Tag: Triumph Motorcycles

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. 

Chris Allen Q&A: From Paratrooper to Publishing

Former paratrooper and motorcycling enthusiast Chris Allen has been deployed to Africa, South East Asia and Central America, retiring as Major. After hanging up his army boots, Chris led international security operations in East Timor, oversaw counter terrorism measures in the wake of the September 11 attacks and was headhunted to protect our nation’s Sydney Opera House. In 2008 he was appointed Sheriff of NSW. Chris is now a full-time author residing and riding on the South Coast. We chat to him about the inspiration for his action-adventure novels and the vital role motorcycling serves in his personal life.  

Chris Allen Author
Where did your love of motorcycling begin?

“Honestly, years ago but I only finally got around to taking it up in 2017. When I was in the Army, a lot of my mates had bikes and it was one of those things that I wanted to do but didn’t prioritise. Around 2017-18 I was going through a very tough period personally and a friend suggested I take up riding. I know the cliché is that any middle-aged man buying a motorbike is a classic mid-life crisis, but in my case – and I know this to be true for many others – it was all about my mental health. The process of learning to ride, choosing the right bike (a Yamaha 650 V Star, which I called ‘The Sheriff’) getting out on the road and embracing the total experience of riding got me through one of the toughest periods of my life. For me it’s all about quiet solitude and peace of mind. I absolutely love it!”

Image of Chris Allen and his Yamaha V Star ©Simona Janek/Samantha Theron
Chris and “The Sheriff” ©Simona Janek/Samantha Theron

What model are you riding now?

“I have a beautiful 2014 1700cc Triumph Thunderbird LT, which I call ‘The Major’. In one of life’s meant-to-be moments, I’d brought ‘The Sheriff’ into City Coast Motorcycles for a service and rego check. Once I’d handed it over to Les, I decided to have a wander around the showroom for what I thought would be a casual browse. I was chatting with Tim about bikes and looking at the new Triumph Bonneville range, when my eyes fell upon the Thunderbird. It was love at first sight; a classic cruiser in the red and black livery, with all the quality and style that you can only really get with a Triumph. I couldn’t ignore the fact that it was exactly what I wanted. So, I took it for a test ride and the next day found myself trading in my beloved 650 and taking the reins of a 1700. The first time I sat on the bike and was getting ready to head off down Keira Street, I remember feeling pretty intimidated because I’d never ridden anything more than my 650. I have to say though, as soon as I eased off the clutch and got going, the Thunderbird pretty much rode itself. It was an incredible experience and I loved it immediately.”

You served as a paratrooper for many years. Did you get to ride on two wheels on any missions?

“As much as I’d love to say ‘Yes’ to this, sadly the answer is ‘No’. Although, the prospect of a Steve McQueen Great Escape moment would have been sensational! That said, as a paratrooper there was never a shortage of opportunities for an adrenalin rush. From memory, McQueen rode an early 1960s Triumph in the Great Escape, which they modified to look like a wartime German BMW.”

Chris is a former paratrooper who served with the Australian Army
Chris is a former paratrooper who served with the Australian Army, retiring at the rank of Major

As a returned soldier, what role does motorcycling play in your life today?

“For me and a lot of other ex-soldiers, motorcycling is all about mental health and the total enjoyment of the experience. Every ride is different, and you have to be thinking all the time. That’s why it’s so good for you mentally. If you’re going through something in your life and you’re feeling totally consumed by it, getting on the bike allows you to reset. Whenever I’m in the garage and look at the Thunderbird I know there’s an adventure just waiting to happen. And, if you can, that’s the moment to gear up. Once I was off my Ps and my boys were old enough, I started taking them both out for rides. They loved it immediately. I take the approach that it’s super important to give kids a healthy respect for riding as early as possible. In short, motorcycling has been life-changing for me. It’s something that can only be truly understood by doing it.”

You are a well-established author. Do you derive inspiration from real life experience?

“Yeah, a lot of the general background to my main characters and the situations they experience are loosely based on my own career and life, and also some of my closest friends. Obviously, however, when you’re writing action thrillers you have to make everything much larger than life in order to make it exciting for the reader. I wouldn’t survive half of the stuff I’ve thrown at my main protagonist, Alex Morgan, in the Intrepid series! He was lucky to survive the first book! I’ve taken the approach that it’s important to find a strong balance between realism and escapism. I like to make the reader feel like they’re right in the middle of the action while also taking them on an adventure. The greatest compliment I’ve had from many of my readers is when they tell me they’ve missed their bus or train stop because they’ve been so engrossed in the story. As a writer, you know you’ve done something right when that happens…even though I feel bad that they’ve missed their stop!”

In 2008 Chris was appointed Sheriff of New South Wales
In 2008 Chris was appointed Sheriff of New South Wales

OK Chris, what’s the connection – how does your Triumph Thunderbird LT (The Major) fit into the current book you’re penning?

“I’m really excited about this new book. It’s a departure from my Alex Morgan/Intrepid series which is unapologetically, very action-oriented. The new book features a character named Benjamin Rhett and is much more of a traditional thriller. It’s set mostly here on the NSW south coast – in and around Wollongong, along with some international connections. The reason I said discovering the Thunderbird at City Coast Motorcycles was a meant-to-be moment, is that when I originally started developing Benjamin Rhett’s story a couple of years ago, I knew that motorcycling was going to be an important part of Ben’s lifestyle. At that time, I’d been researching what my next bike would be and when I recently started working on the draft from 2019, I found that I had already written in the Triumph Thunderbird LT (in red & black livery) as the bike! So, you can imagine that when I was chatting with Tim that day and saw the bike just sitting there, I knew I had to have it. Like me, Ben is in his 50s and riding is a huge part of his mental health regime. He has a lot of personal history and trauma to come to terms with and the Triumph is integral to that process”

Has your character Benjamin Rhett always loved motorcycles, or is this a new relationship?

“I’ve kept this story relatively close to my own experience of riding. So, yeah, for Ben it’s a new relationship that came into his life at a time when he really needed it.”

Author Chris Allen with his 2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT
Chris says. “it was love at first sight” when his eyes fell upon a 2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT at City Coast Motorcycles

Where’s your favourite place to go for a cruise?

“The NSW South Coast is one of the best locations to ride motorbikes. From the National Park north of Stanwell Tops, over the Sea Cliff Bridge and along the coast, all the way down to Berry, Nowra or beyond to Jervis Bay, you can’t go wrong. Depends on my mood. I even enjoy the ride up to Sydney occasionally, although I hate dealing with the traffic once you’re up there.”

The Thunderbird’s perfect for a cruise with a pillion. Have you taken your boys for a spin?

“I actually haven’t taken the boys out on the LT yet!! I’ve been waiting for the nicer weather and focusing on me getting more familiar with the bike.”

Where to from here, Chris; are there any other bikes you’re planning to add to your collection?

“It’d be very easy to try and sound cool by saying Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 or the Rocket 3, but I’ll leave those to the younger folks! To be honest I’m more inclined towards the Tiger adventure bike range, the 900 or 1200. A great mate of mine has recently bought one and he loves it. I can’t see myself ever getting rid of my Thunderbird, so if I was to get a Tiger, they’d be sharing space in the garage.”

Defender, Hunter, Avenger and Helldiver by Chris Allen
Chris Allen is a full-time author, penning adult adventure/thriller fiction including the Intrepid series

Chris has four novels in his Intrepid series: Defender, Hunter, Avenger and Helldiver. He is currently finishing the first trilogy in the Intrepid series called, The Dark Heart which will be released in 2022 and includes the stories: Ranger, Shapeshifter and Spider. Chris is also working on the first in a new thriller series featuring motorcycle enthusiast and south coast resident, Benjamin Rhett! This new book will be in all good book stores in 2023.

Visit Chris Allen’s Official Website

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New Record for Wollongong’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Four Cure Team at DGR Wollongong 2022
DGR Wollongong’s Four Cure Team. Image by Biz Sites

On Sunday May 22nd, local motorcyclists rode in the name of men’s health and raised a bumper $164,032 – impressively smashing the city’s previous record of $155,225.

In 2022, the world-wide event held in more than 100 countries amassed over $5.8M USD for charity partner, Movember. The local ride, hosted by Jane and Tim from City Coast Motorcycles, has become a fixture on the calendar of classic and vintage motorcycling enthusiasts.

For two years running, the South Coast city has placed in the the global ten. Efforts by Wollongong participants has not gone unnoticed, with some special guests joining them this year. A 225 strong crowd greeted DGR Founder Mark Hawwa with applause and plenty of selfies ahead of Wollongong’s scenic route. Mark responded:

“I want to say a massive thanks for everyone that’s here today. This is one of our first rides out of COVID. I know that we did have a ride last year, but globally most of the world had still been shut down. It has been incredible to see everyone connect with the concept – everyone dressed up so fine. There’s so many guys and girls here as well and it is really special to our team to have you guys here and to be here,” Mark said.

DGR Wollongong 2022
L to R: Movember Country Director Rachel Carr, DGR Founder Mark Hawwa, Ride Hosts Jane & Timothy Sim from City Coast Motorcycles. Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Since 2018, DGR Wollongong has featured one of the world’s most successful teams – Four Cure – of which Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli placed second and third individually in 2021 and received new Triumph Motorcycles as prizes.

In 2022, the local ride has had three fundraisers feature in the global top 20 as well as five in Australia’s top 20; namely Phill Critcher (1st), Ermond Morelli (2nd), John Volcanovski (4th), Ray Tubman (7th) and David Critcher (19th). Wollongong’s Madylan Hannah also ranked as the world’s 6th highest pillion fundraiser.

Movember Country Director Rachel Carr was excited to experience the magic of Wollongong for the first time after two years of social distancing, restrictions and isolation:

“I think more than ever we all truly value the power of connection and community and that really is what Movember and DGR is all about and why this is so special.

“This small coastal town, this amazing event in Wollongong continues to blow our socks off every single year. You are always right up there with one of the highest fundraising events, globally – it’s just incredible!”

Madylan from Wollongong - pillion fundraiser 2022
Embraced by proud family and DGR Founder Mark Hawwa, Wollongong’s Madylan Hannah is one of the world’s highest pillion fundraisers for 2022. Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Rachel continued:

“The money that we raise this year is going to go towards directly funding projects that will help improve social connectiveness, life satisfaction, mental health and wellbeing for motorcycle riders, and that is just so special to me.

“I feel really proud that we have been able to cultivate something that will directly support members of your community – people that you would hopefully know over the years and I really look forward to celebrating the impact of that work with you,” enthused Rachel.

DGR Wollongong 2022
Ride Hosts Tim and Jane Sim lead #DGRWollongong 2022 on their Triumph Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Ltd Ed. Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Ride Host Jane Sim reflects on the success of Wollongong’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride:

“Every year, Tim and I are determined to create a special experience and we’re heartened by the support of the motorcycling community. We’ve seen families ride together, hope built and life-long mateships made. Above all, it is a great feeling to unite for such an important cause and help make a difference.

“This is a team effort. When Tim and I put the call out local riders, businesses and media care enough to get behind the event. We’d like to extend our gratitude to all volunteers, the Illawarra Mercury, ABC Illawarra, Wollongong City Council, Lake Illawarra Area Command and the generosity of our sponsors,” said Jane.

Thanks to:
Triumph Motorcycles Australia
Darcy & Emma at Biz Sites
Australian Motorlife Museum 
Andrew & Julieanne at Dapto Self Storage
 
Chi, Vinh & Lee at Clutch Moto
David Sirc & The Star Sydney
John & Belinda at Keogh’s Vision Photography
Tesh and Jess at Dapper Man London
Club Windang
Connor Pearce & Sylvia Liber at Illawarra Mercury
Mark Matthews & Natasha Hopman at ABC Illawarra
Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM & Wollongong City Council

DGR Wollongong 2022 Snaps

Take a look at some of our own snaps from The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong.
Were you there? Feel free to share; please remember to tag your proud ride host, City Coast Motorcycles.

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Triumph Motorcycle Prizes Awarded in Wollongong for DGR

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) hosts Tim and Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles were privileged to award a pair of new Triumphs to global top fundraisers, Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli.

2021 DGR Prizewinners Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli
Congratulations to 2021 DGR top global fundraisers Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli (2nd & 3rd place)

Given the event took place in over nine hundred cities and two of the three prize winners hailed from the same location – Wollongong, Australia – it was a double celebration, marked by the presence of Founder Mark Hawwa along with Ramsey Sayed and Mikey Stojcevski from DGR HQ.

“What a fantastic day down here in Wollongong with City Coast Motorcycles giving away two new Triumphs – a Bobber and a Bonneville T120 – to Phill and Ermond for being the two highest fundraisers in Australia and two of the three highest fundraisers, globally,” said Mark.

“It shows just how well Wollongong punches above its weight in regard to the riding community, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and people helping other men in need.”

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Prizewinners
(L to R): ) DGR Operations Manager Ramsey Sayed, 2nd global prize winner Phill Critcher, Team FC’s Ken Smith, DGR Founder & Director Mark Hawwa, 3rd global prize winner Ermond Morelli, Team FC’s Colin Carr, DGR General Manager Mikey Stojcevski and DGR – Wollongong Ride Host Jane Sim

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a niche event uniting classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world. Participants raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs on behalf of charity partner, The Movember Foundation.

Phill and Ermond have participated since 2018 when they established their team of four, The FC’s (Four Cure). It has grown to seven-strong and in 2021 it ranked the third highest fundraising team worldwide.

DGR Fundraising Team "Four Cure"
Distinguished Fundraising Team “The FC’s”

2021 marked the fifth year our family-owned Triumph dealership has presented DGR – Wollongong. In that time the local ride has amassed some $350,000 (AUD) for men’s health. Dealer Principal Tim is humbled by the result:

“It’s been an honour having Mark, Ramsey and Mikey from DGR join us in delivering these magnificent Triumphs, today,” said Tim.

“Jane and I couldn’t be prouder of our local event which gets so much love and support from the Wollongong region.”

Tim and Jane Sim - DGR Wollongong 2021
Tim and Jane lead the 2021 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong. Image courtesy of Jay Dubbs for Keogh’s Vision

Phill Critcher who placed second globally said DGR 2021 was a terrific day for all:

“This time we started at Stanwall Park and finishing at the Mt Kembla hotel really topped it off. The venue and afternoon of good music, drinks and plenty of conversation with fellow riders was great. All I spoke to were impressed with the day.

“Firstly, thank you to our hosts Tim and Jane from City Coast Motorcycles and congratulations on the successful effort they put in to organising this day.

“A big congratulations to the Wollongong participants that put in, yet again, a great fundraising effort.

DGR 2017
The inaugural DGR – Wollongong held in 2017. Since then Ride presented by City Coast Motorcycles has gone on to raise $350,000 (AUD) for men’s health.

“To Mark and his team at Basecamp DGR, congratulations! I hope you guys are proud of the team you have, and the continual growing success of this fundraising event. The international attention this has created is phenomenal. An idea created by a ‘few guys in Sydney’, well done fellas!

“To all the sponsors that support this event, thank you. You are a big part of the success of this totally admiral charity event that I’m sure touches most in society today in some way.

Triumph DGR Partner
Triumph is the Global Sponsor of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and has now committed to another five years.

“Finally, to our team “Four Cure” – warm up your engine boys for 2022; we’re off again. I would like to thank the members that didn’t turn up to the presentation at City Coast Motorcycles last Thursday. Our team donation to start the fundraiser, commences at $4,000. Your generosity should be acknowledged.

“Anyone that would like to have a great little ride in good company with some vintage and classic bikes to look at, come and join us all on the 22nd of May and support prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

Phill Critcher riding Bonneville Bobber
DGR Global Prize winner Phill rides his new Bonneville Bobber

Phill could not wait to take in our beautiful coastal scenery on his new Bobber and reported back within the hour:

“Just got to Kiama and it honestly feels great,” said Phill.

“The only road bikes I’ve ever ridden are the Z900 and Harleys. This is beautiful, I really am so happy with the bike!

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2022 will be held on Sunday May 22nd. Registrations will open on March 28th at gentlemansride.com

Save the Date for DGR 22 May 2022

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.

DGR Wollongong 2021 reaches $150K for Men’s Health

With fundraising due to close on Sunday June 6th, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong has passed the incredible milestone of $150,000! Meanwhile, it has been in a tight contest with London for 2nd position out of over 700 cities worldwide.

DGR Wollongong 2021

Participants Phill Critcher and Ermond Morelli are on track to come 2nd and 3rd globally out of over 65,000 riders, while their team – The FC’s – is also ranking 3rd. Since City Coast Motorcycles introduced the ride to Wollongong in 2017, almost $350K has been raised to support Movember. This is an outstanding achievement and we could not be prouder of our riding community who have wholeheartedly embraced this niche event for classic and vintage motorcycles.

Below are some images we captured on the day – click on the thumbnail to open the gallery. We are happy for you to share them on social media; please give ride hosts City Coast Motorcycles a nod if you do so.

Professional photographs are available for sale from Keogh’s Vision Photography and The Illawarra Mercury

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Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong Gallery

City Coast Motorcycles proudly presented Wollongong’s third Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. This worldwide phenomenon is for vintage and classic styled motorcycles and supports The Movember Foundation.

Our local ride feature’s Australia’s top fundraisers and in  2019 it has already raised $93,000 for men’s health… and counting! Fundraising continues throughout October. If you wish to sponsor our ride or a participant please click HERE.

Below are some images we captured on the day – click on the thumbnail to open the gallery. We are happy for you to share them on social media; please give City Coast Motorcycles a nod if you do so.

Professional photographs are available for sale from Keogh’s Vision Photography and The Illawarra Mercury.

DGR 2019 hosted by City Coast Motorcycles

Wollongong’s DGR “Keeps Getting Better and Better”

On Sunday September 29, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Wollongong is tipped for another bumper year fundraising for charity partner, The Movember Foundation. In 2018 – just its second year – the Ride more than tripled its inaugural total to raise $65,215. In 2019, it is set to skyrocket further.

Distinguished Gentleman' Ride Wollongong
Image by Jesse Saunders

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. It was introduced to Wollongong by Jane and the team at City Coast Motorcycles in 2017.

Dealer Principal Timothy Sim says it is special to watch how the The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride brings vintage and classic motorcyclists together to help people in need. Enthusiasm for the Illawarra event has grown rapidly; in 2018 Wollongong ranked 20th in the world out of 648 rides.

“Every year it just keeps getting better and better,” Timothy said.

Jane and Timothy Sim
Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride Organisers Jane and Timothy Sim

Organiser Jane Sim describes The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride as emotional on many levels:

“On the surface it is a colourful spectacle with people dressed in their finery and showing off their beautiful bikes. On the next level there is the comradery, with friendships formed and new memories made. But at the heart of it all we’re riding for a very serious reason: Over one million men are losing their lives annually to suicide and prostate cancer. This touches us all. We are riding for awareness of these causes and to help Movember to help more men.”

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - Wollongong
Image by Keogh’s Vision Photography

Movember Community Ambassador Mark Kelly struggled with mental health in his early twenties. He didn’t have any strategies in place to handle his depression. After seeking help from his GP and getting a mental health plan, he hasn’t looked back.

“Knowing that there were others out there like me who did not have the tools to deal with mental health issues, I found Movember as a fun way to help spread awareness and use my story as a motivator for others to seek help,” Mark said.

“The DGR is an excellent event as it helps to keep the message of Movember going year-round. It is an event that promotes friendship, enjoyment and catches the eye of the public in a unique way,” he said.

Mark Kelly Movember
Movember Community Ambassador Mark Kelly

Jane acknowledges the Wollongong event would not be possible without the support of local sponsors and clubs.

“We are so fortunate to have the region’s businesses backing our event; Clutch Moto, Coal Coast Emporium and Towradgi Beach Hotel have all supplied prizes to give further incentive to participants. Official photographers, Keogh’s Vision Photography donates 50% of their revenue from images purchased on the day and Sarah’s Coffee Van also shares a portion of her takings. We are also indebted to the Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club who contribute a sizeable donation every year.

Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club
The Illawarra Classic Motorcycle Club delivers their support to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wollongong

Preparation for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride begins months in advance, working with Wollongong City Council and the Wollongong Local Area Command. A lot of thought goes in to planning a route suitable for vintage motorcycles and sidecars requiring slower roads.

“There is a lot to take into consideration when organising the Ride. Not-to-forget our region’s divine scenery – we really are spoiled in the Illawarra! I think you would be hard-pressed to find anything like it anywhere else in the world,” Jane said.

Brad’s Triumph Thruxton TFC is Top Shelf

Rarely is there an opportunity to hand over a beautiful and unique motorcycle, such as the Thruxton TFC. The highly touted Bonneville has been limited to a production run of just 750, with only 39 to arrive on Australian soil. One-of-a-kind premium badging includes a numbered edition plaque that makes each bike unique. As well as all the focused sporty attitude of the legendary café racer, this incredible TFC model celebrates the best of British engineering, detailing and finish with this ultra-rare never-to-be-repeated version that delivers more on every dimension.

Customer Brad took delivery of his new Triumph Thruxton TFC and couldn’t be happier:

“It’s really exciting. I think it’s just got such a different lot of specs and additions to the bike than the standard Thruxton R and it’s really nice to own something that ‘s a little bit special – that’s limited edition and that not too many people in the country have. I am looking forward to keeping it for a long time,” he said.

Brad is already a Triumph convert, having owned one previously and visited the Triumph Factory Experience in Hinckley:

“I’ve been living overseas for four years so I haven’t had a bike since being away. The agreement with coming back to Australia was to get a nice new Triumph. My previous bike was a 675 Triumph Daytona. The lovely lady of the house gave me permission to upgrade to this lovely new TFC.

“For me, it’s just something special, especially the limited range that they’ve got. I’ve always been into the café racer-styled bikes, I’ve just never had the privilege of owning one, so it was time to switch from a road bike to something a bit more classic. The Daytona was the love of my life for quite a few years,” he said.

Thruxton TFC

City Coast Motorcycles Dealer Principal Tim believes Brad has made the perfect choice:

“It was an honour to hand over the Thruxton TFC to Brad. We both stood there in awe after the unveiling! It’s great to give the keys to someone who appreciates such a work of art,” Tim said.

Brad’s now eager #fortheride on his exceptional new Triumph and plans to give it a work out north and south of Sydney:

“I enjoy heading up north to the central coast and up some of the back roads there on the way from home. I like to head down around the Royal National Park and back through the ocean roads,” said Brad.

Thruxton TFC

About the Thruxton TFC

Its 1200 CC Bonneville Engine delivers class-leading handling and power, with titanium Vance & Hines silencers to manage the amazing TFC soundtrack. Carbon fibre bodywork, and aluminium engine rail upgrades, make this TFC lighter than the Thruxton R. The exclusive TFC engine update includes new lightweight low-inertia crankshaft, clutch, balance shafts, rare-earth alternator, magnesium cam cover, and thinner-walled engine covers.

Thruxton TFC

There’s more capability than ever before from this extraordinary new 2019 Thruxton TFC motorbike, with three upgraded riding modes (Road, Rain and Sport), all-LED lighting including 7” headlight DRL with unique TFC badge, tail tidy and paddock stand bobbins.

This TFC includes all of the high-specification rider technology found on the Thruxton and more, including ABS, traction control, torque-assist clutch, ride-by-wire, liquid cooling, USB socket, engine immobiliser and feature-packed twin clocks with updated faces and gold detailing unique to the TFC.

Thruxton TFC

A host of exclusive beautiful finishes sets this stunning bike apart from any other Thruxton and includes; high-value TFC badging, brushed tank knee pad with hand-painted gold coach lining, eye-catching black RSU springs with black Öhlins decals, a unique key with distinctive gold detailing, billet machined aluminium oil filler cap, and tinted screen.

Staying true to the original legendary sporty looks and attitude of the Thruxton, the TFC includes a brushed flip-top locking Monza cap, twin throttle bodies with brushed intake finisher, Daytona R footpegs, and clear anodised aluminium swing arm.

Thruxton TFC

To find out how we can assist you with your new Triumph – including customisation options – please contact our Sales team on 4228 7392 or visit our Triumph showroom at 262 Keira Street, Wollongong.