ROAD NEWS

The Suzuki International Series is bringing racing action to adventure bike owners with the opening of an Adventure Bike class within the prominent race series for the first time . Seems like a logical progression to us . The supermoto class started when everyone rode big single trail bikes on the road , now a heap are riding adventure bikes . It can only be a bunch of fun - both to ride or spectate ! The class is open to motorcycles of all brands , but , as with all racing classes there are a few regulations to try and keep the field level . With suitable rubber for pelting adventure bikes around at high speed on track somewhat limited , the class has no tyre restrictions but bikes must have a 21-inch front wheel as factory standard and must be raced with the same sized wheel . They also must have a capacity of over 450cc . So , no competition dirt bikes are allowed ( sorry KTM Rally Replica owners ) and the bikes must comply with the MNZ Rulebook Chapter 10 . That still leaves a lot of bikes eligible , including Suzuki ’ s 800 V-Strom , Yamaha ’ s Tenere 700 , BMW ’ s F900GS and KTM ’ s 890 in the mid-size , through to Triumph ’ s Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and KTM ’ s 1290 Super Adventure R battleships .

Along with the usual removal of mirrors and stands , bikes can also have their exhaust systems changed out and a must have their race number displayed on the front . In a time where racing seems to be becoming more of a game for the elites , it ’ s incredible to see the Suzuki International Series bringing some fun and accessibility back into racing in New Zealand . We have two burning questions ... firstly , is Publisher Vege going to drag out his R100GS ' The Red Baron ' for this , and secondly , when are we going to get a scooter class ...?

84 KIWI RIDER