I have to be honest and say that I had preconceived notions when it came to the 2011 Kawasaki KLX450R. That is to say, I thought that I already had this bike pegged. I had taken one look and based on my prior knowledge of other 450F’s, I figured I wouldn’t be in for much of a surprise. Just another trail bike that slots somewhere into that ever competitive 450cc enduro/trail category.
Boy, was I wrong. Never judge a book by its cover. First impressions can be deceiving. Any more clichés you can throw back at me? Because when it comes to this bike, I will admit it right here and now – in writing – I was seriously mistaken.
A big thank you needs to be given to Kawasaki Australia who lent us this bike for several weeks. The first rider to take it out for a spin was TeamMoto Marketing Manager Mark Luxford, who excitedly loaded ‘er up and headed to Woodford for an adventure ride….
“Well can you imagine the excitement when Rob the QLD Rep for Kawasaki said I can borrow a new KLX450R. Picture a middle aged man jumping up and down like a little child, on second thoughts let’s not go there.
TeamMoto Enoggera’s adventure ride was coming up so I grabbed at the opportunity. The only thing is that I would have to carry five liters of fuel in my backpack, but this turned out to be no issue. As a novice dirt bike rider and road rider I found this bike to be perfect for dirt tracks and boggy wet tracks. It gave me a huge confidence boost with the available power and grip.
You may find the more experienced rider would say put an aftermarket pipe on it with professional level forks. Me I say this is a damn fun bike to ride with great power delivery and at my level it is the perfect bike for hitting the dirt.
If you wanted to make it more of a dirt adventure bike then put a larger tank on it, but on the dirt sections it left the bigger adventure bikes way behind. As one very experienced person on the ride that day said to me “On a ride like today the KLX450R is the bike they would ride if they had the choice.”– Mark Luxford
I must admit it was at this point, when Mark returned grinning like the Cheshire cat from his adventure ride, that I first started to doubt my indifference towards the KLX. Perhaps there was more to this bike then at first glance…
So we loaded it up and I took it home for a weekend, where I had lined up some more subjects to test the bike; namely my partner Nate and our friends Mitch and Kurt Bowen.
The fact that both Nate and Mitch are Pro Enduro Racers and Kurt is a
mean trail rider himself, I figured these boys would be able to give a
good all round review of the KLX and whether it could stand up
performance wise to some serious riders.
I had left them alone for a few hours while I got groceries (ever the dutiful girlfriend) and when I came back I honestly couldn’t believe the smiles on their faces. They all loved the KLX! Nate was flying around the MX track doing all the jumps and Mitchy even believed he would be faster on the grasstrack with the amount of amazing traction the KLX was pulling, then on his larger cc race spec enduro weapon!
“I found the KLX 450R to be a very impressive package, I was surprised at how easy it was to ride as I was expecting a typical heavy 450, but that was definitely not the case. This is a great bike that is perfect for many disciplines of riding - it could be a perfect adventure bike, trail riders bike and it actually doesn’t even feel out of place a motocross track!
The engine overall was the most impressive for me - with smooth power right off the bottom, but it still had the legs up top for those long trail/adventure rides... The traction we got with the Kawasaki on the Grass track is very confidence inspiring and an absolute pleasure to ride.
If I was to race this all I would do is stiffen up the suspension and maybe add an aftermarket pipe to give it that punch off the bottom. Other than that a very impressive go anywhere, do anything bike.” – Nathan Castle
At first I couldn’t believe my ears as the guys all praised it to the heavens … but then I realized what they were talking about when I jumped on the KLX in the afternoon – what a fantastic bike!
Right away I fell in love with the smooth engine and actually laughed out loud when I twisted the throttle and there was a considerable punch in response! Fun! I nearly came off the back as I tipped it into the first rut, as I gave it a fist full and I shot out of that corner like a rocket! It was nimble in the tight trees – although I did feel the weight of the 450 slightly, as I am used to a 250 – with great power in the open sections. The amount of traction was ridiculously confidence inspiring and it cornered fantastic.
I had serious fun on the KLX450R and would love to try it in a more
adventure ride setting as well, because I believe it would be the ideal
adventure bike for me. Some girls might think the 450cc would be too
much for them, but it was very manageable and the smoothness of the
engine makes you forget that you are actually on a 450.
The extra weight that I felt amongst the tight trees is also a good aspect of the bike, as it was super solid over rocks and logs.
The seat height also felt considerably lower than other dirt bikes, and could most likely be made even lower again to accommodate those of a shorter stature.
And speaking of those of a shorter stature… there was one more test rider that caught wind of the KLX and wanted to put it through its paces.
My Dad has raced motorcycles for over 40 years and has not only won championships in disciplines ranging from Trials to Ice Racing, but has tested his fair share of motorcycles…
“They say that all motorcycles are a compromise. For the life of me I can’t see where Kawasaki’s compromises on the KLX450R have hurt the bikes intended use anywhere! I have raced bikes off-road for about 40 of my 57 years so am familiar with all sizes and most makes of dirt bikes.
The KLX is less powerful and slower revving than the KX but both these traits make it much better for me. The gearing and power are perfect for trail riding, but don't think the KLX doesn't have any juice, as at any time with a twist of the throttle I could lift the front end of the bike!
On the road the gearing is just a bit low but a run at 100k’s for half an hour was no problem. This bike is perfect for a commuter as road riding it is more than adequate.
I am a small guy at 170mm and 72kg’s but this bike really surprised me on the trails at our farm. Not once did I feel the bike was controlling me even on tight single track that Rosie felt slightly overwhelmed on.
The bike felt nimble at anything over walking pace and the weight never an issue. This bike is so easy to ride that it blew all my stereotyping out the door! What changes would I make?? None!! I loved the bike just the way it is!! Did I mention how much I appreciate the quiet exhaust??”- Gordon Lalonde
In conclusion it might seem like a slightly adverse thing to say that this bike was such a surprise package, but to be honest I think the KLX450R likes to fly under the radar - it’s the type of bike that knows its job and just goes about its business without a fuss. That is, until you twist the throttle and get the front wheel in the air! And to be honest… I think my Dad’s going to buy one!
And just to make this bike just a little bit sweeter ... there is a current promotion running on the KLX450R which features a $2,000 Enduro Kit FREE with every bike! The pack includes:
Pro Circuit slip-on muffler
DID heavy duty chain
Michelin Cross Competition S12 XC tyre set
Talon front and rear sprocket
Castrol oil kit
GoPro HD motorsports camera kit
Uni Filter air filter
Skullcandy “Uprock” headphones
Kawasaki genuine spares kit (additional spares including jet for the Pro Circuit pipe)
4 pack of Monster Energy
This promotion is only available for a limited time only! So click here to contact your local TeamMoto Kawasaki dealership today!
Teaching an old dog new tricks... James Deakin takes on the A4DE!
Think back to when you were growing up; the names of your childhood motorcycle heroes are always instantly recalled.
In the Golden era of Mr. Motocross back in the 80’s, James Deakin fast became a household name. Having started racing when he was 14, Deakin proceeded to storm through the Australian motocross and supercross scene until two shoulder reconstructions forced his retirement at the tender age of 26.
Through his 12 years racing Deakin twice claimed third overall in the Mr. Motocross series (1986 / 1988), a second in the Australia 500cc titles and had a penchant for winning the “big money” races.
He claimed first at the 1987 Sydney Entertainment Centre Supercross (which had the biggest purse for the winner of any race in Australia), as well as first in the Adelaide Grand Prix Supercross which was a precursor to the Adelaide Grand Prix and which always had a significant first place purse.
Deakin’s name is recalled amongst the era of Australian motocross legends such as Craig Dack, Stephan Gall and Jeff Leisk. So it’s interesting to see his name pop up some years after his heyday in the riders list for, of all events, the 2011 Australian 4-Day Enduro!
That’s right, Deakin is having a crack at his first ever Enduro at this year’s A4DE held July 7-10th in Mackay, Queensland.
The A4DE is the biggest off-road motorcycle endurance race in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts more than 350 riders every year.
The event is run over four days and is the ultimate test of rider and machine, in which competitors cover over 800 kilometers and spend more than 25-hours on their motorcycles.
The race is ran in time rally format (similar to rally cars) with
entrants completing three days of trail and special test phases with a
final motocross rounding things off on day 4.
And this year James is joining the fray, entering the Masters class aboard a KTM 450SX-F.
After retiring from motocross and starting two very successful used car
dealerships in Morayfield (CarMart), Deakin has taken to trail riding
over the past few years.
With a group of friends, he has not only combed the SEQ trail riding areas relentlessly, but has also gone on three and four day trail rides around the Coffs Harbour area, the Snowy Mountains in Victoria and many other fantastic locations around Australia.
Deakin’s decision to race the 4-day however didn’t just stem from his love of trailriding, it came in the form of another great Australian motocross legend: Jeff Leisk.
When James found out his old mate Leisky (who now happens to be the
General Manager of KTM Australia) was planning on racing the Masters
class at the 4-Day, the competitive spirit of old was awoken and he
immediately signed up.
Sadly because of the date change (the event was
moved from April until July because of weather issues) Jeff Leisk has
since had to pull out of the event, but Deakin is still focused and keen
to be part of this iconic Australian race.
“It’s really too bad that Jeff had to pull out,” Deakin says. “He is a real legend of Australian racing and adds so much credibility to the Masters class. I know the Pro’s like Toby Price and Stefan Merriman are were the action lies, but with Jeff in the Masters class it really upped the anti!”
“But I am still really excited for the event. I have had a lot of help from Rex Fleiter and Michael Oliver who between them have raced 22 years of enduro, so I have been picking their brains to learn everything I can.”
Having been training and riding (and practicing tyre changes!) in anticipation the past few months, Deakin is excited at the challenge ahead and this new chapter of motorcycle racing which has begun.
So keep an eye on the Masters class at this years’ A4DE – no longer will it just be the “old guys” class – no, you can surmise that with Deakin in the mix, there will be some serious racing taking place!
(Pictured Left: Rex Fleiter (left) has been instrumental in Deakin's A4DE preparation.)
One Life Experience: From Australia to France on a motorcycle
By Jean Ride, Translated from French
It was already 2 years ... 2 years ago that Cyril is whispering in my ear this crazy idea ... This idea, this delirium, which goes from the simple idea, dream and an obsession in my mind: From Australia to France on a motorcycle ...
8 months to think about it, 4 months preparing for my departure from
France, 2 ½ months to test my ability on Australian roads, 6 months to
work, prepare, organize this crazy adventure that is the project of a
life ... One Life Experience ...
This trip is a unique adventure, which not only makes us live in extreme moments of discovery, but also a time of sharing, sharing with you in France or elsewhere and you escape the time of surfing the web while watching our adventures.
It is also a time for sharing through the association "Les Blouses Roses", we knew we were going to live unique moments, and we wanted to share. There is no better way than sharing with children hospitalised with diseases which often forces them to not be able to dream for the future. These dreams we try to provide them through our visits, our stories, our pictures. A half-day or full day with them to try to take them with us in spirit ... It is also an exchange with the children. In the hospital, they often have a maturity and an approach to life that we have much to learn.
On 27 March, we started from Fremantle in Western Australia with our 2010 Kawasaki KLR650 and 2011 Kawasaki KLX250. To attend the event, a community of 30 riders accompanied us on the first 100km, then, the crossing of Australia by the Great Central Road, which this year, unusually, gave us a green landscape following major summer rains. 2000km of track where motorcycles and drivers are put to the test.
Cyril, commencing on his motorcycle, took its first steps on surfaces other than asphalt. A good training from the start, or it could be a scare: big crash at 70km / h in a sandbank. The bike rolled over, and with him. Fortunately more frightened than hurt, and after repair and one night in the bush, we could leave.
rossing Aboriginal communities, raids down to 4X4 on the edge of the runway. Then the magnificent view of Kata Tjuta, followed closely by Uluru.
After a brief stint in the bitumen, we take the trail to Kings Canyon, Alice Springs before moving to our first rest day. Revision of bikes, we go back to the south, 1,000 km of road or single track through the opal mines of Coober Pedy vary the landscape.
The nights in tents are becoming cool, we have no winter gear ... It's in Port Augusta that we turn due east to join Canberra, through the beautiful Snowy Mountains, beautiful scenery and roads - the bikers dream!
We are doing our second break of a few days in Canberra, the time to get our Russian visas. Then towards Sydney, where we'll say hello to Kawasaki Motors Australia. We go up north to our ultimate goal of Australia: Brisbane.
We are greeted by TeamMoto, who is responsible for checking over my KLR650, and are always recommended for purposes of the continuation of the adventure.
Cyril threw me in this project, I started on the road, the experience of a life began, he returned to France where he is now reunited with his family and where he will assist me as I continue this adventure across Russia back to France!
The next step? Vladivostok, Russia, June 2011, a month boat trip for the motorcycle, during which I will make a long resting stage in Southeast Asia ...
For more information on Jean's incredible journey, be sure to visit his website: www.onelife-experience.com!
One of One. You can't get more Limited Edition than that!
Unique – adjective 1. Existing as the only one or as the sole example. 2. Having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable.
In honour of the 500,000th unit to roll off the Triumph Hinckley Factory production line since the brand was revived in 1990, TeamMoto has honoured this one of a kind – truly unique – Speed Triple by producing our very own which is now on display at TeamMoto Triumph Virginia!
Dubbed “TV001” this hand painted customized Speed Triple is the only one of its kind in Australia – and our model even has some added features and characteristics that the 500,000th UK Triumph model doesn’t have.
The Triumph Virginia’s Speed Triple features special red, blue and white paint scheme with handmade decals as well as a flyscreen, seat cowl kit, bellypan in the matching paint scheme.
Plus a twin Arrow exhaust, bar end mirror kit, rear brake reservoir, front brake reservoir and tapered handlebars.
Paul Lewis, of TeamMoto Triumph Virginia, was the driving force behind this replica production bike and is very excited to have it on display.
“It’s a huge milestone for Triumph to reach the 500,000th bike,” Paul states. “And the one-off limited edition Speed Triple is a fantastic representation of the quality and history of the iconic brand.
The custom paint job is just fantastic and the added little extras we put on our bike really finish it off. This is a truly unique motorcycle that, although it looks great in the pictures, you really have to see in the flesh to appreciate!”
This truly unique Speed Triple is all ready to go awaiting that one lucky person who would like to ride it home ... price available upon request.
Be sure to contact TeamMoto Triumph Virginia today on (07) 3177 5080 and speak to Paul!
New models hit the market: A Bush Basher and a Street Fighter!
Two great new machines have hit the Australian market recently; the 2012 Kawasaki KVF750 4x4 EPS and the 2011 Suzuki GSR750!
2012 Kawasaki KVF750 4x4 EPS
Kawasaki’s flagship ATV rumbles onto the Australian market with this new 2012 model featuring a whole host of new changes and updates that make this big bore beast even more impressive!
Poised to hit the TeamMoto Kawasaki stores very soon, the “King of all ATV’s” comes with some great new features for 2012 including digital fuel injection, electronic power steering, independent front and rear suspension, fully automatic transmission and a sealed rear brake system.
Combine this with the massive 120kg combined carrying capacity, all digital instrumentation, easy electronic “selectable” 2WD/4WD option and the always impressive rugged bodywork and you have yourself a serious ATV that is ready for anything in its path!??
For more information, click here to contact your local TeamMoto Kawasaki dealer. Check out the video below from the American launch!
2011 Suzuki GSR750
The hotly anticipated and “chiseled” GSR750 is now in store at TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia! Based on the GSX-R750 engine, this new middleweight street fighter plunges straight into the hotly contested naked bike line-up against the likes of the Yamaha FZ8, Kawasaki Z750 and Triumph Street Triple.
With a powerful 749cc 4 cylinder, fuel injected engine, based on the race proven Gixxer 750, the GSR is tuned for broad low-end torque with a dynamic mid-range power.
The comfortable riding position, rear swept footrests, low mount handlebars, inverted forks which offer stronger rigidity than conventional forks and power designed for the streets makes the new GSR750 a true urban weapon.
Available now at TeamMoto Suzuki Virginia, click here to contact them today! Check out the official GSR750 spec video below.
Honda MASSIVE June Sale - ends June 30th!
Factory Bonuses. Once a year savings. 58 models heavily discounted! Genuine, fair dinkum savings but the sale must end June 30th 2011! All prices include factory bonuses, predelivery charges, 6 months QLD rego/CTP and stamp duties where applicable.
Be sure to hurry into your local TeamMoto Honda Dealership before the end of June!
The Swiss Army Knife of Jackets!
The brand new Alpinestars Durban Gore-Tex Jacket is aptly described as a Swiss Army Knife; packed with features and every time you look at it there is something new to discover!
Recently our avid adventurer Michael Oliver took the new Alpinestars Durban Gore-Tex adventure riding and he was suitably impressed with not only the features and styling, but the comfort and usability that this jacket provided.
With the recent cold snap across the country (I believe I saw snow on the news the other morning in Bathurst, yikes!), cold weather riding apparel that actually works is a high priority. There is nothing worse then buying the latest jacket or gloves that boast “warm & toasty” slogans only to have frostbite an hour into your ride (that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the drift!).
Having heading up into the Mount Mee state forest west of Brisbane at 6.00am last Sunday, Michael said he was extremely pleased with the warmth of the jacket in the brisk early morning temperature, as well as the versatility as he continued to wear it through the day.
“The jacket was comfortable to wear all day which was great,” Michael says. “I got a little warm when I had to ride slow and push the bike through some sections, but I wore the jacket all day and never got cold in the morning nor hot in the afternoon.”
Jammed packed full of great features, there are some really unique aspects to the Durban that make it stand out amongst other adventure textile jackets.
These include a two-liter storage bladder pocket for your drinking
system, integrated Alpinestars Bionic neck support connection system and
an ultra-light-weight removable Gore-Tex Paclite membrane.
Which in normal terms means: you can integrate your drinking system into
your jacket, plus wear your Alpinestars neckbrace with comfort and
there is an awesome lightweight interior jacket which can be removed in
warmer weather or worn separately by itself!
With a multifabric shell construction focused on the combination of
durability, protection and weight, along with welded, ceramic coated
reinforcements and articulated elbow protection, this jacket is
comfortable and strong.
And the best part about the Durban is the flexibility – you aren’t
limited to wearing it only in the winter months like a lot of cold
weather jackets. With the removable lining and removable sleeves, the
Durban can change quickly from jacket to vest! Therefore you can still
use all the pockets and features in vest format over your jersey in the
warmer months.
This new three-in-one Gore-Tex jacket from Alpinestars certainly has hit
the mark and with matching Durban Gore-Tex pants also available, this
is a great example of quality adventure wear. And with its Ewan
McGregor styling hints, it not only works good, but looks good too.
For more information on the Alpinestars Durban Gore-Tex Jacket (and don't forget there are matching pants available too!) click here to contact your local TeamMoto dealership!
Motorcycle Riding School: Change is a coming...
By Steve McDowall, TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School Manager
“They” say the only thing in life that doesn’t change is .... change! And it’s constant, so “they” say. I’m not sure who “they” are, but I’ve come to think that “they” seem to know what “they” are talking about.
In our motorcycling world, things are continually changing and improving. We’re always hearing about new technology, new tyres, new motorcycles.
And over the years this has brought about some major advancements in our riding experience.
Take the motorcycles themselves. My 1984 Kawasaki GPz750 weighed in at around 220kg (dry) and developed a massive 63.5kW – don’t take away that .5kW, we needed it back then!
Wind the clock forward and the current model now weighs around 160kg (dry) with a power output of over 110kW. That’s a massive difference in anyone’s language.
Being open to change is an essential part of learning new skills. We often have to accept that there may be a newer, better, more efficient way to do something, and for experienced riders that could mean letting go of a technique we’ve been using for years.
And sometimes, that’s simply because the machinery we’re working with is different.
Braking is one of those skills. Take that 1984 Kawasaki again. The brakes on that bike were good for the time, but compare it to the brakes on today’s model and the difference is mind blowing. Anyone with memories of how the bikes handled, and braked back then is probably nodding right now.
And this is where riders who haven’t ridden for 10 years or so get caught out. The memory of the bike they rode back then is in their mind when they hop on a current model. Suddenly it’s like a monster has been unleashed underneath them and the first ride in 10 years can turn into a, well … let’s just say I’ve seen a few riders come back white and in need of a quick trip to the bathroom.
You know what I’m going to suggest here …
Sometimes it’s good to get the ego back in check and admit that a day’s refresher training is a good idea if you haven’t ridden for a while. Damn it, it might just save your life, or at least the very embarrassing situation of having to bring the new pride and joy into the workshop with crash damage. End of sales spiel!
It’s not just returning riders that realise that they have to adapt and change to a new machine. In the Q-Ride assessment process we require you to use all available fingers on that front brake lever.
Yes, I now hear all the riders who have been on dirt bikes for years saying “but I only need 2 fingers”. And once again, we have to be open to changing the way we do something because they all realise very quickly that a road bike is a very different machine to a dirt bike and it needs different skills to ride it well.
Even buying a new bike can rattle the most experienced rider, so take advantage of that voucher we give you when you buy a motorcycle from us, and come on out to the Advanced Roadcraft course to freshen up the skills and learn what the new toy can do.
Ah yes, change. The one thing in life that is always there and yet we resist it so much. Accepting that it happens can open you up to a totally new experience in life.
And we’ve had some big changes at the school recently as well. Our manager, Caroline, who has led us for the past 15 months or so, has moved on to a new job. I’ve stepped up into her vacant seat and taken over managing the school as well as continuing to instruct. But, she’s a hard act to follow.
We all wish her well in her new adventure, and I’ve strapped on the L plates while I learn just what Caroline spent her very busy days doing. And trust me, I’ve had to eat my own words and accept that my whole world has … changed!
Upcoming Road Rides
There are plenty of road rides coming up for everyone around South East Queensland with TeamMoto Triumph Springwood and TeamMoto Triumph Virginia having their monthly Sunday rides this weekend.
Plus the Gold Coast will get a chance this Sunday and Honda Springwood is having their turn coming up soon in July!
June 26th - TeamMoto Triumph Springwood RAT Ride
TeamMoto Triumph Springwood is hosting a RAT Ride on Sunday, June 26th 2011.
Catering to the "Southside" riders, meet and greet at TeamMoto Triumph
Springwood (61 Moss St) from 8.00am. Ride departs at 8.30am sharp.
The ride will travel via Compton Rd, Beaudesert Rd, turn left at Learoyd
Rd, then follow through Inala and Progress Rd through to Ipswich
Motorway to Warrego Rd and Blacksoil. Distance from start approximately
60km's. There will be a short pit stop at Blacksoil BP to meet other
riders and top up fuel if needed.
Then we will follow Brisbane Valley Highway to Fernvale and continue
through Fernvale turn right Splityard Creek Road (Wivenhoe - Somerset
Rd) and follow through to Somerset turn off "T" intersection.
Turn Left and the "T" intersection towards Esk and travel along
Esk-Kilcoy Rd. Continue along until "T" interestion at Brisbane Valley
Highway and turn left to Esk.
Continue to Esk, stopping at Enigmas Cafe (137 Ipswich St Esk (Main
Street on left, phone (07) 5424 1415). Distance from start
approximately 147km's, arrival time approx 10:30/10:45am.
Depart Cafe at 11:15am.
Continue via Esk - Hampton Road towards Ravensbourne. Turn right at
sign to Perseverance Creek Dam, follow road through to Peachey "T"
intersection with New England Highway. Turn Left and follow Highway
through Hampton, Greham to Farmers Arm Tavern at Cabarlah (on right side
of Highway, phone (07) 4696 6202). Distance from start 220km's.
Arrival time approximately 12noon. Lunch stop for one hour duration.
Depart Cabarlah at 1pm. Travel along New England Highway to Highfield
BP Servo for fuel stop. (Distance to Springwood 180km's using second
option below).
Depart Servo and head towards Toowoomba, turn left via Murphy's Creek
Road, then left on Postman's Bridge Road onto Warrego Highway.
TWO RETURN OPTIONS:
1) Continue along Warrego Highway to Brisbane (boring way home!)
2) Take Helidon - Gatton exit on left continue through Grantham, Gatton,
Forest Hill, Laidley, Grandchester, Rosewood and Amberley to Cunningham
Highway. Take Centenary Highway exit on left follow Highway/Motorway
through to Gold Coast exit - Logan Motorway and return to Springwood /
Home.
Distance from start to return to Springwood is 390km's using option two.
For more information on the ride please contact TeamMoto Triumph Springwood on (07) 3380 2180. Hope to see you there!
June 26th - TeamMoto Triumph Virginia Northside Ride
For the "Northside" riders out there,
TeamMoto Triumph Virginia's road ride will kick off from 1924 Sandgate
Road, Virginia on Sunday, June 26th 2011 at 7am with a sausage sizzle
(and the coffee van will be in attendance!).
The ride will take a route through Clear Mountain and up into the
Sunshine Coast hinterland. The ride will conclude around 11:30ish for Lunch at Bellbird Creek Tea House outside Kenilworth.
On the way home - for all those Tiger riders -
several of the TeamMoto staff will lead those who dare on some dirt
roads for the return journey!
Otherwise you can make your own way home. We hope to see you there!
For more information, please contact TeamMoto Triumph Virginia on (07) 3177 5080.
June 26th - TeamMoto Gold Coast Road Ride
Look out Gold Coast, the TeamMoto Gold Coast stores are hosting a road ride on Sunday, June 26th 2011!
The ride will leaving Yamaha Gold Coast at 7.10am (sharp!) and heading to McDonalds for anyone who wants coffee or breakfast.
We will then leave Maccas at 7.45am for a ride through the Gold Coast hinterland down towards Ballina.
The ride will be stopping down south for Lunch at an undecided location at approximately 12noon.
After lunch if you have to get on with your day you can head home via
the Highway, otherwise a group with be heading back to Nerang via a
hinterland route.
For more information, please contact TeamMoto Yamaha Gold Coast on (07) 5557 1180.
Hope to see you there!
July 10th - TeamMoto Honda Springwood Road Ride
TeamMoto Honda Springwood is having their first road ride of the year on Sunday, July 10th 2011!
The ride will leaving Honda Springwood (68 Moss St) at 7.30am sharp, so be sure to arrive approximately 15 minutes before with a full tank of fuel.
The ride will head out over Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo out past Somerset Dam to Kilcoy for brunch at the Pie Shop.
We will then continue onwards to Woodford and back over Mt Mee into Dayboro for some refreshments. You can then make your way home from Dayboro.
For more information, please contact TeamMoto Honda Springwood on (07) 3380 2222.
KTM Dirt Day - Back by Popular Demand!
The KTM Dirt Day is rolling back into town after a hugely successful inaugural tour last year. In 2010 the tour saw around 1500 riders attend five tour locations across Australia and this year is set to be even bigger with the entire 2012 SX and EXC KTM ranges available for demo!
This includes the highly anticipated KTM350EXC-F which is sure to be a hot favourite amongst enduro fans.
The tour will be hitting Queensland on Sunday, August 7th, 2011 at MQ Wyaralong Trail Bike Park, Wyaralong.
TeamMoto is excited to be involved once again this year and will be there to help customers and answer any questions you may have on the fantastic new range of KTM motorcycles.
The format for KTM Dirt Days is not about racing, but putting each
model through its paces at the level of each individual rider in safe
and fun environment.
The event will have a motocross track and a marked enduro loop for entrants to test the bikes.
KTM Australia will have the full range available to demo including the motocross 150/250 SX 2-strokes and 250/350/450 SX-F four strokes. Also on hand will be the 2012 EXC Enduro range which includes the 200/250/300 EXC 2-strokes and 250/350/450/500 EXC 4-strokes.
To participate in the KTM Dirt Day you must be at least 16 years of age. You’ll also be required to wear full safety gear including boots, pants, jersey, gloves, helmet and goggles.
Full terms and conditions, registration and payment can only be found online at www.ktm.com.au, or click here to contact your local TeamMoto KTM dealership for more info.
You must pre-register your interest so be sure to book in quick as spaces will fill fast!
Shots of the Month
As usual this month features a mix of the new, weird and wonderful that makes this motorcycle industry so fantastic!
Leading the way this month are the accidentally leaked images of the new Suzuki V-Strom. The new DL650 looks to have had some big aesthetic changes and the lifestyle shots from Suzuki are simply fantastic!
Above. The 2012 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom definitely looks mighty interesting and we can't wait to hear more information regarding this new mid-weight adventure tourer. We will release more information when we can!
Above. One of our fantastic staff found this image at Racer X online, taken at the Australian Nitro Circus Tour.... What brand of helmet do you trust when you are jumping your... esky??? M2R of course!
We reckon they could run an ad campaign around this one!
Above. It's big, it's bad and it's very loud... apparantly! Ray Baumann brought out his "Monster Bike" at the Melbourne Motor Show one year and proceeded to smash some cars with it! It weighs about 10 times the weight of a normal family car and measures close to 9 meters in length and 3 meters tall.
Above. So we've covered the new and the weird ... and now its time for the wonderful. And this custom bike from Akrapovic certainly covers that! This is what they had to say about this custom beauty...
Akrapovic has stepped into the world of custom bike building with this one-off showpiece: the Morsus.
A scorpion-themed blend of titanium, stainless steel and carbon fibre, the builders of renowned race-exhaust systems describe the bike as a "statement of intent" and a "natural extension of what we do".
