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