KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE JULY 2016

YAMAHA MT-03

LIGHTWEIGHT COMMUTER FUN

2017’s NEW DIRT BIKES

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEXT YEAR’S TECH

MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE JULY 2016

SINCE 1984

 

HUSQVARNA 701SM SWM RS650R YAMAHA MT-03 DUCATI MONSTER 821 2017 NEW DIRT BIKES   

SWM RS650R



WORLD SUPERBIKES MALAYSIA

HUSKY’S POTENT BACK-ROAD TOOL $10 INCL GST

JULY 2016

DUAL-PURPOSE RIDING’S NEW HERO

DUCATI MONSTER 821 • MXGP KIWI JUNIOR TAKES ON EUROPE WSBK TRACKSIDE AT SEPANG • ROAD OF BONES RIDING ADVENTURE 2016 NZ CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS • RACING A SEASON ON MV AGUSTAS

RST LEATHER $1495

1-PIECE LEATHER RACE SUIT

RST profile sports fit: designed to be comfortable and easy to move around in c when on the bike in any situation. w Full grain 1.1-1.3mm cowhide: soft and supple whilst retaining excellent abrasion s and a tear resistance properties.

Triple and double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using super-strong s bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus CE armour to knees, shoulders and elbows with pockets for s optional hip armour and optional back o protector.

Sports styling with mid size race hump a sports collar and cuffs. and Full length 4-way stretch panels: for f maximum mobility and enhanced

38/XS - 48/2XL COLOURS RED/WHITE/BLACK, BLUE/WHITE/BLACK, GUNMETAL/WHITE/BLACK

38/XS - 50 /3XL BLACK/WHITE/RED, BLACK/WHITE/BLUE, BLACK/WHITE, BLACK

LEATHER JACKET & PANTS

LEATHER JACKET & PANTS JACKET FROM

$449

PANTS

JACKET

$379

$469

FROM

$469

PANTS

$369

RST profile sports-street fit: designed to be comfortable and easy to move around in when on the bike in any situation.

Full grain 1.1-1.3Mm cowhide: soft and supple whilst retaining excellent abrasion and tear resistance properties.

Triple and double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus Level 1 Back Protector fitted as standard, with Contour Plus CE armour to knees, shoulders and elbows with pockets for optional hip armour.

Removable thermal fleece vest, keeping you comfortable throughout the seasons.

Full length jacket that can be worn on its own, or matched with any pants in the RST range.

RST Profile street fit: designed to be c comfortable and easy to move around in w when on the bike in any situation.

Full grain 1.1-1.3mm cowhide: soft and supple whilst retaining excellent abrasion s and a tear resistance properties.

Triple & double stitched seams: all seams a stitched using super-strong bonded are n nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus CE armour to knees, shoulders and elbows with pockets for s o optional hip armour and back protector.

Full length jacket that can be worn on it own, or matched with any pants in the its R range.

RST No-knee slider pants that can zip into any RST R jacket.

SIZES JACKET 38/XS - 54/5XL PANTS 28/XS - 44/5XL COLOURS BLACK/WHITE, BLACK (SHORT LEG AVAILABLE IN BLACK)

SIZES JACKET 40/SM - 54/5XL S PANTS 30/SM - 40/3XL COLOURS BLACK/WHITE, BLACK C

LADIES TEXTILE JACKET & PANTS

LEATHER JACKET & PANTS JACKET

$795

1-PIECE LEAT LEATHER SUIT

1.1-1.3 mm premium grade, full grain and drum dyed Brazilian cow-hide.

Hydration Race hump.

CP-X Carbon shoulder and knee protection.

Maurex C.E. Approved armour to shoulders, elbows and knees.

Aramid Fibre stretch panels used throughout.

RST racing compound knee sliders.

Chamud comfort lining to collar and cuffs.

Triple and double stitched seams using 40’s grade bonded nylon thread f maximum burst strength. for YKK zips throughout.

Perforated panels and Airtex lining for f hot weather comfort.

PANTS

$399

RST profile street fit: designed to look cool and be comfortable both on and off the bike.

Aniline 1.2-1.3Mm matt finish cowhide: soft and supple whilst retaining excellent abrasion and tear resistance properties.

Triple & double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus CE armour to knees, shoulders and elbows with pockets for optional hip armour and back protector.

All leather construction with soft leather collar and cuffs.

Semi straight cut leg, with space at the calf to be worn over touring/retro style boots.

SIZES JACKET 40/SM - 56/6XL PANTS 30/SM - 46/6XL COLOUR BLACK

LADIES COLLECTION

JACKET

$449

PANTS

$389

RST profile ladies specific street fit: designed to look cool and be comfortable both on and off the bike. c Aniline 0.9-1.1mm cowhide: super-soft and supple whilst s r retaining excellent abrasion and tear r resistance properties.

Triple and double stitched seams: a seams are stitched using superall s strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus CE armour to knees, shoulders and elbows with pockets for optional hip armour.

Large 4-way stretch panels for comfortable and ergonomic fit, whilst retaining a flattering look.

Adjustable lower zips and waist band.

SIZES JACKET 08 - 20 PANTS 08 - 20 COLOUR BLACK

LEATHER JACKET

$699

RST profile race fit: specifically designed to be comfortable & easy on sports bikes with an aggressive riding position.

Full grain 1.1-1.3mm cowhide: soft and supple whilst retaining excellent abrasion and tear resistance properties.

Triple & double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour plus level 1 back protector fitted as standard, with Contour Plus CE armour to shoulders and elbows.

CPX-C carbon shoulder external sliders, with a lower coefficient of friction to dissipate and redirect impact forces.

Large ventilated panels & removable thermal vest for all season comfort.

SIZES 38/XS - 54/5XL COLOURS BLACK/WHITE, BLACK

IN PREMIUM MOTORCYCLE APPAREL!

RST TEXTILE TEXTILE JACKET & PANTS JACKET FROM

$429

TEXTILE JACKET & PANTS

PANTS

JACKET

$269

PANTS

$299

$229

RST profile touring fit: a ¾ length jacket with multiple adjustment points to tailor the fit to suit your needs, a matched m with tailored jeans for comfort on and off the bike.

Hi-Tex and Ballistic 1660 construction, with a Sinaqua w waterproof breathable membrane and a removable quilted f length thermal lining. full Triple and double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using u super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance. r Contour Plus Level 1 back protector fitted as standard, with w Contour Plus CE armour to knees, shoulders and elbows e with pockets for optional hip armour.

Reflective panels and piping for maximum visibility to other o road users in the dark.

Adjustable intake and exhaust vents and a removable t throat coat to make the jacket/pants customised depending o the conditions. on

RST profile sports-street fit: designed to be coo comfortable and easy to move around when on the bi in any situation. bi bike Ballistic 1660 and Maxtex construction, with a Sinaqua waterproof breathable membrane and a Si re re removable quilted thermal lining.

Triple and double stitched seams: all seams are arr stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for m maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus Level 1 back protector fitted as st standard, with Contour Plus CE armour to knees, sh shoulders and elbows with pockets for optional hip ar armour.

Reflective panels and piping for maximum visibility to other road users in the dark.

Full length jacket that can be worn on its own, or matched with any pants in the RST range. m

SIZES JACKET 40/SM - 54/5XL S PANTS 30/SM - 40/3XL COLOURS BLACK/FLURO YELLOW, BLACK/GUNMETAL C ((SHORT LEG AVAILABLE IN BLACK)

SIZES S I JACKET 38/XS - 56/5XL PANTS 30/SM - 42/4XL BLACK/WHITE, BLACK (S (SHORT LEG AVAILABLE IN BLACK)

TEXTILE JACKET & PANTS TE T JACKET

$399

TEXTILE T TEXT TIL JACKET & PANTS

LADIES COLLECTION LA COLLECTION C CO LADIES TEXTILE JACKET & PANTS LAD

JACKET

PANTS

PANTS

$249

$149

$199

RST profile adventure fit: a specific fit for upright uup adventure and touring style bikes Cordura 500d and Ballistic 1660 construction, cco with a removable Sinaqua waterproof breathable membrane and a wa w rre removable quilted thermal lining Triple and double stitched seams: all seams sse are stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance bbo Contour plus level 1 back protector fitted a standard, with contour plus CE armour to as k knees, shoulders and elbows with pockets f optional hip armour for Large adjustable vented panels to the c chest with long zipped vents up the arms p large rear exhaust vents and zipped plus p panels on the jeans A water bottle pocket, removable map pocket p that converts into a bum-bag and detachable d throat coat give the adventure m maximum versatility.

SIZES JACKET 40/SM - 52/4XL S PANTS 30/SM - 42/4XL COLOUR BLACK

PANTS

$199

600D Polyester and 1680D Nylon outer shell.

1 SINAQUA water- proof a breathable membrane. and Fixed 75g heat sealed, q quilted lining.

RST ‘Contour’ plus CE C approved armour to shoulders, sh elbows and k knees.

‘Scotchlite’ reflex panels.

Adjustable waist- band a arm adjusters. and Four large outer pockets a two large inner and p pockets.

Zip free ‘Comfort cuff’.

Max zips used throughout. t th

RST profile ladies specific touring fit: comfortable for hours on the bike, w subtle feminine styling. with Ballistic 1660 and Maxtex construction, c with a Sinaqua waterproof w breathable membrane and a a removable thermal lining.

Triple and double stitched seams: all a seams are stitched using superstrong s bonded nylon for maximum burst b resistance.

Contour Plus CE armour to s shoulders, elbows and knees with p pockets for optional back protector a hip armour. and Reflective panels and piping for maximum visibility to other road m u users in the dark.

Pants available with a heavy duty c connection zip to match the jacket.

SIZES JACKET 40/SM - 52/4XL S PANTS 30/SM - 42/4XL COLOUR BLACK C

JACKET 08 - 20 PANTS 08 - 20 COLOUR BLACK (SHORT LEG AVAILABLE) C

LADIES COLLECTION COLLECTION

$449

TEXTILE JACKET

RST profile sports-street fit: designed to be comfortable and easy to move around when on the bike in any situation.

Hi-Tex, Ballistic 1660 and K492 mesh construction, with a removable Sinaqua waterproof breathable membrane and a removable quilted thermal lining.

Triple and double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour plus level 1 back protector fitted as standard, with Contour Plus CE armour to shoulders and elbows.

Multiple adjustment points to maintain the same level of comfort whichever way you decide to wear the Ventilator.

Reflective panels and piping for maximum visibility to other road users in the dark.

SIZES 40/SM - 54/5XL COLOUR BLACK

$449

LADIES TEXTILE JACKET

OR

SIZES 08 - 20 COLOURS SILVER,SLATE, BLACK

Get your products delivered directly to you

Collect from your favourite Motorcycle Store

CHECK OUT THE FULL RST RANGE AT WWW.NWA.CO.NZ

Distributed by:

$269

RST profile ladies specific urban fit: designed to be worn in the city both on and off the bike.

Brushed 300D polyester construction, with a Sinaqua waterproof breathable membrane and a removable thermal lining.

Triple and double stitched seams: all seams are stitched using super-strong bonded nylon for maximum burst resistance.

Contour Plus CE armour to shoulders and elbows with pocket for optional back protector.

Detachable hood.

Multiple adjustment points for maximum comfort.

SIZES 40/SM - 54/5XL COLOUR BLACK

Click and Collect or get Home Delivery!

Shop online at www.nwa.co.nz

TEXTILE JACKET

MAXTEX 600d Polyester and BALLISTIC 1680d Nylon outer shell.

SINAQUA waterproof and breathable membrane.

Removable 75g quilted lining.

RST Contour Plus CE approved armour to shoulders and elbows.

Pocket for RST Contour Plus back protector.

Multiple adjustment points.

Hi-Viz reflective panels and piping.

MAX zips used throughout.

360 heavy duty connection zip.

Multiple external and internal pockets.

Zipped air vents.

Soft touring collar.

Urban - Oxford $299.00

Urban - Norwich Low $249.00

Urban - Chester $299.00

Urban - Marshall $299.00

Summer - Stone $199.00

Cruiser - Delta $220.00

new

Women - Yuma Elegance $299.00

Touring - Denver $259.00

Women - Zeudi $299.00

Touring - Navigator $299.00

Women - Sharon $329.00

Touring - Continental $499.00

Offroad - Impact $399.00

All genuine leather • All fitted with breathable, waterproof membranes

Competition - Stealth $475.00

Adventure - Viper XR $375.00

ESAKR016

Touring - Legend R $349.00

THE OPEN ROAD IS CALLING.

HOW WILL YOU ANSWER?

OWN THE ROAD AT ONLY 3.95% P.A.* ON SELECTED HARLEY-DAVIDSON® TOURING MODELS UNTIL 31ST JULY H-D.COM.AU/OWNTHEROAD *3.95% interest per annum maximum 48 months, 10% deposit required. $350 establishment fee applies for personal purchases. Other credit, account opening, lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Finance products are only available to approved customers. Finance applies to new 2016 Harley-Davidson models excluding Street 500, Low Rider S and CVO models.

Available from participating New Zealand Harley-Davidson dealers. Finance options available until 31 July 2016 or while stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

H-D© 2016. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.

DASHBOARD 22

28

34

MALAYSIAN Superbikes

Yep, it’s hot and, yep, it’s humid. But nothing beats watching WSBK from the side of the track and wandering pit lane.

22

pirelli diablo rosso iii

34

Grippier and better in the cold and wet but just the same blackness and roundness, it’s the new Rosso III.

a season racing with MV

Take a trip behind the scenes and see what it’s like running a racing team at New Zealand national level.

40 yamaha mt-03

Small but perfectly formed, Yamaha’s naked 300 hits the right spot.

40

44 husqvarna 701SM

JUL 16

44

We’re not sure if the 701 Super Moto has a split personality or is perfectly balanced but we know it’s a hoot.

51 DUcati monster 821

Some bikes are more than the sum of their parts. This is one of them. The surprise star of the Monster range.

56 ROad of bones adventure The first instalment of a Kiwi adventure across the wastelands of Russia.

65

2017 new dirt bikes

The new dirt bikes for 2017 have started to creep out of the factories, these are the hightlights so far.

84 swm rs650R

This is Italian machine brings modern tech to the dual purpose trail/road bike.

65

84 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.

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/1Wu9imS

.....................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

FRONT END 9  NEWS

15

 ROAD PRODUCTS

ROOST ZONE 63  NEWS

81

 DIRT PRODUCTS

101

 CLASSICS

104

 ROGER MORONEY

Motorcycling New Zealand is 100; MNZ awards for Kiwi riders; You’re reading KR where?; YouTube Gems.

New dirt bikes for 2017; NZ Cross Country champs.

BACK END 90  BIKE MART

Essential services and products

for you and your bike.

Gordon & Gotch Ltd, Opinions: Opinions expressed in Kiwi Rider are not necessarily those of the

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

Everything you need to keep you and

your dirt bike in tip-top condition.

Distribution: McStannic Publishing Ltd.

to page 70 to see what James has been up to so far after the first round.

Racing fans in NZ don’t get much opportunity to see World Championship level racing anywhere nearby but we spent a weekend in Malaysia at the Sepang circuit watching World Superbikes and came away enthused. Along with Australia and Thailand, Malaysia offers another opportunity to see the racing live. Head to page 22 for more.

Italian manufacturer SWM is making bikes once again in the old Husqvarna factory with bikes based around their proven motors. The RS650R is a £10k trail/dual purpose machine that brings a modern engine and modern suspension to the class. We’re impressed. See page 84. Enjoy the mag. BEN WILKINS

ELLO... and welcome to the July issue of Kiwi Rider. I think it’s fair to say Kiwis are renowned for having a sense of adventure. Take for example the Road of Bones in Russia. It’s a demanding ride that’s not undertaken lightly yet a group of Kiwis have ridden it and the story is inspiring. Part one of the two part coverage starts on page 56.

Talking of adventurous Kiwis, our very own Kiwi Rider-sponsored James Scott has taken the huge step of heading to Europe to race in the European MX 150 Championship. The 14-yearold from Operau has been taken under the guidance of 2004 MX2 World Champion Ben Townley at the European rounds of MXGP. Turn

92

 EVENTS CALENDAR

96

 RACE RESULTS

The first supersport? Ducati’s 900SS.

Got it bad? Nah, someone else will have it wetter, colder or muddier than you do.

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

MotoGP, WSB Championships, MXGP

its entirety. Material may not be printed without the written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1177-0023 Cover image: Geoff Osborne

6

KIWI RIDER

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

BMW R 1200 RS - RRP $28,490

Includes FREE Satellite navigation system valued at $1,499 Promotion period ends 31st July 2016.

BMW Motorrad’s High-tech Boxer-powered sport-tourer offers a superior powertrain together with a stable chassis that promises pure riding pleasure. The aerodynamics and an optimised ergonomic triangle provide maximum fun on extended tours: Be it riding in the Southern Alps, on motorways, streets or occasionally at the track.

Loaded with unbeatable features; Dynamic Traction Control, Gear shift assist, Cruise Control, Dynamic ESA and more.

Visit your nearest BMW Motorrad dealer today.

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

Don’t Follow the crowd

The Vulcan S is not your average cruiser. It stands apart, with its Parallel Twin engine, unique frame and suspension layout, and its very non-traditional looks.

Designed for independent-minded riders, it does not require the rider to conform to any herdmentality fashion or lifestyle. Special attention paid to ensuring high levels of fit & comfort, and confidence in riding make the new Vulcan a particularly attractive option for new riders and female riders looking for a stylish, accommodating motorcycle.

Accessible in all senses of the word, with the Vulcan S riders can come as they are, and just get on and go.

LAMS ABS

$11,995 RRP

$13,995 RRP

Read about all the features at www.kawasaki.co.nz or phone 0800 452 9272 for a stocking dealer near you.

Plenty to celebrate after 100 years

T

he governing body for motorcycling in New Zealand has been around for longer than any of its current living members and that meant there was plenty to celebrate at the annual conference and awards weekend.

Motorcycling New Zealand celebrated its 100th birthday in style in Wellington’s Te Papa Museum, the organisation using the occasion to announce its major award recipients for 2016, to recognise and honour special achievements by individuals and also to name the latest inductees into the Hall of Fame.

The centenary function heralded five new additions into the MNZ Hall of Fame and among them were inventor of the iconic Britten motorcycle, John Britten, and the man behind “The World’s Fastest Indian”, Burt Munro. Both men were honoured posthumously.

A man ahead of his time, John Britten was a mechanical engineer who designed a world-beating motorcycle with innovative features and materials, as distinctive for its streamlined shape and bold fluorescent colour scheme as much as for the records it broke and titles it won.

Britten worked on motorcycle design for some years, developing innovative methods using composite materials and performance engine designs.

He created the Britten Motorcycle Company in 1992 to produce revolutionary machines to his own design made of light materials and using engines he built himself, which became world famous.

His Britten V1000 motorcycles won races and set numerous speed records on the international circuits, and it astounded the motorcycle world in 1991 when they finished a remarkable second and third against the factory machines in the Battle of the Twins at Daytona, in the United States.

Sadly, he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and died on September 5, 1995, just over a month after his 45th birthday.

Only 10 of Britten’s famous bikes, plus one prototype, were ever built and one of these is on permanent display at the Te Papa Museum in Wellington.

Herbert James “Burt” Munro was famous for setting an under-1000cc world record, at Bonneville, in the US,

Story: Andy McGechan

The iconic Britten V1000 created by late Christchurch inventor John Britten on August 26, 1967. This record still stands; Munro was 68 and was riding a 47-year-old machine when he set his last record.

Working from his home in Invercargill, he worked for 20 years to highly modify the 1920 Indian motorcycle that he had bought that same year.

Munro set his first New Zealand speed record in 1938 and later set seven more. He travelled to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats, attempting to set world speed records. During his 10 visits to the salt flats, he set three speed records, one of which still stands.

His efforts, and success, are the

basis of the motion picture The World’s Fastest Indian (2005), starring Anthony Hopkins, and an earlier 1971 short documentary film Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed, directed by New Zealand’s Roger Donaldson. Munro died in January 1978, aged 78. A bike purported to be the original “Munro Special” is in Te Papa Museum.

Also honoured to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night, named as ambassadors to NZ Motorcycle Sport or Industry, were Tokoroa’s Sean Clarke and Palmerston North’s Tim Gibbes, while Lower Hutt’s Paul Treacy was recognised for his contributions to motorcycle design and engineering.

KIWI RIDER

9

Massive attack with Hypersport tyre Continental’s new Hypersport tyre aims to give road riders the ultimate in German-engineered performance. Pitched at fast road riding and occasional track days and hand-made in Germany, the Conti Sport Attack 3’s Grip Limit Feedback technology allows you to ride right on the edge.

Improvements in wet-weather performance come thanks to a redesigned tread pattern and revised Rain Grip compound. A wear-resistant central area and grippier shoulders increase wear resistance while traction skin shortens run-in time thanks to a micro-rough tread surface.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Price: From $259 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com Go further with Manx panniers Travelling by motorcycle but don’t wish to commit to the Bike-Pack System? These Ventura Manx panniers give you increased luggage capacity with a stylish look. They carry 26 litres, and are designed to be hard wearing, spacious, and attractive throw-over panniers that are super-quick to fit via their Velcro straps.

Distributor: Dold Industries Price: from $199.99 Info: dold.co.nz

Keep your battery healthy over winter, and poised for spring This CTEK MXS 3.8 battery charger features CTEK’s patented float/pulse maintenance mode, and is ideal for 12-volt DC batteries ranging from 1.2Ah up to 85Ah. Unique charging algorithms ensure it can cope with a broad range of battery problems, so it’s ideal for everyday use. Safe and easy to use, the MXS 3.8 will not spark, even when the positive and negative leads are touched or connected in reverse. The MXS 3.8 is suitable for trailer boats, jet skis, motorcycles, cars, ride-on mowers, and ATVs. Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $149 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Winter glove goes the extra mile The RJays Booster Winter Mens and Ladies glove is an all-new winter glove with the sports styling and protection you’ll expect from this brand. Features include A-grade drum-dyed leather and polyester construction, a Thinsulate liner for added comfort and warmth, a 100-per-cent waterproof and breathable Hipora insert, Kevlar and Superfabric abrasion pads on the palm, and silver reflective striping across back of hand and index fingers as well as double Velcro wrist and cuff closure.

Distributor: Northern Accessories Price: $99.95 Info: northern.co.nz Keep dry, stay seen with RST one-piece suit RST’s one-piece unisex waterproof suit delivers a value-for-money solution for what to carry in your backpack when the weather is unsettled.

The fit is generous enough to fit over all textile or leather suits or jackets, without race humps, or jeans. The design means that it can be donned in a matter of seconds, and 3M Scotchlite reflective panels on the arms, back and legs make for added safety when riding in the dark. Want more visibility? There’s a fluorescent yellow version too.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size style: SM/40-3XL/50, Fluorescent Yellow/ Black, Black/Silver Price: $139.95 Info: nwa.co.nz

Red-hot vintage style Stylmartin’s Continentals are fantastic vintage-style touring boots. Crafted from full leather, and fastened via leather straps with adjustable metal buckles, they feature shin and ankle protection, and an anti-slip rubber sole. Don’t like that eye-popping red? They’re also available in black.

Distributor: Eurobike Wholesale Price: $499 Info: eurobike.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

15

High-speed HJC goes the extra mile HJC’s new RPHA-11 Premium road helmet developed via lessons from road racing.

The shell includes an extra layer of carbon-glass hybrid fibre for better safety, and features a larger eye port. A new forehead vent and aerodynamic top vent increase rider comfort but keep noise down at speed. The washable comfort liner wicks away moisture, there’s a two-position visor lock, internal chin-bar vents and reflective rear panels, and it comes with an extra 2D Dark smoke visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: Sizes: XS- 2XL, semi-flat black and semi-flat Titanium also available Price: $699 (plain) $899 (Graphic) Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

The flip-front skid-lid just got better The next evolution of the iconic flip-front helmet is the N104 Absolute, which gets the same great styling as its predecessor, but with added features. Like slots for the arms of your glasses/sun glasses to go through, making getting your glasses on and off a breeze and eliminating any discomfort caused by the helmet pushing the arms into your head. The interior has been updated too, and now the chin strap padding can also be removed and washed along with the interior.

Distributor: Eurobike Wholesale Price: $599-$699 Info: eurobike.co.nz Café Culture bites the Bull-It The new Bull-It SR6 Cafe Blue is a regular fit, dark-blue denim jean with a water repellent finish. Covec protection over 60 percent of the jean offers impact abrasion resistance in excess of six seconds when tested to CE 13595-1. Covec SR6 is more resistant to wear for prolonged performance and doesn’t weaken over time when wet. A thermal barrier keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer, an inner mesh layer ensures moisture is drawn away from your skin, and there are knee and hip armour pockets.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Size style: Mens sizes 32” to 40” waist in regular and long leg Price: $239 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz Why not look great when riding Designed for the urban environment both on and off the bike, the Ellie jacket delivers CE armour at shoulders and elbows, along with a detachable hood for casual use.

Shaped for the female form from brushed 300D polyester, with multiple adjustment points, a removable thermal lining and a waterproof, breathable membrane, the jacket features triple- and double-stitched seams using super-strong bonded nylon.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size style: 08-20, silver and black Price: $269 Info: nwa.co.nz

Bike, car or plane, go anywhere with MotoDry rollbag The new MotoDry ZXR-1 Rollbag holds a massive 40 litres and secures to either racks or your bike’s seat, thanks to the clip/straps that come with the bag. The Rollbag is made from heavy-duty 600 denier material and has an internal base support to hold its shape. It also features a handy clip-on shoulder strap once you’re off the bike, plus there’s a storm/rain cover for added protection when the weather starts misbehaving.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $89 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Go further with your Ninja The latest green machine to get the Ventura treatment is the road-legal superbike, the Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja. You no longer have to leave anything behind while on your Ninja thanks to the most flexible luggage system available, with options ranging from nine to over 100 litres. The bike is pictured here with the Mistral Pack attached to the Bike-Pack System.

Distributor: Dold Industries Price: TBA Info: dold.co.nz

16

KIWI RIDER

Marquez still fighting but Lorenzo has the lead

Words: Michael Esdaile / Photos: Yamaha Racing

Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez is still very much in the hunt for his third world MotoGP crown after fifth and sixth rounds in France and Italy but there is no question he will have to overcome fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, who is looking to have a very strong prospect to clinch his fourth MotoGP crown.

LE MANS

Round five at Le Mans in France saw Lorenzo ride a flawless race, leading from the start to the chequered flag. Behind him Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso led the early chase, then Ducati team-mate Andrea Iannone took over, briefly, before crashing. Dovisioso was then back in second place, with Marquez close behind, followed by Rossi who had worked his way past the Espargaro brothers, Aleix (Suzuki) and Pol (Tech 3 Yamaha).

Lorenzo continued on at the front in flawless fashion, but Rossi was keen to accumulate as many points as possible so on lap 13 he got past Marquez and a lap later relegated Dovizioso to third place.

The pressure on Rossi was removed two laps later when Marquez and Dovizioso both crashed on the entry to turn seven.

They were running line astern and both lost front tyre adhesion at almost the same moment.

This left Rossi well clear of third-placed Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) who had ridden a stellar race, from ninth on the opening lap to third with 12 laps remaining. Behind him Dani Pedrosa moved into fourth after also fighting his way forward from a lowly tenth place on the opening lap.

But there was no stopping Lorenzo, who won by a staggering 10.6 seconds from Rossi with Vinales a further four seconds back. Lorenzo’s pace was such that he was just seven seconds slower over 28 laps than his 2015 race record.

His race time this year was 13 seconds faster than Marquez’s 2014 winning effort, indicating Michelin is making ground on the tyre front.

Marquez finished 13th after picking up his battered Honda and continuing. The three points he garnered meant Lorenzo went to round six at Mugello just five points ahead of him in the championship.

MUGELLO

This memory was in my head, so I said to myself ‘Why not try the same?

After Friday morning rain, the weather cleared in the Tuscan hills surrounding Mugello, and the fans enjoyed glorious sunshine, their numbers buoyed after Rossi snatched pole on Saturday with an inspired late charge which saw him get a ‘tow’ from Suzuki man Vinales in the last minutes of qualifying.

Vinales then slip-streamed Rossi for the final lap, ending up second on the grid just over nine hundredths of a second off Rossi’s pole lap. Rossi’s time was just 15 thousandths of a second outside the pole record at Mugello, set by Iannone on the Ducati last year. This year Iannone ended up third fastest while Marquez was on the second row of the grid, alongside Lorenzo and Aleix Espargaro.

An indication of how tight qualifying was at Mugello, 12th placed Yonny Hernandez (Aspar Team MotoGP Ducati) was within a second of Rossi’s pole time, on a 2014 specification Ducati. His lap time, 1m 47.436s, was a couple of tenths faster than what Cal Crutchlow had managed on the bike when he qualified it at Mugello in 2014, as a factory Ducati rider. Curiously, this year Crutchlow, on a satellite Honda, recorded the exact same qualifying time – 1m 47.659s – as he had in 2014, but that was not even good enough to get him a shot at the top 12 grid slots…

On Sunday, Lorenzo made no mistakes as he carved through into the race lead before the first of the 23 laps was over – and he led across the finish line

every single lap. However, that does not begin to describe the dramatic events that unfolded. Pole man Rossi slotted into second spot with Aleix Espargaro next just ahead of Marquez. Where was Iannone? Back in eighth place after the ‘slipper’ clutch grabbed as he tried to get the factory Ducati cleanly off the line. He had practiced several starts on Friday and Saturday and just as he and the team were satisfied they had sorted the wheelie control, the Ducati reared up when it mattered most, at the race start.

Suzuki’s Vinales also muffed the start, and was back in 11th place at the end of the first lap. Three laps in, Marquez had got through to third while Vinales was eighth and Iannone had slipped back to tenth and was about to start his run at a podium finish.

Out front Lorenzo clicked off the laps with relentless efficiency while Rossi dived and probed looking for a way past.

Twice he got ahead, only to run wide and let Lorenzo slice back through on the inside. Not far back from Rossi, Marquez was biding his time and got his chance to press his case when Rossi’s Yamaha billowed smoke, sending the Italian to the sidelines.

Out front, Lorenzo maintained his blistering pace, Marquez held station and Dovioso ran third ahead of Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda), Iannone and the Suzukis of Aleix Espargaro and Vinales.

With seven laps to go Iannone had made it through to third having got the better of Pedrosa, then team-mate Dovizioso, KIWI RIDER

19

Top-level racing, great food and a friendly atmosphere all come together at the Malaysian round of World Superbikes.

Words & photos: Ben Wilkins

A

destination race is one of a motorcycle racing fan’s biggest adventures and heading to Malaysia, famous for its heat, food and friendly atmosphere, had me as excited as I was at the first Superbike race I ever attended as

a young fella.

Landing at Kuala Lumpur airport I was looking forward to the prospect of watching the cut-and-thrust racing of the WSBK championship and taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of a new culture. I’d heard the stories that Malaysia was humid and hot. But to be honest, as I got off the plane, I was expecting it to be hotter and more humid than it felt. Even in the passport queue I was congratulating myself on my humidity management skills.

That was until we walked out of the doors into Malaysia proper. It’s pretty much like walking into a wall of 30-degree humid heat. The stories were right but, thankfully, everywhere we went the buildings and vehicles were air-conditioned.

With a day to spare before heading to the race track for our travelling group of race fans headed into the centre of Kuala Lumpur. Perhaps the most famous sights are the Petronas Twin-Towers, which at 452m, dominate the city skyline. These were the tallest buildings in the world for some six years until Taipei 101 was completed in 2004. They are, however, still the tallest twin buildings in the world.

Standing almost half a kilometre below the tips, they’re a feat of engineering in stainless steel. I couldn’t help but ponder the amount of money it must have

cost to build them and, from a racing perspective, the ill-fated Foggy Petronas racing team. Built as an entrant into the World Superbike championship, with Troy Corser and James Hayden on board, the three cylinder machines were at a disadvantage from capacity rule changes.

They’d been developed as sub-900cc triples but the regulations were amended to allow 1000cc machines, leaving them underpowered. Racing is a fickle mistress.

To me, one of the best parts of travelling is getting the opportunity to try the local food. Yes, while the food in the hotels is pretty much guaranteed to not make you ill, it’s often a pale imitation of the food served up by the local street vendors.

While it’s a step out of most people’s comfort zones, it’s not without its risks.

Fancy trying it, but hesitant? My top tips are to make sure it’s a from a busy stall

and it’s cooked freshly in front of you.

Busy stalls during the lunch rush hour are the best option. It’s not without its risks but it’s safer than drinking the tap water.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you. But it was damned good.

RACING

SATURDAY Tom Sykes had put his Kawasaki ZX10R Ninja onto pole position for race one after winning Superpole. For Saturday’s race one we wandered down to the final corner to get a grandstand view without having to walk a million kilometres in the non-airconditioned heat. Lowes got a great start from P2 on the grid and took the lead with the Kawasaki duo of Sykes and Rea close behind. On his first flying lap Sykes broke the circuit record and KIWI RIDER

23

Words: Ben Wilkins / Photos: Pirelli, Ben Wilkins

P

irelli Asia Pacific chose to launch the Italian company’s new supersport tyre at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.

The Diablo Rosso III is touted as an all-new tyre with a more supersport-oriented performance making it the most sporty tyre in the Diablo

line-up.

Based on Pirelli’s market research, the Rosso III is aimed at supersport and sports-naked motorcycle riders with an annual mileage of up to 15,000km. Think fast road riding and occasional track days all mixed in with a bit of commuting and you’re pretty much there. Sound like an all-round do-it-all tyre? That’s pretty much what Pirelli has come up with. Traditionally, the Supercorsa has been the go-to choice for sports riders but wet weather performance has been the compromise.

They’re stunning when it’s dry but the lack of tread away from the tyre’s crown meant rain stopped play on anything but a sunny, dry day. Great for the summer and trackdays, but not so great otherwise.

The Diablo Rosso III aims to provide all

the fun in the dry of the Supercorsa but without having to limp home with your tail between your legs when the (inevitable in NZ) showers come.

ALL-NEW

According to the technical guys at Pirelli, the Rosso III is a completely different tyre to the Rosso II. That’s everything. Nothing carries across between the tyres bar the Diablo Rosso name – it has a different carcass, tread pattern and compound materials.

The carcass is Pirelli’s zero-degree belt technology which lays the belts in line with the driving force of the tyre to reduce wear and provide support. Pirelli says the tread pattern is designed to work well in the wet, reduce wear and give a family resemblance to the Supercorsa tread design. But it’s the profile of both tyres and the compounds that are the big news.

The profiles of both front and rear tyres have been changed to be more like those of the Supercorsa, with an increased profile height (2.5% taller than the Rosso II) and width. The shoulder radius has been increased for more support when leaning into a corner.

COMPOUNDS

On the compound front, things are substantially different to the older tyre too.

The front tyre gets a 100% silica compound (one layer of full silica) for performance over a wide temperature range. The silica compound gives good initial grip when cold (apparently even in sub-20-degree temperatures) without the need to warm upso make for good initial grip when cold and great wet weather performance. The rear tyre is a different compound made up of 70% silica and 30% carbon black, giving good initial grip and wet performance but with the ability to withstand the higher temperatures a rear tyre sees due to acceleration forces. The two materials are distributed in a ‘cap and base’ construction.

Both shoulders are silica compound, while the centre (cap) and baselayer are a harder

wearing carbon black compound.

According to the guys at Pirelli, the new tyre was heavily developed on poorly surfaced roads in cold and wet weather conditions, yet it still has the ability to perform on the race track for the occasional track-day rider. Sounds like a road tyre with a huge amount of track capability but without the compromises of a track-biased tyre.

All the presentations in the world can’t tell you what a tyre actually feels like, so we took the opportunity to try the tyres on a variety of bikes including the BMW S1000RR, Suzuki GSX-S1000, Ducati Monster 1200, Ducati Monster 821 and Honda CB650F. Pirelli set the tyre pressures of all the test bikes to 2.5bar (36psi) front and rear.

KIWI RIDER

29

Racing the

Photo: Terry Stevenson

Exotic Words: Rod Price / Photos: As credited

Wanaka-based Rod Price added a touch of the exotic to this year’s New Zealand Supersport Championship. Here’s his story of racing an MV Agusta with Alex Phillis.

W

ay back in the dark ages, I spent a hugely enjoyable New Zealand summer season as a ‘pro rider’. I earned enough prize-money racing my Yamaha TZ350 to live (frugally) and chase a championship.

Life was pretty good.

I must have been blinded by the warms rays of nostalgia when I decided to do it all again this past season. Actually, it was more coming off another highly entertaining phone call with my old mate Robbie Phillis, who’d mentioned his son Alex was in need of a ride. No pressure, but a seed had been sown: a tilt at the New Zealand Supersport title. The more I thought about it and the more I talked to bike mates I knew that, whatever I did, it had to be something different.

Hence the choice of campaigning an MV Agusta 67 and, as it transpired, it was certainly different. I bought an exdemo bike in July. It had done a couple of thousand kilometres, a few of them around Teretonga but... the price was right.

The helicopter industry was in good shape and MahiCapital thought it was a good idea, too. That’s about when “I” became “we” and Helicraft Racing with MahiCapital was born. With Alex aboard and Robbie as his mentor, everything fell into place quite quickly regarding support crew.

One of the benefits of being old means knowing some equally old heads, some of them filled with all sorts of knowledge, experience, guile and cunning. And humour.

Dave ‘Radar’ Cullen is one such person.

He’s worked with Robbie and Alex, not to mention a whole host of world champions.

He also quite enjoys visiting New Zealand to escape the snakes of Queensland.

Phil Purdue liked what we were doing too, and joined us as our IT guru. Phil fitted in quite easily; he’s an old mate from our KIWI RIDER

35

Words: Ben Wilkins Photos: Geoff Osborne/Yamaha

Yamaha’s awesome YZF-R3 gets naked and renamed the MT-03. Ben Wilkins takes it for a quick spin.

A

couple of years ago the MT-03 was a 600cc single-cylinder machine on tall suspension but that’s been dropped and the name re-appropriated onto the naked stablemate of the YZF-R3. We tested Yamaha’s YZF-R3 last year and thought it would sell well in New Zealand. Looks like we were right, the NZ motorcycling public has lapped it up. And the naked MT-03 is proving even more popular, selling almost double the amount than its faired sibling according to the figures. In fact in April it was the biggest selling bike in NZ over 60cc, accounting for almost double the sales of the next best-selling machines – the MT-03s are, quite literally, selling like hot cakes.

Like the YZF-R3, the MT-03 has a 321cc twin-cylinder, four-stroke engine at its heart, which makes the same power and torque figures (30.9kW/41hp and 29.6Nm/22lb-ft respectively). This is an engine that revs willingly and produces a broad spread of power. Compared to other machines in its capacity class, the Yamaha is the smoothest and strongest in the engine department courtesy of the parallel twin configuration and the slightly larger engine capacity. For a small capacity machine, the MT-03 has a reasonable amount of mid-range pulling power. Keep the revs to 5000rpm and it pulls readily and really starts to get into its stride at about 8000rpm. Keep it going and the bike will rev all the way to 12,500rpm, with peak power just after

10,500rpm. Around town the motor is very flexible allowing a choice of several gears without any chain slap – and it doesn’t take much in the way of revs to zip through traffic (the high and wide-ish bars help here). Rev the little Yamaha hard and it’ll have no problem leaving pretty much any traffic behind. Top speed should be in excess of 160km/h – enough to easily keep up with the flow of ANY traffic, and land you in a heap of trouble too.

Featuring the same two-piston caliper, single disc front braking set-up as the YZF-R3, the MT-03 has great brakes.

There’s plenty of stopping power available and the ABS works well. From my time on the YZF-R3 at a race-track, I can say the brakes take a lot of abuse before they start to overheat, and the ABS keeps things under control even at speed in the wet. These are top brakes for a small capacity machine.

The MT-03 clearly differs from its YZF-R3 stablemate in that it has no fairing to keep the wind or weather off. The reduced weight over the front wheel makes the naked machine feel just that little bit more fun. It steers more quickly and feels noticeably more nimble changing direction especially at higher speeds. Getting through traffic is slightly easier too despite the bars on the MT-03 being slightly wider.

They’re also wider and further back, giving a more upright riding position that’s more comfortable around town (and they make wheelies quite easy too...).

The footpegs are in exactly the same position as on the R3 and give enough room and comfort for me with a 32-

All-day comfort; good power; top handling/suspension; economy; price No room under seat for bike security; pillion accommodation is minimal.

That’s it.

KIWI RIDER

41

Words: Jock McLauchlan Photos: Geoff Osborne

Big, fast and capable of cutting up the twistiest of roads, Husky’s 701 SM is the perfect back-road scratcher.

O

n the surface, on paper and in the flesh, the Husky 701 SM looks like a giant single-cylinder hoon bike, purpose built to offend the PC masses in droves! It seems the perfect middle finger salute to the dowdy old establishment. And while it would be wrong to say that it isn’t more than happy to behave on the edge of what is commonly acceptable, it is also remarkably refined too as an everyday machine. I actually found myself wanting a little more ‘animal’, a little more XR650Rlike punch at low rpm initially, but then I discovered myself sideways across some wet seal even with the very sticky rubber and decided that perhaps, on closer investigation, it was fine.

Yes, on balance the Husky engine is a well-considered blend of mild to wild.

In essence the 701 Husky SM has the same 692.7cc engine and running gear as the KTM Duke R but with quite different plastics, exhaust layout and spoked wheels. The engine is very over-square with a 105mm bore and 80mm stroke, is liquid-cooled with a four valve SOHC head and a six-speed box that includes a slipper clutch. The motor produces around 67hp at 7500rpm, a lot of power for a production single. Gassing it up with a handful of throttle delivers a smooth initial response that almost belies the fact that this is a massive, and fast, single.

However, very shortly the revs build into a forceful midrange that has the front up and the 701 hurtling forward. The midrange is broad and strong and snowballs into an impressive top end for a huge single that only softens very slightly a little before

the rev limiter is reached. For a 690cc single cylinder to be this linear, smooth and strongly progressive throughout the whole rev range is an exceptional result, but at high rpm the vibes do come; with the over-run when you back off the throttle being the most noticeable, although it’s not bad. However, there is one catch – and it’s the same with all big singles – if you load the engine up in a high gear at low revs it does become snatchy... so the answer is to change down a gear or two.

I think the chassis is outstanding with an excellent handling balance and

quality feeling suspension. While I’m no supermotard racer we gave the 701 a decent workout with jumps and stoppies, not to mention hustling it through the twisties and, quite honestly, it never put a foot wrong. It did bottom when jumping a little, but it was being fired off a metre high concrete wall and on to a flat, hard concrete landing and I’m no light weight... so no complaints there. The WP 48mm USD forks have 215mm of wheel travel and are separate function with rebound adjustment via the top right (red) knob and compression the left hand white

one. I never altered the standard setting because it was excellent, being compliant, progressive and controlled at all times giving great confidence with the feedback.

The WP rear shock is fully adjustable for preload, rebound and high and low speed compression damping. It has 250mm of wheel travel via a linkage system and, like the forks, gives terrific feedback that inspires confidence. I found it reasonably plush and progressive for all riding, but perhaps a little quick in the rebound from fully-bottomed when jumping. However, it was never really a problem and I could KIWI RIDER

45

WORLD’ S LARGEST MOTORCYCLE RETAILER

RED BARON AUCKLAND NEW MODEL LINE UP

MV AGUSTA IN NEW ZEALAND RED BARON AUCKLAND & TSS RED BARON LOWER HUTT

ARE YOUR MV SPECIALIST.

Z300

NEW YZF-R1 DEMO AVAILABLE $26,990+ORC MT-09 ABS DEMO AVAILABLE

Ninja 300

NEW MT-07 ABS DEMO AVAILABLE

VULCAN S LAMS $12,995+ORC

From $7,695+ORC

SALES, SERVICING AND PARTS & ACCESSORIES. From $7,995+ORC LATEST MODELS COMING SOON. DEMOS AVAILABLE!!!

CALL/ EMAIL OUR SALES TEAMS FOR MORE INFORMATION!!! J300 ABS SPECIAL EDITION

Stradale 800

2014 Rivale 800 EAS ABS

$18,990+ORC

$16,990+ORC

$18,990+ORC

$17,990+ORC

Dragstar 800

2014 Brutale 1090 ABS

2015 F3 675 EAS ABS 2014 Brutale 800 EAS ABS $16,990+ORC

$17,990+ORC

$29,990+ORC

$26,990+ORC

2014 F3 800 AGO

Turismo Veloce Lusso 800

Dragstar 800 RR EAS ABS

$26,490+ORC

! # 1 in NZ! 200+

$7,995+ORC

2016 ZX-14R Öhlins, Brembo

$14,499+ORC

$11,599+ORC

MT-07 FULL POWER 689cc 74.8ps

$11,995+ORC

2015 YZF-R3 DEMO AVAILABLE $25,595+ORC $7,995+ORC 2016 ZX-10R DEMO AVAILABLE From $24,995+ORC YZF-R15 SPECIAL EDITION 2016 ZX-6R $4,549+ORC $17,495+ORC (ABS) TRICITY 125 2016 KLR650 FROM $4,495+ORC CAR LICENSE OK!!! $9,690+ORC 2015 ZX-10R 30th Anniv. 2016 XV250 V-Star $6,995+ORC $17,995+ORC

USED BIKES IN STORE!!!

50,000+ USED BIKES ARE AVAILABLE FROM JAPAN!!!

-CONTAINERS LANDING EVERY MONTH!!!

-ALL IMPORT + USED BIKES HAVE A CHASSIS CHECK!!!

-ALL IMPORT + USED BIKES HAVE BEEN SERVICED BY RED BARON MECHANICS!!!

-FINANCE DEAL AVAILABLE ASK OUR SALES TEAM!!!

-MOST USED MODELS RECIEVE 3 MONTH/3,000KM WARRANTY!!!

-30 POINT INSPECTION BEFORE DELIVERY!!!

-ALL MODELS COME WITH FREE ENGINE OIL SERVICE AT FIRST SERVICE!!!

- MOTORCYCLES WANTED!!! TRADE INS WELCOME!!!

BIKES BIKES

130+ 130+

IN IN

STOCK STOCK

COME WITH FREE $500- WORTH OF GEAR GEAR PACKAGE* PACKAGE*

+ FREE BRONZE RIDE FOREVER RIDER TRAINING COURSE SALES PH: (09)360 7707 PARTS & ACCESSORIES PH: (09)360 7704 Email: sales@redbaron.co.nz Email: parts@redbaron.co.nz MON - FRI 9:00am-5:30pm SAT -3:00pm WORK SHOP PH: (09)360 7710 Email: service@redbaron.co.nz MON - FRI 7:00am-5:30pm SAT 9:00am-1:00pm

*CONDITONS APPLY.

299 GREAT NORTH ROAD, GREY LYNN, AUCKLAND

Words: Ben Wilkins / Photos: Ducati

I

Ducati’s mid-range Monster delivers far more than the spec sheet suggests. ’ve always been a fan of motorcycles with large capacity vee-twin engines. It doesn’t particularly matter whether they’re surrounded by a fairing or not, I just love the grunting power and deep droning sound that comes from the engine format.

It’s something that Ducati’s

Monsters have delivered in spades over the years, ever since the first 900cc models in 1992.

Todd, our advertising guru, got a brief test on the 821 last year and thought it was the surprise machine of the Ducati range... and for once, I have to agree with him.

The recent launch of the Pirelli Diablo

KIWI RIDER

51

Looking for an adventure? Somewhere remote, with bears in the wilderness, mosquitos as ferocious as the bears, zombie towns and a long disused road with a tragic past, broken bridges and river washouts, not to mention riverside camping on stony ground only made endurable with vodka. Chris Stephens tells the story in this two-part adventure.

T

he Road of Bones, the real Road of Bones… not the gravel road (fast becoming a gravel highway) from Yakutsk via Ust Nera to Magadan, but the Summer road (the old Road) completely abandoned with adventure scarred into every kilometre by the ravages of time and nature.

Both roads start in Yakutsk (Nizhny Bestyakh) on the Lena River and travel approximately 2000km to Magadan on the coast through a wilderness area creating access to the region’s minerals, gold and other metals and connecting to Magadan port on Russia’s eastern coast. A roading project of the Stalinist era, construction started in 1932 with the first labour camp (Gulag) and then subsequent Gulags were constructed along its route until 1953.

The road has become a memorial for the labourers who were interred in its fabric as it was deemed “impractical” to dig graves in the permafrost. In 2008 the road gained Federal status and the route that splits north via Ust-Nera has undergone

considerable upgrade. The upgraded route bypasses Tomtor sitting some 420km eastward and beyond Tomtor the 200km is completely abandoned.

It’s this old route (the old road) that has the ingredients for adventure for both motorcyclists and 4WD explorers

Logistics

We had our Russian friends Konstantin (Kot) and Maxim (Max) in Moscow who were working with the Yakutia government for the necessary permissions and support vehicles. They would need to get their bikes and our group camp equipment from Moscow to Magadan at the other end of Russia. The distance from Moscow to Magadan is 10,201km and the distance from Auckland to Magadan is 10,937km.

We were effectively meeting our comrades halfway for this epic journey. Max and Kot would secure the support truck and van and all the food supplies. Back in New Zealand we prepared six Suzuki DR650s for this sub-Arctic encounter. Whilst we were all, admittedly, “Brand Bunnies” and normally ride exotic enduro and adventure

KIWI RIDER

57

ANNUAL BONANZA

mOtOrcycLe geAr At UNBeLievABLe prices!

3 days only 30 JunE - 2 July HouRs: Thurs June 30: 12 – 5.30pm • Fri July 1: 9am – 5.30pm • Sat July 2: 9am – 3pm Boyd MotoRcyclEs, 403 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton • Ph 07 838 1209 • www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz HeRe aRe JuST a Few oF THe aweSome dealS oXFoRd scott Copenhagen jacket, was $399 now

$229

Shirt and pants combo FRom

$85

sHoEI

VFXw Sear TC11 was $849 now

$499

Macna

Geo 2 jacket, was $549 now

FlY

Hydrogen jersey

was $79 now $45

Hydrogen pants was $249

now $149

HJc

RPHa10 was $699 now

$350

$300

2017 DIRT BIKES EALED REV 2016 CROSS COU NTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS KIWIS IN MXGP THE HOTTEST DIRT PRODUCTS

NZ’S LATEST DIRT NEWS KIWI RIDER

63

Mitas Tyres win 2016 KTM Hard Enduro Series Gold & Silver class outright winners

d 17. The 125 an changes for 20 up d ean lin 5 el 12 od oad m w XC-W The KTM off-r ed with the ne ac pl re , ith w ne e go ng le ra els are ross the who 200 EXC mod nts are new ac ne footpegs to po m om co Fr of s.

150. 90% some model on g ters 5k to s of up to electric star weight saving and airboxes on si en sp su s to improved. frames, engine ping upgraded and en be s ha ring forks. Dam ng everythi mm XPlor sp 48 P W l. w ro ne nt t the ing co All models ge more bottom legs and offer e th n ee tw is split be 0g lighter.

They’re also 20

KTM

htweight lithium werful, very lig po e or l m ve ve le els ha so fuel s clear tanks All E-start mod EXC range ha e th ll odels have A m s. ll A rie ion batte excellent.

– t an st in an lled in l rigidity, but can be eye-ba er for torsiona iff st is d ch hi w frame are lighter an a new, lighter e sub-frames Th . lly x na fle r di itu tte g long have be more forgivin , stronger and er ht aling lig se e r ar s tte garm ith a be stronger. Swin all new too, w e ar s tic as pl s. The characteristic . airbox design g in th and brea

KTM 125 XC -W HIGHLIGHTS

0 XC-W ed with the 15 Can be upgrad t en em ank replac top end (no cr needed) ch hydraulic clut • Brembo rb ca m m 38 X • Mikuni TM arbox ge tio ra e id w • Six-speed available electric start • Optional g lighter • Engine 2k

•

KTM 150 XC -W HIGHLIGHTS

0 EXC ment for 20 • Replace utch hydraulic cl • Brembo carb TMX 38mm • Mikuni gearbox d wide ratio • Six-spee t ar available al electric st • Option

KTM 250 EXC -F HIGHLIGHTS

ter, 20mm is 1.5kg ligh New engine ful more power shorter and y throttle bod e • 42mm power curv cs n nsor sy • Gear se to gear

•

KIWI RIDER

65

Photos: Chris Ritchie

Kiwi Rider-sponsored junior, James Scott, is racing in the Honda 150 European championship at the MXGP rounds under the guidance of Ben Townley. His dad Matt Scott gives us an update on the spectacle.

CULTURE SHOCK

O

n May 1, James and I hopped on the plane to fly to Europe for James to race in the European Honda 150 Championship. James’ first race was in Germany the weekend following our arrival. Based in Lommel, with Ben and Lucie Townley and their children, we were sent off by BT to get a bit of training in before the German race on the weekend.

So we headed to a track in Genk, and got our first lesson on how to cope in a strange country.

We immediately realised how different things were going to be, driving on the wrong side of the road, foreign language and road signs, it was evident that the riding was only going to be a small part of this experience! We eventually managed to get a bit of bike time to get James accustomed to the new Honda CRF150R he was about to race a European Championship on.

Practising in Europe is completely at another level. You are sharing the same track with anyone from factory riders like Cairoli, Febvre, and Herlings to pros on sidecars and to the average amateur quad or motocross rider.

The next day (Thursday) we were off to Teutschenthal, six hours drive from Lommel. We drove about 20 minutes and then hit the autobahn, which was an eye opener within itself – vehicles (including race quads!) overtaking at 200km/h! But anyhow, we found our way to Teutschenthal despite a few hiccups. It wasn’t quite as easy as BT had suggested.

MXGP RACE EXPERIENCE

Friday we arrived at the track, eager to get a look at the 150 camp and our bike. Once at the track we began to realise how big this all was, the setups were huge – we were reminded pretty quickly that this was the world MXGP. The next step was to get the bike set up as best as possible for James, which took a fair bit of guesswork on my part. It was a bit daunting working beside 30 other mechanics, but as Vege often says, “They all have to put their pants on one leg at a time too”. At the end of the day we went for a track walk with Gordy Crockard, which was very interesting listening to the views of a renowned MXGP rider. James was lapping it all up and getting pretty excited about the weekend ahead.

RACE WEEKEND

We were there for an early start, James seemed very calm and relaxed which was good and a little unexpected! He had a whole lot of new and different things to get his head wrapped around; new bike, gear, boots etc. For me, I was starting to realise the enormity of protocols at a world GP. We were the first bikes on the track for qualifying, and as you could imagine it was a mud bath! James qualified 5th, which we were pretty happy with. Race one followed five hours later. Start procedures are completely different to what we are used to in NZ. It is all up to the rider to prep the gate as once into the start grid

mechanics are not allowed anywhere near the bikes. Also, once the riders have chosen and prepped their gate, the only rider guaranteed their gate is No1. This means James gets 5th choice for a gate; if No 1, 2, 3 or 4 riders want his gate they can take it.

James was extremely lucky, and I would imagine other riders might have been some what envious, when BT was on the line giving him advice – I don’t think we in NZ realise how much respect people have for BT. James got a good start and stuck with the leaders, and even gained the lead for a short period, before having some bike issues which caused a few minor mistakes.

He focused well and limped the bike home to 7th place. Day two started with a 10 minute warm-up, and the ace followed 40 minutes later. James got a reasonable start, started to push through, getting up to fourth, but then suffered a few of the same bike issues as the day before. Again, James rode to the conditions he had and came in a credible 5th, giving him a 5th overall for the Teutchenthal round.

These motos are 20 minutes plus two laps and, if any of you saw any photos of Teutchenthal, the track was nothing other than gruesome. Even the MXGP riders were saying these were some of the most torturous conditions they had ridden in, with ruts up to your thighs with 10 line choices, huge braking bumps and big jumps. Considering James had only arrived five days prior to

racing and was riding a completely different bike than he is used to, dealing with different cultures, food etc, I was pretty pleased with his efforts. On the other hand, for any of you that know James, he thought his weekend was shit, and is looking forward to improving on this at Matterly Basin.

LIVING THE DREAM

Sunday night after racing we made the five hour drive back to Lommel, and some serious training began under BT’s guidance on Tuesday. For the two weeks I stayed on, James rode 1-2 hours five days a week in the deep sand in Lommel.

James’ training ethic is a credit to him, and we saw major improvements just in that two weeks of training. His lap times have dramatically improved from his first ride at Lommel.

Just the other day we got a Whatsapp instant message from BT on another lap time which is still improving.

James is aware that he is an extremely lucky boy to be living his dream. Not many sports people get to be mentored by their idol (BT). We know this would not be possible without the help of many people here in NZ who have supporting James with generous donations, and especially Ben, Lucie and their children who have provided a family home for James to be living in.

KIWI RIDER

71

HUSKY

HARVEST HUSQVARNA 2016 MODELS NOW HAVE MASSIVE SAVINGS! Right now you can pick a sweet deal at your local authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealership when you buy a selected 2016 model!

HUSKY HARVEST 2016 TC125

$11,999

NOW $10,999*

TC250

$12,999

NOW $11,999*

TE250

$14,299

NOW $12,799*

TE300

$15,299

NOW $13,799*

FE250

$15,099

NOW $13,599*

FE350

$15,599

NOW $14,099*

FE450

$15,849

NOW $14,349*

VISIT YOUR LOCAL HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLE DEALER & GET IT RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, WHILE STOCKS LAST. www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Discounts apply to the aforementioned model range. This offer is for all new 2016 selected model purchases and does not include dealer delivery or government charges. Not in conjunction with any other offers. At participating dealers only. For more information contact your local authorised Husqvarna Dealer. While stocks last.

HOKITIKA ENDURO Words & photos: Coral McDonald

Fifty Five riders were treated to a blue bird day at the Hokitika Enduro, the 4th round of the Beta South Island Series.

I

t’s been many years since an enduro was held on the west coast and the Hokitika Enduro certainly got everyone buzzing. The West Coast is a pretty special place stunning scenery, inevitable rain, rocky bottomed wallows and sphagnum moss. The atmosphere seemed charged with anticipation and we knew some of the tracks were going to cut up, so the Junior and Intermediate riders were sent off first with a 15 minute break before the experts were let loose on the track.

The first terrain test was held in an open paddock, motocross-style, with lots of mud and boggy patches. This was followed by an extreme enduro test; a forest block with a difference. Over on the West Coast they ‘V’ blade, so the trees can be planted into dry ridges while leaving the lower cuts boggy. It was single lane, muddy and riders had to be smart crossing ruts and picking their lines. The third was a fast cross-country style test featuring mulched gorse grassland tracks

which crossed two slippery rocky rivers.

The Experts seemed to have no problems, zero-ing all sections, Intermediate and Junior riders were a bit more challenged, but lots of mud splattered bodies and bikes made those big grins stand out. In true South Island spirit, many of the Experts, once finished, headed back out to help bring in the Intermediate riders then headed back out to the motocross test to have a bit more fun. There was even a bit of chat circulating around the paddock along the lines of “Wouldn’t this make a great National event!”

Mark and his team of local farmers are keen trail riders and this was their first attempt at putting together an enduro.

They’d worked hard to clear a lot of old tram tracks - hand-cutting and where possible they brought in the tractors, diggers and mulchers - discovering old water races and long sphagnum moss bogs. There is so much riding over on the Coast and next year’s event should not be missed. Top points guys!

KIWI RIDER

73

Taupo’s Brad Groombridge (Suzuki), unbeaten in 2016, winning all four rounds and easily taking the senior title overall at the cross-country nationals

The New Zealand Cross-country Championships are done and dusted for 2016 and, looking at the senior results, you could be forgiven for thinking it was a one-horse race. But it was actually anything but that.

Words & photos: Andy McGechan/bikesportnz.com

Y

es, Taupo’s Brad Groombridge won all four rounds of the senior competition, crossing the finish line first after three gruelling hours of dirt bike racing at each of the four challenging venues, two in the South Island and two in the North Island, but the racing was extremely close throughout.

With points from only three of the four rounds to be counted, as riders were to discard their one worst score, it meant Suzuki rider Groombridge,

with three outright wins before Saturday’s final round near Nelson, had already wrapped up the senior crown even before the shotgun blast had signalled the start to the weekend’s final senior race.

But sill there was plenty to fight for with overall runner-up position to be determined, not to mention the various bike class results to be settled.

Howick’s Liam Draper (Husqvarna) finished runner-up on Saturday to clinch the No.2 position overall and also to claim the

Raglan’s Logan Shaw (Honda), with the junior cross-country crown in the bag for 2016

under-300cc four-stroke class honours, while Titirangi’s Callan May (Yamaha) claimed third place at Nelson and took the No.3 spot overall as well as clinching the over-200cc two-stroke class title. Groombridge had already snatched the over-300cc fourstroke class title.

Mokau’s Adrian Smith (Yamaha), May and Pahiatua’s Charles Alabaster (Honda) respectively ended the series rounding out the top five positions overall in the senior grade.

Best of the women was Te Awamutu’s Jan-Maree Pool (KTM),

who produced another strong ride to wrap up the women’s title overall.

While Groombridge dominated with his unbeaten run, Draper posted a 5-2-2-2 score-card for the series, while May had skipped round one, making that his “discard” result, and he had 3-3-3 results to count on.

The action was much tighter in the junior grade, where there was virtually nothing to separate series leader Logan Shaw (Honda), from Raglan, and Nelson’s Jackson Walker (Yamaha).

KIWI RIDER

77

The

Dirt

www.dirtguide.co.nz Guide Photo: bikepsortnz.com

2016

CROSS CROSS COUNTRY COUNTRY SERIES SERIES

CROSS COUNTRYSUNDAYS Round 1 Sunday 19th June Tar hill (1st round is also 1st round of the NZXC Round) Round 2 Sunday 7th August Ohakuri Round 3 Sunday 4th September Ohakuri Round 4 Sunday 2nd October Tar hill

Dirt Guide Cross Country Series: All rounds are sign posted from SH 1 south of Tokoroa.

Classes:- Juniors (3km track) - - 7-11 yrs MX - - 7-11 yrs Trail - Juniors (10km track) - - 12-15 yrs, MX 85cc 2 stroke / 150cc 4 stroke - - 12-15 yrs, up to 200cc 2 stroke - - 12-15 yrs, up to 250cc 4 stroke - Novice ladies all capacities.

- Seniors - - 0-200 2 stroke Ex/Int - - 201-Open 2 stroke Ex/Int - - 0-300 4 stroke Ex/Int - - 301-Open 4 Stroke Ex/Int - - Vets 40-49 Ex/Int - - Vets 50+ - - Ladies (all capacities)

Terrain: Forestry based tracks Junior (small race) 3k course Juniors (big course) race (approx 10km loop) starts at 9:30am and is one and a half hours long Seniors race (approx 20km loop) starts at 12:30am and is two hours long Organiser: Forest Trail Events Contact: Sean & Adele Ph: 07 886 5918 or 027 599 6046 Sign On: Juniors need to sign in between 8am and 9am. Seniors between 8am and 11.30am.

Entry Fee · Juniors $50 · Seniors $60 Food for sale throughout the day Prize giving at the end of the series for overall points.

Caught in the [SIDI] Crossfire Sidi’s been a leading motorcycle boot designer since 1970, and its range-topping Crossfire2 MX/off-road boot features the Sidi Flex system, with two articulated joints for better leg flex and adjustment. Fully replaceable parts throughout allow you to repair and customise the boots. Micro adjustable buckles are fully adjustable and replaceable, and there is further adjustment on the calf up to a massive 56cm diameter. The SRS version has easily replaceable soles available in MX, Offroad and Supermoto versions.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: SRS black/white, grey/yellow, white/red/blue, white/orange, TC222 Replica black, white, non-SRS black/white/yellow fluoro, black, white, SRS black/white, non SRS black/white/yellow Price: $739, SRS version $859 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com Tight nuts released, electricals insulated, bikes protected This Ipone Protector 3 multi-purpose aerosol releases seized metal parts, and is pitched as an excellent insulator for electrical components such as spark plug cables, coils and connector cables.

It creates a film which provides effective protection against weathering and humidity.

Its many uses mean it’s all but essential for ATV, boat and jet-ski users and it’s ideal for use after washing, to protect all metal and electrical components.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: 400ml $21.69, 750ml $25.63 Info: nwa.co.nz

Composite weave ups the ante New Zealand helmet brand FFM has upped the ante with the introduction of the all-new fibreglass composite weave MotoTech 1. This new helmet oozes class, particularly at this price. Features include all the goodies you’d expect from a premium helmet, including ECE22.05 safety certification, removable and washable cheek pads and lining, an adjustable peak, dual air intakes and rear exhaust vents, plus a fit designed for the NZ market.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Size style: A variety of colourways in Pacer graphic or the trick Limited Edition NZ Patriot.

Price: Pacer $279, NZ Patriot $299 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

See better, faster, further with Oakley super-vision Made for more than just spotting obstacles, the Oakley Airbrake Prizm Signature Series MX lenses help you see subtle transitions in dirt conditions. Ride with greater confidence as precise colour filtering helps you pick fast lines, identify differences in dirt texture for traction control, and see deeper into ruts. Prizm MX lenses are engineered to perform under a wide range of light conditions, so when the track goes from sunlight to canopy shade, you’ll experience sharpened visual acuity and vivid colour perception.

Distributor: Northern Accessories Size style: TMC neon/green/CMO Prizim Jade Price: $299.95 Info: northern.co.nz

Wonder-spray covers all the bases Looking for an all-round wonder spray?

Look no further! Muc-Off MO-94 is designed to cover all the bases with its PTFE formula to quickly and effectively penetrate moisture, lubricate moving parts and leave a long-lasting protective film.

It prevents dirt adhesion and drives out excess water to keep rust and corrosion at bay. MO-94 isn’t just for bikes, motorcycles or cars, it works on just about anything, even a squeaky door hinge, a rusty lock, or a bolt that you just can’t turn.

Distributor: Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $24 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Get your Mud on The Mitas C-04 rear tyre is designed for this season – mud.

It uses a soft compound that comes in 110 to 130/90–18, so it’ll suit the majority of enduro machines, and it boasts strong lugs designed to penetrate the surface and bite where other tyres don’t. No wonder we’re told Mitas is fast developing a reputation for exceptional traction and unbelievable tyre life.

Distributor: Dold Industries Price: $124.99 Info: dold.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

81

Nano grit makes you cleaner than you look Muc-Off Nano Grit Hand Cleaner removes ingrained oil, grease and grime. Its natural, nano-sized grit scrubs away the aftermath of even the most intense tune-up session, making it a must-have for any bike lover. The latest lifesaver from Muc-Off is 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. Now a tub of Muc-Off hand cleaner is all you need!

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Price: $24 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Versatile performer a must for any gearbag The Thor MX Phase jacket is designed as the perfect jacket for all-around riding, with zip-off sleeves to help you cope with changing weather conditions. Heavy-duty 600D poly oxford construction makes the Phase jacket a versatile performer in even the toughest conditions. With plenty of storage pockets, pre-curved elbows and a water repellent outer shell, the Phase jacket is a must for any rider’s gear bag.

Distributor: 454 unlimited Price: $199 Info: 454.co.nz, dirtbikegear.co.nz

Long-lasting tyre with lethal sting The new Scorpion Rally tyre uses innovative materials to achieve a compound with high resistance to fatigue and long-lasting performance. The front knob layout is designed to impart directional stability and lead the rider on the straightest path to victory.

The rear knobs are designed to provide rotational traction for the difficult terrain encountered in demanding rallies. All these components are supported by an innovative and complementary structure to help guarantee outstanding performance and high resistance to punctures.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: From $229.90 Info: nwa.co.nz

Acerbis X force Handguards From Acerbis, the innovator of all things plastic, comes the X-Force handguard, tested and tried

by Acerbis sponsored riders like Ken Roczen, Blake Bagget, Ryan Dungey, Chad Reed and Travis Pastrana. The X-force can be fitted to any handlebars and you can choose to mount them above or below the levers to suit your bike. The X-force includes a removable spoiler so you can swap between fully vented and fully protected — it’s perfect for any bike in any conditions.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Size style: New fluoro yellow Price: From $65 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

Protect your Kawasaki KLR from knocks Do you own a Kawasaki KLR650 (2008 to ’16) and want the ultimate skid plate? The Emperor Heavy Duty Skid Plate is a 4.7mm-thick aluminium plate that has hand-Tig-welded wings, billet aluminium machined mounting brackets and high-grade metric fasteners. These guards are designed to take as much punishment as a serious adventure rider can throw at them – and that’s quite some thrashing.

Distributor: Dold Industries Price: From $284.99 Info: www.dold.co.nz

High-filtration filter oil keeps your bike breathing longer Ipone – Racing Air Filter Oil is a grease spray to protect air-filter sponges on cross, enduro and trail bikes. Its packaging allows filter protection without getting your hands dirty, the blue colour shows that even cover has been achieved, and a new, widejet diffuser makes for easier handling. This filter oil is a high-filtration product that allows the bike to breathe, does not affect carburation, and is formulated to extend engine life.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: 750ml $29.29 Info: nwa.co.nz

82

KIWI RIDER

showcase muc-off goggle cleaning kit

rrp

$26

Are you tired of cleaning your helmet and goggles with pieces of tissue or the sleeve of your jersey? Then this kit’s for you! The Optix Pack is ideal for keeping in your ride pack for quick and safe cleaning on the move. It quickly removes dust, mud, insects, soot and oily residue from your helmet and goggles leaving a streak free finish. Each kit contains a premium quality microfibre cloth that has been specifically designed to clean delicate finishes.

The pack also includes a 35ml spray bottle containing an advanced cleaning formula. Always handy to have, they’re available from Muc-Off motorcycle retailers.

forma predator

Essential new ride gear available now from your local dealer

ffm mototech 1 New Zealand helmet brand FFM have upped the ante with the introduction of the all-new fibreglass composite weave MotoTech 1 to their range. This new helmet oozes class, particularly given its sub-300 dollar price tag. Features are truly top-shelf and it comes with all the goodies you’d expect from from a premium helmet, $279 including ECE22.05 safety certification. Plus a superb fit designed for the NZ market. Available in a variety of colourways in Pacer graphic (pictured) or the trick Limited Edition NZ Patriot.

Try one on at your FFM stockist. We think you’ll be impressed.

ffm motopro 4

As chosen by some of the world’s elite MX and Enduro Championship riders, these European-made race-spec boots are loaded with features that provide the user with premium protection and comfort, including plenty of injection moulded plastic protections plus a carbon fibre dual-pivot flex control system in the ankle. They come in a range of uber cool colours in Euro sizes 43 to 48. Don’t be a follower. Be a rrp leader and grab $679 yourself a pair of these boots today.

FFM’s all-new for 2016 Motopro 4 is the Kiwi-owned brand’s midprice MX helmet. This is the latest evolution of the popular Motopro off road series, that continues on the tradition of offering a great fitting, great looking helmet with price-defying specs.

It features Multi Poly from Tech shell construction, $159 intake and exhaust vents, removable and washable lining and the latest ECE.2205 safety certification. The Motopro 4 is available in a range of colours along with Matt Black solid and Limited Edition NZ Patriot graphic. Available in-store now.

pro filter air filters

ffm explorer ex1

PRO FILTER Premium Air Filters are made of chemical resistant, high quality polyester based foam. Dual-stage design allows for superior filtration by eliminating the passage of fine dirt and dust, while helping to prevent air flow blockage. These long life re-usable Air Filters are available in a range of applications for MX bikes and ATV’s. See in-store for more details.

If you’re in the market for an adventure-style helmet that represents excellent bang-for-buck, then this bad boy from FFM is well worth a look. Outer shell is Mult Poly Tech (MPT) construction, while a dual-visor system (DVS) means you want get caught out with the wrong visor for the conditions.

The helmet is certified from to the latest ECE22.05 $219 standard and comes in solid Black, White and Matt Black in sizes S to XXL. For more details on the Explorer EX1, head into your local FFM helmet stockist.

from

$39

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

www.forbesanddavies.co.nz

Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

SWM’s Husqvarna-based RS650R brings high-spec trail riding to the $10k price point.

S

WM is probably a name few of you know. Founded in Italy in 1971, SWM (Speedy Working Motorcycles) produced enduro and trials machinery through the 70s and early 80s using Sachs and Rotax engines.

The company went into liquidation in 1984 but has been reborn in the (refurbished) old Husqvarna factory in Lombardia, northern Italy. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, SWM is back in business with proven (Italian) Husky engineering of just a few years back with a wide range of new machines that are well built and very well priced.

The new SWM has been relaunched with Ampelio Macchi (former technical manager with Cagiva, Aprilia and chief engineer with Husqvarna) leading the charge, backed by Daxing Gong (head of the Chinese Shineray Group). With 46 world titles at Husqvarna and five at Aprilia in Macchi’s tenure with the companies, the technical knowledge is certainly there.

Our test bike was RS650R, a 650cc trail/ dual-purpose machine and it’s certainly a heap of fun to ride. Its immediate competition seems to be the likes of the Suzuki DR650SE and Kawasaki KLR650.

The RS650R is based on the Husqvarna TE630 and is a cut above both of these two in performance terms yet comes in at a similar price.

The engine displaces 600cc with a 100mm bore and 76.4mm stroke and looks very similar to the old Husky engine.

It is liquid cooled, has double overhead cams operating four valves, a six-speed gearbox, electric start and twin exhaust header pipes leading to twin mufflers, which was very much the trend a few years back.

The power delivery is very smooth for a big single, surprisingly linear, deceptively quick and also vibration levels are reasonable. Make no mistake though; the bulk of the power is in the broad midrange. At low revs the power is easy to modulate and quite torquey, there is no brutish punch from idle like some oldstyle big singles, just a smooth drive that is great around town (and for traction on dirt or gravel). Whatever the revs, the exhaust note remains quiet. The real guts of this engine arrives at about one third throttle with a broad, smooth lunge that carries and builds right through until after three-quarters throttle, where the power softens until the rev limiter is reached. I liked the power a lot for its ease of use in general riding and it does wheelies on

KIWI RIDER

85

Metric nuts bolts & washers Dome head cap screw (e.g. fairing fastener kits)

Hi-tensile steel with bright zinc coating Hi-tensile anodised alloy (4 colours) Engine bolts, frame bolts, fairing and screen screws.  In fact every type of fastener for motorcycles. The right type and finish. From 4mm to 10mm diameter, up to 100mm long.

Hex bolts

Hex cap screws (e.g. engine cases)

For full details of types and sizes, e-mail eurobike@xtra.co.nz Available individually or in kits.

From $150 to $290

Hex nylon nuts

Distributed by Eurobike Wholesale.

Panel screws Nylon washers

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

Bailey_JUL16.indd 1 2/06/16 9:40 AM 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

Dismantling Motorcycles for over 25 years

AN125 wrecking now

CB400 wrecking now

Custom sports trikes DT175 wrecking now

Created individually

ZX250 wrecking now

by MS Coombes Limited

ALSO WRECKING: GasGas 400•Honda TRX 300 2wd and 4wd•NX250 VS700 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 RF900•GSX-R1100•1988•Eiger (auto)•GSX R750 04•GSX-R750 86650 Savage 2005•LTA500 92•LTF300• 03•GSX250F•YFM250•Timberwolf•GN250 GSXF250•DRZ125•AN125•RM 80•LT50•JR50•Yamaha AG100•Yamaha FZ 600 MT01•YFM450 Kodiak•250 Viargo•FZR2502KR 90•YZ125 01•PW50

ANDERSON JUL16.indd 1

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

2/06/16 10:13 AM

You buy it.

We’ll deliver it!

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

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

91

EVENTS CALENDAR / JULY 2016 * Please check with organisers before event in case of cancellations, errors or changes in dates *

ADVENTURE RIDES JUNE - 4, Epic Events presents Suzuki D-Day, Adventure Ride, Ohakune, check out www. epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz - 4/5, Taupo to Interior Central and Surrounds Self Guide Adventure Bike Ride, with NGARNZ, checkout www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com JULY - tba, Overseas Adventure, Trans-American Trail Tour, US based, guided or self navigate with GPS. Contact Jim either 021517110 or email jimdenham@hotmail.co.nz or visit www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com4 SEPTEMBER - 12, ALL NEW AUSTRALIAN Adventure Bike Ride, with NGARNZ, checkout www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com - 18/1 Oct, Adventure ride to Cuba, with Adventure Rides (Mike Britton), check out www.adventurerides.co.nz or phone Mike on 0212849047 OCTOBER - 22/23, Heartland Gisborne based Adventure Bike Ride with NGARNZ, checkout www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com NOVEMBER - 5/7, Great Barrier Island Adventure Ride, fully guided and catered, big bike and pillion friendly, contact Britton Adventures on 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz - 26, Yamaha Far North Adventure Ride, with Britton Adventures, contact Mike at 0212849047 or mike@adventurerides.co.nz - Date tba, Adventure Taupo and Surrounds with NGARNZ, checkout www.northerngraveladventureridersnz.com CROSS COUNTRY JUNE - 19, Dirt Guide Cross Country Round 1, South Waikato (tba), Juniors $40, Seniors $50, phone Sean Clarke 0275996046.

Juniors sign on between 8-9am

-29, Acerbis 4 Hour, Crosscountry race, Tahorakuri, Taupo, check out www.epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz NOVEMBER - 12, GNCC Round 2 at Burts Farm, Matata, with Power Adventures, phone Greg, 0274454429(four rounds only) DECEMBER - 10, GNCC Round 3 at Maddix Farm, Tauranga,with Power Adventures, phone Greg 0274454429(four rounds only) ENDURO JUNE - 5, National Enduro, Round 5, at Tokoroa, with Sean Clarke, ph: 0275996046, sign in from 8am, starts 10am MOTOCROSS OCTOBER - 14, Nailing the Peat 4, at Patetonga, 516 Mangawhero Rd, with Hauraki Plains College hosting the Secondary School Invitation TT Series, cost $55 per rider, entries close Wednesday 21st September, limited to 140 riders.

Email amandaf@haurakiplains.school.nz or ring her on 07 8677029 ext 812 RUNS, RALLIES, RIDES, SHOWS & TOURS 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 SUPERMOTARD (mixed dirt / tarmac races) also see www.supermotard.co.nz/events 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

AUGUST - 7, Dirt Guide Cross Country Round 2, South Waikato (tba), Juniors $40, Seniors $50, phone Sean Clarke 0275996046.

Juniors sign on between 8-9am

JUNE - 11/12, Epic Events presents Suzuki Berm Buster, trail ride at Wainui, Taupo, check out www.epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz - 25/26, Kuratau Suzuki Community Trial ride at Kuratau School - contact Kuratau School 07 3865801 or visit www.kuratau.school.nz for more details

SEPTEMBER - 4, Dirt Guide Cross Country Round 3, South Waikato (tba), Juniors $40, Seniors $50, phone Sean Clarke 0275996046.

Juniors sign on between 8-9am

JULY - 9/10, Epic Events presents Suzuki Berm Buster, trail ride at Wainui, Taupo, check out www.epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz

OCTOBER - 2, Dirt Guide Cross Country Round 4, South Waikato (tba), Juniors $40, Seniors $50, phone Sean Clarke 0275996046.

Juniors sign on between 8-9am - 8, GNCC Round 1 at Murray Jensens farm, Te Puke, with Power Adventures, phone Greg 0274454429(four rounds only)

AUGUST - 13/14, Epic Events presents Suzuki Western Blast trail ride at Western Bays, Taupo, check out www.epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz

92

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

SEPTEMBER - 10/11, Epic Events presents Suzuki Berm Buster, trail ride at Wainui, Taupo, check out www.epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz OCTOBER - 15/16, Suzuki Desert Storm, trail ride, at Karioi, Ohakune, check out www.epicevents.co.nz and 0275144419 or email directors@epicevents.co.nz -The Sandpit (Woodhill Forest) Open 9-5 Wed to Sunday, tracks suitable for all levels, family passes available, for more Info phone 09 420 8879 or visit www.thesandpit.co.nz, hire bikes available but bookings essential TRAINING DAYS -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 -Auckland Motorcycle Club Advanced Rider Training Visit AMCC website www.amcc.org.nz for entry form Enquiries: Colleen at cthompson@paraserv.co.nz or amccinc@Ihug.co.nz or ph 09 4891239 or 0274231433

CLUB SECRETARIES If you want your event listed here FREE, as it has always been for our Events pages, please fax the details to: KR EVENTS, (09) 416-5308 or email admin@kiwirider.co.nz.

Giordano’s Wine bar & Italian BBQ 57 The Strand East, Whakatane

WHEEL & SPOKE SERVICES

Bike friendly, secure bike areas free upgrade to spa suite - quote ‘kiwirider’ on site wine bar & restaurant amazing rides around the eastern bay on our doorstep

☛ 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

call 07 3082244 - www.tuscanyvillas.co.nz - email: stay@tuscanyvillas.co.nz

Cash Paid

SCOOTER HIRE- 4 HOURS $60

Bike Jackets Bike Pants Bike Boots

fully auto 250cc scooter OK for restricted or full test

257 Onehunga Mall Rd, Onehunga, Auckland, NZ

www.scootling.co.nz/hire Ph (09)360 0717

P: 09 636 5296 M: 021 0256 7945

310 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn

E: armyleathershop@xtra.co.nz

Buy SCOOTLING_AUG15_45X45.indd 1

2/07/15 13:59

Sell

Trade

ARMYandLEATHER_APR16.indd 1

31/03/16 10:37 AM

Get your company noticed here from a trifling $45 PH: 09 416 5307

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

93

TWO PASSIONS • Two wheels • Real Estate

Mike Pero Yamaha TZZ5OW Six times NZ Road Race Champion

Thinking of selling?

Call us – 0800 500 123

2.95%

*Our fees are 2.95% up to $390,000 thereafter 1.95% + admin fee + gst.

Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)

& Restoration WIRE WHEELS Repair We SpecialiSe in ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Contact: Kuratau School on 07 386 5801 or visit www.kuratau.school.nz for more details

94

KIWI RIDER

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

VICTORIAN

MOTORCYCLE WRECKERS

52-54 Mologa Road, Heidelberg West, 3081, Australia Ph +61 3 9457 1733 Fax + 61 3 9457 1866 Email vicwreck@vicwreck.co.au ONLY WRECKING LATE MODEL JAPANESE ROAD BIKES INCLUDING THE GREY IMPORTS AND PARALLEL LINES

HONDA CBR250RR MC22 ’90, WRECKING ONLY

HONDA CBR500R ’13, WRECKING ONLY

HONDA CBR1000RR ’09, WRECKING ONLY

KAWASAKI EX300A ‘14, WRECKING ONLY

YAMAHA FZ6-S ’09, WRECKING ONLY

SUZUKI GSX1300R ’01, WRECKING ONLY

SUZUKI GSXR600 ’07, WRECKING ONLY

SUZUKI GSXR1000 ’15, WRECKING ONLY

SUZUKI GSXR1000 ’06, WRECKING ONLY

SUZUKI GW250 ’13, WRECKING ONLY

YAMAHA R1 ’14, WRECKING ONLY

HONDA VTR1000 ’02, WRECKING ONLY

SUZUKI VZ800 ‘09, WRECKING ONLY

KAWAZAKI ZX10-R ’04, WRECKING ONLY

KAWAZAKI ZZR1200 ’03, WRECKING ONLY

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

95

- RACE RESULTS -

MotoGP 2016 Championship Country

Bike

Total to date

Rd 6 Mugello

Rd 5 Le Mans

Rd 4 Jerez

Rd 3 The Americas

Rd 2 Argentina

Rd 1 Qatar

1

Jorge Lorenzo

SPA

Yamaha

115

25

25

20

20

0

25

2

Marc Marquez

SPA

Honda

105

20

3

16

25

25

16

3

Valentino Rossi

ITA

Yamaha

78

0

20

25

0

20

13

4

Dani Pedrosa

SPA

Honda

66

13

13

13

0

16

11

5

Maverick Vinales

SPA

Suzuki

59

10

16

10

13

0

10

6

Alex Espargaro

SPA

Suzuki

49

7

10

11

11

5

5

7

Pol Espargaro

SPA

Yamaha

48

1

11

8

9

10

9

8

Hector Barbera

SPA

Ducati

43

4

8

6

7

11

7

9

Andrea Iannone

ITA

Ducati

41

16

0

9

16

0

0

10

Eugene Laverty

IRL

Ducati

36

3

5

7

4

13

4

Next Rounds: 5 June Catalunya, 26 June Assen

WSBK 2016

Donington

Fassi

Imola

Assen

Aragon

Name

Bike

Country

Round 7

Race 2

Race 1

Round 6

Race 2

Race 1

Round 5

Race 2

Race 1

Round 4

Race 2

Race 1

Round 3

Race 2

Race 1

1

Jonathon Rea

Kawasaki

GBR

293

20

16

257

16

20

221

20

20

181

25

25

131

16

20

2

Tom Sykes

Kawasaki

GBR

237

25

25

187

8

25

154

16

16

122

20

0

102

20

16

3

Chas Davies

Ducati

GBR

231

16

0

215

13

16

186

25

25

136

11

20

105

25

25

4

Davide Giugliano

Ducati

ITA

147

9

20

118

20

10

88

13

11

64

8

0

56

10

11

5

Mark van der Mark

Honda

NED

141

8

8

125

10

9

106

7

9

90

16

0

74

9

0

6

Nicky Hayden

Honda

USA

136

10

11

115

25

8

82

8

7

67

10

16

41

0

10

7

J Torres

BMW

ESP

117

5

9

103

3

13

87

9

13

65

1

11

53

11

9

8

L Camier

MV Agusta

GBR

97

11

13

73

7

6

60

11

10

39

7

13

19

0

0

9

L Savadori

Aprilia

ITA

89

13

10

66

2

0

64

5

8

51

13

10

28

5

6

10

A Lowes

Yamaha

GBR

70

0

0

70

0

11

59

10

5

44

9

8

27

7

8

11

Sylvain Guintoli

Yamaha

FRA

58

0

0

58

0

0

58

0

0

58

5

0

53

6

7

Next round: Rimini 18/19 June, US 9/10 July, Germany 17/18 Sept

FIM MX GP 2016

Spain Italy

Germany Latvia

Mexico Argentina Holland Thailand Losail

Name

Bike

Country

Total to date

Rd 9

Rd 8

Rd 7

Rd 6

Rd 5

Rd 4

Rd 3

Rd 2

Rd 1

1

Tim Gajser

Honda

SLO

385

50

36

40

43

47

45

38

36

50

2

Romain Febvre

Yamaha

FRA

361

30

40

31

41

47

35

45

50

42

3

Antonio Cairoli

KTM

ITA

338

28

47

50

42

27

44

36

31

33

4

Max Nagl

Husaberg

GER

317

44

35

35

38

40

41

40

20

24

5

Evgeny Bobryshev

Honda

RUS

295

31

32

35

27

36

27

33

32

42

6

Jeremy Van Horebeek

Yamaha

BEL

284

27

32

25

38

24

34

36

34

34

7

Shaun Simpson

KTM

GBR

210

21

21

25

21

17

25

23

27

30

8

Kevin Strijbos

Suzuki

BEL

204

0

35

27

15

24

24

31

23

25

9

V Guillod

Yamaha

SUI

180

27

14

23

19

25

21

14

21

16

10

Glenn Coldenhoff

KTM

NED

156

10

10

15

17

22

27

22

8

25

96

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

Shock ShaftS Replace your bent broken or rusty Shaft! From $120

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

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

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 Freedom Moto

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

Twin Cam Motorcycles

04 298 3556

King Country Honda

07 877 8054

09 439 1089

Mr Motorcycles Phil’s Motorcycle Centre

09 238 3176 07 883 7602

Drury Performance

09 294 7955

Gary Worsley Motorcycles

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

Action Moto

06 278 4160

Te Aroha M/C Centre

07 884 8044

Peter Glidden Honda

07 828 9687

Fieten Motor Services Wilks Penny Motorcycles Ltd

07 872 2560 07 871 3069

CAMBRIDGE: CARTERTON:

DANNEVIRKE: DARGAVILLE: DRURY:

FEILDING:

GISBORNE:

HAMILTON:

HASTINGS:

• Most Models • 5 Day Turnaround

HAWERA: HUNTLY:

KAITAIA:

Kaitaia Motorcycles

09 408 1950

KERI KERI:

Bruin Engineering Ph 09 480 9408 Fax 09 4805594

NEW PLYMOUTH:

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

MANUKAU: MAUNGATUROTO: MASTERTON:

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

MATAMATA:

MORRINSVILLE:

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: NAPIER:

PAEROA:

PALMERSTON NORTH:

PARAPARAUMU: PIO PIO:

PUKEKOHE: ROTORUA:

SHANNON:

TAUMARUNUI: TAUPO:

TAURANGA:

TE AROHA:

TE AWAMUTU: THAMES:

Wheels of Thames

07 868 9363

Maidstone Yamaha

04 528 9395

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

07 307 9471 07 307 1050

Shaw Motorcycles Ltd Yamaha Motorcycles Whangarei

09 438 1183 09 438 0804

Coastal Tyre & Alignment

07 866 2310

UPPER HUTT: 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

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

McIver & Veitch Ltd Motoxtreme Services Ltd

03 477 0236 03 456 3633

Hughes Motor Services Ltd

03 768 6288

AMBERLEY:

ASHBURTON: BALCLUTHA: BLENHEIM:

CHRISTCHURCH:

DUNEDIN:

GREYMOUTH:

GORE:

Ewan Allan Honda Ltd

03 208 0174

Southern Suzuki

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

Bob McCleary Yamaha

03 313 2041

INVERCARGILL: METHVEN:

MOTUEKA: NELSON:

OAMARU: OTAGO:

PICTON:

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

8thpg_OSET_ad.indd 62

29/09/14 14:56

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

97

Tough stuff

I

’ve used plenty of Ventura luggage over the last 15 years, mostly as a way to secure luggage to sports bikes that were never designed to carry luggage. The most obvious of these was a Ducati 916, a bike built purely to win World Superbike championships so there was nowhere for luggage. Ventura came to the rescue and brought with it a substantial amount of carrying capacity.

This last year, our long term DR650SE was fitted with the Ventura luggage frame and packs too, which made it a bloody handy tool for a bit of gravel road riding and weekend trips away camping.

As we rode the DR more, we found we were taking longer trips, getting away from civilisation and needing to attach more luggage (tent, sleeping bag, stove etc). While the Ventura bags are certainly capacious, we needed more than the standard system when using the bike for off-the-beaten track trips. Additionally to the well known Ventura rack and bags, Dold Industries makes a Tough Rack system – named the ADVentura system – for those who want to venture further afield or take on true adventure riding.

The Tough Rack for the DR650SE is a substantial bit of kit – as you can see from the pictures – and comes with 10mm mounting bolts to hold it all together. The system is based around the rack platform and a pannier supports can be added.

Fitting the system to the DR is not tricky but it isn’t completely straight forward.

The indicators need to be remounted onto the new rack (they’re mounted on the grab handles on the standard bike). To do this the indicator wires need extending and the extension wires are included in the pack of mounting hardware. Other than that, a little bit of tweaking is needed before tightening all of the mounting bolts to make sure it doesn’t touch anywhere on the bike.

Like the standard Ventura luggage, the Tough Rack is versatile in use. The rack frame can be used upright to mount conventional Ventura bags or horizontally to mount the Bora top case (pictured), or it can be removed completely to leave a sold platform for any other type of

Wanting to load our DR650 up for some bigger adventures, we fitted Ventura’s Kiwi-made Tough Rack for some more serious luggage carrying capacity.

Words & photos: Ben Wilkins

RACK

Rear carrier $299 Pannier mounts $347

LUGGAGE

Bora I pack $199.99 Monza II panniers $229

CONTACT

Contact: Ventura/Dold Industries Telephone: 07 849 4392 Web: www.ventura-bike.com

luggage. The pannier frames keep soft bags out of the rear wheel and helps support their weight. Again, these can be used with the Ventura Monza panniers and we also had success using other luggage on these frames too. The only downside of the frames is they stick out when no luggage is attached, making it difficult to get through gaps in traffic. I’d suggest putting the pannier supports on the bike only when heading off on a trip and removing them for everyday riding.

This is a solid, tough system for carrying both Ventura or other-brand luggage (that you might already own) when heading for epic adventures both at home and abroad.

The Tough Rack is New Zealand designed and made and is available for a broad selection of adventure bikes.

BEN WILKINS KIWI RIDER

99

Class Leading Performance & Quality Ninja 300 KRT Edition

RRP

$8,295

$7,995 RRP

Ninja 300

RRP

Learner Approved

Read about all the features at www.kawasaki.co.nz or phone 0800 452 9272 for a stocking dealer near you.

$8,995

Ninja 300 ABS

Classics

Words & photos: Rhys Jones

DUCATI 900SS – THE PEDIGREE CONTINUED...

A

couple of issues ago we looked at the Ducati 750 Super Sport, the model inspired by Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari’s one-two finish at the Imola 200 in 1972. It seemed a logical progression for Ducati to take the model up to 900 (864cc) as, although there were still a lot of 750s around in 1975, Kawasaki had shown the way of things to come with the 903cc Z1.

By the end of the 1970s, one litre was the capacity to have for a performance sports bike. However, the Ducati factory continued to produce the 750 in tandem with the 900. The 750 was simply a smaller-bore version of the 900, and was continued mainly for the Italian production racing class. The 750 was dropped at the end of 1977.

The 900 engine was adapted from the existing GT860 model. The Desmo V-twin motor had polished con-rods, unfiltered Dell’Orto carburettors, and barely muffled Conti pipes. Although the first ‘round case’ 750 Super Sport is considered by many Ducati purists to be the model to have, a world authority on Ducati, and the author of many

excellent books on the marque, Ian Falloon, believes that the 1975 model with the die cast aluminium crankcases was the finest of all Super Sports. Half of them, he says, went to Australia for production racing. In 1973 a prototype of the 864cc machine had been entered in the 24-hour endurance race at the demanding Montjuich Park circuit in Spain. Spanish riders Benjamin Grau and Salvador Canellas echoed the performance of the 750 victory at Imola with a resounding victory.

When it was released, the overall reaction to the 900SS was very clear. This is not a motorcycle to buy if you need comfort and convenience. What you get is a rigid frame, taut Marzocchi suspension, and a kick start. What you get in return is high-speed stability, excellent braking, good ground clearance, and exemplary handling. There have been many so-called ‘racers for the road’, but this, without question, was one of the first to earn such a title. The motor produced 79bhp @ 7000rpm, weighed in at 188kg (wet) with a top speed of 217km/h. The factory claimed 224km/h using the 40mm carbs – a very impressive performance 40-years ago.

Triumph test rider Percy Tait tested the 900SS on the race Ian Falloon’s immaculately restored 1975 Ducati 900SS

Sharing your passion facebo

ok.com

/Caffein

eAndCla

KIWI RIDER

ssics

101