News

One of a number of new additions to the Harley-Davidson lineup for 2012, the 'Seventy-Two' is billed as a "metal flake dream machine" in H-D's PR on the new Sportster variant, which is predicted to make its local debut in September.

Russell Lobley's '77 XLH Ironhead Harley Sportster is one of those "long term" projects we've all either had or heard about. In Russell's case, the Harley took a back seat to the usual distractions of work, marriage and a child after being purchased more than a decade ago. And when he got around to working on the rebuild, it seemed like there were more than a few obstacles placed in his path!

It's not often that Harley-Davidson makes a change to its powerplants, so the big news for 2012 is that they have increased the capacity for most models to 103 cubic inches (1690cc) from 96ci (1584cc), along with a torque increase of around 6 percent.

After nearly 50 years as head of styling, Willie G. Davidson is retiring from Harley-Davidson, but will continue to be involved with the iconic American motorcycle company as a brand ambassador.

Italian clothing brand Diesel have upped their involvement with Ducati by creating a special edition "Monster Diesel" 1100 EVO, which will be made available in Australia, by special order only, from July.

Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) has demolished all the Aragon circuit records at the conclusion of two days of Superbike private testing in Spain.

On March 10, 2012, RM Auctions held their Amelia Island sale at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in Florida, USA. Held in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, the auction attracted almost 200 vehicles. While there were only a handful of motorcycles on offer at the auction, they were all of interest to fans of vintage American motorcycles, and all lots offered sold.

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

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.

On Saturday, February 25, young Queenslander Oscar McIntyre died following an accident in the opening laps of the Australian Supersport/Superstock 600 support race at the Phillip Island World Superbike round.

After two days of World Supersport testing at Phillip Island, Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Racing Products Honda) ended up at the top of the results sheet, with a time of 1 minute 34.585 seconds.

Casey Stoner recently used his Repsol blog to thank fans for their congratulations and support following the birth of he and Adriana's daughter, Alessandra, on February 16.

At the end of two days of World Superbike pre-season testing at Phillip Island, Kawasaki's Tom Sykes topped the field, recording a time fractionally ahead of 2011 World Superbike champion, Carlos Checa.

The latest Kawasaki Australian Motocross range consists of 7 models, 3 substantially redesigned - 2012 KX450F, KX250F and KX65 - selling alongside the 2011 model KX450F, KX250F, KX85 and KX85-II.

Long-running and respected UK motor sports magazine, Motor Sport, has inducted John Surtees and Giacomo Agostini into their Hall of Fame at a special ceremony in London.