INFO MOTO Podcast

Lot of water under the bridge, lot of other stuff too. Guido, Snag and Spanner talk bikes. Proudly supported by Kriega. Visit Kriega.com.au

INFO MOTO's first and best reader, Roger 'Darky' Dark joins the podcast to discuss his motorcycling journey, his life as a paramedic and his newest media enterprise. This episode is sponsored by Kriega. View their range of moto accessories here: kriega.com.au

Think you know motorcycles? Well, Spannerman certainly does. Or at least he thinks he does.In this episode of the INFO MOTO Podcast presented by Autoglym, we're putting our resident bike expert through the wringer with a motorcycle trivia quiz that'll separate the enthusiasts from the weekend warriors.

Norton Motorcycles has returned to the world stage with arguably its most significant product launch ever – the all-new Manx R superbike leading a four-model offensive that signals the British brand's bold resurgence.In this special episode presented by Autoglym, we dive deep into Norton's EICMA 2025 reveal and explore what makes the Manx R different from every other superbike on the market. No aero wings. A focus on real-world torque over peak horsepower. Reductive luxury design. And a 1,200cc V4 engine engineered to deliver explosive performance where riders actually ride – between 5,000 and 10,000rpm.But the real story behind Norton's comeback is the backing of TVS Motor Company, India's third-largest motorcycle manufacturer. Last month, I travelled to Bangalore to visit TVS's Hosur manufacturing facility, and what I witnessed was manufacturing at immense scale with sophisticated AI integration and automation. This firsthand experience provides crucial context for understanding Norton's resurgence – this isn't hopeful rhetoric, it's backed by serious industrial capability and over £200 million in investment.In This Episode:The Manx R deep dive: specs, philosophy, and that controversial "no wings" designWhy Norton engineered for real-world performance instead of chasing peak horsepowerInside TVS's Hosur factory: AI, automation, and the scale behind Norton's rebirthThree additional models revealed: Manx, Atlas, and Atlas GTCan Norton command premium pricing against Ducati and BMW?The challenge of rebuilding a dealer network and brand credibilityWhat this means for the Australian marketHeritage brand revivals: what's the formula for success?Key Specs - Norton Manx R:1,200cc 72-degree V4 engine206hp @ 11,500rpm / 130Nm @ 9,000rpm204kg dry weight (1hp per kilogram)Semi-active Marzocchi suspensionBrembo HYPURE brakes with cornering ABSCarbon fibre bodywork and BST wheels8" TFT touchscreen with GoPro integrationLaunch: Early 2026Norton's approach flies in the face of conventional superbike wisdom. While rivals chase maximum horsepower and add ever-more complex aerodynamics, Norton has stripped things back – focusing on torque, clean design, and a riding experience that's engaging on real roads, not just racetracks.With TVS's financial muscle, manufacturing expertise, and global distribution network, Norton finally has the foundation for sustainable success. But can a premium British brand maintain its identity while leveraging Indian manufacturing? And are superbike buyers ready for a motorcycle that prioritises character over outright performance numbers?Presented by Autoglym – keeping your pride and joy in showroom condition.

Our friend and most entrusted bike mechanic Mario Rosa joins us in the studio to discuss his incredible career and dicey racing escapades.

Snag, Spannerman and Spence trade motorcycle stories live from the INFO MOTO studios.

After a long hiatus the boys reconvene in the INFO MOTO Studio to catch up on their moto adventures. Spencer's back from a wild caper in Tibet, Spannerman's book is finally published, and Snag's bought a brand new bike. Tune in.Buy Spannerman's book: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/ultimate-motorcycle-tours-by-grant-roff/9781741177367

Well, well, well…Here we are again. Time to eat too much, remember why you can’t stand most of your family and reminisce on the year just gone.And, that’s exactly what we intend to do, with Snag, Spanner and Spence in the salubrious INFO MOTO studio. Yep, fat chewing with three of the doyens of the Motorcycle Caper.What happened in 2022 for the crew here at INFO MOTO.Well, Spanner went overseas and completed A BOOK. He’s hoping to colour-inn another in 2023, but that’s another story. Truthfully, he researched a real motorcycle book. Yeah, we were pretty gobsmacked too. I’ve read a bit of it. He goes from Bard to Verse. Sorry…Spencer rode the latest and greatest Beemers in Spain, stayed up too late belting around Bangkok on a Hunter 350 and learnt that sand and a good bike can make a good rider of you on the Aprilia Tuareg. But a few of the incredible bikes he tested across the year.Snag completed his Lap of Oz. Five months on the road, sitting in a tent and wondering just what the hell he had got himself into. Still, he had fun and some of that stuff made pretty bloody entertaining video gear. He’s still boring us silly in the INFO MOTO Bunker with tales of that epic little journey.We produced a squillion news pieces, covered EICMA like Cristo covering an island, posted dozens of videos, attended event after event, recorded podcasts, produced newsletters and feature yarns. We attended launches of all the new gear worth covering and hopefully kept you lot a little entertained. It’s a grouse gig, and we never lose sight of how privileged we are making a modest quid doing this stuff. We have even bigger ideas and schemes in the pipeline for 2023. Yep, look out Rupert, we are gonna blow you right outta the water. About time that happened, but I digress.For now, sit right back and you’ll hear a tale… Light a big cigar, get comfy in the recliner as the lads have a lengthy chinwag about all things motorcycling, with a reasonable whack of absolute rubbish. Yep, we aim to please.Indeed, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry.Folks, we give you, The 2022 INFO MOTO Christmas Podcast…

The INFO MOTO Podcast hit the road to catch up with friends and racing heroes, Robbie Phillis and Mick Hone. Join as the gang talk racing through the decades, as it REALLY happened.There was a time when Australian domestic motorcycle racing was as popular and strong as anywhere in the world.Factory teams abounded, names like Doohan, Magee, Crosby, Hansford, Cole and a dozen other absolute top liners ripped around tracks and tens of thousands of mad fans flocked to watch them. It was the biggest game in town and the bike world couldn’t get enough of it.You see, it is simply impossible to talk about those days without the names Mick Hone and Robbie Phillis looming large. Real large.With mechanical guru Alan Pickering, the Hone/Phillis combination weaved a special magic. Phillis was as good as anyone on the planet in the seat and Hone ran a ship the envy of the rest of them. Yep. A privateer team running on a super-tight budget that took on the very best – and beat them.Indeed, here we are talking absolute Aussie racing royalty. Mick is the straightest shooter in the game and Robbie is a one-off superman, both on the bike and off.Belt in and grab a strong cuppa. Here, we get the hard facts from men that know the absolute truth, and are not remotely scared to talk about it.Let’s let the legends loose shall we…

John Rooth is a writer, presenter, tour guide, public speaker and a great mate of INFO MOTO’s Roothy is a phenomenon in Australia, with millions of avid followers in the 4X4, camping and travel worlds. What’s not as well known is that John has been an outlaw biker, editor of major motorcycle mag Two Wheels, opal miner and a dozen other things.