May - Bike Talk

NATAL • MAY 2012

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE !
THUNDERBIRD
EXTRAS INCLUDED
EXPLORER
TOURING
- Back Rest
- Touring Seat
- Touring Screen
SPORT
- Headlight Cowl
- Pipes
- T-Bar
- Mirrors
‘11 DEMO MODEL*
R135 000
All-new Adventure
All-new Excitement
Go your Own Way.
Wholesome
Exhilarang
STREET TRIPLE BONNEVILLE SE
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
BUILT TO IMPRESS
Extra Pure
Bonneville
10 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge
Tel: 031 566 3024
Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk

YOU CAN’T CATCH THIS!
2012 ZX14
Unmatched power
and performance
VERSYS 1000
Economical and
affordable comfort
Let the good mes roll.
KLR 650
A workhorse any
day of the week
TERYX KRT750
Side by side at
work or play
10 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge
Tel: 031 566 3024
Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk

THE EDITOR: In a Nutshell
Recession is over, the fuel price is coming down, life is easy and bikes are more affordable
than ever. If only these were all true we’d all be smiling, riding bikes for a living and go live
with our parents again.
All of this doesn’t stop life from going on, we sll have to work, feed our families before
we can enjoy life and the freedom we have as motorcyclists. That said, in this issue we
welcome a few new adversers; ZAP Motorcycles, Bike Africa and Ian Marsh Motorcycles,
thank you for your support.
On our ‘What’s on Calendar’ we highlight a few key events hosted in and around KZN, so
be sure to support these where and when possible.
I start off by aending the launch of the new Harley-Davidson Sportster 72 and the Soail
Slim and ended up tesng the ‘72’ for this issue. Yesh! Later on I popped in to Honda Wing
Umhlanga to collect the new Fireblade for a review, how much fun was that. The techies
in the workshop showed me that not every clown should work or aempt to repair their
own bike; take it to the professionals instead. The Ear Instute introduced a new In-Ear Plug which enhances the
quality of in-ear audio, so they gave me a set to test. Upon my visit to ccGallery (Duca and KTM) I noced a difference,
something changed for the beer. Phil from ccGallery gave me the Diavel for a day to test, the review of which you’ll
read later in this issue. What a bike, what a ride! One mean piece of engineering.
East Coast Motorcycles is the first in KZN to have a demo model of the new Triumph Explorer, which I do recommend
you take for a test ride. And if that’s not your style, ride it anyway!
On the educaonal side I help you through the bends on page 6 and John gives us an insight into the different leather
types that goes into our riding gear. I also give you and overview of the lile Misfit 250, the new Triumph Explorer and
the all new Honda CrossTourer. Yip, Bike Talk at last, aended its first press launch (Honda VFR1200X CrossTourer) along
with the “big boys” in the market and will be doing so again for the launch of the Triumph Explorer early in May. Keep an
eye out for a very revealing issue of Bike Talk in June, reviewing both these adventure bikes in one edion.
All things considered, this has been one of our busiest months since we started in Jan 2006. The riding academy is very
busy, Honda SA just gave us our new bikes (9 of them) for the next year, the magazine is geng naonal recognion
and doors of opportunity are opening up around every corner. GOD is good and faithful to his word and promises if we
diligently seek him in our ways. That brings me to a more serious note, as I give you a lile story (in Afrikaans) on why
you should read the Bible.
Well that’s it in a nutshell folks! I hope to see you on the road someme or at the next bike event and if I don’t, be safe
and remember to counter-steer into the corners, keep your head and eyes up and through the bend. Please watch out
for other traffic on our roads, think for them because they are not able to.
Don’t forget, you can subscribe to the mag, download it from our website or view it on
our Facebook page; Get it! Share it! But don’t keep it to yourself!
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4

EDITOR
Hein Jonker
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Hein Jonker Media Management
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Carin Jonker
ACCOUNTS
Carin Jonker
PRINTING
Seasonal from 2500 - 5000 copies
DISTRIBUTION
Durban and Surrounding
North and South Coast
Midlands and Balefields
and parts of Gauteng
CONTACT US
Tel: 0861 BIKETALK /
0861 24538255
Cell: 083 793 7975
Fax: 0866 4898 55
Parcels: Post Office
Amanzimto
4125
Email: admin@biketalk.co.za
Web: www.biketalk.co.za
Faceb: BIKETALK.SA
While every effort is made to ensure the
accuracy of the informaon and reports in this
magazine, the publisher, editor, producon
personnel, printer and distributor do not
accept any responsibility whatsoever for any
errors or omissions or for any effect there
from. The views expressed by correspondents
are not necessarily those of the editor or
publisher.
All rights reserved; artwork in this publicaon
has Copyright and may not be used in other
publicaons without the wrien consent of
the Editor.
INDEX
REGULARS PAGE
The Editor 4
(In a nutshell)
Subscripon Form 4
(Get the Mag in the post)
Keeping it Up 6
(Handling Curves)
What’s on Calendar 7
(Motorcycle Events in KZN)
In the News 8
(People and Dealers in the news)
- Sportster 72 & Soail Slim Launch
- Triumph Explorer hits KZN
- Honda Techies hard at work
- Hein gets a new “plug”
- ccGallery on the move
- Honda CrossTourer Launch
Biker Phonebook 12
(Find who you’re looking for)
Gearing Up 14
(Leather Protecon)
Overviews
(Something you might not have seen yet)
- Honda VFR1200 Cross Tourer 22
- Tha Misfit 250 26
- Triumph Explorer 1200 26
GOD’s Corner 28
(Hoekom Bybel lees)
Rate Sheet 28
(See how affordable it is to adverse)
REVIEWS
(Latest bikes tested and thoughts shared)
‘12 Duca Diavel 18
‘12 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 24
‘12 Harley-Davidson Sportster 72 30

KEEPING IT UP: Handling Curves
Anybody can ride a motorcycle in a straight line. Here
you learn how to ride in a curve. Taking curves is rather
a personal choice in terms of selecon of entry and exit
points as well as speed, it seems to me.
For example, the typical advice I have heard from others
is to choose an entry point that allows you to make the
curve using the smoothest line through it so that you
always have the least lean demand. This, of course, gives
you the most ability to compensate your path through the
curve should you find a need to do so. It also means that
you hit the apex of the curve at about its middle. That is,
you enter from the outside edge of the curve, then move
towards the inside unl you reach its apex, then connue
from there outwards unl you are once again at the
outside of the curve just as you exit it.
I, on the other hand, do not normally do this. I prefer to
delay my entry into the curve. That is, I stay to the outside
edge well past the normal entry point, then turn much
more sharply into it and hit the inside much beyond
the normal apex. This gives me two significant (to me)
advantages over the ‘smoothest’ course:
• I get the lean that I enjoy in the beginning of the curve
where I have seen all that I need to see in terms of
potenal trouble.
• When I exit the turn I am traveling at a much reduced
angle relave to the path of the road. That is, since I am
closer to the end of the curve when I reach the inside
than is the normal apex, I have fewer degrees of the arc
le to go before I am again going in a straight line. Said
differently, if the road changes direcons by a maer of
90 degrees through a curve, no maer what path you
select through it you will have totalled 90 degrees when
you are out of it. Since I turn more into the curve at my
delayed entry point, I have less le to go to complete the
turn when I am near the exit.
This last advantage is of profound importance, in
my opinion. This gives me far more ability to handle
unexpected problems as I get closer to the end of the
curve. For example, what if it turns out to be a decreasing
radius curve aer all, or if there is gravel in the road that
was not visible at its entry?
By the way, when I said that 'I stay to the outside edge'
above; I in no way meant to imply that I get close to the
line. Far too many people seem to think that they have
performed a safe manoeuvre through a curve so long as
their wheels do not touch or
cross the centre line. WRONG!
If any part of your motorcycle
crosses that line, including
just a grip, you are in the path
of oncoming traffic, and are in
THEIR lane.
In any event, I try to overshoot
my entry to a curve. Then I
aggressively counter-steer into
it, and delay reaching the inside
of the curve well past its apex.
This also, incidentally, allows
me to start an aggressive rollon
of my throle sooner than
when I am at the inside of the
curve which gives me a beer
handling bike through the
majority of it. I should add that
this delayed entry approach
requires that you get in the
habit of not entering the curve
too fast. Further, the right
approach speed is one which
requires NO BRAKING at entry.
You should use MODEST throle roll-on all the way
through any curve.
If you find that you cross the outside line, ever, then it
is me to reassess what you are doing. Approaching the
curve too fast? Insufficient confidence to aggressively
counter-steer when you need to? Insufficient experience
to pick a good line? Acng like riding with friends is a
compeve sport? Whatever it is, if you ever cross that
centre-line you are riding above your abilies; everyone
around you will know it so you’ll need to change
something soon.
Otherwise, make sure your relaves know your intenons
relave to the donaon of your organs.

WHAT’S ON CALENDAR
DATE EVENT DESCRIPTION
26-30 APR AFRICA BIKE WEEK
12 MAY HONDA OFFROAD COURSE
14 MAY WICKED WILLY BASH
26 MAY ADVANCED RIDER COURSE
16 JUN WILD FIRE BLANKET RUN
29 JUN-1 JUL PONGOLA CANE RALLY
30 JUN PERRY YAMAHA TRACKDAY
1 JUL NAPPY RUN
26-29 JUL DRAGON RALLY
9-12 AUG HIPPO RALLY
25 AUG IRON MAIDEN STREET PARTY
31 AUG-2 SEP FAITH RALLY
28-20 OCT BMW ECO CHALLENGE
11 NOV NATIONAL MEMORIAL RUN
25 NOV NATIONAL TOY RUN
www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA
Hosted in Margate, a week-end not to be missed.
Visit www.africabikeweek.co.za
or email Carl on info@africabikeweek.com
Hosted by Honda Adventure Academy at Mid-Illovo
Contact Hein on 083 7937975
or book on-line at www.biketalk.co.za
Hosted by Highway Dragons MC
Contact Les on 083 4876846
or visit www.highwaydragonsmc.co.za
Hosted by Bike Talk MRA at Toyota Test Circuit, Eston
Contact Hein on 083 7937975
or book on-line at www.biketalk.co.za
Hosted by Highway Dragons MC
Contact Les on 083 4876846
or visit www.highwaydragonsmc.co.za
Hosted by Pongola Cane Rider on the Pongola Academy
School Grounds. Visit www.caneriders.co.za or
Contact Johan on 082 8970635
Hosted by Perry Yamaha at Red Star Raceway, Delmas
Contact Henry on 031 5667411
or email him on henryv@perryyamaha.co.za
Hosted by CMA at Lords & Legends in Amanzimto
Contact Kobie on 082 7716643
Hosted by Highway Dragons MC
Contact Les on 083 4876846
or visit www.highwaydragonsmc.co.za
Hosted in Richards Bay at the ZCBF Showgrounds
Contact Gian on 082 5652013
or visit www.hipporally.co.za
Hosted at Golden Knights Pub Ashburton at 12:00pm.
Pre-paids welcome. Live music etc.
Contact Gary on 084 5181968 or Carl on 079 6990526
Hosted by CMA KZN at Skogheim, Port Shepstone
Visit www.cmasa.org.za
Hosted by BMW SA in Clocolan for the BMW Adventure
Rider at heart.
Visit www.bmwgseco.co.za
Hosted by CMA on a naonal level and support by your
local Federaons and Councils.
Contact Kobie on 082 7716643
This is a day of giving to the children in our community,
come and be rewarded through giving.
EMAIL US YOUR EVENT DETAILS AND WE’LL PUBLISH IT HERE FREE OF CHARGE - admin@biketalk.co.za
7

IN THE NEWS
Harley-Davidson - I was recently invited to aend the
launch of the all new Sportster 72 and the Soail Slim
right here on our doorstep. Now don’t start with the
“bikes for ballies” again; do yourself a favour, if you are
into cruisers, go and ride any one of these magnificent
bikes. But don’t stop there; spend some me with the
“locals” and find out what moves them.
Anyway, the bikes were well introduced by Rob and his
team, well presented for all to see and touch. I had a
choice to test either the “72” or the “Slim”, and looking
at the “72” above le the choice was obvious. The full
review is on page 30, be sure to read it. I sll have to test
Triumph Explorer - Oh yes, the long awaited adventure
bike has landed and is available from our very own East
Coast Motorcycles in Umhlanga Ridge.
Above le are a few early adopters (I hope), and I’m sure
eager to take the demo model out for ride. I’ve given you
an overview on page 26 but keep an eye on the next issue
of Bike Talk for our full review on this highly ancipated
motorcycle.
If you haven’t been to ECM recently then I urge you to
get there as soon as possible. Tracey, above right, and
her team has made some very excing changes to the
8
the “Slim” and will do so in a future issue of Bike Talk, you
can be sure of that.
As for the dealership, boy, you can take your mother
to this place and eat of the floor. Everything is so well
organised, set out and displayed for opmum shopping
comfort, no wonder the “locals” hang around here on
Saturday mornings, chang, eang, riding, buying and
just enjoying themselves.
Do yourself a favour, visit the shop; touch, smell and listen
and you’ll soon be hooked onto a very rewarding lifestyle
of freedom. Meet great people and ride one of the most
excing motorcycle brands in the world.
interior of the flagship dealership, truly showcasing the
motorcycle lifestyle as we should enjoy it. The Triumph
secon has had a complete revamp, with Aprilia and
Kawasaki next on the list.
ECM’s gear, parts and accessory departments also enjoyed
aenon which makes me excited to see a dealership
passionate about their brands, product offering and their
customers.
From the showroom floor to the workshop, you can be
sure, you’ll get great service and product to match. Try
them on for size next me you are shopping for a ride.

Panniers. Great Buy!
Perfect Starter Bike
Brand New
New Tyres, Panniers
Tel: 031 7021517 | Cell: 082 6104210
2002 Yamaha FJR1300
Collector’s Item
R42 900 R27 900 R34 900
Yoshi Pipe
R29 900 R49 900 R27 900
Panniers, New Tyres
1986 Yamaha TZR250 2000 Aprilia RS250
2001 Honda VFR400 NC30 2002 Honda CBR929RR 2001 Suzuki RF900R
2012 GoMoto Ballisc 150 2009 Triumph Sprint ST1050 2008 Honda CB600 Hornet
R10 499 R79 900 R49 900
2006 BMW K1200R
R79 900
Original Condion
New Tyres
Superb Commuter
165 Old Main Road, Pinetown
Email: shulas@mweb.co.za
Web: www.bikeafricaptn.co.za
--- o ---
24 Hour Roadside Assistance
Finance Available
--- o ---
Workshop: Servicing and Repairs
Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk

IN THE NEWS
Honda Wing Umhlanga - I’m not sure what to say but
I’ve been told that it is no monkey business stripping a
“Blade” motor, and pung it back together again. I’m sure
these guys know what they’re doing, as I’ve personally
experienced their service and could not fault them. I am
a bit concerned though; the guy with the hammer, Brent,
what’s the deal bro? And then we have the main “bra”
tuning it’s cool, use the hammer we’ve got to get that
piston back in there or Achmed will kill us. Keep it up guys,
you rock!
ccGallery - Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve visited
Phil’s place and I must say I’m impressed. They are truly
geared and going places with the KTM and Duca brands,
plus they’ve expanded their stock holding on gear and
accessories.
I mean, you can walk into the shop, sit down for a piece
of cake and cappuccino before you start your shopping
frenzy. They have a huge range on offer; from motocross
to enduro to adventure touring, super sports, street and
commung. Not just that, they can fit you out as well from
head to toe sending you off into the wilderness of our local
KZN traffic or exploring the routes oen not travelled.
Either way, you just have to pay them a visit and see for
yourself, my few words don’t do any jusce.
10
The Ear Instute - Seen here (not the ballie), is Jusne
fing my new and SA first In-Ear Audio Enhancement
Plugs. Hey, that’s what I would call it. This plug is a wired
earphone that can connect to any MP3 player or Cell
phone giving you crystal clear sound in your ear without
any wind noise while riding.
It also works perfectly with selected Scala, Interphone and
Sena helmet headsets fied with a mini stereo jack. The
ear-plug part of the unit funcons in a similar fashion as
the MotoEar, which eliminates or filters excessive wind
noise which can cause hearing loss.
The sound quality is so good, when I tested it at speeds
which I won’t menon here, it was as if listening to music
or talking on the phone in my office. Now I’m not supporter
of loud music while riding, so make sure you stay focussed.
Visit www.earinstute.co.za for more informaon.

IN THE NEWS
Honda Wing Umhlanga - I’m not sure what to say but
I’ve been told that it is no monkey business stripping a
“Blade” motor, and pung it back together again. I’m sure
these guys know what they’re doing, as I’ve personally
experienced their service and could not fault them. I am
a bit concerned though; the guy with the hammer, Brent,
what’s the deal bro? And then we have the main “bra”
tuning it’s cool, use the hammer we’ve got to get that
piston back in there or Achmed will kill us. Keep it up guys,
you rock!
ccGallery - Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve visited
Phil’s place and I must say I’m impressed. They are truly
geared and going places with the KTM and Duca brands,
plus they’ve expanded their stock holding on gear and
accessories.
I mean, you can walk into the shop, sit down for a piece
of cake and cappuccino before you start your shopping
frenzy. They have a huge range on offer; from motocross
to enduro to adventure touring, super sports, street and
commung. Not just that, they can fit you out as well from
head to toe sending you off into the wilderness of our local
KZN traffic or exploring the routes oen not travelled.
Either way, you just have to pay them a visit and see for
yourself, my few words don’t do any jusce.
10
The Ear Instute - Seen here (not the ballie), is Jusne
fing my new and SA first In-Ear Audio Enhancement
Plugs. Hey, that’s what I would call it. This plug is a wired
earphone that can connect to any MP3 player or Cell
phone giving you crystal clear sound in your ear without
any wind noise while riding.
It also works perfectly with selected Scala, Interphone and
Sena helmet headsets fied with a mini stereo jack. The
ear-plug part of the unit funcons in a similar fashion as
the MotoEar, which eliminates or filters excessive wind
noise which can cause hearing loss.
The sound quality is so good, when I tested it at speeds
which I won’t menon here, it was as if listening to music
or talking on the phone in my office. Now I’m not supporter
of loud music while riding, so make sure you stay focussed.
Visit www.earinstute.co.za for more informaon.

BIKER PHONEBOOK
ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES
Phone: 031 9023623
AFFORDABLE BIKES
Phone: 035 7511000
ALFIE COX KTM
Phone: 031 7821559
BIG BOY SCOOTERS
Phone: 031 7020036
BIKE 2 BIKE
Phone: 021 9489826
BIKE AFRICA
Phone: 031 7021517
BIKE CITY
Phone: 031 4648505
BIKE PARTS ONLINE
Phone: 011 0214466
BREAKEVEN MOTORBIKES
Phone: 031 5695440
COUNTRY TRAX - DURBAN
Phone: 083 6414300
CRITERION YAMAHA
Phone: 039 6840338
CUSTOM CRAFT
Phone: 031 7093514
CYCLE CRAFT YAMAHA
Phone: 031 3371716
DARE DEVIL MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 4664114
DC CUSTOMIZING
Phone: 031 5695440
DUCATI DURBAN
Phone: 031 5665464
EAR INSTITUTE
Phone: 031 7651905
EAST COAST MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 5663024
EKEROLD YAMAHA
Phone: 033 3453503
ES BROKERS
Phone: 031 5021922
EXTREME MACHINES
Phone: 033 3942646
FAST KAWASAKI
Phone: 035 7896378
FUEL STICK
Phone: 031 7015135
GEAR UP ACCESSORIES
Phone: 031 5664932
HARLEY-DAVIDSON DURBAN
Phone: 031 5665222
HONDA WING MARITZBURG
Phone: 033 3456287
HONDA WING PINETOWN
Phone: 031 7025603
HONDA WING UMHLANGA
Phone: 031 5807950
HONDA WING ZULULAND
Phone: 035 7974894
IAN MARSH MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 083 8773123
JEFF’S BIKES
Phone: 031 3012073
JONWAY MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 3681455
KTM DURBAN
Phone: 031 5665464
LORDS & LEGENDS
Phone: 031 9034534
LIZ O BROKERS
Phone: 031 2667086
MARSHALL MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 7057235
MOTORCYCLE CENTRE
Phone: 033 3946941
MOTORCYCLE TRAINING
Phone: 083 7937975
PAZ SPRAYPAINTERS
Phone: 031 4622007
12
PERRY YAMAHA
Phone: 031 5667411
RBS YAMAHA
Phone: 031 7011311
ROADMASTER
Phone: 031 7660126
ROCKET RACING
Phone: 031 7022606
RYDER BMW
Phone: 031 7658877
STARTLINE
Phone: 031 7050715
SUZUKI RICHARDS BAY
Phone: 035 7894205
TAZ MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 4632565
THE BIKER STORE
Phone: 031 5846967
TIDAL MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 3123990
UMHLANGA BMW
Phone: 031 5029800
UMPLEBY SUZUKI
Phone: 031 3038323
UNLIMITED BATTERIES
Phone: 031 7656687
VESPA DURBAN
Phone: 031 3129579
VICTORY MOTOCYCLES
Phone: 031 5846967
XKULCHA
Phone: 011 4991817
X-RAD TRAILERS
Phone: 031 7661957
ZAP MOTORCYCLES
Phone: 031 2051201
ZULULAND BMW
Phone: 035 7727355

Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk
Authorised Honda Dealer
Mall
Beach
Party
Movies
Friends
School
Fuel Efficient
Combined Braking
Great Value
Honda Wing Pinetown
110 Old Main Road, Pinetown
Tel: 031 714 3600 | Fax: 031 702 9446
Web: www.hondapinetown.co.za
Vision 110
R12 999
Simone
Devon
Scott
PCX 125
R18 499
Fuel Efficient
Combined ABS
Idle Stop Switch
083 7810980
076 6932709
074 1943994

GEARING UP: Leather Protecon
We are oen asked about leather in respect of its
protecve qualies and how it compares to the more user
friendly texle materials. Very rarely are we asked about
the differences in the leather range itself.
Thanks to IXS and TD Agencies we have been educated
on some of these differences. There is no doubt leather is
sll the preferred material as far as security and abrasion
resistance materials are concerned.
Before moving onto the different types of leather the
following aspects are parcular to leather garments:
• Leather adapts itself to the form of the
body and therefore opmally posions the
addional protectors
• Leather should fit ghtly around the body.
• Impregnaon, grease and surface coangs
guarantee a certain degree of weather
protecon and resistance against rain.
• These addional protecve items may reduce
the breathing of the leather.
• If looked aer leather has a long life span.
• Interesngly heat insulaon of leather is only
moderate and support in this area must come
from other garments or equipment.
The different types of leathers are:
• Aniline. This boasts a so surface with a
transparent protecon coang resembling
skin and with a very pleasant feel. Every pore
is visible and sensible, very high quality leather
with noble and ma look, can be rinsed.
14
• Cowhide. Most commonly used leather. High
abrasion resistance. As a smooth leather very
weather resistant.
• Full leather is unsplit, thick leather with two
layers – the upper leather and flesh side.
• Goatskin leather. It is a high quality clothing
leather, because it is very thin, light, wind
resistant and at the same me enormously
tear resistant. Due to these characteriscs
goatskin leather is especially suitable for highquality
gloves.
• Kangaroo Leather. It disnguishes itself
through its exceponal smoothness and
tear resistance together with a relave small
thickness.
• Nappa leather is also called smooth leather.
Its surface has been finished, so the pores
are closed. Structures are oen emphasised
through embossing. This is parcularly
resistant against moisture and soiling.
• Nubuk has a so and open surface and is
velvety and shortly polished. It can have a
brighter or darker shade when for example
brushed over by hand.
• Sheepskin. A high quality leather for clothing.
• Split leather. Flesh-sided leather smoothed
during shaving, only a lile tear resistant,
but with a very pleasant feel. A raw skin has
a thickness of more than 1cm. During the
manufacturing of leather, the deeper skin layer
(flesh side) is split (separated) from the grain
side. The produced split leather has no smooth
side, is rough on both sides and inferior to full
leather in terms of quality (tear resistance0
and look.
• Suede leather stems exclusively from wild
living animals e.g. buffalo, deer, antelope.
• Vegetable leather is leather tanned vegetably.
• Velour is rough leather. It is polished on the
flesh side during the finishing and processed
with the polished side on the outside. Velour
can be cleaned with a brush and impregnated
with a spray. If the look is not important
one can also use wax. Note never treat with
grease! Very oen Velour is wrongly called
‘suede leather’.
In conclusion leather is a great product. Whichever you
choose just look aer it! Please give us a call and we’ll
be able to give you a rundown of what is available in the
market. - Wrien by John Briscoe
Tel: 031 5664932

031 705 0715
083 650 6390 if the TELKOM landline is down
09 Jersey R239
09 Pant R649
Startline Gauteng
101A Van Riebeeck Avenue, Edenvale
Tel: 011 4520532/3 452 0540/2
Fax: 011 452 0536
Email: edenvale@startline.co.za
08 Jersey R200
08 Pant
R549
Rainsuit R199 Rainsuit R599
Sizes S-3XL
Black
with Overglove
& Overboot
Startline Western Cape
72 Voortrekker Road,
Goodwood. Cape Town
Tel: 021 591 2557/8
Fax: 021 591 2559
Email: capetown@startline.co.za
www.startline.co.za
Cordura Jacket
R1 129
Adventure Pants
R955
Fingerless
Gloves R95
R2GB Jacket
R899
In-Line
Fuel Tap
Metal
R99
Biker Boots
R1 259
Aluminum
Oil Drain Bolt
with Magnet
Gold,Blue,Silver
R25
Startline KZN
11 Goshawk Rd, New Germany
Tel: 031-7050715
Fax: 031 7052538
Email:orders@startline.co.za

MAX 603
R549
MAX 603 AX
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MAX 606
R549
MAX V500
R449
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than your Standard Steel Sprocket.
Made from C45 hardened steel.
The #1 Replacement Sprocket in South Africa!
MAX V310
Junior
R549
MAX 617
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MAX Helmet Features
• ECE-2205 European & South African safety standards • Injected thermoplastic resin shell • Goggle grabbers
• UV resistant lacquer finish • Air channel cooling ventilation system • D-Ring strap retention system.
Motrix Sprockets
The Champion’s Choice
GOLDFREN Brake Pads MX3 World Champion
Hayden Louw
Pierre-Alexandre Renet
R259

REVIEW: ‘12 Duca Diavel
The Diavel is Duca’s biggest challenge ever, much bigger
than last year’s ground-breaking adventure bike, the
Mulstrada 1200 S. With the Diavel, Duca is treading on
virgin turf, having created a new type of motorcycle and a
new way to enjoy riding. The ingredients are all there: the
look, riding posture, performance potenal and sound.
The Diavel shares the Mulstrada’s basic frame structure
and four-valve, 90-degree 1200cc V-Twin in Testastrea
11-degree configuraon; so called for the degrees of
camsha overlap. More importantly, it shares the same
creaveness and pursuit of quality and efficiency that
were not part of Duca’s product policy unl five years
ago.
From any perspecve, the Diavel is an impressive
motorcycle. Its profile is unique, as it is its mission.
Styling is enormously muscular; forward concentraon
of masses, lean rear secon and fat rear tyre. It looks
like a line-backer ready to jump into acon, the pads
protecng his shoulders and back so thickly that the
helmet disappears into his body. The headlight is almost
flush with the massive 50mm Marzocchi fork and the
protruding air intakes. The masses concentrated behind
the front wheel form a complex, almost gothic image of
clean, rounded surfaces, either in polished metal or dull
black on which the vivid red of the steel trellis frame
draws its elegant triangulaons. No queson, the Duca
styling department was given lots of freedom on this
project, and the result is fascinang.
Duca conceived the Diavel as a superbike with a powercruiser
soul but granted it all the best to perform like a
superbike, including radial-mount Brembo Monobloc
front brake callipers that ensure some of the strongest
deceleraons in the industry. Just as the Diavel projects
an aggressive, powerful image, and indeed, it indeed is
very powerful. Duca extracted a lot more than they
gave the Mulstrada: 162bhp @ 9,500 rpm and 127.5Nm
@ 8,000 rpm. The gains come from the curvaceous and
rather intricate exhaust system (engineers resorted to
18
hydroforming to correctly shape the 2-into-1 manifold)
and superior efficiency of the Diavel’s dynamic air
intakes.
LEDs are used front and rear, and the turn-signals double
as parking and stoplights. The rider sits behind the pivot
of the massive single-sided swing-arm, but the passenger
sits in front of the rear axle. I discovered, the bike is very
pleasant to ride, even very fast on a twisty back-road.
And performance potenal is something the Diavel
is not short of. For this test in Durban, I was entrusted
with a red/black Diavel. Despite its inmidang look,
the bike welcomed me aboard with its light weight, wellconfigured
handlebar and low seat. The foot-pegs are set
appropriately low in due relaon to the seat, providing a
very comfortable “tall-in-the-saddle” riding posture. The
pegs limit lean angle to 41 degrees, but that proved to be
more than adequate even for serious riding.
At cold start, the engine stabilizes quickly to a 1000-rpm
idle, eming the typical Duca sound, but on a slightly
louder and raspy tone. The engine does not emit typical
mechanical noise thanks to the inseron of a sounddeadening
barrier inside the crankcase cover on the
primary transmission side. This is big progress and should
be applied to the whole model line.
The Diavel’s profile is unique, as it is its mission. Styling is
enormously muscular—forward concentraon of masses,
lean rear secon and fat rear tyre.
The engine is incredibly strong, acceleraon is terrific and
the 160km/h mark is ridiculously easy to reach. I did it on
the highway, and it was an exhilarang experience, using
all 10,000 rpm the engine generously puts at disposal of
the strong of heart. I must say that the wind pressure at
that speed is more than acceptable, making 140km/h
cruising a walk in the park. The ride-by-wire throle offers
a selecon of three actuaon modes: Urban, Touring
and Sport. Tracon control, selectable over eight levels
of acon, is also standard and will be called into play on
cold, slippery roads, making the three throle modes
somewhat redundant.
Negoang some steep, ght hairpins on a twisty road
from Richmond, the Diavel’s relave lack of flywheel mass,
forced me to feather the clutch because the response was
shuddery. The Diavel showed that the concept for the
project has been very well-executed. The bike is terribly
fast and aggressive, and the well-sorted riding posion
induces the rider to probe limits normally idenfied with
pure sportbikes.
As the bike was delivered to me, the rear suspension was
too prone to squat under hard acceleraon, inducing a
clear tendency to run wide exing corners full blast.
...connued on page 20

REVIEW: ‘12 Duca Diavel (connued)
connued from Page 18 ...
Jacking up the rear end with four clicks of adjustment to
the handy knob of the Sachs shock resulted in a perfectly
neutral response under any circumstances. The bike then
turned with razor-sharpness and followed the proper line,
never again developing a way of its own.
As delivered from the factory, the Marzocchi front end
is mighty solid and well-tuned. The rear Pirelli deserves
a special menon because it performed superbly even
on the very cold tarmac of the mountain road. Duca
conceived the Diavel as a superbike with a power-cruiser
soul but granted it all the best to perform like a superbike,
including radial-mount Brembo Monobloc front brake
callipers that ensure some of the strongest deceleraons
in the industry.
Ducas are no longer crude missiles. Though no corners
were cut anywhere in terms of equipment or aenon to
comfort, this massive Diavel ps the scale at just 239kg
dry.
If you’re looking for an everyday motorcycle that oozes
Duca personality yet provides everyday funconality,
you might be happier on a Mulstrada or Monster. But if
you view the Diavel as a more specialized toy for a specific
clientele, its unique hybridizaon of sportbike and cruiser
genres begins to make more sense—it’s really a sort of
supersport cruiser, if such a thing exists. The Diavel is a
heaven-sent for performance-oriented riders who are
red of achy wrists and sff necks, don’t mind a more
relaxed posture, and love the aenon of riding a visually
disncve bike.
Duca’s Diavel might be the most dangerous experiment
the company has undertaken since it was founded in
1926, but it’s also the most potenally fruiul. By offering
striking style, high speed, and defiantly capable handling
(especially at higher velocies), Duca has effecvely
carved itself a new niche. No longer must cruiser fans
sele for rocket-quick rides with cumbersome handling;
the Diavel’s willingness to tackle the twises lends it
20
a quality that’s virtually impossible to find in any other
bike.
If anything, the Duca Diavel’s league-of-its-own status
opens itself up for plenty of imitators; if enough wellheeled
buyers make this bike a success, it won’t be long
before other manufactures start building power cruisers
that aren’t piggishly heavy or technologically crude. But
regardless of the Diavel’s potenal future success, Duca
is to be commended for boldly going where they’ve never
been before; building such an unconvenonal product
takes audacity, and the Diavel’s shocking performance and
surprising fun-to-ride factor earns it the rare disncon
of being one hell of a ride for people who wouldn’t be
caught dead on a power cruiser.
By the way, “Diavel” does not mean “devil” in the
“Bolognese.” In fact, the word doesn’t even exist in the
local dialect. Diavel is just the voluntary misspelling of the
real word, Dieval, which would have been hard to read
and pronounce, especially in English.
Who Should Buy the Duca Diavel?
Sport-oriented cruiser fans ready to ditch the tradional
power cruiser and embrace a thoroughly modern reworking
of the genre.
At this price and with 24,000km service intervals, what
beer investment can you make than this beast of a
machine that could take on the the cat-walks of Millan.
Priced at R190,000.00 - Incl. 14% VAT
DUCATI DURBAN
Tel: (031) 566 5464
Shop 1 Rideton Towers, 6 Aurora Drive
Umhlanga Rocks

© Bike Talk
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• Free Track-day Cover
• Affordable premiums to suit your Budget
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OVERVIEW
Our 1st Press Launch - It’s about me! Bike Talk has been
going for 6 years now and was invited to aend the press
launch of the all new Honda VFR1200X CrossTourer.
Sure I was nervous, I’ll be among the boys who’s been in
this business for more years than I’d like to know and yet
I was so excited that I couldn’t contain myself. We were
flown in from Durbs to Lanseria Airport and shuled
to Glen Afric Lodge near Hares. We were booked in,
given our riding suits (to keep), aended the product
presentaon and treated to a scrumpous meal and off to
bed for some shut-eye before a full day’s riding. Needless
to say; no sleep! Anxiety is a killer!
The next morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast and off to
an orientaon session on the skidpan at Honda Adventure
Academy about 4kms from the lodge. Here we were made
aware of the ABS and Tracon Control, turned on and off.
At first sight this 275kg bike seemed a bit over the top, but
once riding handled like a lile lamb. Thanks to the low
centre of gravity, smooth throle distribuon and gearing
what else would you expect?
Moving on, we le Honda Adventure Academy on a route
combined of tar and dirt all the way to Olifantsnek Dam,
as a stop-over for lunch at the Brauhaus. During our stopover
some of us went out for tracking photos aer which
we le for Rustenburg and our stay-over at The Palace,
Sun City. Each booked into his own luxurious room, took
a shower and had a superb dinner. Fague kicked in as we
were pulling amps aer a day in the saddle. Off to bed!
The next morning, eager to get going again, had breakfast
a few more photos and off we went back to Glen Afric
Lodge, pack our things and to Durbs. What an awesome
3 days it’s been. Honda SA went out of their way to make
each one of us feel right at home, all expenses paid and a
load of experienced and knowledge of a bike that is set to
have an impact on the Adventure Touring market
22
in South Africa. Not once did I feel red or found the
bike cumbersome to handle or manoeuvre, she is
smooth and able to perform well above your abilies and
expectaons.
A special thanks to Honda SA for inving me and well-done
to an event of note. What a blessed 3 days it’s been!
To highlight a few features, the CrossTourer:
- V4, 1237cc Engine, 95kW @ 7,750, 126Nm @ 6,500rpm
- Clutch transmission with Dual-Clutch arriving in June
- Switchable Tracon Control
- Combined ABS - Sha Drive - 21.5 litre Tank
For a more detailed review, look out for the next issue
of Bike Talk and if you can’t wait, then go and get one of
these machines from your nearest Honda Wing dealer.
VFR1200X CrossTourer @ R149,000.00
VFR1200X CrossTourer Adventure @ R172,000.00

PERFECT FUNDURO.
BMW G 650 GS SERTÃO.
FOR OFFROAD AND EVERYDAY.
Ryder Motorrad
BMW Motorrad
www.
bmwmotorrad.co.za
The Ultimate
Riding Machine
Heritage Market - Lower Level, Old Main Road, Hillcrest
Tel: (031) 765 8877
Open Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm, Sat: 8:30am - 1pm
© Bike Talk

REVIEW: ’12 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
You’d hope that in this, the 20th anniversary year of
the machine that changed superbikes for ever, we’d
see something very special for Honda’s new Fireblade.
Instead, the talk is more about what the 2012 model
hasn’t got and what isn’t new, and all at a me when the
Europeans are showing Japan how it’s done for the first
me since the Sixes.
Yet away from the headlines, consider this: despite being
up to 20bhp short of rivals such as BMW’s S1000RR
and the Aprilia RSV-Four, and a generaon behind in
electronics, it was easy to argue that the 2011 Fireblade
was the best superbike for the road. Even as a track bike,
for a typical track-day rider rather than an experienced
racer the inspiring Honda was the weapon of choice,
owing to its balance and usability. Anyway, how oen is
175bhp not enough? There aren’t many race tracks, let
alone roads, where you could use the difference.
It’s that usability which Honda has enhanced with the
2012 model, along with some visual back-pedalling
aer cricism of the old bike’s blunt-nosed looks. What
you get, then, is limited to new suspension, wheels and
frontal bodywork, a jazzed up dash and revised engine
management.
The suspension changes always looked promising,
because the latest Showa Big Piston Forks are now fied.
At the rear, the 2012 Fireblade sports a new Showa shock
designed along the lines of the spectacularly good Öhlins
TTX shock with its beer damping control.
The 12-spoke wheels are sffer in some planes, less so in
others, a rebalance of strength that Honda says improves
rider feedback, while the bodywork is more convenonally
aggressive – if generic – than the outgoing model. Just as
important, it also improves cooling; this was an issue with
race versions in the past couple of years.
The engine remap doesn’t change outright power or
torque; rather it is designed to provide a more linear
24
and smooth response to the twist-grip at lower revs
and smaller throle openings, aiding the bike’s already
outstanding road manners. The 2012 model pushes out
175bhp @ 12,000rpm with 112Nm @ 8,500rpm which
sll leaves you with a great element of enjoyment; far
above the riding capabilies of some.
Just a few minutes into my riding the 2012 Fireblade
confirmed the effecveness of the enhancements and
underlined the Fireblade’s core values – this, surely, is
the easiest bike on which to go very, very fast. Superb
controllability le me with the overall sensaon of control
and exploraon rather than fear.
The new forks and Honda’s race ABS system (called
C-ABS), which apporons front and rear brake effort
automacally, mean you can brake incredibly late then
peel the bike into a turn with outstanding stability and
so much feedback you never feel you’re going to lose the
front end. It’s hard to think of anything that will stop and
turn more quickly and safely.
So what about the other changes? The dash? The lighter
wheels? The suspension?
The new LCD dash does lap mes (starter buon
acvated), will give you progressive rev limit LED light
warnings (all programmable to personal choice) and other
stuff like FM Radio, flight details and weather forecasts.
The laer three points may not be true.
The suspension? Under extreme riding condions, any
suspension system is only as good as the rider is at seng
it up to suit his/her riding style. A toss-up I guess.
It looks gorgeous in the flesh. Pointy-nosed, aggressive
and ultra-compact just like Porsche’s iconic 911 there’s a
lot to be said for evoluon rather than revoluon when
form mirrors funcon so closely. The 2012 Fireblade
improvements might be hard to quanfy (and jusfy)
with just a day in the saddle and no real race track to
properly test it on.
So 20 years on, the new Fireblade is not the great leap
forward that the original was. Instead it’s matured into
a friendly and fast motorcycle you can trust on many
different levels, in terms of lap mes, build quality,
dependability and benchmark speed, in a whole range of
real-world situaons.
I’ll leave it to you to decide; it is sll the easiest Super
Sports Bike on the market.
Priced at R141 999.00 - Incl. 14% VAT
HONDA WING UMHLANGA
Tel: (031) 580 7900
15 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge

Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk
Authorised Honda Dealer
from
R141 999
When last have you been on a real bike?
Honda Wing Umhlanga
15 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge
Tel: 031 5807900 | Fax: 031 5807999
Web: www.hondagateway.co.za
Roy
Bernadine
Owey
CBR1000RR
083 4427274
076 3705256
072 8767183

OVERVIEW
Tha Misfit is Cleveland CycleWerks latest motorcycle
release. Tha Misfit is powered by a 250cc single cylinder
motor, and is street-legal. The bike is posioned as an
affordable alternave to the overpriced and over motored
commuters currently on the market.
Cleveland CycleWerks is a small motorcycle company
headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio USA. CCW designs and
develops affordable motorcycles and motorcycle parts. Tha
Misfit extends CCW’s product range with a beauful and
affordable Café style motorcycle. Tha Misfit is the answer
to everyone out there that thought they could not afford a
A Triumph to take on the world; all new bike, all new
excitement. The ulmate choice for the long haul rider,
class leading handling and designed to connue the
journey when the tarmac ends.
A brand new 1215cc three-cylinder engine produces
137PS and 121Nm of torque for effortless overtaking and
a thrilling spread of power throughout the range. Built
‘from the ground up’, components specifically designed
and manufactured to produce superb torque ‘on demand’
include the ignion ming, inlet and exhaust port shape,
as well as the combuson chamber.
26
quality, beauful and fun motorcycle, affordably priced.
Sco Colosimo, from CCW remarks, “The Misfit is really
the sort of Café bike that everyone aempts to build in
their home shop. Chopping out all the bullshit tabs and
brackets that you don’t want and pung on all the cool
components that you do.” We think Sco is trying to say
that CCW, being a small company can afford to build bikes
in a more custom manner, with more control over the
design and quality of the final product. Sco adds “Being a
small company, we build bikes that as enthusiasts, we want
to ride, and this directly translates to the types of bikes that
other enthusiasts and beginners can appreciate.”
Features include inverted forks, weighted bar-ends, dualpiston
callipers front and rear, wave rotors front and rear,
progressive rate remote reservoir rear shocks, and many
more details. The rear seat is covered by a plasc cowl,
(for a true café racer look) that can be removed to reveal a
passenger’s seat, for two up riding.
In my oppinion, this lile bike, is well worth looking at as a
first-me bike when starng off.
MSRP is R26000.00 and available from The Biker Store
Contact them on 031 5847015
-----------------
Sha drive of course with a bigger chassis; going head to
head with the best the compeon can bring on… and
beang them. More powerful, tougher, rugged minimalist
looks with a brand new, Triumph-developed ride by wire
system.
A more disncve and individual take on adventure with
its own visual character, a unique frame design for brilliant
handling, stability and long distance comfort. Adjustable
seat offering sengs between 840mm and 860mm -
opmised for riding two up wherever your journey may
take you. Long 190mm suspension travel front and rear
offering fantasc comfort whatever the surface. Ulmate
rider control delivered via ride by wire, cruise control,
tracon control and switchable ABS as standard.
Explorer is packed with technology and features that bring
completely new levels of sophiscaon to the adventure
touring class.
Keep an eye out for our full review in the next excing issue
of Bike Talk, but in the mean me go and test it yourself.
MSRP is R145,000.00 and available from East Coast
Motorcycles. Contact them on 031 5663024
-----------------

SEE NEW CONTACT DETAILS BELOW
LED SPOT LIGHTS
TIE DOWNS
R1600
per Set
R120
per Set
Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk
HOWARD Email: howard@trtecadventure.co.za | Cell: 082 4122232
CLAYTON Email: clay@trtecadventure.co.za | Cell: 076 8197736

GOD’S CORNER: Hoekom Bybel lees
Hoekom die Bybel lees as ek niks verstaan of, as ek verstaan,
nie onthou wat ek gelees het nie? ‘n Storie van ‘n Oupa wat
iewers in die berge gebly het met sy kleinseun.
Die knaap het ‘n baie hoë agng gehad vir sy Oupa, en soos
dit maar gaan, het hy probeer naboots wat Oupa doen.
Oupa se gewoonte was om elke oggend, dou voor dag op
te staan, die ou koolstoof aan die brand te kry, en dan vat
hy sy ou gehawende Bybel en gaan sit in die lekker warm
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kombuis by die tafel en lees uit die Bybel. Die kleinseun het
Oupa dopgehou, en ook sy Bybel gaan haal, en net soos
Oupa soggens by die kombuistafel gaan sit en lees daaruit.
Maar iets het die knapie baie gepla: “Oupa, ek weet nou nie
so mooi nie”, sê hy een oggend, “ek probeer ook die Bybel
lees soos Oupa, maar ek verstaan nie wat ek lees nie. En as
ek die slag verstaan, dan waai dit by my ore uit, en netnou
het ek alweer alles vergeet wat ek gelees het. Oupa, is dit
ooit die moeite werd om nog uit die Bybel te lees? Ek meen
- wat is nou die nut daarvan as ek tóg alles vergeet?”
Oupa het diep gedink, en toe sien hy ‘n leë steenkoolsak,
al pikswart gevlek van die roet, lê langs die stoof. “Boee,
gaan haal vir Oupa ‘n sak vol water in die stroompie hier
onder, vra hy die seun. Greg om Oupa te beindruk,
spring die knaap daar weg met sy goiingsak, en laat vat af
stroompie toe. Dis harde werk om die sak vol te kry, maar
hy byt vas, en met die sak oor sy skouer hardloop hy terug
huistoe na Oupa wat sukkel om nie uit te bars van die lag
nie. Natuurlik was die sak dolleeg gelek teen die tyd dat hy
by Oupa aankom. “Ai man!”, sug Oupa, “Jy sal maar weer
moet gaan probeer jong!”, en daarmee suiker die knaap
weer af riviertjie toe met sy sak. Hierdie slag hardloop die
outjie terug met sy sak water so vinnig as wat sy beentjies
hom kan dra, maar steeds is dit verniet, want natúúrlik
is die sak weer leeg by sy aankoms. Nee Oupa,”, blaas hy
uitasem, “Dis onmoontlik - hierdie sak lek!“, en daarmee
gooi hy die sak eenkant en gaan gryp ‘n emmer. ”Nee
Boee”, keer Oupa hom, “ek wil nie ‘n emmer water hê
nie, ek wil ‘n SAK water hê! Toe jong, jy kan dit mos doen!
Jy probeer net nie hard genoeg nie.”
En daarmee gaan staan hy weer in die kombuisdeur en
hou die seuntjie dop waar hy sy onmoontlike taak probeer
uitvoer. Die seun het lankal besef dat hy besig is met ‘n
gejaag na wind, maar hy wou só hard vir Oupa probeer
beindruk, dat hy maar gedweë weereens die sak in die
stroompie volmaak en met sy lekkende vrag so vinnig as
wat hy maar kan die bultjie ophardloop na Oupa toe.
“Nee Oupa, dit werk nie!”, huil-sê die outjie moedeloos,
“Kyk hoe hard probeer ek, maar niks gebeur tog nie!”
“Dink jy rêrig dat daar niks gebeur het nie?”, vra Oupa, “kyk
dan ‘n slaggie na die sak. Wat sien jy anders aan die sak as
toe jy begin het?” Met ‘n vraag in sy oë bekyk hy die sak
- wat kan Oupa tog bedoel? Die steenkoolsak is natuurlik
sopnat van al die gewaterdraery, maar skielik besef hy
dat die sak ook skoon is - al die steenkoolstof is uitgewas!
“Oupa, die sak is skoongewas! Maar ek verstaan nog nie
Oupa?”
“Boee”, sê Oupa, “Dis wat gebeur wanneer jy die Bybel
lees. Miskien verstaan jy nie alles wat jy lees nie, en dalk
vergeet jy amper alles wat jy so hard probeer onthou.
Maar terwyl jy lees gebeur iets met jou - jou binnekant
word verander - jy word as’t ware skoongewas van binne
af terwyl jy die Bybel lees.

COURSE OPTIONS
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PRESENTATIONS
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In Association with:
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0861 BIKE TALK / 0861 24538255
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CONTACT HEIN ON
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XKULCHA HAS YOU
COVERED. YES, GIRLS
TOO
BALLISTIC NYLON
FOR ABRASION
PROTECTION
HIP & KNEE
IMPACT ABSORBERS
A RAISED SEAT THAT
COVERS YOUR
LOWER BACK
ENGINEERED KNEE
TO FACILITATE
MOBILITY
GUSSET IN CROTCH
FOR RIDING COMFORT

REVIEW: ‘12 Harley-Davidson Sportster 72
The Sportster is the Duca Monster of the H-D family – entry
level. Although you can trace the Sportster’s roots back to
the 1952 Model K, it was the 1957 XL with its overhead
valves that started the Sportster family tree for real.
Now THAT, is a long producon run; for even though the
engine has evolved over the years it’s sll prey much the
same dimensions and layout as the 1957 original. And talk
about versale, it’s been successfully used for flat track
racing and road racing, spawned the first Buells and has
been a corner stone of the H.O.G. family for nearly fiy
years.
This, the 72, is the latest edion to the sporty saga and
it takes its styling cues from the late 60’s, early 70’s West
Coast choppers with ape hangers, forward controls, a
super-skinny front end with a 21inch front wheel and a
peanut tank. In the flesh it looks more like something out
of a custom builder’s shed than a Milwaukee producon
line. Nice!
It feels ridiculously slim with no tank to grip with your inner
knees and even with those full-stretch bars it’s supremely
easy to hurl from side to side. The motor’s faster to rev up
too and because it carries less flab (247kgs), the 72 feels
altogether livelier and more responsive than its bigger
Soail relaves.
Distant, forward control footrests feel strange at first but
once you stop looking for pegs where you insncvely
expect them to be, it starts to make sense. The footrests
are quite a bit higher than the footboards of the Slim so
there’s much more cornering ground clearance allowing
me, when the opportunity arose, to try out its cornering
abilies. This would not have been possible on the Slim
just because of its low footboards that kiss the tarmac a
lot sooner.
The 72 doesn’t have any trick suspension. Rear shock
travel is limited, to say the least, but the spring rates and
damping qualies are well chosen and surprisingly firm.
30
The narrowly spaced forks are the same – well matched to
the conservavely dimensioned chassis. Put simply, for a
bike like this it’s as good as you need. I’d say it handles well
enough to keep up with most of your buddies for a ride out
if you’ve got some experience. Unl your buddies choose
to sit at 160km/h on a freeway, that is. The 72 just isn’t cut
out for this kind of riding. Well, with that human-parachute
riding posion that’s an obvious statement isn’t it? If you’re
going to ride all day on fast roads, 120 is probably your limit
but if you’ve got penalty points on your licence and have
no self-control that may not be a bad thing?
Brakes? You’ll need three fingers to operate the font
stopper but if you’re riding it how it wants to be ridden
(smooth use of massive engine braking) the brakes are
kind of unessenal for anything other than stopping at
juncons.
The punchy 1200cc motor and five speed box scoops up
enough oomph to make overtaking safe and there’s enough
on tap to have some fun with. She shakes and jostles a bit
at ck over (you can see the whole engine jiggling about
on its rubber mounts) but not many unpleasant vibes get
through to the rider when you’re on the move. This motor
is all about torque and even this ‘lile’ Harley engine
produces a whopping 96Nm at just 3,500rpm. To be honest,
with this kind of power, five gears is probably one gear too
many. The gear lever doesn’t get much use at all.
Considering the riding posion that throws all your weight
onto your crouch, the 7.9-litre tank is about as big as you’d
want. The fuel range will be just about as long as you’d
want to travel before stopping to fill up and give your bu
cheeks a well-earned rest. Nope, the 72 is not a bike for
those who want to ride to Jo’burg in a day. It’s made for
bopping about, having fun, making nice noises and being
seen on. I should imagine it would also be a beauful thing
to just look at and clean as it cks and pings itself cool in
your garage.
But its ace up the proverbial sleeve is that it’s so easy to
ride. It doesn’t really maer what gear you’re in, it’ll pull
hard if you just open the taps. It’s really easy to manage at
low speeds too, with a very low centre of gravity and one
of the lowest seat heights in the business at 710mm. Even
Napoleon could ride a 72, if he wasn’t dead.
In summary I liked the 72. It looks stunning and is probably
most suited to someone who likes to ride an hour
somewhere and back again. Either that, or someone who
never leaves the city and wants a bike that is easy to ride, is
un-inmidang and for a Harley it’s cheap too.
Priced at R118 000.00 - Incl. 14% VAT
HALREY-DAVIDSON DURBAN
Tel: (031) 566 5222
329 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Ridge

Prices valid while stock last and Include 14% VAT. Terms & Condions Apply | © Bike Talk
This 1200 is not for
the faint-hearted
The lifestyle keeps on geng beer.
FEARLESS RESOURCES
A perfect “all day
and everyday” ride
‘11 RSV4 DEMO MODEL
R99 500
EXTRAS INCLUDED
- Akrapovic Slip-On
THIS IS
YOURS
DORSODURO SHIVER 750 RSV1000R
10 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge
Tel: 031 566 3024
R129 995
The last one in
the country

www.perryyamaha.co.za
TRACK DAY
Henry invites you on
their first track-day at
Red Star Raceway in
Delmas on 30 June.
Enjoy an awesome
day on the track.
LIVE IT, RACE IT!
Contact Henry
to book.
Get your name
down now!
LESOTHO TOURS
Vernon hosts regular
trips to Lesotho. This is
truly something not to
be missed.
LIVE IT, RIDE IT!
Contact Vernon
to enquire about
the next epic
trip into this; a
province to be
explorer, lived
and ridden.
Henry: 084 5678115
Mark: 084 3532713
Vernon: 083 6291081
Tel: 031 5667411
2012 YZF-R1
R145 000
NEW XT1200Z
SUPER TÉNÉRÉ
R145 000
7 Tetford Circle
Umhlanga Ridge
ADVENTURE & SPEED
Terms & Conditions Apply | Prices valid until 30 April 2012 and include 14% VAT | © Bike Talk