Tarzy’s dream bikes may appear to have very little in common but they each tell a story that connects to her life as a racer
As a racer, I get asked a lot of questions, but one of the hardest has to be: “What’s your dream garage?” There are so many bikes I’d love to throw a leg over that narrowing it down to three feels almost impossible. But if I had to pick three, they’d each represent a different part of why I love this sport: the legends who paved the way, the dream I’m chasing, and the bikes that remind me racing is meant to be fun.
Mick Doohan’s Rothmans Honda NSR500
I’ve ridden a two-stroke once and I loved it. But not at first!
My first experience was on Davo Johnson’s Honda 125, and it felt like I was riding an overpowered bicycle on a tightrope. I came back into the pits freaking out to my crew about how weird and different it felt. It was nothing like what I was used to, and I wasn’t entirely convinced I knew what I’d signed myself up for. But here’s the funny part: I ended up winning the round!
So, obviously, I must have figured something out. That experience made me a better racer and left me hungry to get on a proper Grand Prix two-stroke one day. And if I could choose any, it would have to be Mick Doohan’s famous Rothmans Honda NSR500.
Doohan is one of Australia’s greatest motorcycle racing legends. A five-time 500cc World Champion, he built his career around an incredible combination of speed, determination and toughness. After suffering horrific injuries, including a career-threatening leg injury in 1992, he fought his way back to become one of the most dominant riders of his era.
What makes this bike so special is the history behind it. These were machines that demanded everything from their riders. The power delivery was aggressive, the technology was a world away from what we have today, and riding one at the limit required an enormous amount of commitment.
As an Australian racer chasing my own championship dreams, I’d love to experience a machine connected to someone who helped put Australian motorcycle racing on the world map. Imagine firing that thing up, feeling the power come on and trying to get your head around what Doohan managed to do on it.
I’d probably come back into the pits with a few more questions for my crew, too!
Ducati Panigale V4
This one is probably the most obvious choice, but there’s a reason for that. My dream is to race for a Ducati team at the highest level of the sport, and there’s something about a red Ducati that gets me every time.
The Panigale V4 is an incredible combination of Italian design, engineering and performance. It looks just as good standing still as it does charging down a straight, but what really interests me is what it can do when you start pushing it. Ducati has built an incredible racing legacy, with world championship success in both WSBK and MotoGP. Generations of talented riders have helped develop that reputation, turning the brand into one of the biggest names in motorcycle racing.
For me, though, this bike represents more than a dream road bike. It represents where I want to go. I’m working towards winning an ASBK championship, and I want to keep pushing myself to see how far I can take my racing. Getting the opportunity to ride a Panigale V4 properly on track would be a chance to experience a completely different level of performance and learn from a machine built with racing in its DNA.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to throw a leg over a red Ducati, roll out of pitlane and give it some?
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
This one might surprise a few people, but I’m a big fan of Harley-Davidsons. In fact, I’ve raced them!
I raced a Sportster 1200 and had an absolute ball doing it. It’s another bike I’ve raced a handful of times that taught me a lot about adapting my riding style and getting the most out of something completely different to what I’m used to.
I’ll never forget my first race meeting on one. I was out in my first free practice, going around a corner, when I could hear what sounded like five or so Harleys revving up behind me. I genuinely thought I was holding up a whole bunch of riders.
Turns out I was completely on my own. It was just the sound of the engine!
That experience pretty much sums up why I love these bikes. They’re loud, full of character and offer a completely different experience to a modern sportsbike. You have to approach them differently, and there’s something satisfying about learning to ride a machine outside your comfort zone.
The Low Rider S would be my pick because it has that classic Harley attitude with a modern performance edge. I’d love to take one out on the open road and enjoy it without worrying about lap times, championship points or chasing tenths.
These three bikes might have very little in common on paper, but they each tell a story that connects to my life as a racer. Doohan’s Honda represents the legends who paved the way, the Ducati represents the dream I’m chasing, and the Harley reminds me why I fell in love with riding in the first place.
My dream garage wouldn’t just be about owning three incredible motorcycles. It would be about experiencing the history, the engineering and the different sides of motorcycling that have helped shape me as a rider.
And if someone offered me the keys to all three tomorrow, I certainly wouldn’t be asking any questions!
