The Bear

Born in Germany but "nationalised" (according to daughter) Australian. Rode a Honda XL250 around the world and various bikes in various other countries. Edited six bike magazines and launched four of them. Has written for mags from Playboy to The Bulletin and The Australian to SMH. Does not have a cat.

Dinners on our trip were almost universally excellent and amazingly varied.

ADV Memories
Chinese puzzles – Part 2

Journalist-eat-dog?

The Bear gets a final word of advice before demonstrating sidecar skills. Photo: The Bear

ADV Memories
中国难题:第1部分

Western riders on the tiles

Meet the Jawa RVM 500. What kind of Jawa it is... is another matter. Photo: Jawa Moto

Identity crisis?
Nothing new under the sun with Jawa badge engineering

Start your own marque to share the costs and share the profits

Scientists teach fish to… drive

Watch out for that goldfish on your left

Suzuki’s DR650 is a light and competent package on road, off road and in the dirt.

Retro Review
Smoothing out the dirt

The Bear looks back at a Suzuki DR650 review he wrote back in 1997

A good summer jacket is priceless because you will actually wear it.

Gear that works
A lifetime of jackets

Bering up in Sydney’s summer

The Krauser Domani in action on Bavaria's back roads. (Photo The Bear)

Krauser
The world’s most beautiful three-wheelers

What would the Kiwis do with a dozen Domanis?

The WLA engine is one of the classics of engineering design. (Photo Pinterest)

WLAaaargh Part II
More flathead fun in the antipodes

Getting the most out of your Harley-Davidson WLA

Yes, the Ducati ST3 is my favourite motorcycle. No, wait, it's... (Photo: Wikimedia)

Time to choose
What’s your favourite motorcycle?

I’ll tell you now that that heading is clickbait. So don’t complain.

As you might expect, Honda's leading the pack in worldwide moto sales. Photo: Honda

Electrifying growth!
Surprises in sales across the world

Who were the top 10 motorcycle companies by November 2021?

Charlie playing swap-your-hat at a gas station. Locals may be poor, but they do […]

Perspective
Attitude adjustment in Kabul

Sometimes the simplest things open your eyes

Say what you like, the design stays well integrated even when the bike is an XA.

Breakdown
WLAaargh! Pushing a Flathead

Even the simplest motorcycle can give you trouble

A Harley is the ideal vehicle to explore Maui.

Is the Kahekili really a Highway?

One lane, no guard rail. A few churches in case you want to pray.

The Misty Mountains just north of Barcelona, the second-rated choice for 2022. Photo: The Bear

Travel in 2022
Hostels are hot – in a good way

If you’re looking for places to stay that offer more for less, try one

Saving air: Michelin's new Uptis airless tires. (Photo Michelin)

Here’s to science

“The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.” – Edward Tel …

The Puch Maxi in all its glory. But beware. It bites.

SNAFU
Here, have a cuppa, love!

The British have the panacea for many of the world’s troubles in their …

The Fowler traction engine , or what is left of it, out by the Kinchega woolshed.

Sheep
A song of steam

The mechanical history of some of Australia’s motorcycle country