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A record number of Yamaha WR250Rs turned out for the third annual rally last month, where 62 owners of the tough adventure bike converged in Cessnock, New South Wales, for the two day ride.

Riders congregated at Chris Watsons Motorcycles for a pre-ride BBQ and briefing, with participants coming from as far away as Alice Springs, as well as two travelling from the USA to hire bikes from RideADV organisers.

Trails were varied from wet and muddy, to dry and dusty, and from beautiful lush green forests with red clay surfaces to dry and rocky ride areas around Yengo, Watagan, Corrabare, Werakata, Heaton, Sugarloaf, Pokolbin and Wollombi Forests.

“This was another awesome event for owners of the cult classic adventure bike,” said RideADV’s Greg Yager. “The weather produced some challenging conditions but once again there were few dramas and heaps of happy punters. We’re claiming this as the largest ever gathering of WR250Rs in one place. If anyone knows different, please get in touch with us.”

The WR250R Rally continues to grow as adventure riders tune into the fun of covering big distances on the small yet surprisingly capable motorcycle – and next year’s event is set to smash the current WR250R rider world record.

Harley-Davidson has topped road bike sales in the first quarter of 2019, with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) report indicating a 14.6 percent decline in overall motorcycle sales compared to 2018, while Honda Motorcycles Australia controls the market share with 21.8 percent.

In the road category, Harley-Davidson was the market leader with a 19.1 percent share, followed by Yamaha with 18.2 percent and Honda with a share of 16.6 percent – the division recording a 19.2 percent decline.

The supersport category saw Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 emerge as the best-seller with 250 units sold, followed by the Honda CBR500R (82) and Honda CBR1000RR (67), while in the sport touring segment, Yamaha’s YZF-R3 (189) topped the charts ahead of the Kawasaki Ninja 650L (95) and Yamaha MT-09 Tracer (57).

Harley-Davidson dominated the touring sector with its Street Glide Special (112), Electra Glide Ultra Limited (66) and Road Glide Special (47), as its Breakout (171) was the most popular in the cruiser category ahead of the Honda CMX500 (171) and Harley-Davidson Soft Tail Fat Boy (161).

Out of the naked bikes, Honda’s CB125E (318) was the most popular followed by the Yamaha MT-07L (281) and Yamaha MT-09 (189), with the adventure market being topped by the Suzuki DR650SE (121), BMW R 1250 GS Adventure (97) and BMW R 1250 GS (85).

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Yamaha’s revolutionary Niken model has been awarded ‘Best of the Best’ honours in the globally-renowned 2019 Red Dot Awards product design competition.

The Red Dot Design Awards, organised by Germany’s Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, are widely recognised as one of the most prestigious design awards in the world.

Yamaha has received the Red Dot Award for its products over the last eight consecutive years from 2012, and on this occasion, it has also achieved the fourth Yamaha Motor product to be selected as the ‘Best of the Best’. In addition, the achievement marks the second design award received by the Niken following on from the Good Design Award in 2018.

The NIike is a large model Leaning Multi-Wheeler (LMW) with an 845cc liquid-cooled in-line three-cylinder engine. The Niken has been developed using a design that brings unprecedented riding, taking advantage of the features produced by LMW technology which is less susceptible to changes in the riding environment providing a higher degree of stability during turns.

At the core of the design is a look that shows solid ground contact of the front two-wheels, which further emphasises Niken’s sturdy undercarriage. The powerful shoulder area and slim tank designed for knee gripping combination creates a feeling of greater dynamic movement.

With its distinctive LMW-power body design comes the realisation of a sporty athletic performance that challenges the rider to want to take on each curve on winding roads. Click here to learn more about LMW technology.

Aprilia Australia has announced two of its Racers Days this April in celebration of the manufacturer’s new 2019 RSV41100RF and Tuono V41100 RF models.

The Aprilia Racers Days will take place on Monday, 8 April, at the world renowned Phillip Island circuit, and on Wednesday, 24 April, at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Not only will Aprilia owners and ticket holders have the chance to ride their motorcycles in a safe and controlled environment at these world class race tracks, they will also get a chance to see the exciting new range of Aprilia RSV4s and Tuono V41100s for the first time in Australia.

Full day track passes are available for the discounted price of $225, which includes a powered garage spot, six 15-20 min sessions on-track and access to suspension technicians and a tyre change service. Places are strictly limited and skill levels from novice to racer will be catered for. For more information, click here.

Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has revealed pricing for the 2020 Katana, confirming the re-introduction of the legendary model will be priced at $18,990 ride away with 12 months registration ($17,490 plus ORC) and backed by Suzuki’s 24-month unlimited kilometre warranty.

Forged to perfection and polished to a magnificent radiance with sharp lines and design cues paying homage to the iconic 1981 GSX1100S Katana, the new Katana is destined to create a new legend.

The Katana symbolises Suzuki’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship and dedication to creating distinctive beauty including paying due respect to tradition while at the same time aiming to incorporate the latest advances in styling and technology.

With high demand and limited supply, Suzuki Motorcycles Australia introduced a premium buying experience for customers, by taking pre-orders exclusively online.

As an added bonus and gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment and patience, all customers who pre-order their new Katana online from the first shipment will also receive a bonus exclusive Katana themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995 with their bike delivery.

Available in two colours, the iconic Metallic Mystic Silver and striking Glass Sparkle Black. The first shipment of 60 units is scheduled to arrive in Australia during September. Riders interested in securing their new Katana from the first shipment are encouraged to place their order now via www.store.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/katana.

The annual Tenere Tragics event has celebrated the legendary Yamaha adventure model with its 2019 edition, hosting five-day adventure ride last week in Bathurst, Goulburn, Tumut and Cooma before winding up in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains resort of Thredbo.

Participants were treated to a Yamaha bLU cRU ADV Skills Session with Yamaha legend Stephen Gall staged near Cessnock the day before the run started, where 23 Tragics gained riding instruction that was put to good use over the next five days riding a range of Tenere models, from original 600s right through to new XTZ1200 Super Tenere.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy chief technician and long-time Tenere adventure rider Gary Benn rode up from Victoria to his first event with a special XTZ750 twin fitted with many original Dakar Rally bike parts.

Factor Yamaha Dakar contender Rodney Faggotter made a special guest appearance to ride with the Tragics on the final two days, as Stephen Gall hosted an exclusive Q&A session with Rod at the end of day four at Cooma that offered a unique insight into his recent experience in the 2019 Dakar Rally.

Five first model 1983 XT600ZL Teneres joined the run this year – Dave Bottomley, Neil Asplin, Matt Parker-Charlton, Shane Johnston and organiser Andrew Clubb were the riders of the coveted original model large-tanked singles.

“It’s been another huge week filled with so much Tenere spirit,” said Andrew Club. “The run this year included stacks of the best Tenere riding in central and southern New South Wales, and while conditions were mostly dry, storms late on day two near Crookwell and overnight rain before the start of the final day from Cooma made for ground conditions that were absolutely perfect.

“The Tragics are an awesome pack brought together by the legendary Tenere brand that we celebrate all week long on the Tenere Tragics Run. The planning starts now for next year’s 10th anniversary Tragics run, and you bet the Tragics are pumped that the new Tenere 700 is coming in December!”

Pricing and availability of the highly-anticipated Tenere 700 was revealed last week by Yamaha Motor Australia.

Yamaha Motor Australia has confirmed the highly-anticipated Tenere 700 is set for an Australian release date of December 2019, priced at an exceptional RRP $15,499.

The rally-bred dual-sport 689cc parallel twin will come in three colour variations: Ceramic Ice, Competition White and Power Black. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Yamaha dealer to place a deposit on the long-awaited light, nimble and compact adventure bike.

“This news will come as a great relief for a large number of adventure bike customers who have been in contact asking about this model’s release date,” said Yamaha Motor Australia’s sales and marketing manager Matt Ferry. “That’s because Tenere 700 is a supremely off-road capable adventure bike that will suit Australian conditions to a tee.

“We have ordered some pre-production units to arrive in June so that potential customers can see the Tenere 700 in the flesh – look out for one at key events soon.”

The Tenere 700 is powered by Yamaha’s highly respected 689cc parallel-twin engine. The key characteristic of this compact CP2 engine is its strong and linear torque output that gives instant throttle response together with outstanding acceleration – attributes that make it a capable and versatile performer on and off the road. For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au.