Head out to your local newsagent now to grab the latest copy of Australian Motorcycle News Magazine (AMCN) containing the story and test on the Rowe Racing Manx 650 Ducati.

The test conducted by AMCN Test Editor Paul Young was a great success at Mac Park last month. He made the most of having the track to himself, while local motoring journalist Hamish Cooper chatted to team mechanic Brian Rosser about the bike itself. Hamish also spoke to Les Rowe about his time at the Isle of Man in 1989, comparing it to the experience of taking the back-seat as Royce tackled the daunting circuit last year.

Issue Vol 65 No 14 is on sale until February 3.

Take a look back here soon for an update on New Zealand’s upcoming Sound of Thunder meeting we’ll be contesting.

With the jam-packed new year underway, the Rowe Racing Team has wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. The team made the trek to Phillip Island for two days of testing and development earlier this week. Although the forecast looked soggy, proceedings luckily stayed dry coupled with the usual Island winds.

Pic: Royce felt at home back on the Suzuki GSX-R600 (Photo: SD Pics)

Keeping himself busy, team rider Royce was required to run all four bikes – two being the BJR Racing Products 696 and 1000 Ducati’s in preparation for the Sound of Thunder meeting in New Zealand next month. The team also pushed for further development on the Rowe Racing 650 Ducati for this year’s Manx Super Twins GP. Adding to the Manx GP stable for 2016 is Royce’s GSX-R600 on which he hopes to gain a start within the Junior and Senior GPs.

Pic: Decisions, decisions…

Royce had this to say about the busy two days aboard all four bikes, “Getting ready for New Zealand on both the 1000 and 696 was nice, a bit of extra track time has helped my confidence and I’m feeling good about my first race across the ditch. I’ve been watching lots of on-board footage of the Ruapuna circuit in preparation for the race meeting.

“It was my first time back on the 650 since the Manx GP and I still feel as strong as ever on board the machine. The Suzuki 600 is feeling as comfortable as ever, having been my original race bike for some time. I’m extremely excited to be bringing it along to this year’s Manx GP.  ”

Pic: Preparing the 696 for Ruapuna Park next month (Photo: SD Pics)

The mechanical contingent of the team was very pleased with how all four bikes ran in blustery conditions on both days. The 696 and 1000 are running as well as expected, the 650 only needed some minor adjustments to mapping and suspension, while the 600 had very positive results.

Pic: Sandro recorded a PB aboard his Segway on day two

The team would like to thank Sandro of Auldana Foundations for helping transport the bikes from Adelaide, as well as providing the catering. Check back soon for an update on the Sound of Thunder meeting next month!