Kiwi Rider January Vol.1 2023 | Page 14

ROAD NEWS
WORDS & PHOTO Andy McGechan , BikesportNZ . com

MUM OF TWO TAKES UP GIXXER CUP CHALLENGE

Motorcycle road racing can appeal to all ages , both genders and even riders with no previous experience , thanks especially to Suzuki New Zealand ’ s popular Gixxer bikes . Essentially a commuter road bike and not a full-blown racing machine , the joy of racing Suzuki ’ s popular bike with the Gixxer moniker – with the official model designation of Suzuki GSX150F – is something that has to be experienced to be believed . While it ’ s a cheap entry-level option for the aspiring racer , it is no less exciting and no less of a challenge than it is to throw a leg over a
300cc bike , a 600cc motorcycle or even perhaps a 1000cc superbike . The race speeds might be a little slower on the 150cc bikes , but it ’ s still handlebar-to-handlebar stuff when riders are sharing the race track with like-minded individuals , all armed with similar machines , and like the small-bike Moto3 class of world championship fame , the race action can be a thrill-a-minute . The 2022 Suzuki International Series finally kicked off in the Manawatu at the weekend – after the official opener of the planned three-round at Taupo was called off due to
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