First ride on the Transalp XL750 with a pillion, and general thoughts about mods for the bike and what's next!

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I head along to the Royal Enfield Shotgun launch in Australia and tested out the latest 650 twin, which arrives as a bobber-styled option that's a bit sportier than the existing Super Meteor, but more relaxed than the Interceptor and Continental GT 650s.

In some ways the Shotgun offers a larger capacity and more powerful option that more closely aligns with many of the 350 models, finally giving those who like the retro style and more relaxed motorcycle, but still want a bit more performance than those 350s offer.

Check out the full written review at:
https://www.mcnews.com.au/

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I take a look at the Kawasaki Eliminator ergonomics and rider fit as a 180 cm tall, 32 inch inseam rider weighing 75 kg, to give an idea how this motorcycle may fit you as a rider, with a focus on beginner or LAMS riding.

Check out the full written review at:
https://www.mcnews.com.au/

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It was time for a change to suit my lifestyle, which saw the Ninja 400 and Svartpilen 401 sacrificed at the ADV altar, to get a new Honda Transalp XL750, as the bike massively impressed me when I tested one out. Is it a midlife crisis, am I getting old, or is this one seriously good motorcycle? Long term ownership will soon answer all these questions. I suspect all three.

Big thanks go to MotoHUB Motorcycles in Castle Hill for getting me the colour I wanted and a great deal!
Check them out:
MotoHUB Motorcycles & Accessories
Unit 7/4 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154
https://www.motohub.com.au/

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I've sold my Svartpilen 401! Here's the reasoning why, what I think long term of the Husqvarna, and what led me to this decision, most of which isn't related specifically to this bike, and instead trying something else in my motorcycling journey going forward.

Head to MotoHUB to check it out:
MotoHUB Motorcycles & Accessories
Unit 7/4 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154
https://www.motohub.com.au/

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CFMOTO have just taken another swing at the established manufacturers, with the unveiling of the 450CL-C, which is a new beginner cruiser built around their 450 cc parallel-twin platform, with pricing here in Australia at $8790 ride-away, £5599 pounds in the UK and an MSRP of $5,699 in the US.

That is a LAMS machine in Australia obviously, and will fall into the A2 category in Europe, with a 30 kW performance figure demonstrating a bigger focus on torque than peak power.

As a point of reference CFMOTO seem to be pricing this new model to cut the Honda Rebel 500 and new Kawasaki Eliminator models off at the knees, likely taking it to Harley’s new X500 too. That’ll be the cat amongst the pigeons on pricing, with cruisers seeming to be a segment which often wasn’t as competitive as other bike types, with new entries often just closely price matching the existing offerings.

If you stick around till the end of the video I’ll do some quick comparisons with the competition too.

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Images and footage courtesy of CFMOTO.

So Triumph Speed 400 vs Scrambler 400 X. Sporty naked roadster, rugged light scrambler? I was lucky enough to ride both at the Australian launch and thought I’d share some pros and cons if you’re in a predicament between the two.

Obvious answer, want a naked sport? Get the Speed 400, want a bit of off-road cred? Just a little bit? Get the Scrambler 400 X. We can do better than that though. Are these two bikes interchangeable? Basically yes, but what are you losing going either way?

Now these bikes are built off the same platform obviously, but Triumph have differentiated them in a couple of ways, that make then unique enough to be considered different machines in my mind, not just variants. You can’t just change the tyres on the Speed and get a Scrambler X.

There's also a $1000 AUD difference between the two further complicating the decision-making, with the Speed 400 benefitting there at $8,990 ride-away, while the Scrambler 400 X is $9,990 ride-away.

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Images and footage courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Australia, by Images by Dean Walters (photos) and Lee Turner (video)

Triumph have just revealed a new Special Edition Trident 660, called the Triple Tribute, and commemorating the ‘Slippery Sam’ five-time TT wining Trident between 1971 to 1975. Basically we’re seeing a cool unique styling version of the Trident 660, that comes standard with a quickshifter to sweeten the deal, along as with a few styling components.

This is a special or limited edition, and Triumph here in Australia are encouraging people to get their name down on one ASAP to avoid missing out. Pricing is $14,990, or an extra $750 over the regular version. You can nab yourself a MY23 for $1K off at the moment though, so that may be worth considering of the Aussies watching, the standard orange looks wicked if you ask me. Yes, it’s LAMS only, just like the existing 660. You’ll need to wait for the Daytona 660 for a full power version.

Unique to the Triple Tribute edition is the white, blue and red derived racing scheme, including #67 numbering. It’s an elegant styling exercise, but it does work, and catches the eye. Nice little bonuses are the bellypan and colour matched flyscreen, further cleaning up the look of the bike.

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Images/Footage courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Australia.

So Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 801 has now been revealed in the bike’s full glory, showing us the direction the company is going and begging the question, is the new bike better than the old Svartpilen 701?

The bikes themselves will arrive in Australia from July, and June in the USA and UK. Certainly this extends out the Svartpilen, and we’d assume eventually Vitpilen model lines, to a more fully fledged line-up, but gone is the short-run tradition of just running single-cylinders.

As far as the Svartpilen 801 itself, we’re seeing the 799 cc parallel-twin engine, which is produced in China, rolled out with 105 hp and 87 Nm of torque, alongside three ride modes, Street, Rain and Sport, plus cornering ABS and traction control. Naturally the bike is running RbW, standard Easy Shift – which is basically a bi-directional quickshifter, a PASC slipper clutch and TFT display.

Watch the video for the full run down!

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Images and footage courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles, images by Rudi Schedl.

After testing the 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, I take a look at how it compares to my previous generation 2021 Svartpilen 401, and go over where the improvements sit and whether I think the older bike has been left behind by the new machine!

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2024 401 images and footage courtesy of @HusqvarnaMotorcycles

I take a look at the MotoHUB Motorcycles, demo Honda GB350 and talk general ergonomics, rider fit and seat height for my sized rider at 180 cm and 75 kg, with some thoughts how that'll suit a wider range of riders.

As well as covering the various quirky features, inclusions and bits and bobs I've noticed about Honda's new classic machine.

Head into MotoHUB if you'd like to check the bike out or organise a test ride:
MotoHUB Motorcycles & Accessories
Unit 7/4 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154
https://www.motohub.com.au/

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Here's on-board footage from the new Triumph Speed Triple 400, with in-camera audio from the GoPro Hero 12 and Media Mod. This is the sportier cafe racer style machine or roadster of the new two beginner centric Triumph 400s, with the sibling bike being the Scrambler 400 X.

Written reviews of both models will be up at MCNew.com.au.

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I take MotoHub Motorcycles' GB350 demo machine out for the day to see how the new modern classic stacks up, in offering a fairly traditional option with a few quite modern touches.

The air-cooled engine is no powerhouse for does offer a refined package, complete with slipper clutch and traction control. Disc brakes do the job, well, and the fork and dual shock setup ensure a comfortable ride at 75 kg.

Styling and finish quality are a standout, alongside a very competitive price of just over $8K here in Australia (AUD), putting the new Honda in an ideal position to compete with Royal Enfield's 350s and of course older classic bikes which fill a similar segment - without the headaches of classic bike issues.

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I have a quick chat about the pros and cons of starting on a nakedbike, or roadster as they are sometimes called, as your first motorcycle, with these arguably being the most obvious choice, as the easiest to ride machines available, except perhaps cruisers.

As always though there's some advantages and disadvantages even with a nakedbike, from a slightly cheaper buy-in, easier servicing, lighter weight, upright ergonomics. That's countered by little-to-no wind protection, being harder to keep clean, and more...

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Is an adventure motorcycle a strong first choice for getting into riding, or are you jumping into the deep end? That'll depend on specifically what you choose, but there's a host of great beginner adventure motorcycles, here's the pros and cons....

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Is a sportsbike, or the 'supersport 300' class machinery a good starting point for new and beginner riders? Let's take a look, covering the pros and cons, and differences to a full supersport machine, which most certainly isn't recommended...

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Wondering about the GoPro subscription's paid 'no questions asked' camera replacement perk? Here's my experience recently using the service, with some definite frustration in accessing the support service channels, but an overly positive experience otherwise.

I'll cover a basic cost analysis, whether I think this feature and the subscription offer value, and what I've learnt going through the policy.

A couple of worthwhile notes, this does cost you, and that cost depends on the specific camera being replaced, tax was additional. You need to return your old camera, working or not, and they want the serial number to start the process.

I had to pay for return postage, however I was offered a free accessory that more than covered the cost. There's plenty of reports of people getting a newer generation camera. I had my GoPro 10 replaced and received a GoPro 10.

Why did I use the service? My GoPro 10 failed after two years of heavy use. So outside warranty, but still disappointing as I still have a Hero 8 that works and is much older.

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Does motorcycle seat height really matter, or more importantly does it matter to new riders with no riding or road experience? Let's answer that question and address some of the myths or generalities that can get you into trouble...

As riding skills increase the hazards and challenges of riding a taller and larger motorcycle certainly decrease, or even disappear in many cases, however for brand new riders with lots to learn and plenty of other challenges to face, picking a motorcycle they can barely touch the ground on is a foolish choice.

While many experienced riders recommend not worrying about this factor, often it seems to be forgotten that it took them months if not years to reach an area where that advice is applicable to them, forgetting the trials and tribulations of getting started, once they've passed that stage themselves.

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The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is levelling up in 2024, with a pretty big set of updates. Begging the question, should you be grabbing a deal on the outgoing model – arguably one of the best value beginner bikes around – or waiting for the shiny new 2024 with all the improvements…?

Also receiving basically the same updates will be the Vitpilen, or the more café racer inspired 401 offering, although at a glance it’s obvious something big has changed there. It’s still running the allow wheels and road tyres, but the clip-on style bars are gone, and it appears to be running the same handlebar setup as the Svartpilen.

The biggest ticket item is the new 399 cc single-cylinder, pumping out 45 hp. Despite the 401 model name, the Svartpilen has always run the KTM 390 single-cylinder, which was itself a 373 cc engine.

On the performance front there’s a somewhat underwhelming two horsepower or one kilowatt gain, keeping in mind ever tightening Euro 5+ emissions restrictions are probably partially to blame there. The gearbox is revised though and hopefully that makes neutral easier to find, with the Easy Shift system also seems to be standard fitment now.

Where we do see some quality of life changes linked to the engine is a massively expanded electronics package, starting with a nice TFT dash. We also see an IMU and cornering traction control and cornering ABS in a move that will boost safety and no doubt be appreciated by many riders. There’s even ride modes, which seem like overkill on a bike with 45 hp, but if you’re running RbW, which you are for traction control, you may as well add the ride modes too.

On the chassis front a few things seem to be relatively unchanged, we’re still seeing the 43 mm WP forks, and WP shock which has been moved to be offset and looks beefier. What has changed though is the frame, which is updated to take the new engine, and a new aluminium swingarm.

Brakes remain Bybre, with a four-pot front caliper, which is again a class leader, and ..

Let's talk how to pick your first motorcycle by type or class, whether that's a sportsbike, nakedbike or roadster, adventure or dual sport, covering a big swathe of the options.

There's advantages and disadvantages to each class of bike, although particularly looking at the 300-500 cc options, the differences tend to be smaller than in the full power options.

On the bright side that means there's fewer bad choices, but picking your first bike will still have an impact on your riding, learning to ride and navigate the road, and much more.

Here I look at options like the Ninja 400 sportsbike or 'supersport 300' which is being replaced by the Ninja 500, or other similar bikes like the RC 390, 450SR/450SS and R3. I also cover dual sports like my WR250R, the CRF300 Rally, DRZ400E and more. Adventure bikes like the 390 Adventure (ADV), Versys-X 300, and similar, or nakedbikes, like my Svartpilen 401, MT-03, Z400/Z500, 390 Duke and more...

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We’d heard the rumours and Triumph have now confirmed the Daytona 660 for early 2024, adding a mid-capacity sportsbike back into the range, with UK pricing confirmed at £8,595.

Fast forward to 2024 and the new Daytona 660 is a different beast, it’s not a supersport, it’s a sportsbike, more similar to what we see in the Ninja 650, R7, CBR650R and another new arrival the GSX-8R. That means no back breaking ergonomics, no 130 or so horsepower, and much more restrained specifications overall. With the 810 mm seat height certainly helping to make the bike more accessible. That’s 31.9 inches.

Australia will get the full power version with 95 horpsepower and 69 Nm of torque, care of a host of engine updates, including new crankshaft, new camshaft and cam profile, new cylinder head, pistons and pins, plus new valve gear. A restricted LAMS version is also on the books, boasting quite a bit more performance than the A2 version over in Europe.

A new exhaust is also run, and we’re promised a note to match. Brakes have also been upgraded over the Trident, with four-piston Triumph branded radial calipers run on the 310 mm dual front rotors.

Suspension is a Showa 41 mm fork, and it’s worth noting that’s a SFF-BP, or Separate Function Big Piston unit, with 110 mm of travel, alongside a Showa monoshock with preload adjustment and 130 mm of travel.

Like the Trident, the Daytona 660 offers a modern but basic loadout, three ride modes, Sport, Road Rain, linked to the ABS and traction control systems, with a TFT display and full LED lighting.

Images and footage courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Australia.

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What's your best small capacity, beginner adventure motorcycle for 2024? Front-runners certainly seem like the existing KTM 390 Adventure, with newcomers including the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, and CFMOTO 450MT.

All three models offer impressive load-outs in 2024, with the KTM looking the most proven machine, but not having to defend its title against the well endowed Royal Enfield and Himalayan.

Here's a run down looking at the main features of the three bikes and seeing which comes out on top for 2024.

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Looking for an all-in-one waterless cleaning solution for your motorcycle, look no further than the Unpass Orage All-In-One Cleaning & Polishing Wipes. Unpass Australia sent me out some to test and I've come away highly impressed.

Coming in a compact tube with 65-wipes, you'll get 15-20 bike cleans out of a tube, it's as simple as wiping all surfaces down them buffing each surface before it dries, with a microfibre cloth, which you can also get from Unpass Australia.

The Unpass Orage can replace your washing products, polishing agents, plastic spray and even a degreaser on the majority of surfaces, offering a simpler, easier and for me, faster, solution.

Head to the Unpass Australia website to order yourself some of the Unpass Orage All-In-One Wipes:
https://unpass.com.au/

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There’s got to be some kind of ‘most improved award’ owing to Royal Enfield for the Himalayan in 2024.

Looking at the new model, we’ve seen Royal Enfield almost double the power output from the original, from a fairly meek but usable 24 hp to a new larger 451 cc Sherpa engine, liquid-cooled, and pumping out a much more impressive 40 hp and 40 Nm of torque, with the torque gains a little more moderate, up around 20 per cent.

This has been a bit of an Achilles heel for Royal Enfield, plenty of people love the smaller bikes, and they have a cult following, but they struggle to impress those who are a little more performance inclined.

There’s also EFI and ride-by-wire on this new version, with the ride-by-wire a first for Royal Enfield I think. Importantly there’s also a six-speed gearbox, replacing the old five, and nothing dates a motorcycle more than a five-speed.

That’s linked into ride modes, a four inch TFT display with phone connectivity, and full map navigation powered by Google, ensuring that the tech matches the new performance.

Are ride modes really necessary, I’d hazard a guess no, but I think this is a demonstration of what Royal Enfield are capable of more than anything.

Suspension is also upgraded with a set of Showa 43 mm USD forks, offering 200 mm of travel, keeping in mind it was previously 41 mm telescopic units. The rear shock travel also jumped up to 200 mm from 180, but there’s no mention of adjustability here. I’d assume preload at the rear.

I was pretty happy with the original suspension at 70 kg, but this seems like a move in the right direction, and probably necessary with the extra power.

The frame is a new steel twin-spar frame, replacing the half-duplex unit previously run.

Wheels are also tweaked with new aluminium alloy rims, retaining the spoked options naturally, and we see a 90 by 90 front on the 21 inch rim, plus 140/80 on that rear 17 incher. Royal Enfield tell us the rear is for better traction and confidence in all condit..

2024 looks like it’ll be another big year for Moto Guzzi, with the introduction of the new Stelvio adventure machine, based on the V100 Mandello, carrying forward a huge step up in technology and performance.

The engine is of course the liquid cooled, DOHC, 90-degree tranverse V-twin, hitting 1042 cc with a bore and stroke of 96 by 72 mm. We see features like a counter rotating shaft, eight crankcase attachment points to the frame, with crankcases sharing a structural function, footpegs connected to the crankcases too, and of course rotated cylinder heads compared to tradition Moto Guzzi machines. That of course allows for the current header and exhaust arrangement.

There’s two throttle-bodies too, with shorter and straighter ducts, a wet multiplate slipper clutch, and revised six-speed gearbox offering smoother shifts.

Power hits 115 ponies and 105 Nm of torque, of which, over 80 per cent is available from just 3500 rpm, and this is more of a revver than the older style Guzzis, the limiter set at 9500 rpm.

We also see a shaft drive run, and it’s been beefed up compared to the Mandello, for off-road use, but like the V100 doesn’t carry that very shaft-drive feel, which you’d normally only notice, coming from chain final drive bikes, onto a more traditional shaft drive.

The chassis has likewise been updated for adventuring, with four frame anchor points rather than the V100s two on the steel tube frame, improving rigidity, and we see a 1520 mm wheelbase, 45 mm longer than the road-going bike, with a steeper headstock angle too at 25.6 degrees.

A large 21 litre fuel tank is also run atop the frame, with the seat height bumped up to 830 mm, unsurprisingly. Wide ‘bars are also run, and that ride triangle does look suitable for standing on the bike, but unfortunately none of the images provided show that being done.

Keeping in mind we are seeing tubeless spoked rims on offer here, with a 19 inch front running a 120/70, and a 17 inch rear with a 170/60 tyre. That..