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    RiderBOT
    Tara Morrison is blasting onto the world stage with a wild card entry into the World Superbikes Championship at Donington Park — and she’s ready to shake up the grid on her Yamaha R7.
    Australian racing sensation Tara Morrison has officially been granted a wild card entry into the World Superbikes Championship (WCR class) at Donington Park, July 11–13, where she’ll be taking on the world’s best aboard a Yamaha R7.
    Currently second in the national ASBK Supersport 300 Championship and leading both the Victorian and South Australian state titles, Tara’s star continues to rise at lightning pace. Her recent signing with motorsport icon Carl Cox Motorsport has only added fuel to the fire, turning heads across the international paddock.
    You can catch Tara in action next at Morgan Park Raceway, June 13–15, in the ASBK round, where she will be assisted in the pits by BSB Superbike legend Billy McConnell and ASBK/World Endurance champ Steve Martin.
    With no prior track experience at Donington and entering mid-season against some of the world’s sharpest talent, Tara is being thrown into the deep end — but that’s exactly where this fearless rider thrives. She is primed to make a statement there and gain critical experience for a full WCR assault in 2026.
    Sponsorship opportunities are now open. With Tara’s loyal fan base, fast-growing social media presence and regular feature column in AMCN, this is a prime chance to get your brand front and centre — on her bike, leathers and global journey.
    Don’t miss your chance to support one of Australia’s brightest young talents as she takes the leap onto the world stage. So if you’re interested in joining Team Tara, reach out today at tarzyracing@gmail.com.
    Let’s get this girl to the world stage — where she belongs!
    The post TARA MORRISON SCORES WORLD SUPERBIKES WILD CARD – EYES ON DONINGTON AND BEYOND! appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT

    [AMCN] Kove 625X Revealed

    By RiderBOT, in Articles,

    New adventure twin emerges as Kove confirms Australian market plans
    Kove is one of the growing number of convincing Chinese motorcycle brands with a range of models to compete with major Japanese and European bike makers – now it plans to enter the Australian market by the end of this year. The news comes as another intriguing new model has just been type-approved in China.
    At the moment, Kove’s model line-up in China spreads across five model ranges. In the Adventure sector it offers a trio of parallel twin machines – the 498cc, 35kW (50hp) 510X and the slightly 525X, which actually has a fractionally smaller 494cc twin with 39.6kW (53hp), plus the much more appealing 800X with a 71kW (95hp), 799cc twin that’s essentially a clone of KTM’s LC8c motor. Then there’s the ‘Rally’ segment, which includes two single-cylinder 450 Rally models and the 800X Rally, a more hardcore version of the 800X. Kove’s naked streetbike range includes the four-cylinder, 48kW (65hp) 450R and the parallel twin 321R, which has a 322cc engine that’s closely patterned on the Yamaha’s R3 and MT-03 twin. The company’s offroad range includes the MX250 and MX450 motorcross bikes, and its sport line-up features a 321RR and 450RR – each mechanically similar to the naked ‘R’ models with the same numbers – as well as a 250RR and 350RR, also using twin-cylinder engines.
    The new Kove 625X In export markets, Kove has focused largely on its adventure, rally and offroad competition machines, which gives a clue as to which models are likely to reach the Australian market. Initially the company intends to bring its motocross machines here, by the end of 2025, with street bikes following in 2026.
    The new 625X was first shown to dealers in China earlier this year, but has now been type-approved, giving us the first look at its specs and a photo of the finished, production-ready model.  It packs a 580cc parallel twin engine that’s similar in design to the unit used in the Loncin-made Voge DS625X, a direct competitor with the new Kove. Max power is listed at 47kW 963hp), while wet weight is quoted at 229kg – although that appears to be with luggage fitted.
    The styling is aligned with that used on the 800X, including tubeless wire wheels, an upside down fork and Taisko brakes gripping petal-style discs.
    ben purvis
    The post Kove 625X Revealed appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Turkish WorldSBK champion reportedly set to join Pramac Yamaha on full-factory machinery in 2026
    After months of speculation, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s future destination could finally be settled. According to Speedweek, sources close to the Turkish superstar have confirmed that Toprak has signed a deal to step up to MotoGP with Yamaha in 2026—with an official announcement likely at next month’s Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.
    Razgatlioglu won BMW’s first ever WorldSBK crown in 2024
    Manager Kenan Sofuoglu has also cryptically told Motoetkinlik.com that a deal had been inked, saying “With Toprak Razgatlioglu we have spoken with five factories and we have signed a contract that will satisfy everyone”.
    The move will reportedly see Razgatlioglu placed within the satellite Pramac Yamaha team, which has been running full-factory-spec M1 machinery identical to what Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins are fielding in the factory garage. The Pramac team makes sense given Toprak’s previously stated stipulations that he would only move to MotoGP with full factory support, and with Yamaha showing clear signs of resurgence in MotoGP this season – highlighted by Quartararo’s poles at Jerez, Le Mans, and Silverstone. And his expertise with Pirelli tyres could prove invaluable in 2026, as MotoGP prepares for sweeping regulation changes in 2027, including a new 850cc engine formula, reduced aero allowances, and the introduction of Pirelli as the sport’s new sole tyre supplier.
    There’s also a commercial benefit, with the arrangement allowing Toprak to bring his long-time sponsor Red Bull along for the journey. But while the move adds another electric presence to the grid, it also raises questions about who he might replace—particularly for Australian star Jack Miller.
    Miller’s Pramac seat could be under threat
    Miller, who joined the Pramac Yamaha outfit this season on a single-year deal extending only through the end of 2025, would be competing with Oliveira for the remaining Pramac seat. Should Toprak’s switch be made official at Mugello as expected, it could leave Miller scrambling to secure a MotoGP seat for 2026, or potentially moving to WorldSBK.
    Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP debut would mark the first time since 2010 (when Ben Spies made the leap) that a World Superbike Champion transitions directly into the premier class. Few riders carry credentials as stacked as Toprak’s: in 237 WorldSBK starts, the 28-year-old has claimed 63 wins, 153 podiums, 20 poles, and 53 fastest laps. After failing to defend his SBK crown with Yamaha due to a lagging R1 development program, he shocked the paddock in 2024 by jumping to BMW—securing the German manufacturer’s first solo world championship title in its century-long history and sealing his place as the top-paid Superbike rider in the process.
    Toprak celebrating his first WorldSBK title with Yamaha in 2021
    While Toprak’s aggressive, swashbuckling riding style has turned heads in World Superbike, it remains to be seen how well it translates to the technical demands of MotoGP. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi offered a word of caution: “He could be someone who can fight for the top six in the championship. But I don’t think he can come to MotoGP and win straight away. Toprak is a showman—but the best riders here are the best.”
    The post Razgatlioglu poised for sensational Yamaha MotoGP switch appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    AJ
    Licensing, Bike Restrictions, Speed Limits, Helmets, Lane Filtering & Penalties
    Riding a motorcycle in Australia comes with a mix of national standards and state-specific laws. Whether you're a Learner (L), Provisional (P), or Full License (R) rider, understanding the rules is crucial for safety and avoiding fines. This guide covers:
    ✅ Licensing requirements & bike restrictions
    ✅ Speed restrictions
    ✅ Helmet & visor laws
    ✅ Lane filtering rules
    ✅ Penalties for breaking the law
    1. Licensing, Bike Restrictions & Speed Limits by State
    New South Wales (NSW)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: 90 km/h. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol, 12-month minimum. Provisional (P1 & P2): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: P1 (90 km/h), P2 (100 km/h). P1: No pillion for first year. P2: Can carry pillion. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Riding a non-compliant bike (L/P): $650+ fine + demerits. Exceeding speed limits: $275–$2,200 + 3–6 demerit points. Victoria (VIC)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol, 3-month minimum. Provisional (P): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Can carry pillion after 12 months. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Non-compliant bike: $330–$825 fine. Carrying pillion illegally: $330 fine. Queensland (QLD)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol. Provisional (P1/P2): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. P1: No pillion. P2: Can carry pillion. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Overpowered bike: $431 fine + 3 demerits. No L-plates: $144 fine. Western Australia (WA)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: 100 km/h. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol, 6-month minimum. Provisional (P): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: 100 km/h. Can carry pillion after 6 months. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Unapproved bike: $100–$500 fine. Speeding: $150–$1,000 + demerits. South Australia (SA)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol. Provisional (P1/P2): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. P1: No pillion. P2: Can carry pillion. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Illegal bike: $187–$500 fine. Tasmania (TAS)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol. Provisional (P1/P2): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. P1: No pillion. P2: Can carry pillion. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Non-compliant bike: $130–$350 fine. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol. Provisional (P): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Can carry pillion. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Riding overpowered bike: $257+ fine. Northern Territory (NT)
    Learner (L): Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne. Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol. Provisional (P): Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t). Speed Limit: Follow posted signs. Can carry pillion. Full (R): No restrictions. Penalties:
    Unapproved bike: $100–$300 fine. 2. Helmet & Visor Laws (All States)
    Helmet Standard: Must be AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05/22.06 certified (no fake helmets). Visors: Tinted visors allowed, but must be clear at night (except VIC, where it’s discouraged but not illegal). Non-compliant visors = fine equivalent to no helmet. Penalties:
    No helmet: $300–$500 fine + 3–4 demerit points. 3. Lane Filtering Laws (All States)
    ✅ Legal for full license holders only.
    Max speed 30 km/h. Only between stationary or slow-moving (<30 km/h) traffic. ❌ Illegal for learners & P-platers nationwide. Penalties:
    Filtering illegally: $200–$500 + 2–3 demerits. Final Summary: Key Takeaways
    🔹 Bike Restrictions for L/P Riders:
    All States: Max 660cc, ≤150kW per tonne. 🔹 Speed Limits:
    NSW (L/P1: 90 km/h, P2: 100 km/h), WA (L/P: 100 km/h). Other states: Follow posted limits. 🔹 Helmets & Visors:
    Must meet AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05/22.06. Tinted visors = OK in daylight only. 🔹 Lane Filtering:
    Full license only, max 30 km/h. 🔹 Penalties:
    Fines range from $100–$2,200 (worst cases: no helmet, speeding). Ride Safe & Stay Legal!
    Always check your state’s latest road rules before riding. Laws and penalties can change! 🏍️
    RiderBOT
    RACQ Crash data identifies the highest-risk roads for riders in The Sunshine State
    With National Road Safety Week upon us, the RACQ is urging motorcyclists to ride smarter—not harder—as confronting crash data reveals that some of Queensland’s most scenic hinterland routes are, unfortunately, also among the most dangerous.
    A recent RACQ review of over 21,500 kilometres of state-controlled roads shines a spotlight on the notorious Mount Glorious Tourist Drive, running between Mount Glorious and Somerset just northwest of Brisbane. This stretch of winding road has taken an ominous top spot for fatal and serious injury crashes, particularly involving motorcycles.
    Between 2019 and 2023, 59 fatal and serious injury (FSI) collisions occurred on the Mount Glorious Tourist Drive—an overwhelming 92% of them (54 crashes) involved motorcyclists.

    Crash data reveals Mount Mee Road and Beechmont Road as the next most dangerous routes for motorcyclists in Queensland, based on the severity of outcomes when incidents occur. On Mount Mee Road, an alarming 76% of crashes result in fatal or serious injuries, while Beechmont Road isn’t far behind, with 60% of crashes leading to similarly severe consequences.
    “The data paints a terrifyingly clear picture. Too many motorcycle riders are pushing their limits on hinterland roads and paying severe consequences for it,” said Joel Tucker, RACQ’s Road Safety and Technical Manager.
    Further analysis reveals just how perilous the situation is: 80% of motorcycle-involved FSI crashes on the Mount Glorious section were single-vehicle incidents. Most of these occurred on weekends (74%), along curves (94%), and in otherwise ideal riding conditions—daylight, dry weather, and good visibility.
    “Hinterland roads are not designed to be used like a racetrack – they’re for transport; and while they travel through some spectacular environments and can be a lot of fun to ride, they are often narrow, covered in slippery leaf litter, and lack safety design features,” Mr Tucker explained.
    “There is nothing wrong with enjoying a weekend leisure ride with your mates, but ride to the conditions, don’t get competitive, and don’t break the law because your life matters. Please drop the ego, not the bike.”

    As part of its broader road safety campaign, RACQ is calling on the Queensland Government to look at more proactive enforcement tactics for these types of roads. Suggestions include portable point-to-point speed cameras, which could help deter speeding across longer stretches.
    “We believe measures like installing portable point-to-point speed cameras would be effective at reducing crash rates, particularly on hinterland roads, as they would encourage motorists to slow down and keep their speeds at or below the limit over longer distances,” Mr Tucker added.
    “If riders or drivers want to go faster than the signed speed limit or push their abilities or their machine to its limits, they need to go to an actual racetrack, not a public road.”
    It’s not just crash statistics that reveal the dangers—those on the frontlines of trauma care are echoing the warnings. Professor Martin Wullschleger, a trauma surgeon and Chair of the Queensland Trauma Committee for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, sees the aftermath of these crashes firsthand.
    “When you crash and come off a motorcycle, there is little protecting your body, especially if you are not wearing good safety gear,” Prof Wullschleger said.
    “I’ve seen far too many injured motorcyclists, spanning from fatal and life-changing brain injuries, to men with shattered pelvises and genitals after their pelvises hit the fuel tanks on initial impact. Others came off second best with shattered arms and legs, sometimes needing multiple reconstructive operations or even amputations.”
    Professor Martin Wullschleger
    Overconfidence can also be a silent killer, says motoDNA founder and CEO Mark McVeigh, who established the rider training academy following the loss of his closest friend in a motorcycle accident four decades ago.
    “It takes around 20 hours of training to get your license versus up to 10,000 hours needed for mastery,” Mr McVeigh said.
    “Riders need to have a ‘learn for life’ mindset and embrace training which is not just about machine control skills and road-craft but also the mental approach. I am sure riders who have crashed did not think it would happen to them.
    “Rider training, beyond what’s required to get your licence, is a fun and safe way for you and your mates to learn critical skills together in a controlled environment. The skills you learn could save your life.”
    Through rider courses offered at RACQ’s Mobility Centre, McVeigh and his team deliver in-depth, real-time coaching—empowering motorcyclists to refine both technique and attitude before tragedy strikes.
    RACQ’s findings highlight the need for data-informed mitigation strategies and a renewed focus on rider education.
    The post Queensland’s Most Lethal Roads For Motorcyclists Named appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Indian motorcycle giant poised to become majority stakeholder in KTM following major cash injection and Austrian court approvals
    The ongoing saga of KTM’s insolvency appears to be drawing to a close with an €800 million ($1.4 billion AUD) injection of cash from its Indian partner brand Bajaj – but if regulators approve the deal, it will see Bajaj also taking control of the company and its subsidiaries Husqvarna and GasGas.

    KTM AG and two subsidiaries filed for ‘self-administration’ back in November last year when a combination of overproduction and slowing sales left it with a cash flow problem that prevented the company from meeting its debt obligations. Under Austrian law, the self-administration process gave protection from creditors for 90 days while the existing management stayed in place, requiring them to come up with a restructuring plan that would be approved by creditors. That plan, approved on 25th February 2025, set out terms that would see the company’s creditors paid a 30% quota of the money owed to them – a figure amounting to around €600 million ($1 billion AUD) – with the money required to be deposited with the insolvency court by 23rd May. That kicked off a search for investors, with a number of suitors rumoured including KTM’s existing partner brands CFMOTO in China and Bajaj in India, as well as more outlandish possibilities like BMW, but when CFMOTO and KTM surprisingly ended their shared distribution agreement in Europe a few weeks ago, it became increasingly clear that Bajaj – India’s second largest motorcycle maker and the third largest in the world – was hot favourite to take control.

    The situation crystallised further on 16th May, when Bajaj’s European arm – Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIHBV), established in the Netherlands – took out a €566 million unsecured loan JP Morgan Chase, DBS Bank and Citigroup Global Markets Asia. On 19th May, Bajaj confirmed it was in negotiations with KTM, and on 21st May the Indian company announced its intention to take control of KTM, provided the deal is approved by Austrian authorities. In that announcement, Bajaj revealed it has already provided €200 million in four tranches of €50 million during the 2024 and early 2025 financial years to help keep the company afloat, and that it is now adding €600 million to the pot to clear its debts. Initially, the money will be held by the Austrian court overseeing the process, but it’s expected to be released to creditors in mid-June.
    At the moment, BAIHBV – which is wholly owned by Bajaj Auto Limited in India – holds a 49.9% stake in an Austrian company, Pierer Bajaj AG, with the remaining 51.1% owned by longtime KTM boss Stefan Pierer. Pierer Bajaj AG, in turn, owns around 75% stake in Pierer Mobility AG, which in turn is the holding company of KTM AG, which also owns Husqvarna and GasGas. That means Bajaj effectively owns about 37.5% of KTM. Its new injection of money, if converted into a shareholding, will give Bajaj majority control of Pierer Mobility AG, KTM and its subsidiaries.
    Gottfried Neumeister and Stefan Pierer
    The new €600 million is initially being provided in the form of a €450 million secured term loan from BAIHBV to KTM AG, along with €150 million of convertible bonds issued by Pierer Bajaj AG and subscribed to by BAIHBV, which will be loaned to Pierer Mobility AG to help repay creditors and cover restart costs for KTM. Once approvals are given by the Austrian Takeover Commission, Foreign Investment Control and Merger Control Authorities, the loans are expected to be converted into a controlling shareholding for Bajaj.
    Once approvals are received, Bajaj will initiate ‘a revamp of the governance framework including reconstituting the Board’ and work on making the ties between KTM and Bajaj closer. At the moment, Bajaj manufactures several KTM models including the single-cylinder street bike range.
    Intriguingly, Bajaj also says it will be “exploring potential partnerships and collaborations to build sustainable competitive advantage and long-term value creation.” Bajaj is already at the centre of a complex web of motorcycle makers, because as well as assisting with the R&D and manufacture of some KTM models, it does the same with Triumph under a separate deal, manufacturing the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X on behalf of the British brand.
    KTM says it’s global factory racing projects including MotoGP, Supercross and Rally Raid are secure
    In response to the Bajaj cash injection, KTM’s CEO Gottfried Neumeister – who replaced Stefan Pierer during the company’s insolvency – said: “Today we have been given the opportunity to continue the history of KTM. Together with our long-standing partner Bajaj, we were able to work out a strategy that will enable us to raise a further 600 million euros for our new start in addition to the 200 million euros already made available. The existing sites – in particular our main plant in Mattighofen/Munderfing – will remain the basis for our future success. This means that we will continue to be an important employer for the entire region. In view of this new, second opportunity, we at KTM feel deep gratitude and humility towards all those within and outside our group of companies who have made it possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Stefan Pierer on behalf of all those who have accompanied us along the way. He laid the foundation for one of the world’s best-known motorcycle brands, which has a unique community.”
    As for Pierer himself, he stayed on as co-CEO Pierer Mobility during the proceedings, but from June 2025, when the court confirms the completion of the restructuring, he will step down from Pierer Mobility executive board.
    The post Bajaj Set to Take Control of KTM with €800 Million Bailout appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    With the rev of engines and a toast to community, Royal Enfield’s newest dealership at Burleigh Heads officially opened its doors, blending old-school craftsmanship with a modern, ride-together spirit.
    This week saw an industry event to celebrate the opening of the latest Royal Enfield dealership, at Central Drive, Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.
    The opening is the culmination of the substantial efforts of proprietors Tobin Page and Alex Goldenstein (under the brand GRID Motorcycles), and creates the latest distributor for Indian-manufactured Royal Enfield bikes, part of the Urban Moto Imports (UMI) stable of import brands. It was a night short on formalities, but in a very brief speech, Page highlighted the importance of building a community around ownership of these bikes rather than just a dealership.

    This is something UMI was willing to support, given the success of the concept in Sydney with the 2024 opening of the flagship Moto Machine dealership. In addition to a showroom of beautiful bikes, the premises will incorporate a member’s lounge as the community concept is to have owners ride together and gather back at the premises to chat about the bikes and their rides. Obviously there is a full service capability on the premises, and experienced on-site fabricators are able to modify bikes prior to delivery.
    It’s amazing to see the success of this Indian brand, which has produced bikes for well over a century. For anyone travelling in India 20+ years ago, the 350 bikes could be seen everywhere, but the thought was that these were more of a domestic bike. This is clearly no longer the case, as UMI reports in excess of 15,000 owners in Australia and over 50 affiliated dealerships.
    The Indian company also reported 1 million annual sales for the first time ever in the year ending 31 March 2025, so clearly it is a behemoth in the global motorcycle industry.

    With LAMS approval, the full Royal Enfield range is suitable for learners right up to experienced riders, and the brand is taking a key place in the intermediate-size bike market. UMI reports a strong order book for the Himalayan 450 and Classic 650 bikes, and they also see strong demand for the smaller 350 range.
    Of the 650 range, the Cafe Racer was the standout in terms of looks, and the Shotgun (more of a bobber-style bike) is a real head-turner. The single piston 450 Guerrilla aims at the younger audience, and is delivered in brighter colours to stand out more to the youth.
    The bikes look heavy, partly reflecting the styling and use of heavy steel, but this gives them a tough durability, and apparently adds to their stability. The simplicity of the setup lends itself well to modification, in addition to a full range of after-market accessories allowing the customer to access a highly-personalised end product.
    Purpose Built Moto were also on hand with their modified Meteor 650 at the dealership, which provided the centre of attention for the evening, with its hand lever-operated gear shift, stunning front forks and the chrome exhaust setup.

    In 2026, Royal Enfield has plans to distribute its Electric Bike, the Flying Flea, which will eventually slot in at the Burleigh dealership well, given Tobin and Alex’s previous ownership of an EV-bike seller just behind the new premises.
    Expect to see a lot more of these great looking Indian-manufactured bikes around the Gold Coast in coming months, along with a thriving community of owners.

    The post Royal Enfield opens new Burleigh Heads dealership appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Honda Motorcycles has built 500 million units since the company began mass production of combustion-powered bikes in 1949.
    The Japanese automotive giant has reached this significant milestone 76 years after it built its first motorcycle, the Honda Dream D-Type.
    Since its beginnings, Honda has developed and offered two-wheeled vehicles to meet the  needs of many types of customers, in many countries and regions, with the brand’s ethos that “the purpose of technology is to make people’s lives easier,” according to Honda. 
    1949 Dream D-Type (Honda’s first production motorcycle).
    Honda began mass-production of motorcycles at its first overseas production facility in Belgium in 1963, and since then, has expanded its production globally in accordance with its fundamental principle of “producing locally where there is demand.” As a result, Honda achieved its 100 million-unit milestone in 1997, its 200 million-unit milestone in 2008, and its 300 million-unit milestone in 2014.
    In 2018, Honda’s annual production exceeded 20 million units for the first time in its history, and cumulative global production reached 400 million units in 2019. Although the annual production of motorcycles temporarily declined due to COVID-19 in 2020, demand has steadily recovered worldwide to pre pandemic levels since then.

    In addition to internal combustion engine (ICE) models, Honda positioned year 2024 as its first year of global expansion for electric powered motorcycles.
    “We are delighted to support this global milestone that no other motorcycle brand in the world has achieved.” said Chris Schultz, General Manager, Powersports and Products at Honda Australia powersports general manager Chris Schultz.
    “Honda has a huge history in Australia that has generated a large following of loyal Honda owners. We are proud to be a part of this incredible story.”
      1 of 8   The post Honda celebrates 500 million motorcycle milestone appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Efforts underway to sell or recapitalise iconic Aussie motorcycle retailer as business operations continue
    The administrators handling the collapse of long-standing motorcycle retail chain Peter Stevens remain confident that the business can be salvaged, as efforts to find a buyer or investor move forward.

    Administration firm KordaMentha, which took control of the company earlier this week, confirmed that operations will continue while they seek expressions of interest for either a sale or recapitalisation of the business.
    In a statement, KordaMentha said, “The administrators intend to continue to operate the companies on a business-as-usual basis while they seek immediate expressions of interest for the sale or recapitalisation of the businesses.”
    Peter Stevens Motorcycles, operating for over five decades, entered voluntary administration on Monday—putting up to 400 jobs across its national network at risk. The retailer has long held a dominant presence in the Australian motorcycle market through a network of dealerships across multiple states.

    Administrator Craig Shepard believes a buyer is likely to emerge given the company’s strong foundations. “With more than 50 years of brand recognition, an established dealer footprint across the country and a significant share of the local motorcycle market, there is a genuine turnaround opportunity here,” Shepard said. “These are strong foundations for a new owner to set the business up for future success.”
    While administrators are hopeful, industry-wide challenges have contributed to the current retail environment. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reports that overall motorcycle sales have declined 3.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year—highlighting growing pressure on discretionary spending.

    “Motorcycles are often a discretionary purchase, and in the current environment of high living costs and interest rates, many Australians are understandably more cautious with their spending,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said in April. “While there is a slight softening across all categories in the wake of current economic conditions, we expect to see enthusiasm among Australian riders to return as conditions stabilise and maybe ease.”
    Peter Stevens is the latest major name to succumb to the financial squeeze caused by rising living costs, joining other closures across Australia’s retail and building sectors. The situation now remains in the hands of administrators, who hope the company’s legacy and market position will be enough to attract a buyer and secure the future of one of the country’s best-known motorcycle retailers.

    The post Administrators Optimistic About Future of Peter Stevens Motorcycles appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Funding from major shareholder Bajaj Auto helps the Austrian motorcycle giant meet looming debt repayment deadline
    In a crucial development, KTM AG has confirmed it has secured the funding required to fulfil its debt obligations as part of a sweeping insolvency plan. The Austrian company has battled a severe financial crisis since late last year that forced it into self-administration and a months-long restructuring process.
    KTM has a huge inventory of unsold bikes
    That process reached a decisive juncture this week when KTM confirmed that it had secured the necessary funding to make a critical payment to its creditors, putting it back on more stable financial footing. The required sum—around €600 million ($632 million)—is to cover 30% of the company’s outstanding debts, estimated to be more than €2 billion. The amount must be delivered to the insolvency administrator by the 23rd of May 2025, a deadline that KTM now says it will meet.
    As reported by AMCN in April, major shareholder Bajaj Auto Ltd. is playing an instrumental role in securing KTM’s future. While KTM’s official statement remained discreet about naming names, regulatory filings in India show that Bajaj Auto’s European arm secured a €566 million unsecured loan from global financial heavyweights JP Morgan Chase & Co., DBS Bank Ltd., and Citigroup Inc. The funds, according to Bajaj’s statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange, were earmarked for investment purposes—though the filing does not explicitly name KTM as a beneficiary.
    A return to production has been hampered a lack of component availability
    Notwithstanding the coy language, there is little doubt about the loan’s intended destination. A statement from Pierer Mobility AG confirmed that “restructuring plans of KTM AG, KTM Components GmbH and KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH can be fulfilled on time,” adding: “As announced, the creditors of KTM AG, KTM Components GmbH and KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH approved a restructuring plan quota of 30 percent on February 25, 2025, payable by May 23, 2025. The total amount required to finance the quota under the three restructuring plans amounts to approx. EUR 600 million. Pierer Mobility AG and KTM AG have received financing commitments, subject to the execution of the requisite agreements, which will ensure that the quota payments… can be fulfilled on time by May 23, 2025.”
    The successful securing of these funds follows a regional court decision in February that approved KTM’s restructuring proposal, which included a significant 70% haircut on its debts—a move that required creditor approval and underscored the urgency of securing new capital.
    Pit Beirer says KTM is committed to factory racing efforts beyond 2025
    Since initiating self-administration, KTM has undergone significant internal changes. These include layoffs, a temporary suspension of motorcycle production, the restructuring of its board of directors, and the sale of investments—including shares in MV Agusta.
    KTM is owned by Pierer Mobility AG, which itself is 74.18% owned by Pierer Bajaj AG—a joint venture in which Bajaj Auto holds a 49.9% stake. While KTM has not confirmed Bajaj’s direct involvement in the loan, increased financial engagement may well see Bajaj taking on a more prominent role in the brand’s direction going forward.
    In response to the news, KTM’s share value saw a noticeable uplift—a clear sign that investors are regaining confidence in the brand. However, questions remain, especially about KTM’s factory racing operations. During the height of its financial uncertainty late last year, court documentation revealed that one of the cost-saving proposals under consideration included a withdrawal from MotoGP. That said, KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer moved quickly in January to reassure the racing world of the company’s continued commitment to competition, even hinting at preparations for the 2027 MotoGP rule changes.
    Acosta has been rumoured to be exploring other options for 2026
    The post KTM Secures Billion Dollar Lifeline appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
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