Bikesales Staff•8 Oct 2010

NEWS

Fast Torque

Welcome to Fast Torque issue #3, where someone has won a prize, and heaps of new letters get published

Here we are, three months into our letters page with the third edition of "Fast Torque", which is quickly becoming the world's go-to destination for motorcycle opinion and slander. Being a new edition, we also had to choose a winner for our monthly prize give-away. And that letter writer is Mark, for his thoughts on two-stroke motorcycles being phased out of GP racing.

Mark has won himself a Crumpler 'Barney Rustle' bag valued at $150. It's a neat little sack -- water resistant with reflector strips, accessory loops and rip-stop lining.

This month we're giving away Smart Strapz from Andy Strapz valued at $65. Billed as the smart alternative to occy straps, they're designed for bikes that are normally difficult to pack luggage on, such as sports bikes and trail bikes, the Smart Strapz can be hooked into small gaps in the bike's frame and won't scuff your fairing thanks to padded straps (second and third image). Oh, and we're also throwing in a couple of BRP Can-Am baseball caps too.

How do you win? There's no catch -- just write in with whatever's on your mind to win stuff every month. You'll also be published across the Bikesales Network's websites, and if you've have a read of the past two editions of "Fast Torque" you'll know that no topics are off limits. Indeed, this the place where you can talk about your experiences, opinions and vexations regarding everything two-wheeled. Whatever's on your mind, let us know. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the 'comment' link to send us your thoughts.

ANGRY SPEED
Strewth! The new 2011 Triumph Speed Triple looks vicious - like it would eat Alien and Predator for breakfast! If it goes as hard as it looks all other streetfighters should be getting nervous.
- Bob Moyse

Ed: Yeah I couldn't see it eating a muffin and a wheatgrass shot for breakfast... There are a couple of people in this office who reckon the new design isn't as good as the old one, but the Speed Triple styling has always tended to polarise opinion.

MAKE MINE A MULTI
I've been watching and waiting for an article like this on the Ducati Multistrada to make my mind up. So its made up!! I'll take a red one too!
- Justin

VEXING VT750S #1
I thought the Honda VT750S was supposed to be a shaftie, not chain drive??
- Cary Cullen

Ed: The Honda VT750S is built to a price, and you'd be lucky to find a bike for under $10K with a shaftie. It's meant to be a simple, no fuss casual roadster.

VEXING VT750S #2
The Honda VT750S seemed exactly what I wanted in order to re-enter motorcycling after a lengthy absence - until I saw the size of the fuel tank. Most of my planned weekend rides would need to be arranged around the location of petrol servos... I cannot believe that Honda have stuck such a stupid tank size on a bike like this!
- Craig Brunton

Ed: Fair point Craig. I'm not trying to defend Honda here, but the VT750S doesn't have a particularly thirsty engine and personally I wouldn't be taking the bike on epic trips where mile munching is a main priority.

TAIWANESE TEMPTATION
Hi, do you know if anyone is exporting Rough Craft's chopper into Australia for retail? I want one!!!
- Paul Mitchell

Ed: Not to our knowledge Paul. If you're dying to get your hands on one you may have to talk to them direct and then wade through the importation red tape.

DUCATI DELIGHT
There's no doubting the Ducati Multistrada is a landmark bike - everybody seems to agree on that and it most definitely ticks all the boxes. My highest praise for the bike is that I am seriously considering one (a 2011 version just to make sure!). It would be my first Duc and first non-Japanese bike. However, I just wish we were three years or so into the future, to have the choice of what the competition (and the likes of Honda) will have for us at $10K less and with even more equipment. Viva la competizione!!
- Brian

GOOD, BUT NOT GREAT
Lots of new things on the market, but they all just seem to miss their mark. Love that little escooter but how about one for us 'outer-suburb' types that do 100km/h for at least 30 kilometres? Love the Aprilia Dordo and Yam Super-Ten, but how about putting those motors in a TDM-like tourer? Love that Tiger 800 as well, but isn't it just more of the same from Triumph...?

- John G

SEXY SUZUKI NAKED
Suzuki has finally taken notice about the GSR to throw a new GSR750 into the mix. Just after I've done my GSR 600 up to look cool along comes the 750, wow. Now do I keep or do I trade? These naked bikes are cheap, neat, fun to ride and great to add bling bits to look cool.
- Leigh

Ed: The 2011 Suzuki GSR750 hasn't been confirmed for the Australian market yet, but rest assured we'll keep you posted on that front.

PHONY PONY?
This Suzuki GSR750 is not the bike to complete with the best of the market. This is a phony pony. It looks like the real thing, but is a poser, a waste of time for someone who wants a naked GSX-R750. Sure, it looks good, but it's only a commuter scooter and will disappoint. Suzuki should heed the 2011 Kawa Z750 remake - give it the suspension and radial brakes that the market wants and will pay for, not a show phony.
- Fred

GOT MY MOJO BACK
Just bought a Mojo V5. Just got my L's. Just love it.
- Kirk Menetti

GOOD TIMES AT THE ISLAND

It is with very keen interest, and you will see why soon, that I read about a guy I watched and envied race a Suzuki 1100 Katana some years back, Robbie Phillis and he was again racing an 1100 Katana at this years Historic championship at Phillip Island. I myself am a passionate motorcycle enthusiast that can no longer ride a motorcycle and one of my pride and joys is a 1981 pristine Suzuki SZ 1100 Katana sitting in my garage in unmarked, unrestored condition. The bike has spent 99% of its life in a garage, regularly cleaned, started and always covered. Now you can see why I was so excited to read about these two champions back together again. The bike to looks awsome - what a great photo/bike to have hanging in your garage.
- Desmond Hand

CREATIVE CUSTOMS

This custom Harley looks hot - I think it's a winner.
- Mara

RIGHT ON
Hi, great article on right-hand corners; interesting and thought provoking. Give me more!
- Clive Selley

GIMME THE GIXXER

Just saw the new sketches and photo of the 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600. Been a long time coming, but if the real thing looks anything like the pix, I will be getting one as soon as they roll off the container ships. I've ridden a lot of Jap 600s in my time and I find them all pretty similar in terms of performance, so I usually buy the one that looks the best (and matches my leathers). Thus far, this one is leading the way. When are they coming?
- Maxi

Ed: No word yet from Suzuki on when they're arriving on local shores, but we should have more details on the new Gixxers in early October.

ABS OR NO DEAL

The FZ-8S was on my next bike-to-get list but because Yamaha (like Honda with the VFR800) are not bringing ABS versions Down Under it's not. Suzuki and Kawasaki are doing a better job with ABS variants. I hope Yamaha and Honda follow suit.
- Rich

GORGEOUS GUZZI V7 RACERsickle- Kym O'Malley

BRING IT ON!
It would be a mistake not to sell the Kawasaki Z750R in Oz. I for one would definately consider one. Hope it arrives soon!
- Andries Lubbe

TYRED AND WORN OUT?
Looks like the secret is out about Continentals. I've been using the original Road Attacks on my Honda Firestorm and find them brilliant. Last years trip to the MotoGP was testament to this, as one day we were in rain all day and they didn't skip a beat. Also a friend commented on how much water they displaced compared to another friend's bike. I have also converted others to them and they are very happy with them. One is now fitting the new Attack 2.
- Chris

Ed: We've done some more testing - mainly commuting - on the Conti tyres since Feann wrote his launch report, and they've proved to be stable in the wet. We plan on giving our CBR a few more thrashings over the next few months and we'll endeavour to bring you more reports on how they wear.

DORSO-FEULO

The new Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 weighs 223kg, has a 1200cc engine, 130bhp, 115nm at 7200rpm ... and 15lt of fuel? So you go from Melbourne to Geelong and nearly back and you have to refuel? W*nkers. That's right, w*nkers. Play from red light to red light... I'll stick with my GSA.
- John

WHO NEEDS A TIGER?
The new Triumph Tiger 800 looks a bit like what I've done with my Suzuki GSR600. Just wish I had longer suspension to better cope with the poor quality of NSWs secondary roads. And my bike really does 200km/h and only cost $14,000 on road with lots of tasty extras like heated grips, storm handguards, Givi screen. Plus they gave me $250 of free fuel.
- Trev

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Rob, using the test and retest theory of scientific methodology, have you checked figures from the US and EU? In theory, sports bikes should crash more on right turns there, and tourers be more represented on left turns. Whaddayathink?
- Tim Dunn

Ed: We'll ask Rob and see what he says. He can be a bit recalcitrant though... And he's also currently en route to the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, where he'll be filing stories on the latest news from the Continent.

TALL TOURING TALES

I would have thought that a fuel range would be one criteria for a tourer such as the Honda VFR1200F, yet several reviews seem to avoid this part. Looking at a 18.5lt tank and 1200cc, I could imagine a range of 220-250km before the fuel light flashes. And surely that does not sit well with the label 'tourer', or am I on the wrong trail?
- Volker Koepke

Ed: We've had a lot a letters about the size of the Honda VFR1200F's fuel tank, but our experiences on the motorcycle have not caused any concern. Check out our next VFR1200F long-term update soon for more details on this issue.

TRIUMPH TEASERS

This drip-feed of information on Triumph's new Tiger 800 is supposed to increase the hype for the bike, and make people want to buy it. The reality of the situation, for this adventure bike buyer at least, is that I'm frustrated and annoyed by the slow pace of information. They should tell us it's coming, release one photo a month before its release with a couple of specs, and be done with it. I reckon this system is counter productive and certainly won't have me holding off my purchase until it arrives.
- Karl (Byron Bay NSW)

CONTINENTAL BREAK FAST

Interesting yarn on these new sports touring tyres. That they can be fitted to sports bikes, albeit old and superseded ones, and perform on the track as well as the road sounds very interesting. I've been using Metzelers for many years, and would like to know how much mileage you get out of them?
- Chris F.

Ed: Mileage depends on a number of factors, including how liberally you flex your right hand. Our Honda CBR600 F4 test bike on which the Road Attack 2 tyres are fitted are more likely to get thrashed through corners at high speeds than ridden like a tourer, over long distances at low throttle openings. We're not full of ourselves... Really. But we'll keep you posted regardless.

GOOD ADVICE
After reading this Suzuki review I went out and purchased a GS500F and love it.
- Ted

Ed: Thanks for the letter Ted. The GS500F remains one of the best commuter motorcycles to this day, and we can't see it losing that mantle any time soon.

TIGHT RIGHTS

I am right-handed and more comfortable in a right-hand bend but I always remember not to lean over the lines with my head. My main worry is keep left signs in the middle of T junctions - you're watching for the break in traffic to turn right and then see the sign coming towards your head...
- Greg Hall

CAFE RACER AT BONNEVILLE
I saw the Sbay bike at the Bonneville speed trials. Those guys really take it to the limit, they clocked 130mph on their first run! I met Sergio, great guy, he sells the Flying for US $38000, which ain't a bad price with the Ohlins, Brembo, Marchessini wheels etc. They reckon it'll top 155mph.
- James Pittwell

BRAKING POINT
Spot on article. Agree with your observations. The rear brake pedal is also on the right-hand side of bikes in Australia: adds a little to think about when reading your second last paragraph.
- Mungu

RIDE SAFER, NOT FASTER
A lot of people die out there thinking too much about the apex of a corner instead of having fun and riding at the speed they feel comfortable with. All those young guys on "Rice Cookers" need to know that a good and safe rider develops with time and experience!!
- Peter

GOOD JUJU FOR MOJO
I have only had my new Mojo V5 for a week now and although I have only done 100 or so kilometres, the bike is great. Not having been on a motorcycle for 20 years I was a little nervous at first but after 15 minutes I was well on my way. The bike is definitely fun to ride and has enough power to give you the thrill of being on the road and riding with the traffic. The engine is quite responsive for an automatic and anyone looking for a scooter or 250 size engine would not be disappointed. The radio/MP3 works well and is a fun thing to be playing while riding. The controls are really easy to operate so you can change the volume etc while on the go. I am curious to see how the economy goes given it has a 17lt tank. All in all I think it is great value for money. Build quality is not as good as the Japanese bikes but the price more than makes up for it.

- Mark Vernon, (Perth WA)

* Some emails have been edited for length and content.

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