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Ride More Stress Less<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

@DIRTAN<strong>DT</strong>RAIL<br />

OCTOBER 2015 RSA R29.50<br />

IN THIS ISSUE:<br />

2016 YAMAHA 1000 SXS<br />

2016 KAWASAKI KX450F<br />

SOME LOCAL CLASSIC BIKES<br />

MX OF AFRICA NATIONS<br />

GIVI ADVENTURE TOUR<br />

REDBULL BRAVEMAN<br />

NATIONAL ENDURO<br />

BMW TROPHY<br />

X-FIGHTERS<br />

AMAGEZA<br />

2016 HUSQVARNA<br />

MX LAUNCH<br />

Tested at Syringa<br />

2015<br />

ROOF OF<br />

AFRICA NEWS<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> COVER.indd 1001 2015/09/18 10:33 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> COVER.indd 1002 2015/09/18 10:33 PM<br />

Unti


<strong>1510</strong> Untitled-4 <strong>DT</strong> COVER.indd 1 1 2015/09/18 2015/09/16 10:33 1:29 PM


CONTENTS<br />

www.dirtandtrail.co.za<br />

16. COVER STORY:<br />

2016 HUSKY MX<br />

24. FIRST LOOK:<br />

2016 YAMAHA SXS<br />

28. FEATURE:<br />

X-FIGHTERS SA 2015<br />

34. FEATURE:<br />

GS TROPHY<br />

42. FIRST LOOK:<br />

2016 KAWASAKI KX450F<br />

48. FEATURE:<br />

GIVI ADVENTURE TOUR<br />

Editor: Roley Foley<br />

The Lord and the Biker<br />

A biker was riding along a California beach when<br />

suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a<br />

booming voice, the Lord said, “Because you have<br />

tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you<br />

one wish.”<br />

The biker pulled over and said, “Build a bridge to<br />

Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.”<br />

60. FEATURE:<br />

YZ REBUILD<br />

64. FEATURE:<br />

REDBULL BRAVEMAN<br />

74. FEATURE:<br />

CLASSIC BIKES<br />

SUBSCRIBE<br />

DIRT&TRAIL SUBSCRIPTION FORM<br />

1 YEAR FOR ONLY R275<br />

Just fill out this form and fax or e-mail it with a deposit slip to...<br />

Fax: 086 541 1390 • e-mail: foleyg@mweb.co.za<br />

Name: ................................................................................................<br />

Postal Address: .................................................................................<br />

............................................................................................................<br />

The Lord said, “Your request is materialistic,<br />

think of the enormous challenges for that kind of<br />

undertaking. The supports required to reach the<br />

bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it<br />

would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural<br />

resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify<br />

your desire for worldly things.<br />

Take a little more time and think of something that<br />

would honor and glorify me.”<br />

The biker thought about it for a long time. Finally<br />

he said, “Lord, I wish that I could understand my<br />

wife. I want to know how she feels inside, what she’s<br />

thinking when she gives me the silent treatment,<br />

why she cries, what she means when she says<br />

nothing’s wrong, and how I can make a woman truly<br />

happy.”<br />

The Lord replied,<br />

“Do you want two lanes or four on that bridge?”<br />

Code: ..................... Tel: ................................................................<br />

Starting with issue (Jan, Feb, etc.): ..................................................<br />

Banking details: Standard Bank - Festival Mall<br />

Acc No.: 421760311 Branch Code: 018305<br />

DIRT AND TRAIL MAGAZINE IS:<br />

ADMIN: ANETTE 011 979 1363<br />

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING: GLENN FOLEY 072 177 0621<br />

ADVERTISING: KYLE 071 684 4546<br />

IF YOU CAN READ THIS YOUR EYES ARE STILL VERY GOOD AND YOU MUST BE VERY BORED!<br />

www.dirtandtrail.co.za<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> COVER.indd 2 2015/09/18 10:34 PM


.za<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> COVER.indd 3 2015/09/18 10:34 PM


NEWS<br />

MUSICIAN EXTRAORDINARY<br />

CLINT CUNNINGHAM NEWS:<br />

The talented Clint Cunningham from one of the most<br />

famous bands in the world, Clint and Co has bought<br />

himself a Super Tenere and signed on as a brand<br />

ambassador. You’ll be seeing lots of him entertaining<br />

the crowds at all sorts of Yamaha gatherings.<br />

Clint is no stranger to South African audiences.<br />

He has been an entertainer since the mid 80’s. “I<br />

believe that I facilitate healing through the medium<br />

of music,” says Clint, “I am passionately connected<br />

to music and performance… it is my calling.” After<br />

15 years in the pubs and clubs and almost as many<br />

years in the supper theatres, casinos and show<br />

venues, Clint has uniquely built a business outside<br />

the mainstream music industry where he and his<br />

band enjoy great support from the motorcycle and<br />

boxing industries. A passionate and wonderful<br />

entertainer with a massive voice, Clint is here to<br />

stay. What a Band!!<br />

ATV SPACERS AND STUDS<br />

AVAILABLE AT SSS RACING:<br />

SSS racing manufactures spacers for quads. You use<br />

spacers for better appearance to push wheels out<br />

for better stance and more aggressive look. Spacers<br />

help to make sports quads more stable and corner<br />

better by widening the wheelbase.<br />

They make aluminium spacers, front set with<br />

studs included R500, rear aluminium set with studs<br />

included R500. They also have grp (nylon) front<br />

spacers sets with studs included R400, and rear<br />

GRP (nylon) spacers set with studs included R400.<br />

They also sell studs separately.<br />

Contact Fred 083 457 1666, or email your order to<br />

sssracing@mweb.co.za<br />

www.dirtandtrail.co.za<br />

SUNOCO SA: YOU’VE SEEN<br />

THE BRAND AROUND –<br />

HERE’S SOME INFO ON<br />

THIS COMPANY:<br />

SUNOCO is one of the world leaders in<br />

the race fuel industry, outselling the<br />

combined efforts of all of the other<br />

race fuel manufacturers in the world.<br />

Since the 1960’s, the Philadelphiabased<br />

company has grown into an<br />

industry powerhouse – it is a Fortune<br />

50 company in the United States – and<br />

currently produces more than 900 000<br />

barrels of fuel from its fifteen refineries<br />

across America. Over the years they<br />

have expanded the reach of their racing<br />

fuel lines around the world to include<br />

all types of professional motor sports<br />

and other activities where premium<br />

race fuels make a difference -NOW<br />

AVAILABLE IN SA!<br />

SUNOCO SA is more than just Race<br />

Fuel; they have created mobile Sunoco<br />

Race Shops which will be found at race<br />

meets & social events happening in &<br />

around SA. Their aim is to Service &<br />

Supply the Greater Racing Community<br />

with Products of Excellence, ranging<br />

from race fuel to race gear & all the<br />

accessories a racer needs to perform<br />

& protect themselves. Delivered to your<br />

door!<br />

In support of SA Motorsport, we have<br />

also created “SUNOCO SPEED TV”,<br />

Ignition Channel 189 DSTV, covering all<br />

facets of local High Octane Motorsport –<br />

Bikes, Boats, Cars, & Karts! Passionate<br />

about Racing, & focussed on uplifting<br />

SA Motorsport!<br />

SUNOCO POWER POINTS:<br />

- Increased Horsepower & Torque!<br />

- Better Throttle Response &<br />

Acceleration!<br />

- Cleaner Combustion Chambers &<br />

Cool Running Motor!<br />

- Improved Reliability & No expensive<br />

engine modifications required!<br />

- The Opportunity to Jet or Map your<br />

Bike, Boat, Car or Kart to Its Optimum<br />

Power with Consistent Performance &<br />

Results! (Other Fuels Vary Greatly In<br />

Octane Numbers & Specific Gravity, that<br />

you Have To Set Your Engine up With a<br />

Huge Safety Margin, Not Optimising Its<br />

Performance).<br />

- All Sunoco Fuels Have Much Higher<br />

Octane Ratings, Allowing you to Build<br />

your Engine with a Higher Compression<br />

Ratio!<br />

- Unlike other race fuels, Sunoco is<br />

Not harmful to Seals, Injectors, or<br />

Carburettors, & may remain in tank<br />

without being flushed!<br />

- Sunoco is the Only Race Fuel to<br />

Infuse the Oxygen within the Ethanol<br />

Molecules, eliminating the possibility<br />

for Oxygen to escape each time the<br />

Decanter is opened. There is no need<br />

for Sunoco to be stored on Ice as it can<br />

withstand temperatures of up to 75<br />

degrees Celsius before denaturing!<br />

- All Sunoco Race Fuels have a<br />

Minimum Shelf Life of 1 year once<br />

opened!<br />

- 9 - 13 Horsepower on Rear Wheel for<br />

Superbikes - more can be achieved with<br />

Bazzaz Engine Management System,<br />

available from Sunoco Race Shop!<br />

- 5 - 7 Horsepower on Rear Wheel<br />

for Dirt Bikes - Fit a Bazzaz Engine<br />

Management System from Sunoco Race<br />

Shop & manage your power through<br />

each gear!<br />

They tell us that Sunoco is the cheapest<br />

most reliable horsepower money can<br />

buy.<br />

More info:<br />

Contact: ryan@sunoco.co.za 082 345<br />

1399 www.sunoco.co.za<br />

4 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> news pages.indd 4 2015/09/18 11:01 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> news pages.indd 5 2015/09/18 10:52 PM


F<br />

C<br />

F<br />

NEWS<br />

www.dirtandtrail.co.za<br />

2016 JT RACING LUGGAGE:<br />

Just landed is the new 2016 range of JT Racing<br />

luggage. From backpacks to gearbags, the<br />

latest range is oh so cool and stylish.<br />

For more info check out www.xstreme.co.za.<br />

Modern Bushveld game<br />

farm – adjoins<br />

Entabeni Big 5 reserve and Legend<br />

golf course.<br />

11 self-catering chalets, sleeping<br />

42 in total.<br />

Quad & hiking trails.<br />

Work functions, family groups<br />

and small conferences.<br />

Erna: 083 271 3209 | Tel: 012 663 4660<br />

Fax: 086 240 1067<br />

info@vilagama.co.za | www.vilagama.co.za<br />

LIMPOPO<br />

WATERBERG<br />

Phone 0878083650 / 0878083649 / 0127512617<br />

HIFLOFILTRO RACE<br />

PROVEN<br />

DUAL-FOAM<br />

AIR FILTERS<br />

BY TRICKBITZ:<br />

The two layer construction<br />

provides dual-stage filtration;<br />

the outer coarse-foam traps<br />

larger particles of dirt and water,<br />

keeping the inner fine-foam layer free to trap fine dust<br />

and flow air effectively and consistently.<br />

A thick soft-foam sealing ring is used to ensure the best<br />

possible seal against the airbox.<br />

Reusable and easy to clean. Final construction of<br />

Hiflofiltro filters uses a specially formulated adhesive<br />

that is unaffected by repeated cleaning and oiling<br />

cycles, ensuring a long filter life and reliable engine<br />

protection.<br />

Hiflofiltro Dual-Stage foam filters are designed to<br />

increase airflow into the intake, maximising the power<br />

available from your engine. Flow bench tests have<br />

proven that dual stage filters provide increased airflow<br />

while reducing the tendency to clog.<br />

Formulated for maximum performance and top<br />

filtration at optimum flow, giving you the power to win.<br />

www.trickbitz.co.za / Tel 011 672 6599<br />

C<br />

M<br />

Y<br />

CM<br />

MY<br />

CY<br />

CMY<br />

K<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> news pages.indd 6 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


sss AUGUST 2015 .pdf 1 08/07/2015 20:04<br />

QUICK FILLER<br />

FROM R1970<br />

IF ITS STRONG<br />

ENOUGH FOR<br />

DAKAR.ITS STRONG<br />

ENOUGH FOR YOU<br />

TUBELESS PUNCTURE<br />

REPAIR KIT<br />

FROM R340<br />

UNIVERSAL CLUTCH<br />

PERCH<br />

FROM R350<br />

C<br />

M<br />

Y<br />

1500<br />

NERF BARS<br />

FROM R1400<br />

MX STANDS<br />

FROM R600<br />

AIR FILTER ADAPTORS<br />

FROM R410<br />

ENGINE CASE<br />

SAVERS<br />

FROM R300<br />

SHARK FIN REAR<br />

UNIVERSAL KTM<br />

FROM R590<br />

CM<br />

MY<br />

CY<br />

SHOCK TOE GUARDS<br />

UNIVERSAL KTM<br />

FROM R640<br />

MY<br />

K<br />

FROM R290<br />

PRO NERF BARS<br />

FROM R2500 / SET<br />

FRONT SHARKFIN<br />

UNIVERSAL KTM<br />

FROM R890<br />

ALUMINIUM BEADLOCK RIMS<br />

R1500 EACH<br />

ALUMINIUM PLAIN RIMS<br />

R850 EACH<br />

BACK WHEEL TIE DOWN<br />

ONROAD / OFFROAD<br />

FROM R250<br />

RADIATOR BRACES<br />

UNIVERSAL KTM<br />

FROM R1100<br />

QUAD AXLES<br />

FROM R2500<br />

MX HANDLEBARS<br />

FROM R320<br />

SPACERS<br />

GRP SPACERS FROM R400<br />

ALUMINIUM SPACERS FROM R500<br />

FRONT WHEEL GRAB<br />

CLAMP<br />

FROM R980<br />

QUAD STEARING<br />

STEMS<br />

FROM R2000<br />

99<br />

R860 EACH<br />

PRICES SUBJECT TO EXCHANGE RATE<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> news pages.indd 7 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


8 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Roof.indd 8 2015/09/18 10:37 PM


This from the organizers, Extreme<br />

Offroad Promotions:<br />

Competitors: We hope you are training hard<br />

and staying focussed on your goal – to finish<br />

the Roof of Africa. Whatever class you have<br />

entered, you have challenged yourself to an<br />

incredible challenge of your own ability and<br />

we wish you Good luck!<br />

On the organising side, things have been<br />

going quietly ahead. The last few months we<br />

have been out most weekends looking for<br />

new links and passes and we are now 90%<br />

done and now just need to put it all together<br />

and <strong>final</strong>ise the logistics like distances, fuel<br />

points, service and spectator points. This is<br />

never an easy exercise in Lesotho to try and<br />

keep everybody happy!<br />

Obviously we are not going to tell you the<br />

route, but what we can tell you is that it will<br />

be a shorter, more compact route, but just<br />

as demanding as the Roof always dictates!<br />

We will tell you that the Start and Finish<br />

will, following on last year’s success, be at<br />

Ha Patrick. This area was hugely popular<br />

as it provided easy access, ample space<br />

and parking for everybody as well as a<br />

spectacular finish line.<br />

What’s new this year? Well, not a lot;<br />

the last two years saw Extreme Off Road<br />

Promotions introduce all sorts of new<br />

innovations such as the transponder scoring<br />

system and the satellite tracking system to<br />

bring the Roof of Africa to the forefront in<br />

standards expected of International extreme<br />

enduro events. These innovations were<br />

hugely successful and contributed greatly to<br />

the smoother and safer running of the event<br />

and we will continue with these.<br />

Last year the tracking system was untested<br />

and we were hesitant to make too big a<br />

deal about making the tracking available to<br />

the public, however it was a great success<br />

and all spectators, service crews and fans<br />

will this year be able to follow competitors<br />

via their cell phones or tablets from<br />

anywhere in the world via the Yellow Brick<br />

App. Having said that, there is nothing like<br />

experiencing the Roof live as a spectator<br />

and with the December date, we hope that<br />

many families turn out to be part of this<br />

event.<br />

Last year the Round the Houses was<br />

changed significantly, by taking the event<br />

in to the Maseru Soccer Club “Arena” This<br />

really worked well in terms of creating a<br />

real spectacle along with the enormously<br />

popular FMX show. We will be sticking by<br />

this winning formula.<br />

In a bid to showcase the event and the<br />

riders, technical inspection has been<br />

scheduled for Gold Class competitors. This<br />

will be held on Wednesday afternoon in one<br />

of Maseru’s popular and busy Shopping Malls<br />

and will give the general public a chance to<br />

mingle with their heroes and get autographs<br />

signed. The technical inspection will be kept<br />

to the minimum and will be pretty much<br />

confined to a decal check and recording<br />

of frame and engine numbers. Press and<br />

Media Interviews will take place at the same<br />

venue and we are confident that this will be<br />

a popular event with the teams, competitors,<br />

spectators and general public alike.<br />

The Roof remains hugely popular with entries<br />

sitting at 380 and we now eagerly await to<br />

see which competitors from overseas will be<br />

competing. Watch this space!<br />

For those of you that didn’t see it in action<br />

last year, here is the link to the Yellow<br />

Brick Satellite tracking for the 2014 Roof<br />

of Africa. You can replay the whole race<br />

and see where anybody was at any specific<br />

time. This same system will be available to<br />

the public again this year either for you to<br />

follow on your PC or you can download the<br />

app to your cellphone/tablet. Remember<br />

that if you want to follow it in Lesotho to buy<br />

a local sim card and data from ECONET at<br />

Registration to avoid using roaming data<br />

which is very expensive. Here is the link<br />

http://yb.tl/roa2014<br />

A word from Motul: One of the headline<br />

sponsors:<br />

Motul is proud to continue our partnership<br />

with the Roof of Africa for 2015. We can<br />

also confirm that once again all riders will<br />

have access to the complimentary Motul MC<br />

Care Bike Wash. We had a few requests last<br />

year from riders wanting to wash their own<br />

bikes, so this year competitors will have the<br />

option of washing their bikes themselves,<br />

or taking advantage of the full service wash<br />

similar to last year.<br />

Motul will also be offering Motul Care Packs<br />

which will be available at your nearest<br />

Motul dealer as well as at the event and will<br />

include the following items:<br />

Motul air filter oil. Motul off-road chain<br />

lube. Motul helmet interior cleaner. Motul<br />

hands clean.<br />

Photographs:<br />

This year, we will have a mobile printing<br />

studio with all of the photo’s from the Dirt<br />

And Trail photographers of the event up on<br />

display, so every evening, you can purchase<br />

a printed copy during the ride, or you can<br />

order online.<br />

380 riders booked so far!<br />

More Roof News next month…<br />

www.roofofafrica.info<br />

www.facebook.com/roofofafricalive<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

9<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Roof.indd 9 2015/09/18 10:37 PM


38 riders compete in the FIM<br />

MXOAN – Zimbabwe 29th and<br />

30th August.<br />

By Grant Foley. Pics by Traxtion<br />

photography Annie Allen.<br />

The two-day Continental<br />

Championship attracted a record<br />

number of competitors with 200<br />

junior and senior riders from<br />

Botswana, Kenya, South Africa,<br />

Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and<br />

the host nation Zimbabwe.<br />

The Zim organising committee,<br />

led by the former Chairman<br />

of the Bogwheelers club, Gary<br />

Grainger, and the club’s current<br />

Chairman, Shaun Whyte, staged<br />

a world class event on Saturday<br />

and Sunday. The Donnybrook<br />

track in Harare sorted the men<br />

from the boys. Even with the<br />

challenges that Zim faces, the<br />

track is still one of the best in<br />

Africa.<br />

The South African Team<br />

won this event for the third<br />

year in a row with 895 points<br />

securing a landslide win in the<br />

championship.<br />

The stars of the show include the<br />

likes of Yamaha’s Maddy Malan,<br />

Zims Jayden Ashwell (KTM450),<br />

Uganda’s Jurgen Kuppers (Kawa<br />

450), SA’s Jonathan and Joshua<br />

Mlimi, both on KTM.<br />

Maddy took honours in the MX 2<br />

class (250cc). He was followed<br />

home by team mate Tristan<br />

Purdon and third place went to<br />

Ashley Thixton from Zims. Three<br />

Yamaha’s on the podium.<br />

Jayden placed first in MX1<br />

(450cc). He was chased by last<br />

years champ Ross Branch from<br />

Bots and Wade Den (Suzuki).<br />

In the Vets class, Uganda’s<br />

Jurgen Kurpers surprised<br />

everyone when he beat multiple<br />

10 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> MX Nations.indd 10 2015/09/18 10:37 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> MX Nations.indd 11 2015/09/18 10:38 PM


Team Sa: Willem Hough, James Thompson, Lucas Venter, Luke Grundy, Wian Du Plooy, Jonathan Mlimi, Hayden<br />

Tully, Leonard Du Toit, James Moore, Thomas Schoeman, Dalton Venter, Christiaan Cilliers, Matthew Green,<br />

Slade Smith, Wikus Van Sandwyk, Slade Botha, Joshua Mlimi, Dirco Van Der Westhuizen, Michael Wolhuter,<br />

Jordan Venter, Janes Van Sandwyk, Matthew Malan, Tristan Purdon, Garric Pretorius, Anton Henriksen,<br />

Michael Docherty, Andrew Wren, Justin Buist, Wade Den, Ian Topliss, Raymond Prout-Jones, Andre Joubert ,<br />

Geoff Den, Francois Du Plooy, Mark Beverley, Toni Jardine, Bo-Dene Scott, Natasha Rugani, Brittany Cuthbert.<br />

SA champ Ian Topliss (Kawa). Third place<br />

went to the six years retired Warren<br />

Thorne on a KTM, who was drafted into<br />

the Zim side for this event.<br />

In the 125’s, Dirko Van der Westhuisen<br />

took top honours on his TLB Yamaha,<br />

followed by KTM’s Regan Wasmuth, who<br />

had the ride of his life. Joshua Mlimi<br />

came in third after being taken out in the<br />

third heat in an unfortunate “Botsing”. He<br />

was left with a tyre track across his back<br />

– he says he’s back next year to win it!!<br />

MX Lites (85cc) junior rider Dalton Venter<br />

won overall. Matthew green placed<br />

second and Husqvarna’s Slade Smith<br />

third. He won two heats and suffered a<br />

DNF… Quick mention must be made of<br />

Zims Davin Cocker who placed fourth<br />

after an amazing ride.<br />

Last year’s champ Jonathan Mlimi did<br />

it again on his Katoom. He edged out<br />

Hayden Tully with third place going to<br />

Zim competitor Daiyaan Manuel. This is<br />

the first time that Swaziland entered this<br />

event - their Blake Young came in fifth<br />

just behind Zims Kude Mhene.<br />

The 50cc class was the best bar banging<br />

racing of the whole event. These kids are<br />

spectacular to watch on an extremely<br />

difficult, sandy circuit. 28 kids lined up. 3<br />

on the podium in the form of SA’s James<br />

Thomson in first place. He was followed<br />

by Wian Du Plooy. Third place was tied<br />

by Emmanuel Bako (Zim) and SA’s Luke<br />

Grundy. Emmanuel took third overall,<br />

narrowly beating Grundy in the third heat.<br />

The Swazi and Kenyan riders have to be<br />

mentioned, the improvement over last<br />

year’s event is phenomenal!<br />

In the ladies division, Zambia’s Leah<br />

Heygate was unbeatable. This young girl<br />

was amazing to watch and she’s come<br />

out of nowhere to beat the other ten<br />

lady riders. Our South Africans did us<br />

proud with the next four places – Brittany<br />

Cuthbert, second, our Roof star Natasha<br />

Rugani third, Bo-Dene Scott fourth and<br />

Toni Jardine, fifth after eating some<br />

serious Donnybrook dirt.<br />

The FIM Africa Motocross of African<br />

Nations Championship is one of the<br />

few motorcycle events recognised as a<br />

“Team” event, where the points of the<br />

official riders are tallied to determine<br />

who the winning African Nation will be for<br />

that particular year.<br />

Well done to the South African Team!<br />

Overall results:<br />

South Africa 895.<br />

Zimbabwe 699<br />

Zambia 264<br />

Botswana 195<br />

Uganda 135<br />

Swaziland (first year competing)<br />

Unofficial 126<br />

Kenya 97<br />

Next year, there is a possibility that<br />

Madagascar and Angola will join the series,<br />

it will be great to see them in action!<br />

12 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> MX Nations.indd 12 2015/09/18 10:38 PM


work hard play harder<br />

ONLY<br />

*R119 000<br />

*At time of going to press<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> MX Nations.indd 13 2015/09/18 10:38 PM


Made for riders, by riders<br />

WE DIDN’T DO IT FIRST.<br />

WE DID IT BETTER.<br />

Introducing the Arai Pro Shade System. The fi<br />

rst visor system good enough for Arai helmets.<br />

At Arai, they won’t be rushed in the pursuit of convenience at<br />

the expense of protection. Beacuase they won’t compromise the<br />

integrity of their helmets. Or their riders.<br />

Now they are proud to introduce the Arai Pro Shade System<br />

accessory. Replacing the stock shield on any Arai helmet that uses<br />

the SAI type shield, the Pro Shade System reduces excess ambient<br />

light in both the down and up positions.<br />

Most important, in every way it performs like an Arai.<br />

• Mounted on clear MAX Vision visor with Pinlock lens<br />

• Protects againts sun glare, fogging and misting<br />

• Locks in position<br />

• Enhances aerodynamics, improves stability<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Bikewise pages.indd 14 2015/09/18 10:38 PM


Have a gander at the latest designs on the Tour X 4 range of adventure, a 3 in one helmet<br />

perfect for adventure, MX or street use. The Tour X 4 range all come Pin-Lock ready.<br />

NEW RXV 7 ROAD HELMET.<br />

Arai are showing their new premium race<br />

helmet to the world for the first time.<br />

Here’s our guide to the five most important<br />

changes…<br />

Relocated visor pivot<br />

The visor pivot point sits 24mm lower<br />

than on the existing RX-7GP. This means<br />

a smooth shape over a larger area of the<br />

shell to promote an action Arai call ‘glancing<br />

off’ in the event of an accident. The idea<br />

is that a smooth shape is better able to<br />

spread the impact load and help reduce the<br />

amount of energy transfer to the rider’s<br />

brain. The new visor mount<br />

means sidepods<br />

are smaller and<br />

sit outside the<br />

zone identified<br />

by America’s<br />

respected<br />

Snell<br />

research<br />

foundation<br />

as the most<br />

crucial area<br />

of the helmet<br />

for providing<br />

protection.<br />

Formula One visor lock/open tab<br />

The small tab to either lock an Arai visor<br />

open or closed can be fiddly to operate. The<br />

new version is adopted from Arai’s racing<br />

helmets for F1 drivers. It’s more substantial<br />

and is easier to use.<br />

Longer diffuser<br />

The plastic spoiler on top of the helmet is<br />

there to help extract hot air from inside the<br />

helmet, and this one is 20mm longer than<br />

before, to increase airflow and improve<br />

high-speed aerodynamics. Arai say the new<br />

helmet flows 11% more air than the existing<br />

helmet, thanks to the diffuser and air intakes<br />

that are 19% larger than the current lid.<br />

Revised shell<br />

It looks just the same as before, because<br />

Arai insist a smooth rounded shell is the<br />

most protective, but it’s 30g lighter thanks to<br />

a new type of resin. The changes around the<br />

repositioning of the visor pivot mean there’s<br />

an extra 3mm of room for the rider’s mouth<br />

and chin.<br />

Adjustable interior<br />

Different thicknesses of foam for the comfort<br />

lining mean riders can alter the fit to suit<br />

their head shape. The lining is made from a<br />

new material called Eco-Pure, which is antibacterial<br />

and anti-pong.<br />

Arai’s scratch MX helmets<br />

have evolved over the years.<br />

The absence of exaggerated<br />

protrusions on the shell is not due<br />

to a lack of creativity, but just like<br />

their road helmets, there are less<br />

surfaces to hook up...<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Bikewise pages.indd 15 2015/09/18 10:38 PM


TC125<br />

FC250<br />

FC350<br />

FC450<br />

16 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 16 2015/09/18 10:38 PM


S A L A U N C H<br />

CONTROLLED<br />

POWER<br />

2016 HUSQVARNA MX<br />

Husqvarna is a manufacturer that is on a<br />

mission. Last month, we brought you the<br />

news about the new MX lineup. Husqvarna<br />

SA invited a motley bunch to meet and<br />

mingle with the new bikes.<br />

It’s quite amazing that a relatively small<br />

importer can host such a fantastic event.<br />

We have to doff our caps to Husqvarna<br />

SA, this launch was on a par with any of<br />

the big ones that we have been to. They<br />

flew bikes in from Austria for the launch,<br />

brought along all of their National MX<br />

riders and hosted us at the excellent<br />

Syringa track for the day.<br />

The press were given the opportunity<br />

to ride, and it was awesome to have the<br />

dealers from all over SA along to swap<br />

war stories. This is a company on a<br />

mission…<br />

The bikes<br />

You would have read about them all in last<br />

months feature, so this is a recap with our<br />

local MX ace, and top SA contender Ryan<br />

Angilley’s take on the bikes.<br />

In a nutshell, Husky has redesigned<br />

the machines from the ground up, they<br />

have shed weight across the range and<br />

increased horsepower.<br />

Ergonomically, Ryan is impressed with<br />

the bikes across the board. He loves the<br />

lower bars, they make the bike turn that<br />

much easier, the narrower feel up front,<br />

the redesigned rear shrouds because<br />

they no longer hook on your knee guards.<br />

He commented on the flatter seat - easy<br />

to move around on as you blitz the berms<br />

and jumps.<br />

At the presentation we were told that<br />

the 2016 250 is stronger than a modified<br />

2015. Here’s something interesting.<br />

Ryan was not at that presentation and<br />

the moment he got off the new 250 his<br />

words were “My bike has everything<br />

to make it go faster - and this one is<br />

better…” Makes you think.<br />

In only its third true year of<br />

producing bikes in Austria, Husky<br />

has an all new line of 2016 MX bikes.<br />

Four brand new from the ground<br />

up. And say what you will with the<br />

connections with another brand, but<br />

that name was not even mentioned<br />

during whole introduction. You have<br />

to look at it in the same way large<br />

auto manufacturers use a similar<br />

platform across different brands.<br />

Then the large amount of R&D Euro’s<br />

necessary for development can be<br />

realised with larger unit sales of<br />

similar, yet different versions of the<br />

same thing.<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

17<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 17 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


So from here we’re talking<br />

exclusively Husky knowing full<br />

well what these bikes are very<br />

similar to. But they are distinctly<br />

different.<br />

“I would personally run a slightly<br />

bigger rear sprocket, but I’m a bit<br />

bigger than this bikes intended<br />

audience.” “It is so stable over<br />

the bumps down the straight and<br />

because it is so light you really<br />

can chuck it around”.<br />

The TC 125<br />

The TC 125 is a full size all new<br />

bike dropping a serious number<br />

of Kilo’s over the previous model<br />

through the new tiny motor and<br />

the chassis that is shared with the<br />

FC’s for the most part. The little<br />

bike is impressive and makes<br />

the long, smooth and flowing<br />

power that is characteristic of<br />

the 125cc engine family. It runs<br />

every bit as good as any 125 we<br />

have ridden, if not better, feeling<br />

super controlled for a high-strung<br />

engine. Husky is claiming 40 HP<br />

at the output shaft. Out the box.<br />

Not too shabby. Of course that<br />

drops quite a bit once it hits the<br />

rear wheel but it does make good,<br />

sweet power. The clutch control<br />

is excellent and the bike feels<br />

lighter than you can imagine. It<br />

really highlights the agility and<br />

light weight of the new chassis.<br />

Ryan reckons that of all the<br />

bikes, this was the most fun to<br />

ride, he enjoyed it immensely. “It<br />

handles and corners brilliantly”,<br />

The FC 250<br />

On to the all-new four strokes and<br />

starting with the FC250, they are<br />

all impressive.<br />

The big differentiation from the<br />

KTM line is the rear subframe and<br />

the plastics. Made from a carbon<br />

composite material the sub-frame<br />

attributes to the massive weight<br />

drop from the previous Husqvarna<br />

FC250 and a serious reduction in<br />

both the visual width of the bike<br />

as well as how thick it feels the<br />

whole bike through. In fact these<br />

bikes are seriously thin from<br />

radiator shroud to rear fender<br />

and Ryan commented on the fact<br />

that he never hooked or snagged<br />

on anything. There is also plenty<br />

of stuff to grab on to with knees<br />

and ankles and a gripper seat<br />

as a bonus. The 250 has an<br />

awesome amount of torque right<br />

off the bottom that any rider will<br />

18 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 18 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 19 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


appreciate. And advanced riders<br />

will love it in the off-camber<br />

sections—Syringa had plenty of<br />

those. Then the engine comes<br />

alive and is very strong running,<br />

especially in the mid-range and<br />

especially when compared to<br />

the 2015 bike that felt somewhat<br />

muted by the air box.<br />

This one is not. Shifting is<br />

excellent and the clutch is what<br />

other bikes aspire too.<br />

Ryan was quite simply blown away<br />

and thats cool, because he rides<br />

this years model. “Proper!” was<br />

his comment with a grin. “I can’t<br />

believe the improvements - it is<br />

faster than my modified bike - it<br />

goes where you point it and it<br />

feels lighter.” “It has an amazing<br />

front end feel and is extremely<br />

easy to ride.” “The increase in HP<br />

is unreal, more bottom end and<br />

better over rev…”<br />

The FC350<br />

Theres a huge difference<br />

between the 250 and the 350.<br />

“Its extremely fast with amazing<br />

bottom and midrange.” “ It’s got<br />

the same feel, but somehow its a<br />

bit plusher.” “Jumping off the 250,<br />

I tried to ride this bike the same<br />

way, but there is no need to rev<br />

her - just select a higher gear and<br />

this bike does the rest.” “This is<br />

probably the best cornering bike<br />

that I’ve ever ridden.” High praise.<br />

The FC350 was very impressive<br />

and could be the real surprise<br />

in the line. On this track it had<br />

abundant torque for the slow<br />

speed sections and ripping<br />

power on the top as well. The<br />

power is smooth, seamless<br />

and impressive. The motor and<br />

chassis feel like they are mated<br />

perfectly. “This bike can be a<br />

hand-full, take it easy and get<br />

used to it, you’ll love the 350.”<br />

Husqvarna SA and International friends...<br />

Team ABE Midas Husqvarna<br />

20 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 20 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 21 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


The FC450<br />

“ This bike is scary fast and needs<br />

much respect!”Said Ryan after<br />

climbing off. “Very smooth though<br />

and the handling is quite possibly<br />

the best of the lot.”<br />

“The FC450 really feels heavy<br />

in this bunch but not because<br />

of any other reason than it is a<br />

powerhouse. The power is so<br />

smooth and so abundant it really<br />

is up to the throttle hand to make<br />

the decision on what you want.<br />

This power creates a heavier<br />

rotational mass/weight feel and<br />

the twisting torque of the engine,<br />

compared to other bikes we rode<br />

today, causes the motorcycle to<br />

want to stand up and go when<br />

applying ample throttle. Yet it<br />

feels lighter than most 450s that<br />

I’ve ridden.” “Big power, great<br />

handling - and it’s light. What<br />

more do you want?”<br />

And that, in a nutshell is what<br />

these bikes have to offer, nimble,<br />

powerful - and we all have to<br />

agree, flippen good looking… the<br />

dealers are a friendly bunch, give<br />

them a call, go and ride the bikes,<br />

you’ll like them as much as we did.<br />

For your closest dealer: www.<br />

husqvarna-motorcyles.com<br />

22 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 22 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Husky MX.indd 23 2015/09/18 10:39 PM


YAMAHA<br />

YXZ 1000R<br />

ARRIVING SOON<br />

Yamaha has made a lot of<br />

contributions to the UTV market<br />

in the form of the Rhino, Viking<br />

and Wolverine. But for years,<br />

UTV enthusiasts clamoured for<br />

a true sport UTV. Where was<br />

Yamaha’s answer to the Polaris<br />

RZR or the Can-Am Maverick?<br />

Yamaha has <strong>final</strong>ly<br />

responded in the form<br />

of the 2016 YXZ1000R,<br />

a supersport sideby-side<br />

that brings<br />

some revolutionary<br />

new concepts to a<br />

high-thrills class of<br />

machines.<br />

Yamaha has certainly made<br />

a splash with the YXZ. It’s<br />

a dune-shredding machine<br />

with acceleration and speed<br />

capabilities worth bragging<br />

about. It’s clear that Yamaha’s<br />

engineers have put in the time<br />

to really determine how the YXZ<br />

could build upon a sport sideby-side<br />

legacy that has already<br />

been established by other<br />

manufacturers.<br />

Engine and Transmission<br />

One of the most exciting<br />

elements of the YXZ1000R is its<br />

engine. Sporting an industry-first<br />

three cylinders, the 998cc engine<br />

offers an incredible experience<br />

with an 11.3:1 compression ratio<br />

and a 10,500 RPM redline.<br />

24 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Yamaha YXZ.indd 24 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Yamaha YXZ.indd 25 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


Naturally, an effective intake and exhaust<br />

system is necessary to handle the YXZ’s<br />

powerful engine. Two air filters are<br />

employed for high capacity air flow. The<br />

primary filter is foam and strategically<br />

positioned to allow for easy maintenance.<br />

The secondary filter is viscous paper.<br />

Both filters can be replaced without tools.<br />

The exhaust system utilizes equal-length<br />

triple header pipes and a center-mounted<br />

muffler tuned to capitalize on the<br />

engine’s impressive power output.<br />

Another first for the industry is the<br />

YXZ1000R’s five-speed sequential-shift<br />

transmission, rather than the traditional<br />

CVT bet drive system. This places shifting<br />

more completely in the driver’s control.<br />

As a result, the YXZ enjoys incredible<br />

acceleration. The transmission employs<br />

a new 21-plate hydraulic clutch to ensure<br />

that shifting feels natural and intuitive.<br />

The YXZ1000R utilizes Yamaha’s On-<br />

Command® 4WD for maximum traction<br />

in difficult terrain. It also uses an efficient<br />

drivetrain to ensure that the machine’s<br />

power is transmitted to the wheels in the<br />

most effective manner possible.<br />

Yamaha hasn’t released official figures<br />

for the horsepower output, but various<br />

documents are pointing towards 111 hp.<br />

Body and Suspension<br />

To complement the engine and<br />

transmission, the YXZ1000R includes<br />

state-of-the-art Fox 2.5” Podium RC2<br />

shocks that absorb whatever is thrown<br />

in their way and deliver an exceptional<br />

handling experience. The front shocks<br />

extend above the hood, offering a unique<br />

appearance that enables the YXZ to fully<br />

take advantage of the suspension.<br />

The YXZ also includes 245mm disc brakes<br />

on all four wheels for increased stopping<br />

power. Additionally, electronic power<br />

steering (EPS) makes driving the YXZ<br />

an enjoyable experience in a variety of<br />

conditions.<br />

The body and chassis design of the<br />

YXZ1000R is styled aggressively, providing<br />

the machine with a unique look.<br />

The 130KG cargo capacity, impressive<br />

LED headlights and convenient suntop<br />

make the YXZ1000R not only an<br />

entertaining vehicle but a capable one as<br />

well. Yamaha has also designed a variety<br />

of additional accessories to provide some<br />

excellent customization options.<br />

Watch this space, it’s coming soon…<br />

26 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Yamaha YXZ.indd 26 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


Choose your ride,<br />

go anywhere<br />

K15082<br />

QUAD RAIDER 600 4x4<br />

R85 995*<br />

Photos courtesy: Neil Phillipson<br />

The brand that sets the benchmark for quality, performance and overall riding comfort. Available from 44 dealers nationally. SYM<br />

Motorcycles & Scooters offers a complete range of models for every occasion from entry level 125cc to range topping 600cc.<br />

Since 1961. SYM Insists on quality, durability & after sales service .<br />

011 566 0333 | www.symsa.co.za<br />

Models and colours may vary to those in store. *Suggested Retail Price<br />

E & OE<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Yamaha YXZ.indd 27 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


Where were you sitting...<br />

We aren’t going to bore you to death with a whole lot<br />

of info on the Pretoria event – pictures do speak a<br />

thousand words.<br />

French rider Tom Pages took the gold, with Australia’s<br />

Clinton Moore in second and one of our favourite<br />

riders, Japanese rider Taka Hagashino in third.<br />

17.000 frantic fans witness the best ever <strong>final</strong> in<br />

Pretoria.<br />

Tom Pagès of France and Clinton Moore of Australia<br />

delivered a Final for the ages on Saturday in front<br />

of 17,000 wild fans at the return of the Red Bull<br />

X-Fighters World Tour to Pretoria, South Africa. Pagès<br />

claimed the top step of the podium with Moore in<br />

second, while Taka Higashino of Japan took third.<br />

France’s Tom Pagès, the innovator who has changed<br />

the game in freestyle motocross, shook up the 2015<br />

World Tour standings as well with an electrifying<br />

triumph in the Red Bull X-Fighters return to Pretoria,<br />

South Africa on September 12. Moore drew roars from<br />

28 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> XFighters.indd 28 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


Things happen so quickly that<br />

you can only see the detail in<br />

freeze frame - Tom Pages<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

29<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> XFighters.indd 29 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


the 17,000 spectators, delivering his signature<br />

Bundy and the first dirt-to-dirt Volt ever landed<br />

in competition on the unique track’s double<br />

line. But Pagès has the biggest bag of tricks in<br />

the sport, and, going last, he rode like a man<br />

possessed. The Frenchman threw down his<br />

signature Alley-Oop Flair, Bike Flip and Special<br />

Flip, as well as the Transfer Flip he just added<br />

to his tricklist, to claim the unanimous votes of<br />

all five judges.<br />

What a showcase of sheer talent, what a vibe!!<br />

Events like this are SO cool for SA, it gets<br />

people outside our industry to see how cool<br />

bikes are and hopefully, they all rush off and<br />

buy one!!<br />

An awesome, awesome event. Make sure you<br />

get there when they come again…<br />

Alley goes<br />

upside down...<br />

30 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> XFighters.indd 30 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> XFighters.indd 31 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


The brilliant Johnny Clegg entertained<br />

the crowd between heats.<br />

32 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> XFighters.indd 32 2015/09/18 10:40 PM


Taka Higashino<br />

Danny Torres 9<br />

o-clock knack.<br />

Javier Villegas<br />

Pages first, Moore second, Taka third...<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

33<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> XFighters.indd 33 2015/09/18 10:41 PM


34 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> GS Trophy.indd 34 2015/09/18 10:41 PM


Story and pics Clive Strugnell<br />

Drakensville<br />

Finally we crack the nod to attend this BMW event… Only three days<br />

before the weekend. Our Clive Strugnell went along…<br />

What do you get when you get almost 900 BMW GS riders together in<br />

a BMW “village” in the middle of the most awesome riding country<br />

over a weekend? One of the best motorcycling weekends ever!<br />

BMW Motorrad South Africa, under the leadership of its’ new(ish)<br />

General Manager Alexander Baraka, invited everyone who rides any<br />

BMW GS model to gather over the second weekend of September to<br />

watch the <strong>final</strong>s of the 2015 BMW GS Trophy. This is a team event held<br />

throughout the year where competitions are held in each province<br />

to choose a three man team to take part in the <strong>final</strong>. The <strong>final</strong> was<br />

held in a paddock at the Drakensville ATKV resort on the Friday and<br />

Saturday afternoon.<br />

Drakensville, a resort belonging to the ATKV (Afrikaanse Taal<br />

en Kultuur Vereeninging), was turned into “BMWville” by the<br />

enthusiastic BMW staff led by Cora Forsmann. Like any good<br />

General, Cora made sure the planning and execution of the event was<br />

run with military precision, with the emphasis on team work. By the<br />

time the first rider arrived at the resort on Thursday an incredible<br />

amount of work had been done. A massive Bedouin-style tend<br />

spanned an area the size of a rugby field. Inside the covered area was<br />

a dining room easily capable of seating the almost 900 riders and<br />

pillions that had registered. Scattered about the front of the tent were<br />

casual tables and benches, as well as several leather lounge suites<br />

and cushions. Colourful umbrellas and awnings provided shelter<br />

from the sun, or occasionally on Saturday, light drizzle. Several TV<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

35<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> GS Trophy.indd 35 2015/09/18 10:41 PM


screens showed Currie cup Rugby,<br />

and the all round relaxed and jovial<br />

atmosphere, complete with music and<br />

two full time bars, boerie-roll vendor<br />

and more, ensured that everyone<br />

chilled out and enjoyed themselves.<br />

BMW and its navigation partners put<br />

on a great display of new product as<br />

well as a good display of BMW gear<br />

and accessories. Metzler, thorough<br />

its distributor AMP led by general<br />

manager Mark Roach and Metzeler<br />

product manager Wayne Doran<br />

provided a very welcome tyre service,<br />

helping many riders who would have<br />

had their weekend spoiled by tyre<br />

problems.<br />

Although luxury and comfort was<br />

provided at “BMWville”, the emphasis<br />

was actually on riding. The hard<br />

working team scouted out and marked<br />

several off-road loops though the<br />

surrounding Drakensberg mountains<br />

and foothills. These ranged from a<br />

relatively easy “Green” and “Orange”,<br />

through “Red One”, “Red Two”, “Blue”<br />

and <strong>final</strong>ly the “Black”route. Each of<br />

them covered anything from 80 to 240<br />

km, and most riders were expected to<br />

take about 6 hours completing each<br />

route. In addition there were two all<br />

tar routes through the Eastern Free<br />

State Highlands and the nearby Natal<br />

Midlands. These two routes covered<br />

some interesting historical sites like<br />

the Spioenkop Battlefield and many<br />

comfortable and quaint restaurants<br />

and coffee shops...and more.<br />

So the scene was set for some epic<br />

adventures and lots of experiences<br />

which of course would provide the<br />

content of many animated “Bench<br />

racing” stories back in the comfort of<br />

the resort.<br />

There were many of these, and stories<br />

were told of riders fixing burst tyres<br />

with plastic packets, holding front<br />

tyres onto the rim with zip ties when<br />

all other efforts to fix them failed.<br />

Riders pulled into the resort with<br />

screens missing, mud covering every<br />

centimeter of both the rider and bike.<br />

To BMW’s credit, mechanical problems<br />

were just not an issue…there wasn’t<br />

even a workshop to repair anything.<br />

It just wasn’t necessary. And despite<br />

some really desperate sounding<br />

situations everyone was smiling.<br />

36 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> GS Trophy.indd 36 2015/09/18 10:41 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> GS Trophy.indd 37 2015/09/18 10:41 PM


One of the stories going around was of the rider who, travelling<br />

alone, decided to use his GS 800 (well, actually Zambesi Auto’s<br />

demo bike) as it was intended, and used as many gravel roads<br />

as possible to get there. After having ridden from Vrede through<br />

Verkykerskop towards Harrismith, he came across a group of<br />

riders from Bavarian Motorcycles in Centurion about 80 km from<br />

Drakensville. They had also taken unpaved backroads and stopped<br />

to regroup. On joining them and asking if they knew the way, they<br />

pointed to not one, but four different GPS’, and said “Of course we<br />

do!” As they got going, about half an hour before dark, the rider<br />

decided he may as well travel with them. 200km later the tired and<br />

hungry group eventually arrived…..luckily the ever thoughtful Cora<br />

had arranged for an excellent camp dinner to be kept for them.<br />

Another story was of the guy who had meticulously restored an<br />

original GS 1100, and was invited by a group of mates to join them<br />

on the trip. Gerrit Barnard is his name. On Saturday morning they<br />

all decided to go on an out ride, and tackle one of the routes. Off<br />

they set, telling Gerrit that is was one of the shorter ones, and<br />

that they would be back in time to watch Currie Cup Rugby. Gerrit,<br />

trusting his friends implicitly, packed a bottle of water and happily<br />

followed. Soon they turned off the tar onto a road marked “Piet<br />

Retief Pass” and casually followed a canal, which is part of the<br />

Highlands water project, for about 12 km. They passed through a<br />

farmyard and then some cattle pastures, and started down the side<br />

of the mountain. That’s when Gerrit realized that his day was about<br />

to change. As a novice rider the route was intimidating, to say the<br />

least. After several heart stopping descents, Gerrit realized that he<br />

was in this for the long haul. There was no way he was going to get<br />

his pride and joy, gleaming restored GS 1100, back up the mountain<br />

he had just ridden down. So he persevered. The cool cloud cover<br />

lifted, and the Sun warmed the surrounding countryside. A lot.<br />

In no time at all he finished his water, and began to wish he had<br />

stayed at the resort. As the Sun shone down the valley which he<br />

was now in got hotter, the dust got dustier, and each rise became<br />

more of a challenge. To make matters worse he had suffered<br />

a sleep shattering case of “Deli-belly” the night before, and<br />

hadn’t been feeling great to start with. What’s more, his riding<br />

companions also started to feel the strain of coaxing their 1200<br />

GS’ along a route which was a challenge for a purpose built Roof<br />

of Africa enduro bike, so they started concentrating on getting<br />

themselves along the route, and quite often had to help each other<br />

after small falls and steep climbs. Gradually Gerrit fell further and<br />

further behind, and without the help and riding advice from his now<br />

former friends, found the going more and more difficult. Eventually<br />

after another few kays of battling along, he found he just didn’t<br />

have the energy and skill to carry on. His bike had mutinied up a<br />

short stony incline and had dumped Gerrit, turned 180 degrees just<br />

before the top and had charged back down the trail, only to fall over<br />

half way down in the most awkward position possible….horizontally<br />

across the path with its wheels facing uphill. Petrol was spilling out<br />

the tank, which was the lowest point of the bike, and the left mirror<br />

had broken off. On top of all that, poor old Gerrit had suffered a<br />

burn somehow on his knee where his riding pants had melted. He<br />

looked down at his now dented pride and joy, and shouted “oh golly,<br />

what a pickle” or words to that effect.<br />

There was no way he was ever going to pick it up, which meant that<br />

unless someone came to fetch him, this is where he was going to<br />

stay for the foreseeable future.<br />

38 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> GS Trophy.indd 38 2015/09/18 10:41 PM


Just then one of his friends, Gavin van Rooy, arrived back<br />

on the scene. He had realise that they hadn’t seen, heard<br />

or helped Gerrit for some time, and rode back to find him.<br />

Now unless you have ever been in a similar situation, you<br />

will not know how difficult it is to ride when your confidence<br />

in your own ability has gone, and you are so bone tired that<br />

even lifting a finger to wipe a drop of sweat off your brow<br />

before it drops into your eye and stings the crap out of it<br />

is an impossible task. That’s the point Gerrit had reached.<br />

Anyway, although for them the story still had a few hours to<br />

run, Gavin got Gerrit’s bike back on its wheels and pointing in<br />

the right direction, shared some water with him, lied to him<br />

that they only had a short way to go and it was pretty easy,<br />

and coaxed him home with a combination of praise, cajoling,<br />

lies, and some swearing. Gerrit rose to the occasion as well.<br />

From somewhere he dug deep and got himself going, and<br />

grimly followed Gavin back to the resort. Only when he got<br />

back did they tell him he had completed one of the most<br />

difficult routes! Although his wasn’t the only story like this<br />

he was given a special prize at the prize giving in recognition<br />

of all the riders who tackled the mountain trails and pushed<br />

themselves beyond their comfort zones and completed<br />

routes they would normally not have attempted.<br />

This is really what the GS Trophy weekend is all about. Riding<br />

these unbelievably capable motorcycles in tough conditions,<br />

enjoying pushing the envelope with old and new friends.<br />

Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders, and at the end<br />

of the day relaxing with a cold one and sharing wonderful<br />

experiences in this beautiful country we live in.<br />

The pictures are all about the GS Trophy, a series of<br />

team challenges, riding slowly around cones, blindfolded<br />

riding, carrying your bike over a big tree and several other<br />

interesting exercises devised by the riding academy. Very<br />

entertaining to watch…<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> GS Trophy.indd 39 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Centre.indd 40 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Centre.indd 41 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


42 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Kawasaki MX.indd 42 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


2016 KX450F<br />

LEANER<br />

& MEANER<br />

Is this the Lightest, Fastest 450cc Motocrosser?<br />

While the 2016 250 only has mild changes over<br />

last years model, the 450 is an all new bike.<br />

When we were at Holeshot, we saw one of the<br />

very first ones in the country. Unfortunately<br />

- none were available for test at the time we<br />

were going to print, but, we’ll get into the<br />

queue and with a bit of luck, sometime in the<br />

future, we’ll give it a thrashing.<br />

Here’s what some of the international<br />

boys are saying:<br />

difference compared to the rear steering<br />

feeling of 2015. Whipping the bike in the<br />

air takes less work and scrubbing jumps is<br />

made easier with the KX450F’s newfound<br />

lightweight feeling.”<br />

“The Kawasaki KX450F has been referred to by<br />

testers the past couple years as heavy, bulky,<br />

and one of the more difficult bikes to corner<br />

in comparison to some of the other brands.<br />

For 2016, Kawasaki dropped 1.4 KG’s off the<br />

chassis and an additional 2 kilogrammes off<br />

the engine, resulting in a 3.5 kilogramme<br />

overall weight savings compared to the 2015<br />

model. The new frame spars are narrowed by<br />

6mm, which resulted in a nimble and slimmer<br />

feeling bike on the track. The new frame<br />

lets the KX450F have increased<br />

front wheel traction and aid in<br />

front end control when<br />

we entered corners. It is<br />

now much easier to throw<br />

around in the turns and<br />

in the air, compared to last year’s model.<br />

Coming into corners, the ‘16 KX450F lays<br />

into ruts easier and feels like there<br />

is front end traction,<br />

which is a huge<br />

WHAT’S NEW ON THE 2016 KAWASAKI KX450F<br />

1. Revised cylinder head. The engine is tuned<br />

such that the torque curve follows the limit<br />

of running resistance for as long as possible.<br />

Cylinder is offset (8.5 mm forward), reducing<br />

friction and enabling more efficient power<br />

generation.<br />

2. Revised intake valves and intake cam timing<br />

change are designed to complement cylinder<br />

exhaust system revisions. Intake ports are less<br />

curved, contributing to increased performance<br />

at all rpm. Revised intake cam timing<br />

(advanced 2-degrees) contributes to increased<br />

low-rpm performance. Intake valves have a<br />

revised head area. The<br />

new design, with<br />

slimmer throat angle<br />

and reduced recess<br />

(similar<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

43<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Kawasaki MX.indd 43 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


INDUSTRY-FIRST<br />

LAUNCH CONTROL MODEMAXIMIZES TRACTION<br />

AND ACCELERATION OUT OF THE GATE<br />

• Race-team-derived feature for grabbing<br />

the holeshot • Engages with a press of a<br />

button • Functions in first and second gear•<br />

Precise ignition timing helps ensure quicker<br />

acceleration with less slippage<br />

to valves on supersport models),<br />

contributes to increased high-rpm<br />

performance.<br />

3. Piston crown design matches the<br />

revised intake valves and maintains the<br />

compression ratio at 12.8:1, contributing<br />

to the engine’s increased performance.<br />

4. The addition of a new resonator (US<br />

and Canadian models only) effectively<br />

increases the exhaust pipe length<br />

and reduces exhaust noise volume by<br />

approximately 2 dB.<br />

5. Excess meat was trimmed from<br />

transmission gears and shafts to reduce<br />

weight by approximately 260 grams (9.2<br />

ounces).<br />

6. New KX FI Calibration Kit (Accessory)<br />

features the handheld KX FI Calibration<br />

Controller, which enables riders to<br />

adjust engine characteristics (by<br />

rewriting actual data maps) to suit their<br />

preference. This simple tool can be used<br />

without a PC, simply by plugging into<br />

the engine’s ECU. There are 7 preset<br />

engine maps included.<br />

9. Oversized 270 mm front brake rotor.<br />

10. Flatter seat and tank to facilitate<br />

riding position changes. Top of the fuel<br />

tank is lower, allowing an even flatter<br />

progression from the seat to the tank.<br />

11. Adjustable Ergonomics with<br />

4-position handlebar and 2-position<br />

footpegs.<br />

12. Intake ducts added below the rear of<br />

the seat contribute to improved throttle<br />

response.<br />

13. Weighs in at 108.7 KG’s.<br />

14. SFF-Air TAC front fork locates its<br />

damping assembly in the left fork tube<br />

and a pneumatic spring, comprised<br />

of three pressurized air chambers, in<br />

the right. Light weight, low friction,<br />

easy adjustability, a wide setting range<br />

and precise settings are some of the<br />

advantages. Super-hard titanium<br />

coating protects the fork from wear<br />

abrasion. Self-lubricating alumite<br />

coating creates a hard, low-friction<br />

surface on the outer tube, further<br />

reducing friction to promote smooth<br />

fork action.<br />

15. Aggressive new bodywork makes<br />

the bike look more compact and is<br />

complemented by factory-style design<br />

and graphics. Black alumite1 rims,<br />

black fork guards, and green highlights<br />

help create a distinctive Kawasaki<br />

identity. Green alumite1 finish on the<br />

suspension adjusters and green finish<br />

on some of the engine trim add to the<br />

KX450F’s high-performance image.<br />

44 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Kawasaki MX.indd 44 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Kawasaki MX.indd 45 2015/09/18 10:42 PM


HOW KAWASAKI SAVED WEIGHT<br />

1. A thorough revision of engine and chassis components yielded<br />

3.4 kg in weight savings, bringing the weight of the KX450F down<br />

to a trim 108.7 kg. The lighter weight contributes to quicker turn-in<br />

and sharper overall handling.<br />

2. Savings from the engine group (including intake and exhaust<br />

systems) amounted to approximately 2.0 kg. Savings from chassis<br />

components totaled approximately 1.4 kg.<br />

3. Previously an extruded part, the redesigned down tube is now<br />

a combination forged/cast piece (front part is forged; rear part<br />

is cast). The new piece, along with a revised head pipe and brace<br />

tubes, contributes to greater front-end feel.<br />

4. Width across the main frames is approximately 6mm slimmer.<br />

This facilitates position changes, making it easier for riders to<br />

slide forward and backward. Weighing 400 grams (14 ounces) less<br />

than the previous unit (thanks in large part to revised head pipe<br />

and upper/lower rear shock brackets), the frame’s lighter weight<br />

contributes to the bike’s quicker handling.<br />

5. Ridigity of the swingarm was also revised. The cast front portion<br />

is taller with thinner walls, and the wall thickness of the spars was<br />

idealized, with thinner side walls and thicker top/bottom walls. The<br />

new construction saves approximately 220 grams.<br />

6. Smaller fuel tank has a lower top. This lowers the bike’s center<br />

of gravity, further contributing to the sharper handling.<br />

7. Revised for rigidity, the KX450F’s new frame<br />

features a slimmer design and lighter overall<br />

weight. Thicker<br />

walls for the subframe<br />

(seat rails)<br />

offer increased<br />

strength.<br />

8. Aggressive design of the new front<br />

fender adds to the racy looks and saves 50<br />

grams in weight.<br />

9. New design for the aluminum rear<br />

sprocket contributes to the bike’s<br />

sharp looks and saves 50<br />

grams.<br />

Kawa has the technology -<br />

how about another enduro<br />

bike sometime Huh?<br />

At your Kawasaki dealership.<br />

www.kawasaki.co.za<br />

• Handheld FI calibration kit eliminates need<br />

for laptop and 12V battery at the track• Allows<br />

the user to adjust fuel and ignition settings for<br />

ultimate performance • Can store up to seven<br />

preset maps for different tracks<br />

46 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Kawasaki MX.indd 46 2015/09/18 10:43 PM


introducing the all new<br />

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<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> 2016 Kawasaki MX.indd 47 2015/09/18 10:43 PM


Africa<br />

Adventure tour 2015<br />

48 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 48 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


Most people are familiar with the<br />

Givi range of protective gear and bike<br />

products. Every year they host a ride<br />

for their international dealer network<br />

somewhere in the world. This year,<br />

through DMD, the local Givi importer,<br />

they selected beautiful South Africa.<br />

We joined them for the ride, took lots<br />

of photo’s and came to understand<br />

why SA is such a great adventure bike<br />

destination…<br />

From the Givi Blog…<br />

Sitting at the table at beautiful<br />

Euphoria estate near a little town<br />

called Mookgepong in the Limpopo<br />

province, everyone is discussing<br />

yesterday’s ride and talking about<br />

what to expect today.<br />

Yesterday was a day of contrasts, from<br />

the bustling streets of Johannesburg<br />

to the tranquil wide open gravel roads<br />

leading to our resort for the evening.<br />

It is challenging riding on the left<br />

side of the road, but we all became<br />

accustomed to this English trend<br />

quite quickly.<br />

South Africa has a vast network of<br />

fast flowing freeways and the first leg<br />

took us along the outskirts of Pretoria<br />

and through the agricultural hub of<br />

the Springbok flats vast open lands<br />

where in the days of the voortrekker<br />

(pioneers) thousands of springbok,<br />

South Africa’s national animal used<br />

to roam. A small side road took us<br />

through Warmbaths, a town famous<br />

for the natural mineral springs that<br />

are reputed to have healing powers.<br />

A beautiful sunny South African day<br />

with lots of refreshment breaks to<br />

quench thirsts and fill tanks.<br />

Then the fun started.<br />

Our tour guides stopped at a small<br />

road outside Nylstroom and sent the<br />

photographers ahead. That’s when<br />

you know… A glorious gravel road<br />

wound its way into the Waterberg<br />

Mountains with sweeping turns<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

49<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 49 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


and breath taking vista’s wherever you look.<br />

Probably about forty kilometres of stunning<br />

riding, the guys and girls loved it! There was<br />

one small incident when Wisnu, a blogger from<br />

Indonesia tried to adjust his Gopro “on the fly”<br />

and had a little tumble… he was unhurt but his<br />

XT needed a bit of panelbeating.<br />

It was incredible to see the wide open spaces<br />

and unspoiled bush. South Africans live in a<br />

beautiful place.<br />

After a brief stop to exchange war stories<br />

and tales of heroism, we made our way to<br />

Euphoria. What a great day in the saddle,<br />

topped off by a traditional African braai on the<br />

veranda of our bushveld hotel…<br />

More to follow tomorrow, we’ll update you as<br />

we go along.<br />

DAY 2<br />

Today turned out to be a very long day. We only<br />

arrived at our overnight stop, the Coach House,<br />

a grand old hotel buried in the mountains well<br />

after dark. And this was after a ride of only<br />

around 300 kilometres…<br />

It all started at the second section of gravel<br />

road. At the start everyone was game, but<br />

as we progressed, the sand monster bit. The<br />

guys battled, very tough. The area is so dry<br />

and dusty. A few of our riders opted to rather<br />

take the tar loop. They were sensible. It took<br />

more than two hours to get around 15 of our<br />

riders along a forty kilometre section. Glorious<br />

bushveld through the nature reserves in<br />

The Waterberg Mountains. We saw Giraffe,<br />

warthog, wildebeest, monkeys and lots of<br />

small antelope. And the silence when the<br />

engines are turned off is absolute… like<br />

nothing that we have experienced before.<br />

Eventually we regrouped at the road outside<br />

the salubrious Legend Golf estate for well<br />

needed refreshments. 32 degrees and the sun<br />

was blazing down.<br />

50 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 50 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 51 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


A quick scenic tar route took us to the town<br />

of Mokopane for a lunch at one of the famous<br />

South African Steak houses. No Hurry In<br />

Africa! More than two hours for a light lunch…<br />

Back on the bikes and out through town, the<br />

surroundings start changing, the country<br />

became very dry and almost desert like. The<br />

tar roads are excellent all the way to the<br />

quaint African town of Total Nobody. We even<br />

saw signs to Bolivia guesthouse, we were<br />

concerned that we were a little bit lost…<br />

After a while we started to climb, past the<br />

largest church in South Africa – The ZCC<br />

village outside Total Nobody, again the world<br />

changes, suddenly the world goes green huge<br />

plantations and alpine like mountains with<br />

glorious sweeping mountain passes. Due to<br />

water shortages, our hotel has changed – and<br />

our GPS got us lost. Tried to turn us into gravel<br />

roads into the forests and by now the sun is<br />

starting to set… Quick pow-wow among the<br />

guides – if all else fails ask directions…<br />

Back on the correct route, we cut through<br />

the town of Tzaneen and back up into the<br />

mountains, beautiful roads, but quite badly<br />

potholed, so you need to keep your eyes wide<br />

open. Soon the welcoming lights of the hotel<br />

are in the distance… 7pm we arrive – what a<br />

day! What a ride.<br />

DAY 3<br />

Baobab trees, Boats and Baboons…<br />

The day started early because we had a lot of<br />

distance to cover. The route took us from our<br />

hotel into some stunningly beautiful mountain<br />

passes. The day was sunny and warm, the<br />

views coming through the mountains around<br />

Tzaneen, breath taking. After a refuel at the<br />

Sasol garage (Sasol is South Africa’s local<br />

petrol manufacturer), we took off for our lunch<br />

stop in the Blyde River Canyon.<br />

The ride was one of contrasts, through<br />

poorer rural areas into verdant farmlands<br />

and eventually, game reserves all along the<br />

roads for as far as the eye can see. Everyone<br />

was amazed to see the huge electric fences<br />

that are erected round the farms to keep the<br />

animals in – and poachers out.<br />

A two-hour ride saw us enter the stunning<br />

mountains of the Drakensberg (Dragons<br />

teeth). Swadini is a nature reserve in the<br />

Blyde canyon. The Blyde River runs through<br />

the canyon, which is the third largest canyon<br />

in the world, after the Grand in the USA and<br />

the Fish River also in South Africa. We spent<br />

a leisurely hour floating along the river in a<br />

barge, checking out the Hippo’s and listening<br />

V<br />

th<br />

Ba<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

w<br />

SU<br />

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So<br />

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52 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 52 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


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<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 53 2015/09/18 10:53 PM<br />

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to our tour guide telling us a little bit about the<br />

area where we were. Very beautiful.<br />

In the afternoon, our ride took us right up into the<br />

high mountains through winding passes, forests<br />

and mountains for as far as the eye can see.<br />

The last 40 km piece took us down to our<br />

overnight at the beautiful Protea Kruger Park<br />

hotel, which actually goes into the famous<br />

Kruger Park. Earlier in the day, they had to<br />

chase the elephants away from the dining<br />

area. Fantastic. We enjoyed a traditional South<br />

African braai (barbeque) under the stars<br />

listening to the sounds of a local marimba<br />

band…. There is something special about<br />

dancing under the African sky.<br />

DAY 4<br />

Up bright and early for a game drive through<br />

Kruger Park. Although it is the beginning of<br />

summer here, it was cold, so we all huddled up<br />

in our Hevik Riding jackets under our blankets<br />

in the trucks. We saw lots – Elephant, Rhino,<br />

Lions in the distance, Giraffe, Hippo, Monkeys,<br />

Hyena – a fabulous, unspoiled piece of Africa…<br />

We were lucky enough to be able to stop in the<br />

park on a rocky Koppie (small hill) to just take<br />

in the peace and vastness of the place. Really<br />

something special.<br />

Day 4 was a rest day, so some stayed at the<br />

hotel while others took off for a scenic ride<br />

around the Mpumalanga lowveld, stopping<br />

at the quaint mining town of Pilgrims Rest.<br />

Mountain passes, great scenery and the roads<br />

are all in pretty good shape bar the few potholes<br />

here and there. We had the opportunity to buy<br />

some curios – you never accept the first price<br />

asked so we haggled our way through many<br />

of the stall. A glorious ride was enjoyed by all<br />

and it was really interesting to see how many<br />

motorcycles were out and about on the roads.<br />

Our guides tell us that Mpumalanga is one of<br />

54 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 54 2015/09/18 10:53 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 55 2015/09/18 10:54 PM


South Africa’s most famous riding areas. At<br />

four, we went for a second drive into the park,<br />

Buffalo, Civets, Hares, Jackal, Honey badgers,<br />

Elephant, Rhino… and the vast African night<br />

under a full moon.<br />

Dinner in the lapa and everyone was in bed<br />

really early, quite well worn out for the day,<br />

tomorrow, we head on our <strong>final</strong> leg … we are<br />

told it’s another great ride, so far, a really<br />

great African adventure…<br />

OUR LAST TWO DAYS:<br />

All good things come to an end and it was<br />

with sad hearts that we bid South Africa’s<br />

largest game reserve farewell. A quick photo<br />

under the brooding bust of Paul Kruger, South<br />

Africa’s first state president and the founder<br />

of the park and we were on our way back up<br />

the mountains. Awesome views and sweeping<br />

mountain roads greeted us. It was amazing to<br />

see all of the other motorcycles on the routes,<br />

it turns out that the Economy run, a time<br />

trial to measure fuel usage on motorcycles,<br />

and a rally - a gathering of motorcyclists was<br />

happening on that weekend. There were bikes<br />

of all shapes and sizes enjoying the balmy<br />

weather and great roads.<br />

A stopover at South Africa’s famous Long Tom<br />

Pass was arranged - one of the last places<br />

that a Long Tom Cannon saw action during<br />

the Boer war. A fascinating place, great photo<br />

opportunity with breath taking views in every<br />

direction.<br />

Fast, wide roads took us all along the<br />

escarpment and into the vast Lowveld city<br />

of Nelspruit. A quick lunch stop at fantastic,<br />

cheap seafood joint gave everyone a breather...<br />

and then we were off again.<br />

Here is something interesting. A mountain<br />

pass took us up to the little settlement of Kaap<br />

se Hoop, a remote village where wild horses<br />

roam free. We saw the horses, fat, sleek and<br />

free roaming the forests. Very beautiful.<br />

Our refuel was at the bottom of the mountain<br />

- a blot on the landscape is the huge paper<br />

mill that belches smoke and bad smells into<br />

the air... from there it was a quick ride to our<br />

overnight stop at the very friendly, comfortable<br />

Malaga hotel.<br />

The farewell dinner was hosted, with a video<br />

and photographs of all the highlights of the<br />

trip. People were in high spirits, although there<br />

was a bit of sadness that the trip was almost at<br />

an end...<br />

After a good night’s rest our first group<br />

departed for the route back to Johannesburg<br />

and OR Tambo International Airport. South<br />

56 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 56 2015/09/18 10:54 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 57 2015/09/18 10:54 PM


Africa’s freeways are really good and well<br />

surfaced. Once again we were joined by a<br />

multitude of motorcycles making their way<br />

back to the big city after a weekend of riding.<br />

There was one small glitch. Our illustrious<br />

tour organizer Mr Givi, Joseph Perucca<br />

managed to run out of fuel, having not filled<br />

at the previous days top-up... when his bike<br />

ground to a halt on the freeway, there was<br />

steam coming out from under his helmet...<br />

anyway, all part of the fun. Reserve fuel was<br />

procured and we continued along without<br />

further incident to Johannesburg.<br />

Upon a arrival, the moto GP was on and<br />

we watch the amazing Valentino Rossi blitz<br />

everyone in the rain. What a way to round of<br />

this event…<br />

What a ride! What a fabulous event and a<br />

beautiful country. If you want to visit South<br />

Africa, we can recommend it very highly. The<br />

hotels and infrastucture that we experienced<br />

are world class. The food is great, the people<br />

are so friendly.<br />

This was a great experience... we will be back<br />

– we have only seen a very small piece of this<br />

beautiful country what a ride, the facilities are<br />

first class. Thank you South Africa!<br />

The Yamaha’s are available for rental from<br />

Linex Yamaha: fni@linexyamaha.co.za (011)<br />

251-4000 www.linexyamaha.co.za<br />

The Givi South African Wilderness Adventure<br />

was arranged by The Adventure Company:<br />

familyadventures@mweb.co.za www.<br />

familyadventures.co.za (011) 979-1363<br />

58 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 58 2015/09/18 10:54 PM


MPUMALANGA <br />

GAUTENG <br />

FREE STATE <br />

KZN <br />

WESTERN CAPE EASTERN CAPE NORTHERN CAPE <br />

Contact Poldine: <br />

+27 82 895 5009 <br />

INTRO <br />

INTERMEDIATE <br />

ADVANCED <br />

DIRT BIKES <br />

LADIES <br />

info@bikebookings.co.za <br />

www.bikebookings.co.za <br />

FOR THE VERY BEST IN OFF-ROAD RIDER TRAINING<br />

LEARN. CONQUER. EXPLORE <br />

www.countrytrax.co.za <br />

UPCOMING RIDES: Day Ride Sun 31st Oct.<br />

Weekend Away 14/15/16 Nov.<br />

Sunfields Ride 29th Nov.<br />

Exclusive technical Bike trails & family routes<br />

www.familyadventures.co.za<br />

Tel: 011 979 1363<br />

011 979 5035<br />

082 870 6134<br />

072 177 0621<br />

email: foleyg@mweb.co.za<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Givi tour.indd 59 2015/09/18 10:54 PM


A very sad looking YZ250.<br />

Carb removed<br />

Carb float bowl off.<br />

The bike before the build started.<br />

All the linkage bearings<br />

needed replacement.<br />

Check that the jets and needle<br />

holes are all clear.<br />

Forks stripped and ready for rebuild.<br />

Let’s face it – not all of us have a zillion bucks to buy<br />

new bikes. Times are tough and friends are few… but<br />

there are plenty of great used bargains out there.<br />

We recently bought and old fixer upper. The bike in<br />

question is a 1996 YZ250. It seemed to be in pretty<br />

good nick, but had been standing for a long time.<br />

Some stuff we’ve learned:<br />

• Check and re-check the year model of the bike you<br />

are buying. We initially thought that this bike was a<br />

lot newer – and so did the seller. Given the condition<br />

of the bike the price was fair but – not a bargain. We<br />

would have preferred to pay around 12k.<br />

• TIP: if the bike has hydraulic brake or clutch hoses,<br />

there is usually a date and batch number on the<br />

piping. Bet you didn’t know that? (bet you gonna go<br />

look now…, we did).<br />

The first trick was to see whether it actually ran – so<br />

we roped in the services of long time bike mechanic<br />

and Bike fixer Bryan Schwim from Tarstone for all the<br />

hard, more technical work. The bike was stripped on<br />

the bench and the carb removed. The fuel was Vrot<br />

Vrot – so he drained all of that, fresh petrol 40:1 Motul<br />

premix.<br />

• The carb was seriously gummed up and it seemed<br />

as though someone had been fiddling because the<br />

float level was set almost to the max. A good clean<br />

with Velocity racing carb cleaner, re- adjustment of<br />

the float and we bolted the carb back on. Note: Check<br />

that the main and pilot jets are clear of gunk. Also<br />

check that the channel under the needle is clear –<br />

that’s where the fuel comes in.<br />

• Replace worn perished fuel and breather pipes on<br />

the carb.<br />

• Gave the bike a kick. Nothing, nada. No spark.<br />

Checked all wires, all ok – dud plug. (More on that<br />

later). Replace plug and kick.<br />

Three kicks, the bike roars to life with a bellow of blue<br />

smoke forcing us to abandon the workshop. Open all<br />

the windows… the engine sounds pretty good – no<br />

funny knock or strange noises. How is the gearbox?<br />

• Drain and replace gearbox oil (Motul).<br />

• Drain and replace radiator coolant (Velocity).<br />

Hop on, and a quick spin, she shifts nicely, clutch and<br />

gear box are perfect BUT, the suspension out back<br />

has collapsed and there is a strange thumping noise<br />

coming from the back.<br />

Bike back on the bench for mechanical inspection.<br />

B<br />

60 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> YZ Build.indd 60 2015/09/18 10:44 PM


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BigBoy D&T_OCT'15 1<br />

2015/09/15 1:59 PM<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> YZ Build.indd 61 2015/09/18 10:44 PM


pressing the new bearings in<br />

The bearing kits come<br />

complete with seals.<br />

Rear shock stripped.<br />

The piping on the<br />

carbs was brittle.<br />

This is what the old linkage<br />

bearings looked like...<br />

Stripped and ready for<br />

TLC...<br />

One times dud plug.<br />

The front forks<br />

leaked all over...<br />

Problems:<br />

• The rear suspension has indeed collapsed and the<br />

bush on the swing arm has a lot of play.<br />

• The tyres are basically rotten.<br />

• The front fork seals are peeing oil EVERYWHERE.<br />

• The tyres are somewhat on the knackered side…<br />

• Brake pads, Sprockets and chain seem to be in good<br />

fettle.<br />

Plan of action:<br />

Right to be sure to be sure – strip out the suspension<br />

and wheels – source tyres – a call to Bruce from BATT<br />

tyres procures some blue labels….<br />

Hmmm very nice. But that’s the easy part.<br />

• Bearings and bushes:<br />

We took the decision to replace all of the swing arm<br />

and linkage bearings – seeing that we were stripping<br />

anyway, it made good sense. The wheel bearings<br />

appeared to have been replaced quite recently, so we<br />

left those alone.<br />

• TIP: have a big box that everything goes in to so that<br />

you don’t lose stuff. Also label what came out of where<br />

if you are not certain. Use a Koki pen or even Tip Ex to<br />

mark specific bolts and things.<br />

• Tip: Before you strip anything take lots of pics on<br />

your cellphone so you can put them back again.<br />

For ease of use, we stripped out samples and took<br />

them along to the Pivot Works importers, Game<br />

Services in Benoni. So convenient, the bearing kits<br />

include all spacers and seals. We also sourced a rear<br />

shock kit – Game is like a gold mine for stuff like this.<br />

For the front suspension, we called on NS 2-stroke<br />

– the Pro-X importers. They also had a full front<br />

suspension kit in stock. Amazing to think that it was<br />

so simple to get parts for an old<br />

bike like this.<br />

The suspension bits were handed<br />

back to Bryan who stripped and<br />

rebuilt the suspension for us. We<br />

replaced all the oils with Motul<br />

Fork oil. The rear shock went<br />

back to Game they have the right<br />

equipment to re-gas.<br />

From there – all the bits were brought back to<br />

the <strong>DT</strong> workshop for assembly.<br />

The Mrs bought us a 166 piece Mastercraft<br />

tool set a while back – guys the price is right and<br />

even after 2 or so years of abuse, everything works.<br />

And there are enough tools in there for just about any<br />

rebuild job including tube sockets torque key fittings<br />

and, for the fords a “Groot” hammer.<br />

The key to building any bike is to have a tidy workshop<br />

and a good selection of tools. More time is wasted in<br />

our lives hunting for the correct tool than anything<br />

else.<br />

• A bench vice is also useful, boppa the swingarm and<br />

linkages into the vice and carefully press out all of<br />

the old bearings and bushes. Take note of the circlips<br />

and don’t let them ping off into the recesses of your<br />

garage.<br />

• TIP buy a big packet of assorted circlips…they are<br />

always usefull.<br />

62 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> YZ Build.indd 62 2015/09/18 10:44 PM


• A light coat of grease helps to slip the<br />

new bearings back in, not a difficult job,<br />

just make sure that you line everything up<br />

nicely… and replace the circlips – use the<br />

Mastercraft Circlip pliers – much simpler<br />

than old screwdrivers.<br />

Once the bearings and bushes are all in<br />

place, it’s time for reassembly.<br />

Now remember we said make a note of<br />

what went where? If you did this, you’ll<br />

save time reassembling…<br />

• Make sure all the nuts and bolts are<br />

tightened correctly – we always use<br />

Loctite on the key suspension bolts –<br />

Loctite ensures that the bolts don’t work<br />

themselves loose.<br />

• ALSO – take this opportunity to replace<br />

any worn bolts with shiny new ones. We<br />

bought a trick Bolt kit from SSS racing,<br />

all kinds of bolts in non-rust finish and<br />

correct threads for Japanese or European<br />

models. Very convenient in shiny chrome<br />

finish. Cool!<br />

Long story short: reassembled<br />

with all of the old body kit<br />

and headed out for a good<br />

long ride on Tri Nations. This<br />

gives an idea of what else is<br />

necessary. The bike runs like the<br />

clappers – its amazing that an old<br />

bike is still so much fun.<br />

BUT we picked up a problem:<br />

• For every tank of fuel (40:1<br />

mixture with Motul 2-stroke), we<br />

burned a plug. It’s not fouling and looks<br />

perfect – but it just stops working…<br />

This is going to be an expensive bike to<br />

run… we went to the experts at<br />

Pongola Yamaha. They told<br />

us that the chances are<br />

good that the bike is<br />

running too rich.<br />

Drop the needle<br />

and change<br />

the main jet for a<br />

smaller one. If that does<br />

not solve the problem, the<br />

bike might need a new<br />

piston and rings.<br />

We did not have a jet,<br />

but we did drop the needle. Now the bike<br />

uses 1 plug to every 2 tanks.<br />

Better – but still<br />

uneconomical…<br />

Costs to date:<br />

Used Bike purchase R16.000<br />

condition: Fair<br />

Front suspension kit NS 2 stroke,<br />

seals, scrapers etc R500.00:<br />

NS (011) 849-8495<br />

Rear suspension kit, bearings<br />

and bushes kit: R1000<br />

New Rear Shock Bump Rubber<br />

R300.00<br />

Shock re- gas and adjust R200.00<br />

All from<br />

Game Services (011) 849-7000<br />

Pro pack Bolt kit SSS racing: R180.00. The<br />

large 200 piece is around R450.00<br />

www.sss-racing.co.za<br />

Lubes, carb cleaner and oils Motul and<br />

Velocity racing: Around R300.00<br />

Blue label tyres and heavy duty tubes<br />

from Batt, not really rebuild parts, but<br />

necessary: R1500.00<br />

(011) 050-0073<br />

Plugs, NGK: 4 so far at R30 each R120.00<br />

Mechanical Labour, carb, suspension etc:<br />

Around 4 hours or so. Tarstone racing<br />

0741935017<br />

Total cost to date: R21500.00 odd still not<br />

bad for a good bike that runs beautifully!!<br />

Hopefully a bit of jetting will solve the plug<br />

issue…<br />

Next month: The bike has been stripped<br />

right down to frame and engine. The<br />

frame is still Ok so we are not going to re<br />

powder coat.<br />

•Time to make the bike look pretty and<br />

solve the jetting issue.<br />

The wheels are going in for wrapping –<br />

we’ll let you know<br />

how that goes.<br />

Lots of in house<br />

polishing and elbow<br />

grease coming up…<br />

New plastics from<br />

Polisport.<br />

Airtime pretty stuff<br />

from SSS racing.<br />

A new decal kit<br />

from new kids on<br />

the block, Laminin<br />

Graphics in Pretoria.<br />

Protective gear from<br />

Hyde Products.<br />

Hand guards from<br />

Cycra.<br />

Grips from Ariette.<br />

Full costs and <strong>final</strong> product next month (If<br />

the arty okes can meet the deadlines).<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

63<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> YZ Build.indd 63 2015/09/18 10:44 PM


The Braveman enduro took place on 4 & 5<br />

September at the Elisenheim Guest Farm,<br />

15km outside Windhoek. 39 riders from<br />

Namibia and South Africa started in three<br />

different classes in the biggest Namibian<br />

Extreme Enduro event of the year, but only<br />

23 finished the race.<br />

The Prologue was a highlight in the<br />

Namibian motorsport scene and drew<br />

hundreds of spectators. The 2015 winner<br />

is 27 year old Enduro rider Dwayne<br />

Kleynhans, who conquered the tough<br />

obstacle course with the best lap time,<br />

ahead of SA favourites Wade Young and<br />

Louw Schmidt, all well-known names from<br />

South Africa.<br />

Namibian rider Kai Hennes was injured<br />

on one of the obstacles and was unable to<br />

participate in the main race on Saturday. The<br />

time laps of the Prologue determined the<br />

starting order of the next day’s main race.<br />

Henner Rusch started in 8th position and<br />

Ingo Waldschmidt commenced 14th in line.<br />

On the Saturday Wade Young took 1st prize<br />

64 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Braveman.indd 64 2015/09/18 10:45 PM


OCTOBER 2015<br />

65<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Braveman.indd 65 2015/09/18 10:45 PM


for the 2nd consecutive year as goldclass<br />

winner of the Red Bull Braveman<br />

2015. 2nd place went out to Dwayne<br />

Kleynhans, finishing 10 minutes later<br />

and Altus de Wet took the third place in 5<br />

hours and 23 minutes. Namibians Henner<br />

Rusch and Jörn Greiter finished the race<br />

in 5th and 6th place respectively.<br />

“It was definitely tougher than last<br />

year, but the scenery was much more<br />

enjoyable this time. Great track.” said<br />

Wade Young, after finishing 3 technical<br />

loops, a total of 120km in 4 hours and<br />

46 minutes. Silver class winner, Kirsten<br />

Landman as only female participant<br />

completed the track one hour before<br />

second placed Namibian Tommy Gous.<br />

Olaf Pack was crowned the winner of the<br />

bronze class with a finishing time of 3<br />

hours and 9 minutes.<br />

66 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Braveman.indd 66 2015/09/18 10:45 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Braveman.indd 67 2015/09/18 10:45 PM


Photos by: Niels & Sasha Hatzmann – Dutch Rallye Press<br />

For Roberts Racing Rallye, the<br />

2015 Amageza Rally was one for<br />

great expectation and challenge<br />

that was to test man, machine and<br />

crew over 5000km.<br />

Team Roberts Racing Rallye was<br />

made up of a diverse number<br />

of riders, riders #3 Simon<br />

Schimmel (Dutch) a Shop Front<br />

Fitter, #128 Paul Bredenkamp<br />

a Croc Farmer in Tzaneen, #7<br />

Pieter Labuschagne a Farmer<br />

in Hoopstad, #27 Alex Ruprecht<br />

banker and semi pro mountaineer<br />

and #21 Erik van Donselaar<br />

(Dutch) in the tent and camp<br />

industry. Our crew made up of<br />

Garth Roberts (Team Manager/<br />

Crew Chief), Steven Ansley (Chief<br />

Mechanic), Twan Van Driel (Dutch<br />

mechanic), Wickus Erasmus<br />

(Team Logistics) and Derek Beyers<br />

(Team Logistics). Roberts Racing<br />

Rallye’s official sponsors Pirelli<br />

and Liqui Moly partnered with the<br />

team to support the rally as the<br />

official Tyre and Oil partner for the<br />

rally to assist all riders with a tyre<br />

service and the Malle-Moto riders<br />

(rider does all his own servicing)<br />

with a FREE oil Service.<br />

Who is Roberts Racing Rallye?<br />

Four of the team bikes were built<br />

by Roberts Racing Rallye with a<br />

3rd Generation RR450/500 XC-<br />

Rallye making its debut at this<br />

year’s Amageza Rally. Roberts<br />

Racing Rallye’s team structure<br />

and crew is designed to offer<br />

riders of all levels, a professional<br />

rally team service level and the<br />

feeling of being a pro rider with<br />

all the peripherals a pro rider<br />

would have. This will include<br />

mechanics, team kitchen area<br />

with healthy meals at any time<br />

of the day when they arrive at<br />

bivouac, B&B accommodation at<br />

each town, daily team road book<br />

briefing for the next stage. We also<br />

take care of all the riders’ race<br />

logistics from fuel money in both<br />

currencies, marathon stage over<br />

68 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Amageza.indd 68 2015/09/18 10:46 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Amageza.indd 69 2015/09/18 10:46 PM


kit & spare air filters packed on the bike,<br />

and so much more, all this to make sure<br />

we get the rider to the finish home and<br />

make it as comfortable and stress free as<br />

possible!<br />

The Amageza:<br />

The Rallye started and finished in<br />

Kimberly (N.Cape), featuring a first time<br />

ever 3 stages in Botswana, with the aim<br />

of including Namibian Dunes in the near<br />

future. Technical inspection, known as<br />

scrutineering at S.A. races, was held in<br />

Kimberly under the exact stringent rules<br />

as Dakar. It is the aim of the organisers to<br />

get S.A. rallye riders onto the same level<br />

as Dakar competitors.<br />

The first 2 stages to Van Zyls Rus and then<br />

Kang (Botswana) was a Marathon stage.<br />

This meant that the overnight in Van Zyls<br />

Rus had no service crew or any assistance;<br />

riders had to get to the end of Stage 2 in<br />

Kang. Sadly the Special (Racing Section) in<br />

Stage 2 was cancelled due to the chopper<br />

being grounded, not having the required<br />

approvals to fly into Botswana. Having<br />

trained there myself in the Khawa Dunes<br />

area along the Kgalagadi Transfontier<br />

Park, this would have been the most<br />

demanding Special of the rally! Roberts<br />

Racing Rallye’s crew had one long night<br />

ahead after Stage 2 in Kang to repair and<br />

service the bikes after almost 1400km, the<br />

last bike was completed and ready to race<br />

at 5am with the start at 7am.<br />

Most rallyes are more demanding on<br />

crew than on the riders and it takes a<br />

special and determined individual to have<br />

3-4 hrs sleep a night, drive and average<br />

of 600km the next day, set up the bivouac<br />

for the team, then work until 3am the<br />

next morning to get the bikes race ready,<br />

and at times work straight through, for<br />

a 6am start, for 7 days straight. This<br />

is exactly what Stephen, Twan, Wickus<br />

Derek and Garth had to do and have a<br />

smile on their faces when riders arrived<br />

at the bivouac at 11pm for a 2-3 hr prep<br />

if there was no crash damage…. but “Erik<br />

the Shredder” kept us busy most nights<br />

repairing his crash damaged or Botswana<br />

“doorings” riddled bike.<br />

Stage 3 to Ghanzi was fast with most riders<br />

having issues with the road book, but we<br />

managed to navigate and get the bikes in<br />

at a reasonable hour. Stage 4 was no better<br />

in respect of navigation and was extremely<br />

tricky to correlate the road book and the<br />

tracks but again our riders managed to<br />

get into the bivouac very late. Needless to<br />

say the chatter in the bivouac was not too<br />

positive, even among our own riders.<br />

Stage 5 back to South Africa was<br />

exceptionally fast, with the average speed<br />

of over 105km/h which pretty much<br />

destroyed most tyres and mousses…<br />

however with the great support from<br />

Pirelli, Roberts Racing Rallye riders<br />

where well covered, and managed to lend<br />

a hand to a few of the other riders.<br />

Simon and Paul our most experienced<br />

riders in navigation both in the top 15 had<br />

incurred almost 3 hours penalties due to<br />

questionable road book navigation errors<br />

and timing issues, that dropped them<br />

both down the leader board an similarly<br />

for Pieter. Both Alex and Erik where on<br />

survival mode to get their bikes and<br />

bodies to the finish.<br />

70 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Amageza.indd 70 2015/09/18 10:46 PM


<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Amageza.indd 71 2015/09/18 10:46 PM


Stage 6 and 7 ended up the two longest<br />

stages of the rally, 850km per stage, not<br />

much navigation and also pretty fast. The<br />

last stage was cut short to get the riders to<br />

the finish early, but sadly, no podium finish<br />

for us, which was a bit of a let-down for the<br />

riders after a gruelling 5000km rally.<br />

The Amageza Rally has a huge amount of<br />

potential, to the extent of even rivalling<br />

the Dakar Rally in terms of terrain and<br />

location. However the organisers need to<br />

pay serious attention to the road books and<br />

pre runners to increase the safety level, as<br />

well as look at their choice of bivouacs and<br />

the long distances that crews need to travel<br />

to get to the next bivouac.<br />

It is was not all doom and gloom as all<br />

5 Team Roberts Racing Rallye riders<br />

finished the rallye with no mechanical<br />

issues, thanks to a great Crew!!!<br />

Amageza is a rally that team Roberts<br />

Racing Rallye will return to should the<br />

organisers make the much needed<br />

changes, and as a team we are absolutely<br />

sure Amageza has a great future as a<br />

formidable event!!<br />

72 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Amageza.indd 72 2015/09/18 10:46 PM


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<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Amageza.indd 73 2015/09/18 10:46 PM


From this....<br />

to this....<br />

Former formula atlantic single<br />

seater champ, production bike<br />

champ and racer extraordinaire<br />

Bobby Scott.<br />

OFF ROAD<br />

HEROES<br />

Story and pics Clive Strugnell<br />

Motorcycling is all about people,<br />

bikes and the things we do with<br />

them…it’s about friendships<br />

and shared experiences. To<br />

enjoy new things it’s important<br />

to have experienced old stuff.<br />

After all, much more time is<br />

spend talking biking and all that<br />

goes along with it than actually<br />

riding. It’s all part of the fun.<br />

So whilst out and about<br />

during the last week or so we<br />

came across some fabulous<br />

motorcycling history.<br />

Firstly just look at this fabulous<br />

Kenny Roberts tribute dirt track<br />

500 Yamaha built by Bobby Scott<br />

in Pretoria.<br />

Firstly Bobby is a really<br />

interesting character. Along<br />

with his son Grant, Bobby<br />

owns Scott Motorcycles in the<br />

North of Pretoria. This great<br />

little bike shop is always a hive<br />

of activity, and sells, services<br />

and repairs anything from the<br />

latest superbikes to adventure<br />

bikes and commuters. He is<br />

also a past stock car racer, SA<br />

Formula Atlantic single seater<br />

SA champ and an ace on and off<br />

road bike racer.<br />

Along the way Bobby came<br />

across an 80’s Yamaha SR 500.<br />

This was a road going version<br />

of the famous XT 500 Street<br />

scrambler. Bobby turned the<br />

sad looking traffic warrior into<br />

a replica of the famous Yamaha<br />

dirt track bike ridden into the<br />

history books by multi-American<br />

and several times World<br />

Champion Kenny Roberts.<br />

It took him four years to<br />

completely rebuild the bike, with<br />

the motor using a big carburetor<br />

and a high compression piston,<br />

a trick cam and reworked<br />

cylinder head. The chassis<br />

has been refurbished in gloss<br />

black from the ground up, and<br />

the front and rear suspension<br />

redone, as well as the brakes<br />

and electrics. An exhaust from<br />

a Suzuki GSXR 1000 looks like a<br />

genuine factory race pipe, and<br />

the black and yellow paintwork<br />

is exactly like the USA Yamaha<br />

racing colours. The finished<br />

product could easily be a<br />

museum piece. Bobby says<br />

this will never happen with this<br />

bike… he built it to ride, and we<br />

can expect to see it out on track<br />

soon in some of the historic<br />

racing events during the year.<br />

It starts on the first prod of the<br />

kick start, and underneath the<br />

front race number-board lurks a<br />

headlight and the other goodies<br />

needed to ride it on the road.<br />

Although he has been offered<br />

significant money for this bike,<br />

Bobby says it will never be sold,<br />

and will ultimately be passed<br />

down to his grandson when he<br />

is big enough to ride it…<br />

74 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Offroad heros.indd 74 2015/09/18 10:47 PM


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<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Offroad heros.indd 75 2015/09/18 10:47 PM


A bit later during the week we happened<br />

to visit Andre at Shimwells Yamaha in<br />

their Boksburg shop.<br />

Standing in pride of place just inside the<br />

front door is a magnificently restored<br />

Yamaha IT 490 enduro racer. This big two<br />

stroke was one of the bikes that really put<br />

Yamaha on the map in off-road racing in<br />

South Africa, and invokes memories of<br />

Alan Smith and Chris Davies leading the<br />

field in races like the Bapsfontein GP,<br />

the Roof of Africa and the Toyota 1000<br />

desert race. This particular one belongs<br />

to East Rand off road hero Gray Dick. Not<br />

only does he own this wonderful big bore<br />

stroker, but at the top of the stairs leading<br />

to the Shimwells admin floor stands a<br />

pair of stark white Yamaha MX bikes Circa<br />

late 70’s early 80’s. The YZ 80 mini racer<br />

and the significantly bigger YZ 100 also<br />

belong to Gray, and were his first MX<br />

bikes. Andre, Braham and the good folk at<br />

Shimwells, who have supported and often<br />

sponsored Gray throughout his racing<br />

career, are responsible for the many<br />

hours of work finding parts and lovingly<br />

restoring these bikes.<br />

It’s interesting to see how many old bikes<br />

of every genre’ are behind pulled out from<br />

dusty corners and being restored. Each<br />

one of them has a story to tell, and we are<br />

so fortunate that the people who know the<br />

stories of these bikes and their original<br />

riders are around and happy to pass them<br />

on for future generation to enjoy.<br />

Then there is the 1974 Husqvarna 450<br />

desert racer that Belongs to Kalie from<br />

Puzey’s Biker Warehouse.<br />

Steve McQueen, in the iconic motorcycle<br />

film “On any Sunday” rode a Husqvarna<br />

big bore two stroke enduro bike much<br />

like this one, and together with co-stars<br />

Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawill put<br />

the brand on the map…seldom has a<br />

motorcycle achieved so much fame in<br />

such a short time. “Husky’s, as everyone<br />

call them to this day, were state of the<br />

art MX and “desert racer” bikes back<br />

then, and set the standard for every<br />

manufacturer at the time. Since then<br />

the factory, like most European brands,<br />

has experienced many highs and lows,<br />

including several changes of ownership.<br />

The most recent one for Husqvarna has<br />

been its’ acquisition by KTM of Austria.<br />

Fortunately the KTM management and<br />

marketing people realise the value of<br />

a famous brand name and its’ history,<br />

and have given the marque the respect<br />

it deserves as one of the World’s best off<br />

road racing brands.<br />

Recently we spotted an early seventies<br />

big bore two stroke Husqvarna desert<br />

race bike in the window of Mike Puzey’s<br />

Biker’s Warehouse in Randburg, and<br />

having just spent a bit of time admiring<br />

a selection of restored Yamaha off road<br />

racers decided to include this fabulous<br />

old Husky as well.<br />

This one has a racing history in South<br />

Africa, although we don’t know who<br />

rode it back when it was new. At the<br />

time there were a lot of them around,<br />

and in fact Butch Hirsch was one of the<br />

people who put them on the map before<br />

he got involved with KTM. Some of the<br />

well-known riders who made a name for<br />

themselves on these fiercesome<br />

racers were Rob Wicks, Butch<br />

Hirsch, Chris Brand, Roger<br />

Gledhill, Dereck Purcell, Clive<br />

McIlrath and many more.<br />

Kallie has rebuilt the bike from<br />

the ground up, but very wisely<br />

refrained from repainting the<br />

tank and frame, leaving the<br />

bike with a beautiful patina of<br />

loving care over the years. For<br />

instance the original tank has<br />

a chrome finish on each side,<br />

surrounded by a hand-painted<br />

oval pinstripe which highlights<br />

the black enamel finish on the<br />

rest of it….this is how it came<br />

from the factory, with the name<br />

Husqvarna emblazoned across<br />

the bottom, also exquisitely<br />

hand painted. Standing in<br />

pride of place in the Biker<br />

warehouse showroom it is certainly not<br />

overshadowed by any of its’ brand new<br />

Husky descendants!<br />

Pop in to the shops and go and have a<br />

looksee. A little piece of our motorcycling<br />

heritage…<br />

Scott motorcycles: Breed Str, Montana,<br />

Pretoria Tel: 012 548 0045<br />

Shimwells Boksburg: Just off the N12<br />

in Tricharts road, Boksburg. Terminal<br />

Centre. (011) 894-2181<br />

Bikers Warehouse in Malibongwe drive:<br />

(011) 795-4122<br />

76 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Offroad heros.indd 76 2015/09/18 10:47 PM


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<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Offroad heros.indd 77 2015/09/18 10:47 PM


ENDURO<br />

RACING<br />

Written by Elza Thiart Botes<br />

AND THAT IS ANOTHER NATIONAL<br />

ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP!<br />

Whew, what a <strong>final</strong>! The recent<br />

Liquorland Winterberg National Enduro<br />

hosted by the Rover Club and held<br />

outside Port Elizabeth, was a real<br />

humdinger and it was not only the front<br />

runners who felt the pressure, but as<br />

this was the season <strong>final</strong>e, everyone<br />

wanted to better their position and score<br />

the last points in the 2015 Liquorland<br />

National Enduro Championship.<br />

When competitors got to the venue the<br />

day before the race, it was extremely wet<br />

and certain sections of the route had to<br />

be altered or removed due to the amount<br />

of rain that fell early on Friday morning<br />

(before Saturday’s race). The race<br />

still consisted of three Special Stages<br />

(one was shortened) and E1 and E2<br />

competitors had to complete 11 stages;<br />

Senior Class, High School competitors<br />

and Silver Class riders were in for eight<br />

stages while Master Class riders did five.<br />

One of the class championships where<br />

the tension was especially high, was the<br />

Senior Class. Before the race, Bruce<br />

May (Team AgriSales Peak Yamaha) was<br />

leading Jody Engelbrecht (Yamaha) by a<br />

mere two points, but May fell ini some<br />

old truck tyres on the first Special Stage<br />

and lost 45 seconds. He raced hard to<br />

play catch-up, but it was not enough<br />

and he finished a mere eight points<br />

(seconds) behind Engelbrecht who<br />

E2 Champion Wade Young<br />

walked away with the SA national title.<br />

Graham Hedgcock (KTM Cape Town)<br />

finished in a close third place and was<br />

followed by local PE hero, Juan ‘Bollie’<br />

van Rooyen (Brother Leader Tread<br />

KTM), a former ‘Winterberg’ winner<br />

who competed in the national enduro<br />

series for the first time this year. Steven<br />

Carr (Roost KTM / EC Security) rounded<br />

off the top five. Steve Landman (Team<br />

Liquorland Yamaha Racing) was sixth;<br />

Ryan Pretorius (KTM) finished seventh<br />

and Chris Lindhorst (KTM) was eighth.<br />

The defending title holder, William ‘Wild<br />

Will’ Gillitt (May’s team-mate) could not<br />

compete due to his knee injury and he<br />

had to settle for the fifth place in the<br />

<strong>final</strong> standings.<br />

The young guns were at each other’s<br />

throats in the E1 Championship where<br />

the Pietermaritzburg scholar, Travis<br />

Teasdale (Brother Leader Tread KTM)<br />

and Ballito rider, Brett Swanepoel<br />

(Proudly Bidvest Yamaha) both aimed for<br />

their first (senior) national enduro title.<br />

After a neck to neck season, Teasdale<br />

led Swanepoel by only two points before<br />

the race, but it was not a good day for<br />

Swanepoel who crashed twice on the<br />

first lap. He eventually had to settle<br />

for second place behind Teasdale who<br />

claimed his fifth E1 victory and the 2015<br />

national title.<br />

Teasdale’s team-mate, Dwayne<br />

Kleynhans, finished third (he suffered<br />

from food poisoning the previous day<br />

and was even admitted to hospital –<br />

and he checked himself out!) with Kyle<br />

Flanagan (KTM) fourth and Brandon<br />

Warwick-Oliver (Team Liquorland Racing<br />

Yamaha) in fifth place.<br />

Richie van der Westhuizen (Yamaha)<br />

finished not too far behind in sixth place<br />

despite a huge crash towards the end<br />

of the race. Michael Pentecost (Kargo<br />

Racing Yamaha) was seventh; Dylan<br />

Barker (Pa Ma Racing Yamaha) finished<br />

eighth, only 13 points ahead of Chayse<br />

Orsmond (Ihobe International KTM) with<br />

Kyle Erasmus (Kargo Racing Yamaha)<br />

a single point behind Orsmond in tenth<br />

place. Marc Torlage (Roost KTM / EC<br />

Security) was back in his happy place<br />

and doing well until a crash caused the<br />

clutch master cylinder to break on the<br />

ninth of the 11 Special Stages. (News is<br />

that Marc is back with Proudly Bidvest<br />

and on Yamaha for next year!)<br />

Wade Young (Brother Leader Tread<br />

KTM) and Flanagan were involved in a<br />

mugging incident in Umtata on their<br />

way to the race, but this did not stop<br />

him from claiming his sixth consecutive<br />

victory and his first E2 title (he won<br />

the E1 / 200cc title in 2014 and 2013).<br />

Kenny Gilbert (Proudly Bidvest Yamaha)<br />

finished in a solid second place. Young’s<br />

team-mate, Scott Bouverie, had a<br />

careful race as he will be undering a<br />

knee operation and finished third. He<br />

beat Altus de Wet (Altus de Wet Racing<br />

Sherco) by a single point (second).<br />

Bronson Louw (ABE Midas Husqvarna<br />

Factory Racing) was fifth while his<br />

team-mate, Mark Garland who has<br />

not competed this year, finished ninth.<br />

Roan Lindsay (D&H Engineering<br />

Works Yamaha) was sixth followed by<br />

Nick Wade (Team Liquorland Racing<br />

Husqvarna); Sage McGregor (KTM)<br />

eighth and Riaan van der Walt (KTM)<br />

tenth.<br />

Hilton Hayward (Proudly Bidvest<br />

Yamaha) went to the ‘Winterberg’<br />

with five victories in the Master Class<br />

championship behind his name and the<br />

78 OCTOBER 2015<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Nat racing.indd 78 2015/09/18 10:47 PM


PAGES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:<br />

title was within his reach if he<br />

kept it all together. Well, the<br />

suspension guru did just that<br />

to claim a sixth consecutive<br />

victory and the 2015 SA<br />

National Championship title.<br />

He was chased by his teammate,<br />

Denzil Torlage, who<br />

finished second after beating<br />

the defending champion, Alfie<br />

Cox (KTM), by a mere six points<br />

(seconds). Shaun Kirk (Beta<br />

Liqui Moly Racing SA) finished<br />

fourth with Gideon Malherbe<br />

(Eddy2Race KTM) fifth; Steven<br />

Botha (Team AgriSales Peak<br />

Yamaha) was sixth and Carl<br />

Rohrbeck (KTM) finished<br />

seventh.<br />

Like Young and Hayward, there<br />

was also a sixth victory for<br />

Eduan Bester (NUTS Racing<br />

/ KTM Centurion) who took<br />

the High School Class win<br />

and bagged the title – his<br />

second consecutive national<br />

enduro championship title as<br />

he won this class last year<br />

after it was introduced into the<br />

championship for the first time.<br />

He had to fight for it though as<br />

he crashed during the first lap<br />

of the race and lost valuable<br />

time. Daniel van Zyl (Pa Ma<br />

Racing Yamaha) finished<br />

second on the smaller 125cc<br />

bike with Dean Lindsay (D&H<br />

Engineering Works Yamaha)<br />

rounding off the podium.<br />

The youngsters had to stand<br />

their man in some really testing<br />

Special Stages this season,<br />

but they proved that they can<br />

race with the best. Bryce van<br />

Heerden (KTM) finished fourth<br />

with Keegan Eich (KTM) fifth;<br />

Max Jordaan (KTM) was sixth;<br />

Carl-Reinhardt Cronje (KTM)<br />

was seventh and Grahamstown<br />

scholar, Joshua Thorburn<br />

(KTM), in eighth place.<br />

The Silver Class Challenge<br />

might not be a championship<br />

class – it is a challenge – but<br />

the winner gets free entries<br />

into next year’s national enduro<br />

season. The young Matatiele<br />

scholar, Lloyd Kirk (Pa Ma<br />

Racing Yamaha) confirmed<br />

his ‘prize’ by claiming a sixth<br />

victory this year (his teammate,<br />

Dylan Barker, who<br />

is from neigbouring town,<br />

Kokstad, did the same last year<br />

when he won all six rounds<br />

of the 2014 national series).<br />

Stuart Gregory (FDBR Racing)<br />

was second with Sonwabile<br />

Eddie Mdodana (Mens Clinic<br />

KTM) posting his best result of<br />

the season by finishing third.<br />

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS<br />

E1<br />

Travis Teasdale<br />

Brett Swanepoel<br />

Dwayne Kleynhans<br />

Kyle Flanagan<br />

Brandon Warwick-Oliver<br />

E2<br />

Wade Young<br />

Scott Bouverie<br />

Kenny Gilbert<br />

Altus de Wet<br />

Bronson Louw<br />

HIGH SCHOOL<br />

Eduan Bester<br />

Daniël van Zyl<br />

Keegan Eich<br />

Dean Lindsay<br />

Carl-Reinhardt Cronje<br />

SENIOR CLASS<br />

Jody Engelbrecht<br />

Bruce May<br />

Graham Hedgcock<br />

Steven Carr<br />

William Gillitt<br />

MASTER CLASS<br />

Hilton Hayward<br />

Denzil Torlage<br />

Shaun Kirk<br />

Steve Botha<br />

Garth Prost<br />

SILVER CLASS CHALLENGE<br />

Lloyd Kirk<br />

Reghardt van Nieuwenhuizen<br />

Kirsten Landman<br />

Stuart Gregory<br />

Sonwabile Mdodana<br />

MANUFACTURERS<br />

Yamaha<br />

KTM<br />

Husqvarna<br />

E1 Champion Travis Teasdale<br />

High School Champion Enduan Bester<br />

Master Class Champion Hilton Hayward<br />

Silver Class Challenge Winner Lloyd<br />

OCTOBER 2015<br />

79<br />

<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Nat racing.indd 79 2015/09/18 10:47 PM


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<strong>1510</strong> <strong>DT</strong> Nat racing.indd 82 2015/09/18 10:47 PM

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