Table of contents for #414 23-08 in Just Bikes

Harley-Davidson’s 120th Anniversary year is here and the famous American motorcycle company will be celebrating the milestone later in 2023 with a massive party in their hometown of Milwaukee Wisconsin. They’ve also released new and updated models for the new year, the first batch of which was announced in late January. Amongst the MY23 range revealed so far, there are some all-new models, a visual makeover of one and a power hike for another, while the 120th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson’s first motorcycle in 1903 will be marked with the release of seven limited-edition models, all with commemorative paint and details. “Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has pioneered American motorcycle design, technology, and performance, and today marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 120th Anniversary.” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and…

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released sales figures for Australia’s motorcycle market in 2022 – and it’s not a good result for the industry. Overall, 99,030 new motorcycles, scooters and OHVs – from FCAI members – were sold in Australia in 2022, which is a significant decrease on the previous year’s total of 123,530. The 19.8 per cent drop from the total in 2021 (which was a 13.4 per cent increase on 2020’s sales) was largely due to reduced sales of off-road motorcycles and significantly reduced sales of OHV vehicles that include ATVs and Side by Side (SxS) vehicles. Road bikes sales fell last year, too, with the scooter segment the only one of the four main market segments to see sales increase. “The rise in interest…

KTM, the dominant force in the motorcycle division at the annual Dakar Rally from 2001 to 2019, was back to its best this year. Defeated by Honda and GasGas in the past three years, KTM triumphed in 2023, achieving a 1-2 result. With Yamaha out of the Dakar, the Red Bull Factory KTM Racing team had one less rival to deal with this year, but was still up against factory squads from Husqvarna, GasGas, Honda, Sherco and Hero. The Red Bull Factory KTM Racing ‘s rider lineup consisted of Toby Price, Matthias Walkner (3rd place last year) and Kevin Benavides, all of whom were past winners, with Monster Energy Honda Team’s four rider squad also boasting a past winner in Ricky Brabec, alongside Adrien van Beveren, Jose Ignacio Cornejo and…

Shannons’ major competition for 2023 includes a brand-new Indian motorcycle and entry to the event on every petrolhead’s bucket list – the Goodwood Revival. The Indian up for grabs is a 2023 Scout Bobber that combines a powerful, torquey 1133cc v-twin engine – producing 70kW and 97Nm - with a six-speed gearbox, 41mm tele fork front and dual shock rear suspension, disc brakes with ABS, nimble handling and a low 649mm seat height. With its chopped mudguards, low-rise handlebar, side-mount licence plate mount, stripped-down look and blacked out engine details, the Scout Bobber is ‘attitude’ on two wheels! Finished in Ruby Smoke and valued at $23,995 ride away, the Indian Scout Bobber will also come with Shannons Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance Cover, including Shannons Roadside Assist, for 12 months. The Scout…

Despite DesmoSport Ducati’s reasonably successful outcome with Bryan Staring in the 2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK), the team have elected to go with youth instead of experience this year, replacing the 35-year-old veteran with 22-year-old Broc Pearson. After winning the 2021 Australian Supersport Championship., Pearson made his Superbike debut last year and rode a partial season with privateer Yamaha ASBK squad, 727Moto. After two rounds, Pearson parted ways with that team, then landed a ride alongside Staring at DesmoSport Ducati for the final three rounds of the 2022 season, ultimately finishing eleventh in the championship (Staring finished third). Pearson’s results in that cameo, along with DesmoSport Ducati’s commitment to assist the development of young riders, were enough to convince team co-owners, Ben Henry and…

1 FLY RACING TREKKER HELMET FLY Racing/McLeod Accessories flyracing.com FLY Racing’s Trekker is an adventure helmet that handles the highway as well as it handles off-road trails. The durable and lightweight polymer shell is ECE/DOT approved, available in two shell sizes and features the True Function Ventilation system with multiple intake and exhaust vents to keep your head cool. The dual-density EPS inner features a Qwick-Dry comfort liner and Hydrophilic sweat-absorbing liner that’s removable and washable. A scratch-resistant clear visor is designed to work with the peak and is easy to change, with tint and mirror options available. Available in seven colourways and S-2XL sizes. Priced from $299.99 RRP. 2 MV AGUSTA SINCE 1945 Veloce UK veloce.co.uk Subtitled ‘Birth, death and resurrection: The story of one of the world’s most…

Eicher Motors Ltd., the parent company of Royal Enfield, have made a multimillion-dollar investment into Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer, Stark Future SL, with future collaborations on electric mobility that may lead to a Royal Enfield EV. Announced by Stark Future on 30 December, the initial equity investment consists of 50 million Euro (AU$78 million approx.) by the latter, translating to a 10.35 per cent stake in the former, plus a seat on Stark Future’s board. Each company says the investment is strategically significant, as both are keenly interested in creating innovative, sustainable solutions for global mobility. “We see immense synergies in this partnership,” said B Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield. “While [Stark Future] are scaling up and planning their market entry, we will support Stark in the industrialisation process. “While…

The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) will break new ground this year with its first ever night race. The night round will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) on 24-25 March, with the 3.93km track formerly known as Eastern Creek to also host ASBK’s preseason test. The format will see practise and qualifying during the day, with racing at night for both days of the round. “It’s a big year for ASBK returning to SMSP, not only for the first ever ASBK night race, but for the Official ASBK Test,” said Peter Doyle, Motorcycling Australia CEO. “It’s a testament to all involved to bring this to fruition and to Destination NSW for their vision and support. “With the level of talent featuring in ASBK…