Mr Stefanovic has recently taken on a new role as the National Operations Manager at Motorbike Transport Australia.

Mr Stefanovic comes from a marketing and accounting background in the logistics industry.

This places Mr Stefanovic in good stride to take Motorbike Transport in a new direction, to be announced soon. Mr Stefanovic was head hunted late last year and was offered an attractive salary plus bonuses which are convertible to shares.

Mr Stefanovic says, "Motorbike Transport is a breath of fresh air, a young company that has quite an interesting and diverse potential", a new path to be announced in the near future, a bright horizon has been painted to executives.

   

The Grand Prix Commission recently met and unanimously has voted to introduce numerous changes aimed to help teams minimise costs.

Commencing at the Aug. 16 Czech Grand Prix, all riders will be restricted to a maximum of only five engines available till the end of the season. In this time, parts can not be changed except for routine maintenance.

The electronically controlled suspension, ceramic brake and launch control systems are no longer permitted.

Friday morning practices have been discarded for all grand prix classes and the two MotoGP practice and qualifying sessions have been significantly reduced to 45 minute.

The 250cc and 125cc  classes will only have one qualifying session on Saturday afternoons. The previous Friday qualifying sessions will now be for free practice.

There will be only two post-race tests which will be held during the season, one after the Czech Grand Prix and the other following the Catalunya Grand Prix . These tests are for development purposes and only with only test riders are allowed to take part.

The changes were submitted to the FIM with the recommendation of MotoGP manufacturers.

As a result of the high costs and the current economic climate Kawasaki has already announced its withdrawal from MotoGP racing.

Gloves and boots are big aspects of Motorcycle safety.

Gloves and boots cannot be underestimated. In a crash it's highly likely that hands and feet are going to flail around uncontrollably, which is likely to cause impact with the road surface many times. Riders have survived a crash with no injuries except severe lacerations and skin loss to the hands and feet.

When purchasing gloves, keep the following tips in mind.

- Choose gloves that are going to suit the type of riding you do, for example consider weather conditions, racing versus recreational riding.
- Make sure the gloves fit comfortably to improve your grip on the handlebars.
- Gloves that are to tight may restrict circulation, causing your hands to become cold.
- Gloves that are to bulky may create problems in operating the motorcycle controls.

Motorcycle boots provide protection for the ankles, feet and the lower legs, boots are heavily reinforced in areas which sustain most stress and injury. Boots are important in the event of a crash as riders often trap their feet under the motorcycle as it slides along the road.

Motorcycle boots are specifcally designed to remain in place, where other types of footwear frequently can come off in a crash.

Keep in mind that all Motorcycle safety gear is purpose made, any other gear will not provide the same level of protection as specially designed safety equipment.

Suzuki is offering $400* cash back on the popular DR-Z250 and DR-Z400E, including the recently-released 2009 models, this offer provides new riders of the trail bikes even greater value for their money until the end of February.

The Suzuki DR-Z250 and DR-Z400E Feature a powerful four-stroke engine, agile handling and a  chassis to match it on the toughest terrain, the reliable and low-maintenance DR-Z250E and DR-Z400 are among Australia's favourite trail bikes.

Suzuki DR-Z250 and DR-Z400E are also 100% street-legal and eligible for the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, A.C.T, Northern Territory and South Australia - making the Suzuki DR-Z400E and DR-Z250 ideal for learners and new riders looking for a motorcycle suitable for work and play.

Suzuki offers riders even more value for money with every Suzuki DR-Z400E and DR-Z250 purchased and delivered between 1 January 2009 and 28 February 2009, inclusive, will come with $400* cash back.

The RRP of $8,990** for the DR-Z400E and $7,290** for the DR-Z250, both models include a one-year warranty.

Interested riders should visit their local Suzuki dealer for full terms and conditions.

* Cashback value includes GST.

** RRP includes GST, excludes dealer delivery and government charges.

Amongst such horrific loss and devastation Harley-Davidson is standing up for the motorcycle community by doing their bit to help out.

Harley-Davidson Australia promised to match its dealerships fundraising efforts, so when dealers around New Zealand and Australia came together and managed to raise $40,000, Harley-Davidson head office without hesitation matched the figure, bringing the total to $80,000.

CEO of Harley-Davidson Australia Peter Nochar, said “Our dealerships, many of which are owner / operated businesses, wanted to share in the spirit of generosity shown by corporate Australia and support the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal,”

“All of us in the Australian and New Zealand Harley-Davidson family were so moved by the loss of life, injuries and the devastation of homes that collectively as group we had to act. The thoughts of our staff are with those families affected”.

The Harley-Davidson donation was pledged as part of Channel Nine's Victorian Bush Fire Appeal on February 12^th  2009.

 

Make sure it fits right.

It is extremely important to buy a helmet that fits correctly. In the event of a crash a helmet that is too loose can come off and a helmet that is to tight will cause discomfort. As a general rule a slightly snug fit is better than a looser fit, the padding in the helmet will give after some wear and mould to an individuals head shape.

You should determine the circumference of the widest part of your head, this can be done by measuring with a flexible tape measure around the widest part of a person's head, which is generally the area one-inch above the eyes and ears.

Simple Test: A test before buying or using a helmet that can de conducted is the simple roll-off test. With the chin strap secured, push the rear lip of the helmet and try to roll it forward off your head. If you are able to roll the helmet off then you need a smaller size.

Handy Tips

If you currently wear a Medium in a certain brand and model that does not mean that another model will fit you best in the same size. You need to try it on.

A tinted Visor is good feature for those glary days. A yellow tinted visor for cloudy and rainy days is also a good idea.

Wearing a bright coloured helmet is a great idea as it will help you be visible to other road users.

Helmets should be replaced if they have been involved in a crash, dropped or appear to be damaged. Depending on helmet manufacturers it is recommended to replace your helmet every 2-4 years, it is a good idea to update your helmet every few years as newer materials and helmet designs are available, which offer lighter, more comfortable and stronger helmets.

A important tip to remember is avoid hanging your helmet on the motorcycle's mirrors, turn signals as the inner padding can be easily damaged.

Australia's own Ducati rider Casey Stoner produced the fastest time in testing in the third and final session at the Sepang circuit on Saturday in preparation for the 2009 MotoGP season.

Casey Stoner on the Ducati set a lap time that was 0.094 seconds faster than 2008 world champion Valentino Rossi and his Yamaha. Valentino Rossi's fingers were bandaged after a freak accident at his home in which he cut himself after falling onto a glass table as he attended to the curtains.

Valentino Rossi completed 43 laps on his Yamaha. Rossi's compatriot Loris Capirossi of Suzuki was third fastest. Casey Stoner is still recovering from the after effects of wrist surgery undergone in  November. As a result Casey Stoner completed 38 laps, but appeared to be happy with that result.

Casey Stoner, said, "I still would have liked to have done some more laps but really ran out of time... we're learning what we need to do and trying to get ourselves ready for this next season."

The 2009 MotoGP season kicks off on April 12 in Qatar.

Chris Vermeulen and Peter Stevens this week.

Join Chris Vermeulen as we take a behind the scene's look into the action packed world of MotoGP.

Rush is a inside look at the 2008 Red Bull Indianapolis, both track side and behind the scenes narrated by former world champion Nicky Hayden, with interviews from Casey Stoner and Chris Vermeulen.

Find out what it takes to be the best on the track.

 

Where : Peter Stevens - Melbourne - 339 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, 3000

When : Friday 13th February 2009

Time : From 5pm onwards

Contact : 03 9602 5833

 

 

Here is a quick guide directed mainly at those starting out riding and are unsure where parking is permitted.

 

In Victoria you may park your motorcycle on the footpath.

Points to remember

• Do not park where a sign prohibits you to do so
• Do not obstruct pedestrians
• Do not obstruct public transport users
• Do not obstruct delivery vehicles
• Do not block access to and from parked vehicles
• Do not park within 1m of a fire hydrant
• Do not park covering a manhole
• Do not obstruct doorways
• Do not park on private property, unless you have permission to do so
• Do not park in front of disability bays
• Do not park in taxi bays
  

Remember these points and apply common sense.

Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast is almost here offering patrons a chance to get a feel for some of the market’s most sought after motorcycles and personal watercraft, with the chance to test ride various machines.

Buell, Harley-Davidson and the inventors of the iconic CanAm Spyder, BRP, are offering enthusiasts the chance to test their latest products on the open road.
 
Watercraft enthusiasts are not forgotten, you can also sample a slice of the action, with test rides available on the new Yamaha, Kawasaki and Sea Doo models, rides will be held in the river adjacent to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
 
The price for a test ride is the best bit, that’s right it’s FREE! included as part of the value-packed ticket price. Enthusiasts should be dressed appropriately for their choice of test ride.
 
Test rides can be scheduled by visiting the respective manufacturer’s exhibition within the Australian Motorcycle Expo.

Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast opens at 10am on Friday February 20, and is held across three action packed days to Sunday February 22.
 
Tickets begin at only $13 and are available from booths at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Honda Australia have just released stylish vintage t-shirts, the t-shirts are for those who have a love for the early days of motorcycling.

Honda Australia printed and designed these tops to celebrate Honda's contribution to motorcycling culture and Honda's proud history as an icon in the motorcycling industry.

The black 'Ridin Free & Easy' men's t-shirt features the stunning CB750 road bike, which many view as the single most significant motorcycle ever made.

The Honda CB750 marked the arrival of the Japanese made motorbikes to the rest of the world, as the Japanese made cutting edge racing technology accessible and affordable that all riders wanted to own.

The Honda CB750 was the pioneer modern four-cylinder street bike and Honda's big breakthrough, Honda then created a racing version - the CR750 - that won Honda the 1970 Daytona 200 for the first time.

Honda Vintage tees are available in two designs and a variety of sizes to suit all, Honda also have an eye catching white 'Motorcycle Vintage' design that is also available featuring the original Honda Wing logo in both men'sand women's sizes.

To purchase your new Honda vintage T-shirts visit your nearest Honda Dealership and own a piece of history.

Sunday 22 ^nd February 2009

In association with the Motorcycle Community, the E.J. Whitten Foundation is conducting a second fundraising Motorcycle Ride to create greater awareness of Prostate Cancer and the importance of early detection as well as raising funds to help find a cure of the insidious disease.

Leaving: Waterfront City, Docklands 11:00am (Mel. 2E D5)
(Breakfast available from 8.30am)

Event Venue and Destination:
Werribee Park (Equestrian Centre) (Mel. 201 D3)
Note: Different area to last year.
Well known band – Retromax, refreshments, food, trade stalls,
great prizes and much more.

Registrations: Register available online

Registration on the day opens at 9.30am at James Squires Brewhouse, Waterfront City, Docklands.

Registration Fee: $20 per rider $10 per pillion.

Sponsorship and Stalls available.

Please contact E.J. Whitten Foundation
Ph: 1300WHITTEN

                             

Suzuki has introduced a new sales initiative, that will see Suzuki offer a free Autocom Communications System with selected models from the popular naked Suzuki motorcycle range purchased before the end of March.

Consumers that buy the new Suzuki B-King 1300, Bandit 1250 ABS, Bandit 1250, GSX1400/Z, SV650, GSR600 or SV650 ABS between 16 January 2009 and 31 March 2009, will receive a Autocom Active Plus dual rider kit.

The Autocom kit is ideal for communication between riders when touring, Autocom Active Plus rider kit offers bike-to-bike as well as rider-to-pillion communication, the Autocom can also be remote battery powered or alternatively it can be wired into the motorcycle's 12 volt power source.

Suzuki motorcycles distinctive range offers sophisticated, fuel-injected in-line fours and exciting V-Twins, all equipped with Suzuki technology and styling.

Suzuki range is Backed by a two-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Interested customers should visit their local Suzuki dealer for full terms and conditions.