BOOK YOUR LAST RIDE
Some things in life are unavoidable , or so the popular saying goes – death and taxes . You might avoid the tax man for a while but the former gets us all in the end . Well , if you ’ re one to plan how to deal with the inevitable or want to send your loved one off in style , this is for you . Rather than a car hearse for your final ride , how about a motorcycle hearse based around a Honda Goldwing ? Well , that ’ s the brainchild of Stephen Horton and his Steelriders Motorcycle Hearse . Stephen explains how it came about , “ I ’ ve been riding motorcycles from the age of 11 . My first motorbike in 1967 was a 250cc Yamaha , model DS5E back in 1978 , on which I got my full licence at age 15 . I haven ’ t looked back since . From the late-70s onwards , I had the privilege of riding the classics of today . My motorcycles were my only means of transportation for many years . “ In February 2016 , I decided to pursue an idea I ’ d had rolling around in my head for a long time . As a motorcyclist , I didn ’ t like the idea of taking my ‘ last ride ’ in a traditional car-
based hearse . I had always envisioned what I wanted it to look like , I drew up various sketches and designs , until I was happy with the final drawings . I then drew up the plans and specs . “ My first mission was to consider which type of motorcycle would be suitable for my coffin carrying design . Some key factors to consider were ; appropriate size for the hearse , the engine capacity for the job required , and a reverse gear . The 1997 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Aspencade was my choice , as it offered all these features and more . I chose the name Marvel Waka Wairua for the unit , to represent a unique and spiritual representation for The Last Ride . “ It has been a very long and arduous journey , and 21 months in the making , but it ’ s now completed and ready for service , offering the motorcycle community , and others alike , a unique and memorable last ride in the Steelriders Motorcycle Hearse – an enclosed full length , and all weather , coffin carrier . “ I ’ m looking forward to offering a unique and memorable service giving you or your loved one the send off they deserve . I cover the Auckland and Waikato regions for a flat fee , and outside these regions POA .” Contact Steelriders Motorcycle Hearse on 021 142 6160 .
16 KIWI RIDER