Australian Adventure Bike Magazine

06/04/2025

HIPPO HANDS!
Hmmm, us southerners are really starting to note a chill in the morning air right now, so what does that mean? It’s Hippo Hands time!
Hippo Hands are the original motorcycle hand covers. Each pair is durable and made using the highest quality craftsmanship. The outer shell is ‘HippoSkin', a waterproof outer shell, and all Hippo Hands are insulated with ‘HippoFat', a closed cell foam insulation.
There are three Hippo Hands models to choose from: Backcountry, Rogue and Alcan.
The Alcan is the big daddy that offers maximum coverage that makes them perfect for high-mileage ADV bikes and riders.
Meanwhile the Backcountry is designed for trail and enduro bike riders.
Hippo Hands are priced from $249.95 for the Backcountry, to $299.95 for the Rogue through to $349.95 for the Alcan, and they are available from Adventure Bike Australia — and how’s this, they’re just one of 100 brands of products sold by ABA, so check out their web site and order online!
adventurebikeaustralia.com.au
Adventure Bike Australia Hippo Hands

04/04/2025

2025 TENERE 700 ARRIVING IN OZ!
Yamaha’s all-new 2025 model Tenere 700 is arriving in Aussie dealerships as we type.
And it’s priced at $21,299 ride-away.
There colour-ways are available: Icon Blue, Frozen Titanium or a new for OZ Sky Blue, which pays more than a little homage to the original Euro-delivery XT600ZL Ténéré thumper from 1983 as well Yamaha’s long-serving IT two-stroke enduro range.
More exciting though is the news the new T7 is packing YCC-T and traction control for the first time, with a choice of two selectable maps: Sport and Explorer. Easily switchable ABS is also part of the package, while the TC is also switchable.
There’s new ergos with a reshaped and repositioned 16 litre fuel tank, a new 6.3 inch full-colour display, new switchgear, upgraded suspension, redesigned screen and LED headlight cluster, larger footpegs and more.
Vital stats include 875mm seat height, 240mm ground clearance and 208kg wet weight.
After almost five years as Australia’s top selling adventure tourer, let’s see if the second-generation T7 carries on the tradition — we can’t wait to climb aboard this bLU bomber!
But for now, we’re heading to a Yamaha dealer to check it out in the flesh.
(Photos: Leon Cutts)
Yamaha Motor Australia

02/04/2025

MAN IS NOT A CAMEL … BUT ANDY STRAPZ HAVE SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION CAMEL AVDURO PANNIERS!
To celebrate their 28th year, the Andy Strapz crew have released a special edition Avduro Pannier set.
While still made in Melbourne from their tried and crashed, 17oz Aussie, Dyna-proofed canvas, the 28 Year Special Edition bags are ‘Camel’ coloured.
And they feature an embroidered logo, free top nets and new strap keepers.
Dust proof, highly water resistant (their Linerz make a 100 per cent waterproof system) and, most importantly 100 per cent tough. And yes, they’re designed and constructed in Australia for simplicity and toughness.
The Camel colour comes with reflective trim and they’re available for a strictly limited time.
Price: $545 a set (plus freight)
For more details check out the andystrapz.com web site or call Strapz HQ on (03) 9786 3445.

02/04/2025

DUCATI’S MOVING DIRT!
Tomorrow, April 3, 2025, will mark a historic date for the Borgo Panigale brand.
The Desmo450 MX, the first Ducati motocross bike, will finally be unveiled to all enthusiasts.
Ducati says it’s a race-developed bike, with unique solutions, that paves the way for a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles. So let’s hope that means enduro, rally and adventure as well — fingers crossed!
All the details of the new Ducati model will be unveiled Thursday, April 3, at 4.00 pm CEST on Ducati.com and on Ducati’s YouTube channel.
Ducati Australia & New Zealand

01/04/2025

APRIL FOOL OR APRIL REALITY?
How long has the world been asking for a KTM 690 Rally/Adventure?
Too long!
KTM AUSTRALIA

Based on the 690 Enduro R, a new rally-styled model is set to join the family. The KTM 690 Rally has been spied testing and we expect it will be announced soon.

30/03/2025

BMW STEPS BACK IN TIME WITH NEW R 12 G/S
Everything old is new again — just look at the R 12 G/S that’s just been revealed by BMW.
If you reckon the latest R 1300 GS range is a little OTT when it comes to technology and gizmos, the R 12 G/S could be just the BMW you’re looking for instead.
The R 12 G/S is designed to capture the essence of the original R 80 G/S that was released 45 years ago, and we have to say BMW has done an awesome job of that.
But the new bike is a far cray from the 800cc and 50 horsepower of the original!
The R 12 G/S is powered by an 1170cc air-oil cooled Boxer powerplant that pumps out 109 horsepower at 7,000rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. It comes packed with Rain, Road and Enduro riding modes, along with ABS, traction control and MSR engine braking control.
A quick shifter, heated grips, cruise control, hill start control, tyre pressure control and connected ride control are all available as options as part of a Comfort package.
Wheel sizes are 21 inch front and 17 inch rear, however another optional Enduro Package Pro includes an 18 inch rear wheel, bar risers, off-road pegs, hand guards, engine guards, longer sidestand and Enduro Pro mode.
Suspension travel is 210mm front and 200mm rear, with 240mm ground clearance, however the Enduro Package Pro boosts the ground clearance to 255mm, and also ups the standard seat height of 860mm to 875mm.
Fuel capacity is 15.5 litres, while the bike’s road ready weight is a claimed 229kg.
The R 12 G/S is expected to arrive at Australian BMW dealerships mid-year, with pricing for the standard model from $23,990 plus ORC, while the upspec Enduro variant with Comfort and Enduro Package Pro will be priced from $27,990 plus ORC.
BMW Motorrad Australia

28/03/2025

2025 TÉNÉRÉ RALLY: Epic High Country Tour on Yamaha’s legendary ADV bikes!
Yamaha Motor Australia’s annual Ténéré Rally tackled the challenging trails of the Victorian High Country in an epic five-day tour. 50 riders enjoyed a wide range of dirt roads, twin tracks and tar with spectacular views and pitstops at iconic spots such as Craig’s Hut, Woods Point servo and the Blue Rag trig.
The event kicked off at the Bright Brewery with a welcome dinner where rallygoers would be the first Aussies to check out the new model 2025 Ténéré 700 featuring a host of updates. A fully GYTR-kitted Ténéré was also on display and Dunlop exhibited its range of adventure tyres.
Special guest riders included Yamaha ambassador Stephen Gall who is celebrating 50 years with the tuning fork brand and Yamaha Factory Racing Rally rider Rodney Faggotter. Rod chatted to rallygoers about his racing exploits in Dakar and what the race version of the Ténéré World Raid is like to ride, while Stephen offered valuable riding tips to tackle steep and rocky conditions.
American rider Brady from joined the RideADV crew as a special guest and talked about US adventure riding conditions.
The Rally is GPS-based which means you get to ride at your own pace and the course, which is set by YMA’s preferred tour operator Ride ADV, offered the option of standard and special routes. Most riders opted for the special map and day one delivered the goods.
Rod Faggotter joined the sweep riders to assist riders up the first loose and rocky hillclimb of the day that caught out many. That technical climb set a benchmark for the event and turned out to be the toughest challenge – until the legendary Blue Rag trail on day four. The climb to the trig is steep, rocky and mostly whooped out by 4WDs. And was purely optional for the Ténéré rallygoers.
Superb weather greeted the riders as they took in High Country beauty spots such as Craig’s Hut, Woods Point and the gold mining village Walhalla. Overnight stops at Mansfield and Dinner Plain allowed loop rides out of both venues and each night riders enjoyed a group meal to discuss the day’s action.
Rain did eventually drop on the evening of day four and combined with thick fog forced day five onto the tar. But the event had already delivered so much ADV fun that the Ténéré spirit remained high.
“The 2025 Ténéré Rally once again delivered a memorable adventure ride experience,” says YMA Land Mobility Marketing Manager and Ténéré owner Sean Goldhawk.
“With steep and rocky tracks, the High Country is not for the faint-hearted and I take my hat off to all who tackled the tough trails.
“But the Rally is not just about the ride, it’s about joining up with old mates and meeting new ones. Hearing riders’ stories, checking out other Ténérés and learning more about setup and which accessories to fit – it all adds up to a great week away,” adds Goldhawk.
The Yamaha Ténéré Rally is open to owners of any model Ténéré from the original 1983 XT600Z to the XTZ1200 Super Ténéré and all models in between. Look out for information on the 2026 Ténéré Rally coming soon…
Finally, winners are grinners – and recipients of a range of Yamaha merch included:
Best ADV set up - Ben Dickinson
Furthest ridden - Henry Willersdorf
Most deserving rider - Scott Turner
Donkey award - Steven Parish
Most blinged Ténéré - Jeremy Adams
Yamaha Motor Australia
Ride ADV.com.au

27/03/2025

DREAMS ARE FREE!
HONDA CRF450RX RALLY
Actually, go ahead and pinch yourself, this bike in fact is real. But you have to be in Europe to get it. And you have to get in fast, because only 50 are being made, for sale through Red Moto Honda in Italy.
And by gum it’s a tasty beast:
It’s powered by a 58hp engine.
It weighs just 138kg.
It’s geared to top 160kmh.
It’s packing a titanium Akrapovic exhaust.
It wears HRC developed suspension.
And it’s carrying 36 litres fuel capacity across three fuel cells.
Oh, and it formed the basis of the bike Tosha Schareina rode to a second place finish behind Daniel Sanders in this year’s Dakar Rally.
Of course the CRF450RX Rally is very expensive and very exclusive.
But don’t you just wish Honda would make a production volume CRF450 Rally and bring it to market?
C’mon Honda, just do it!
Honda Motorcycles Australia

26/03/2025

RIDING FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAUSE!
Okay, so it’s not a true adventure ride, but you can still turn up and ride on your adventure bike and support a truly worthy cause.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is proud to announce the official launch of its 2025 event, set to take place in over 1,000 cities around the world on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
This iconic global motorcycle event, renowned for bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts dressed in their finest attire to raise awareness for men’s health with Movember, is set to be bigger than ever.
“Ten years ago we knew we needed to do more for men’s health,” says Mark Hawwa, Founder of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. “That’s why we partnered with the world’s largest men’s health charity, Movember.
"In the last ten years, we have been proud to support men’s health on a global scale, in supporting the critical causes of prostate cancer and men’s mental health. Together with our community, we are proud to continue riding dapper for men’s health.”
Triumph Motorcycles, the renowned motorcycle manufacturer, is the Official Motorcycle Partner of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for the 12th year running, bringing together the passion of its staff, dealers and riders for modern classic motorcycles and men’s health. Triumph’s support plays a key role in supporting the event’s global reach and encouraging riders from all walks of life to participate.
Riders can sign up and join the 2025 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride at www.gentlemansride.com.
Participants will be able to join the global community and take part in the event’s signature charity ride through over 1000 cities on the same day around the world, raise funds for prostate cancer research, and join a united family of riders who share a passion for classic motorcycles and men’s health.
Join in making history by supporting The 2025 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, and together, ride for a cause that matters.
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Triumph Motorcycles Australia

25/03/2025

SNOW GOING BACK
The annual The Snowy Ride charity event at Thredbo was always a ripper.
But the best fun was getting there on our Ride to The Snowy Ride Adventure, which Yamaha would help us to make happen each year.
The wide open plains of the Monaro district of southern NSW are just made for adventure riding … excellent!
Yamaha Motor Australia

25/03/2025

WIN A BMW F 900 GS ENDURO WITH ADVENTURE MOTO!
Would you be stoked to win a BMW F 900 GS Enduro? For sure!
And it’s so easy to get your chance to win big: simply shop with Adventure Moto and you could go in the draw to win a BMW F 900 GS Enduro with some ripping kit and accessories fitted.
All you have to do is spend $300 in-store or online at Adventure Moto or Tyres For Bikes between now and the 30th of November, 2025.
Every $300 spent, in every single transaction, is counted as a single entry to win the BMW F 900 GS Enduro. If you spend $1,500, that counts as five entries.
The BMW prize bike will come complete with any accessories, upgrades and extras the Adventure Moto crew adds during their 2025 build. The motorcycle will be a current model bike, registered and roadworthy in NSW, however, is a second-hand bike as/is after being ridden sparingly by Adventure Moto for promotional purposes only.
So get online or get in-store and get in the running to win a BMW F 900 GS Enduro … awesome!
Adventure Moto Australia
Tyres For Bikes

19/03/2025

AAB ISSUE 31 ON-SALE NOW!
It’s always a great time when a new issue of AAB touches down, and issue 31 is out now, and it’s another cracker mag packed with ripping reading.
Test rides this issue include the Benelli TRK 702X, which combines a dose of Italian design style with Chinese manufacturing, while at the other end of the scale, we pound out the miles on BMW’s all-new barnstorming R 1300 GS Adventure … what a beast!
Then we take a look at the two top-selling 450cc ADV bikes in the country right now: CFMOTO’s 450 MT and Royal Enfield’s Himalayan, which are attacking the same market segment, but from two very different directions. And there are only more 450cc machines on the way in coming months.
On the riding and travel front, we hit the high road to the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally in northern NSW, the Darcinator heads to the massive Motoverse festival in India, while Miles Davis marshals the troops at the BMW GS International Challenge in Namibia.
And just for a change of pace, legendary adventurer Charley Boorman drops in for a chat while in Australia to host a riding tour around Tasmania and across the Victorian high country.
Add into the mix our regular Project Bike updates and the usual round of columnists and you’ve got another mighty mag packed with plenty of speed reading … get your copy and enjoy!

18/03/2025

HONDA UNVEILS UPDATED CRF300L & CRF300L RALLY
Honda’s American distributor has unveiled updated CRF300L and CRF300L Rally models for the 2025 season.
The rock-solid reliable small-bore thumpers, which were originally released back in 2020, have received some important upgrades for 2025, not the least of which is to the bikes’ suspension, which has been known to be on the soft side.
The new 300s have scored stiffer shock damping to deliver improved bottoming resistance. The rubber bushing in the upper shock mount has been replaced by a bearing, while up front the 43mm USD forks have also been updated.
Meanwhile a new radiator and fan grille improve engine heat management, while LED headlights and turn signals offer better visibility. Updated graphics round out the changes.
Honda Australia is yet to officially announce details of the new 300s, but we understand they should make it Down Under in the next couple of months, so for latest details and pricing, be sure to consult your local Honda dealer.
Honda Motorcycles Australia

17/03/2025

LEATT 9.5 ADV HELMET KIT WITH 4.5 IRIZ GOGGLE & SO MUCH MORE!
Leatt’s new 9.5 ADV helmet kit has been winning fans over since its release late last year.
The 9.5 ADV helmet features six-layer carbon matrix construction, combined with 360 Turbine Technology inside that helps reduce peak brain acceleration at impact speeds associated with concussion and helps reduce peak brain rotational acceleration.
An emergency quick release system is included, along with a breakaway visor, while a photochromic shield is fitted as standard, plus an extra clear shield is included for free.
But the package doesn’t end there: a Pinlock 120XLT MaxVision is also included, as well as a set of Leatt 4.5/4.5 Iris goggles, allowing you to spec the helmet’s set-up the way you like, to suit varying riding/light conditions.
A luxurious inner liner, tool-less removable shield, extensive ventilation system and helmet carry bag are all included in the kit.
The Leatt 9.5 ADV helmet kit is priced at $1,399.99 and available from all Leatt dealers or check out the moto.leatt.com.au website for more details.
Leatt Protectives
Whites Powersports Australia

16/03/2025

ROCKET ROD & GALLY ON TOUR AT THE TENERE RALLY
The annual Yamaha Tenere Rally roars into life tomorrow in the Victorian high country, and Yamaha legends Stephen Gall and Rod Faggotter will be running with the pack.
Enjoy a week of Tenere goodness one and all!
Yamaha Motor Australia
Stephen Gall - Yamaha Legend
Rodney Faggotter
Ride ADV.com.au

14/03/2025

HONDA AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF POWER SPORTS & PRODUCTS
Honda Australia Motorcycle Power Equipment and Marine (MPE) has announced the appointment of Chris Schultz as General Manager of Power Sports and Products effective immediately.
Prior to 2013, Mr Schultz held a long-standing history with Honda Australia, serving as the National Sales Manager of Marine and Engine (OEM) and General Manager of Power Equipment and Marine. He has also held various General Manager roles across Sales, Product Planning, Product Management, Marketing, Vehicle Operations and Aftersales divisions in the industry.
“I am thrilled to step into this new role at Honda, overseeing the Power Sports and Products division in Australia” said Mr. Schultz.
"As a passionate enthusiast of Honda’s diverse range of products, I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the brand and ensure we’re the top choice across Motorcycles, Power Equipment, and Marine in Australia."
Mr Schultz will leverage his extensive industry experience and shared passion for the Honda brand and its products in his new leadership role. His broad portfolio of experience makes him well equipped to guide the MPE business and networks for Honda in Australia.
Honda Motorcycles Australia

11/03/2025

THE ADVENTURE MOTO DIRTY WEEKEND 2025 IS LOCKED & LOADED!
September 13/14 will be another weekend of celebrating all things adventure riding as the crew from Adventure Moto host the annual Dirty Weekend at Green Valley Farm in northern NSW.
Industry displays, riding skill demonstrations, entertainment but most of all catching up with mates for an ale or two will all be high on the Dirty Weekend’s agenda.
Plus it goes without saying there will be some great riding on offer, so look forward to some good times in the saddle.
The Dirty Weekend is free to enter. The only expenses you’ll have will be entry and camping at Green Valley Farm and which includes your dinners and breakfasts. For those not staying at Green Valley Farm, you can purchase your meal tickets when you register with GVF on Friday afternoon. Extra food is available at the Green Valley Farm kiosk and the venue is licensed for a cold one after a full day of riding.
Registering is completed direct with Green Valley Farm: simply call or email Green Valley Farm and you can organise your camping spot or cabin which automatically registers you for the event.
+ Phone: (02) 6723 3015 (if unavailable please leave a message)
+ Email: [email protected]
+ Web: www.greenvalleyfarm.com.au
Of course there will be all sorts of action at the Dirty Weekend, and the main event is the Dirty Weekend Adventure Challenge Motokhana comprising of several technical challenges and is open to men and women.
There will be a massive pool of prizes up for grabs at The Dirty Weekend, with awards going to:
+ Womens Motokhana winners
+ Mens Motokhana winners
+ Oldest Rider
+ Youngest Rider
+ Newest adventure bike (ridden to the event)
+ Most kilometers on the clock
So get organised, get the leave pass sorted and we will see you there for a dirty weekend!
Adventure Moto Australia

10/03/2025

TENERE 700 WORLD RAID:
THE WHEEL DEAL!
We’ve ridden a lot of Teneres over a lot of kilometres over a lot of years, and just when we thought we’d seen it all, there will always be a first time for everything … and how’s this: we just had to make our first ‘warranty parts claim’ on a Tenere — ever!
It was for AAB’s Tenere 700 World Raid project bike long-termer, and the parts claim came in the shape of that pesky thumb wheel up on the right-side switch block.
We’ve racked up 15,000km on the World Raid over the past 12 months and we’ll stand by our claim the World Raid is the best Tenere ever.
But that clunky thumb wheel fought us most of the way, giving up the ghost most of the time and regularly leaving us unable to access all the features it controls via the bike’s TFT display.
We tried pulling the switch apart and cleaning and lubing it inside.
We tried ‘the mod’ and cut the internal spring shorter.
But we just couldn’t get the thumb wheel to work consistently.
So we finally scored a replacement switch block with thumb wheel from Yamaha Motor Australia’s spare parts division and spent a leisurely day in the shed yesterday fitting it — well, it wasn’t all day, but nearly!
The wiring for the new switch block and thumb wheel attaches to the bike’s main wiring loom under the World Raid’s fuel tank, and getting the right side tank off involved removing the SW-Motech crash bar on our bike, a whole bunch of plastic covers and pieces and then lifting the tank half — yeah, it’s a task.
But it’s doable, just note or photograph what fasteners go where as you remove them!
After getting it fitted and all back together, how good is it to be able to access all the on-bike info and options again, and select the ABS setting you want … it’s awesome!
And to note, the first thing we sussed out about the new 2025 model Tenere 700 with YCC-T and updated electronic aids is whether or not it has a thumb wheel — it doesn’t! There are arrow selection buttons on the switch gear, while ABS can be selected by a button on the dash — nice!
Yamaha Motor Australia