The much anticipated arrival of the 2010 Honda VFR1200F is fast approaching!
The VFR1200F has been developed in keeping with
previous VFRs; that have delivered a combination of sports and touring
capabilities using the latest technologies. This motorcycle is,
however, brand new. A clean-sheet interpretation of the ultimate
road-sport machine – a concept driven by extensive understanding of
customer needs and the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies.
In pursuit of heightened levels of control and feedback, the VFR1200F
adopts the latest race-track bred technologies but adapted and evolved
to create a machine that can be many things to many riders.
The harmonic growl of the flexible and responsive V4 motor may rekindle
the emotions inspired by previous iconic VFRs, but its unique
‘heartbeat’ engine feel and an unrivalled level of manageability sets
the new VFR apart, not only from its predecessors - but also from every
bike currently available.
Look out for the VFR1200F at your nearest TeamMoto Honda dealership late March.
For more information on the new 2010 Honda VFR1200F, please contact your local TeamMoto Honda dealership.
The desert is calling: Super Tenere unveiled!
Don't be surprised if you see Star Wars
actor Ewan McGregor on a Yamaha next time he ventures around the world.
Yamaha has released their 1200cc Super Tenere adventure bike to compete
with BMW's segment-leading R 1200 GS which McGregor and Charley Boorman
rode in their Long Way Down TV series.
The Super Tenere was presented in an unfinished concept form at last year's Tokyo Motor Show and last week was unveiled in production form in a worldwide internet launch. The bike made its Australian debut at the World Superbike Championships at Phillip Island.
Like the BMW GS, it has low-maintenance shaft drive, twin-spark 120cc engine and spoked, tubeless wheels. Other features are a linked brake system with anti-lock brakes, side-mounted radiators, three-stage traction control, rider-selectable throttle control maps, and adjustable suspension and seat height. Yamaha Australia spokesman Sean Goldhawk said it would be available here in June in blue only and at a cheaper price than the BMW.
Tenere refers to a region of the Sahara and the name has been linked with the famously gruelling Dakar Rally. The last Super Tenere version was the two-cylinder 750cc model, discontinued in 1995. Yamaha has upped the ante this time with a 1200cc displacement parallel-twin engine to match the dominant BMW GS bikes, although power and torque are slightly down on the updated BMW boxer engine.
The Super Tenere is expected to arrive late June, early July 2010. Stay tuned for TeamMoto demo day updates! For more information, please contact your local TeamMoto Yamaha dealership.
Pass me a map of Australia; I feel a lap coming on.
Mark Hinchliffetakes out the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere.
The name Tenere comes from a Sahara Desert region, but it is is better known to bikers for the Yamaha model that has taken adventurers around the planet. A short ride on the new Yamaha XT660Z Tenere is not sufficient to fully explore the potential of this iconic bike, but it is more than enough to give you an itch for travelling big miles.
Yamaha's 1200cc Super Tenere is about to hit our shores, but it will be more of a competitor to the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure that Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode in their "Long Way" adventures. This 660cc single-cylinder bike is a totally different animal that will take adventurers to more secluded and hard-to-get-to places. Its low-compression, bullet-proof engine has been around for ages and now in its fuel-injected form which appears in several Yamaha models, it is a lively and economical unit.
The robust mill is superbly suited for round-Australia duties with a
good spread of useable power but limited vibration that doesn't rattle
your teeth and leaves a stable image in the rearview mirrors. As a
dual-sport bike, it is a compromise between the road and the dirt.
Depending on what you want to do with it, you can bias it more one way
or the other.
There is already an extensive range of accessories available from
Yamaha as well as aftermarket adventure specialists such as Hepco &
Becker and Touratech. This will allow owners to tailor the bike for
specific needs from commuting to long-range touring to extreme off-road
action.
While it will happily commute to work with its high position and
slimline lane-splitting design, most riders will want it set up for the
long haul across tough terrain, packed to the hilt with luggage, spares
and camping gear. It's therefore comforting to see a thick rear
subframe that appears to be strong enough to support stacks of heavy
luggage without sagging or fracturing.
First thing most adventurers will change, however, will be the
road-biased dual-purpose tyres and the rubber footpegs which are too
small. The riding position is ideal for the long haul with one of the
most comfortable seats on any dual sport bike. Some may find it too
tall and too contoured for their liking, but with its leather-like
covering, it is supremely comfortable.
My only complaint about the seated riding position is the windscreen
which is so far forward it creates an enormous amount of tiring wind
buffeting. Smaller riders might not get as much buffeting, but I would
either remove it altogether or fit the larger aftermarket windscreen or
an extender. However, the screen is not an issue when standing. From up
high the bike feels just right, with plenty of control for quick
steering changes. With a quick tilt of the bars, I found the standing
position extremely comfortable without the need for bar raisers.
The instruments are also high and quite visible in all lighting
conditions, although they would be even better if you could slightly
tilt them up for improved vision when standing. Information provided
includes an analogue tacho, plus a digital screen with odometer, fuel
gauge, clock and two trip meters.
The long-travel suspension is on the plush side, but it didn't
bottom out on a couple of big hits and jumps on a test ride down a
rough dirt track. On the bitumen it doesn't wallow or swim around
either, probably because it is a fairly lithe 208kg even with 23 litres
of fuel on board.
It flicks into corners with a light and deft feel and holds its line
well at any speed. You could easily cruise all day at Northern
Territory maximum highway speeds with plenty of stability and comfort.
However, short, sharp hits can cause a flicker through the bars, so a
stabiliser is recommended.
A highlight feature of its performance is the brakes. The twin disc
front has brute force with soft initial bite and great progression
while the back brake also has good feel, even when wearing chunky
off-road boots.
Yamaha XTZ660 Tenere
PRICE: $15,565 Ride Away with 12 months Rego in QLD
ENGINE: fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 660cc, 4-valve, single cylinder
BORE X STROKE:100x84mm
COMPRESSION: 10:1
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed, wet clutch, chain drive
FUEL: 23 litres
SUSPENSION: telescopic forks, 210mm travel, monocross swingarm, 200mm travel
BRAKE: 298mm dual discs (front), 245mm disc (rear)
TYRES: 90/90-21 (front), 130/80-17 (rear)
DIMENSIONS (mm): 2246 (l), 900 (w), 1477 (h), 895 (seat), 1500 (wheelbase), 260 (clearance)
WET WEIGHT: 208.5kg
WARRANTY: 24 months, unlimited kms, parts and labour
COLOURS: blue, black
Images from Yamaha Motor Europe
For more information on the Yamaha Tenere, please contact your local TeamMoto Yamaha dealership.
Transforming the Tenere
With just a few small mods the new Tenere can be transformed into a serious long haul Adventure bike....
Ron Grant takes us through the changes he's made to his Yamaha Tenere to make that long journey that much more enjoyable.
Simply modifying the seat so the rider can move back and forward combined with a higher set of handlebars provides far greater comfort and control, particularly when standing on the pegs. I found the different sitting position changed the rider vs screen relationship with the screen now providing a high level of comfort and minimal buffeting. The foot pegs are a little narrow when standing up – easy fixed with a set of PivotPegz.
The stock Metzler Tourance tyres are fine for the daily commute but for more off road riding, a set of Michelin T63's work a treat. Excellent on bitumen handling but really are the business in the dirt – plus they provide long tyre life. While you are fitting new tyres, a set of Ultra Heavy Duty tubes is the best way to prevent (or at least greatly minimize) pinch flats. And with dirt tyres fitted a rim lock will be necessary to secure the rear tyre.
The suspension is one of the best set ups on any Japanese Dual Sport bike, but regardless, for the real serious off roader there are some improvements available. The front forks do not have any damping adjustment, easily fixed by fitting RaceTech Gold Valve fork emulators. This mod provides both compression and rebound damping adjustability and really does enhance the fork action.
The rear shock is pretty close to the mark, but can be upgraded with a different damping and or heavier spring as required. If it is the Strezlecki Track or Birdsville Track or you just have a passion for 2,000 or 3,000 or 4,000 k's of rocks and corrugation – then an upgrade to an Ohlins shock may be viable.
The engine is a beauty, smooth, torquey and with ultra long service intervals - oil change at 10K and valve clearance check at 20K. The EFI provides exceptional fuel economy at up to 25kml when riding in the manner you promised your wife. High speed off road / sand will see this drop to as low as 17kml – still an exceptionally frugal fuel consumption. Fuel range is between a very healthy 400 to 500 +.
Big Bike on Campus! 2010 RM-Z450
The 2010 Suzuki RM-Z450 has proven it's the crème de la crème of the heavy weight MX 450cc class, winning the latest ADB (Australasian Dirt Bike) Magazine Shootout!
The world's first-ever mass produced fuel-injected motocross machine, the ground-breaking Suzuki RM-Z450 opened the door to a whole new era in motocross design when it was introduced with the revolutionary new advanced fuel-injection technology.
Enhanced throttle response and power throughout its rev range, the 449cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-valve engine features the latest cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, throttle body, cam shafts and valve springs.
Pioneered by Suzuki, the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system is even better with a reversed throttle valve movement, directing mist away from the valve to produce more power and enhanced throttle response.
The RM-Z450 was up against tough competition in the Shootout including
Kawasaki, KTM and Honda 450cc motocrossers, as well as the all new
Yamaha YZ450F. The Suzuki however swept the board and received the
highest marks in all three categories; engine, handling and ergos.
Built with lessons learned from racetrack domination, Suzuki's ultimate weapon is ready for launch.
Check out the latest models available for LAMS riders in Queensland. The brand new Yamaha XJ6F is set to hit TeamMoto in April 2010 and the three new Suzuki models; GSX650FU, SFV650U Gladius and SV650SU are in stock now!
Yamaha XJ6F
Yamaha Motor Australia has recently added to its impressive lineup of learner models by revealing the all new four cylinder XJ6F. Based on the popular XJ series of middleweights, the XJ6F is powered by an inline four cylinder 600cc engine and sports a full fairing and neat midship muffler. In order to meet the Learner
Approved Motorcycle scheme’s power to weight requirement, the engine’s power is limited to 25kw. But the seamless delivery of this power combined with compact dimensions, light weight and neutral steering make the XJ6F an ideal entry level machine. The Yamaha XJ6F looks to arrive in April 2010.
For more information on the Yamaha XJ6F please contact your local TeamMoto Yamaha dealership today!
Suzuki GSX650FU
The ECM (Engine Control Module) of the GSX650FU has been re-mapped to
match power output with the legal requirements for learner riders,
while remaining true to the model's handling and riding characteristics. This
exciting sportsbike offers crisp handling, so you can turn any winding
road into a ride to remember. Its liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine is
tuned for strong low-end and midrange power, for smooth and easy riding
around town.
The GSX650FU is now available in store at TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia. For more information, or to book yourself a test ride, call 3259 2980.
Suzuki SFV650U Gladius
Powered by a sporty 645cc V-Twin engine featuring the best of modern technology, delivering broad power. A
motorcycle that blends traditional displacement with an elegant new
look, smooth handling and a friendly, comfortable ride. A motorcycle
that stands out from the crowd when travelling down the road and draws
a crowd when parked in the plaza.
The SFV650U Gladius is now available in store at TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia. For more information, or to book yourself a test ride, call 3259 2980.
Suzuki SV650SU
The ECM (Engine Control Module) has been re-mapped to match power
output with the legal requirements for learner riders, while remaining
true to the model's handling and riding characteristics. The
SV650S LAMS model serves up a comfortable riding position with a
relatively short reach to the handlebars and a low 800mm seat height.
The SV650SU is now available in store at TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia. For more information, or to book yourself a test ride, call 3259 2980.
We always say in life...
Introducing the new TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School Manager, Caroline Hammond.
We always say in life; ‘first impressions count’ and I think we as motorcyclists will always remember our first impression or encounter with a motorcycle.
I know I do…my big brother got a peewee 50 for Christmas one year and I couldn’t wait til I was old enough to have a go. But my dad busted him riding on the road, probably at age 8, so took it off him. We didn’t see another motorbike till we moved onto a farm when I was 8 years old and what I remember of that was my brother conning me into giving him a push start. Little did I know at the time, as it didn’t actually start at all, so he was just getting a free ride from me!
How times change…as do we as riders. You may have started your motorcycling journey in the backyard, out on the farm or on the dirt, wherever it might’ve been you never really finish that journey. For those of you familiar with TeamMoto, we value the culture of motorcycle riding. We know that wherever you are in your journey, there’s always a choice of roads to go, there’s always something new to learn.
At TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School our courses cover everything from licensing to advanced techniques. We cater for the absolute beginner to the rider who has a permanent bottom mark on their well worn leather seat. The Motorcycle Riding School is currently undergoing a new chapter, with new management (myself) and soon a new structure to courses with new opportunities for advancing your skills as a rider.
We constantly hear from riders who do our courses, both new riders and seasoned campaigners, how surprised they are by the amount they learned and how these new skills will definitely make them better riders. So why not check out the website, give us a call or pop in to have a cuppa and a chat about what’s coming up.
WHOA! Hold on boy! Motorcycle Riding School: Riding Posture
Many years ago when I was a spritely 31-year-old, I had the most rewarding experience of riding a horse. Which pretty much left me with an over whelming feeling of why did I bother. I realized that the main cause of my dissatisfaction and grief was the continuous effort I had to put in to coerce the unfortunate animal into thinking that having my rather large bulk on his back was a good idea. Needless to say the day ended in tears. There was however one positive result: I was confirmed in my belief that motorcycling was more fun and safer and that I don’t like horses. You see motorcycles don’t fight back.
Well . . . not all the time.
As a trainer I see the odd motorcycle escape from the control of a student often with the student wondering what went wrong. This could occur in a corner or just taking off, in any situation really. I don’t need a crystal ball to know why things went wrong in those situations or to know why things will go wrong in future situations; posture. The way we sit on a motorcycle will profoundly influence how much control we have. Your posture will determine how your body moves on the bike, how you move consciously and how you move unconsciously.
Let’s take a look at the handlebars and see how posture affects our ability to steer the bike. One common mistake new riders make is not gripping the tank with their knees. If you’re not holding on with your knees then you will have to have a tight grip on the handle bars and more than likely this will involve a grip that has the knuckles pointing down.
Where’s the problem you may ask, well . . . to understand the problem we first need to know one thing about our bike . . . it is totally compliant to everything we do whether we mean to do it or not. With our knuckles pointing down we have our hands in a pulling position. To steer a bike we need to push on the bars, to put our hands in a pushing position we place our hands on the bars with the palms facing forward and our elbows bent as if we were about to do a push up off them. If we have our wrist locked down we also have the advantage of an easy movement to close the throttle and a restricted movement when opening, this allows us more control when accelerating and a quicker action closing the throttle when changing gears or braking.
As you can see from that brief view of the handle bars one thing affects another and then another and so on. If at this point your motorcycle is still a mystery to you or you think you can learn something new, give us a call at the TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School, 3380 2254 and ask about our advanced cornering and braking courses. Ride safe, see you next month. John Bacic, TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School Senior Instructor
A 'spokey' situation: Check your spokes!
Because a wire wheel (spoked wheel) is continuously flexing, spokes have a tendency to come loose. Particularly dirt bikes where the wheels are subject to excessive shock and loads. For those who don’t know, your wheel hubs and the weight of your motorcycle are not supported by the lower or bottom spokes. They actually hang from the top spokes. And as your wheels rotate, the load is transferred from one spoke to the next, so your spokes are constantly being loaded and unloaded.
Correct spoke tension helps control wheel runout (lateral runout being sideways movement or wheel wobble, and radial runout being up and down movement). A wheel with excessive lateral and or radial runout will affect handling and, especially in road bikes, tyre wear.
Loose spokes are the main cause for broken spokes. A loose spoke causes extra load on the spoke next to it, eventually causing the spoke to fail. Loose spokes can also cause rim and hub damage.
Ok, there are three methods for checking spoke tension.
Method one: grab spokes above the cross point and squeeze together, while feeling for tension. Excessive flexing indicates loose spokes.
Method two: Check for spoke tone (this is one for the musicians). Tap each spoke with a spoke wrench and listen for variations in tone. A dull tone means loose, while a bright ring indicates a properly tensioned spoke.
Method three: use a spoke torque wrench, check your service manual for the correct tension.
Now there are a couple of points you need to be aware of. Firstly, if you have a lot of loose spokes in one wheel, the wheel will need to be trued. This should be done by a qualified person. Secondly, if you have to tighten a spoke more than two full turns, the tyre and tube should be removed to make sure the spoke is not protruding too far through the spoke nipple. This can cause a puncture.
Tighten spokes evenly in quarter turn increments. I normally do this in a criss cross pattern. One method is to tighten one spoke at a time working your way around the rim. Another is to break the wheel up into quarters. Tighten the top quarter first, then the opposite quarter, then the right quarter and moving horizontally to the left quarter.
Note: Seized spokes may need to be soaked with a penetrate fluid like WD-40 for instance. If you cannot get the spoke nipple to turn, the spoke may have to be cut out and replaced with a new spoke and nipple.
Good luck and speak to you next month.
TeamMoto Road Rides are back!
TeamMoto Motorcycles is bringing back road rides. Both TeamMoto Enoggera and TeamMoto Virginia will be hosting events in March - so don't miss out on these great social rides!
March 21st 2010 - TeamMoto Enoggera Road Ride. Starting at 7.00am with a FREE sausage sizzle breakfast, the ride leaves TeamMoto Enoggera (224 Samford Rd) at 7.30am.
You will proceed up to the first stop at Mount Mee Lookout. Continuing on, the ride will re-group once again at Woodford and then wrap up once you read Maleny for lunch. As the ride concludes at Maleny, you can spend the afternoon as you wish making your way home.
For more information, call TeamMoto Enoggera on 3354 5884.
March 28th 2010 - TeamMoto Virginia Road Ride. Departing from TeamMoto Virginia (1924 Sandgate Rd) at 7.00am.
The ride will travel up the highway to Landsborough then up the range to Maleny, back south via the Maleny-Stanley Rider Rd to Woodford for some breakfast. Then over Mount Me to finish up at Dayboro.
For more information, contact John or Gavin at TeamMoto Virginia on 3259 2968.
Canungra Rider Survivor - March 28th
The annual Canungra Rider Survivor (motorcycle safety awareness) event will be held Sunday, March 28th 2010. Rider Survivor is a partnership between Department of Transport and
Main Roads, Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue
Service. Riders can talk to people from these agencies in an informal
way on the day.
It is about increasing awareness for motorcycle riders of road safety
issues, particularly on hinterland roads. There will be various
displays and activities for riders as well as hourly prize give-aways
and a free sausage sizzle.
This event will be held next to The Outpost Cafe in Canungra, starting from 8am and finishing up around 1pm. All are welcome!
For more information, please feel free to contact Kym Maxwell from the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 5630 8867.
Shots of the Month
This month features a selection of cool and funky custom motorcycles from around the world, as seen on Bike Exif.
Above. Triumph Thunderbird Sport Custom. Uli Bree, the organizer of the huge Triumph Tridays event in Austria has been making this bike into the ultimate custom Thunderbird sport since 2005.
Above. Sarah T from Washington, USA rides a mid-70's Honda CB550F with an 'Armadillo' tank and seat from Benjie's Cafe Racers.
Above. German designer Felix Götze has created this rocking horse from old motorcycle parts. Apparently it’s for a little lad called Otto Komei, who is fascinated by the choppers coming out of the workshop opposite his house. Götze installed a two-stroke thumper of 150 cc with a slash-cut exhaust, because “everybody rides V2 four-stroke”. That sprung leather saddle is a neat touch, and so is the airbrushing by artist Thomas Weber. Who’s a lucky boy?
NEXT ISSUE... Black Duck Valley Review - rain, hail or shine!
Due to the weather conditions over the past few weeks, the Black Duck Valley review has been postponed. But be sure to catch the TeamMoto eNews April issue, which will - rain, hail or shine - feature the review!
The hugely popular riding park is located
40kms south of the township of Gatton in the picturesque Lockyer Valley
on over 700 acres. Camping facilities with flush toilets and hot
showers, four adult tracks, three intermediate tracks, two novice
tracks, a peewee track and two trail/enduro loops - Black Duck has
something for everyone!
