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    RiderBOT
    Seized bikes linked to fugitive ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding include Ducati GP liveries and other ultra-collectible machines
    Authorities in Mexico have seized a massive collection of motorcycles believed to be owned by Ryan Wedding — a former Olympic snowboarder now wanted by US authorities over allegations he ran a major international drug trafficking operation.
    The FBI’s Los Angeles division announced the seizure on Monday, saying the motorcycles were located after multiple search warrants were executed in Mexico earlier this month. The collection is believed to be worth around US$40 million.

    For motorcycle tragics, the collection is jaw-dropping. While it’s impossible to confirm which machines are authentic factory race bikes from the photos alone, the sky-high valuation suggests that many may be the real deal. The foreground of the warehouse shot shows Ducati GP liveries and numbers associated with racing legends including Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi, Andrea Iannone, Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso. Also visible are what looks to be a Marc Márquez Moto2 machine, a Rossi 125cc GP bike, and a mix of other highly collectible, exotic competition motorcycles including a Hailwood era Ducati 1980 NCR860.

    Wedding, 44, is a Canadian national who competed for Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. He was charged with multiple drug offences in October 2024 and remains a fugitive. The US government is offering a reward of up to US$15 million for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Wedding is also listed on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and has been publicly compared to major historical figures in organised crime, including Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Pablo Escobar.
    The FBI has urged anyone with information to come forward, stating: “If you have any information concerning Wedding, please contact the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram at (424) 495-0614. You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online.”
    Earlier this month, the FBI released a newly obtained photo of Wedding and said he is believed to be residing in Mexico. The bureau also warned he should be considered armed and dangerous. After his Olympic appearance, Wedding was convicted in 2009 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and served time in prison until his release in December 2010. Federal prosecutors allege that, after his release, he established the trafficking enterprise at the centre of the current case. Authorities allege Wedding routinely moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and Southern California, with shipments allegedly destined for Canada and other locations across the US. He is also accused of ordering multiple murders, including the killing of a federal witness in January 2025.
    The post FBI Uncovers $60M Motorcycle Treasure Trove appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Each Marc Marquez-signed edition packs 218.5hp, MotoGP-style sidepod aero and Brembo GP4 callipers for $129,300
    Ducati has unveiled the Panigale V4 Márquez 2025 World Champion Replica, a limited-edition superbike created to celebrate Marc Márquez’s 2025 MotoGP Riders’ Championship with the Italian factory. Production is capped at just 293 numbered units worldwide, with each bike featuring Márquez’s original signature on the fuel tank cover, making it one of Ducati’s most overtly collector-focused modern specials.


    Based on the Panigale V4 platform and powered by the 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4, the Márquez Replica is aimed at riders who want a road-legal machine with stronger track intent than the standard V4 S. Ducati fits a homologated Akrapovič exhaust and a dedicated engine calibration, claiming 218.5hp at 13,500rpm and 122.1Nm at 11,250rpm (regional homologation figures vary). The Akrapovič system also drops 2.5kg, while Ducati lists the bike at 186.5kg kerb weight without fuel.

    A key visual and technical cue comes from MotoGP in the form of Ducati’s Corner Sidepods—aero first introduced by Ducati in the premier class in 2021. Ducati says the design generates a ground-effect-style benefit at high lean angles, increasing grip and supporting higher corner speeds. The Replica also wears five-spoke carbon-fibre wheels, claimed to be 0.95kg lighter than the forged wheels fitted to the Panigale V4 S, with inertia reductions of 12% front and 19% rear to sharpen direction changes and help the bike tighten its line while accelerating on lean.

    Braking is upgraded to Ducati’s road-homologated Front Brake Pro+ system, featuring twin Brembo T-Drive finned discs (338.5mm diameter, 6.2mm thick), Brembo GP4 Sport Production calipers machined from solid with cooling fins, and a Brembo MCS 19.21 master cylinder with remote adjustment—hardware Ducati says is derived from high-level racing applications.

    The equipment list leans heavily into premium track-day usability, including a dry clutch, adjustable billet aluminium footpegs, Alcantara seat, racing screen, GPS module, plus a dedicated key-on dash animation. For owners planning circuit use, Ducati also supplies additional parts (some not road-homologated), including a billet racing fuel cap, brake caliper air ducts, an open carbon clutch cover, and a license plate holder removal kit.

    As with Ducati’s other “collectible” models, the Márquez Replica is individually identified via a machined-from-solid top triple clamp engraved with the model name and serial number, with matching numbering on the aluminium ignition key cover, and it ships with a certificate of authenticity, dedicated cover, and an exclusive personalised wooden crate. Ducati is also promising an experience element for buyers, with an opportunity to meet Márquez for a photo during a round of the 2026 MotoGP season or at World Ducati Week 2026 (July 3–5).

    Australian pricing and local allocation have not been detailed, but with only 293 units planned globally, the Panigale V4 Márquez 2025 World Champion Replica will be a highly limited prospect for local collectors and track-focused Ducati fans.

    MAIN FEATURES
    1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine Maximum power of 218.5 hp at 13,500 rpm*** Maximum torque of 122.1 Nm at 11,250 rpm*** Homologated Akrapovič silencer with dedicated engine calibration* Corner Sidepods Front Frame 17-litre fuel tank, signed in original on the cover by Marc Márquez Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) 3.0 Öhlins NPX-30 pressurized fork with Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 control system Öhlins TTX 36 shock absorber with Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 control system Öhlins steering damper with Öhlins Smart EC 3.0 control system Kerb weight without fuel: 186.5 kg Alcantara seat Racing plexiglass Dry clutch kit Billet aluminium triple clamp with model name and serial number Dedicated dashboard animation at key-on Dedicated aluminium ignition key with serial number Adjustable billet aluminium footpegs Front Brake PRO+ braking system: double Brembo 338.5 x 6.2 mm T-drive ventilated front discs, Brembo     GP4 Sport Production calipers, Brembo MCS 19.21 master cylinder with remote adjustment Carbon fibre rims (approved for two-seater use) Front and rear mudguards, chain guard, heel guards, swingarm cover, exhaust guard, carbon fibre alternator cover GPS module Dedicated wooden transport crate* Dedicated motorcycle cover* Certificate of authenticity* Personalized box for additional components* Racing fuel tank cap in billet aluminium** Carbon fibre brake caliper air ducts** License plate holder removal kit** Open carbon fibre clutch cover** The post Ducati Unveil Panigale V4 Márquez Replica appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Triumph has unveiled two new additions to its 400 range for 2026, introducing the flat track-inspired Tracker 400 and the cafe racer-styled Thruxton 400 to global markets for the first time.
    The Tracker 400 will arrive in Australian dealers from March 2026 priced from $9990 rideaway, while the Thruxton 400 will be available from February priced from $10,390 rideaway.

    Both motorcycles feature an enhanced version of Triumph’s 398cc TR-Series engine, now producing 30kW at 9000rpm with a higher rev limit and stronger top-end performance. The updated powerplant delivers a five per cent increase in peak power while retaining 37.5Nm of torque, with 80 per cent available from 3000rpm. A revised camshaft profile and new engine tune enable the motor to rev harder and higher.

    The Tracker 400 channels flat track racing aesthetics with stripped-back styling and aggressive lines. Its design incorporates a tracker-style fuel tank with sculpted knee cut-outs, fly screen, colour-coded seat cowl, and dual-spoke wheels fitted with blocky Pirelli MT60 RS dual-purpose tyres.
    A distinctive number board displaying ‘400’ pays tribute to legendary flat track racers, while flat and wide handlebars sit 23mm broader and 134mm lower than the Speed 400’s bars. Footpegs are repositioned 86mm further back and 27mm higher, creating an upright, elbows-out riding position.

    The motorcycle features a dedicated chassis with 43mm upside-down big piston forks offering 140mm of travel up front, paired with a preload-adjustable rear monoshock providing 130mm of travel.
    The 805mm seat height combines with torque-assist clutch, switchable traction control and ABS for accessible performance, while a single-dial analogue speedometer and digital tachometer deliver essential information.

    Available in Racing Yellow, Phantom Black and Aluminium Silver Gloss, each colourway features Tracker lettering on the fuel tank with racing stripes and mud-splatter detailing extending onto the seat cowl.

    The Thruxton 400 features clip-on handlebars positioned 40mm narrower and 246mm lower than the Speed 400’s bars, with rear-set footpegs 86mm further back and 27mm higher, rotating the rider forward into a true cafe racer posture. A new fairing houses the round LED headlight, while bar-end mirrors, a colour-coded bullet seat cowl, shortened rear mudguard and upswept sports silencer complete the classic cafe racer silhouette.

    The Thruxton 400’s dedicated chassis pairs 43mm upside-down big piston forks with 135mm of travel with a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock offering 130mm of wheel travel, optimised for sporty response and agility. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres provide grippy road manners. Rider technology includes an analogue speedometer with LCD tachometer display featuring a USB-C charging port, ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, torque-assist clutch and ABS.

    Four colour schemes are available: Phantom Black with Aluminium Silver featuring Racing Red accents, Carnival Red Gloss with Aluminium Silver, Pearl Metallic White with Storm Grey including Caribbean Blue flashes, and Metallic Racing Yellow with Aluminium Silver featuring Phantom Black accents. Each scheme includes sleek graphics across the fuel tank, fairing and seat cowl, with a Matt Phantom Black side panel carrying an aluminium finish Thruxton badge.
    Triumph will offer a range of genuine accessories for both models, including engine protection bars, tank pads, bullet LED indicators, bar-end mirrors and a premium quilted seat for the Thruxton 400.
    1 of 12 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. 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 unveils Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 for Australia appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Hinckley expands its 400 range with a $9,990 Tracker and $10,390 Thruxton, both due in Australia early 2026
    Triumph is adding two more models to its 400cc Modern Classics range for 2026, confirming Australian arrival dates and rideaway pricing for the new Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400. The pair sit alongside the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X (plus the newer Scrambler XC), with bespoke ergonomics, chassis set-up and tyre choice to create two distinct riding experiences.

    At the centre of both bikes is the latest version of Triumph’s 398cc TR-series single-cylinder engine. Triumph says the update includes mechanical changes such as a revised camshaft profile and a new engine tune, lifting peak output to 42PS at 9000rpm, a claimed five per cent increase. The company is also leaning on a higher rev limit and stronger top-end performance as the real-world benefit, suggesting these bikes are meant to be ridden harder through the last third of the tacho than earlier versions. Torque output stays at 37.5Nm, 80 per cent of which is available from 3000rpm.

    The shared platform also brings modern rider aids that are quickly becoming expected at this price point. Both bikes retain ride-by-wire throttle control, a torque-assist clutch, switchable traction control and ABS. Triumph is sticking with an analogue-style speedometer paired with a digital tachometer readout, aiming for a classic cockpit without losing key information.
    Tracker 400: flat track attitude for the road
    The Tracker 400 is Triumph’s first flat track-inspired model and it’s aimed at riders who like a more open, assertive riding position than the Speed 400. Triumph has altered the rider triangle significantly: the handlebar is 23mm wider and 134mm lower than the Speed 400’s, while the footpegs are moved 86mm further back and 27mm higher.

    Triumph says the Tracker runs a dedicated chassis set-up for sharper handling and a more involved ride. Up front are black anodised 43mm upside-down big piston forks with 140mm of travel. At the rear is a gas monoshock with 130mm of travel and preload adjustment, including allowance for pillion loading. Those travel figures put it at the plusher end of small-capacity roadsters, which makes sense given the Tracker’s dirt-friendly attitude and Pirelli MT60 RS dual-purpose tyres. The ABS-equipped braking package includes a four-piston radial calliper chomping on a single 300mm rotor at the front and a single piston calliper, 230mm rotor at the rear.

    Triumph is also leaning on finishing detail, with the engine’s machined cooling fins and powder-coated covers highlighted, and a conscious effort to keep wiring and hoses visually hidden. Styling is unmistakably tracker-themed, with a fly screen, seat cowl, a number-board element and newly styled wheels, along with the Modern Classic signatures of a round LED headlight and twin upswept silencers. The seat height is quoted at 805mm, keeping it accessible for a wide spread of riders. Australian colours include Racing Yellow, Phantom Black and Aluminium Silver Gloss.

    Thruxton 400: a junior café racer
    The Thruxton 400 brings back one of Triumph’s most recognisable names in a smaller, more accessible format. Where the Tracker is about wide bars and upright intent, the Thruxton features clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs for a sporty riding position, with a dedicated chassis and refined suspension to match.
    Triumph’s numbers show just how far the riding position shifts compared with the Speed 400. The clip-ons are 40mm narrower and 246mm lower than the Speed 400’s handlebar, while the rear-set pegs are positioned 86mm further back and 27mm higher, placing the rider more over the front end to deliver the racy posture Thruxton buyers expect.
    Suspension remains premium-spec for the category, with black anodised 43mm upside-down big piston forks offering 135mm of travel, and a preload-adjustable gas monoshock at the rear with 130mm of travel. 17-inch cast aluminium alloy rims are shod with sporty Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
    The Thruxton’s styling leans into the classic silhouette with modern detailing. A new fairing houses the round LED headlight, while bar-end mirrors, a sculpted fuel tank with the Triumph triangle badge, and a colour-coded seat cowl create the café profile. A shortened rear mudguard and compact LED tail-light tidy the tail, finished off with an upswept sports silencer. Triumph also calls out a Monza-style fuel cap and the general level of paint and finishing as part of the Thruxton’s premium positioning.
    Instrumentation mirrors the rest of the 400 family, using an analogue speedometer with an LCD tachometer, and Triumph notes a USB-C charging port for devices.

    Warranty and ownership
    Triumph is backing both the Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 with a two-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and says this coverage extends to Genuine Triumph accessories as well. The Tracker 400 is priced from $9990 rideaway and is due in Australian dealers from March 2026, whilst the Thruxton 400 is priced from $10,390 rideaway and is due in dealerships from February 2026.

    Specifications

    TRACKER 400
    ENGINE
    Type: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC
    Capacity: 398cc
    Bore x stroke: 89.0mm x 64.0mm
    Compression: 12:1
    Maximum power: 42PS / 41.4bhp (30.89kW) @ 9000rpm
    Maximum torque: 37.5Nm @ 7500rpm
    Fuel system: Bosch electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
    Exhaust: Stainless twin-skin header system with stainless steel silencer
    Final drive: X-ring chain
    Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist
    Gearbox: 6-speed
    CHASSIS
    Frame: Hybrid spine/perimeter, tubular steel, bolt-on rear subframe
    Swingarm: Twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy
    Front suspension: 43mm upside-down Big Piston forks, 140mm travel
    Rear suspension: Gas monoshock RSU with external reservoir and preload adjustment, 130mm travel
    Front brake: Single 300mm disc, four-piston radial caliper, ABS
    Rear brake: Single 230mm disc, single-piston floating caliper, ABS
    Front wheel: 17 x 3.0in cast aluminium alloy
    Rear wheel: 17 x 4.0in cast aluminium alloy
    Front tyre: 110/70 R17
    Rear tyre: 150/60 R17
    Instruments: Analogue speedometer with integrated multi-function LCD screen
    DIMENSIONS
    Length: 2033mm
    Width (handlebars): 857mm
    Height (no mirrors): 1050mm
    Seat height: 805mm
    Wheelbase: 1371mm
    Rake: 24.4°
    Trail: 107.6mm
    Wet weight: 173kg
    Fuel tank: 13L
    SERVICE AND WARRANTY
    Service interval: 16,000km / 12 months (whichever comes first)
    Warranty: Two years, unlimited km (per Triumph AU press release)
    THRUXTON 400
    ENGINE
    Type: Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC
    Capacity: 398cc
    Bore x stroke: 89.0mm x 64.0mm
    Compression: 12:1
    Maximum power: 42PS / 41.4bhp (30.89kW) @ 9000rpm
    Maximum torque: 37.5Nm @ 7500rpm
    Fuel system: Bosch electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
    Exhaust: Stainless twin-skin header system with stainless steel silencer
    Final drive: X-ring chain
    Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist
    Gearbox: 6-speed
    CHASSIS
    Frame: Hybrid spine/perimeter, tubular steel, bolt-on rear subframe
    Swingarm: Twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy
    Front suspension: 43mm upside-down Big Piston forks, 135mm travel
    Rear suspension: Gas monoshock RSU with external reservoir and preload adjustment, 130mm travel
    Front brake: Single 300mm disc, four-piston radial caliper, ABS
    Rear brake: Single 230mm disc, single-piston floating caliper, ABS
    Front wheel: 17 x 3.0in cast aluminium alloy
    Rear wheel: 17 x 4.0in cast aluminium alloy
    Front tyre: 110/70 R17
    Rear tyre: 150/60 R17
    Instruments: Analogue speedometer with integrated multi-function LCD screen
    DIMENSIONS
    Length: 2042mm
    Width (handlebars): 775mm
    Height (no mirrors): 1110mm
    Seat height: 795mm
    Wheelbase: 1376mm
    Rake: 24.5°
    Trail: 101.5mm
    Wet weight: 176kg
    Fuel tank: 13L
    SERVICE AND WARRANTY
    Service interval: 16,000km / 12 months (whichever comes first)
    Warranty: Two years, unlimited km (per Triumph AU press release)
    The post Triumph Rolls Out Tracker 400 and Thruxton 400 appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    LAMS-approved cruiser gets comfort and ergonomics upgrades along with fresh styling, priced from $8,990 rideaway
    CFMOTO Australia has announced the MY26 version of its 450CL-C cruiser, with a small package of comfort and usability changes, two new paint options and local availability listed as “now”. The 450CL-C remains positioned in the LAMS cruiser segment and continues with its twin-cylinder layout, with the 2026 update focusing on rider touchpoints and minor bodywork revisions rather than major mechanical changes.
    The most significant change is to the seat. CFMOTO says the MY26 450CL-C receives a new seat cushion with 55mm thickness and an extra 20mm of width on each side, aimed at reducing fatigue over longer rides while also contributing to a more stable feel in the saddle.
    Ergonomics at the left foot have also been revised, with the gear lever updated to a heel-toe shifter. CFMOTO describes it as intended to make upshifts and downshifts more effortless, with a slimmer profile for comfort and a shoe-friendly design aimed at reducing snagging or wear—an update likely to appeal to riders who favour bulkier cruiser footwear.
    Visually, there’s a small but noticeable change at the rear, with the 2026 model gaining rear fender side panels widened by 30mm. CFMOTO says the broader panels give the bike a more planted stance, while also offering improved splash protection and cleaner airflow around the rear wheel.
    Colour options are new for MY26 as well, with CFMOTO listing Nebula White and Galaxy Grey as the two updated finishes for the Australian market.
    CFMOTO Australia says the MY26 450CL-C will begin arriving in authorised dealerships imminently and is available now, with a manufacturer’s suggested ride-away price of $8,990 – which includes 12 months registration.
    SPECIFICATIONS
    ENGINE
    Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 270° crankshaft
    Capacity: 449cc
    Bore & Stroke: 72mm x 55.2mm
    Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
    Fuel System: Bosch EFI
    Maximum Power Output: 30kW @ 8,000rpm
    Maximum Torque Output: 42Nm @ 6,250rpm
    Transmission: 6-speed with CF-SC slipper clutch
    CHASSIS
    Front Suspension: Ø37mm upside-down fork, 130mm travel
    Rear Suspension: Centrally mounted single rear shock, 96mm travel
    Brakes: Front: J.Juan 4-piston radial caliper, single Ø320mm floating disc; Rear: J.Juan single-piston caliper, Ø220mm disc
    ABS: Dual-channel ABS
    Front Tyre: 130/90-R16 M/C CST
    Rear Tyre: 150/80-R16 M/C CST
    Length x Width x Height: 2,205mm x 805mm x 1,110mm
    Wheelbase: 1,485mm
    Seat Height: 705mm
    Fuel Capacity: 12L
    Curb Weight: 181kg
    OTHER
    Available Colours: Nebula White or Galaxy Grey
    MSRP (Ride Away): $8,990 ride away
    Contact cfmoto.com.au
    The post Updated CFMOTO 450CL-C Lands in Oz appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Designs show big V4 with automated clutch and air suspension
    Benda was an unknown brand outside China just a handful of years ago but has become a prolific developer of new engines and ideas with a cruiser-oriented range that spans from 250cc V-twins to a 950cc V4. But it has plans for even more complicated designs in the near future including a bigger V4 and – as these designs reveal – a version fitted with an automated clutch.

    This year alone the company has previewed an array of new engines including a 1700cc inline six with a dual-clutch transmission, a 700cc boxer twin and a 550cc inline four that’s destined for the company’s first sports bike, as well as the radical P51 concept bike that’s heading for production with a 250cc boxer paired to an electric hybrid drive system. But the bike seen in these designs hasn’t been shown in public yet and pairs a new version of the brand’s V4 engine with an electronic clutch similar to Honda’s E-Clutch.
    Benda’s version of the E-Clutch operates in the same way as Honda’s, adding an electromechanical actuator to a conventional, lever-operated clutch, allowing the rider to choose whether to control it manually or let the bike’s computer take the strain. In auto mode it means you can start, stop and shift gears without ever touching the clutch lever. So far, it’s been launched on one model, the new Rock 707 V-twin cruiser, but the same clutch system is visible on the righthand side of the V4 engine in the bike seen in these new design images.

    At the moment, Benda offers two V4 cruisers, the smaller Dark Flag 500 and the larger Dark Flag 950. The bike in these designs appears to share its chassis with the bigger of the two, with a similar frame, forks and front brakes as the Dark Flag 950. The engine is different, though, with notably revised castings for the cylinders and cylinder heads as well as the new covers needed to house the electronic clutch system. When Benda originally announced its plans for a range of V4 models back in 2021 it promised that the largest version would use an 1198cc motor with 113kW and 121Nm of torque, so there’s a distinct possibility that’s the bike shown in these images.
    While the styling follows the same cues as the existing Dark Flag 500 and Dark Flag 950 models, all the panels and the tank are different. The headlight is a more futuristic design, with a traditional-style bowl but without the usual one-piece lens, instead showing a central LED surrounded by four intakes. The circular dash looks like the same colour TFT that’s used on the Dark Flag 950, but there’s a second instrument set into the top of the fuel tank, just behind the filler. The rear suspension features height-adjustable air shocks, a system that’s already been launched on the top version of the company’s biggest V-twin cruiser, the Rock 707.

    Will you be able to buy the bikes in the Australian market? Yep. The brand has signed a deal with an Australian importer and promises to have bikes on the market here in 2026, with a website already active at www.bendamoto.com.au where potential customers can register to get more information.
    The post Benda Preps An Auto Clutch V4 Cruiser appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Bass Coast Council raises alarm bells over the tenure of Victoria’s iconic MotoGP round, with no deal locked in beyond 2026
    A coalition of Gippsland councils and tourism bodies has issued an urgent call for the Victorian Government to lock in a long-term contract for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island, warning that the state risks losing one of its most iconic international events.
    Bass Coast Shire Council — in partnership with Destination Phillip Island, South Gippsland Shire Council and Destination Gippsland — has launched a community petition urging the government to secure the MotoGP’s future on Phillip Island beyond 2026. The current contract expires next year, and negotiations are already underway.
    Advocacy and Partnerships Advisor Andrew Pickering said the stakes for the region couldn’t be clearer. “MotoGP is more than a race. It’s an iconic international event that brings major tourism, jobs and economic benefits to our region and to Victoria,” he said. “With contract negotiations underway, this is a critical moment, and a strong show of community and organisational support will help keep this world-class event right here where it belongs. Momentum is already building, and we want to harness this attention and channel it into strong community action. Every signature and share counts — together, we can make our voice impossible to ignore.”
    The groups say the event delivers enormous economic, tourism and employment benefits to the region and to Victoria more broadly, driving tens of thousands of visitors into Gippsland each October and generating an estimated tens of millions of dollars in local spending.
    They argue that losing the race to another Australian state or an overseas venue would be a major blow not only for the Bass Coast but for the state’s major-events reputation.
    The petition, released earlier this week, has gained rapid momentum, with widespread community backing and national media attention. Bass Coast mayor Rochelle Halstead has has spoken across multiple outlets including across multiple media outlets urging Victorians to demonstrate clear public support as negotiations continue.
    While the campaign is calling for swift action from Spring Street, the Victorian Government maintains that the Phillip Island round remains a major priority.
    A government spokesperson said: “The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is synonymous with Phillip Island — we are proud to back this much-loved, iconic event that showcases the best of the Bass Coast to a global audience.”
    The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has previously described Phillip Island as one of MotoGP’s most iconic destinations, and one of the most highly regarded circuits on the world championship calendar.
    Regional leaders say now is the critical moment for the community to make its voice heard, and that visible support could play a crucial role in ensuring the event remains in Victoria long-term.
    The petition and related campaign encourage riders, fans, residents and businesses to sign, share, and contact Premier Jacinta Allan directly as contract talks continue.
    Supporters can add their names to the community petition calling on the Victorian Government to secure a long-term MotoGP contract at Phillip Island via the campaign link: Petition – Save Our MotoGP. They can also contact Premier Jacinta Allan directly through the provided email action page: Email the Premier – Save Our MotoGP.
    The campaign is also being shared across social media, with posts available to support on Facebook and Instagram.
    The post Urgent Calls to Secure Phillip Island Grand Prix Future appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Ninja 7 Hybrid forms the basis of big scooter designs
    Hybrid powertrains are rapidly becoming the norm on four wheels – offering the efficiency and cleanliness of electric motors but adding the convenience of being able to refuel at conventional filling stations – and while the idea is still struggling to convince two-wheeled customers of its benefits there’s a growing swell of development in that direction.
    Kawasaki is at the forefront, offering the most advanced production hybrid motorcycles in the form of the Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid, but rivals including Yamaha are working on similar machines, and there are growing suggestions that Kawasaki’s own hybrid range is set to expand.

    We’ve previously seen the company file patents showing how it hopes to reorganise the elements of the existing hybrid powertrain – a 451cc parallel twin engine, semi-auto transmission, electric motor and medium-sized battery pack – into different types of bikes. Both an adventure-style ‘Versys 7 Hybrid’ and a cruiser-style ‘Eliminator 7 Hybrid’ appear to be on the cards, going by the development work at Kawasaki’s R&D department, and now we can add a maxi-scooter to that list after this new patent was published.
    The basic elements of the parallel twin engine, transmission, motor and battery are still there, but they’re moved around again to suit a big scooter-style bike. The engine isn’t shifted, so there’s no step-through cutaway in the centre of the bike, but the fuel tank is moved from above the engine to a new spot under the seat, giving proportions akin to a Honda X-ADV. The battery, which is under the seat on the Ninja 7 and Z7 Hybrid models, is moved to sit transversely in front of the engine’s cylinder head, where you’d normally find the radiator, and the radiator itself is moved downwards to make space for it. That means the frame needs to be extended forwards, moving the front wheel further ahead to make space for the battery and repositioned rad.

    The patents show how the under-seat fuel tank has an arc-shaped bite taken from its upper rear corner, clearly intended to make space for a helmet in the under-seat storage area behind it, and the patent images show footboards running all the way from below the swingarm pivot to the front edge of the radiator, allowing a scooter-style, feet-forward riding position.
    While Kawasaki’s existing hybrids haven’t raced up the sales charts, applying the tech to a maxi scooter aimed at commuters could be a clever way to maximise its potential. Maxi scooters are already expensive – often costing more than much bigger ‘real’ bikes – so absorbing the cost of the hybrid system into the price should be easier. And with a growing number of cities around the world implementing clean air zones the potential for a commuter machine that can switch to zero-emissions mode when required while still having the range of a combustion engine and the traffic-busting abilities of a scooter means a hybrid two-wheeler could be the perfect solution for some riders.
    The post Patent Points to Kawasaki Hybrid Maxi Scooter appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    More capacity and more power for MV-derived range-topper
    China’s motorcycle marques are undoubtedly forging ahead faster than ever before in their quest to become credible rivals for the best that Europe and Japan have to offer, and with the SRK1051 RR, QJMotor has taken another substantial stride in that direction.
    The messaging on this bike has been confused at best. Visually, it’s identical to the machine that was presented in early 2025 as the SRK1000 RR, which then carried specs showing it had a 921cc four-cylinder engine – the same motor used in the more conventionally styled SRK921 RR and the Superveloce-mimicking Super 9 – but that variant appears to have been revamped before even reaching showrooms to become the SRK1051 RR with a 1051cc version of the engine.

    The styling is a direct evolution of the SRK1000RC Ten78 concept bike that was shown back in 2023, penned by former MV Agusta design boss Adrian Morton, one of the founders of design studio C-Creative – alongside ex-MV boss Giovanni Castiglioni – that’s now being used for most of QJMotor’s bikes. It’s a strong look, too, that can clearly avoid the criticism often levelled at Chinese brands of aping rivals’ bikes. Under that skin, there’s a close relationship to the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 when it comes to the chassis and engine, a legacy of a previously planned deal between the two companies that was originally intended to see QJ take on the responsibility of making low-cost MV models in exchange for being able to adopt the Italian brand’s aging four-cylinder engine design into its own machines. While that tie-in never quite happened, QJMotor clearly gained enough to be able to build its own version of MV’s engine in-house at its Chinese factory.

    The 1051cc four promises 106kW at 10,600rpm and 105Nm at 8,000rpm, still a long way short of the 150kW-plus of the best litre four-cylinder superbikes, and importantly well behind the performance promised by rival CFMoto for its upcoming V4 machine, but a performance level that would have been unthinkable from an affordable Chinese-made bike until very recently.

    Equipment includes ride-by-wire with three riding modes and multi-level cornering traction control backed by a six-axis IMU, adjustable Marzocchi suspension (QJMotor’s parent, Qianjiang, is responsible for all Marzocchi manufacturing), Brembo brakes and Pirelli Diablo tyres. There’s cornering ABS, too, and a bidirectional quickshifter as well as a 5-inch TFT dash that includes tyre pressure information and navigation alongside the usual revs and speed readouts.

    At 205kg dry, the bike is a bit heavier than the latest and greatest litre fours from established brands, but it’s also likely to be substantially more affordable, although pricing has yet to be announced.
    The post QJMotor ups its sportsbike game with SRK1051 RR appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT

    Harley X440 T Unveiled

    By RiderBOT, in Articles,

    New version of Hero-made Harley single
    We’re still waiting for more news of Harley-Davidson’s promised low-cost ‘Sprint’ model – confirmed as a global entry-level offering in 2026 but still not officially unveiled – but in the meantime the company has taken the wraps off a new version of its Indian-made (that’s the country, not the bike brand) X440 single.

    The ‘X’ branding has already been applied to a trio of low-cost, foreign-made machines that wear the Harley-Davidson logo in selected non-US markets. In Australia we’ve had the X350 and X500, both liquid-cooled parallel twins manufactured in China by Qianjiang, the parent to QJMotor and Benelli among others, but in India the entry model is the X440, made by manufacturing giant Hero MotoCorp.

    Hero, uniquely, has a deal with Harley-Davidson that allows it to develop and market bikes in India wearing the Harley-Davidson badge, and that agreement was recently extended with an additional provision that will allow Hero-developed machines to be sold in some other markets as well. For 2026, the original X440 has been joined by a second version, dubbed X440 T, that features revised styling and technology.

    The basics are the same as before, including an identical 440cc, air-cooled single with 27hp, but the T version gains ride-by-wire to allow two riding modes, road and rain, as well as switchable traction control. It also gets a sportier-looking seat unit that moves away from the traditional Harley cruiser look and instead takes its cues from the XR1200. Coming in at 192kg ready to ride, the T is 2.5kg lighter than the standard X440 (194.5kg) but otherwise mechanically unchanged, with no alterations to the KYB forks or dual gas shocks, the wheels (18in front, 17in rear) or the ByBre brakes.

    Will the upcoming Sprint be related to the Hero-made bikes? That remains to be seen, but with a planned US-market price of under $6000 US, it’s going to be at least 40% cheaper than any other new Harley on that market in a move that promises to open the brand up to a whole new gamut of riders.
    The post Harley X440 T Unveiled appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
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