Australian Motorcycle News – 31 August 2026

Summary

Eight adventure bikes tested at 19,000 feet — the 12th Adventure Issue of Australian Motorcycle News, dated 31 August 2026, takes riders from tarmac to the top of the world. The cover story "ADVENTURE AT 19,000 FEET" anchors an issue that includes Himalayan exploration, Italian Stelvio Pass bucket-list riding and Norton's Atlas ADV contender.

The Ridden/Tested section puts the Bimota's funny front fork through its final verification ("Unfinished Business", page 58), Norton's Atlas ADV ("Pathfinder", page 64), Kawasaki's budget bushbasher ("Klever Wherever", page 70), Honda's idiot-proof E-Clutch ("Left Hand Optional", page 7C) and CFMoto's sub-$20k big-rig challenger ("Ready or Not, They're Here", page 88). Features include a pub run to end all pub runs ("Last Drinks", page 40) and world-beater Matt Phillips looking back ("Enduro Hero Looks Back", page 100).

Regulars include News (page 12), Access (page 20), Quiz (page 22), Sport (page 24), Strooth! (page 106), Top Gear (page 108) and Gassit! (page 114). Editor Greg Barton introduces the issue from the Ed's Desk.

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Content Guide

▸ Ridden/Tested / Features / Adventure / Regulars

p.32 · Ree Ay Woo-Hoo! — Hard to Pronounce But a Riper LAMS Contender
A LAMS-approved machine that punches above its weight class tested on Australian roads. The review covers power delivery, handling and value for money against its learner-approved competitors. The bike is lighter than every LAMS rival by at least 8kg, which translates directly to confidence at low-speed U-turns.

p.58 · Unfinished Business — Bimota's Funny Front End Finally Gets Sorted
Bimota's Tesi H2, with its hub-centre steering, has been a talking point for years. This test verifies that the production version finally delivers on the concept's promise. The front-end feel at high-speed corner entry is described as "the most confidence-inspiring front end on any production motorcycle." The Tesi H2 costs AU$72,000 ride away — but there is nothing else that steers like it.

p.64 · Pathfinder — Can Norton's Atlas Carry the ADV World?
Norton's adventure contender tested on Australian terrain. The review covers the 650cc parallel-twin engine, the chassis geometry and the electronics package. The verdict: competitive on spec sheet, but the dealer network is still too thin for serious outback touring. Norton has 6 Australian dealerships compared to KTM's 42 — factor that into your purchase decision if you plan to ride remote.

p.70 · Klever Wherever — Fun Times on Kawasaki's Budget Bushbasher
Kawasaki's entry-level adventure bike gets a positive review for its do-it-all versatility and low running costs. The test covers on-road manners, gravel-road stability and fuel range. At AU$11,999 ride away, it undercuts every ADV in its class by at least AU$2,000. The 21-litre tank gives a range of over 450km on the highway.

p.42 · Out of Africa — Iron Will Needed For This Mega-Marathon
A feature following a group of riders tackling a trans-Africa adventure route. The piece covers the planning, the mechanical challenges, the border crossings and the camaraderie. The total route covers 8,200km from Nairobi to Cape Town. The author's KTM 890 Adventure R required two rear tyres, one front tyre and three chain-and-sprocket sets.

p.46 · Hairpin Heaven — Ticking Italy's Stelvio Pass Off the Bucket List
The Stelvio Pass (2,757m) with its 48 hairpin bends on the northern approach is the subject of this bucket-list feature. The article covers the best time of year, the optimal direction of travel and the worst traffic periods. Ride the pass on a weekday in late June — July and August see tour buses that turn the hairpins into a 2-hour crawl. The south-to-north direction (from Bormio) gives you the better view of the switchbacks.

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Editor's Take

The 12th Adventure Issue delivers exactly what it promises — real-world, mileage-tested adventure bike reviews and genuine expedition inspiration. The Bimota Tesi H2 test is the most anticipated ride review of the year, and it does not disappoint. Weak area: the Access gear section is too short to serve as a proper buyer's guide. Best for: Adventure riders deciding between the Norton Atlas, the CFMoto sub-$20k challenger or the Kawasaki budget option; also for anyone planning a Stelvio trip.

Strengths
• Bimota Tesi H2 production-version verification after years of anticipation
• Eight-bike ADV test offers direct cross-shopping data
• Stelvio feature with specific timing, direction and traffic-avoidance advice

Weaknesses
• Access gear section is a single page — insufficient for a "gear annual" issue
• Sport section is thin compared to the features and tests

Verdict: Essential — The best Australian ADV issue of the year; the Bimota Tesi H2 review alone is worth the cover price for technology-focused riders.