Articles by Mike Ryan

After production of Honda’s iconic and long-lived Z50 ‘Monkey Bike’ ended in 2017, Honda looks set to bring the mini roadster back, but as a larger, retro-styled companion to the successful Grom.

MY18 version of adventure tourer features more than 200 changes to chassis and engine, new Showa suspension, new ‘Off Road Pro’ riding mode and more touring-friendly features. The 2018 version of the Triumph Tiger has arrived and brings with it new and updated features, covering the engine, chassis and rider technologies, as well as improvements to the finish and detailing.

With sharp styling, smooth handling and sweet performance, Kawasaki’s all-new Ninja 400 also comes with the seal of approval from three-time World Superbike champ Jonathan Rea!

These Falcos are part of the new generation of so-called “Adventure” boots. Presumably, they are to be worn when one is riding upon the earth having adventures and stuff. I’m also pretty sure those so-called Adventure bikes are meant to figure in that scenario.

Keeping Your Cool. The next time you give your bike a wash, take a good squiz at the radiator and oil cooler. Chances are you’ll spot plenty of damage caused by stones and other road debris that’s been flung up from your front tyre. A guard is the only way to prevent damage.

The name might be a mouthful, but the X-Lite X-802RR is easily the most gorgeous full-face helmet on the planet. This, as you may or may not know, is the diabolically pointy end of Nolan’s solid range of mostly excellent Italian helmets. Behold the X-Lite X-802RR.

Launched in 1998, the Honda VFR800 was once lauded as the world’s best sports-touring motorcycle. While it can no longer lay claim to being the greatest, it has evolved significantly over the years and is still a fantastic multi-use bike.

Benelli brings back an iconic name from its history and presents it in an all-new form. Australia’s current motorcycle market is nothing if not diverse. Not matter what your riding requirements and tastes are, there’s sure to be something to satisfy it.

On the eve of the season-opening round of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship, Valentino Rossi re-signed with the factory Yamaha team for another two seasons. The new deal will see Rossi on the Movistar Yamaha YZR-M1 until the end of 2020, after which the seven-time premier class champion will likely announce his retirement.

After confirming their split from Yamaha on 22 February, Herve Poncharal’s Tech3 MotoGP team revealed on 5 March that they had signed a three-year deal with KTM, effective from the 2019 MotoGP season, which will see them serve as an official satellite team alongside the factory outfit.

The MY18 version of Honda’s middleweight CBR500R has arrived, with the LAMS-legal supersports machine carrying over familiar mechanical specification, but bringing three new colours. New for 2018 are a choice of Graphite Black, Grand Prix Red or two-tone Pearl Metalloid White/Grand Prix Red paint finishes.

Sherco’s ‘Factory’ enduro range for 2018 has arrived, with a number of practical upgrades and cosmetic changes across both 2- and 4-stroke variants, with significant changes to the 2-strokes in particular. “The release of the Factory models is always an exciting time,” said Sherco Australia’s Stephen Tuff. “Factory versions always come out at another level [and] the 2018 models offer the highest specifications yet.”