There’s an undeniable allure to the Ducati 900 SS. It’s a timeless motorcycle that resonates with many, especially for Don, a seasoned motorcyclist with over 54 years of riding experience. Here’s an insight into his journey, his love for the Ducati 900 SS, and what makes older bikes so special. The Ducati Connection “I think there’s just something about the Ducati 900 SS. It remains one of my favourite Ducatis of all time,” begins our trip down memory lane. Don’s first taste of this classic motorcycle was many years ago. Although he parted with it once, the regret of that decision made him hunt down another one. This 900 SS remains a testament to his deep-rooted passion for the brand.

The world of motorcycling encompasses far more than the gleaming models you see on showroom floors. There’s an art to bringing an old classic back to life. And Greg, a seasoned motorcyclist with 45 years under his belt, is a master of this craft. A Passion Ignited Early “I’ve owned a few older bikes and know my way around basic maintenance. But the magic lies in reviving an old classic,” begins our host. It’s Greg’s prowess in this realm that truly stands out. “My motorcycle journey began with a 650 Yamaha. And soon after, the allure of classic bikes gripped me, maybe it’s in my genes; after all, my grandfather was an Army bike mechanic during the war,” Greg reveals.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, there’s no story quite like that of Santina. An American woman who found her passion and purpose amidst the roaring sounds of motorcycle engines and the thrill of the open road. Her journey takes us from working at Harley Davidson in the U.S. to selling Royal Enfields in Australia and daringly attempting an Australian land speed record. Meet Santina: The Woman Behind the Wheels Starting with dirt bikes almost three decades ago, Santina’s love for motorcycles was not just a pastime, but a lifeline. Even amidst personal crises, her passion for bikes remained steadfast. A close friend saw the fire in her eyes and urged her to transform this passion into a career. This passion would lead her from a small town in Nevada, across the Pacific, to Australia.

KTM has overhauled its globally renowned 390 Duke with a bigger engine, new design, and class-leading features 2023 marks 10 years of the game-changing 390 Duke. And it’s safe to say there needs to be a big celebration of the feat. After all, the streetfighter has been the one to beat in the sub-400cc naked category all its life, with record sales worldwide. That’s exactly what’s happening now, as KTM has finally taken the wraps off the revamped 390 Duke for MY24. The motorcycle has a plethora of upgrades from head to toe, most notably a first-ever increase in engine capacity since its debut. It promises to set a new benchmark once again, just like it did ten years ago. Let’s dive in!

The vast landscapes of Australia have seen countless motorcyclists traverse its terrains. But few can claim a passion for bikes as enduring and vibrant as Prue, who has spent more than 55 years riding. We journeyed west, with a slight detour north, to the unmistakably Australian town of Galaga bone, to bring you her story. Riding Through Time Prue’s initiation into the world of motorcycling was not of her own choosing. “My father decided,” she reminisces. An avid motorcyclist in England during his youth, he believed that if his teenage daughter needed transport, a car would be too expensive. “You’re getting a bike,” he told her. And not just any bike – a Honda 90. A slight victory for Prue, considering her brother got a smaller one.

Aprilia has finally teased its upcoming sub-500cc sport bike across social media It’s happening! Aprilia has finally dropped a teaser for the much-anticipated RS 440. As you’d expect, it reveals little about the motorcycle but there are some cues to confirm it’s indeed the company’s sub-500cc sport bike. To jog your memory, the motorcycle has been spied a few times already. These first came to light in early 2023 on Indian turf, followed by more recent sightings on Aprilia’s home turf, Italy. Jumping right in, the teaser shows the silhouette of an RS 660-like sport bike. However, the tail end is different, and so are the split seats for the two occupants. Yes, we know the saddle looks like a single-piece unit, but zoom in, and you’ll see a clear split. Similarly, the tank and windscreen are also different from the RS 660, in case you think this is a special edition of the middleweight sport bike. The biggest confirmation, meanwhile, is the set of Indian-made TVS Eurogrip ProTorq Extreme tires. These were also present on the test mule spotted in Europe and if this is the OEM rubber, the 440 will mark the debut of these tires outside India.

First Encounters and Lasting Memories “When you think of classics, what comes to your mind?” asks Ross, a passionate biker from the Biker Talk team. For Iggy, it was the Suzuki GS-1000s. The very first time he laid eyes on this beauty, Iggy recalls being completely taken aback. The stories of West Cooley and Pops Yoshimura only added to the allure, painting a vivid picture of racing glory and unmatched craftsmanship. Now, Iggy proudly houses two of these iconic Suzuki models in his garage. But, he’s quick to point out a belief that resonates with many: “You don’t necessarily need the biggest or fastest motorcycle to embark on an adventure.” Bikes, A Family Affair Iggy’s love for bikes isn’t a recent infatuation. With 40 years of riding under his belt, he credits his father for instilling this passion in him. Growing up, their home echoed with the purrs and roars of various bikes, thanks to his dad’s mechanical prowess. “It’s more than just machines; it’s memories, connections, and emotions,” Iggy shares with a nostalgic twinkle in his eye.

Variable valve timing will give ‘Busa a boost and improve exhaust emissions. Several newly published patent documents have emerged showing a version of Suzuki’s Hayabusa fitted with variable valve timing, a system that could help add even more performance while ensuring the bike isn’t threatened by next-generation emissions rules around the world. The Hayabusa has already fallen foul of emissions limits in the past, disappearing from sale in many markets back in 2018 before making its return in 2021 with a cleaner engine and new styling. However, power was sacrificed at the altar of emissions, so the 2021-to-present machine has less on-paper performance than its predecessor.

The allure of the unknown, the beauty of the open road, and the magic of experiencing a new culture up close are reasons many of us have felt the itch to travel. For those who want to step out of the regular tourist trail, the back roads beckon, and as seasoned motorcyclist James says, “There’s no better way to do it than on a motorbike.” James is no ordinary rider. Having been on two wheels for 24 years, his journey started in Toronto, Canada, on a Suzuki GS500. Remembering the challenge of his initial rides, James says, “The first time I got on it, I didn’t know how to turn it. It took some getting used to.” Fast forward to today, James is an expert rider, but it’s his current location that makes his story truly unique.

In a fascinating episode of Biker Talk hosted by Ross, we got to delve deep into the exhilarating world of motorcycles, looking at it through the visor of Nick, a seasoned rider with a unique history. Nick’s Motorcycle Origin Story As a young 16-year-old in the UK, Nick’s desire to be part of the biking fraternity was as robust as any teenager’s zeal. Despite his parents’ reservations, Nick’s first ride was a Yamaha CS3 two-stroke 200cc. Recalling a mishap in the rain, he fondly reminisced about the sensation of freedom it offered, akin to riding a pushbike but without the pedalling.