Articles by Mike Ryan

Honda Australia has announced the release of its smallest sportsbike, the CBR125R, in three brand new colours.

The Daytona had been part of the Triumph lineup since the start of the "Hinckley" era in 1991. However, it was arguably the least successful model from the revived marque, being too tall and heavy to adequately fill the sportsbike role it was originally intended for. This was addressed with the release of the new 'T595' Daytona in 1997, followed by the improved and rebranded '955i' in 1999.

There was only a small selection of motorcycles on offer at Shannons recent Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction, but what was on offer was quality in the form of a Vincent HRD Rapide, Norton 'International' Model 40 racer, and a Harley-Davidson Model U.

The 2012 MX Nationals series has a new title sponsor in the form of Monster Energy. The American energy drink giant has already had a presence in Australian offroad competition through their sponsorship of the Kawasaki racing team, as well as their involvement with the most recent Super X series, but will step up their presence as title sponsor for the MX Nats for 2012.

The Harley vs Indian 'Great Race' continues to go from strength to strength, and with the event celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, the 2012 Great Race is set to be even better.

The media launch for the 2012 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza (HBBB) was held amidst the impressive collection of Antique Motorcycles in Cheltenham, Victoria. With all manner of Harleys, Indians, Hondas, Yamahas, Bimotas and other makes on display and for sale, there was plenty of eye candy, but with Honda being the naming rights sponsor for the HBBB, a rare and very special model from the big red wing took centre stage in the form of a genuine RC 250M factory motocross bike.

After being a stalwart of the JDR Motorex KTM team, Tye Simmonds has parted ways with the WA-based KTM squad to form a satellite Honda team for the 2012 MX Nationals season. The announcement was made on March 1 after JDR confirmed they and Simmonds had parted ways earlier in the week.

At the conclusion of the second Official MotoGP Test of 2012 in Malaysia, Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner proved that fatherhood hasn't slowed him down, topping the timesheets with a 2:00.473 result. The reigning World Champion was closely followed by team-mate Dani Pedrosa and Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Andrea Dovizioso.

In his first serious hit-out in the World Supersport class, Jed Metcher scored an impressive eleventh place finish at Phillip Island's opening round of the 2012 series.

Fans of iconic motorcycles will have two to choose from at the upcoming Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction, in the form of a Vincent HRD Rapide and Harley-Davidson Model U.

The 2012 World Superbike season kicked off over the weekend of February 24 - 26 at the stunning Phillip Island circuit. With temperatures rising into the mid 30s, it was just as hot off the track as on.

Two-time World Supersport champion, Turkey's Kenan Sofuoglu, kicked off his return to the Supersport class in the best possible way by winning the 2012 season opener at Phillip Island.