market ’ s need for a truly high-performance cruiser , and the build quality of the existing Buell chassis parts , motor , and rolling kit , the project was a natural fit .” Styling also takes into consideration the latest trends in the cruiser market , with the Super Cruiser sporting a small club fairing , tall bars and a monoshock rear end which links to a Roland Sands Design swingarm . While still in the development phase , Buell execs at the bike ’ s VIP unveiling in California indicated to American outlet American Rider it hopes to bring to market a production Super Cruiser for the 2025 model year . Currently , Buell doesn ’ t have an official presence in the New Zealand market , but hopefully , that will change in time for the Super Cruiser ’ s release . Regardless of whether it makes its way here , the Buell Super Cruiser might finally push the industry towards lighter machines for improved performance rather than the porky high-capacity options we have currently .
HOORAY FOR HEMP !
Kiwi electric motorcycle manufacturer FTN Motion officially has another point of difference to its name with the brand confirming the use of hemp in the bodywork of its bikes . Hemp is the new secret sauce in FTN Motion ’ s Streetdog e-motorcycle , as the Wellington start-up gets ready to release its first 100 bikes . The natural fibre alternative plays a crucial role in the body of the bike in a New Zealand first inspired by a local surfboard maker . Highly resilient and lightweight , the new hemp composite weighs less than fibreglass , is durable and can absorb impact . Better for the environment and safer to work with in the manufacturing process , hemp material is applied in layers , where the weave can conform to the shape of the motorcycle body - resulting in a finish of the highest quality , both in terms of looks and performance . FTN co-founder Luke Sinclair says the concept of the hemp fibre and epoxy resin blend itself originally came from an unexpected source - his locally-made surfboard . “ I have a board from Verdure Surf down in Lyall Bay , which is made from hemp , looks great and performs brilliantly . It got us thinking about how we could use it to build our Streetdog . Once Jack Candlish – Verdure Surf owner – took us through his fabrication process and connected us to his suppliers , it seemed like a no-brainer ,” he says .
Candlish began experimenting with his hempbased surfboards four years ago , looking to make his business plant-based . He has since become passionate about helping others reach their sustainability goals . “ When I met Luke , I was unsure how they could pull it off , but I ’ ve been blown away by the results . While our surfboards were the initial inspiration , they ’ ve taken it in a completely new direction ,” he says . FTN Motion ’ s flagship Streetdog has a range of up to 80km , a removable battery , 30 litres of storage space and is classed as a moped , so it can be ridden with a standard car licence . Aiming to change how people commute , it was developed and tested in Wellington ’ s challenging hills and climate . Sinclair is hopeful that as natural fibre technology continues to scale , it will drive forward advances in sustainability for the wider EV industry . The business is working with a local research and development company to create its custom composite hemp weave . “ As a manufacturer with our own carbon footprint , we are working to accelerate away from relying on fossil fuels to make products that are long-lasting , durable , easily repairable , and made from sustainable materials resulting in a lower-emission supply chain . “ Not only does our hemp body look incredible , it ’ s paving the way for the future ,” he says .
KIWI RIDER 97