ROAD NEWS
SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES SET TO WELCOME ADV CLASS
Yep , you read that right .
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