it unveiled the PR7
adventure-cum-rally bike.
Powered by a 600cc thumper engine
enduro machines.
The two PR7 adventure weapons include
a standard model and special-order Gold
Edition variant. The Husqvarna/SWM-bred
600cc powerplant continues to power the
with Ohlins suspension, including 48mm
double closed cartridge forks and a remote
reservoir shock.
For more details, pricing and availability,
check out the AJP website and contact the
derived from previous Husqvarna/SWM PR7s, being fed by a 45mm throttle body, AJP dealer in your state.
models, the PR7 boasted long-travel and with a new Athena ECU it meets latest www.ajpmotos.com.au
suspension, a rally tower/screen set-up and Euro 5 compliance requirements.
17-litre under-seat fuel cell. The rally tower/screen set-up continues
The PR7 looked to answer the prayers of with dual Hella headlights fitted, while
many an ADV rider looking for a lightweight, mounted inside the screen is an eight-inch
rally-styled and off-road-biased 600cc tablet device that allows you to monitor
single-cylinder adventure bike. While navigation maps, speed and temperature
multiple shipments of PR7s did make it data, and OBD diagnostics as well as
to Australia, niggling set-up and technical custom apps.
issues hampered the bike’s penetration into ZF Sachs components handle the
the local market. suspension chores, controlling 300mm
But now AJP is back, in the hands of travel up front and 280mm travel at the rear.
new local importer AJP Australia. Dealer Brembo brakes are fitted front and rear.
representatives have been appointed in The Acerbis 17-litre under-seat fuel cell
NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South continues to help with mass centralisation,
Australia, and the AJP range includes while the bike’s seat height is 920mm and The special order AJP PR7
the latest PR7 adventure models as well ground clearance is 310mm. Gold Edition comes loaded
with Ohlins suspension.

24 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

Light and comfortable
for a perfect adventure. Tamarack Top / Base
Adventure combination
with 2,5 layer stretch
ripstop laminate

HELD available from:

N EW C AST L E

motorcycles

www.migmotorrad.com.au | [email protected] | 1300 916 916

 26
NEWS ROOM

The Dirty Weekend is such a good time on two wheels,

so make sure you book your place and head for Green Valley Farm.
WIN A BMW F 900
GS ENDURO WITH
ADVENTURE MOTO!
Would you be stoked to win a BMW F 900 GS
Enduro? For sure!
And it’s so easy to get your chance to win big:
simply shop with Adventure Moto and you could
go in the draw to win a BMW F 900 GS Enduro with
some ripping kit and accessories fitted.
All you have to do is spend $300 in-store or
online at Adventure Moto or Tyres For Bikes
between now and November 30, 2025.
Every $300 spent, in every single transaction,
is counted as a single entry to win the BMW F
900 GS Enduro. If you spend $1,500, that counts
as five entries.
The BMW prize bike will come complete
with any accessories, upgrades and extras the
Adventure Moto crew adds during their 2025
build. The motorcycle will be a current-model
bike, registered and roadworthy in NSW; however,
it’s a second-hand bike as-is after being ridden
sparingly by Adventure Moto for promotional
purposes only.
So get online or get in-store and get in
the running to win a BMW F 900 GS Enduro.
www.adventuremoto.com.au

THE DIRTY WEEKEND

IS LOCKED & LOADED!
eptember 13/14 will be another organise your camping spot or cabin,

S weekend of celebrating all

things adventure riding as the
crew from Adventure Moto
host the annual Dirty Weekend at
Green Valley Farm in northern NSW.
which automatically registers you for
the event.
+ Phone: (02) 6723 3015
(if unavailable please leave
a message)
Industry displays, riding skill + Email: [email protected]
demonstrations, entertainment but + Web: www.greenvalleyfarm.com.au
most of all catching up with mates for Of course, there will be all sorts
an ale or two will all be high on the of action at the Dirty Weekend, and
Dirty Weekend’s agenda. the main event is the Dirty Weekend
Plus, it goes without saying there Adventure Challenge Motokhana,
will be some great riding on offer, so which comprises several technical
look forward to some good times in challenges and is open to both men
the saddle. and women.
The Dirty Weekend is free to enter. There will be a massive pool of
The only expenses you’ll have will be prizes up for grabs, with awards for:
entry and camping at Green Valley + Womens Motokhana winners.
Farm, which includes your dinners and + Mens Motokhana winners.
breakfasts. For those not staying at + Oldest Rider.
Green Valley Farm, you can purchase + Youngest Rider.
your meal tickets when you register + Newest Adventure Bike
with GVF on Friday afternoon. Extra (ridden to the event).
food is available at the Green Valley + Most Kilometres on the Clock.
Farm kiosk and the venue is licensed So get organised, get the leave pass
for a cold one after a full day of riding. sorted and we will see you there for a
Registering is completed direct dirty weekend!
with Green Valley Farm: simply call or www.greenvalleyfarm.com.au
email Green Valley Farm and you can www.adventuremoto.com.au

26 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

THE NEW VERSYS 1100 BRINGS LONG-RANGE COMFORT, ANY-ROAD VERSATILITY, AND INCREASED POWER TO EVERY RIDE.
Whether touring the countryside or crossing the city, solo or with a passenger, prepare to extend your horizons with flexible
luggage solutions plus advanced rider aids. Climb aboard the Versys 1100 and set your horizons to Destination Everywhere.

NEW DIGITALLY FUEL-INJECTED 1,099 CC IN-LINE FOUR NEW RIDEOLOGY THE APP WITH VOICE COMMAND**
INCREASED POWER WITH IMPROVED HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE SUPERB COMFORT AND UPRIGHT RIDING POSITION
STATE-OF-THE-ART IMU-ENHANCED ELECTRONICS PACKAGE LONG-TRAVEL SUSPENSION AND SPORTY 17” WHEELS

www.kawasaki.com.au
kawasakiaus @kawasakimotors_au

**Subscription required for access to certain features. See website for details.
 28
NEWS ROOM

Last year the Variety Bash ADVers went all the way to the top of the Victorian High Country.
This year they’re aiming for the NSW Blue Mountains and New England regions.

VARIETY BASH RIDES AGAIN

et ready to fire up those engines experience and safety expertise Variety has

G and answer the call of the open road

for a cause that truly matters! For
decades, Variety — the Children’s
Charity NSW/ACT has been turning the thrill
of motoring into a powerful force for good,
honed over 40 years.
The ride will be staged from September
14 to 19, starting and finishing in Singleton,
following a course that will include such ADV
riding highlights as Wollemi National Park,
channelling the energy of incredible events the Bridle Track, Turon River and Dixons Long
into vital funds for local kids who need a Point crossing before turning north back
helping hand. towards the New England district.
While you might well be familiar with Every single dollar riders help raise through
Variety’s legendary four-wheeled adventures, participating in the 2025 Variety Adventure
prepare to discover the exhilarating world of Ride flows directly into Variety’s unwavering
Variety’s motorcycle activities with the fast mission for the past 50 years: to create a
approaching 2025 Variety Adventure Ride. world where every child, regardless of their
Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty circumstances or abilities, feels supported,
and hidden gems of the NSW Blue Mountains included and empowered. Adventures like this
and New England region on a ride that fuel life-changing grants and vital programs
ventures far beyond the well-trodden path! that ensure all children in Australia have the
Picture six glorious days stretching opportunity to thrive and reach their full
out before you, packed with brilliant trails potential. To get onboard and support the
and tracks that will test your skills and 2025 Variety Adventure Ride, check out the
ignite your senses. All of this is seamlessly website and book your spot. Hit the road to adventure with Variety and
help raise funds for their children’s charity.
orchestrated with the unwavering logistical fundraise.varietynswact.org.au

28 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 AVANTOUR 2

MIXTO 5 ADV

MARSHALL

ARRAKIS

www.falcoboots.com.au facebook.com/motonational
 30
NEWS ROOM

RIGHT: Now that’s a room with a view!

Kye takes his recce riding seriously and will go
all the way to the edge to scope out great riding.

GET ON THE GAS

WITH ENDEAVOUR
here are an awful lot of motorcycle

T tour operators out there now, but

when a motorcycle manufacturer
throws their weight behind one,
you can be confident they’re running a
professional operation.
GasGas Australia is proud to be a major
sponsor of Endeavour Motorcycle Tours,
which is run by former hard enduro racer and
KTM development rider Kye Anderson and
his partner Lesley Flanagan. They’re based
on the mid north coast of NSW and offer
a range of guided adventure rides as well
as private tours and one-on-one and group
rider coaching.
Kye and Lesley have travelled the world
following their respective passions of dirtbike
racing, trekking and fitness, but since COVID
have been back home in Australia and ABOVE: As a former hard enduro racer and
launched their motorcycle tour operation. ironman off-road competitor, Kye has plenty
of skills and info to impart at his ADV coaching
Endeavour’s multi-day tours cover the
days that run alongside his schedule of tours.
best riding on offer through northern and
central NSW and the rides are structured to
be suitable for all types of adventure bikes Kye and his crew ride GasGas ES700
and riders. There’s full support on every thumpers and he says a big part of his
tour, and participants can choose to include operation is riding with participants to show
accommodation and meals when they tick them points of interest and places they
the all-inclusive option. Kye’s also studied would not otherwise find on their own.
environmental science at university, so it’s For more details and bookings, check out
a given that all National Parks and NSW Endeavour’s website and get on the gas! Kye and Lesley are your hosts
at Endeavour Motorcycle Tours.
Foresty endorsements are in place. www.endeavourmotorcycletours.com.au

30 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 32
NEWS ROOM

ROYAL ENFIELD
TOPS ONE MILLION

oyal Enfield has

R surpassed a historic
one million annual sales
milestone for the Indian
financial year ending March 31,
2025, the highest ever in its
history. The record-breaking
performance was fuelled by
sustained demand for its capable
and diverse products
in both domestic and
international markets.
The company posted sales
of 1.09 million units in the past
financial year, up 11 per cent
from FY 2023-24. In March 2025,
sales alone rose by 34 per cent.
Exports at the same time rose Smiles all round at Royal Enfield and
dealers like Moto Machine as the Indian
37 per cent.
bikes rack up one million sales in a year.
The Asia Pacific region saw a
year-on-year growth of 13 per
cent, with market leadership
positions in key markets such as RIDE THE BYROADS Route and travel information are the hallmarks of the
Australia, Thailand, Japan, New
Zealand and Malaysia.
OF TASMANIA Ride the Byroads website and app for Tasmanian adventure riding.
Tasmania is a state renowned for its adventure
Speaking about the riding and motorcycle touring. But how do you
performance, B Govindarajan, find out where to go and what the best places
Managing Director, Eicher Motors, are to visit? That’s where Ride the Byroads
enters the picture.
and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Ride the Byroads is a website with supporting
Enfield said: “This year has been app that offers riders two incredible routes
nothing short of extraordinary for through Tasmania, covering a total distance of
around 1,755km.
Royal Enfield. Crossing the one
There’s an east coast trail from Cockle Creek
million annual sales milestone, in the south to Eddystone Point Lighthouse at the
our highest ever, is a testament north-east tip of the island that covers around
to how far we’ve come. From a 960km. Meanwhile, the west coast trail stretches
about 795km from Cockle Creek to the Stanley
time when 50,000 motorcycles
photo frame in the north-west.
a year felt like a big win to now Both routes follow back-country and forestry
setting new global benchmarks roads, showcasing some of the island’s most
in the mid-size segment, our stunning scenery. Carefully curated, the trails
allow riders to venture off the main path to explore
journey has been incredible. The smaller byroads, with helpful tips and tricks
overwhelming response to the provided to enhance the experience.
Bullet Battalion Black and the The newly developed RtB app offers riders Supported by Moto National’s Aussie gear brand
myriad features, such as incident alerts for MotoDry, Ride the Byroads sounds like an awesome
new Classic 350, along with our
obstacles like fallen trees or road closures, plus project, developed by ADV riders for ADV riders,
ability to quickly adapt to rider TasALERT is included, and you can pinpoint your and we’re keen to check it out ourselves. View the
feedback with new variants, location on the route page without phone coverage, website and start planning your trip to Tassie!
made this our best year yet.” which is a useful tool if your navigator fails. www.ridethebyroads.com

Congratulations, Royal Enfield!

32 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 34
NEWS ROOM

KTM ADVENTURE RALLYE

HITS THE WILD WEST

Beautiful coastline will be a feature of the 2025 KTM

Australia Adventure Rallye in south-west WA in October.

TM Australia is finally making the riders (with a minimum of two years’ off-road

K long-awaited western debut of the

2025 KTM Australia Adventure Rallye,
with this year’s edition set to explore
the breathtaking south-west region of WA.
Starting and finishing in the coastal gem
experience recommended). Navigation is GPS-
based, supplemented by daily route briefings,
markers and a detailed route sheet including
fuel stops, lunch spots and points of interest.
Whether you’re in it for the epic riding, the
of Bunbury, the exclusive five-day adventure nightly dinners with new and old friends, or
riding event will run from October 12 to 17, simply for the chance to escape into the spirit
bringing together 130 KTM riders for an of KTM’s orange world, the KTM Adventure
unforgettable off-road experience. Rallye is designed to deliver the ultimate
Now in its ninth edition, the KTM Australia adventure riding experience.
Tall timber forests and pea gravel trails will also
Adventure Rallye is all about camaraderie, Included in the Rallye is:
certainly be on the KTM Adventure Rallye agenda.
discovery and two-wheeled adventure. This + Five days and 1,700 km of adventure riding.
year’s route will showcase a diverse array + Daily GPS tracks, route briefings and lead/
of WA’s best terrain — from pristine coastal sweep rider support. + Special guest riders.
beaches to winding forest trails — all carefully + Luggage transport. + $2,395 per rider entry fee.
mapped by expert local route co-ordinators. + Technical support and tyre assistance. Always a popular event, we’re betting
With two route options available daily — a Main + Medic support. the KTM Australia Adventure Rallye will
route and more challenging Breakout routes — + Back-up 4WD support vehicles. be well and truly sold-out by the time this
there’s something for riders of all skill levels. + Dinner each night. magazine hits the streets, so good luck to
Tailored specifically for KTM Adventure + KTM Rider Pack (T-shirt, stickers and more). all participants and all of you be sure to
models (390 through 1290R), the event + Professional event photography and overdose on all that orange fever!
welcomes both intermediate and advanced video coverage. www.ktm.com

34 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

*Including KTM KA$H saving up to $2,500
*T&Cs apply, see in-store for details. Offer ends 30/06/2025.
CFMOTO’s 450MT has kicked massive goals for the Chinese brand
in markets right around the world. And now another new day
dawns with the arrival of the 800MT-X as it hits global markets
and we all wait to see if this bike will be as popular as the 450.

36 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 37
CHINESE
ADV BIKES

CFMOTO’s 450MT has quite clearly been kicking down doors here
in Australia and around the world, helping give the Chinese brand more
mainstream acceptance with more motorcyclists than ever before.
Could the time soon be coming for more Chinese adventure bikes
to penetrate deeper into the global market?
STORY ANDREW CLUBB

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 37

 CHINESE ADV BIKES

The 450MT has given CFMOTO a huge boost in mainstream market

awareness and acceptance, and because of this, the Chinese brand
is on a massive upswing and will only become a more dominant
player in the global moto industry over coming years.

here were times through the 1950s adventure bikes included, and they could be
and ’60s when fledgling Japanese coming to a bike shop — or online store —
motorcycle brands were scoffed at. near you in the not too distant future.
British and European brands ruled the
motorcycle roost and the upstart marques LEADING THE CHARGE DOWN UNDER
from the land of the rising sun weren’t given a Of the couple of hundred motorcycle
chance of ever amounting to much. manufacturers in China, the best known
Well, look where they are now. The big here in Australia is CFMOTO, which is
four Japanese brands dominate the global distributed locally by Melbourne-based Mojo
motorcycle market. Honda, the biggest of Motorcycles. CFMOTO last year celebrated
them all, is on target to produce just over 20 35 years of business and the milestone of
million motorcycles in the current Japanese producing its one-millionth off-road vehicle.
financial year, and it will make them at 37 One of the fastest growing powersports ABOVE: Kove’s Pro Race 450 Rally is one of multiple
production facilities in 23 countries and companies in the world, CFMOTO, in variants the Chinese brand makes of the bike it has
territories around the world, to sell through partnership with Mojo, has gone from raced in the Dakar Rally in recent years. BELOW: Unlike
the 800s from Kove and Voge, CFMOTO’s 800MT-X is
more than 30,000 dealers. Honda claims it strength to strength in Australia since its
here in Australia and available right now.
has a 40 per cent share of global motorcycle introduction here in 2005, selling the ever-
sales, and says its long-term goal is to capture expanding line-up of CFMOTO scooters,
a 50 per cent share of the global motorcycle motorcycles, quads and SxS vehicles.
market including electric motorcycles. “With over 50,000 ORV (off-road vehicle)
Is China the next Japan when it comes units sold nationwide, CFMOTO has become
to motorcycle manufacturing? It’s more a trusted name for farmers, property
than a little likely, for bike brands in the owners, and off-road enthusiasts alike,”
People’s Republic of China are coming on says Mojo boss Michael Poynton. “It’s been
strong right now. There’s more than a little a remarkable journey, and we’re proud to
feeling of déjà vu when today’s Chinese play a role in bringing CFMOTO’s world-class
motorcycle manufacturers are compared to vehicles to the Australian market.”
those of Japan around 60 or so years ago. Mojo and CFMOTO have also celebrated
China makes literally everything these days, more than 1,000 sales of the new 450MT

38 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 isn’t
map—
red
of the
and the
ging
path.

$
AWAY Wherever your journey takes you,
the CFMOTO 800MT-X gives you
the freedom to go further,
climb higher, and conquer
the uncharted.

So pack your curiosity, unleash

your spirit, and embrace the freedom
to Leave No Place unXplored.

*Ride away price is calculated, allowing for 12 months of registration. To confirm your area’s
ride-away price and registration term, please contact your local CFMOTO motorcycle dealer.
Full model specifications, pricing and range can be viewed at www.cfmoto.com.au
 CHINESE ADV BIKES

Voge is another Chinese brand that offers a full line-up of

adventure machines, and its Rally 300 is quite clearly a direct rival
to the likes of Honda’s CRF300 Rally and CRF300L dual-sporter.

However, some brands have simply copied

THERE’S BEEN NO OFFICIAL WORD OF A KOVE other international motorcycle models. Yeah,
DISTRIBUTION DEAL BEING BROKERED HERE, you’ve heard of copy watches — well, copy
bikes are a thing too. As an example, check
BUT MANY AUSSIES ARE CROSSING out the website kewsmotorcyce.com and have
THEIR FINGERS IT HAPPENS. a look at the KTM dirtbike clones. Or search
‘Everest Kaiyue 400X’ and take a look at an
infamous Chinese knock-off of BMW’s G 310
adventure bike in its first eight months in new 800 offers serious levels of spec for a GS. We’ll just leave them there, then.
Australia last year, proving that Australian supremely competitive price that undercuts In contrast, certain other Chinese bike
ADV riders will accept a Chinese product rival Japanese and European machines by companies are pushing hard to do it right
when it’s built to the right spec and sold at thousands of dollars. We’re itching to ride and make themselves a legitimate thorn
the right price. the new 800 and watching intently to see in the side of the Japanese and European
Just like there was scepticism over early the level of market acceptance the MT-X brands. That said, it’s early days, of course,
Japanese motorcycles all those years ago, gains here in Australia as CFMOTO keeps the and while these brands are yet to make it
so too there has been for Chinese bikes in throttle wound on for the future. to Australia and secure local distributors,
recent years. But CFMOTO has certainly it’s worth taking a look at some of them to
been changing that tune, and in our ADV COPY WATCH, COPY BIKE understand how far Chinese adventure bikes
riding corner of the world, the 450MT has Historically, Chinese motorcycle have come, and how far they might be going.
kicked down the door and opened people's manufacturers have concentrated on making
minds that made-in-China bikes no longer smaller-capacity scooters and bikes for the KOVE
necessarily have the stigma they once did. domestic market. And why wouldn’t they? Founded by former enduro racer Zhang
CFMOTO has a flotilla of new bikes There are millions upon millions of them sold Xue, the Kove brand is somewhat different
coming down the gangplank, but in the in China each year. But in the past decade to China’s other massive motorcycle
ADV space they’ve followed up with the the Chinese have upped their game in the manufacturers, in that the bikes it produces
800MT-X, which landed in local showrooms technology race in pursuit of export markets are all 250cc and above. It makes sport,
earlier this year. Like its 450cc brother, the around the world. naked and motocross machines, along with

40 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Meet the Voge DS525 model, Voge’s DS900 comes fully loaded in
which is yet another sharply some markets with alloy cases.
priced and well detailed mid-
size ADV machine from China.

The Voge 800DS Rally is

a clear competitor for
Kove’s 800 twin, and it too
has received solid reviews
in overseas markets.

The Kove 800X Rally is a bare-

bones twin-cylinder ADV bike
that would surely tickle the
fancy of many an Aussie rider.

adventure and rally Alongside the 450 Rally, Kove also

models, and it’s produce 510X and 525X adventure bikes,
the latter that have which are powered by twin-cylinder
caught the eye of engines and weigh in at around 210kg and
Aussie ADV riders. 215kg respectively.
Kove has made But the Kove that’s been making waves
a serious tilt at the internationally in recent months has been
Dakar Rally in recent the new 800X Rally, which is packed with
years, headlined by a 799cc twin-cylinder engine that puts out
American young gun Mason Klein joining the 71kW at 9,000rpm but weighs in at just
The Keeway TX450R is another
Chinese squad. But while Klein and the Kove 183kg. It has a 20-litre fuel tank, 21/18-inch
rally-inspired adventure machine,
from a brand that is 450 rally bike have shown competitive speed, wheels, 275mm ground clearance and
part of China’s mighty mechanical issues have thwarted their efforts. 240mm wheel travel at each end. It’s a
QJMotor conglomerate. Kove makes a couple of variants of its tasty-sounding package indeed.
single-cylinder, fuel-injected and triple Reviews of the 800X Rally all refer to the
fuel-tanked 450 Rally model, which is bike’s serious off-road potential, which would
Euro 5 and DOT compliant, making surely make it a hit with Aussie ADV riders.
it road-legal in most markets around It’s priced at around US$12,499 in America,
the world. The bike is sold in the so do the maths and take a guess at what
USA, UK and Europe, and while the it might sell for in Australia — maybe $25K?
Kove brand has been rumoured to But until a local distributor steps forward
be in negotiation with prospective and commits to the lengthy and expensive
distributors in Oz for two years process of gaining ADR certification and
now, there’s been no official word establishing a dealer network and all the
of a deal actually being brokered. support that goes into that, the 800X Rally,
But many Aussies are crossing their and the Kove brand, will remain an ‘if only’
fingers it happens. proposition for us Aussies.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 41

 CHINESE ADV BIKES

It might have an Italian name and come from a design studio in Italy,
but the Benelli TRK 900X concept is certainly Chinese owned and made.

The 900X runs the same motor as BMW’s China and distributed around the world,
latest 900 GS models and puts out 70kW at including Australia.
8,250rpm. It has KYB suspension, Brembo Melbourne-based Urban Moto Imports
brakes, 21/17-inch wheels, a 17-litre tank and is the local Benelli distributor and the
weighs in at 238kg. Australian line-up of bikes includes a pint-
Meanwhile, Voge’s new DS800 Rally also sized road-legal 125cc TNT fun bike, a 499cc
has a twin-cylinder engine that makes 70kW cruiser dubbed the 502C, four Leoncino 500
at 9,000rpm, runs KYB suspension, but has and 800 scrambler-style machines and a
a larger 24-litre fuel tank and 21/18-inch five-bike line-up of TRK adventure tourers.
wheels. It weighs in a whopping 25kg lighter The TRK range includes the entry-level TRK
than the 900 at 213kg, and Voge says the 251 that’s priced at just $6,690 ride-away, the
800 is aimed at off-road-biased ADVers, TRK 502 and 502X with LAMS-legal 499cc
which, like the Kove 800X Rally, would twin-cylinder engines, and the TRK 702 and
Moto Morini has plenty of Italian heritage,
indicate it would find a ready home with 702X with 698cc twin-cylinder motors.
but the brand is now Chinese owned and
the X-Cape is certainly Chinese made.
Australian riders. But again, like Kove, Voge We recently reviewed the TRK 702X and
motorcycles are not distributed in Australia. it was a real surprise package, being a quite

VOGE BENELLI
Loncin is a giant Chinese motorcycle Now, if you’re thinking we’ve lost our
manufacturer that churns out between two marbles by including the Benelli brand
and three million motorcycles a year. It’s best in a story on Chinese-made bikes, think
known internationally for its partnership with again. Benelli might indeed be a storied
BMW, which has seen it produce engines for Italian motorcycle brand with a 100-plus-
the German brand’s 650, 750, 850 and now year history, but financial difficulties saw
900 GS models over the past 20 years. the brand sold a number of times between
Voge is Loncin’s premium motorcycle the 1970s and early 2000s, before being
brand and it makes a wide range of scooter, acquired by Qianjiang Motor Group in 2005.
road, sport, naked, cruiser, electric and Qianjiang is another one of China’s largest
dual-sport motorcycles. The dual-sporters motorcycle manufacturers and it in turn has
include a soft-roader 300DS and more off- been controlled by the even more massive
road-focused 300GY Rally, a twin-cylinder Chinese automotive Geely Holding Group
DS525X and a couple of larger bikes that since 2015. Qianjiang has invested heavily
caught our attention, the new DS800 Rally in the Benelli brand, with the latest range Moto Morini has also recently pulled the wraps
and the DS900X. of bikes designed in Italy, manufactured in off a 1200 X-Cape model coming from China.

42 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 CHINESE ADV BIKES

capable adventure tourer that’s packed with

some real Italian design flair. Build quality
appeared fine and the bike came loaded with
stacks of standard detail parts that would
be extras on many other bikes. What’s more,
the 702X is priced at just $13,590 ride-away,
which puts it thousands of dollars below the
Japanese and European opposition.
Next cab off the rank will be a TRK 902
Xplorer, which was unveiled in concept form
at last year’s EICMA Show in Milan. The new
bike features a 904cc twin-cylinder engine
that produces 100hp and 90Nm torque. Wheel
sizes are 19/17 inch, fuel capacity is 22 litres
and the bike’s design and styling, once again,
makes a, shall we say, bold statement, no
argument about that. If you design it, China
can make it, that’s for sure.

MOTO MORINI
Another storied Italian motorcycle brand, Moto
Morini, like Benelli, is now Chinese owned as
part of the Zhongneng Vehicle Group, which
has used the Moto Morini purchase as the
basis for its ‘first strategic operation outside of
China’. Which makes sense: it’s got to be easier
to sell motorcycles internationally if they’re
branded as Moto Morinis, which offers some
global recognition amongst potential buyers,
rather than call them Zhongnengs.
Chances are you have never heard of Zontes,
The current Moto Morini range includes
but check out the ZT 703F the Chinese brand makes.
various street, sport, naked and touring bikes,
along with a new dual-sport thumper named
the Alltrhike — say it slowly and you will get It’s a neatly detailed bike, for sure, and
the gist of it: ‘all-terrain hike’. The Alltrhike is a in China it’s priced at the equivalent of
450cc single that is aimed head-on at the likes just under $10,000. That’s a whole lot of
of Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 450 and the fast- adventure bike for the price. But again it’s not
growing small-bore adventure bike market. one we’re seeing in Australia.
Finally, Moto Morini also offers a range of
X-Cape adventure bikes, which include 650 and CHINESE TAKE-AWAY ORDER
700cc variants all powered by twin-cylinder For now it’s a sit-and-watch brief as far
engines, while an X-Cape 1200 super-tourer as Australian ADV riders go and what the
has also just been added to the range. As we future holds for Chinese-made adventure
said earlier, Chinese motorcycles are no longer bikes Down Under. They’re coming, for sure,
merely small-bore scooters, commuters and and as the CFMOTO 450MT has shown,
road bikes; the leading manufacturers are now Aussie riders will buy them and ride them
building all sizes and types of motorcycles. if the package and the price is right. But if ABOVE: Here’s a better look at Zontes’ ZT 703F —
they’re undisputed knock-offs made with with a triple-cylinder engine and an endless list of
ZONTES poor-quality parts and dodgy manufacturing, detail parts as standard, there’s plenty going on
here! BELOW: Might be best that the Zongshen
Another Chinese adventure bike that’s piqued Aussies won’t go anywhere near them.
RX3 Minsk be kept just for the Chinese market!
our curiosity comes from Zontes, and it’s As the costs of manufacturing continue
called the 703F. And what’s curious about this to climb, European motorcycle brands
one is that it’s powered by a 699cc triple- in particular are going to have to look
cylinder engine with 120-degree crank that increasingly to China — and India and Thailand
puts out 96 horsepower at 10,000rpm and — for production in an effort to save costs.
76Nm torque at 7,500rpm. BMW, Triumph and KTM, which is in a whole
It runs Marzocchi suspension, 21/18-inch world of financial hurt, are already doing
wheels, has a 22-litre fuel tank and weighs in precisely that, of course. So expect Chinese
at 228kg wet. As for standard equipment, it joint ventures to only become more prevalent.
comes with keyless ignition with electronic In the meantime, while we wait for those
fuel tank and seat locks, electric screen local distribution deals to be consummated,
adjustment, heated grips, tyre pressure who’s going to chip in on landing a container
monitoring, rear blind spot radar, quickshifter load of Voge 800DS Rally model bikes here in
and a whole lot more. Oz, sprinkled with a few Kove 450 Rallys? AAB

44 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 CHRIS BIRCH
K R I E G A T R A I L 9 A DV E N T U R E B AC K PAC K + AC C E S S O R I E S
O S - B AS E D I RT B I K E C O M B O 2 4 R AC K L E S S LU G G AG E + F R O N T H AU L - LO O P

KRIEGA.COM.AU
If you go down to the woods today … expect to find a whole
stack of T7s slicing through the forest when the Ténéré Rally
is in town! As venue for the event, the Victorian High Country
offered an endless supply of spectacular riding and scenery.

46 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 47YAMAHA
TÉNÉRÉ RALLY

For 2025 the annual Yamaha Ténéré Rally headed all the way
to the top: the top of the spectacular Victorian High Country.
And for a pack of 50 devoted Ténéré enthusiasts, the rally
delivered memories that will last a lifetime.
STORY HAWKEYE 69
PHOTOGRAPHY LEON CUTTS & SAM ONION

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 47

 YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ RALLY

EACH DAY RIDERS WERE OFFERED THE

CHOICE OF STANDARD OR SPECIAL ROUTES,
THE SPECIAL SECTIONS BEING GENERALLY
STEEPER AND ROCKIER.

Ténéré 700s often hunt in packs and no less than 50 of them

rumbled into Bright, Victoria, for the 2025 Ténéré Rally.

he Victorian High Country is not Official festivities kicked off at the famed Bright Brewery, where rallygoers could
a place for the novice rider. Steep check out the new-for-2025 T7 and the $50,000-plus GYTR blinged-out World Raid.

inclines and rocky terrain mean the

prospect of hitting a baby head-sized
boulder and spearing off into the abyss is
real. Climbing up iconic 4WD tracks like
Billy Goat Bluff or Blue Rag is a challenge,
especially on an adventure bike. And while
stalling on a steep hill is annoying on a
lightweight enduro machine, it becomes
a mission on a kitted-up twin. A mission
experienced by many of the 50 riders on
the 2025 Tenere Rally as early as the first hill
climb on day one!
The first part of the event’s opening
incline followed the trail into the pine forest
surrounding Bright and was easily cleared.
But the second part was loose, rocky and
required commitment and momentum.
Riders who came up short on either front
were faced with the task of spinning around
and having another go.

48 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ RALLY

Mind the view! The High Country never, ever fails to deliver
scenic overload. Plenty of photo stops were on the agenda.

STANDARD OR SPECIAL? and rockier. Word on the trail was that local event organiser RideADV about a steep
Pushing the comfort zone is a key part of Victorian gun Ténéré rider — and Finke descent toward the end of day two, saw the
adventure riding and the first trail forced Desert Race winner — Alan Roe helped ratio of Special section riders drop from 90
rallygoers to step outside that zone. It was a set the course for day one. And the trails per cent to around 50 per cent.
great start to the day and set the tone for a certainly delivered adrenaline-pumping Now, the description Ténéré twins is not
rugged but rewarding ride. And it turned out moments as the group rode 400km from exactly accurate, because this event was
that first climb was arguably the toughest Bright to Mansfield via Mount Buffalo, open to all Ténéré owners — so anyone
challenge on the entire five-day tour. Whitfield and Swanpool. The climb up Mount riding either a single or a twin from 1983
Each day rallygoers were offered the Buffalo began with twisty tarmac giving when the first fat-tanked XT600ZL thumper
choice of Standard or Special routes, the way to a dirt road and with each corner the kicked off the legendary Ténéré dynasty. All
Special sections being generally steeper temperature dropped until, in our case, you but two riders were on the latest-generation
reached the top at a fresh Ténéré XTZ700 twins, with one rider (Andy
three degrees. Massive views Patterson) on a big XTZ1200 Super Ténéré
Early-morning starts can get a little fresh when you hit
and a gnarly, rocky and and another (Alistair Sadler) on an older
the top of Mount Buffalo and it’s just three degrees.
almost lunar-like landscape 660 single.
were the rewards for the
fresh morning start. VIP GUESTS
Tackling washouts, ruts At Mansfield it was time to introduce
and rocks along typical High the Ténéré Rally special guests: Yamaha
Country trails, the Ténéré Factory Racing rider Rodney Faggotter and
twins were doing it easier legendary Yamaha ambassador Stephen Gall.
than the riders, many of Rocket Rod talked about how he became
whom lacked match fitness. a Dakar rider and what it’s like to race a
The challenge of day one, fully-kitted GYTR Ténéré, while Gally offered
along with a warning from riding tips specifically aimed at tackling the
trail boss Greg Yager from local rock gardens.

50 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 BMW R 1300 GS ADVENTURE

THE RALLY WILL LINGER

LONG IN THE MEMORY
BANKS OF RIDERS FOR
A WIDE MIX OF TRAILS
AND PANORAMIC VIEWS,
ALONG WITH SPECIAL
SECTIONS THAT GOT
THE BLOOD FLOWING.

We also heard from RideADV’s special

Yamaha MX legend Stephen Gall and Dakar ace guest known as the Meerkat — Brady from
Rod Faggotter were special guests on the ride. @MeerkatADV. Brady is an American Ténéré
700 owner and social media influencer who
has clocked up 70,000 miles (112,000km)
on his 2019-model T7, riding as many trails
as he can find all over the States, essentially
living off his bike. Brady was loving Australia,
complimentary on the various bike set-ups
he came across and impressed by the speed
and commitment of fellow rallygoers: “Gee,
you guys ride fast!”

RIDE ON
Day two started out fresh — cool enough
to stop within an hour to warm hands
on exhausts — and passed by the iconic
Woods Point servo, a real throwback in
time. The ancient hand-cranked fuel bowser
and cool Golden Fleece and Mobil signage
adorn a wooden shack that still has old
spark plugs, sprockets and more visible
through the window.
Plenty of smiling faces all week long
From there we passed along Thomson
as the Ténérés hit the High Country. Dam and pulled up at the picturesque gold
mining town of Walhalla for lunch. We
returned to Mansfield via the Howqua Hills,
where the 4WD descent Special section
turned out to be steep but straightforward.
In the dry anyway — would certainly be a
different story in the wet.
Day three was our chance to visit one of
the High Country’s more famous landmarks:
Craig’s Hut. Starting off towards Mount
Buller from Mansfield, we peeled off onto
Mount Stirling Road and climbed up the
flowing gravel road. The short road in
towards the hut sees plenty of 4WD action,
which means whoops — and fun — for the
Ténéré riders. We were rewarded with good
visibility, which is not always the case at the
hut, which is not as old as it seems, having
been ‘rebuilt’ in the 1980s as a film set for
The Man From Snowy River.
But there are plenty of ‘real’ huts in the
High Country, one of which we passed near
Brookville on the track out of Dargo. Built in
the 1880s, it was home to a recluse named
Getting up close and personal
Lucy Strobridge, who lived here alone for
with the all-new 2025-model Ténéré 700.
decades until her death in 2001. Some of

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 51

 YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ RALLY

FORMER MX PRO
AND FINKE DESERT
RACE WINNER ALAN
ROE HELPED SET THE
COURSE FOR DAY
ONE, AND THE TRAILS
CERTAINLY DELIVERED
ADRENALINE-PUMPING
MOMENTS.

her belongings appear to still be there, with

an old mattress on the floor and pots and
pans in the fireplace — spooky.

ROCK YOUR WORLD

Day three ended with a run on the scenic
but rocky Jeep Track and on into Dinner
Plain to look forward to another loop ride
on day four.
This gave us the option to tackle the
famed Blue Rag Track — a rock-infested
climb up to Blue Rag trig point that, like
day one’s climb, requires momentum and
commitment. And a clear run, with hopefully
no 4WDs on the trail.
The RideADV crew led all riders part way
along the spectacular razorback route,
and from there the final ascent was purely
optional. The difficulty of Blue Rag varies
depending on 4WD activity and any grading
that periodically happens. The conditions
on a challenging scale of one to 10 was
probably around a seven on our visit, but
all who attempted the climb made it to the
top. Young gun James Cockerill, who rides
at warp speed everywhere, actually wheelied Even the tar roads are an adventure rider’s dream in the High Country. Awesome!
up some of it, which is a great way to avoid
your front tyre deflecting off rocks! But
Time out at Craig’s Hut for a Kodak Moment group photo.
legends only need apply with that technique.
Later that day, many rallygoers opted for a
cool loop that crossed several farms before
dropping into Omeo for fuel. The servo
hires out a range of Fantic e-bikes and we
enjoyed a good yarn with the locals about
the recently opened MTB trails in the area
that had us itching to return to sample the
Flomeo MTB park.
The last section of day four followed
Dinner Plain Track back into the resort. In
the dry this is a fun, twisting trail with some
short climbs, a few bog holes, ruts and
typical High Country rocks, some sneakily
hidden in the grass. But in the wet this trail
gets super-challenging. On our ride the rain
started to come down halfway along, making
progress slow and slippery. Concentration
levels were high and bench racing yarns were
many at the High Plains Hotel that evening.

52 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ RALLY

Blue Rag Track is one of those truly iconic High Country routes.
Photographer Leon Cutts celebrates making it to the trig point
perched high atop the end of the trail. Photo: Greg Smith/iKapture.

54 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 THE PEOPLE YOU MEET
ALISTAIR SADLER
The 2025 Ténéré
Rally was Alistair’s
first ride on an
organised trail
tour. “I’ve been
around bikes for
a long time, but
not machines of
this calibre and
size,” explained
the Victorian truck
driver who rides
a XTZ660 Ténéré.
“I’ve got a dirty old
TT350 in the shed but stepping up to a Ténéré is a
whole new ball game — it’s a different riding style.
When I saw the first hill on day one, I thought, What
The Ténérés roll into Dargo for a mid-ride pit stop. am I doing here?! But my philosophy is take a big
bite and chew like hell. Plus, we have guys like Rod to
help us, so I just went for it!”
RIDERS THEN HAD THE OPTION TO TACKLE
BLUE RAG TRACK — A ROCK-INFESTED BEN DICKINSON
Dicko is a good
CLIMB UP TO A TRIG POINT THAT REQUIRES mate of Dakar racer
Rod Faggotter.
MOMENTUM AND COMMITMENT. The pair met at
agricultural college
in Longreach before
Bathurst-based
Prizes were handed out that night The 2025 Ténéré Rally will
Dicko decided there
for the best-set-up Ténéré, most linger long in the memory banks was no money
blinged bike, the rider who travelled of riders with a wide mix of trails in farming and
furthest and more as riders bonded and panoramic views along with embarked on a
over a Jagermeister and shared a love Special sections aimed to fire mechanical career.
Rod and Dicko
of Yamaha’s large-tanked ADV bike the adrenaline. The ride reinforced the
completed an 8,000km nine-day west-to-east ride
that once again smashed the brief. Old High Country‘s well-earned reputation across Australia on Ténéré 700s three years ago:
mates met again and new mates were as an Aussie ADV bucket list a trip that consumed one tyre and two pre-filters.
discovered as the rain continued to fall. destination, because real adventure Apparently not a spoke or bolt came loose on the
epic trans-continental mission. The trip was the
happens outside the comfort zone.
inspiration behind Rod teaming up with Aussie
WET THE BABY’S HEAD And while the High Country might brand Safari Tanks to create the 45-litre fuel cell
Overnight rain and thick fog forced not starve you of oxygen like the that Dicko runs on his T7. His bike is fully dialled and
the fifth and final day to be redirected Himalayas, it still delivers adventure it was no surprise to see him take home a Yamaha
straight to Bright via the tarmac, by the truckload. Racing gearbag as recipient of the Best ADV Setup
award — on ya, Dicko!
but no one was complaining — the Ténéré riders will now be on red
previous four days had crammed in alert to find out where the 2026 Rally
plenty of excitement. takes them. Stay tuned! AAB JASON ‘YOGI’ ROSER
Yogi is a confirmed
Ténéré Tragic,
having ridden his
twin headlight
XTZ660 on the
Bay to Bush run
from Hervey Bay
to Dubbo in 2018.
He also joined
the Tragics’ Gold
Rush Run in 2020
through western
and central Victoria,
and both rides
represent a big commitment considering he lives
in WA. But being in the freight business helps with
transporting his Ténéré across the nation. “As soon
CHECK IT OUT! as I saw this ride was in the High Country I knew
Want to see more of the 2025 I had to do it,” said Yogi. ”The one-brand rides like
Ténéré Rally in the Victorian these are great because you get to meet other
Ténéré owners and see what set-ups they run. You
High Country? Just scan the can save time and trouble learning what parts work,
QR code and view the official as these guys have already tested them.”
Rocket Rod dives in at the deep video on YouTube.
end to wash the dust off.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 55

 Miles Davis is without doubt one of Australia’s very
best adventure riding coaches and we are rapt
that he is part of the AAB editorial team. Every
issue Miles prepares a regular riding tips column,
but we always feel like we could benefit so much
more from his words of wisdom. After recently
spending time on the trails with Miles at his home
at Bright on the edge of the Victorian High Country,
we came away with a stack of riding tips that we
will be presenting over the next two issues of AAB.
So without further ado, take it away, Miles!
STORY MILES DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW CLUBB

When your backyard is packed with some of the best ADV riding terrain in
the country, you bet you will want to get out and ride it every chance you can.
Miles Davis hosts regular ADV coaching courses in his backyard in Bright, Victoria,
and while the riding tips in these pages will help to make you a faster, safer and
more confident rider, there’s nothing like cutting a few motos with Miles to really
let all his advice sink in. To find out more about Miles’ coaching, search @velomoto_miles
on Instagram or email him at [email protected] for more details.

56 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

57
MILES DAVIS
RIDING TIPS

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 57

 MILES DAVIS RIDING TIPS

BODY POSITION works best for you. Either way, your boots
In an adventure riding context, when we talk should be snug against the frame of your
body position we’re really talking about the bike with no gaps.
standing position. Sure, it’s 100 per cent okay + KNEES: On most bikes your knees should
to sit down when the terrain is smooth, you’re be squeezing the seat just behind the tank.
checking out the scenery or when you want You should have straight legs for efficiency
to add weight over the rear tyre for traction. on smoother terrain, but you should have a
And while sitting is easy, the standing position slight bend at the knees for looser surfaces
is far more complex and difficult to master. when you want more agility and a lower
For beginners, the standing position can centre of gravity of your body weight. Nice
be awkward and challenging. But even contact with the bike from ankle to knee
experienced riders who are used to standing is your primary grip of the machine, which
can definitely improve their standing position allows you to have a nice, light grip of the
to be more efficient and effective. bars for precise control use. Make sure
In my 20-plus years of instructing adventure your knees are not on the tank, as this is
riders, it’s clear that many riders are very stiff a common mistake and is not efficient to
on the bike and have a very limited range of help your riding style.
motion. I see this as a big limitation to their + HIPS: You should tilt at the hips so you get
riding. A huge thing that I focus on when a nice feeling with the handlebars. Try not
training riders is for them to be loose on the to stand up dead-straight like a meerkat.
bike and to increase their range of motion. + ELBOWS: Your elbows should be outward
One of my favourite sayings is #nolegoman. slightly, like doing a push-up, not pinned in Be confident moving
I think this gets the message across nicely. A to your sides. your body weight from
strong, dynamic standing position is the core + HANDS: Have just one or two fingers on side to side on the
of off-road riding, so let’s break it down from the levers; not more and not none. Your pegs, and remember
#nolegoman.
bottom to top. fingers can stay there 97 per cent of the
time, ready to use the front brake and
STANDING POSITION CHECKLIST clutch in an instant as required. What’s really important is to pivot at the
+ FEET: My preference is for the arches of + HEAD: Finally, make sure your chin is up footpegs, not the knees. So moving forward
your feet to be on the footpegs, as this and your eyes are looking ahead. It’s all too means your knees slide into the tank and
way you have easy access to your rear easy to look at the ground just ahead of you can try to keep your legs fairly straight.
brake pedal and gear lever. There are other you when you go from seated to standing, Your head may be over the instruments or
theories about foot position out there, but instead you want to look further ahead headlight. Moving backwards means sliding
and there are always pros and cons for to gauge the upcoming terrain before you your knees back, usually to a wider part of
all. Placing the balls of your feet on the hit it. Make sure you are onto this! the seat, while also straightening your arms.
pegs is claimed to provide better balance When done well, these movements should
and agility, but personally I don’t notice NOW BOUNCE! be extremely efficient and will save you
any improvements that outweigh the It’s one thing to tick the boxes for the correct heaps of energy.
negatives. I’m definitely in favour of your standing position, but you don’t want to
arches being on the pegs, but see what be Legoman. So when you’re in the correct UPHILLS, DOWNHILLS
position, I want you to bounce on your The body position rules are similar for uphills
suspension so your bike feels like a trampoline. and downhills.
This movement will improve balance and When riding uphill and you have good
make your journey to an advanced level much grip, traction and momentum, you can lean
quicker and easier. It’s all about weighting and forward. The exception, however, is when the
unweighting on the bike as required. terrain is steep and loose, and thus leaning
Also, check your full range of motion up too far forward increases wheelspin, which
and down. You probably have around 30 to in turn reduces drive. The solution is to stay
45cm range of movement. If you use this central on the bike while accelerating, which
effectively you can really complement your takes energy, or to sit down, which puts
bike’s suspension, giving a much better ride weight on the back tyre and is very effective.
Keep only one or two fingers on the levers, on rough terrain. When riding downhill you should lean back
ready to use them in an instant.
and gain support through the footpegs and
THE GYROSCOPIC EFFECT with your arms straight. When you get this
Miles favours riding on the arches Now that you have grasped the concept of right it becomes a very efficient technique
of your feet on the pegs so you the correct standing position, you need to that saves energy and builds confidence,
can have instant access to the adapt it for different riding situations.
gear lever and rear brake pedal. When you accelerate, lean forward to SIDE TO SIDE
absorb the energy of the bike thrusting As a final tip about body position, make
forward. The more grip and acceleration sure you are agile on your foot pegs and
means the more forward you need to be. confident with moving your body weight
When braking, lean back to absorb the from side to side. This is especially crucial
energy of the bike slowing down. The harder with regards to cornering and riding on loose
the braking means the more rearward you surfaces, where the bike wants to move
need to be. around. Don’t be stiff and #nolegoman.

58 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 MILES DAVIS RIDING TIPS

Miles displays the correct stand-up riding position that is at the heart
of all riding techniques. Get this dialled and you’ll be on your way.

Don’t stoop too low. Don’t stand too straight and upright.

Don’t lean too far forward. Don’t shift your weight too far back.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 59

 MILES DAVIS RIDING TIPS

Managing throttle and clutch control

to go slow are key skills for riding off-road.

SLOW RIDING So if you do the sums, on

One of the key skills when learning to ride off- most bikes the point of clutch
road is how to manage the throttle and clutch activation is about 25 to 35mm
to have control at low speed. This is especially into the middle of the stroke.
important if your bike has a tall first gear. An This zone is where you need to
old saying goes, “If you stall, you fall” — and learn control.
it’s true. And let me tell you, stalling and Find a flat area of ground
falling can be very frustrating. Learning slow- but with a gentle uphill and
speed control is a game changer as it gives ride slow, slipping the clutch
you confidence. Achieving this all starts with and using only a low amount
basic slow riding on a fairly flat area, then you of throttle. Find the right
ramp up the difficulty from there. combination of clutch slip and
The first step is to understand what I call revs to go slow without stalling.
the Jedi Zone. It can be a revelation to know The key is to use smooth throttle
where the clutch activates on the stroke of control (not blipping), while
the clutch lever. The ball end of the lever modulating the clutch precisely. Balance and body position all come into
Vary your speed from basically play when mastering the art of going slow.
travels around 100mm from in to out. Try
wiggling the clutch lever on your bike to see stopped to walking pace. Adjust
how much freeplay there is. There should be the revs as the engine becomes which is an especially important factor
around 15 to 20mm freeplay at the end of loaded. Pull in the clutch and relax on the to remember on powerful bikes. The key
the lever, depending on the bike. downslope, using your front brake to slow combination to work toward is low revs
Now start the bike, pull in the clutch and the bike as required. Then re-engage the with high clutch slippage, because in this
select first gear, then let it out slowly to find slipping clutch as the bike moves into an scenario your clutch is safe. Conversely, high
where it starts to engage. You will probably uphill slope and introduce slight RPM as revs with high clutch slipping is a recipe for
find that this is around 30 to 40mm out required. The aim is to do this in the standing clutch damage.
from the bar. Given this you should be able position, but if you need to start off sitting Everyone imagines going slow is easy, but
to comfortably wrap your pinky and next that’s okay. it can be quite tricky at first. However, with
two fingers around the bar without crushing You also need to consider potential clutch regular practice and a determined attitude
them with the clutch lever. damage, so don’t over-rev the engine, you should improve quickly.

60 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 suspension for BMW F900GS

The Touratech Suspension Extreme shock

Dirk von Zitzewitz absorbers rank in the absolute premium
class of suspension components.

You‘ll feel a completely new ride on your

t h e a b s o lu t e best motorbike right out of the box.

,
„For me or the GS.“
suspension f
If you have any questions about our
suspension systems, please do not hesitate
to contact our suspension specialists. The best gear
is here!

SHOP.touratech.com.AU
 MILES DAVIS RIDING TIPS

Miles has just hit this huge pile of river pebbles but has
his head high and vision up, concentrating on the line
that will take him over the crest and down the other side.

VISION AND but it can be a very difficult thing to do LINE SELECTION

LINE SELECTION automatically, and even many experienced With good vision you have the opportunity
and advanced riders will struggle with it. to choose better lines. Admittedly, this
VISION The benefits of having good riding vision is not easy to learn because when riding
At all of my ADV coaching courses, I will are huge. You see obstacles sooner, so you off-road, there are many variables in the
tell riders that one of the most important can adjust your speed and line as required. terrain and the type of obstacles you
aspects of riding that I can teach them is And with your vision up, you have a lower might confront. Sometimes you need to
to keep their eyes focused forward looking perceived speed, so your brain can process think outside the square and not take
at the terrain coming up, not down at the changes in terrain much better. the standard line, as that line doesn’t
ground immediately ahead of their front If you are looking too close to your always provide the best flow/traction/
wheel. This is such an important skill, front wheel, the ground can be a blur, so smoothness. Traction can be very limited
your brain thinks you are off-road, especially when you’re confronted
Keeping left is a golden going fast even if you are with deeper gravel, sand, mud and the
rule of line selection, and on not. As a consequence of like. However, good riders will always see
the tar always be sure to stay this, things feel hectic and opportunities in the form of ruts, edges
further left so you don’t
you end up on the wrong and surfaces that provide the front wheel
lean over the centre line into
oncoming traffic on right turns. line, in a rut or hitting things with support, which can increase cornering
you could have avoided. Be confidence. Riding with better riders can
very aware of this, and work certainly open your eyes to alternate lines
on it diligently by keeping that you may never consider on your own.
your chin up and your eyes Finally, another key part of line selection
up, constantly scanning is to always keep left, especially on blind
for changes in terrain and corners! You don’t want to have a head-
scanning around corners. on accident with another bike or vehicle.
Additionally, don’t Motorcycle riders can be the worst at this,
compromise your vision by even though they have the most to lose, so
riding in thick dust, as this just make keeping left an integral part of your
increases the risk of problems. line selection decisions.

62 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 ‘DOOM’ GOLD MATT

‘REVEAL’ BLUE GLOSS

MATT BLACK ‘MAVICK’ ORANGE MATT ‘FULL CARBON’ GLOSS

FROM RRP $699.95

www.airoh.motonational.com.au facebook.com/motonational
Get your vision up and keep scanning the hill, looking for
the best line and to be ready to react to sudden obstacles.

If things don’t go to plan and you start losing

momentum, sitting is okay to gain traction and drive.

UPHILLS & DOWNHILLS Be ready to react and stay smooth on the

The more confident you are when it comes throttle. Keep your fingers over the clutch to
to riding up and down hills, the more options reduce drive partially if required, rather than
you will have when confronted by these turning the throttle off and losing momentum
obstacles and the safer you will be when your altogether. If you get it right, you will
adventure starts heading into the mountains. probably sail up the hill with minimum fuss.
Also, be very active and agile as the bike
UPHILLS navigates various surfaces on the hill. If the
When it comes to conquering uphills, attempt doesn’t go to plan, and you are
momentum is your friend! This is a very losing momentum and things start looking
important concept and to achieve this, you pretty dire, I would suggest dropping to
need to sight the hill as early as possible and the seated position early. This can help gain
set an appropriate speed and gear that suits drive as it puts more weight over the back
the steepness and terrain. You have to keep wheel, and that might be the difference in
scanning the hill, as you need to be proactive getting you to the top, even if the style is not
and versatile, ready to adapt your line to the especially pretty. The other benefit is, if you
situation as it develops. want to abort the mission, you can decide to
My preference with uphills is to be in stall the bike and put your foot down quickly,
the standing position, leaning forward if rather than just crashing.
there is grip and momentum. Generally, The reason you actually want to stall in this
you don’t need pure speed as that can get case is because a stalled bike will be much
you into trouble. You want to approach more stable when it’s pointing up a steep
the challenging section of a hill with good slope stalled, rather than trying to hold the
momentum. The engine should be in a bike there with the clutch in and the front
torquey and responsive part of the rev range, brake on. From this point you need to try to
not over-revving or labouring, as this may turn, get to the bottom of the hill and decide
vary bike to bike. whether to try again or find another route.

64 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 MILES DAVIS RIDING TIPS

When you have grip and momentum, get in the standing

position and start climbing that hill with confidence.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 65

 MILES DAVIS RIDING TIPS

Don’t carry too much speed when tackling steep downhills,

and shift your body weight backwards as required.

DOWNHILLS loaded up on the back end of the bike, you models has been so good we never think
The main thing about riding down hills is that need to approach things more cautiously about turning it off. If your bike doesn’t
you don’t want to carry too much speed, as you won’t have the ability to move your have ABS, or you decide to deactivate
as sometimes there is a point of no return body weight as far back.) ABS, you need to use a high level of
and you can’t reduce your speed, so you + LINE SELECTION: There is no substitute brake feel to control your speed and
just have to ride it out. Now that is not a for experience when it comes to knowing minimise lock-ups.
good feeling. Knowing this, the key here is the right lines to take. Try to link a line It’s also important to know that the front
all about seeing the downhill terrain early together that will be the easiest for the brake is your key brake for controlling
so you can prepare, set your speed to an bike to maintain stability. Sometimes you speed and when used well, the rear brake
appropriate level, and adjust it up and down need to be creative. If you think it may can offer a little stability or allow you to
based on how the downhill flows. help, talk to a more experienced rider who manoeuvre the bike as required. However,
+ BODY POSITION: Whenever you are can set a conservative speed and show don’t over-brake with the rear and lock
braking, you should shift your body weight you a good line option to get down the hill it up all the way down the hill, as this will
backwards. Depending on how steep the safely and confidently. create instability and distract you from
downhill is, you may need to get your + BRAKING TECHNIQUES: Dealing with achieving that all-important good front
bum over the pillion seat and have quite ABS on steep downhills can be very brake control.
straight arms. (Note: If your luggage is important. You see, there are ABS
systems, and then there are ADAPT TO THE CONDITIONS
ABS systems — they are not all Finally, in dry weather conditions a
created equal. You have to learn particular hill might be very achievable
your bike’s style of ABS and (up or down), but in the wet it could be
decide if it is best to deactivate impossible on a bigger bike. Understand
it for off-road/downhills or that gravel surfaces can be rideable in all
leave it on. For the last decade weather conditions, while clay or dirt hills
or so, the Enduro ABS on might change drastically when they get wet.
BMW’s 1200/1250/1300 GS So pick your battles wisely! AAB

If you want to take your riding to the next level, contact Miles and sign up
for one of his adventure bike riding courses. Search @velomoto_miles on
On long and steep downhills, link lines together that make Instagram or email Miles for more details at [email protected]
it easier to keep the bike stable. And be sure you know and tell him Australian Adventure Bike magazine sent you!
how your ABS reacts, or turn it off if required.

66 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 When a bunch of Californian ADVers last got together for a ‘big ride’,
they went all the way north to the Arctic Circle. So this time they
headed south, to the bottom of the Baja peninsula, and got
just what they wanted: an adventure to remember!
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY RICH GOLD

68 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

When trail boss Mitch Martinez promised there would be no sand,
well, those ‘adult beverages’ might have clouded his judgement.
The ride had barely started when this long and tricky sand pit laid
waste to many a good man and their machine … welcome to Baja!
69
BAJA ADVENTURE

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 69

 BAJA ADVENTURE

t all began, as these things often do,

around a campfire featuring copious
amounts of adult beverages: “We need to
plan another adventure ride!” Indeed we
do. Mitch Martinez and his Baja buddy Pete
Schmidtmann were telling stories of their last
big adventure ride to the Arctic Circle back
in 2023 and decided then and there it was
time to do it again. But where to? Since this
discussion took place at Mitch’s casita in San
Felipe, Baja, the answer to the question was
a natural: “Let’s ride to the southern tip of
Baja and back!”
Thus the plan was hatched. Easy!

SPREAD THE WORD

Mitch and Pete then began spreading the
word. They gathered several veterans of their
Arctic expedition together, along with a few
other riding buddies and family members,
and agreed the best time would be in early
February, hoping the weather would co-
operate in mid-winter.
So we duly assembled at Mitch’s casita in
San Felipe for a planned 12-day adventure.
Our group consisted of Arctic riders Mitch
(BMW F 800 GS), Pete (KTM 990 ADV), his
brother Charlie (KTM 890 Adventure R) and
Dave Cherniss (Yamaha T7), plus myself (KTM
790 Adventure R), Pete’s son Max (KTM 990
Adventure R), Pete’s long-time friend and US
Marine veteran Miles (KTM 790 Adventure
R), his close friend and fellow Marine vet
Jason Rush (KTM 790 Adventure R), James
Anderson (KTM 990 Adventure), and Mitch’s
son Alex, riding an Aprilia Caponord.
Wait, what? An Italian sports bike on
an adventure ride in Baja? Yep, you read
that right. As questionable as this decision
might seem, as it turns out that bike went
everywhere its rider pointed it, unlike some of Now this is living, Barry … Baja style! Hours of Mexican Bush TV
the other more ‘capable’ mounts on this trip… and dreaming sweet dreams of sizzling clutch plates.

BEST FOOT FORWARD?

Perhaps it was an omen that on the evening SOUTHERN EXPRESS
before we set off, as final preparations The first day we set our sights on Bahia de
were taking place, the carnage had already Los Angeles, some 350km to the south. We
begun. As bikes were being staged on the quickly learned that one of the themes of
sandy ground around the casita, Mitch, Dave, this ride would be ‘Beware of potholes!’
and Pete (twice) dropped their bikes while Highways in Baja are littered with gnarly
moving them. potholes capable of causing considerable
It wasn’t until several hours (and adult damage, as Charlie soon learned after
beverages) later that Dave found he was clipping one and badly bending his front
leaving bloody footprints once he removed wheel. Fortunately, he had installed tubes in
his shoes. Closer inspection revealed that he his tyres and did not suffer a flat.
had a deep gash on the outside of his right Once we arrived at Bay of LA, we quickly
foot, likely caused by the earlier bike drop. set up our tents and then headed to the
Fortunately, Charlie is a fireman/paramedic adjacent restaurant for dinner and drinks.
in real life. He took a look and determined During dinner I glanced outside and noticed
that the wound required stitches. Although the wind had begun howling and sand was
Pete offered to stitch it up with a rusty nail swirling through the air. Sleeping in the
and used dental floss, Dave wisely opted for tent was a challenge with the tent material
a midnight run to the local clinic for a more flapping all night. The wind was still blasting Meet Mitch, who yet again is enjoying
one of those adult beverages.
sterile remedy. in the morning and breaking camp was a pain.

70 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 ELEVATE YOUR
ADVENTURE

Built to excel in the dirt and on the tarmac, the new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is the
all-new globe-busting, desert-crossing, mountain-conquering adventure champion.

Powered by a new 1200 triple engine, the unique T-Plane design blends the low-speed
capability of a twin with the top-end performance of a triple, for excellent traction
in tough conditions, and supreme performance on the road. Add to that an all-new
chassis that’s significantly lighter and more agile, long travel semi-active suspension
and feature-packed technology, for unprecedented capability off-road and on.
The all-new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. It’s time to reset your adventure expectations.
From $32,490 rideaway.
Book your test ride at TriumphMotorcycles.com.au LEARN MORE
 Baja farmers Victor and Tio saved the boys’ bacon Plenty of camp time was spent
by trucking their broken bikes back to civilisation. working on fried clutch packs.

Mitch’s son Alex fronted aboard an Aprilia Caponord And just for the record, Mitch and
with street tyres and alloy panniers, and got the job done! his BMW struggled in the sand as well.

However, this pain was insignificant it was decided that we would head south At this point, as we contemplated how
compared to the (self-inflicted) pain we on dirt, with Mitch vowing to stop and re- to deal with our injured rider, we noticed
experienced on day two! evaluate if the road turned to soft sand. that Mitch, who had been at the front of the
Well, what do you know? Mitch lied. pack, was nowhere to be found. You may
ROLL THE DICE remember he had promised to stop if the
During dinner the night before we were SAND IN YOUR PANTS sand got deep — he explained later that he
discussing options for our route the So on day two we wound through the town was afraid to stop once in the thick of it, and
following day. We had two choices: ride streets of Bay of LA and headed south along he kept his BMW pinned until he crashed
the pavement to an overnight stop at a dirt road towards El Arco. Our intended near a sandwash!
Guerrero Negro, or take a long dirt section destination was San Francisquito, a beach As a long-time veteran of sand riding in
to a camping spot at the beach at San campground some 130km away. For the the south-western USA, I was able to make it
Francisquito. But let’s back up a bit … first 55km or so the road was a typical Baja through without crashing, but I was the only
When this ride was first conceived, we back-road with a hard packed, rocky surface one to escape an encounter with the ground.
were reassured that we would be avoiding through forests of thick, varied cactus.
any technical or sandy sections, as most of Then came the sand, and the complexion SH*T GETS REAL
us decided we did not want that kind of ride of the ride changed completely. As the carnage unfolded, the bikes began
due to being aboard heavy adventure bikes The deep, soft sand claimed its first victim to feel the effects of the flogging they were
loaded with panniers full of camping gear. in short order. Fighting for control, Miles receiving. By the time we caught up with
Mitch assured us that would not be the case, was thrown from his bike, injuring his right Mitch, James, riding a big KTM 990 with a
and we planned accordingly. shoulder. He was not the only crash victim, H-U-G-E fuel tank, lurched to a stop with an
That didn’t mean that we wanted to avoid as I observed bikes flopping over all around overheated clutch. Meanwhile, Miles’ 790,
dirt altogether. So at dinner after day one me as I made my way through the sand. equipped with an auto clutch, refused to

72 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 BAJA ADVENTURE

ONCE WE ARRIVED AT BAY OF

LA, WE QUICKLY SET UP OUR
TENTS AND THEN HEADED TO
THE ADJACENT RESTAURANT FOR
DINNER AND DRINKS.
Bayside camping off your moto — this is
what a Baja adventure ride is all about.

move after several attempts by other riders lumbering up the road. They offered to help It didn’t take long before this plan went
to get it out of the sand pit. if they could and informed us they would be pear-shaped after James’ clutch gave up the
It was now midday. With more than 65km returning the next day with an empty truck. ghost again a few miles down the road, and
to go to our intended camp and almost This turned out to be a very lucky encounter, Charlie then fried his clutch trying to tow
110km to the nearest highway, two broken since they were the only other souls we saw James. The broken bike count jumped from
bikes and one injured rider, we decided we during our time at this location. one to three. Oh crap.
had no choice but to make camp right there When Alex returned — alone — with a
alongside the road. We would then formulate BEST-LAID PLANS scant few small bottles of water he had
a plan to get us out of the jam we found The next morning we had made a plan. Max managed to buy at a ranch ten miles down
ourselves in. and James, whose clutch seemed okay after the road, he informed us that Max had
Now, there are certain rules you learn to it had cooled, would ride out to the highway, continued alone back to get the truck
live by in Baja. One of the big ones is, you then pound pavement some 645km back to and trailer. Charlie and James remained
can never carry too much gas or water. We San Felipe. After a night’s rest they would stranded along the road ahead.
were okay on gas, but we broke the water then grab Mitch’s truck and trailer and brave As we thought about what to do next a
rule. Since we were expecting to be in a the potholes back to where we were stranded welcome sight emerged from the desert
campground that night we did not stock to pick up the disabled bike and rider. — the returning ranch truck! This became
up on water. After consuming lots of water In the meantime Charlie and Alex would our saving grace. We loaded Miles’ broken
while struggling in the sand, we had precious ride until they found a ranch where they bike, Miles jumped on the truck with it, and
little left to get us through the night or to could grab some water and bring it back they headed up the road to pick up James
cook the dehydrated food we had with us. to our camp, as we expected to be there and Charlie. The rest of us rode forward
As we began to prepare to camp, an for another night before Max and James and, after some refreshments at the ranch
old ranch truck with a load of hay came returned from San Felipe. halfway to the highway, we finally rolled into

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 73

 BAJA ADVENTURE

Alien UFOs over the Baja peninsula?

No, just Elon Musk firing another satellite into orbit!

AFTER FINDING A MOTEL, THE RANCHERS

DROPPED OFF BIKES AND RIDERS AND HEADED
HOME FLUSH WITH OUR GRATITUDE AND A FEW
$$$ FOR THEIR TROUBLE.

Guerrero Negro after dark. After finding a in James’ 990, which had come apart. Mitch
motel, the ranchers dropped off bikes and decided to forfeit his ride to drive the chase
riders and headed home flush with our truck, passing his BMW to James. The injured
gratitude and a few $$$ for their trouble. Miles would join him in the truck, with the two
Thanks Victor and Tio, you saved our trip! broken bikes in tow.
On the fourth day we set our sights on San
ON THE TOOLS Ignacio, a little oasis in the desert featuring a
We spent the next two nights in Guerrero date palm farm and a centuries-old catholic
Negro sorting out several bike issues and mission. We caught an early dinner at a
formulating plans moving forward. Max restaurant in the town square, and it was here
arrived late on the first day with the truck and that we added the 11th member of our crew.
trailer carrying his 990, which had suffered In Baja, there are always stray dogs
a fuel pump failure just as he arrived in San wandering the streets. A particularly cute
Felipe. Fortunately, Pete and James had spare street puppy wandered up looking for a
pumps, and Max got busy repairing his bike. snack, and Miles was smitten. Iggy (named
Charlie managed to reanimate the clutch in for San Ignacio) had won the Baja dog Little Iggy lucked out and scored a ride
home for a new life with Miles.
his 890, but there was no patching the clutch lottery! From that point on the two were

74 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Now that’s a restaurant with a view!

Adventure is where you find it and

Baja has plenty of adventure to offer.

inseparable. She will go on to live a charmed Back on the bikes, we headed to La Paz,
life in New Mexico in Miles’ care. another 360km to the south. After stuffing
That night Dave and I decided to share a ourselves with fish tacos at a roadside
room at a local hotel while the rest of the crew stand, we rode through the city towards
camped at a nearby spot along the river. A hot the Malecon, which is the main road along
shower and a shave were a welcome relief. the waterfront. This is a vibrant commercial
district in Mexican seaside towns. In La
SEA SHELLS BY THE SEA SHORE Paz, we found this route was closed due to
The next day we continued south along the Carnival, a five-day celebration marking the
shore of the Sea of Cortez, rolling through beginning of Lent. The route was blocked
Santa Rosalia (stopping there to fix a flat with numerous stages, food and merch
on Pete’s bike) and Mulege before a two- stands, which forced us onto backstreets
night stop at a resort in Loreto. Located near with many alto (stop) signs. This was more
downtown, it was easy to walk to find shops, than poor Charlie’s 890 could take, and his
bars and tacos! Sleeping in the tent was a bit bike was loaded onto the trailer for the final
of a challenge due to some nearby crowing time after making some horrible noises. He
roosters and city traffic noise. later ended up on Mitch’s BMW for the last
By this time Charlie’s clutch had begun two days of the ride.
slipping again, this time requiring an oil Dave and I again decided to take a break
change and the addition of a leather shoelace from camping and got a room at the local
in the clutch pack to get it moving again. Marriott while the rest of the crew camped Another day dusted in Baja,
and another great sunset to enjoy.
Yeah, the shoelace worked — for a while. along the windy beach a few miles away.

76 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 BAJA ADVENTURE

So hard to focus on the trail when

you’ve got simply gorgeous views like this.

Big Rich mans up and takes on a big bad IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG BEFORE THE PLAN
bowl packed with Mexican chilli delicacies!
WENT PEAR-SHAPED AFTER JAMES’ CLUTCH
GAVE UP THE GHOST AGAIN A FEW MILES
DOWN THE ROAD.

DECISION TIME and we rode most of the way in the dark,

When we met the next morning it was making the ride in all the more sketchy. But
decision time. Our original plan had been it was so worth it!
to ride south-west to Cabo San Lucas and We camped on the sand at the water’s
several other points of interest before edge and woke up to a serene scene at
doubling back towards San Felipe. But now a beautiful cove dotted with a few other
we had lost several days and had three campers and several boats anchored off-
bikes broken beyond repair filling the trailer. shore. There was even a restaurant right
We decided to scrap the Cabo route and there on the sand! They took good care of us
head back north to camp on the beach at for the two nights we spent there.
Agua Verde, an isolated spot at the end Riding back up the road from the beach
of a steep and technical 39km dirt road was much less stressful in the daylight. At
about 100km south of Loreto. By the time this point Miles had recovered from his injury
we reached the turn-off, it was getting late enough that he felt fit to ride, so Jason

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 77

 BAJA ADVENTURE The Baja peninsula delivers majestic sunrises and sunsets,
depending on which coast you’re facing. Take your pick!!

WE CAMPED ON THE SAND AT THE WATER’S EDGE AND WOKE

TO THE SERENE SCENE OF A BEAUTIFUL COVE DOTTED WITH A FEW
CAMPERS AND SEVERAL BOATS ANCHORED OFFSHORE.

turned his bike over to him for the next two Big Rich loads up and gets set for
days. We headed back to San Ignacio for a wherever the next adventure takes him.
night, where Dave finally enjoyed the lobster
dinner he had been thinking about since
we’d passed through a week before.
We headed off on Friday morning on a
marathon ride back to San Felipe, as most
of the group had to be back to work on
the Monday and had a two-day drive home
ahead of them. For Charlie and James the
load going home had changed, as James
had decided to part ways with his 990 and
the two struck a deal! Charlie has a bit of
wrenching in his future. Meanwhile, Mitch,
Dave and I spent a few more days in San
Felipe while Mitch did some maintenance on
his casita.
All things considered, we had set out on
an adventure ride, and we certainly found
adventure! And yes, it’s always the rides that
involve a little adversity that you remember.
But the only question now is, where will our
next big adventure take us? And will the
clutch plates be able to handle it? AAB

78 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

What are mates for? Showering you in cool, crisp Kiwi river water
when you ride the KTM NZ Adventure Rallye! Chris Birch (L) and
Rosie Lalonde scare the trout as they charge through a rocky river bed.

80 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 81
KTM ADVENTURE
RALLYE NZ

It’s not every day you get the call-up

to sweep ride a KTM Adventure Rallye
in the spectacular South Island
of New Zealand. So when you do,
you make the most of it!
STORY SPROCKET
PHOTOGRAPHY ROB KERBER/KTM

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 81

 KTM ADVENTURE RALLYE NZ

You want amazing tracks with incredible views? Then you need to ride an event like
the KTM NZ Adventure Rallye in the Southland district of the South Island. What a destination!

ome phone calls absolutely make An early start the next morning signalled
your day. Like answering the mobile things were getting really real, as we loaded
and the conversation starts like this: the trucks and set forth south on the drive
“Gudday Sprocket, it’s Shaun here to Invercargill, which is perched at the very
from KTM New Zealand. You reckon you could bottom of the NZ South Island. The Rallye
come over here and help sweep the next KTM would be starting there, and when we rolled
Adventure Rallye NZ in Southland?” into town Shaun Jubber and Pauli Geppert
Oh mate, do you reckon? Is this a trick from KTM NZ were waiting with a fleet of
question? How could I say no? Next thing I bikes for us all to sort out, along with a long
was hitting the big smoke in Sydney, hooking list of jobs.
up with a couple of ace KTM mechanics We were busy with the pre-event build-up,
named Lewie and Bargs, and we were off: sure, but still found some time to take in the
Queenstown, here we come! sights of Invercargill. The town’s well known
Flying into Queenstown, which is best from the Burt Munro World’s Fastest Indian
known as the adventure capital of the world, movie, and there’s great motor museums to
with the plane slicing down through snow- check out, along with one of the very best
capped mountains and amazing topography pie shops I’ve ever been to — and that’s
stretching in every direction, I just knew how saying something. If you’re in Invercargill, be
good the next week was going to be. sure to load up at Fat Bastard Pies — it’s a
The first night involved a night out in winner for all us pie eaters!
Queenstown to get acclimatised with the Anyway, after a little more business with
locals and their funny accents. We then met setting up back at the bivouac, I was stoked Early-morning break-out section through
up with Rosie Lalonde, who is the marketing to score myself an 890 R for the Rallye. So I a sandpit sure did get the blood pumping.
boss lady for KTM in Australia and New loaded up my GPS system and strapped on a
Zealand, as well as legend Kiwi KTM rider bunch of gear I carry for sweep rider duties,
Chris Birch, at which point things started to and I was ready to ride. New Zealand has the most iconic adventure
get a little more serious, so it was on with It was right about then that Birchy sidled riding in the world, eh bro?” Time to test
the KTM cap and collared shirt! over and said, “Hey Sprocket, you know this theory out!

82 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 KTM ADVENTURE RALLYE NZ

Slope Point is the southern most point of the NZ mainland.

The South Pole is just out that way.

SLOPE POINT IS THE SOUTHERNMOST

POINT IN NZ AND THE CLOSEST POINT
TO THE SOUTH POLE.
ON A GOOD DAY THEY RECKON
YOU CAN SEE REINDEERS.

DAY 1: INVERCARGILL TO INVERGARGILL

After a great welcome dinner, riders briefing and a few “cool treats”
as Bargs calls them, we were set to start the Rallye.
Scenic back roads took us to the coast, passing through little
Five-star treatment is all part of
villages along the way, many of which looked like a step back in time. the KTM Adventure Rallye experience.
The route soon led us to Slope Point, which is the southernmost point
in NZ and the closest point of the mainland to the South Pole. On a
good day you can see reindeers, so they say.
Following the coast, we soon hit the first break-out with a deep
sandy section, which brought a few riders undone. And it delivered a
fair bit of pushing for the sweeps, just to get our heart rates up nice
and early. We then merged back onto the main route through some
scenic forests and ventured into some caves and passed a waterfall.
The scenery was pretty darn good, right from the get go, as we
traveled through endless farmland to the lunch stop, which entailed
feasting on pluto pups and chips provided by the local farmers. I was
stoked to get lots of goss off the farmers, not to mention eating pluto
pups for the next three hours! #sweeplife has its perks!
From the shearing shed we headed back onto the track to break- Sometimes the only way in is via barge.
It’s all part of the adventure.
out number two, which was littered with very slippery tracks through

84 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 more farmland. I was rapt the trusty 890
R handled the techy conditions with ease.

Spoilt
From there it was a pretty cruisy afternoon
via back-roads to the bivouac back at
Invercargill. Things appeared under control
in Tech Support and after a quick check of
our bikes, the night’s festivities could begin.
for choice?
I’ve got to say, as KTM Rallye dinners Having one pump might
and riders briefings go, this one was
special. It was hosted in a very impressive not be enough!
motor museum and the line-up of guest
speakers for the night was nothing less
than exceptional for all us petrolheads.
MINI PUMP V2
V8 Supercar legend Greg Murphy, who’s Displays pre-set
a regular KTM Adventure Rallye rider, had selection A/B/C,
brought a few of his mates along: none other tyre pressure and
than Aussie F1 hero Mark Webber, former F1 pressure scale.
champ David Coulthard, and Aussie film star/ 2 metre long power cord
rev head Eric Bana. Their stories had us all on with SAE Connector.
the edge of our seats and in fits of laughter. 10A PCB fuse and
But what was even better was getting to ride reverse polarity
with all those blokes on the Rallye. Awesome protection.
is the only word. Direct connect battery
cable with SAE plug to fit
DAY 2: INVERCARGILL TO TE ANAU pump’s power cord.
Overcast skies greeted us as we headed
out of Invercargill on the short run to the
day’s first break-out at Oreti Beach. This
POCKET
PUMP V2
beach trek lasted for 30km and it was an
absolute blast. It was truly picturesque,
overlooking the Southern Ocean the whole Pumps over 130 psi.
way, and then having to deal with a deep Inflate a 150/70 R18
river crossing halfway along, which kept us tyre from 0 to 31psi in
all on our toes. 3 minutes.
We fuelled up at Riverton and rejoined the main route with some Built-in “checking valve”
flowing gravel roads through Longward Forest and into Tuatapere for so you can attach your
lunch. Along the way Cliffden Suspension Bridge was a spectacular pressure gauge to the
view to come across. It was built in 1898 to replace a punt that had valve and check the tyre
been used in the early settlement days. pressure at any time.
185mm inflation hose,
2m long power cord with
SAE connector, alligator
clips with SAE connector.

MICROPUMP
Set and store 3 separate
pressures.
Pump will switch off
automatically when
the pre-set pressure
is reached.
Recharge from a 2 Amp
USB outlet (charger not
supplied).
Charge time 1-3 hours.

When the special guests are motor racing legends like Greg Murphy,
Mark Webber and David Coulthard, get ready for a dinner to remember.
 KTM ADVENTURE RALLYE NZ

If you thought Greg Murphy could wheel a Commodore V8 around Bathurst,

wait until you see him behind the bars of a KTM 890 Adventure R.

V8 SUPERCAR LEGEND GREG MURPHY, From Fiordland National Park the route
headed through one southland farm after
WHO’S A REGULAR KTM ADVENTURE another, and we were spoiled with perfect
RALLYE RIDER, HAD BROUGHT A FEW OF grassy tracks for adventure riding. Added to
this were unbelievable views as we started
HIS CAR RACING MATES ALONG. to climb up into the mountains as we
headed north.
Break-out one took riders through a steep
Four quick break-outs then came in rapid Te Anau, and isn’t that a very special tourist grassy track, past some wind turbines and
succession and included a motocross track, town perched beside a massive lake, at the on to Mossburn for fuel, then came more
an enduro loop, and London Hill and Scrubby gateway to the spectacular Milford Sound at epic farm tracks leading to Cromel Valley
Spur trail loops. All this added a real mixture the very bottom south-west corner of NZ. Station’s shearing shed for lunch. Now, the
of superb riding to the afternoon’s agenda. Loved that place. lunch breaks in Kiwi are always awesome
Lake Manapouri was the next point of as you get to do a bit of socialising with
interest, with some spectacular mountains as DAY 3: TE ANAU TO CROMWELL the locals, along with partaking in the best
the backdrop. And just near there some bird It was sad to leave Te Anau as there was home-cooked cakes from the wives.
life on the beach really added interest to the something very special about the town. It’s Bellies full, we rode straight out the back of
scenery — who knew NZ had nudist beaches?! the kind of place where you can just hang the farm through some very slippery tracks to
The day’s final stop was the bivouac at out and chill. break-out two, which was dubbed Mid Dome.

86 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Murphy, Birchy and KTM NZ’s Shaun Jubber Oops. Those early-morning grassy
celebrate another brilliant day in the saddle. twin tracks can get a little greasy.

Tech support is never far away on events like this. KTM NZ’s Chris Birch on the tyre levers
Pauli Geppert dials in a few more HP for Sprocket’s ride. working a little Mitas magic.

This beauty was an 800m climb over three which featured more steep and technical DAY 4: CROMWELL TO CROMWELL
kilometres, which might not sound far, but sections, which the 890R absolutely ate A great night’s sleep had me feeling
you have to remember that in NZ they deal up. From here we entered the Nevis Range, refreshed, while scoring the holeshot for
with mountains, not just hills. This one had a starting off low along the bottom of the breakfast and getting a hearty feed before
tough, rocky switchback section, and bugger valley, following perfect gravel roads with so KTM dealer mechanic Nathan Walker
me if I was taken out, square cut by one of many river crossings, I lost count. (AKA the Mechanical Eating Machine) ate
my fellow crew members! No names need Duffers Saddle was our next climb, and it’s everything meant that I was ready and
be mentioned, but Lewie, you will get yours! the highest public road in NZ reaching an raring to go.
Neverthesless, it was worth it, for when you altitude of 1,275m. The view from the peak We headed out of the bivouac and
reached the top there were amazing views was pretty darn good, as we gazed over straight into break-out one named
of all the valleys around the farmland. It was mountains in all directions and looked down Carricktown Track. It was another steep and
next-level scenery, simple as that. to Cromwell, our next destination, in the challenging climb, ranked at three chillies,
Of course, we all know that what goes up valley below. that led back toward Duffers Saddle and
must come down. So down we went into the The day then wrapped up with a cruisy then into the Nevis Range.
valley below, through SOOO many gates. I run into the bivouac at Cromwell, and not The riding ranged from lush farmland
reckon in NZ, when farmers buy a gate, they as many ales were needed that night, as to alpine tussock land — you could have
get a six-pack free! I was rapt to find I had scored a room of thought you were on the moon. I’m sure
We eventually rolled back onto more my own and wasn’t sharing with any fellow I saw a group from NASA test-driving
flowing tracks to reach break-out three, ‘freight trains’. a prototype moon buggy! This section

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 87

 KTM ADVENTURE RALLYE NZ

And to think views like this are just an everyday ride for Kiwis in the NZ
South Island. What a truly remarkable adventure bike riding destination.

featured a very demanding track with no That said, he crawled through the break-
let-up, that wound past some cool huts out, all the while the other sweeps on the
before dropping down through more gates main route had a sleep on the side of the
into the Teviot Valley. We soon passed the road waiting for us. Then to top things off,
Roxburgh Hydro Dam wall, which was pretty on the final run back into Cromwell, he ran
spectacular. It was one of the first big hydro- out of fuel. But we got him into the bivouac
electric projects in the South Island. for another good night.
After leaving Roxburg, we headed towards
Beaumont Station along epic twin rut tracks DAY 5: CROMWELL TO QUEENSTOWN
that went forever, before popping out at The final day, no way. Where had the
Lake Onslow where many fishing huts were week gone?
perched around the water’s edge. I would It was a wet start to the morning, with a
still be there now if I could have found one cruisy run down the Pylon Track through
for sale. Alexandra along the Manuherikia River to
Now, some days have a sting in the tail, Omakau, which delivered yet more awesome
and this was one of them, as the final break- views! Then came another great break-out
out section had some challenges. Firstly, section filled with farm tracks with slippery
an American rider in the group was coming grass tracks and hills, where the back wheel
backwards towards us on the track. We had was constantly trying to overtake the front
to turn him around and take him with us. wheel. But it was super fun!
After struggling on the hills and crashing Once back on the main route, more
We are not kidding you: two couples rode pillion several times, his brake levers had to be flowing gravel roads led to another break-
the whole way. Massive congrats to Rick Shwass replaced, headlight tied on and a bit of out packed with awesome farm tracks,
and Kirsty Burchell, and Robyn and Andrew Morrison.
minor wiring work done. before reaching Luggart for lunch.

88 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Never mind Birchy, look at
that sensational view behind!

Yes, that is a very special and very exclusive KTM 450

Rally Replica. This might just be NZ’s fastest sheep farmer?

After lunch we hit break-out three and Then to finish the day off, we were
the Pisa Range. It started out with epic treated to a scenic trip down steep valleys
farm tracks, then turned into a technical, through Arrowtown to finish at Coronet
rocky climb up the range that went on Peak. And what a way to finish the KTM
forever. Yet again the views at the top were Adventure Rallye NZ: riding through the
unbelievable and you thought you were in inflatable KTM arch, looking down at
another world again. Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and absolutely
While fixing a flat tyre on the top of next-level epic views.
the range, two farmers come along to It had been a truly unbelievable week
check on us. I got talking to the farmers, filled with epic trails, mind-blowing views
who were quite the characters, and and legendary staff, crew and customers.
eventually worked out that they had been The KTM 890 Adventure R did the ride with
to Bredbo, my hometown in Australia. ease and while I don’t like to say it, I have to
I couldn’t believe it — six degrees of admit that the Kiwis have got it all going on
separation, I’ve been told! over there. Chris Birch is right: New Zealand
After fixing the flat tyre with a bit of surely has the best adventure rallye tracks
banter, we finished the Pisa Range and and riding landscapes.
dropped back into the scenic valleys … via Huge thanks to Shaun and the KTM New
more gates! We wound our way down the Zealand crew for a fantastic week and a
Cardrona Valley to the iconic Cardrona great opportunity to sweep ride, meet
Hotel, where we had a Corona (say that ten and ride with celebrities and to watch
times quickly!), plus Rosie had organised others turn into celebrities as the week
some pit girls to look after my bike, which unwound. Great times where the Orange On ya, Sprocket, for always

Blood truly flowed! AAB

being there at the end. Great job, son!
was pretty special.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 89

The long and winding run across McKillops Bridge and then
north along the Snowy River via the Barry Way to Jindabyne
never disappoints. It was one of many highlights of four days
of awesome riding on Kat’s Adventure Ride.

If you’re keen to support a charity ride, Kat’s Adventure Ride

is well worth your attention, raising funds to support
the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation. Their Snowy
Mountains Adventure Ride earlier this year was an absolute
ripper through a very special part of the country.
STORY BRAD McALISTER PHOTOGRAPHY THE BIKE BUTLER

he Ride for Babies event is across alpine NSW and Victoria, all while
a key initiative of Kat’s Adventure supporting newborn babies in need.
Motorcycle Ride for Charity and As ADV rides go, the route for this one
provides a thrilling opportunity for was epic! Over the course of four days, riders
adventure bike enthusiasts to combine their covered a scenic 1,487km and experienced
passion for motorcycling with support for a range of landscapes and terrain that
a worthy cause. included open farmland, alpine wilderness,
Earlier this year I made the trek from pine forests, rainforest and challenging twin-
Queensland to join the Snowy Mountains tracks. And the bitumen sectors were scenic
Adventure Ride 2025, one of Kat’s signature minor roads that proved to be some of the
fundraising events. Other participants also most twisty in the country. There was plenty
hailed from Queensland as well as Victoria, of dirt and some technical sections, and
NSW and the ACT, with a few returning with the optional routes provided, the ride
riders who had attended the inaugural catered for all tastes and included bikes from
event last year. We got to ride through 450 to 1290cc with KTM, Husqvarna, BMW
some of the most breathtaking landscapes and CFMOTO makes represented.

90 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 91
CHARITY
ADVENTURE RIDE

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 91

 CHARITY ADVENTURE RIDE

Alpine twin-tracks through the Snowy Mountains are a treat to ride

and were a constant part of the action. Photo: Brad McAlister.

IT ALL STARTS NOW National Park, with a few notable stops along of its kind in Victoria and an incredible piece
The journey began in Yass, NSW, as the way such as Cotter Dam and the Canberra of engineering to see in all its glory. The route
participants took off on an unforgettable Space Centre. After a bite to eat at Cooma, then followed the Snowy River northward
adventure to the Snowy Mountains via the riders took on some fuel and enjoyed the along the Barry Way to Jindabyne.
South Coast, with highlights including river trails through Wadbilliga National Park with its Most of the road from Bombala was
crossings, private farms, scenic national dramatic canyons, before arriving in Cobargo unsealed and a lot of it very slippery due
parks and plenty of wildlife encounters — for the first overnight stop. Riders briefing for to the pea-sized gravel, so you had to keep
including kangaroos, wallabies, lyrebirds, the following day was held at the Cobargo your focus if you didn’t fancy dragging your
emus, wild brumbies and wombats, as well Hotel, followed by a fantastic meal, a few bike out of a roadside ditch!
as sightings of some anticipated platypuses! drinks and plenty of banter to finish the day. The night’s accommodation was at the
The weather for the start of the journey was Alpine Gables, where the rooms were
glorious with an all-blue sky and comfortable THIS IS LIVING, BARRY luxurious and spacious. The briefing and
riding temperatures for day one’s 335km run The second day of some 451km to Jindabyne dinner was held at Horizons Resort Lake
to Cobargo. It was only a short ride out of began with an amazing ride through Jindabyne, with lots of discussion about the
Yass before we hit the dirt through private Biamanga National Park, enjoying the flowing day’s adventure and the exciting day ahead.
farmland as the ride headed towards Namadji dirt and gravel roads before arriving in
Bermagui on the coast. The ALPINE ACTION
Taking time for a quick drop-in ride south along the coast to From Jindabyne the third day to Corryong
at the Canberra Space Centre on Tathra was visually stunning was a 394km ride west starting along the
the long run south to the Snowy despite being all tarmac. Alpine Way, which was a glorious stretch of
Mountains. Photo: Adam Rapson. Tathra Memorial Gardens tarmac but notorious for deer, roos, emus
offered a great photo and wombats, so you did have to keep your
opportunity with glorious eyes peeled for any creatures that might
views of the coastline. Rolling wander out in front of you.
hills to the quaint historic Not long after passing Thredbo, it was
township of Candelo followed time to get off the tarmac and on to the
by a twisty dirt ascent back trails through the heart of the Kosciuszko
up the mountain brought National Park and the much-anticipated
us to the next fuel stop in crossing of the Swampy Plain River. The
Bombala before a visit to the river wasn’t flowing as hard as it had been
historic McKillops Bridge, reported in the weeks prior, but it was still
which is the longest bridge a fair distance from one side to the other,

92 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 150+ FITTINGS
• BMW
• Benelli
• CFMOTO
• Ducati
• Honda
• Harley Pan Am
• KTM
• Kawasaki
• Moto Guzzi
• Royal Enfield
ADVENTURE RANGE • Suzuki
• Triumph
SOFT TERRA • Yamaha
TR15C TR4
42 TR50
50

NIER
RS
TR36 R47

ALLOY CASES 'MANUFACTURED IN EUROPE'

TOP CASSES
37 TR48
48 TR55

facebook.com/motonational www.shadaustralia.com.au
 CHARITY ADVENTURE RIDE

Smiles for miles as the views of the Snowy Mountains go on and on.
What a brilliant route through a fabulous part of the world. Photo: Thomas O’Connor.

Fellow road users come in all shapes and sizes, Overnight accommodation
just beware the ones with added horsepower. was five-star the whole way!

so full attention was required to get safely the paragliding launch area at the summit. The Accommodation for the night was at
across. Everyone got through cleanly, other ride up to the peak was a thrill and well worth Corryong Country Inn, with a briefing and
than one minor mishap with a stalled engine doing. Then we had an 80km dirt run to our relaxed pizza dinner in the lovely outdoor
and the subsequent ka-splosh! ferry crossing of the Murray River. The road garden area.
The trails continued with some very was extremely slippery with pea gravel all over
exciting downhill twin-track and perfect it — we all had fun sliding all over the place and BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
erosion mounds to catch some air. The leaving tyre marks everywhere, but any small Our fourth and final day back to Yass was
stock suspension on my 450MT handled loss of attention could see you in the bushes in a bit shorter in distance at 300km but no
the landings with ease and I was yelling and a matter of seconds. less thrilling. It was an exciting ride through
giggling like a kid. It was so much fun! From the ferry there was a long stretch more of the spectacular trails of Kosciuszko
But one of the lead riders found out that of fantastic tarmac twisties to enjoy before National Park, followed by some scenic
hitting a kangaroo mid-air, while seemingly hitting the trails again around Mt Lawson tarmac and more challenging trails. We
difficult to time, was quite achievable. Whilst State Park. The ride through the pine forests were granted access to some amazing trails
the kangaroo was unharmed, the KTM was very picturesque. I was actually having through private farmland, a great benefit of
690 ended up with a leaking radiator, but so much fun on these trails I kind of forgot the ride organisers being locals. This section
thankfully some Nulon cooling-system sealer to stay on track and had to backtrack until I turned out to be the ride highlight for many
saved the day. found the GPS line again! of the riders, with comments like “the best
The next stop was Mt Elliott, with a steep After leaving the pine forest a final day’s riding I have ever done” spilling out
rocky climb to the top and stunning views from stretch of tarmac took us into Corryong. from sweaty helmets!

94 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 DEVELOPED WITH
DAKAR AND
AUSTRALIAN
SAFARI RACER
Achieve much improved stability ROD FAGGOTTER

Tenere 700, with Safari Tanks’

revolutionary rally tank.

Fully equipped, including a rally

bash plate (B & B), this twin
WDQNR΍HUVDQLPSURYHGULGLQJ
H[SHULHQFHZLWKWKHIXHOȵH[LELOLW\
for next-level adventure freedom.
Explore this tank online today.

www.safaritanks.com.au

Phone (03) 5729 5556

 CHARITY ADVENTURE RIDE

Time to get the boots wet. At least this crossing

had a causeway — others didn’t!

Massive views on the road to the High Country. There sure is Time to break out the trail snacks in the middle
some amazing countryside to explore out there in southern NSW. of nowhere. Perfect. Photo: Adam Rapson.

The Snowy Hydro scheme area and and sweep teams were tracking each
the township of Cabramurra provided other’s locations live via satellite,
a nice stop before heading back on the which meant that everyone was in COMING
trails for a great end to the ride. The good hands even though we were SOON!
final stretch was a mix of amazing dirt in quite remote locations. And every The next Snowy
trails and twisting tarmac into Yass. detail was taken care of for us, with Mountains
Each day brought a new adventure, the ride package including mostly instalment of the
from the natural beauty to the everything except fuel and lunch. This, Ride for Babies is
technical riding challenges, making along with the camaraderie shared scheduled for March
for a truly memorable experience. among participants, made for an 6 to 9, 2026, with a
The event’s success was due in large unforgettable experience. With such a Walcha Rally Ride in
part to the exceptional planning positive outcome, it’s likely many riders the interim running
and support provided by organisers will return for future events knowing from November 10 to 13, 2025.
Kat’s Adventure Ride, along with that while having fun, they are making More details on both rides can be found by
The Bike Butler team, who ensured a real difference to children’s lives, scanning this QR code or visiting the website.
that all riders were well looked after with profits going to the Newborn www.katsadventureride.com
throughout the journey. The lead Intensive Care Foundation. AAB

96 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

Welcome to Hungry Creek Motorcycle Park, circa 1977!
Located about 90 minutes' drive north of Sydney, the venue
was a mecca for dirtbike riders, and in its hey-day welcomed
around 24,000 riders and their families each year.

98 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 99
HUNGRY CREEK
REVISITED

In the late 1970s and early ’80s, Hungry Creek Motorcycle Park
just north of Sydney was a dirtbike mecca. Like so many riders
we cut our teeth there, howling around the endless tracks and trails,
so 40 years later we figured it was high time for a return visit.
STORY ANDREW CLUBB PHOTOGRAPHY VMX MAGAZINE & CLUBBY

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 99

 HUNGRY CREEK REVISITED

Gazing over the section of the park where Stephen Gall

designed Australia’s first full-time supercross practice track.
No signs of the track nowadays, just grass and bush.

he older I get, the faster I was. But acres nestled in a valley Instructors Stephen Gall (back to camera) and Greg Cady, along
you know what else? The older I surrounded by hills filled with with Hungry Creek owner John Cameron, handing out diplomas
get, the more the memories fade. endless trail riding was the to graduates of another Hungry Creek MX training camp.
And having recently turned 60, the ideal venue for the creation
memories are getting pretty distant when it of a dirtbike riding park.
comes to remembering one’s own halcyon There were large tracts of
days of dirtbike riding that played out 40 flat land on the valley floor
and 50 years ago. That’s a bloody long trip that were perfect for pit
back in the time machine. areas and camping grounds,
But I do remember Hungry Creek while over time a complete
Motorcycle Park pretty well. The place line-up of motocross, flat
was a slice of dirtbike heaven located in track, trials sections, kids
a lush green valley near Wollombi, about practice areas and one of
100km north of Sydney. And the memories the country’s first permanent
are good! supercross tracks all become
As an 18-year-old P plater, I can remember features of Hungry Creek. A
clear as day itching for the knock-off bell to workshop, kiosk, space for
fire at work on a Friday afternoon so I could caravans and a homestead for the Cameron The story goes that in its hey-day as many
leap into the old man’s double-cab Kombi family dotted each side of the main access as 24,000 riders and their families per year
ute and head north, the mighty Honda XR road through the park. were ‘Gettin’ Dirty’ at Hungry Creek. And
and camping gear already loaded. It was the Of course, there were other tracks and we could believe it, as the place was always
weekend and I was feeling hungry — hungry riding areas back in the day, but Hungry busy every weekend. But that said, you never
for riding at Hungry Creek! Creek stood head and shoulders above felt crowded on the tracks or on the trails.
the rest. Sure, it was a serious commercial There was space, and so much of it.
THE PERFECT VENUE enterprise, but it had a kind of good-time Off-road events were staged there,
Businessmen John Cameron and Graham ambiance and offered so much riding that particularly enduros, while the complex
Whiting were co-owners and the driving you simply never tired of going there. And as soon also became home to the legendary
forces behind Hungry Creek. Some 800 a consequence it was popular — so popular. Coca-Cola Bottlers MX Camps staged by

100 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

Designs born from
a life on the road.

(03) 9786 3445

 HUNGRY CREEK REVISITED

Today’s view over where the pits and campgrounds at

Hungry Creek were located below the Cameron homestead.

noise and pressured local authorities RIDING DOWN MEMORY LANE

to bring the good times to an end. Myself and my good mate Lance Turnley
And that’s precisely what happened, from Off-Road Explorer, along with 1980s
with negotiations over the park’s pro MX racer Dave Parsons, recently took
closure ultimately seeing Cameron a ride to Murrays Run to see what remains
and Whiting being given approval to of Hungry Creek. And the truth is, there’s
slice up the park into smaller rural not much. The old Cameron homestead is
acreage allotments. still there, along with the big barn/workshop
For the past 40 years or so, Hungry behind it, while there’s also a couple of
Creek has been known as Burralong buildings and structures on the other side
Valley, with a large number of rural of the road that looked sort of familiar from
homes located in the hills on each side back in the day.
of the main road through the area. But if you’re hoping to see remnants of the
Lance and Dave smile like fools remembering The road is still called Murrays Run, old tracks where back in the day you either
all the good times had at Hungry Creek. as it was in the Hungry Creek days, sailed over a double-jump like Gally or hit
and stretches from Walkers Ridge the deck and skinned your knees and elbows
motocross hero Stephen Gall and a host of Road near the Letter A intersection like me, you’re going to be disappointed. The
gun MX co-instructors. north of Kulnura through to the Great North tracks are long gone and Mother Nature has
Hungry Creek literally was firing on Road south of Laguna. The section through well and truly taken over.
all cylinders, but by the mid 1980s the Burralong Valley has been tarred now, On our visit the entire place was lush and
venue was forced to close. The story goes whereas back in the day it was a pot-holed green, but the topography hadn’t changed
that local residents in the hills above the dirt road that lead to the kiosk and barn all that much. I could well remember and
complex and along the road leading into buildings that signalled you had arrived at recognise the paddock that was home to
the park had ‘had enough’ of the traffic and Hungry Creek. Gally’s supercross track for the MX camps.

102 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Coca-Cola Bottlers MX camp students back in the day, including Vaughan Style
and Beetle Bailey, who went on to become leading national racers.

This is living, Barry! Camping trackside,

ready for the next day’s riding.

Current-day MA MX committee-man Mark Luksich

back in the day, flying high on the supercross track.

Further down the road was the narrow Another time

valley that was home to the Willows I rolled up there on
motocross track. I could also make out a Saturday morning
the whopping great mud-flat area that so and like a total kook
many of us flailed around in while we were I had forgotten my
trying to roost our mates. And of course the helmet. Doh.
expansive pits and camping areas that filled I parked up in the
the paddocks below the homestead are still pits for a couple of
pretty obvious. hours and watched
everyone else go
THE GOOD OLD DAYS riding, before going
Our visit coincided with a massive blue sky home with my tail
day, and I have to say, parking there by the between my legs.
side of the road amongst the lush green Since that day I have
paddocks, the memories sure did come never, ever forgotten
flooding back. my helmet again.
One time my brother and I arrived at I also remember at Hungry Creek offered everything you
Hungry Creek on a Friday night after work a goat wandering the pits and campsites. could want, from mild to wild, and I loved
in a raging storm, and the tent sure wasn’t Apparently it was one of the owners’ pets flogging my dad’s hand-me-down Honda
getting set up then. So we argued over and the thing was a total character, chewing XLs around the place. And then when I
who would get the bunk in the back cab of everything in its path. was old enough to buy my own brand-new
the Kombi ute. He won, and I tried to sleep But what I remembered best was all the XR200R, I was in absolute heaven.
sitting up in the driver’s seat with the VW’s riding, as I gazed off into the hills in every Ahh the memories … oh yeah, I was feeling
steering wheel digging into my guts. direction. For me, the trail and enduro riding hungry again! AAB

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 103

No messing about. Rod Faggotter has set up
his ‘Rallye Adventure’ Ténéré 700 for knocking over
big-mile days in supreme comfort and not having
to stop for fuel every few hundred kilometres.
This bike eats miles for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

104 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 105MY RIDE:
TÉNÉRÉ 700

Ténéré 700s might be like backsides, because it

seems like everybody has one. But Rod Faggotter
has even more than most, and this one is his mile-
munching ‘Rallye Adventure’ special.
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW CLUBB

hen you’re a bloke who has won the

Australian Safari and run up the sharp end
of the Dakar Rally as part of Yamaha’s
factory race team, it’s pretty obvious you’re
someone who knows what you want in your bike.
Queensland’s Rod Faggotter has made a career out
of blazing across the outback on bikes that perform just
the way he wants them to. From Yamaha’s YZ450F and
WR450F thumpers to the Ténéré 700 twin and even
the classic XTZ750 Super Ténéré, Rod’s a long-time
Yamaha dealer and racer and his entire fleet of bLU cRU
machinery is thoroughly dialled.
And when we say fleet, we mean it. We’ve joked before
that Rod’s well on the way to having a different Ténéré
for each day of the week. He’s got his old 600 and 750
classics, plus a new World Raid, of course, along with
a couple of T7s. One of the T7s is a seriously off-road-
biased weapon — he calls it his ‘R-Spec’ model (R for
Race) — with extra-long-travel Boano-kitted suspension
and boosted motor, while the other is this black beauty
he’s dubbed his ‘Rallye Adventure’ special. This is the
T7 he uses for big days and big miles in the saddle. And
when you’re based at Longreach in central Queensland
and you’re a long way from pretty much anywhere, big
days in the saddle are the norm. And for Rod, that means
punching through 1,000km in a day, no sweat.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

As many AAB readers will remember, Rod was one of the
very first riders in the world to throw a leg over Yamaha’s
new T7 when he was chosen to be part of the bLU cRU’s
global unveiling of the bike. He famously ‘discovered’ a
timber crate on a Queensland beach, and inside was the
very first Ténéré 700, which he proceeded to ride across

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 105

 MY RIDE: TÉNÉRÉ 700

a chunk of Oz with the Ténéré Tragics in their 2018 It ultimately took a while — a couple of years,
Run that started at Hervey Bay in Queensland. The in fact — but Safari’s 45-litre dual tank set-up for
bike then went around the world with a line-up the T7 is now a reality and pre-orders have far
of Yamaha ambassadors that included Stephane exceeded initial expectations — even with the
Peterhansel and Nick Sanders. $3,400 price tag for the tanks.
From day one it was clear Yamaha’s acclaimed “They’re not cheap, for sure,” Rod admits, “but
CP2 twin-cylinder motor was a brilliant the tanks are going to give many riders up to
powerplant for ADV riding, while the bike’s 900km range, plus the weight of the fuel is carried
standard suspension set-up could readily be low to help the handling of the bike. Even with 30
beefed up for faster and/or heavier riders. But litres onboard, all that fuel sits lower than it does
the area where the T7 really needed help was on the standard T7 tank. And of course a full-wrap
with regards to fuel capacity. And from the outset B&B Off-Road bash plate is included to totally
Rod’s mind was ticking over about increasing the protect the underside of the bike and the lower
bike’s 16-litre fuel capacity extensively to give it edges of the tanks.”
some real outback range. The Safari Tanks are available in black or clear
“Out here, fuel range is critical,” says Rod, colours, and custom graphics are available from
referring to his hometown of Longreach, which Kustom MX. The tanks come with all mounting
is quite literally perched on the edge of the hardware, and while the install process is involved,
Aussie outback. Safari Tanks have produced a how-to video with
“These days we can’t rely on servos always being step-by-step instructions of fitting the tanks, which
open in small country towns, and when you’re is available on YouTube.
chomping through big-mile rides fully loaded with “Honestly, I’m rapt with how the tanks have
gear and you cop a headwind, you will really start turned out,” says Rod. “And like I say, for any T7
chewing through the fuel. rider who’s going remote, fuel range is everything,
“I’ve had a long relationship with Aussie brand simple as that.”
Safari Tanks and while they produced a 25-litre
large capacity tank for the T7 pretty quickly, I was PERSONAL PREFERENCE
confident I could help them design a rally-style As for the rest of the bike, Rod’s set-ups are all
large-capacity twin tank set-up that would give the about delivering the performance, comfort and
T7 some serious range.” convenience he wants, so let’s run through them:
+ Suspension: Rod’s worked with British brand
ON THE DRAWING BOARD Rally Raid Products and Dutch suspension
The Yamaha factory 450cc race bikes Rod rode in specialist Tractive to develop a closed cartridge
the Dakar Rally were fitted with dual front tanks fork set-up and upgraded shock that cope with
that extended down low around the engine to the fuel and luggage load this bike typically
place the added weight of the extra fuel down carries, and the speed at which Rod tends to,
nice and low. Using the same theory, Rod soon shall we say, ‘confront obstacles’. Wheel travel
started to mock up rally tanks for the T7 and has been increased to 230mm at each end.
put the idea to Safari Tanks owner Robin Box. + Flight deck: Rod readily admits he does like his
Rod’s initial cardboard templates were pretty nav gear and he’s running a Motology GPS mount
rudimentary, but Robin could see what needed set-up, which moves the standard TFT screen
to be done. to the left and allows him to mount a Garmin

Rod’s black beast and Dicko’s blue weapon are all set up Front-end mods include a Yamaha accessory headlight
to take them to their happy place: the middle of nowhere! protector, Stedi light bar and multiple BAJA driving lights.

106 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 Rocket Rod doing what Rocket Rod does best: blazing through the outback
on his T7 Rallye Adventure. He reckons it’s the ultimate big-mile muncher.

Rear-end mods include a B&B Off-Road tail tidy and compact rear rack, tool box above Flight deck is dominated by a Carpe Iter tablet display and Motology dash that
the Akrapovic exhaust and Camel rear tank on the left that’s used for carrying water. mounts the standard instruments and Garmin Montana 700 GPS side-by-side.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 107

 MY RIDE: TÉNÉRÉ 700

WHEN YOU’RE BASED AT LONGREACH

IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND AND YOU’RE A LONG
WAY FROM PRETTY MUCH ANYWHERE, BIG DAYS
IN THE SADDLE ARE THE NORM.

The outback rumbles as the low-flying T7s of Rod and Dicko

set forth on another wide-open charge on the road to nowhere.

Dicko gives his T7 + Luggage: Light and tight is Rod’s modus owners make, while he’s also installed
the big thumbs up. operandi when it comes to luggage. He’s Camel’s left-side rear auxiliary fuel tank,
Like Rod he knows fitted B&B Off-Road side racks and the but he actually uses it to carry water. Rod’s
precisely what he
Aussie brand’s compact rear rack. He then wheels front and rear are standard, and
wants in his bike,
and the T7 Rallye
mounts a combination of ADVWorx Rollie they're proving up to the task of handling
Adventure delivers. bags, strapped across the side racks rather the beating Rod dishes out, while heavy-
than up and down like normal saddlebags. duty brake pads are fitted at the rear. A
“I’ve been trying different size Rollies and Scotts steering damper is another set-up,
the 25-litre ones are a good size for the gear while the T7’s standard screen has been
I want to carry, as well as being able to be replaced with a shorter WRS screen that
mounted really tight to the bike and give Rod rates highly. A Cool Covers seat cover
more clearance through tight corners in is fitted and Rod gives it two-thumbs-up,
sandy twin-tracks. Then I’ll put another small WR450F footpegs replace the stock T7
Rollie bag up on the rear rack with lighter pegs, Hindsight mirrors are fitted to the bar
stuff like my clothing and shoes.” A small ends, while a MyTech toolbox is fitted above
Ogio tank bag completes his luggage kit. the Akrapovic muffler in these photos, but
+ Tyres: Hmm, what a Pandora’s box of he’s now swapped to a slimmer SW-Motech
options! “I’ve tried so many tyres,” Rod toolbox. And yes, Rod runs a complete
admits, including Dunlop, Pirelli and Motoz Akrapovic exhaust system — “You can’t ever
offerings. “I’ve got Motoz Desert HDs on say no to a few extra ponies!” Rod smiles.
the bike right now, and they hook up pretty
good in the sand and seem to last okay as THE LONG ROAD HOME
well. I’ll run 30psi all the time, to reduce the As desert express hardware goes, Rod is
Montana 700 GPS next to it. Above the chance of punctures.” more than a little stoked on his T7 Rallye
handlebars he’s mounted a larger Carpe + Lighting: Here’s another area where Rod Adventure. As is his good mate Ben
Iter tablet, which runs either Gaia or Hema doesn’t muck about. He’s got a Stedi light Dickinson, who has been Rod’s long-time
maps. “I run that in map mode, and I like bar with ADV ENG mounts fitted beneath ‘water-boy’ and outback adventure riding
the larger screen because when you see a the standard headlight, and then he’s got partner, and who has also turned his T7 into a
side road or back track you can get in for two pairs of Baja brand driving lights fitted. Rallye Adventure spec machine.
a better look to see where it may go.” On The larger Squadron Pro 3 lights are aimed “Safari’s rally tanks set-up has been the real
the bars Rod runs the standard switch gear deep and long down the road, while the game-changer,” enthuses Dicko, “because the
with foam rally grips, while the button just smaller S1 spots splay sideways to light up fuel load is carried low and it actually helps
above the clutch perch is to control the the edge of the track in an effort to sight the bike’s handling and stability. And as for
driving lights he’s fitted: “I like that one to errant wildlife as early as possible. the range, well, you just can’t beat it, and
be quick and easy to get at when you need + Details: Rod’s fitted a Camel rear brake we’re all here for the riding.”
a boost of light down the track.” pedal, which is a common mod many T7 Amen, Dicko. Amen! AAB

108 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 POWERED BY

Australia’s Premium Yamaha OEM Parts Finder

FREE SHIPPING
ON ORDERS
OVER $200
GENUINE
YAMAHA
ACCESSORIES
Yamaha OEM Parts Finder

Motorcycle ATV Waverunner

Apparel & Merchandise Service Kits Power Products

02 4722 6222
[email protected]
Lost in the forest and taking a spell to find
our way. The CFMOTO 450 MT never let us down
and always got us home with a smile on our face.

110 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 111
PROJECT BIKE

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Especially when it comes to wrapping up

our time with our latest long-term project bike. With 10,000km
on the odo, the CFMOTO 450MT has earned a special place in
our memories. It’s going to be tough to see her go.
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW CLUBB

imes have been good with the described riding the 450 MT as fun. At
CFMOTO 450MT. Real good. just 450cc she’s no raging powerhouse,
10,000km of Chinese-made ADV of course, but all the power is eminently
riding goodness, in fact. And the best useable and being a twin, it’s way more
part of the deal is we’ve barely had to lay a comfortable to ride than a thumper on any
spanner on her over the past 12 months, save rides involving distance at sustained high
for fitting a few farkles to begin with, then speeds. Keep her revving and she’s been
routine maintenance in the form of an engine more than up to the task of hauling my
oil and filter change at 5,000km, and regular 100kg body and gear load around, along
air filter servicing, which is made all the with a small duffle bag and tools. I’ve
easier by running Unifilter’s pre-filter set-up. held her pinned on the freeway for long
Over the past few issues, you probably transport sections for ages on end and
would have gathered that we’ve always she’s never missed a beat.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 111

 PROJECT BIKE

Loaded up with a Giant Loop Fandango tank bag, Enduristan Sandstorm 2 duffle bag and
tool bag, the 450MT was always good to go for multi-day adventure trips. Packing
light was always the key, and we’re stoked to say the Chinese bike never missed a beat.

As for fuel economy, around 25km per litre THE FARKLES LIST airbox. It’s a great set-up and the pre-filter
has been regularly achieved across a range When it came to setting up the 450MT, the captures so much dust before it ever gets
of riding conditions, which allowed me to action list wasn’t too long and really only into the airbox. We also love the bike’s
work on around 400km range to dry from included the regular set-ups we would make easy access to the airbox — just pop off
the 17.5-litre fuel tank. to any bike. I had a goal of not adding too the seat and the pre-filter is right there at
We’ve taken the 450MT way out west to much pork to the fork, while also keeping the back of the fuel tank, and then it’s just
Thargomindah and Noccundra, we’ve punted the credit card in check, because what’s the a couple of screws to get into the airbox.
it through the Snowy Mountains a couple point of blowing the budget on a budget + Gearing: We did fit a 15-tooth countershaft
of times, and we’ve done stacks of laps of bike, right? sprocket for the outback trip, just to bring
more local haunts like the Watagans and + Barkbusters: Alloy-backbone Barkbusters down the high-speed revs when touring.
Yengo Creek. And it has done it all without offered way more protection of the We’ve since refitted the standard 14-tooth
issue. Nothing’s broken. Nothing’s failed. And controls, bars and our fingers than the countershaft for general ADV riding.
nothing’s fallen off, save for losing a bolt out standard plastic shrouds. + High front guard: CFMOTO gave us one
of the left lower fork guard, which I probably + B&B Off-Road bashplate: The same goes to try in place of the stock low guard, so
didn’t fasten tight enough after fiddling with for the bashplate from B&B. It’s an alloy we did, and we left it there. And like most
it on a front tyre change. beauty that’s tough as nails, fits easily and CFMOTO accessories it was cheap, at just
I’d be happy to climb right back on this in the black coating looks ace on the bike. $150 for the guard and mount.
bike and go do another 10,000km on it. And + Pirelli Scorpion Rally Race tyres: Great + Rally seat: We also got a flat rally seat
as much as I’m keen to buy this particular tyres and we love them, simple as that. from CFMOTO, which is a straight swap
test bike, the shed’s getting a little too full They’re a knobby pattern, so great in the for the stock seat and raises the bike’s
and ‘the Boss’ at home would have trouble dirt, and they last well, although they can seat height by 50mm. Again it was cheap,
letting me process the expense claim. Doh. get noisy on the tar as tread wears. We ran just $199.95 for the complete seat. I’m
So this 450MT will be going back to Mojo a 140/80 on the rear with no issues. 179cm tall and the higher/flatter seat was
Motorcycles, and a CFMOTO dealer will likely + Unifilter: From day one we replaced the way more comfortable for long transport
sell it off. If you spot it on the showroom standard paper air filter cartridge with sections when seated.
and your fancy is tickled, don’t be shy — this an oiled foam item from Unifilter and + Luggage: A Giant Loop Fandango tank
bike’s a good one. installed their pre-filter into the top of the bag for my camera and an ADXWorx or

112 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 01 02 03

04 05 06

07
01: Aussie-made B&B Off-Road Engineering bashplate offered a major upgrade in protection of the bike’s
undercarriage. 02: With alloy backbones, Aussie Barkbusters with VPS plastics had the protection of the
bars, controls and our fingers handled. 03: The 450MT’s off-road mode button is a ripper; every bike should
have one! 04: Pirelli Scorpion Rally race tyres always deliver, and the story was no different on the 450 MT.
Rear 140/80 fitment worked fine. 05: Replacing the standard paper air filter cartridge with an oiled foam
Unifilter element and pre-filter made air filter maintenance easy as. 06: Chigee AIO-5 Lite smart riding
system was an easy install, fitting to the bar above the standard TFT display. 07: CFMOTO’s accessory rally
seat lifts the seat height by 50mm and made the sit-down ergos much improved for taller riders.

WHAT WE DIDN’T FIT the UK were set to develop longer-travel

+ Muffler: I thought about fitting an fork and shock mods for the bike, but
accessory muffler but stuck with the it’s still yet to be released at the time
Enduristan duffle bag for my clothes and standard unit, which sounds good in my of writing. (Note: We had their fork and
gear were the go-to luggage items for opinion: throaty without being offensive. shock in our Honda CRF300L Rally project
trips away on the CFMOTO. Plus, I’d strap a + Reflash: No, we didn’t do that either. bike a while back and the improvement
bumbag of tools on the standard rear rack Trooper Lu’s might have done software was staggering.) In the meantime, other
just in case, but I never had much call for updates when they serviced the bike suspension tuners have slowly but
them, fortunately. after 5,000km, but I never had an issue surely developed fork and shock spring
+ SKDA graphics: Sure, this mod isn’t a with a jerky throttle or lumpy running on and damping mods for the stock KYB
must-have, but I love the designs Aussie this bike. components on the CFMOTO and the
graphics brand SK Designs come up + Centrestand: CFMOTO did supply us with reviews are coming in positive, with the
with, and the custom graphics set for our a centrestand for the 450MT, which again mods better balancing the suspension
450MT with fluoro yellow highlights was was remarkably cheap at just $149.95. front to rear. We’d be keen to get to ride
another good one. However, I didn’t install it, as I was driven on a 450MT with modded suspension
+ Chigee AIO-5 Lite: And the Chigee smart by the thought of not adding too much sometime down the track, for sure.
riding system isn’t a must-have either, weight to the bike.
but when Russ fitted it for the outback + Footpegs: I managed to get through a THE FINAL WORD
run to far-west NSW and Queensland, year with the standard pegs, with rubbers We’ll say it again: the 450MT is a fun and
we were impressed with the convenience removed. I did look for replacement pegs easy bike to ride. It doesn’t over-ride you,
it brought to the flight deck by sitting early on, but it was curious how accessory like bigger bikes often can, and it’s a cheap
neatly to the cross-bar above the bike’s parts didn’t come onto the market too bike to buy and to live with. Over 1,000 of
standard TFT screen. The Chigee mirrors quickly. A year down the track and gear is them hit Aussie adventure highways last year
your phone, allowing you to keep your way more prevalent now. and I don’t see any reason why stacks more
precious phone stashed in a tank bag or + Suspension: And yeah, I ran the stock of them won’t keep rolling off the showroom
your pocket while you ride. And now we suspension for the year, with just some floor in the months ahead.
can remove the Chigee device, which we occasional clicker tweaking now and then. There’s a whole new world of small-
wired to an accessory power outlet near Suspension development for the 450MT bore ADV machines coming our way, and
the battery under the seat, and have it has taken a while, and we got all excited CFMOTO’s 450 MT is the bike that’s been
ready for our next bike. when the crew at Rally Raid Products in leading the way. AAB

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 113

 Water crossings can be friend or foe. When conditions are right, you can charge across
in a massive bow wave. But when they’re not, they can bring you unstuck in an instant. Beware!
STORY MILES DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW CLUBB & DEAN WALTERS/BMW

epending on where you live and CREEK & RIVER CROSSINGS consider starting the crossing in the
ride, water crossings can be a As soon as you reach a crossing, turn your seated position to avoid being caught out.
novelty or a nuisance. They can be ‘water radar’ on and start looking and First gear is usually the go for most
fun, but they can be challenging, asking questions. Can you see the bottom? crossings. I’m always cautious if I don’t
as they are certainly something that Do you know the depth of the water? How know the crossing, so I keep the revs
can be messed up and will have severe fast is the water flowing? Is the crossing humming and slip the clutch to keep the
consequences for both bike and rider. hard based or gravel/sand? Did you see speed down, plus this way I can react to
As with all aspects of riding and tackling another rider go through to understand rocks or ruts and have more control. Too
obstacles, experience is a huge advantage. the depth and the best (or worst) line? much speed can be like rolling the dice:
The more and various type of crossings If you don’t have the previous rider you might look like a hero and sail across,
you conquer, the more confident you will as a reference, the water isn’t clear and or you might bin it, meaning you will look
be when you have to take on one. But you can’t see the bottom of the crossing, like a kook and have to deal with all the
don’t ever be over-confident, especially you should really assume the worst. consequences of a drowned bike.
if you are riding in remote areas, because That might mean either checking the But if I know the crossing and I’ve ridden
you don’t want to risk drowning a bike in depth with a stick or walking out into the it before, it’s a different story. I’m happy to
the middle of nowhere! crossing. Having wet boots might seem pop the front wheel if it’s shorter, or hit it
When it comes to mastering water like an inconvenience, but that’s nothing faster to make a big splash if it’s hot and I
crossings, here are some key points you compared to dealing with a drowned bike. want to cool down.
need to consider… If the water is too deep to ride across and
you don’t want to turn around, one option BOG HOLES
CAUSEWAYS is to walk your bike across with the engine For muddier bog holes you might want
These slippery little suckers can catch you running in first gear. Or turn the engine more entry speed and higher revs to help
out for sure. If the water level is too deep off, which involves less risk but a whole lot you maintain momentum. The mud can
or flowing fast, wise heads suggest you more effort on your part. If you’re riding tend to suck the bike down and bring it to
should give it a miss. And if it’s properly with a few mates, buddy up and help get a stop, so keep driving and keep moving.
flooded, forget it. But if it’s under, say, each other’s bikes across. There are so many variables and so
60cm deep and not flowing fast, it’s quite If you are going to give it a go, have many different types of mud holes that
possibly a goer. a strategy as to how you will tackle the you need to consider the different strategy
Now, first of all, consider the surface crossing. Ride the edge of a waterhole, options you can take. Again, experience
of the causeway: it’s quite likely smooth where it looks shallow, or the
concrete, but what sort of grip levels downstream side of a creek
When a river crossing is long, rocky and slippery, you can
does it have? That’s the big question. where it’s generally shallower certainly ride sitting down so you can get your feet down
Green algae is a sign to be super-careful and smoother. Or go straight quickly for balance if/when things get out of shape.
— sometimes the car tyre tracks will wear through the middle if that
away the algae, so stick to them. looks better. But before you
Most importantly, you need to be so enter, be sure to know your
gentle with your throttle input, both on preferred exit point and keep
and off. The slightest twitch of the throttle your vision up looking ahead,
can turn the bike around in an instant as this will really help.
and you’ll be down. And hitting concrete Another question to ask is
causeways can hurt! If the causeway is will you stand up or sit down?
short but slippery, you might be able to This is very important, as
roll into it and simply pull in the clutch confident riders can stand up
and glide across. This reduces the chances and make it look easy. Whereas
of the rear wheel losing traction from less confident riders can mess
wheelspin or engine braking. If you are it up and fall before they can
confident the causeway is grippy, then it get to the seated position to
should be pretty straightforward to reach get their feet down and save
the other side. it. If you are less confident,

114 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 115
ENDLESS MILES

If the crossing is one you know, or it’s short and the base is smooth, Miles says go for it
and enjoy the feeling of giving your bike a bath and cooling yourself off on a hot day.

can be a huge benefit in tackling these

Unknown crossings and causeways
should always be treated with kinds of obstacles, and I will say to
respect. Use smooth throttle, everyone: be cautious and be strategic.
a light clutch and forward vision Don’t plough into a mud hole too fast
to get across safely. unless you know it, as ruts, rocks and logs
can all be lying in wait underneath, at the
ready to bring you undone!

TRACTION CONTROL
A final tip regarding water crossings: if
your bike has traction control, it can be a
good option to turn it off before you start.
This way it won’t interfere if you need more
wheelspin to get across and thus sabotage
your attempt. Of course, this varies bike
by bike, but if you can, have it off. And if
you stop halfway across for any reason,
it’s definitely a good idea to deactivate TC
before you try to take off! — Miles. AAB

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 115

 if recharged before being allowed to drop
below the 50 per cent discharge rate. When
deep cycle AGM batteries are discharged to
a rate of no less than 60 per cent, their life
will be 300-plus cycles.
A gel cell battery is similar to the AGM
style because the electrolyte is suspended,
but different because technically the AGM
battery is still considered to be a wet cell. The
electrolyte in a gel cell has a silica additive
and the recharge voltage on this type of cell
is lower than the other styles of lead acid
battery. This is probably the most sensitive
When the Professor gets on a roll talking tech, cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-
there’s no stopping him! And this issue he’s fully amped voltage charging. If the incorrect battery
charger is used on a gel cell battery, poor
and charged with high voltage, dishing up all you need performance and premature failure is certain.
to know about motorcycle batteries.
ALPHABET SOUP
STORY CLIVE WARD/MOTORCYCLEBIZ
You might well ask what are the acronyms
CCA, CA, AH and RC all about? These are the
typical motorcycle lead acid battery more prone to warping and pitting when standards that most battery companies use to
is made up of plates, lead and lead fully discharged. rate the output and capacity of a battery.
oxide, plus various other elements Next, wet cell (flooded), gel cell and + CCA: Cold cranking amps is a measurement
used to change density, hardness absorbed glass mat (AGM) are various of the number of amps a battery can
and porosity, along with a 35 per cent versions of the lead acid battery. deliver at minus 18°C for 30 seconds and
sulphuric acid and 65 per cent water solution. + WET CELL: The wet cell comes in two not drop below 7.2 volts. So a high CCA
This solution is called electrolyte, causing a styles: serviceable and maintenance-free. battery rating is especially important in
chemical reaction that produces electrons. Both are filled with electrolyte and are starting battery applications and also in
When you test a battery with a hydrometer, basically the same, but the serviceable type cold weather.
you are measuring the amount of sulphuric you can add water to and check the specific + CA: Cranking amps is measured at 0°C.
acid in the electrolyte. If your reading is gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer. This rating is also called marine cranking
low, that means the chemistry that makes + GEL CELL & AGM: These are specialty amps (MCA). Hot cranking amps (HCA) is
electrons is lacking. So where did the sulphur batteries that typically cost more. However, seldom used any longer but is measured at
go? It’s resting on the battery plates and they store very well and do not tend to 26°C.
when you recharge the battery, the sulphur sulphate or degrade as easily as wet cell. + RC: Reserve capacity is a very important
returns to the electrolyte. There is little chance of a hydrogen gas rating. This is the number of minutes a
explosion or corrosion when using these fully charged battery at 26°C will discharge
PRIORITY ONE: SAFETY batteries, as these are the safest lead acid 25 amps until the battery drops below
Now, you have to think safety first when batteries. Gel cell and some AGM batteries 10.5 volts.
working around and with batteries. The may require a special charging rate and are + AH: An amp hour is a rating usually found
hydrogen gas that batteries make when mostly used in enduro and adventure bikes, on deep cycle batteries. The standard
charging is very explosive. I’ve seen as no acid can spill out of the battery during rating is an amp rating taken for 20 hours.
batteries blow up and drench everything in a fall. Many road and some adventure bikes What this means, say for a 100 AH rated
sulphuric acid. Wear your safety glasses, and use wet cell batteries and acid will come battery, is this: draw from the battery for
disconnecting the ground cable on the bike is out of the battery drain tube if you drop the 20 hours and it will provide a total of 100
a good idea. Corrosive acid, explosive gases bike. If so, clean it immediately with fresh amp hours. That translates to about 5 amps
and electrical currents are serious stuff. water to avoid permanent damage to the an hour (5 x 20 = 100). However, it’s very
surrounding surfaces. important to know that the total time of
SOME BATTERY BASICS If you don't use or operate your equipment discharge and load applied is not a linear
There are two types of lead acid batteries daily, AGM batteries will hold their charge relationship. As your load increases, your
(along with three sub categories): starting better than other types. If you must depend realised capacity decreases.
(cranking), and deep cycle (marine/golf cart). on top-notch battery performance, spend the
+ STARTING: A starting battery (SLI — extra money. Gel cell batteries are still being BATTERY MAINTENANCE
starting lights ignition) is designed to sold but AGM batteries are replacing them in Of course, battery maintenance is an
deliver quick bursts of energy, such as when most applications. important issue. The battery should be
starting engines, and therefore has a greater + AGM: The absorbed glass matt construction cleaned using a baking soda and water
plate count. The plates are thinner and have allows the electrolyte to be suspended solution (wet cell batteries only) — a couple
somewhat different material composition. in close proximity with the plates’ active of tablespoons to a half litre of water. Cable
+ DEEP CYCLE: A deep cycle battery has material. In theory, this enhances both connections need to be cleaned and tightened
less instant energy but greater long-term discharge and recharge efficiency. Common as battery problems are often caused by dirty
energy delivery. Deep cycle batteries have applications include high-performance and loose connections. A serviceable battery
thicker plates and can survive a number of engine starting, powersports, deep cycle, needs to have the fluid level checked. Use
discharge cycles. Starting batteries should solar and storage battery use. Larger AGM only mineral-free water — distilled is best as
not be used for deep cycle applications batteries are typically good deep cycle all impurities have been removed, and there
due to the fact that the thinner plates are batteries and deliver best life performance is nothing left that could contaminate your

116 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 117
THE PROFESSOR’S
WORKSHOP

Yuasa is a battery brand many riders

will recognise, as they are fitted as
OEM equipment to many bike brands.

cells. Don't overfill battery cells, especially companies label their battery with the amp BATTERY LIFE & PERFORMANCE
in warmer weather because the natural fluid load for testing. This number is usually half Average battery life has become shorter as
expansion in hot weather can push excess of the CCA rating. For instance, a 500CCA energy requirements have increased. Two
electrolytes from the battery. Coat the battery would load test at 250 amps for 15 phrases I hear most often are “My battery
exposed cable end with battery sealer spray. seconds. A load test can only be performed if won't take a charge” and “My battery won't
Just the gases from the battery condensing the battery is near or at full charge. hold a charge”. Only 30 per cent of batteries
on metal parts cause most corrosion. If you have a maintenance-free wet cell sold today reach the 48-month mark. In fact,
battery, the only ways to test are with 80 per cent of all battery failures are related
BATTERY TESTING a voltmeter and load test. Any of the to sulphation build-up. This build-up occurs
Battery testing can be done in more than maintenance-free type batteries that have a when the sulphur molecules in the electrolyte
one way. The most accurate method is built in hydrometer (black/green window) that (battery acid) become so deeply discharged
measurement of specific gravity and battery will tell you the condition of one cell of six. that they begin to coat the battery’s lead
voltage. To measure specific gravity buy a You may get a good reading from one cell but plates. Before long the plates become so
temperature compensating hydrometer, while have a problem with other cells in the battery. coated that the battery dies.
to measure voltage use a digital DC voltmeter. When in doubt about battery testing, call The causes of sulphation are numerous and
A quality load tester may also be a good the battery manufacturer. Many batteries sold include:
purchase if you need to test sealed batteries. today have a toll free number that you can + Batteries sit too long between charges — as
For any of these methods, you must first call for help. little as 24 hours in hot weather and several
fully charge the battery and then remove the days in cooler weather.
surface charge. If the battery has been sitting SELECTING A BATTERY + Battery is stored without some type of
at least two hours you may begin testing, or When buying a new battery, I suggest you energy input.
remove the surface charge of the battery by purchase a battery with the greatest reserve + ‘Deep cycling’ an engine starting battery.
using the headlight (high beam) for a minute capacity or amp hour rating possible. But of Remember these batteries can’t stand
or two. After turning off the light you are course the physical size, cable connection deep discharge.
ready to test the battery. and terminal type must also be taken into + Undercharging of a battery to only 90
I believe load testing is the best way of consideration. You may want to consider a gel per cent of capacity will allow sulphation
testing a battery. Load tests remove amps cell or an AGM battery rather than a wet cell of the battery using the 10 per cent of
from a battery much like starting an engine if the application is in a harsher environment battery chemistry not reactivated by the
would. A load tester can be purchased or the battery is not going to receive regular incomplete charging cycle.
at most auto parts stores. Some battery maintenance and charging. + Heat greater than 38°C increases internal

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 117

 THE PROFESSOR’S WORKSHOP
BATTERY DOS
+ Think safety first.
+ Do read instructions.
+ Do regular inspection and maintenance,
especially in hot weather.
+ Do recharge batteries immediately
after discharge.
+ Do buy the highest RC (reserve
capacity) or AH (amp hour) battery
that will fit your configuration.

BATTERY DON’TS
+ Don’t add new electrolyte (acid).
Motobatt is another + Don’t use unregulated high-
leading battery brand, output battery chargers to charge
and well recognised for
motorcycle batteries.
their lightweight and
powerful lithium batteries. + Don’t place your motorcycles into
storage without some type of device
to keep the battery charged.
have parasitic loads caused by a short in the + Don’t disconnect battery cables while
electrical system. If you are always having the engine is running (your battery
dead battery problems, most likely the acts as a filter).
parasitic drain is excessive. The constant + Don’t put off recharging batteries.
low or dead battery caused by excessive + Don’t add tap water as it may
parasitic energy drain will dramatically contain minerals that will
shorten battery life. contaminate the electrolyte.
+ Don't discharge a battery any deeper
BATTERY CHARGING than you possibly have to.
Remember, you must put back the + Don't let a battery get hot to the touch
energy you use immediately. If you don't, and boil violently when charging.
the battery sulphates and that affects
performance and longevity. The alternator is
A trickle charger will keep your battery in tip-top a battery charger. It works well if the battery less load on the alternator, saving engine
condition while your bike is stored between rides. is not deeply discharged. power and fuel. These batteries must be
manufactured very carefully and must contain
discharge. As temperatures increase WHAT ABOUT LITHIUM BATTERIES? the appropriate circuitry to protect them
so does internal discharge. A new fully Lithium ion polymer batteries are a from over-charge and over-discharge. For this
charged battery left sitting 24 hours a day recent addition to the options available reason you should only buy good brands from
at 43°C for 20 days would most likely not to motorcycle riders. They are extremely reputable sources, as poorly made batteries
start an engine. lightweight — pick one up and you won’t can catch fire or explode — beware!
+ Low electrolyte level — battery plates believe how light they are compared to Finally, quality lithium batteries are pricey
exposed to air will immediately sulphate. a normal lead acid battery. They are also because of the careful manufacturing and
+ Incorrect charging levels and settings, completely dry, making them spill-proof and technology inside them. Figure on paying
as most cheap battery chargers can do leak-proof. A normal lead acid motorcycle around two to three times the price for a
more harm than good. Buy a good battery battery is designed to last for 200 to 300 lithium battery over a good-quality lead acid
charger that is designed for the battery. cycles, whereas lithium batteries are designed battery, and bear in mind that if you find
+ Cold weather is also hard on the battery. to last for over 2,000 cycles (more than five a cheap lithium battery, there’s probably
The chemistry does not make the same years’ design life). Additionally, they can sit something missing ... and it might be
amount of energy as a warm battery. A unused for over a year without losing charge important — so take care! AAB
deeply discharged battery can freeze solid and can also be charged
in sub-zero weather. extremely quickly without
+ Parasitic battery drain when the key is off. damaging the battery;
however, only with the
INCREASING BATTERY LIFE correct battery charger. In
& PERFORMANCE fact, lithium batteries need a
There are ways to greatly increase battery different charging regime —
life and performance. The first is to keep they actually need a dumb
your battery from sulphating, and devices charge, not a smart charge,
such as trickle chargers are a great option as their internal workings take
for maintaining a battery during periods responsibility for optimising
of storage. the charge. So be sure to use
Parasitic drain is a load put on a battery the correct charger.
with the key off, as most bikes have clocks, Lithium batteries have low
engine management computers, alarm internal resistance and can
systems, etc. These devices may all be be charged very quickly, as Battery testing should be a part
of regular maintenance activities.
operating without the ignition on. You may the low resistance places

118 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 120 INSTA
ADVENTURE

@moto_national_accessories
Get equipped with SHAD: are you ready for adventure?
At 5.4kg the Terra TR55 black edition top case,
which can hold two modular helmets, is the lightest
aluminium case on the market. Combine it with
the TR47 and TR36 side cases for an unbeatable set.

@motorcycleadventureproducts
@patrycjahartmann and @myway.rtw are still on the road, and their adventures
are far from over! They’re now in Cambodia — from the resort straight into
the jungle! Keep following their journey and let’s travel along with them.

@ktm.australia
Orange Blood isn’t just a
campaign, it’s a mindset. We’re
redefining how we connect with
our community — riders, fans,
dealers, suppliers and everyone
who lives the KTM spirit, past,
present and future. The future
is brighter than ever and we
want you to be a part of it.

@giantloopmoto
Face every element. Conquer
any terrain. Push beyond your
limits. With the lightest gear,
every ride becomes your best
ride. Go light, go fast, go far.

INSTA
ADVENTURE
When you’re not actually on the trails taking it all in
for yourself, there’s no better way to stay plugged in to
the freedom and fun of riding than through other people’s
stories in real time. Instagram is the perfect platform for
sharing ADV content and each issue we’ll share some of our
@nik_the_slick
favourite posts from outstanding accounts that make us Back in the place where the mountains look like
smile, make us laugh or make us wish we were there! they’re straight out of a Super Mario game — Montserrat.

120 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 @mrstwotwo
Happy birthday @crtwotwo! You have grown and continue to grow into
the best version of yourself. I’ve known you since you were 13 and I’ve
had a front row seat of every chapter of life. I love you and I’m proud of
the husband, dad and man you are today. We are lucky to have you!

@dirtbag_on_wheels
First trip to Tembaine, a disaster! Out of sheer lust for the riding, I overlooked the turn-off
to the right and drove 17km at full throttle in the opposite direction. Missed the target, oops!

@triumphaus
The tougher it is, the better
it gets. Built to master every
terrain with a lightweight
chassis for precision and
agility to overcome every
obstacle. #enduroTF250
#enduroTF450

@cfmoto_australiamoto
50,000km across Europe and
still going strong! The CFMOTO
450 MT — built to be ridden, not
just admired. #nogaragequeens

@runagrydeland
First night camping
@australianadventurebikemag
this season (in Feel free to tag us into anything
Norway), and the sky
decided to put on a you post and you may well end up
show. If the rest of the
season is half as good
leaping from the screen to the page!
as this first night, it’s
going to be legendary.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 121

REV UP THE ACTION ALL YEAR WITH THIS
SPECIAL OFFER

AV E OVER
S

$44
12 ISSUES OF
Australian Adventure Bike magazine
RRP $179.40

FOR ONLY $135

CALL 1300 303 414 OR VISIT UNIVERSALSHOP.COM.AU TO TAKE UP THIS OFFER TODAY
 TICK BOX TO SUBSCRIBE
I wish to receive:
 6 issues of Australian Adventure Bike magazine - SAVE $19.70
ONLY $70
 12 issues of Australian Adventure Bike magazine - SAVE $44.40
ONLY $135
MY PERSONAL DETAILS
*Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms First name:
*Surname:
*Address:

*State: *Postcode:
*Daytime telephone: ( )
*Email:
* required

GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms First name:
Surname:
Address:

State: Postcode:
Daytime telephone: ( )
Email:

PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cheque/money order for AU$
(Please make cheques payable to Universal Magazines Pty Ltd)

Please charge my: American Express Diners MasterCard Visa

Card number: Expiry date:
(must be included)
Cardholder’s name:
Cardholder’s signature:

SUBSCRIBING MADE EASY

1300 303 414 SEND COUPON NOW

and quote the code UAB033 Subscriptions Department,
Reply Paid 75687,
North Ryde NSW 1670
UNIVERSALSHOP.COM.AU
and enter the code UAB033 (02) 9805 0714

[email protected]
T&Cs: Subscriptions will commence with the first available issue. Existing subscriptions will simply be extended. Free gifts arrive separately to the magazine
subscription and are sent as soon as possible. Free gift offers do not apply to subscribers currently on the Easy Payment Plan. Offer open to Australian residents
only. By subscribing you acknowledge that you understand that ‘tip-ons’ and gifts or bonus issues that may be available with non-subscriber copies of this
magazine may not be provided to subscribers and is at the discretion of Universal Magazines Pty Ltd. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage

OFFER CODE: UAB033 which is suffered or sustained (including but not limited to, indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury which is suffered or sustained as a result of
taking part in this or any other gift offer. By subscribing, you consent to receive any direct marketing material including emails which inform the recipient of the
Promoter’s other publications, products, services or events and to receive promotional material from third parties. Please tick the box if you do NOT wish us to

EXPIRY DATE: 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2025 use this information for the purposes stated above . This offer is only available while stocks last, or until expiration date.
 We can’t wait to ride CFMOTO’s new 800MT-X. At just $14,990, it’s a bargain!

MEMORY CARD
The good, the bad and the ugly
behind the scenes of what goes on
at Australian Adventure Bike mag.

Would you like When he’s not ripping about on his T7,
one cream donut, master photographer Leon Cutts is
sir, or two? shooting Kodak Gold on his Canons.

Yamaha marketing boss Sean Goldhawk

in his happy place — his office by the bush! Meet the kings of the small-bore ranks. Royal Enfield
124 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE Photo: Leon Cutts/Yamaha. and CFMOTO have rewritten the 450cc rulebook.
 125
MEMORY CARD

KTM has been teetering on the edge of financial collapse, but they’ve managed to keep their MotoGP effort intact. Photo: Sophie Fleischer/KTM.

When you get on Instagram, give our ol’ Clubby’s getting excited: his classic
mate @tassie_adventure_rider a Like! XTZ750 Super Ténéré is nearly done.

When Greg Murphy

puts his foot down,
the police seem to follow!
Photo: Rob Kerber/KTM.

When Rocket Rod and Gally get together

to share war stories, plenty of laughs will
always be involved. Photo: Leon Cutts/Yamaha. AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 125
 BMW has done a great job of capturing the essence
of the original R 80 G/S with the new R 12 G/S.

Some days Miles Davis just has Baja trail boss Mitch
to keep his boots dry. Martinez sleeps like
a baby, dreaming of
where next to take
his troops.

Two-time Dakar winner

Sam Sunderland has
just been welcomed
When you ride a KTM to the Triumph team.
Adventure Rally, Rosie
Lalonde is the lady you
want to thank. Rosie and
the KTM team make it
all happen. Photo: Rob
Kerber/KTM.

126 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 127
MEMORY CARD

When you make it to the top of Blue Rag, the views really are
worth capturing. What a spot! Photo: Greg Smith/iKapture.

“It’s rooted, mate.” No salvaging those KTM 990 clutch plates Say g’day to Chris Schultz, Woof! Little Iggy
after getting burnt to a crisp in a Baja sand pit. the new General Manager of was up for anything
Power Sports and Products on the Baja ride.
at Honda Australia.

Would you like kookaburra with

that? Some days the locals rule
the roost at Eildon Boat Club.
Photo: Alex Jovanonvic/S-Stop.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 127

 GEAR & ANDY STRAPZ AVDURO 28
YEAR ANNIVERSARY BAGS

GADGETS
To celebrate their 28th year, the
crew at Andy Strapz have released
a special-edition Avduro pannier
set. Of course, they’re still made in
WHAT’S NEW AROUND THE SHOPS Melbourne at Strapz HQ, but these
AND IN THE SHED? LET’S TAKE A LOOK beauties boast a special camel colour
material and custom embroidery.
AT THE LATEST GEAR & GADGETS. + Constructed from 17-ounce Aussie
Dyna-proofed canvas.
+ Embroidered 28-year anniversary
FIVE TFX 2 W/P GLOVES logo included, along with bonus
We’ve tried various Five brand top nets and new strap-keepers.
gloves over the years and + Dustproof and highly water-
these latest TFX-2 gloves look resistant design, with reflective
set to be another successful trim for night-time safety.
addition to the range. Just + Available only for a limited time, RRP: $545 per set plus freight
check out the massive list of so contact Strapz HQ now! www.andystrapz.com
features these gloves offer:
+ Stretch fabric with
water-repellent
construction (topside)
for dryness and comfort,
along with full-grain goat MOTODRY HEATED VEST
leather (palm) for suppleness. Winter is here and one of the very
+ Dry-Tech waterproof and best ways to beat off the chills while
breathable membrane. riding is with heated gear. So check
+ Soft TPR index and middle finger out this heated vest from MotoDry: just
knuckle protection, with protective slip it on under your jacket, fire up the
foam reinforcement on all knuckles. temperature adjustment and keep your
+ Forearm protection from the cuff chest, back and torso warm as can be.
with integrated memory foam. + Heats up to 40°C — now that’s
+ Digital PU palm reinforcement for toasty!
better grip on the handlebars. + Up to five hours of battery life from
+ Dual closure system at the wristband the included 5,000mAh battery.
and cuff with an elastic strap and Velcro. + Optional 10,000mAh battery
+ Clear Vision Pad visor cleaning available to purchase separately.
system on the left hand, and touch- + Soft-feel textile material ensures
screen system on the index finger for comfort and stylish looks. + High neck design helps keep
handling electronic devices. + 100gm thermal padding helps the winter chills at bay.
RRP: $199.95 to hold heat better. RRP: $199.95
www.five.motonational.com.au + Three-stage easy-use switch. www.motodry.com.au

MOTOBATT PRO LITHIUM HP BATTERIES

The Motobatt Pro Lithium HP battery + Motobatt batteries are not just
series is a game-changer for adventure powerful but durable also.
riders. These batteries are designed to + Stable lithium cell protection makes
offer maximum performance, protection these batteries a robust choice for
and safety, making them a reliable choice any powersports enthusiast.
for any bike. One of the stand-out features + Cell balancing circuit ensures
is their complete overcharging, over- each cell is balanced, providing
discharging and temperature protection, consistent performance.
which ensures your battery stays safe and + Lightweight and designed to fit
efficient, even in extreme conditions. The original equipment, these batteries
cell balancing capability further optimises are easy to install and maintain.
the battery’s health, maximising power RRP: See website for individual pricing.
and enhancing its lifespan. www.whitesmoto.com.au

128 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 129
GEAR & GADGETS

MOTOPRESSOR MINI PUMP V2

The original Motopressor Mini Pump
was a ripper, but wait until you see the
latest V2 Mini Pump. This little beauty
is a modern-day techno marvel!
+ Now smaller at just 90 x 35 x 81mm
in size and weighing just 475 grams.
+ It still pumps over 130psi and will
inflate a 150/70 x 18-inch rear tyre
from 0 to 31psi in under five minutes.
+ Digital display allows you to preset
pressures and display tyre pressure
and pressure scale.
+ Two-metre-long power cord with + Available at bike shops everywhere
SAE connector can be connected supplied by Pro Accessories.
to your bike’s battery, or use the RRP: $135.95
supplied SAE alligator clips. www.rockycreekdesigns.com.au

OBR ADV GEAR HIGH BASIN TANK BAG

Keep your essentials where they are
GARMIN TREAD 2 SIX-INCH easy to get at on your next ride with
OFF-ROAD SAT NAV the American-made OBR ADV Gear High
The Garmin Tread 2 six-inch off- Basin tank bag. It attaches quickly and
road sat-nav is like having a trusty easily to any bike and offers around 4.5
sidekick for all your wild adventures. litres of carrying capacity.
It’s built tough to handle the roughest + High-strength and water-resistant
conditions, so you can confidently construction uses 1680D ballistic nylon.
tackle dirt tracks and trails without + Attaches securely through the bike’s
worrying about getting lost. frame/sub-frame using supplied
+ Six-inch high-res ultra-bright adjustable ladder-lock straps.
touchscreen is glove friendly and + Interchangeable 6x7-inch zippered
can withstand extreme temperatures communicate via satellite for peace stow pocket and 6x10-inch map
and weather. of mind. pocket are included.
+ Unit is dustproof and waterproof with + Also features Group Ride Radio, so + Internal D-ring for clipping in keys
an IP67 rating. you can track and chat with your or other important items.
+ Mapping capabilities include turn- riding buddies. + Four external D-rings on the top
by-turn navigation for unpaved + Robust design and advanced lid with 3mm shock cord for
roads and trails, with topo maps and features ensure you can explore with miscellaneous storage.
public land boundaries included. confidence and safety. + Bottom of bag uses a vinyl-coated
+ Built-in InReach technology allows RRP: $1,189 non-slip panel that helps keep it in place.
you to send SOS messages and www.whitesmoto.com.au RRP: $249.95
www.adventurebikeaustralia.com.au

FALCO MIXTO 5 ADV BOOTS

Leading Italian boot manufacturer Falco has launched a new adventure-ready option
in its extensive range of motorcycle riding boots. The Mixto 5 boots have arrived in the
mid-price section of the market and come loaded with a whole stack of features for the
price, including being waterproof!
+ High-Tex waterproof membrane will keep with moulded shine plate for
your feet dry in all weather conditions. enhanced protection.
+ Micro-synth upper for long-lasting + Aluminium buckle closure system.
durability and abrasion resistance. + Direct-injected high-grip rubber sole
+ D3O ankle coverage for superior for stability on all surfaces.
impact protection. RRP: $399.95
+ Reinforced toe and heel areas www.falco.com.au
for extra durability and safety,

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 129

 MERLIN TORRES HELD GAVIA
HELMET GLOVES
Merlin might be When you’ve
best known for their been making as
extensive range many types of
of riding gear, but gloves for as long
they make helmets as Held has, you
too. And their latest get to know more
release is the Torres than a little about what
adventure helmet, makes a great glove for
which packs an specific riding applications.
extensive list of Held’s latest Gavia two-in-one
features at a mid- Gore-Tex gloves are ideally suited for
range price point. adventure touring riders, offering the
+ Lightweight combination of protection, comfort and
fibreglass construction for repellent external visor. waterproofing they demand.
a lighter yet stronger shell + Weighs in at 1,630 grams. + Stretch fabric back with highly abrasion-resistant
compared to traditional + Slide open/close venting kangaroo leather palm.
polycarbonate options. with internal air channelling + Pique push-pull lining with Gore-Tex membrane.
+ Coolmax sweat-wicking to ensure cooling. + Hook and loop fastener adjustment at cuffs.
liner wraps the laser-cut + Removable peak, double-D + Visor wiper included and smartphone compatible.
cheek pads for superior buckle fastening and helmet + Extensive protection of the knuckles, thumb and hand.
moisture management. bag included. + Available in sizes 7 through 12 with special short and
+ Two-layer visor + Sizes S through XXL. long finger fitments available.
technology with an RRP: From $479.95 RRP: $300
internal sun visor and UV- merlinbikegear.com.au www.migmotorrad.com.au

ZARKIE USB
BATTERY HEATED
SOCKS
The new Zarkie
Bluetooth controller USB
battery heated socks
now come with the
ability to control them
from your phone, which
makes customising
your heat even easier.
The heating element is
located underneath the OUTBACK MOTORTEK REAR RACK COMBO
toes, which work with FOR DUCATI DESERTX
your shoes to trap the There are so many luggage carrying options for adventure bikes
heat in and help keep the not heating your feet! these days, but the good old rear rack continues to be a popular
rest of your body warm. + Can also be used without choice. They’re solid, they’re practical, they’re easily mounted and
+ Three heat settings can the Bluetooth controller they offer a convenient solution for gear carrying. This rear rack
be controlled from the and powered directly combo from Outback Motortek for the Ducati DesertX ticks the
Zarkie app, which can last from the battery. boxes on all counts.
for over nine hours in the + Cotton fabric construction + Made from 5mm aluminium to + Laser-cut holes to mount
low setting. makes these socks be strong! Rotopax fuel or water cans.
+ Includes two 2,400mAh soft, breathable and + Chamfered edges to prevent + Versatile combo design
power banks, weighing just comfortable to wear, as fraying your luggage straps. includes the carry rack and
60 grams each, they slip well as being durable. + Sandblasted and then powder- pillion grab handles.
into pockets in the socks + Available in sizes S/M coated during construction to RRP: $522.95
to sit flat against your legs. or L/XL. ensure a high-quality finish. www.adventuremoto.com.au
They can also be used to RRP: $199 + Offers multiple luggage
charge your phone when www.zarkie.com.au attachment points on the rack
and frame.

130 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 131
GEAR & GADGETS

KLIM CARLSBAD JACKET

Klim’s Carlsbad jacket is a
serious piece of riding gear
kit, as you would expect from
one of the world’s premier
manufacturers of adventure
riding gear. It’s a technically
advanced yet lighter and cooler
jacket that offers maximum
comfort and protection on
long-distance rides. ALPINESTARS TECH AIR 5 PLASMA
+ Gore-Tex performance shell Alpinestars’ pursuit of improved rider safety through its Tech
guaranteed to keep you dry. Air airbag system technology is relentless, and it has just
+ 6300 Cordura twisted yarn unveiled the latest chapter in the story. Meet the new Tech
overlays on the shoulders and Air 5 Plasma, which features a new advanced algorithm and
elbows, and the same chassis choice of three ride modes: Off-Road, Street and Race.
fabric as the Badlands Pro. + Forearm, chest and back venting. + Lightweight construction switchable via the integrated
+ Moisture-wicking polygiene + Eight external pockets and and ultra-slim profile is 25 LED display button.
anti-odour liner. six internal pockets. per cent lighter than the + Easy charging and long-life
+ D3O CE Level 2 elbow and + Available in five colour choices Tech Air 5. battery provides up to 30
shoulder armour, and back pad. and sizes S through 3XL. + Rapid gas inflator hours of riding time.
+ Double-headed front zipper and RRP: $1,234.95 replacement, with up to six + ‘Invisible under the jacket’
YKK zippers throughout. www.adventuremoto.com.au canister replacements before feel for ultimate rider
the system needs servicing. comfort.
+ Intelligent crash detection RRP: $1,299.95
and three riding modes, all www.alpinestars.com

MOSKO MOTO RECKLESS

80L (V4) SYSTEM
Like all their luggage
LEO VINCE LV-14 solutions, Mosko Moto’s
MUFFLER FOR Reckless 80L (V4) is
CFMOTO 450MT designed for off-road
Italian performance riding and camping,
exhaust manufacturer exploring backcountry
Leo Vince continues to discovery routes and
expand its extensive even international fly-
range of products, and to-ride trips. It expands
now the CFMOTO 450 and contracts to suit varying
MT has been added to luggage loads and riding conditions,
the line-up. Check out and features adjustable leg angles to
the newly developed LV- fit bikes of all shapes and sizes.
14 muffler that’s available + Offers a whopping 80 litres’ capacity with side and
for the Chinese-made top bags included. Additional bags can be added
small-bore ADV machine in a choice of finishes, for even more capacity.
as well as the matching stainless-steel header pipes. + 100 per cent waterproof rackless luggage system.
+ Leo Vince’s LV-14 muffler + Muffler is available in a choice + Ballistic nylon holster and roll-top dry bag system.
features a stylish, of shot-blasted Ti-look + Removable beavertail stash spot for extra storage
asymmetrical design. stainless, or ceramic-coated and expansion.
+ Muffler supplied with a carbon matte black finishes. + Five Molle panels for quick attachment of
heat shield and removable RRP: Stainless $949; Molle accessories.
dB killer. Matte black $999; Headers $819 + Updated design with latest metal Atlas buckles.
+ High-quality TIG welded AISI www.leovince.com/en-au RRP: $1,870
304 stainless-steel construction. www.moskomoto.com

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 131

 ZETA/DRC LOWERING FORK
SPRINGS & LINKAGE FOR
TÉNÉRÉ 700
If your Ténéré 700 has got
you on tippy-toes, there’s a
ready result for getting
the seat height down
without dramatically
affecting the bike’s
performance. And without spending + Linkage is designed to reduce ride
a fortune either. Check out these height without harshly compromising
lowering fork springs and lowering link off-road riding characteristics. YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700
from Zeta/DRC. + Part of the massive range of Zeta ENGINE GUARD
+ When used together, these and DRC goodies available to suit It’s a fact of life: adventure bikes can
components lower the bike a huge range of bikes — check out and will tumble over. And when they
by approximately 40mm. the website! do,they’re easily damaged, and repair
+ Fork springs feature progressive RRP: Fork springs $220; Linkage $95 bills can be expensive. To give your
characteristics to resist harsh www.monzaimports.com.au/brands/ Ténéré 700 a fighting chance in a fall,
bottoming. zetaracing check out these OEM engine guard
crash bars from Yamaha.
+ Rugged and durable tubular
MOTOHANSA PRO KTM steel construction.
ADVENTURE TOOLKIT + Protects the engine from damage
If you ride a KTM and want to in a fall.
be able to work on and service + Straightforward to fit, with
your bike yourself, then don’t install instructions and mounting
mince about, get yourself a hardware provided.
quality set of tools like this + Compatible with Yamaha’s fog light
kit from Motohansa. It’s filled bracket mounting kit, sold separately.
with professional-quality tools RRP: $485.95
that come with a lifetime shop.yamaha-motor.com.au
guarantee, all in a convenient
tool roll — now that’s a deal. + 14 and 16mm spark plug
+ Includes a huge range of SL, T, PH removal tools.
and H bits. + Seven-piece wrench set with
+ High-torque ratchet with adjustable 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17mm sizes.
length handle and bit holder. + Multi-grips, front wheel removal
+ Multi-function T-bit driver. tool and 24mm socket for rear
+ Five-piece socket set with 10, 12, axle removal all included.
13, 15 and 17mm sizes, plus E8, RRP: $350
E10 and E12. www.motohansa.com.au

TOURATECH WATERPROOF EXTREME EDITION SOFT PANNIERS

Don’t leave your luggage load to risk when choosing soft panniers. play to attach and detach
As the name implies, Touratech Waterproof Extreme Edition these panniers to your
soft panniers are just that: waterproof and ready for extreme pannier racks.
adventures when required. + Available in asymmetrical
+ Super-robust and waterproof superior-quality construction sizes: mix the 30- or 40-litre
panniers that will fit straight will keep dust, sand and water variants as you want for the
onto most pannier racks. at bay. same price.
+ The roll closure has been + With a newly designed RRP: $1,834 pair
extensively tested and with locking system, it’s like child’s shop.touratech.com.au

132 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 133
GEAR & GADGETS

NOLAN X-552 HELMET

Italian helmet brand Nolan has the
bases covered for riders of all disciplines
and when it comes to adventure riding,
the new X-552 is the latest cab off the
rank. And in typical Nolan fashion, this
helmet comes loaded with features to
place it right amongst the premium end
of the market.
+ Includes X-Series ultra-carbon shell with
multi-density EPS damping system.
+ Adjustable comfort liner is made from
premium carbon filament materials.
+ Compatible with Nolan’s N-Com
communication systems. + Available in a full range of sizes,
KRIEGA OS BASE ADVENTURE + Supplied with a premium Pinlock in plain or graphic styles.
New from Kriega, the OS Base Adventure insert, and both the internal and RRP: Plain $870; Graphic $999
is a heavy-duty rackless luggage harness external visors are made from high- monzaimports.com.au/brands/
that’s designed to fit the vast majority quality Lexan for safety and longer life. nolan-helmets/
of adventure bikes, old or new. Fit the
OS Base, then fit the Kriega bags of your
choice, and you’re away! And then when HEPCO & BECKER TANK CRASH
you sell your bike, keep the OS Base and fit BARS FOR CFMOTO 450MT
it to your next bike. As one of the top-selling adventure
+ Attaches to a rear rack and the bike’s bikes in the country right now, it’s no
frame, no extra hardware required. surprise the aftermarket is ramping
+ Reinforced stitching on all stress points. up with a wide range of products
+ High-grip buckle adjusters and aircraft- for CFMOTO’s small-bore 450MT
grade alloy hooks included. adventure bike. German brand Hepco
+ Includes replaceable foam pads for & Becker is getting in on the action,
protection of your bike’s bodywork. and their product range for the bike
+ Choose from Kriega’s OS6, OS12 or OS18 includes these tank guard crash bars.
waterproof packs to run on the sides of + Manufactured from high-quality
the base, and then add a roll pack up top. German steel tubing. in a choice of black or silver colours.
+ Ten-year warranty included. + Extremely stable tube-in-tube + Includes five-year warranty coverage.
RRP: $229 construction. RRP: Black $319; Silver $329
www.kriega.com.au + Includes a premium surface finish, www.motorcycleadventure.com.au

SW-MOTECH PRO TANK BAGS WITH MAGNETIC GUIDES

SW-Motech continues to impress with its modern Pro series tank bags,
combining sleek aesthetics with real-world functionality. But the real kicker?
The innovative magnetic guide system in their tank rings. It’s a game-changer.
We’ve used it, and this system works.
+ Model-specific range of various and a modular MOLLE system for
Pro tank bags available to suit added versatility.
individual machines. + 100 per cent waterproof
+ Powerful guide magnets position options available.
the bag perfectly, while a spring + Pro top rings require no drilling
mechanism securely locks the top and come pre-installed on the Pro
ring with an audible snap. tank bag series.
+ A red pull strap releases the quick + Models available to suit flat or
fastener for easy removal. sloping tanks, and in various
+ Bags are constructed from capacity sizes.
durable, UV-resistant 1680D RRP: See website for individual pricing.
ballistic nylon, with subtle houseofpowersports.com.au/
reflective details for visibility sw-motech-australia/tank-bags/

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 133

 GEAR CHECK:
KABUTO GEOSYS
GT MIPS HELMET
he Kabuto Geosys GT Mips is a

T premium dual-sport helmet, hand-

made in Japan for supreme comfort
and safety.
First off, I reckon the Geosys looks tough!
It’s sleek, aggressive and made with A.C.T.
(Advanced Composite Technology), which
sounds fancy but basically means the helmet
is strong yet lightweight and looks good.
Like other premium manufacturers, Kabuto
will not disclose the materials used in the
five composite layers, but what we do know
for sure is that it’s not ABS/plastic like the
majority of helmets on the market.
Safety should always be top priority when
picking a helmet, and the Geosys does not
cut corners. It meets the latest ECE 22.06
safety standards, plus it’s equipped with
MIPS, a system that helps reduce rotational
forces during a crash, giving you an extra
Looks good, fits great and comes loaded
layer of safety.
with tech and features that make the Kabuto
The Geosys also really stands out when Geosys GT MIPS helmet a winner.
it comes to comfort. I’ve owned a lot of
helmets over the years and I can confidently
state this is one of the most, if not the most, adjusted in five positions. The visor can be
comfortable helmets to have covered my detached with the peak in place, which also
XL-size head. Technology aside, Kabuto have has five adjustable positions. The peak was
simply produced a helmet that has more ear- set low straight out of the box, so I moved
room than most others, which is something I it up to the highest position to maximise
have often struggled with, particularly when visibility, plus it looks more aggressive and
always wearing ear plugs. MX-like, which is my preference.
The Geosys comes with Coolmax material For us off-road enthusiasts who feel at
in the lining, which helps wick away sweat home in the dirt, the Geosys is compatible
and keep you cool during long rides, plus with goggles, which can be worn without
the interior pads are fully detachable with removing the visor. In saying that, like plenty
DeoFactor anti-microbial treatment, which of other dual-sport helmets, Kabuto hasn’t
helps keep the inside fresh and free of those provided much room in the eye-port area to
gnarly sweat odours. accommodate some modern bulky goggles, This helmet is finished
One surprising stand-out yet rather basic so you might need to check if your goggles in black/red colours, while
feature of the Geosys is the glasses-friendly fit correctly before taking off. Only one of there are also black/blue and
gunmetal/red styles to choose from.
cheek pads. I prefer to run clear visors the three pairs in my kit fitted properly — the
and just chuck on some sunnies when it other two could be used as a last resort but I
gets glary, but I often find the arms end don’t think they would seal enough for really mouth ventilation, but the true effectiveness
up pressing vice-like on the side of my dusty conditions. and/or noticeable differences is debatable.
head, resulting in annoying discomfort and Ventilation for the Geosys is on par with Finally, the Geosys is equipped with a unique
ultimately headaches. Kabuto has cleverly other premium brands. It has large vents wake stabiliser, which is a patented feature
built a little liner recess to accommodate the and a see-saw head ventilation system that’s designed to minimise aerodynamic drag and
arms of your glasses and it really works, so easy to operate, even with gloves on. The reduce helmet lift at high speeds. It genuinely
for glasses wearers this is a big win. top vents are switch-operated, which allows is the most quiet and stable dual-sport helmet
The visor is large, giving you a nice wide you to adjust airflow on the fly, and the chin I have ever owned. — Mitch Newell
visual field, plus it’s Pinlock-ready with an ventilation is separated into two sections: one RRP: $899.95
original insert lens included and can be for preventing visor fogging and the other for www.kabuto.com.au

134 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 135
GEAR & GADGETS

LEFT: The Darcinator is supported by Leatt and

reckons the 7.5 ADV MultiTour jacket is a winner
in a wide range of riding and weather conditions.

things surprisingly bearable. In that 40°C

heat, a splash of water on the chest turned
the jacket into a makeshift air conditioner.
Adding to the already solid ventilation are
long inner-arm vents, which I found more
effective than the standard upper-arm vents
in other jackets I’ve worn.
The next test came during a week-long
outback adventure with Clubby, where
it rained solidly for three of the days —
perfect for putting the jacket and matching
pants’ waterproof layers to the test. The
MultiTour is the first jacket I’ve used in
years that incorporates both a thermal liner
and a waterproof liner for comprehensive
protection from the elements.
Surprisingly, both liners can be worn
casually. The waterproof layer can be worn
either over or inside the jacket. Clubby
insisted I wear it over the jacket — sure, I
looked like a black sausage, but it worked.
But deep down I suspect he just wanted a
photo opportunity!

GEAR CHECK: Along the way on that ride the jacket

was quickly caked in outback mud (AKA

LEATT 7.5 ADV concrete) and covered in dust, but it washed

up easily once I got home and soon looked

MULTITOUR JACKET good as new again.

The latest test for the MultiTour came
just recently in the Himalayas of Nepal.
’ve been riding with the Leatt 7.5 ADV Temperatures ranged from zero to 32°C,

I MultiTour jacket for the past eight

months, and it’s fair to say I’ve given it
a thorough flogging in that time.
Its baptism was a crossing of the
tropical north of Australia from Darwin to
which I handled comfortably without the
liners. With the thermal liner in, I reckon you
could tackle even colder conditions.
The jacket feels lightweight and is
equipped with CE Level 2 armour at the
Broome during a week-long heatwave, with back, chest and elbows. The outer shell uses
temperatures regularly hitting 40°C. Had I Leatt’s durable rip-stop material, reinforced
known it was going to be that hot, I would’ve at key impact zones. Generous waterproof
opted for Leatt’s FlowTour mesh-style jacket. front pockets and a large rear pocket round
The ride was the BMW GS Safari and I out the practical features and allow you to
quickly discovered that ‘flaps down’ was cart smaller and softer items with you that
the way to fly aboard the BMW F 900 GS might want access to quickly.
Enduro I was riding. No, not flaps on the Despite its rugged construction, the
Beemer, but the flaps on the Leatt jacket, as MultiTour is surprisingly comfortable and not
one of the MultiTour’s stand-out features is overly heavy. After countless rough rides, it
its excellent ventilation. Two large zippered still washes up looking near-new. So whether
chest panels and a generous rear panel open you’re tackling the Himalayas or the Aussie
to reveal mesh vents that allow impressive outback, Leatt’s 7.5 ADV Multitour delivers in
The 7.5 ADV MultiTour jacket is available in the brown airflow. Sure, the jacket was warm when all conditions. — Dave Darcy
Desert colour like Dave wears, or there are also black stationary, but once moving, cooling air RRP: $1,199.99
Stealth and grey Iron (shown) colour options. blasted through the chest area, making www.leattmoto.com.au

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 135

 GEAR CHECK:
ADVWORX
GEN-2 TREKK
SADDLEBAGS
AND ROLLIE BAG
ou know how some

Y products just work and

you can tell right away
they’re made by crew
who know their stuff? That’s
how I rank this ADVWorx Gen-2
luggage. It’s seriously pro gear
and for the past 12 months it’s
done nothing but impress me.
I picked up the Gen-2 Trekk
saddlebags when I fitted
Outback Motortek X-Frame
soft luggage racks to our last
Fully loaded and
Yamaha T7 World Raid long- ready to hit the road
term project bike. The bags for a week away
fitted perfectly to the racks, with 65 litres of
luggage capacity
which was kind of important!
thanks to ADVWorx.
These are the second-
generation Trekk 20-litre
saddlebags (30-litre versions are also + The saddlebags include stiffener boards to + Once you get the bags located and cinched
available) from Aussie brand ADVWorx and help the bags keep their shape. down snug, they feel solid, like they should
they come with four self-fastening buckles + The roll-top design makes them easy to stay securely in place.
located at each corner of the bags that get into from the top for getting gear in In summary, I’ve been thoroughly stoked on
attach to the racks, along with two adjustable and out, and when rolled closed and clip- this gear and can only say it’s good stuff.
straps that keep the bags snugly in place by fastened, they keep out dust and moisture. RRP: Saddlebags (pair) $599.95;
mounting over or under the pillion seat and + The saddlebags come with inner dry bags Dry Rollie bag $118
allow you to tension the bags upward and that you pack your gear into, which means www.adventuremoto.com.au
inward. Plus, you get a second set of straps you can then just take the
that let you fit a soft pannier seat plate in the inner bags to your room each
middle of the straps on top of the seat if you night and leave the outer
want to use that to secure a tail bag or similar. bags attached to the bike for
I eventually settled on an ADVWorx convenience.
25-litre dry Rollie bag on the back end of the + The bags are blue inside,
bike, which I tethered to the B&B Off-Road which makes it easier to find
compact rear rack with a couple of Rok- stuff when you’re digging
Straps. Between the two 20-litre saddlebags around in them.
and the 25-litre dry Rollie bag, I had plenty + The saddlebags have straps in
of space (65 litres) for all my gear for a all the right places, and there
week-long trip through far west NSW and are ‘strap-keepers’ everywhere
Queensland late last year. Perfect. so that you can tuck in all the
As for precisely what I like about this loose ends.
ADVWorx gear, here are my thoughts: + There are purge valves on all
+ Made from 1000D TPU material that’s the bags so you can pack your
tough-as, plus they’re waterproof. gear down as tight as possible. The ADVWorx Gen 2
+ The Rollie bag opens at one end, which + None of the buckles or straps Trekk saddlebags
means you can leave it strapped on to on the bags have broken or are easy to mount,
stay in place
the bike and get into it quickly mid-ride. busted, so I feel like this gear is
and are built to last.
That’s convenient. in it for the long haul.

136 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE

 137
GEAR & GADGETS

LEFT: The 9.5 ADV Carbon is Leatt’s first shot

at a premium adventure riding helmet and
they’ve certainly made a good job of it.

to warm afternoons. By this point, the liner

had completely conformed to my skull
shape and the helmet felt like it put itself on.
The Pinlock lens was a godsend on those
crisp mornings, effectively preventing any
visor fog.
One of the standout features is the
magnetic chinstrap — it’s one of those
small conveniences that ends up making
a big difference. It’s supported by a suite
of premium touches including a sweat-
wicking liner, a large face port that readily
accommodates goggles and a multi-position
visor. And speaking of the visor, especially
useful is the first detent position on opening,
which allows for ideal airflow. Meanwhile,
high-speed helmet stability across various
bikes has also been a highlight.
Beyond the obvious, the Leatt 9.5 ADV
further stands out with thoughtful safety
and comfort features like the 360-degree
Turbine Technology for concussion
mitigation, emergency quick-release cheek
pads, a washable liner and comms system
compatibility. Add in Leatt’s three-year
helmet replacement program and it’s clear

GEAR CHECK: this helmet is built for serious riders.

Over the past year I’ve clocked countless

LEATT 9.5 ADV HELMET adventure kilometres and the Leatt 9.5 ADV
Carbon helmet has been with me along for
the ride. My helmet is my office — and this is
icking an adventure helmet is one from Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures. This one of the best offices I’ve ever had.

P of those truly personal experiences

where riders put in that extra effort
to get it right. You’ll often hear mates
diving deep into the details of the helmets
they’ve tried — comfort, weight, vision and
ride was packed with some of the toughest
trails on offer anywhere and many would
argue it’s terrain more suited to a dirtbike
helmet. But as a dirt-oriented adventure
rider who still loves the gnarly stuff, this ride
RRP: $1,499.99
www.leattmoto.com.au

compatibility with comms systems all come pushed the limits of where I’d usually take an
into play. And for some, like Clubby, size is ADV helmet.
critical: “Yeah, I know you’ve got L, XL, XXL Riding hard through rough terrain puts
… but do you have KFC bucket size?” both rider and gear to the test. Fortunately,
The all-new Leatt 9.5 ADV Carbon helmet this carbon-shelled helmet is light, weighing
kit landed on my desk about six months ago. in at 1,490 grams. For a size Large the
Retailing at a nick under 1,500 bucks, this helmet initially felt snug, needing a couple
helmet is firmly in the premium category, of days to properly bed in. But once it did,
but justifiably so. Straight out of the box the fit was spot-on — secure without being
it impresses with a high-quality carry bag, tight. And let me tell you, that lightweight
a pair of Leatt Velocity 4.5 Iriz goggles, a shell proved a blessing across long and
Pinlock 120 MaxVision XLT anti-fog shield, a technical days.
transition lens and spare parts. The Leatt’s next real test was in the
My maiden voyage in the helmet was Himalayas of Nepal on a ride with yet more Leatt supplies the 9.5 ADV Carbon helmet
a week-long ride through Victoria’s High long days in the saddle, dramatic changes in as a kit, complete with goggles, Pinlock,
Country on Honda CRF450RLs with the crew altitude, and everything from cold mornings transition lens, carry bag and spare parts.

AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE / 137

 138
SHOWROOM TRAX ADV
PRO GS
TOP CASE SET
$1,099.00 TANK BAG
WATERPROOF 16L-20L
SYSBAG SET $469.00
$1,649.00

GPS HOLDER
$129.00

CRASH GUARD
$449.00

FOOTREST KIT
$229.00
PEDAL EXTENSION
$199.00
ENGINE GUARD
$499.00

SW-MOTECH’S
HONDA XL750 TRANSALP
HONDA’S XL750 TRANSALP ADVENTURE BIKE IS BUILT FOR EXPLORING WIDE-OPEN SPACES.
BUT WHEN YOU’RE GEARING UP FOR A SERIOUS ADVENTURE, MAKE SURE YOU START YOUR
SEARCH WITH SW-MOTECH LUGGAGE AND PROTECTION PARTS. YOU’LL FIND A RANGE OF RUGGED,
WATERPROOF AND TRANSPORTABLE LUGGAGE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL BIKES. FROM TANK BAGS TO
LUGGAGE SETS TO LIGHTS TO ACCESSORIES, SW-MOTECH PRODUCTS ARE TRUSTED BY ADVENTURE
RIDERS AROUND THE GLOBE. ASK FOR SW-MOTECH AT YOUR FAVOURITE POWERSPORTS DEALER.
PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY A1 ACCESSORY IMPORTS.
138 \ AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BIKE
SYSBAG WP
VERSATILE & WATERPROOF SOFT LUGGAGE SYSTEM.

Small | 12 – 16L Medium | 17 - 23L Large | 27 - 40L

The SW-MOTECH SysBag System offers rugged, lightweight, Everything you

and versatile luggage for any adventure. Waterproof main need to know
about SysBag
compartment, quick-release latching and military-grade
WP luggage.
fabrics, the SysBag system ensures your gear stays secure
Scan Code
and dry no matter where the road—or trail—takes you.

Distributed by Australia’s House of Powersports, A1 Accessory Imports.

Visit www.houseofpowersports.com.au for more information.