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.

What do you do after 36 years investigating homicides? If you're Brian Rix, you ship a BMW GS to South America and ride from the Antarctic Circle to the Arctic Circle.

The former Victorian Detective Inspector and Police Association President has since travelled over 170,000 kilometers across 68 countries on two wheels - with his wife Shirley on the back for every wild kilometer. From bear country breakdowns to 5000-metre Andes crossings, Brian's journey is equal parts adventure story and accidental therapy session.

As a fierce advocate for PTSD-affected officers and co-founder of Australia's Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance, Brian knows the weight that homicide work leaves behind. But his story isn't about dwelling in darkness - it's about choosing the horizon, discovering that most people are decent, and proving your second act can be even better than your first.

Thirty-six years solving crimes. Three epic journeys. One hell of a retirement plan.

Buy Brian and Shirley’s books at www.aussiesoverland.com.au/

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" design
• Why Norton engineered for real-world performance instead of chasing peak horsepower
• Inside TVS's Hosur factory: AI, automation, and the scale behind Norton's rebirth
• Three additional models revealed: Manx, Atlas, and Atlas GT
• Can Norton command premium pricing against Ducati and BMW?
• The challenge of rebuilding a dealer network and brand credibility
• What this means for the Australian market
• Heritage brand revivals: what's the formula for success?

Key Specs - Norton Manx R:

• 1,200cc 72-degree V4 engine
• 206hp @ 11,500rpm / 130Nm @ 9,000rpm
• 204kg dry weight (1hp per kilogram)
• Semi-active Marzocchi suspension
• Brembo HYPURE brakes with cornering ABS
• Carbon fibre bodywork and BST wheels
• 8" TFT touchscreen with GoPro integration
• Launch: Early 2026

Norton'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.

Mike 'Sinkers' Sinclair joins the boys in the INFO MOTO studio.

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

Long-time friend and colleague Chris Harris joins the boys at the INFO MOTO studio to tell Motorcycle Trader magazine war stories, and to discuss how the Australian bike industry has evolved throughout the years - from both sides of the fence.

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

Snag, Spanner and Spence convene once again to catch up on our motorcycling world.

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

Spanner and Snag on the old bloke's criminal past, our superhero unloads on US gun laws, our knackered roads are put under the microscope, and we make a date to delve inside the murky depths of Spanner's hidden domain.

We farewell a legend of Ducati bevel knowledge, Snag muses on the likely future for the big adventure category and Spanner reckons he once beat Snaggy in a race.

Oh and Snag wrongly identifies a Honda engine as one from Suzuki.

Oh dear...