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Bike Talk Apr 2014

If you are cracking yourself at this photo of me on the le�, go right ahead, I love my cap (because it’s red and black and it’s of leather), but this was taken by a friend of mine, Lyle Simes a pro photographer from Durban.

Guys and girls, it’s been a tough few months but giving up or si�ng back has never done any good or helped any person achieve something great and posi�ve.

The good news is we’ve decided to make our li�le mag free to all once again. This decision

was based on our trial Paid Subscrip�on of one year, and feedback from readers, resul�ng in a few refunds and some telling us to keep the money and do something good with it. So my dear readers and supporters, this issue is WIDE OPEN and FREE.

You will also see this li�le mag hi�ng your mailbox, our website and social media more o�en; that is our pledge to you and our adver�sers.

Get on the Bike Talk mailing list, it’s free:h�p://www.biketalk.co.za/magazine.html

So in this issue I have a container load to share with you. As always I start off with Local Events, a few Safety & Skills Tips on Kids & Bikes, plus some insight into Street Braking.

Then we have OEM News from KTM topping BMW again, the SYM brand joining KMSA, Honda adding another 50cc to the NC and a urgent recall by Triumph. We also share Trade Stats with you from AMiD and Dealer News from Durban.

On the Review side of the coin, I managed to get my bu� on the new Yamaha XV950 Bolt and MT-09. Play�me every �me!

My personal favourite, GOD’s Page, I share what I ba�led with and at �mes s�ll do. Sure, no-one is perfect but if Fear is your master then you need to read this, it helped/s me and surely will help you too.

Moving on, I highlight a brand new helmet from Skully, amazing technology, and I got myself a UVEX helmet to test. I must say; very impressed and the best lid I’ve had on my head in a long �me! I am also willingly forced to publish something For the Girls, so check it out ladies. Only if you consider yourself to be one and you’re looking to find happiness.

Almost done. We publish a story sent to us about a Worldwide Expedi�on for Orphans in Zambia, truly a worthwhile read, revealing once again that there are people out there with real needs and that change starts with me!

To end this exci�ng publica�on, what be�er way to do it with a local boy who wins the Baja 1000 in Racing News. This might be a li�le old news, but I thought to run it in any case. Proud man I tell you, proud! KZN riders rock!

Again I’d like to thank you all for the amazing support, (of jy nou Afrikaans of Engels is) it is an amazing experience to put this publica�on together for you. I truly hope you like the read and refer back to it many �mes over.

Please visit and Like us on our Facebook page h�p://www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA or view any of our publica�ons (past and present) on our ISSUU page - h�p://issuu.com/biketalk

Stay safe out there and Think Car!

4

EDITOR’s NOTE: In a Nutshell

http://issuu.com/biketalk

Bike Talk Apr 2014

CONTENTSEditor’s Note 4

Events Calendar 6

Safety & Skills Tips- Kids & Bikes 7- Street Braking 20

Phonebook - KwaZulu Natal 11- Gauteng & Cape Province 12

OEM News- KTM tops BMW again 13- SYM joins KMSA family 14- A 50cc increase by Honda 16- Recall on Triumph Explorer 17

Trade Stats - AMiD figures for 2013 18

Dealer News- East Coast Motorcycles 22- RBS Yamaha 26- Perry Cayenne 42

Reviews- ‘14 Yamaha XV950 Bolt 24- ‘14 Yamaha MT-09 27

GOD’s Page - Facing Fear with GOD 28

New Products- Skully Helmets 31- Uvex Helmets 33

For the Girls- Finding Happiness 35

Zambia Orphans- An Expedi�on 37

Racing News- Local boy wins Baja 1000 39

EDITORHein Jonker

DESIGN & LAYOUTHein Jonker Media & Publishing

PUBLIC RELATIONSCarin Jonker

DISTRIBUTIONTo the South African Motorcycle Market, delivered electronically to more than 40,000 readers on Computers and Mobile Devices using Email, Website, Facebook, Twi�er and Issuu for download, on-line or off-line viewing ... in under 5 days!

An Interna�onl audience is obvious!

CONTACT USTel: 0861 BIKETALK / 086 124 5382Cell: 083 793 7975Fax: 086 648 9855

Email: [email protected]: www.biketalk.co.zaSocial: www.facebook.com/BIKETALK.SA

Office: Amanzimto�, by appointment

DISCLAIMERWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the informa�on and reports in this magazine, the publisher, editor, produc�on personnel, printer and distributor do not accept any responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions or for any effect there from. The views expressed by correspondents are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

All rights reserved; artwork in this publica�on has Copyright and may not be used in other publica�ons without the wri�en consent of the Editor.

5

Bike Talk Apr 20146

DATE EVENT DETAILS

4 - 6 APR BLACK ROCK RALLYBeacon Bay, Cape

Hosted at the breathtaking Blue Lagoon Hotel in Blue Bend, in the seaside suburb of Beacon Bay, a mere 10kms from East London’s city centre, and overlooking the Nahoon River right on the Indian Ocean and famous Nahoon Beach.Contact Pierre on 083 2504479 or visith�p://blackpe1.wix.com/blackrock

6 APR KIDS RUNSignal Hill, Cape

Hosted by The Free Chapter, Cape Town along with Rotary and Pick n Pay, invi�ng all Harley-Davidson Clubs, Chapters and Riders to join. Depar�ng at 9am from Singal Hill to Eden on the Bay. R100 entry includes a blanket and event pin.Contact Zelda on 082 4971090

1 - 4 MAY AFRICA BIKE WEEKMargate, Natal

Africa Bike Week™ is open to all bike lovers and is not limited to Harley-Davidson® owners. Par�cipants can look forward to a jam-packed line-up over the 4 days including live entertainment for the whole family, traders markets, a ride-in bike show and a Mass Ride and Flag Parade.Web: h�p://www.africabikeweek.com/

13 - 16 JUN ST LUCIA RALLYSt Lucia, Natal

The St Lucia Rally is hosted by The Harley-Davidson Club of South Africa. It is held in the picturesque town of St Lucia which is approximately 250km north of Durban on the KZN North Coast.Contact Grant on 083 4598430 orWeb: h�p://www.stluciarally.co.za/

1 - 3 AUG DRAGON RALLYIfafa Beach, Natal

Hosted by the Highway Dragons on the KZN South Coast.Contact Jo on 083 2850815 orEmail: [email protected]: h�p://www.highwaydragonsmc.co.za/

8 - 10 AUG AMID EXPONasrec, Gauteng

Johannesburg Expo Centre, Rand Show Road, Nasrec. 09:00 – 18:00, �cket sales and gates close at 17:00. Tickets are available at the gate. Visit h�p://www.amidexpo.co.za/

31 OCT - 2 NOV BUZZARD RALLY REVIVALMooi River, Natal

Hosted by the Hells Angels MC Durban Charter at Sierra Ranch. Entry is R180 and the first 200 bookings receive a free pin and T-Shirt. Ac�vi�es include: Live Music, Best Bike, Best Rat Bike, Best Custom Bike, Mass Ride, Ta�oos, Stalls, Vendors Stalls, Food, Drink and much more. Contact Kevin on 083 2597716 orEmail: [email protected]

EMAIL US YOUR EVENT DETAILS AND WE’LL PUBLISH* IT HERE FOR FREE - [email protected]

* Terms and Condi�ons Apply, pending Editor’s Approval

WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

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Bike Talk Apr 20147

We all love to ride motorcycles. And for those of us with children, there’s a sense of urgency to pass along our enthusiasm for two wheels.

However, that passion could also pre-empt some important details that make the learning process safer and more fun. If you rush it, you could miss the opportunity to establish the good judgment and skills that could provide the founda�on for a life�me of safe riding. Even worse, without the right approach early-on, a young rider could adopt bad habits that could persist through adulthood.

The bo�om line, though, is something we all agree on: Riding motorcycles is one of the best pas�mes on the planet. Take the �me to teach your child right, and you open the door to a life�me of fun, thrills and adventure.

Bike Talk MRA is proud to present the introduc�on of Childs Motorcycle Rider Training. We offer an opportunity for children aged 6 - 12 (certain condi�ons apply) to enrol for motorcycle rider training. With a high standard of instruc�on, and in a 4-hour riding session, your child will be safely introduced to the wonderful world of riding.

Par�cipa�on is limited to 6 riders, and open to ages 6 – 12 years.

Children must be accompanied by parents or legal guardian with authority to sign a waiver. Children must be proficient on a two wheeled bicycle.

We emphasize safety, proper riding equipment and introduce basics such as braking, balance and thro�le control through a selec�on of manoeuvres lined up for the session. Parents are encouraged to

bring their child’s own bike and kit. This is a great way to get your child started in an ac�vity that will bring a life�me of enjoyment!

Here are some guidelines for you as parents:

5 Ways to know they’re ready to rideAll children are different. Some are ready to ride by age three. Others won’t be comfortable on a bike un�l they have several years riding bicycles under their helmet.

1. Are they really interested? A child who makes incessant motorcycle sounds at age 3 might be ready, while a six-year old with a passing interest may not be. What you want to avoid is force riding on a child who doesn’t want it. That will only alienate them off riding.

2. Avoidance skills. The child needs to be able to steer around obstacles, either on a bicycle or tricycle. If they can’t, don’t put them on a motorcycle.

3. Hand strength. It’s a simple rule, and many parents overlook it. The child needs to have the strength to apply the brakes and steadily apply the thro�le before they can be expected to do so reliably and safely.

4. Coordina�on. We employ a controls game that tests each child’s reflexes. We only let them ride once they’ve developed split-second reflexes to commands such as, “show me the brake, show me the thro�le.”

5. Pa�ence. A child must be able to maintain the proper level of focus to operate a motorcycle. Regardless of their physical abili�es, if they can’t concentrate, they won’t be able to use those abili�es properly.

6 Tips for buying a Bike

What’s more fun than dropping some major coin on a new bike? OK, riding it, but that’s about it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new bike purchase, but that’s all the more reason to do your homework. Here are some �ps.

1. Don’t go big. O�en, parents are tempted to buy their child the next model size up than what’s right. Big mistake.

SAFETY: Kids & Bikes


8

If ever your child needed something easily manageable, it’s when they’re star�ng out. Beginners should be able to hold up the bike with both feet and comfortably reach the bars. Make sure their hands can easily reach and apply the hand controls with palms s�ll planted on the grips.

2. But if the size fits. Some parents will underes�mate their child and get a smaller motorcycle that’s equipped with an automa�c clutch. Don’t underes�mate your child’s ability to learn. If your child comfortably fits on a larger bike with a manual clutch, go for it.

3. Get the right type of bike. Childs’ bikes are just as specialized as full-sized motorcycles. A typical mistake is buying a motocross race bike when your child is going to trail ride. Get the right bike for the job, and both you and your rider will be happier.

4. Consider used. Face it, no ma�er how much you love riding, there’s always a chance your child isn’t quite ready. You will be able to recoup more of your investment on resale if you start with a used motorcycle.

5. Know what you’re ge�ng into. If you do go used, make sure you don’t buy a lemon. If you find a good deal on a used bike and aren’t confident in your own evalua�on skills, ask a friend in the know or give us a call for help.

6. See what’s out there. There are literally dozens of kid’s bikes available. For examples of the different types of child-friendly bikes, visit a local dealer, or give us a call.

7 Things they’ll learn at Bike Talk MRA

You already know we teach adults the skill to operate a bike safely, and now kids.

1. Body posi�on. There’s one right way to sit on a motorcycle, but a lot of wrong ways. You want your head up, your shoulders relaxed, your elbows bent, your knees in toward the tank and your feet posi�oned on the foot pegs so they can quickly and easily operate the foot controls.

2. Clutch opera�on. If they’re ready, kids large enough will be encouraged to try a motorcycle with a manual clutch. One method shows the new rider how to find what we call the clutch’s fric�on zone, or the point of engagement, and its proper use during riding.

3. Ge�ng started. Bike Talk MRA ingrains the proper steps for star�ng a motorcycle, and that is Fuel valve, Igni�on, Neutral, Engine, and Choke.

4. Reading the terrain. Different ground condi�ons provide different levels of trac�on. By reading the terrain as early as possible, your child can see what’s coming and be ready to react long before they need to.

5. How not to get lost. When riding out in the s�cks, one can easily get lost on an unfamiliar trail. Most trail systems have excellent maps. Never set out without a map—and kids should always keep their trail guide in sight.

6. Responsible riding. Riding responsibly is more than not hur�ng yourself. It’s also about not hur�ng the environment. Bike Talk MRA integrates teaching environmentally conscious behaviour into the training process.

7. Riding drills. All the other stuff is great, but, face it, the children are there to ride. Bike Talk MRA includes drills that help teach braking, weaving, swerving and many of the other skills needed to ride a motorcycle in all types of environments.

5 Tips for Parents

Here are some �ps for parents to help them connect with their young riders.

1. Instruct from in-front. OK, you can never be 100% certain your child is paying a�en�on, but you can be more certain if you’re in front of them instead of barking orders from behind.

2. Get on their level—physically. We get be�er results when we get on our knees and speak to a child face-to-face. Don’t look down on them, and make sure they maintain eye contact.

Bike Talk Apr 2014

9

3. Get on their level—mentally. It is simple advice, but use plain, direct commands. Don’t tell the child to ‘accelerate.’ Tell them to ‘twist the thro�le instead.

4. Never lose control of your emo�ons. When you lose it, your child loses it. Remember, the goal is to keep this fun. If it’s ge�ng to the point where it isn’t fun, cut your losses and relax.”

5. Expect less—not more—from your own children. Because your own children feel more at ease with you, they naturally perform with less intensity. Tone down your expecta�ons, and they’ll o�en respond even be�er.

6 Tips for reducing Riding Day Stress

You’ve planned, you’ve packed, you’ve driven, and you’ve parked. An hour later, you’re s�ll figh�ng with junior to get his boots on the right feet and let you fasten his helmet. Some�mes, it’s the li�le things that make all the difference. Here are a few sugges�ons for avoiding some big headaches.

1. Ge�ng geared up takes prac�ce too. One of the first things younger children can learn to do for themselves is get on their own gear. This empowers your child by giving them a first-hand role in ge�ng ready. (Don’t forget to check all the buckles to make sure they’re secure.)

2. Go over the star�ng drill. Even if there’s no room to ride in your backyard, there’s probably room to prac�ce star�ng drills in your driveway. Learning to kick-start a motorcycle can be thoroughly frustra�ng. If at all possible, have them climb this mountain before they tackle all the other challenges of learning to ride.

3. Make sure the bike works. As the parent, you’re not only the instructor, you’re the mechanic. A good �me to go through your child’s motorcycle is the night before the ride. The owner’s manual includes a pre-ride checklist. Barring that, make sure you check all accessible fasteners, fluids and cables for proper opera�on. And it’s always a good idea to start the bike just to make sure.

4. Get �psy. Thankfully, most early crashes will be minor �p-overs. While your child

will rarely get hurt in these li�le spills, their ego can become easily bruised. It doesn’t hurt to prac�ce recovering from these li�le drops, as well. Go ahead and lay the bike over (drain the fuel so it doesn’t leak out), and work with your child in picking it up on their own. There’s no be�er way for them to recover from a bruised ego than to pick themselves back up.

5. Get a good night’s sleep and everyone will be be�er rested, more energe�c and in a be�er mood on riding day. (This goes for Mom and Dad, too.)

6. If possible, load up the night before. Everyone’s in a hurry to hit the road. The more you can streamline the morning loading-up process, the easier the rest of your day will be. The best way to do that is to pack as much as you can the night before.

7 Things children can maintain


Bike Talk Apr 2014

10

SAFETY: Kids & BikesAlright, don’t expect your six-year old to perform an annual top-end teardown. But there are some things that your children can help safely maintain on their motorcycle.

1. Air in the tyres? Checking tyre air pressure is not only safe and rela�vely easy, it’s important. Too much or too li�le air affects handling, braking and can even permit a flat. Warning: Make sure you have a pump ready before you set them loose with a pressure gauge.

2. Spokes �ght? Wobbly wheels are no fun and are dangerous. Unfortunately, many parents and children alike neglect to keep the spokes safe and �ght. Be careful, though, an over-ac�ve spoke wrench can unbalance a wheel in a hurry.

3. Keep that air filter fresh. There are an abundance of cleaners, such as dishwashing detergents with degreasers and specific commercial products that are safe for child to use. Don’t use petrol!

4. Every bike needs oil. Again, be careful with exposure, but checking a dips�ck or an oil-sight window and adding the right amount of motor oil in accordance with the procedure in the owner’s manual is safe and easy to do.

5. Tighten that chain. A lose chain can not only cause premature sprocket wear, but it could possibly jump off and damage the engine cases or lock up the rear wheel. Fortunately, keeping the chain properly set can be done by adjus�ng one to three bolts, depending on the motorcycle, so it’s something that children can learn. Make sure enough slack remains to allow the suspension to work properly. How much? Check the manual.

6. Are the knobblies enough? For op�mum grip on slick terrain, dirt bike knobblies need sharp edges and deep tread. Point out these aspects to your child, and encourage them to point out to you when they think the rubber might be due for an upgrade.

7. Watch play in the brake controls. Many kids’ bikes come with drum brakes, some�mes on both the rear and the front. That means excessive play in the brake cables can be more of an issue as the brake shoe material wears. Since

your child will be the one using the bike most o�en, make sure they know how to recognize too much play in the brake controls. Be careful le�ng them adjust out that play, however. Too much tension can cause brake drag, overhea�ng and possible loss of func�on.

3 Ways to Gear Up

If your child’s just star�ng out or going for a casual trail ride, there’s no reason to gear him up like a professional motocross racer. However, if he is going to venture out on the track, it’s a good idea to supply sufficient protec�on. Here’s a guidelines of protec�on you can choose from.

1. Go light. Everybody’s list should include a helmet and motorcycle goggles. Also, it doesn’t have to be riding gear, per se, but you also should ou�it your child with long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots.

2. Go medium. When your child gets up to speed, they really should have the extra protec�on of specific motorcycle boots. The shin protec�on, alone, is vastly superior to even the sturdiest pair of work boots. And although riding gloves may not provide significant addi�onal protec�on vs. leather gloves, for example, they are far more comfortable.

3. Go heavy. If your child decides to try racing or even prac�ce days on the motocross track, it’s �me to get serious about riding gear. At the least, you’ll want to add a proper jersey with built-in padding, kneepads, elbow pads, riding pants and a chest protector to the gear bag.

All said and done – Have fun out there!

Bike Talk Apr 2014

11Bike Talk Apr 2014

ADVENTURE ACCESSORIESPhone: 082 4122232

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BMW RYDER MOTORRADPhone: 031 7014277

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CAMI RACINGPhone: 034 3123411

CUSTOM CRAFTPhone: 031 7093514

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OEM NEWS: KTM tops BMW again

KTM Reports Record Sales for 2013

Earlier this year it was reported that 2013 was BMW’s best sales year ever, and now here comes the Bavarian Motorrad division’s biggest rival, KTM, with a sales report that ups the ante by 8,644 bikes.

For 2013, KTM’s worldwide sales reached 123,859 bikes (BMW’s record was 115,215). This is a 15.6% increase over the previous year, with an expected 17.0% increase in revenue as well.

As a company, KTM has been highly proac�ve in expanding its line-up and developing globalized produc�on strategies. By increasing produc�on in India and marke�ng to that extremely large popula�on of motorcyclists, the company has steadily increased its worldwide presence and sales.

It has also opened up opportuni�es to bring exci�ng new products into the market that will have massive appeal such as the KTM 390 Duke and KTM RC390.

Addi�onally, with the strength of the adventure-

touring segment in Western markets, the company is integra�ng innova�ve and poten�ally life-saving technology into its flagship Adventure bike with the Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control system.

As a whole then, KTM’s sales success is no fluke. The brand is incorpora�ng logical and poten�ally ground-breaking strategies in their business model.

While many manufacturers are struggling to sell their bread and bu�er in the �red old supersports and hyper sports segments, it’s refreshing when manufacturers actually produce bikes and incorporate technological advances that will expand the target market for two-wheelers.

- Source: KTM- Web: h�p://www.ktm.com/


OEM NEWS: SYM joins KMSA Family

Motorcycle and accessories importer and distributor Kawasaki Motors South Africa (KMSA) has been awarded the sole importa�on and distribu�on rights for Sym products in Southern Africa. The high-quality Taiwanese motorcycles and scooters were ini�ally imported by the Honda distributors, Midmacor, in the ‘90s, but that rela�onship ended in 2000 when Honda Japan formed Honda SA as a wholly-owned subsidiary to market their own products. The Belgian Alcopa Group that has now withdrawn from the SA motorcycle market subsequently sold the brand alongside Suzuki. “We’ve kept an eye on Sym since the beginning because we knew their products were top-notch, so when the opportunity came along to take them on board we pursued it,” says KMSA’s Chris Speight. “Sym scooters compare with the best in the world on quality, but their pricing makes them accessible to anybody who wants affordable personal transport.

With newly-enforced legisla�on banning the South African importa�on of two-wheelers that don’t comply with specified legisla�on from December 2013, there’s a growing need for quality transport at budget prices.”

Sanyang Industry Company Ltd (Sym) was founded in 1954 and within a decade became the first

motorcycle manufacturer in Taiwan, when it entered into a joint venture with Honda to produce the Japanese motorcycles in that country. In 1969 the venture was expanded to include Honda car assembly, making Sym the first - and s�ll only - Taiwanese company to produce both cars and motorcycles.

Sym has invested heavily in research and development and, following the dissolu�on of its Honda partnership in 2002, entered into a rela�onship with Hyundai that sees Sym produce the Korean company’s cars for the domes�c Taiwanese market, as well as many components for Hyundai’s factories worldwide.

Sym today produces 35 000 cars and 1 000 000 two-wheelers per year resul�ng in a turnover of more than one billion US dollars annually.

KMSA intends the transi�on period to be rela�vely painless for the South African

customer, with most of the exis�ng Sym dealers con�nuing to support the products as normal. A number of current KMSA outlets will also have Sym scooters, motorcycles and spares in stock by mid February.

KMSA is the sole importer of Kawasaki, Triumph, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles in South Africa.

Associated Motor Holdings, a subsidiary of the Imperial Group, is KMSA’s major shareholder, with the balance of ownership being held by KMSA’s management.

Please contact Kibble Jelliman on 011 5660350 or [email protected] for further informa�on on Sym dealerships or products.

- Source: KMSA

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Bike Talk Apr 2014

OEM NEWS: A 50cc increase by Honda

The addi�on of an extra 50cc, more power and torque, twin balancer sha�s, new exhaust muffler and taller gearing – plus a host of detail upgrades, and revised so�ware for the op�onal DCT gearbox – further improve one of the most cost-effec�ve and all-round useful motorcycles available.

The NC700X – launched two years ago as a brand new model, part of a 3-bike pla�orm – has achieved an impressive level of sales, becoming one of the best-selling commute motorcycles in South Africa.

Its combina�on of torque-laden parallel twin-cylinder engine, frugal fuel economy and tough adventure-style chassis, riding posi�on and looks has won it recogni�on from thousands of customers worldwide as a superb, stylish do-it-all tool.

Launched as a Fun Crossover Commuter concept from Honda, loaded with a great deal of fresh thinking and new technologies, its sheer all-round competence – with convenient details like helmet storage space where the fuel tank would normally be – made it a truly useful motorcycle both for day-to-day living and weekend touring.

For 2014, Honda has added to its range the NC750X - a bike designed to offer more of what every rider liked about the original, and nothing less.

As the NC750X will be o�en used for light-duty touring – as well as commu�ng – a range of dedicated Honda Genuine Accessories are available to tailor its specifica�on perfectly.

- Source: Honda SA- Web: h�p://www.honda.co.za/

16

Bike Talk Apr 201417

OEM NEWS: Recall on Triumph Explorer

Replacement of ECU (Engine Control Unit)

In line with Triumph Motorcycles Limited’s commitment to quality improvement and customer care, it has become necessary to issue a Safety Recall on a limited number of Tiger Explorer, Tiger Explorer XC and Trophy model motorcycles, which require the replacement of the ECU. Failure to undertake this work may in rare cases lead to unnecessary ac�va�on of the safety shutdown strategy causing the fuelling and igni�on to shut down and the motorcycle to lose power, resul�ng in loss of driving force and momentum.

We require customer co-opera�on to ensure that their motorcycles are modified without delay. This will require replacement of the ECU. We urge all Triumph Explorer and Trophy owners to contact their local Triumph dealer immediately to arrange an early appointment with the service department. The modifica�on will be free of charge.

Should customers need to discuss any aspect of this please contact your dealer who will be able

to answer any enquiries. If necessary, you can of course contact our Customer Care Department on [email protected]

We trust you will agree that under the circumstances our ac�ons should be regarded posi�vely and that you will co-operate with us and contact your dealer without delay. We have already advised our dealers of this ac�on.

May we take the opportunity of offering our apologies for any inconvenience this ac�on may cause and thank you in advance for your co-opera�on.

- Source: Triumph Motorcycles South Africa- Web: h�p://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.za/


TRADE STATS: AMiD figures for 2013The AMID members sold 28 404 units during 2013. Remember this is AMID members only but includes all quads and off-road bikes. We also know that there were 34 179 motorcycles registered in SA in 2013 in total. The difference would be non-members of AMID.

I can give you the registra�ons per region:

GP - 15838KZ - 3850WC - 6654EC - 1665FS - 1813MP - 1782NW - 1220L - 782NC - 575

There are currently 367 245 motorcycles currently registered in South Africa.

Compulsory Homologa�on Standards – VC9098

There has been much discussion of late regarding the revised homologa�on standards which came into full effect on the 1st of December 2013. VC9098: The compulsory specifica�on for motor vehicles of Category L, to give it its full name, was first proposed more than ten years ago when the SABS called a mee�ng of all stakeholders at their offices in June 2011. At this mee�ng, which included representa�ves of the appointed importers as well as the parallel importers, it was explained that motorcycles were the last category of vehicles in South Africa that did not conform to interna�onal ECE standards and for this reason VC9098 was to be developed.

Regular mee�ngs were held over the ensuing ten years where each and every facet of these regula�ons was debated. It is important to note that AMID vehemently opposed the implementa�on of these compulsory standards as we foresaw addi�onal costs and complica�ons in an already marginal industry.

Despite our reserva�ons, VC9098 was legislated in 2011 with introduc�on effec�ve from 1 December 2011. The SABS did however allow a two-year phasing-in period in order to allow importers to

adapt their businesses accordingly. From a prac�cal point of view, this meant that any motorcycle homologated a�er the 1st of December 2011 had to conform to VC9098, while any motorcycle first homologated prior to that date could s�ll be imported under the old regula�ons for the dura�on of the phasing-in period. That window period came to an end on the 30th of November 2013. In the intervening two years, the importers went to great lengths, and indeed expense, to realign their businesses by re-homologa�ng all of their current models, even being forced to cancel some models in the process.

While the implementa�on has more recently been disputed, notably by members of the parallel importers associa�on, PIMTASA, it must be pointed out that the legisla�on has been in place for two years already, and was the subject of dialogue and much debate for ten years prior to that.

The final implementa�on of VC9098 has some important ramifica�ons for our industry, our dealers and most definitely our customers. We have no doubt that the new regula�ons will allow some consolida�on in the motorcycle industry, and encourage importers and dealers to invest in and fully support their brands.

All motorcycles now sold in South Africa have been homologated to a uniform, interna�onal standard as detailed by VC9098, with all the safety and environmental conformity that that implies.

And perhaps most important of all, all motorcycles imported into South Africa are now captured on the manufacturers’ warranty databases. This means that should there be any kind of service ac�on or safety recall, the manufacturer knows that these units are in the country, and has the means to contact customers to carry out the recall campaign.

We trust that the foregoing se�les some of the debate surrounding the new compulsory standards and facilitates an understanding of why they were implemented in the first place.

- Source: AMiD- Web: h�p://www.amid.co.za/

http://www.thebikerstore.co.za/

SKILLS TIP: Street Braking


Braking Techniques for Street Riding

Most riders would agree that while the sensa�on of speed on a motorcycle is exhilara�ng, stopping quickly, efficiently and safely is absolutely essen�al. To promote effec�ve braking, Honda has incorporated a number of advances in braking technology: disc brakes, mul�ple-piston brake callipers, Combined Braking Systems (CBS), An�-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Combined ABS for sport riders. However, a number of motorcycles s�ll feature manual braking systems that place a premium on effec�ve rider opera�on. In short, even with the many technological braking aids available, the operator will always remain the key component for effec�ve stopping. So, to review some braking basics and also cover some finer points of braking on the street we turned to three-�me AMA Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore. Reg has been conduc�ng riding schools for more than a quarter of a century, helping thousands of riders to gain be�er opera�onal techniques for improved motorcycle control. Here Reg shares some of his coaching techniques with us, and also share informa�on from his book Smooth Riding, which he has developed to help riders gain proper motorcycling skills. Reg Pridmore:“The front brake handles almost all the business of stopping, so it’s important to become familiar with the limits of front-wheel braking. Some people may be a bit apprehensive about using the front brake, so explore its use a li�le at a �me, in an upright posi�on. Gradually increase your braking applica�ons. The confidence and safety you will gain will be worth the effort.

Cover the front brake “Proper use of the front brake starts with good hand and finger posi�on. Place the right-hand index and middle fingers so they ‘float’ over the top of the front brake lever. In the event of a braking emergency, you don’t want to lose any reac�on �me reaching from the grip to the brake lever. Smooth transi�ons“For smooth and stable bike opera�on, make the front brake and thro�le work in harmony during thro�le transi�ons by rocking your hand from the wrist with a gentle rolling mo�on. I call this the rocking horse mo�on. You can start prac�cing this ac�on on a sta�onary motorcycle, in the garage. Develop a gentle rolling mo�on with the wrist: from a stop, as you accelerate, gradually release the brake. For slowing, roll off the thro�le as you squeeze the brake. This gives the motorcycle much be�er input than grabbing the brake lever or slamming the thro�le closed—ac�ons that can destabilize the bike. This rocking horse movement has a se�ling effect on the suspension, which is why it’s used so much in racing.

“Sta�c prac�ce is highly recommended to get the �ming down for rolling off the thro�le, squeezing the brake lever and smoothly stopping; this prac�ce can be done while si�ng on your bike in your garage, and it can be very beneficial. Prac�ce the braking steps in this order: First smoothly roll off the thro�le and begin gradually applying the front brake, then begin gradually applying the rear brake frac�ons of a second later, and don’t pull in the clutch un�l you are just about at a full stop, which allows engine braking to assist your efforts.”


Use the rear brake too“I’m a �reless advocate of using the front brake. Nonetheless, I hate it when people tell me they never use the rear brake. Although the front brake does the bulk of the stopping work, the rear brake can supply that last 10 percent of the slowing ac�on, plus it has a stabilizing effect on the chassis. Honda’s Combined Braking System is designed to have exactly this effect. The key to effec�ve rear brake use is to learn its sensi�vity. Don’t panic and stab at the rear brake; apply it in a progressive manner. Keep your foot back on the peg, not poised over the rear brake pedal where a panic reac�on could cause a problem. Unlike the front brake, where you want your fingers to rest on the lever for instantaneous response, you don’t want the rear brake to be this accessible and you don’t want it to be the primary ac�vated stopper.”

A note about ABS (An�-lock Braking Systems) “ABS is very effec�ve in building confidence, especially for someone who is scared of locking up the wheels. ABS gives riders the confidence to approach this point because you know the system won’t allow the skid to occur. However, as ABS has become more common, I’ve seen that riders have go�en lazy with brake actua�on and that the ‘grab and stab’ technique is back, stronger than ever—and that’s not good. Whether or not your bike is equipped with ABS, the key to effec�ve braking is to control your panic when a surprise situa�on crops up: plug in your brain and use smooth input, like you would without ABS.”

Prac�ce, prac�ce, prac�ce“The ability to avoiding panic and applying maximum braking comes only when you develop a plan and put it into prac�ce. You need to prac�ce, especially when you feel you don’t need it. How do you prac�ce braking? First off, pick a safe loca�on. Next, let your imagina�on take over and create emergency scenarios: What if a car pulled out here? What if I suddenly encounter a patch of gravel? Visualize an emergency stopping point and then use smooth, progressive applica�on of the brakes to bring the bike to a halt as quickly as possible. Then use the same braking point over and over again to see if you can shorten the stopping distance. Experiment with just using the front brake, then just the rear, and then a combina�on of both, realizing that control should be natural and paramount. “I recommend that you work toward the limits of braking regularly. If the rear wheel locks up momentarily, you’ll be able to get away with it. With the front, you’ll hear a tell-tale howling noise as the tyre approaches the limits of trac�on. Become a�uned to this, but don’t push it too hard—once the front locks up, you’ll likely crash. It’s a fine line. Know your limits, and operate within them.”

On a personal note, I’ve trained and seen a lot of people who ride without proper knowledge or opera�on of both the front and the rear brakes.

People, you just don’t know what you are le�ng yourself in to, prac�se these techniques over and over again because it might just be the difference between life and death on the next ride you take.

Prac�se makes perfect; get it done!

More Skills and Safety ar�cles can be downloadedfrom the Safety page of the Bike Talk website.

Visit h�p://.www.biketalk.co.za/

SKILLS TIP: Street Braking

2014 KAWASAKI ZX10The 2014 version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10 is here. The motorcycle delivers a great mix between handling power and prac�cality, being perfectly suited for both racetracks and city streets.

To be able to deliver top notch performances at both low and high speed, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10-R needed a set of high end technologies; therefore, the company’s engineers have equipped it with an electronic steering damper system developed in coopera�on with Öhlins. You also get Kawasaki’s Trac�on Control (S-KTRC) which further enhances the bike’s handling abili�es and

op�onal ABS brakes. Power comes from a 998 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four engine which transfers its power to the rear wheel through a six speed transmission with an adjustable back-torque limi�ng clutch that facilitates smooth downshi�s.

So don’t wait to ride the best, make contact with JUAN at East Coast Motorcycles and demo one today!Tel: 031 5663024 or Web: h�p://www.eastcoastmotorcycles.co.za/

DEALER NEWS: East Coast Motorcycles


ATTIE, a well-known guru on motorcycle gear and accessories in Durban, stands ready at East Coast

Motorcycles, to answer any ques�on or enquiry on riding gear and goodies you might throw at him. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll find it with a smile. Keep an eye out for his Overview in a future issue.

Gareth, is the man to talk to if you’re looking for an Aprilia or Triumph. A talented

and dedicated young man here to look a�er your needs, and eager to get you riding one of his favourite two wheels. Pop in at East Coast Motorcycles and go chat to these guys today!

ON-ROAD · OFF-ROAD · SPARES · ACCESSORIES · WORKSHOP · SERVICE

www.rbs-yamaha.co.za

68 St Johns Avenue, PinetownTel: 031 701 1311

5 Zenith Road, Umhlanga RidgeTel: 031 566 5223

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Bike Talk Apr 2014

The moment I saw this bike launched last year, I thought “Now here is something I’d like to take for a spin, not buy, no just ride.” So when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate.

Yamaha has produced some great cruisers of late and the most recent addi�on to their massive cruiser line-up is the a�rac�vely styled and affordably priced XV950 or the “Bolt” as it is called in the US of A.

The bike is clearly aimed at riders fairly new to motorcycling, or middle-age riders returning to motorcycling a�er a machine of unthreatening demeanor and the classic styling of a Harley Sportster for instance.

Now Yamaha is opening the door to the world of customiza�on to every rider with the XV950 – a bobber that encapsulates the character and personality of those original back street crea�ons in a new neo retro Japanese look.

Compact and stylish with a low seat height, the XV950 delivers a refined and agile ride while retaining the character that is a cri�cal part of owning such an individual machine. Yamaha’s flat line style and use of exposed metal components accentuates the bike’s pure simplicity while the V-twin motor provides spirited performance and unques�oned reliability. Stripped back and stylish, the XV950 provides a perfect entry into the world of customiza�on.

Here are a few highlighted features:• Air-cooled 60-degree SOHC V-twin engine• Revised intake system for efficiency• Compact air cleaner for improved torque

• Boosted low to mid-range performance• 2-into-1 exhaust pipe hugs the frame• Rubber-damped clutch reduces fa�gue• Stainless steel covers• Double cradle frame for agile handling• 12-spoke cast wheels with op�onal ABS• Wave style 298mm discs• Jewelry-look round LED rear light• 12 litre teardrop style fuel tank

Classic Japanese engineering in a modern bobber style

Drawn by iconic Yamahas of the past, fabrica�on specialists all over the world have used the tradi�onal Japanese quality engineering as a basis to build a new style of motorcycle. Each

bike is individual to its creator, reflec�ng their own personality and influences, however at their heart they remain true to the core principles of engineering excellence ingrained within every Yamaha motorcycle.

Now Yamaha is providing inspira�on to a new genera�on of rider with the XV950, a bobber styled motorcycle that lends itself perfectly to self-expression while encapsula�ng the character and personality of those original back street crea�ons.

It changes direc�on so easily that it encourages some spirited riding only dulled by the pegs touching down as soon as you start ge�ng a li�le excited. Throwing sparks is cool to some, I guess ...

The XV950 offers a smooth and comfortable ride with suspension that copes with the general condi�on SA roads can throw at you.

The 942cc air-cooled engine pulls the 245kg (wet) Bolt away from a stands�ll quite eagerly as you row through the very smooth straight-cut five-speed gearbox and then surf the mid-range torque between bends. I must add I just loved the clutch on this bike; it’s so easy to operate, any girl’s dream.

The power is transferred to the 150/80-16 rear tyre by a carbon-fibre toothed belt.

con�nued on Page 25

REVIEW: ’14 Yamaha XV950 Bolt

24

This rela�vely narrow rear tyre is a big plus in the Bolt’s handling armoury. Every corner had me thanking Yamaha for not pu�ng some overly fat, square tyre on the nicely styled 12-spoke alloy rim in what would have been a travesty of style over substance. It’s nice to know that engineers can some�mes rule over the stylists, even in this segment of the market.

Braking hardware is modest up front with a single 298mm disc and two-piston caliper but the rear is of equal size and both brakes used together bring the Bolt to a stop without fuss.

The Bolt’s less-is-more ‘‘bobber’’ styling hits the

mark. The narrow 12-litre fuel tank is a masterstroke of minimalism flowing down to a narrow but fairly s u p p o r t i v e s c u l p t e d seat. The LED indicators and rear light do not take away from the classic links of the machine and the engine is clearly the main design element, shown off proudly with its polished cooling fins and proud V-twin architecture. There is no chrome on the machine as the styling focus is more on understated cool rather than over-the-top bling.

The LCD instrumenta�on is great and helps to keep the look from the cockpit unclu�ered and simple. The dirt track-style bars are swept back at a reasonable angle and the switchgear is easy to use.

Yamaha has a huge range of accessories and encourages customers to mould their Bolt to their own unique tastes.

Like most bikes of this breed, the Yamaha Bolt is easy to ride for shorter riders with a 690mm seat height and an incredibly narrow width making the machine easy to mount. It is at home on any road with great low-speed handling, easy parking manners and a retro-cool look.

The XV950 is a great addi�on to Yamaha’s growing cruiser range and offers a heap of style for next to nothing. Take it for a spin, you won’t be disappointed. Yeah, the girls too!

REVIEW: ’14 Yamaha XV950 Bolt


RBS Yamaha - UmhlangaTel: (031) 566 5223

5 Zenith Drive, Umhlanga Ridge

RBS Yamaha - PinetownTel: (031) 701 1311

69 St Johns Avenue, Pinetown

DEALER NEWS: RBS YamahaHenry vd Merwe has joined RBS Yamaha in Pinetown a�er giving Perry Yamaha (now Perry Cayenne) just over 10 years of service.

Walking in to RBS Yamaha you’ll be met with the same gentle approach and to the point advice from a guy who knows what he’s talking about.

Henry promises to s�ll host the famous monthly breakfast runs, track days, weekend trips for both road and dual-purpose riders.

Call 031 7011311 or email [email protected]

Now here’s news for some of you. RBS opened a showroom (for now) on Zenith Drive, Umhlanga Ridge just to wet your taste buds. This is just the beginning; RBS Yamaha will be opening a huge dealership near Porsche soon that will showcase all the major Yamaha products.

Right now they stock the basics of their range, but wait un�l they open this new A Class store. You’ll be blown away I’m told.

From this li�le showroom, Juan and Devon have sold a number of bikes and scooters. Be sure to visit them as they pride themselves as a non-grey dealer apart from the wall in the background.

You can call Jaun or Devon on 031 5665223 oremail them on [email protected]


Having owned the Yamaha 1700cc MT-01, my expecta�ons were set high when Henry of RBS Yamaha offered me this new “li�le” kicker for a day. You see, the Yamaha MT-09 is a whole new concept in sport bike design. With a compact new chassis and high-torque 3-cylinder engine, this new genera�on performance machine is designed for riders who appreciate character and soul.

The bea�ng heart of this new kind of animal is a lightweight 850cc 3-cylinder engine that kicks out a wide band of raw, linear torque giving outstanding accelera�on that gets your adrenaline flowing. And for agile handling this dynamic new naked motard-style bike is equipped with a compact aluminium chassis and upright riding posi�on that make light work of everything - from weekday urban riding through to weekend blasts.

To highlight a few features:• 115hp - 87,5 Nm• Light and compact• Raw and linear torque output• Slim and lightweight CF die-cast alu frame• Asymmetric CF die-cast aluminium swingarm• Monocross rear suspension• Refined ergonomics riding posi�on• YCC-T and D-MODE electronic control systems• 298mm floa�ng front discs • All-new lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels

The next genera�on sport bike

“When we set out to develop the MT-09 our goal was to create a new kind of sport bike with three key elements that would set it apart from

other models. First of all we wanted a new kind of engine developing strong and exci�ng torque. The chassis had to be compact and slim. And this next genera�on sport bike would need a unique character that would make every ride special.”

With its 850cc 3-cylinder engine, the new MT-09 produces remarkable levels of linear torque that redefine sport riding. The lightweight aluminium chassis is agile and easy to handle. And the naked bodywork with wide handlebars and flat seat gives confidence and control. Yamaha has been very keen to stress the MT-09 represents the ‘dark side’ of Japan and has its own character and soul while s�ll incorpora�ng all the quality and reliability that you expect. I don’t really care what the bike represents, because a�er just a few short minutes I was blown away. To me the MT-09 represents the best bike to emerge from Japan in years - it is, quite simply, brilliant. And yes, brilliant as in Street Triple brilliant. Possibly even be�er.

The riding posi�on is tradi�onal naked bike with wide bars and low (slightly more so than usual) pegs, It’s all pre�y standard. Then you fire it up with the funky new switchgear and the triple barks into life. Let out the light clutch and you are away, although at this point cau�on is required.

You can crank it over as far as an R6 in the turns

Get hasty with the thro�le in first and the Yamaha rears up. It’s not in�mida�ng, but if you weren’t aware of the torque characteris�cs of a triple before then you certainly will be now. Into second and the MT is s�ll pulling strongly. Compared to the Street Triple the Yamaha engine is slightly smoother, however it is considerably more powerful and is best thought of as a mix of the Street and Speed Triple - although with a far be�er gearbox. Flick the clutch in second and the Yamaha will set off on its back wheel quicker than your next breath.

At this point, however, this type of riding is an op�on and so is a mighty fine; so it is best to get the front down and enjoy the agility that the MT-09 has to offer. Exi�ng bends the ini�al thro�le response can feel a li�le harsh and almost as if the chain is slack (it wasn’t), however, pu�ng the bike in ‘B’ mode calms this feeling down if it really bothers you.


REVIEW: ‘14 Yamaha MT-09


GOD’S PAGE: Facing Fear with GODEasier said than done! Or is it? Years ago, just when we moved down to the coast, I bought myself a paddle-ski and took to the sea one morning. The surf was a li�le wild but I thought I’d give it a go anyway.

I ba�led to break through the waves but eventually reached the back-line; or so I thought. Just as I turned around to put my arms in the air, facing the beach, to show my wife I made it a wave picked up behind me and smacked me of the ski. The first thing that entered my mind was to not lose my paddle and don’t drown. I had a long swim ahead of me and fear kicked in; the paddle was holding me back along with the big breakfast I had a few minutes ago. Soon fa�gue kicked in, fear escalated and then with head above water my feet touched bo�om. Safe!

In Mark 7:45-52 we see that the disciples were in a similar and fearful situa�on where, while they were traveling by a li�le boat on the Sea of Galilee, a storm picked up and were tossing them around like a li�le 50cc motorcycle on a motorcycle mass ride. Isn’t life the same? No ma�er who you are, at some point in your life you experienced fear – fear of losing, fear of death, fear of rejec�on, fear of job security to name a few. As a human, fear is normal, but we’ll miss out on so much if we allow fear to control us. Fear is not from GOD; fear is a tool or stronghold from Satan!

Although the disciples were afraid, the mere sight of JESUS calmed them and gave them security. Yip, in John 6:20, JESUS simply said “It is I; don’t be afraid.” We all face some spiritual and emo�onal storms in our lives, and feel tossed around by our circumstances. The truth is that in spite of terrifying circumstances; if we trust our lives to CHRIST for his safekeeping, and if he could calm the storm around the disciples, he surely will give us peace and victory in any storm we face today.

Let me ask you: When you experience fear, do you try to deal with it yourself, or do you let JESUS deal with it? In �mes of fear and uncertainty, it is reassuring to know that CHRIST is always with you. That said, it is �me for a change of mind. It is �me to replace our fears with faith, and faith is a mind-set that expects GOD to act. When we act on this expecta�on, we can overcome our fears.

Faith does not make things easy. Faith makes things possible. Luke 1:37 reminds us, “For with GOD nothing will be impossible.” Take hold of this truth!

It is what gives us the confidence to stare hurricane force winds and deadly storms in the face without a blink of an eye. Know that GOD is steering your ship and that all you need to do is hold on, trus�ng GOD to see him through his adventure.

If you are facing storms that bring you face to face with FEAR, call out to GOD. Ask Him to mature your Faith. You will most likely have to weather out the storm you are experiencing right now, but your Father will use your willingness to trust in His provisions to mature you. He will command you to toss Fear overboard during storms. GOD is the Captain of your ship and Fear has no place on deck. The best part of seeing your way through a storm, even if you think you have been blown off course, is that GOD will always man the wheel of your vessel and deliver you through every storm in your life.

You will never really be blown off course, maybe redirected, but always in the place GOD has intended for you. The next �me you experience fear, stand up and recognize CHRIST’s presence, then walk by faith and expecta�on to experience GOD in ac�on!


086 1245382 / 083 7937975www.biketalk.co.za

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To be honest I wasn’t overly distressed by it and Yamaha say this bike is aimed at more experienced riders anyway. The brakes are excellent and I couldn’t fault them at any stage – Smoot and Powerful!

It is hard to say what makes the Street Triple so good, it’s just a wonderful blend of handling, performance and character that makes you smile every ride. Well the MT-09 has all this and even more. I can’t remember the last �me a Japanese bike made me grin so much, laugh out loud and thoroughly enjoy the riding experience. Having seen Yamaha go through some tough �mes of late and revealing

an uninspiring line-up year a�er year, I am overjoyed that eventually it has something worth cheering about.

The MT-09’s styling may not be to e v e r y o n e ’ s tastes (in the flesh it looks a lot be�er), but the build quality and W o w - F a c t o r is there in abundance.

I’m genuinely i m p r e s s e d that Yamaha has made such an excellent machine; it deserves to sell by the c o n t a i n e r loads. I strongly urge you to pop down to RBS Yamaha for a test ride, although don’t blame me if you end up riding one home!

REVIEW: ‘14 Yamaha MT-09

RBS Yamaha - UmhlangaTel: (031) 566 5223

5 Zenith Drive, Umhlanga RidgeBike Talk Apr 201430

RBS Yamaha - PinetownTel: (031) 701 1311

69 St Johns Avenue, Pinetown

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SYNAPSE(TM) INTEGRATED HEADS UP DISPLAY.Welcome to the new era of motorcycle helmets. With Synapse(TM) integrated Heads-Up Display (HUD), Skully provides you with an advanced situa�onal awareness system, showing naviga�on and blind spot data, allowing you to stay focused on the most important part of your ride - the road. Perspec�ve.

180 DEGREE REAR VIEW CAMERASkully AR-1 has a patented integrated rear view camera system with a 180 degree viewing angle. Similar to the way our maps are displayed in front of the rider, the rear view camera feeds video to the HUD to provide you with complete situa�onal awareness. The Skully AR-1 watches your back (and sides) so you can enjoy the ride. Naviga�on.

GPS MAPPINGLife is too short to re-tread the same steps. With Skully Nav the world is your track. No need to plan your route or to pull over for direc�ons. Just ride. When you are ready, Skully will show you the way back with HUD GPS maps. Connec�on.

SMARTPHONE INTEGRATIONIntroducing Bluetooth pairing and voice control for Skully helmets. Pair your phone to the helmet, and unlock the connec�vity poten�al of your mobile device while riding. The Skully AR-1 allows you to control the interface with your voice. You can control your music, send texts, make calls, and change your des�na�on all hands-free. Never before has riding been so connected. Key Features:• Lightweight, aerodynamic shell• 3D laser-cut foam for a perfect fit• Fully adjustable flow-through ven�la�on• An�-fog, an�-scratch, an�-glare face shield• Quick release chin strap and visor • SKULLY SYNAPSE (TM) Heads Up Display system with voice control• Visual GPS naviga�on• 180 degree wide angle rear-view camera• Bluetooth connec�vity to smartphone• Internet connec�vity via smartphone

- Source: Skully Helmets- Web: h�p://www.skullyhelmets.com/

PRODUCT NEWS: Skully Helmets


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PRODUCT NEWS: Uvex Helmets


You get helmets and then you get helmets. I was recently given a Poly Carbon UVEX helmet (to myself from myself), to test and share my thoughts on.

Over the years I’ve had a few brands on my head, some good ones and some really bad ones, and UVEX is most certainly one of the very best lids I’ve ever put on my head – perfect fit with the very best technology without breaking the bank. Helmets are one of Uvex’s special�es with the company being awarded Germany’s “brand of the century” accolade for its innova�ons in this respect. Uvex are also leaders in UV protec�on which is embodied in the corpora�ons name UVEX = Ultraviolet Excluded)

The UVEX Enduro Poly Carbon helmet is the cousin to the UVEX Carbon Kevlar and shares many of its creden�als. If you’re a�er a top-end but cost effec�ve dual purpose helmet, this could be the one for you.

Many helmet manufacturers tend to overlook the visor and its vital protec�ve role. With Uvex it is completely the opposite. The Uvex visor is at the forefront of protec�on and includes:

Construc�on from Makrolon® a patented high tech product developed especially for lenses. Makrolon® is highly transparent and impact resistant from -40°C to over 100°C. Virtually splinter-proof it is the first choice for prac��oners of dangerous sports, who all rely on lightweight yet rugged products made of

high-tech Makrolon®. Makrolon® also ensures that the visor can archive a 100 percent UV protec�on and can be �nted exactly as desired.

An op�cally correct visor (arguably the finest visor in the business) offering 100% protec�on from harmful ultra violet rays, UVA, UVB and UVC. Uvex visors consistently receive the highest ra�ngs and accolades in independent media compara�ve tests. A world first an�-fog Supravison and Nano visor technology ensures that the visor is excep�onally resistant to fogging is scratch resistant and easy to clean. Supravision exceeds (by more than 5 �mes) the standard specified by the ECE safety cer�fica�on.

Nano technology is inspired by the "lotus effect" which relates to the self-cleaning proper�es of certain plants. The lotus flower shows this effect very clearly. The surface of this plant has a special micro and Nano structure. This structure reduces the contact area between dirt and surface to a minimum and ensures dirt does not s�ck on the leaves.

Every Uvex Enduro Helmet includes:An�-allergic, removable and washable lining and cheek pads made from COOL MAX (a fabric that wicks moisture away from the user and has a faster evapora�ve rate than co�on.)

Ven�la�on: Chin and front range, adjustably as well as exhausts at the back of the head. Designed to accommodate earphones or earplugs with ease and comfort. No more painful ears.


An extra-wide visor aperture, which offers good all-round vision and is ideal for spectacle-wearers.

Works with goggles without having to remove the visor(most helmets require the rider to remove the visor when using goggles)

The peak and visor are both removable, giving the Enduro 'three-in-one' versa�lity, being appropriate for road, mixed-terrain or off-road.

Helmet bag included

Quality and safety creden�als inherent in every UVEX helmetEach and every produc�on batch has sacrificial helmets. These units are subjected to an impact a�enua�on test whereby the helmet drops from a height of 3 m on a special steel anvil. The occurring accelera�ons on the test head are measured and compared with the permissible limits.

An outer shell made of high impact resistant poly carbon materials. The inner shell's expanded polystyrene (EPS) is produced with very small tolerances in several densi�es as a sandwich compound.

Chinstraps are woven on special weaving machines under pre-load and then tested with unique in-house equipment against stringent roll-off criteria. Helmet buckles employ special polymers like POM, Zytel and �tanium which exceed the highest safety standards.

High speed impact tests according to EN 166 ensure every visor and google lens can withstand a 6 mm steel projec�le striking the lens at 45 m/sec (162 km/h). This is over and above the features already men�oned above (Supravison, Makralon, Nano technology etc.)

Upon comple�on every helmet undergoes an extensive quality check. This guarantees that all products are developed to the highest level of quality and safety.

Full European ECE safety cer�fica�on. Uvex are to the best of our knowledge the only helmet manufacturer that voluntarily submit their helmets to an independent tes�ng laboratory, TUV Rheinland.

These tests are over and above the ECE safety cer�fica�on and are a further subs�tu�on that Uvex does not pay lip service to safety.

SizingSmall 55/56 cmMedium 57/58 cmLarge 59/60 cmX Large 61/62 cmXX Large 63/64 cm To determine your helmet size measure your head at its largest circumference, usually just above your eyebrows in front and around the back of your head. Try it several �mes to ensure that you achieve the largest diameter. If you head size falls between numbers listed, use the larger size.

ConclusionMy personal choice, if I had to choose between the Poly Carbon and the Kevlar Carbon, well I think I made that choice. And it wasn’t based on budget; it was based on the fact that although Kevlar might be stronger, Poly Carbon absorbs impact much be�er.

Oh, and I liked the colourful helmet more than the dull grey Kevlar.

SA Distributor: Bike GearWeb: h�p://www.bikegear.co.za/

Poly Carbon RRP @ R3300.00 Incl VATCarbon Kevlar RRP @ R5800.00 Incl VAT

PRODUCT NEWS: Uvex Helmets

FOR THE GIRLS: Finding Happiness


Women have a Powerful Op�on to Find Happiness in 2014. New data reveals female motorcycle riders feel happier, more confident and sexier than women who don’t ride.

Soon, women everywhere will be thinking about New Year’s resolu�ons they could make to live a more fulfilled life in 2014 and beyond. Once they make those resolu�ons, they may turn to self-help books, fad diets and online advice to try and make them a reality. But who knew that the key to happiness might be where women least expect – out on the open road, and on two wheels.

A new study shows that women who ride their own motorcycles are no�ceably happier – in life, in rela�onships, and even in the bedroom – than women who don’t ride.

The study, conducted by Kelton and commissioned by Harley-Davidson, interviewed 1,013 adult female

riders and 1,016 adult female non-riders, and the findings make it clear that riding a motorcycle greatly improves a woman’s feelings of overall self-worth. Key insights surrounding women who ride motorcycles in comparison to those who don’t include the following:

• More than twice as many always feel happy (37 percent of riders vs. 16 percent of non-riders)

• Nearly four �mes as many always feel sexy (27 percent of riders vs. 7 percent of non-riders)

• Nearly twice as many always feel confident (35 percent of riders vs. 18 percent of non-riders)

According to the study, more than half (53 percent) of women who ride cite their motorcycle as a key source of happiness and nearly three in four (74 percent) believe their lives have improved since they started riding.


FOR THE GIRLS: Finding Happiness“Riding a motorcycle is the ul�mate form of freedom and self-expression, so it makes sense that women riders are happier in life and, in general, feel more fulfilled,” said Claudia Garber, Director of Women’s Outreach for Harley-Davidson. “That’s why learning to ride a motorcycle is the perfect gi� you can give yourself and the best resolu�on to make for a truly life-changing new year.”

Riding Improves Rela�onshipsBeyond posi�vely impac�ng a woman’s sense of self, the study also shows riding can improve rela�onships. When it comes to romance, women who ride leave non-riders in their dust, being more content with:

• Communica�on with their significant other (60 percent of riders vs. 38 percent of non-riders)

• Physical in�macy (51 percent of riders vs. 35 percent of non-riders).

Stress can cause tension between significant others, but since more than a third (34 percent) of women riders report that they now feel less stressed a�er star�ng to ride, it’s not surprising that 50 percent of them are extremely sa�sfied with the state of their current rela�onships.

Where Women Can Get StartedWomen can jumpstart their journey to live a more fulfilled life in 2014 and beyond by learning to ride a motorcycle. Women are encouraged to visit the Women Riders sec�on of the Harley-Davidson website at h�p://www.harley-davidson.com/

The site also features informa�on about Harley-Davidson’s Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course, which is offered at select dealerships around the country. The course features 25 hours of expert guidance in the classroom, as well as the prac�ce range, where you’ll learn everything you need to know to ride with confidence. Contact your local dealership and sign up for a New Rider Course near you.

About Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Motor Company produces custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise.

About the Harley-Davidson Female Riders SurveyThe Harley-Davidson Female Riders Survey was conducted by Kelton, a leading global insights firm, May 20 to May 28, 2013 among 1,013 adult American women who ride motorcycles some�mes or regularly and 1,016 adult American women who never ride motorcycles, using an email invita�on and an online survey.

SOURCE: Harley-Davidson Motor Company

It certainly isn’t a new concept; no one is reinven�ng the wheel here; orphanages have been around forever and it seems it is becoming quite fashionable to say you are connected with one, especially in Africa. It is a ‘thing’ today...

I always have a ques�on mark when I hear the word “charity”; having lived in Africa for more than 20 years (from Cape Town to the Namibia’s North East Kalahari, from Congo to Zanzibar), I have been exposed to many “chari�es” out there, showcasing brand new Land Cruisers and ea�ng out in 5 star restaurants for their “board mee�ngs”, all in the name of children, or AIDS, etc.

I am not saying there are not genuine chari�es out there working for the poor and the affected, but far too o�en this condi�on is abused un�l people are sick of it.

In spite of all the above, the reality remains that orphans in African countries like Malawi, Zambia, Congo, etc. and it cannot be overlooked.

Therefore, Carmen and I decided to do it ourselves, with our own sacrifice and effort. But how can we really do something significant for these orphans and not just build another orphanage, like the rest of them, where orphans are fed and clothed, have a place to sleep and in the best of them, even sent to school?

All good and fine, but what happens to these children when they are sent away, at 18 years old or even younger? No skill set to survive in the world, no training and no perspec�ves.


ZAMBIA ORPHANS: An Expedi�on


Having been involved in sports and in training all our lives (my wife is a nurse, I am a former professional footballer), we found an amazing niche: building the only Sports Academy for Orphans and Underprivileged children in Zambia, offering these children not only a place to sleep and eat, but a chance to do something amazing with their lives.

A�er working for 3 years in suppor�ng this ini�a�ve with private funding (ourselves and a handful of personal friends), we establish a 40 hectares of land near the fantas�c Victoria Falls in Livingstone, given by the famous Chief Mukuni for this purpose.

We planted a vineyard with over 400 fruit-trees, we drilled boreholes and built a water system, built a fence around the property and currently are se�ng the founda�ons for the sports facili�es. Once completed, this Academy will boast 2 full size football pitches, 2 training size pitches, 2 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 2 volleyball courts, swimming pool, track and field facili�es and much more.

In order to recruit professional coaching help and a�ract the a�en�on of sports organiza�ons around the world, we jumped on our motorbike, in November 2013, and headed North on a Round the World Motorbike Expedi�on to raise awareness about these orphans and about this Sports Academy.

We are already in Spain, having crossed Africa and on our way

to Russia through the en�re Europe. The expedi�on is fully paid by ourselves (we sold some businesses to be able to do this) and while we see the world on our bike (always a great dream of ours) we talk to thousands of people about our dream and about our children.

If you are interested in keeping informed about our whereabouts and adventures, you can check us out at:www.nomadsportsacademy.comwww.nomadsportsacademy.blogspot.com

- Story Supplied


ZAMBIA ORPHANS: An Expedi�on

South African Mar�n Camp conquers the Baja 1000 Race in Mexico - 1st Place Pro 40 Category

The epic off-road racing movie “On any Sunday” which amazed the world back in 1971, focused on Malcolm Smith and the Baja 1000 off-road race in Mexico. This is one of the world’s premier desert races and Mar�n Camp, as an avid motorcycle racer, has sought to challenge this epic adventure his whole life.

In 2013, Tivoli Beer Racing out of Colorado USA, wanted to run a Pro team comprised of interna�onal rally veterans, as well as experienced Baja championship winning riders to compete in the 40 Pro class. This is widely recognized as the most compe��ve class a�er the Open Pro class. On the interna�onal side a South African, a Canadian, and a Saudi Arabian joined the team, while 4 Baja veterans brought the experience and wisdom that would create a well-balanced very compe��ve team. Bill Gilbert, a seasoned Baja Winner with Interna�onal Rally experience, hand-picked both the riders and support teams as well as managed

the gargantuan task of logis�cs. The overall team comprised of 7 riders, 8 chase trucks/support crews, 7 prac�ce bikes and parts, 2 people in the USA manning satellite phones 24/7, a $23,000 Factory prepared Honda CRF450X race bike and finally 16 full JCR Honda USA pit support crews. Tivoli Beer, a Colorado based microbrewery, stepped up as the Title sponsor along with several ancillary Interna�onal sponsors, Troy Lee Designs, Cycle City, and local some SA sponsors, PMD Services, GC Holdings as well as Riverview Hardware.

On the 8th of November 2013, the team gathered in Orange County, California, the week before the race to do the essen�al final prepara�ons and then drove down to Team HQ in Ensenada, Mexico. They then dispersed into micro teams across the Baja peninsula to begin pre running the 833-mile long course. Due to �me constraints and the geographical vastness of Baja California, the interna�onal riders would only get a single run through their sec�ons, local SA rider Mar�n Camp from Hillcrest, Durban, ge�ng the longest single sec�on consis�ng of over 300 Km’s. Over and above the racing sec�ons the

RACING NEWS: Local boy wins Baja 1000


individual support teams drove roughly 2000 miles each during both pre running and then the race, o�en driving off road solo for long distances. Due to the vastness and extreme desola�on of his sec�on, Camp carried extra fuel; tools, food, and survival gear making his backpack top the scales at 35 Kg’s.

It wasn’t unusual for a rider or support driver to not see another soul for many hours. Spending a night out in the Baja desert was a very big reality that a rider needed to be well prepared for.

On the 13th of November the team reunited back in Ensenada. This was the night before the race and they compared individual race notes, made final prepara�ons to the race bike and gear, prepared media packages for the sponsors and ensured their crucial rehydra�ng before ge�ng a late evening before race day. The next day entailed driving 40 miles north into the mountains near Ensenada for the qualifica�on stage; a 5-mile lap that would establish the star�ng order for the various Pro Category classes.

An unfortunate �me trial resulted in Team Tivoli (414x) star�ng 28th out of 80+ Pro motorcycle teams, rather disappoin�ng but it was s�ll early days. Later that evening the 46th running of the Baja 100 race would officially begin at 11:00 pm, and with the mandatory 2-minute gap between contestants, this meant that Team 414x would start a few minutes before midnight – 11.58 pm to be precise. This night start was the first in history for the Baja and it meant that 2 nights of racing were ahead for the teams. The adrenaline pumped riders would ini�ally ba�le it out during the night stages dealing with intense dust and fog before the welcome sunrise at 6.15 the next morning on the east coast of Mexico.

Sunrise on the 15th of November saw Mile 220 for the team and at rider exchange point number 6 the team had picked up a pleasing 8 posi�ons overall. San Filipe on the East coast of Mexico is famous for its 30 miles of deep, fast, treacherous; brutal woops and at the end of that rider sec�on the team was

now star�ng to fight for a top 3 in their category.

Experience combined with months of hard physical training was now star�ng to pay off. Mile 385 was the very bo�om of the massive racing loop a�er which the team started racing back up the west coast of Mexico, back towards the finish. A�er 11 hours of con�nuous hard racing and approaching the hand-over point at Mile 385, Team 414x was now only 15 minutes behind their class leader, the race for the lead was now really on, despite star�ng almost 30 minutes behind the class leader the night before.

Mile sec�on 530 to 690, the longest single and most technical sec�on for the team, saw Camp take over the Honda at hand over. Camp inherited a 7 minute �me difference behind the class leader but managed to chase hard to catch the class leader, skillfully naviga�ng the bike up and over the tough mountainous stage of the Baja peninsula before dropping into the long dry river bed sec�ons of the valley below - topping out at 164 Km/h on his fastest sec�on with the awesomely brilliant factory JCR Honda. Forty miles into the arduous mountain sec�on he confidently caught and made a pass on the top 40 Pro Team race bike, and for the first, �me took Team 414x into the class lead of the 2013 Baja 1000. Camp then raced on into the night and 4 hours later when ge�ng back to the next road sec�on he



Bike Talk Apr 2014

emerged with a solid 20-minute lead, Camp had pulled an amazing 27 minutes on the class leaders on what was described as the toughest sec�on of the 2013 Baja. Now the race for a category win was the next obvious challenge for the team.

With s�ll 4 more riders to ride and another 180 miles to the finish line the challenges were not over yet. Due to a miscommunica�on in logis�cs the massive race lights were in the wrong chase vehicle and it meant a fran�c 6-minute roadside stop to put on the “spare” night racing lights as night had now fallen. Camp, with the help of one of his race crew, managed to mounted the lights, tested the 2 large halogen beams, se�ng them up for the appropriate next stage race speed and then sent the rider on his way before climbing back into the chase vehicle to then drive 200 miles back up to the finish in Ensenada – trying to get there before 1.00 am and see their team come in- hopefully victorious.

Mile 720 saw the race topping 5000 feet in al�tude and a severe mountain pass, with temperatures of 5 degree’s, all to be nego�ated in the pitch black. The night’s events were not over yet as the team’s second to last rider, Sco� Yenzer, was vic�m to a Mexican “booby trap” which was placed in accessible sec�ons to watch riders fall, amid much joy to the local popula�on. The team’s racing light was damaged in the fall but fortunately the last tarmac road sec�on was the final stage and not too arduous to complete under the circumstances.

The Team finally rolled over the finish line back in Ensenada at 01.32 am on the 16th of November. Twenty five Hours and thirty six minutes of hard racing and just under 900 miles later they had won their category and ended their compe�tors’ run of 7 consecu�ve Baja wins. A�er many media sessions and packing up they all arrived back at Team HQ to yet another sunrise at 5.30 am, some of the team had been awake for over 46 hours, with a possible few hours of sleep in a bumpy, dusty chase vehicle whilst driving across Mexico. Team Tivoli had not only conquered the mighty Baja 1000 but had also taken away 1st place posi�on for the 40 Pro category – the dream had come true in more ways that one! One lesson the Team had learnt was that as they say in Baja, “you have to first beat Baja before you can beat anyone else.” We had succeeded on both fronts.

At the prize giving ceremony the next day, the race organizers emphasized that this had been the toughest Baja in its history, both from a terrain perspec�ve as well as the double nights racing back to back. Unfortunately the Team KTM rider Kurt Caselli had had a high-speed accident and had passed away about 60 miles from the finish – may he rest in peace.

Amongst all of the intense pressure and physical strain leading into the race, Camp and his one Canadian had the unexpected experience of being arrested twice in Mexico by the local police for “speeding and parking on a dirt road.” This was solved by “sharing the dollar” at the local police sta�ons– it seemed to be the norm for any foreigner as part of their Baja experience. However, overall it was an incredible 2 weeks of riding, driving and mee�ng some of the most famous off-road racing people in the industry. They always say that it’s the ul�mate gathering of desert racers – having experienced it in person I can really tes�fy to that. For more detailed info on the race as it progressed please go to Facebook and search for “Tivoli beer racing” – the full story is on there.

Mar�n Camp is originally from Hillcrest, Durban and has been racing off road motorcycles for the past 30 years. A�er racing locally in SA for many years he then went onto race the Bri�sh, European and World Enduro series with many successes’. He has also raced the Roof of Africa as well as the Dubai Desert Challenge on a few occasions, winning the Quad sec�on on some of the stages.

- Story supplied


41

DEALER NEWS: Perry Cayenne

Most of you have heard and visited the now called Perry Cayenne, it is like walking into a whole new world of Perry-ness. They have bikes for every kind of person, from cruisers to super bikes, to sport and street bikes and enduro. Brands such as Suzuki, MV Augusta, Beta, Hyosung and so much more. They s�ll have a huge selec�on of off-road and road gear upstairs, offering you a more complete deal that ever before.


Patrick and Brent eagerly wai�ng and ready to serve you the moment they take your call, or walk in that door.Keep an eye out for the next issue, I might just test one of these MVs.

Brandy and Melissa gree�ng you with a smile and making you feel right at home, from recep�on to the coffee bar and restaurant.

E-mail a picture and brief description to:

Mark Perry

Tel: 031 566 7411

E-Mail: [email protected]

Web: www.perrycayenne.co.za

7 Tetford Circle, Umhlanga Rocks

View over 100 bikes at our Massive Showroom

Communication and entertainment specialists for all riders and group communications for marshalls

Leaders in bluetooth bike communication since 2006

Let us help you choose the right bluetooth headset for your needs and your budget

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April 2014

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