The December-January issue of Australian Road Rider has hit the streets, with the BMW Roctane on the cover.

We attended the launch of the Roctane and the editor made a short video before writing his 10-page review of the important new bike in BMW’s line-up: it’s the first of the R 18 big Boxers to have modern styling, integrated hard saddlebags and high handlebars – until now the R 18s have been built with Heritage styling to offer old-world charm.

The Roctane goes up against the Harley-Davidson and Indian cruisers which sell in big numbers and BMW wants a slice of that action.

At the other end of the spectrum is the KTM RC 8C, a track-only sports special, tested by Alan Cathcart in Europe, because this sold-out special is something few of us will ever get the chance to throw a leg over, much to the editor’s disappointment. It’s a blast to ride hard, Alan tells us…

The editor did get to ride the CFMOTO 800MT Explore, the top-of-the range adventure machine from the company, and came away very impressed at not just its capabilities (which are good) but also its value (much less expensive than the Japanese and European competition).

While the RC 8C might be track-only, Ducati’s Pikes Peak Multistrada certainly isn’t, it’s a sportsbike in adventure clothing… rocketship fast, very well equipped and simply awesome to ride, the editor had a great time testing this machine and very hard time giving it back… but he also casts a cold hard light on the value proposition in his lengthy review of one of the best Multistradas ever built.

Phil James looks at the Yamaha MT-07 from a LAMs rider perspective, rolling his thoughts about what new riders need in a motorcycle as part of his review of one of Australia’s best-selling bikes.

Our touring stories will take you to the USA with Chris Daly, Albert in NSW with Geoff Ross and the Goldfields with Paul Church, while in response to Whinging Old Blokes we’ve put together a light-hearted feature on why motorcycling is better than ever.

Australian Road Rider is available in good newsagents, but it’s easy to order your copy here or subscribe.