Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

Suzuki Auto Co, which imports Suzuki just for the Queensland market, has produced a "Karbon Kizashi" concept which is a cosmetically enhanced model with no performance modifications. Two years ago, Suzuki Australia displayed a turbo version at the Australian International Motor Show, but so far has been unsuccessful in prompting the manufacturer to proceed with the project. Queensland importing boss Adam Le Fevre says he can't comment on the turbo model. "We're more interested in personalised enhancements rather than performance modifications," he says. "We don't believe that turbocharging of any model in the range is applicable in this market. "What you are doing is limiting the availability of the people that can drive it because of licensing restrictions for P platers who are a big part of our buyer group demographic. We don't want to muck around with performance and homologation issues." Instead, Suzuki Auto Co has contracted a Victorian company to produce carbon-fibre-styled decals to break up the monotony of the body panels. The Karbon Kizashi has appliques covering the roof, around the driving lights, wing mirrors, lower door garnishes, twin exhaust flutes and rear boot lip spoiler. It also gets black chrome Advanti 19-inch wheels, up from the standard 18-inch wheels from the all-wheel-drive Sport model. "It's a local enhancement of the model in response to feedback from customers and dealers," he says. "We've listened to comments and looked at what some European models are doing as it has Euro styling cues." The final mix of cosmetic updates has yet to be decided, but a display model is doing the rounds of Queensland dealers. Le Fevre says they have not yet decided on a price, but it will attract a premium. The special edition run will be limited to about 40 and the final package will be available sometime next month. Suzuki Australia communications manager Andrew Ellis says they are also "playing with a couple of things" and talking to suppliers to produce limited-edition models. He says the first special edition will be a Swift. Suzuki Auto Co is also considering a special edition of the Swift. The company developed a Swift Super Sport to display during the recent Australian International Rally round in Queensland. The car is designed to look like the rally car that won the Junior World Rally Championship in 2007 and 2010. "Swift lends itself to personalisation by customers and is one of the most customised cars on the market," Le Fevre says. "It has decals, tinted glass and a modified exhaust for more breathing capacity, but at the moment it is just a display model to highlight to customers the potential of what they can do. "It shows that owners are only limited by their imaginations. "If we get interest we will do a limited run of these too. About 15 minimum and no more than 40 to keep it exclusive." Its livery is inspired by the Junior World Rally Championship winning Swift hatches driven by Per-Gunnar Andersson and Aaron Burkhart. However, while the original was a three-door car not marketed in Australia, this is a four-door version.  Both vehicles are touring Queensland dealerships and the importer is inviting comment from the public and dealership staff. "We'll take their responses back to the drawing board with the intention of being able to offer a keenly priced graphics package that will be available at retail level," he says.  

The latest to offer a scaled-down version is Brisbane-based Conqueror Australia with their Conqueror UEV-310 starting at $16,200. The baby of the Urban Escape Vehicles range is 3.1m long without the drawbar and 3.7m with it, and weighs just 490kg dry so it can be towed by compact SUVs. Conqueror Australia business development manager Dan Bosschieter says the decision to introduce the Conqueror UEV-310 to their range was simple. "Traditionally our customers are 4WD and camping enthusiasts who have the horse-power to tackle Australia's toughest terrain but we were consistently asked if we had a smaller UEV available that occasional campers can tow behind their smaller 4WDs like RAV-4 or beach buggies," he says. "And with its smaller sub-500kg weight the Conqueror UEV-310 is perfect for this market as it has all the benefits of the bigger models but in a more compact offering." Despite its tight package the 310 has two cubic metres of lockable storage accessible from inside and out, a double bed with a connected dressing area, 1.6m of headroom, pantry, fridge, mini-bar and it takes less than two minutes to set up. "You can literally pull up, flip the lid, wind down the midge mesh doors and go inside with no further action required," Bosschieter says. The 310 is part of a six-trailer range named after their length without a drawbar - 490, 440, 390, 330, 360 and 310. "The 310 may be what we are affectionately calling the baby of our range but it's got the guts and durability of the 490," says Bosschieter. The trailers were developed by South African company Mega Manufacturers which started importing to Australia in 2010. "To open an Australian arm we knew that the back-end of the business had to be set-up correctly so that rather than just importing and selling the trailers, we'd need the space and expertise to be able to modify them for the Australian market," Bosschieter says. "Our modification is not just a few tweaks. What starts as a Conqueror ends up as a tailor-made Australian UEV which is re-built using the best possible Australian and off-shore products." The UEV in-house manufacturing also means that the finished product complies with the Australia Design Rules and has an engineer's certification. www.ConquerorAustralia.com.au  

It arrives this month at $6990 which is highly competitive with other mid-sized scooters. Andy Pecora of Aprilia importer John Sample Automotive says the SR Max 300 should be considered "equal to a more GT sports/touring styled motorcycle".  With a 15.5-litre fuel tank, longer wheelbase and more comfortable dimensions than most scooters, it is certainly more attuned to longer distance travel than most commuter scooters. The SR Max has 155mm longer wheelbase than the Sport City 300, making it not only more comfortable but also more stable at highway speeds.  "The SR Max 300 will be completely at home on motorways or touring long distances which is not really the domain of a typical scooter," says Pecora. "The 300cc water-cooled engine provides the performance for acceleration and top speeds that complement the chassis which is tuned for both city commuting and higher speed riding." Fuel economy and CO2 figures are not yet available, but it is expected to be a conservative runner with range of at least 300km. The SR MAX 300 features a compact but light nose, a silver coloured grille between the twin lights, and a simple, thin screen. The "factory red" graphics are race inspired with the livery derived from the RSV4 Factory. It is also available in white. The two-colour saddle is made from a sport fabric and is equipped with lumbar support for the rider, while the passenger has access to large grip handles and a wide and comfortable seat. It is powered by a single-cylinder four-valve, liquid-cooled, electronic-injected engine with 16kW of power and a maximum torque of 23Nm at 6000 revs. Stability is due to the strong double cradle frame made of high-strength tubular steel. The suspension is more sophisticated than most scooters with 35mm hydraulic telescopic forks up front and a double hydraulic shock absorber with three-position spring preload adjustment at the rear. Brakes are also strong with a 260mm disc up front and 240mm at the rear, and it runs on 15-inch wheels with tubeless tyres (120/70 front and 140/60 rear). Aprilia SR Max 300 Price: $6990 Warranty: 2yrs/unlimited km Service intervals: 10,000km (transmission belt 15,000km) Engine: 278cc single-cylinder 16kW/23Nm Transmission: CVT auto Dimensions: 2110mm (l), 780mm (w), 815mm (seat) Fuel tank: 15.5 litres  

Victory Motorcycles country manager Peter Harvey says he expects "hundreds" to accept the "obligation-free" offer before it expires at the end of July.All dealers, all models and all Best Western hotels in Australia will be involved in the national test ride promotion."We don't disclose our conversion rates but we have high expectations from this promotion," Harvey says."There may have been similar offers in the past but we are unaware of the exact details of these promotions."One of our brand statements is 'Ride One and You'll Own One'. We want to prove this statement and to do so we need people to ride our machines. This is an Australian promotion that our Australian team created."Victory motorcycles are made in the USA and are similar to Harley-Davidson in style, being heavyweight V-twin cruisers. 

Australia is ute country. Our top-selling vehicle in May was a ute, the morning commute is packed with utes, the weekend beach run is dominated by them and we are the second-biggest market in the world for Isuzu's D-Max ute, after Thailand where it's made.We were led to believe the new D-Max would be a totally separate platform to the Holden Colorado (and previously Rodeo). However, the two still share chassis, body panels and much of the interior, except for instruments and some features. That's not a bad thing; the new Colorado is a bolder, bigger, safer, more powerful and frugal machine and so is the D-Max.VALUEIsuzu Ute Australia spokesman Dave Harding says prices are up "slightly" even though it has much more safety and creature features. The new D-Max starts at $27,200 for the manual single cab chassis model which previously cost $25,100."But you get a lot more car for your money," Harding says.Prices now range up to $51,700 for the new five-speed auto LS-Terrain, almost $10,000 more than the previous flagship model. The top-spec car not only has a reversing camera, but also leather upholstery and a satnav system with 10,000 off-road destinations and live traffic updates. Colorado doesn't have satnav available.Value is further increased by a doubling of the service intervals to 20,000km and one year. Isuzu does not have fixed-price servicing like some of its competitors such as Holden, although they are "considering it".TECHNOLOGYThe biggest difference between the Isuzu and Holden is in the powertrain. While the Colorado has two diesel engines: a 2.5-litre (110kW/350Nm) and a 2.8-litre (132kW/470Nm), Isuzu has refined its 3.0-litre diesel engine for more power (130kW up from 120kW) and torque (380Nm up from 333Nm).Meanwhile, fuel consumption is down from 9L/100km to 8.1-8.3, which is better than Holden's more powerful unit. It still has a five-speed manual transmission, but it has developed a super-smooth and responsive five-speed auto to replace its somewhat outdated four-speed box. While Holden has a six-speed auto, the extra gear really isn't missed in the Isuzu. Tradies will welcome iPod and Bluetooth connectivity throughout the range.DESIGNIt is longer, wider, bigger inside, with a larger tray and more muscular, flared guards, just like the Holden. But with that bold chrome grille and big door handles - all the better for tradies wearing gloves to operate - somehow it seems more purposeful. "A tool, not a toy," says Harding.Aerodynamics were tested in the same wind tunnel used for the Japanese Bullet train and have been improved for a quieter ride and better economy. Beach anglers and off-roaders will welcome the increased clearance and better approach, departure and breakover angles.SAFETYIsuzu has joined Holden in hoping their new utes will join the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and Volkswagen Amarok with a maximum five stars in the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).While there is no schedule yet for ANCAP testing, Isuzu believes its new model will record maximum safety stars. Harding says the D-Max will have "the same safety features or better than its competitors"."We're aiming for the highest possible score," he says."But we're not speculating on scores and there is no schedule yet for testing."The superseded D-Max has a poor three-star rating against much of the competition which has four stars. However, with the federal government and BHP Billiton recently announcing their fleets will be all five-star vehicles, Isuzu needs to score maximum points. Harding says the improvements are largely in the area of pedestrian safety which held its current scores down.The new model features recessed headlamps, impact absorbing bonnet and front design that will lift a pedestrian rather than run over them. It also comes with six airbags across the range, stability control and advanced brakes in all models and a reversing camera in the new top-of-the-line LS-Terrain model.DRIVINGIsuzu launched the D-Max with a comprehensive and varied drive from Port Douglas in North Queensland. It included straight highway, twisting tarmac, rainforest gravel roads, sandy creek banks and some radical clay and loam hills. On the highway, the new aerodynamics and extra sound dampening in the cabin made for a quiet drive while the longer wheelbase makes it more composed and stable.The twisty tar revealed a settled vehicle with slightly less "squishy" suspension than before. It's still a small truck, but it behaves with more car-like handling thanks to its independent front suspension, stiffer rear leaf springs and more rigid chassis. Up these mountain passes, the extra torque of the diesel engine is perfectly matched to the spread of gears in both the manual and auto.Hitting the gravel road didn't increase the cabin noise greatly although we are concerned about the life of some of the flimsy wheelarch plastics. Here the ute was fun in rear-wheel drive, but safe and predictable in high-range four-wheel drive which can be selected on the fly up to 100km/h. Even with tyre pressures at normal road levels, the ute churned effortlessly through deep sand in low-range 4WD.It also tackled some of the steepest ascents and descents thanks to its traction aid system which brakes free-spinning wheels and delivers traction where needed. The Clarion satnav and entertainment system is a delight to use in the new top-spec LS-Terrain, but it means it loses the audio controls from the steering wheel.Cabin comfort is fine for five adults in the crew cab, which will be the most popular variant, and there is added practicality in the space cab now with "suicide" (front-opening) rear doors that include the structural B pillar. The interior is very similar to the Colorado, even down to the hard and cheap-looking plastics. The only real difference is the satnav and some of the instruments.VERDICTIsuzu has refined the product, added more features and most importantly increased safety making this ute a must-consider for families and fleets.Isuzu D-Max Crew, Single & Space CabPrices: from $27,200-$51,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: 52%Service interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 4 or 5 starsSpare: full-sizeEngine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-speed auto and manual; RWD/4WDBody: 5-5.3m (L); 1.7-1.9m (w); 1.7-1.8m (h)Weight: 1527-1935kgTowing: 3 tonneThirst: 8-8.3L/100km; 212-220g/km CO2

Stricter European greenhouse gas emissions standards have almost completely killed off two-stroke bikes and scooters around the world. The latest victim is Aprilia's popular and long-running RS 125. Andy Pecora, spokesman for Australian importers John Sample Automotive, says they have only about 30 of the multiple GP-winning motorcycle in stock at $7190 plus on-road costs. Two-stroke engines are characterised by their puff of blue smoke and their high-revving scream. Invented in 1881, the "stroker" completes the combustion cycle in one turn of the crankshaft with the oil burnt up in the piston. Although they are economical, their exhaust emissions have sounded their death knell. Honda announced almost 10 years ago that it was pulling out of two-stroke machines, despite its massive market share of "stroker" scooters. Other manufacturers, such as Aprilia, continued production of small scooters and high-performance race-style bikes such as the RS125. "Because of the long history of Aprilia racing with two-strokes we continued with the RS125," Pecora says. "Aprilia had been able to work with regulators to meet the stringent guidelines of Euro 3 and still keep all of the performance of the machine, however with new regulations becoming more stringent if has been difficult to get the high level of performance we wanted out of the powerplant." Aprilia will continue with the four-stroke RS4 125cc in the learner-legal sportsbike sector and the 50cc SR50 R Factory scooter. Most of the other strokers still available are small ATVs and scooters. "It's definitely a sad day," says Pecora. "There's a rich history of racing with two-strokes and everyone was disappointed when the 125s finished up last season." Aprilia two-stroke champions have included Valentino Rossi while Australia's Casey Stoner won many GPs on Aprilia two-stroke machines. Part of the mystique of two-stroke racing included the "black art" of tuning the engines. "Two-strokes have always been for the true enthusiasts who loved tinkering and getting messy," says Pecora. "I'll miss the sound. There's nothing like a screaming two-stroker." Aprilia RS 125 Price: $7190 Warranty: 2 yr/unlimited km Service: 4000km Resale: 53% Engine: 124.8cc single-cylinder two-stroke Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive Tyres: 110/70 R17; 150/60 R17 Body: 1955mm (l), 720mm (w), 1100mm (h), 805 (seat) Fuel: 14-litre tank  

It's BMW's best-kept secret. The K 1300 S is powerful, safe, fun, comfortable, practical and, in HP (high performance) trim, it's also sexy. It's a sportsbike that you can take to a track, ride to work, carry a pillion and even take on tour with the addition of optional tank bag and sporty, expandable panniers. The HP will also draw admirers at your favourite biker cafe.VALUEPrices start at $26,390 which is less than the Italian exotics, but more than the Japanese sports tourers. Yet it comes with heated grips, on-board computer and ABS as standard. You can also get a "dynamic" package of extras including electronic suspension adjustment, quick-shift gears, tyre pressure monitor and traction control for $27,890 which represents good value for the amount of safe and performance technology included. Or you can go the whole hog and buy one of the limited-edition HP models for $32,390, which includes the "dynamic" extras plus special paintwork, tinted windshield, Akropovic muffler, paddock stand, rear-set and pillion footpegs, and a host of sexy carbonfibre bits and pieces. It also has a limited edition numbered plaque which should boost resale value.TECHNOLOGYThis bike fairly bristles with technology. At its core is the high-revving but grunty 1300cc transverse four-cylinder engine with power that nudges the notorious Suzuki Hayabusa.Drive is through a no-maintenance shaft and there is a slipper clutch to prevent rear wheel lock-up under heavy downshifting. The best of the optional technology is the quick shifter and the electronic suspension adjustment that adjusts the preload for pillions and luggage and the shockers for sport or comfort riding.SAFETYIt seems ridiculous to talk about safety in a sportsbike with this much power. However, you are not flying without a safety net. This bike features adjustable traction control, ABS "linked" brakes, a slipper clutch and the dependable anti-dive "duolever" front suspension. Add in the electronic supension adjustment that quickly corrects for riding style and load and you have a bike that will safely handle most tasks from the track to touring.DESIGNBMW has dispensed with some of the odd design cues that polarise opinion such as mismatched headlights and slab fairings. This bike looks young and smart.It's also highly practical with the most comfortable seat on a sports tourer I have experienced and a relaxed riding position, even with the rear-set footpegs. The windscreen provides plenty of protection, but the fairings will dig into the knees of tall riders.RIDINGI rode the HP for several days in the recent BMW TS Safari which meandered from Bathurst to the Sunshine Coast. The combination of quick shifter and slipper clutch made short work of the complex twisties of the Oxley Highway, while the 140Nm of torque made light work of roll-on overtaking maneuvres in sixth gear on the open roads.And the combination of the quick shifter and Akropovic muffler provides a joyous soundtrack like an F1 car whipping through the gears. BMW's duolever feels unusual on a sports-oriented bike, but it works well to isolate the shocks from the scandalous condition of some of NSW's country tracks that pass for main roads.After plenty of hard charging with loaded panniers, the bike returned 5.7 litres per 100km, but most riders will get closer to the claimed 4.7 figure. Tourers may want to add handlebar risers, but the riding position is a good compromise between sport and touring.VERDICTIt will do almost anything on road from commuting to touring and even handle a track day. Get at least the optional quick shift and ESA package.BMW K 1300 SPrices: $26,390, $27,890 (dynamic package), $32,390 (HP)Warranty: 2yrs/unlimited km/roadside assistResale:  58 per centService: 10,000km/12 monthsEngine: 1.3-litre 4-cyl, 129kW/140NmTransmission: 6-speed, shaft driveBody: 2182mm (L); 905mm (w); 1221m (h), 820/790mm (seat)Dry weight: 228kgTyres: 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17Thirst: 4.7/100km (98 RON), 19-litre tank 

Australian will have to wait for Peugeot to perform hot weather testing on its two hybrid models before we get them here. Peugeot has a 3008h Hybrid4 model available overseas and is planning to release the 508 RXH diesel-hybrid. However, Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokeswoman Jaedene Hudson says neither is yet confirmed for Australia until hot weather testing has been completed. She could not confirm where the hot weather testing is being done. "They haven't come out here yet, but that's not to say that they won't," she says. "Once that is completed we can decide when we can take them. "We might take one, or both, or none." Peugeot currently only sells the "mild hybrid" 508 and 308 which have fuel-saving auto stop-start systems. Meanwhile, she says fuel-efficient diesel models are popular, representing a large proportion of their sales. "We were among the first with diesel technology and we continue to develop and redevelop the technology," she says. Sales of Peugeot are down 11.8 per cent so far this year to 1744, but Hudson says they are not panicking. "We had a lot of stuff to sort out at the start of the year with demo models," she says. "We sold a lot of demos which are not counted in the official figures because they're not new regos. We've now refreshed our demo fleet and there are plenty of demo models available." She says the early supply problems for the new 4008 compact SUV have been rectified and sales are on track for 900 by the end of the year. Hudson also expects the new 208 light car coming in October to finish the year off with a high. The slightly bigger and 150kg lighter 208 features a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, plus a new interior with touch screen, redeveloped smaller and lower steering wheel and a higher dashboard "so you don't take the eyes off the road as much", she says. In the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, the Peugeot 208 received a maximum score as well as high pedestrian protection results. Australia will not be getting the 408 to be released in November, leaving a gap left by the departure of the 407. We also won't be getting the 301 which is only to be produced for left-hand-drive markets. However, we may get the Urban Crossover Concept which debuted at the Beijing motor show in April. The vehicle is built off the 208 platform and is even smaller than the 4008. Hudson says it's only a concept, but if it goes into production it would be the kind of car Australians want. "That small segment is definitely increasing in sales," she says. "The 4008 is going well, especially in two-wheel drive. "I guess it's the younger generation that want something bigger than a hatch but with off-road capability. It's the 30-40 age demographic that are quite affluent, like the urban lifestyle but also like the great outdoors. "They also like the high ride height and SUV styling." She says there is no official name for the concept vehicle at this stage, but it is likely to be 2008.  

The Germans have come under fire from the British and are retaliating with a change of colours and some bling.BMW's R 1200 GS is now the top-selling bike in Europe and a popular steed here where many of our second-class byways demand all-road capability. Triumph is now attacking BMW's lead with its 1200cc Explorer, so the Bavarians have struck back with a couple of special edition models, the Triple Black and the Rallye which come with special paint and extras.VALUEWe rode the new Rallye which costs $26,250 (plus on-roads), a whopping $4325 more than the standard GS. Cosmetic extras include red, white and blue paintwork reminiscent of the Paris-Dakar racers, a red frame, grey swingarm, chrome exhaust and two-tone handguards, seat and front shrouds.It also comes with the "Traction Package" which would cost $2235 if fitted to the standard GS. It consists of tyre pressure control, switchable ABS and stability control. There is also enduro electronic suspension adjustment ($1000) and spoked wheels ($580).There is also a raft of accessories that can be fitted such as panniers ($1263), top box ($1193), tank bag ($475) and Garmin Zumo 660 satnav ($1752 with fit kit).TECHNOLOGYSince the twin-cam engine was fitted a few years ago, the power and torque have been lifted marginally with most of the boost down low where it's needed, especially when dribbling along a gnarly forest trail. Triumph has launched their Explorer with a more powerful engine (101kW versus 81kW) but with more mid and top end. Torque on the two machines is identical. An advantage that Triumph can't match is the traditional BMW suspension combination of telelever/paralever. BMW has handlebar warmers as standard, but the Explorer has cruise control.DESIGNIt's big, Bavarian and brutish, but somehow it works. Painting it mainly white with a flash of red frame is perhaps a little bit too pretty for such a macho machine. With its vulnerable chrome exhaust and pretty paint, you fear chips and scratches when riding on gravel roads. It's like taking a $100,00+ Porsche Cayenne into the scrub.SAFETYTriumph has matched BMW with the addition of stability control and ABS. The BMW combination is a proven system that works well on road and has limited success in some off-road or dirt-road situations.Where BMW forges ahead is with its electronic suspension adjustment that adjusts ride heights, spring rate and shocks for a combination of luggage, pillion and road conditions. This system works brilliantly and makes the bike a safe all-terrain machine.The option of a lowered suspension setting and low seat also makes this a lot safer and confidence-inspiring for a wider range of riders with seat heights ranging from 790mm all the way through to a high 870mm, compared with the Explorer's 837-857mm range.RIDINGWe've ridden a lot of GS models over the years and the basic structure hasn't changed. It is a confident sportsbike-challenger on the twisty roads, it will beat anything across bumpy B roads and it is capable in the right hands off the beaten track. At the same time it will haul loads of gear and a pillion and still return excellent fuel economy with its lean-burn engine.BMW R 1200 GS RallyePrice: $26,250Warranty:  2yr/unlimited kilometre, 2yr road side assist Service  10,000km/12 monthsEngine: 1170cc boxer twin, 81kW/120NmTransmission: 6-speed, shaft driveDry weight: 209kgFuel: 4.6L/100km, 20L tankTyres: 110/80 R19; 150/70 R17Body: 2210mm (l), 915 (w), 1450 (h), 790/870 (seat) 

Until the end of June it is even better with Suzuki Australia paying 12-months registration, compulsory third party, insurance, stamp duty, dealer delivery and freight charges. That means a rideaway price of $12,090 for the GSF1250 naked model and $12,590 for the faired version with ABS models costing an extra $2000. That's around $1 per cubic-centimetre of engine capacity which makes it simply the best bargain on the showroom floor. Add to that the legendary reliability of the bike and it becomes a best buy to suit most riders. It will stand up to the rigours of commuting, match it with the superbikes on the Sunday morning mountain sprints and tour two-up comfortably around the continent with a decent set of luggage. The 1250 Bandit features an upright riding position, a lusty transverse four-cylinder engine, silky smooth and foolproof gears, strong brakes with the added safety of ABS on some models and attractive "universal Japanese motorcycle" looks. Suzuki has been making Bandit models since 1989, first as a 250cc, then later as larger capacity bikes. The range-topping 1200cc version was introduced in 1996 and the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1250cc model from 2007 with ABS as an option. Suzuki's offer to pay on-road costs until the end of June extends to every new Suzuki Boulevard, GSX-R, Hayabusa, V-Strom 650 or GSX1250FA. The company is also offering a finance rate of 4.99 per cent on new off-road bikes (DR-Z250, DR-Z400E, DR-Z400S, DR650SE, RMX450Z, RM-Z250 and RM-Z450). Fuel-injected RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motocrossers get a $750 cash back and farmers can get $500 back on all KingQuad 750, KingQuad 500 and KingQuad 400 models. Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit Prices: $12,090 (unfaired), $12,590 (faired) plus $2000 for ABS Warranty: 2 years/unlimited km Service: 6000km/12mths Resale: 58% Engine: 1255cc, 4-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive Dimensions: 2130mm (l), 790mm (w), 1235mm (h), 785/805 (seat) Weight: 254kg Fuel: 19-litre tank