Tag Archives: New Zealand

KTM 690 ENDURO R and 690 SMC R Come to AUS and NZ March 2021

Wheelies Are Easy With 690cc

Aaaaaaaah! There’s literally nothing I get more excited for than supermoto news! I don’t own one, and it sure took me a long time to come around to liking them, but supermoto and Hypermotard motorcycles are up there for my favourite type of bikes available. This excitement is what verifies me as the best person to break the news for our AUS and NZ readers regarding the release of the upcoming 2021 KTM 690 SMC R (and 690 ENDURO R – arguably not as cool as the sumo version… fight me).

The 2021 Enduro R provides riders with a large-displacement offroad MX option despite the slim form factor. The bikes come jam-packed with electronic features such as cornering ABS, standard ABS, TC, and ‘sensitive motor slip regulation’. On the mechanical side, some highlights include the new WP XPLOR suspension (I have an entire article as to why this system is awesome), and the 74 horsepower 693cc drivetrain.

The 2021 KTM 690 SMC R takes that same package and tailors it for absolute pure and unadulterated hooning with a full street-setup. Many technical features from the Enduro R make their way over (they’re almost the same bike), but the WP APEX suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes, street tires, and some updated visual elements set this bike apart from its off-road-oriented brother. “Supermoto bikes aren’t just for hooning and wheelies, Chase” many of you may say. If that’s the case… Please explain to me why all of KTM’s press release images for this motorcycle are photos of riders doing burnouts, wheelies, stoppies, and drifts? Ha. Gotcha.

toy run

Both Euro5 spec motorcycles will be available at authorized KTM dealers in both AUS and NZ come March 2021. If I can manage to save enough spare change by then, you bet I’ll be buying one along with you. North American Riders should be able to snag one in December of this year.



Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Top motorbike routes to explore in New Zealand

New Zealand offers some of the world’s best motorbike roads and a large number of postcard-worthy routes, begging you to explore on your motorbike.

While many people opt to explore these locations by car, we all know there is no better way to do it than on a motorbike. What more, many of these amazing motorbike routes take you to some of the most scenic campsite locations in New Zealand.

The country offers two main islands that feature a good number of zigzagging coastlines, tight twisters, high mountains, rolling farmlands and plenty of easy riding options, as you witness weather changes from subtropical to even snow in some regions. Let’s tell you about a few of these top motorbike routes worth exploring in New Zealand.

The Coromandel Loop

Undoubtedly the most popular motorcycle route in all of New Zealand, the Coromandel Loop is the favourite of riders everywhere as it offers some very challenging winding roads. These can be a little risky in certain regions, however are worthwhile if you wish to put your riding skills to test. It’s a stretch that is divided into two parts – Northern Loop which is 187.8km long and Southern Loop extending over 229.7km. Both offer easy access to the attractions and townships of Coromandel Peninsula.

Ride across Southern Alps

The photogenic highways and sublime landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island are what are rider’s dreams are made up of. You can explore these alpine gems in multiple ways, but if you wish to witness the best views of the contrasting vistas, you should go on a self-guided tour instead. There are certain organisations that offer GPS guided trips, enabling riders to explore the region on their own. The hand-picked route options involve various mountain passes, taking you through multiple local destinations like West Coast, Milford Sound and Queenstown.

Milford Sound RoadMilford Sound

Auckland to Clevedon Loop

Ask any local rider in New Zealand and they’d have a lot to tell about the beauty of rural Auckland. This specific route is based out of South Auckland, and provides some of the best views of Waikato River (of North Island) too. This trip takes you southwards through State Highway 1, before making you turn left at Karaka, taking a bridge that leads to Waiuku town, and then towards State Highway 2, eventually entering the Hunua Ranges and thus looping into Clevedon.Top motorbike routes to explore in New Zealand

Christchurch to Westport

This one’s an ideal route for riders interested in the ultimate TranzAlpine experience on a motorbike. As is the case with the well-known train ride, the journey from Christchurch to Westport takes you through the South Island’s eastern shores, into the West Coast’s rugged backdrops. The primary difference between the train ride and motorbike journey is that the train takes you to Greymouth, and being on two wheels will take you further upwards to the Westport town, through State Highway 7. Nelson Lakes National Park, Lake Sumner Forest Park and Hanmer Springs are some of the stopovers that are definitely worth considering along this route.

(Contributed post)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com