Category: Adventure

Triumphs NEW Duo: Speed 400 and Scrambler 400x

triumph speed 400 and scrambler 400x

The wait is over! Introducing Triumph’s NEW lightweight LAMs approved weapons, seamlessly blending retro-inspired styling with agile performance both on and off road. Derived from a shared engine, the all-new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400x embody Triumphs’ unmistakable DNA and top-notch build quality in an exciting new package.  

Both bikes are based off the same engine, an all-new 400cc thumper complete with liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection. This powerplant outputs an impressive 39.5 horsepower and 37.5Nm of peak torque, giving you all the power you need while reducing unnecessary weight. Its 6-speed gearbox delivers precisely spaced ratios to maximise torque at all speeds, making the bike’s power enjoyable and easily manageable. With a 16,000km service interval, its reliability and longevity is assured.  

triumph speed 400

The Speed 400 offers agile performance with a sleek retro silhouette, maintaining the distinct Triumph character present throughout their modern-classic lineup. This bike makes navigating city streets a breeze, and has all the power needed to keep you entertained. Its 17” wheels and 140mm of front suspension travel keep you firmly planted and comfortable while riding. Weighing only 170kg with a 790mm seat heat, this bike is easily approachable by all riders. The Speed 400 blends modern amenities with classic styling with full LED lighting and an analogue speedo with an LCD display.  

triumph scrambler 400x 

For those a little more adventurous, the Scrambler 400x stands to satisfy that craving. This lightweight adventurer uses the same engine and chassis as the Speed 400, yet comes with a few additions to make it more capable in uncharted terrain. Its 19” front wheel and 150mm suspension travel maximise handling and comfort on unsealed roads, and its larger 320mm front disc provide the necessary increase in braking performance. With a higher seat height of 835mm and a slightly increased weight of 179kg, the Scrambler 400x gives you more ground clearance while keeping you solid and planted. Coming stock with a headlight protector, hand guards, and bash plate, this bike is adventure ready straight off the lot. Just like the Speedo 400, the Scrambler 400x offers full LED lighting and an analog speedo with LCD display. 

triumph speed 400 and scrambler 400x

The Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400x offer category-defining build quality and performance at an affordable price, starting at $8,990 and $9,990 respectively. The Speed 400 is the perfect choice for those looking for an agile retro styled street bike, while the Scrambler 400x is better suited to those with an adventurous spirit. These bikes are available to test ride now at City Coast Motorcycles. 

NEW TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 UNVEILED!

2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X and XE
Triumph’s 2024 Scrambler 1200 lineup has been revealed, with the NEW and more accessible 1200 X for the road and beyond, PLUS an updated 1200 XE for the tar, for adventure touring and extreme off-road fun.

Featuring Triumph’s high-power 1200cc Bonneville engine with torque-rich performance, off-road ready 21-inch front wheel and Triumph’s premium quality and finish, the two new models look set to raise the bar even higher for performance and style.

2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 range announced

The new Scrambler 1200 X delivers the same exceptional core capability, commanding riding position, and torque-rich performance Scrambler customers love, combined with a generous specification of equipment and technology. Built to be more accessible, the Scrambler 1200 X has a seat height of 820mm, reducing to 795mm with the accessory low seat, a dedicated feature that offers exceptional functionality at a more competitive price and a 16,000km service interval to lower the cost of ownership.

Triumph Scrambler 1200 X
The new Triumph Scrambler 1200 X comes in a choice of Ash Grey, Carnival Red and Sapphire Black.

The cool and capable Scrambler 1200 XE also hits the road in the new year sporting updates including latest-generation Brembo Stylema® calipers, new suspension with enhanced adjustability, enhanced styling details and improved touring capability.

2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE comes in a choice of Baja Phantom Black, Baja Orange and Sapphire Black.

Due on our Triumph showroom floor in early ’24! Preorder now at your adventure specialist City Coast Motorcycles: Call (02) 42287392 or email: bikesales@citycoastmotorcycles.com.au

Tackling the Outback: Adventure Tyres Put to the Test

Images of Moto Adventure in Outback

Our Sales Team’s Peter is an intrepid two-wheel adventurer with decades of experience. He and couple of experienced enduro mates recently undertook a grueling 4000 kms in the saddle. Each chose a different set of tyres from our best-selling adventure brands and put them to the test. How did they fare? Read on…

The Ride

Three off-road bikes were trailered roughly 1600km on tar to Port Augusta Shoreline Caravan Park. They were all single-cylinder 650-700cc modified trail bikes. The route consisted of mostly 70 percent red, rocky dirt roads, 20 percent tar, plus ten percent rock trail.

TIGER 1200: RAISING THE BAR WITH EVEN LOWER SUSPENSION

Tiger 1200 Suspension

 

Triumph Motorcycles has released a brand-new enhancement to its advanced Showa semi-active suspension across the all-new Tiger 1200 range, which was first launched in November 2021.  Active Preload Reduction  has been developed to reduce the rear suspension preload as the bike slows, allowing the seat heights to be reduced.

 

For the road focussed GT Pro and GT Explorer, there are currently two seat height settings – 850mm and 870mm, while for the all-terrain Rally Pro and Rally Explorer these are 875mm and 895mm respectively. Through the accessory-fit low-seat option, riders are already able to lower the seat position by an additional 20mm, giving a lowest seat height of 830mm on the GT family and 855mm on the Rally family. The new  feature allows these seat heights to be reduced further.

 

Depending on the combined weight of the rider, pillion and luggage, Active Preload Reduction could lower the riding height by up to 20mm when the motorcycle comes to a standstill. New customers will be able to access this new minimum preload feature by simply pressing the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for one second, while The new update will be available to existing Tiger 1200 customers at City Coast Motorcycles during their next service.

 

“This new feature can be enabled on the fly, lowering the centre of gravity at slower speeds, making it even more accessible, thus offering riders more confidence at slow speeds and better contact with the ground as they come to stop,” Triumph Motorcycles Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said.

 

The all-new Tiger 1200 was designed to be the world’s most capable, agile and manoeuvrable large-capacity adventure motorcycle. The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer, with its 30-litre fuel capacity, was even the bike of choice for Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes when he broke the record for riding the furthest in 24 hours on a motorcycle.

 

ENQUIRE HERE

BOOK TIGER 1200 SERVICE

One marriage, two bikes and three dogs: Meet The Pack Track

Nine years ago, Aussies Janell and Stu set off to explore the globe on two wheels. In that time, they have clocked up over 200,000 kms and a growing family of rescue dogs. Janell chats to us about their adventures and how she wouldn’t have it any other way…

Q&A with The Pack Track

Q: Janell, let’s start at the beginning. What age were you when you began riding?

At the tender age of 23, I took the plunge and got my motorcycle license in Sydney. Living in Lane Cove at the time and returning to university after an 18-month hiatus, I found myself faced with the daunting prospect of spending up to four hours a day on public transport to get to UNSW Kensington campus. Thankfully, my husband, Stu had a solution; why not ditch the dreary commute and hop on a motorbike instead? With his encouragement, I began my two-wheeled journey on my brother-in-law’s 50cc scooter, and immediately fell in love with the freedom and fun that came with it. However, it didn’t take long for me to realise that I wanted something more powerful, so I upgraded to a Yamaha Virago 250cc. While it wasn’t a particularly loud bike, I did enjoy the rumble of the engine when I rode through the Sydney Harbour tunnel. I’ve been hooked on the thrill of riding ever since.

Image of Janell Clarke

Q: How has motorcycling brought you and your partner, Stu closer together?

Stu and I lived almost separate lives before we embarked on our trip. Stu was in the Navy and often away from home so I kept myself busy with work, soccer, study, friends and family. Even the weeks before we departed Australia we hardly saw each other with our time taken up selling our stuff and sorting out paperwork. Everything changed the moment our feet landed in Texas where we were now in each other’s pockets and making decisions together, every hour of every day. It will come as no surprise that there was a certain amount of discord in the first few months as we adjusted to our new life. Adventure riding threw us together in a way that has allowed us to break free from routine, depend on each other, work together to overcome challenges and experience the world in a way that’s truly unique. We feel incredibly lucky to be able to share that with each other. From the rugged terrain of South America to the bustling streets of Bangkok, we’ve travelled far and wide on our motorcycles, forging unforgettable memories and deepening our connection with each passing mile.

Jordan

Q: What models are you and Stu currently riding and how do they suit moto-adventuring?

I have a 2006 BMW F650GS and Stu has the 2012 G50GS. They are fairly light bikes with a dry weight of 175 kg, they have a reasonable clearance for off-road riding and they have just enough mod-cons to make them safe and comfortable without overcomplicating things. To be honest it was a little bit of pot luck but we have been able to solve most breakdowns on the side of the road with minimal hassle. And because the bikes are almost identical mechanically, we only needed to learn how to fix one of them and bring along minimal spares. We purchased these bikes second-hand in Texas, and they’ve been our faithful companions for the past nine years, carrying us through 107 countries and over 200,000km of unforgettable adventures.

Stu and Janell Clarke in Bankok

Q: As “The Pack Track”, your global motorcycle tour kicked off in 2014; how did this come about?

 On our very first date way back in 2004, Stu and I first shared our love of travel and adventure. We dreamed of backpacking our way around the world, but life had other plans for us. In 2006, we adopted Skyla, a beautiful dog from Woden pound, and she quickly became the centre of our world. For years, we spent our holidays exploring Australia in our trusty Nissan Patrol, with Skyla along for the ride. But the desire to see more of the world never faded, and we continued to talk about embarking on a big trip. However, I was hesitant to leave Skyla behind, and we couldn’t imagine travelling without her. One boozy ANZAC Day in Sydney in 2011, we made a pact to hit the road and bring Skyla with us when Stu’s return of service to the Navy was complete. We knew that travelling with our 4WD would be too expensive, so we started exploring other options, eventually landing on the idea of motorcycle travel. It wasn’t easy figuring out how to take Skyla with us, but we were determined to make it work. And now, years later, we couldn’t be happier that we did.

Norway

Q: How were you able to finance your worldwide travels?

Financing a round-the-world trip is no small feat, but we managed to make it happen through a combination of careful saving, smart investments, and a bit of entrepreneurship. For starters, we made a conscious decision not to buy a house in Australia, instead opting to rent and put our money towards travel. We also saved aggressively in the years leading up to our trip, cutting back on expenses and prioritising travel above all else. A later addition has been starting a small business, selling our very own motorcycle dog carrier the Pillion Pooch. We came up with the idea for our motorcycle dog carrier in Australia in preparation for the trip but received a lot of positive feedback and realised there was a market for people who wanted to do the same thing as us with their dogs. We started the business while on the road and it has been a challenge but we’re very proud of our product and it supplements the travel a little. In addition to our business, we’ve also worked odd jobs and picked up work along the way, particularly during our time in the UK. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve found creative ways to make it work.

Pillion Pooch

Q: Adventuring the far reaches of virtually every continent has its challenges, let alone on two wheels. However, organising logistics such as passports for dogs is on another level! How do you prepare for life on the road with your canine companions?

We often have chats and video calls with people from all over the world planning to travel with their dogs. The first point I make is not to worry about food, vets, accommodation etc; that will all work out in each country, just don’t be in a rush and always buy a sim card so you have internet to search online. The daily life travelling with a dog is very rewarding and not difficult if you have your own transport. The challenge or sometimes the unknown is the border crossings. In general – and this applies to motorcycles and dogs – it’s much easier to enter/leave a country via a land border than it is to via a port or airport. If you fly with a dog then the airline often wants a certificate from a department of agriculture or quarantine centre verifying all your dogs vaccinations and the airline may require a health certificate stating that the pet is fit and healthy to fly. It has been our experience that at land borders they look at the rabies vaccination date and if that’s okay then we’re through.

Snoozing

We travelled the America’s first and from memory, we had to complete paperwork for our dog entering Panama and then moving between Chile and Argentina. From the America’s we sailed to Europe where we very quickly got our dogs EU Pet Passports. These are great and so long as you keep the vaccinations up-to-date you can come and go from the EU without any problems. We have continued to use our EU Pet passports travelling Africa, Central Asia and now South-East Asia. It would be great if there was an international passport for pets officially recognised around the world like a human passport, perhaps one day in the future.

Stu checking in the family for Vietnam

Q: How has travelling with rescue dogs enriched your adventures?

I love dogs more than anything and can’t imagine ever living without my four legged friends. They are loyal and inspiring companions and willing to go the extra mile to be by my side. What more could you want in a travelling companion? They never complain, they jump out of bed excited every morning and somehow soften the gap with strangers allowing people to approach to strike up a conversation who otherwise wouldn’t. Border crossings can be amusing, like the time a border officer in Burkina Faso asked for the dogs’ documents and laughed at the sight of their passport photos in their pet passports that he nearly fell off his seat. I could definitely see the funny side, the Officer explained that he didn’t even have a passport himself and was looking at a dog more travelled than most humans. My dogs have given my adventure and my life meaning, they are a constant reminder of what is important and how precious our time is. I do very normal things every day because of my dogs, like dog walking, food shopping and visits to the vet and as a result, we’ve been mistaken for locals and treated with the kind of warmth and hospitality that is hard to come by when you’re just passing through as a tourist.

Pyramids in Sudan

Early in our travels we moved very quickly but over the years we have come to really appreciate a slower pace of travel which is more suited to our dogs. We often stop in places out of season for a week or sometimes a month and go to the same cafe for breakfast, walk the same route with our girls, stop at the same bar for a beer and really get to know and feel a place rather than rushing around the tourist attractions. This slower pace allows us to watch, learn and converse with the locals to see what life is like in each of these countries. Travelling with my dogs has been a true gift, enriching my life in countless ways and reminding me of what really matters in life. All my girls are very different. Weeti is strong and quiet, Shadow is loud and proud, Azra is just a bundle of laughs because she’s still very young. They make me laugh all the time and feel loved which is important when you are far from home.

Doggy Globe-trotters

Q: You and Stu have trekked 107 countries on two wheels with canine friends in tow. Which three places have been your top riding destinations, and why?

Mexico is a loud, colourful country with so much to offer motorcyclists. There are stunning mountains to pass, beautiful coastlines, deserts and ancient ruins. There isn’t a single thing I don’t like about Mexico. It’s very affordable with lively people and excellent food, not-to-mention my favourite drink, Margaritas!

Turkey is also incredibly beautiful with mountains and coastal roads. It is another large country to explore but it has something very special going on…the people protect and carefor the  street dogs and cats like nowhere else in the world, something that really resonates with me. There is something for everyone in Turkey with fascinating history learning about the Ottoman empire, bustling markets, modern cities, motorcycle clubs, stunning architecture and friendly people who prefer to sit and enjoy a tea or coffee than get a takeaway.

Mongolia is like being on another planet. The landscape, the weather and the way of life is so very different to anywhere else in the world. It is a very special country and I would go back with my motorcycle and my dogs in a heartbeat to explore it more both on road and off-road. All you need is a tent and a few days of food and off you go with your motorcycle wherever you want.

Moto-touring in Mongolia

Q: We get there can be bumps in the road and you have visited some pretty far-flung locations. Have there been any misadventures you’d rather forget?

There have been many misadventures but nothing I want to forget. I would say that one of my many flaws is that I can overthink situations and needlessly worry so more something wish I could change. The problem with worrying is that it takes over, takes your energy and stops you from enjoying the moments life has offered. For example, last year we rode the Pamir Highway. It is a legendary route that traverses through the mountainous terrain of Tajikistan and is considered to be one of the world’s highest-altitude highways, reaching over 4,600 metres in some parts. During the soviet era it was a serviced road that connected Dushanbe to Osh in Kyrgyzstan but conflict between the two nations has resulted in a closed border for many years and the road has deteriorated to a very challenging and rugged ride. We read online that it might be possible to do the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border crossing. In the town of Khorog we dedicated three days to gaining permissions from the Tajikistan military and through a Kyrgyzstan tour guide, permissions from both the Kyrgyzstan military and tourist board to pass through the border with our motorcycles and our dogs.

Pamir Highway

We set off from Khorog to the border with really no idea if this would work and the prospect of having to return the whole way along the Pamir Highway to Dushanbe if it failed and probably miss our window to reach Mongolia because it was already October. The ride from Khorog to the border is absolutely stunning and there is nobody there. I should have relished this ride but I was so worried about the border and missing Mongolia that I didn’t let myself fully immerse in the experience like Stu did. In the end we crossed the border, we were the first tourists in over three years to do it and it was an incredibly proud moment for us but overshadowed by all my worries. And to be honest, after eight years I should have known better because if you don’t take one road then you take another and still forge incredible memories. Fortunately, I can savour our achievements looking back on that ride but I do wish I’d taken the time to relax and enjoy whatever the outcome was going to be.

Iraq

Q: If you could give one key piece of advice to a motorcyclist preparing to travel abroad, what would it be? 

The most important lesson I have learnt about travelling is not to plan too much. Even if you have a very short trip, if you plan everything and give yourself deadlines then there’s not much wiggle room for adventure, mistakes and the unexpected to happen. I think the point of travel, and particularly on a motorcycle where you really have the freedom to go anywhere, is to be away from routine, structure and predictability. Its okay to know absolutely nothing about where you are going when you travel because you will learn and in a very hands-on way so you never forget. Oh, and of course take your dog!

Turkiye

 Q: The Pack Track website has a nifty Route Optimiser tool. Did you develop this?

Stu is the brains in our relationship. He developed the route optimiser which is just a coding exercise for solving the travelling salesman problem. You can enter as many locations as you like and then run the script and it calculates the optimum route to minimise travel distance between all the points. It’s mostly useful in a city if we’re on foot with a bunch of places we want to visit in one day and we’re taking the dogs (walking slowly). We have occasionally used it to compare travel distances around cities in Europe because the cost of fuel is quite expensive and we are always trying to keep our costs to a minimum.

Mongolia

Q: Congratulations on your first two publications, “The Pack Track Unleashed” and “The Pack Track Stowaways”. How can people get their hands on a copy?

Thank you very much! We’re actually running a Kickstarter campaign to get these books off the ground. We would appreciate any support people can offer from sharing the campaign with friends and family right through to pre-ordering an eBook, soft or hard cover copy. You need to sign up to the Kickstarter platform and then have a credit card handy to back our project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thepacktrack/books1-2

Publications by The Pack Track

Connect with Janell and Stu:

Facebook: fb.me/ThePackTrack
Instagram: instagram.com/ThePackTrack
Web: ThePackTrack.com
Youtube: www.Youtube.com/ThePackTrack

Derek’s Reflection: Indian-Pacific Cannonball Classic

Derek Sheppard Indian-Pacific Cannonball 2022
City Coast Motorcycles sales team’s Derek Sheppard recently travelled coast-to-coast aboard an antique motorcycle in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Read Derek’s story in his own words…

The Australian Indian Pacific Cannonball Classic 2022 follows in the footsteps of the American version that is universally recognised as the most difficult antique motorcycles endurance event in the world. The “Cannonball” pays homage to long distance pioneer Erwin “Cannonball” Baker, and other historical figures that literally paved the way across both America and Australia in the early 1900’s.

Erwin Baker
The original Cannonball trailblazer, Erwin Baker. Image courtesy of Rideapart.com

My Indian Pacific Cannonball adventure began in early 2021 when my good friend and City Coast Motorcycles customer Michael Johnson mentioned the event. He explained they had been trying to get it underway for a few years, but COVID State lockdowns had prevented it.

A prerequisite for entry is that the motorcycle must be pre-1948. This date is universally accepted as being pre-hydraulic suspension, ie girder fork and rigid frame.

The entries opened in in June 2021 and were capped at 100 due to the resource limitations of the outback towns. Such was the anticipation and enthusiasm for the event that I registered the minute bookings opened and was entry number 62!

2022 start line
The 2022 start line ahead of the 2022 Indian-Pacific Cannonball Classic. Image by Tanya Chrystall

I entered owning a 1933 Ariel NH350 Red Hunter Twin Port that I had restored some 25 years ago. Whilst this bike hasn’t failed me, I knew it would be a tough event for the bike with the original manual recommending a top-end overhaul every 500 miles and a top cruising speed of around 65kph.

Once accepted, I steadily worked on preparing the Ariel but also started searching for a larger capacity pre-1948 machine. Eventually, my friend and past City Coast Motorcycles staff member Kevin Brown managed to track down a 1942 WLA Harley Davidson locally. The bike was previously owned by the late Tony Blain; a long-term Harley Davidson aficionado and owner of Redfern Motorcycles. He had sold the bike to a local collector 22 years prior to me buying it, and it was never started or ridden under his ownership.

Derek with his two antique motorcycles
Derek with his 1942 WLA Harley Davidson and 1933 Ariel NH350 Red Hunter Twin Port

Such was Kevin’s enthusiasm for the event that Michael and I were endeavouring to undertake, that he offered to be my support vehicle driver for which I will be eternally indebted. Without the help of Kevin and his wife Karen I would not have been eligible to compete (a condition of entry was that every bike entered must have both a dedicated support vehicle seat for the rider and a bike trailer spot).

I was now preparing two bikes for the event! Both were mechanically as good as I could make them without compromising the integrity of the proven miles they already had under their wheels. Immediately prior to the event I decided I would undertake a three-day 1500 km ride down around Victoria and back on the Harley as it was the least proven bike. This was designed to ensure that both me and the bike could do three successive 500km days as I knew that would be required during the event. I learnt a lot about riding antique bikes but both me and the bike survived the experience.

Derek on his 1942 HD
Derek tested his antique motorcycle on a 1,500km round trip to Victoria ahead of the big event. Image by Foot in Bowl Photography

The Indian Pacific Cannonball Classic started in Busselton, Western Australia on October 13 and ended 5000km’s later in Merimbula, NSW. I turned up in Busselton a few days prior to the start and was immediately welcomed into the antique motorcycling community. Everybody was very friendly and willing to offer advice, guidance and assistance as necessary.

One of the first people I met was Glen “Gunner” Foley; an antique motorcycle collector and long-term Harley Davidson mechanic. Gunner was riding an earlier civilian version of my bike and had similar objectives to my own, so we immediately developed a connection and would ride together periodically over the early stages until his buke suffered in the heavy rain. Gunner was truly one of the great characters of the event and was subsequently announced as the “Tony Blain Spirit of the Event” award recipient.

Derek and Gunner
Derek and new mate Gunner

The 2022 Cannonball consisted of 14 stages with the longest stages being around 500kms and the shortest stage being around 200kms. The display prior to the start was a seriously impressive array of well-prepared antique motorcycles. Some retained their original patina that clearly gave some insight into the journeys of their life to date, whilst others were immaculately restored to better than original!

My major goal was to get across the Nullarbor on an antique hand-shift motorcycle. To this end I rode quite conservatively sitting on about 75kph. The bike is happiest between 45 and 50 mph but quite interestingly the exact happy point moves continuously as you ride. I think air temperature, moisture and fuel quality have a significant effect on the “feel” of older bikes. You have to learn not to worry about every new rattle or change in vibration!

Derek west of the Nullarbor
Derek soaking up the scenery to the west of the Nullarbor Plains

The bikes are not easy to ride and take considerable concentration as they have no effective brakes or suspension. You need to constantly manage riding to the road in terms of avoiding bumps, potholes and managing the terrain (assents and descents are undertaken in second gear with a maximum speed of about 40kph). Even the Nullarbor and 90 Mile Straight were never boring such was the challenge of the roads, road trains, weather and scenery.

Derek at the 90 Mile Straight
“The Nullarbor and 90 Mile Straight were never boring such was the challenge of the roads, road trains, weather and scenery,” says Derek

The bikes are old and take considerable maintenance. Most competitors would spend several hours at least each evening undertaking maintenance and repairs. Apart from breaking seven spokes in my front wheel necessitating a replacement, my daily maintenance consisted of checking and lubricating both the primary and final drive chains, checking the battery voltage and water level, greasing all bushes and bearings and checking the tyres and tyre pressures.

In crossing Australia the final drive chain was adjusted once, the valves were checked and adjusted three times (the exhaust valves closed up on most bikes due to the extended high speed running), the points were filed and adjusted twice, the generator reset once, the air filter oil topped up once, grease points lubricated every three days and wheel bearings twice, engine oil changed twice, gearbox oil checked and topped up every three days.

Derek maintaining his motorcycle
Valve adjustments are a part of the daily maintenance on the Cannonball Classic.

Two standouts in terms of repairs and maintenance were an Invincible JAP that seized with the owner attempting an overnight rebuild. After failing again, he drove home rebuilt the bike and re-joined the event in Victoria. The second was a 1922 four-cylinder Henderson that required between three to 10 hours maintenance each day and cruised at 60kph.Two other fine achievements were a pair of BSA M20’s that also completed the event.   

The most impressive achievement was that of Bill Brice, Malcom Brice and Peter McBride who rode from home to the start via Cairns, Darwin, and Broome without support. All then completed the event unaided and each completed their circumnavigation of Australia following the event.

Malcolm Brice and Peter McBride
Malcolm Brice and Peter McBride riding to the start at Busselton via Cairns, Darwin and Broome

The Cannonball winner is the oldest bike to finish every stage unaided and within the rather tight time limits set for each stage. The 2022 statistics were: 100 entries, 92 starters, 82 actually crossed the start line, 54 finished and 22 finished without assistance (of which I was one). Sadly, one of our riders Ken Phelps riding a 1948 Vincent HRD passed away following an incident with a Kangaroo near Deniliquin and another rider Mario Balatti suffered some significant injuries including a broken ankle after hitting a large pothole at the start of the Snowy Mountains. He is recovering well. The well-deserved winner of the 2022 Indian Pacific Cannonball Classic was Chris Wells on a 1924 Harley Davidson.

Chris Wells' winning motorcycles
Chris Wells’ winning motorcycles

Undertaking such an event is expensive and takes considerable time and effort, but it was up there with my best motorcycling experiences over the last 40 years. I think my words after finishing sum up the overall experience perfectly:

“We were excited, we were anxious, we were happy, we were sad, we laughed, we cried.
We fixed bikes, we watched others fix bikes, we lent parts and borrowed parts, we helped each other.
We met old friends and made many new ones.
We travelled some straight roads we travelled some curvy roads.
We rode in sunshine, we road in rain.
We raised some money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Most importantly of all we got to share an epic adventure together!”

Keep your motorcycling dreams and adventures alive. It’s a great way to see the country and meet new people.

– Derek –

Bikes on the Murray River
2022 Cannonballers lining the Murray River. Image by John Johnson

Petition: Support Trail and ADV Riding in NSW

Support Trail and ADV Riding in NSW

Trail bike access to popular NSW areas such as the Watagans and Newnes State Forest is under threat.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service – who manages many key riding areas such as Newnes Plateau and Cullen Bullen State Forest – is planning to close access to singletrack trails for motorcycles in only a few months.

The current plan is for 4WDs to have dedicated trails that can be shared, but single track will be off limits.

Clearly this will negatively impact the enjoyment of recreational trail riders, especially those located in Sydney and surrounds. What can we do about this? In the first instance, we all need to sign the petition addressed to the Minister for the Environment.

The petition asks that funding is provided for a strategic plan for motorcycle trail and adventure riding – something that NPWS needs to consider if it is to allow singletack access to motorcycles. The petition also asks for the singletrack access decision to be overturned and that the Minister of Transport introduces a recreational registration system similar to the one used in VIC to enable better compliance with legal requirements.

Please consider signing the petition at the link below before 26 August 2022 and ask your mates to do the same:

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

Get Ready for Ride Your Motorcycle Week

Ride Your Motorcycle Week returns from Nov 29 to Dec 5. This year’s focus is getting riders back on their bikes after lockdown as the summer riding season beckons. The event will push for riders to dust off their motorcycles and get going whether they prefer dirt riding, race tracks, commuting or adventuring.

Ride Your Motorcycle Week 2021
Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Previously known as Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week, the change of name is intended to broaden the appeal of the event. Throughout the week advertising will encourage motorcyclists to dust off their bike of choice and get busy having fun.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive Tony Weber explained the intention of the event was to remind riders of the efficiency and ease riding a bike offered, as well as promoting riding’s positive impact on mental health.

“When you’re on the bike, there’s nothing else like it. But life gets in the way. Ride Your Motorcycle Week is just a little extra push to get your bike serviced ahead of riding season, take the bike to work or take the long way home, take day the off and reconnect or just go and have an adventure. This is the week to start doing it.

“COVID has obviously changed the way Australians think about commuting, but the name change is about more than acknowledging working from home,” said Mr Weber.

The event also aims to draw attention to two-wheeled transport as a potential solution in COVID-19 recovery:

“Riding has a real role to play in helping Australia get back to work, offering socially distanced transportation and alleviating congestion and parking issues. As ever, our secondary goal is to capture the attention of policy makers who too often overlook riding in developing transportation infrastructure,” Mr Weber explained.

So what’s in it for you? Just two words: Solidarity and safety…

By joining this National Ride Your Motorcycle Week, you are joining a motorcycle fraternity in which thousands of people are active participants. That’s a lot of people power. The more people who ride, the more we are noticed. And that makes the public road a safer place for all of us.

Rider safety is an industry priority. That’s why before you take your bike out of its winter ’mothballs’, it is important it receives the once-over from your authorised dealer, City Coast Motorcycles. Because no-one (apart from you) knows your bike better and has all the factory-backed expertise to have your machine in tip-top shape for the long summer of riding ahead.

RIDE TO WORK WEEK OFFER

Mention “Ride Your Motorcycle Week” when booking a service at City Coast Motorcycles between November 11 and December 3. 2021 and receive a complementary $20 City Coast Motorcycles gift card. Call 4228 7392 or BOOK HERE.

Remembering Geoff Sim

The team at City Coast Motorcycles are deeply saddened by the loss of our Founder, Geoff Sim. This tribute shares his life and legacy. 

Remembering Geoff Sim
Geoff Sim, Amaroo Circa 1973. Image by David McGonigal.

Geoff was born in 1948 and spent his formative years in the Sutherland Shire, at West Como, where the Woronora River merges with the Georges. Geoff and his childhood friends pursued a Huck Finn lifestyle in home-made canoes and old rowboats, fishing and hunting mudcrabs in the mangroves. They would push their way through vines and thick bush to a creek and catch yabbies. Along the cliffline they would rockhop like wallabies. These escapades must have played a part in the adventurous lifestyle that was to unfold for Geoff for the rest of his days.

After Como West Primary School, Geoff attended Jannali Boys High, where classmates like Peter Allen and Rob Black led him towards an interest in motorcycles. Geoff duly bought a 250 Honda CB72 in 1966 and that was the start of a life-long passion for all things motorcycling, from touring to adventure riding to racing and a thriving dealership in Wollongong.

Geoff with his first motorcycle
Geoff Sim’s first motorcycle was a 250cc Honda CB72.

Geoff was a naturally fast rider from the get-go, and a succession of speeding fines suggested the road racing circuits might be a cheaper way to obtain his speed jollies. He began racing at the start of 1968 on the 250 Honda and then progressed to a 350 Honda.

Geoff Sim with his 350cc Honda
Geoff Sim with his 350cc Honda.

Shortly thereafter, Geoff bought the ex-Ron Toombs TD1C Yamaha. Upon its retirement, he had it superbly restored by Wollongong’s Richard Johnston, resplendent in the livery and racing number of `Toombsie’ and mounted in a glass case at City Coast Motorcycles as a tribute to one of Australia’s greatest riders.

Geoff Sim racing Bathurst in 1969
Geoff Sim racing the ex-Ron Toombs TD1C Yamaha at Bathurst, 1969.

Geoff’s next race bike was a kitted R5 350 Yamaha twin, sponsored by his partner Robyn. Geoff had a lot of success on that bike, including three memorable scraps at Oran and Amaroo Parks with the young Gregg Hansford, who went on to international stardom.

Geoff Sim and Gregg Hansford
Geoff Sim (22) famously scraps with Gregg Hansford (02).

Geoff also had success on larger production-based machines such as Mach 3 Kawasaki 500, Mach 4 Kawasaki 750, Honda 750, Ducati 750 and Kawasaki 900. One year at Mount Panorama in the Unlimited Production Race, Geoff had a memorable race-long dice for 4th place with `Mountain Maestro’ Ron Toombs, both on Kawasaki 900s. With co-riders such as Peter Stronach and Roy Denison, Geoff achieved some high placings in several Castrol Six Hour races.

Geoff Sim Castrol 6 hour
Geoff Sim (36) rounds up his opponents in the Castrol Six Hour.

Through befriending Kevin Cass in the racing scene, Geoff was availed a business opportunity: In 1973, Geoff opened a Kawasaki dealership named Centrestand Motorcycles near the railway in Crown Street Wollongong, before relocating to Corrimal Street. Geoff expanded his portfolio when he purchased the Corrimal Suzuki business off Wollongong legend Bill Morris. Veteran Bill – whose motorcycling achievements on dirt and tar race tracks, in business, in the race-tuning workshop, and in racing sponsorship would take a book to relate – grew bored with retirement and went back to work for Geoff in highly specialised areas like crankshaft balancing. Upon buying Kevin Cass Motorcycles, Geoff finally settled on the present arrangement, City Coast Motorcycles in Keira Street, which is an authorised dealer for BMW, Triumph and Yamaha.

Geoff Sim spare parts
From humble beginnings, Geoff Sim went on to own three motorcycle dealerships at the one time. Pictured: Geoff at the spare parts counter at Centrestand Motorcycles.

Geoff and Robyn went on to have a son, Timothy who inherited the racing genes. Tim was born to love two-wheels; racing motocross, supercross and mountain bikes – all at a national level. Tim began working after school at the family business by cleaning and changing tyres.

Tim and Geoff
Geoff Sim’s son Timothy was literally riding before he could walk.

Geoff taught Tim every facet of running a successful motorcycle dealership. Upon finishing school, Tim continued to work his way through the ranks with Geoff as his mentor; several years ago he took over as the Managing Director and Dealer Principal.

Tim, Wayne Gardner and Geoff
Timothy Sim, Wayne Gardner and Geoff Sim celebrate 30 years of City Coast Motorcycles in 2003. Geoff was one of Wayne’s first supporters.

The high point of Geoff’s racing career was winning the Australian 125cc championship series in 1975 and 1976, conducted over rounds in each state. He was mounted on a TA125 Yamaha provided by Kevin Cass. His second 125 GP crown was a dead heat with Dave Burgess; the only one for first place ever seen at Mount Panorama.

Geoff Sim and Dave Burgess
Geoff Sim (32) and Dave Burgess (19) famous scrap for first place at the 1976 125cc Australian Road Race Championship.

During this period he also took the TA to New Zealand, where he contested 125cc support races in the Marlboro Series, winning at Pukekoe, Gracefield, Wanganui and Timaru, dicing with and defeating future international Grand Prix star, the American Randy Mamola. Randy was the reigning US 125 champion but to be fair he was aged just 16 at the time, not a grizzled veteran of 27 like Geoff. While not a university student, Geoff also participated in 24 hour rallies at the University of NSW MCC alongside his friend, Trevor Fitzpatrick during the mid-to late 70’s.

Geoff Sim was twice crowned Australian 125cc Road Race Champion on his Yamaha TA125.

Geoff’s other great passion was aviation. Initially, this took the form of control-line powered models he and a Como friend Peter Stevenson, both in their early teens, constructed in the laundry. Thankfully by the time Geoff progressed to flying full-sized aircraft, he had become more adept at keeping them airborne than had been the case with the models.

Towards the end of his high school years, Geoff and his lifelong friend Peter Allen joined the Air Training Corps at Mascot and learnt to fly light aircraft. Approaching the age of 30, this pursuit began to assume greater prominence in Geoff”s leisure activities and he retired from motorcycle racing.

Geoff purchased a Lancair kit plane, which he built with the help of several others. While running his motorcycle dealership, they put together the Lancair behind the counter. With light weight and high performance provided by a Lycoming engine, the two-seater Lancair was far sportier than the average Cessna or Piper –  just what an ex-motorcycle racer needed.

Geoff Sim Lancair
Geoff Sim’s adventurous spirit led him to flying. His first pair of wings was a Lancair kit plane.

Geoff also owned shares in a couple of gliders, which he flew in competitions. He became adept at this exacting sport and secured several noteworthy placings in State and Australian titles:

“Years ago we both had Australian altitude records on separate days at Jindabyne. One was absolute height and other was altitude gain in motorgliders. We agreed to claim a record each. Geoff had to have the beard shaved off for that camp as we only had constant flow system with masks,” says friend Ian McPhee.

Geoff gliding at Lake Keepit in 1986.
Geoff Sim gliding at Lake Keepit, 1986.

However, spending all this time up in the clouds never diminished Geoff’s love of adventure motorcycling, a pursuit that took him to India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, across Russia from China, and all over Australia including crossing the Simpson Desert.

“I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on our friendship and adventures over the decades and realised that there have been very few people who have directed the course of my life more than Geoff,” says freelance writer David McGonigal.

“In 1975 a group of us were camped by the river below Hill End and Geoff asked me ‘Hey Dave, what bike are you going to buy when the RD350 dies?’ and I replied ‘that bike would go around the world’. The idea was born and I rode the RD around the world between 1976 and 1979 (with a pocketful of sparkplugs).

“I’ve written that riding around the world with a mate is like a marriage without any of the benefits. Yet in 1998 Geoff and I completed a large part of my 7-continent all-time-zones world ride when we rode from Vladivostok to Moscow and beyond. I was on a BMW R1100RT and he was on a Yamaha SRV250 which made us just about even on power vs riding skill.

“Geoff had a prang between Moscow and St Petersburg and it was a battle to get him the treatment to keep him alive and evacuated to Helsinki and home. Buddhists believe that a life challenging experience like that means you own a part of each other’s soul and so it has felt ever since,” said David.

Geoff Sim Himalayas
Geoff Sim traversing the Himilayas.

From mid-2020, Geoff began to experience the symptoms of a complex medical condition which he faced bravely and stoically. On February 12, he passed away aged 72, too young, but he packed a lot into those years and had lived life to the full.  He will long be remembered for his intelligence, his steadfastness, his generosity, his decency. Along with a legion of cherished friends, he leaves behind his son Timothy and grandchildren, Jasmine and Taj.

Geoff Sim under glider wing

Thank you to Geoff’s brother, Chris for sharing his story.

OKTOBERFEST BMW DEMO DAY

MakeLifeARide
City Coast Motorcycles is celebrating Oktoberfest on Saturday October 5 with a BMW Demo Day and irresistible savings on selected models within our BMW Motorrad range.

BMW Demo Day at City Coast Motorcycles
This is the perfect opportunity to test a huge lineup of demonstrators, enjoy STOREWIDE DISCOUNTS on riderwear and accessories. PLUS… we have exciting giveaways including a pair of BMW gloves.

There’s an exciting range of models  for you to discover, including:
the BMW G 310 GS, F 750 GS, F 850 GS, F 850 GS Rallye X, F 800 GT, R 1250 GS, R 1250 RS, S 1000 R, R NineT Urban GS and K 1600 GTL.

First ride departs at 9am and final ride departs at 12 noon.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL! Make sure you reserve a booking for before you head down to 262 Keira St, Wollongong so that we can ensure you get to experience the bike of your dreams! Call 42287392 or email our Sales Manager:  paul@citycoastmotorcycles.com.au