Introducing ... The TeamMoto Learner Motorcycle Centre!
TeamMoto stores have always been a one-stop-shop for all your motorcycle needs and our commitment to offering customers the best experience possible has been enhanced by the introduction of the TeamMoto Learner Motorcycle Centre.
Dedicated to introducing all levels of riders to the motorcycle lifestyle, the Learner Motorcycle Centre - in conjunction with TeamMoto’s Motorcycle Riding School - is a one-stop-shop for riders where they can get their motorcycle licence, the latest accessories and gear and even a new Hyosung motorcycle!
Working with the Motorcycle Riding School who run one, two and three day Q-Ride courses, the Learner Motorcycle Centre can help you get your motorcycle licence or upgrade to an unrestricted licence. There are also Advanced Road Craft courses available for new riders to learn more complex techniques, or experienced riders to brush up things they may have forgotten.??
The Learner Motorcycle Centre also offers all the latest accessories in special value packs for first time riders to get all the gear they need at the best prices. If you are just new to motorcycling it can be a daunting task to outfit yourself with all the correct gear, but we make it easy with ready-to-go accessories packs for riders to choose from.
Safety and offering our customers the best possible experience are our main priorities, therefore the Learner Approved motorcycles available to get your licence on are current models and include a range of brands to choose from. This is one of the only fleets in the country where you can learn to ride on the bike you want to buy!
The motorcycles we train new riders on include the following popular LAMS models; Honda CBR125, Honda CBR250R, Honda CB400, Yamaha XV250 Virago, Yamaha XVS650, Yamaha YZF-R15, Suzuki GS500 and in January 2012 Kawasaki Ninja250R and Kawasaki ER6NL will be joining the ranks as well.
Having this huge range of bikes available means if you are in the market for a LAMS motorcycle you can test ride the bike of your choice while getting your licence.
At TeamMoto we put a strong emphasis on lifestyle and the motorcycling experience and we want you to have the bike of your dreams. For the past two years – and no doubt again in May 2012 - TeamMoto has held a “Ride by the Lake” Demo Day in Brisbane with over 40 bikes available to test ride on an extended 30-minute route. We believe trying a bike is a huge part of the purchasing process and the Learner Motorcycle Centre is taking that concept to the next level.
On top of the variety of models available to get your licence on, we also offer a huge range of used LAMS approved motorcycles to buy. With an extensive variety of used LAMS bikes, as well as brand new Hyosung and Kymco models, the Learner Motorcycle Centre really does offer everything you need to make the most out of your ride!
The Learner Motorcycle Centre is now open in the hub of motorcycling in Brisbane, at 59 Moss St, Springwood. For riders new and old, the Centre is all about TeamMoto’s commitment to safety and promoting the motorcycling community.
Christian Loghem and his Super Tenere have covered some serious kilometers in the past few years. Last Christmas he completed his first long distance expedition and this year he planned a repeat that was bigger and better!
“The Chef and his Bike” embarked on their epic adventure on December 12th and finished up 26 days later.
In the December eNews (click here) we gave a sneak peek to Christian’s journey and left him as he was finishing his second day on the road. Since then he covered some serious ground…
Below are some excepts from Christian’s superb Facebook blog, which he documented along his adventure. It’s a treat to read his story in full, so be sure to check out his facebook page by clicking here.
Day 3 – Putty to O’Connell, 287km “I got a bit adventurous today and took some dirt tracks for some awesome photo opportunities; and with some great vantage points overlooking spectacular scenery through the mountains, it was worth the effort.”
Day 4 – O’Connell to Canberra – 393km “This morning I had a taste of some of the cold weather I may experience once I get to Tasmania – or if I ever ride in Antarctica!! Blimey it was cold!!... I headed east and over to Hartley as I wanted to check out the Full Throttle Café – Australia’s apparent equivalent to the famous Ace Café in North London. I arrived keen for a big biker breakfast only to find it still closed… bummer!”
Day 5-8 – Canberra to Khancoban – 480km “After a relaxing weekend, I felt energized for the next part of my Great South East Tour – a two day ride down through Cooma, Perisher Valley, Thredbo and surrounding areas. After some issues with weather, I eventually did come upon a great section of dirt road, in the middle of absolutely nowhere – God’s country!
I pushed on with the GPS track me towards Cooma so I knew I was heading in the general right direction and I was having a ball on the solid but very off-the-beaten dirt tracks. This was to be the very epitome of adventure riding in my opinion. …I ventured on through Thredbo and along the Alpine Way.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing though I must report – I hit my first Wallaby on the twisting mountain road as I passed over the Great Dividing Ranges. The little buddy came out of no-where and slammed into the side of the bike! After a few little wallaby head shakes he bounced off! He was a kamikaze little thing and was surely needing some nurofen that night LOL!”
Day 9 – Khancoban – Canberra – "Still buzzing from my off-road adventures yesterday, at Tumut I decided to get off the main road and take the Wee Jasper Road which winds its way through state forests and pine logging wilderness areas. The bitumen soon gave way to the start of 27km of loose dirt and gravel roads which despite my apprehension riding on such a fully loaded heave bike, I thoroughly enjoyed – once again!”
Day 10 - 17 – Canberra – Great break over Christmas! Ready to get back on the road…
Day 18 – Canberra to Hay – 560km “Great day on the bike, it was good to get back into the action. At the camp spot I found myself a lovely little patch of grass under a broad green shady tree and pitched my tent for the evening and a nice Germany Lady came over and asked if I would like to join her family for a BBQ dinner. They had seen me by myself and were interested in my bike, my journey and my plans. I soon became their new best friend and when they asked if I would like a beer … I then proceeded to explain what “does a bear shit in the woods?” means and had to assure them that in fact there were no bears in Australia … that I knew of – apart from the drop bears :) ”
Day 19 – Hay NSW – Murray Bridge, SA – 602km “Today will be remembered for the long straight boring roads and searing heat unlike anything I have experienced! I passed the border into SA and couldn’t believe how far I had traveled. 3800km so far from Brisbane, but there is a long way to go still! On the subject of a long way to go, I had put in some (“some” but I could have done more!) physical training in my lead up to this trip and I thought I was in OK shape.
With the heat the past few days and the long distances traveled, I must say that I am really struggling. The fatigue factor is a physical and mental battle and that is certainly the case for me today. But after a total of 602kms I found a great little Caravan Park on the banks of the mighty Murray River. It was great to relax in my hammock in the afternoon breeze looking over the water. I also made small chit chat to two very cute little alpacas.”
Day 20 – 23, South Australia to Geelong, Victoria – 1,355km in three days “Coming down into Cape Jarvis was simply magical. I realized something about where I was at on this journey too. The road down into the cape stops at the water … I couldn’t ride any further – I had reached the end of the road!
So I turned around and went looking for a camp spot, it was New Years Eve after all! I found the perfect place just off the main road, with the scrub at my back bordering the ocean. I hear the water and can see a mesmerizing sunset.”
Day 23 – “I made a right turn onto the start of the Great Ocean Road and I don’t think my jaw closed all afternoon. There are no pictures nor is there anything that I can write here that will do this next 150km stretch of road justice – except to say that if you have not done the Great Ocean Road either by car or bike then you MUST do it sometime!
Absolutely breathtaking scenery over the coastline and vast deep waters of our southern ocean. What an amazing afternoon – I was now living my own dream!"
Day 23 – "I am at a crossroads in my trip now. I have some decisions to make tonight and in the morning. I am having a great trip, don’t get me wrong and have seen a lot of things and fulfilled many dreams, however I am also feeling like I have bitten off more than I can chew in planning to ride Tasmania via Adelaide in summer. The hot days have taken their toll for sure. Sitting at home in Brisbane planning this trip, I did not factor in the heat, the distance and my fitness levels.
I have to decide if I will take the boat to Tassie or to save that experience for a future trip. There are also some personal developments on the home front … sometimes plans change for a reason and I am philosophical about my predicament."
Day 24 – Geelong, VIA to Goulburn NSW – 760km “So the decision was easy to make when I woke up this morning. I concluded that Tassie will be there next year! I concluded that I had had a fantastic trip to date and if I went home now, will I be satisfied with the trip that I did do, or would I be disappointed that it was not completed as planned? So my decision was to head north, so I still had a long way to go! All up, a mere 760kms today and easily the longest day of riding I have ever done that is for sure!"
Day 25 – Goulburn, NSW to Coffs Harbour, NSW via Sydney CBD – 770km “So glad I went through Sydney CBD to see the bridge and opera house, I could still smell the smoke from the recent NYE celebrations! Heading on to Coffs Harbour, things started to catch up with me. I made it and eventually found a hotel, but that night I realized a few things! I am painfully continuing on what has now become a massive learning curve for me in so many ways – the following come to mind –
a) plan better, b) allow for more “me” time on such a long journey; c) listent to my gut more when I decide to change my plans, d) live the life I had planned and refrain from listening to the voices in my head … and e) toughen up – don’t assume my apparent fitness will be enough… in hindsight, many other lessons will be learnt as well! Wouldn’t we all do things a little different with the benefit of hindsight?"
Day 26 – Coffs Harbour NSW to Brisbane, QLD – 400km "Boy was I happy and relieved to see the QLD border sign! Five states and 7000km and I was glad to be back in the best one! It was a very tough day physically and mentally and it was a massive relief to be home!
Thankfully I have the opportunity now to plan future trips with all the lessons I have learnt from this experience. Tasmania awaits… !!"
- Christian Loghem
Trip Summary Stats:
Total kms of this trip: 7038
Total days of this trip: 26
Longest Day on the road: 780km (12 hours)
Shortest Day on the road: 180km (4 hours)
Fuel stops made: 23
Total litres of fuel used: 361.6
Dollars spend on fuel (premium unleaded): $551.60
Highest price paid per litre: $1.62 (Cape Jaffa)
Average KM per litre: 19.46
A TeamMoto Story: Dave Elliott
Dave Elliott has been working with TeamMoto for the past 13 years. He has found himself progressing through a challenging and rewarding career within the most dynamic and exciting industry.
Who knew there was such a possibility for learning and development with a bike shop. When you stop and consider things, there is a huge range of opportunities for career paths in the motorcycle industry and Dave's TeamMoto story is just one.
***
1998. I started at TeamMoto 13 years ago. I was 21 when I started as a Driver for Shogun Honda (which is now known as TeamMoto Honda Springwood) on Moss St. I was a driver for 6 months before changing over to the workshop and finishing my Mechanics Apprenticeship with the shop.
2000. Now a fully qualified motorcycle mechanic, I worked as a mechanic for Shogun Honda.
2001. I became the Service Manager for Shogun Honda. This meant I now managed all the apprentices and mechanics for the dealership and everything related to the workshop and service.
2004. TeamMoto was born and Shogun Honda became TeamMoto Honda Springwood. I was now the Service Manager for TeamMoto Honda Springwood where I stayed until 2010.
2010. I moved to TeamMoto Virginia for a few months, before being appointed Relief Service Manager for the entire group. Being the Relief Service Manager for all TeamMoto dealerships meant I filled in at all the dealerships when Service Managers are on holidays. This allowed me to move around to all of the dealerships in turn and it was a great opportunity to work with different teams of people and the different manufacturers.
2012: I have become the Group Service Manager Trainer. I help train and educate all new Service Managers and assist at all TeamMoto dealerships in the Service department.
The great thing about TeamMoto is that you can start from the bottom and work your way to the top. I started as a driver running errands and now I am the Group Service Manager Trainer, answering directly to the Group Service Manager.
One of the main reasons I have stayed as long as I have is because TeamMoto really looks after their staff and they appreciate your hard work and dedication, it doesn't go unnoticed.
Working in a bike shop is also a great lifestyle; I work with really great guys and love meeting the different mechanics that work across all the TeamMoto dealerships. There is so much knowledge and experience in the service department, many mechanics have been with the company for over a decade. It's great to see the depth of mechanics that we have in our workshops across the group and it feels good to work with such a great team.
- Dave Elliott
NEW MODEL Honda CB125E: It's how much??
Affordable, reliable and easy to ride. These are three of the main criteria when looking for your first motorcycle. Since the introduction of the LAMS scheme in Australia, there is a huge range of Learner Approved motorcycles on the market and choosing can seem a daunting task with the amount of options available.
Honda is one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to LAMS motorcycles and they have introduced a new model which fits each of these criteria perfectly.
The 2012 Honda CB125E has a 124.1cc air cooled engine, front disc and rear drum brakes with a low seat height of 767mm, Honda CB heritage styling and a gob-smacking price of $2,990 Ride Away!
That’s right, no typo here… this brand new naked Honda machine is under three grand ride away and offers value like no other motorcycle in the Honda range.
Designed with Honda’s renowned quality and durability, the CB125E is ideal for first time riders with its easy handling, or city commuters with its fuel efficiency. The combination of style and practicality also ensures the bike will be a fun and satisfying ride.
Available in three colours; red, blue and white, this LAMS approved bike is the perfect machine to learn and grow with – at definitely the right price.
Suzuki has released new colours for two extremely popular models …
The 2012 GSX-R750 and 2012 DR650SE will be sporting new livery this year that will definitely turn heads and are available at TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia now.
2012 DR650SE
With unsurpassable value-for-money, the reliable Suzuki DR650SE is now available in a distinctive all new Solid Iron Grey colour scheme as well as the classic white colour scheme.
Giving riders plenty of low-to-mid range torque, the DR650SE is powered by a 644cc, four-stroke, air-cooled engine, with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coated cylinders to minimise wear.
The powerful, lightweight engine is accompanied by an electric starter and a five-speed transmission.
The Suzuki DR650SE is ideal for long haul trips, as well as short bursts on the trail and guarantees a comfortable and enjoyable ride with its cushioned seat and aluminium footpegs.
Completing a standout performer, the DR650SE's lightweight frame and long-travel suspension with 260mm of wheel travel tames the toughest terrain.
The ultimate street legal trail machine, the Suzuki DR650SE is also Learner Approved, making it perfect for riders just starting out.
When you ride a GSX-R750 you have the privilege of riding a legend. And for 2012 the legend continues in a new Marble Daytona Yellow/Sparkle Black colour combination, which is available now!
It's championship-winning sport bike that not only ushered in the era of racebike replicas - it's also set records that will never be broken. On the road or on the track, the GSX-R750 delivers a riding experience that is a breathtaking combination of outstanding engine performance, crisp handling, compact size and light weight.
The 2012 DAKAR will go down in the record books as one of the closest battles in history between KTM rivals Cyril Despres and Mark Coma. The Frenchman and the Spainard held three DAKAR titles each coming into this event and in the end, after 14 gruelling stages, it was the Frenchman Cyril Despres who triumphed to claim his fourth DAKAR title!
Words can't truly describe the atmosphere and spirit of the Dakar, so hopefully this pictorial will give you some insight into this legendary race.
The Dakar visited Peru for the first time in it's history. Started in Mar Del Plata Argentina, the race traversed across Argentina, Chile and into Peru to finish in Lima.
All the motorcycle competitors before the event.
Multiple Enduro World Champion KTM's Johnny Aubert tried his hand at the hardest motorcycle race in the world this year. He finished his first Dakar 14th overall, even claiming 4th in on Stage.
Ruben Faria and Cyril Despres during a transport section.
Spot the Mini!!! The XRAID Mini Team dominated in the car category this year. Did you know just one of these special Mini Countrymen cost over €900,000 Euro? And there were five in the team.
You either hate him or you love him. But one thing you can't deny is the man knows how to drive. Robby Gordon and his Hummer definitely add a flare of charisma / controversy / whatever you want to call it, they add the atmosphere that only DAKAR can produce.
The Bivouac locations for each overnight stop can be set in some breathtaking locations.
On an Aussie note… three Australian riders finished the gruelling event which is a massive achievement! The below press release from MA outlines their achievement … well done guys!
The journey is over for the three Aussies who survived the 2012 Dakar Rally, with the gruelling Desert Enduro coming to an end after the completion of Stage 14.
It was a brilliant end to the Rally for GHR Honda rider Jamie Chittick, who continued his impressive second half of the event to finish the final stage in 32nd position.?? This performance ensured he would finish on the fringes of the top 50, in 54th position overall.??
Fellow Aussie Dean Nuttall comes away from the 2012 Dakar Rally as the highest-placed Aussie rider, finishing in 40th overall after another top 40 stage effort, finishing in 36th position.
??Rounding out the surviving Aussies was the Husaberg Rallye Australia star man David Schwarz, who despite struggling on the final stage to finish 71st, still maintained his position inside the top 50 overall in 43rd.?? Congratulations to all the Aussie riders who attempted and completed to the 2012 Dakar Rally.
Image below: Dave Schwarz coming down into the famous bivouac at Iquique.
What an accomplishment! Dave Schwarz is now three finishes from three starts at the Dakar. With his finishing medal and his hard working team. Congratulations!
There you have it ... the 2012 DAKAR Motorcycle podium ...
1st. Cyril Despres KTM, 2nd. Mark Coma KTM, 3rd. Helder Rodrigues YAMAHA.
RST Pro Series Adventure Gear: There's even a roadkill pouch!
By Steve Douglas, TeamMoto Accessories
Oh!! Another textile jacket, just what we need!!!!!
Unless this jacket has got electric windows and cruise control with a space to put road kill..... then I'm not interested!
Well sit me down and call me crazy, the new RST Pro Series Adventure Jacket does! Well, except for the cruise control.
We all know that the adventure riding/touring sector of the motorcycle market is going off the hook at the moment. Must be because it's the last place where we can have fun without being told how fast to go, how short our rear fender is, how loud our bike is etc etc etc.
RST have come up with some riding kit that allows you take one outfit and ride from the desert to the top of the Snowys and back without needing any other riding apparel.
The RST Pro Series Adventure Jacket is attractively constructed in a sand /black colour scheme and is more than just good looking kit. The 600D Maxtex material with the 1680d ballistic outer shell is damn tough.
With zip off arms, zipped ventilation front and rear with the option of removing the sleeves, it is more than cool in our warm climate. It felt almost air conditioned!
Front storm flaps (electric windows) on the chest of the jacket allow full flowing air into the jacket when opened and provide full protection with waterproof zips when closed. A removable waterproof membrane halts all the rain that our lovely country can throw at it and when removed allows the jacket to be completely ventilated.
Once you've got your bike into the cold climate, zip in the 100g quilted liner (lighter than the full winter jacket and warmer than the ventilator 2) and you'll be toastier than a blue tongue on a rock.
Impact protection is brilliant. Once again RST provide a jacket with high quality Contour Plus CE shoulder and elbow guards and is one of very few brands to provide a Contour CE back protector as standard.
Throw your drink bag in the hydration pocket, wipe the dust of the Scotchlite reflective panels and with all these features zipped to the matching pants then your nearly ready to adventure away.
Last but not least there is the zip off "Roadkill" pocket on the back off the jacket! Serious! But some of us might use it for less adventurous items like maps of our favourite trails.
This rear pocket also zips off and when turned inside out becomes a carry bag with strap, perfect for valuables and things you don't want to leave with your bike if you should wander off.
This jacket feels amazing to wear and the fit is awesome. The other important aspect of this jacket is the competitive price. Full RRP for the jacket is $399 with the pants at $249.
The RST Pro Adventure Series jacket and pants are available at TeamMoto now, so get in and try it for yourself!
- Steve
Motorcycle Riding School: Danger Zone!
By Steve McDowall, TeamMoto Riding School Manager
People - a lot of you are in the danger zone RIGHT NOW !!!
Let me explain.
Did you set a New Year’s resolution? If you did, you’re like about 45% of the population.
But did you know that around a third of those people who made resolutions don’t make it to the end of the first month before breaking it and giving up.
And the highest risk time is about NOW – so this is the danger zone (roll images of jet fighters, Tom Cruise and that Top Gun soundtrack).
Why? Well it’s really simple.
Most people make resolutions for things they really want to do better or
change, or things they really want to have. So the most common
resolutions are around fitness, weight loss, quitting smoking and
improving finances.
Don’t get me wrong, setting a goal is a really good thing, and the most successful people in the world are avid goal setters.
But where people go wrong is expecting to go too fast too quickly.
Wow! Does that sound like any riders you know?
Giving up any bad habit “cold turkey” is a harsh and unrealistic way to do things, it’s best to make changes gradually. It’s the same with changing any behaviour, or learning new things.
The trick to achieving anything in life is to set realistic targets or goals. Aim for something that you can believe you can achieve.
And once you’ve done that, raise the bar and go for it again.
Do you think if I decided on New Year’s Eve I was going to be this year’s MotoGP World Champion that I’d actually be able to achieve it?
Without even considering my riding skills (or age) you’d have to say no, because you know that only a very small group of people in the world get a chance at that, and it takes years of work to build up the skills needed. It’s a totally unrealistic goal for me, and I’m only setting myself up for disappointment.
It’s great to want to improve our riding skills, but maybe taking baby steps rather than quantum leaps could be a safer option, what do you think?
Just because our mates can take that corner at a certain speed, does it mean we can? Or that we should even try?
Riding within the limits of your skills and the road conditions will give you a far better chance of having a happy ending to your day. Sometimes, that might mean turning down the ego dial.
But I’d rather turn down the ego dial than go through the agony of a crash, and then face the repair bill.
As you continue to learn, pace yourself, gradually include new techniques and consolidate them before trying too much.
So, if you made a New Year’s resolution around improving your riding we’re always here to help you. One of the most satisfying things all of us here find in our work is helping develop a rider’s skills.
Just don’t ask us to help you with a lot of those other resolutions though :)
- Steve
Team Green Showcase at Kawasaki Bowen Hills January 19th!
TeamMoto Bowen Hills is hosting a TEAM GREEN SHOWCASE tonight - Thursday January 19th 2012 - at 39 Allison St!
This Team Green Showcase is a chance for TeamMoto Bowen Hills to have an EXCLUSIVE model release for one night only on four brand new 2012 Kawasaki machines!
The night will include presentations highlighting the four new models -
2012 ZX-14R, 2012 Versys1000, 2012 Ninja250, 2012 ER-6N - as well as
free drinks and a sausage sizzle, genuine Kawasaki product giveaways, a
"mystery offer" worth $595 given FREE with every bike sold on the night
and a GREEN DOT accessories sale, save 10-50% off selected accessories!
This special Team Green Showcase is for ONE NIGHT ONLY so be sure to hurry down to 39 Allison St Bowen Hills tonight for a great evening!
29th January - TeamMoto Triumph Virginia Road Ride
TeamMoto Triumph Virginia's monthly road rides are back for 2012! The first of the year will kick off from 1924 Sandgate
Road, Virginia on Sunday, January 29th 2012 at 7am with the coffee van in attendance!
The ride will take a route through Clear Mountain and up into the
Sunshine Coast hinterland. The ride will conclude around for Lunch at Bellbird Creek Tea House outside Kenilworth.
And this month, due to the awesome amount
of numbers that we have been receiving, each rider will be given an arm
band to distinguish them as part of the TeamMoto Triumph Virginia ride!
The TeamMoto Triumph Virginia rides will once again be continueing on the last Sunday of every month throughout the year. Andrew has some fantastic new routes planned as well, so stay tuned each month for the new routes will be introduced in the next few months!
For more information, please contact Andrew at TeamMoto Triumph Virginia on (07) 3177 5080.
Shots of the Month
And we are back for another year! 2011 was amazing and 2012 looks to be even better ... and the Shots of the Month are just as weird and wonderful as usual :) Happy New Year everyone!
Below. Mint 400 Motocross Race
Aerial view of contestants in the Mint 400 Motocross endurance race through the Mojave Desert, Nevada, September 1971. Journalist Hunter S. Thompson, contracted to write an article on the race for Sports Illustrated magazine, turned his coverage into the novel 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vagas.' (Photo by Bill Eppridge/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images). September 1, 1971.
Below. Triumph Australia Facebook "Project Desert Sled"
Triumph Motorcycles Australia put these concepts on their Facebook page for some feedback and we reckon they look pretty awesome! Check out the transformation of Triumph's "Project Desert Sled".
Below. Special Yamaha YZF-R1 on display at TeamMoto Yamaha Enoggera.
1 of only 2 in Queensland! Only 24 in Australia and 2000 worldwide!
This very special edition Yamaha YZF-R1 had to be paid for before it was ordered! The lucky customer has kindly lent it to the shop for a few months to have on display, be sure to come down and check it out!
Below. Q-TEC Engineering Q4 Quad Concept
Q-TEC Engineering can transform your motorcycle into the most exclusive and ultimate Quad the world has seen! I don't think there is much else to say really.
