Motorbike

Electric is all the rage right now, with demand surging for the most popular cars, like the Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3, and MG ZS EV.

The Australian new-vehicle market is seeing a shift from cars to bikes, as motorcycle, scooter and off-highway vehicle (OHV) sales increase by 51.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2021.Figures published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FC

Fonzarelli details its range of scooters in 2020 designed to maximise its urban appeal.

It's enough to make an outlaw biker patch over to the venerable Ulysses club.  Harley-Davidson, the motorcycle company founded on rebellious spirit and rumbling V-twin engines, has gone electric. Forget Arnie Schwarzenegger in Terminator and start thinking Tron as the company looks to the next generation of riders, along with emerging markets such as China.Truth be told, Harley's customers are already a cross-section of society, from young tradies to cashed-up executives. They buy into the lifestyle, not the powerplant. The LiveWire e-bike was revealed in the US on Friday ahead of a national tour where customers will be invited to give their opinions on how the futuristic cruiser can be improved. That feedback will be used to develop a production model by 2016. As such, technical details are sketchy. A lithium-ion battery pack feeds electricity to a three-phase motor that generates 55kW and 70Nm. Those aren't big numbers but are still enough to propel the bike to 100km/h around four seconds after twisting the right grip. Top speed is - for now - electronically limited to 150km/h.Those figures put it on a par with Harley's conventional Sportster 883 but it is rumoured the bike has been restrained for the customer test rides and the production version will pack more punch. Harley is happy to talk about the LiveWire's sound, with the company's chief marketing officer Mark-Hans Richer describing it as a "distinct part of the thrill"."Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire's unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market," he says.H-D president Matt Levatich sees the LiveWire as an evolution of the iconic brand. "Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come," he notes. 

Over more than 30 years GS has meant adventure to millions of riders. GS is German for "gelande strasse" which means "off-road and road". In BMW Motorrad terms that spells adventure travelling.The venerable 650 GS has been a major part of that adventure with its simple and robust single-cylinder engine and nimble yet rugged chassis and build. Now it has been toughened further for more adventurous adventures with the Sertao.VALUEAt $12,700 it's not cheap for a single-cylinder bike. Runaway top-seller in the adventure category is the Kawasaki KLR 650 at just $7999 followed with less than half the sales by the Suzuki DL650A at $10,990 with ABS.However the Sertao has a more robust frame, more comfort, more features and a lot of quality BMW factory accessories. Value is also in long service intervals and legendary bullet-proof performance which is essential in the isolated outback. In all states except Western Australia it can be ridden by P plate riders.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of the GS is the single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled Rotax engine that has plugged away for years with few changes. In Dick Johnson-speak it wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding,but it is a grunty little thing with its torque right where you want it - down low.Thanks to its low weight, it will rip off a standing start to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and still spin out all the way to a top speed of 170km/h. Yet it sips fuel miserly and, if you are careful, will achieve range of more than 400km from its 14-litre fuel tank.DESIGNThe Sertao is distinguished by its white and blue livery which is reminiscent of the old Dakar models. But it's the substantially longer spring travel (210mm versus 170/165mm), and skinny wire wheels with a 21-inch front that makes this design more off-road friendly.The GS comes with a standard 800mm seat, a 770mm low option and a 840mm high seat, while the Sertao has an even higher 860mm seat as standard and a 900mm option. Since most off-road riding is done standing up, the higher the seat the less you have to move from seat to standing position.Despite the longer wheelbase and suspension travel, the Sertao is only 1kg heavier. Other differences from the standard GS are a luggage carrier in black, extended top front wheel cover, higher windscreen, hand protectors and alloy engine guard. As usual, BMW has an extensive range of accessories such as heated grips, charging socket with LED light, crash bars, and luggage.SAFETYThe disengageable BMW Motorrad ABS has been around for quite some time and it's been tweaked here for off-road use. It works so well you simply never need to turn it off, even in slippery mud or clay. There are hazard warning flashers if you do disengage it. An alarm system is also available as a factory accessory.RIDINGI rode the Sertao on part of the recent BMW GS Safari from Ballina to Forster in NSW. The roads were slippery in places from scattered showers, storms and even hail, but the Sertao ploughed on regardless.It is a comfortable, all-day bike even though the seat is low and the pegs are high. Tall people may feel a bit cramped but off road you tend to stand a fair bit, anyway, In the standing position, your head is perfectly aligned with the triple clamp which is great for balance and feel.One word covers this bike - soft. But that's a good thing. The power comes on softly so you don't break traction suddenly and the brakes have little initial bite so you don't lock the wheels in the dirt too easily. The suspension is also soft to absorb the biggest hits and the steering feels slow and steady. This translates to a very predictable and safe bike in all conditions.VERDICTNot everyone who goes bush wants to wield a 1200cc behemoth through the bulldust like Charley and Ewan. The Sertao is an affordable option for those who want to go further and deeper into the outback without sacrificing much touring comfort.BMW G 650 GS SertaoPrice: $12,700Warranty: 2yr/unlimited kmService: 10,000km/12 monthsEngine: 652cc, single, 35kW60NmTransmission: 5-speed, chain driveBrakes:, 300/240mm single discs, ABSTyres: 90/90 R21; 130/80 R17Dimensions: 2185mm (L), 920mm (W),Weight: 193kFuel: 14L tank, 3.2L/100km (at 90km/h) 

The gauntlet was thrown down when Aprilia called this mid-size scooter a "grand tourer". Aprilia says the SR Max 300 is equal to a GT sports/touring styled motorcycle."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," they say. So I accepted the challenge and put this rebadged version of the Gilera Nexus to a 400km weekend test.VALUEAt $6990, it's highly competitive with other mid-size scooters and, if it proves to be a grand tourer, then it's a lot cheaper than any maxi scooter. Add to that the sporting heritage and street cred of the Italian marque and you have a good value proposition.For your money you get excellent build quality and a host of features such as a comprehensive instrument display with information such as range, average economy and speed, clock, odo and trip meters, top recorded speed, plus a heater that directs air from the engine on to your feet, and a light and 12V outlet in the generous luggage area.TECHNOLOGYIt's powered by a four-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single with only 16kW of power, so it's not exactly a "GT. sports/touring styled motorcycle". And while it has a 155mm longer wheelbase than the Sport City 300, it's still no maxi scooter.However, it does have big 15-inch wheels, a solid double-cradle steel frame and a sophisticated suspension system from a larger scooter. Up front is a 35mm traditional telescopic fork with a hydraulic shock absorber and on the back are twin three-position adjustable spring preload shock absorbers.DESIGNThis scoot oozes Italian flair with taught lines, sporting heritage in the graphics, a compact nose and bold silver grille between the dynamic twin headlights. Even the boys on their sportsbikes gave me a nod as I rode past.There is a big screen and a generous saddle with lumber support for the rider and big handles for the pillion. Under the seat is enough room for two open-face helmets and gloves. Our test scoot was white, but there is also a "factory red" model which is race inspired with the livery derived from the RSV4 Factory.SAFETYThere is no ABS, but the brakes are strong with a 260mm disc up front and 240mm at the rear, not a drum. The 15-inch wheels prevent the familiar bump steer of most scooters and the wide tyres are tubeless.RIDINGI went nowhere near emptying the 15.5-litre fuel tank which at 3L/100km is good for about 500km range. I also went nowhere near getting saddle sore or sick of this ride. It may only have 16kW of power, but it has instant torque and enough acceleration for all traffic duties and also for pulling out of low-speed corners or roundabouts.It will hit 60km/h in about six seconds and 100km/h in a shade under 10. A pillion or a hill doesn't seem to make too big a dent on its performance, either.This scoot may not increase the pulse rate of a sportsbike rider but it did startle a few when I rounded them up in the tight and twisty sections of my favourite mountain pass. The 15-inch wheel, grippy rubber and sophisticated suspension make it quick through corners while the longer wheelbase provides stability at high speeds.The indicated top speed in the on-board computer reads 142km/h and while I didn't set it, I have no reason to dispute it. This scoot will travel comfortably at legal highway speeds all day. I found the screen a bit short for me, but it is wide and gives plenty of cold morning protection.VERDICTThis is a proper touring scooter.Like a maxi scooter it will take you inter-city in style and comfort, even with a partner along for the ride. Yet it is still compact enough to get you to work or the local cafe economically and park in places a maxi scooter won't fit.Aprilia SR Max 300Price: $6990Warranty: 2yrs/unlimited kmService Intervals: 10,000km (transmission belt 15,000km)Engine: 278cc single-cylinder 16kW/23NmTransmission: CVT autoDimensions: 2110mm (l), 780mm (w), 815mm (seat)Fuel: 15.5 litres; 4L/100km

Save cash and chrome with the Hyosung GV650 cruiser. This is the cheapest cruiser by $2000 among the established two-wheeled players in Australia but it doesn't look or perform like it.Put bluntly, none of the comparable Japanese bikes can match this South Korean machine for grunt or ground clearance.It mightn't look as tough as the Suzuki Boulebard C50 or as old-school as the Honda VT750 Shadow ... but if riding the bike is more important than being looked at, this is the machine to go for.VALUEHa ha ha ... That's the sound of GV650 owners laughing all the way from the bank. And so they should. The build quality on the GV650 isn't far of Suzuki levels of sophistication and it is fuel injected, which is more than can be said for Yamaha's XVS650.TECHNOLOGYCruisers are meant to be conventional, not cutting-edge and that applies here. The inverted front forks are a modern touch but it still uses a five-speed gearbox, fairly basic brakes and not much in the way of switchgear. The digital instrument panel is easy to operate and read - though Melbourne didn't provide any sunshine for Carsguide to test over-the-shoulder glare.STYLINGThe 2012 Sport model now sports a bobber-style rear-end. The Classic model is still on sale - for another $200 - and has the fully extended rear fender for those who want the traditional look. In either case, a LED taillight is now standard. The pegs also have 100mm of travel - 50mm forward and back from the default setting - and the longer connecting rod for the gear lever is also part of the new bike deal. Swept back bars look good without being uncomfortable, though don't expect your pillion to enjoy hours on the flat pad that passes for a rear seat - and warn them to hang on off the lights.RIDINGWith 20mm more ground clearance than its rivals, the Hyosung can be tipped in harder than a regular cruiser. When it does touch down it is the footpegs that scrape first, rather than the big chrome exhaust that extends up the right side of the bike. The Bridgestone Battlax rubber handled the constant showers without a squirm and the brakes are better than average in the cruiser class. It pulls cleanly from low down right through to the point where acceleration tapers off to encourage the rider to change gears (there is no tacho). The only criticism is the revs - there's not enough damping to insulate the pegs - or handlebars - from the vibration of the V-twin, which would be annoying on extended highway runs.VERDICTThe best value-for-money middleweight cruiser going around. Vibes aside, it uses no juice, goes harder than its rivals and is a genuinely fun machine to ride. All I need is some sunshine...Hyosung GV650 Aquilla SportPrice: $8790Warranty: Two years/unlimited kmService Intervals: 6000kmEngine: 546cc V-twin, 60kW/67NmTransmission: Five-speed, belt-driveDry Weight: 220kgSeat Height: 705mmFuel Tank: 14 litresBody: 2.34m (L), 0.84m (W), 1.15m (H)Ground Clearance: 160mmSuspension: 41mm inverted front forks with rebound and compression adjustment; twin rear shocks with preload adjustmentBrakes: Dual front 300mm discs with twin-piston calipers; 270mm rear disc with single caliper 

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. 

The road less travelled is the route an increasing number of bike riders want to take. The adventure market has exploded in Australia over the past 18 months and is still growing at 4 per cent a year.

Brisbane mother of three Margaret Rapley has just completed four years alone with her little 250cc Suzuki Intruder motorcycle and says women need not be afraid of chasing the gypsy life of freedom on the open road."I want to inspire women that they can do anything,'' she says. Rapley hit the road on her $4900 bike in 2008 when her youngest child went to live with her father for the last two years of school. After 66,000km circumnavigating the continent she is back home again; but not for long. "I want to teach English in Vietnam and I'll be taking my bike as I want to travel around,'' she says. "I also want to go to Tuscany with my bike.''Rapley worked her way around the country town by town, job by job. "I worked as a carer, tour guide in Tasmania and Uluru, I did retail, picked fruit, worked in supermarkets, seeding, slashing, house mother you name it,'' she says. "I now have a nine-page resume. I'll never be unemployed.''Rapley says life on the open road with all your worldly possessions strapped to a bike has been "liberating''. "When I decided stop in a town and get a job I'd go to a second-hand shop and buy some clothes and when I decided to move on I'd give them back,'' she says. "Everything I own is second hand except my riding equipment.'' Rapley's odyssey has included riding in 47 degree heat in the Northern Territory, black ice at -3 degrees in Tasmania, strong sidewinds on the Nullarbor that lifted her bike off the road and dodging camels, horses, sheep, goats, emus and wedgetail eagles.Yet she's only had one crash. "A backpacker in a ute turned in front of me and I had to lay the bike down,'' she said. "The panniers saved the bike and me from major damage.''Rapley says a female biker arriving in an outback town on her own generates a lot of interest. "People would always come up and talk to me, although I had to be careful not to tell too many people that I was travelling alone,'' she says.But she also loves the solitude of being able to "scream and sing'' in her helmet. "It's helped me cope with menopause being on the bike,'' she says. "Most women I tell about the trip say, 'my god did you do it by yourself?' and 'weren't you scared and worried you wouldn't get work'."When I started I had to stop 10 minutes up the road with self doubt and worry. I couldn't believe I was free of everything. "But now my bike's my most faithful companion and I just want to tell women that they can do anything.''