Tag Archives: What’s on

News

Classic motorbikes offered at no reserve

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If you’ve ever wanted to buy a classic bike at auction, it might be time to have a go as there are some potential bargains offered at no reserve in a Sydney auction next month.

There are 14 motorcycles available at the annual Shannons Autumn Classic Auction & Rare Number Plates in Sydney on March 4 2019.

The motorcycles span 86 years. The oldest is a rare 1911 Abingdon ‘King Dick’ 500cc solo and the most recent is a limited-edition 1997 Ducati 916 ‘Senna’, number 13 of just 300 built.

Vincent highlight

However, the most expensive is expected to be a 1953 Vincent Black Shadow.Vincent Black Shadow reserve

The numbers-correct bike from a deceased estate could fetch up to $150,000.

It was first registered in the UK in 1953 to Colonel AD McKechnie of Aberdeen.

The Vincent was shipped to Australia in 1965 and was bought by the current owner in 1972 who comprehensively restored it.Vincent Black Shadow reserve

The owner was a long-standing member of the Vincent owners club and also a founding member of the Ulysses Club.

Accompanying the bike is a history file documenting UK owners (Roads Act ,1920 Registration book), shipping documents and a receipt file.

The Vincent is in running condition and has been started.

No reserve bikes

The best deals of the show are probably the “no reserve” bikes.

That means the bikes will be sold regardless of price and it includes the 1911 Abingdon ‘King Dick’ 500cc estimated to fetch $24,000 – $28,000)

Here are the other no-reserve bikes with estimated prices in brackets:

Reserve bikes

There are only four bikes being auctioned with a reserve.

That means the bikes will not be sold if the final bid is not high enough to satisfy the seller.

How to buy

You can attend the auction in person, bid online or over the phone.

The best advice we can offer for auction beginners is to go to an auction or two with no plans to buy, only to watch and learn. Even for those who have bought at auction before, there are always things you can learn.

Check out our top 10 tips for buying at auction.

Click here to view all Shannons March 4 Sydney Autumn Auction lots.

The auction also includes many cars and 30 collectible black and white New South Wales Heritage plates.

The ‘271’ plate is expected to top the plate auction at up to $110,000.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Dubbo declares Bike Street for motorcycles

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Dubbo in central NSW will declare a CBD street as Bike Street for motorcycles during the inaugural Dubbo Motorcycle Rally from May 10-12, 2019.

Dubbo Motor Bike Rally Committee spokesman Wayne Amor says the region is the perfect place for a large motorcycle rally and hopes it will turn into Australia’s version of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Such Dakota, the world’s largest.

“We feel that Dubbo and surrounds have a great deal to offer riders along with the local venues that have already come on board to support our event,” Wayne says.

“It is a great excuse to get the bike out for a couple of days and gather with other like-minded people.

“We have the added initiative of covering off on some road and motorcycle safety aspects, especially considering the recent spate of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in NSW.”

Dubbo Bike Street

Dubbo Bike Rally
“Bike Street” for the 2018 Toy Run

The rally will be held in Church Street, between Macquarie and Brisbane streets.

It will one known as “Bike Street” from 8am to 6pm on the Saturday of the rally with the street closed to all but motorcycles. Access will be via Brisbane St.

A detailed list of entertainment will be posted on the rally’s website and Facebook page as the event gets closer.

“The aim of the rally is to promote safe riding and foster all the great things that riding a bike provides – fun, freedom and camaraderie,” Wayne says.

Simon, Steve and Wayne at the Black Dog Ride 1 dayer in Dubbo
Wayne Amor (right) at the Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer in Dubbo

The committee has invited the Motorcycle Council of NSW and are in negotiations with the RMS Motorcycle Safety Unit and the NSW Police Force.

Wayne says they also have many motorcycle related industries and outlet stalls plus major motorcycle companies interested in attending.

The city has many pubs, clubs and restaurants for riders to experience and more than 4500 hotel beds.

Biggest rally

“We aspire to be the largest bike rally in Australia,” Wayne says.

“From Harleys to Hondas, Buells to Beemers and Piaggios to Posties, all bikes and riders are welcome.

“We haven’t set a minimum, but we have pressed 1000 pins and patches for the inaugural event.

“Dubbo Regional Council is also very much behind the event and hope, like us, that it is hugely successful.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Handcrafted film about custom motorcycles

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If you’ve got 50 minutes to spare, watch this beautifully produced feature film, titled Handcrafted, about Australia’s custom motorcycle community.

It has been made by Gold Coast film production company Electric Bubble and available free on YouTube.

The Handcrafted video was posted a couple of weeks ago and has had more than 30,000 views.

In the opening scene, a rider “surfs” the motorcycle, standing with one foot on the seat and one on the tank of a custom Harley Sportster around the cane fields of Norwell on the Gold Cost hinterland.Handcrafted film about custom motorcycles

Ok, we know that’s illegal and we hope the production company obtained relevant permissions and road closures.

I also suspect the ATGATT (all the gear, all the time) supporters will also be horrified by the lack of good safety gear in some of the shots!Handcrafted film about custom motorcycles

However, it does show the beautiful camera work from the film, the high production values and the almost poetic nature of motorcycling.

Handcrafted hipstersHandcrafted film about custom motorcycles

Yes, the video is very hipster with lots of beards, pony tails, piercings, tattoos and backwards caps, so it may not appeal to everyone.

However, it is a good feature of the new Aussie custom bike scene that has revived many old bikes, given rise to events such as Throttle Roll and the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride and nurtured thriving businesses such as Deus ex Machina and Ellaspede.

Some may say hipsters have destroyed many old bikes. It all depends on your perspective.

Click here for our take on the hipster effect on motorcycling.

The Handcrafted film includes many interviews with custom bike builders.Handcrafted film about custom motorcycles

They include Tom Gilroy of Purpose Built Moto, Justin Holmes of Pop Bang Classics, Brado Miller at Milwerx, Matt Bromley at DVMC, Jeremy Tagand at Deus, Ian Don at Black Cat Customs, Scott Gittoes at SDG Moto, as well as Steve Barry and Leo Yip at Brisbane’s Ellaspede.

As Tom says about “wrenching” a bike from the scrap heap back to life: “There is no better joy than creating something with your own hands.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Cold ride forces active meditation

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As we sweat in an Aussie summer, Lithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.

Aptly named The Coldest Ride, Karolis says the journey on a single-cylinder Yamaha Tenere across the Road of Bones will be a research exercise into what he calls “active meditation”.

Basically, it’s a way of forcing the mind to meditate by subjecting the body to harsh conditions; in this case, the cold.

Most riders have ridden in harsh conditions such as cold, heat, high winds or driving rain.

For some it’s an absolute pain.

But for others it is an enlightening experience. Some even refer to an out-of-body experience when the mind takes control of the pain and discomfort, divorcing the rider from their body.

Author Robert M Pirsig explored the theory in his famous 1974 book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Mind gamesKarolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.

“The Coldest Ride is an exploration of the connection between the body and how the mind plays with the cold in these situations,” Karolis says.

“In tough conditions such as these, I have a number of devices to show me where are my theoretical limits and going beyond them is something I think that we should all do.”

He uses the example of swimming in icy water. He says the mind tells us it will hurt and we will get sick, but it doesn’t and the body copes.

“Each time in moments like these, the realisation that not everything the mind believes is necessarily true,” he says.

“I hope that The Coldest Ride will push all of us to challenge our own perceptions of things, whatever they may be.”

Epic ride

This is not his first or most epic ride in the cold.

In July 2016, he rode 11,000km from Vilnius to Vladivostok in 12 days and in March 2017 he rode 785km across the ice of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, with our support, camping gear or a satphone.

Karolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.
Lake Baikal

Active mediation

“I basically call endurance riding ‘active meditation’ because from early morning to late evening on these trips, I am just riding a motorcycle which is not designed for trips as long as these,” he says.

“As a result, this makes the journey physically uncomfortable.

“However it is a form of self-discipline.”

He says the most interesting part of these trips is when he asks myself “who am I?”

“By continually asking this question and again rejecting all possible answers, I finally experience the truth,” he says.

Karolis begins his ride in Yakutsk on February 4, 2019, and hopes to reach Oymyakon around February 10.

The ride will be filmed and featured on the BBC Travel Show later in 2019.

Have you ever had a similar experience when riding in harsh conditions? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Kangaroo Valley features in ride video

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Kangaroo Valley, south of Sydney, features one of the famed motorcycle roads in Australia and is the subject of the latest Roads We Ride road safety video series.

Check out the Oxley video featuring local rider Alex Donnelly and wife Ann on their BMW R 1200 GS.

More videos

It’s not the only video of the Oxley Highway that we have featured.

First there was veteran motorcycle journo Mick Matheson’s fantastic review of the road in 2016.

Shortly afterwards, the Roads and Maritime Services decided to reduce speeds along the road after a road safety review.

Their decision was met with howls of protests and a petition supported by riders and locals.

The RMS decided to review their decision and eventually decided to reduce the mountain section from 100km/h to 80km/h.

The result was a substantial drop in riders and trade on the road.

This prompted John Keogh of Gingers Creek Roadhouse to put together this drone video to show off the road’s attractions and bring back riders.

  • What do you think of this video series? Does it make you a better and safer rider or is it a waste of taxpayer’s money? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Police answer motorcyclists’ questions

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Queensland police and Transport Main Roads department officials will be on hand next month to answer riders’ questions on legislation, road rules, Australian Vehicle Standards and other topics.

The latest “Community Engagement Day” will be held on Saturday 16 February 2019 at Beechmont, between 8am-12pm.

Acting Sgt Adam Samuels says they will have a free barbecue for riders at the park where the hang gliders launch, opposite the new Flying Bean Cafe.

Questions and answers

Many riders may have questions about whether their tail tidy or handlebars are legal, but they may be reticent to approach the police for fear of being fined.

However, Adam assureds riders there is no need for concern about copping a fine.

“The event is for community engagement only not for enforcement,” he says.

“It’s about getting guys to come in and ask about their fender guards, exhausts and bars and clear stuff up.

“It gives them an opportunity to come in safely, knowing it is not about enforcement.

“They can ask questions and get ideas on what they can do to make sure their bike is legal. They can also book in with TMR for an inspection.”

North Upright

Police talk to riders at a 2016 Operation North Upright event enforce road safety week questions
Police talk to riders at a previous Operation North Upright event

Operation North Upright has been operating in South East Queensland for the past couple of years.

Police say the operation is designed to “talk with any bike riders, give advice and listen to their concerns”.

Riders have claimed previous similar events have been accompanied by a high presence of police in the area, enforcing road rules and vehicle compliance.

Road Safety messages from Operation North Upright

  • The faster you go, the harder you hit. And on a bike, you’ll always come off second‐best. The only thing speeding gets you closer to is a crash.
  • Riding tired affects reaction times and impairs judgement. Take a break or don’t get on the bike if you’re tired.
  • Ride to be seen and don’t assume you’re visible to everyone.
  • Lane filtering is legal, remember to be safe and follow the road rules.
  • Look after yourself and your bike. The right gear and regular maintenance can save your life.
  • In 2017, 50 motorcyclists died and 953 were hurt or seriously injured in crashes on Queensland roads.

Online ‘Join the Drive’ resources: 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing

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One of the best ways to celebrate the Australia Day weekend is with three days of classic racing at the magnificent Phillip Island circuit.

More than 450 bikes will compete in 56 races at the 26th Phillip Island Classic from January 25-27.

A three-day adult ticket costs $82 bought online before noon tomorrow (January 23) and free for children 15 and under accompanied by a full-paying adult. Gate prices are more.

You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 a night with kids free.Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge

Classic racing categories

There are six classic racing categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.

A highlight will be the 15th International Challenge between New Zealand, the USA and defending champions Australia for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1985.

In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and post-produced into a two-hour TV program in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia where it will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS in late February.

Each team will feature the top 13 riders from their nominated squads based on qualifying times. They will compete in four, six-lap races.Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge

Australia’s team is led by Adelaide’s David Johnson, the star performer of the 2018 team that won back the International Challenge trophy from the UK after a three-year drought. 

He will be supported by Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald, world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin, three-time Australian superbike champion and Island Classic champion Shawn Giles and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who last year won the Phil Irving Trophy.

America will be represented by Jason Pridmore, four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes, Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Larry Pegram, Dale Quarterley, Mark Miller and Aussie expatriate journalist Rennie Scaysbrook.

The Kiwis are represented by Alex Phillis, Carl Cox, three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves.

Classic racing on classic motorcycles!

Event schedule

Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge
Classic parade lap (Image: Andrew Gosling)

(* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy)

FRIDAY 25TH JANUARY 9am Start

  • Q1 Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 15 min
  • Q2 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 15 min
  • Q3 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 15 min
  • Q4 Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Odds 15 min
  • Q5 Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Evens 15 min
  • Q6 Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 15 min
  • Q7 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 15 min
  • Q8 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 15 min
  • Q9 Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 15 min
  • Q10 International Challenge ‐ Slowest 50% 8 min
  • Q11 International Challenge ‐ Fastest 50% 8 min
  • Q12 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 15 min
  • Q13 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 15 min
  • Q14 500 New Era 15 min
  • E1* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
  • E2* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
  • E3* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
  • E4* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 4 Laps
  • E5* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 4 Laps
  • Q15 International Challenge ‐ Slowest 50% 8 min
  • Q16 International Challenge ‐ Fastest 50% 8 min
  • E6* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
  • E7* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
  • 5pm Finish

SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY, 9am Start

  • E8* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
  • E9* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
  • E10* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
  • E11* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
  • E12* 500 New Era 4 Laps
  • E13* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
  • E14* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
  • E15* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
  • E16* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 5 Laps
  • E17* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 5 Laps
  • D1 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
  • E18 International Challenge 6 Laps
  • E19* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
  • E20* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
  • E21* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
  • E22* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
  • E23* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
  • E24* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
  • E25* 500 New Era 5 Laps
  • D2 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
  • E26 International Challenge 6 Laps
  • E27* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
  • E28* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
  • E29* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
  • E30* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 4 Laps

5pm Finish

SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY, 9am Start

  • E31* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 4 Laps
  • E32* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
  • E33* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
  • E34* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
  • E35* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
  • E36* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
  • E37* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
  • E38* 500 New Era 4 Laps
  • D3 Demonstration 2 Laps
  • E39 International Challenge 6 Laps
  • E40* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
  • E41* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
  • E42* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
  • E43* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 5 Laps
  • E44* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 5 Laps
  • E45* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
  • E46* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
  • E47* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
  • Parade Shannons Insurance Parade Lap 1 Lap
  • E48 International Challenge 6 Laps
  • E49* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
  • E50* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
  • E51* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
  • E52* 500 New Era 5 Laps

5pm Finish

International Challenge

Celebrate Australia Day with classic racing at the Phillip Island Classic International Challenge
(Image: Russell Colvin)

ENTRY LIST FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE 2019 – January 25-27 2019 (as at Jan 21)

AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE ENTRY LIST FOR JANUARY 25-27 2019 ISLAND CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY VISIT PHILLIP ISLAND (as at Jan 16 2019)

RaceNo

First Name

Sponsor

Make

Model

Year

Cap

3

David Johnson

DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services

Suzuki

XR69

1982

1100

19

Shawn Giles

Trevor Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1294

22

Jed Metcher

T-Rex / Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres / Race

Honda

Harris F1

1982

1100

23

Laurie Fyffe

AESC / Race Centre / MVTC

Suzuki

XR69

1980

1200

31

Craig Ditchburn

Consortium Racing / TCWeld Pro / RKR

Yamaha

TZ750

1978

750

52

Paul Byrne

DMR Motorspor / Purgetec Pty Ltd

Suzuki

McIntosh

1984

1260

56

Justin Mellerick

Mellerick Drainage

Honda

CB

1980

1200

64

Aaron Morris

Corish Motorsport, TBR, VP Race Fuels

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1294

76

Scott Webster

T & K Carney

Suzuki

Harris

1982

1200

86

Cameron Donald

K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/ K-Tech Suspension/ HRD Apparel

Irving

Vincent

1982

1300

88

Dean Oughtred

Carl Cox Motorsport / Dynoverks

Suzuki

GSX 1000S Katana

1982

1260

99

Steve Martin

Trevor Birrell Racing/ D&D Industries/Light Alloy Engineering/QBE

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1294

186

Beau Beaton

K.H. Equipment Pty Ltd/K-Teck Suspension/HRD Apparel

Irving

Vincent

1982

1300

371

John Allen

Custom Coatngs & Maintenance / C &M Motorcycle Repairs

Yamaha

TZ

1978

750

NEW ZEALAND

RaceNo

Name

Sponsor

Make

Model

Year

Cap

7

John Reynolds

Carl Cox Motorsport / Team Classic Suzuki

Suzuki

GSXR

1985

1100

9

Dean Castleton

T-Rex Racing

Honda

CB1100R

1981

1100

20

Alex Phillis

Arnolds Fruit Market, Phillis Racing

Suzuki

XR69

1980

1170

27

Matthew Ineson

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1100

33

Michael Neeves

Carl Cox Motorsport

Suzuki

GSXR

1985

1100

37

Jay Lawrence

Carl Cox Motorsport / TSS Red Baron / Shoei Helmets

Suzuki

Katana GSX1100

1981

1100

50

Glenn Hindle

Goulburn Power Centre / Old Gold Motorcycles

Suzuki

XR69

1982

1170

54

Brendan Wilson

Moto Xtream NZ / Stainless Steel Products / DeWith Motorsport

Suzuki

XR69

1980

1170

58

Duncan Coutts

Yamaha

CMR F1

1984

1250

73

Glenn Crutchley

Kallista Electrical

Kawasaki

P&M

1978

1200

107

Roger Gunn

Spice Consulting Group | Sunset Racing

Harris

F1

1982

1260

114

Campbell Stevenson

Stevenson Earthworks Ltd

Suzuki

GS1000E

1979

1000

211

Simon Richards

Motoxtreme Racing

Suzuki

GSX1100

1981

1170

427

Pete Byers

Silkdene Australia / Motoextreme Kawasaki

Suzuki

Katana

1982

1100

741

Peter Jones (PJ)

Lindsay Pinker Racing Team / Techmoto

Honda

CB1100

1982

1123

TEAM USA

RaceNo

Name

Sponsor

Make

Model

Year

Cap

4

Joshua Hayes

Yamaha

FJ

1983

1250

5

Dale Quarterley

Dunlop SBC Maxima VP Fuels Millennium Van Dyk

Suzuki

XR69

1984

1250

15

Steve Rapp

Mojo Yamaha / Dunlop

Yamaha

CMR FJ 1100

1100

17

David Crussell

Mojo Yamaha / CMR Racing

Yamaha

TZ750

1978

748

18

Mark Miller

Hypercylce USA / Dunlop USA / Bito R&D

Harris

XR69

1984

1200

29

Barrett Long

Kawasaki

Harris

1982

1250

32

Joe Pethoud

Vicious Cycle / Ten Moto Racing

Yamaha

Harris F1

1984

1250

34

Rennie Scaysbrook

Cycle News / Austwide Homes

Suzuki

GSX1100 XR69

1980

1170

43

Jason Pridmore

Dunlop / Dainese / AGV

Yamaha

FJ1200

1983

1298

55

Michael Gilbert

Cycle World Magazine

Yamaha

FJ1100

1983

1250

61

Eric Lindauer

Guzzi Power / Racetech Suspensions / Mammoth Motorsports

Kawasaki

KZ

1980

1000

62

Robert Ruwoldt

Harris

Kawasaki

1980

1200

72

Larry Pegram

Pegram Racing

Yamaha

FJ1100

1983

1250

95

Martin Morrison

Morrison Racing

Suzuki

RGB500 MK7

1982

500

178

Bruce Lind

Bruce Lind Racing

Yamaha

TZ750

1975

749

219

Jorge Guerrero

Island Racing Service / Motul / Michelin

Suzuki

XR69

1982

1200

273

Wade Boyd

Sportcroft / Guzzi Power / Racetech

Moto Guzzi

 Le Mans

1980

1000

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Record-setting BMW K 1600 GT for auction

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This record-setting BMW K 1600 GT is up for auction in Las Vegas on Australia Day (January 26, 2019) with 20% of the proceeds going to a veterans charity.

The bike belongs to Carl Reese who set records for fastest USA crossing in 38 hours, 49 minutes, in August 2015, and the longest ride in 24 hours, completing 2116.5 miles (3406km) at an average speed of 94mph in February 2017.

The Californian could have ridden even further on his mile-munching K 1600 GT (Read our review here) in the latter record. However, he had to stop after 22 hours and 52 minutes because his team ran out of available tyres. He says he could have ridden the K 1600 GT an extra 150km.

K 1600 GT aids charity

Now the BMW is up for auction with no reserve at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas on January 26.

Carl is generously donating 20% of the proceeds from the sale of his K 1600 GT to the “Motorcycle Relief Project”.

The nonprofit organisation provides relief to veterans and first responders with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other injuries. It takes PTSD sufferers on structured and professionally led, multi-day motorcycle adventure tours.

Despite the record distances, the bike only has 39,000km on the clock.

“There have been no mechanical issues to speak of,” Carl told us.

“All maintenance has been done by West Valley Cycle Sales, the oldest motorrad dealer in the USA.

“This bike is set up for anyone that wants to take a shot at any of my records. It’s in perfect working order.

“I have plans to set more records in the near future, and I need to thin out the stable to finance those attempts.”Record-setting BMW K 1600 GT for auction

The K 1600 GT has been upgraded with 30,000 lumens Clearwater Lights, BST Carbonfibere wheels, EarthX Lithium Battery, GPS Insight Global Tracking System, Lidar Cloaking, Russell Daylong Seat, ZTechnik windshield, AltRider Engine guards, auxiliary fuel tank and Worldwide Ceramic bearings.

The winning bidder will also receive a Guinness World Record letter of authenticity, certificate of origin and signed photograph and official BMW Motorrad t-shirt featuring the bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Dakar Rally sets records for rookies and women

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A record number of rookies and women will contest the 41st Dakar Rally in January which will be held in one country for the first time.

Chile, Argentina and Bolivia have pulled out of the event, leaving just the dunes and high altitude of Peru to tackle.

The route

The rally will also be the shortest in history at 5000km with 3000km of 10 special stages with two rest days.

It all starts in Lima on January 7 with 534 competitors in 334 vehicles, 149 of them motorcycles, with a record 135 newcomers in 97 vehicles vying for rookie awards.

The contenders

Congratulations Toby Price brave dakar rally competitor rookie
Toby Price

KTM is hoping for its 18th straight win with Aussie 2016 winner Toby Price (#3), 2017 victor Brit Sam Sunderland (#14) and incumbent champ Austrian Matthais Walkner (#1).

Honda’s team includes Kevin Benavides (#47), Paulo Gonçalves (#2) and Joan Barreda (#5) with Yamaha led by Adrien Van Beveren (#4) and Xavier De Soultrait (#18).

Aussie riders also include Queenslander Rodney Faggotter (#25) on his fifth Dakar mission after finishing 16th last year on his Yamaha.

Rodney Faggotter Dakar Rally - glimmer of hope congratulations rookies
Rodney Faggotter

Rookies and women

Other Aussies are Dakar rookies Victorian Ben Young (#72 Duust Rally Team) and Canberran James Ferguson (#121 KTM).

The largest female contingent since the Dakar moved to South America a decade ago includes 17 women.

There are two female riders: Laia Sanz (#17) in the factory KTM team and Spaniard Sara Garcia (#98) on a Yamaha.

A record 34 brave motorcycle and quad riders have chosen to enter unassisted in the “Original by Motul” class, previously known as the Malle Moto. 

How to watch the rally2017 Dakar Rally rider - toby price rookies

As usual, SBS TV in Australia will broadcast half-hour highlights free and in HD at 6pm from Tuesday, January 8-18.

Or you can stream live via SBS Sport and SBS On Demand. 

Stage replay is also available on SBS VICELAND nightly from about 7pm. 

Screening times may vary in your state, so check your local guide.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Steve McQueen Triumph Speed Twin heads auction

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Las Vegas motorcycle auctions seem to attract the biggest bids and January’s Bonham’s sale is set to do the same with some famous bikes including a Triumph 5T Speed Twin once owned by Steve McQueen.

Steve McQueen’s 1915 Cyclone sold at a Mecum auction for almost $A1 million in 2015 in Las Vegas.

It was the most expensive bike sold at auction until Australia Day this year when a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning on which Jack Ehret set an Australian speed record was bought at the Bonham’s annual Las Vegas motorcycle auction for a record $US929,000 ($A1,155,000, €748,500) by an unknown collector who is returning the bike to Australia.

Jack Ehret's Vincent Black Lightning collection valuable - speed twin
Jack Ehret’s Vincent Black Lightning

Speed Twin

On January 24, 2019, Bonhams will again feature a SteveMcQueen bike, as well as several rare machines at the auction in Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino.

McQueen’s 1938 Triumph 5T Speed Twin 500 is estimated to fetch up to $US65,000 (about $A92,000).Steve McQueen 1938 Triumph Speed Twin

The Hollywood star had a long association with Triumph having ridden a TR6 in The Great Escape and the 1964 International Six Day Trial, representing the USA.

This bike was restored for McQueen by friend and fellow ISDT team member Bud Ekins in the mid to late 1970s.

Rare DucatiDucati Supermono speed twin

Another highlight of the auction is a 1993 Ducati 550cc Supermono tipped to fetch up to $125,000 (about $A177,000).

It is one of only 67 design by Pierre Terblanche and built specifically for the Sound of Singles race.

“The Supermono was regarded as a resounding triumph,” says Bonhams motorcycle specialist Craig Mallery.

“It’s a very curvaceous design. There’s very little that’s angular about it. It’s a beautiful bike, very compact.”

Harley Model FHarley-Davidson Model F speed twin

Another interesting item is a 1916 Harley-Davidson Model F that sat untouched for many decades and still includes a period front tyre.

It was parked indoors many years ago in indoor storage and was recently discovered by American TV car restorer Wayne Carini, host of the Chasing Classic Cars TV series which featured the Harley in one episode.

It is expected to fetch bids up to $100,000 (about $A140,000).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com