New Zealand National Motorcycle Show 2009

Nelson put on a fine day again this year at Founders Park.

On Sunday 13 September 2009.

There was a good range of bikes from old bikes and new models of Bikes.

The show also included a mini motor-cross track, the rescue helicopter display and also the trail riders.

With the speeches held on the Britten bikes and also Burt Munro.

It is will worth the trip in to see it and would go again.

As I said before they need to show what's on before the show so people would get a better idea of what they would be interested in.

Highway 6 Nelson were the ones in charge of the event and did a good job and hopefully raised enough money for St. John's.

They needed a new health shuttle, so hopefully raised enough funds.

Can't see why not, it certainly bought out the public.

Sorry, didn't get much pictures this year as there was too much to look at but will give you a taste of the weekend.

This year even the bike parks outside on the road seemed to have more space for bike parking.

Road Rat

Andrew Stroud

Most people have asked whatever happened to Andrew Stroud as one of the lucky guys, who had the pleasure to ride the Britten.

My younger years, I was a fan watching Andrew Stroud, Aaron Slight and the late Robert Holden racing. Alot of kids in New Zealand know about the Britten but not the riders, so had a chance for kids to meet
the guys who helped the bike to fame.

To be honest I have meet some top riders but not so down to earth as Andrew. Some have swollen heads and won't give you time of the day.

Andrew, did a talk on the Britten bike and his involvement with the team.
Also the building of the Britten motorcycle.

Even at the moment my son in reading about the Britten, know about Andrew.
But couldn't be there on the day.

As this event was part of the 2009 N.Z National Motorcycle Show,
I didn't know that Andrew was doing a talk till I heard about the annoucement on the day.
Poor people had to stand outside the building, which Founders Park supplied a little church, so alot of people walked off.

Left: Road Rat       Right: Andrew Stroud

The most impressive thing I have seen is Andrew doing a wheel stand passed the Ducati.

Motorcycle Trials Riding

The Motorbike Show on the weekend had a fine day.
Every year the trial riders come out to put on a good show for the public to watch.
I watched them last year and never get sick of the skills these riders have.

I think that most riders need the skills they have,
with clutch, brake and engine control.

The two young boys belong to a bike trials academy based in Nelson.

For more details and pictures follow the Link:

http://www.nonstopadventure.co.nz/index.php

You don't see or hear much about trials events on television, but kids should be able to see more.
It's unreal to watch as points are deducted for putting feet down on climbs or jumps.
They also stand on foot pegs through the trials and never use the seat to sit on.

Also do competitions on rocky hillsides and rough torrain.

Nobody really know that we have some good champions doing trials in New Zealand.
Who are doing real well overseas.

No Road Rat not doing it, he needs his family jewels for little hamsters hehe.
Plus have a short wheel base on Rat.
Enjoy pictures.

Road Rat (not no sack)

Britten V1000

For the first time ever, I had finally got to see the Britten V1000.
Last year I only got to see the replica, but to see what the late New Zealander John Britten from Christchurch had put together before he sadly passed away in 1995 from cancer.

John Built a motorbike or should I say Superbike, that was hand built in a shed with a few other kiwi's and which it still puts some other bike brands to shame. As he put his time and heart into a machine that was solely his own idea which was to build his own bike.

The guy was a true genius and the stand out colouring of the pink and blue carbon fibre body panels.

The V1000 engine is a piece of art, down to the twisting exhaust.
Like me, it is seen to be believed, everything on the bike has it's own little piece that plays a part on the bike.

The late Burt Munro would have been proud of what John had produced are both legends in their own rights to build their very own bikes by hand. Down to moulding their own engine parts and also in their own back sheds.

Britten Specs:

Capacity : 1000cc
Output : 120KW (160BHP) at 11000 RPM
Weight : 145KG
Top Speed : 290 KMH (180 MPH)
Features : Onboard Computerised Engine Management System and Data Logger
Carbon Fibre Chassis, Body Panels, Wheels, Front Girders and Rear Swing Arm.
Fully Ducted Radiator, which is located under the riders seat.

Road Rat Britten Fan