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Motorcycle Life
Motorcycle Life

Motorcycle Life

Join Steve McDowall and Christophe Barriere-Varju as they bring you the latest motorcycle news, international stories that matter and interviews with some of the most prominent and interesting people in the world of motorcycling. Christophe has competed in the toughest race in the world - the Dakar Rally - four times and is the main character in the internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning film "Dream Racer". Steve has over 30 years experience as a rider, is an accredited rider trainer with over 12 years experience as a safety consultant and coach, and has been the most prolific motorcycle contributor on Australian radio for over 6 years. Together Steve and Christophe are an unlikely and entertaining combination who are sure to have you engaged from start to finish, and wanting to come back for more.

Available Episodes 10

By swapping to the side-by-side vehicle category for the 2018 Dakar, Camelia Liparoti has helped to raise the profile of the fledgling category and the vehicles themselves.
The pint sized Dakar veteran competed for nine consecutive years in the quad category, and is acknowledged as one of the most successful female off-road racers ever.
She is immediately recognisable by her blonde pigtails and love for all things pink, and is known for her fun loving and quirky nature.
But don’t let her girly looks fool you – she is a tenacious and talented racer. 
In those nine years on quads, she finished the event 8 times in a row.
Staying loyal to the Yamaha brand that has given her so much success, Camelia raced a YXZ1000R SS in the 2018 Dakar and finished 5th in the category.
The side-by-side vehicles, also referred to as UTVs (utility task vehicle), were given their own class in 2017. This year the category was officially renamed to Side-By-Side (SxS).
Lighter, cheaper and in many ways more capable than cars, the category gives competitors a easier entry point into the toughest motorsport in the world.
“It’s less tiring than riding a quad,” Camelia says. “And the sensations are great. When we speed over bumpy terrain, it feels like we’re flying because we have got good suspension”.
Four times Dakar entrant Christophe Barriere-Varju (Dream Racer) agrees. He says the light SxS vehicles are easier to manage through the dunes and have less chance of getting stuck in the sand than the heavier cars.
“You see all the $500,000 cars getting stuck and everyone digging trying to get them out, but then you see the side-by-side pulling along going up and down over the dunes. It’s near impossible to get them bogged.”
Christophe was at the Australian launch of the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE last year where he got to drive the vehicle, and be a passenger on demonstration runs with US off-road racer Corry Weller.
His impression was that the YXZ1000R SS is very quick, nimble and capable of very sharp turns at speed but is also extremely capable over slower and far more technical sections of terrain.
“It’s extremely easy to drive,” says 4 times Dakar competitor Christophe Barriere-Varju.
And for someone wanting to get into off-road racing the YXZ1000R SS SE is affordable.
Lance Turnley from Yamaha says that you can take one off the showroom floor, make it CAMS compliant and have a competitive vehicle for under AUD$40,000.
But apart from it’s racing capabilities, the YXZ1000R SS SE is also a very competent option for farmers and recreational riders and drivers.
The specifications of the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE are impressive:

* 998cc 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 3-cylinder engine,
* 5 speed sequential transmission with paddle shift, auto clutch and reverse,
* electronically controlled launch control,
* 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, changeable on the move, with 4 wheel drive diff lock,
* dual disk brakes front and rear, and
* independent double wishbone suspension front and rear with fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium X2 shocks.

At the time of the launch, Lance Turnley highlighted that one of the key benefits of the Yamaha over its competition is the transmission.
“It’s very unique in the marketplace because it’s the only one available with a sequential gearbox”, Lance said.
While other vehicles are using a torque converter and CVT transmission, the Yamaha’s separate 5 speed gearbox gives the vehicle far more reliability and this is one o...

By swapping to the side-by-side vehicle category for the 2018 Dakar, Camelia Liparoti has helped to raise the profile of the fledgling category and the vehicles themselves.
The pint sized Dakar veteran competed for nine consecutive years in the quad category, and is acknowledged as one of the most successful female off-road racers ever.
She is immediately recognisable by her blonde pigtails and love for all things pink, and is known for her fun loving and quirky nature.
But don’t let her girly looks fool you – she is a tenacious and talented racer. 
In those nine years on quads, she finished the event 8 times in a row.
Staying loyal to the Yamaha brand that has given her so much success, Camelia raced a YXZ1000R SS in the 2018 Dakar and finished 5th in the category.
The side-by-side vehicles, also referred to as UTVs (utility task vehicle), were given their own class in 2017. This year the category was officially renamed to Side-By-Side (SxS).
Lighter, cheaper and in many ways more capable than cars, the category gives competitors a easier entry point into the toughest motorsport in the world.
“It’s less tiring than riding a quad,” Camelia says. “And the sensations are great. When we speed over bumpy terrain, it feels like we’re flying because we have got good suspension”.
Four times Dakar entrant Christophe Barrier-Varju (Dream Racer) agrees. He says the light 4 wheel drive vehicles are easier to manage through the dunes and have less chance of getting stuck in the sand than the heavier cars.
“You see all the $500,000 cars getting stuck and everyone digging trying to get them out, but then you see the side-by-side pulling along going up and down over the dunes. It’s near impossible to get them bogged.”
Christophe was at the Australian launch of the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE last year where he got to drive the vehicle, and be a passenger on demonstration runs with US off-road racer Corry Weller.
His impression was that the YXZ1000R SS is very quick, nimble and capable of very sharp turns at speed but is also extremely capable over slower and far more technical sections of terrain.
“It’s extremely easy to drive,” says 4 times Dakar competitor Christophe Barriere-Varju.
And for someone wanting to get into off-road racing the YXZ1000R SS SE is affordable.
Lance Turnley from Yamaha says that you can take one off the showroom floor, make it CAMS compliant and have a competitive vehicle for under AUD$40,000.
But apart from it’s racing capabilities, the YXZ1000R SS SE is also a very competent option for farmers and recreational riders and drivers.
The specifications of the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE are impressive:

* 998cc 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 3-cylinder engine,
* 5 speed sequential transmission with paddle shift, auto clutch and reverse,
* electronically controlled launch control,
* 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, changeable on the move, with 4 wheel drive diff lock,
* dual disk brakes front and rear, and
* independent double wishbone suspension front and rear with fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium X2 shocks.

At the time of the launch, Lance Turnley highlighted that one of the key benefits of the Yamaha over its competition is the transmission.
“It’s very unique in the marketplace because it’s the only one available with a sequential gearbox”, Lance said.
While other vehicles are using a torque converter and CVT transmission, the Yamaha’s separate 5 speed gearbox gives the vehicle far more reliability ...

The Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE is a pure sport Side‑by‑Side vehicle that lifts the class to a whole new level with its 1,000cc 3 cylinder engine, sequential 5-speed manual gearbox and automatic clutch system controlled by paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Whilst we don’t often cover ATVs and Recreational Off-Road Vehicles like the YXZ1000R, we were given the opportunity to drive the vehicle at the national press launch, and our resident off-road specialist – 4 times Dakar competitor Christophe Barriere-Varju – couldn’t resist the chance to experience the vehicle.
The previous model has proven popular with farmers and off-road racers, two very different markets indeed. But that just shows the versatility of the machine!
The updated YXZ1000R SS SE model does away with a manual clutch, replacing it with sports style paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and also has a new launch control system.
Four times Mr Motocross Stephen Gall, and US off-road racer Corry Weller and husband Jason were also there to share their experience with the vehicle.
In this week’s Motorcycle Life Podcast we chat to Lance Turnley from Yamaha about the vehicle and Christophe shares his experience after driving it at the launch in Canberra.

The Yamaha YXZ1000R SS SE is a pure sport Side‑by‑Side vehicle that lifts the class to a whole new level with its 1,000cc 3 cylinder engine, sequential 5-speed manual gearbox and automatic clutch system controlled by paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Whilst we don’t often cover ATVs and Recreational Off-Road Vehicles like the YXZ1000R, we were given the opportunity to drive the vehicle at the national press launch, and our resident off-road specialist – 4 times Dakar competitor Christophe Barriere-Varju – couldn’t resist the chance to experience the vehicle.
The previous model has proven popular with farmers and off-road racers, two very different markets indeed. But that just shows the versatility of the machine!
The updated YXZ1000R SS SE model does away with a manual clutch, replacing it with sports style paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and also has a new launch control system.
Four times Mr Motocross Stephen Gall, and US off-road racer Corry Weller and husband Jason were also there to share their experience with the vehicle.
In this week’s Motorcycle Life Podcast we chat to Lance Turnley from Yamaha about the vehicle and Christophe shares his experience after driving it at the launch in Canberra.

At the age of just 27, Trevor Wilson has achieved more than most people could have dreamed of.
The thing is – he’s achieved so much because he DID dream of doing those things!

Follow Trevor as he competes in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge this week at www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com
or follow him on Facebook.

The Brisbane based off road racer was once a high school teacher, but changed his career and started his own business – Blutec Waterproofing – so he could chase his biggest dream of competing in the Dakar Rally in 2018.
Trevor says he has been drawn to motorbikes ever since his Dad took him on one when he was 5 years old.
“I still remember sitting in front of him on the petrol tank with my feet over the top of the handlebars and riding around the farm.”
“As I was growing up on SBS you’d get these 30 minute Dakar Rally highlights and I’d always watch these people flying through the desert and I just have always had this dream and vision of rolling up to the start line of the Dakar Rally. It’s always been the biggest dream of mine.”
That dream has driven Trevor through tough fitness training and regular trips to the Stockton Beach sand dunes near Newcastle to learn the skills he needs to tackle the Dakar – the toughest motorsport event in the world.
To qualify for the Dakar, Trevor is competing in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from 1st to the 6th April with the HT Husqvarna Rally team. 
In this episode of Motorcycle Life Trevor talks to us about his dreams and goals, how he got to where he is now and his preparation for the Dakar.
And of course our very own Dakar legend – Christophe Barriere-Varju (Dream Racer) – has some very good questions and advice for the young racer.
We also catch up on why we’ve been so slack this year in producing shows (actually we’ve been creating something really special – SMART Rider) and what’s new in the world of Dream Racer TV.

 

At the age of just 27, Trevor Wilson has achieved more than most people could have dreamed of.
The thing is – he’s achieved so much because he DID dream of doing those things!

Follow Trevor as he competes in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge this week at www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com

or follow him on Facebook.

The Brisbane based off road racer was once a high school teacher, but changed his career and started his own business – Blutec Waterproofing – so he could chase his biggest dream of competing in the Dakar Rally in 2018.
Trevor says he has been drawn to motorbikes ever since his Dad took him on one when he was 5 years old.
“I still remember sitting in front of him on the petrol tank with my feet over the top of the handlebars and riding around the farm.”
“As I was growing up on SBS you’d get these 30 minute Dakar Rally highlights and I’d always watch these people flying through the desert and I just have always had this dream and vision of rolling up to the start line of the Dakar Rally. It’s always been the biggest dream of mine.”
That dream has driven Trevor through tough fitness training and regular trips to the Stockton Beach sand dunes near Newcastle to learn the skills he needs to tackle the Dakar – the toughest motorsport event in the world.
To qualify for the Dakar, Trevor is competing in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from 1st to the 6th April with the HT Husqvarna Rally team. 
In this episode of Motorcycle Life Trevor talks to us about his dreams and goals, how he got to where he is now and his preparation for the Dakar.
And of course our very own Dakar legend – Christophe Barriere-Varju (Dream Racer) – has some very good questions and advice for the young racer.
We also catch up on why we’ve been so slack this year in producing shows (actually we’ve been creating something really special – SMART Rider) and what’s new in the world of Dream Racer TV.

 

Of the four Australian riders who started the 2017 Dakar, two finished – Todd Smith and Matthew Hart.
In this episode of Motorcycle Life Radio we talk to the guys about their experiences during the event and of course we check in with Todd about the broken back that he rode with during the final three stages.
We also announce the winners of our competition to win a personally autographed copy of Dream Racer and Christophe tells the story behind the Jean-Claude Bertrand, the man responsible for the creating the concept of a cross country rally.
And finally this week we have more news on our first live event to be held in Brisbane in February.
It’s a big show so grab a coffee, tea (beer) and a snack and settle in for a good listen.

Be sure to grab your ticket NOW for our DreamRacer event in Brisbane at http://www.dreamracer.tv/inspirational-speakers-events/dream-racer-events/dreamracer-event-queensland-180217.html

 

 

Of the four Australian riders who started the 2017 Dakar, two finished – Todd Smith and Matthew Hart.
In this episode of Motorcycle Life Radio we talk to the guys about their experiences during the event and of course we check in with Todd about the broken back that he rode with during the final three stages.
We also announce the winners of our competition to win a personally autographed copy of Dream Racer and Christophe tells the story behind the Jean-Claude Bertrand, the man responsible for the creating the concept of a cross country rally.
And finally this week we have more news on our first live event to be held in Brisbane in February.
It’s a big show so grab a coffee, tea (beer) and a snack and settle in for a good listen.

Be sure to grab your ticket NOW for our DreamRacer event in Brisbane at http://www.dreamracer.tv/inspirational-speakers-events/dream-racer-events/dreamracer-event-queensland-180217.html

 


Steve and Christophe announce the very first Dream Racer / Motorcycle Life LIVE event to be held in Brisbane in February 2017.
The guys also bring you their final wrap up of the 2017 Dakar, and some more clues and information about the latest Motorcycle Life / Dream Racer competition.
The format of the event night will be a three course dinner and a panel discussion with Christophe and Steve.
Listen in to this episode of Motorcycle Life to hear more details and how you can be a part of what will be an absolutely amazing night – whether you’re a motorcycle rider or not!
We’re asking everyone to register as soon as possible so we can plan the night – in particular the venue.
You can register for the Dream Racer / Motorcycle Life LIVE event at https://dreamracer.leadpages.co/dreamracer-event-queensland-2017/
Of course in this episode we also get some more of Christophe’s expert insights into this year’s Dakar.


* Todd Smith Rode Three Final Stages With Broken Back
* Australian Todd Smith Claims 18th Overall
* Toby Price Cleared To Head Home To Australia


And then there’s the competition – some funny answers but you’ll have to listen in to find out what is being said.
The competition page is at https://motorcyclelife.com.au/dreamracer-comp/


Steve and Christophe announce the very first Dream Racer / Motorcycle Life LIVE event to be held in Brisbane in February 2017.
The guys also bring you their final wrap up of the 2017 Dakar, and some more clues and information about the latest Motorcycle Life / Dream Racer competition.
The format of the event night will be a three course dinner and a panel discussion with Christophe and Steve.
Listen in to this episode of Motorcycle Life to hear more details and how you can be a part of what will be an absolutely amazing night – whether you’re a motorcycle rider or not!
We’re asking everyone to register as soon as possible so we can plan the night – in particular the venue.
You can register for the Dream Racer / Motorcycle Life LIVE event at https://dreamracer.leadpages.co/dreamracer-event-queensland-2017/
Of course in this episode we also get some more of Christophe’s expert insights into this year’s Dakar.


* Todd Smith Rode Three Final Stages With Broken Back
* Australian Todd Smith Claims 18th Overall
* Toby Price Cleared To Head Home To Australia


And then there’s the competition – some funny answers but you’ll have to listen in to find out what is being said.
The competition page is at https://www.motorcyclelife.com.au/dreamracer-comp/