South Africa June 2013
Henry: 084 5678115 Mark: 084 3532713 Mark: Vernon: 083 6291081
Tel: 031 5667411 7 Tetford Circle Umhlanga Ridge
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EDITOR’s NOTE: In a Nutshell you with our Phonebook but there’s a catch; dealers will have to advertise to be listed here and on the same page of our website, which gets around 64,000 hits (about 5000 - 6000 visits) per month. Why not give us try?
Some said this wouldn’t work, and some have tried to run us down, but little did they know that when I dedicated this business to GOD in Jan 2006 that he would have a plan with Bike Talk. Here we are, in our eighth year and my Father is still in control. Thank you JESUS!
John at Gear Up Motorcycling Accessories, a well-known name in KZN, gives an insight on how electronic media can be received among motorcyclists. I share my favourite page with you of GOD’s promise of an Abundant Life; be sure to pause on this page for a while. Our rate sheet is on the same page, which gives you an idea of how affordable it is to advertise with us and reach 1000’s of people in the shortest time possible.
That said, allow me to give the low down on this issue, the very first ALL DIGITAL edition of Bike Talk. Thank you for taking the time in flipping through these pages, I truly believe you’ll find the content fresh and informative.
Exciting times as always, as we get to test ride a few bikes and share our experiences with you. The riding far more exceeds the writing, trust me! So don’t just read about it, go and ride these bikes and experience it first-hand.
We start off with a Q & A on Riding in South Africa based on a question asked by a potential visitor from abroad. On the next page we highlight a few event for 2013, and at the same time I invite you to send us your event details so it can be published for all to see and support.
As always we love supporting a local importer, and feature an overview on one of their bikes; this time the sporty looking Triumph Tiger Sport. Give it a whirl!
A few of our loyal readers took the time in writing about their motorcycling experiences, good or bad, which really adds value to our little mag. Keep it coming! On a recent trip around Lesotho with friends, I merely scratch the surface on how great it is to travel our beautiful country. This being one of the main reasons why we ride motorcycles.
Last but not least I visited a few local dealers on the KZN South Coast to see what they are up to, plus Cycle Craft Yamaha sent us a very impressive story on one of their bikes. TR Tec Adventure Accessories, based in Hillcrest, is going strong and still providing the local adventure motorcycle market with a solid product.
What is a publication without a little humor? I felt it fitting to run an article that was published in the land of UK, on what Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame thinks about bikes. Well worth the read, but don’t believe everything you read in the press.
A recent visit to Perry Yamaha resulted in a very fresh and exciting experience, something to really go and see for yourself.
In the news we highlight the joining of forces between Victory Motorcycles SA and Bike Talk, as I’m sure you’ve read in many of the major SA motorcycling publications. A special thanks to Motorcycling SA, Bike SA, and Super Bike for running the press-release; this is really a great milestone for us.
That’s it in a nutshell boys and girls, flip this page and step into a world of excitement and passion of people living their dreams on the next best thing to sliced cheese -- Motorcycles!
We welcome Ryder BMW Motorrad in Pinetown, announce a brand new rally and introduce a fantastic new product to you that actually works.
Please be so kind to visit our website for stacks of other articles - www.biketalk.co.za or join us on www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA and stay in touch.
To help find the right dealer near you, we provide
GOD Bless!
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INDEX PAGE HEADING PAGE Editor’s Note: In a nutshell
4
Megafone: Riding in South Africa
6
Events Calendar 7 EDITOR Hein Jonker DESIGN & LAYOUT Hein Jonker Media & Publishing PUBLIC RELATIONS Carin Jonker ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION To the South African Motorcycle Market, delivered monthly to more than 20,000 readers on Computers and Mobile Devices using Email, Websites, Facebook, Twitter and Issuu for download, on-line or off-line viewing ... in under 3 days! CONTACT US Tel: 0861 BIKETALK / 0861 24538255 Cell: 083 793 7975 Fax: 0866 4898 55 Parcels: Post Office Amanzimtoti 4125 Email: Web: Faceb:
admin@biketalk.co.za www.biketalk.co.za www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information and reports in this magazine, the publisher, editor, production personnel, printer and distributor do not accept any responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions or for any effect there from. The views expressed by correspondents are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All rights reserved; artwork in this publication has Copyright and may not be used in other publications without the written consent of the Editor.
Reader Stories - Fazel gets the T-shirt - An epic trip
8-9 26
Let’s Ride - Durban around Lesotho Tour
16 - 18
Oh Shut Up - Jeremy Clarkson on Bikes
19 - 20
In the News - Victory SA and Bike Talk join forces - Ryder BMW Motorrad on the move - Rally with Culture - New Product: Tyre Shield
10 11 35 - 36 37
Phonebook: KZN & Gauteng
12 - 13
Gearing Up: Electronic Wizardry
14
GOD’s Corner: Abundant Life
28
Rate Sheet: Advertise and reach 1000’s
28
Review - 2013 Victory Judge - 2013 Honda NC700D Integra - 2013 Victory Highball
22 23 - 24 27, 30
Overview - 2013 Triumph Tiger Sport
31 - 32
Dealer News - KZN South Coast dealers - That’s Yamaha for you - T.R. Tec Adventure continues - Fresh experience at Perry Yamaha
33 34 34 39
turn and explore > 5
MEGAFONE: Riding in South Africa
minimize the risk, i.e. tracking devices, wheel lock, alarm or immobilizing systems etc. Bike theft, I believe, is due to negligence or ignorance on the rider’s part. Most, if not all, motorcycles come with a lockable handlebar and very few riders lock their steering when leaving the bike unattended. Sure, it can still be stolen, but then invest in some sort of a anti-theft device -- it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Almost every day we get asked questions on what bike to buy, which dealer to go to, what gear to buy, what venues or routes to visit and ride, and then from time to time we get emails sent to us from Arrive Alive to provide answers or advice on all motorcycle related questions.
Here is the most recent one and we thought it a good idea to publish it. Question: Good morning, I am due to take my post in SA by September this year. Knowing the security while you’re driving by car (close windows and doors), I would like to know what are the conditions to drive around on a motorbike. Is there a lot of “bike-jacking” and do South Africans use their motorbikes on a day-to-day basis or is it more for fun outside the cities? I would be very grateful if you can provide some answers.
I’m not an expert in anti hi-jacking, but I use a general rule for commuting on a bike or car is to frequently change your route, this way you are more aware as a rider due to frequent change of scenery and you throw off the planning of the “jacker”. I would also suggest that you travel the route to work and back in a car or public transport once or twice to learn the areas, road and traffic conditions before attempting it on a motorcycle. Knowing the area and route well (day or night), will help you focus more on your riding and being more observant.
Lionel from Cambodia Answer: Hello Lionel, There are a lot of perceptions with regards to South Africa and general safety when using our vehicles or motorcycles for commuting and leisure. There is a vast number of people who use their motorcycles daily to work and back because they want to save fuel, beat traffic congestion and because they are true motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether by choice or demand, there are a lot of motorcycles on our roads today, rain or shine.
Lastly, always make sure you are in 1st gear by the time you come to a stop at a traffic light or Stop sign, this way you can move off quickly should you need to. Any motorcyclist will tell you that they truly enjoy riding in South Africa; the roads, scenery, destinations etc. are what most of us live for. We look forward in seeing you do the same!
There is an equal number of people who would only use their motorcycles for social rides on weekends just from a safety point of view. These riders either don’t feel comfortable riding in traffic or their work situation does not warrant the use of a motorcycle.
For more on safety, feel free to visit the Safety Page on our website – www.biketalk.co.za
I can assure you, in all my years of motorcycling, bike jacking is unheard of or in the very least targeted at easy bikes like scooters. Bike theft is very real but there are measures one can take to
Hein Jonker Senior Instructor, Bike Talk MRA
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EVENTS CALENDAR DATE
EVENT
DETAILS
www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA
22 JUN
12 - 14 JUL
26 - 28 JUL
BLIKKIES KOS - RUN
Hosted by Suzuki Richards Bay and Solidariteit at Naval Island, Richards Bay. Leaving Suzuki Richards Bay at 2pm for bring and braai and music. Entry fee is canned food! Bring the whole family and come support this worthy cause. Call Jaco on 035 7894205
DUMA RALLY
Hosted by HOG Durban at Little Switzerland. Don’t miss out on all the fun; book now! HOG Members R450, and Non-Members R600 Visit www.dumarally.co.za
dragon rally
Hosted by the Highway Dragons at the Castaways Holiday Resort, Munster on the lower KZN South Coast. A KZN rally not to be missed. Call Jo on 072 6485572 or Les on 083 4876846 Visit www.highwaydragonsmc.co.za
26 - 28 JUL
GEMSBOK RALLY
4 AUG
CMA NAPPY RUN - DURBAN
8 - 11 AUG
AMID EXPO
Hosted by the Wild Bulls MCC in Upington. Lucky draw to win a 2013 Suzuki GSXR1300 Hayabusa. No quads or ATVs allowed! Call Pieter on 083 2615811 Visit www.wildbullsmcc.co.za Hosted by CMA Durban in Amanzimtoti Leaving South Way Mall at 9am. Bring disposable nappies! New, not used ... LoL Call Gerhard on 072 3809131 The official AMiD Motorcycle and Quad Lifestyle Expo hosted at the JHB Expo Centre, NASREC. Visit www.amidexpo.co.za
Hosted at the Golden Knights Club, Ashburton KZN from 12pm onwards. Call Carl on 079 6990526 or Gary on 084 4876846 Hosted at Graaff Reinet. Official drags, Live Entertainment, Professional Concourse and more. 19 - 21 SEP CAMDEBOO RALLY Accommodation limited - Book Now! Visit www.camdeboorally.co.za Hosted at the Beach View Resort in Port Elizabeth 4 - 6 OCT DOLPHIN RALLY Call 076 0951767 or 073 8681189 Visit www.dolphinrally.co.za Hosted by Bike Talk and Inseleloyama-Fuze Tours at Nagle Dam for the upliftment of the Cato Ridge Table Mountain community. 1 - 3 NOV RALLY AMANYAVU Call Hein on 083 7937975 for details on how you can help and support. Bookings open 1 August. See Page 35 and 36 for details. EMAIL US YOUR EVENT DETAILS AND WE’LL PUBLISH IT *HERE FOR FREE - admin@biketalk.co.za
24 AUG
IRON MAIDEN PARTY
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* Terms and Conditions Apply - Pending Editor’s approval.
READER STORY: Faizel gets the T-Shirt good Samaritans stopped and assisted me, making sure I was OK and calling the cops and ambulance. The 72 year old driver of the car looked all confused and admitted his guilt. The bike, my poor Celia lay on her side a further 30 metres away with all of her oil drained out as the sump hit the pavement. I was furious at the driver of the car. How could he do something so stupid? I was even more upset with myself. Why did I not anticipate this? My cell phone was unharmed so decided to call my better half to notify her and was mentally preparing myself for the tongue lashing I was about to receive. Worse yet what if I was told, in no uncertain terms, that she WILL not allow me to ride again. Although concerned and scared, she was relieved that I was not badly injured and no mention of me not riding again. Great. Call the insurance and Celia is authorised to go to panel beaters. The paramedics do a swift check-up and ask that I go to the hospital to have my left foot examined.
Sixteen hundred km’s under my belt and strangely enough the most vivid memory I have of riding is a 40m stretch of road. Was it my first wheelie, my first stoppie or my first burnout? Nope- it was the first time I got up close and personal with the black strip, the first time I got my ass handed to me.
Off to the hospital and the 4th and 5th toes on my left foot are fractured. I have bruises on both my knees but my upper body and head are unharmed. The first night at the hospital was terrible. Every time that I closed my eyes I saw the car hitting me and heard the crash. A recurring horror movie clip with me in the starring role. My foot and knees are sore. The medication eventually kicks in and I manage to sleep. The good news is that I don’t need an operation for the fracture. The bad news is that I am out of action for 6 weeks and my left foot is in a cast.
Celia was back from her 1000km service and the Honda Umhlanga guys had done a great job. After 3 days of non-stop rain I was craving a nice long ride and had the perfect opportunity as the sky slipped out of her clouds and revealed a glorious sunny day. The ride was great with the bike being more responsive, the clutch felt shorter, the gears were smoother. I was actually taking the bends quicker as well, by my standards anyway. The best ride of my life came to an abrupt end as a driver decided to make an illegal right turn 20 meters in front of me from the extreme left lane.
The next 2 days in hospital gave me a fair amount to think about life and my biker wanna be journey. Each time the crash movie clip replayed in my mind it eroded my confidence and festered self-doubt. Was there something I could have done had I been more experienced? Could I have avoided this if I was more skilled? Is riding a bike something I really want to do again? I was lucky this time, what if I am not as lucky the next time? Even more frustrating was that I have always been cautious on the bike. The mature rider - no wheelies, no burnouts, no unnecessary risks and still get taken out by an old man.
I did not have enough time to brake and tried to squeeze past the front of his car, but he kept going and crashed into me. The bike fell out under me and I slid for what seemed to be an eternity. Some people see their lives flash before them when involved in an accident, my first thought was “Hey, this isn’t so bad” as I could feel the padding of my jacket taking the trauma of the slide. Then it turned to “I hope no other cars run over me” and then to “ OK, when is this gonna stop”. I was hurt but the kit took most of the damage. My jacket, jeans and boots were ripped. That could have easily read “my hands and legs were shredded” had I not been wearing kit.
Back at home now and the doubts are growing like the interest on my home loan. I drop Hein an email asking how he mentally recovered from his accident and his advice was spot on. You have the skill, you know what you are doing so get on a bike as soon as
The human spirit was strong that day as a number of
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READER STORY: Faizel gets the T-Shirt Life is a patient teacher and when you don’t learn from a lesson the first time you are guaranteed to get the same lesson again. As such, I have put much thought into what I am supposed to learn. Riding is risky business and the more you minimise the risks, the better your chances are of not crashing.
you can. News from the insurance company is that Celia is written off. The next few weeks are fight with the insurance company for the payout while I hone my hop along skills to an art form. The “Crash Movie” has been demoted from its blockbuster status in my mind and all I can think about is how good it will be to ride again.
1. All The Gear All The Time – I ride with ATGATT, but the accident made me realise how much the gear helped. I can’t understand how people ride without gear. 2. Expect the unexpected – I need to focus more and anticipate the worst. Trust no one on the road and every road user is a potential risk of an accident. 3. I don’t have to ride everywhere – I would like to ride everywhere but at times it’s impractical. I need to accept this and use the car instead. 4. I don’t ride residential anymore – I have promised myself that I will ride as little as possible in residential areas as that is where the drivers and the roads are the worst.
There is also another niggling question. Do I buy the same bike (it’s still on special) or do I go big – Fireblade (drool). Some solid advice from Owey at Honda and I decide to get the CBR 600F again. Four weeks after the accident Cecilia is delivered home. New kit is also purchased. I sneak downstairs to the garage whenever I can to start up the bike and revv it as that’s all I can do for now and the urge to ride again is so strong. After 5 weeks I convince both the orthopaedic surgeon and my wife that my foot is completely healed and that the cast should come off.
So the big question, do I get my bad boy biker stripes – YES I DO and I have the battle scars to prove that I deserve it.
The next morning I take Cecilia out and it has to be to watch the sun rise at the beach. Riding again is as exhilarating as I imagined. The freedom, the focus, the open road, the power from twisting the throttle corrupting you quicker than money corrupts politicians. This is where I belong.
Signing off, Bad Boy Biker - Faizel
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IN THE NEWS As of mid-May more Victory Motorcycles will be available at Victory Durban / The Biker Store than ever before; regular Demo Days, Social Runs, and special Events will be organised in KZN. A new Victory Motorcycles branded show room will feature an assortment of Victory Motorcycle models along with a selection of Victory Motorcyclebranded apparel available in store. Victory Motorcycles will become an exciting part of your life; an everyday tool to a lifestyle you have never experienced before. Together in KZN, Harry and Hein will work with perseverance and consistency to make you part of the whole experience. You will want to OWN ONE once you RIDE ONE! Watch the Press and Social Media for details – it’s all happening right here with Victory Motorcycles and YOU!
VICTORY SA AND BIKE TALK JOIN FORCES
On a different note we announce the launch of VRA2. VRA (Victory Riders Association | Victory Rider Academy) powered by Bike Talk. Hein Jonker will launch a series of already popular Bike Talk motorcycle courses throughout and available to Victory Motorcycle Riders. Launched and implemented in Boksburg soon, will see the same level of high quality course content and instruction by Hein Jonker, being offered to Victory Motorcycle customers on a National scale and throughout their dealer network. With increasing numbers of Victory Motorcycle Owners, the Victory Riders Association will be formed in Durban as part of an already successful VRA in Gauteng. Again we encourage you to watch the Press and Social Media for future announcements.
Victory Motorcycles in USA started making unique and fantastic motorcycles 15 years ago, and has grown in leaps and bounds producing some of the “Best damn Bikes in World”. Bike Talk on the other hand has been serving the local motorcycle community for over 7 years through a little magazine, aptly called Bike Talk, and through a very successful Motorcycle Rider Academy based in Durban offering a vast selection of motorcycle rider courses. After very successful discussions between Bryan Berger (Victory Motorcycles SA), Harry Poellmann (Victory Motorcycles Durban / The Biker Store), and Hein Jonker (Bike Talk), we can proudly shake on a very fruitful and focussed relationship for the future. In a recent meeting held in Durban, a new and more focussed strategy for Victory Motorcycles in KZN was discussed and agreed on, which will be launched in June and based on a Experiential Strategy. Further to this, Hein Jonker, Editor and Senior Instructor of Bike Talk has been appointed as the Ambassador for Victory Motorcycles SA, and will be bringing the experience right “to your doorstep”. The concept will be launched and cultivated in KZN, then implemented on a National level.
VICTORY MOTORCYCLES RIDE ONE AND YOU’LL OWN ONE! www.victorymotorcycles.co.za | www.biketalk.co.za
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DEALER NEWS
reception to sales and support, these guys will see you through BMW Motorrad experience. They’ll even join you for the ride! On a side note; in storage are 32 motorcycles (R1200GS and F800GS) waiting to be delivered to our very own Durban Metro Police. Wow, after all these years of riding those old 500 and 900cc donkeys, we’ll see them styling on Beemers. Yebo! I encourage you to check-out this team of experts, they are right behind Knowles Spar in Pinetown. 031 7014772 | www.ryder-motorrad.co.za
Ryder BMW Motorrad has moved! Moving home or shop can be a daunting task and I don’t wish on anyone, but these guys have done it with style. From Hillcrest to Pinetown in a jiffy and into a MUCH bigger premises, where the Workshop is bigger than the Sales Floor. Well what else do you expect from a grand dealership such as this! This team consists of highly qualified BMW Technicians, a passionate and very knowledgeable sales team headed by Sylvia, parts and accessories, with admin and F & I staff operating behind the scene ... hand in hand, from
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PHONEBOOK: KwaZulu Natal ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES Phone: 082 4122232
EXTREME MACHINES Phone: 033 3942646
RIDE HIGH YAMAHA Phone: 035 7891851
AFFORDABLE BIKES Phone: 035 7511000
FAST KAWASAKI Phone: 035 7896378
ROAD MASTER Phone: 031 7660126
ALFIE COX KTM Phone: 031 7821551
FUEL STICK Phone: 031 7015135
ROCKET RACING Phone: 031 7022606
BIG BOY PINETOWN Phone: 031 7020036
GEAR UP ACCESSORIES Phone: 031 5664932
ROYAL ENFIELD - KLOOF Phone: 031 7644531
BIKE AFRICA Phone: 031 7021517
HARLEY-DAVIDSON DURBAN Phone: 031 5665222
RYDER BMW MOTORRAD Phone: 031 7014772
BIKE CITY Phone: 031 4648505
HONDA WING MARITZBURG Phone: 033 3456287
STARTLINE Phone: 031 7050715
BIKER STORE Phone: 031 5847015
HONDA WING PINETOWN Phone: 031 7143600
SUZUKI MARGATE Phone: 039 3149898
CAMI RACING Phone: 034 3123411
HONDA WING UMHLANGA Phone: 031 5807900
SUZUKI RICHARDS BAY Phone: 035 7894205
CLEVELAND CYCLE WERKS Phone: 082 4704821
HOOKED UP MOTORSPORTS Phone: 031 7012400
TIDAL MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 3123990
CRITERION YAMAHA Phone: 039 3156697
IAN MARSH MOTORCYCLES Phone: 083 8773123
TYRE SHIELD Phone: 082 8206909
CUSTOM CRAFT Phone: 031 7093514
JONWAY MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 3681455
UMHLANGA BMW MOTORRAD Phone: 031 5029800
CYCLE CRAFT YAMAHA Phone: 031 3371716
LIZ O BROKERS Phone: 031 2667086
UMPLEBY SUZUKI Phone: 031 3038323
DARE DEVIL MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 4664144
MARSHALL MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 7057235
VICTORY MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 5847015
DUCATI - DURBAN Phone: 031 5665464
MOTORCYCLE CENTRE Phone: 033 3946941
VESPA DURBAN Phone: 031 3129579
EAR INSTITUTE Phone: 031 7651905
PAZ SPRAYPAINTERS Phone: 031 4622007
XRAD TRAILERS Phone: 031 7661957
EAST COAST MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 5663024
PERRY YAMAHA Phone: 031 5667411
ZAP MOTORCYCLES Phone: 031 2051201
ES BROKERS Phone: 031 5021922
RBS YAMAHA Phone: 031 7011311
ZULULAND BMW MOTORRAD Phone: 035 7727355
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PHONEBOOK: Gauteng BIKE PARTS ONLINE Phone: 011 0124466 CLEVELAND CYCLE WERKS Phone: 082 4704821 EAR INSTITUTE Phone: 012 3333130 TYRE SHIELD Phone: 011 4325731 VICTORY MOTORCYCLES Phone: 011 8238400
WANT TO BE LISTED HERE? Advertise with us, and we’ll place your details here for free.
XKULCHA Phone: 011 4935452
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WANT TO BE LISTED HERE? Advertise with us, and we’ll place your details here for free.
GEARING UP: Electronic Wizardry Why? It’s almost impossible for all of us to test the different versions and combinations. A simple example is the relationship between screen size, wind noise and helmet type – what is the best type of helmet and screen for a specific bike? Hey so where am I going with this? Very simply electronic media is now able to convey different views and opinions that much quicker than ever before and yes it does impact on final choices – but there is still one valid perspective irrespective of the countless opinions one may be faced with – does it work for you and will the provider support you in the final analysis? “The pace at which we live” – yea, yea heard it all before – but what the hell it’s true!! When last did you just take an easy stroll around the garden or beach without being harassed by your phone or gizmo?
So it makes me extremely happy to be part of Hein’s first
So we turn to biking to get our ‘relaxation’ and yet even in this environment we still want the gizmo’s like the blue tooth headset so we can talk to each other, or the gizmo so we can pick up that urgent business call (it could be the R million buck deal) or even the talking GPS just in case we miss a turn whilst watching the other idiots dash for the victory line!!!
electronic edition of Bike Talk – my views and thoughts will just carry that much quicker and further than before. Yes it will be more challenging as differing views complete the debates and ask even more questions.
Hey! So what does all this electronic media stuff mean in the world of accessories? Well it goes beyond that clearly visible aspect! Yes Hein has published this mag electronically – so it means we can look up anything in the mag pertaining to whatever subject is being debated or discussed – let alone on the web availability. So it’s portable! And today’s life is about options and flexibility! And definitely not reduced costs – that’s a fallacy!
We at Gear Up welcome these with only one proviso and that is we would hope that all the views and actions taken lead to a positive environment - if not a better one! Yes better protection, better shape and form for those who are fashion conscious, better pricing and ultimately a far better biking experience – after all that is why we ride these wonderful two wheel vehicles!
So yes you can choose from five different helmets, five different neck braces, five different buffs, five different jackets, five different gloves, five different heat warmers, five different under jocks, five different pants, five different socks, five different boots, five different rain suits, five different knee guards, five different elbow guards, five different ear plugs, five different visors / goggles – whew!!
- Written by John Briscoe
Technology has taken us very far into the realms of ‘perfect choice’ In fact to such an extent that we now rely on ‘social’ groups to give us the ‘best’ advice.
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Tel: 031 5664932 www.gearupsa.net
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LET’S RIDE: Durban around Lesotho Tour
Have you ever tried to get the most out of trip and weren’t sure where to start? That’s exactly how I felt a few weeks ago when I started to plan this trip around Lesotho, the first Motorcycle Tour hosted by Bike Talk.
on the tour; from a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter to BMW GSs and K1300S, a Harley 1200 Sporty, Honda VFR1200X CrossTourer and Fireblade, Suzuki Bandit 1250, Kawasaki 636 and ER6F, Yamaha Fazer 600 and so on.
Although I’ve organised many breakfast runs and other events in the past, putting a tour together would take me outside of my comfort zone and I couldn’t wait. Deciding on a date, a route, where to refuel, where to stay, where to eat, who to speak to,
So early morning on Friday 5 April 2013 we left BP Oasis at Cato Ridge, just outside Durban, on a trip of note -- an easy 1600km in 3-days. We decided to have a quick breakfast at the Mooiriver Wimpy, a refuel in Harrismith, and a stop for lunch the
putting emergency procedures in place and making it interesting all at the same time was a daunting task to say the least. Then came the planning for accommodation, meals, fuel, and toll fees to help tour participants with their budgets. Done!
Blue Donkey in Clarrens. This was a well-deserved stop as most of us were getting thin, and hungry ... and grumpy! Once filled and refreshed a few of us enjoyed the road to Fouriesburg while others chose to follow at a more moderate pace.
I decided to keep the numbers at a easy 15 people with a support vehicle on standby should something go wrong. We had a healthy mix of bikes
Next stop, St Augustines Lodge at Ladybrand for our first over-night stop after a long day and very rewarding day in the saddle. St Augustines is famous
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LET’S RIDE: Durban around Lesotho Tour
Afrikaans speaking town. Eish! So over the border and Orange River we went, leaving the Eastern Freestate and its potholes behind, and onto the brilliant roads of the Eastern Cape. A quick stop for refreshments and refuel in Lady Grey, through Barkley East and the Barkley Pass, then on to Elliot and Ugie for our second over-night stop. Another 400+ kms done and dusted.
for its rich history, breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality - www.saintaugustines.co.za Some of us decided to get up early on Saturday morning to watch the sunrise, while others chose to sleep in a little until I decided to send all a wake-up SMS at 5am ... just for fun! After a hearty breakfast we hit the road to Hobbhouse, Weppener and Zastron for a grand selection of the country’s best looking potholes. A word of advice, if you are inexperienced, pick an alternative route as this
Passing through these small EC towns I just can’t help but feel like a longer stay-over. There’s so
much to see and explore, fantastic people to talk to, listening to their stories and just absorbing the beautiful surroundings that GOD has given us to enjoy. Next tour is already on my mind! But this time I’m taking my wife with, she has to see and experience what we did.
resulted in three of our riders hitting the same pothole bending their rims in the process. Here is the team of people at a tyre centre in Zastron, who helped just before closing time, to get two of the rims leveled out. Needless to say, the ride continued to Sterkspruit and to this day I will not know why they gave this place an Afrikaans name when it was clearly not an
In Ugie and arriving at the Clarendon Guesthouse, we were greeted by this same “small town”
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LET’S RIDE: Durban around Lesotho Tour
hospitality that you won’t find anywhere else. From the outside it does not look like much, but step inside and be taken by surprise; this place is so beautiful - www.clarendonguesthouse.co.za
for lunch at the Wimpy just outside Kokstad. Here you can see some riders pulling amps, and yet showing excitement of an awesome trip and new friendships cast in stone.
That night, for supper, we went to the local Sports Club and a few of us decided to help out in the kitchen to speed things up a little. We were hungry again!
By now we were eager to get home, rest a little before taking on a new week. Before I forget, we had a few lady riders on this trip, allow me a moment to take my hat off to you girls. Well-done!
Very early the Sunday morning a few of us decided
These few words can never come close to the real
to go and test the 40km road from Ugie towards Mthatha through the Langeni Pass and back. Cold yes, but wow, what a piece of road! Well worth the excursion, don’t skip it when you’re in the area.
thing or even start to describe our experience of this trip. These photos are but a fraction of everything we saw, touched, smelled and experienced. The full album is on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA
With most of the trip behind us, and after a good breakfast at the guesthouse, it was back on the road again for the home stretch through Maclear, Mount Fletcher, Matatiele and another stop-over
Thank you to each and everyone who joined me on this trip, you are an awesome group of people; you are family through and through! Until next time ...
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OH SHUT UP: Jeremy Clarkson on Bikes ever again. This is called compulsory basic training and it allows you to ride any bike up to 125cc. If you want to ride something bigger, you must take a proper test. But, of course, being human, you will not want a bigger bike, because then you will be killed immediately while wearing clothing from the Ann Summers “Dungeon” range. Right, first things first. The motorbike is not like a car. It will not stand up when left to its own devices. So, when you are not riding it, it must be leant against a wall or a fence. I’m told some bikes come with footstools that can be lowered to keep them upright. But then you have to lift the bike onto this footstool, and that’s like trying to lift up an American. Next: the controls. Unlike with a car, there seems to be no standardisation in the world of motorcycling. Some have gear levers on the steering wheel. Some have them on the floor, which means you have to shift with your feet - how stupid is that? - and some are automatic. Then we get to the brakes. Because bikes are designed by bikers and bikers, as we all know are extremely dim - they haven’t worked out how the front and back brake can be applied at the same time. So, to stop the front wheel, you pull a lever on the steering wheel, and to stop the one at the back, you press on a lever with one of your feet. A word of warning though; if you use only the front brake, you will fly over the steering wheel and be killed. If you try to use the back one, you will use the wrong foot and change into third gear instead of stopping. So you’ll hit the obstacle you were trying to avoid, and you’ll be killed.
Recently, various newspapers ran a photograph of me on a small motorcycle. They all pointed out that I hate motorbikes and that by riding one I had exposed myself as a hypocrite who should commit suicide immediately. Hmmm. Had I been photographed riding the local postmistress, then, yes, I’d have been shamed into making some kind of apology. But it was a motorcycle. And I don’t think it even remotely peculiar that a motoring journalist should ride such a thing. Not when there is a problem with the economy and many people are wondering if they should make a switch from four wheels to two.
Then there is the steering. The steering wheel comes in the shape of what can only be described as handlebars, but if you turn them - even slightly - while riding along, you will fall off and be killed. What you have to do is lean into the corner, fix your gaze on the course you wish to follow, and then you will fall off and be killed. As far as the minor controls are concerned, well . . . you get a horn and lights and indicators, all of which are operated by various switches and buttons on the steering wheel, but if you look down to see which one does what, a truck will hit you and you will be killed. Oh, and for some extraordinary reason, the indicators do not self-cancel, which means you will drive with one of them on permanently, which will lead following traffic to think you are turning right.
Unfortunately, you cannot make this switch on a whim, because this is Britain and there are rules. Which means that before climbing on board you must go to a car park, put on a high-visibility jacket and spend the morning driving round some cones while a man called Dave - all motorcycle instructors are called Dave - explains which lever does what. Afterwards, you will be taken on the road, where you will drive about for several hours in a state of abject fear and misery, and then you will go home and vow never to get on a motorcycle
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OH SHUT UP: Jeremy Clarkson on Bikes because he has slitty eyes or brown skin. Frankly, I liked the idea of a bike that has no crossbar, because you can simply walk up to the seat and sit down. Useful if you are Scottish and go about your daily business in a skirt. I also liked the idea of a Vespa because most bikes are Japanese. This means they are extremely reliable so you cannot avoid a fatal crash by simply breaking down. This is entirely possible on a Vespa because it is made in Italy.
It will then undertake just as you turn left, and you will be killed. What I’m trying to say here is that, yes, bikes and cars are both forms of transport, but they have nothing in common. Imagining that you can ride a bike because you can drive a car is like imagining you can swallow-dive off a 90ft cliff because you can play table tennis. However, many people are making the switch because they imagine that having a small motorcycle will be cheap. It isn’t. Sure, the 125cc Vespa I tried can be bought for £3,499, but then you will need a helmet (£300), a jacket (£500), some Freddie Mercury trousers (£100), shoes (£130), a pair of Kevlar gloves (£90), a coffin (£1,000), a headstone (£750), a cremation (£380) and flowers in the church (£200).
Mind you, there are some drawbacks you might like to consider. The Vespa is not driven by a chain. Instead, the engine is mounted to the side of the rear wheel for reasons that are lost in the mists of time and unimportant anyway. However, it means the bike is wider and fitted with bodywork like a car, to shroud the moving hot bits. That makes it extremely heavy. Trying to pick it up after you’ve fallen off it is impossible. What’s more, because the heavy engine is on the right, the bike likes turning right much more than it likes turning left. This means that in all left-handed bends, you will be killed. Unless you’ve been blown off by the sheer speed of the thing. At one point I hit 40mph and it was as though my chest was being battered by a freezing-cold hurricane. It was all I could do to keep a grip on the steering wheel with my frostbitten fingers.
In other words, your small 125cc motorcycle, which has no boot, no electric windows, no stereo and no bloody heater even, will end up costing more than a Volkswagen Golf. That said, a bike is much cheaper to run than a car. In fact, it takes only half a litre of fuel to get from your house to the scene of your first fatal accident. Which means that the lifetime cost of running your new bike is just 50p. So, once you have decided that you would like a bike, the next problem is choosing which one. And the simple answer is that, whatever you select, you will be a laughing stock. Motorbiking has always been a hobby rather than an alternative to proper transport, and as with all hobbies, the people who partake are extremely knowledgeable. It often amazes me that in their short lives bikers manage to learn as much about biking as people who angle, or those who watch trains pull into railway stations.
I therefore hated my experience of motorcycling and would not recommend it to anyone. The Clarksometer: If you like misery, climb aboard.
Whatever. Because they are so knowledgeable, they will know precisely why the bike you select is rubbish and why theirs is superb. Mostly, this has something to do with “getting your knee down”, which is a practice undertaken by bikers moments before the crash that ends their life. You, of course, being normal, will not be interested in getting your knee down; only in getting to work and most of the way home again before you die. That’s why I chose to test the Vespa, which is much loathed by trainspotting bikers because they say it is a scooter. This is racism. Picking on a machine because it has no crossbar is like picking on a person
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REVIEW: ‘13 Victory Judge I had enough bend in my knees, providing me with ample reach and strength to hold the bike’s 300kg. Fetching the Judge from Victory Motorcycles / The Biker Store and riding it to Toti was nothing, I had to ride the bike the whole of Saturday on a breakfast run to Greytown with the Bike Talk Ride Group and back to Durban. No I’m not complaining! Riding up to Greytown from Stanger and after putting the bike through some bends, I quickly realised that the Judge’s cornering clearance is limited, as I scraped a foot-peg in a fairly moderate lean. Sure the Judge is not a sportbike, and it might take wider lines, but not once did the Judge give me the idea that I wasn’t in control. Exiting a turn is even more exciting, when you give it a good old twist on the throttle and hang on as the Judge reassures you of its power and stability.
Here you have a non-regular phenomenon, me test riding a bike. Yes it happens every once in a while that hubby asks me to come along on a ride and actually test ride a bike or just ride one for fun. Nervous at first as I’m more used to sportbikes, riding this bike was something I looked forward to, but reserved in what I could expect – good or bad, I was going to ride it!
With its mid-controls and straight bars, the Victory Judge offers a power cruiser riding style. The fuel tank holds 17 liters, and I averaged a decent 19km/l on my test ride. This means you can travel a long way on the Judge, or about 320km, between refuels. Just don’t wait for the low fuel light to come one, as there are only approximately 27km between the light coming on and the fuel running out.
I’ve never been a girl for big bikes, I like the compact and fast. The Victory Judge on the other hand is a large engine motorcycle, 1731cc to be exact and not something you just throw around corners. My perception of big bikes was that they take big turns, take longer to stop, and generally take more effort from the rider to handle or control. How wrong I was when I assumed the same of the Judge.
Well, all good things come to an end and returning the bike to Harry on Monday was a sad moment to say the least. Nothing but compliments to Victory Motorcycles on a fine piece of engineering! Add some accessories, like I had on my test bike, (Screen and Cobra Slip-on) and the Judge will be ready to take you on a ride of lifetime.
Something for the boys: The Judge uses Victory’s Freedom 106ci (Cubic Inch) V-Twin engine with 6-speed overdrive. With the bike’s 153Nm of torque, moving off is strong and demanding, with power delivery smooth all the way through.
The Victory Judge is an ideal choice for smallerframed riders, yes male or female, who desire the power, size and looks of that a big v-twin delivers but in a more manageable package. Plus, it’s priced a whole lot less than its US competitor Fat Bob, Fat Boy or Softail Slim. For those looking to buy an American-made machine at a better price, the Judge is an excellent option. Don’t take my word for it go ride one yourself!
Hein arranged the Judge from the local Victory Motorcycle dealer, The Biker Store on Umhlanga Ridge, to ride for the weekend. At first I checked where everything was on the bike, tested the clutch and brake levers then fired the boy up. Little did I know it had an after-market Cobra slip-on fitted, so I was pleasantly surprised when it fired up with a healthy de-baffled growl saying only one thing – Let’s Ride!
Review by Carin Jonker Priced at R199 000.00 - Incl. 14% VAT Visit www.victorymotorcycles.co.za
The Judge’s seat height is a low 658mm and at 5ft 5,
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REVIEW: ‘13 Honda NC700D Integra You can assume that most bike engines give priority to sheer performance, while their fuel consumption figures are worse. The Integra engine, however, gives priority to the fuel consumption, with average fuel consumption for drive mode at 4.4 l/100km. The seat height is relatively high at 790mm, thus it will be perfect for taller than average riders. The pillion seat is slightly higher than the rider, but enough space to fit a small family from Singapore. The weight of the Integra is great, 238kg. In some cases the rider will have to push the bike, and some will find it difficult to hold the bike upright in case it leans to the other side. Riding position is neutral, upright and relaxed, and steering is effortless. Suspension is nice and forgiving, and adequate for both freeway and urban riding; feel free to throw a gravel road in the mix. Damping is really good, much better than any scooter, a comfortable bike to say the least. At really low speed, the weight and the slow steering geometry are obvious. The familiar feeling of Inertia, equivalent to that of a normal bike, is what makes this a great ride.
Sure, you might think what has Honda done now. I am happy to say they have set a new and very high standard and concept for the modern scooter. I for one couldn’t wait to ride it and so I asked Roy at Honda Wing Umhlanga to let me use it for a weekend, and boy did I have fun. Durban to Stanger and Greytown back to Pietermaritzburg and Toti, then in and around town for a bit of traffic foolsplay.
In town the Integra is a breeze. With the auto mode selected, engine operation did not distract me too much, unlike some scooters would do. Throttle response is good giving you power-on-tap when you need it, and it handles like a charm; easy does it. Filtering is good. The height of the handlebar is greater than the height of car mirrors; the mirrors of the bike are at about the same height with SUV mirrors.
Let me show you how. Starting with the transmission, the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) system is equipped, which was introduced with the VFR1200F. Actually the gearbox is semi-automatic or automatic. Selecting the semiautomatic (named manual by Honda), shifting gears are performed by the + and – buttons located at the left grip. In any case, whenever you stop with the bike, first gear will automatically be selected for a quick get away. There is no clutch lever. Eish!
The dimensions and the weight of the Integra are similar to the “normal bikes” category or that of mega-scooters. Don’t’ get me wrong, it is a very user-friendly bike … oops, scooter. The Integra could easily be used on urban rides, or hit a longer trip without asking for major compromises from the rider. Panniers and top-box are optional and would turn this scoot into a Touring Scoot. A three panniers set is a factory optional as well as heated grips, which enhance substantially the touring potential of the Integra.
With regards to the automatic transmission there are two modes available, drive and sport. In drive mode, acceleration is smooth and gear change happens very quickly. In the sport mode, gear shifts are done at higher engine revs, the engine sounds meaner, and performance is a little more exciting. The rider can downshift at any time by using the – button in the case of overtaking, no need to switch to the manual mode first. Let me be clear; this is a NC700XD motorcycle in scooter clothing, so you still have the chain drive, the same frame, same engine, fuel tank under the seat and nice big diameter wheels front and rear. Don’t tell the other scooter guys, but this “scooter” will knock their socks off.
Hitting the bends between Stanger and Greytown, switching to sport mode, things got a little more interesting then – just the way I like it. Stability through corners is again, a great feature but the upright riding position is not the most convenient at
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REVIEW: ‘13 Honda NC700D Integra The design is forward biased. Especially at the front of the bike, due to the V-shaped headlamp and the big plastic surfaces, it reminds of the VFR1200, which is the case also for the petit PCX 125 and the CBR 250.
such a pace. The Integra is not a discouraging bike at all; it’s obvious though that it’s not designed for such abuse. It simply requires moderate riding pace in order to deliver the best riding result. But let me say this, at a faster pace, the Integra handled better than any scooter I’ve been on in the 600-700cc ranges, and handled just the same as some street bikes out there.
One could almost describe the Integra as a scootcycle, although it’s rather a moto-scooter that is more a bike than a scooter. Maybe the name Integra derives from the word Integra-tion, integrating a bike and scooter. Who knows? In addition, because Integra’s engine is half a Honda Jazz engine, the word integration becomes more meaningful. Thus the Integra is an internal factory rival for the Honda Silver Wing 600 ΑΒS SW-T and a serious challenger to the other competitor mega-scooters on the market, slowly reaching a standoff: They have become too big and heavy, so they are not as user-friendly as scooters are, while their riding capabilities are not extending much further from the scooter world. Integra takes the lead then: The potential and usability of a motorcycle, the price tag and userfriendliness of a mega-scooter and the fuel consumption of a 300cc scooter from a cut-in-half car engine. If you are confused, read the article again! Because Integra’s design is not really macho, Honda took the risk in producing a bike that fulfills the riding needs of an average rider without promising anything that the Integra is not. This is not the first time for Honda; in the 60s there was the “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” campaign in the US. What are they up to this time? Even in the 90’s Honda introduced the Pacific Coast, targeting a similar audience with a user-friendly bike.
Brakes are C-ABS (Combined ABS) with 320mm front rotor and a 240mm rear. A three-piston caliper is fitted at the front, a single-piston caliper at the rear. Brakes are powerful, and solid. No surprise there! The quality build and the finish (white metallic paint) are superb. The grey parts at either side of the central tunnel gives a hint for a twin spar frame, which is not the case here of course. The cavity just in front of the rider is not usable for carrying things. No, it does not have the “boot” space you find on the standard NC700X or NC700XD. There is hardly any space under the seat as expected of most scooters. You’ll find a glove compartment just left of the leg shield, which is adequate for small objects like a mobile phone and a wallet. Under the seat you are provided with just enough space to store a small scooter helmet or a rain suit.
Maybe, one day, smaller, cheaper and lighter Integras will be available for the masses. For the time being, until the hybrid technology becomes cheap and light, the Integra is setting the bar high from the word GO! NC700D Integra @ R79 990.00 X-VAT
The lights are superb.
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READER STORY: An Epic Trip!
repair workshops nearby. The ride up Mafika Pass was tense, watchful of donkeys and falling rocks.
O’B Bikers decided to put their motorcycles to the ultimate test with an endurance trip of a lifetime to Katse Dam in Lesotho. Rad Reddy, President of O’B Bikers, said the trip was also done to prove that their bikes, which included tour bikes, Harley Davidsons and super bikes riders as well were able to tackle the gruelling 1268kms with 26 hours riding time.
“The brakes on all the bikes were really put to the test coming down the pass. Riders were also tested to the max with every bend offering a new challenge, a real adrenaline rush,” added Reddy. The freedom of the open road, crisp, fresh air was only slightly marred by the mountain passes that gave them a big wake up call. The weather held up really well for the guys but the heavens opened up as they entered the pass and they were greeted by an hour of non stop rain. As they got to the top we had a clear pass to Katse Dam. When they finally arrived at the entrance of the Katse Resort at the top of the dam, they were filled with an immense sense of achievement but realized they arrived at the wrong lodge and half an hour later they were finally able to rest.
“It took an overwhelming response of unity to achieve this milestone in keeping with our motto of: Our Brotherhood of Bikers. The trip was an indication of endurance and abilities to embark on an experience of pure adventure, not many bikers endeavour to achieve,” added Reddy. Twelve members left Durban on Friday morning, 15 March heading West on the N3 to Harrismith then West to Clarens on R717 they made stops along the way at Pietermaritzburg, Mooi River and Escourt. The youngest biker was 39, while there were three veteran bikers in their sixties with the oldest 67. The challenge of the ride to the destination in Lesotho’s Katse Dam saw the Durban bikers pass through Caledon’s Poort border in South Africa to ButhaButhe in Lesotho.
“It was a real experience to have our brotherhood complete this treacherous terrain, which passes mainly wildlife and very few people in such deserted areas. As far as the eye could see there was no civilization until a seldom village or a lone person popped up from a rock to peek at us,” he said.
Katse Dam is on the Malibamtso River going through the 3090m high Mafika Pass with 120 major gradients, 728 bends and 550 gear changes. “The bends were a challenge but the highlight was knowing that all bikers were able to endure to the top,” added Reddy.
The club members that endured the fantastic trip were President of O’B Bikers, Rad Reddy, Kenny Charles, Dr John Naidoo, Jackson Govender, Vasu Moodley, Derrick Archary, Selvan Govender, Radhi Pillay, Lushen Reddy, Ravi Govender, Kogalan Govender and Dicky Naidoo.
Each bike needed an additional 6 litres of fuel to get to the top, which was carried, along with a tube and tyre repair kit, as there are no petrol stations or
Story supplied by Lorna Charles - Cell: 072 4707030
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REVIEW: ‘13 Victory High Ball time to adjust’. Not at all, once through the second traffic circle I was cruising and in my element. The handlebars are fully adjustable forward or rearward, the cables providing enough for even jet-ski style positions. The first thing easily noticed while riding this Victory is the neck-break power of the 106 ci (1731cc) Stage 2 V-Twin. Victory claims 97 horsepower and 154Nm of torque, and there’s no arguing the numbers. Even in full stock form, this High Ball would bring shame to its competitors regarding power. And as stated before, this emotion can be proven true if I can just find that guy on his V-Rod pulling up next to me at a traffic light again. Throughout my test, in which I racked up around 500 km, the 106 V-Twin and 6-speed transmission remained clear of any mechanical issues. And it ran smoothly throughout, not a hiccup heard from the Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle bodies. And this smooth EFI system allowed for around 17km/l, even while running the High Ball hard.
One early morning, cozy in bed sleeping like a rock, I had a very real dream – I dreamt I was riding the Victory High Ball on Umgeni Road and came to a stop at one of the traffic lights. The light turned green and a hand full of adrenaline grabbed me as I dumped the clutch, allowing 80-percent of first gear to light up the 150mm Dunlop in a rubber-burning cloud of smoke.
OK, so we have a reliable engine that can prove its competence among its peers in the straight lines, but how about handling? I’ve been on many sportbikes that can easily devour any bend you throw at it, providing me with that full confidence to push my cornering skills to new levels.
I thought I blew this light-to-light drag with a oke aboard a V-Rod, but by the time I slammed third gear, there was no Harley in sight; lost him in a puff of smoke. The irony was that I woke up still riding the High Ball. Was it a dream?
I was going to push this cruiser around the bends with the same emotion. Nothing drives a man more than that borderline sense of insanity one feels when a motorcycle is used for exactly the opposite intention of its original design.
This was the situation about 10 minutes into my weekend test with the machine that would prove much to one who needs daily doses of sportbike performance. Under normal cruiser circumstances, if you throw a sportbike rider who is used to 200km/h speeds and higher horsepower onto a V-Twin thumper, despair will surely come about.
My playground, the M7 and N2 to M4 Sibaya sections, I consider my personal Isle of Man TT including the road to Richmond. The routes allow for safe and spirited riding. Even with the unique styling of the ape hangers, its long wheelbase and relatively low ground clearance, the bike proved its handling abilities. There is no match.
But the Victory High Ball changed this attitude. And quickly… It all began when Harry at Victory Motorcycles in Durban (aka The Biker Store), invited me to take this bike out and put it through its paces.
I can see why the Victory only has a one-seat setup, which is surprisingly comfortable, although you can order a pillion seat for the rear fender and rear pegs…that’s if you want to bring a passenger and kill the enjoyment of solo freedom.
I figured it’d be laid-back cruising on this factory chopper with the complaint of sore arms due to the semi ape hangers, the element that gives the High Ball its name. With this thought in mind, I thought ‘This is going to be different and might take some
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GOD’S CORNER: Abundant Life A friend of the late American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes asked him why he had taken up the study of Greek at the age of 94. Holmes replied, “Well, my good sir, it’s now or never.” When JC Penney was 95 years old, he affirmed, “My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing.” Growing old can be dangerous. The trail is treacherous and the pitfalls are many. One is wise to be prepared. You know it’s coming. It’s not like GOD kept the process a secret. It’s not like you are blazing a trail as you grow older. It’s not as if no one has ever done it before. Look around you. You have ample opportunity to prepare and ample case studies to consider. If growing old catches you by surprise, don’t blame GOD. He gave you plenty of warning. He also gave you plenty of advice. “Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.” – Matthew 10:39 Advertising artwork may be supplied set out to our guidelines. Adverts designed by us may not be used in other publications, unless permission is given. Our Rates exclude any Agency Commission.
“These are two ways to view life,” Jesus is saying, “those who protect it or those who pursue it. The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years.”
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Time slips. Days pass. Years fade. And life ends. And what we came to do must be done while there is time. We would think it bizarre for a traveller not be prepared for the end of the journey. We would pity the poor passenger who never read his itinerary. We’d be bewildered by someone who thought the purpose of the trip was the trip. Others, however, are anticipating the destination. I hope you are. And I hope you’ll be ready when you get home. For you, age is no enemy. Age is a mile-marker – a gentle reminder that home has never been so near.
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REVIEW: ‘13 Victory High Ball they are a bit hard to hold onto while I was trying a high-speed run at about 190km/h, but these bikes weren’t built for all-out speed. The high handlebar was obviously a selling point for the machine, so it would be a shame to put drag-style bars on a bike named for such high handlebars.
The 43mm forks responded well to my spirited cornering, but there were many moments I wished for some adjustability. The rear-suspension’s mono gas shock allows the swingarm 75mm of travel; this rear setup works brilliantly for a cruiser, allowing comfortable bounce while traveling the easy roads, but enough stiffness when cornering.
High Ball … Where dost thou cometh from?
Of course, heading into these faster turns I had to load up the 130mm front wheel with a little more weight, plus the single-front 300mm floating rotor with four-piston caliper worked efficiently after some hard pulls, although I’d much rather prefer a dual-disc setup.
Who knows…maybe the “High” had nothing to do with handlebars. Maybe High Ball had something to do with provoking a certain mindset for riders aboard a machine built by Victory’s nearest competitors. Like that guy on his V-Rod and a few others who gazed at the High Ball as they began cranking their loud machines at the traffic lights. Maybe, just maybe the intention with the name was exactly what these guys were thinking – “Was this guy, high?”
But when stopping at normal speeds, there were no issues. I used a 60/40 braking concept, relying on the front a little more as on the rear. The rear brake is also a 300mm floating discs, but features a twopiston caliper.
But after the smoke clears, and the High Ball is bikelengths away, these other Victory-less riders must realize that this High Ball with the quiet factory exhaust was designed to handle horsepower a bit better…a bit more smoothly…a bit more efficiently.
Fun, endless fun! With that said, this leaves styling to discuss, which was very controversial from other people’s perspectives. It was a love/hate relationship with overall body styling, with half of my acquaintances liking it, the other half despising it.
But there is another thought on the High Ball’s name. With a retail price of around R189 000, maybe the guys at this “other” American motorcycle manufacturer realizes that Victory stands high after hitting the ball in the corner pocket, considering the bike is cheaper than many of its competitor bikes by thousands.
And of course, it was mostly the Harley crowd that opposed the styling, although many couldn’t deny the performance. On a personal level, I’ve always liked the subtle look, and can say I don’t like anything chrome and “bling” that stimulates thoughts from a fairytale movie.
But regardless of the name’s meaning, if planted on one, the High Ball will soon become an addiction. And people will know you’re high from the machine because the smiling will simply not stop, and likely continue as the problem-free rides roll along.
Simply put, everything from the mirrors to the dual exhausts on the Victory High-Ball is black: handlebars, headlight bucket, triple trees, frame, fender struts and cylinder head covers. This is nononsense style to me, a true testament to the Victory’s break neck performance.
There’s likely a cure…but when addictions are this good, why back away? Especially when it’s all about the thing the Victory High Ball was designed for – plain-old healthy fun. Addiction starts when you least expect it, and this time way above my expectations.
Victory could have hidden some wiring clips though, such as the one on top of the left handlebar, and the scattered wires at the back of the motor. And I really wish those O2 sensors weren’t so damn ugly, sticking out amid the blacked-out design of the 106. And although the apes protrude high into the air, allowing the armpits to discover much wind, after a few minutes they weren’t that bad. Of course
Priced at R199 000.00 - Incl. 14% VAT Visit www.victorymotorcycles.co.za
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OVERVIEW: ‘13 Triumph Tiger Sport
upgrading the suspension for sharper cornering has also made the Tiger Sport more practical and comfortable than ever.
Article supplied by Triumph Motorcycles SA • All new model for 2013 • 10PS power gain for 1050cc Triple, now outputting 125PS • Single sided swingarm and fully revised suspension • Fully revised rider and pillion ergonomics to increase the appeal • New Triumph Dynamic Luggage System option with 10kg payload per pannier • Two New colours and sporting graphics • Standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty
This is one of the great all-rounder motorcycles, thrillingly punchy and agile on demanding backroads, with the versatility to make it a serious tourer and ideal commuter. For many riders the Tiger Sport is the ideal, real world sports bike, yet it’s also capable of covering long distances solo or two-up in exceptional comfort, or slicing through daily traffic with the safety of its high-visibility, upright riding position, eager engine and updated ABS. The changes over the outgoing Tiger 1050 have been extensive:
Triumph has given the Tiger an upgrade so comprehensive for 2013, it not only has a new sporting edge, it gets a new name: Tiger Sport.
New bodywork - the tail unit, side panels and screen are new, giving the Tiger Sport a leaner, sportier and more modern look with a purposeful stance. There’s also a new belly pan as standard.
The rear half of the bike is completely new, and so is most of the front with almost every visible component renewed and an additional 10PS coming from the characterful 1050cc, threecylinder engine.
More power - the new exhaust and revisions to the intake system have helped Triumph’s engineers release an additional 10PS and 6Nm peak power and torque while boosting the engine’s output across its rev range. The evocative three-cylinder growl has been enhanced at the same time, while the one-tooth larger rear sprocket has also improved acceleration, and gearbox revisions have resulted
The Tiger Sport is an adventure-style street bike for the purist who prefers to concentrate on the core values of motorcycle fun: a strong and seductive engine, taut handling, and a riding position to suit different road types. It comes with a major bonus: Triumph’s work at strengthening the chassis and
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OVERVIEW: ‘13 Triumph Tiger Sport New suspension - the fully adjustable suspension has been completely redeveloped with new springing and revalved damping to give the Tiger Sport its sharper feel with the reserves to handle its additional load capacity.
in smoother selection. Output is 125PS (123bhp, 92kW) and 104Nm (77lb.ft, 10.6kgm). Fuel Consumption – careful reworking of the fuel injection calibration have resulted in an improvement of fuel economy in addition to the performance gains. The Tiger Sport rider will go about 7% further on each tank of fuel.
New ABS - the Tiger Sport’s radial brakes are backed up by the latest system with a new modulator for better extreme braking performance and improved feel.
Single-sided swingarm - this is specially designed for the Tiger Sport to give it a sportier look and improve packaging at the rear end of the bike, allowing more space for the new exhaust and larger panniers.
Cast aluminium wheels are unique to the Tiger Sport and come fitted with the latest, class-leading Pirelli Angel GT tyres. Stunning attention to detail - the Tiger Sport is brimming with thoughtful touches, such as tougher material on the underside of the seat where riders might rest it on the ground, beautifully sculpted footrests, coloured seat stitching, aesthetically pleasing aluminium pannier mounts and careful styling of the new fork yokes and engine side casings. Even the handlebar end caps are designed to look good, while beneath the seat is not only a U-lock storage space but a dedicated glove compartment. To top everything off, the fit, finish and build quality have all improved for 2013.
New headlights - four reflector-type headlights replace the previous projector units, reducing weight, changing the look of the bike and substantially improving the lighting performance. Enhanced ergonomics - the rider’s seat is 5mm lower (830mm), and narrower at the front, substantially improving reach to the ground and opening up access to the Tiger Sport to a wider range of riders. The seat is also longer to create more space for taller riders. The handlebars are lower and closer to the rider to suit its sportier nature by providing a more direct feel, while the new screen offers better wind protection. The rear seat is also lower, sitting the passenger more fully behind the rider for better wind protection and making it easier to get on the bike. Improved grab handles are fitted as standard.
New Colours – Tiger Sport is available in Crystal White and Diablo Red. Accessories and Warranty A wide range of factory accessories is available for the Tiger Sport, designed to enhance both its style and function.
Greater luggage capacity - the new rear subframe not only lowers the passenger seat, it’s stronger and has allowed the fitment of larger optional panniers, capable of storing a full face helmet, with double the payload of the previous ones at 10kg each. Triumph’s pioneering Dynamic Luggage System uses an inter-connecting cable between the cases to isolate turbulence-induced movement from the chassis.
The Tiger Sport comes with an unlimited mileage, two year factory warranty along with all other new Triumph motorcycles.
New switchgear - the left hand switch cube now enables all dash functions to be operated with the left hand, without having to let go of the bar and reach forward to the instrument panel. Revised geometry - a half degree steeper steering angle and slightly longer wheelbase improve precision, feedback and stability.
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DEALER NEWS KZN South Coast dealer visits have become a much needed trip for me to do, in an attempt to see who’s down there and what they have to offer. So a few weeks ago I decided to hit road and work from the bottom back up towards Durban.
In Margate itself we have Manx Motorcycles, a shop mainly dealing in the Jonway brand with a full workshop to handle almost any type of maintenance. Although not as neat and welcoming as my previous experience, but I’m sure you’ll get
First stop was a well-known name and no one else than Morne of Suzuki Margate (yes, in Ramsgate). What I appreciated about Morne and his staff, was friendly reception, the shop is clean with a healthy selection of bikes, gear and accessories. For the last few years Suzuki Margate has been the official Harley-Davidson workshop for Africa Bike Week. No other shop in the South Coast can handle this job, but they were let down by H-D this year by not giving them any H-D technicians for ABW 2013.
what you pay for. Well situated, well stocked. 3012 Marine Drive, Margate. Tel: 039 3121322 Email: manxmotorcycles@telkomsa.net
Seen here is Morne and his team; next time you find yourself in the Margate/Ramsgate area, be sure to pop in and see Morne for a service level of note. 5 Ramsgate Centre, Bond Street, Ramsgate. Tel: 039 3149898, Email: suzukimargate@lantic.net
of motorcycle maintenance you can throw at him. 26 Aiken Street, Port Shepstone. Tel: 039 6822168 Email: victory@venturenet.co.za
My third and last stop was at Big Boy in Port Shepstone (or Victory Motorcyles if you want to call them that; I won’t). Kevin has been serving the local community for many years and I have never heard anything bad about them. Kevin, like Morne, is well skilled and equipped in sorting out any type
There you have it, they need your support!
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DEALER NEWS and Clay Scott, both accomplished adventure riders. All the components manufactured or sold by T.R.Tec Adventure are thoroughly tested and perfected in African conditions. Any feedback or ideas for new accessories are always welcome. TR-TEC is one of the first truly South African hardparts accessories companies and is one of the few that totally designs, develops and tests all its own products right here in South Africa. With a range of everything from levers to foot pegs to bash plates to slip-on cans to canvas bags to full exhaust systems to crash bars to panniers to top box plates and even camera mounts, they have one of the widest range of items for the widest range of bikes of all the South African hard-parts manufacturers.
That’s Yamaha for You! This YBR 125 was supplied by Cycle Craft Yamaha to Northlands Pharmacy in February 2007. To date this bike has clocked 125 000 km and the engine is still original - no engine repairs at all! The clutch plates were renewed at 91 000 km. This must be a “world-record” for a small delivery-bike. It just shows what a service on time can accomplish. The present rider on photo is Mr. Philemon Ndaba and he said he is very happy with the bike.
A South African produced enduro motorcycle to beat the best in the world. The BRM 300 is a joint venture with Puzey SA and TR-Tec Adventure. Puzey SA, headed by Mike Puzey is responsible for all design, R&D and testing and has licensed the design and fabrication of the BRM 300 frame and components to TR-Tec Adventure headed up by Howard and Clay Scott, based in Hillcrest KZN. Cell: 082 4122232 www.trtecadventure.co.za
Story supplied by Eben Louw of Cycle Craft Yamaha in Durban - 031 3371716 T.R.Tec Adventure was established in 2006 in Durban on the East Coast of South Africa. After riding small off-road bikes for many years, we progressed to adventure bikes and after a few rides in Lesotho, home of the Baboons Roof Extreme Enduro, realised the adventure bike needed extra protection and packing systems for the tents, tools, food and clothing, etc., thus TR-Tec Adventure was born. In August 2006 we began manufacturing sump guards for the R1200GS with improved mountings, which really worked with the first prototype surviving extensive testing. This led to developing other parts and we are presently developing two to three new components each month – not only hard parts but also clothing and soft luggage for the adventurer. All the components are designed, drawn up on CAD and manufactured by a team headed by Howard
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IN THE NEWS: Rally with Culture Ngcobo points out that the area is close to the N3, sits on the edge of the Comrades Marathon route and the Msunduzi River (venue for the Dusi Canoe Marathon) runs right through it. “We need to expose the area nationally and internationally,” he says. “This rally will help us promote tourist interest in the area.” Induna Mbukelwa Radebe, who reports to Inkosi Smangaye Mlaba of the Kwa Ximba Tribal Authority, will be among local dignitaries welcoming visitors on the Friday night. “When they come we can give them full assurance that they will be safe, both now and in the future.” Radebe will be wearing full traditional dress for the occasion. Dual-Sport Motorcycle Enthusiasts will get a traditional Zulu welcome on this weekend when they take part in the inaugural ‘Rally Amanyavu”, which will take place at Nagle Dam from 1 to 3 November 2013. The event will be hosted by Bike Talk and Inselelo yama-Fuze Tours run by Hein Jonker and Bongani Ngcobo. Bongani has been busy for several years promoting the Mkambathi (Table Mountain) area as a tourism destination.
Induna Bhalo Ngubane, a well-known champion of traditional Zulu culture in the area, who reports to Inkosi Skhosiphi Mdluli, head of the Manyavu Tribal Authority, will also be on hand to welcome those taking part in the rally. “We are looking at building strong relationships with local market visitors,” says Ngubane. “As well as looking for business leaders to support our community business initiatives.” Ngcobo says community leaders like Radebe and Ngubane are responsible for the peace and stability in the area. “That is what makes this such a safe place to visit,” he says.
“The area has a lot to offer both in terms of scenery and traditional Zulu culture and customs,” says Ngcobo. “It’s also very close to Durban and Pietermaritzburg — you can be here in 20 minutes — and the roads are all tarred except for the road over and around the mountain, with a selection of routes to choose from.”
Friday night, visitors will be welcomed and treated to traditional Zulu performances and supper.
Continued on Page 36 ...
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IN THE NEWS: Rally with Culture The entrance fee will be released on 1 August 2013, any funds raised will be donated to local schools in the community through which the outrides will be taking place. Bookings open on 1 August 2013 and will close on 15 October 2013. Included in the Entry Fee: Camp Area (bring your own tent and goodies), Friday Supper, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Supper, and Sunday Breakfast.
On Saturday, riders will be taken on outrides in and around the area, visiting places of interest such as rural villages, a trial walk up the Table Mountain for a breathtaking experience and view of the surrounding valleys, wildlife and Nagle Dam. Upon return from the outride you’ll have to opportunity to take part in fun and games, and show us your stuff on your motorcycle. Cultural performances will again take place in the evening with prize-giving to end the day.
Those interested may register on-line at: www.biketalk.co.za/events.html Exhibitors, Vendors and Sponsors are welcome and may contact Hein to discuss. Your help and support will go a long way, and the people of the greater Inchanga and Cato Ridge area will welcome you with open arms. Contact Hein Jonker on 083 7937975 or hein@biketalk.co.za for more information.
Sunday is pack up and go after Send-Off and Breakfast. If you have nothing better to do and really want to make a difference in the lives of community folk, then bring your dual-purpose bike and come. The plan is to host this event each year in aid of this and other communities, while you enjoy the superb country side, routes and venues KZN has to offer.
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PRODUCT NEWS: Tyre Shield installation, simply drive the vehicle a few miles allowing the tyre rotation to distribute the product evenly throughout the inside of the tyre. Now, all porosity, bead, and rim leaks are sealed for the full legal life of the tyre. Once a tyre has been treated with TyreShield® the compound creates a thin liquid film on the inside of the treated tyre which provides a barrier that maintains tyre pressure and creates a complete air tight container within the tyre and tyre rim. Optimum tyre pressure is maintained for the full legal life of the tyre, and results in better tyre performance, improved fuel mileage, and increased safety. In the event of a puncture, the pressurized air inside the tyre trying to escape will immediately draw TyreShield® to the source of the leak and seal the hole created by the puncture, regardless if the puncturing object is removed or not. The seal is permanent, the tyre does not need to be removed and repaired, and eliminates the need for the driver to make immediate stops to check the tyre. After installation, TyreShield® remains dormant inside the tyre until a puncture activates it.
TyreShield® was founded and created by husband and wife team Jonathon and Elizabeth Slottje, both native aboriginal Australians, who recognized a need in Australia for a product that prevents the most common automobile disabler: a tyre puncture. After years of testing various prototype formulas they went on to develop a concentrated latexbased liquid-polymer tyre puncture protection product called TyreShield® that became a favourite among rally car racing teams and offroad applications. While other products provide a post-puncture quick fix, the Slottje’s saw the value in developing a product that was preventative, lightweight, and environmentally-friendly, and can be installed easily by an individual or service center.
On a personal note, I never put my weight behind something I don’t believe in, and this product works just like they promised. I tested it on one of our Bike Talk Academy bikes, and the tyres have not leaked any air over a period of 3 weeks of monitoring the pressure – needless to say that it will seal a hole the moment the tyre is poked.
After years of development and successful initial test marketing, TyreShield® quickly became recognized as the premier puncture protection system by Rally racing teams, motorcyclists, off-road enthusiasts, vehicle fleet owners, and government offices. TyreShield® is a unique solution to tyre punctures that provides peace of mind.
I strongly recommend this product to every dealer who sell and fit tyres of any kind, and if you are a rider looking for longer life out of your tyre, pressure retention peace of mind, then insist on it the next time you fit a set. – Hein Jonker
How it Works TyreShield® is an innovative concentrated liquid compound easily installed through the tyre valve after the removal of the tyre valve stem. After
David: 082 8206909 Brett: 074 1020153 www.tyreshield.co.za
For dealer or product enquiries please contact:
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ADVENTURE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
DEALER NEWS
Perry Yamaha has a very nice surprise in store for clients; a whole new and exciting shopping experience. Yip, instead of going BEEG they decided to go WAIZ. New bikes sales moved into a smaller yet more effective shop-front with Vernon, Mark
or Henry ready to welcome you. Then in the back they’ve revamped part of the receiving area to host all the pre-owned and demo bikes and there’s room for more. This is so exciting; instead of an open-plan floor they now provide you with
a modular shopping experience, each department separated for better functionality. Here you have their “eat of the floor” clean workshop, equipped to service and repair any type of motorcycle. Sure, PWCs (Personal Water Craft) are welcome too.
Another section running out from the pre-owned floor is the off-road or “dirt” section, with yet another healthy selection of ATVs and Enduro bikes to choose from. Section to section a whole new experience. Eish!
Wow! Upstairs, nothing has changed really, except I haven’t seen so much gear and accessories in the whole of KZN. Helmets, boots, off-road gear, tyres, parts, gloves, jackets, ramps ... man anything you can think off they have, and A LOT of it! This little photo does it no justice at all. YOU JUST HAVE TO GO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF! So head over to Perry Yamaha, get a cup of coffee from the front floor and go explore to your heart’s content. Amazing is all I can say! 031 5667411 | www.perryyamaha.co.za
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Š Copyright Reserved Tel: 0861 BIKETALK | Fax: 0866 4898 55 | Cell: 083 793 7975 Email: hein@biketalk.co.za | Web: www.biketalk.co.za Compiled, Designed and Published by Hein Jonker Media & Publishing