Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

Polaris, which makes all-terrain vehicles and Victory cruiser motorcycles, has been busy this past year buying or investing in several companies which provide the American company with the technology to move into EVs. They invested in Brammo electric motorcycles and bought Gaupil, a French electric truck maker, as well as Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) from Chrysler.  Polaris spokesman and key player in the acquisitions, Mark Blackwell, says the move to acquire new powertrain providers came after years of relying on Subaru manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries to provide their engines. "To be too dependent on someone else for the heart of your vehicles was too risky," he says. So the company began making their own engines and is now expanding with new powertrain providers. "Now we want to diversify beyond that," he says. Polaris is a big company doing $2.7bn in business last year and spending $106m on research and development. In Australia, alone, sales were up 42 per cent last year and are expected to grow at least 16 per cent annually over the next five years.  Sales vice-president Mike Dougherty also expects global sales to quadruple by 2016. He says the company's move into India and China in the next few years will drive growth. "Goupil will be big," Dougherty says. "It will be the next big thing in our business."  But it is the acquisition of GEM from Chrysler that gives the company the greatest potential to move into EVs. At the moment, GEM is only making small volumes of people movers in Iowa that are basically big six-seater golf carts which can be legally driven in the US on roads with a 60km/h speed limit.  Blackwell says their future in electric vehicles is "probably more niche market". "We won't go head to head with the major players but we will be in small urban vehicles," he says.  

The 2012 range has seven floor plans for the caravan from $37,500 and four for the pop top from $21,990. Caravan prices are up about $1000 and pop tops up less than $300, but features have been substantially improved. The 2012 range features newly styled cupboard door handles, comfortable Enduro foam furniture and curved finishes to the caravan's Eurostyle cupboards and doors. The double beds now have orthopaedic slats underneath and the beds now extend by 150mm for extra room. There is also an improved Dometic (CORRECT) three-way RM2553 fridge and a four-burner gas grill in the pop top and four-burner oven in the caravan. Jayco marketing director Andrew Ryan says the Starcraft provides "even more bang for your buck" and is ideal for budget-conscious travellers. All Starcraft caravans and pop tops come with Jayco's galvanised "Endurance Chassis" and an upgraded external trunk door with access to more storage space. All Jayco RVs are built in Australia and come with a three-year roadside assist program and 12 month warranty. Jayco, which holds a 45 per cent market share in the Australian RV industry, last year sold a record of more than 9000 motorhomes, caravans, pop tops and camper trailers coming off the line at their factory at Dandenong South. The 10-model Jayco range also includes camper trailers, Discovery pop-top, Expanda pop-top and caravan, Sterling pop-top and caravan, Work N'Play toy hauler, Base Station toy hauler, campervans, and Conquest and Optimum motorhomes. Visit: www.jayco.com.au

Queensland is the most expensive state for motorists ($5433) mainly due to fuel costing about 4c more a litre than other states, according to a new survey by Bingle Car Insurance.  NSW motorists pay the highest for maintenance, insurance and registration but have the lowest overall cost of motoring ($5273) thanks to lower fines, tolls and parking costs.  Bingle's Cost of Motoring Index examines the costs of servicing and maintenance, rego, insurance, parking, tolls, fines and petrol. It differs from the auto clubs' surveys mainly by including tolls and fines.  The Bingle survey of 1200 owner drivers conducted last September shows that Victorians pay twice as much in fines as NSW. Bingle spokesperson Melanie Vine said understanding the cost of motoring can help motorists keep costs down. "It's no surprise that petrol is the largest overall cost, representing 52 per cent," said Ms Vine. Registration and insurance is the next most significant cost at 23 percent, followed by servicing and maintenance (19 per cent), parking and tolls (3 per cent) and fines (2 per cent).  "By driving in a more measured way to conserve petrol, looking for better-value insurance and obeying the road rules to avoid fines, consumers can make real savings." Vine said. Sydney office worker Brad Yee, 34, walks or catches the bus to work in the city and only drives on the weekends. "I was even thinking of selling our 1997 Camry and getting one of those share cars, but my girlfriend quashed that idea," he says. "We live close to the city but our friends live out in the suburbs so we do still drive a fair bit on the weekends.  "I haven't budgeted a weekly cost of running the Camry, but it hasn't given us any grief." Melbourne office worker Neval Ferman, 33, drives to the city to work every day and finds the cost of tolls a "killer". "School holidays are my best friends," she says. "At other times, the tollways are a carpark and I begrudge paying tolls to sit in the traffic. "I start early to miss the heavy stuff, but it's $20 a day if I take tollways all the way to the city from Frankston. "I'm actually moving to Brunswick in two weeks because of the tolls. I'll end up saving money by paying higher rent and catching a tram to work, with no parking fees, petrol costs or tolls."  Brisbane primary school teacher Steph Daigle, 25, has a short drive to work in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic, but still counts the pennies at the fuel pump.  "I don't travel too far to work, but my family live a fair way out of town and I visit them once a week," she says. "I bought a 2007 Corolla because of its fuel economy, safety and reliability record because maintenance is a big cost." "But the biggest cost by far is petrol." COSTS OF MOTORING  

Wind back the clock to the Great Depression and a great era of motorcycles such as the legendary Brough Superior. Back then the engine was the focal point, the bars were wide, the running boards were big and the riding position was low. Now Moto Guzzi is celebrating 90 years this year with an anniversary California 110cc cruiser similar to its early 1930s models. In the '30s Guzzis had single cylinder engines, chain drive and drum brakes. However, there is nothing old about the new California 90 with its modern fuel-injected transverse V-twin, shaft drive and disc brakes. John Sample Automotive spokesman Andy Pecora says the "first and only shipment" of eight bikes arrives this month and dealers have received "a number of enquiries" from customers. The California 90 costs $24,995 plus on-road costs which is the same as the California Vintage model. It features livery drawn from the original logo design and concepts used for Moto Guzzi in the early 1930s and has colour-coded side panniers with a tan leather seat. Each bike will have an identification plate above the steering yoke to certify the numbered production of this final edition of the California 1100 which will be replaced by a 1400 in mid-2013.  The new and bigger cruiser is expected to have about 75kW of power from the 90-degree V-twin which is now liquid cooled instead of air cooled. That's up about 20kW from the modest 54kW. It should also have plenty of low-rev torque on tap.  The sleek solo seat bike is low and mean and designers have neatly integrated the taillights into the profile of the rear fender. Other changes are pneumatic twin shocks, Brembo radial-mount calipers and an old-fashioned Tenneco-Marzocchi fork.  

Just as Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota, so will Indian be the luxury brand of Victory motorcycles. But fans of the 110-year-old iconic American brand might have a bit of a wait for the heavyweight cruisers to hit Australia. Major ATV manufacturer Polaris, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, bought the Indian brand last year to supplement its 11-year-old motorcycle brand Victory which launched three years ago in Australia.  Victory Australia spokesman Peter Harvey says "only the best dealers will be Indian dealers". "Indian will be like our Lexus. Our premium brand," he says. Polaris is making Indian Chief Classic, Dark Horse and Vintage models at a new plant in Spirit Lake, Minnesota, just a mile down the road from their ATV and Victory plant.  The elaborate chrome and leather-tassled bikes are being handmade at a rate of just 15 a week, all of which are for the American market. Polaris global sales vice-president Mike Dougherty says Australia may not get the Indian until the new models are released in about three years. However, Harvey is more hopeful that Australia could get them as soon as next year, but is cautious about rushing into it. "We are the guardian of a traditional brand and we only get one go at it," he says. Dougherty believes the Indian brand will add to sales, rather than take sales off Victory. "Victory is about performance and Indian is a cruiser and very traditional. Cannibalism between the two brands will be minimal," he says.  "Our research shows 75 per cent of Harley-Davidson owners would buy an Indian." Polaris is enjoying substantial growth in Australia, up 42 per cent last year to be a close third in ATV sales behind Honda and Yamaha. Dougherty says Australia and NZ are 13 per cent of their international business and represent the company's largest volume subsidiary in the world. "Australia will grow tenfold in next five years," he says. "The bike business is one of the key drivers". While Victory's ATV section was up 13 per cent in Australia last year, their new Victory motorcycle brand grew 50 per cent. Victory owns dealerships in Sydney and Melbourne, and has dealers in Brisbane and Perth.  Harvey says that in the next year they will open their own dealership in Brisbane and have eight more dealers around the country. Polaris established the Victory brand in 1998 with the 1500cc critically panned V9SC model and have never made a smaller motorcycle.  The brand launched in Australia almost four years ago with a more accepted line-up of bikes. Their current line-up all feature 1731cc V-twin engines.

As motorcycle sales recover from a three-year slump with 9.6 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year, it seems more and more women are coming on board, chasing freedom and expression.  The top two brands for women are Harley with 13 per cent female buyers, up from 7 per cent in 2008, and Ducati with 6 per cent, although that climbs to 18 per cent for the Monster range with its learner-legal model.  Sales to women riders have also resulted in the brands recording sales increases of 22.4 per cent for Harley and 44.5 per cent for Ducati in the first quarter.  Harley promotions executive Isabel Perez says they started marketing to women in 2008 with women-only training evenings called Garage Parties at 36 dealerships nationally, a global "Pink Label" of clothing to create awareness for breast cancer research and a special women's magazine. They have also released a range of low-seat accessories and low-seat motorcycle models. "As more women are seeing other women riding, they are becoming interested," she says. The biggest obstacle has been male-oriented dealerships. "Salesmen tend to talk down to women, but it's slowly changing," she says.  Motorcycle journalist Kellie Buckley agrees. "When you walk into a dealership they ask are you here to buy a present for your boyfriend? or are you here to get a scooter, love?" Buckley owns four bikes, has been a motorcycle journalist for seven years and is news editor at Australian Motorcycle News, but still finds she has to prove herself as a female rider. "I do have to ride harder and faster to prove myself," she says. "I think there is so much more acceptance now and finally there is suitable riding gear available for women." Ducati spokeswoman Marina Strbac says the introduction of the learner-legal Monster as well as factors such as light weight, low seat, easy handling and custom colours and accessories were attracting more women to the brand. Actress, model and journalist Zoe Naylor has been a Ducati Monster fan for several years and is a brand ambassador. The former McLeod's Daughters star says she originally looked at Harleys for their comfort but likes the sporty Monster 696 which is still "pretty comfortable but also sexy". Harley Garage Parties: Fraser Motorcycles, Wollongong, April 18-19 Gold Coast, April 18 Perth, April 18 Central Coast, April 20 Fraser Motorcycles, Newcastle, May 2 & 10 North Coast V-Twins, May 3 Horsham, May 4 Sunshine Coast, May 4 Trivett, Sydney, May 8 Fraser Motorcycles, Homebush, May 9 & 12 Fraser Motorcycles, Perth, May 9 & 10 Harley Magic, Cairns, May 9 Mount Isa Motorcycles, May 12 Townsville, May 17 Rockhampton, May 26 Morgan & Wacker, Brisbane, May 30 Quick Fix Harley-Davidson, Mildura, June 15 Harley Heaven, Melbourne, June 20 Harley Heaven, Ringwood, July 5 Hobart, July 7 Harley Heaven, Adelaide, July 19 Harley Heaven, Dandenong, August 2 Harbour City Motorcycles Gladstone, August 24 Robbo's Motorcycles, Fyshwick, September 5 Capital Harley-Davidson, Orange, September 29 Gasoline Alley, Brisbane, October 11 Richardson's Harley-Davidson, Hobart, October 20 Geelong, November 28 Sy's Harley-Davidson, Sydney, November 30  

"It's that whole retro thing," says Rob Walker in his rolled-up Levis, Converse sandshoes, checked shirt, Buddy Holly glasses and stylised '50s robot tattoo on his left arm.  He's sitting in his huge shed surrounded by tools, old valve radios, hubcabs, number plates and robot statues crafted out of odds and sods.  In the centre is his dad's old '46 Ford De Luxe Business Coupe and in the background the old valve radio is playing some rockabilly song from the '50s and Walker is in his element.  His father, Terry, bought the former New Zealand police car in 2000 for $11,000, but a few years ago he lost interest, so Rob bought it off him. When his father died in November 2010, Rob and brother Peter decided to restore the car in their dad's honour.  "We stripped it down and rebuilt the engine," he says. "It had an original flathead V8, but we got the same size 255 cubic inch motor out of a truck." It now sports finned Edlebrock heads, twin 94 Holley carbies, extractors and bigger cams. "That cam is pretty big. Might be a tad too big," he says.  "You really can tell it's got a big cam in it because you can feel it waiting to cut in and wanting to go at low speeds. It goes much better over 80km/h."  The suspension is stock and the body needs another respray but a booster has been added to the drum brakes. "It pulls up pretty good, but it's got heavy steering and handles like a whale, but you drive it accordingly," he says. "I'm used to driving old cars but someone who hasn't driven an old car would find it difficult.  "It's got three-speed synchro and sometimes you can change all the way through the gears without crunching." There's a red clear-plastic knob on the gearshift; Walker says a billiard ball would have been too kitsch. The only police parts are two remote spotlights on the bonnet which also features a robot mascot that Walker crafted: "I like robots," he says.  Walker is a signwriter who rues the trade's turn to digital imagery rather than hand painting, but he keeps his artistry going by painting signs for his sideline business making retro taillights for old cars. He also restores valve radios - "there's not enough hours in the day" - and is converting a valve car radio to take his iPod so he can install it in the Ford. The iPod will be his only concession to modern society, although the radio will probably belt out his favourite psychobilly music, which he says is a cross between punk and rockabilly. At a glance Year: 1946 Price: $11,000 Engine: 4.2-litre Ford V8 Body: 2-door coupe Transmission: 3-speed synchro column shift Did you know: School bully Biff Tannen drove a black 1946 Ford Super De Luxe convertible in the 1985 film Back to the Future. Got a special car you'd like featured in Carsguide? Modern or classic we're interested in hearing your story. Please send a pic and brief info to mark.hinchliffe@carsguide.com.au

Despite being a top seller over the past two years, Jayco has updated its Sterling caravan after customer feedback. Highlights are the electric slide-out bed and lounge, cruved kitchen design, built-in blinds, Coast to Coast washing machine and new Dometic windows. Additional equipment has also led to a price increased of less than $2000. Jayco marketing director Andrew Ryan says the updated model reaches a "new standard in design and comfort".  The Sterling Caravan starts at $54,550 plus on-road costs. Ryan says their buyers are "generally baby boomers". "They have higher disposable income and want the luxury that the Sterling offers whilst still offering great value," he says.  The Sterling now comes in a range of new and modified layouts with airconditioner, TV and rollout awning standard. Styling in the new kitchen features curved seats, sink, drawers and table.  There is also an improved Thetford swivel toilet, patented aluminium furniture construction and an upgraded 150-litre fridge.  Externally, Jayco has upgraded the Sterling's wheels, graphics and has provision for an external barbecue installation. Last year, Jayco introduced a 24-hour roadside assist program which is provided free for three years. Visit: www.jayco.com.au

Shed some weight and your muscles tend to look bigger. So it is with the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim which is a Fat Boy that has gone on a diet. The skeletal frame puts emphasis on the engine, where it counts. Harley hopes the pared-down retro looks will attract younger riders aged 35-44. VALUEDemos are in store now and when it goes on sale in September, the Slim will be the cheapest of the Softail family at $26,995 ride away. That compares favourably with Harley's Fat Boy at $27,995, Fat Boy Low at $28,495 or its Blackline at $27,995.Victory's Vegas High Ball costs $26,495 and is well made and stylish, but doesn't have ABS while the Triumph Thunderbird Storm does and costs $22,990 plus on-road costs. TECHNOLOGYAll Softails now get the rigid-mount 103 (1.6-litre) V-twin with 132Nm of arm-stretching torque from just 3200 revs. It's mated to a clunky, but forthright six-speed transmission with a light clutch and recalcitrant neutral.It drives through a quiet and low-maintenance belt drive. Instruments now include an LCD screen with gear indicator, revs, clock, two trip meters and odo. DESIGNHarley has gone through the parts bin for this styling exercise with the Fat Boy's chunky 16in front wheel, and the rear from the recent Blackline model. The only new bits are the name, paint, seat and handlebars with MX-style brace for hanging lights or satnav. It's all about old-school looks and minimalism. So you can see the top of the engine in the gap between the tank and seat, and there are retro bits and pieces such as a gloss black "cat's eye'' tank console with a retro speedometer face, half-moon rider footboards, tapered Fat Bob peanut tank, a round air cleaner cover, and gloss black headlight cover, wheel rims and hubs. The cover of the low-slung 605mm solo seat is stitched in a tuck-and-roll pattern and it features new under-slung slash cut mufflers. There will be a range of accessories available at launch. SAFETYAll Softails now come with ABS that not only works well, but is discrete so it doesn't spoil the aesthetics of the wheels. Brakes are powerful and effective for such a heavy bike. Clearance has been slightly raised to 115mm - pretty good for a low rider - but cornering is still an issue with scraping noises giving the rider a gauge for lean angle limits.RIDINGSoftails are all abut looks first, then comfort and handling. If you understand its limitations and take things easy, it's a capable mid-length cruiser on good-quality road surfaces. Power comes easy for rapid take-off and overtaking and it will hustle along briskly if you know how to wield the beast. Tighter corners have to be taken cautiously, but it turns easily with the combination of a thick front tyre, narrow back tyre and wide, curved bars. The relaxed riding position is comfortable for about two hours and this solo-seater can be converted for a pillion with an accessory seat and pegs.VERDICTSoftails demand your respect when riding and your heart when admiring. It all depends on whether you like the retro bobbed look, but the Fat Boy is still a more comfortable option.Harley-Davidson FLS Softail SlimPrice: $26,995Warranty: 2 yearsService: 1600/8000kmEngine: 1690cc Twin Cam V-twin, 132NmTransmission: 6-speed, belt driveBody: 2.4m (L), 605mm (Seat), 1.6m (Wheelbase)Weight: 304.4kgFuel: 18.9L tank, 5.6L/100km, 290km rangeTyres: 130/9016, 144/ 90 16 Dunlop 

Jayco's Flite Camper range has been extended with the Swift Camper Trailer series starting from $15,490. Spokesman Andrew Ryan says the camper trailers are suitable for a wide range of small cars. "Jayco has designed this camper range to make RV holidays accessible to everyone," he says. "It is an entry level camper - a great first RV - and has been designed with small car owners in mind. "We strive to make caravanning holidays accessible to everyone regardless of what type of car they drive." They weigh just 788kg and come with electric brakes so they can be towed by cars such as a Mazda3 which has a braked towing capacity of 900kg. The camper trailers come in Touring and Outback models with a 137cm front bed, personalised front and rear mouldings and a variety of tent colours. The Swift Camper Trailer features a full-height sink in the kitchen, with a Dometic RM2350 fridge. Like all Jayco models, it has a galvanised Endurance Chassis and is made of aluminium with vacuum-bonded fibreglass walls, which are 150 per cent thicker than aluminium cladding and are hail and dent resistant. The trailers are 267cm long when packed and expand to 457cm when unpacked and set up. They stand 150cm high from the tyers to the roof. Jayco products come with a three-year roadside assistance and 12-month manufacturer's warranty.