Big bikes and thrifty scooters - all at CRC Speedshow

14 July 2011

Big bikes and thrifty scooters - all at CRC Speedshow

From Ducati's latest carbon fibre masterpiece, the Diavel, to economical scooters and commuter bikes from China's biggest motorcycle exporter, the line-up of motorcycles adds to the diverse array of automotive treats in store at this year's CRC Speedshow.

A wide range of motorcycles and related products goes on show alongside new, race, historic and custom cars and all kinds of auto-oriented products and services when the doors to CRC Speedshow open at 9am at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland on 23 July.

The new Ducati Diavel is sure to attract plenty of attention. With 162HP, 127Nm, Ducati traction control, ABS and a ride-by-wire electronic interface between the twist-grip and the engine, this bike's design sets new standards in beauty, innovation and sophistication.

The Australian's Roland Brown says of the Diavel: "It's a remarkable performance from a machine that has dramatically exceeded my expectations and has quite possibly started a whole new class of motorcycle."

CRC Speedshow promoter Keith Sharp notes that the team from NF Importers, importers and distributors of Ducati in Australia and New Zealand, is also showing the Ducati Monster 1100 Evo, Streetfighter S, Multistrada 1200, Multistrada 1200 S Touring, Hypermotard 1100 Evo SP and the stunning Superbike 1198 and Superbike 1198 SP models at this year's show.

The economical, reliable Lifan scooters and commuter bikes represent another side of two-wheeled motoring.

"We're going to have a lot of fun with Lifan offering Speedshow visitors the opportunity to test drive one of their motorcycles or scooters in a dedicated test area in the EzyBuy Car Auctions live action arena," says Sharp.

"Jason and the team from Lifan have also arranged for Karel Pavich, the first Kiwi woman to win a New Zealand road racing championship, to be at the show providing coaching tips for the test riders. Lifan is the biggest exporter of motorcycles in China and their range of motorcycles, scooters and quad bikes are well-regarded for their high standards of mechanical engineering and very reasonable pricing."

Lifan's New Zealand distributor Jason Rawles says Lifan motorcycles are priced for real thinking people who don't want to pay thousands of dollars extra for a brand name.

"Compare our pricing and bikes. You can buy a Lifan Metro 50cc scooter from only $1999, which is pretty remarkable, we know!" says Rawles. "CRC Speedshow provides us with a fantastic opportunity to talk to all kinds of people so we hope you'll come along and test ride one of our vehicles at the show. As we say, 'get a life, get a Lifan!', and we'll see you there!"

All visitors to CRC Speedshow can go in the draw to win a bright red Lifan Metro 50cc scooter by visiting the ZM team while at the show and completing an entry form. The winner will be announced by ZM Auckland host Mark Dye's show on Monday 25 July.

Adding a quirky, lifestyle feature to this year's show are the French motorised bicycle imported by Anita and Ian Haultain of Coeur de la France. "These lightweight Black 'N Roll S4800 motorised French bicycles can easily be pedalled or, by simply engaging the quiet engine, driven at a speed of up to 35 km/h," says Ian Haultain. "The bike comes standard with front and rear lights, electric horn, chrome engine bars, centre stand and a handy rack. We're looking forward to showing our motorised bicycles at CRC Speedshow."

Alongside these and other motorcycles are the astounding drag bikes of Afterburner Racing. Owner-rider Ian Wilkins says the first Afterburner is a Suzuki-based 1371cc GSXR with a complex nitrous oxide system. "It's capable of producing more than 400HP and has a best standing start quarter mile time of 8.11 seconds peaking at 266.6 km/h). Its paintjob by Kiwi Steve Levine of Imagin-airing Custom Art gave it the afterburner name. This bike is for sale as we now have Afterburner II, a USA-built turbocharged methanol 'funnybike'. It's a 1327cc Kawasaki-based machine that produces more than 800hp and already run 8.01 seconds in only its sixth run down a New Zealand track while setting the bike up.

"Crew chief Dean Fry and I will be at Speedshow all weekend so people can check out these award-winning bikes in the flesh. We'd love to show anyone who's interested the intricate workings of each bike, along with photo opportunities for any who want to sit on one or both of these 16 foot long rockets. We look forward to seeing you all at CRC Speedshow."

Dubbed New Zealand's de facto motor show, CRC Speedshow runs for two days, Saturday 23 July and Sunday 24 July, with tickets available only at the gate. The show opens at 9am each day, closing at 6pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Adult tickets are $18.50 each, children aged 10 to 15 years $10 each, and children under 10 years of age free with a paying adult. A family pass offers great value at $48 for two adults and up to three children. News, competitions and show information is updated on the show's website, www.speedshow.co.nz, and Facebook page on a regular basis.

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