FIVE MINUTES WITH LUKA BUSSA

Luka Bussa, what was your first bike experience?
A PW50 at age three. My daughter started riding in the same empty paddock in Moruya at age four. That was followed by a PW80, then a rough old XR100.

When did you start competing?
A few events on the PW50, but I got serious in high school on a YZ85. I did motocross and flat track locally, then junior enduro. By 2005 I was on a YZ125 – a dream bike back then. In 2007, I started my apprenticeship at the local bike shop and bought a WR250F as both daily transport and race bike.

When did sponsorship start?
In my second senior year, I got help from Lyndon Heffernan after working at his schools, and Jason Cater. Heffo helped with parts and even a new YZ250 after mine was stolen in 2008. I rode for BMW in 2009, then switched to two Husqvarna 150s from Paul Feeney in 2010. I picked them up after driving overnight from Moruya to the Gold Coast. In 2011 and 2012 I rode with Glen Kearney and Bartek Oblucki. I semi-retired until 2015 when Trent Lean offered me a Suzuki ride alongside Wil Ruprecht.

What did you think of the BMW with the concentric swingarm?
It had pros and cons. The long swingarm made the front feel heavy, but it drove well thanks to reduced chain torque. No other brands adopted the design though.

Trophy cabinet highlights?
Second in E2 class AORC 2010, third in 2011. Gold in every Four Day I entered from 2007–2012 and again in 2015. Finished both ISDEs I entered – Greece 2008 and Germany 2012.

All motocross and enduro?
Mostly, with a few flat track events in Moruya and two runs at Hattah.

Any bucket list events?
I’d love to ride Finke one day – just to say I’ve done it. But with family and business, it’s not an easy commitment.

Best bike memory?
The YZ125 was fun, the 150 Husky was great, but the WR250F was the most useable overall.

Most memorable race?
2010 AORC at Wedderburn. The mud was so bad, riders needed pressure washers just to clean up. Brutal day.