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    RiderBOT
    The Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team has launched ahead of the opening round of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship in Bariloche, Argentina, this weekend, marking the start of a significant new chapter for Ducati’s off-road program.
    Jeremy Seewer, Andrea Bonacorsi and Calvin Vlaanderen will each race the Ducati Desmo450 MX as the Bologna manufacturer enters its second full MXGP season. Red Bull has come on board as title partner of the factory operation, which is based in Bergeijk, The Netherlands, and led by Team Principal Louis Vosters, who is a figure with more than 35 years of experience at the top level of motocross.
    Swiss veteran Seewer brings the most MXGP pedigree of the trio, having finished as championship runner-up in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and claimed eight overall GP wins across his career. He rides the Desmo450 MX for a second consecutive year.

    Vlaanderen, who was born in South Africa and races under the Dutch flag, finished sixth overall in the 2025 MXGP standings and has two GP race wins to his name. Italian Andrea Bonacorsi, 22, rounds out the lineup after finishing eighth overall last season and is still searching for his maiden MXGP race win.
    Paolo Ciabatti, general manager of Ducati Corse Off-Road, said the team had spent the winter working with engineers in Bologna and Vosters’ crew to improve every aspect of the Desmo450 MX, with the stated goal of fighting for wins in 2026.
    The opening gate drop in Bariloche this weekend will be the first real measure of how that development work has translated to race pace.
    1 of 7 Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Red Bull on board as Ducati factory MXGP team chases first win in 2026 appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    BSA Motorcycles is returning to Australia, with Perth-based Leisk Moto Imports appointed as the official importer and distributor for the market.
    The British heritage brand revived by owner Classic Legend will officially launch in Australia in mid-2026, bringing three models initially available: the Gold Star 650, Scrambler 650, and Bantam 350, with the adventure-oriented Thunderbolt also due for release this year following its EICMA 2025 debut.

    BSA’s Australian history stretches back more than a century, with the brand particularly remembered for the Bantam Bushman of the 1960s. The revived lineup draws on that heritage while meeting modern standards. All models are LAMS approved.
    The Gold Star 650 is a 652cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder modern-retro roadster, first launched globally in 2022. The Scrambler 650, revealed in 2024, is built for both city and off-road use and features Brembo brakes, dual-channel ABS, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.
    The Bantam 350, which arrived in the UK last year, carries classic styling cues including a round headlight, teardrop tank, curved rear fender. The Thunderbolt, BSA’s first adventure bike, adds rally-style aesthetics, traction control, and three ABS modes.
    Leisk Moto Imports is led by Managing Director Jeff Leisk, a former professional racer and ex-Managing Director of KTM Australia, where he spent more than 20 years overseeing distribution, dealer development, and racing programs. LMI’s immediate focus will be building a national dealer network ahead of the mid-2026 launch.
    Riders can register their interest via the BSA Motorcycles website.
    Thunderbolt. Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post BSA Motorcycles confirms Australian return with Leisk Moto Imports as official distributor appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Dealer network and three models on sale by the middle of this year
    AFTER A five-decade absence, heritage brand BSA is coming back to the Australian market. A 25-strong dealer network will be set up and all three BSAs currently sold globally – the Gold Star 650, the Scrambler 650 and the Bantam 350 – will be available to Australian buyers from mid this year.
    The Bantam 350, released late last year, will underpin BSA sales in Oz with a competitive price of $7590 ride away. It exactly matches the rideaway price of Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 and undercuts Honda’s GB350 ($6999 plus ORC) and Triumph’s Speed 400 ($9300 rideaway).
    In the first two months of its UK release, the Bantam 350 topped the modern classic sales chart, knocking the Speed 400 off the top spot.
    BSA’s base model, it’s powered by  a 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC single producing 22kW (29hp) at 7750rpm and 29.62Nm at 6000rpm, with a six-speed gearbox. The Honda and Royal Enfield run a five-speed gearbox.
    Compared to its rivals, the BSA engine is a quick-revving short-stroke and produces slightly more power.
    It runs cast wheels (18in front, 17in rear) and has a conventional non-adjustable front fork and twin rear shocks with five-step adjustment. There is LED lighting front and rear but no electronic rider aids other than ABS and no USB connectivity.
    AMCN tested the Bantam 350 last September in Vol 75 No.04 where we praised its performance and price but criticised some missing rider tech.
    The Gold Star 650 will cost $12,249 ride away, and the Scrambler 650 $11,799 ride away. BSA’s Australian importer has already hinted at what could come next, including the Thunderbolt adventure prototype revealed last year.
    BSA models were last sold in Australia in the early 1970s. BSA sold a huge range of models here, including to police forces. There was even a Bantam model produced for Aussie farmers called the Bushman.
    The post BSA returns to Australia appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    A world enduro trailblazer and a late road racing favourite were celebrated at the F1 Australian Grand Prix, as the Hall of Fame added five new names and a championship-winning machine

    The late road racing star Ken Blake and world enduro champion Shane Watts were inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on Thursday, March 5.
    Watts’ enduro CV is outstanding and includes being the first Australian to win a world enduro title in 1997 and then blazing to class and outright honours in the 1998 International Six Days Enduro in Traralgon—near his hometown of Maffra—on a KTM 125cc two-stroke. He then made a name for himself in the ultra-competitive American arena, riding a variety of models to prove his mettle.
    Shane Watts When asked how he managed to build such an incredible career, Watts said he “did it the hard way”.
    “The journey from being a simple kid from out Maffra to getting across the world and end up winning a world championship was one I look back on with pride.
    “It was about the good ol’ Aussie spirit and saying I’m not going to stop. A lot of resolve, a lot of tenacity – quite the journey really. I’m very humbled and proud to be up on this stage.
    “Racing had its ups and downs, like the usual flow of life, and although I had lots of injuries it was about getting back on the bike and keep charging forward and moving onto the next battle.
    “Today is a huge achievement, and I’m I’m lucky enough that I’ve got my parents and one of my children here today, which is extra special. Being inducted into the Motorsport Hall of Fame is magnificent, but to have your parents proud of you and being able to inspire your children is equally as special.”
    And his advice for the next generation of enduro racers? “It’s an old cliché, but everyone says go out and have fun. It’s really what you need to do: savour the moment.”
    Blake’s place in Australian road racing history was sealed by giant-killing performances, highlighted by his famous victory over world champion Giacomo Agostini in the Australian 500 TT at Laverton Airbase, Victoria, in February 1976.
    Ken Blake Also inducted were record-breaking seven-time Supercars champion Jamie Whincup, who became eligible after stepping down from active competition and remains principal of Triple Eight Race Engineering; leading official and entrepreneur Garry Connelly AM, who was crucial to the formation of Rally Australia and has served as Australia’s highest ranking international official for 20 years, including roles on the FIA World Motorsport Council and as chair of F1 stewards; and Top Fuel drag racing team owner Santo Rapisarda, a winner of more than 12 national titles. Sir Jack Brabham’s Formula 1 world championship-winning Repco Brabham BT19 also entered the Hall of Fame as the first racing car to be honoured, becoming the 100th inductee to mark the centenary of Brabham’s birth.
    Jamie Whincup The Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame is the highest honour in Australian motorsport. It is an exclusive honour-roll made up of less than one inductee for each of the 125 years motorsport has occurred in Australia.
    The post Watts and Blake Honoured in Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    83kW parallel-twin flagship adventure model due on Australian shores in May, with two specifications available
    CFMOTO will add the MY26 1000MT‑X to its Australian line-up in late May 2026, following the model’s global unveiling at EICMA 2025. The 1000MT‑X is a large-capacity adventure-touring motorcycle built around a 946.2cc DOHC parallel-twin engine and a chassis package that includes long-travel suspension, wire-spoke wheels and IMU-controlled electronics. Australian pricing is listed at $18,990 ride away.

    The engine is a 946.2cc twin-cylinder unit based on the LC8c platform, used here in an adventure application. CFMOTO claims 83kW (111hp) at 8500rpm and 105Nm at 6250rpm, with tuning intended to keep a broad midrange; the company states more than 90 per cent of peak torque is available between 5500 and 8000rpm. Drive is through a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. The motor uses an all-alloy case and is claimed to weigh 56kg.

    Component details listed for the engine include NTN bearings and an FCC-manufactured clutch assembly. Internal features cited by CFMOTO include ceramic-coated cylinder bores, forged pistons and fracture-split connecting rods. The platform has undergone more than 100,000km of endurance testing, according to the manufacturer.

    Suspension is by KYB, with a 48mm upside-down fork and a monoshock, both fully adjustable. Travel is listed at 230mm front and 230mm rear on the standard model. A low-suspension LS variant is also planned, with 190mm travel front and rear. Wheels are 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke rims fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres in 90/90 R21 and 150/70 R18 sizes.

    Braking hardware is supplied by Brembo, with dual 320mm front discs and a 260mm rear disc. Electronics include a Bosch six-axis IMU supporting cornering ABS and traction control, along with five ride modes.

    For touring and day-to-day use, the 1000MT‑X is listed with a 22.5-litre fuel tank and a claimed range of more than 500km under mixed riding. Equipment includes an 8-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, a heated seat, cruise control and an adjustable windscreen. Standard protection items listed include a skid plate, handguards and a chain guard. The bike’s curb weight is stated as 222kg.

    Two variants and a limited colour range have been outlined for Australia. The standard model will be offered in Tactical Green or Aerolite Grey, while the LS variant will be available in Aerolite Grey. Seat height is listed at 870mm for the standard model and 830mm for the LS.

    CFMOTO will also offer an introductory choice of two accessory bundles for early purchasers, available until 30 June 2026. One bundle focuses on touring additions, comprising a tall windscreen, an alloy luggage kit, a top case backrest and a side case bracket. The second bundle lists off-road and protection items: a dual-stage foam air filter, upper crash bars, an alloy skid plate, a headlight guard, wrap-around handguards, billet rally pegs and a shortened billet clutch lever.

    SPECIFICATIONS 
    ENGINE
    Type: inline twin-cylinder, DOHC
    Capacity: 946.2cc
    Bore x stroke: 92.5mm x 70.4mm
    Compression ratio: 13.5:1
    Fuel system: Bosch EFI
    Max power: 83kW @ 8,500rpm
    Max torque: 105Nm @ 6,250rpm
    Transmission: six-speed, slipper clutch
    CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
    Front suspension: KYB 48mm USD fork, fully adjustable
    Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, fully adjustable
    BRAKES & ELECTRONICS
    Front brakes: Brembo, dual 320mm discs, radial calipers
    Rear brake: Brembo, single 260mm disc, twin-piston caliper
    ABS: Bosch dual-channel
    WHEELS & TYRES
    Front tyre: 90/90 R21
    Rear tyre: 150/70 R18
    DIMENSIONS
    Length x width x height: 2288mm x 945mm x 1476mm (LS: 1426mm)
    Wheelbase: 1525mm
    Seat height: 870mm (LS: 830mm)
    WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
    Fuel capacity: 22.5L
    Curb weight: 222kg
    OTHER
    Colours: Aerolite Grey, Tactical Green
    Price (ride away): $18,990
    The post CFMOTO 1000MT‑X Australian pricing confirmed appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    CFMOTO Australia has confirmed the 2026 1000MT-X will arrive in late May 2026, marking the brand’s first genuine entry into the large-capacity adventure motorcycle segment at $18,990 rideaway.
    First shown at EICMA 2025, the 1000MT-X is built around a 946cc parallel-twin producing 83kW and 105Nm. CFMOTO says the engine is tuned for real-world adventure use, with over 90 per cent of peak torque available between 5500 and 8000rpm.

    Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable KYB 48mm USD forks with 230mm of travel, paired to a fully adjustable KYB rear monoshock with remote preload adjustment. A low-suspension variant, the 1000MT-X LS, reduces travel to 190mm at both ends and drops seat height from 870mm to 830mm. Both models roll on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke rims wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.
    Braking is handled by Brembo, with dual 320mm floating front discs and four-piston radial calipers, backed by a Bosch six-axis IMU that enables cornering ABS and three-stage traction control.
    The IMU also supports five ride modes: Standard, Off Road, Rain, All Terrain, and a customisable Master mode. Wheelie control, cruise control, an up/down quickshifter, and a power-assisted slipper clutch are all standard.

    The 1000MT-X carries a 22.5-litre fuel tank, which CFMOTO says delivers more than 500km of range under mixed riding conditions. An 8.0-inch vertical TFT touchscreen handles navigation and vehicle data, with Type-A and Type-C USB-C charging, Bluetooth connectivity via the CFMOTO RIDE app, heated grips, and a heated seat also included.
    An adjustable windscreen, LED lighting, and tyre pressure monitoring system round out the feature set. Skid plate, handguards, and chain guard come fitted as standard.
    To mark the launch, CFMOTO is offering buyers a choice of two introductory accessory packs, available until 30 June 2026. The Adventure Pack, valued at $1989, includes a tall windshield, alloy luggage kit, top case backrest, and side case bracket.

    The Rally Pack, valued at $1859, comprises a dual-stage foam air filter, upper crash bars, alloy skid plate, headlight guard, wrap-around handguards, billet rally pegs, and a shortened billet clutch lever.
    The standard 1000MT-X is available in Tactical Green or Aerolite Grey. The LS variant is offered in Aerolite Grey only.

    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post 2026 CFMOTO 1000MT-X price and specs confirmed appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled the two limited edition Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition motorcycles that will serve as prizes in this year’s Triumph Triple Trophy competition, alongside announcing plans to test 100% per cent non-fossil fuels in Moto2 engines ahead of a regulatory requirement coming into force in 2027.
    The announcement was made at the opening round of the Moto2 World Championship at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.

    Two winners will each receive a Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition, with one going to the Moto2 rider who accumulates the most fan votes across the season, the other awarded through a free prize draw open to fans worldwide. Both bikes feature a billet-machined top yoke with individual numbering and personalised engraving, with the rider’s prize carrying the number 001 and the fan prize carrying 765 as a nod to Triumph’s 765cc triple engine.
    The Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition is produced in a worldwide run of 1000 units and includes carbon fibre side panels, front mudguard, belly pan and silencer end cap, a Moto2-embossed seat with dimpled grip pattern, clear-lens rear light, and a laser-etched Moto2 logo on the silencer.

    The colour scheme pairs Mineral Grey and Crystal White with a Triumph Performance Yellow rear subframe and matching rear wheel stripe. A TFT display features a Moto2-branded start-up screen.
    On the sustainable fuels front, Triumph chief product officer Steve Sargent confirmed the brand will use samples of 100 per cent non-fossil fuels for performance and durability testing during the 2026 season.
    The announcement follows successful durability testing of a 40 per cent non-fossil fuel blend last year, with the majority of engine mapping and optimisation work now completed. The Moto2 regulations will require 100 per cent non-fossil fuels from the 2027 season.

    “Alongside improving performance, we are also committed to supporting the development of a sustainable future for motorcycling and motorcycle sport,” Sargent said.
    The Triumph Triple Trophy has run alongside the Moto2 World Championship since 2020. Each Grand Prix weekend, a judging panel shortlists three riders for standout on-track performances, with fans then voting via the official MotoGP Instagram channel.

    Points are awarded on a 7-6-5 basis corresponding to the 765cc engine displacement. Past winners include Marco Bezzecchi (2020), Raul Fernandez (2021), Jeremy Alcoba (2022), Pedro Acosta (2023), Ai Ogura (2024) and Diogo Moreira (2025), who also claimed the Moto2 World Championship last season.
    The 2026 competition opened on Sunday 1 March following the season opener in Thailand. Fans can vote for their favourite rider and enter the free prize draw via the Triumph Motorcycles website.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Triumph reveals 2026 Triple Trophy prize bikes and sustainable fuel testing program appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has opened online pre-orders for the 40th Anniversary GSX-R1000R, with the limited-edition superbike priced at $30,990 rideaway.
    The bike can be reserved through Suzuki’s online Build and Order platform at suzukimotorcycles.com.au, where buyers nominate their preferred dealer and secure priority allocation with a minimum $1000 deposit.
    1 of 3 Australian-delivered examples will come fitted as standard with aerodynamic carbon winglets and a colour-matched seat cowl. Three heritage-inspired colour schemes are available, each referencing the GSX-R’s 40-year competition history.
    To mark the milestone, the first 40 confirmed pre-order customers will receive an exclusive Collectors Garage Pack, comprising a 40th Anniversary garage mat, a custom indoor bike cover, and a bike stand with bobbins. The pack will be delivered alongside the motorcycle.

    Dealer allocations will be determined by the original register of interest submission date, with the earliest registrants given priority for the initial shipment. Pre-orders are now open to all customers regardless of whether they previously registered.
    The first shipment is scheduled to arrive in August 2026. Suzuki has confirmed the first 40 pre-sale units must be secured through its online ordering system to guarantee allocation and receive the Collectors Garage Pack.
    1 of 8 Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Suzuki opens pre-orders for 40th Anniversary GSX-R1000R, priced at $30,990 rideaway appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Patent shows vast, four-tank version in pursuit of usable range
    KAWASAKI’S PROTOTYPE for a supercharged, hydrogen-fuelled motorcycle based around the engine from the H2 has already been publicly demonstrated more than once and grabs attention with the vast, rear-mounted tanks needed to store its fuel. But with range remaining a stumbling block for hydrogen combustion engines Kawasaki has filed a patent that aims to solve the problem by adding two more enormous tanks on the front of the prototype.

    Hydrogen, in theory, has some significant advantages over petrol as a fuel for internal combustion engines. As well as the fact that its main exhaust emission is simply water vapour rather than CO2, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has close to three times the energy density of gasoline by weight – so 1kg of hydrogen has potential to go three times as far as 1kg of petrol.
    But that’s where the fly gets stuck in the ointment. Hydrogen is the least dense element, so 1kg of it at normal atmospheric pressure would require a fuel tank of around 11,000 litres capacity. To replicate a typical motorcycle’s 14 litres of petrol, which weighs around 10kg, you’d need 110,000 litres of hydrogen…

    So it needs to be compressed to around 700-bar into scuba-style tanks. But even then hydrogen still takes up a lot of space, with 10 litres of compressed hydrogen at that pressure equating to around 1.4 litres of petrol, so you’d still need 100 litres to get the same amount of range as a typical bike’s tank.
    That’s why, despite two huge hydrogen cylinders taking up the space that would normally be used by a passenger and luggage, Kawasaki’s hydrogen prototype still has a very short range. And it’s why the company’s new patent shows a bike with twice as much fuel capacity thanks to another two tanks strapped to the fairing sides ahead of the rider.

    Here, the tanks make the bike even wider than the existing prototype, as they have to go outside the four-cylinder, 999cc engine and front fork, and they extend beyond the front of the fairing to allow enough space for the rider’s knees.
    Since the tanks have to be cylindrical to withstand the pressure within, there’s no scope to sculpt them around the existing bike’s components and make it more compact. What’s more, they need to be protected by strong frames, adding more size and weight, because a split hydrogen tank in an accident is a recipe for a fireball.

    With all this in mind, the question arises as to what Kawasaki’s endgame is for the hydrogen bike project. It’s unimaginable that a machine like this could reach production, and even if it did the lack of hydrogen filling station infrastructure would make it monumentally impractical. However, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is a strong proponent of the idea of the ‘hydrogen society’ – a concept that envisions hydrogen as the dominant fuel type, and one that’s also supported by the likes of Toyota. KHI is involved in creating a hydrogen supply chain, including production (largely from Australia), storage and transport, building vast ships to carry liquified hydrogen around the world.
    In that light, the bike project makes sense as a demonstrator rather than a production possibility.   ben purvis
    The post Kawasaki Hydrogen Bike Gets Bulkier Still appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Founder Andy White says production will cease in late June, as he pivots to “Travels with Andy” expeditions
    After three decades producing high-quality motorcycle travel gear in Australia, Andy Strapz is shutting up shop. Founder and director Andy White has announced that manufacturing across all Andy Strapz product lines will “cease in a step wise fashion as existing raw materials are exhausted,” with the wind-down occurring over the next three months and shutdown set to land around late June.
    “We’ve come to a natural turning point. It’s time to close this chapter and turn the page,” White said.
    For riders, it’s effectively the last call for Australian-made Andy Strapz equipment. The company says current stock still covers the range, but advises customers to get their orders in early. Other retailers’ remaining stock will be sold out as the closure progresses.
    Built by riders, made for travel
    Since 1997, Andy Strapz has built its name on practical, ride-tested solutions for people who actually travel by bike—gear designed to be tough, simple to use, and reliable in the real world. White’s decades on motorcycles shaped a range focused on function over fuss, backed by an Australian workshop team and a strong emphasis on materials and quality control. While the brand is best known in motorcycling, its in-house making capability has also been applied across other areas like 4WD and outdoors pursuits.
    Final production schedule
    Andy Strapz will stop making products in stages through to mid-June, with lines dropping off at the end of March, end of April, end of May, and again around mid-June. In broad terms, smaller luggage and accessory items are scheduled to end first, followed by additional bag lines and riding basics, with bigger-ticket pannier-related gear and strap systems among the last items to cease.
    The company stresses these are planned final production dates—not guaranteed sell-out dates—warning some items may disappear earlier, and that changes are possible due to materials, labour or demand constraints. “To be sure you don’t miss out – get in early!”

    What’s next
    White is transitioning to focus exclusively on ‘Travels with Andy’, offering “curated, long-format motorcycle expeditions through India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.” These journeys will run in partnership with in-country operator Karma Yatri.
    For the closure timeline, remaining stock, or travel info, head to andystrapz.com.
    The post End of an era: Andy Strapz Announces Closure appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
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