KTM Australia has been organising adventure and dirt bike riding events in recent years and has announced their calendar for next year.
And it’s not just limited to KTM riders, either,
Since KTM Australia also imports Husqvarna and GASGAS dirt bikes, their Ride Out Moto Weekends are open to adult riders who own a KTM, Husqvarna or GASGAS off-road motorcycle (enduro, MX or cross-country) and to their kids on any brand of kid’s bike.
The weekend events will take place across three states in 2022.
Each event is a two-night, two-day recreational adventure on private property and is designed to be a non-competitive, family-friendly experience.
The first is in Stroud (NSW) on March 25-27, followed by Cooby Dam (Qld) on April 8-10, with the final weekend taking place in Wangaratta (Vic.) on April 29 to May 1.
Each weekend features a custom-cut 20km trailride loop, a grasstrack, an easy hillclimb and a newbies/kids track.
You can ride as much or as little as you want over the two days, making the most of all the tracks and set-ups on offer.
The registration fee is $299 per adult rider, $50 per child rider (aged 5-15) or $499 per family (two riding adults and two riding kids). An extra non-riding family member can attend for $30. Each event includes two nights of camping and two days of riding on an exclusive private property.
Also on offer, the latest range of 2022 KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS off-road models will be available to test on a 10km test ride loop, along with live music, American-style BBQ cook-offs, catering, coffee, partner stalls, giveaways (including rider goody-bags), plus special guests and mechanical advice.
Numbers are limited and registrations open next Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 12pm AEDT.
However riders are encouraged to contact their local authorised KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles or GASGAS dealer for priority registration information.
Riders must either have a Motorcycling Australia (MA) competition licence, or an MA recreational licence, which is available to purchase at time of registration.
To find out more about each Ride Out Moto Weekend, contact your local KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles or GASGAS authorised dealer.
Melbourne Vespa riders will celebrate the iconic scooter marque’s 75th anniversary on Sunday, 19 December, with the ninth annual Vespa Day Around the Bay.
The event, organised by the Vespa Club of Melbourne, allows participants to choose from eight departure points around the bay.
Riders can do one or two legs of the trip or ride the full 322.6km right around Port Phillip Bay.
The local Cambodian non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation conducts several community programs in health, education, vocational training, media, governance, agriculture and children’s rights.
The Vespa Club of Melbourne has donated more than $40,000 to the Cambodian charity in the past eight years.
Among the classic Vespa models expected at the event will be several 75th editions of the latest Vespa Primavera 150 and GTS 300 models, distinguished by their historic ‘Giallo Zolfo’ livery, intuitive TFT display and iconic leather wheel bags.
Vespa has built more than 19 million scooters over the past 75 years, including almost two million in the past decade alone.
Image from previous Vespa Vespa Days
Vespa Day Around the Bay itinerary
6.45am Geelong: The Edge Cafe. Refuel at Yarraville so you can make it home.
10.40am Chelsea: Morning tea from 10am by members Stefan and Ira at their home at 8 Village Crescent, Chelsea. Thank them very much.
11.30am Mornington: Wilson’s Road. Regroup only. Don’t gear down. Ride begins as soon as the tail rider arrives.
1pm Sorrento Ferry: $20 cash for Vespa Club members/$30 cash others (usually $39). Have small notes ready to pay Julie as you pass through the gate. Lunch on the ferry is BYO or you can buy from the kiosk.
1.45pm Queenscliff: Ride to Portarlington where riders will refuel.
3.30pm Leave Geelong, through Corio and Lara: North of Little River the ride joins the freeway for 15 minutes.
The reason they announce the exact time for the opening of online registrations is that the capped events are so popular, they usually sell out within hours or even minutes.
Both will start in Hobart and feature a variety of twisty bitumen roads that rival the best in Australia as well as some dirt roads.
However, the Enduro will include more dirt and a lot of technical off-road terrain.
Also, attendees in the Enduro event must first complete their two-day BMW Off Road Training Pre-Safari course, located not far from Hobart.
I’ve participated in several TS (road only), GS and GS Enduro safaris over the years and found them to be well-organised events.
Fees cover route notes, welcome and farewell dinners, baggage back-up, expert advice, recovery vehicles and discounts on accommodation.
The Australian Touratech open day is back after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic.
It will be held next weekend (18 December 2021) at Touratech Australia’s newly renovated Adventure Centre at Carboor, in Victoria’s beautiful and adventurous high country.
In the past, the event has been held in Myrtleford or Bright, Victoria.
Touratech adventure riding experts give tips about planning, riding, equipment or bike issues.
Coffee and lunch are included, but you must book your attendance for catering byclicking here.
They have also arranged a couple of interesting routes to get you to the venue on some of the region’s best roads – one from the north starting in Albury, the other from the south starting in Mansfield.
Specialised routes to the Aussie Touratech Open Day:
Back in black
The famed German motorcycle accessory company was bailed out of a voluntary insolvency in 2017 after an increased demand in sales saw them unable to fulfil many orders – attributed mostly to the late completion of their new factory and showroom.
The new owner is interior design and accessory manufacturer Happich who took over on January 1, 2018.
Aussie race fans will be able to cheer on their MotoGP star, Jack Miller, in the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
After finishing third in the final last round of the MotoGP Championship in Valencia last weekend and fourth for the season, Jack will travel to South Australia for the ASBK race at The Bend Motorsport Park on 3–5 December.
Aussies have missed out on seeing their local hero for the past two years with the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix cancelled in 2020 and this year.
He will compete on a 2021 Ducati Panigale V4 R alongside fellow Australian Ducati riders Mike Jones, Wayne Maxwell and three-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss’s son, Oli, in the two-race event.
Jack says it is a “massive privilege and honour” to race in front of Australian fans.
“As you can imagine it has not been easy to try and organise everything from the other side of the world at such short notice,” he says.
The final round will be open to spectators with travel restrictions easing for several states.
Jack comes from Townsville north Queensland and won his first dirt track title at the age of only 10 in 2005.
“I was two and a half years old, nearly three, when my dad taught me how to ride, even though, once I learnt the base, I was kind of self-taught,” Jack says.
“I learn a lot of things on my own. That’s why I have so many broken bones!
“My first bike was a (Honda) QR 50 from my brother. He got it on his birthday and that was the day I went to ride it.
“We rode all day, every day. We just put more petrol in the bike and kept going.”
In 2008 he moved to road racing and in 2010 he went to Europe.
He was the championship runner-up in the 2014 Moto3 World Championship and won his first MotoGP race at the 2016 Dutch TT.
In 2021, he raced for the factory Ducati team.
“This year we finish fourth, and it is my best result ever in the MotoGP Championship, so I hope to do even better next year,” he says.
Black Dog Ride Australia (BDRA) is seeking the views of riders to determine its future direction after a couple of “ruff” years due to changes in leadership and the pandemic.
BDRA was started by Steve Andrews after his solo ride around Australia in 2009 to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews
His shock retirement in 2017 was followed by a series of changes in leadership, board membership and administrative staff that the organisation admitted in 2019 had left them “in a state of flux”.
Over the past two years, Covid lockdowns have forced the cancellation of the annual Ride to the Red Centre.
Now, BDRA seems to be searching for a new direction in 2022 and is asking riders to complete a short online survey.
It starts by asking whether you agree that their mission statement should change from raising awareness of “depression and suicide prevention” to “mental health and suicide prevention”.
It also asks about how you currently support the event and the cause, plus basic info about your age and which state you come from.
There are only four questions so it takes about a minute to fill out.
The oldest, longest continually running and perhaps the biggest toy run, Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run in Newcastle, was restricted to just 50 motorcycles.
This year the 44th running of the event is back to full capacity on Sunday December 5 and organisers say they are planning for their biggest toy run yet.
Thousands of motorbikes of all shapes and sizes, laden with gifts and all dressed up for Christmas, will hit the road from Stockton at 10am led by Santa’s Sleigh.
They will head to Wickham Park for a family day out with Santa, face painting, kids’ rides, market stalls, live bands, food trucks and more.
COVID-19 has made life difficult for many Australians, especially those already facing hardship or struggling to put food on the table.
Organisers say that’s why it’s important for riders and pillions to donate more toys and raise more funds for The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal than ever.
Every toy donated ends up under the Christmas tree of a less fortunate child or teenager who would otherwise go without on Christmas morning.
There will also be a $5 raffle for a chance to win a SYM Classic 200i scooter.
Click here to register free for your chance to win some great prizes and to help organisers manage attendance.
The COVID-safe event will follow all health advice to keep everyone safe.
Bikers for Kids was established in 1990 by long-time motorcycle enthusiast and community figure, Big John Young.
Big John has been awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2015 for his work with the community for children.
He has now passed the reins of the Newcastle Toy Run to his son Daryn Young who hopes to grow the run into something bigger and better each year.
Toy runs
Many other toy runs are gearing up across the country.
One of the first toy runs is the Toy Run for Father Bobin South Melbourne on 24 November. That is not to be confused with the Melbourne Toy Run which so far does not appear to have a confirmed date yet.
In fact, several of the usual toy runs are yet to confirm dates, so I suggest you continue to check the Facebook pages in your local area to see if the events are returning.
Here is what we know so far:
Despite some restrictions last year the42nd Annual MRA Toy Run in Tasmania still had 500 bikes and they are expecting a whole lot more bikes in Hobart this year on December 4.
In Queensland where there have been few restrictions, it seems most rides are back.
A total of 35 motorcycles, including a number of rare and collectible US models as well as some great British and Japanese classics, are lining up for the Australian Shannons 40th Anniversary Timed Online Auction from 23-29 November.
It’s probably not a great time to buy, but certainly to sell.
Motorcycles have been fetching record prices at auction since the pandemic struck and people have not been able to spend their savings on overseas holidays.
However, if you are interested in buying, we suggest you first check out our tips for buying at auction.
The oldest motorcycle in the Shannons auction is a 1000cc 1918 Harley-Davidson Model F1000.
1918 Harley-Davidson Model F1000
Representing the top of Harley-Davidson’s line-up at the time and fitted with the most powerful engine then in the company’s range, the Model F is an iconic bike well recognised by all motorcycle enthusiasts.
Painted in period ‘Olive Drab’ and fitted with a genuine Harley Davidson-branded tan leather seat, Acetylene lighting and a Claxton horn, the bike has been well looked after and is in good general running condition, making it an excellent candidate for events such as the Cannonball Endurance Rally motorcycle run at its expected selling price of $54,000-$60,000.
Of similar vintage, but from Britain, are a two other notable vintage motorcycles offered at ‘no reserve’ – a collectible, ready-to-restore’ 1924 AJS V-Twin Deluxe 800cc ($20,000-$25,000) and a nicely-presented (older restoration) 1926 Douglas EW 350,complete with rear wickerwork carry basket ($8,000-$12,000).
The four other Harley-Davidsons on offer include a fully-restored 1942 WLA with Dustings sidecar. Presented in running condition with full WWII livery, this is one of the best examples to come to market in recent years and is expected to sell for $35,000-$45,000.
For avid Harley collectors, there is a rare, totally unrestored 1934 VFD 1200cc Solo – one of just five produced – that was found under a house in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley where it sat undisturbed and undiscovered for more than 50 years. This rare VFD is a sought-after motorcycle jewel and although not currently running, it is expected to bring $60,000-$70,000.
Harley Davidson knew all about overhead valve motorcycles even before 1915, when the company designed its first eight-valve racers. This advanced feature in 1936 was incorporated in the new EL model, also known as the ‘Knucklehead’.
1941 Harley-Davidson EL ‘Knucklehead’
The new technology, along with a reliable, proper recirculating oil system,
was immediately embraced by the public, with a nicely-restored 1941 EL Knucklehead 1000cc solo – one of less than 2,500 made in 1941 – presented in running condition expected to sell for $75,000-$85,000.
The most modern Harley in the auction is a one-off 2014 XL1200cc Sportster Custom motorcycle that has covered just 2,515km since its completion six years ago in the one ownership of a renowned car and motorcycle collector and is expected to sell for $15,000-$25,000.
Among other notable British motorcycles in the auction are three interesting Velocettes, headed by a replica circa-1939 KTT Mark VIII 350cc race bike (‘no reserve’ $20,000-$25,000). Other Velocettes in the auction are a circa-1937 MAC 350cc Race Bike (‘no reserve’ $8,000 – $10,000) and a 1958 Metisse 500cc with an ex-race motor (‘no reserve’, $12,000 – $16,000).
Three great Nortons from 1949-1975, a mighty Triumph Bonneville, a 1970 Royal Enfield and a spectacular Triumph Hurricane, are other British bike stars on offer.
three-cylinder 1972 Triumph Hurricane X-75
Particularly notable is the 1949 Norton Dominator 600cc presented in the style of the famous London Café Racers of the 1950s, which is offered in running condition. Offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to sell in the $12,000-$15,000 range.
Also very desirable for Triumph collectors is an immaculate and rare 1977 Bonneville 750cc Silver Jubilee motorcycle– a model that marked the company’s 25th anniversary in 1977.
1977 Bonneville 750cc Silver Jubilee
One of just 1000 made initially, all featuring Girling’s then-new ‘Upside-Down Shocks’ with exposed springs, the bike is presented in excellent condition, ready to enjoy on club runs and events, or simply to display, with its expected sale price of $15,000-$18,000.
Undoubtedly one of the most trendsetting motorcycles of its day, and a ‘hero’ of the auction is a 1972 Triumph Hurricane X-75 Motorcycle – a triple-cylinder model rarely offered for sale.
three-cylinder 1972 Triumph Hurricane X-75
It represents a worthy motorcycle hero of the auction, with the radically-styled and trend-setting cruiser being one of just 1172 built and showing just 12,674km on its odometer, expected to sell in the $36,000-$42,000 range.
Rare in this country, the 1970 Royal Enfield Interceptor Series II has been owned by the vendor since it was just a year old. Presented in immaculate condition following a four-year restoration, it is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $10,000-$15,000.
Italian motorcycles are represented in quality if not quantity in the auction, with the stand-out being a stunning 2003, four cylinder Yamaha-powered Bimota YB11 Superleggera that combines Italian suspension with a top-level Yamaha engine to create a unique sports bike.
Recently pulled down and re-assembled over seven weeks and presented in magnificent condition, it is expected to bring $20,000-$25,000.
Its worthy Italian alternative is a black 1992 Ducati 900SS – one of the all-time great classic sports bikes. Offered with jut 34,355km indicated and correct in every detail, it is expected to sell for $10,000-$14,000.
Ten classic Japanese bikes are also in the auction, headed by a custom-made 1979 CBX1000 that is slated to sell for $40,000-$50,000. Other sought-after Hondas include a nicely-presented 1983 VF400F (‘no reserve’, $8,000-$12,000) and a well-kept 2008 CBF1000 (‘no reserve’, $6,000-$9,000).
The top-priced Japanese bikes are expected to be two four-cylinder Kawasakis –a lovely 1977 Z1000 in factory condition ($20,000-$25,000) and an immaculate 1974 Z1 900cc with a period front fairing ($35,000-$45,000).
Four Yamahas are on offer, with the most radical-looking being a 1978 twin cylinder XS650 Storm ‘Phil Little’ Special Edition with very low kilometres that has the classic, custom look of a Triumph Hurricane for a much lower estimated selling price of $10,000-$14,000.
Finally for scooter enthusiasts there are two iconic 1950s Lambrettas – a 1955 Model F and a 1957 LD125 – both in great condition and expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $10,000-$14,000 and $8,000-$12,000 respectively.
Queensland Police are hosting a Helmets and Hoods Motorcycle Expo at willowbank raceway, west of Brisbane, on Thursday November 18 from 4-8pm.
It’s a strange time to be hosting a motorcycle event, especially since it is a night-time event on the fringes of urban Ipswich where there are kangaroos roaming at night!
The flyer features MX Pro Todd Waters (pictured above) with whom you can have your photo taken at the QPS stall. Not sure why a dirt bike rider is a feature of a “road” safety event!
Those points aside, you can be assured there will be the usual messaging from the police about seed and rider vulnerability.
Senior Constable Kerrin Sheedy says the event is “an opportunity to network and share information, whilst raising awareness of motorcycle safety and security”.
The event will include motorcycle demonstrations from Mount Cotton Revolution Rider Training, presentations from QPS Road Policing, a Standard Drinks presentation from Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit, Spinal and Brain injuries presentations, as well as a sausage sizzle by Ulysses.
After several Australian toy runs were cancelled, restricted or went “virtual” in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, it appears many will return to full strength this year.
Organisers are now gearing up their toy runs as states begin to ease restrictions and come out of lockdown.
After a tumultuous year that affected the livelihoods of many Aussies, charity events such as these are desperately needed and warmly welcomed by local communities.
These toy runs not only raise funds, but mainly non-perishable goods and new toys for families in the lead-up to Christmas. Check the conditions of donations at your local event first.
Most toy runs also feature elaborately decorated riders and bikes.
Ipswich toy run
Last year the oldest and one of the biggest toy runs, Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run was restricted to just 50 motorcycles. This year the 44th running of the Newcastle event is back to full capacity on December 4 and organisers say they are planning for their biggest toy run yet.
In fact, most toy run organisers are expecting large turnouts this year after the lockdown.
One of the first toy runs is the Toy Run for Father Bobin South Melbourne on 24 November. That is not to be confused with the Melbourne Toy Run which so far does not appear to have a confirmed date yet.
In fact, several of the usual toy runs are yet to confirm dates, so I suggest you continue to check the Facebook pages in your local area to see if the events are returning.
NSW and Victoria have suffered the biggest lockdowns and restrictions in the past year so their toy runs were the most severely affected last year.
Other states were less affected.
Here is what we know so far:
Despite some restrictions last year the42nd Annual MRA Toy Run in Tasmania still had 500 bikes and they are expecting a whole lot more bikes in Hobart this year on December 4.
In Queensland where there have been few restrictions, it seems most rides are back.
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