ROAD NEWS
HONDA CRF300L 2023 UPDATE
The current darling of the dual sport motorcycle segment gets a fresh new look for 2023 . Yep , Honda ’ s CRF300L enters 2023 with a Bold New Graphics update ( and one that looks very similar to one we ’ ve previously seen on a Suzuki ...) along with the addition of plastic hand guards as standard fitment . Building on the CRF250L , the 300L has quickly become one of the most popular bikes in the lightweight dual sport class thanks to a 37cc capacity increase over the original 250 along with a 4kg weight loss . The 2023 CRF300L receives an all-new Swift
Gray colour , with new black hand guards and orange graphics as standard . This joins the traditional Extreme Red colour scheme , which itself now wears standard-fit colour-matched knuckle guards . At this stage , it looks like the 300 Rally will continue to be offered in the Extreme Red colour scheme only . While Honda likes to put its success down to its sharp looks , agile frame and responsive 286cc single-cylinder engine , the reality is the lack of ABS for its main Japanese competition has essentially left the 300L and its 300 Rally stablemate as the only options in Kiwi dealers .
SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES OPENER ABANDONED
Unsafe track conditions forced Taupo International Motorsport Park and the event Promoter , Cemetery Circuit , to cancel the opening round of the 2022 Suzuki International Series . The decision was made at 1pm on December 3 after attempts to remedy the deterioration of the surface at turn seven , which had recently been resurfaced to improve safety , failed . Turn seven underwent some repairs recently in an effort to improve the surface , and early indications were positive . However , the hotter temperatures experienced over December 2-3 caused the breakdown of the surface and attempts to remedy the situation failed , leaving event officials and track management no option but to cancel the event due to rider safety concerns .
“ This is an incredibly hard situation for all involved and we really feel for the promoter , the competitors and the fans ,” says track CEO Josie Spillane . “ However , the safety of the competitors is our main priority , and it became very obvious at lunchtime today that the track could not be repaired , leaving us no other option but to cancel the event . “ We recently engaged industry experts to address the track surface conditions , and our sole goal was to improve them , but despite all the efforts made , we did not get it right . “ Track surfaces are not an easy proposition or an exact science and what works on one track doesn ’ t necessarily work at others ,” she says . “ We are now focusing on the solution and expect to have the park fully operational again by the end of next week .”
100 KIWI RIDER