News

Triumph Motorcycles is kicking off its 110th anniversary celebration in 2012 with the launch of a special, limited edition Bonneville T100. Inspired by the classic 1902 "No.1" model, the special Bonnie sports special colours and unique design touches.

Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso enjoyed a successful end to the MotoGP winter testing schedule in Jerez. At the conclusion of the three day test at the Spanish circuit, both Monster Yamaha Tech 3 riders will head to the first race of the 2012 MotoGP World Championship with confidence.

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team left the final day of the MotoGP test at Jerez satisfied with their results. Jorge Lorenzo finished the March 23 - 25 session with the second best overall time behind 2011 MotoGP champion, Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner.

At the conclusion of three days of testing at Spain's Jerez circuit, Casey Stoner again came out on top, finishing with the best overall time of 1'38.780. Repsol Honda team mate, Dani Pedrosa finished the session third overall, with a best time of 1'39.157.

The powerhouse CDR Yamaha motocross team will chalk up an amazing 20 years in the business when the gate drops at the opening round of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals on April 1 at Conondale on the Sunshine Coast.

Since its initial release to the Australian market in 2011, Daelim's LAMS-approved VJF 250 has impressed. Now, with the 2012 range, Daelim has given their stylish 250cc sports/commuter a new look.

The opening round of the 2012 Motul Victorian Road Racing Championship (VRRC) was held at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford on March 24 - 25.

In the lead up to the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals series, Serco Yamaha has revealed a new look and a new name for the MX2 (nee Pro Lites) squad for this season: Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing.

If you're looking to pick up a new Kawasaki KLX 450R, now's the time to do it. Until the end of March, every new or demo model KLX 450R will come with a special 'Enduro Pack' worth over $2,000.

Honda have announced two new colours for their VT750C Shadow cruiser for 2012: Pearl Cosmic Black; and Candy Glory Red. Both new colours are now available in Honda dealerships Australia-wide.

For close to fifty years, the Geelong Speed Trials was a popular and well patronised event on the Australian motorsport calendar. Now, after a hiatus of eight years, the Speed Trials will return to the City by the Bay's waterfront this December, as part of a bigger and better event - the Just Cars Geelong Revival.

For close to fifty years, the Geelong Speed Trials was a popular and well patronised event on the Australian motorsport calendar. Now, after a hiatus of eight years, the Speed Trials will return to the City by the Bay's waterfront this December, as part of a bigger and better event - the Just Cars Geelong Revival.

While visitors to February's Australian Motorcycle Expo, Gold Coast, were amongst the first locals to see Ducati's stunning new 1199 Panigale superbike in the flesh, Aussies will have to wait a little longer before they get a chance to actually take the next generation superbike to the road.

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.