Having teased us with leaked black and white cropped images for the past few weeks, Yamaha has finally released the first ever full colour promotional shot of the all new 2010 FZ8.
The upper-middleweight naked bike segment, which currently has entrants from the likes of BMW, Aprilia and Ducati, is about to get an good ol' injection of Japanese know-how as Yamaha readies the upcoming new FZ8 for production. Yamaha apparently sees room for a machine that splits the difference between the smaller FZ6 (and FZ6R) and the full FZ1 naked literbike.
Judging from the photo, the FZ8 appears to be based on the current FZ1, and internet rumors suggest the 800cc mill will be a downsized version of the former R1 engine with an identical stroke and smaller bore. We'll know soon enough, but in the meantime, enjoy the teaser.
Triumph Rocket III Tourer hits the road with Mark Hinchliffe
Mark Hinchliffe is the Motoring Editor for the Courier Mail in Brisbane. For the past 25 years he has a keen interest in motorsport and a passion for motorcycle riding.
Brute force, sinister looks and touring comfort come together in the Triumph Rocket III Touring.
It appears to be a Rocket III Classic with a
windscreen and panniers, however there are so many changes the only
parts shared are the rear light, mirrors, brakes and the engine. Even the seat is different with two separate layers of cushioning of different densities and a gel pad in the pillion seat.
Usually Triumph seats seem to be made of the best British steel, but this is one of the first with a comfortable standard seat. However, if that isn't good enough there are three optional seats you can choose from. These are among the 59 accessories designed exclusively for the Touring variant, including backrests, mufflers, heated grips and chrome parts.
It comes with hard panniers and a look-over windscreen, but you can also replace these with aftermarket variants. The top-loading and lockable 36-litre standard hard luggage is neat and streamlined. However it is a bit narrow, so it won't fit much gear. Both the luggage and windshield have a brilliant quick-release system that is easy to remove and fit.
But the Touring model is not just about comfort and the practicality of a windshield and panniers. It's also about performance.
The 2.3-litre three-cylinder engine has been modified for less top-end and smoother midrange. Disregard the 80kW of power (down from 104kW) from the engine and
concentrate on the 209Nm of torque (up from 200Nm) available from
2000rpm that provides rip-your-arms-off acceleration.
It only has five gears, but you really only need to flick through to
top and then roll on and off the throttle for all the overtaking
acceleration you will ever need. That makes it a relaxing as well as a
rewarding tourer on the big open roads.
Riders will also be surprised that this massive bike (it weighs nearly
400kg with a full tank) actually steers quite sharply through winding
roads.
The Classic features a massive 240mm tyre which looks the part, but makes steering very difficult.
It has been replaced with a 180mm so more space can be given over to
the panniers. The narrower tyre is disguised by the rear fender and
panniers. What it means to handling is that you only have to shift your weight a
little for the bike to start turning quickly into sharp corners.
Clearance is not as good as the original, but the footboards are hinged
so they don't present a hard fixture to the road surface and they have
sturdy and replaceable wear plates underneath. Up front, the wheel is 16 inches, down from 17, which makes it easier
to manoeuvre at slow speeds. A slightly lower seat also helps with
parking manoeuvres.
Suspension has been tuned for a plusher, more comfortable, ride.
Brakes are strong and have plenty of initial bite, but the foot lever
needs more feel and a big bike like this really needs ABS as the rear
is easy to lock up on a wet road. Harley's Touring models all come
standard with ABS.
Triumph Australia says ABS may be available toward the end of the year.
Meanwhile, a naked and more aggressive version called the Roadster
arrives this month (February) with ABS. The Roadster has a more upright riding position and is powered by a more powerful engine with 109kW and 221Nm.
Riding position on the Touring is relaxed with your arms spread to the
big tiller and your legs spread around that wide tank. Your feet sit on
generous footboards with an adjustable heel-toe gear shifter. This is a good position for long rides, although the economy is down
because of the extra weight and drag and the incongruously smaller fuel
tank, limiting range to about 300km.
(Triumph promotional image)
Triumph Rocket III Touring available from TeamMoto Triumph Springwood, TeamMoto Virginia and TeamMoto Blacktown.
By David Reily
Accessories & Parts Manager TeamMoto Blacktown
Spent the day at Eastern Creek as the guest of Dunlop Australia for the press and distributor launch for the new SPORTMAX Q2 tyre, which is replacing the QUALIFIER.
We were provided with a broad cross section of sport and road bikes with which to test the new tyres. I rode a YAMAHA R1, SUZUKI GSXR600, TRIUMPH 675 STREET TRIPLE R, SUZUKI B-KING and HONDA CR1000RR. This was the first time I had ridden any on these bikes and the first time in about seven years that I had ridden at the track. I think I will be quite sore tomorrow!!
YAMAHA YZF-R1. As the first bike I rode on the day I was initially quite nervous going out on such a powerful bike. This was the first time that I had ridden at the track in about seven years and I wanted something a bit softer to get up to speed on. My nerves lasted about one lap. What an engine!!! While I was still being cautious I found that I was still hitting the same breaking and turn in markers that I had used when I was riding regularly, although my self imposed 230kmh speed limit for the day meant that I was not breaking any records or bike or bones.
SUZUKI GSXR600. My first ride on a 600 ever. I could not get
used to how the bike needed to be revved. I know that revving engine
the way it demands would soon become second nature but after the last
few years dealing, primarily, with low revving twins I found it
difficult to adjust during my 15 minute session.
The bike felt like it was on rails though. A fantastic machine.
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE R. I must admit that I struggled with the ergonomics on this bike. I’m 180cm tall and I found it quite awkward to tuck in with the high handle bars in place. Maybe some clip on bars like the DAYTONA? Sounds like a good project bike possibly, I must talk to the boss about that one. An amazing little bike, I loved the grunty feel on the engine and the noise it made had me raving once I got back to the pits.
SUZUKI B-KING. This is a very big bike and not really one that
I would normally go for, particularly for sport/track riding. I will
freely admit that I went into cruise mode during this session. I
concentrated on being smooth and using the torque of the engine to get
around. I didn’t get any lower than third throughout the lap. With
every other bike I rode on the day I was hitting second gear at three
corners during each lap. A very smooth engine with plenty of power, and
bulk, everywhere.
HONDA CBR1000RR. This was the bike where I really started
to feel what the new SPORTMAX Q2 tyres could do. Compared to all the
other bikes I was getting on the power earlier and braking later and
deeper. I see why all the journos rave about the Honda. Everything is
just so easy to use. It stops goes and turns, job done.
I think the best compliment that I could give to the SPORTMAX Q2 is that I just does everything right so you can stop worrying about what the tyres are doing and get on with that job at hand, riding the motorcycle. The front tyre uses that same tread profile as the latest SUPERSPORT race tyre, which means that you have a street tyre that feels like a slick. Combine this with a rear tyre that, when compared to the QUALIFIER, has a tighter crown radius allowing quicker direction changes combined with a more parabolic shape overall provides amazing side grip and confidence for a street tyre.
Dunlop has taken the confusion out of HYPERSPORT tyres with the SPORTMAX Q2. The tyre is capable of delivering decent mileage on the road when set at normal pressures (35-36 front & 38-40 rear) and will offer the grip and confidence of a dedicated race tyre at the track simply by dropping the pressures ( 30-31 front & 28-30 rear ). There is no need to worry about which tyre works better where. Simply set your pressures and forget about it.
Dunlop SPORTMAX Q2 tyres will be hitting TeamMoto dealerships in late-February. For more information, click here to contact your local TeamMoto dealer today.
Want to take a Triumph for a spin? TeamMoto Blacktown offering demo rides this Saturday February 13th!
Ever wanted to take a spin on a Triumph? Now is your chance! TeamMoto Blacktown is offering demo rides this Saturday, February 13th 2010. Call now and book in to test ride all the great Triumph models, including the brand new Rocket III Roadster and the ever popular Thunderbird.
If your thinking about getting that new Triumph, but your unsure about what model, this is the perfect opportunity to have some fun and see what suits your style.
Rides start from 9.30am and will continue every hour throughout the day. There will be a BBQ for customers and the full range of Triumph demos are available.
To be sure you don't miss out, you must call and make an appointment. So contact TeamMoto Blacktown now and book yourself in for a great day!
Introducing John Bacic. John is Head Instructor for the TeamMoto Motorcycle Riding School and has been riding road bikes for 22 years. Having been an instructor for the past 11 years, John has a wealth of knowledge!
Riding smoothly and being able to lean the bike over confidently is something every rider would like to be able to do consistently through every corner.
The way we co-ordinate throttle, brake and steering will determine how
smoothly the bike responds to our inputs. In this article we will
examine the throttle and how using it smoothly and at the right time
will assist us in smooth predictable cornering.
As we have all probably discovered at one stage or another when you accelerate the front of the bike will lift and when you slow down the front will push down. How acutely the bike responds to these inputs is determined by what gear you are in and how hard you accelerate.
If you accelerate and slow down roughly, in a low gear, the bike will noticeably pitch forward and back. If you do this in a corner the bike will constantly want to go straight then tip in. It’s quite possible many of you have experienced this already to one degree or another in some tight turns.
Smooth throttle control is best achieved by first being in a gear high enough to allow you to use the throttle in the corner without having the bike pitching forward and back. Using your brakes to slow down and matching gear to speed is the best way to do this.
When you use the throttle your grip is very important, if you imagine the grip as a screwdriver and use the throttle in that fashion you will be able to “screw” the throttle on nice and smoothly through the turn.
When you have smooth progressive control over the throttle you will be able to predictably affect the way your bike leans into a turn, which is after all one of the main reasons we all ride bikes.
For more information on the TeamMoto Riding School, Call (07) 3380 2250 to arrange a training course that suites your schedule.
Save a few quid: Triumph Clothing Clearout!
Only available at TeamMoto Triumph dealers - get great savings on legendary British Triumph fashion! You can also earn some brownie points lads, as there are some great ladies options for Valentine's Day.
Available only at authorised Triumph dealers: TeamMoto Triumph Springwood, TeamMoto Virginia and TeamMoto Blacktown.
McQueen T-Shirt White - $29.95 - Sizes available: S, M,L,XL,XXL
Dylan T-Shirt White -$29.95 - Sizes available: S, XL, XXL
Racing Team Shirt - $29.95 - Sizes available: S, M
Triumph Logo White - $29.95 - Sizes available: S, L, XL, XXL
See something you like? Contact your nearest TeamMoto Triumph dealer!
Triumph Logo Green T-Shirt - $29.95 - M, XL, XXL
Triumph Logo Navy T-Shirt - $29.95 - S
Thruxton 500 T-Shirt - $29.95 - L, XL
Westbourne Jacket - $599.00 -54, 56
Romero Jacket - $499.00 - 48
See something you like? Contact your nearest TeamMoto Triumph dealer!
Ladies Hoodie #6 - $49.95 - M, XL
Ladies Motorcycle Zip - $49.95 - L
Ladies Henda Jacket - $199.00 - M, L
Ladies Raven Jacket - $399.00 - Call for sizes
See something you like? Contact your nearest TeamMoto Triumph dealer!
Ladies McQueen T-Shirt White - $29.95 - XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Ladies McQueen T-Shirt Black - $29.95 - XXS, XS, L , XXL
Ladies Retro Circle - $29.95 - XXL
Ladies Fashion Shirt #7 - $49.95 - L
See something you like? Contact your nearest TeamMoto Triumph dealer!
Grin and 'bear' it: Check your wheel and swingarm bearings
Worn wheel bearings can effect steering and handling and in regards to the front wheel can also effect braking. Badly worn wheel bearings will cause the front wheel to shudder when the brakes are applied. Badly worn wheel bearings will also cause unstable cornering and worst case can collapse all together causing damage to wheel hubs and injury in the case of an accident.
Worn swingarm bushes are just as dangerous. Eventually you will feel
the rear end of the bike pulling from side to side as you back off and
accelerate. This is caused by the torque re-action of the chain
pulling on the rear sprocket. If the sprocket is on the left side for
instance, the swingarm will be pulled to the left under acceleration
and then swings back to the right when you back off the throttle. Worn
swingarm bushes / bearings will cause damage to swingarm and related
parts, plus puts extra stress on the drive chain and cush drive damper
in your rear wheel. Worst case I know of, a set of worn swingarm
bearings collapsed causing death. The bike in question went into a
high speed wobble causing the rider to be thrown from the motorcycle.
Remember folks, motorcycles only have two wheels and they do fall over,
your bike must be safe.
Firstly you need to jack the front wheel up off the ground. Now grab
the wheel at the top and bottom. As you pull with the bottom hand,
push with the top hand at the same time and vice-versa. The idea is to
shake the wheel and if any free play or movement is present, it’s a
good indication your wheel bearings need replacing.
The same applies for the rear wheel. If you have a centre stand, prop the bike up on it and shake the wheel the same as for the front.While you have the rear wheel off the ground, grab the wheel at the further most point from the bike and shake it sideways. You can also grab the end of the swingarm.
This is to check for sideway play or movement at the swingarm pivot. Any movement or play suggests that swingarm bearings and or bushes are worn and need to be replaced. At this point it is also a good idea to grad the end of the swingarm and pull it up and down. Any play will indicate worn shock and or linkage bushes/bearings.
Note: If you have spoke wheels, make sure your spokes are tight first, as loose spokes will cause movement at the rim. Tighten each spoke evenly and in half turn increments. If your spokes are very loose, your wheel will need to be re-trued. Also make sure your swingarm pivot bolt is tight (check with manufacturers specs). Loose swingarm pivot will cause sideways play, so check first. Happy riding and I will see you next month.
HELL'S GATE Extreme Enduro: VIDEO
Multiple World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin has shown he's still got what it takes to compete at the highest level, clinching a late victory at the infamous Hell's Gate Extreme enduro, held February 6th 2010 in Castelvecchio Pascoli, Italy.
Hell's Gate, which has become one of the most famous extreme enduro
races in the world, is reknowed for it's low finishers rate and this year only two competitors finished the
two-stage event.
Now in its seventh year, Hell’s Gate is an all-day extreme race that
begins in the morning and ends at night. Created by former Italian
Enduro Champion, Fabio Fasola, the competitors face the
toughest of terrain through rocks, streams, freezing temperatures in a
timed format like traditional enduro. Hell's Gate has never allowed more than 10 finishers.
In 2011 Hell's Gate will become the opening round of the World Xtreme Enduro Championships (WXEC), which will be a worldwide tour of Extreme Enduro events that culminates in one champion at the end of the year. Other events included in the series will be The Tough One, Erzbergrodeo, Red Bull Romaniacs and The Roof of Africa. Extreme Enduro is a described as man and machine against incredibly difficult terrain on a time-clock. The sport is relatively new compared to traditional Enduro and Motocross, however the popularity and presence of Extreme Enduro is increasing worldwide.
As Hell's Gate shows however, this style of racing is not for the faint of heart!
The following video, albiet with slightly odd classical music, portrays just how tough an Extreme Enduro event can be. Welcome to Hell's Gate 2010.
TeamMoto Social: This month we met Chris Vermeulen!
Team Kawasaki World Superbike rider Chris Vermeulen dropped by TeamMoto Kawasaki Northcoast at the end of January, the day after returning from testing at Portimao, Portugal. Chris and his girlfriend Toni (pictured with TeamMoto salesman Jesse) picked up two Kawasaki KLX140L bikes, which he will have plenty of fun on! Chris returns to the World Superbike stage in 2010, after several years in MotoGP. Aboard his new Kawasaki ride, Chris's first race will be the opening round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, February 26-28. Good Luck to Chris from TeamMoto!
TeamMoto Social: Blacktown parts salesman Jeremy Crowe signs with Superbike team!
Exciting news for TeamMoto Blacktown parts salesman Jeremy Crowe - he recently signed on to ride for the Motohansa BMW Road Racing team! He will debut during the Australian Superstock 1000 events at the opening round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island. He will also race in select Australian Superbike events and contest the entire Australian Formula Xtreme Championship series, which kicks off at Wakefield Park at the end of March. Having formerly riding Yamaha in the WSBK, Crowe is very excited about this new opportunity and TeamMoto looks foward to cheering him on in 2010!
Shots of the Month
A selection of great moments from around the motorcycle world.
Above. La Touquet Beach Race, held on February 7th 2010 in France, attracted more than half a million spectators and over 1000 participants.
Above. Cairoli debuts the new KTM350SX-F in Mantova, Italy with great success.
Above. Check out this advert for KTM Turkey, it's classic. Designed by DDB&Co it won a Bronze award in the Kristal Elma 2009 advertising awards. I guess, to off-road riders, roads are just the nasty bits by the verge!
Connect with TeamMoto on Facebook and YouTube
Keep up-to-date with news, pictures and videos by joining TeamMoto on Facebook and YouTube.
NEXT ISSUE... BACK IN BLACK! Black Duck Valley Review
Black Duck Valley is back! 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!
TeamMoto is going to check it out, so be sure to tune into the TeamMoto March eNews Magazine for a full review on Black Duck Valley.
