KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

MOTO GUZZI V9 ROAMER

HONDA CB500X

LAMS-BASED ADVENTURE

THUMPING GREAT RETRO TWIN

MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

SINCE 1984

HUSKY SVARTPILEN

DUCATI SCRAMBLER DS

 

NEW BIKES FOR 2017 MOTO GUZZI V9 ROAMER HONDA CB500X HUSQVARNA FE250 GAS GAS EC300 SHORAI CLASSIC WORLD VET MX    

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JANUARY 2017

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BIK T S E B E TH

OR F G N I D HEA

HONDA FIREBLADE

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E M M U S Z THIS

GAS BIGGAS EC300 BORE TWO-STROKE REFINED AND BACK FOR ‘17

TRACTION CONTROL FOR DIRT HUSQVARNA’S FE250 GIVES YOU THE GRIP ADVANTAGE

NZ MINI MX • SHORAI INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC HONDA AFRICA TWIN ACCESSORIES • MOTOGP REPORT MX VETERAN WORLD CHAMPS • RETRO BREATHES LIFE INTO CLASSICS

PREMIUM MOTORCYCLE APPAREL. SUMMER LEATHER COLLECTION

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Pleasure without compromise › Grip and handling › Maximum grip on wet roads › Lasts 20% longer compared to Michelin Pilot Power 2CT∗

Hyp er

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rt

MICHELIN Pilot Power An affordable choice For your sport bike

MICHELIN Pilot Road 4

Derived directly from Michelin’s sport touring Radial tyre ranges >Excellent grip in wet conditions › Its radial construction ensures highly comfortable ride and reassuring handling performance.

The radial construction also promotes long tyre life

MICHELIN Scorcher 31

Ret

Cu s t om

Grip, durability and design for classic, middleweight and neo-retro bikes › A large range of sizes for major brands like Royal Enfield, Moto Guzzi › Good tread life, handling and grip whatever the weather › A classic design that adds the final touch to your bike

* Test conducted by Texas Test Fleet in 2011 on public roads

Adv entu re

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MICHELIN Anakee Wild

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The MICHELIN tyre developed exclusively for the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob

MICHELIN Pilot Activ

Life expectancy of the rear tyre is up to 40,000km∗ › Excellent handling and feedback › Grip on both wet and dry surfaces › Original equipment on the Yamaha XV950 Racer

ROAD SELECTION 2016

MICHELIN Scorcher 32

The range was recently approved for the HarleyDavidson Electra Glide, Road Glide, and Street Glide.

It is also fitted as original equipment for almost all the Harley-Davidson Sportster and Dyna models

ro

The MICHELIN radial tyre developed exclusively for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod , Sportster , Fat Boy and all the Street models

90% road 10% off-road

Except on snow and ice and other extreme conditions

MICHELIN Pilot Street Radial

MICHELIN Scorcher 11

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Except on snow and ice and other extreme conditions ** In-house tests carried out in 2013

The original dual compound Sport touring tyre

MICHELIN Commander II

Feel more secure, whatever the road conditions*

› Lasts up to 20% longer than the Michelin Pilot Road 3 tyre∗∗ › Outstanding grip even in difficult Conditions∗

MICHELIN Pilot Road 2 >Excellent longevity, grip and handling › Softer rubber compound on the tyre shoulders for superb grip while cornering › Harder rubber compound in the centre of the tyre to maximse tyre life

MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 GT

Feel more secure whatever the road conditions*

From the moment it was launched, Michelin Pilot Power’s performance credentials and technologies derived from the world of racing, revolutionised the Sport tyre market

THE SCORCHER A Michelin tyre for Harley-Davidson®

* According internal tests organised in 2012 in Ladoux Technological Center

As compared to the previous range according to internal tests

Sp t ou ort r i ng

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Winner on the race track and on the road!

MICHELIN Pilot Power 3

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MICHELIN Power SuperSport Evo

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SS CRO TO MO

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END URO

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mixed/soft ground

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For leisure/competition use on muddy and grassy ground THE muddy/grassy terrain tyre choice for Michelin’s 2014 MX1 and MX2 sponsored riders 25% extra tyre life over the MICHELIN S12 thanks to its new high-resistance compound. Superior traction and grip on greasy cross-slopes thanks to its tall 18mm tread blocks and Maximised Contact Patch casing.

Designed for adventure off-road use ROAD LEGAL

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Excellent handling in tight conditions Excellent stability at high speeds

Bib Mousse Paired with a MICHELIN Bib Mousse, it’s the perfect solution for Rally Raid use. exceptional performance Chosen by KTM RALLY Factory Team, winner of the 2015 Dakar Rally, for its exceptional performance no matter what terrain, temperature, motorcycle displacement or weight of the machine.

32 victories since 1983!

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For leisure/competition use on mixed/hard-packed ground In brief

Lasting performance and outstanding value for money.

Homologated for road use, but is not designed for prolonged use in a single journey.

DASHBOARD 14

NEW BIKES FOR 2017

24

SHORAI CLASSIC

34

MOTO GP

42

MOTO GUZZI V9

50

HONDA CB500X

JAN 17

14

EICMA, the world’s biggest bike show has shown some great bikes for ‘17

Shrieking two-strokes, booming fourstrokes and Castrol R all came together at Hampton Downs for a classic experience to remember.

That’s it... done and dusted for another year. The 2016 season of MotoGP was one to remember.

Guzzi’s V9 Roamer is the closest you’ll come to a brand new classic. Heritage looks meet modern manufacturing.

The CB500X offers middleweight adventure for the masses. Makes a pretty damn good commuter too.

64

WORLD VETERAN CHAMPS

74

HUSQVARNA FE250

82

GAS GAS EC300

24

34

Kiwis stood up to be counted at the World Vet’s Champs in the good ol’ USA.

Traction control on a dirt bike? Yep, that’s right! Dene Priestley gets to grip (see what we did there?) with the new Carlos Fandango technology...

74

42 82

Coming in at under $13k, the Gasser EC300 is the two-stroke big-bore bargain of the enduro world.

KIWI RIDER

5

Hello...

H 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.

ELLO... and welcome to the January issue of Kiwi Rider. With summer getting into full swing here in NZ, it’s always good to see what bikes the manufacturers have been getting ready for the coming riding season - we’re lucky enough to be getting new bikes in summer rather than in the middle of winter like northern hemisphere riders. The EICMA show in Milan brought up some cracking new bikes, turn to page 14 to see our pick.

The World Veteran Motocross Champs in the USA saw a contingent of Kiwis, including Josh Coppins, don their riding gear and show the World just what they could do. Pretty damned well, that’s what. See page 64.

OUR NEW DIGITAL MAGAZINE KR REPORT GIVES YOU ALL THE LATEST GRASSROOTS MOTORCYCLING EVENTS NEAR YOU. AND IT’S FREE! TAKE A LOOK HERE... http://bit.ly/2gdjE8L

.....................REGULARS.....................

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. 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: Kiwi Rider c/o Fullerton Motorcycles, Unit 1, 156 A Main Road, Kumeu.

Phone: 09 411 7815 Fax: 09 411 7815 Publisher: Pete McPhee: 027 4 74 8 675 Email: pete@kiwirider.co.nz sales and Marketing: Pete McPhee 027 4 74 8 675 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

Traction control is a mature technology on road bikes yet it’s still to make inroads onto dirt bikes. Husqvarna’s FE250 four-stroke enduro now comes with the trick technology and, to be honest, we were sceptical. We shouldn’t have been, KR tester Dene Priestley reckons it’s the way forward. Turn to page 74 to read more about the new tech for dirt bikes.

Our racing season kicked off with the Shorai International Classic at Hampton Downs, and the sights, sounds and smells of the classic racing machines, while nostalgic, got us pretty amped for the coming road race season. Turn to page 24 for the Shorai and to page 10 for a preview of who’s racing in what this season.

Enjoy the mag. BEN WILKINS

FRONT END 9  NEWS

Avalon Biddle wins; Auckland Transport free breakfast; NZ road race season preview; BMW cleans up at Macau GP.

ROOST ZONE 57  NEWS

Courtney Duncan injury; NZ Mini MX champs; Vintage North Enduro; World Veterans Champs.

31

71

 ROAD PRODUCTS Need it, want it, must have it...



Everything you need to keep you and

your dirt bike in tip-top condition.

DIRT PRODUCTS

BACK END 90  BIKE MART

Essential services and products for you and your bike.

109

 CLASSICS

92

 EVENTS CALENDAR

112

 ROGER MORONEY

Retro machines imitating classics.

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

96

You never know when idiots will strike...

 RACE RESULTS

MotoGP, WSBK Championships, MXGP

its entirety. Material may not be printed without the written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1177-0023 Cover image: Husqvarna, Ducati, Honda

6

KIWI RIDER

NEXT ISSUE OF KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE GOES ON SALE MONDAY JANUARY 16

BMW’s New R nineT Scrambler

Following the release of the successful R nineT, the NEW Scrambler is created for the rider who challenges the ordinary, desires authenticity combined with innovative engineering and a touch of nostalgia for the scrambler generation.

RRP $23,990 - The R nineT Scrambler features Heated Grips, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Cross Spoke Wheels with a 19� front and LED Turn indicators.

Demonstrators available from the following dealerships Cyclespot Euro Takapuna Auckland 09 486 1136

Experience Motorcycles Kingsland, Auckland 09 845 5950

Boyd Motorcycles Hamilton 07 838 1209

Mount Motorcycles Mount Maunganui 07 575 4190

Motomart Wellington 04 589 5106

Avon City Motorcycles Christchurch 03 341 3490

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THE ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLE FOR EVERY ADVENTURE RIDER The new Tiger 800 is a dynamic Adventure motorcycle designed to deliver whatever you want no matter how you ride. On road or off, the new Tiger’s manners, riding position, handling and responsive engine give the rider everything required to enjoy every ride.

For a limited time only, receive a $1000 trade-in contribution and a FREE added value accessory pack with the new Triumph Tiger 800 XR or Triumph Tiger 800 XC. The Tiger 800 XR comes with added value touring pack which includes: fog light kit, heated grips, adjustable high screen and a tank bag kit, valued at $1659.

The Tiger 800 XC comes with added value protection pack which includes: headlight protector, fork protectors, tank pad, paddock stand bobbins, oil filter cover, frame protector kit valued at $559 and engine dresser bars, alloy radiator guard and alloy sump guard kit worth an additional $1207. Total value $1766.

To ride one now visit triumphmotorcycles.co.nz

TIGER 800 XR from $20,490 +orc

TIGER 800 XC from $22,490 +orc

Avalon Biddle really is one of a kind

I

t’s probably been said hundreds of times already, but Avalon Biddle really is one of a kind. The 24-year-old Auckland woman was the first and now she’s also the last, although that’s a status she’s not so sure she wants.

Biddle won the inaugural European Women’s Cup (EWC) for road-racing in 2015 – that series run in conjunction with the European Junior Cup (EJC) and the World Superbike Championships (WSBK) – and she backed that up by retaining her title again this season, but now she reports that, after running for just two years, the competition has been dissolved and will not be an option for her in 2017.

The double EWC champion from Orewa will possibly now have to be content with beating up most of the boys back home in New Zealand, something she’s been doing anyway, with stunning regularity, for many years now.

However, she also has her fingers crossed that Dorna – the worldwide promotion company for the WSBK competition – will relent and again provide a female-only class of racing in 2017.

“They ran the EWC for only two years, and I won the title both years, but now they’ve shelved it. Instead they are installing a 300cc championship, to run alongside the 600cc and superbike championships, but that’s a shame for people like me who so much enjoyed the EWC and EJC series,” said Biddle, the virtual women’s world champion of road-racing.

“I won the EWC in 2015 and 2016 and that is a huge honour, but it will cost me a lot of money, about 50,000 Euros, to buy myself a ride in the 300cc championship.

“I hope Dorna will look again at providing a special competition for the women, although that’s not likely, and I do believe that women can be competitive with the men in this sport anyway,” she said.

“I might be lighter than some of the men and so I may have a small power-to-weight advantage, but the men are stronger and, because I’m quite short, only 155cm (five foot) tall, they have more leverage on the bike that I do.

“It is likely that all my rivals in the European Women’s Cup will simply return to race in their own domestic competitions,” said Biddle. “I understand (2016 EWC runner-up) Stacey Nesbitt is heading home to Canada to race there.”

Biddle will also be tackling her own national championships at home this summer, before cementing her plans for the rest of 2017.

The New Zealand Superlites (formerly F3) champion in 2015, Biddle is getting ready to race her MTF Vehicle Finance-backed Kawasaki ZX-6R in the F2 class in the upcoming Suzuki Series, starting at Taupo in December, and in the 600cc class in the New Zealand Superbike Championships, starting at Ruapuna, on the outskirts of Christchurch, in January.

The bike will be prepared for her by Ozzy Performance – Chris Osborne of Feilding – and, although it’s a Kawasaki, it will be decked out in bright yellow to reflect her sponsor’s colours.

Biddle did not defend her 2015 title this season, although she did “have a quick blast” on the Kawasaki ZX-6R at the final round of the 2016 nationals at Hampton Downs in March, before she headed off to Italy for the year.

“I went quite well on the bike that

Story: Andy McGechan

weekend... I finished fifth in the 600cc class. I had not been on a 600 bike in quite some time. It is definitely a fast bike and I just need to get my brain up to speed with it too.”

She said she’d be satisfied is she can achieve a top-three result in the nationals, but she is expecting a bit of a battle with riders such as Wainuiomata’s Shane Richardson, Whakatane’s Damon Rees, Christchurch’s Cam Hudson and her boyfriend too, Rangiora’s Jake Lewis.

“I’ll only race the first two (of three) rounds in the Suzuki Series because the final round is in the street circuit at Whanganui (around the famous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day) and I’m not comfortable with that.

“I’ll be wanting as much track time on the bike as I can before the nationals and we’ll possibly think about Europe again after all that.”

KIWI RIDER

9

Words: Ben Wilkins

BMW

G310GS

This baby GS has been in the offing for some time now, but it’s finally been released. If BMW is producing a bike for a particular segment, you can be sure they’re confident it’ll be a seller. The liquid-cooled 313cc engine makes a claimed 34hp, which is good for the class.

There’s a 19-inch front wheel giving a nod to its GS lineage and the seat height is 835mm. We’ve not seen anything about a spoked wheel option, but here’s hoping.

DUCATI

SCRAMBLER DESERT SLED & STREET RACER

Ducati’s modular Scrambler platform is starting to bring some great looking models out of the Italian factory. Both models use the same 803cc air-cooled motor from the Ducati Monster 797.

The Desert Sled comes with 200mm of long-travel suspension (the chassis and swingarm have been beefed up to cope), and knobbystyle Pirelli Scorpion tyres fitted to spoked 19- and 17-inch rims. Kinda reminds me of the Yamaha XT500 but with a huge 800cc v-twin motor.

What’s not to like about that?

The Street Racer gets 17-inch mag wheels shod with the great Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres, shorter USD forks, a seat cover for the pillion seat and bar-end mirrors for a modern take on the cafe-racer look.

1299 SUPERLEGGERA

Holy moly, the 1299 Superleggera has the specs! There’s pretty much carbon everything – bodywork, wheels and, yep, frame. The exhaust is titanium from Akrapovic and the valves in the engine are titanium too. The bottom line is this exquisite piece of Italian loveliness only weights 167kg... wet. You read that right... 167kg wet. Throw in, a faintly ridiculous, 215hp and you’ve got a motorcycle the likes of which has never been offered to the public for road use.

Only 500 units will be produced and you’ll pay US$100,000 if you can even get one. Beautiful though.

MONSTER 797

Back into the realms of normality and the Monster 797 brings things almost full circle back to the 2001 803cc M800 Monster. It has an 803cc air-cooled v-twin engine, which makes 75hp at 8250rpm and 68.9Nm at 5750rpm. Non-adjustable 43mm Kayaba forks are paired with a Sachs rear monoshock. The brakes have 320mm discs and Brembo radial-mount calipers. Having ridden a fair few Monsters over the years, we can confidently say the modest specs of the 797 don’t hint at the bikes true fun-factor. Expect it to be a hoot.

MONSTER 1200S

Heavily updated for 2017, the big Monster gets a 15hp power hike, bringing the already punchy machine to 150hp peak power. With a 215kg weight, the 2017 1200S could be a bit of a handful. Thankfully there’s corner sensitive ABS braking and an anti-wheelie system to keep things under control. The front forks are Ohlins 48mm upside-down items and the rear shock is also from Ohlins. 330mm discs and Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers should provide superbike level braking on the quintessential Italian naked.

HONDA

CBR1000RR

The ‘everyman’ CBR1000RR is finally here. The two versions launched in Germany last month were the all-singing, all-dancing versions but the standard machine weighs in at a claimed 196kg with 189hp. The base-level machine still gets the nine-level traction control as well as Showa suspension, ABS, three ride modes and a slipper clutch. You can bet your bottom dollar that although the ‘blade has slightly less claimed power than its rivals, it’ll be a paragon of accessible performance.

CRF250 RALLY

Here’s the mini Africa Twin we have been asking Honda to make for years. They’ve finally done it, and it’s a sweet looker. While it’s a only a 250cc machine making a claimed 24.4hp, the seat height is a whopping 895mm – the suspension is long travel and gnarly terrain shouldn’t be an issue on this bike. The main benefit of the smaller capacity engine is Honda claims the 10.1 litre fuel tank gives the bike a 350km range.

CBR650F

Updated for the coming year, the 650F has had its four-cylinder engine tweaked. The more powerful engine makes a power of 89.8hp at 11,00rpm and 74Nm of torque at 8000rpm.

The brakes have also been up-spec’d this year for more overall stopping power – the Nissin calipers squeeze 320mm petal-type discs at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. The front forks have been changed to Showa Dual Bending Valve technology items which feature proportional rebound damping but increased compression damping as the travel is used up.

KIWI RIDER

15

The Shorai Post Classic International Challenge thundered into Hampton Downs and brought a taste of nostalgia with some very close racing to boot.

Words: Todd Sutherland Photos: Rachel Seddon, Clminitepix

Dennis Charlett and Freeth Family

I

Through the mists of time

n its fifth year the 2016 Shorai Post Classic International Challenge again showed itself as the year’s premier historic race meeting. The regular container(s) of Australian competitors added international spice to the annual event, which also paid tribute to the late PhD Doctor Rodger Freeth.

The event caters to a huge range of historical machines, from post-war to this year’s latest edition, a pre-1995 class and the modern BEARS Classes. Sadly, the Australians took back the Trans-Tasman Barry Sheene Challenge Cup, but once more the Kiwis won the international series run between the two countries as well as British and rest of the world teams.

Multiple national road race champion, Dennis Charlett dominated the Pre-1982 Senior class races on the Freeth Replica McIntosh Suzuki. This was a great tribute to the late astrophysicist doctor, who died in a world championship rally, whilst co-driving for Possum Bourne in Australia in 1993.

Freeth was a multiple national road race champion on motorcycles in New Zealand and a Bathurst 500 winner. His family were at Hampton Downs along with a number of his old race machines, including a TZ750 on which he experimented with race wings before they were banned. Kiwi Ken McIntosh made a number of Bathurst replicas back in the day as road bikes. Today demand is gradually rising again with Post Classic racers.

Dennis Charlett leads Australian Dean Oughtred

For a lot of people the meeting is as much about what is in the the paddock as what goes out on the track; plenty of twostrokes, air-cooled, drum-brakes and a heap of skinny-tyre machines. In short, lots of stuff you don’t see these days and guys pushing them along pretty damned hard too. The world class standard of the recently refurbished Hampton Downs definitely added to the special feel of this year’s event.

The modern BEARS classes, brought in to add a modern element to the meeting, also featured some great racing.

Helicraft-supported Alex Phillis set a blistering pace on the MV Agusta 675 to win the opening few F2 races from the more senior Superbike class machines. The eventual F2 class winner Rogan

sounds of shrieking two-strokes, withering brakes and booming singles which rattle your chest

Chandler won the final two races when Phillis was struck by an intermittent electronic gremlin. Brendon Coad won the F1 class on his Aprilia RSV4R 1000cc machine.

With more dialogue between the various historical clubs it is hoped the Post Classic International Challenge will continue.

Getting an international field of riders to any event and packing the fields with the vast array of great machines isn’t easy. But it looked to be appreciated by riders and spectators alike. The sound of shrieking two-strokes, withering brakes and booming singles which rattle your chest, along with the wafting smell of methanol and Castrol R are a great way to stimulate the senses as the road race season starts to kick into gear.

KIWI RIDER

25

FEATURE PRODUCT

Ventura EVO Pack-Rack & Luggage Range IT’S ALL ABOUT THE L-BRACKETS The key to the Bike-Pack System starts with the L-Brackets. These are custommade for each model bike. At the present time we cater for well over 2000 models.

Once the L-Brackets are fitted to your bike then you can configure just how you want to carry your luggage.

Our latest EVO design for the VENTURA Bike-Pack System uses a horizontal rack that secures and supports the packs ensuring there is no load movement when riding. As with the original Pack-Rack System the new EVO System offers you many options as to how you can position the packs and consequently the load.

It all depends on your personal preference or whether you are riding solo or with a pillion.

The EVO System Rack is fully interchangeable with the original BikePack System. All you need are the L-Brackets, once you have them you can mix and match to whatever suits your situation. We truly believe there is no other luggage system that gives you the options as to how you carry your gear. Whether you are going on a major trip or just riding around town we have an answer for you.

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS...

• Slip the pack on • Snap the buckles • Tighten the straps Done – you’re on your way!

And then of course there is how our ASTRO Top-Box fits and our Pannier Support System with the Bonneville Panniers. But that’s another story!

28

KIWI RIDER

Free Catalogues available.

Enquire at shop.touratech.co.nz Boyd Motorcycles 07 838 1209

McIver & Veitch 03 477 0236

Motomart 04 589 5106

Mount Motorcycles 07 575 4190

Custom stainless steel road legal braided brake lines for track, road & dirt

STARTING FROM $60 + GST

Its a hel of a deal!

34 Olive Road, Penrose, Auckland Ph: 09 579 0113 sales@allports.co.nz www.neilallportmotorsport.nz

MOLECULAR GEAR CLEAN Riding suit coated in sweat and summer flies? Not for long. Molecule Wash effectively cleans sports equipment, including technical fabrics like Nomex, in standard washing machines. It’ll remove the contaminants that can degrade fabric performance and odour causing bacteria.

Distributor: Neil Allport Motorsports Size: Up to eight washes Price: $40 Info: namsport.co.nz

HIGH TECH WITHOUT THE HIGH PRICE HJC’s CS-15 uses a more aggressive, lightweight Advanced Polycarbonate Composite Shell and boasts a long features list, including an air channelling system with adjustable vents, an easily-removed shield that provides 95 per cent UV protection and cheek pads that are interchangeable, indeed, all pads are removable and washable and there’s a moisture-wicking lining.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: XS (53-54cm) 2XL (63-64cm), Space MC10SF, Space MC5, Space MC7 White, Black, Matt Black Price: $159 (solid), $179 (graphic) Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

KEEP BATTERIES HONEST WITH POCKET POWER Never get stuck with a flat battery again with the new Deltran portable jump starter/power pack. This lithium-powered pack will start a motorcycle or car, is lightweight and easy to use, has 400 cranking Amps, a powerful LED light for night use, and will even charge your portable devices (phone, lap top, or GPS).

Distributed by: Eurobike Wholesale Price: $269 Info: eurobike.co.nz

FRIENDS REELING? YOUR GEAR NEEDS REFRESHER After countless hard-terrain rides, you know you need fresh gear… or a steam clean for the lot of it! Which is where Refresher comes in.

It’s designed to keep your riding gear fresh when you can’t actually wash it – as it contains an antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

Distributor: Neil Allport Motorsports Price: $40 Info: namsport.co.nz

SLAM DRY, SLAM DUNK The Forma Slam Dry may look like a regular sneaker, but there’s a lot more to them compared to your run-of-the-mill sports shoe. For starters they’re waterproof, and 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.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Size style: Mens and Ladies sizes Price: $259 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

COOL LOOKS FOR UPSTANDING RIDERS This RST R-16 suit is cut to be a true all-rounder, with a less aggressive stance than some other RST suits, so comfort isn’t compromised in a more upright riding position. Don’t be fooled by the price though, it uses the same top-quality leather, stitching and four-way stretch as you’ll find on Pro Series and Tractech Evo-2 suits.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size style: 40/S – 50/3XL Price: $999

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KEEP IN TOUCH THIS SUMMER The Interphone Tour Bluetooth intercom can link up to four motorcyclists over a maximum of 1.5km. Compatible with all smartphones equipped with Bluetooth, it lets you receive and place calls, listen to music and follow navigation instructions. It’ll fit to all helmet types, is completely waterproof, and fast-charge tech delivers 20 hours of use.

Distributor: Northern Accessories Price: Single $499, pair $849 Info: northern.co.nz

CARGO STYLE TO GO THE EXTRA MILE The Bull-It SR6 Cargo is a traditional cargo pant design with a 12oz twill fabric outer and Covec protection with 60 per cent internal coverage. Those areas get impact abrasion protection from a fabric that won’t weaken after time and washing. A thermal barrier keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter, plus an inner mesh layer draws moisture away from your skin.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Size style: Regular and long leg, with pockets for knee and hip armour Price: $249 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

NO FUSS NO MESS LUGGAGE Kriega Drypacks delivers waterproof tail pack system with no additional frames, bungees or rain covers needed. They’ll fit to any motorcycle, can convert to a tank bag, and with a roll top main closure and side pocket with a waterproof zip, will keep your belongings safe from the elements. Use them individually, or hooked together in various combinations.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: 5 to 30 litres Price: From $99 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

GOODBYE ROADSIDE STRANDINGS SOS Tyre spray allows a tyre to be quickly and temporarily repaired after a puncture, and its small and practical size lets you store it almost anywhere. Got a puncture? First remove the item which pierced the tyre. Shake the spray and connect it to the valve. The expanding formula re-inflates the tyre instantly. We recommend you then visit the nearest garage to have the tyre repaired.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: $21.90 Info: nwa.co.nz

EXPLORE YOUR LIMITS – ON AND OFF THE SEAL The Schuberth E1 has the characteristics and functionality of a flip-up helmet with the looks and the feel of an adventure lid. We’re told it’s stable in the wind, extremely quiet thanks in part to a spoiler that’s been tested in the wind tunnel, and is as suited for adventure rides as it is for the daily commute or long-distance touring.

Distributor: Northern Accessories Price: Matt Black and Gloss White $999. Hunter Yellow Graphic $1199 Info: northern.co.nz

HIGH-VIS EMERGENCIES Ever been stuck at the roadside, buffeted by passing traffic? Never feel that vulnerable again. This Givi safety kit provides two essential accessories useful for a typical road emergency: a reflective triangle and a reflective fluorescent jacket, and both are compact enough to be stored easily on your bike.

Distributed by: Eurobike Wholesale Price: $29 Info: eurobike.co.nz

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KIWI RIDER

*Available from participating motorcycle dealers while stocks last. Applies to models shown only. All pricing is RRP including GST. Find your closest dealer at www.forbesanddavies.co.nz.

R It’s been a roller-coaster of a season in MotoGP but the last laps have been raced and one rider has emerged victorious...

Spain’s Marc Marquez.

Words: Michael Esdaile / Photos: Honda, Yamaha, KTM

epsol Honda’s Marc Marquez clinched the 2016 MotoGP Championship in superb style, winning at round 13 at Motegi in Japan on October 16. At just 23 years of age, Marquez is now a five-times world champion. His name is on the 2013, 2014 and 2016 MotoGP championships as well as the 2012 Moto2 and 2010 World 125 Championships, scoring 55 GP wins along the way.

After his win in Japan, Marquez went on to initially dominate proceedings at the Australian round a week later, before crashing and failing to re-start, scoring his first DNF of the year.

That left Cal Crutchlow leading the Australian race on the LCR Honda. The Englishman stretched his lead over Valentino Rossi, and won his second MotoGP race of the season. A week later Crutchlow crashed out of the Malaysian GP and Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso went on to score his second career MotoGP win.

It had been been seven years since Dovizioso’s maiden MotoGP win, at the 2009 British GP at Donington Park, and like his first, the Malaysian win was also in a wet race. Dovizioso gave Ducati its second win of the season (Andrea Iannone won in Austria in August) and saw him become the ninth race winner

of the season, with the Valencia round remaining. At Valencia, 2015 champ Jorge Lorenzo ended his Yamaha career the way he began at Qatar in 2008 – starting from pole position. Unlike that début, in Spain he went on to dominate the race as well, capping one of the best seasons of GP racing for many years.

Motegi, Malaysia

Unlike the two rounds that followed, the Motul Grand Prix of Japan was blessed with fine weather through practice and qualifying, and it was Rossi who ended up on pole, his 54th in the premier class.

However, it was Rossi’s Movistar Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo who took the early lead in the race, from Marquez, Rossi and Aleix Espargaro (Ecstar Suzuki). Four laps in Marquez was in front, where he was to stay until the chequered flag. But he was assured of the world championship on the sixth lap when closest title challenger Rossi crashed out.

Lorenzo inherited second place with his team-mate’s crash, but with just five laps remaining, he too crashed out, gifting the runner-up spot to Dovizioso on the factory Ducati, with Maverick Vinales taking the final podium place for Suzuki.

Phillip Island, Australia

Rain blighted the first two days of the Michelin Australian Grand Prix, with Free Practice Two abandoned after standing water appeared in two of the corners.

Marquez was fastest in FP3 and went on to take pole with a convincing 1m 30.189s lap, with Crutchlow second fastest at 1m 30.981s. They were the only riders to break the 1:31 second mark and had waited for a window of opportunity to go out on slicks when a dry line emerged.

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Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

Moto Guzzi’s V9 Roamer takes you back to a time when real men rode naked vee-twin motorcycles, and offers a classic charm with modern build-quality.

I

am what I am. That’s the slogan Moto Guzzi proudly uses in its press blurb when describing the new V9 Roamer. The Italian manufacturer says the V9 is a new incarnation of the most pure Moto Guzzi spirit. It’s true, the V9 embraces the heritage with an authentic, classy and stylish, yet modern design. It looks cool if you delight in the retro style and, from some angles, it has sensuous lines. To an extent that opening sentence is also saying (I think), we are all about character and retaining that traditional Guzzi feeling – don’t expect too much refinement; we are our own men here, not luxury Merc drivers. And so, if you ride the Roamer with this in mind, you’ll understand the machine better and what it’s trying to achieve... then, the two of you can get along just fine.

The V9 engine is a 90 degree vee-twin mounted east/west; it is air-cooled and 853cc. It produces 55hp at 6250rpm and 62Nm of torque at a low 3000rpm. Yes, as the numbers suggest the engine is not a huge power pack. However, the torque is reasonable and the V9 can maintain a modestly brisk pace in a relatively effortless manner. Sixth gear is high-ishly geared and it has the Roamer feeling flat, for a 900, in a 100km/h roll-on test to simulate overtaking. Dropping one or even two gears is necessary if you intend business.

The power delivery is quite linear and smooth although as the revs rise the bars start to vibrate. Rev it harder and the vibration moves to the seat, rev it harder still and the seat stops vibrating and the vibes move back to the handle bars. It’s an interesting sensation and all part of the timeless, and authentic, character of this Moto Guzzi. As there is no tachometer, Moto Guzzi has given the V9 a shift light. In third gear the shift light came on at 80km/h, but the rev limiter hit at 120km/h... which makes the 80km/h light seem a little on the low side. It may be adjustable. In essence the engine is a flexible cruiser and does not really like to be rushed, high revs are not its forte, however it still has enough power to lose your license... and the power delivery is certainly in keeping with the capabilities of the rest of the machine.

This might sound odd... but I’d like to see a slipper clutch on the V9 because it has a heap of engine braking effect and it is easy to lock the rear wheel if you rush the down-shifts. The actual shifting is on the clunky, agricultural side, mainly because of the directness of the driveshaft, but if shifts are timed properly then it’s all smooth enough.

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Adventurous Spirit Being the smallest machine in Honda’s adventure range, the CB500XA brings commuting, travel and adventure to the masses.

T

his KR motorcycle testing malarkey can definitely throw up the odd quandary.

Sometimes we test a bike that’s as trick-as-all-hell and yet the ride experience falls well short of the total sum of its very flash parts. It’s like that flash expensive shock is too proud to get along with the standard chassis or other brand forks, as an example; the various components don’t complement each other or work in unison, which leaves the bike feeling unbalanced and your confidence in it lacking. Then of course, from time-to-time we test a bike that’s at the polar opposite end of the spectrum. A machine that performs well above expectation for no particular reason other than it’s a complete package and simply a great and fun bike to ride. The Honda CB500XA is one of these bikes, especially so considering it’s a learner license friendly LAMS machine.

That’s not to say the ‘X’ shouldn’t be a great bike. Honda tends to build wellrounded machines and our attractive, pearl white, test machine was no exception. No, in this case it’s more a reflection on this cynical old tester that is often spoiled by exotic test bikes and is usually excited by larger horsepower engines.

The mid-sized 471cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin, DOHC motor is a gem and everyone’s best friend in use, despite it’s LAMS certification. With an almost ‘square’ bore and stroke of 67mm x 66.8mm, and modest compression ratio of 10.7:1 it produces a maximum 35Kw of power and 43Nm of torque. Yes, it’s true to say the numbers don’t make particularly exciting reading, but it still propels the 500’s 196kg wet weight along easily. The power is flexible, supremely user friendly, surprisingly punchy given its ease of use and deceptively fast; I absolutely enjoyed riding it. This is the sort of engine and power delivery that keeps riders of all ages and abilities happy. Youngsters learning the ropes will get a kick out of the responsive and fun power that is unlikely to knock their confidence if their

Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

right wrist gets the better of their ability.

And old hacks like me can still revel in the happy, zappy nature of the engine. The actual power delivery is seamlessly linear as it just progressively grows until the rev limiter cuts in, yet it still manages to be engaging and enjoyable. It is not inclined to stall at take-off which is a real blessing for learner riders and just makes life easier for everyone.

The CB handles super well with an agile, effortless feel that is no doubt aided by the sensible 26.5 degree steering head angle. It’s just awesome for fanging around town, shooting the gaps between traffic and out on the open road. In fact it’s hard to image an area where the Honda would be seriously out of its depth, be it commuting, cruising, or full-on road touring – it’s a very capable machine.

While the suspension is comparatively basic it still provides a controlled and comfortable ride. The forks are 41mm diameter traditional items with 140mm of wheel travel and are now pre-load adjustable, when we tested the bike back in late 2013 (Jan14 issue of KR) they were non-adjustable, so it’s good to see improvements being made.

The single rear shock is mounted on a ProLink rising rate linkage and has nine-step adjustable preload and 120mm of wheel travel. The rubber is a decent size for a mid-sized bike without being overkill and reasonably sticky. A 160/60-17 rear and 120/70-17 front tyre, both being ZR rated certainly combine well with the suspension and chassis to deliver a very balanced

ride package. The Honda’s braking performance is about right for the kind of machine it is. It’s more than adequate but not what I’d call fantastic.

As soon as you ride a bike with a single front disc after stepping from a twin disc set-up you notice the loss of performance. While it would be unfair to call this a criticism of the Honda, it is noticeable. The difference being that to stop hard a decent pull on the lever is required rather than a gentle squeeze. The wave style 320mm front disc is stopped by a twin piston floating Nissin caliper, while at the rear a 240mm disc and single piston caliper does the business.

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Duncan injury a minor set-back

G

asps of horror could be heard from onlookers when Otago’s Courtney Duncan crashed out of the third and final MX2 race of the day at the annual Waikato Motocross Championships in early November.

But, despite the spectacular tumble and the subsequent medical treatment required, the 20-year-old Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) contender confirmed her injury would mean nothing more than “a couple of weeks of rest”.

The Altherm JCR Yamaha heroine was in contention to win the day when the accident happened, the event merely a training exercise for her as she builds for another world championship campaign in Europe, starting in March.

She crashed on a tricky downhill at the Te Kuiti track, her bike’s foot-peg tearing into her left thigh, and the race was stopped. Duncan was unable to rejoin the re-started race and instead went to hospital to have stitches inserted into the 8cm wound, leaving Cambridge’s Trent Collins (Honda) to wrap up the class win overall.

“It all happened so fast that I don’t really know what happened,” Duncan said.

“But it’s really only a couple of weeks’ rest and then I’ll be good to go again,” she laughed.

“It is never fun to have to leave a race meeting early. I’m just lucky to only have a cut to show for it. It’s not even much of a set-back really. I’ll rest and be freshened up to go back to work in no time.

Story: Andy McGechan

“My pace was good and there are just a few other areas that I need to work on... but I’m keeping those to myself. That’ll be something that me and (Altherm JCR Yamaha Racing Team boss) Josh Coppins will work on, so that we can make me a more complete and stronger package.

“My deal is all set to race for Yamaha in Europe and they, along with Yamaha in New Zealand, have been very supportive.”

Duncan was cruelly robbed of the world title on her debut in WMX series this year.

Although the “new kid on the block”, Duncan stamped her authority and won five of the 14 races of the 2016 world series, more than any other individual this year and this was even after she had

been able to start only nine of the races because of an injury, one that she was not in any way responsible for.

Duncan crashed on a jump while leading at the German GP in May, the third round of the series, after clipping an errant photographer who was standing out on the track. The wrist injury she suffered forced her out of the following five races as she underwent surgery and then took more time off to recover.

Duncan is looking forward to taking on French 2016 world champion Livia Lancelot and new Yamaha signing Kiara Fontanesi, of Italy, among others, when the WMX kicks off in Indonesia on March 5, 2017.

The future of MX on show at Pukekohe

N

ew Zealand’s future motocross stars were on show near Pukekohe in November. The KTM-sponsored 2016 New Zealand Mini Motocross Championships event at the MR Motorcycles Raceway at Harrisville was the site of another spectacular display of bright young Kiwi talent, with riders aged between four and 11 locked in fierce battles throughout the Saturday and Sunday.

Best of the bunch was Auckland’s Cole Davies, who produced a totally dominant performance in the premier grade, the 9-11 years’ 65cc class.

The nine-year-old from Waitoki won all five races over the weekend, romping to his fourth national mini motocross title in

Story: Andy McGechan

four years. He won the 4-7 years’ 50cc title in 2013, the 6-8 years’ 50cc title in 2014, the 7-8 years’ 65cc class last year and was unstoppable again this season.

Runner-up to Davies at the weekend was Bombay’s Reuben Smith – whose two runner-up finishes were his best results of the two-day event – with Methven’s Luke Watson filling out the podium.

Burnham’s Tyler Wiremu staged a massive comeback to recover from a poor start to his weekend on Saturday, eventually rising up on Sunday to claim fourth place overall, while consistency gave New Plymouth’s Nikk Rangi a national ranking of fifth in this class.

Christchurch rider Kobe Thoms was similarly dominant in the 7-8 years’ 65cc class, also shooting off to five wins from KIWI RIDER

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World Veteran’s Josh Coppins and Daryl Hurley await Race 1 on Sunday out of the sun

Saturday’s classes. Photo: Winston Byblow

L to R: Jeff Crawley with the legend Jody Weisel of Motocross Action magazine and Tony Cooksley. Photo: Jeff Crawley

championships This year’s World Vets champs saw a strong contingent of Kiwis showing the world that NZ punches well above its weight in motocross.

Words & Photos: Alan Henderson

E

arlier this year, a dinner table conversation went like this...

Tony Cooksley commented he would be 60 in April and that would put him in the 60+ Pro Class at the MX World Vets championships to be held at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California on the first weekend of November. Josh Coppins commented that he’d be 40 the following year so this is the last year he could ride 30+ Pro. Josh then said to Tony, “If you go, then I’ll go too!” Two days later six tickets for everyone at the table were booked as Air New Zealand had a $999 fare available.

Josh then made contact with Yamaha’s California-based test rider Doug Dubach to find out the availability of bikes.

Doug has won at the MX World Vets a staggering 25 times, missing only once in 2006 when he was carrying an injury.

Doug’s suggestion was that he get Josh a loan bike from Yamaha and Doug would sort the suspension. Did he know of a YZ250 two-stroke for Tony? Yes, he had his own he was going replace with a new one – sold! Tony’s mate Andrew Stewart was also coming, so what about a 450...?

Yes, he had a brand new 60th Anniversary one that the Yamaha Japan riders had as a spare and that too could be available. It was, and at a very good price. Sold!

Now, Glen Helen is something pretty special. The start gates had been raised since we were last there by some two metres, which sets the riders up nicely for the long uphill, sweeping through a right

Daryl Hurley went 1-1 in the 40+ Pro class to take the World title

hand arch - better known as Talladago – and it’s very, very steep. You come around to complete the 180-degree turn and then turn left up a massive hill. The descent is very steep too and then you go left again and straight up again. None of the photos ever do it justice. The flats have jumps everywhere and many technical turns.

Practice was on the Friday but we went down to Doug Dubach’s workshop where Josh and Scott (Henderson) replaced all the plastics and fitted Doug’s suspension and new tyres. It was a ‘media’ test bike and had done 15 hours. At that stage we hadn’t caught up with Tony and Andrew who were staying at MX Heaven with several other Kiwis who were having had a wonderful two weeks riding the many tracks around So Cal. Saturday had 934 race pre-registrations with 1050 turning out. Practice was on the dot, at 0730 - and cool too.

There were 13 races with as many as five split-class starts. But it ran like clockwork with no fuss, no bother, no officials yelling, dogs allowed on a leash, pit-bikes everywhere and no fences. There was also constant, effective watering because it was damned hot, with not a cloud in the sky.

Saturday saw only one feature race, the 40+, which brought everyone trackside.

To all the Kiwis’ delight, this was well won

by Daryl Hurley on a 450 Husqvarna – offering more horepower than his favoured 350. Former KTM rider Kurt Nicoll was no match for ‘Hurlz’. The Americans didn’t know much about Hurlz but certainly made a fuss of his win.

Wild start in Race 2. #111 Streeter and #6 Coppins KIWI RIDER

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

29 Saxon Street Phillipstown 8011 Christchurch

PLAY TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER You and the kids can head out on the trail in matching skid lids. This VCAN V321 off-road helmet includes a removable, washable comfort liner inside that aggressively-shaped synthetic shell, and an ECE rating. Better yet, it’s light – at 1260g for the large. The VCAN V322 Youth version includes the same features, but the large weighs 1150g.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: Adult, XS (53-54) – XL (61cm), Camo Force Red/Black, MX Cool Play Black RYM144 Black/Blue Youth: S (49-50) – L (56-54), JumpX Black, JumpX Blue, JumpX Red Price: Adult $139.90, youth $99 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

TORC ULTIMATE LEVER-AGE Upgrading your bike – for better looks, or because the old levers took a bit too much punishment?

Torc 1 Racing Flex brake levers are made to fit the stock perch and can be adjusted to fit a rider’s preference. They feature a folding lever design to minimise the possibility of breaking in a crash, too.

Distributor: 454 Unlimited Price: $99.95 Info: 454.co.nz or dirtbikegear.co.nz

ULTIMATE CLEAN AND LUBE Want the cleanest bike in the pit or at the trail head? Chemz Moto delivers top quality, motorcycle-specific cleaners and lube, like its Spray ’n’ Clean spray on, hose off cleaner, Bike Shine spray on and buff protector and polish, and motorcycle chain–specific lube.

Distributor: Eurobike Wholesale Size style: 500ml Price: From $16.90 Info: eurobike.co.nz

BRIT BIKES COVERED ON THE DIRT Keiti Tank Pads come in colours to suit Euro bikes, and help to protect your precious ride from wear and tear, while looking hot too. They’re manufactured using a UV resistant silkscreen printing process to prevent fading even in bright sunlight, with a nonyellowing resin and 3D gel layer for durability.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: $34.95 Info: nwa.co.nz

TIGER TAMERS Headlights are always at risk of stone damage on gravel roads, so Touratech added a headlight protector for Triumph’s Tiger to its stock. Made from Makrolon, it’s practically indestructible – and if it does break it won’t shatter. It comes with everything needed to fit it, and rapidly removes using a quick-release fastener.

From: NZ Touratech dealers Style: Triumph Tiger 800/ 800XC/ 800XCx and Tiger Explorer Price: $197.36, allow 1.5 to three weeks for delivery Info: shop.touratech.co.nz

HE’S GOT LEGS, AND HE KNOWS HOW TO USE THEM The all-new O’Neal Rider Boot is built to the quality of a first class boot but sold at an entry-level price. It features a traditional stitched sole with metal shank, a full adjustable four-buckle closure system, an injection moulded plastic shin plate and protection, a built-in heat shield and guards for the bottom buckles.

Distributor: Northern Accessories Size style: Adult, Youth and Peewee (black only) sizes available Price: Black, white and pink/black, $229. Hi-vis yellow $239 Info: northern.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

71

PEEWEE PADDING FOR MIGHTY MUNCHKINS This Atlas Broll child’s Neck Brace is an entry-level design built to handle the lower-level impacts first timers experience. It takes the structural mid and back end of a neck brace and combines it with tough but comfortable padding to round out the front, and at just 375g it’s the perfect safety device for littlies starting to take risks.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Price: $179 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

HOT SHIELD, COOL LOOKS Touratech’s radiator shield is made from electro-polished stainless steel and transforms the appearance of the pre-2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200’s black radiator.

A sporty radiator imparts a refreshingly energetic look to the whole machine.

From: NZ Touratech dealers Style: Pre-2014 Ducati Multistrada 1200.

Expect 1.5 to three weeks for delivery Price: $225.60 Info: shop.touratech.co.nz

SUMMER TIME, GOOD TIMES The Geomax MX52 tyre is designed to excel in intermediate-to-hard terrain, making it the perfect choice for summer riding. Developed with input from leading AMA and MXGP racers, it delivers more progressive cornering traction, enhanced handling and knob durability, superior bump absorption, and optimised grip and steering feel.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: From $64 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

HIGH TECH PEDALS FOR HIGH-TECH RACERS These Torc 1 Racing Motion brake pedals are very trick. They feature an adjustable toe kick for rider length preference, replaceable teeth for sure grip, grooved bushing in the main pivot for smooth action, and much more.

Distributor: 454 Unlimited Price: $189.95 Info: 454.co.nz or dirtbikegear.co.nz

POWER AND PRECISION FOR CHAINS Ipone X-Trem Chain Off-Road thoroughly lubricates the chain, while protecting it against corrosion. It was developed for off-road motorcycles with the aim of limiting splatter and ensuring it remains present for a long time under intense conditions. It’s easy to apply, as a multi-position diffuser combines the power of a jet with the precision of a spray.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size style: 750ml Price: $27.95 Info: nwa.co.nz

GENTLEMEN, BE UPSTANDING This new height-adjustable A1164 bike lift stand from DRC uses a stepless height adjust system to fit under most dirt bikes, from 65cc to full size.

A hydraulic damper eliminates shock when lowering the stand, the foot pedal is easy to use, and the non-slip rubber top plate and rubber foot caps provide stability and security.

Distributor: Northern Accessories Size style: Adjustable height range: 250mm to 350mm Price: $129 Info: northern.co.nz

72

KIWI RIDER

Words: Dene Priestley / Photos: Geoff Osborne

Good things come in small packages and they don’t come much better than Husqvarna’s 2017 FE250 with traction control. Yes... traction contol.

B

aby steps” would be the worst way to describe Husqvarna’s re-invention onto the world’s dirt bike stage. With a little help from an orange friend, the Husqvarna has quietly chipped away at regaining its status as one of the brands to own. Chipped away that is until 2017 when the brand seems to have gone supernova and created what are some of the most exciting off-road dirt bike models we have seen in a long time.

The FE250 is certainly no exception with a ground up redesign of the chassis, engine, suspension, bodywork and a nifty new feature called ‘traction control’.

The 250 is lighter, more agile, better looking and faster than any other quarter litre enduro bike the company has ever produced. So with the first cab off the rank, so to speak, going to Liam Draper, the KR team was quick to get the FE together and out into enduroland for a decent evaluation and photo shoot.

The fact that for 2017 the little Husky is completely new the thing that really got the boys chomping at the bit, was the mention of traction control on a racing dirt bike. At first, as usual without listening

the Husqvarna brand seems to have gone supernova

KIWI RIDER

75

Spanish Bull Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

Fresh investment in Gas Gas has seen quality improvements and subtle updates to the ever-popular 2017 EC300 two-stroke enduro machine.

K

een dirtbike fans will know there are all new and hugely updated GasGas enduro machines in the pipeline, which will be featuring KYB suspension just for a start. But in the meantime we must try and contain our enthusiasm and focus on the current model that is largely the same platform that has been around a while now. Thankfully there’s still plenty to

like about the new 300, which has subtle improvements and benefits from far better finish and attention to detail than in the past.

You’ll probably know that GasGas has recently been reborn with financial backing from Torrot, a company which has a long history producing bicycles and is now making electric kids bikes, scooters and electric push bikes (more in KR soon). Even on KIWI RIDER

83

You buy it.

We’ll deliver it!

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

Custom sports trikes Created individually

by MS Coombes Limited 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

Taking the bike on an overseas tour, or buying or selling overseas?

Want someone who knows bikes and knows how they should be handled?

90

KIWI RIDER

Then call us-we have years of experience and good reviews from riders touring 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

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

business

for sale Motorcycle Wreckers for sale options 1: stock only (approx $25,000 incl Gst) 2: Building (rotorua - Buy or lease) 3: Business (the whole caboodle ) Rotorua based, 32 year old business.

Give me a call or come in to discuss options.

Bailey_JAN17.indd 1

2/12/16 10:37 AM

February 10th –11th

2017

Clarke Domain, Mauriceville www.Summerrally.co.nz CONTACT: 027 2179621

LIVE BANDS

PLUS LOADS OF ENTERTAINMENT LICENCED BAR AND A VARIETY OF FOOD ON SITE

$35 PRE ENTRY –GATE SALES $40 NO PATCHES, NO ATTITUDES, NO GLASS, NO DOGS

NO BYO

KIWI RIDER

91

EVENTS CALENDAR / JANUARY 2017

* PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANISERS BEFORE EVENT IN CASE OF CANCELLATIONS, ERRORS OR CHANGES IN DATES *

ADVENTURE RIDES JANUARY 2017 - 21, Yamaha Central Time Adventure, based in Wellington region, costs $199 per rider, $179 for pillion includes camping and breakfasts, Sat and Sun, and dinner Sat night, this is route sheet, self navigated ride, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz FEBRUARY - 4, Women Only Adventure Training and One Day Ride, cost to be confirmed, based in Raglan area, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@ adventurerides.co.nz - 10/13, 4 days riding Yamaha East Cape Capers Trail Adventure, costs $1999, 5 nights accomodation, not suitable pillion or big bikes, fully guided and catered.

Starts and finishes in Gisborne, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz - 10/20, 10 DAY South Island Adventure Trail Tour, guided adventure, on large selection back country trails. High country station areas and variety of hotels and motels, even one night hut stay, only small group for this adventure. Check www. northerngraveladventureridersnz.com - 17/19, Kriega Dusty Butt, with Epic Events, 1400 km of epic adventure from Fairlie to Alexandra and back to Fairlie, $255 per head, check out www.epicevents. co.nz MARCH - 9/12, 4 Days riding Yamaha Northern Exposure Trail Adventure, costs $1999, 5 nights accom, not suitable pillion or big bikes, fully guided and catered, starts and finishes in Kahoe, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz APRIL - 1/3, Hanmer Springs Safari, $1349 full package, contact us re accom/meal options, route sheet, self navigated ride, big bike and pillion friendly, all brands of adventure ride motorbikes are welcome,contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz or visit www.adventurerides.co.nz - 8/11, Yamaha Wild West Coast Trail Adventure, 4 days riding, costs $1999, 5 nights accom, not suitable pillion or big bikes, fully guided and catered, starts and finishes in St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz - 8/9, Kriega Long Way Around, 2 day adventure ride, Taupo to Taupo, check out www.epicevents.co.nz - 27/30, Yamaha Wicked Wairarapa Trail Adventure, 4 days riding, costs $2199, 5 nights accom, not suitable pillion or big bikes, fully guided and catered, starts and finishes in Masterton, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz

CROSS COUNTRY JANUARY - 28, GNCC Round 4 (final) at Maramarua Forest, past Maramarua Golf Club on SH2, with Power Adventures, phone Greg 0274454429 MOTOCROSS FEBRUARY - 5, NZ MX Champs, Round 1, at Christchurch Off Road Club, Backflips Track, Timaru - 19, NZ MX Champs, Round 2, at Rotorua M/c Club, at Rotorua MX Track MARCH - 12, NZ MX Champs, Round 3, at Flipps Track, Himatangi, with Manawatu Orion M/c Club - 25, NZ MX Champs, Round 4, at Digger McEwen MX Park with Taupo M/c Club ROAD RACING MARCH - 25, King of Ruapuna Round 4, at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, contact Wendy on 0273571117 or email her at wendy.ashmore@clear.net.nz or visit www. mci.net.nz. Round 5 is on 2 April 2017.

RACING JANUARY - 7/8, NZ SBK Championship, Round 1, South Island - 14/15, NZ SBK Championship, Round 2, South Island - 28/29, NZ MX GP, Manawatu Orion M/C Club FEBRUARY - 5, NZ Senior MX Championship, Christchurch Off Road M/C Club - 19, NZ Senior MX Championship, Rotorua Motorcycle Club - 25/26, NZ SBK Championship, North Island MARCH - 4/5, NZ SBK Championship, North Island - 12, NZ Senior MX Championship, Manawatu Orion M/C Club - 25, NZ Senior MX Championship, Taupo M/C Club RUNS, RALLIES, RIDES, SHOWS & TOURS

APRIL - 8/9, Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club hosts Evolution of the Motorcycle show, at Rodney Green Centennial Event Centre at McLean Park, Napier, from 9.30 - 6pm, and Sunday 9.30 - 3pm, Historic and current Solo bikes and Sidecars, MX and Scrambles bikes old and new, historic, classic and modern road race bikes, contact George Lane at: etr.george@gmail.com - Attention all Aprilia Riders: Wanted to form a small & relaxing club for touring, racing & club meetings every week.

Contact: Vincent 021 682 823 or aprilia_ NZ@hotmail.com

TRAIL RIDES - “The Kawasaki Sandpit”, Woodhill Forest, Rimmers Rd entrance, SH16, Helensville. The ultimate offroad motorcycle playground. Come & ride, we are open Wednesday to Sunday 9-5pm with a late night on Thursday. Ph: 09 420 8879 or for more information go to www.thesandpit.co.nz MARCH - 5, Maramarua Classic Vinduro at Maramarua, check out www.vinduronz.com TRAINING DAYS FEBRUARY - 12, Motorcycling Canterbury presents ‘Have a Go/Advanced Training Day,at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, contact Wendy on 0273571117 or email her at wendy. ashmore@clear.net.nz or visit www.mci.net.nz.

RIDERSKILLS MOTORCYCLE TRAINING - Motorcycle training 7 days a week, for new or back to biking, and confidence building, including advanced roadcraft.

Phone Phil McDaid on 0800245387 or visit www.riderskills.co.nz - Barry’s Point Road Monthly Ride Out Monthly rides on the last Saturday of each month, from Hyosung Motorcycles at 72 Barrys Pt Road, Takapuna. Meet 9.30, to depart 10.00. All abilities welcome.

Professionally run by Accelerated Motorcycle training with instructors available on the ride for assistance. Safe, sociable ride lasting 2-3 hours with a coffee stop en route. Call David Horner 021970648 or visit http://motorbiketrainingnorthshore.co.nz/ join-the-barrys-point-road-rideout/ or ring 0508776643 or 0276998089

KAWASAKI MUFFLERS ZX6R ’98-99 ZX6R ’00-02 ZRX1200 ’01-04 Z1000 ’07-08 ZX10R ’04 ZX10R ’06

Carbon Titanium Titanium Nickle chrome/ carbon (pair) Alloy/stainless steel incl. connector Alloy/stainless steel incl. cat eliminator and connector

$495 $595 $595 $995 $595 $995

SUPERMOTARD (mixed dirt / tarmac races) also see www.supermotard.co.nz/events

EAWKR004

92

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

BAY S E K W A H L A R T N MBER, CE E T P E S H T 1 1 X DING IL E F , D A O RD 1 NZ VM R S E E L , CTOBER O H T 8 X M V Z N RTON A RD 2 M , R E B M E V O N H T RD 3 NZ VMX - 13 KI A N A R A T , R E B M E C DE RD 4 NZ VMX 3rd , ARIA Y R A U R B E F H T 8 1 RD 5 NZ VMX TLY N U H , H C R A M H T 2 RD 6 NZ VMX - 1 NE A T A K A H W , IL R P A H RD 7 NZ VMX - 8T AUPO T Y A M H T 3 1 RD 8 NZ VMX Pre 70 All in ll in Over 60’s A re 86) All in 4 Stroke (p 91) All in Ladies (pre 86) All in ore, OPEN Bore, Midb Enduro (pre l m S 5 7 re p re, OPEN ore, Midbo B l m S 8 7 pre bore, OPEN l Bore, Mid m S EN O V E 1 idbore, OP pre 8 Sml Bore, M e g a k in L pre 86 ore, OPEN Bore, Midb pre 91 Sml ore, OPEN Bore, Midb l m S 6 9 re p

BAY CENTRAL HAWKES R, BE EM PT SE TH DING 1 NZ VMX - 11 R, LEES ROAD, FEIL BE TO OC H 8T X TON RD 2 NZ VM TH NOVEMBER, MAR 13 X VM NZ 3 RD KI DECEMBER, TARANA RD 4 NZ VMX 3rd TH FEBRUARY, ARIA RD 5 NZ VMX - 18 TH MARCH, HUNTLY RD 6 NZ VMX - 12 NE H APRIL, WHAKATA RD 7 NZ VMX - 8T TH MAY - TAUPO RD 8 NZ VMX - 13

RD 1: 11 SEP HAWKES BAY • RD 2: 8 OCT FEILDING RD 3: 13 NOV MARTON • RD 4: 3 DEC TARANAKI RD 5: 18 FEB ARIA • RD 6: 12 MAR HUNTLY RD 7: 8 APR WHAKATANE • RD 8: 13 MAY TAUPO

Pre 70 All in l in Over 60’s Al re 86) All in 4 Stroke (p 91) All in Ladies (pre 86) All in ore, OPEN Bore, Midb Enduro (pre pre 75 Sml ore, OPEN Bore, Midb l Sm 78 e pr dbore, OPEN Sml Bore, Mi OPEN pre 81 EVO re, Midbore, Bo l Sm e ag pre 86 Link dbore, OPEN Mi , re Bo l pre 91 Sm ore, OPEN Bore, Midb pre 96 Sml

Pre 70 All in • Over 60’s All in • 4 Stroke (pre 86) All in • Ladies (pre 91) All in • Enduro (pre 86) All in Pre 75 Sml Bore, Midbore, OPEN •Pre 78 Sml Bore, Midbore, OPEN • Pre 81 EVO Sml Bore, Midbore, OPEN Pre 86 Linkage Sml Bore, Midbore, OPEN • Pre 91 Sml Bore, Midbore, OPEN • Pre 96 Sml Bore, Midbore, OPEN

www.SOX.co.nz

www.VMX.co.nz todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

93

Vapour blasting

In house, the ultimate in restoration finishes.

Agents for MAP cycle classic bike performance parts.

suspension

Aprilia RSV4 R $TBA

In house suspension service, everything from a seal change to a re-valve. Set up a speciality, road race, road and off road.

Tuono Factory $TBA

aprilia

900 Dorsoduro $TBA

Workshop specialists, all the knowledge and equipment to make and keep your Aprilia running the way it should.

900 Shiver $TBA

431c Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3200

Tel: 07-850 6020

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

2017 Suzuki GSX-R750L7 $14995 Blue or Yellow Limited stock + ORC

2016 Royal Enfield Classic 350/500 From $5995 + ORC

2016 KTM 690 Duke $15499 SAVE $2000 + ORC

2017 BMW R Nine T Scrambler 23990 + ORC

2016 KTM 125 SX $9999 SAVE $2000 + ORC

2016 BMW S1000XR $29990 $3500 trade in allowance + ORC

403 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton

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

94

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

Ph 07 838 1209 Fax 07 838 1208 A/H Greg 0274 916 532 Dave 021 297 5366

New Triumph Speed Triple R $25,990 The very latest version of this legendary model...

Available in stock now! Ohlins and Brembo etc.

2011 MultiStrada ABS $17,000 - Just traded - get in quick at this price. Ideal multi-purpose tourer. NZ new. Great condition.

Lots of carbon, Termignoni pipe (& original). Givi Top-box + passenger backrest. Full service history. Red-key, etc.

New Kawasaki Z1000 $17,495 + free ORCs - Super Naked Ex-Demo Ninja ZX10R $17,995 - Our (ABS) ZX10R demo Street Fighter. The Z1000’s Sugomi design takes the mass- unit in mint condition and a fraction of new cost. 201 HP and forward crouching concept of its predecessor even further. only 198kg fueled up and ready to go! Brilliant track day bike.

2013 Kawasaki Concours 1400 $16,995 – 23,000km. A fraction of the cost of its shaft-drive Euro competition. The engine is from the mighty ZZ-R1400 but detuned for more midrange. Electric screen, factory luggage, heated grips etc.

New Thruxton S $22,490 Latest model. Competition Green.

IN STOCK and ready to go…

414 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton.

Tel 07 849 1919 sales@hamiltonmotorcycles.co.nz www. hamiltonmotorcycles.co.nz

DISCOVER THE 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES

Starting at $10,995

STREET 500

Starting at $15,495

IRON 883

LOW RIDER S

SOFTAIL SLIM S

CVO STREET GLIDE

FAT BOB

Starting at $30,750

Starting at $51,495

Starting at $28,250

Starting at $27,750

Call now: (07) 958 1400

TE RAPA ROAD - HAMILTON

RoadandSport.co.nz sales@roadandsport.co.nz

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

95

- RACE RESULTS MotoGP 2016 Championship

Country

Bike

Total to date

1

Marc Marquez

SPA

Honda

298

2

Valentino Rossi

ITA

Yamaha

249

3

Jorge Lorenzo

SPA

Yamaha

4

Maverick Vinales

SPA

Suzuki

5

Andrea Dovizioso

ITA

6

Dani Pedrosa

SPA

7

Cal Crutchlow

8

Pol Espargaro

9 10

Rd 17 Sepang

Rd 16 Australia

Rd 15 Motegi

Rd 14 Aragon

Rd 13 Misano

Rd 12 Silverstone

Rd 11 Brno

20

5

0

25

25

13

13

16

13

20

20

0

16

20

16

20

233

25

16

10

0

20

16

8

0

202

11

10

16

16

13

11

25

7

Ducati

171

9

25

13

20

5

10

10

0

Honda

155

0

0

0

0

10

25

11

4

GBR

Honda

141

0

0

25

11

11

8

20

25

SPA

Yamaha

134

10

7

11

10

8

7

0

3

Andrea Iannone

ITA

Ducati

112

16

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Hector Barbera

SPA

Ducati

102

5

13

0

0

3

3

2

11

Moto2 GP Final Results Final points

Rd 18

Rd 17

Rd 16

Rd 15

Rd 14

Rd 13

Rd 12

as at Rd 11

1

Johann Zarco

FRA

Kalex

276

25

25

4

20

8

13

0

181

2

Thomas Luthi

SWI

Kalex

234

20

10

25

25

13

10

25

106

3

Alex Rins

SPA

Kalex

214

11

2

0

0

10

20

9

162

4

Franco Morbidelli

ITA

Kalex

213

16

20

20

16

16

11

20

94

5

Sam Lowes

GBR

Kalex

175

13

0

0

0

25

0

0

137

6

Takaaki Nakagami

JPN

Kalex

169

10

0

11

13

11

16

16

92

7

Jonas Folger

GER

Kalex

167

8

16

10

0

6

8

11

108

8

Lorenzo Baldassarri

ITA

Kalex

127

2

13

13

0

9

25

10

55

9

Hafizh Syahrin

MAL

Kalex

118

1

11

0

3

2

9

13

79

10

Simone Corsi

ITA

Speed Up

103

5

5

9

10

7

0

8

59

Moto3 GP Final Results Final points

Rd 18

Rd 17

Rd 16

Rd 15

Rd 14

Rd 13

Rd 12

as at Rd 11

1

Brad Binder

RSA

KTM

319

25

0

25

20

20

25

25

179

2

Enea Bastianini

ITA

Honda

177

13

0

0

25

16

20

9

94

3

Jorge Navarro

SPA

Honda

150

7

0

0

0

25

0

0

118

4

Francesco Bagnaia

ITA

Mahindra

145

0

25

0

10

0

0

20

90

5

Joan Mir

SPA

KTM

144

20

0

0

7

11

16

7

83

6

Fabio di Giannantonio

ITA

Honda

134

11

1

0

11

13

6

10

82

7

Nicolo Bulega

ITA

KTM

129

0

0

0

16

0

13

11

89

8

Jakub Kornfeil

CZE

Honda

112

9

20

0

3

0

11

1

68

9

Andrea Locatelli

ITA

KTM

96

0

11

20

0

0

10

2

53

10

Romano Fenati

ITA

KTM

93

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

93

World Supersport Championship 2016 Rider

Bike

Nationality

Results

pts behind

1

Kenan Sofuoglu

Kawasaki

TUR

216

2

Jules Cluzel

MV Agusta

FRA

142

74

3

Randy Krummenacher

Kawasaki

SUI

140

76

4

Patrick Jacobsen

Honda

USA

135

81

5

Kyle Smith

Honda

GBR

125

91

Two Hour Bucket Race 2016 No. of laps

Total time

Best time

1

Nathanael Diprose & Chris Cain

234

2.03.20.488

29.131

2

Henk Zeeven & Rick Ford

227

2.03.15.095

30.31

3

Regan Griffiths & Nick Henry

227

2.03.15.843

30.482

4

Jaden Hassan & Aaron Hassan

222

2.03.11.893

29.095

5

Blair Lambarth & Gavin Veltmeyer

219

2.03.10.718

31.635

96

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

& Restoration WIRE WHEELS Repair

NEW ZEALAND’S BIGGEST SELLING MOTORCYCLE TYRE

We SpecialiSe in

Distributed by Nationwide Accessories (W/Sale) Ltd, Hamilton

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NORTH ISLAND STOCKISTS AUCKLAND:

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

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

Blackwood Yamaha The Honda Shop

07 827 7066 07 823 5522

Sargent Motorcycles Ltd

06 379 7887

Dargaville Honda

09 439 1089

Drury Performance

09 294 7955

Gary Worsley Motorcycles

NEW PLYMOUTH:

JMS Motorcycles Ltd New Plymouth M/C Centre Performance Factory

06 754 6297 06 758 4449 06 756 6117

Whyteline

07 862 8783

AFC Motorcycles City Honda Courtesy Motorcycles

06 357 8043 06 357 7027 06 356 2195

Twin Cam Motorcycles

04 298 3556

King Country Honda

07 877 8054

Mr Motorcycles

09 238 3176

06 323 6256

Patterson O’Connor M/C Lakes Honda

07 345 5654 07 348 4100

Harris Tyre Services Ltd

06 867 0728

Scott Newton Motorcycles Ltd

06 362 7347

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

Bayride Motorcycles Makz Gear Smiths Motorcycles Ltd

07 571 3040 07 571 1161 07 578 6062

CAMBRIDGE: CARTERTON:

DARGAVILLE: DRURY:

FEILDING:

GISBORNE:

HAMILTON:

HASTINGS: HAWERA:

Action Moto

06 278 4160

Peter Glidden Honda

07 828 9687

HUNTLY:

KAITAIA:

Kaitaia Motorcycles

09 408 1950

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

Peter Glidden Honda Morrinsville 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

MANUKAU: MAUNGATUROTO: MASTERTON: MATAMATA:

MORRINSVILLE:

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: NAPIER:

PAEROA:

PALMERSTON NORTH:

PARAPARAUMU: PIO PIO:

PUKEKOHE: ROTORUA:

SHANNON:

TAUMARUNUI: TAUPO:

TAURANGA:

TE AROHA:

Te Aroha M/C Centre

07 884 8044

Fieten Motor Services Wilks Penny Motorcycles Ltd

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06 345 8599

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

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09 438 1183 09 438 0804

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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

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WE MOVE MOTORCYCLES

SOUTH ISLAND STOCKISTS ALEXANDRA:

Two Wheels Unlimited

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Arthur Burke Ltd

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Ewan Allan Honda Powerzone Motorcycles Ltd

03 418 0626 03 418 4672

Nelson Marlborough Trials Centre

03 579 2500

Avon City Suzuki Budget Motorcycle Spares Casbolt Honda Dirt Xtreme Ltd Duane’s Bikes & Skis 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 03 318 7924 03 366 2201 03 366 7793 03 374 3502 03 366 6563

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Young Motors Ltd

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98

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989 motorcycleMovers_quart_SEP15_v2.indd 1

30/07/15 12:15

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KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

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Situation Vacant

Trainee Motorcycle Tire Technician We are after an enthusiastic young person to join our family run motorcycle tyre business.

This is a great opportunity to learn the ropes in the industry in a family environment at our easy to commute to location.

Apply in the first instance via email drurymotorcycles@gmail.com with “Job Application” in the subject line.

Give details of your interests and experience, along with convenient times for you to come in and discuss the job.

BIKE BIKE TIRES TYRES 257 Dury 257 Great Great South South Raod, Rd, Drury 09 09 234 294 7955 7955or or021 021070 2254571 2142

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and Trev know their bikes and both ride

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todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

101

Here is our guide to spending money and still being able to feel good about it, safe in the knowledge you’ll be saving money in the longer term.

TYRE PRESSURE GAUGE A tyre pressure gauge is a must. Not only will you get better tyre life and fuel economy, your bike will handle as well as it can, which might just save you from a spill and the cost of a written off bike. Remember, often you get what you pay for. A cheap tyre pressure gauge can sometimes be as accurate as an expensive one, but will it be as reliable?

$10 - $50 FUEL Fuel you ask? Yep, sure you might get wet occasionally but your bike will most likely be cheaper to run than your car. Besides, the fuel you don’t put in the car saves you money too.

$5 - $50

BATTERY CHARGER If you’re not riding your bike regularly, you’ll either have to buy a decent charger or a new battery next summer. Keep your bike firing up first time, every time and get one before it’s too late. Battery chargers are a classic example of ‘sometimes when you save a little you lose a lot.’ That’s to say, you might save a few bucks buying a cheap charger only to find it doesn’t do the job (so all the money spent on it was a waste) and you end up having to buy the more expensive one that works for your bike AND a new battery anyway (see next month for more on battery chargers).

$80 - $300

With times being a little tough at the moment, we’re all having to really watch what we spend. So to help stimulate the country back into a bit of growth, Kiwi Rider has come up with the ultimate monetary policy. Spend.

Words & photos: Todd Sutherland

SERVICE ITEMS & TOOLS This is the long view but regular oil and filter changes will give everything in the engine a longer life. If you’re doing it yourself you will need… tools. Get whatever you need to adjust your chain and do an oil change, as a minimum. A word of caution, if you don’t know what you’re doing, get an experienced mate or mechanic to show you.

A cross-threaded sump plug or incorrectly fitted filters can wreck your engine and cost you big time.

$10 - $100

SECURITY CHAIN LUBE Sure, lubing your chain takes a few minutes a week, but just a little bit of maintenance is less hassle than having to shell out for a new chain and sprockets more often.

A Scottoiler makes it even easier.

$5 - $300

Losing your pride and joy is more than just a financial headache, there’s all the paperwork to fill in for insurance too, let alone being without transport. There are options for every budget from a disc lock to a whacking great chain. It’s better to have a little caution than a great regret.

$10 - $50 KIWI RIDER

103

Accessorise, accessorise...

Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

KR tester Jock McLauchlan has been adding some accessories to his new Honda Africa Twin, these made the shortlist.

ADJUSTABLE SCREEN

The Givi adjustable screen is a serious bit of kit. The low height setting is about 50mm higher than the standard screen and when fully raised it is more than 200mm higher.

This range offers a lot of weather protection and it’s wider than standard too. However you do need to look through it when raised and there is some buffeting at most height settings. Also, you can take the front screen completely off for summer riding leaving the ‘mounted’ screen in place - this single screen is now about 50mm lower than standard and still works very well.

RUNNING LIGHTS

I was keen to add day time running lights for safety and to add some oomph to night time cornering vision. I chose the Givi LED lights because they’re super bright and draw very little electrical power. I mounted them on the top half of the Givi crash bars and have decided not to run the lower engine crash bars because I think between the top crash bar, bashplate and strong rear panniers frames, I’ve got it covered. If I was riding in rocky terrain often I’d run the lower crash bars too. The LED lights are ‘slit eyed’ and throw a super wide beam. When first mounted, I could have shot possums on the offside road fence with ease... Awesome... but too wide for oncoming traffic. So, I aligned the beams one on top of the other pointing off to the left and now have a stunning, wide and long view ahead that shouldn’t get me flashed by all oncoming vehicles.

CRASH BARS

As mentioned above I chose to use only the upper crash bars for protection but also to mount my LED lights on. But they come as a set and, when used as such, seem very protective bolting up very solidly indeed and they look to bulletproof all the engine cases and the top front fairing.

BASHPLATE

The bashplate offers excellent protection and is screwed to very solid brackets which bolt to the frame. This is great because it’s quick to remove for maintenance because the brackets stay in place, meaning there’s less bolting and unbolting to do.

WATER PROOF BAGS

Givi makes two waterproof bags, one holds about 20 litres and the other 40 litres.

Both bags roll up, clip together/shut, are tough and offer extremely versatile waterproof storage that can be tied to the bike almost anywhere. However, Givi has that covered too with rear carrier extensions for the bags to lie on or as a top box platform.

PANNIERS

I went for the Trekker Outback hard panniers because they’re very strong looking (I haven’t put them to a crash test - thankfully), lockable and unclip in an instant (yes, the Honda ones do the same but don’t seem as robust as the Givi panniers). The right-hand pannier will easily hold a helmet, jacket and gloves, while the left is a little smaller because of the recess to clear the exhaust. If you don’t use the panniers often, and don’t want to leave the frames in place, it is only a five minute process to remove them.

E

arly this year while riding the Blue Wing Honda launch for the new Africa Twin down the length of the South Island, I discovered that I so enjoyed the new bike’s all around capabilities that I just had to buy one. So... I bought the base model, mainly because it doesn’t have ABS or traction control, which I prefer not to have offroad and it makes the bike lighter, saving a few kilograms.

The standard bike doesn’t come with a bashplate, and I also wanted some decent panniers and a few other cool bits to trick up my new bike. So, I did a bit of homework regarding the different products on the market, taking into account availability and quality, and I decided to try some Givi products. The order was sent, and a few days later the gear arrived and I went to work in the garage fitting it all. It was an exciting day, or two – like a Christmas specificallly for dads.

The first thing I learnt fitting Givi’s bolt-on gear for the first time is the instructions are adequate – but only just. The drawings are close up and often it’s difficult to know what you’re looking at because parts have been removed from the bike to make the drawing. I think a simple list of what must be removed before you can start fitting the Givi stuff would have reduced my head-scratching time. My advice is to look carefully and take your time. However, more importantly, all the Givi stuff fits well, is very robust, bolts up securely and looks great on the bike.

Of course there is a multitude of other Givi products to choose from for all motorcycle brands and rider needs – it’s not just for Honda’s Africa Twin. I already have a Givi iPhone holder I had mounted on my previous bike, but there are screens, top boxes, soft luggage (which is fantastic and can be tied to almost any bike), and a heap of other stuff. Givi is a great brand, you really can’t go wrong.

This is a selection of the kit I looked at and I’ll be reviewing the individual parts in upcoming issues of Kiwi Rider.

SCOTTOILER

I’ve never used a Scottoiler, but have heard only great things about them. A perfect scenario is six times the normal chain and sprocket life, but two to four times is the norm. Really, I’m probably a mug not to have one. A properly adjusted Scottoiler leaves the chain always with a thin film of oil, but not enough to attract dirt or spray oil over the bike and make a mess. Sounds perfect.

KIWI RIDER

107

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EHAKR002

Classics

Words: Rhys Jones / Photos: Supplied

TIME FOR NOSTALGIA

I

t is five years since I looked at retro motorcycles in Kiwi Rider, and six years since that most revered of classic British twins, the Triumph Bonneville, made an appearance in this column. So, what has happened since then? Europeans in the shape of Moto Guzzi and Ducati have joined in the retro trend, and one of the first retro models on the market, Royal Enfield, has upgraded its output.

There is a new, for New Zealand, theme known as Café Racers, which by any stretch of the imagination is retro styling, helped with the addition of a huge amount of aftermarket goodies to make the bikes look like ‘racers for the road’. They were originally parked outside the Ace Café and burning up the North Circular Road in North London, England in the 1960s. Most of the original café racers were 500cc to 650cc parallel twins, and many of those were Triumphs. I’ll look at the Latin retro output later, but for the moment I’ll stay with the British parallel twins. There were a few attempts by Japanese manufacturers to cash in on the popularity of this design, but nothing serious until after the revolution of the 70s and 80s when most people were dazzled by the thriving market for multi-cylinder superbikes. Then in 1999 Kawasaki tested the water with the W650, in appearance an

almost carbon copy of a 1967 Triumph Bonneville.

The Kawasaki had a 675cc motor, which was later expanded to 800cc. It had both an electric- and kick-start, twin Keihin carburettors, and a five-speed gearbox. But, as with most retro bikes, it’s the look that matters; the dual seat, twin rear shocks, and even the rubber gaiters on the front forks. Interestingly Kawasaki had, unsuccessfully, been down this path before with the W1, a 624cc parallel twin based on a BSA, but that was in 1965 when the British twins were rampant, so who would want a Japanese copy? In 1999 things were different. There were no British parallel twins to speak of, and the market was ripe for a dose of nostalgia. Even many of those die hard Triumph enthusiasts were happy to leave their precious ‘Bonnies’ in the garage and ride their comfortable and reliable W650 Kawasaki down to the shops.

Two years later the British struck back. John Bloor, Chairman of the re-born Triumph company, announced the launch of the similarly re-born Triumph Bonneville. Again this looked like the real thing. This, however, was no push-rod 650 parallel twin, like the original T120. It was a 790cc, twin overhead cam, 8-valve parallel twin, with 360-degree crankshaft to help capture the

Nostalgia. 2002 Bonneville and MG TF replica 1996

1999 SW Kawasaki

Sharing your passion facebo

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109

“MORE THAN JUST BRAKES”

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