KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2015

TOO MUCH FOR WSBK DUCATI PANIGALE 1299S

TWO-STROKE RETURN

YAMAHA YZ250X IS HERE!

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MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2015 KAWASAKI 2016 KX-Fs YAMAHA YZ250X SUZUKI GSX-S1000 MOTO GUZZI V7 II APRILIA CAPONORD 1200 DUCATI PANIGALE 1299S

SINCE 1984

Kawasaki’s 2016 KX-Fs

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EA R Y N N O J MP A H C K WSB STER O P E E FR INSIDE!

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SUZUKI’S BIG-BAR STUDS $10 INCL GST

FIRST NZ RIDE: SUZUKI GSX-S1000

VESPA TRAFFIC BEATERS • MOTO GUZZI V7 II • APRILIA CAPONORD 1200 RALLY KTM 690 ENDURO COROMANDEL ADVENTURE • MX of NATIONS KIWIS TOP 10 NOVEMBER 2015

The

ROAD Top Product Awards

GUIDE

www.roadguide.co.nz

RJAYS UNIVERSAL FRONT RACE STAND FEATURES; Including both pickups for conventional and radial brake calipers - Easy rolling nylon wheels - Non slip rubber handle - Easily bolts together for transporting Adjustable for various fork widths Black #RJ-RJUS2BK, $179rrp.

X - FIVE WATERPROOF

BO DEAL SPECIAL COM $

269

SAVE $69 usually $338

249

$

RJAYS REAR RACE STAND FEATURES: Including both pickups, hooks and swing Arm pads - Easy rolling nylon wheels - Non slip rubber handle Easily bolts together for transporting - Adjustable for various swing arm widths Black #RJ-RJUS1BK, $159rrp.

USUALLY $349

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

VECTOR 2 ARAI VECTOR 2 Snell M2010 + AS1698 approved New fully-removable liner - New chinvent design = more ow - New Hyper-Ridge design adds reinforcement to the bottom of the shell - New oversize front intake vent + larger side exhaust ports to increase airow - New wider eyeport features the same extremely-wide peripheral view of Arai's top-of-the-line. Complex laminate construction (CLC) strong and lightweight - New ACR-2 rear exhaust vent/wing combo - Arai's unique single-piece multi-density hybrid - EPS inner liner - Slim, oval outer shell with lower centre of gravity - New micro-tting cheek pad and temple pad – the incredible feature of the 5mm peel away cheekpad layer, is now standard on the Vector 2. - The Vector 2 is the rst model to incorporate 5mm peel away temple pads also for a more custom t to your head shape.

RJAYS ALTITUDE 2 BOOT A great looking boot with all the comfort and protection that you demand for the track or that good twisty road ride.

100% Top Grain Leather - Internal Dual Ankle Cup Protection - Reinforced plastic shin plate & heel guard protection Reinforced plastic ankle, plated to help reduce twist - 3 quarter length zip with Velcro closure at top Replaceable Toe Sliders - Gear Shift Toe Pad - Dual stitched - Non-slip rubber sole. Sizes 37 to 48 Black $219rrp.

$

#AH-29FBK size VECTOR 2 BLACK FROST $

649

#AH-29WH size VECTOR 2 WHITE $

649

#AH-29BLS size VECTOR 2 BLOSSOM FROST

#AH-29BWH size VECTOR 2 BASE WHITE $

749

$

#AH-29IF size VECTOR 2 ITALY FLAG

#AH-29BK size VECTOR 2 GLOSS BLACK $

749

649

$

749

#AH-29P size VECTOR 2 PARKES $

749

#AH-29E1 size VECTOR 2 EDWARDS $

749

LOURS SOLID CO 95 $

99

COOL GRAPHICS

$109

219

THH TS-39 Helmet The best value for money road helmet in the country. FEATURES: * Removable / Washable comfort liners * New dynamic ventilation design - designed specifically for a smoother air flow and enhancing interior cooling * No tool visor removal, with an integrated visor locking system. Available in Gloss Black, Matt Black & Gloss White $99.95rrp. Graphics available at $109 rrp.

The

Dirt 09

www.dirtguide.co.nz

HOT PRODUCTS

Guide

STARCROSS 5

TX12

Michelin has launched the new Starcross 5 range of motocross tyres following an extensive three-year testing and development program with riders of all levels, from world championship riders, to amateur racers.

The Michelin Starcross 5 range breaks new ground for Michelin in the world of motocross. Compared to its predecessors (Starcross 3 and 4), the Michelin Starcross 5 range features a new, lighter casing design. The new design offers a weight saving of up to 15%* without compromising strength and durability due to the use of stronger, higher density materials.

Y

YOUTH & ADULT

$

109 THH TX12

THH TX-12 The price does not reflex the style, comfort and protection that this model offers you. This modern style dirt helmet is jammed packed with features usually only found in a helmet twice the price.

Features; 10 external vents. - Vented internal channels to assist with the removal of moisture and heat. - Fully removable lining. - D-ring fastening. Nose Guard. - Meets DOT/ECE standards. - Sizes Youth S, M, L Adult XS-XXL. - $109rrp.

Oneal Rider Boot The all new Oneal Rider Boot steps into a class of its own.

Built to the quality of a rst class boot but sold at an entry level price. Now available in a true Pee Wee boot size (Black only). FEATURES; Traditional stitched sole. Durable Construction. - Full adjustable four buckle closure system. - Tough sole with metal shank. - Injection moulded plastic shin plate and protection. - Guards left & right to protect bottom buckle. - Built in heat shield.

Available in Black, White & Pink/Black. $229 rrp.

The more exible casing and aggressive tread pattern also offers a number of other benets for riders: – Improved traction in a straight line and more progressive handling in corners.

– The ability to run higher pressures, to reduce the risk of the tyre coming off the rim, with no loss of grip or comfort.

– No ‘running-in’ needed as the exible casing offers great performance from the starting gate. The new casing has also been engineered to optimise the size of the contact patch.

$

STARCROSS 5 SOFT

229

STARCROSS 5 MEDIUM

M64 Elite Stands

Lightweight injection molded ABS Composite and aluminum stand.

All new ABS composite stand Injection molded from high strength, lightweight glass lled ABS plastic.

Design includes four rectangular anti ex support tubes.

Removable replacable top pad with rectangular access slot for easy oil draining.

Large graphic side panels that can be customized with your name & number.

Bolted together with lock-lited stainless steel fasteners.

Extra wide feet prevents rocking making this design very stable. $179rrp.

179

$

M64 ELITE STAND

Black M64-101

White M64-100

Red M64-102

Blue M64-103

Yellow M64-104

Green M64-105

Orange M64-106

DASHBOARD 18

25

30

36

NOV 15

Suzuki gsx-s1000

Suzuki’s anticipated upright, wide-bar sports bikes with a GSX-R heart.

30

scooter love

Vespa’s Primavera 50 and Sprint 125 scooters cut a dash on the commute.

Ducati panigale 1299s

It’s very fast. It’s very red. It’s rather bold. It’s also suprisingly useable. Did we mention it’s bloody, bloody fast?

18

moto guzzi v7 ii

Open-faced helmet? Check. Jeans?

Check? Cool bike? Check. Cool-looking rider with style? Err... yeah, nah.

42 Aprilia caponord rally

70

78

Jocko has a thing for suspenders, so was excited when we told him he’d be checking out Italian suspenders.

Electronic suspension Jock... we meant suspension...

two-stroke returns

Yamaha’s finally given us what Vege has been asking for - a 2T enduro!

ninja warriors

36

42

70

For 2016 the KX450F gets a new engine and chassis to make it faster yet easier to ride. The KX250F gets a few tweaks too.

78 KIWI RIDER

5

Hello...

W EDITOR Ben Wilkins

Contributions: Kiwi Rider welcomes editorial contributions from its readers.

If you would like to write something for KR e-mail a précis to editor@kiwirider. co.nz. Electronic transmission of words (Microsoft Word .doc) and pictures (hi-res jpgs) preferred.

Advertising: Got a hot product or service and want some real bang for your advertising buck? KR offers a complete inhouse advertising design and production service. To find out more talk to: Pete (pete@kiwirider.co.nz) or Todd (todd@kiwirider.co.nz) Published by: McStannic Publishing Ltd Postal Address: P.O. Box 299, Kumeu, Auckland Courier Address: 127 Moire Rd, West Harbour, Auckland.

Phone: 09 416 5307 Fax: 09 416 5308 Publisher: Pete McPhee Office: 09 416 5307 Email: pete@kiwirider.co.nz sales and Marketing: Pete McPhee Office: 09 416 5307 or 0274 748 675 Email: pete@kiwirider.co.nz Bike Mart adertising: Todd Suther­land: 021 709 989 Design/layout: Marcel Norkia: design@kiwirider.co.nz Photographer: Geoff Osborne: Ph 09 415 2555 ospics1@xtra.co.nz.

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Rodney O’Connor, Roger Moroney, Andy McGechan, Ben Townley, Chris Birch, Michael Esdaile, Jock McLauchlan, Sam Greenslade and Racing Dave.

On-line Editor: Marcel Norkia Office manager: Linda Glasswell Printers: PMP Maxum Distribution: Gordon & Gotch Ltd, McStannic Publishing Ltd. Opinions: Opinions expressed in Kiwi Rider are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publishers accept no liability for any error or omissions contained herein.

Copyright: This magazine is copyright in its entirety. Material may not be printed without the written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1177-0023 Cover image: Geoff Osborne

6

KIWI RIDER

elcome to the November issue of Kiwi Rider. Is it just me or has the weather perked up recently after a decidely wet and windy winter? No, didn’t think it was just me. I took a ride on our long term Suzuki DR650 up around Matakana and Leigh a couple of weeks ago. Just me, the bike, a tent and some food. I wore an all-in-one waterproof over the top of my Cordura riding gear and the camping pitch I tried was so waterlogged, it was like lying on a muddy waterbed. So, discretion being the better part of valour... I retreated to the nearest motel and went to the pub for a beer instead. After a winter of wet, I think I can literally smell the better riding weather. But, hey, it’s all an adventure.

This is also the time of year when new bikes come at us thick and fast. The road bikes we’ve most anticipated here in the KR office are Suzuki’s naked

and faired GSX-S1000 models. Based around a GSXR1000K5 motor, it looked a hoot on paper. Turn to page 18 for the first NZ ride.

A top of the range Ducati is always a wonderful thing and Todd ‘Jammy’ Sutherland got to ride the $46k Panigale 1299S (is it me or is he getting jammier?).

See page 30 for more.

2016’s dirt bikes are no less exciting. Kawasaki’s KXFs have been updated, the 250F getting some minor tweaks but the 450F has been heavily overhauled.

Turn to page 78 to check them out.

Yamaha has thrown a curve ball into the paddock by releasing a two-stroke enduro machine. Based on its YZ250 motocrosser, the YZ250X brings a Japanese two-stroke back into the enduro world. About time too! Turn to page 70 to see what our Sammy thought at the Aussie launch. Enjoy the mag.

BEN WILKINS.

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

FRONT END 49  ROGER MORONEY 9  NEWS

Scooters are remembered fondly for racing around as a young lad. Moroney still has his.

55

 REVIEW

ROOST ZONE 57  NEWS

67

 DIRT PRODUCTS

BACK END 88  BIKE MART

101

 CLASSICS

104

 CARLESS DAYS

Warren Willing obituary; Anstey Smashes Classic TT record;

Shorai International Classic; A stern finger-wagging.

 Need it, want it, must have it...

15

ROAD PRODUCTS

Glen Helen MXGP; Kiwis at MX of Nations.

Essential services and products

for you and your bike.

94

 EVENTS CALENDAR

96  RACE RESULTS

Sam Greenslade tests Renthal’s Ultra Tacky Tapered grips, which are pretty... tacky.

Everything you need to keep you and

your dirt bike in tip-top condition.

In the Seventies it was all about sixes. Big,

fast, glorious-sounding six-cylinder motors.

Your pictures from the days when biking

was care-free... and we had more hair.

MotoGP, WSBK and MXGP Championships.

NEXT ISSUE OF KIWI RIDER MAGAZINE GOES ON SALE MONDAY 9 NOV

All good things come in fours, first was the S1000RR along with the HP4 Superbike, then the S1000R roadster. Now BMW Motorrad brings you the new name in adventure sport riding.

The S1000XR with Electronically controlled suspension system, Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for optimum adaptation to the prevailing conditions. Automatic Stability Control (ASC) as standard for accelerating safely even in low-grip conditions.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with banking sensor for supreme performance and active riding safety when accelerating. Gear Shift Assist Pro for clutchless upshifting and downshifting. Innovative technology, performance and safety, check out the new S1000XR at your local BMW Motorrad Dealer.

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

WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ

THIS IS SERIOUS. FUN. Born of DNA torn from the legendary K5 GSX-R1000 engine, its 145bhp delivers power, control and relentless acceleration.

Not for the faint-hearted nor the indecisive. The GSX-S1000 pure sport roadster will reward the accomplished rider in spades.

See your Suzuki dealer for serious fun.

GSX-S1000AL6

$16,995+ORC

Available in Blue, Matt Grey or Black/Red

SZM00186

ABS brake system • Brembo Monobloc Calipers • 3 step traction control • Renthal FAT BARS™ • Full function LCD display • Smart engine start technology • 6 spoke cast light alloy wheels Price includes GST. See your Suzuki Dealer for details of onroad costs.

WARREN WILLING DIES

A

fter a lengthy battle with cancer, Warren Willling, died at 1am on Saturday, September 5 in Sydney, Australia. A funeral service attended by hundreds of friends and colleagues was held at All Saints Anglian Church, Parramatta, on September 18.

A very successful racer until an accident at the North West 200 public roads event in Northern Ireland felled him in 1979, Willing took years to recover. But even during his recovery, he was back racing, preparing what turned into a long list of winning race bikes in Australia and then on the world stage.

Willing was one of the technical master-minds in Kenny Roberts’ grand prix team from the late 1980s through to the late 1990s and was later instrumental in guiding Kenny Roberts Junior to the World 500 Championship with Suzuki.

In his career as a GP technician, Willing worked for Team Roberts in the Yamaha and later Modenas era, was involved in the design of the V3 two-stroke, pioneered data acquisition on race bikes, led Ohlins in the development of computer-controlled suspension 20 years before it appeared on street bikes and helped a long list of riders achieve their dreams. He

even had a hand in the development of the Superbike racing class in the USA. Willing’s funeral was the anniversary of the death of his younger brother Len, who was

himself an Australian Champion and leading Production racer in the 1980s.

Warren Willing is survived by his wife Wendy and daughter Nicole.

YAMAHA FAR NORTH ADVENTURE RIDE

Y

amaha’s 2015 Far North Adventure Ride on December 6 will be the 18th event of the name, setting a new record as NZ’s longest running adventure ride. The inaugural event, which was held in December 1992, at the Takahue a rural settlement south of Kaitaia.

This year’s event will be based from Te Kopuru School, 10km south of Dargaville. In keeping with Britton Adventures’ philosophy of giving back to the community, the Te Kopuru School will be in charge of catering for the hungry riders, and Pouto School will be in charge of lunch on Saturday. Te Kopuru School is excited to be hosting the 2015 Far North Adventure Ride and will ensure a warm and friendly welcome. There are plenty of camping spots on the school grounds along with showers and a swimming pool.

This year’s ride will include a huge variety of new terrain that has never been included in past Britton rides and will include coastal properties, beach riding, forestry tracks and back-country gravel roads.

Suitable by-passes will be in place for big bikes, and there will be plenty of options for road-legal smaller dual-purpose trail and enduro bikes. Keep December 6 free and head north west towards Dargaville.

To find out more about Yamaha’s Far North Adventure Ride see your local Yamaha dealer or visit www.adventurerides.co.nz or email mike@adventurerides.co.nz KIWI RIDER

9

Faster than a speeding bullet From its light Tri-matrix Composite Shell to its stable aerodynamic profile, we’re told the Star Carbon has been designed to make you lighter, faster, and stronger. Its head form is based on the popular RS-1 for superior comfort and fit, a velocity flow ventilation system should keep you cool, and Contour Cut cheek pads cradle your head in comfort. A range of visors is available.

Distributor: Crown Kiwi Price: $899 Info: crownkiwi.co.nz

Ugly Fish for cool cats Ugly Fish Riderz sunglasses are ideal for those who prefer a simple, comfortable, lightweight design when riding. These Ultimate sunnies are perfect for summer cruising in an open-face lid, as the shatterproof and impact-resistant lens also protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

There’s a detachable wind blocker insert to further protect your eyes from debris, too.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Style: Several to choose from Price: From $79 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

Line ‘em up and pack ‘em in It’s raining or you’re in a hurry, and you just want to grab your stuff out of your top box and run inside, leaving the box in place? You can do that with Ventura’s new Astro Top-Box Liner.

Purpose-built to fit snugly inside the box, this liner will cleverly hold all your belongings so you get the added efficiency of having your gear in a protective capsule.

Distributor: Dold Industries Price: $79.95 Info: dold.co.nz

Rapid-deployment head protection HJC’s popular TR1 helmet receives a new graphic for 2015. But that’s just the icing on HJC’s CAD-designed advanced polycarbonate shell. HJC says the TR-1’s features rival more expensive helmets. For example, there’s an integrated one-touch three-stage adjustable sunshield designed for rapid deployment, inhelmet ventilation for full front-to-back airflow, and a RapidFire Shield Replacement System that doesn’t require tools.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Style: Revolt MC1F, MC5 and Blade MC5 Price: From $269 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

Get yourself a dose of the Doctor Fans of Valentino Rossi can now advertise their support. Yamaha stocks a wide range of Rossi-branded T-shirts, team shirts, singlets and jackets – not to mention caps – it even stocks stretch-n-grows and baby bibs, bottles and dummies for the well-dressed pit-side tot.

You can keep dry under a Rossi 46 umbrella, sunbathe on a Rossi towel, and keep your neck warm inside a Rossi neck tube.

Distributor: Yamaha NZ Style: From keyrings and baby gear to team jackets Price: $14.99 to $119.99 Info: yshop.yamaha-motor.co.nz

Ipone delivers the easy way to wash Want to eat lunch half-way through that filthy ride, or call in at your houseproud mum’s place on the way home? You’ll need Ipone’s Dry Hands Wash. Easy to carry, and designed for when there’s no water or towel handy, it effectively cleans stuck-on dirt from the hands and then rubs off, leaving your mitts non-sticky and pleasantly scented.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Price: 150ml $23 Info: nwa.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

15

Words: Ben Wilkins / Photos: Geoff Osborne, Suzuki

With most manufacturers already sporting a wide-barred version of their supersports bike in their line-up, Suzuki is late to the party. But at less than $18k and with pedigrees as good as they come, the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F are possibly the street sleepers of the year.

T

he first street fighter appeared the day after Suzuki launched the GSX-R1100. Faster and more powerful than anything that came before, the oil-cooled 1100 didn’t take prisoners. In the 80s and 90s GSX-Rs with no fairings were a common sight and were what, most likely, prompted Triumph to produce the first factory-built street fighter. After a few false starts, Suzuki has finally delivered the closest thing to a naked GSX-R that it’s ever built. It’s been a long and tantalising wait. Now, Suzuki has been putting older, de-tuned GSX-R motors into bikes for years. The Bandit 1100 is a case

in point. The oil-cooled, long-stroke motor from the slab-side gixxer was given smaller carbs and header pipes and slung into an upright chassis to make a fantastically torquey road bike. It was a great bike that developed a cult following, but it wasn’t a naked GSX-R.

F-WORD There are both naked and faired variants of the new GSX-S. The GSXS1000A is the naked machine and the GSX-S1000FA the faired model.

Other than the fairing, the front forks have different springs and settings to take account of the extra weight, both at rest (5kg) and on the move

due to wind force trying to compress the forks (25kg). That aside, the bikes are the same.

far torquier K5 motor makes for a better road bike, especially in a naked chassis. And Suzuki probably has a warehouse full of engines (or the

ENGINE

tooling at least), so there’s little development cost, which can be passed onto the consumer.

The motor in the GSX-S is a largely unaltered K5 motor. The slipperclutch is missing and it has different cams. That’s it. The new cams are complemented by 44mm throttle bodies and different ignition characteristics for a wider spread of power and torque. Suzuki only claims 143hp at 10,000rpm and 78lbft at 9500rpm, which is significantly down on the full-fat K5 motor but it’s more than enough for plenty of fun.

Both models are powered by the, near-legendary, GSX-R1000K5 motor but with a few tweaks. The GSX-R K5 has something of a reputation for being the best of the modern water-cooled GSX-R lumps. With a claimed 175hp (measured was roughly 160hp) and a wide spread of torque it is a powerful yet fun road bike motor. Why not use the 175hp-plus motors in the current bikes? I suspect there are several reasons. Suzuki says the

KIWI RIDER

19

MV AGUSTA 2014 model run-out, be the first for the best. $1,000’s off recommended retail. Pricing that is normally reserved for the competition means you can experience the refinement, performance, and design, that is MV Agusta.

2014 BRUTALE 800 EAS/ABS WAS $21,990 NOW $18,990 2014 BRUTALE 1090R ABS WAS $23,990 NOW $19,990 2014 BRUTALE 1090RR ABS WAS $24,990 NOW $21,990 2014 BRUTALE CORSA ABS WAS $29,990 NOW $25,990 WAS

2014 F3 800 ABS $22,990 NOW $18,990

2014 F3 800 EAS ABS $24,990 NOW $19,990

WAS

2014 RIVALE 800 EAS ABS WAS $22,990 NOW $19,990

Motorcycle Art is now within reach at your local MV Agusta dealer Auckland: Red Baron Motorcycles Ph: 09 360 7700 Tauranga: Prestige Motorcycles Ph: 07 574 6688 Wellington: Motorad Ph: 04 382 8011 Christchurch: First European Ph: 03 366 2201

1960s beatnik style gets a facelift.

I

t was a cold winter’s morning. I flicked the key on and glanced at the clock on the instrument panel. It said, “you’re running late… again”. With visions of racing through busy streets and weaving past traffic, I squeezed the rear brake lever and thumbed the starter button. With a bit of coaxing, the cream coloured scooter in front of me sputtered into life and starting idling innocently. An ominous feeling washed over me. A two-stroke. Right. Oh well, let’s see what this thing can do. Full throttle… 20… 30…

I’m not going to make 50 by the end of the

Words: Rodney O’Connor Photos: Piaggio Group

KIWI RIDER

25

T

o say the 1299S Panigale is a thoroughbred is an understatement. The sharp yet flowing lines, the booming v-twin sound (or L-twin if you’re a Ducati marketeer), the quality feel and look of the controls and cockpit are all class. Twist the throttle and there’s outrageous acceleration, which you might kinda expect. Yet, the heartening thing is to find that this beast is also tolerant of a bit of dawdling, you know, in between the full-on attack mode, vicious acceleration bits. It’s that bit of what we have to do in the real world when you ride a bike on the road. In spite of the looks, this is an incredibly capable big ‘V’ twin sports bike that you could actually live with.

That’s amazing really. We are, after all, talking about a full on sports bike. Actually, it’s not just a sports bike, it’s a sports bike that is too big in capacity to be homologated for World Superbike Racing. Too big and, one would think, too powerful to compete in the world ‘open class’ division. Which begs the question, why would a sports road rider need more capacity (1285cc) than a world championship Superbike rider...? Because... it’s all about torque, dahling. Buckets and buckets (pistons?) of the stuff. Two one-hundred and sixteen millimetre (116mm) wide pistons to be precise.

That’s bigger than any Chevy big block veeeight, or so I’m told. It really is so ridiculous yet, at the same time, kind of clever.

CLEVER STUFF The mountain of torque that the 1299S produces is incredible. A claimed peak of 144Nm at 8750rpm is, of course, only part of the story. The ‘big’ engine produces the same 205 ‘outright horsepower’ as its world championship homologated 1299 Panigale R sibling, which actually retains the 1198cc world championship conforming displacement.

With the increased torque across the rev

range however, it becomes a much nicer road bike. Courtesy of the electronics, even those immense buckets of forged joy are made to behave in a civilised manner. In fact, there are so many clever ‘clevers’ in the electronics that it’s easy to get mired in the details...

CLEVER STUFF IN A LITTLE DETAIL An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) works with the ABS (which now has an ability to reduce the braking force as you lean into the corners, to reduce falls), and the new eight-level wheelie control. There is also the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and the new Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and the Engine Brake Control

Words: Todd Sutherland Photos: Geoff Osborne

Because... it’s all about torque, dahling KIWI RIDER

31

36

KIWI RIDER

Moto Guzzi’s tweaked V7 II gets the benefits of ABS, traction control and a 6-speed ‘box yet still keeps its old’s cool charm.

Words: Jock McLauchlan / Photos: Geoff Osborne

T

he new Moto Guzzi V7 II is an interesting wee beastie. Like its predecessor, the V7 II is very traditionally styled and, If you are of a certain age, it looks just how a motorcycle should.

I guess I must be of that age because I like its clean, simple lines. At a casual glance, the V7 II is unchanged from the previous model and even casting a reasonably intense gaze over the new V7 doesn’t reveal many of the changes that have taken place. Frankly, Moto Guzzi has been clever in retaining the traditional, classic lines of the V7 II while making substantial improvements to the chassis, engine and rideability. The V7 is Moto Guzzi’s best-selling model worldwide – don’t fix it if it’s not broken springs to mind. But tinkering they have been, while keeping the looks that keep it shifting off showroom floors.

The tweaks are numerous but one of the main changes is that the engine has been rotated toward the front axle by four degrees and lowered 10mm in the chassis. This has twin benefits. Firstly it gives rider’s knees 30mm more room before they touch the cylinder heads and it also lowers the centre of gravity for improved handling. The Cardin output shaft has been lowered 50mm to allow a straighter, less angled route to the rear diff. The benefit of this is a more neutral effect on the rear suspension action when the power is cracked on, or off.

Also it delivers greater driveline efficiencies in general. A new-six speed gearbox has been added to the mix for performance and comfort reasons according to Moto Guzzi.

KIWI RIDER

37

Caponord. It’s all in the name.

The English translation from Italian is ‘North Cape’ or ‘Head North’. So, that’s exactly what Jock did.

I

figured we didn’t really have any other option than to ride the Caponord to NZ’s most northern cape. We really had to ride the new Aprilia 1200 Caponord to Cape Reinga, which is as far north as possible to ride in New Zealand without getting your feet seriously wet. Now, my AA road atlas says it takes 8.05 hours to drive the 436km between AK and Cape Reinga. This made it a bit of a squeeze for a one day return trip, plus photo stops and maintain our licenses (more on that later…).

Now, because the Caponord is a fully equipped road/adventure bike with 33L hard panniers, and because we at KR are an intrepid lot, we decided to take two days and go the route least taken. The ‘O-Show’ packed his camera gear into one of the panniers on the Caponord, and then jumped on a KTM 1290 Super Enduro he had for the trip and we hit the road.

Right from the get-go I liked the Rally. It’s so nice to have a test bike that’s not black or grey, or black and bland. This Rally was a colour!

The yellow/mustard livery with black detailing may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it does stand out from the crowd and in the flesh (plastic) looks great. Black engine crash bars provide support for the little LED spotlights that enhance night time cornering vision and certainly serve as excellent day time running lights. A full coverage plastic bashplate looks slightly solid and also new for the Rally, spoked wheels, the front up from 17-inch to 19-inch.

Words: Jock McLauchlan Photos: Geoff Osborne

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After a KTMmounted adventure in the USA, Bryce Hayward bought a 690 Enduro R and put it to the test in the Coromandel.

N

ow in my mid 40s I wanted a bike that is fun to ride on back roads, as well as capable of tackling an adventure ride.

Weighing in at 143kg without fuel and with 66hp, KTM’s 690 Enduro R has enough power to be exciting and fits my adventure ride requirement.

Still shiny and with only 70km on the clock, my new 690 Enduro R was going to be put to the test by riding 630 kilometres in 28 hours on the Brittons’ Coromandel Gold adventure ride.

After being delayed in Auckland gridlock I rode in the dark from Thames onwards to meet the group. This showed the headlight to be adequate, but the narrow beam made it hard to ride quickly, as it moved up and down when accelerating and braking.

In the morning a full cooked breakfast was provided for the 63 riders who had gathered at the Pepper Tree café. It was a great seeing all the adventure bikes lined up out on the main street.

After a briefing from Mike we followed our route sheet to Fletcher Bay, at the top of the

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KIWI WARM UP JUST A LITTLE TOO HOT

T

he 18th and final round of the Motocross World championships at Glen Helen, in southern California in late September, was merely a Motocross of Nations warm-up event for two of the Team New Zealand riders – Bay of Plenty riders Cody Cooper and Ben Townley – but it was perhaps just a little bit too warm for comfort.

The Kiwis ended the weekend battered but not bruised after a drama-filled scorcher at Glen Helen, near San Bernadino, after neither Cooper nor Townley lasted the day, but, with temperatures soaring close to 40 Celsius, that really came as no surprise.

Despite arriving from New Zealand’s winter, Cooper and Townley put up a brave fight but, ultimately it was the track and racing conditions, and not the opposition, that beat the Kiwis back.

Cooper finished Sunday’s race day inside the medical truck after finishing 25th in the first of two races, while Townley finished 11th in that race but withdrew after one lap of the second MXGP race, reluctantly walking back to the low-key Kiwi compound, in a quiet back-water in the pits, to reflect on what might have been.

Cooper and Townley were using the US MXGP as a final warm-up before heading to France to tackle the Motocross of Nations the following weekend and so their abortive result at Glen Helen drew an understandably philosophical response from both riders.

“I started to fade in the first race and just didn’t feel right and I didn’t start the next race but instead went off to get some medical advice,” said Cooper, who had qualified 26th overall (out of 35 riders) the day before, when temperatures were, a marginally more bearable, 38 degrees, the sort of heat he would possibly only have experienced in the hottest of Kiwi summers.

“I was a lap behind the leaders, but I decided to carry and finish that first race anyway. I was really stuffed, but I was starting to think about next weekend and what we have to try to do in France.

“I couldn’t go out in the next race at all,” said Cooper as he reclined in the Asterisk medical truck with a saline fluid drip in his right arm. He needed two litres of saline fluid to put his body back in full functioning mode.

“Actually, I feel better already,” he said as he caught the sound of the second MXGP class race blasting around the steep, dry and unforgiving circuit. “... maybe I can go out and get the last few laps in,” he laughed.

Townley was similarly matter-of-fact about his GP effort. “I wasn’t entirely happy at finishing 11th in race one, but I thought it wasn’t too bad either, when you consider that I’ve only raced a couple of times this year. But then I over-

Words & photos: Andy McGechan

Bay of Plenty’s Ben Townley (Honda CRF450), battling his way to 11th in the first MXGP

The start of one of the MXGP races of the weekend

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The biker’s pocket angel When your adventures take you beyond cell service, the rugged, pocket-sized SPOT Gen3 lets family and friends know you’re OK, and if you’re not it’ll send emergency responders your GPS location, all at the push of a button.

SPOT Gen3 tracking is motion-activated and a vibration sensor tells your SPOT to send track updates when you are moving, and to stop when you do.

Distributor: Touratech NZ Price: Now $477.17 (was $505.41) + shipping and an annual cost starting at US$50 Info: touratech.co.nz

Gear to help hit the podium The super-light Scott 450 Podium jersey is highly ventilated, with padded elbows, large vented side panels, Lycra cuffs and raglan sleeves for additional comfort. The light, breathable 450 trou feature leather knee reinforcement constructed with space for a knee brace, while the 900D knee lining slows wear. They’re shaped for an aggressive riding stance, with a stretch inner liner, adjustable Velcro waist tabs, a full-mesh lower leg and silicone inner waistband grip.

Distributor: Darbi Accessories Price: Jersey from $55, pants from $219 Info: motorcyclegearnz.com

Get the new-bike look Want to keep your bike looking good and get the dirt from those fine scratches in your plastic? Tirox Plastix is a powerful foaming-action cleaner that emulsifies dirt and removes it from plastic’s deep pores, while leaving an invisible, micro-thin layer of nano-tech synthetic wax to seal the porous surface, making it more resistant to dirt. It works on plastics, acrylics, Plexiglas, fibreglass, composites, painted areas, finished metals and most hard surfaces, and comes with a cleaning cloth.

Distributor: Dold Industries Price: From $29.95 Info: dold.co.nz

Sniper goggles for sharpshooting riders The Thor MX Sniper is an all-new goggle we’re told is packed with technology, and tested by some of the world’s best racers and riders. As good as guaranteed to keep your vision at 100 per cent, they’ll give you no excuses not to stay out front of the chasing pack! Sniper goggles come with a removable nose guard cover, a drilled frame, an included clear spare lens and a goggle bag.

Distributor: 454 Unlimited Price: $99 Info: 454.co.nz or dirtbikegear.co.nz

Lightweight head protection for top-tier riders The AGV AX-8 Evo was developed in collaboration with riders from the Cross, Enduro and Supermotard Championship Series. It’s light, at 1150g (+/-50g for the medium), with an Integrated Ventilation System featuring ducts hollowed into the shell for improved air circulation. The breathable Dri-Lex internal components and retention strap can be removed and washed, the soft plastic covers in the visor area won’t get soggy, and the chin air vent is easily removed without tools.

Distributor: Nationwide Accessories Size style: Spray – new yellow/orange/blue graphics, SM/56 to XL/62 Price: $649 Info: nwa.co.nz Everything looks better with Beer Goggles BEER Optics goggles are designed with function and price in mind. The pliable Polyflex urethane frame contours to your face for comfort and protection. The GOX frame is equipped with a high-quality Polycarbonate, shatter-resistant, anti-scratch and anti-fog lens that delivers 100% UVA protection. A hydrophilic EO1-5 two-layer fleece-lined face foam forms to your face to create a comfy, water-wicking seal and there’s an adjustable-buckle silicone-backed strap.

Distributor: Forbes & Davies Style: Three models available, plus replacement tinted lenses Price: $49 Info: forbesanddavies.co.nz

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It’s been a long time coming but Yamaha has finally given us the twostroke enduro machine we’ve been asking for. Sam Greenslade went to Queensland to try the new ‘stroker.

or 2016 Yamaha has continued to develop its already extensive range of dirt motorcycles. In 2015 we saw the YZ250FX added to the range, along with an allnew WR250F. 2016 brings the birth of yet another motorcycle to the Yamaha range, the YZ250X, and yes that is a two-stroke cross country bike! To get our opinion on this new machine, Yamaha invited Kiwi Rider out to Mackay in Queensland, Australia for the official media launch where we got to put the keenly anticipated all-new 250X two-stroke though its paces.

YZ250X TWO-STROKE COMEBACK I think we all know that the two-stroke dirtbike has been making a comeback, especially in the enduro scene with more and more events suiting the lightweight and quick power response of the two-stroke engine configuration. European manufacturers have had this side of the market sewn up with KTM, Husqvarna, Beta and Sherco all bringing out a host of great two-stroke machines.

Until now if you wanted a Japanese enduro or cross-country bike you had to build one yourself; add flywheel weights, enduro exhaust, side-stand and an 18-inch rear wheel to a bike that started life as a motocrosser. One of the most popular bikes for this kind of project has been Yamaha’s YZ250, as for most riders it offers an extremely good base package.

However, fresh for 2016, Yamaha has done all of the work for you with its new YZ250X. It’s now as simple as just walking into your local Yamaha dealer, making the purchase and you’re ready to head into the bush once the bike is rolled off the show room floor and gassed up.

Line the new YZ250X and the YZ250 up next to each other and I was hard-pressed to tell a difference between them visually. The only dead giveaway is the 250X has a sidestand. Even sitting on the two bikes at a stand-still they feel the same. If you’re worried the X may have lost the edgy feeling of the MX model, which can often happen when Japanese manufacturers build enduro or cross-country bikes, don’t be.

The X still feels every inch a race machine.

Looks are one thing but it doesn’t take long to discover these are two very different bikes which suit their two different applications. The power delivery from the 250X motor is smooth and useable off the bottom, with a strong, but gradual, progression into a strong top end. It’s a very useable power curve and I think I would actually prefer this power delivery in the YZ250

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F

or 2016 Kawasaki has made some serious changes to its bruiser 450 four-stroke MX machine. It’s a substantial re-design that’s not immediately obvious to the eye.

The changes are wide-reaching including engine, chassis, radiators, bodywork and more.

The KX250F is unchanged for 2016 as it had a big update in 2015.

Kawasaki has been working hard on weight savings with the 450F. Claimed Kerb weight is down almost 4kg, putting it within a sniff of the 250F’s weight – a huge saving and quite a remarkable feat. Most of this weight reduction has come from an all-new engine, which is 2kg lighter than the 2015 model. Helping the diet is a new chassis that’s some 1.5kg lighter and 6mm narrower than before. Wrapped around it is new bodywork that’s just as green as before – and just how we like it.

To get a feel for the new 450 and to remind ourselves just how good the 250F is, we sent a pair of new bikes down to Rotorua for Michael Phillips and Scotty Canham with the orders to ride as hard as they dare. They did.

And this is what they thought of the 2016 Team Green machines...

I

started the day riding a 2015 KX450F, which was good as a comparison to the 2016 machine, as it was a while since I last rode a KX450. The Rotorua track has a few good sections of bumps that work really well for testing suspension. After making sure the clicker settings were set to standard, so I could get a good feel for a stock machine, I got out there and put a few good laps in pushing it a little harder with each lap.

I have to say, at first I wasn’t that impressed with the forks but I found the harder I rode it the better they performed. Pushing it over big braking bumps was where I found the forks worked the best, handling everything I rode through. Over small bumps the standard settings are good but with a few clicker adjustments the forks can definitely be improved. The rear suspension tracks well over high speed bumps – helping the bike stay nice and straight. Coming out of corners the shock could be a little better but, like the forks, a bit of adjustment to fine tune the action would help. That said, all-in-all the suspension works well. I’m 75kg, which I don’t think helped in the slower sections as standard bikes are usually set up for riders around 85kg.

In terms of cornering and the geometry, the 2016 machine is way ahead of the outgoing 2015 model. The new 450 feels settled in corners and driving out the bike feels well balanced. It also feels slimmer than the old bike, which I think makes it feel lighter.

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KIWI RIDER

In terms of the engine, I wouldn’t say the 2016 model is hands down faster or more powerful, just that it feels more useable. After trying all three map settings, I found the standard, middle of the range, map setting worked best for me.

I thought the aggressive setting signed off too early and it needed a lot of gear work to keep it in the power. It’s torquey though. When we were doing photos and Geoff, our photographer, asked me to hang it out I noticed it had heaps of torque and traction, so it wanted to hook up and go straight – almost taking him out.

The general feel of the bike is really good.

It’s easy to start and decent brakes make it easy to stop – something that’s always handy

on a 450! I think the bars seem a little narrow, even compared to the 250F, which was a little strange.

If I was to pull this bike out of the van and race it next weekend there wouldn’t be a whole lot I would do to make it competitive. With every bike there is fine tuning to be done and little gains to be made by testing and tweaking, but for the average to top pro rider that this bike is built for, you wouldn’t need to brake the bank to set this bike up well. I would definitely recommend riding it in standard condition before pulling it apart and making any changes.

MICHAEL PHILLIPS

T

he first thing I noticed about the KX450F was its weight. As soon as I took it off the stand I could feel the weight difference compared to the 2015 model. The second thing I noticed was how thin the new chassis is and how flat it is between your legs, it almost felt as if it were a 125 frame compared to the

2015 450. The top of the fuel tank is also lower than last year’s bike. The flatter design gives the rider greater movement making it easier and faster to get weight over the bars. On track the 450 felt super light; it’s very easy to throw around and lean into corners. For a 450 it is definitely the easiest bike I have ever ridden.

Considering this bike was straight out of the box, the handling is just unreal.

The power delivery is super smooth and reminds me of a 250 only just with heaps more

boogie! A lot of the time around the track I could hold higher gears, such as fourth gear into corners, rather than flicking it into third as I have to on the 2015 bike. Having the adjustable maps for the different conditions helps.

Like the 250F, the 450F has adjustable bar mounts and footpegs, making it easy to tweak for preference.

Suspension is a doozie for me and something I have struggled a lot with over the years, but the new SFF-Air TAC forks make things very easy. There’s still compression and rebound on one side and once you have that sorted it’s only a matter of pumping some air into the other side and you’re away! The suspension is great front and rear, it helps the bike track straight under acceleration. The softer rear shock adds in helping with traction and comfort coming out of corners, it also soaked up a lot of braking bumps and stuck to the ground better than the 2015 model does.

The braking on the 450F is great, the oversized front brake rotor helps provide powerful stopping, good lever feel and consistency. Overall I had a great time riding the new KX450F and getting acquainted with the new changes. SCOTTY CANHAM

KIWI RIDER

79

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To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

Custom sports trikes

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

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

NOW

on 09 416 5307

WHEEL & SPOKE SERVICES ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛ ☛

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

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

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

SCOOTLING_AUG15_45X45.indd 1

2/07/15 13:59

Custom Chambers motorcycle exhausts Is this the best value improvement you can make?

Catalytic converter substitution from $290 - More Power - Better Fuel economy - Better Sound - Less Weight

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

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

www.customchambers.co.nz

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

93

EVENTS CALENDAR / NOVEMBER 2015 * Please check with organisers before event in case of cancellations, errors or changes in dates *

ADVENTURE RIDES SUPERMOTARD ROAD RACING (mixed dirt / tarmac races) also see OCTOBER - 18, Club Championship Series www.supermotard.co.nz/events R1 at Hampton Downs Motorsport - 24/25, Labour Weekend Bay of Plenty Park, contact Colleen Thompson at Adventure Ride colleenryanthompson@gmail.com or TRACK DAYS with NGARNZ, check out www.

0274231433 northerngraveladventureridersnz.com or call Playday On Track - 31, Club Championship Series Sue on 0210367234 for further information At: Hampton Downs R2 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Fast, Medium/Fast, Medium, Novice Park, contact Colleen Thompson at 3 October $150 per rider BUCKET RACING colleenryanthompson@gmail.com or 17 October (Blue Wing Honda day) OCTOBER 0274231433 Honda riders $120, other bikes $165 -10/11, Buckets Round 4 NOVEMBER Mt Wellington Kart Track, contact Colleen - 8, 6 Hour Endurance Race TRAIL RIDES Thompson on 0274231433 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, “The Kawasaki Sandpit”, Woodhill Forest, NOVEMBER contact Colleen Thompson at Rimmers Rd entrance, SH16, Helensville.

- 21/22, Buckets 2 Hour colleenryanthompson@gmail.com or The ultimate offroad motorcycle playground.

Mt Wellington Kart Track, contact Colleen 0274231433 Come & ride, we are open Wednesday to Thompson on 0274231433 - 15, Club Champs Series Rd 3 Sunday 9-5pm with a late night on Thursday. at Hampton Downs Motorsport Ph: 09 420 8879 or for more information go CROSS COUNTRY Park, contact Colleen Thompson at to www.thesandpit.co.nz OCTOBER colleenryanthompson@gmail.com or OCTOBER - 4, Round 4 (final) of Cross Country Series 0274231433 - 11, Trail Ride Woodhill Forest, at Tar Hill, includes Junior, Novice Ladies, with Endless Dirtbiking Trail Rides.

Seniors, Veterans, etc. Check out Sean RUNS, RALLIES, RIDES, SHOWS & TOURS Enquiries: 09 420 8879 (Tony or Louise) or Clark 0275996046 or 07 8865918, check out Attention all Aprilia Riders: email: endlessdirtbiking@xtra.co.nz Silver Bullet or Kiwi Rider for any changes/ Wanted to form a small & relaxing club for 17/18, Suzuki Berm Buster, updates. Entry fee: Juniors $40 and seniors touring, racing & club meetings every week.

Taupo, trail ride, with Epic Events, contact $50 plus a sausage. Riders best 3 out of 4 Contact: Vincent 021 682 823 or Gordon or Claire on 0275 1444 19 or visit rounds count for points, prize giving at end aprilia_NZ@hotmail.com www.epicevents.co.nz of series.

For 2015 check out Kiwi Iron - 17, Guided Trail Rides - 10, GNCC Round 1, Online Motorcycle Show (non profit event) with Sean Clarke, Tokoroa-Putaruruat Burts Farm, Matata, starts 9.30,various - presented via motorcyclealley.co.nz. Entry Tokoroa, for intermediate/expert level rider, classes, run by Power Adventures, contact is free, with thousands of dollars worth of $120 per rider, up to 150kms per day. Lunch Greg 0274454429, check out spot prizes, somewhere you can show off and fuel transportation included. Contact www.poweradventures.co.nz your bike. Everyone can view all the best Sean 0275996046/07 8865918 NOVEMBER bikes in NZ and vote for a winner. Voting - 18, Guided Trail Rides - 14, Round 4 NZ XC series is open Jan-June 2015. There will be with Sean Clarke, Tokoroa-Whakamaruat Maddix Park, Tauranga, run in monthly winners who will go in the grand Tokoroa, for intermediate level rider, conjunction with Round 2 of GNCC series, draw at the end of June, and one winner per similar track, slower pace, $120 per rider, Seniors/Vets/Ladies/Juniors, category will be chosen. This will hopefully up to 150kms per day. Lunch and fuel phone 0226050950, or visit www.nzxc.co.nz become an annual event. Check out www. transportation included. Contact Sean - 29, 20th Anniversary Morley Honda 6 Hour motorcyclealley.co.nz for further info and 0275996046/07 8865918 the rules.

Ironman & Pony Express, - 24, Burt Farm Trail Ride, ATVs and M/Cycles, at Lamb Valley OCTOBER at Mimiha Rd, Matata, sign in 8.30, starts Glenhope, Nelson, 60 kms south of - 28, BRONZ 68th Blood Run, 9am, Seniors $35, 10yrs up (Youth) $20, Richmond. Both Ironman and Pony Express Meet 5.30 - 7.30, 71 Gt South Rd, Epsom. under 5 $10, family $65, contact John classes. Entry fees $60 per rider for a single Badges $10. Contact Finn 09 6255533 0275300220 or 07 3222371 or class only. Pre entries close 20/11/15, late / 0274846326 or Lars 09 4425679 / email j.lburt@xtra.co.nz entry fees add $20. Entry forms go to www.

021361312 - 31, Acerbis 4 hr Race, Taupo, morleymotorcycles.co.nz or for www.nmcc.

- 30/1 Nov, Big Boys Toys, with Epic Events, contact Gordon or Claire org. Need MNZ license. Sign on 7.30-8.30, at ASB Showgrounds, Earlybird price on 0275 1444 19 or briefing 9am, racing starts 9.30am $20 per adult, contact info@bigboystoys. visit www.epicevents.co.nz DECEMBER co.nz, includes a Motorcycle Show, also in NOVEMBER - 5, Round 5 NZ XC series Palmerston North in November - 7, Herbertville Trail Ride, at Castlehill, Pahiatua, Seniors/ Vets/Ladies/ NOVEMBER Tararua, $25 per adult, $20 per secondary Juniors, phone 0226050950, or visit - 20/22, Big Boys Toys school rider, $15 primary school rider, www.nzxc.co.nz at Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North, check silver-bullet.co.nz, or phone Nigel - 12, GNCC Rd 3, Maramarua Forest, contact info@bigboystoys.co.nz 0274868464 or Paddy 09 3743670 starts 9.30, various classes, run by Power - 22, 9th annual charity run to fundraise - 14, Burt Farm Trail Ride, Adventures, contact Greg 0274454429, money for children with special needs at Mimiha Rd, Matata, sign in 8.30, starts check out www.poweradventures.co.nz who attend the school. Money raised will 9am, Seniors $35, 10yrs up (Youth) $20, go towards resources and equipment to under 5 $10, family $65, contact John MOTOCROSS help with their education. Contact Michael: 0275300220 or 07 3222371 or OCTOBER michael@hamnorth.school.nz or email j.lburt@xtra.co.nz ring 07 8493029 - 11, Southern Series Moto X, Rd 3 at Gore, - 28, Burt Farm Trail Ride, entry fee between $20-$70 depending on - 27/29, Thunder Beach Motorcycle Summer Rally, at Mimiha Rd, Matata, sign in 8.30, starts class, ring 03 6864901 or email noel.adele@ over 3 days, check out 9am, Seniors $35, 10yrs up (Youth) $20, xtra.co.nz or mays@woosh.co.nz www.thunderbeach.co.nz for registrations under 5 $10, family $65, contact John - 18, Southern Series Moto X, Rd 4 0275300220 or 07 3222371 or DECEMBER at South Otago, entry fee between $20-$70 email j.lburt@xtra.co.nz - 5, BRONZ 33rd Annual Toy Run, depending on class, ring 03 6864901 or - 29, MR Motorcycles Charity Trail Ride Meet 10am, leave 11am, ride leaves BMW email noel.adele@xtra.co.nz or Series 2015/16, Starts at Glen Murray NZ Pacific Rise, Mt Wellington, destination mays@woosh.co.nz Hall, SH22, Glen Murray, signposted from The Warehouse, 26 Warehouse Way, Mercer and Rangiriri Bridges, Pee Wee NOVEMBER Northcote. Supporting Salvation Army, loop included, sign on from 8.30, no riders badges $10. Bring your gift unwrapped.

- 7, Southern Series Moto X, Rd 5 briefing, ride starts 9.45. Adult rider $35, Contact Finn 09 6255533 / 0274846326 or at Mosgiel, entry fee between $20-$70 under 16 $25, family concessions $80 Lars 09 4425679 / 021361312 depending on class, ring 03 6864901 or (2 adults and up to 3 kids living at same email noel.adele@xtra.co.nz or address), phone 09 2373095. Series mays@woosh.co.nz dates: 13 December at Paparimu School,

94

KIWI RIDER

To advertise here call Todd on 021 709 989

continued on page 96

(1-DAY GUIDED QUAD/SIDE-BY-SIDE TOUR) Sat 12th Dec 2015

This is an amazing One-day guided trek through the 163,000 acres of Waiouru military training area. The event is specifically designed for quads (4wd) and side-by-sides. $195.-Accomodation provided Rider $110-Accomodation provided Passenger $125-One day event pass only, no accommodation no meals. Rider. $75 One day event pass only, no accommodation no meals. Passenger Quads may not carry a passenger unless they are specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry two people. Helmets are compulsory. Only 4wd drive Quads will be admitted.

REGISTRATION Registrations will open on August 15th. Registrations can only be done on line. Riders will ride in three or four groups, depending upon vehicle numbers, rider competency and rider expectation, and vehicle type. Numbers are limited so entries are on a first-registered basis. Register at www.offlimits.co.nz

South Wairarapa, Sunday 8 Nov 2015 (Alternative day: 15 Nov 2015).

What’ll she do? Well, Now’s your chance to find out.

Run what you bring, As long as it has 2 or 3 wheels.

No limits on capacity, Fuel or induction system.

We’re running a standing and flying 1/4 mile sprint.

Open to all riders no need to hold a competition license or be club members.

To register or for more information go to www.cliffhanger.org.nz

EVENTS CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2015

- RACE RESULTS -

continued from page 94

MotoGP Results

Rd 14

Rd 13

Rd 12

Rd11

Rd 10

Rd 9

Rd 8

Rd 7

Rd 6

Total

Aragon

Misano

Silverstone

Brno

Indianapolis

Sachsenring

Assen

Catalunya

Mugello

1

Valentino Rossi

Yamaha

ITA

263

16

11

25

16

16

16

25

20

16

2

Jorge Lorenzo

Yamaha

SPA

249

25

0

13

25

20

13

16

25

25

3

Marc Marquez

Honda

SPA

184

0

25

0

20

25

25

20

0

0

4

Andrea Iannone

Ducati

ITA

172

13

9

8

13

11

11

13

13

20

5

Bradley Smith

Yamaha

GBR

143

8

20

9

9

10

10

9

11

11

6

Andrea Dovizioso

Ducati

ITA

139

11

8

16

10

7

0

4

0

0

7

Dani Pedrosa

Honda

SPA

129

20

7

11

11

13

20

8

16

13

8

Danilo Petrucci

Ducati

ITA

93

0

10

20

6

6

7

5

7

7

9

Cal Crutchlow

Honda

GBR

88

9

5

0

0

8

9

10

0

0

10

Pol Espargaro

Yamaha

SPA

88

7

0

0

8

9

8

11

0

10

Next Rounds:

11 October Japan, 18 October Australia, 25 October Malaysia, 8 November Spain

World Superbike Championships 2015

Jerez

Sepang

USA

Round 11

Race 2

Race 1

Round 10

Race 2

Race 1

Round 9

Race 2

Race 1

1

Jonathon Rea

Kawasaki

GBR

478

13

13

452

20

25

407

16

16

2

Chas Davies

Ducati

GBR

353

25

20

308

25

20

263

25

25

3

Tom Sykes

Kawasaki

GBR

331

11

25

295

2

11

282

20

20

4

Leon Haslam

Aprilia

GBR

286

16

11

259

10

9

240

11

3

5

J Torres

Aprilia

ESP

210

20

4

186

16

6

164

13

11

6

Sylvain Guintoli

Honda

FRA

175

7

6

162

13

13

136

0

9

7

V D Mark

Honda

NLD

144

3

16

125

11

0

114

9

8

8

M Baiocco

Ducati

ITA

125

10

8

107

7

8

92

3

0

9

A Lowes

Suzuki

GBR

121

0

9

112

8

10

94

0

10

10

D Giugliano

Ducati

ITA

119

0

0

119

0

0

119

0

13

Next rounds:

4 October France, 18 October Qatar

World MX Championships MX1

Results

MX2

Results

1

Romain

Febvre

FRA

735

Tim

Gajser

SLO

589

2

Gautier

Paulin

FRA

592

Pauls

Jonass

LAT

564

3

Evgeny

Bobryshev

RUS

567

Max

Anstie

GBR

537

4

Shaun

Simpson

GBR

481

Valentin

Guillod

SUI

511

5

Jeremy

Van Horebeek

BEL

449

Jeremy

Seewer

SUI

496

World Speedway - Results to date (after Rd 10 of 12) Country

Results

1

Tai

Woffinden

GBR

143

2

Greg

Hancock

USA

118

3

Nicki

Pedersen

DEN

105

4

Niels-Christian

Iversen

DEN

95

5

Matej

Zagar

SLO

93

96

KIWI RIDER

14 February at Naike, and 6 March at Waikaretu.

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 OCTOBER - 10, Advanced Rider Training, at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park $175 for club members, $205 for non-club members, contact Colleen Thompson at colleenryanthompson@gmail.com or 0274231433 - 10, Off Road Training with Chris Birch, in New Plymouth, 9-4, $195 pp, phone 0211900758 - 11, Off Road Training with Chris Birch, in New Plymouth, 9-4, $195 pp, phone 0211900758 - 11, Rider Training Track Days, at Taupo, contact bernardracing@xtra.co.nz for more details NOVEMBER - 8, Rider Training Track Days, at Taupo, contact bernardracing@xtra.co.nz for more details TRIALS OCTOBER - 11, Dan Cochrane Memorial Trial, Classic Trails Series, at Halcombe, Wanganui vs Wellington vs Manawatu.

Sign on 9am, starts 10am. $20 entry.

Contact Robert Cochrane 0221540334 or email robertc72@xtra.co.nz - 24/26, NZ Champs Taranaki, contact Warren Day Ph: 067547345 NOVEMBER - 1, Wanganui Spring 2015 Classic Trails Series at Wanganui, Ash Kents Dehli Ave. Sign on 9am, starts 10am. $20 entry. Contact Robert Cochrane 0221540334 or email robertc72@xtra.co.nz - 22, Wanganui Classic Trails Series, BSA Shield, Manawatu, sign on 9am, starts 10am. $20 entry. Contact Robert Cochrane 0221540334 or email robertc72@xtra.co.nz

todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

97

SHORAI BATTERIES IM NTERNATIONAL O T O R C Y C L E C L A S S I C

IN MEMORY OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST RIDERS BARRY SHEENE MBE

NEW ZEALAND RIDERS TAKING ON THE WORLD CLASSICS / POST CLASSICS / SIDECARS / BEARS HAMPTON DOWNS

shoraibatteriesinternational.com 98

KIWI RIDER

LABOUR WEEKEND 24,25,26 OCTOBER 2015 ENTRY FROM ONLY $10

WE MOVE MOTORCYCLES

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

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

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

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE: 0800 687 583

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

motorcycleMovers_quart_SEP15_v2.indd 1

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Tired of riding on your own?

Join the BMWOR and enjoy life on the road as well as at social gatherings with a friendly bunch of like-minded folks. Take advantage of some generous discounts to which membership entitles you. Go to our website or email the President and get the low down on what our club can offer.

Looking for the company of like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts?

website: www.bmwor.org.nz email: president@bmwor.org.nz todd@kiwirider.co.nz

KIWI RIDER

99

Track – road – off-road

Road legal • Make up your own custom hoses

Available through your motorcycle dealer 100

KIWI RIDER

EBHKR003

Now le availab in black

Classics

Words: Rhys Jones

SENSATIONAL SIXES 1975 Benelli 750 Sei

W

e have become familiar with Honda’s six cylinder CBX of 1978, but far less attention seems to be directed towards the other sixes of the period, and their comparison with the CBX, such as Kawasaki’s Z1300, and, from Europe, the Benelli 750/900 Sei (six).

Also let’s not forget Honda’s 1520cc shaft driven, 368kg, water-cooled, flat-six Gold Wing. The ‘Wing’, however, had little in common with the others, except for six pots. Because of the bike’s extensive specifications, which included arm-chair comfortable seating for rider and pillion, and generous storage facilities, it became known as the house on wheels. The others had more of the sports-touring market in focus.

Just as Kawasaki’s Z1 had followed, and trumped, Honda’s CB750.

The Z1300 followed the CBX and was supposed to do the same, but it didn’t quite happen. Whereas the CBX had a lean and purposeful look, the Kawasaki looked massive, and it was. It was 36kg heavier than the Honda, but it was liquid-cooled, with a 1286cc engine, shaft drive, and a 120bhp compared with the Honda’s 105bhp. Top speed was 225km/h compared with the Honda’s 217km/h. Many felt that the Z1300 was over the top. The West German government at the time had banned motorcycles producing over 100bhp and an oil

crisis had caused riders to be more concerned with efficiency and economy than with the seemingly never ending race for more power and performance. The Z1300 was not a success in the showroom, but like the CBX it has become a collectable classic, a tribute to a very sophisticated motorcycle.

When it was released in 1974 the 750 Benelli Sei was the only six cylinder motorcycle on the market. Honda was already developing the CBX, which it launched in 1978. In response Benelli increased the Sei’s capacity to 900. The Sei was almost 40kg lighter than the CBX, and much leaner looking. It featured a bikini fairing and later models had six-into-two pipes instead of the six mufflers. The Benelli also opted for three carburettors instead of the six used by Honda. 80bhp at 8400rpm sounds modest compared with the Japanese sixes, but a top speed of 215km/h was very respectable at the time.

My mind wanders back to a glorious day on the Canterbury plains when I had the pleasure of sampling a 1988 Benelli 900 Sei, and two Honda CBXs. It was a rare opportunity to ride both the Italian and Japanese machines back to back in the most superb conditions.

My old friend Craig Roberts, from Casbolts Motocycles, organised the ride and brought his Hesketh along to add even more exotica to the mix. I was familiar with the CBX but hadn’t ridden a Benelli before. What a delight it was. It felt like a 600. I remember the engine ticking over at 4000rpm at 100km/h. Cracking the throttle open, the needle flashed to 6500rpm and 140km/h, just for a second or so,

Sharing your passion facebo

ok.com

/Caffein

eAndCla

KIWI RIDER

ssics

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