Riders should be aware that spring and summer is the season for resurfacing roadworks in most southern areas because the warmer weather makes asphalt more stable and easier to compact.
NSW alone has more than 175km of road resurfacing scheduled over the next few months.
Roads and Maritime Service Regional Maintenance Director John Dinan says asphalting work starting this month includes the Ballina Bypass (Pacific Highway), the Bruxner Highway near Alstonville, Pacific Highway where to intersects with the Oxley Highway, and at Coffs Harbour.
“The warmer weather allows the asphalt to remain stable and easy to compact before it cools,” he says.
However, asphalt resurfacing occurs all year round in Queensland, north NSW and northern parts of South Australia and Western Australia.
Riders should also check relevant websites provided by road authorities and automobile clubs that list roadworks.
You can also use some of these sites to report dangerous road conditions.
Resurfacing stats
John says there is about 2.5 tonnes of asphalt per cubic metre of road and they can lay up to 2000 tonnes of asphalt per day. They target resurfacing 2.3% of all tarmac roads a year.
“Asphalt is safe, smooth and durable and is up to 100% reusable,” he says.
“It’s also flexible and new technologies used is making asphalt a more sustainable choice for road surfaces.”
Australian Asphalt Pavement Association NSW Executive Director Dougall Broadfoot says motorists are not allowed to ride on newly laid asphalt until it has cooled to below 60C.
“If the new asphalt surface is not allowed to cool down sufficiently, passing vehicles may affect the smoothness of the surface before it sets,” he says.
“By driving over soft asphalt it may create bumps and grooves on the surface, which would be a less smooth journey for motorists. An uneven surface also causes water to pool in the grooves.
“So please be patient when near worksites, for the safety of yourself and workers. Follow the instruction of traffic controllers and the reduced speed limit of 40km/h when work is carried out.”
In 2015, they produced a video featuring multi-Australian Superbike Champion Malcolm Campbell and interstate motorcycle club member Lester Knowlesridging around te state and poi ting out te features and the dangers.
This year the video has been updated.
It is now joined by the Charley Boorman video and another video about riding the West Coast with local rider and Regional Chief with the Tasmanian Fire Service, Jeff Harper, on his Victory Cross Roads Cruiser.
RSAC provides all riders with information and videos when they board the Spirit of Tasmania. They also produce billboards and posters displayed along popular Tassie riding routes.
You can get more travel information on their Touring Motorcyclists web page.
Charley rates Tassie
Charley leads a Tassie tour
In his video, Charley rates Tasmania highly for riding. He says it has a “huge heritage of riding motorcycles”, “the roads are beautiful, the landscape incredible and the tarmac is just wonderful”.
“There are not many straight bits,” he says.
Charley provides some safety riding and gear tips remarking that it is important to feel comfortable.
He also talks about his tours in Australia which take in Tasmania, as well as his African tours and he praises his ride, a Triumph Tiger 1200.
Although gaining notoriety riding a German BMW around the world with actor friend Ewan McGregor, Boorman has been an ambassador for the British brand for several years now.
In it, he answers many of the questions posted by our readers, including his next trip wth Star Wars star Ewan McGregor, his regrets, riding tips and more.
18% more power | New brakes | Updated forks | Revised styling
Triumph’s Street Scrambler was launched in 2017, offering rugged off-road attitude and a versatile overall package, with heritage that can be traced back to the early 1960s when the first Triumph scramblers were born with the Bonneville T120 TT and TR6 ‘C’.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
The 2019 Street Scrambler adds a addition performance and higher specification, thanks to a host of updates on the latest addition, as well as a strong focus on style and detail.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler updates
Significant power increase, up 9.8hp to 64hp – 18% more peak power
Red line now 500rpm higher
New Brembo 4-piston front brake caliper
New higher-specification cartridge front forks
New Road and Rain riding modes
New more contemporary logo
New more premium instrument styling
New adventure-oriented seat finish
New ‘Urban Tracker’ inspiration kit
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
900cc High Torque Bonneville engine
The 900cc High Torque Bonneville engine has been upgraded to deliver 9.8hp more peak power, taking the total to 64hp, which is an impressive 18 per cent more than the previous version.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler – 64hp, with 80Nm of torque from 3200rpm
This evolution also delivers higher revs, up by 500rpm to 7500rpm, with a peak torque of 80Nm delivered low from 3200rpm, with a signature high level exhaust system and an unmistakable exhaust note.
Updates to the Street Scrambler’s High Torque 900 engine include a new magnesium cam cover, lightweight crankshaft, dead shafts and balance shafts, optimised clutch cover and new lighter clutch.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
In addition to these updates, the new Street Scrambler retains a high standard of modern technology, with ride-by-wire and a single throttle body. Liquid cooling delivers low emissions and fuel efficient riding. Service intervals of 16,000km also help maintain the Street Scrambler’s low cost of ownership.
Higher specification suspension & brakes
The 2019 Street Scrambler is designed to deliver precise handling and a balanced agile feel, boasting a host of chassis and suspension updates.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler – KYB 41mm forks with gaiters
The new Brembo four-piston front brake caliper provides better stopping power, with improved bite and feel for rider control. New higher spec cartridge front forks with scrambler-style rubber gaiters and 120mm travel, deliver road and light off-road capability and comfort.
KYB 41mm forks – Dual rear shocks
The Street Scrambler also delivers a commanding rider position with comfortable ergonomics and accessible handling. These come from the scrambler wide handlebars, forward set foot pegs and a 19 inch spoked front wheel with dual purpose Metzeler Tourance tyres fitted as standard.
Extensive electronics
The 2019 Street Scrambler features new Road and Rain riding modes, which adjust the throttle map and traction control settings for the optimal riding experience in all conditions.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler – Analogue dash with digital multifunction display
Switchable ABS is also featured for enhanced rider confidence and safety, as well as a torque-assist clutch for a lighter touch and feel at the lever. An LED rear light is incorporated into the tail set-up, with a distinctive rear light pattern.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler – ABS is standard fitment
An immobiliser is also fitted as standard, with transponder incorporated into the key, for maximum security, while a USB charging socket located under the seat offers charging of personal electronic devices.
Iconic scrambler design
The 2019 Triumph Scrambler features clean lines, a high-level exhaust, sculpted tank, minimal bodywork, and premium modern finishes, alongside a host of other aesthetic updates including the new number-board side panel graphics incorporating the more contemporary new logo and upgraded instruments styling with a new bezel and metallic branded embellisher and a new dial face with translucent silver detailing.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
A new adventure-oriented seat finish with durable leather and textile is featured alongside wider spaced front forks which required a revised front mudguard, top yoke and headlight brackets.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
Other features found on the previous version and carried through to the latest iteration include the sculpted scrambler fuel tank with locking filler cap, and rubber knee pads. Black engine covers feature Triumph’s makers mark triangle and Bonneville engine badge, with an elegant single throttle body and aluminium finisher.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
On the exhaust side of things, there’s brushed exhaust headers and distinctive Bonneville engine finned head and header clamps. The twin seat set-up has an interchangeable pillion seat and aluminium rear rack, as well as removable pillion pegs and hangers for off-road durability. Steel high grip ‘Bear Trap’ adventure style front foot pegs also provide grip, and an all terrain style bash plate ensures protection in rough conditions.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
The front mudguard also mounts to suit a larger wheel and dual purpose tyre clearance.
The new for 2019 Street Scrambler is available in three paint schemes – Fusion White; Cranberry Red; Khaki Green and Matt Aluminium, with jet black coach-line
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
Customisation accessories
The base for countless custom builds, the Street Scrambler has over 120 genuine accessories available from Triumph, ensuring the Streett Scrambler can bring even more off-road focus, style, or everyday usability, and there are now even luggage options, too.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
The off-road accessories include adjustable piggy back FOX rear shocks with threaded preload adjustment and 24 position compression damping, high level front mudguard, black nylon headlight grill with a pressed steel matt black bezel, and a forged and machined aluminium handlebar brace in a black anodised finish (fitted with a stylish black or brown vinyl bar pad embroidered with the Triumph logo).
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
The accessories range also includes slip on Vance & Hines single exit silencers with carbon fibre end cap and a traditional scrambler twin bench seat. There is a range of luggage or waxed cotton panniers. To make customising easier, the brand has also created an inspiration kit to use as the starting point for riders to design their own Street Scrambler custom, or to have fitted as a complete set – the Urban Tracker kit.
2019 Triumph Street Scrambler
The Urban Tracker kit is designed to appeal to those after a practical touring approach and includes the following accessories:
25 litre rugged pannier and mounting kit
Slip on Vance & Hines silencer
CNC machined black oil filler cap
Black handlebar brace
Number board kit
Black ribbed bench seat
Black dresser bar kit
Headlight grille and bezel
High level front mudguard
Sump guard kit
Availability of certain accessories may be governed by local market legislation.
Ride by wire, Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Exhaust
Brushed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin high-level brushed silencers
Final drive
O ring chain
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate assist clutch, cable operated
Gearbox
5-speed
Frame
Tubular steel twin cradle
Swingarm
Twin-sided, steel fabrication
Front Wheel
Spoked steel rims, 19 x 2.75in
Rear Wheel
Spoked steel rims, 17 x 4.25in
Front Tyre
100/90 R19
Rear Tyre
150/70 R17
Front Suspension
KYB 41mm forks with cartridge damping, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension
KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
Front Brake
Single 310mm disc, Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper, ABS
Rear Brake
Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Length
2,125 mm
Width (Handlebars)
835 mm
Height Without Mirrors
1,180 mm
Seat Height
790 mm
Wheelbase
1,445 mm
Rake
25.6 º
Trail
109 mm
Dry Weight
198 Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
12 L
Instruments
LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, engine rpm, odometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, 2x trip, average & current fuel consumption display, traction control status display, Heated grip ready – controlled by a handlebar mounted scroll button.
Up to $1000 off Pioneer 700-2 & Pioneer 1000-3 models
Until December 31st Honda are offering a range of savings* on selected Honda SXSs. Those after a compact SXS will enjoy $500 off the Pioneer 500; with an all gear transmission – no belts, automatic drive with paddle shift as well as 2WD/4WD and PGM-FI.
Honda’s Pioneer 500 is now available with $500 off
For those after something a little bigger, the Pioneer 700-2 has $1000 off and is Honda’s mid-range machine developed for Australian conditions. With electric power steering and fully automatic transmission, a manual mode that can be activated via a dash-mounted toggle switch, making the Pioneer 700 a ‘fair dinkum’ work horse. The auto transmission is all-gear so no belts that slip, break or burn out. Paddle shifters can be used to change gears while in manual mode or to override shift points on the fly while in automatic mode.
The Pioneer 700-2 has $1000 off until the end of December
The Pioneer 1000-3 is also in on the action, with $1000 off, featuring a purpose built 999cc parallel twin engine, with beltless transmissions for optimum durability and low maintenance. An extremely versatile SXS, with power steering and an automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) as well as 2WD/4WD. The versatile Dual Clutch Transmission System (DCT) offers the performance and flexibility of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic.
The Pioneer 1000-3 also has a winch-ready wiring harness, a new memory function that retains the last transmission mode after engaging reverse and thick seat foam for increased comfort. With a big towing capacity, tilt adjustable electric power steering and reduced noise level, the Pioneer 1000 is Honda’s premium offering in the SXS market.
Honda’s premium Pioneer 1000-3 also has $1000 off until Dec 31, 2018
All Honda Pioneers offers a seat belt interlock system, which prompts drivers to wear their seat belt when operating the machine, and if the seatbelt is not engaged then the vehicle’s speed is limited.
The Honda Pioneer range also boasts a three year warranty period, so make the most of these savings and visit your nearest Honda Dealer, ring 1 300 1 HONDA or go to www.hondamotorcycles.com.au
The Fine Print
*$500 dollars off when purchasing a new Pioneer 500. $1000 dollars off when purchasing a new Pioneer 1000-3, Pioneer700-2. Not redeemable in store and are not redeemable for cash, dollars off include GST. Available between 1 November and 31 December 2018. Only at participating Honda Dealers. Accessories shown not included. Overseas models shown.
Justin Brayton wins Australian Supercross Championship
The fourth instalment of the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney has concluded in front of a sell-out crowd, with current World Champion Jason Anderson taking the win in all three final heat races.
The American dominated the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty of five-position being handed to the Aussie legend for using the Shannons Shortcut Lane a second time.
Chad Reed was penalised five positions in the third final
Jason Anderson
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come,” commented Anderson.
Scotland’s Dean Wilson made a successful return to racing in position two, with Gold Coaster Dan Reardon putting in a solid ride for position three to finalise the podium at the 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.
SX1 Overall Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
Both domestic class champions were crowned under the bright lights of Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday night. Each championship was a hard-fought affair this year, with both coming down to the very final race putting immense stress on the riders.
Honda 1-2 in Australian Supercross Championship
The Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship. Brayton was followed home in P2 by teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon.
Justin Brayton
“I’m stoked to win this championship,” commented Brayton. “I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Justin Brayton
AUS-X Open Results
SX1 Final 1
Jason Anderson
Justin Brayton +3.724
Dean Wilson +7.364
Dan Reardon +11.788
Luke Clout +11.887
Brett Metcalfe +13.134
Chad Reed +20.359
Jace Owen +25.250
Lawson Bopping +28.480
Dylan Long +30.505
SX1 Final 2
Jason Anderson
Dan Reardon +3.353
Dean Wilson +4.015
Chad Reed +8.670
Brett Metcalfe +14.420
Justin Brayton +16.270
Luke Clout +19.227
Lawson Bopping +23.333
Jace Owen +23.776
Dylan Long +25.272
SX1 Final 3
Jason Anderson
Dean Wilson +2.014
Dan Reardon +9.058
Dylan Long +14.071
Justin Brayton +18.705
Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
Jace Owen +21.064
Brett Metcalfe +22.203
Luke Clout +36.894
Robbie Marshall +1 lap
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderon 75
Dean Wilson 62
Daniel Reardon 60
Justin Brayton 53
Chad Reed 47
Brett Metcalfe 44
Luke Clout 42
Dylan Long 40
Jace Owen 39
Lawson Bopping 35
Final SX1 Championship Points
Justin Brayton 115
Brett Metcalfe 106
Dan Reardon 90
Jace Owen 84
Dylan Long 77
Luke Clout 72
Robbie Marshall 57
Lawson Bopping 53
Jesse Dobson 41
Nicholas Sutherland 39
Jay Wilson SX2 Champion
Yamaha’s Jay Wilson completed the ultimate comeback to the sport tonight in Sydney, with the New South Welshman coming back from the brink of retirement just one year ago, to claim the coveted SX2 Championship.
Wilson secured the title in dramatic fashion, as he only just qualified for the main event in the final transfer position.
The chaos continued to unfold, with Wilson’s poor qualifying position giving him the very last gate pick, and subsequently, he didn’t get off the line well in any of the three races.
Despite the drama, tears flowed at the conclusion of Main Event number three, as Wilson was crowned Champion.
Championship aside, the race for the AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night on the top step of the podium due to an incredible pace.
In position two was 2017 Champion Jackson Richardson, and DPH Motorsports Hayden Mellross in third.
SX2 Final 1
Jy Roberts
Cameron McAdoo +0.837
Dylan Wills +2.506
Jacob Hayes +3.404
Hayden Mellross +4.526
SX2 Final 2
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +3.821
Hayden Mellross +5.505
Dylan Wills +7.762
Jay Wilson +8.879
SX2 Final 3
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +0.534
Hayden Mellross +1.435
Josh Osby +2.681
Jacob Hayes +3.510
SX2 Overall
Cameron McAdoo 66
Jackson Richardson 65
Hayden Mellross 56
Dylan Wills 53
Jacob Hayes 45
Jay Wilson 43
Josh Osby 42
Aaron Tanti 39
Tomas Ravenhorst 37
Kaleb Barham 36
SX2 Final Championship Points
Jay Wilson 103
Hayden Mellross 97
Jacob Hayes 91
Wilson Todd 75
Jackson Richardson 74
Josh Osby 68
Aaron Tanti 62
Dakota Alix 61
Dylan Wills 60
Bradley Taft 50
Two-Stroke Cup
The two-stroke cup class was taken out by KTM’s Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney. The two spent most of the race dueling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Best Whip
Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini.
International Showdown
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans.
Best Trick competition
Finally, in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliffhanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
Motorcycle racing welcomes a new era with the launch of the MotoE Championship (officially the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup) in 2019 and the LCR Team is pleased to announce its participation in the series with Randy De Puniet and Niccolò Canepa as official riders for the LCR E-Team.
Lucio Cecchinello (LCR Team Principal)
“This project is a new challenge in my career and I am very proud to be part of it with the brand-new LCR E-Team because this new series represents a part of racing’s future. I am also very happy to be back working with my former Chief Technician, Paolo Cordioli (who helped me to set up the LCR Team in 1996) and also Luciano and Thomas Betti, both former international champions of previous electric bike competitions. When Randy (De Puniet) accepted our proposal to be part of this new project, I was very happy because he lined up for the LCR Team for five years in the past (2003/2004 in the 250cc class and 2008/2009/2010 in the MotoGP class) achieving amazing results (18 times on the podium, including 4 victories in LCR colours). Niccolò has a very impressive career record also, including the 2007 Superstock World Title and the 2016/2017 FIM World Endurance Title, and is keen to start this new challenge aboard the MotoE”.
The new championship, which will run alongside MotoGP, will feature low-noise, zero-emission motorcycles that are powered by renewable energy sources.
The inaugural calendar consists of five rounds that will take place during MotoGP events (Jerez de la Frontera, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Spielberg and Misano) and a first test on November 23-25 at Jerez.
The LCR E-Team is ready embrace the new challenge with a strong line-up that features highly-respected technical staff, talented former LCR rider De Puniet and the 2017 Endurance Champion, Canepa.
Randy De Puniet
“Of course I am very happy to be part of the first MotoE Championship and for me it is even better because I return to the LCR Team where I raced for 5 years in my MotoGP career. I had my best racing memories with this team so it’s amazing to be back with Lucio and his squad. Regarding MotoE World Cup, everything will be new for everybody, but thanks to this test in November in Jerez we will gather more information on the bike and the riding style. I think it’s going to be fun with 18 identical bikes using the same tyres, so I cannot wait to start this new challenge”.
Randy De Puniet
Niccolò Canepa
“I am very happy to be part of this new project in its debut season and, most of all, doing it in LCR colours. I think this is one of the most high-level teams in the paddock and I have a very good relationship with Lucio. Now I can’t wait to try this bike for the first time in Jerez. I am actually training a lot to get ready for the start of the season and this first test in November will give us important information on the bike configuration. Lucio has put together a very professional crew and, from my side, I will do my best to reward the team with good results”.
American champion unbeaten in inaugural Triple Crown showdown.
Image: Supplied.
Reigning world champion Jason Anderson has made it back-to-back Monster Energy AUS-X Open titles in Sydney, as countryman Justin Brayton clinched a third-straight Australian Supercross Championship SX1 crown.
Penrite Honda’s Brayton shot off to a thrilling start in SX1 main event one, as Gradie Featherstone (KSF Suzuki) fell victim to nasty crash down the opening straight.
After winning his heat, Australian international Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) spun out on lap two, much to the crowd’s disbelief. Meanwhile, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Anderson laid down a hard pass on Brayton to gain P1.
CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Lawson Bopping and Dylan Long made the same mistake as Reed a number of laps later on separate occasions, while Anderson went onto secure the win. Brayton wound up second followed by Dean Wilson (DPH Husqvarna), Dan Reardon (Yamaha) and Luke Clout (KTM Motocross Racing Team), with Reed rebounding for seventh.
It was Reardon and Clout who led the field from the get-go in SX1 main event two, although Clout’s tenure in top two lasted less than a lap when he crashed ahead of the finish line. Wilson grasped his opportunity to take the shortcut lane, ultimately moving by Reardon and into the lead.
Anderson did the same one lap later to move into second, at the same time Brayton went down. A thrilling battle between Wilson and Anderson unfolded out front, but Reardon used the shortcut lane and made it a three-rider ordeal. In the end it was Anderson from Reardon, Wilson, Reed and title hopeful Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda).
Anderson took a narrow hole-shot in the final affair with Wilson and Reed capitalising on a mistake from Reardon. A number of riders crashed in seperate incidents, including Clout, Bopping, Metcalfe and Featherstone.
Reed took the shortcut lane for a second time, which meant he would incur a five-position penalty despite crossing the line in P1, demoting him to sixth. Anderson was credited the win with a top five completed by Wilson, Reardon, Long and Brayton, who secured his third-consecutive SX1 number one plate.
Overall for the round it was Anderson untouched to repeat his result from one year ago, joined on the podium by Wilson and Reardon. In championship terms, Brayton’s fourth for the round was enough to be crowned, ahead of Metcalfe who was P6 tonight and Reardon.
Reed’s homecoming was an eventful one aboard the factory RM-Z450, ultimately claiming fifth overall following a mixed bag of results, but also leading Australia to victory over USA in the showdown feature race.
For over 60 years, Rokon has eschewed radical redesign in favor of careful evolution, constantly refining its two-wheel-drive Trail-Breaker. The result is a legend, a machine renowned for its sure-footed simplicity, embraced by enthusiasts, municipalities, and militaries. The tough-as-nails machine has endured by adhering to the core concepts that made inventor Charles Fehn’s design stand out in places otherwise inhospitable to wheeled travel.
Tom Blais, president of Rokon International, says there were only two real criticisms of the original Trail-Breaker: noise and comfort. The company addressed the first with the Ranger, using a four-stroke, 5.5-horsepower Honda engine, in 1994. Modern Trail-Breakers utilize a more powerful 7-horsepower Kohler engine, and they handle the second complaint with clever front suspension that works in conjunction with the front-drive system.
Timeline
The first Trail-Breakers were built by Neathercutt Industries in Sylmar, California, but production expanded in 1963 after manufacturing moved to Wilmington, Vermont. The factory would move a few more times over the decades before settling in Rochester, New Hampshire.
Engine
The Kohler engine in modern Trail-Breakers is a horizontal-shaft industrial power unit with both an electric and a pull starter.
“We’ve sacrificed speed for torque so that we offer more load capacity,” Blais says. “We can carry up to 600 pounds on the frame and tow up to 3,000 pounds on wheels, or dead-drag 800 pounds on level ground.”
Design
There are now five models, from the entry-level Scout to the survivalist-oriented Rokon for Preppers. Designed in conjunction with Dave Canterbury, author of Bushcraft 101, it features an onboard bike maintenance kit and survival supplies, including cookware, as well as nondirectional tires to discourage tracking.
Fusion
Rokon offers power takeoff and three-point hitch options, as well as generator, plow, and spreader attachments. The hollow wheels can each carry an extra 2.5 gallons of either fuel or water, potentially extending the standard tank’s range of 200 miles to 600.
Related Video:
Challenges
Blais admits that the company’s business model isn’t the most profitable.
“Today’s four-wheeler companies really price the vehicles in a way that the dealers don’t make as much money on the selling of the vehicle, they make more money on the repairing of the vehicle,” he says. “We’re the opposite of that. We know that our buyers don’t need us for, typically, five to seven years.”
Achievements
Local governments use Rokons for bike-trail maintenance or mosquito control. Farmers use them for row-crop inspection or to access remote fields. Search-and-rescue teams field Trail-Breakers to quickly reach lost or wounded hikers, and militaries turn to them for equipment relocation and reconnaissance.
They’ve been ridden to the snow line in the Chilean Andes and across the nearly impassable Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia.
“It’s freedom of movement. Freedom to explore. If you live in interesting country, the ability to move around and explore is intoxicating.”
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