Tayla Relph is a deep source of inspiration in the world of motorcycling. Reflecting on her early years, she recalls the transformative influence of one significant figure in her life: Garry McCoy. As a young girl, Tayla admired Garry from afar, not fully understanding the impact he would have on her career. “I wish I knew back then how significant that coaching was,” she says, reminiscing about the countless hours spent with Garry. At just 10 or 11 years old, Tayla saw Garry as a cool figure from YouTube, not realizing he would become a pivotal part of her life. Garry McCoy’s mentorship extended beyond just coaching. Tayla recalls, “He gave me all of his race leathers to use, and even one of his race helmets. Luckily, we were the same size.” For about three years of her Australian Superbike career, Tayla was outfitted in Garry’s race gear, a testament to his support and belief in her. Today, Tayla stands proud, reflecting on how far she has come. “I am so proud that I can now stand tall and be the role model I wish I had when I was 10,” she says. Her journey from a young admirer to a successful rider is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of having role models who believe in you. Tayla’s story highlights not only her personal growth but also her commitment to inspiring the next generation of motorcyclists. Her journey serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that a mentor can have and the importance of giving back by becoming the role model you once needed. For more information https://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2024/HER+STORY+meet+Tayla+Relph+I+am+so+proud+that+I+can+now+stand+tall+and+be+the+role+model+I+wish+I+had+when+I+was+10 Read more https://ausmotorcyclist.com.au/

TRIPPING AS YOU’RE READING THIS, I have just got off the plane after riding three of the highest motorable roads in the world with Royal Enfield as part of their Moto Himalaya experience.

RAISING THE BAR Suzuki’s raised the adventure bar yet again with a more diversified Suzuki V-STROM 1050 platform that includes – for the first time – a flagship model dedicated to maximising off-road performance with a 21-inch front wheel, switchable ABS and a special gravel traction control mode.

EVER SINCE THE YAMAHA MT-10 was released (around six years ago) I have loved riding each new year model and version – they’re an animal of a bike that makes you giggle like a schoolgirl whenever you twist the throttle. The bike you’re reading about here is the top-level SP version, now even closer to sister, the R1-M, yet higher in spec! That is, until the new R1-M is released shortly…

WORDS & PHOTOS THE BEAR Yes, that’s the last bit of the Stelvio. THERE IS QUITE A lot of competition for the “best motorcycle roads in the world”. I play the game myself, but I am honest about it: I remember that the best roads are generally the most recent ones I have ridden. Thinking about that a few months ago while we were still in the grip of covid, I realised that I could not really be fair because I had ridden relatively few roads and passes in the Alps.

WORDS – PICKO • PHOTOS – ROYAL ENFIELD ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK makes a hard man humble…”, so the song goes. Hard I am not, but humbled I was as I sped furiously through Bangkok city on Royal Enfield’s new Hunter 350. Here I was on a bike designed for city life, and outstandingly capable of doing so. The humbled part comes from witnessing the thousands of motorcycles blasting through the cityscape at seemingly insane speeds, and me being a part of that insanity on the Hunter.

HERE’S THE TRABI!WORDS/PHOTOS THE BEAR This Trabant has been carefully restored. EVERYBODY MAKES JOKES ABOUT the dud cars that manufacturers have produced over the years. Ford would, I’m sure, prefer to forget the Edsel just as Audi would the Fox. But what about a manufacturer that has only ever made one car… which kept East Germans in jokes for decades? Meet the Trabant, built by VEB Sachsenring in Zwickau, Saxony from 1957 to 1990. I know it’s a car, but it is also a 601cc two-stroke, which sounds like a bike.

I’m the man who grabs the sun, riding to Valhalla! NO, NO, THAT’S WALHALLAWORDS – STUART • PHOTOS – VARIOUS THIS IS A GREAT little route that takes in some history of a once gold mining town and some beautiful corners. A normally pretty quiet route on most days, which makes it even more relaxing.

Out from the Shadows Steve Parrish and Murray Sayle reflect on the Gold Era of modern racing WORDS & PICS DARRYL FLACK OBEYING THE WISHES OF a professional photographer, Murray Sayle poses with the H2R750 that kicked off his wonderful career at Kawasaki. Muz climbs aboard and sits high in the saddle as the gorgeous sunshine highlights the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed (BSFOS) paddock in the brilliant hues of 1970s factory liveries.

WORDS – STUART • PHOTOS – NICK WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS TAKEN ITS Low Rider S (a bike which I love) and transformed it into a travel-happy performance cruiser named the Low Rider ST. It’s a bit of a throw to those bagger racers you see in America, as a sort of bare bones machine with a screen.