HEAVY DUTY #180 is out and leading the way is the Sportster S. We bagged it and tagged it while other titles were still checking out their goodies bag at the Australian launch! 

Yeah, but what’s it like? It’s not a traditional Sportster, that much is pretty obvious to the naked eye. The Sportster S is a modern, water-cooled, V-Twin power cruiser. There’s more power than any factory Sportster ever dreamed of. It’s a beast hidden in modern clothing. Read Mick’s launch report for his initial impression.

We’ve been looking forward to throwing a leg over a Fat Bob. Paul scored the ride and reports that there’s a lot to like. He also rode the BMW R18B and you can read all about that, too.

Doc had a short but torrid affair with a Road King and came away smiling. Dave’s smile evaporated when his affair with our long-term Pan America came to an end. It’s fair to say that he bonded with the big Greenie that’s just rolled into Sydney for a sleepover. Our plans involve more tar and less dirt.

Another 45 Miles, Jan’s Indian longbike, is an amazingly fresh build. If you flick between that and Mick Green’s Trikenstein, you’ll find enough hidden gems to fill the taint between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. While you’re at it, add in Cottie’s Breakout for a touch of Sunshine Coast and Big Pineapple.

All of this mixed in with the regulars you know and love as well as Adelaide Auto Expo and Dust Hustle from Brisbane.

HEAVY DUTY #180 is on sale Thursday, 30th December 2021 in newsagents and better bike shops Australia-wide.

HUGE CALL! Harley has released the CVO Road Glide ST and we reckon it’s the best stock H-D. Ever! You can read the full road test in HEAVY DUTY #197. 
But is it the number one choice of 2024 for our road testers? We asked them to tell us their personal choice from the bikes they’ve ridden and tested in the last year. No rules or instructions. The results might surprise you but this is why we have a variety of riders.
Dave got his hands on a CVO Road Glide and formed a deep and meaningful relationship with it. Mick went west on the Ultra Limited to re-connect with old memories beyond the streetlights. He also rolled out a quick spin on a Breakout with lashings of Willie G layered on. Phil went chasing oysters in NZ, also aboard a Breakout.
Sturgis 2024 has been and gone but we’ve got the inside scoop from HEAVY DUTY Motorcycle Tours on the awesome cross-country ride to get there and back again.
Gasoline Alley held another of their Race Ya Mates days and we’ve scored the guff and pics. Morgan & Wacker Sydney held a grand opening, and we were there.
All of this and whole lot more in HEAVY DUTY 197, November/December 2024.
On sale 4th November 2024 from better bike shops and newsagents across Australia and New Zealand.

As the days get warmer, bikes are rolling out of sheds. Not sure why you’d park up over winter in most of Australia, but there you go.

From the cover we’ve got Big Slim – a big wheeled Softail Slim that shows a fresh approach, as well as a road and drag strip test of a 2024 Low Rider S kitted with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage III 122ci and Ohlins suspension package. Huge improvements in ride and performance.

Paul tested a 2024 Road Glide fitted with a range of new stuff.

Custom bikes kick off with a stunning Twin Cam FXR, Spraycan Pan, Midnight Rocker, and an update on Mick’s HDMAG M8 Super Glide.

More tech stuff this issue with our new section In The Shed, a place to share stuff we’ve learnt while dicking about with bikes.

We checked out the Winternationals at Willowbank, and rocked out at the Aquitaine Bike Show in France.

HEAVY DUTY 196 September/October 2024 has already landed in subscribers’ letterboxes right across the map. The rest of you can score a copy from your better local bike shop, or newsagent from today.

From the middle of an Australian winter with the sun shining and awesome riding weather comes HEAVY DUTY 195.

Leading the way is our celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Softail, complete with inside info from Westy who has owned Ruby his 1984 Softail for 40 years.

We’ve ridden the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide and came away with nothing to gripe about! A pair of bikes that Mick couldn’t pick between.

He’s also raving about the Low Rider S that he rode and raced before it went back to Harley-Davidson to be hotted up.

Paul rode the new Triumph Rocket 3 models around South Australia at the launch and came away smiling.

Westy had his first Pan-America experience but only after some famous bloke had finished throwing his leg over it. Rounding out the new bike tests was Mick’s day aboard the Royal Enfield Shotgun, a LAMS bike that offers plenty of reasons to smile.

Custom bikes are led by Australia’s No 1 –– a TC-powered FXR that was voted in as the best of the best in the classes on offer.

Then there’s our cover bike Lowco Motive, Jason’s Night Glide, as well as a pair of Crocker speedway solos that are simply amazing.

All of this as well as our regulars: Tech Torq, Gripes of Rooth, and A Day In The Saddle from New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #195 is ON SALE NOW in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

The 1949 Hydra-Glide was the most exciting new model since the EL61 Knucklehead of 1936. That was 75 years ago, and we’ve had a look at an original and untouched example from the Harley-Davidson Museum.

The big headlines for 2024 are the FLI Hydra Glide and the Road Glide Limited. The first we’ve admired and the second we’ve tested over local roads in weather both good and atrocious. Read our exclusive first test of the Road Glide Limited, the model that Mick claims is the best value for money in the touring range.

Paul tested the Street Bob as well as the X500 and 350s out there on the roads where we live and ride.

Of course, we’ve also got Australia’s finest customs and a Sporty so ugly that it’s become beautiful! Do yourself a favour and check out Mr King – a new direction for Road Kings.

All of this as well as our regulars: Tech Torq, and Gripes of Rooth.

HEAVY DUTY #193 March/April 2024 is landing now in subscribers’ mailboxes and will be on sale right across Australia in the coming days. 
Harley’s 2024 range has been released and we’ve got the full story on the new CVO Road Glide ST as well as the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glides. In fact, we’ve had a look at everything the Motor Company’s got on the showroom floor for this year. Every single offering for Australia and New Zealand.
When HEAVY DUTY road tests a bike, we like to get out of town and ride the wheels off it. Dave did exactly that; riding the 2023 CVO Road Glide from Sydney to Brisbane along roads that add smiles to the ride. After 2000km, he’s come up with a solid review.
Dave and John ‘Westy’ Rooth tag-teamed a BMW Roctane, and both came away happy with the experience. Jeff Ware went a bit further to test the new Royal Enfield Shotgun but also came home happy.
Fergus wants to bring back flames and chrome. His 143ci M8 Flame Train shows what he’s talking about. Bit of a monster this one!
An equally strong custom is the 1928 JDH from David Reidie. Less really is more. Not forgetting a traditional straight-leg Panhead with flames and apehangers.
Mick added a cam and exhaust to Packhorse before it was tuned to perfection. Of course he took it drag racing. 
The 2023 Vicla Nationals moved down the road and we’ve got all of the good stuff from this event where people actually ride the bikes on show!
All of this as well as our regulars: Tech Torq, and Gripes of Rooth.
The print version of HEAVY DUTY #193 will be on sale Monday 4th March, 2024 in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #192 January/February 2024 is landing now with Taverners’ Green Screamer front and centre. We’ve finally got our hands on a 2023 CVO Street Glide locally. Mick rode it at the world launch in Milwaukee, and now Paul has ridden it locally. Two questions have been answered: Was he impressed? Would he buy one? Paul has also tested the Sport Glide, the model we all agree round here is the best value for money in the Softail range. If exclusive and performance touring are your personal thing, the Talon Road Glide ST is the bike for you. Very tasty package. Meanwhile, Dave was busily developing a new love affair with Bob. Dave has a new favourite. FLFBS Fat Bob to give him his full name! And that’s no BS. Mick had a couple of quick spins on the BMW Roctane and shares his thoughts as well as showing us the latest on Project Packhorse including dyno numbers for the untouched Screamin’ Eagle 131 Stage IV. The NZ Hog Rally is one of the events in this issue along with the Sturgis short trip, Panhead 75th, and King Of The Hill. Custom bikes lead with The Camel – a genuine one-off from the 1920s. A bit newer are both the Hot Rod Knuckle and the U-Model Trike. This issue sees the return of Reader’s Rides. Not to forget our regulars: Tech Torq, and Gripes of Rooth. HEAVY DUTY #192 will be on sale Thursday 28th December, 2023 in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #191 November/December 2023 is landing now with the 2023 Fast Johnnie Low Rider ST leading the way.

We love a blind comparo where two of us test the same model without comparing notes or talking about it before the stories are written. This time it was Dave Cohen and Paul Bailey testing the Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST. Check out what they agreed and disagreed on.

How good is the Screamin’ Eagle 131 Stage IV? We didn’t know either, so Harley supplied us a kit and Gasoline Alley fitted it to Packhorse, our 2022 Road King Special. We’ve explained in this issue why we went that way with full warranty and factory reliability.

Harley’s new X500 and X350s have landed in Australia and Paul got to ride them before they hit the street in the new year. He came away with a smile and reckons they’ll bring new customers to the brand.

Also new and tested in HEAVY DUTY #191 is the BMW Roctane R18. Don’t discount the Germans, they know how to put machinery together. 

Not forgetting custom bikes headed up by Shed Built Passion, a classic Twin Cam Softail, then Hot Rod Bobber from the Netherlands, and Subtle Softail, an Evo-powered ripper that cleaned up at the 2023 National HOG Rally.

We’ve got all the inside and outside action from the National HOG Rally as well as a huge look at HEAVY DUTY MOTORCYCLE TOURS’ massive 56-day trek across the USA.

Not to forget our regulars: Tech Torq, Gripes of Rooth, and Cybercycles.

HEAVY DUTY #190 will be on sale Monday 6th November, 2023 in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #190 September/October 2023  is landing now with the 2023.5 CVO Road Glide front and centre on the cover.

As the only print magazine from Australia or New Zealand invited to the world launch, we’re proud to share our extensive and exclusive road test of both all-new CVO Road Glide and Street Glides.

Touring models are the flavour of this issue with road tests of the Road Glide 3, Road Gide ST, and a Road Glide track bike!

The Nightster Special was tested by Paul and the long-time Sportster owner reckons that the Motor Company has got it right with this latest generation.

The Softail on the cover is called Golow, and we reckon it’s damn-near Vicla Perfection. Much more than a selection of bolt-ons, this bike is a complete package.

From the Harley City Collection we’re proud to share the genuine and well-credentialled Excelsior hillclimber.

Alongside a variety of custom bikes including Hot Chocolate, an Evo-powered Rigid is Mick’s story on the HD120th Homecoming, an experience he reckons was a dream come true.

Not to forget our regulars: Tech Torq, Gripes of Rooth, and Cybercycles.

HEAVY DUTY #190 will be on sale Monday 4th September, 2023 in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #189 July/August 2023 is on sale Monday 3rd July, 2023 complete with the Poolside Panhead and 2023 Breakout on the cover. 
Inside you’ll read the inside info on the all-new CVO Road Glide and Street Glides. We’ve dug deep to bring you the gold nuggets!
We paired the 2023 Breakout with David Cohen and John ‘Westy’ Rooth. You’re gonna love what these old hands each liked about the 117ci Breakout.
The other new bike is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 that Mick tested along Great Ocean Road and up in the hills. Check out this bike for the other side of the shed.
Custom bikes are led by Poolside Panhead, a fair-dinkum old-style rigid with a jockey-shift. Follow that up with Paul’s Tribute Knuckle in Petralli Blue, great King Rat, a turbocharged Dyna Twin Cam, and a genuine cutdown Two-Cam from the Harley City Collection.
We’ve also got an inside look at the building of 2023 Breakout Boss winning Shadow Boxer from Coop’s Custom Cycles.
The 2023 New Zealand Motorcycle Show has been and gone but the pics and memories have been preserved. Just like Rattle Trap. We have the memories.
Tech-heads can read the latest on Project Packhorse and why Mick chose an S&S 465 cam.
Not to forget our regulars: Tech Torq, Gripes of Rooth, and Cybercycles.
HEAVY DUTY #189 is on sale now in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #188 May/June is on sale Monday 1st May, 2023 with the 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout front and centre on the cover. 
Now fitted with the awesome 117-cube M8 engine, Harley has made a good thing better. Bigger fuel tank adds happiness.
Also on the cover is the Fat Boy, Harley’s most unique Softail has what you need and nothing more.
Paul tested the Street Glide Special and reckons that it is special!
That’s it for new bikes but our selection of customs is just as impressive.
We’ve got the CVO Street Glide that did well in the bike show at Brighter Days as well as a Chicano Blue Softail from Adelaide, a red Vicla Deluxe from Sydney, and an amazing FXR Evo from Brisbane that has opened Dave’s eyes to the joys of FXR..
Doc has proof that there’s no substitute for cubic inches, and Mick has got the upgraded suspension nailed on Packhorse – our 2022 Road King Special – and proven it with a 3500km test ride.
We’ve also checked out the NZ HOG drags, Auckland Pink Ribbon Ride, and Brighter Days in the best part of Victoria.
John ‘Westy’ Rooth takes a look back at the FXRS-Sp he owned and let slip through his fingers.
HEAVY DUTY #188 is on sale now in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #187 March/April is on sale Monday 6th March, 2023 complete with the 2023 CVO Road Glide Anniversary on the cover.  We’ve all been waiting to see what Harley-Davidson would bring forth in the 120th Anniversary range. No cheap shots here; every single one is a winner.  But there’s also the 2023 models. We’ve had a good look at the range and the Motor Company has done a fine job. Check out our extensive coverage in this issue. Before we sign off on the 2022 range, we had to have a look at the Pan America from a couple of different angles and have decided that it really is Harley’s Multi-tool. If there’s anything it can’t do, we haven’t found it yet. Two different tests from two completely different riders adds to the diversity of our testing. Custom bikes begin with Panelope, a rigid Panhead with jockey shift and instant cred! Other classic customs include Doomed, an Evo showing the world how we do it. Following right behind are a couple of modern customs. Rob K has taken to his El Diablo with a passion and we’ve shared the progress. Mason’s Road Glide is an awesome example of where builders are going with touring platform Harleys. The Cannonball Run started with an idea. The man with that idea has shared the story on the coast-to-coast adventure for pre-’48 bikes. Phil Heath spent a day in the saddle of a Road Glide along with a couple of hard-riding Kiwi mates who shared more of the Auckland surrounds. Hot Rods & Harleys brought together the finest of each field for a weekend in Wollongong. Shiela’s Shakedown was a big one in Victoria. Project Packhorse has finally taken up permanent residency in our shed and Mick’s been doing stuff to it as well as to HDMAG, his M8 Super Glide that now carries a new camshaft. HEAVY DUTY #187 is on sale now in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #186 January/February is the first issue for 2023 – the year that Australia fully re-opens!

Before we get our hands on the expected 120th Anniversary Models, we had a couple of MY22s to throw a leg over. And they were two of the best: Mick re-discovered the joys of high-speed comfort aboard an Ultra Limited; and Dave got back in touch with the Sport Glide – a bike we consider the best value-for-money Softail. 

We also had a couple of Days In The Saddle with the Sportster S: One in inner-city Auckland traffic; and the other at Sydney Dragway.

Back on the road we’ve got the Aussie Viclas’ Nationals from Albury-Wodonga, and the Longriders CMC’s Old School Cool show from Lobethal.

Custom bikes kick on with Doug Every’s Breakout – the winner of the second round of Breakout Boss. Back that up with Taverner Motorsports’ 200hp Golden Child, and a beautifully balanced Evo built by Daniel Herman, as well as a great 111ci Twin Cam rigid.

Mick has released his Royal Enfield RE865 Interceptor into the hands of Brian the Welder, and waves it farewell.

HEAVY DUTY #186 is on sale now in newsagents and better bike shops across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #185 November/December is the final issue for this year. Here’s hoping for an even better 2023!

Rounding out our road tests of 2022 models are the Breakout and Heritage Classic. A pair of Harley’s finest for different reasons. Bustin’ loose on the Breakout made Paul a happy man. Mick was equally happy aboard the timeless classic that is the Heritage Classic.

Customs start with our cover bike – Larry Curik’s Flashback XR1525S, and roll on with a traditional Knucklehead chop, a husband and wife’s pair of Low Riders, and a Procharger-equipped Breakout.

One of our projects is complete. Yep, Mick has declared that his M8 Softail makeover is now complete. You can check out his modern version of a classic Super Glide in this issue. Along with that, we’ve got the latest instalment of the ongoing build of Packhorse, our Road King Special.

The borders have re-opened and Aussies hit Sturgis for the first time since 2019. Locally, Tamworth hosted the National Thunder Rally; Gasoline Alley opened the doors at Willowbank Raceway for race yer mates, and Dust Hustle kicked up the dust.

Across the ditch, New Zealand has re-opened for business and Phil has shared a Day in the Saddle around three dealerships.

Whatever bikes you want to read about, chances are we’ve got it in HEAVY DUTY 184.

As well as the finest customs we could round up, we also have Australia’s finest road tests on Harley’s Low Rider ST as well as the Low Rider S. Triumph’s great Bonneville Bobber went under the microscope.

We’ve all read how good the Pan America is off-road – but we wondered what’s it like on the bitumen. The only way to answer that question was to test it with surprising results.

Our Road King Special has joined the fleet and was christened Project Packhorse. A name that accurately describes our plans for that FLHRXS.

Going back to those customs, check out Shadow Boxer – the breakout from Coops Custom Cycles, and Sour Kraut – a sweet 47 Knucklehead from Jordan Dickinson. Along with The Silver Surfer – an amazing CVO V-Rod from Fearless, this issue is overflowing with inspiration for your own build.

HEAVY DUTY #184 is on sale now in newsagents and better bike shops Australia-wide.

We’ve got the lot: new bikes, customs, old bikes, events and tech.

As well as the finest custom Harleys from across the planet, we’ve also got Australia’s best Harley tests including our exclusive Road Glide ST versus Street Glide ST comparison ride. You asked for it; so we made it happen. We also managed to score road tests of both the 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster 975, and the 2022 Triumph Rocket 3 GT.

HEAVY DUTY #183 is on sale now in newsagents and better bike shops Australia-wide.

HEAVY DUTY #182 is out now and we’ve got the lot: new bikes, customs, old bikes, events and tech. As well as the finest custom Harleys from across the planet, we’ve also got Australia’s best Harley tests including our exclusive Freewheeler ride. You asked for it; so we made it happen.

New and untested, the 2022 Nightster 975 has been launched and we’ve got the inside info you need.

The new and improved 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S earns its place in this issue with a quick spin.

Imagine clocking up 3141km in 24 hours aboard a Sportster S! A team of five riders managed that feat and one of them has shared the thrills.

We do Harley tech every issue and this time Doc’s making his hot rod Street Glide breathe better with S&S exhaust and intake, as well as his usual Tech Torq column.

As for customs, there are seven custom bikes in this issue, kicking off with The Funkster, a rigid Evo Sporty on the cover. Further inside you’ll find Lil John Buttera’s Speedster, a genuine piece of custom bike history. Look beyond the patina and you’ll find details that confound the detail freaks!

Amongst the other gems is White Lightning, a unique turbo’d Sportster, as well as a wild Deuce, a ghoulish Bitsa, and all of the others.

If it’s classic bikes you’re after, we’ve got a 1947 Indian Chief and a 1984 XR1000 that are both owned by the same bloke.

HEAVY DUTY #182 is on sale Monday, 2nd March, 2022 in better bike shops and newsagents across Australia and New Zealand.

HEAVY DUTY #181 has landed and it’s easy to find in newsagents and better bike shops thanks to the awesome Panhead from Speedking on the red cover. And that’s just the start. We’ve got the inside scoop on the full 2022 range from Harley-Davidson, including the awesome new FXLRST Low Rider ST and the return of the CVO options. You want to hear what Doc and Paul Bailey had to say about the Sportster S. No, really. You do. Second opinions are great especially when they find different points to focus on. Jane has ridden the Pan America and her thoughts make for interesting reading. Dave scored big when he was able to ride a 2003 Road King back-to-back with a 2021 Road King. Mick also managed to score a couple of weeks on the Triumph T120 Bonneville. He came away happy. Perfect bike for the other side of the shed alongside your ‘run bike’. Starting with a pair of traditional old school Shovelhead choppers, we’ve got plenty of stove-hot customs including a supercharged V-Rod and a 1927 JD eight-valve hillclimber. Modern customising comes our way from Split Personality, a Road Glide from NZ that has copped a big makeover. Project M8 Super Glide was dropped back on the ground after the makeover of the front-end and wheels was completed. The Great Race returned after a two-year absence and roared out of Bathurst for a couple of days. Speaking of racing, one-time HEAVY DUTY Editor Chris Beattie has gone racing with the Over The Hill Gang and we’re tagging along for the ride as he tries desperately to recapture his long-gone youth. All of this mixed in with the regulars you know and love as well as a look back at the history of the Evolution’s development. HEAVY DUTY #181 is on sale Monday, 7th March, 2022 in newsagents and better bike shops Australia-wide.

HEAVY DUTY #179 is out and we’ve got a pile of Christmas gifts to give away to subscribers as well as a stack of Christmas gift ideas for all riders. Gift subs are available right now.

Roland Sands’ Glory Stomper leads the way along with Doc’s Corbin Warbird. Radically different bikes but both Twin Cams.

Captain Larry is more than just a radical departure that pays tribute to 1969 and legends. That engine!

Rob wanted a Breakout but not like anybody else’s. Job done. Same with the Indian Scout bobber. Followed by Pipes’ Piping Hot Bagger. 

An Indian Four offers a change of pace before we launch into our road test of the 2021 FXLRS Low Rider S – a Missile for the Masses. 

Hold back on the gold and the results can be very classy. Dave’s got it right with his V-Rod.

Dave’s clocked up 4000km on our long-term Pan America and the honeymoon ain’t over yet.

Touring Doc-style required more luggage space on his Street Glide and we’ve got the guts on that as well as an awesome clutch slave cylinder that halves the effort!

On the tech, Mick spent time going with the flow to find out about ported M8 cylinder heads from Rams Head Service.

Phil spent a day in the saddle around Hamilton with Barry and the crew from Road and Sport H-D. The Blackwater Social Riders held their East Meets West charity ride and we have the pics as proof.

Maro’s Customs had a birthday bash and Brett returned with pics and a yarn. That busy Doc made it out Red Centre Nats 7.

Our favourite time of the year with days made for riding and nights made for sleeping. Unless you’re north of the Tropic of Capricorn and don’t really understand winter. Free wheelin’ across the front cover is Fergus from Gasoline Alley on his Softail not-so-Standard chopper. He’s out riding and loving life. Check out his latest creation in HEAVY DUTY #178. Dave’s been clocking up miles and living the LiveWire life for a few weeks. Wondered what it’s like to live with a LiveWire? This should answer questions. Dave also took custody of our long-term Harley-Davidson Pan America and is pretty darned happy about that! He enjoys the road less travelled and has been out playing in the dirt and mud as well as clocking up highway miles. Paul has owned a few Electra Glides and was keen to explore the Ultra Limited. The devil is in the detail and he liked what he found. Mick’s found life is simple with the Softail Slim and its classical styling and minimal frills. Days in the Saddle are what it’s all about and we’ve got a couple of them in this issue: one from Rod who checked out Strathalbyn in South Australia; and one from Phil Heath who ventured south to Rotorua in NZ.  Speed Week 2021 happened and we’ve got yarns from Elliott and Cliff, two racers with different results and memories from their trip to Lake Gairdner. BMW’s R18 Classic Deluxe made its way through our collective sheds and Dave cranked out a Quick Spin on the Teutonic Tourer. We’ve got a couple of other outstanding custom Harleys, along with a classic 1924 FE, and a look back at Sportsters owned by a few of us. HEAVY DUTY #178 is on sale Thursday, 2nd September 2021 in newsagents and better bike shops.

We’ve just passed the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year, and we’re all stuck in the office catching up on stuff. Tomorrow’s a better day for a ride cos there’ll be more sunshine!

HEAVY DUTY 177 hits the newsagent next week with subscribers scoring their copies in the mail at about the same time.

What’s in it? Heaps. Starting with the Pan America that is the dawn of the next generation of mid-weight models from Harley-Davidson. Mick rode it and reckons the engine package is especially exciting. Other new models tested include the Fat Boy with 114 cubes and a return to the chrome overload that we love. After a fortnight, Dave struggled to return it.

The 2021 Sportster models mark the end of the end of an unbroken 64-year run. We managed to get our hands on an Iron 883 for one last hurrah. In between tears of sorrow, Mick strung words together about the 883, and Doc had a look back over the Sportster timeline.

Custom bikes kick off with The Fabulous Flexi Flyer and the 1928 Harley two-cam bolted to it. People forget that Harley riders have been building customs since 1903. There’s also an amazing Street Glide Special from the tropics with amazing artwork. In between those two extremes, you’ll find a three completely different Shovels and an out-there Evo from Frysian.

Paul fitted an S&S SuperStreet 2-into-1 to his Deluxe and we’ve got the before and after dyno figures to share facts not fiction.

Mick’s Project M8 Super Glide has finally made it back onto a dyno to get the mapping sorted and he claims that his S&S 124 smooth torquer is, ‘Smooth as a gravy sandwich!’

Rod spent A Day in the Saddle and shared another route to Tamworth. Doc took in RockyNats and the Qld State HOG Rally. As the Gold Coast re-opens, Dave made it out to Dust Hustle and the Two Wheel Heaven show.

All of this as well as the return of Punters’ Pics and all of the regulars you love like Tech Torq, Cybercycles and Exam Room.

HEAVY DUTY 177 on sale 1st July.

WHAT’S IN ISSUE 176?

We’re glad you asked. Narin’s El Padre leads the way. If you like finding the little details that make a good bike great; you’re gonna love this M8 Vicla.

Mick’s test of the 2021 Street Glide Special took about 1700km and two full days in the saddle to knock over. He came away impressed. Read why.

Custom bikes … Casey’s El Dorado, a golden Harley chicano; The Meteor Reborn, revisited after a decade; Hot Shoe Indian, an Indian Chief; Beauty and a Beast, an M8-powered bobber hot rod.

Not all H-D history is V-Twin. This 1920 Sport Twin is a primo example.

The Elpho Chopper Show rocked. The Sellicks Beach races rocked. And so did Brum’s Farewell.

Doc reports on the Salva Throttle Control fitted to his big-bore Streeet Glide Special. Mick reports on his now-865cc Royal Enfield, and Dave rode Gasoline Alley’s JRI-equipped Street Glide. We check out the Good Gear — gear that we’re using. We also give you a rundown on what gear you need to drag race your bike.

All of this as well as the regulars: Tech Torq, Road Raves and Examination Room from Doc; Cybercycles from Tex; and Big Twin Memories from readers just like you.

Available in newsagents Australia-wide from Monday 3rd May, 2021.

The state borders are open, the sun’s shining and we’ve just received printed copies of HEAVY DUTY #175, our March/April issue with Justin’s highly personalised Road Glide on the cover. Also on the cover is a 1971 Super Glide FX Night Train, a bike that was highly personalised by Willie G. 50 years separate these two bikes but they were both built with an enduring passion. The first Street Bob 114s to land in Australia went out to dealers, as they should. Demand was so high that a press fleet had to wait. Lucky for us, and all of you who want to read a test, we managed to get our hands on Gasoline Alley’s demonstrator. Happy Days, indeed. Next on our list of road tests was the BMW R18. After testing the waters, we took the plunge and added a German to the list of European bikes previously tested in HEAVY DUTY. Not a replica of anything else; its heritage and influences are strictly in-house. Read what Dave had to say about it. Not tested yet but we’ve got the latest on Harley’s Pan America. All of the inside news from 3am last Tuesday morning! We’ve also got the latest news on the Indian Chiefs. Road tests will happen, hopefully next issue. Doc has answered your questions in Tech Torq, Tex has found the hidden gems and shared them in Cybercycles. Subscribers’ copies are in the mail and on the way. Newsagents will have copies on sale Thursday 4th March.

We don’t think that there’s a single person who predicted that 2020 was going to play out the way that it did. But it happened and we all dealt with it the best way we could. But we can at last look forward to 2021 and HEAVY DUTY magazine, Issue #174 (Jan/Feb issue), will be out on Jan 4 – and it is jam-packed full of great stuff…

That custom Shovel on the cover started life as a Softail, but was then personalised – twice! Spend the time and check out all of the little details on this amazing build.

Also on the cover is an extra-special Road Glide Special. They aren’t delivered from the Motor Company with a 131-cube M8 fitted, but that’s what is powering this one down the road.

Between the covers you’ll find El Chicano, a bike much deeper than a few scrolls. Look further and you’ll find Massachusetts Gold, a Sportster from Shadley Brothers that will also draw you in. Then there’s The Cyclops, an M8 Softail built to dominate on race tracks. The Duckworth Clan gave us an insight into what makes them tick as a family where every member owns a Harley. Dave went for a ride with the Gasoline Alley Hoggies and had a blast. Mainframe Custom Cycles have turned out an awesome combo. Dave shares his thoughts on the LiveWire; we found a Dark Knight Fat Boy; Suzanne spent A Day in the Saddle in south-west WA; a bloke called Tom built a unique Sportster; Doc shares his trip to the Burt Munro Challenge and also a Feuling W3. Mick takes delivery of Project M8 Superglide and starts doing stuff to it.

All of this as well as the regulars you know and love from Doc and Tex.

On sale January 4 in newsagents right across Australia and New Zealand.

ISSUE 173
Summer’s here and the time is right for riding in the streets, with apologies to Martha and the Vandellas for changing a word.

As I write this, the sun’s shining and I’ve just thought of a really good reason to jump on our new project bike – the as-yet unnamed 2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard.

On the desk beside me is a copy of HEAVY DUTY #173 with Zane’s magical Shovel chopper front and centre. Along with Glenn Aitken’s version, this issue contains two of the most genuine 1970s Shovel choppers you’re gonna see 40 years after that decade ended.

Continuing the nostalgic theme is a genuine New Old Stock WLA. We found it and managed to preserve it digitally before it was off to the auction house and an uncertain future. 

But we’re not stuck in the olden days of points and carburettors.

LiveWire. Possibly the most divisive motorcycle ever offered by Harley-Davidson. Make your own decision.

Modern programming continues with a Quick Spin on an Indian Challenger and also on a H-D Softail Standard with Daytripper package added.

To move back to the real old days, Billy Lane’s Merkel board tracker has been out for a gallop with the Sons of Speed. 

There’s a well-put together FXR, an ANZAC tribute Breakout, a glorious green rigid with 110-cubes of Revtech adding drive, a top Breakout from the Top End, and our Project Interceptor has gained power.

Each of our current regular contributors has offered their own personal memories of Brum and a pic or two. He remains close in all of our thoughts.

CentreNats went off in Alice Springs and Doc made it to an event that made him smile. Before he headed to the Red Centre, Doc also waded through your question for Tech Torq.

The Roaring Sporties will be back on track in 2021 and as well as sharing the news on that and our involvement, we’ve got pics of Brum’s XG750 racebike.

All of this and more in the November/December issue of HEAVY DUTY, on sale 5th November, 2020.

Welcome to the best time of year to be a rider in Australia. Temperatures in our favourite part of the world are warmer than they were last month but we haven’t yet reached those scorching summer days. Life in print is just as good. Goldfinger points the way on the cover along with Paul Bailey and Mick’s CVO Comparo. Are they the greatest H-D CVO Road Glide and Street Glide yet built? Of course they are but you need to have a read to see who prefers one bike over the other. Former publisher and good bloke Brum built himself a Heritage Classic. The Essendon footy fan had to paint it black and red, and just had to title it Project Bomber. He’s injected a generous dose of blackness into this glorious bike. Flicking through the mag you’ll soon find the poster and Australia’s first nine-second Bagger. That’s Alpha Performance Engines’ Mark Harris on his 143-cube FLHRXS. Flip the poster over to see Bikecraft’s latest Rocker build – a truly great bike that shows off Brad’s building skills. From the cover, Pega Custom Cycles’ Goldfinger V-Rod shines out from a few more pages inside. Those two bikes were found by Craig Pattison in downtown and locked-down Melbourne. All of this and more. On sale 4th September, 2020.

Check out that awesome cover designed by our Art Director, Craig Fryers. Give Craig good material to work with and he puts in the extra effort. This issue he’s had plenty of good stuff to work with, starting with the 30th Anniversary Fat Boy. Craig Pattison found an original, unmolested 1990 Fat Boy and captured it digitally. Fuchs Silkolene Australia shared our passion for the Fat Boy and the poster’s back.

David Cohen fell under the spell of the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King when he got to share his life with it. Last we heard, he was measuring his garage and bank account.

Mick grabbed the 2020 Softail Standard for a second opinion and after listing a couple of changes he’d like to make, he rode the 2020 Sport Glide and found that the Factory have already made the changes and built one for him. He’s also been muttering about bigger shed and matching bank balance.

That man Craig Pattison unearthed a stunning Street Glide; David Cohen rounded up a 150hp Road Glide and then corralled a 150hp Low Rider S and a tidy Softail with trick bars.

Our new project Royal Enfield has landed along with boxes from S&S Cycle. The wheels are turning and we’ll keep you up to date on that one.

As well as talking tech in Tech Torq, Doc Robinson has been lightening the load on his Street Glide and sharing memories of his first trip to Sturgis in 1997.

Big Twin Memories brings us a trip through the Hunter Valley in the late ’60s, and Tex explores the current situation in Milwaukee.

All of this and more. On sale 3rd July 2020.

One minute, you’re coasting along in your normal day-to-day life and the next minute, every single thing gets turned upside-down and you’re stuck at home. That’s how life is for too many of us in Australia right now. Damn you Covid-19, damn you.

Since issue #169 went on sale, Brum and Viv have moved along and passed the baton to Mick and Alison, the new owners and publishers of HEAVY DUTY Magazine.

What’s that mean for you? Not a lot. You’ll still see printed mags in newsagents and landing in letterboxes.

On the cover of the May/June issue (#170) is Brian Buttera’s spectacular gold Panhead. Elsewhere there’s an amazing Mexican Lowrider with gold-plating and great graphics, a turbocharged Shovelhead, one Stupid Fast Bagger, an out-of-control Rocker, and a Special K model. All of this as well as tests on the new Triumph Rocket 3R and Harley-Davidson’s Softail Standard. More? Brighter Days, engraving and a trip through Nepal.

As you’d expect, we have Doc's Tech Torq and all the regulars, as well as a new section where we invite YOU, our readers, to upload pics of you and your ride from back in the day.

Well, it's autumn already, not that we had much of a summer! Wide spread fires, floods and the drought put the dampers on the traditional holiday time. The March/April issue 169 has an incredibly cool custom Breakout from Bikecraft Custom Builders in Mentone Victoria. This business continues to impress with its high standard and innovative ideas and we are glad to put this bike on our cover. Elsewhere we have a fantastic speedway bike which is powered by half an Ironhead Sportster motor. That's right. The owner blanked off the rear cylinder and fitted it into a Speedway frame. That's what we call Aussie ingenuity. And for something completely different, we have a totally original and beautifully restored 1941 Knucklehead. See this bike and you'll be transported back in time. And of course we have words of wisdom in Doc's Tech Torque. And much much more! Get you copy now!

Welcome to our first issue of the new year and the third new decade of the century! On the cover this issue is a supercharged Wide Glide – the kind of bike we built our reputation on featuring. This bike is super-hot and mega-cool at the same time. On the cover as well is a V-four Indian built nearly 100 years ago. The kicker is: it is the only one in the world! As well we feature three big horsepower Milwaukee-Eight Harleys, a vintage Knucklehead, we test the 2020 Street Glide and have a full report on the recent Canberra King of the Hill event. Plus all Doc's Tech Torq advice and Punters Pix.

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HEAVY DUTY Magazine is Australia number one, biggest and best American V-Twin motorcycle magazine. Established in 1991, HEAVY DUTY features the latest releases from Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycles and Victory Motorcycles, as well as stunning custom bikes from world class custom builders. We also offer a wealth of Technical info, DIY tips, Project Bikes, readers riders and much more. All this in a beautifully presented high end publication.

HEAVY DUTY TECH TORQ 2

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HEAVY DUTY Magazine - January - February 2022

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