KIWI RIDER 05 2020 VOL2 | Page 77

Being the track ready and performance-focused special edition it is, Triumph has gone all out with the performance aids meaning the new Daytona Moto2 765 Limited Edition also features Triumph Shift Assist quick-shifter as standard. In addition to its already impressive spec, Triumph has also developed 35 genuine Triumph accessories available for this new model, customers can tailor their Daytona to their own personal needs, with styling, protection and security features. New accessories include contemporary scrolling LED indicators with gloss black cast aluminium bodies, plus a beautiful machined aluminium rear brake reservoir with a laser-etched Triumph branded lid. REJOICE, WE CAN RIDE AGAIN! I t seems like an eternity since we were actively able to ride our motorcycles for recreation, but with the recent announcement from the NZ Government which moved the country into alert Level 2, we can breathe a sigh of relief and jump back in the saddle again. According to the official covid19.govt.nz website, the move to alert level 2 means we can once again enjoy recreational activities previously restricted under the higher alert levels. The big points for Kiwi motorcyclists are that inter-regional travel will once again be permitted, as well as gatherings of 100 people or less. This means you can hit the road to ride your favourite loop to your favourite cafe as well, as hit the track provided there are fewer than 100 people in attendance. However, that 100 people limit includes staff and all food should be served individually, meaning no buffet dinners at your favourite destination. On the commercial front, the easing of lockdown measures means most motorcycle dealerships will be once again allowed to open their doors to the public, provided that physical distancing measures are adhered to. That means you can walk in and browse the latest models, gear or parts to your heart’s content once again. However, there are still caveats to the Level 2 announcement. Importantly, under level 2 motorcycle sport is unable to resume according to Motorcycling New Zealand. In a statement released via the Motorcycling New Zealand Facebook page, the organisation said the limits on numbers in attendance rule out motorcycle sport resuming for now. “Sport NZ has confirmed that the 10 person gathering limit applies to community sport. For MNZ, this means that the combined number of riders, support crew and officials at an event or meeting must not exceed 10. Appropriate physical distancing guidelines must also be observed. The 10-person maximum effectively rules out any resumption of motorcycle sport at this point.” The MNZ release continued: “At the earliest sport may resume later this month, with the stipulation that Covid-19 is contained further. Sport NZ has indicated that competitions may be able to commence from around 30 May, however this depends on the continued containment of COVID-19 and the advice of the Director-General of Health. For the moment, we would suggest using this time to get ready for the resumption of racing” The border to NZ will also remain closed, meaning that while the roads will be free of international tourists we will still need to remain vigilant of wayward Kiwis re-learning the ropes after two months off the roads. We’re not out of this yet, but being allowed back on our bikes is one way to vastly improve the mental and physical health of many a Kiwi rider. KIWI RIDER 77