Triumph Street Triple R test Touring on the BMW R1200GS Ducati
Transcription
Triumph Street Triple R test Touring on the BMW R1200GS Ducati
-/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! australia’s online rider’s magazine January/February 2009 Street CRED Triumph Street Triple R test Touring on the BMW R1200GS Ducati 1198 and the new Streetfighter Jan/Feb 2009 Contents Issue #15 3 7 11 12 13 14 2 Viva Italia – celebrating at the Melbourne festival of Italian motorcycles BMW R1200GS – we put it through its paces for 5000 hard kms Ducati 1198 – more everything Road Warriers Cafe – the end of an era Beauty from Bologna – sneak peek at Ducati’s new streetfighter 14 Triumph Street Triple R – bike launch Editorial Moto–oz Moto-oz is published by Mulga Partners Pty Ltd for Motorcycling Australia. Mulga Partners Pty Ltd 39 Wingello Cres Wyoming NSW 2250. ABN: 90 117 085 211 www.mulga.com.au All enquiries to the Editor: Philip Dennett Phone: 0438 202 138 Email: [email protected] Cover story this issue is another Triumph – this time the launch of the funky Street Triple R. Especially loved the tricked up version! We were also hooked on things Italian from the Melbourne festival to a couple of beauties from Ducati. And we spent a couple of weeks and 5000kms testing BMW’s iconic R1200GS – just what I wanted for Christmas. 18 15 We would also love to hear from you – questions, comments, great rides to try etc. Send your emails to [email protected]. Enjoy the ride! Philip Motorcycling Australia enquiries to: Dan Rotman Riders Division Manager Phone: (03) 9684 0509 Email: [email protected] All material published in moto-oz is copyright. Articles can be downloaded and printed for personal use only. All rights reserved. Copyright © Mulga Partners Pty Ltd -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Cover photo: Lour Martin Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 Viva Italia 3 I see red A wise man once said that you should marry a BMW and take a Ducati for a mistress! And if you were window shopping for mistresses, there was no better place than the Melbourne festival of Italian motorcycles. While the Ducatisti were holding fort centrefront (as they are wont to do) I tried my luck with the more mature, but still lusty, MV Agusta matrons. Old they may be, but they’re still real goers! Even if your taste ran to an early 80’s Laverda 1000 Jota, you could be assured of something exotic to feast on. Likewise, fans of classics like the 1954 Gilera Turismo (see next page) which could hurl you down the road at a top speed of 90kmh. Mind you, that’s not bad for a 150cc, 6.5hp donk. However, I have to admit that I spent most time drooling over the sea of red Ducatis, from the modern day 1098’s to the more classic 750 F1 Desmo which I found perched on a cool new invention. Importer, Paul Michetti is bringing the Motolug collapsible motorcycle trailer into Australia. It not only drops down so you can roll your bike onto it by yourself, but it also easily dismantles for storage. The pillion was quite taken with the trailer – if only they came with a Desmo! The Jota is a high-performance version of the Laverda 1000 3C triple, with highcompression pistons, faster cams, and modified exhaust. -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 Viva Italia 4 Above and below right: The amazing Motolug collapsible motorcycle trailer – the perfect excuse for going to more track days. Contact Paul Michetti on 03 9391 1183, or go surfing on www.motolug.com.au Left: 1954 Gilera Turismo – Fratelli’s pride and joy -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Jan/Feb 2009 5 Issue #15 BMW R1200GS Lowdown -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 BMW R1200GS F acelifted for 2008, the R1200GS remains BMW’s biggest selling model contributing to another record year of sales for the German marque. Having so far resisted the temptation to seriously test this bike, I decided to see what all the fuss is about. Sure if you want a machine for the “long way round” then this is the bike for you, but what if you are a keen sport rider – a cranked over, knee-down adrenaline junkie? Or maybe you prefer more sedate interstate cruising in comfort? Well, after 2 weeks and 5000 km I can tell all of you that the GS has something for everyone! Overview According to BMW, the new GS is stronger, livelier and more agile than its predecessor first introduced in 2004 and since selling 75,000 units. A torsionally stiff chassis, the front wheel suspension with the unique BMW Telelever and rear wheel suspension with the BMW Paralever still offer first-class, safe handling. Extremely efficient brakes combined with the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS ensure maximum safety, even in critical riding situations. And let’s not forget the maintenance-free shaft drive, which means that there is no need for maintenance work, which can be both unpleasant and time consuming on extended trips and long-distance tours in particular. The GS’ boxer engine receives a 5% power boost to 77kW and the maximum engine speed has been increased to 8000rpm with a wider -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! 6 usable speed range. First impressions I admit to being a little intimidated by the size of this off-road monster – this impression being reinforced when I collected the bike from Tim at BMW Australia and found that it had been fitted with knobbly tyres. Then on climbing aboard I could barely touch the ground. Heading back through the city to pick up the Pillion and her vast amount of luggage (crammed into a huge rack bag weighing about 30kg) I had to engage in some fancy footwork to keep from toppling over at traffic lights. However, I quickly managed to solve the height problem by repositioning the seat on its lower setting which turned out to be spot on. Taking off on the first leg of our journey from Melbourne to Albury, I found the GS handled the extra weight without complaint, helped by BMW’s nifty automatic suspension control system, which on this bike included settings for off-road and extreme off- Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 BMW R1200GS road. Traversing the Hume, I felt a bit like I was piloting a large 4 wheel drive, not because the GS was cumbersome (which it’s not) but because you are sitting up high above the normal tin-tops and you hear the constant hum from the knobblies as they manfully tackle concrete instead of gravel. Because we started late our first day was only around 350km but we arrived fresh being pleasantly 7 surprised at how comfortable a tourer the R1200GS was. Day 2 More Hume to Sydney, followed by the F3 to the Central Coast where we were staying overnight. Nothing much to report apart from our first impressions re comfort were reinforced and we found out the hard way that road signs that promise “the best …. on the Hume” (in this case “coffee”) shouldn’t be believed! Day 3 Temporarily relieved of the Pillion and most of the luggage I tackled the next leg alone, taking the long (and sometimes unsealed way) to Tabulam via Thunderbolts way and various detours. This is when the GS really shone, first negotiating the twisties – yes, you can get it really cranked over, and particularly downhill the gearing really helps keep control. I have to say that on many corners I could maintain a much higher speed than many sportsbikes! Secondly, on unsealed sections, the knobblies came into their own, coupled with the ESA and tourquey 1170cc boxer engine which meant I could maintain a good cruising speed in both safety and comfort. I spent most of the day successfully sidestepping storms, but they came too close for comfort when negotiating a tight downhill bend I lost all grip on the wet, leaf-strewn surface and headed toward the steep cliff. Luckily BMW’s automatic stability control system kicked in and helped me regain control – yes it does work and yes you should have it on your GS along with the ESA and ABS (you can turn both the ASC and ABS off if you prefer when you are off-road. On the banks of the Clarence My 700+km day finished with a magnificent 75km run up the Bruxner Highway from Tenterfield to Tabulam. Corners galore, but watch out for Skippy and friends. If you want to take advantage of the many excellent biking roads and tracks in the area, then Chauvel Park B&B makes a -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 BMW R1200GS Above: Overnight stop at Chauvel Park B&B at Tabulam on the Bruxner Highway. Great base to explore the many good biking roads in the area. Go to www.chauvelpark.com Right: BMW expandable panniers and topbox – look sharp on the bike. Didn’t get a chance to test them out as apparently journos are too rough on things like that! comfortable base. The cottage can sleep up to 6 and is set back off the road right by the Clarence river. Owner, Sara will leave you with all the makings for breakfast including a freshly-baked loaf of homemade bread. The historic old property is the last vestige of the old ‘Tabulam Station’ once a huge land holding stretching beyond the Queensland border and later the Chauvel’s breeding ground for the famous Light Horse. Verdict After 2 weeks and over 5000kms, BMW’s R1200GS and I were firm friends. Nothing I threw at it was beyond its capabilities. The increased power and enhanced gear ratios added to its touring abilities and increased offroad (ok, just gravel roads in my case – no serious dirt!) enjoyment as well. Highlights for me were the improved ergonomics and the very smooth six speed transmission which made gear-changing a breeze. The Pillion gave it her comfort seal of approval but still thinks the GS is ugly. However, I think this bike is a real beauty (despite its looks)! -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! 8 Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 BMW R1200GS How BMW has improved the iconic R 1200 GS: • Engine power increased by five percent to 77 kW. • Maximum engine speed increased to 8,000 rpm and wider usable speed range. • Different gear and secondary transmission ratios for clear improvement in traction and acceleration. • Redesigned six-gear transmission with enlarged bearing diameters and optimised switching kinematics for even more precise gear shifting. • Electronic chassis modification via optional OffRoad ESA, used for the first time in an adventure bike. More agility, even more suited to touring and off-road use through individual spring-suspension coordination. • Electrohydraulic spring adjustment of the spring struts at front and rear as part of the Off Road ESA. -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! 9 • Optimised ergonomics through new, double-butted, oversize alloy handlebar with new hand guards and newly designed seat. • More accurate fuel display with expanded measurement range and new sensor system. • Optimised battery charging with higher generator performance. • More dynamic design underlining its off road attributes. • Now available in: Titanium Silver Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic Matt, non-metallic Namibia Orange, non-metallic Tanzanite Blue. Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 BMW R1200GS – Low 10 You almost feel like you’re riding a cruiser – weird but very comfortable. B MW’s R1200GS has been a favourite for all sorts of riders from the likes of Ewen McGregor and Charley Boorman to sportsbike riders who stopped laughing when they found the GS outstripped them in the corners. And yes, I have seen one such rider with the knees out of his leathers to prove it! But, up until now I haven’t been keen for the simple reason that it’s too high off the ground for comfort. Other riders have told me the same thing – none more dramatically so than ‘S’ who while enjoying the BMW Safari, stopped on the side of a slightly banked road to admire the view, and put his foot down only to find the ground was a long way away. By the time he found it, the GS had a very drunken lean and the inevitable happened. It was the funniest thing we’d seen in a long time, all of us that is, except ‘S’! So when BMW launched its range of “low” riders, I jumped at the opportunity of putting the lowered GS to the test. What a difference! The lowered suspension option costs $250 and gives you a very manageble height of 790mm. This is achieved by a lower profile seat cushion and a lowered suspension achieved by adding a shorter strut to the front and rear shocks. You can see the difference in the photo (right). gravity which made it handle even better in the corners. The riding position is relaxed and the bike is so easy to ride. The other thing I noticed was that the gearbox was amazingly smooth. This is usually my main complaint with some BMWs, but with the latest boxers they seemed to have fixed the problem. Now you have all the GS benefits – you don’t have to be afraid of some of those enticing dirt roads anymore – and you can load it up with some serious luggage for those long distance tours. My thanks to Ian at Worthington BMW on the Central Coast (phone 02 4340 9988 ) for the loan bike. If you’re in the area drop in and check it out – you won’t be disappointed. The other good thing, according to Ian at Worthington BMW, is that you can order a model with the lowered suspension and a normal seat. Apart from the ability to easily reach the ground which is important in traffic (let’s face it – most of these babies see very little dirt) the lowered suspension effectively reduces the centre of Worthington BMW -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! a bikeenjoy for allthe reasons ride! Sales Service Parts & Accessories Rider Equipment Finance The Ultimate Riding Machine Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 Ducati 1198 11 The 1198 is powered by the awesome Testastretta Evoluzione, a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine, the crowning glory of Ducati’s development and perfection of the L-Twin engine, that produces 170hp (125kW) @ 9,750rpm and a classbeating 97lb-ft (13.4kgm) of torque @ 8,000rpm. From data acquisition systems integrated as standard equipment, to ingenious dual construction methods for its weight-saving single-sided swingarm and to the road-going Ducati Traction Control, Ducati’s innovative trackside solutions continue to flow. The Traction Control system, supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S model, enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from your previous track session or road trip. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction. DTC, which offers a choice of eight profiles, provides a considerable increase in safety during mid-corner acceleration. Bayliss Special In celebration of Troy Bayliss’ victory in the 2008 World Superbike Championship aboard the 1098 R, and the end of a career that proudly claims three World Championships aboard three generations of Ducati Superbike, the factory have built a 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition. More powerful, lighter and safer T he new DUCATI 1198, while maintaining the same look as the previous 1098, is in fact a totally new bike. The 1198, which produces a powerful 170hp (125kW) from its new Testastretta Evoluzione engine, and has a dry weight of just 171kg (377lb), incorporates all of the World Superbike technology derived directly from the 2008 World Championship winning race bike of Troy Bayliss. -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! The livery, which was used during Troy’s final race at Portimao in Portugal, incorporates the key colours of his success. Sporting the famous number ‘21’ on the pearl white nose and side-fairing number plates, the red and white paint scheme uses the dark blue background of the Australian national flag to blend beautifully along the side of the bodywork and into the unpainted carbon fibre stripe along the seat unit. A subtle ‘1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition’ graphic on the tail fairing leaves no doubt as to what this magnificent bike is. Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 Road Warriors Cafe Roadies Rules! F or nearly 6 years, every Sunday we went religiously to... Roadies. Church for bikers. Bacon and egg rolls. Line up for coffee. Flies in summer who swarmed around the rolls but were happy to leave you be when you’d finished. And Max. entertainment and occasionally Max would hold court next to the “Heath Robinson” firebox which belched more smoke than heat on a cold winter’s morn. I often wondered how Max could make a living when groups of bikers came and bought one coffee between 10. But then Roadies was always a kind of clubhouse. Noone laughed if you rode up on a 250 (or even a scooter), they were just happy that you were one of the chosen. Monos the length of the straight out front served as But as of December 23, Roadies is no more. Faced with a rent hike of over 100%, Max is showing the landlord his finger and is closing down. No choice really. Ok, most weeks I’d sneak up there for lunch midweek, or maybe an extended one on a Friday. And if I had a meeting in Sydney I’d make sure I filled up on coffee on the way down (and on the way back). Looking back, I can see that the end started when the speed limit on the Old Pacific Highway went from 100, then to 80 and now 60. Apart from bikes, there’s little traffic and fewer houses, yet we can’t have you louts having too much fun – can we? I feel kind of frustrated. Wishing somehow I could change reality. But worse, where to from here? Thanks Max. Viva la Roadies! -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! 12 Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 Ducati Streetfighter Beauty from Bologna T he Ducati Streetfighter was officially the best-looking bike at the 2008 Milan show. Voted by more than 20,000 enthusiasts taking part in a survey organised by Italian magazine Motociclismo, the award shows the Streetfighter to be an immediate knockout success. The new, Bologna-made supernaked model claimed more than 25% of the votes followed by the Aprilia RSV4 Factory and the MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR. The award ceremony took place on the official Motolive stage in the presence of General Manager of EICMA, Costantino Ruggero, while closing an intense week of exhibition and events during which 500,000 visitors had filled the halls of the Milan-Rho exhibition centre. The ‘S’ version is further equipped with sophisticated Öhlins suspension, lightweight forged wheels, carbon fibre components, and the exclusive Ducati Traction Control system designed for street use. The new Ducati Streetfighter was the undisputed star of the Milan show. Stripped to the bare essentials, its combination of state-of-the-art race technology, exposed styling and cultured design has taken Ducati’s big naked concept to the very top of the fighter food chain. The Ducati Streetfighter will be ripping-up asphalt in Australasia from Autumn 2009. 1098cc pumping 155hp With 155hp of Ducati L-Twin muscle harnessed in a stripped-down, super-light, 167kg bike (S Version) that packs more punch for its weight than any other contender, the Streetfighter becomes the new benchmark for the sector. http://www.ducati.com/news/08/ news024/news024.jhtml The Ducati Streetfighter is equipped with everything that made the Superbike a legend. Awesome L-Twin power -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! from the new version of Testastretta Evoluzione 1098cc engine that produces 11.7kgm of heavyweight torque, and thoroughbred chassis technology featuring Ducati’s trademark Trellis frame, beautiful single-sided swingarm and planetstopping Monobloc brakes. enjoy the ride! For more information and pictures, check the special website 13 Photo: Lou Martin Launch Report Jan/Feb 2009 -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! 14 Issue #15 Triumph Street Triple R enjoy the ride! Jan/Feb 2009 Issue #15 Street Triple R 15 Street Cred Photo: Lou Martin T ake a multi-award winning Daytona 675. Strip it of all that sissy fairing, chop a few mills off the wheelbase, and about 20 horses. Lower the seat so you don’t break your back, add a secret weapon in the form of an Arrow low-rider exhaust, and you have a military grade weapon that shoots around corners and reaches maximum velocity before you can blink! Bugger me, this thing rocks. Note that the Arrow is an optional extra (as is the carbon-fibre and very comfie gel seat) that puts most of those horses back and something you really must have for less than a couple of gorillas. Lucky for me I was the first journo ready at the launch and had my pick of the 5 Street Triple R’s lined up outside the showroom. I asked Cliff, Triumph’s technical manager, which bike should I pick. He merely nodded towards the one on the end and boy was he right. Bristling with carbon-fibre and the low slung Arrow, it reveals its true personality as soon as you pressed the starter. After riding this up the Spur and then swapping to the standard bike, it felt like I was jumping off a Motogp bike and onto a Supersport. Cliff later explained that no, he hadn’t tricked it up, but had merely added the muffler and tuned the bike to suit – no Power Commander or fancy chipwork! Following on from their successful Street Triple, Triumph is introducing a new, higher specification version, for 2009 the Street Triple R. -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Standard Street Triple R with factory underseat tiwn exhaust. Warms your bum in winter. Jan/Feb 2009 Street Triple R Issue #15 16 to attack the twisty stuff or cut its way through the urban jungle. Completing the Street Triple R’s distinctive look is an all-new colour scheme of Matt Graphite with orange graphics. A Matt Blazing Orange option with grey graphics will also be available from April 2009. Both colour options are further enhanced by black anodised forks and a two-tone black and graphite seat – very tasty. Accessories A full range of Triumph accessories are available for the bike, including flyscreens and a range of performance exhaust systems developed in collaboration with Italian performance specialists Arrow Special Parts especially to suit Triumphs. Photo: Lou Martin The Street Triple R is not a bike for shrinking violets... it comes brimming with race track technology. Fullyadjustable 41mm upside down forks and a top spec rear monoshock unit with piggy back reservoir deliver sublime handling, while radially-mounted four piston calipers grab the twin 308mm brake discs and ensure the Street Triple R stops as well as it goes. Stops so well in fact that it has a tendency to stand up on its front end, not intentionally you understand. But it is at its best when confronted with tight twisties – it’s a bit like being blind and having a guard dog, you just have to trust that it knows what its doing – blind corners don’t scare it in the slightest, which is more than can be said for me. Supersport eater The new Street Triple R has been designed to rival traditional supersport machines with its superlative handling and stunning stopping power, while offering the comfort and attitude of a street fighter. Power delivery is smooth with instant pickup, particularly with the Lowrider exhaust version with its lower centre of gravity achieved by not having the standard underseat exhausts which also put out a fair amount of heat. The sporty feel is completed with wide, tapered, handlebars from Magura and a 5mm taller seat height that puts the Street Triple R rider in the perfect position -/4/2#9#,).' ! 5 3 4 2 ! , ) ! enjoy the ride! Verdict If you love the twisties and supersport performance, without having to have a resident chiropractor – then this is the bike for you. Triumph are onto a winner, but should have the Arrow low-rider exhaust as standard to really make the distinction over the Standard Street Triple worthwhile. RRP $13,490 + Dealer delivery and ORC. Jan/Feb 2009 Street Triple R Issue #15 17 41&$*'*$"5*0/4 453&&553*1-&3 453&&553*1-&3 .BUU(SBQIJUF 453&&553*1-&3 .BUU#MB[JOH0SBOHF &/(*/&"/%53"/4.*44*0/ 5ZQF -JRVJEDPPMFEWBMWF%0)$JOMJOFDZMJOEFS $BQBDJUZ DD #PSF4USPLF YNN 'VFM4ZTUFN .VMUJQPJOUTFRVFOUJBMFMFDUSPOJDGVFMJOKFDUJPOXJUI4"* 'JOBM%SJWF 0SJOHDIBJO $MVUDI 8FUNVMUJQMBUF (FBSCPY TQFFEDMPTFSBUJP $)"44*436//*/((&"3"/%%*41-":4 'SBNF "MVNJOJVNCFBNUXJOTQBS 4XJOHBSN #SBDFEUXJOTJEFEDBTUBMVNJOJVNBMMPZ 8IFFMT'SPOU $BTUBMVNJOJVNBMMPZTQPLFYJO 3FBS $BTUBMVNJOJVNBMMPZTQPLFYJO 5ZSFT'SPOU ;3 3FBS ;3 4VTQFOTJPO'SPOU ,BZBCBNNVQTJEFEPXOGPSLTXJUIBEKVTUBCMFQSFMPBE SFCPVOEBOEDPNQSFTTJPOEBNQJOHNNUSBWFM 3FBS ,BZBCBNPOPTIPDLXJUIQJHHZCBDLSFTFSWPJSBEKVTUBCMFGPSQSFMPBE SFCPVOEBOEDPNQSFTTJPOEBNQJOHNNSFBSXIFFMUSBWFM #SBLFT'SPOU 5XJONNn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enjoy the ride!