Riding low with a slammed suspension and featuring the classic eight litre “peanut” fuel tank, the Forty-Eight backs up its bulldog appearance with the performance of its blacked out and polished rubber-mounted Evolution® 1200 cc V-Twin engine. The low solo seat, under-mounted mirrors, clean rear fender and tall and fat front tire emphasize the Forty Eight’s focus on chiseled customisation.

“With its classic bulldog shoulders stance, the Forty-Eight strikes a distinctive look and low profile that could only come from Harley-Davidson,” said Ray Drea, Harley-Davidson Senior Director of Styling. “The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience and broken-in look that is raw and authentic.”

Harley-Davidson Sportster models like the Forty-Eight have retained an aura of rebellion since their introduction in 1957, when the foundation of custom culture was being formed by hot rod gear heads hanging out on city street corners, in gritty garages or at dusty dragstrips. Sportster motorcycles became an iron canvas for many legendary choppers of that hot rod era and beyond.

Lying low from tire-to-tire, the Forty-Eight model showcases more of its black 1200 Evolution V-Twin engine with polished accents and other components with a clean look highlighted by the traditional peanut fuel tank, small solo seat and lightening holes in the backbone mounting bracket. The Forty-Eight has more than just custom cool styling with the smooth ride on new front fork sliders, a tall and fat front tire and slammed rear suspension.

With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Forty-Eight motorcycle delivers a powerful and responsive ride with. As expected the pipes on the chrome, shorty dual exhaust pound out the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.

The Forty-Eight embraces the street up front with forward foot controls, low profile custom handlebar, under-mounted mirrors, fork-mounted turn signals, slammed speedometer mounting bracket and fork brace with lightening holes. A unique dual texture solo seat with a height of 66 cm fits the lone rider, while a passenger pillion, footpegs and backrest are some of the many accessories that can be added.

The black chopped rear fender with combination stop/turn/tail lights show-off the 150 mm rear tire and 16-inch Black Steel Laced wheels. The front tire also rides on a wide black wheel.

The Forty-Eight model comes in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl.

Forty-Eight features and highlights:
· Blacked out rubber-mounted Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine with polished covers
· Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
· Steel eight litre peanut fuel tank with lightening hole mounting bracket
· One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
· 66 cm seat height
· Tall and fat 130 mm Dunlop MT90 front tire
· 16-inch Black Steel Laced wheels
· Low profile custom handlebar
· Under-mounted mirrors
· New front forks with wide triple clamps
· Chopped front fender mounted on fork brace with lightening holes
· Blacked components including air cleaner cover, clutch and brake levers and turn signals
· Chopped rear fender
· Stop-turn-tail lights
· Two-year factory warranty
· Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

New Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

The YZF-R1SP will be available in strictly limited numbers at RRP (inc GST) $21,299. Customers are urged to contact their dealers to place an order to avoid disappointment.

The YZF-R1SP is based on a 2010 R1 but fitted with Rossi decal kit that includes #46 race numbers front and rear and the maestro’s signature on the fuel tank to make it the ultimate autograph collector’s piece.

The revolutionary YZF-R1 was introduced at the end of February 2009. The radical and innovative new model represented the most significant development in engine and chassis technology ever seen in the 11-year history of this legendary motorcycle.

Featuring an all-new 998cc engine whose design, feel and character has been influenced by Rossi’s championship winning M1, the new high-tech R1 powerplant is closely linked to our Moto GP bike. In fact the new model R1 engine has benefited from more Moto GP developed technology than any other in its long and prestigious history.

Limited edition Rossi Special R1 is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

Between now and 31 March 2010, customers will receive $250 Honda Dollars with purchase of a VTR250, CBR125, CBF250, CB400 (standard or ABS version) or VT400; as well as on the full range of scooters including the Today 50, Lead 100, SH150i, SH300i, Scoopy, Forza 250 and Silver Wing. The offer is valid on all year models.

Honda’s VT750C Shadow is all about kicking back and enjoying the road whilst sitting comfortably in the supple seat of this classic long-and-low cruiser. This beautifully configured liquid-cooled V-twin powered motorcycle also comes with $500 Honda Dollars in your pocket.

The combination of large front wheel, higher handlebars and low-slung seat create a sporty, aggressive look. A wide saddle-type rider’s seat is one of the lowest and most comfortable in its class whilst the pillion seat can be detached to enhance the clean, custom styling.

Honda’s highly acclaimed naked sports motorcycle, the CB1000R, is now available with $1000 Honda Dollars.

The CB1000R’s compact yet powerful Fireblade inspired 998cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine has been tuned for maximised low-to-midrange performance, as well as for stronger, more exciting power that extends further up the powerband.

Its angular-looking, semi-underslung stainless steel exhaust system lowers centre of gravity for lighter, more responsive handling and an exhilarating sound.

With Honda Dollars, customers can spend their credit in a variety of ways within the dealership toward accessories, servicing or as a discount off the bike.

Honda start the year with a round of special offers is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

Up to now, Rainer Bäumel (43) has been responsible for engineering, team management and team organisation in his capacity as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Project Manager in the Superbike World Championship. Bäumel will continue as Head of Project Management and Project Management Engineering.

The collaboration between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and Tardozzi is part of a package of measures aimed at optimising the competitiveness of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in the Superbike World Championship. In his role as Team Manager, Tardozzi will look after the operational management of the team at races and tests, act as an interface between the team and the promoters and organisers of the Superbike World Championship, and provide a link to suppliers.

“I am delighted finally to be able to announce our partnership with Davide Tardozzi,” said BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser.

“The new structure ensures that the team will be well set up for the future. Team management and team organisation are important areas in which we can see further potential for improvement. The key here is to approach every situation in a structured and target-led way. This applies to both general processes and tactical decisions with a direct influence over performance. With his many years of experience in the sport, Davide will play a decisive role here. At the same time, the restructuring will allow Rainer Bäumel to fully focus on the core areas of overall project management and engineering.”

Tardozzi said: “I imagine a lot of people will be surprised to hear of my decision to join BMW. However, for me the decision was simple. I had offers from MotoGP, but my heart is in the Superbike World Championship and I feel at home here. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is a young and hungry team, and that gives me the challenge I have been looking for. I’m looking forward to working behind the scenes to the benefit of the team. I know that I can fulfil this role at BMW. Of course, already knowing our riders Troy and Ruben well makes my job easier. 2010 will be a tough year, as there are many good riders and teams in the Superbike World Championship. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that BMW can take a big step forward over the coming year.”

Tardozzi rode in motorcycle races himself from 1984 to 1992. In his first two seasons he competed in the 250 cc World Championship and later moved to the Superbike class. He finished third in the 1988 Superbike World Championship after racking up five race wins, and in 1991 he secured the European Superbike Championship title. Tardozzi has remained involved – and continued to enjoy success – in motorcycle racing since bringing the curtain down on his career as a rider. Since 1995, as a team principal, he has won a total of nine manufacturers’ titles and eight riders’ titles in the Superbike World Championship.

New management for the BMW Motorrad Superbike World Championship team. is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

“This is a great result given the tough economic conditions faced in 2009, we have great bikes, accessories and clothing, priced well and backed by a professional dealer network”, said Triumphs marketing manager Mal Jarrett.

The Thunderbird launched in September is enjoying huge sales success with over 200 sales already and strong orders going forward.

Triumph’s outstanding performance in Australia has also been mirrored internationally, receiving praise for the success in an otherwise distressed market. In a year where global sales dropped a staggering 31% for motorcycles over 500cc, Triumph sold the most bikes they have ever recorded. Complimenting their sales results, Triumph have increased their global dealership count with 39 new dealers and increased their market share in every country in which they do business.

Triumph’s Street Triple range continues to sell promising numbers and recently won ‘Readers choice Bike of the Year’ awards in Australia and Bike of the Year in Japan! Sister and engine donor of the Street Triple, Triumph’s Daytona 675 has also maintained its growth in the supersports segment representing 16% of all supersport motorcycles sold in the UK.

And its not all about the sports bikes. If you add up all Bonneville variants ‘Bonneville, T100, Thruxton, America… Triumph’s sales for the 865cc air cooled engine equates to over 1700 motorcycles sold in 2009.

With Triumph’s extensive range of motorcycles from the brilliant 675cc Street Triple to the powerhouse 146bhp Rocket III Roadster, there is a bike for everyone.

Triumph defy global downturn is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

For the journey of his dreams, Toi selected a Honda XRV750 (Africa Twin) and a Honda NX650 Dominator* for their reliability in tough environments. These two companions carried Toi across the torrid desert, the frigid tundra and other terrain of the most daunting nature. With their help, Toi traveled more than 120,000 kilometres.

Facing many a hardship, Toi kept riding, believing the essence of his journey to be the discovery of truth and hope, however small the forms they took. Although some may have considered the trip a waste of time, money and effort, nothing could dissuade Toi from exploring the unknown or taking in the kaleidoscopic experiences of the long road.

This amazing journey has been compiled into a series of photo journals that you can access through the links below.

*Both models are currently not in production

1997 Crossed North America
1998 Crossed Australia
2001 Crossed Africa
2005 Crossed South America
2009 Crossec Eurasia

Riding Across Five Continents is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

The first round of the series will take place February 26 – 28 and is a must for all motorcycling racing fans who look forward to heart stopping action provided courtesy of the world’s top riders.

For those who have never been to a World Supers event, the atmosphere is always electric with spectators being able to ride their bikes right up to the door of the Honda Corporate Marquee, as well as around the perimeter of the circuit to different viewing areas such as Southern Loop, Siberia and Lukey Heights.

A $650 three day Honda Corporate ticket will provide you access to a private facility complete with raised outside seating offering the best view of the circuit. Inside the big tent, you will be served an all inclusive lunch, morning and afternoon teas with hot and cold soft drinks each day of the event.

A cash bar is also available. If you prefer to watch the action live (as opposed to on the CCTV provided inside the marquee), grab a seat in the ‘garden’ area which is so close to the track you can almost touch the bikes!

To ensure you don’t miss any details, the Honda Marquee is located directly across from a huge Superscreen. Additional extras in the Honda Corporate Package include an Official Event Program, Pit Walk on Saturday, rider interviews (depending upon availability), exclusive Honda bike parking as well as a Honda souvenir.

Off track activities include a large motorcycle expo with all the latest models, accessories and merchandise, photo opportunities with the “Honda Girls’, scenic helicopter flights (fee applicable), and much more.

Bookings can be made at: www.hrca.com.au.

Closing date is Friday February 12, 2010.

Join Honda trackside at 2010 World Superbikes is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

Promising Victorian Christian Casella will be the team’s sole rider aboard a Triumph Daytona 675. AARK Racing, managed by Andy Offer, will also receive support from Triumph Australia’s Technical Manager Cliff Stovall and Peter Stevens’ well-known engineer, Andrew Hallam.

Triumph has already enjoyed international success with its three-cylinder supersport weapon, with Aussie Paul Young winning the 2008 British title, and his countryman Garry McCoy finishing on the podium in this year’s world championship.

Meanwhile, Casella was seventh in this year’s Australian Supersport Championship as a privateer, acquitting himself brilliantly amongst a gaggle of distributor-backed machinery.

“We have been looking at how to best support some of our up and coming young riders and to put back into the industry,” said Triumph Australia’s marketing manager Mal Jarrett.

“Getting involved with the Supersport series, and in particular Andy & AARK Racing, seemed a logical way to do so. It’s with great excitement and anticipation that we look forward to the 2010 race season.”

The six-round 2010 Australian Supersport Championship will begin on February 26-28 at Phillip Island as a support class for the opening round of the world superbike title.

Triumph racing into 2010 is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

Racing for the all-new Reitwagen BMW Team, Andrew Pitt will take to the track alongside fellow Australian Troy Corser who will again pilot the BMW S 1000 RR for the BMW Motorsport Team.

The Australian connection doesn’t stop there; Andrew Pitt will also be joined by Peter Goddard as team Chassis Engineer.

The remaining Reitwagen BMW Team postings will consist of Roland Resch as fellow rider and Johan ‘Stiggy’ Stigefelt as team Technical Manager.

The Reitwagen BMW Team is the first satellite team to run the new S 1000 RR and the bikes will be prepared in a dedicated workshop at the BMW factory.

Testing officially begins at Eastern Creek in early February, followed by a second test scheduled at Phillip Island prior to the World Superbike round at the famous circuit.

Andrew Pitt, “After four years I’m very happy to be back in World Superbike and excited about riding for such a dedicated and passionate team. The team also includes plenty of very experienced operators and BMW are obviously serious about the World Superbike program, so I think this is going to be a great thing.”

“The S 1000 RR is, on specification and results, a competitive machine already and I’m looking forward to testing the bike at Eastern Creek and Phillip Island early in the New Year.”

With 47 World Superbike races under his belt and 66 World Supersport races, Andrew will be bringing a wealth of experience to the team.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of a new bike. I’ve been working hard on my fitness and I’m more motivated than ever to have a successful two-years.”

Andrew will spend the next two months at home in the NSW North Coast town of Port Macquarie where he will be joined early in 2010 by teammate Roland Resch. The pair will train together in the lead up to the start of the season, ensuring that both riders are at peak fitness before tackling the 215-plus horsepower BMW S 1000 RR.

BMW Motorrad signs another world-class Aussie is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog

The Italian Misano World Circuit will once again host proceedings, and during the four-day period Ducati will offer a rich programme of fun-filled, action-packed and bike-themed events. Shows, track tests, special appearances by riders and stuntmen, bike tours, visits to the Ducati museum and factory, historic bike exhibitions, conferences and, above all, the congregation of the world’s Ducatisti, the undisputed stars of the show.

All the details regarding the sixth edition of World Ducati Week, as well as information about the entire Ducati world, can be found on the website www.ducati.com and will be continuously updated over the coming months.

World Ducati Week announced is a post from: Australian Bike Advice & News Blog