When the opportunity to join the New Zealand forum members for their annual ride came to the table I really couldn’t help but get myself somewhat organised and get over there, especially when there were some very tidy vintage Yamaha’s offered up as ‘loan’ bikes for the weekend! My host was Muzz (forum member: Sweede490), a top bloke and a true Yamaha enthusiast through and through. His current collection of Yamaha’s consists of one Yamaha IT490 (US model), one Yamaha WR500, one Yamaha TT600 and one Yamaha IT175. All bikes were immaculate and meticulously prepared as good as any for a weekend of solid riding. I thoroughly enjoyed riding all of them, however I must say – my favourite was definitely the WR500.
For my first visit to NZ it was a real eye opener to how impressive the place really is, breathtaking landscapes, truly kind and generous people, great riding, good tucker (food), what more could you want? If I was to write a story on my trip it would go for pages and pages and I know some like to read a lot but some don’t, so to summarise I am going to break it down like this:
– The people & hospitality: 10/10
– The bikes: 10/10 (some of the best kept Yamaha’s I’ve seen)
– The riding country: 10/10 (a little dusty but great trails)
– The food: 10/10 (especially the hungi).
I would like to thank Murray and the Kiwi crew for looking after me and showing me such a great weekend, I would also like to extend my thanks to the owners of Pirini Motorbike Park – Francis, Trish and family for putting on the hungi. It was an almighty feast, one to be remembered. Enjoy the pics and the videos and see you Kiwi’s again soon!
VIDEO # 1 – 2012 YAMAHA IT NEW ZEALAND FORUM RIDE
VIDEO # 2 – MOTOCROSS TRACK ACTION – CARL (IT250)
VIDEO # 3 – TRAIL ACTION – MUZZ (WR500) & JOCK (IT175)
VIDEO # 4 – TRAIL ACTION – CARL (IT250)
