Off Road Explorer Enews #11
September Edition
Welcome to the Off Road Explorer Enews #11. We've been busy putting Trail Zone #26 together and it's off to the printers... almost. Naturally my next priority is the next Trail Zone DVD #3 due out with issue #27 in time for Christmas. It contains project bike features, tech tips, enduro and adventure rides. The big news at ORE is that I've put my money where my mouth is and purchased a 1992 Yamaha Super Tenere as a project bike. Now some of you might be thinking why would I buy a big fat clunker like that when I have new test and project bikes at my disposal? Well, other having a soft spot for the Tenere the fact is I had to get something better than Clubby. The Tenere will be an important addition to the pool of information and resources on the site. Not everybody can afford a new bike so the Super Tenere Project will be about tip and techniques and links to putting new life into an old bike regardless of its make or model. So if you have a tired old adventure bike we'll show you the best way to give it a new lease of life. You can read the ugly truth about it in issue #26 of Trail Zone but all the important info will be found in Off Road Explorer.
Snowy Ride Update - Join Us for the Ride!
The Steve Walter Foundation runs the Snowy Ride that attracts thousand of bike rides and raises money for Childhood Cancer Research. Trail Zone and ORE are keen supporters. This year we've gotten our hands dirty and with Steve Smith from AdventureMoto.com.au we've mapped out the official adventure loop for the this years event on the 7th November 2009. To add to that we'll be escorting a ride from Sydney to the Snowy on the 6th and back on the 8th for those riders dipping their toe into the adventure bike billabong. The group will have a sweep vehicle for the trip down and back. Most importantly the escorted ride is free but to be eligible you must be an official entrant of the Snowy Ride. Steve Smith and I have found some great roads down to the ride that will be suitable for all levels of rider. It's not official yet but the Snowy ride itself may have an optional expert rider section. It just depends when we find whoever has the key to the gate. Clive Ward from motorcyclebiz.com.au at Raymond Terrace has volunteered as our bike sweep. You can give Clive a call to get your bike checked over before the ride on 02 4988 6530. Stay tuned for details but make sure you enter the event by visiting the Snowy Ride web site.
Haven't Got A Bike?
If you're busting to do the ride but your bikes out of action or you have a buddy who'd like to come along, OzRider.com.au have bikes available for the ride. Call them on 02 9651 3355 asap as there are limited number of bikes available.
Husqvarna TE610 Project Bike Stage 2
The Husky TE610 Project Bike is shaping up to be our most impressive project bike so far. Ultimately the bike will make a great safari competition bike for the intermediate rider in relatively standard engine and suspension specs. Stage two features products from Trailtech, Wolfman Luggage, AdventureMoto.com.au, Ballards Off Road and Motorcycle Tyres Australia. With superior performance and handling to most of the competition we've now got the bike set up for the short haul. Details will be revealed in Trail Zone #26 on sale October 21.
New Products
Bag Connection Baracuda Backpack
The large 25lt bag is waterproof with rolltop closure. It's simply a fantastic back pack that will keep your gear dry. Easy lock ergonomic shoulder straps with padding to ensure a fatigue free riding experience. Internal organizer pockets and integrated 17" laptop Sleeve.
SW Motech Bag Connection make a range of bags for both on and off road riders and are especially suited for the adventure rider. The Baracuda Backpack sells for $179. Check out the full range online at Motorradgarage.com.au or phone 08 9444 6807
Liquid Containment Fuel Cell
Liquid Containment Flexi Tank is a simple and cost-effective solution and a bit of a godsend for our project Husky. The tanks have welded seams and believe or not are much stronger than plastic jerry cans . They can be rolled up and carried with your luggage and used when required on long legs. The cell is available in 4, 10 and 12 litre capacity from AdventureMoto.com.au or phone 1300 135 286. The 10 Litre bladder retails at $169.
Dual Sports Riding Techniques DVD
Offroadexplorer.com has a limited number of copies for sale of the Dual Sports Riding Techniques and Advanced Techniques DVDs. Imported by AdventureMoto.com.au you can get your copy from us by going to offroadexplorer.com and downloading the order form. Just $49 RRP.
DR650 Desert Blaster
Here's a sneak preview of Suzuki Motocross Team Boss Jay Foreman's Suzuki DR650 desert blaster. Read all the details in Trail Zone issue 26 on sale mid October.
Clubby's Been Outback and Back
Well Clubby arrived home safely after his first adventure on his '83 Tenere. With his USA buddy Rich Gold and Mr DR650 himself Ron Grant, Clubby managed to limp through with a very secondhand rear shock. There is a rumour however, that Clubby was booked for incorrect spelling on his number plate. Check out Rich Gold's report in Trail Zone issue #26.
New Tenere is Here!... somewhere?
We told you they were on their way to Australia now Yamaha have officially announced the release of the new Yamaha XTZ660 Tenere for this September. Mind you we're still waiting for the date of the official media release. Then again chances are with limited numbers maybe Clubby has already got the only invitation already hidden in his desk draw at Trail Zone HQ. Nevertheless there will be a review in Trail Zone Issue #27.
The Bike Smith
Simon Thomas and John Manwarring have opened The Bike Smith in Blacktown NSW to simply provide excellence in motorcycle servicing. The guys have taken an empty factory shell and purpose built a service centre that German motorcycle dealerships will envy. Main service workshop and engine building room can be viewed from the main reception area to make sure you can see what a good job that are doing. The Bike Smith provides only the high level of servicing from engine reconditioning, performance tuning, road to race conversions plus a whole lot more for both on and off-road motorcycles. They even provide a pickup and delivery service. Offroadexplorer.com attended the opening and believe us the facility is impressive. The Bike Smith is located at 3/62-64 Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown and you can call them to book a service on 02 8814 8605.
Gas Gas EC 450 Desert
Check out the new Gas Gas EC450 Desert for 2010. Very cool. With the popularity of Safari style events increasing and the Dakar limited to 450cc, the EC 450 Desert is set to turn heads. It’s based on the bike that raced last year’s Dakar Rally and comes complete with a 17-litre tank, fairing, twin headlights and weighs in at 133kg. Naturally there'll be the battle to get the bike through ADR so when it arrives in Australia is anybody's guess. Check out the Gas Gas Australia web site for more information.
BMW to Support Snowy Ride Fund Raiser
BMW have announced BMW Motorrad will support two GS Snowy Adventure Rides from Melbourne and Sydney to the 8th Annual Snowy Ride at Thredbo.
As a fund raiser for the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia, the Snowy Ride attracts thousands of participants to raise money for a very special cause whilst giving riders the opportunity to enjoy the amazing alpine roads around Thredbo. In fact, the Snowy Ride is Australia's largest motorcycle charity ride, www.snowyride.com.au.
In recognition of this fantastic event BMW Motorrad will support two GS Snowy Adventure Rides to join the official Snowy Ride, departing on Thursday 5th November, one from Melbourne and the other from Sydney, meeting in Thredbo Village on Friday evening.
Both groups will ride off road trails from Melbourne and Sydney for the majority of the way with sections of bitumen linking them together.
The Snowy Ride will take place on Saturday 7th November, where riders can ride the Adventure route set out by offroadexplorer.com or do their own thing around the Snowy Mountains. And for those who still have the energy, there is an optional supported return ride back to Melbourne with the GS Snowy Adventure Ride group.
The GS Snowy Adventure Ride is open to riders on all adventure bikes (not just BMW) but it is important to note spaces are limited. The event company, Off-Road Event, will again provide full support with lead and sweep riders, as well as a support vehicle.
Click here for entry form or contact Off -Road Event on 0411 610 111 or email: info@offroadevent.com.au.
