News

The 2013 running of the iconic Dakar rally is about to get underway. Along with a new route from Lima to Santiago, there will be a new challenger to 2012's dominant Minis in the form of a Red Bull-backed pair of buggys driven by Dakar veterans Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al Attiyah.

The provisional entry list for the 2013 World Superbike Championship features several rider, team and bike changes. Following the retirement of 2012 champion Max Biaggi, and a number of riders on new or unfamiliar machinery, the field is well and truly open for a new champion in 2013.

The 2013 running of the iconic Dakar rally is about to get underway. Along with a new route from Lima to Santiago, there will be a new challenger in the motorcycle class, with the return of a Honda factory team.

The Victorian Transport Association have released details on the 'Sandown Drive Days' event, which will take place at Sandown Raceway, Springvale, on March 7 and 8, 2013.

With the Dakar rally about to kick off, here are a few figures and stats covering this year's event - and the ones that preceded it.

Since 2005, the motorcycle category at the Dakar has been a two-way fight between France's Cyril Despres and Spain's Marc Coma. This year, the withdrawal of Coma from the event due to injury has opened the door for the Frenchman to claim his fifth Dakar victory.

A mix of fast paced motocross, log jumping, rock smashing and tyre leaping enduro tests, plus a dose of trials finesse, the Yamaha King of the Enduro X is designed to appeal to rides and spectators alike.

The Patronelli brothers have been the dominant force in the quad category at recent instances of the Dakar rally. In 2013, the Argentinean siblings are set to face challengers from within and without.

The latest addition to Suzuki's cruiser range is the Boulevard C90T, an 'all-black' special that combines ample power and custom styling with touring ability. The name comes from '90' for its 90 cubic inch engine and 'T' for touring.

Honda have taken their first step into 'bagger' territory with the announcement of the Goldwing-based 'F6B', which will be available locally from April, 2013.

After a stellar 2012 that saw Ural record a 39% increase in sales worldwide, the Russian motorcycle brand will ring in the new year with a limited edition model - the Yamal - which will be available from early 2013.

Yamaha Motor Australia is pleased to announce the release of a new model YZF-R15 sports commuter model. Known as 'Version 2.0', the 2013 YZF-R15 is based on the current model but has undergone an extensive revamp.

Australia's most famous grid girl, Lauren Vickers, and her long time partner, MotoGP rider Randy de Puniet, were married in Australia on Sunday 16th December.

Suzuki Australia is proud to announce that 100 units of Suzuki's GSX-R 'one million commemorative edition' GSX-R1000 have been allocated for Australia, and are available are now in local dealerships.

Husqvarna importer, The Paul Feeney Group, is pleased to announce the arrival of the first and limited shipment of the new TR 650 Terra (pictured) and TR 650 Strada ABS with more stock due in the next few weeks.

The $3 million facelift of the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit was completed on December 12, when 5,000 tonnes of fresh asphalt was laid down on the length of the 4.445km track.

For Ducatisti around the world, 2012 will go down in history as "the year of the Panigale". Since its introduction a little over a year ago, the Italian manufacturer's high-tech model has generated massive interest, opening a new chapter in the company's long and successful history.

The FIM have released an update to the provisional calendar for the 2013 FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix.

December 8 saw a significant collection of rare WWII-era military motorcycles go under the hammer when Auctions America by RM conducted a one-off clearance of items from the National Military History Center, in Auburn, Indiana.

The Paul Feeney Group is pleased to announce its "Get on a Husqvarna Today" sales event covering selected TC, TE and WR models has been extended to January 31st, 2013.

Never heard of a 'Leo' motorcycle? You wouldn't be alone, as this California-built marque were thought extinct until one was recently found in the north-eastern US.

Australia's most successful Speedway racer Jason Crump teams up with Australia's most successful Superbike racer Troy Bayliss in the would toughest Scooter race - the Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon - stating at 12 Midday Saturday (8th Dec) Gold Coast Parklands Showground's and ends at 12 Midday Sun (9th Dec).

On December 5, the first ever 'International Boulevard Meet' was held in Australia, organised by Suzuki Motorcycles and one of its premier dealerships, Springwood Suzuki in Brisbane.

When you've got the likes of Troy Bayliss and Jason Crump on your endurance racing team, you'd be pretty confident of success! That's two of the three stars in the TGB Scooters lineup for this coming weekend's 'LeMinz Scooterthon' 24-hour scooter race on the Gold Coast.