KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE JANUARY 2016 by KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE

TRIUMPH TRIPLETS

NEWCHURCH, SCRAMBLER, THRUXTON

DA BOMB

KAWASAKI VULCAN LEARNER THRILLS

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MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2016 BEN TOWNLEY RM-Z450 & INTERVIEW TRIUMPH THRUXTON/SCRAMBLER/NEWCHURCH KAWASAKI VULCAN S KR AT GOODWOOD

SINCE 1984

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REVVIN’ KEVIN & RIDIN’ RODNEY KR at the 2015 Goodwood Revival

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EXTREME MACHINE Suzuki V-Strom tackles Welsh enduro $10 INCL GST

HONDA CRF110F FOR TINY TERRORS • 2016 NEW BIKES REVEALED SHORAI INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC RACING • TAUPO MOTOCROSS FEST JANUARY 2016

The

ROAD Top Product Awards

GUIDE

www.roadguide.co.nz

179

RJAYS DELUXE MAGNETIC TANK BAG

X - FIVE WATERPROOF

RJAYS SUPERSPORT 2 PANNIERS

159

249

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TCX X - FIVE WATERPROOF A quality TCX boot at a very affordable price with performance and features to match the TCX brand. The X - FIVE features: Comfort Fit System (CFS), Waterproof, Upper: full grain leather. Lining: Waterproof. Protections; Anti Impact malleolous protection, shift pad, shin plate, reinforced heel counter. Foot Bed; anatomic and replaceable. Sole; Touring sole with specific grip area. Colour; Black. Size Range; 36 to 48. $349rrp. #TCX-7102W-size

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RJAYS VOYAGER 4 JACKET Polyester 600 denier nylon. Removable CE approved elbow and shoulder armour. Removable CE approved back protector. Elastic Stretch panels at elbows and back of shoulders. Power Skin Membrane -100% Waterproof and 100% Breathable. Removable quilted liner. Reflective material. Waterproof zippered air vents. Adjustable waist and arms, and zip and velcro cuffs. Zip to pants feature. Available in Mens and Womens $199rrp. Mens Fluro Yellow/ Black and Black/Black. Mens Stout Jackets $219rrp

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COOL GRAPHICS

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THH TS-39 Helmet The best value for money road helmet in the country. FEATURES: * Removable / Washable comfort liners * New dynamic ventilation design - designed specifically for a smoother air flow and enhancing interior cooling * No tool visor removal, with an integrated visor locking system. Available in Gloss Black, Matt Black & Gloss White $109rrp. Graphics available at $119 rrp.

The

Dirt 09

www.dirtguide.co.nz

HOT PRODUCTS

Guide

STARCROSS 5

HELMET SERIES 3

169 Y

Michelin has launched the new Starcross 5 range of motocross tyres following an extensive three-year testing and development program with riders of all levels, from world championship riders, to amateur racers. The Michelin Starcross 5 range breaks new ground for Michelin in the world of motocross. Compared to its predecessors (Starcross 3 and 4), the Michelin Starcross 5 range features a new, lighter casing design. The new design offers a weight saving of up to 15%* without compromising strength and durability due to the use of stronger, higher density materials.

YOUTH & ADULT

Oneal Rider Boot The all new Oneal Rider Boot steps into a class of its own. Built to the quality of a rst class boot but sold at an entry level price. Now available in a true Pee Wee boot size (Black only). FEATURES; Traditional stitched sole. Durable Construction. - Full adjustable four buckle closure system. - Tough sole with metal shank. - Injection moulded plastic shin plate and protection. - Guards left & right to protect bottom buckle. - Built in heat shield. Available in Black, White & Pink/Black. $229 rrp.

The more exible casing and aggressive tread pattern also offers a number of other benets for riders: – Improved traction in a straight line and more progressive handling in corners. – The ability to run higher pressures, to reduce the risk of the tyre coming off the rim, with no loss of grip or comfort. – No ‘running-in’ needed as the exible casing offers great performance from the starting gate. The new casing has also been engineered to optimise the size of the contact patch.

229

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239

DASHBOARD 25

JAN 16

shorai classic

Racers came from around the World. Even our Todd. Classic bikes being ridden exactly how they were designed to be ridden. Even by our Todd.

Goodwood revival

Rodney O’Connor got the opportunity to race at Goodwood with ex-World champ Kevin Schwantz. Again. Lucky bugger.

Triumph triplets

With Triumph launching a new range of Bonnevilles and Thruxtons, there are deals to be had on some great bikes... Thruxton, Newchurch and Scrambler.

30 48

Kawasaki vulcan S

It’s big, it’s bold and it’s even managed to quietly impress our Jock M.

56 extreme V-strom

Ex-editor Jon Bentman thought a proper enduro aboard Suzuki’s DL1000 V-Strom was a great idea. We applaud his insanity.

TOWNLEY’S RM-Z450

World-exclusive first ride aboard Ben Townley’s 2016 MX1 GP Suzuki RM-Z450.

88 the townley interview Want to know the thinking and decisions behind BT’s World title attempt for 2016? You have to read this interview.

92 Honda crf110f

A little something for the Junior riders out there. Honda’s CRF110F is the perfect stepping stone to bigger and greater things.

82 56 92

KIWI RIDER

Hello...

ELLO... and welcome to the January 2016 issue of Kiwi Rider magazine. Just about the biggest bombshell to hit the news this month/year, from a Kiwi perspective, was the announcement that 2004 MX2 World Champion, Ben Townley is to make a return to top flight motocross in 2016. BT has swapped camps from Honda to Suzuki and joined the Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MXGP team aboard a Suzuki RM-Z450 in the MX1 class under the guidance of Stefan Everts. BT has long been a friend of Kiwi Rider and kindly offered us a ride on his all-new MXGP RM-Z. We

EDITOR Ben Wilkins

Contributions: Kiwi Rider welcomes editorial contributions from its readers. If you would like to write something for KR e-mail a précis to editor@kiwirider. co.nz. Electronic transmission of words (Microsoft Word .doc) and pictures (hi-res jpgs) preferred. Advertising: Got a hot product or service and want some real bang for your advertising buck? KR offers a complete inhouse advertising design and production service. To find out more talk to: Pete (pete@kiwirider.co.nz) or Todd (todd@kiwirider.co.nz) Published by: McStannic Publishing Ltd Postal Address: P.O. Box 299, Kumeu, Auckland Courier Address: 127 Moire Rd, West Harbour, Auckland. Phone: 09 416 5307 Fax: 09 416 5308 Publisher: Pete McPhee Office: 09 416 5307 Email: pete@kiwirider.co.nz sales and Marketing: Pete McPhee Office: 09 416 5307 or 0274 748 675 Email: pete@kiwirider.co.nz Bike Mart adertising: Todd Sutherland: 021 709 989 Design/layout: Marcel Norkia: design@kiwirider.co.nz Photographer: Geoff Osborne: Ph 09 415 2555 ospics1@xtra.co.nz. REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Rodney O’Connor, Roger Moroney, Andy McGechan, Ben Townley, Chris Birch, Michael Esdaile, Jock McLauchlan, Sam Greenslade and Racing Dave. On-line Editor: Marcel Norkia Office manager: Linda Glasswell Printers: PMP Maxum Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Ltd, McStannic Publishing Ltd. Opinions: Opinions expressed in Kiwi Rider are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publishers accept no liability for any error or omissions contained herein. Copyright: This magazine is copyright in its entirety. Material may not be printed without the written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1177-0023 Cover image: Geoff Osborne

KIWI RIDER

didn’t need asking twice. Just about all the test team headed down to Rotorua for the opportunity to ride a premier-class machine. Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. Turn to page 82 for our exclusive test ride. While riding BT’s bike is a huge highlight, we also had a lot of questions to pose concerning a comeback and what it would mean challenging for another world title some 12 years on. Michael Esdaile quite literally had to pin BT down to get the answers. Turn to page 88 for an insight into BT’s thoughts, hopes and concerns for the coming championship. BT, all we can say is get out there and show the world what a Kiwi can do. Again.

BEN WILKINS

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST ISSUE OF KR REPORT? OUR NEW DIGITAL MAGAZINE GIVES YOU ALL THE LATEST GRASS-ROOTS MOTORCYCLING EVENTS NEAR YOU. AND IT’S FREE! TAKE A LOOK HERE... http://bit.ly/1SnejIp

.....................REGULARS..................... FRONT END 9  NEWS 21  ROAD PRODUCTS 2016’s models revealed at the European motorcycle show - EICMA; Casey Stoner back to Ducati.

ROOST ZONE 67  NEWS

Vintage North Vinduro; NZ ATV MX Championships; NZ MX dates & Dakar route announced; Taupo MX Fest 2015.

BACK END 96  BIKE MART

Need it, want it, must have it...

 DIRT PRODUCTS

Everything you need to keep you and your dirt bike in tip-top condition.

Essential services and products for you and your bike.

109

 CLASSICS

100

 EVENTS CALENDAR

112

 ROGER MORONEY

102  RACE RESULTS

The Triumph Featherbed frame has one main association in most minds... the Triton.

Are motorcyclists deserving of their big and bad reputation? Not according to Roger.

MotoGP, WSS Championships.

NEXT ISSUE OF KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE GOES ON SALE MONDAY 11 JAN

$1000s OFF Select 2015 BMW Motorrad motorcycles with the Summer To Ride CASHBACK offer! From G650GS’s to R1200GS’s and S1000RR’s, Lams Approved, Adventure to Sports, there is no escaping these deals on selected BMW Motorcycles.

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SUZUKI RIDERS’

TRACK DAY 2016 If you ride a Suzuki – you’re invited. If you don’t, then get one or you can’t play. Head for Taupo for some summer fun at the exclusive 2016 Suzuki Riders’ Track Day. This will ﬁll up fast and bookings are essential…

SZM0196

so don’t miss out! Book your place now!

SATURDAY 23 JANUARY 2016 TAUPO MOTORSPORT PARK – FULL TRACK T1 Suzuki owners $100 (prepay open now) • 4 Riding groups: 1 – fast, 2 – fast/medium, 3 – medium and 4 – novice. • Spaces limited, early booking recommended.

To reserve your place email ride@motott.co.nz

It’s that time of year when the manufacturers flaunt their latest wares to all and sundry at the European Motorcycle Show – EICMA. We’ve rounded up the bikes which have caught our eye that might just make it here to NZ. New GSX-R1000 surfaces as ‘Concept’ ! A couple of issues back we predicted an all-new GSX-R1000 for 2016. We got a bit ahead of ourselves. At the EICMA Show in November, Suzuki certainly did reveal an all-new GSX-R1000, but as a ‘concept’ bike, with a view to releasing a production version for the 2017 model year. The bike has the variable valve timing we predicted, and a full suite of electronics including cable-free throttle. In place of inverted bucket cam followers are finger followers, said to be a third the weight, and on the fuelling side, there are now twin injectors per throttle body. On the exhaust side, Suzuki has come up with a clever system using servo operated butterflies in the header tubes, aimed to boost low rpm power. On the suspension side, it’s the best from Showa front and rear but brakes are still Brembo.

HONDA CONCEPTS Honda’s European design team revealed two concept bikes based on the naked CB650F four. Dubbed CB4 and Six50, the pair of Hondas could easily be mistaken as something from Husqvarna or Aprilia. The CB4 features a single round headlight, machined fork clamps and solid brake disc. Bar-end mirrors and a circular instrument panel built into the bar clamp keep things flat and minimal. At the back there’s a singlesided swing-arm and twin exhausts while the seat is minimal. The Six50, an ‘urban scrambler’ with chunky looking off-road tyres, has a bash-plate, hand guards, wire-spoked wheels, more sensible twin-sided swing-arm, GP-style exhaust and road-spec upside down forks. Something like Ducati’s successful ‘Scrambler’.

Yamaha MT-10 While Honda and Suzuki were content to show ‘concepts’, Yamaha did not come up empty, although the name of its latest naked bike may indicate otherwise: MT-10. Described by some as “ugly, squat and nasty”, in an earlier time a 1000cc four cylinder naked from Yamaha would have been named FZ-1. But to join the rather harder-edged MT club, the bike needed some serious attitude, which it has in spades, with sharp angles, odd fluoro-yellow wheels and a nose that looks a bit like an angry crab. Powering this frightening creation is a revised version of the crossplane R1 motor, tuned for stronger bottom-end and mid-range urge, and fitted with cruise control for when you get worn out from pulling monos and doing burn-outs.

Indian Scout Sixty Indian has launched a smaller capacity version of the Indian Scout, called the Scout Sixty. Sixty denotes the capacity of the modified motor – 60 cubic inches – although it’s actually 61 cubic inches. We think the Scout ‘Sixty-One’ wasn’t as snappy a name. To save you the conversion, this translates to a metric 1000cc, a 133cc reduction. This has reduced power from 100hp to 78hp and Indian says this will help it appeal to newer riders and makes it an easier prospect for town riders. The Sixty has a five speed gearbox rather than its bigger stablemate’s six-speeder. Expect to pay in the region of $19,495 plus OTR.

KIWI RIDER

showcase metzeler summer promo Ugly Fish and Metzeler have teamed up to bring you the Ultimate Summer Offer. When you purchase either a ME 888 Marathon Ultra, ME 880 Marathon or Sportec Klassik rear tyre, you can buy a pair of Limited Edition Metzeler co-branded Ugly Fish protective glasses for just $10.00. Normal retail is $79.00. A nice little bonus for Christmas! The Ultimate Summer Offer is available (while stocks last) from participating Metzeler tyre stockists.

forma back protector These smart back protectors from Forma are essentially 2-backprotectors-in-1. The clever patented protector system features an exclusive fastening/ unfastening system called SMART that joins or divides the two parts that make up the protector. The Akira C.L.M. SMART can be used as either a back protector (FB: Full Back protector) or simply the bottom half of rrp your lower back lumbar area $225 (LB: Lower Back protector). Both protector devices offer CE approval pr EN 1621:2:2013 (Level 2). Premium protection and comfort, available now from better bike shops.

forma slam dry ladies Look the part in these motorcycle shoes from Forma. The Slam Dry may look like a regular sneaker, but there’s a lot more to be found here compared to your regular run-of-the-mill sports shoe. For starters they are waterproof. And they are also CE approved with a reinforced ankle. So you get the look and comfort of trainers coupled with the protection you want from a motorcycle boot. The Slam Dry is available in Mens and Ladies sizes from Forma Boot stockists and leading motorcycle apparel retailers. rrp

$259

neo rebel jacket Looking for a leather jacket with classic looks but with modern features? Well then, your search just ended. The retro styled Rebel jacket has a high quality genuine cowhide supple leather outer with reinforced shoulders, polyester mesh comfort lining, detachable thermal lining, CE elbow & shoulder protection plus a foam back protector. Grab one for Christmas, from NEO stockists and leading rrp motorcycle apparel $499 retailers.

neo sprint 2 gloves These Summer sport gloves offer superb quality, comfort and protection – all at a great price! They’re loaded with premium features including leather and kevlar reinforced cordura construction, hard knuckle armour, reinforced palm, padding on back of fingers and wrist, double stitching for critical areas, and adjustable velcro wrist closure. There’s also Venting to keep you cool during those long Summer rides. These gloves make the ideal rrp Christmas gift for under a hundy. Available $99 in black in sizes S to 4XL.

muc-off 2-for-1 offer Spray on. Wash off. No sweat. Designed specifically for motorcycles, this classic pink Bike Cleaner has incredible cleaning power because it contains revolutionary Nano Technology that breaks down dirt and grime on microscopic levels, while also caring for your motorbike’s delicate finish. And now for a strictly limited time when you buy a 5L bottle of Bike Cleaner, you get another 5L bottle absolutely FREE! Save $79!! Keep your bike cleaner, for longer, for less. Offer available only while stocks last from Muc-Off motorcycle stockists.

Having trouble locating these fine products? Get your dealer to contact Forbes & Davies Ltd. *Pricing is RRP only and subject to change.

buy 1 get 1

free

www.forbesanddavies.co.nz

Premium Racing Technology The RFX1 Racing is a glove designed for track and sports riding which offers top-of-the-line performance features. That means new ventilated PU knuckle shells, a large carbon-fibre forearm shell, a Kevlar lining, carbon reinforcements and full-grain leather for protection, stretch Kevlar for comfort, a protective barrier for both the palm and the top of the hand, plus an exceptionally lightweight fit, all without compromising control sensitivity, or safety. Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: Sizes 3–3XL, white or black Price: $329 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

Head out this summer with Kruisers for Cruisers Kruiserbag’s throw-over saddlebags offer a classic look at a price that won’t break the bank, for a cost-effective cruiser luggage option for summer. Sold in pairs, they’re constructed from durable synthetic leather for an authentic look, alongside better resistance to weather. Plenty of adjustability enables the perfect fit for your bike, whatever its size. Reinforced plastic inner panels help protect the contents while holding the bag’s shape. Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $199.00 Info: forbesanddavides.co.nz

R1 goes touring – new rack adapts to other mounts Ventura’s bike-pack system is now available for the newest Yamaha R1. An extreme sports machine won’t be everyone’s ideal touring mount, but those who take up the challenge can now carry the gear they need – from the Sports Pack right through to the largest Bathurst. Got more than one bike? Ventura’s new rack is adjustable. Bikes come in different widths, but many can now share the one rack – no wonder the Ventura system fits over 2000 different models. Distributor: Dold Industries Price: Luggage systems start around $290 depending on kit, adjustable rack alone costs $119.95 Info: dold.co.nz

Hold on tight with Givi Givi’s S957B smartphone holder lets you mount your phone atop your handlebars, with the iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S6 just two of the many models it’ll fit. The holder comes with a sun visor, a zip opening, a vibration-absorbing device, an exit for cables, a transparent cover for touch screen controls and an anti-rain cover. Better yet, it’s easy to detach and take with you whenever you leave your bike. Distributpr: Eurobike Wholesale Price: $79 Info: Eurobike.co.nz

Muc-Off Leather Protect Leather isn’t cheap, so you need to take care of it! Muc-Off Leather Protect is enriched with shea butter, natural oils and beeswax to feed leather – keeping it hydrated, supple and looking like new. Muc-Off also includes special waxes to help prevent cracking and discolouration and it’s even alcohol free, so you can expect a streak- and spot-free matte finish. Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $19 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Air-cooled protective wear for cool cats The all new Rjays Octane II Jacket has air cooling construction, so this meshstyle jacket is extremely breathable while remaining waterproof. It features tough ballistic nylon construction, CE Approved body armour in shoulders and elbows, a removable high-density foam back protector, high-impact plastic shoulder protection and a removable waterproof/ breathable liner. Throw in adjustable waist and wrist cuffs with Velcro tabs, reflective material and four external (plus one internal) pockets for a summer riding staple. Distributor: Northern Accessories Size style: Black. XS to 3XL Price: $259 Info: northern.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

Leading with your head HJC’s RPHA10-Plus Spareton limited-edition helmet was designed to celebrate Jorge Lorenzo’s 2015 world MotoGP championship season. Manufactured in three sizes, the shell uses a unique carbon fibre, aramid and fibreglass woven in a unique blend for a remarkably strong, light shell. Glove-friendly dials adjust ventilation, there are glasses grooves for spec-wearer comfort and — well, suffice it to say there are far more features than we have room for here. Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: Small, medium and large, comes with $100 light smoke visor and pinlock insert at no extra charge. Price: $999 Info: motorcyclegearnz.co.nz

Classic style, modern features Get the look without compromising safety with the Roadster glove, designed to perfectly complement the new Roadster leather jacket – or any other classic riding look. Constructed from supple distressed leather, with a double palm layer and secure wrist closure for perfect fit, they include high-density foam knuckle protectors, pre-curved fingers, double-stitched seams using heavy-duty bonded nylon thread, and even reflective details. Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size style: Brown, SM/08 to 2XL/12 Price: $109 Info: nwa.co.nz/product/catalogue/rst-gloves/gloves-roadster

Alpinestars Nucleon KR-R back protector The Nucleon KR-R back protector is an innovative back protector and features performance cooling, flexibility and anatomical contouring, This hybrid of hard shell and energy-absorbing viscoelastic memory foam is lightweight and breathable for optimised protection and comfort. CE certified level 2 to the latest back protector standard revision (EN1621-2:2014), it’s aimed at sport riders or racers. Distributor: Crown Kiwi Price: $269.90 Info: crownkiwi.co.nz

GIVI COMBINATION CABLE LOCK This mini combination cable lock is ideal for securing detachable items to your bike so you don’t always have to carry them when you dismount, and for locking zips together on your soft luggage to keep your stuff safe. It’s simple to use – one end has a loop and the other has a combination lockable clip. Done and dusted! Distributor: Eurobike Wholesale Ltd Price: $19.95 Info: eurobike.co.nz

Save your back and lift your bike with Snapjack These days bikes don’t generally have a centre stand and unless you have a paddock stand chain maintenance can be difficult. This is where Snapjack comes in, helping lift your rear wheel in seconds. Whether you’re at home or on the road, the Snapjack is the easiest portable jack designed for lubing, cleaning and adjusting your drive chain. Distributor: Dold Industries Price: from $79.95 Info: dold.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

Sporting a new sponsor, the International Classic also brought new classes to thrill fans keen for their fix of early season racing.

or a lot of folk, Labour weekend in late October is perhaps a little early for road racing. However, for the keen race fan with an appreciation of historic machinery it signals the very start of the racing season. With two containers of bikes and gear making the journey from Australia, as well as the addition of the BEARS class, this year’s event boosted a packed programme to kick the season off to a flyer. Now sponsored by Shorai batteries (which uses the latest in bike battery chemistry, with incredibly lightweight cells, that are popular with racers) the event (formerly known as the Barry Sheene) ran for its fourth year. And what a year it was. When the weather cleared on Sunday for the first day of racing, it was obvious that the Australians meant business. Dave Cole, doing double duty on the 851 Ducati (Pre-1989 and the modern BEARS F2) took a narrow win, but Aussie Dean Oughtred showed that he was ready for a fight. Fellow Aussie Cameron Donald ruled the roost in the Pre-1982 Senior races. Donald rode the Kiwi McIntosh to victory for the Australians in each of the races. Fellow Aussie, Glen Hindle showed consistency on

Words: Todd Sutherland / Photos: Climintie Pics

Sutherland showed us this photo of his race, the combined Pre-1982 Junior and Pre-1989 F3 races. Of course a bit of research told us that everyone behind him (#76) in this photo, was normally in front. Last year’s champion Chris Bridge (Ducati 600), this year’s champion and winner of all the races, (and 2013/2014 Superbike champion) Dennis Charlett (Yamaha 400). And the impressive Mark Robinson on a 1989 Honda RS125! Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good photo aye Todd...?

KIWI RIDER

Words: Rodney O’Connor Photos: Goodwood, Rodney O’Connor

here I was again, standing against the pit wall at the Goodwood Revival Festival, all dressed up and waiting for Kevin Schwantz to come in, so I could take my turn on the #34 bike. I was nervous, but I felt good. I was ready. But then the walls came closing in. Bike builder, Ken McIntosh, gave me that look and shook his head. My heart sank. Just like last year, I was left at the altar as the flying Texan failed to come in. But that’s not the beginning of the story... For the second year running, I’d been invited to compete in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy, alongside 1993 500cc world champion, Kevin Schwantz. This year was the turn of the newer bikes and we were riding an immaculately prepared 1961 McIntosh Manx Norton. Once again, the bike was owned by Peter Bloore and prepared in Auckland by Ken McIntosh, especially for the Goodwood Revival Festival. For those of you who missed the story last year, the Goodwood

Revival Festival is an annual celebration of historic cars, motorcycles and aviation, held at the famous Goodwood Circuit, just outside of Chichester on England’s south coast. It’s the biggest event of its kind in the world and one of the biggest motorsport events full stop. What makes it special is that every participant, be it rider, driver, mechanic or pit gopher, must dress up in period clothing for the entire event. Every tool, vehicle, trackside stall and sponsorship banner must also be an historic item, from the 40s, 50s or 60s. What’s more, most of the 130,000 strong visitors join in the fun and also dress the part. Whether you’re a motorsport fan, historian or fashionista, the Goodwood Revival Festival is a sight to behold. Three days of non-stop racing, aeronautical displays, outrageous costumes and general fun and fanfare make it an event that must go on your bucket list. This year’s revival meeting was honouring two major historic events. One being the untimely passing of New Zealander, Bruce McLaren at this very circuit, 45 years ago. The other was the 75th anniversary of the

For the second year in a row, Kiwi Rider’s own Rodney O’Connor got to ride alongside some of the greatest motorcycle racers ever known and, for the second year in a row, things didn’t quite go to plan…

Battle of Britain. A huge collection of McLaren race cars were competing at the event, while some 40 different Spitfires and Hurricanes were present – the largest gathering of these aircraft since the battle itself. The Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy is the only motorcycle event of the festival. It is awarded based on points gained from two races over the course of the weekend. Each race involves two riders sharing the same bike in a race which starts with a Le Mans style dash across the track and has a rider change half way through. As with everything at the festival, the race is predominantly a display, with the emphasis being on putting on a show, rather than a serious competitive event. Mind you, the best shows in motor racing come from serious competition and the competition this year was seriously close indeed. While the Manx Norton was the most popular choice of bike for the event, the MV Agusta 500 triples were there and boy were they fast. As you can imagine, the sound was spectacular and with so many well prepared bikes, there was little in it.

After the journey to the opposite end of the Earth and a few days getting used to the time difference, we offloaded at our accommodation in a small village, only a few miles north of the race track. We made our way to the circuit on the Thursday and managed to meet up with Kevin and Kevin’s dad, Jim Schwantz at the driver’s tent. This year the area in front of the driver’s tent had been setup in the style of a pre-historic dig, complete with dinosaur skeletons and roving palaeontologists sporting long socks and clipboards. After scrutineering, it was off to the cricket ground in front of Goodwood manor to watch the last few overs of the annual cricket match and attend the driver’s briefing. Just like last year, we were treated to a Spitfire display in front of the manor, with some spectacular low-level aerobatics. After the briefing, we bumped into Lord March himself, the man responsible for hosting the entire event. Kevin made the introductions and I felt honoured to have met the man behind this whole shindig. Friday saw the first day on track, with motorcycle qualifying. Qualifying

KIWI RIDER

Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

Triumph’s classically-styled machines all share a similar genetic base but offer distinctly different riding experiences for the well-heeled gentleman, or dapper lady.

was concerned. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for prostate cancer awareness was looming and it was going to be a challenging situation for me. To start with, I’m not particularly distinguished and it would appear that feminism has expunged gentlemanly behaviour in today’s world? Yes indeed, how to look and act was going to be a challenge and something of a quandary. However, the DGR ride is determined to try and reinvent this ‘quality’ behaviour from the bygone age. Some DGR people say, back when men were men, they were chivalrous, rocked odd facial hair and, I believe, rode Triumph motorcycles. Well, clearly there was nothing else for it then. KR simply had to go “cap in hand” to the good folks at Triumph NZ and beg for one of their modern-classic,

KIWI RIDER

Words: Ben Wilkins / Photos: Geoff Osborne

Kawasaki has found many uses for its humble 650cc parallel twin engine. The latest is in the form of a LAMS cruiser – the Vulcan S.

t seems Kawasaki has produced one of the most versatile engines in its 650cc parallel twin engine. Not only does it power the ER6 models and the Vulcan cruisers, it’s won at the Isle of Man TT races and also beaten Harley Davidson at its own game – flat track. In the cruiser-styled Vulcan, the parallel twin makes an unlikely appearance in a niche typified by veetwin engine layouts. But don’t dismiss the Vulcan because of its unconventional-for-the-genre engine layout, this is a beauty.

Resplendent in Candy Matt Orange, the learner version of the Vulcan 650 draws glances from both motorcyclists and civilians alike. It’s not difficult to see why; the lines of the bodywork are swoopy and flowing and the motor, which with its polished cooling fins – although watercooled – reminds me of what an engine should look like. As a LAMScompliant machine, the 650cc motor has been tweaked to produce 35kW (47hp), some 10kW down on its non-LAMS stablemate. It sounds a lot but in everyday use I didn’t find the bike to be lacking. There’s plenty of low-speed torque that makes town riding a breeze and it’s more than

fast enough to out-pace even quite speedy cars away from lights and junctions. Out on the open road it’s a similar story, there’s more than enough power there to easily stay at the speed limit no matter how steep the hill or ferocious the headwind. Eve, our female test rider, thought there was a degree of vibration from the engine but this is the first two-cylinder engine she’s ridden, her biking life has been spent on medium to large capacity in-line four engines. I’d say a twin-cylinder engine has a bit of a throb to it rather than the slightly anodyne feel that comes from a very smooth four-cylinder motor.

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t’s all very well entering a two-day rally, but when it’s 500km away the first order of service is getting there. You could take a van but when you’re riding a Suzuki V-Strom surely that’s the point – you can ride road and trail. And fortunately the V-Strom does indeed eat highway. It’s a big 1000, after all, so it’ll play fast lane bragging rights with the usual tin-top nugget-heads in their M-something BMWs and Mercs (I don’t know their range codes, simply not interested!). You can put the adjustable screen (three options on height and three on angle to give nine permutations) up high to reduce the wind blast nicely, although you’ll get some buffeting as a result. But even at high speeds the feeling is relaxed and so-solid. And with a fairly big tank it’ll go a long way quickly. Heading down to Wales on a Friday afternoon, 90mph (140km/h) cruising speed (or not, officer) and the V-Strom returned a surprisingly decent fuel economy of 49.3mpg (17.9km/l). That was 335km non-stop before the first re-fuel and with the tank taking 18.75 litres there was still 1.25 litres left in the 20 litre tank. All very useful. And this with packed panniers, screen, tent and 90-kilos of rider – a hell of a lot better than I recall of the original Suzuki TL1000S (from which this bike takes its motor) – modern engine management clearly makes a difference.

SUZUKI’S V-STROM

BEEF-UP? After that first tankful I stopped at Touratech’s UK shop with a view to (last minute) beefing up of the V-Strom with some bush bars. Suzuki had already fitted their own engine guards, but the Touratech ones offer more coverage, up to the fairing, and look nicer too. So I’ll take that upgrade. There’s no sump guard on the Suzuki, and with ground clearance being not so much (165mm) it desperately needed a sump plate for the rally and all the rocks I’d find there. So on went Touratech’s sump plate – an easy job, and thankfully it offers substantial coverage. Then two easy jobs to finish – a swap from the standard rubber-top footrests for proper serrated types and an alloy guard for the radiator. A bit more prep was needed – we rotated the bars forward a bit to create a better standing position, and we rotated the gear lever up one notch on the spline so it was raised and easier for a motocross boot to get under (especially in a standing position). Then on with some new Metzeler Karoo 3 tyres – proper what I call town & country types. They’re a new design and while their rounded profile look a bit less than confidence-inspiring there’s actually a healthy gap between the rows of knobs that should ensure fairly decent bite. We’d see how they perform. So job done. Albeit by now it was 9pm and the rain was coming down cats and dogs, not boding well for start in the morning.

RALLY BIKE? Now, I’m no different to anyone else, I think the same thoughts. And one of those is a question I have as to whether the V-Strom is really an adventure bike at all, or just a road bike dressed up to look the part. I’ve never actually properly looked at the V-Strom to assess this, just gone on gut instinct. And so my gut has been pretty much negative on the matter. Suzuki has left the matter moot too, keen to pitch the Strom on its road attributes. There’s no ruffty-tuffty desert riding in this sales brochure. But still, given that they call it an adventure model we should at least see just how much adventure it might take, eh? Only given that Africa is a fair ways away from Europe then a Welsh rally-raid competition was an ideal solution to assess those off-road chops. And if I was to get the Strom stuck in a bog, having a good 150 racing companions should at least give an evens chance of extraction. Likewise I could forget about issues of navigation – just follow the arrows. So, just to

be clear, I wasn’t at the rally on some premise that the Strom is a rally racer, no, just using the opportunity to see just how extreme the Strom could go. That’s not an excuse, by the way, for not getting a decent result. Not one bit. All that said, between the night-before bike prep and scrutineering at 9am I was at least able to last-minute familiarise myself with some of the Strom’s spec. And it’s actually quite upmarket. That’s an alloy beam frame for a start. Anybody who’s ridden Honda’s CRF enduros or Suzuki’s own RMX450 – even a GSX-R race rep – will know there’s a lot of integrity in alloy beam frames. When they’re good, they’re very good. And this one is 13% lighter than the previous Strom frame, so clearly Suzuki has been doing some homework. And there, in all their glory, attached to the front of the Strom are a pair of gold-anodised Kayaba upside forks, with adjustment for preload, compression and rebound damping. I’m a big fan of Kayaba (or KYB if you prefer) units – knowing them from Yamaha YZs, YZ-Fs and WRs and knowing just how good they are – so seeing

EXTREME ADVENTURE! DOES

Words & photos: Jon Bentman

When Suzuki launched an all-new V-Strom for 2014 were we convinced it was a real adventure bike, not some touring sled dressed up all fancy? Our European correspondent Jon Bentman wasn’t. So to see if the V-Strom really checks out he rode it in a two-day rally-raid event in Wales – known for its rain and bogs... Authentic adventure bike? It was a case of sink or swim, literally...

these on the Suzuki kind of got me hopeful. Sadly the Kayaba shock doesn’t seem quite so sophisticated, with preload adjustment only – but then I’m not so sophisticated either, and seeing this largish adjuster knob just under the seat I wound the preload up to max allowing for my weight and wanting maximum ground clearance. There’s more good stuff. Like the radially-mounted Tokico monoblock brakes, with ABS. Traction control too. It’s not quite GS-sophisticated, but Suzuki has allowed the Strom a few trinkets. And while we know this engine from as long ago as 1997, in the TL-S, and from 2002 in the original V-Strom (so it’s old, like) – it’s evident that Suzuki has given it a thorough makeover for the latest edition. With +2mm on the bores it’s now 1037cc, and with dual plug heads and new fuel injection, plus ECU upgrades, it’s a whole new tune. And bless Suzuki, for they’ve gone completely in the opposite direction to the rest of the adventure market and de-powered the machine! Suzuki quote 100hp but magazine dyno tests are showing that to be about 91hp

at the rear wheel – about 25hp less than the 1200GS and 37hp less than the 1190 KTM (and of course there’s now the 1290...)! But a little like Aprilia with its Caponord, Suzuki has clearly decided the market would like easy, low-rev torque characteristics, we’re not here to set lap records, let’s just chill-out and enjoy the scenery. Ahh, getting back to the traction control, it comes with three levels of actuation if you count ‘off’ as a level. Okay two levels, then. Only here: a confession. I rode the whole time with it off! Yet despite rain and dirt on the roads, and rain on the rally course, the power was just so controllable that I never actually felt the need to turn it on.

SO, ON WITH IT! So onto the gravel. Saturday morning, 10:51 ticked over on the officials’ clock and the Strom (and me) started the 20th Cambrian Rally. And all was well. The Strom tracks true, stays stable when you get off the gas as you look for a line through the curves and reacts exactly like any

bike you know. It’s not top-heavy, there’s no tippy feeling. It doesn’t chug or chunter, it just goes. Fuss free. Whether we call it 100hp or 91hp, for off-road that’s oodles more than you need, and with road gearing set for something like 140mph top speed, then by third gear we’re going plenty fast enough, especially on wet slippery gravel track. We came to some muddy sections – where logging contractors had been working – and while I tensed-up, the Strom didn’t, it moved around a little, like any bike, and like any bike the answer to any squirm is just to gas it up a little more. It’s all pretty easy. Ten minutes in and we came to our first test. It could have been the Strom’s nemesis, even. It was a challenge section that started with a juicy fat climb up a bank about 40-foot high then followed a track around a small quarry. I could have stopped and scoped it out, but my instinct suggested that just might spook me, better just to get in there and do it. And that’s exactly what happened. The Strom launched into the climb like a regular EXC (or rather RMX), with a lovely mix of grip and slip and

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WORLD FIRST TEST** WE RIDE BT’S SUZUKI RM-Z450 HONDA CRF110F THE HOTTEST DIRT PRODUCTS

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VINTAGE NORTH VINDURO

ine early summer weather and drying conditions made for a great opening round of the 2015/2016 Vinduro NZ Series. The event was staged at The Farm, a trail riding and motocross complex on the Whangaruru Harbour in Northland. The ride attracted over forty entries from as far afield as Hawkes Bay, including several riders who took the option to trail ride the course without being scored. Significant amounts of rain in the days preceding the ride meant that organiser Mike Bennett had to cut out some of his favourite sections, though the bright sunshine on the day soon had things drying out and riders enjoying near-perfect riding conditions. With the entire course running over a single farm, three laps were required for a total 76 km distance. There was however a wide variety of terrain, several stream crossings, clay farm roads, big grassy hills and roller-coaster bush tracks. As with the two previous Vinduros run by Vinduro NZ half the field had not ridden an event of this type previously. The course was divided into six sections with two loops, named Coastal and Bush. The Coastal loop was mostly fast and grassy rolling hills and if you cared to look up there were stunning views over the Whangaruru Harbour. The Bush loop was as the name suggests a more slippery affair climbing into the ranges with some inspiring terrain and tighter clay tracks. Due to the rain prior to the event the more challenging Gold Class additional loops were put on hold and all the riders were sent out on the easier Silver course. However as the day warmed and the ground dried some of choicer Gold tracks were re-instated by the afternoon, the best being The Bush Highway, a glorious twisty bulldozed track through native bush with countless elevation changes. The special test was run over a flowing grass track course right in front of the start area with plenty of off-cambers to test the rider’s ability to get the power on the ground. The first lap was not timed to allow riders to get a feel of the special test, but the subsequent two laps were timed to the second. Contrary to previous events Honda machines were most numerous, represented by single shock XRs, two twin shock XR500s and several twin shock XLs, plus a rare two stroke MR175. Almost absent this time

were Suzuki PE models with only a lone PE175 and TS250 twin shock present for the yellow team. For Yamaha there were the popular IT175s and IT200s, IT250s and an XT250, while Kawasaki were represented by several KDX200s. Once again there was only a single entry in the 4 speed Vintage class, a BSA B50. The largest class represented on the day was the air cooled Evo 2s, followed closely by Classic short-travel twin shockers. Especially satisfying were the many youngsters, including a posse of local teenagers who tore up the course on Ag bikes. More numerous too were canny folk who have picked up that low tech air-cooled modern trail bikes like the CRF Hondas and Yamaha TTR230 qualify for NZ Vinduros, making for a fun and inexpensive way to participate. Almost all the riders completed the entire course, the only two retirements being due to mechanical faliures and the overwhelming sentiment was that Vintage North had been an outstanding event, both in terms of the riding and the hospitality shown by Mike and Ellen Bennett and their whanau at The Farm. Roll on 2016! More information on Vinduro bikes, the Series and results can be found on www.vinduronz.com

NZ ATV MX CHAMPIONSHIPS

Words & Photos: Andy McGechan

here was two of everything terrific at the New Zealand ATV Motocross Championships in Taranaki on November 16. The two days of tantalising race action at the Barrett Road Motorcycle Park near New Plymouth provided two tough and contrasting extremes of track conditions and, throughout it all, two Taranaki brothers were at the tip of a thrilling finish. With wet weather forecast for Sunday’s second of two days of racing, the organisers of the Cory’s Electrical-sponsored event decided they should attempt to power through as many of the planned seven races for each of class while the sun shone on Saturday. And so, with four races completed by late on Saturday afternoon, it set the championships up for several thrilling showdowns on the course that had transformed into a muddy quagmire the following day. With Taranaki’s Keegan brothers, 26-year-old Camo and 24-year-old Scott, sharing race wins in the premier senior A class on Saturday, it meant there was nothing to separate them at the start of action on Sunday. With conditions deteriorating, organisers then decided on Sunday morning to run just one more race for each class. This meant it was a winner-takes-all final race for the glamour title. The racing was close through the opening laps and, with less than half a lap remaining, race leader Camo was baulked by a lapped rider and he lost his drive in the sloshing mud, dramatically allowing Scott to snatch

Lepperton’s Scott Keegan leads his elder brother Camo Keegan at the ATV nationals in Taranaki

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SHOWS HIS TRICKS ARE STILL The first big blow-out of the season... a forecast for what will happen in the 2016 nationals? Words & photos: Andy McGechan

ou can’t teach an old dog new tricks, or so the saying goes, but why would you even bother trying when the old tricks are still working so well? Motueka’s Josh Coppins did just what he needed to do, bringing his Motocross World Championship Grand Prix experience into play, in winning the premier races at the Taupo MX Fest, the first big hit-out of the new season, just over a week ago. The 38-year-old former world No.2, who retired from fulltime racing three years ago and is now working as the manager of the Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team, gave himself an assignment to ride the team’s MX1 class Yamaha YZ450F bike at the 30th annual MX Fest weekend, his official MX1 class rider from Australia not actually due in the country until January, and Coppins proved that he was still up to the task. Coppins finished 1-1-1 for the overall in the MX1 class and, despite Waitakere’s Ethan Martens being required to race his Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke in the MX1 class, he finished runner up, ahead of Taupo’s former MX Fest overall champion Brad Groombridge (Suzuki RM-Z450). In the MX2 (250cc) class, Mangakino’s Kayne Lamont (Altherm JCR Yamaha YZ250F) also went 1-1-1 to win overall, ahead of Takaka’s Hamish Harwood (CML Racing Team KTM 250F), and Taupo’s Cohen Chase (Yamaha YZ250F) took the final podium spot. Chase’s younger brother, Wyatt Chase, took his Yamaha YZ125 to win the 125cc class; Whakatane’s Darren Capill (Yamaha YZ450F) won the over-45 years’ veterans’ class, as well as winning the MX3 class; and Taupo’s Daniel Scrimgeour (Yamaha YZ450F) won the 35-44 years’ veterans’ class. Taupo’s Emma Davis (Honda CRF250) won the women’s grade. Also impressive were European 125cc No.2 Josiah Natzke (Red Bull KTM 250F), from

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Phat by name, Phat by nature – tie it right first time Matrix M1 1.5 Phatty Tiedowns deliver a heavy-duty-steel cam-lock with an equally heavy-duty steel spring for a secure lock, and a custom spring-loaded lock-on swivel carabiner bottom hook for secure connection. The abrasion-resistant nylon webbing is double stitched with heavy-duty nylon thread, they include a slider nameplate to impart that personalised custom factory look, along with non-fade graphics in factory colours, and there’s a top soft loop extension with a rubbercoated ‘S’ hook to protect your handlebars. Distributor: Northern Accessories Size style: 175cm long by 3.8cm wide Price: Phatty $69.95, narrower M1 Worx Tiedown for $49.95 Info: northern.co.nz

Rainbow colours for junior heads Kylin’s MX helmet for kids is a great entry-level helmet that comes out in a wide range of cool colours likely to be a hit with boys and girls out riding over summer. The great-looking helmet meets European ECE standards and features a removable washable liner, and an easy quickrelease buckle closure for those drink and snack breaks. Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: S (49-50cm) M (51-52cm) L (53-54cm) – XL (55-56cm), RAZZ Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Yellow, Spider, Manga, Pink Price: $79.90 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

Scott Agents for hard-charging nippers The Scott Agent is an entry-level children’s goggle which proves that finding a good-value goggle doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality or style. They pack many features found on the adult Scott range, like super-soft face foam, a double-lined silicone strap and a Scotts TruView, No-fog treated single clear lens, and were created for little chargers just getting into the sport, so ages four to six, and keen to follow mum and dad out on the trail. Distributor: Darbi Acessories Size style: Black, White, Blue, Red, Pink Price: $29.95 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

On-road traction, off-road stability Metzeler’s Karoo 3 is designed for riders who love adventure and off-road travel, so they’re built to deliver excellent off-road traction and on-road stability, plus greater mileage than their predecessor. The tread pattern and knob layout ensure footprint area is more uniform and constant, so they last longer on- and off-road. The centre knobs are spaced farther apart for better penetration in soft terrain, while the shoulder knobs are closer together for more grip when leaning into a curve on asphalt. Distributor: Forbes & Davies Size style: Sized to suit heavy and light enduro bikes Price: From $189 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Engine protection with imperial guarantee Riding a new green KXF450 in the bush? With an Emperor heavy-duty skid plate fitted you can be sure that your cases will stay intact even in the worst of riding conditions. You can pop over fallen trees or rocks safe in the knowledge that you are protected by the 5mm thick skid plate beneath you. Distributor: Dold Industries Price: around $199 Info: dold.co.nz

Squeaky-clean hands the easy way Muc-Off Nano Grit Hand Cleaner removes ingrained oil, grease and grime using natural, nano-sized grit to scrub away the aftermath of even the most intense tune-up session. But the latest lifesaver from Muc-Off doesn’t just get rid of grime. It’s also anti-bacterial, so your hands are even cleaner than they look. The days of scrubbing down with scalding hot water and old flannels after getting greasy in the workshop are over. This stuff is all you need! Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $24 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

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Stand out from the crowd We’re assured the price for this THH TX12 does not reflect the style, comfort and protection that this helmet offers you. As well as modern looks it’s jampacked with features that would usually blow out the price. Stuff like 10 external vents, vented internal channels to remove damp and heat, a fully removable lining and a nose guard. It meets DOT/ECE standards, too. Distributor: Northern Accessories Size style: Youth S, M, L Adult XS-XXL Price: $109 Info: northern.co.nz

Ipone filter oil goes the extra mile Ipone’s Air Filter Oil is a grease spray designed to protect air filter sponges on cross, enduro and trail bikes, and we’re told it comes with a few advantages. This high-filtration product allows the bike to breath, doesn’t affect carburation, and should extend engine life. The packaging allows filter protection without getting your hands dirty, the blue colour shows you whether you’ve achieved even cover, and a wide-jet diffuser makes the whole job easier. Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size: 750ml Price: $29 Info: nwa.co.nz/product/catalogue/ipone-sprays/air-filter-oil-1

Two for one with Muc-Off Motorcycle Cleaner Spray on. Wash off. No sweat! Now you can keep your bike cleaner, for longer, for less, because for a limited time, buy a five-litre bottle of Muc-Off Motorcycle Cleaner, and get another one absolutely free! Wash your bike, car, ute, jetski., or even your mate’s bike. It’s the most effective cleaner out there, without needing nasty, dangerous acids or chemicals. Revolutionary Nano Technology breaks down dirt and grime on microscopic levels, while caring for your motorbike’s delicate finish. Distributor: Forbes & Davies Ltd Size: 10 litres Price: $79 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Pirelli breaks new barriers Pirelli’s Scorpion Trail tyre is designed for sporty off-road performance, and uses a tread pattern that combines high performance with an innovative look. Patented 0° steel belt technology in radial sizes provides maximum stability and excellent handling on all terrain even when fully loaded. The latest materials deliver an optimum grip-mileage balance in any weather, while that tread design uses less repetition, with each pitch maximising elements of stability, off-road traction, handling and grip in all conditions. Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: from $179 Info: nwa.co.nz/product/catalogue/on-off-road/scorpion-trail

Mitas gets out amongst it The Mitas E07 all-rounder adventure tyre features a tread pattern designed for 50 per cent onand 50 per cent off-road riding, on a hard-wearing all-purpose tyre designed for long life without compromising on grip. The front features slightly wider knobs to give better off-road braking, and the rear is aimed at better mileage. Distributor: Dold Industries Size style: 17in, 18in, 19in and 21in to fit most modern adventure machines Price: From around $400 Info: dold.co.nz

Hardwearing gear for hard-core riders O’Neal’s Hardware jersey features a sublimated nofade graphic, high-quality moisture-wicking materials, forearm padding, lightweight protective rubber elbow patches and an extended tail with cooling mesh and a silicon print to help keep it tucked in. As for the Hardware pants, they’re lighter than before, despite heavy-duty-denier fabric construction. There are lightweight rubber patches with air intakes for cooling, a 360-degree adjustable belt, an extra-long leather heat shield and seat padding, wide accordion knees sized for knee braces, and more. Distributor: Northern Accessories Price: Jersey $69.95, pant $259 Info: northern.co.nz

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Birch’s winning edge “I have used Mitas to win at the Roof of Africa and multiple titles in NZ” Chris Birch.

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o os : G e / Phot

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It’s not often the opportunity arises to get a pre-season ride on a World MX1 team bike. Yet, following the bombshell that Ben Townley is to return to the premier MX championship for 2016, aboard a Suzuki RM-Z450, with Stefan Everts’ Suzuki MXGP team, we got the call that we could get a morning aboard BT’s bike.

o... with some haste (while trying to appear cool) we got almost the entire KR test team (this kinda thing doesn’t happen often you understand) down to the Phillips’ MX track near Atiamuri just in time to watch BT practise a few starts. Trust me; this is a sight to behold. When he got it right, which he did about nine times out of 10, it goes like this; the revs come up quite high and are held briefly, the motor is pinned, the clutch set to work and all hell breaks loose behind the bike. The front wheel comes up about

200mm and stays at that height for the entire length of the start straight, the motor stays absolutely pinned the whole time while gear-changes are made and then all goes quiet as BT starts his braking sequence. Yes, it’s quite something to see – even for a set of eyes that have seen a lot of great riders over the decades. After a brief chat with BT, I had the honour of being first up to ride the new number 8 Suzuki. Hopping aboard the first thing I noticed, or felt to be more accurate, was the seat. The foam is quite hard and it’s a feeling I liked immediately. It remained me of the old days when a decent

after-market seat took about two months to break-in and was perfect thereafter. The twin wall Renthal bars are a nice bend and rolled back a little from the neutral position. The brake and clutch levers are set almost level. Bouncing up and down on the suspension, it moves freely and doesn’t feel too hard. I’m very conscious of the fact that this is a bike I really, really don’t want to crash. Not wanting to make a dick of myself, I start the bike up and take a few moments to compose myself while the bike idles away quietly. The motor at this pre-season stage is standard apart from a full

Akrapovic exhaust system and a full Hinson clutch that sports a different actuation mechanism. Despite the minimal changes, the motor in this bike is like chalk and cheese when riding compared to the standard RM-Z450 engine. The throttle response and acceleration is very lively and willing in nature. There is more power everywhere in the rev range, with the greatest gain from idle until two-thirds throttle. It also feels like it has less engine braking effect and less engine inertia in general than the standard motor. I don’t know the reason for this, perhaps the clutch assembly is lighter or maybe the mapping is different but it definitely feels

KIWI RIDER

Words: Sean & Jock McLauchlan Photos: Geoff Osborne

SEAN ‘STIG’ MCLAUCHLAN

y Honda CRF50 was too small for me and I needed a bigger machine. I am 11.5 years old, about 40kg, of average height and still only a learner rider. My dad works for KR and thinks he knows heaps about bikes. But I really like the colour red, so he was only ever going to be able to get me another Honda. Wisely, he chose well and got me a new CRF 110! Of course, best of all I like the bright and attractive red and white colour scheme. I also like the good speed from the motor that isn’t hard to control and has lots of power for going up hills. It feels pretty fast after my 50, and physically bigger – making it a bit harder to hold up if I get off balance. But it didn’t take long to get the hang of the bigger bike. The power seems great going down hills too, it’s easy to control... great engine braking my dad says (apparently). On the 110, the wheels are bigger and they roll over the bumps way better than the 50. It steers great and goes where I want it to, no trouble at all. And the suspension is real nice and smooth; I feel safe riding it and it’s comfortable too. The nice red seat is long and has heaps of padding, it’s pretty good. Overall it is real nice and easy to ride, goes fast, but in a controlled way and is comfortable. I like it. A lot. Thanks Dad.

JOCK ‘DAD OF STIG’ MCLAUCHLAN Okay, Mini Stig’s dad here. Despite what the nipper says, I chose the Honda because I’ve owned plenty in the past and they have always proven to be reliable with decent resale value. I also wanted to get Sean a bike that wasn’t too race-focused, but still performed well. Above all, I wanted a smooth torquey power delivery that made the bike easy to ride in a wide range of conditions so his confidence and skills would improve. The engine is a simple 109cc SOHC air cooled item with a four speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch. So, no stalling issues for a learner and simple to maintain. It is electric- and kick-start, which the nipper just loves because he never really mastered the kick-start on his old 50. The chassis has a monoshock at the rear with 59mm of wheel travel and 31mm conventional forks up front with 100mm of travel. Drum brakes grace both ends and a 12/14 inch rear/ front wheel combination do the business. The tyres are quite grippy looking and work very well, although they are not ideal for very muddy conditions. Seat height is a reasonable 667mm from the ground and the machine weighs a solid 74kg. The 110 is large enough for me to ride a little and has quite a strong motor that is plenty torquey enough to pull my large frame around. At the Riverhead trail ride, several kids had a blast on it and they all found it very easy to ride and comfortable. Even a quite highly skilled young man had a go on the 110 and I was surprised to hear how much he enjoyed it too. There is a lot to be said for a torquey, reasonably responsive, but smooth power delivery and compliant suspension. All things considered the Honda CRF110 is the ideal machine for Mini Stig to continue to develop his riding skills on. It is very capable as an all around trail-bike without being intimidating to ride for a learner, like some of the MX racing machines can be.

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Custom sports trikes Honda TRX 300 2wd and 4wd wrecking now

Created individually

ALSO WRECKING: GasGas 400•Honda VS 700 Intruder• TRX 500 auto•TRX400•TRX350 05• CR250 95•XR250 1992•XR200•CT125•CR125• CG110•CR80 02•XR70•Polaris 420 Magnum • Polaris 500• Kawasaki•GPZ1100 91•ZZR1100•ZZR400•KLM125 2000•KTM 580• Suzuki GSX-R1100•1988•Eiger (auto)•GSX R750 04•GSX-R750 86• 650 Savage 2005•LTA500 92•LTF300• 03•GSX250F•YFM250•Timberwolf•GN250 •GSXF250•DRZ125•AN125•RM 80•LT50•JR50•Yamaha AG100• Yamaha MT01• YFM450 Kodiak•250 Viargo•FZR2502KR 90•YZ125 01•PW50

by MS Coombes Limited

Honda NX250 wrecking now

Based on the Suzuki Boulevard M109R We can trike any bike Kitsets available to any stage DVD available 344 St Asaph St Christchurch. Ph: 03 3667463 Fax: 03 3667462 Email: mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz Web: www.mscoombes.co.nz Web: www.customsportstrike.co.nz

RIDE AUSTRALIA

ANDERSON DEC15.indd 1

28/10/15 11:59

with rental bikes from

.com.au

• BMW R1200GS • KTM 1190 Adventure • Triumph Tiger 800 • Suzuki V-Strom • Harley-Davidson • Suzuki DRZ400E

www.aussiebiker.com.au Phone +617 5474 1050

KIWI RIDER

Aussie Biker Tours and Rental at 4/15 Venture Drive, Noosaville Qld. Bikes available from all major cities for longer term rentals. Please email or phone for price and availability.

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

discount sistance ke cover rel cover

nsurance tablished pendent” nsurance Congratulations to our orcyclists.Motul 6 houR wiNNiNg teAM! Barnes Jenkins Insurance e the right Let us are find best Brokers wellthe established eCIAl m leading and respected “independent” for you. find the best suppliers quote duCtOry of Insurance services including • Named rider discount ffer uote for you. to Motorcyclists. We will source • Roadside assistance nce, d riderNAC, discount the right cover for you from • Multi-bike cover ory forus find leadingthe insurers including Star Let best & offer Swann dside assistance er 40 years Insurance, NAC, Protecta & Apparel cover Multi-bike cover One isquote for•Swann you. 000 call $361.80 Insurance. cover Barnes Jenkins Insurance 0,000 One call is all it takes. l• itApparel takes. •$446.72 Named rider discount

5,000 $504.86 Brokers are well established Jenkins$546.17 Insurance 0,000 and Let respected “independent” us find the best

• Roadside Tobyassistance Summers, Connor London, Daniel Mettam re well/ Conditions established xclusive apply suppliers of Insurance quote for you. ted “independent” • Multi-bike "Our race team is nearly as good as our quotes." services tocover Motorcyclists. • Named rider discount pliers of Insurance today the andright we'll get you sorted. WeCall will source cover s to Motorcyclists. • Apparel • Roadside assistance cover for you from leading Named•rider discount ill source the right Multi-bike cover• Roadside assistance insurers including Multi-Bike Cover • Apparel Cover Barnes Jenkins Insurance r you from leading Apparel cover sjenkins.co.nz Star •Insurance, NAC, CAll Now 0508 373 373 insurers including Brokers are well established Barnes Jenkins Insurance Protecta & Swann ar Insurance, NAC, www.barnesjenkins.co.nz Making Insurance Easy Brokers are well One established and respected “independent” Insurance. call is Protecta & Swann and respected “independent” all it takes. suppliers of Insurance urance. One call is suppliers of Insurance Bailey_JAN16.indd 1 27/11/15 allservices it takes. to Motorcyclists. services to Motorcyclists. Then call us-we have years of experience and good reviews from riders touring

now

373 373

Taking the bike on an Call nowor buying overseas tour, Call now or selling overseas? Protecta & Swann who knows Want someone Insurance. One call is bikes and knows how they all it Call takes. now should be0508 handled? 373 373 We will source the right We will source the right cover for you from leading cover for you from 0508 leading insurers including 373 373 Star Insurance, NAC, www.barnesjenkins.co.nz insurers including Protecta & Swann 0508 373 373 www.barnesjenkins.co.nz Star Insurance, NAC,One call is Insurance. all it takes.

www.barnesjenkins.co.nz

Call now

USA, Australia, Canada, Europe & UK. We can arrange freighting, all customs facilities, holding of crates and shipment of bikes and goods purchased on tour back to New Zealand. We have offices & customs teams throughout USA, Australia, Europe and agencies in Canada and UK. Two years ago we had a family tragedy and had to get back to New Zealand immediately. We were in the back blocks of Colorado. One phone call to Mainfreight in LA and they just sorted everything out. They picked our bikes up from Colorado, sorted out all of the details and shipped the bikes home to us... Bridget Jakicevich Another successful trip to the States for my group and a large part played by yourself and Mainfreight. Looking back has been 8 years now, you have been involved... With out your help I know that it could otherwise be very stressful with much unnecessary time dealing with the minutia to the various agencies involved both in New Zealand and The US.... Ken Contact Jeff Larsen on jeff.larsen@mainfreight.com 04 816 5255 or 0274 493008

0508 373 373

www.barnesjenkins.co.nz

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

13:54

Victorian

Motorcycle Wreckers LMCT 9537 Grey Import specialists

Wrecking onlylate model Japanese road bikes

52-54 Mologa Rd, Heidelberg West, 3081 Australia Ph + 61 3 9457 1733 Fax + 61 3 9457 1866 Email vicwreck@vicwreck.com.au

HONDA CB250 ’03, wrecking only

HONDA CBR600 ’93, wrecking only

HONDA CBR1000RR ’07, wrecking only

HONDA CBR1000RR ’08, wrecking only

KAWASAKI EX300A ’15, wrecking only

SUZUKI GS500 ’05, wrecking only

YAMAHA R1 ’08, wrecking only

YAMAHA R6 ’10, wrecking only

YAMAHA TRX850 ’96, wrecking only

HONDA VFR400 ’90, wrecking only

HONDA VT250 SPADA ’89, wrecking only

YAMAHA XJR1300 ’13, wrecking only

YAMAHA XVS1100 ’07, wrecking only 98

KIWI RIDER

KAWAKSKI ZX6-R ’08, wrecking only

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

KAWASAKI ZX6-R ’95, wrecking only

Get your company noticed here from a trifling $45 Contact Todd Sutherland

NOW

on 09 416 5307

WHEEL & SPOKE SERVICES ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛

Spokes for most bikes Custom-made to suit Stainless or galvinised Rims – Alloy Chrome or stainless Drilled to suit All wheel repairs

Ph Tom Morriss 021 313 136 • 09 576 0312 wheelman1@vodafone.co.nz www.wheelandspoke.co.nz

SCOOTER HIRE- 4 HOURS $60 fully auto 250cc scooter OK for restricted or full test www.scootling.co.nz/hire Ph (09)360 0717 310 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn

SCOOTLING_AUG15_45X45.indd 1

2/07/15 13:59

Custom Chambers motorcycle exhausts Is this the best value improvement you can make? Catalytic converter substitution from $290 - More Power - Better Fuel economy - Better Sound - Less Weight

KTM 390-$290 KTM 1290-$290 Triumph Thunderbird-$350

Agents for Micron Scorpion 30A Kerwyn Ave, East Tamaki. Ph 09 2741155

www.customchambers.co.nz

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

EVENTS CALENDAR / JANUARY 2016 * Please check with organisers before event in case of cancellations, errors or changes in dates * Fund raiser for Manawatu Rescue Chopper. ADVENTURE RIDES QUAD/ATV Fire extinguishers compulsory. Sign in 6.30-7.30, riders’ briefing 7.45, ride DECEMBER DECEMBER starts 8.00 on Sat and 8.30 Sunday. - 28, Central North Island One Day Big Bike - 12, Waiouru Safari, Contact Nigel 0274868464 or Adventure Tour one day guided quad/side by side tour, $195 nigelscrimshaw@xtra.co.nz with NGARNZ. Check out for accommodation for rider, $110 accom for - 14, MR Motorcycles Charity Trail Ride Series www.northerngraveladventureridersnz. passenger- $125 one day event pass only, 2015/16, com or call Sue on 0210367234 for further no accom no meals, rider only. $75 one Starts at Naike, Pee Wee loop included, sign information day event pass only no accom, no meals, on from 8.30, no riders briefing, ride starts passenger only. Numbers limited so register - 29, Taupo and Surrounds One Day Big Bike 9.45. Adult rider $35, under 16 $25, family at www.offlimits.co.nz Adventure Tour concessions $80 (2 adults and up to 3 kids with NGARNZ. Check out living at same address), phone 09 2373095. www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com or ROAD RACING Last of Series date: 6 March at Waikaretu call Sue on 0210367234 for further information DECEMBER MARCH - 13, Suzuki Superbike Series, - 6, MR Motorcycles Charity Trail Ride Series Round 2, Manfeild, Manawatu 2016 2015/16, 26, Suzuki Superbike Series, JANUARY starts at Waikaretu, Pee Wee loop NOT Round 3, Cemetery Circuit, Whanganui - 16/18, Yamaha Sulphur City Safari included, no return to base for lunch, sign - this Safari is designed for larger dual on from 8.30, no riders briefing, ride starts 2016 purpose adventure machines. Based from 9.45. Adult rider $35, under 16 $25, family the Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, the Safari JANUARY concessions $80 (2 adults and up to 3 kids Adventure route is for the bigger dual - 9, Round 1 of NZSBK Road Race living at same address), phone 09 2373095. purpose bikes and the Safari Trail Route is Championships - 18/20, Tussock Buster, for the smaller road legal machines, as well at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Christchurch enjoy 63000 hectares of army land. as the more experienced bigger capacity Contact Warrick Funnell - 16, Round 2 of NZSBK Road Race bikes. The route is marked and maps warrick@offlimits.co.nz for more details Championships provided. Go at your own pace. Pillions -The Sandpit (Woodhill Forest) at Teretonga Park Raceway, Invercargill welcome. Accommodation bookings, Open 9-5 Wed to Sunday, tracks suitable for - 23, Round 3 of NZSBK Road Race breakfasts, lunches and dinner all taken care all levels, family passes available, for more Championships of by the Yamaha NZ Safari crew. Places Info phone 09 420 8879 or at Levels Raceway, Timaru limited to 70 machines. Contact Mike or visit www.thesandpit.co.nz, hire bikes Angela on 0212849047 or visit available but bookings essential SUPERMOTARD www.adventurerides.co.nz (mixed dirt / tarmac races) also see - 23, Awakino 1000 Big Bike Adventure Tour TRAINING DAYS www.supermotard.co.nz/events with NGARNZ. Check out www.northerngraveladventureridersnz. - RiderSkills Motorcycle Training com or call Sue on 0210367234 for further TRACK DAYS Motorcycle training 7 days a week, for new information Southern Tracks Tour 2016 or back to biking, and confidence building, At: Teretonga including advanced roadcraft. Phone Phil 10 & 11 March, 16 & 17 March cars & bikes FEBRUARY McDaid on 0800245387 or Fast, Medium/Fast, Medium, Novice - 12, South Island Adventure Ride, visit www.riderskills.co.nz $150 per ride intermediate and experienced riders in - Barry’s Point Road Monthly Ride Out Queries etc playday@playdayontrack.co.nz challenging terrain. Contact Jim either Monthly rides on the last Saturday of each Pay direct to 03 0698 0485598-00 with your 021517110 or email jimdenham@hotmail. month, from Hyosung Motorcycles at 72 name as reference. Email us to confirm. co.nz or visit Barrys Pt Road, Takapuna. Or check out www.playdayontrack.co.nz for www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com Meet 9.30, to depart 10.00. All abilities more details. welcome. Professionally run by Accelerated CROSS COUNTRY Motorcycle training with instructors available TRAIL RIDES on the ride for assistance. Safe, sociable ride lasting 2-3 hours with a coffee stop en 2016 “The Kawasaki Sandpit”, route. Call David Horner 021970648 or visit JANUARY Woodhill Forest, Rimmers Rd entrance, http://motorbiketrainingnorthshore.co.nz/join- 30, GNCC Rd 4, at Tilson Farm, SH16, Helensville. The ultimate offroad the-barrys-point-road-rideout/ Hastings, starts 9.30, various classes, motorcycle playground. Come & ride, we are or ring 0508776643 or 0276998089 run by Power Adventures, contact Greg open Wednesday to Sunday 9-5pm with a 0274454429, check out late night on Thursday. Ph: 09 420 8879 or www.poweradventures.co.nz for more information go to - 31, Hawkes Bay Junior X Country, www.thesandpit.co.nz starts 9am, Hawkes Bay XC Senior Race, first race 12-1.30, second race 2-3.30, at DECEMBER Whanawhana Rd, Hastings, contact Greg - 19, Burt Farm Trail Ride, 0274454429, check out at Mimiha Rd, Matata, sign in 8.30, starts If you want your event listed here www.poweradventures.co.nz 9am, Seniors $35, 10yrs up (Youth) $20, FREE,as it has always been under 5 $10, family $65, contact John MOTOCROSS for our Events pages, please fax 0275300220 or 07 3222371 or email j.lburt@xtra.co.nz the details to: 2016 KR EVENTS, (09) 416-5308 NZ MX Championships:FEBRUARY 7 February - Timaru or email admin@kiwirider.co.nz. - 13/14, Coastal Pursuit Adventure Trail Ride, 28 February - Manawatu in the Manawatu, travel 300kms over 2 13 March - Rotorua days, bikes only no quads or children, 20 March - Taupo (final round) accommodation and food supplied. $235 each with rebate depending on total number of riders. Postponement date 12 March. One night’s accomodation provided. Meals supplied. Experienced riders only.

CLUB SECRETARIES

Always check with organiser for cancellations.

100

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

continued on page 94

Take the road best travelled and stay at the GreyTown HoTel Just south of Greytown are the Rimutakas, well known for their sensuous curves. If you are travelling up or down the North Island go east and enjoy the journey! ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

One hour travel to/from the Wellington Ferry Terminal Secure bike parking ❈ Great Irish hosts Restaurant & Bar ❈ Sensational roads Affordable: $70 dble rooms (incl continental breakfast for two!)

GreyTown HoTel (Sponsors of the Cliffhanger Hill Climb ) Bookings recommended e: admin@greytownhotel.co.nz 33 Main St, Greytown. Ph: 06 3049138

MARLBOROUGH_JAN16_HALFPAGE_AD.indd 1

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

101 11:48 26/11/15

- RACE RESULTS MotoGP Final Results

Rd 18

Rd 17

Rd 16

Rd 15

Rd 14

Rd 13

Rd 12

Rd11

Total

Valencia

Sepang

Phillip Is

Motegi

Aragon

Misano

Silverstone

Brno

Jorge Lorenzo

Yamaha

SPA

330

Valentino Rossi

Yamaha

ITA

325

Marc Marquez

Honda

SPA

242

Dani Pedrosa

Honda

SPA

206

Andrea Iannone

Ducati

ITA

188

Bradley Smith

Yamaha

GBR

181

Andrea Dovizioso

Ducati

ITA

162

Cal Crutchlow

Honda

GBR

125

Pol Espargaro

Yamaha

SPA

114

Danilo Petrucci

Ducati

ITA

113

Final Points

Rd 18

Rd 17

Rd 16

Rd 15

Rd 14

Rd 13

Rd 12

Moto 2 GP Final Results Rd 11

Johann Zarco

FRA

Kalex

352

Alex Rins

SPA

Kalex

234

Tito Rabat

SPA

Kalex

231

Sam Lowes

GBR

Speed Up

186

Thomas Luthi

SWI

Kalex

179

Jonas Folger

GER

Kalex

163

Xavier Simeon

BEL

Kalex

113

Takaaki Nakagami

JPN

Kalex

100

Lorenzo Baldassarri

ITA

Kalex

Franco Morbidelli

ITA

Kalex

Final points

Rd 18

Rd 17

Rd 16

Rd 15

Rd 14

Rd 13

Rd 12

Rd 11

Moto 3 Final Championship Results 1

Danny Kent

GBR

Honda

260

Miguel Oliveira

POR

KTM

254

Enia Bastianini

ITA

Honda

207

Romano Fenati

ITA

KTM

176

Niccolo Antonelli

ITA

Honda

174

Brad Binder

RSA

KTM

159

Jorge Navarro

SPA

Honda

157

Efren Vazquez

SPA

Honda

155

Isaac Vinales

SPA

KTM

115

Fabio Quartararo

FRA

Honda

World Supersport Championship 2015 Rider

Bike

Nationality

Results

Kenan Sofuoglu

Kawasaki

TUR

233

P J Jacobsen

Kawasaki/CORE Honda

USA

196

Lorenzo Zanetti

MV Agusta

ITA

158

Jules Cluzel

MV Agusta

FRA

155

Kyle Smith

Honda

GBR

116

117

Two Hour Bucket Race 2015 No. of laps

Total time

Best time

Regan Griffiths & Nicholas Henry

229

2.00.30.284

30.166

Stephen Coombes & Andrew Stroud

229

2.00.40.289

30.097

Rod Gibson and Chris Cain

226

2.00.45.380

30.456

Malcolm Nabb & Henk Zeeven

226

2.01.02.311

30.699

Mark Robinson & Robbo Robinson

214

2.00.57.995

32.116

102

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

Pts Behind

Cyclespot is pleased to announce that we will be opening a dedicated BMW store

located at 61 Barrys Point Road (opening pre-Christmas)

SummeR CASh BACk OffeRS New S1000RR

New R1200RS

was $32990 with cash back $30990

was $29990 with cash back $28490

New G650GS

New F800GSA

was $12990 with cash back $11990

was $25790 with cash back $24790

More Summer Cash Back Offers: G650GS $12990 $1000 OFF F700GS $19790 $1000 OFF F800GS $23790 $1000 OFF

F800GSA R1200GS R1200R R1200RS

$25790 $32990 $27990 $29990

$1000 OFF $1500 OFF $1500 OFF $1500 OFF

R1200RT S1000RR S1000R K1600GT

$36990 $32990 $26990 $43990

$2000 OFF $2000 OFF $2000 OFF $2500 OFF

We will have all the bikes, all the gear, all the experience 61 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna, Auckland Ph 09 486 1136 sales@cyclespot.co.nz www.cyclespot.co.nz

New ZealaNd'S oNly NortoN Store 961 Sport $37490

961 Commando Cafe $41490 961 dominator SS

961 Commando SF $44490

limited edition $60000

46 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna, Auckland Ph 09 486 1136

sales@cyclespotitalia.co.nz www.cyclespot.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND’S BIGGEST SELLING MOTORCYCLE TYRE Distributed by Nationwide Accessories (W/Sale) Ltd, Hamilton

& Restoration WIRE WHEELS Repair We SpecialiSe in

NORTH ISLAND STOCKISTS AUCKLAND:

Botany Honda Motorcycles Coleman’s Suzuki Cycletreads Holeshot Motorcycles Motohaus Papakura Motorcycle Services Restorace Ltd Watson Racing

09 274 2727 09 303 1786 09 486 2472 09 486 5187 09 969 2778 09 299 8420 09 833 8333 09 412 9430

Blackwood Yamaha The Honda Shop

07 827 7066 07 823 5522

Sargent Motorcycles Ltd

06 379 7887

Dannevirke Suzuki

06 374 2925

Dargaville Honda

09 439 1089

CAMBRIDGE: CARTERTON:

DANNEVIRKE: DARGAVILLE:

PAEROA:

Whyteline

07 862 8783

AFC Motorcycles City Honda Courtesy Motorcycles Freedom Moto

06 357 8043 06 357 7027 06 356 2195 06 356 5319

PALMERSTON NORTH:

PARAPARAUMU:

Twin Cam Motorcycles

04 298 3556

King Country Honda

07 877 8054

Mr Motorcycles

09 238 3176

The Honda Shop Phil’s Motorcycle Centre

07 883 3310 07 883 7602 07 348 9171 07 345 5654 07 348 4100

PIO PIO:

PUKEKOHE: PUTARURU: ROTORUA:

Drury Performance

09 294 7955

Bike Force Patterson O’Connor M/C Lakes Honda

Gary Worsley Motorcycles

06 323 6256

Scott Newton Motorcycles Ltd

06 362 7347

Harris Tyre Services Ltd

06 867 0728

Cooks Honda

06 765 8028

Boyd Motorcycles Hamilton M/C Centre Honda Hamilton Road and Sport Motorcycles Ltd

07 838 1209 07 849 1919 07 838 9299 07 958 1400

Bike Torque

07 895 7994

Promoto Darryl August M/C

07 378 2453 07 378 8342

Bay Motorcycles Hastings Honda

06 878 3289 06 878 4152

07 571 3040 07 578 5550 07 571 1161 07 578 6062

DRURY:

FEILDING:

GISBORNE:

HAMILTON:

HASTINGS:

SHANNON:

STRATFORD:

TAUMARUNUI: TAUPO:

TAURANGA:

Action Moto

06 278 4160

Bayride Motorcycles Coastline Honda Makz Gear Smiths Motorcycles Ltd

Peter Glidden Honda

07 828 9687

Te Aroha M/C Centre

07 884 8044

Kaitaia Motorcycles

09 408 1950

Fieten Motor Services Wilks Penny Motorcycles Ltd

07 872 2560 07 871 3069

HAWERA: HUNTLY:

KAITAIA:

KATIKATI:

Adams Motor Services

07 549 0028

KERI KERI:

Doc 2 Wheel Mid North Honda

021 072 0753 09 407 7736

LOWER HUTT:

Motomart

04 589 5106

Biker Bargains Moto One

09 272 7137 09 263 9335

Maungaturoto Motorcycles Ltd

09 431 8555

Fagan Suzuki

06 378 6159

Honda Matamata Phil’s Motorcycle Centre

07 888 4969 07 888 7604

Cameron Honda NV Motorcycles Ltd Phil’s Motorcycle Centre

07 889 6550 07 889 1007 07 889 7686

Moto City

07 927 1340

Bikeworx Ericksen Honda

06 843 2665 06 836 6298

JMS Motorcycles Ltd New Plymouth M/C Centre Performance Factory

06 754 6297 06 758 4449 06 756 6117

MANUKAU: MAUNGATUROTO: MASTERTON: MATAMATA:

MORRINSVILLE:

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: NAPIER:

NEW PLYMOUTH:

TE AROHA:

TE AWAMUTU: THAMES:

Wheels of Thames

07 868 9363

Maidstone Yamaha

04 528 9395

Central Bikes

06 858 8983

UPPER HUTT:

WAIPUKURAU: WAIROA:

Muuzzr’s Motors Ltd

06 838 6329

Joe Lett Limited

06 345 8599

Warkworth Motorcycles

09 425 8535

Harley Speed & Custom Motorad Richard’s Motorcycle Services Scooterazzi Ltd TSS Red Baron Motorcycles Wellington Motorcycle Centre

04 239 9272 04 382 8011 04 477 2322 04 978 7389 04 569 3989 04 384 4149

Ocean Yamaha Tony Rees Motorcycles Underwood & Wilkins Ltd

07 307 9471 07 307 1050 07 308 6166

Shaw Motorcycles Ltd Yamaha Motorcycles Whangarei

09 438 1183 09 438 0804

Coastal Tyre & Alignment

07 866 2310

WANGANUI:

WARKWORTH:

WELLINGTON:

WHAKATANE:

WHANGAREI: WHITIANGA:

SOUTH ISLAND STOCKISTS ALEXANDRA:

Two Wheels Unlimited

03 448 6207

Arthur Burke Ltd

03 314 8121

Honda Country Jeff Marshall Motorcycles

03 308 2030 03 308 2055

Ewan Allan Honda Powerzone Motorcycles Ltd

03 418 0626 03 418 4672

Peter Grinter Motorcycles Nelson Marlborough Trials Centre

03 578 1213 03 579 2500

Avon City Suzuki Budget Motorcycle Spares Casbolt Honda Dirt Xtreme Ltd Duane’s Bikes & Skis Motohub Ltd Pitlane Motorcycles Street and Sport Motorcycles Superior Motorcycles Ltd Tracktion Trevor Pierce Motorcycles Ltd

03 341 3490 03 377 1881 03 366 4401 03 385 0007 03 344 6069 03 377 8245 03 318 7924 03 366 2201 03 366 7793 03 374 3502 03 366 6563

McIver & Veitch Ltd Motoxtreme Services Ltd

03 477 0236 03 456 3633

Honda Farm Trail and Road Hughes Motor Services Ltd

03 768 9922 03 768 6288

Ewan Allan Honda Ltd

03 208 0174

AMBERLEY:

ASHBURTON: BALCLUTHA: BLENHEIM:

CHRISTCHURCH:

DUNEDIN:

GREYMOUTH: GORE:

IKAMATUA:

Snowy River Motor Works Ltd

03 732 3177

Kay Bee Motorcycle Repairs Ltd Southern Suzuki

03 214 4838 03 214 4467

Spring Lynne Motorcycles

03 302 4939

Murray Thorn Motorcycles

03 528 9992

Filco Farm & Sport Morley Motorcycle & Marine Nelson Motorcycle Centre

03 547 2420 03 544 8703 03 548 3786

Young Motors Ltd

03 434 5354

Ewan Allan Honda

03 486 1222

Picton Tools & Tyres

03 573 5413

INVERCARGILL: METHVEN:

MOTUEKA: NELSON:

OAMARU: OTAGO:

PICTON:

QUEENSTOWN:

Queenstown Motorcycles Ltd

03 441 3999

Bob McCleary Yamaha

03 313 2041

RANGIORA: TAPANUI:

Dwains Service Centre

03 204 8455

Timaru Honda Timaru Yamaha

03 688 2447 03 688 7611

Brent Scammell Honda

03 236 7993

TIMARU:

WINTON:

Pirelli test over 1,700 Motorcycle Models every year to ensure the correct tyre fitment is recommended for all motorcycles. Talk to an authorised Pirelli Stockist next time your bike is in need of tyres.

Ride Safe, Ride www.pirelli-moto.com I www.nwa.co.nz

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cars and bikes Vintage/Classic/Modern Competition Wheels Rim Drilling Custom Made Spokes Wheel building & Truing Complete Wheel Restoration

Hamco Industries 410 Green Rd, R.D. 6, Palmerston North. Ph Craig on 06 324 8345 or 027 231 7864

ECONOHONDA

LTD

Honda Motorcycle Spares Our Speciality – NZ’s largest selection of new and used parts MALCOLM KIRKBY

21 Kenrick St, Te Aroha PH 07 884 8810

Econohonda

Fax 07 884 8890 parts@econohonda.com www.econohonda.co.nz

Action/Atomic Bike Wreckers

seCOnd hand parts WOFs Cable repairs

Bikes wanted

62a barrys point rd, auckland ph/Fax 489 7987

actionbikewreckers@clear.net.nz • www.actionbikewreckers.co.nz todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

105

WE MOVE MOTORCYCLES

You buy it. We’ll deliver it!

Copart ✦ EBay ✦ Trademe ✦ USA ✦ NZ www.BIDRIDER.com ✦ info@bidrider.com 027 2437433 – 027 BIDRIDER

✔ North and South Island ✔ Scheduled Delivery Dates ✔ Skilled and experienced staff

✔ Regular and reliable ✔ Fast and effective ✔ Trusted by the motorcycle trade

Motorcycle Movers as the name suggests do just one thing – we move motorcycles. Our specially modified vehicles allow us to offer a door to door, roll-on and roll-off service of the highest level. The reputation we have gained has been built on providing an extremely high quality service to all of our customers. All our staff have many years in both the transportation and motorcycle trade.

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE: 0800 687 583

Telephone: 07 883 1289 info@motorcyclemovers.co.nz See us on Trademe and Facebook - NB(Tirau)

motorcycleMovers_quart_SEP15_v2.indd 1

30/07/15 12:15

ApriliA

Performance Specialists New Aprilia RSV4 1000. $28490 The finest sports bike money can buy

New Aprilia Tuono Factory. $27990 The ultimate naked bike bar none

Servicing Engine Mapping Performance Tuning Bike Set up

MV Agusta F4R 1000. $25990 The pinnacle of Italian exotica

New Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally. $26990 The best value bike in its class

431c Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3200

Tel: 07-850 6020

E: ntbracing@mac.com W: www.ntbracing.co.nz 106

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

Ce y Ri onl lp e iA tim eC d spmite li

le o b m ila De ava eX ne o ly on

Ce y Ri onl lp e iA tim eC d spmite li

Tiger XCX WP suspension, ABS brakes. Cruise control, Traction control, Crash protection $22,990 plus ORC

Z1000 1043cc, ABS brakes, Showa big piston forks Aggressive styling, 111nm of torque @ 7,300 rpm, 142ps @ 10,000 rpm. $17,995 plus ORC

2015 run out ex-demo ZX10R ABS, traction control, adjustable ride modes, 198kg wet, 209.9ps @ 13,000 rpm. One available at only $17,995 plus ORC

*All prices subject to change

Rocket 3 2.3L engine, 221nm of torque @ 2,750 rpm, ABS brakes. $23,990 plus ORC

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Triumph America 865cc parallel twin, 61ps @ 6,800 rpm, 72Nm @3,300 rpm. Low 690 mm seat. $13,990 plus ORC

Versys 1000 1043cc, Traction control, ABS brakes, Adjustable ride modes, 21 Litre fuel capacity. $18,995 plus ORC

414 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton. Tel 07 849 1919 sales@hamiltonmotorcycles.co.nz www. hamiltonmotorcycles.co.nz

MOTORCYCLE

New Suzuki GSXR1000AL6 ABS (incl 30th anniversary) $21995 SAVE $3000 NOW $18995 + ORC

New Suzuki GSXR750L6 $17995 SAVE $4000 NOW $13995 + ORC

New Suzuki DRZ400SM L6 $9995 $8795 + ORC

New Suzuki GSX-S 1000L6 $16995 + ORC

New Suzuki GSX-S 1000FAL6 $17995 + ORC

New Suzuki RMZ250 2016 $11495 + ORC

403 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton

sales@boyds.co.nz www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz

Ph 07 838 1209 Fax 07 838 1208 A/H Greg 0274 916 532 Glenn 0274 795 998

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

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GIVI Top Cases for CommuTInG or TourInG Sizes for all scooters (Monolock) and motorcycles (Monokey)

All premium quality Lexan (GE). Will not fade or crack. Every box with unique Givi single key to lock case and lock case to the bike. Superior design lock mechanism will not detach whilst riding. • Completely waterproof • Key lock security from theft

E300 (30 ltr) Monolock $129.00

B360 (36 ltr) Monolock $199.00

B33 (33 ltr) Monolock $199.00

V40 (40 ltr) Monokey $229.00

V47 (47 ltr) Monokey $449.00

V56 (56 ltr) Monokey Fits two full face helmets $599.00

• Very large bright reflectors • Monolock boxes include mounting plate for your rack

EGIKR043A

• Racks available for most bikes

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KIWI RIDER

Classics

Words: Rhys Jones

FEATHERBED: A VERY SPECIAL HYBRID Where it all started. Ken McIntosh restored 1950 Featherbed works Manx Norton

f you hear the names Norton, Featherbed frame, Triumph twin, Isle of Man and café racer, it is likely you will be transported to an era of classic motorcycling unequalled in the hundred plus years since the first machines began to appear on public roads. World War 2 was over, racing was back on the agenda, and the first World Championships started in 1949. The first 500cc World Championship went to Les Graham on an AJS followed by two Italian Gileras and another AJS. Nortons were more successful in the Isle of Man (then a round of the Championship) with first and second in the Senior TT. Something had to be done for Norton to recapture the charisma of the pre-war years. The breakthrough came from two Belfast brothers, Rex and Cromie McCandless. They offered Norton the idea for a new frame which would overcome some of the problems encountered with the Garden Gate frames. Norton asked the McCandless brothers to design a frame with a swinging arm. What emerged took over forty feet of Reynolds steel tubing, a welded twin loop with a swinging arm, and shock absorbers of their own design. Norton liked what they saw, and the frames were track tested. Harold Daniell, who had won the 1949 Senior TT on a Garden Gate Norton, tested the bike with the new frame in 1950, and famously said it was like “riding on a feather bed”, and that is how the name came into being. That year the new Nortons took the first three places in both the Senior 500cc, and

Junior 350cc at the Isle of Man TT. Geoff Duke was second in the 500 World Championship, and second in the 350. This was the beginning of a golden era for the Featherbed-framed Norton. Norton won every Senior TT from 1951 to 1955. Geoff Duke was double World Champion in 1951 and 350 Champion in 1952. Throughout the 1960s the Featherbed Nortons were well represented on the Grand Prix circuits and the Isle of Man. It wasn’t long before Norton adapted the Featherbed frame for road going machines, and the Dominator 88 appeared in 1952. What better start then for a café racer enthusiast than a Featherbed frame. 500cc Manx Norton racing engines were not exactly easy to get hold of, so what about a Triumph twin? Soon a thriving cottage industry developed using Norton frames and Triumph engines. The resulting Tritons were said to be the best handling home-made motorcycles ever built. Specifications were difficult if not impossible to find. Each machine was a reflection of the taste and ingenuity of the person who built it. Apart from scrounging engines and frames, often from wreckers, there was a whole array of aftermarket ‘goodies’ available for aspiring road going scratchers; light-alloy guards, clip-on bars, rear-set foot-rests, bum-stop seats, and all the refinements related to tuning. The resulting hybrids were favourites on the North Circular road near London, where the knights of the road gathered at the legendary Ace Café in the 1950s and 60s. This is where the term café racer originated, and that is precisely what they did, race from

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