Words: Bill Hunter.
 
Suzuki SA have recently decided to expand their 125cc scooter range with two, and very appealing, new variants. They’re both named Access UZ125 but with significant differences. Basically they’re identical with a 125cc, SOHC, two-valve, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine, throwing out 8.5hp and 10Nm of torque. We’re also informed it’s basically the same platform as their Avensis, instead they’re festooned in retro vibe clothing, and don’t they just look splendid?
 
At a quick glance the vibrant pair look indistinguishable but, like one of those cartoon things in a magazine, can you spot the three distinct differences? You’ll probably have to go into a Suzuki dealer to find out, but let me assist in case you’re fretting. The ‘posh’ version has a single front disc, chrome mirrors, and a charming 4.2-inch TFT display, costing R34,950. The ‘lesser’ version, shall we say, has a drum front brake, black ‘plastic’ mirrors, and the customary analogue instrument panel, costing R28,900. There are many colour options to choose from so check out Suzuki SA’s site at the end of the article, but the pale blue and green applied to the ‘posh’ ones are the most eye-catching.

OK, unfortunately we only had an hour or so in the saddle whizzing around the Sandton area in atrocious rain, so my review is a little dampened to say the least. But as you can see we still had fun and I only rode the ‘posh’ option, but we will return in the near future, and in the sun, for a more intensive report on both scooters. What I can say is my scooter had perfect fueling and it just oozes quality from every panel. I especially liked the colourful TFT display that can link to a GPS mode showing where you’ve been, speed, etc, now that’s very cool indeed and worth the price alone. And, those gorgeous chrome mirrors are the best I’ve ever looked into on any scooter around this capacity. In fact this more expensive option is such a lifestyle type of scooter that’ll certainly adorn anyone’s garage, especially if you’re a lucky bast’ with a second holiday home somewhere. The cheaper option is aimed more towards delivery riders who’ll certainly revel in the claimed 50km plus per litre, which is seriously impressive consumption figures, don’t ya think?

For now both variants are in Suzuki stores Nationwide so drop in and check them out and, I believe that 35k for the ‘posh’ one is exceptional value for money, they also carry a comprehensive two-year warranty. We’ll let you know when we do a more in depth review and to find out if those fuel claims are erroneous, which should be interesting, depending on the rider of choice. Both variants are positively attention-grabbing additions to Suzuki SA’s current scooter range and, I’ll take the green one with the tan coloured floor well please.
 
Click here www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more information on the new Access’.

Biker’s Warehouse is celebrating its 20^th birthday this October, offering 20 lucky customers the chance to win one of 5 motorcycles or a host of accessories, Apparel and other prizes.

The competition will run from 01 – 31 October 2026, with in-store customers who spend R2,000 or more qualifying for an entry. Weekly finalists will be drawn throughout October and invited to the 20^th Birthday celebration on 03 November 2026, where the final draw and prize giving will take place.

Alongside the competition, the evening’s theme will center around “Our Journey Over the Last 20 Years”, celebrating the customers, suppliers, manufacturers, friends of the business, members of the wider motorcycle community, as well as familiar personalities who have played a role in the Biker’s Warehouse story over the past two decades.

The event is open to the public with entertainment, special guests and the evening’s programme to be announced closer to the date.

At a Glance

• 20^th Anniversary: October 2026
• Competition Period: 01 – 31 October 2026
• Entry requirement: In-store spend of R2,000 or more
• 5x Finalists drawn per week
• Weekly draws: 12, 19, 26 October & 02 November
• Prizes up for Grabs:
  • Honda 750 Transalp
  • QJ SRT450
  • Suzuki GSX250R
  • TVS Nortq
  • KTM Stacyc 12’
  • Scorpion Helmets
  • Arai Helmet
  • HJC Helmet
  • Shark Helmet
  • LS2 Helmet
  • Quicksure Insurance package
  • SGI Tyro Helmet & Glove
  • Alpine Star Jackets & Pants
  • Fly Kit Hamper
  • Bridgestone tyre Combo
  • Michelin Tyre Combo
  • Pirelli Tyre Combo
  • Leatt Neck brace & Offroad Kit
  • Service Kit Vouchers – HiFlo, DID, SBS, Motobatt, JT Sprkt
  • Motul Hampers
  • Motorex Hampers
  • Belray Hamper
  • Bandit Decal voucher
  • Golden Shield –Bikers Warehouse Gift Vouchers
  • Oxford Goodie bags

• Final Draw & Birthday Celebration: 03 November 2026
• Venue: Biker’s Warehouse, Northriding, JHB
• Time: 6pm-9pm
• Terms & conditions apply

Words: Bill Hunter.

Regarding accomplished achievements in South Africa’s motorcycle industry the story behind the RACE! Brand is one of the most enviable. A man who began by only importing fancy motorcycle accessories has now evolved into owning one of the most flamboyant motorcycle dealership’s ever seen in our Country. His name is Marco Casciani, a feisty Italian unpleasant child that arrived here with his parents during the 80s. His educational years were based at the Wits University training to become a mechanical engineer. Marco didn’t really adhere to this because he was far more interested in the practical side, which means ‘fiddling’ with motorcycles.

After many years of racing, modifying and refining motorcycles, both here in SA and back in Italy, he opened the RACE! Brand in 2004. Since then RACE! has expanded like a petite Universe into this new, and dramatic, establishment in Sandton, which also contains the new Ducati Johannesburg dealership. Marco’s passion for the Ducati brand is only exceeded by Donald Trump’s passion for himself, or very close. If you chopped off Marco’s head it would certainly ooze Ducati infused blood, if you know what I mean. He also has some strange obsession for Lego, even at his age?

Marco (aged 50, so he says), and married for 13-years to his Dutch wife who he vehemently denies he met in an Amsterdam weed shop (no offence), and they have a delightful 11-year old daughter, who’s also a Ducati enthusiast. In fact they often go out for Sunday rides on his Ducati Scrambler, which is very cool for such a young lady indeed. He also drives a Ferrari Superfast 812 in bright yellow, which leads me onto the other side of RACE!

RACE! is not just about Ducati though, but caters for the extremely wealthy with a large range of high-end hyper cars of all kinds. Not only that RACE! have Luxury Time on their premises who deals in exuberant watches (sorry- time piece) that you can trade or buy, high-end art, and even a new venture into designing the ultimate man cave. I don’t want to get into too much detail, just click on the link at the end of this article for more information.

Ok, let’s go back now to the Ducati Johannesburg dealership. It really is the Crown Jewel for Ducati in SA, providing everything from expert sales, spares, apparel, and a state of the art workshop. Marco also retails his personal brands (RACE MOTO), with names like, AGV, Dainese, Arrow, Rizoma, and even more. So you’ll certainly have no problem discovering a matching outfit and then you can stuff your new V4 R with exclusive decorations. Talking of which, would you like to ride one? Well you most certainly can, and nine other Ducati models across the entire range from the RACE! Demo fleet (hurrah, at last!) Just drop in with your license, and a smile, and their friendly staff will happily accommodate. Oh, while you’re there you can also bathe in coffee at their new www.corsacafe.co.za. And maybe stay and watch MotoGP and WorldSBK?

So Marco is ‘Living the Dream’ for sure, and deservedly so because of the time and effort he’s crammed into the RACE! Brand. He knows everything there is to know about the Ducati Brand and will happily share it with any customer in his unique, vibrant and congenial manner. Oh, I also hate him because he’s just ridden Bagnaia’s MotoGP bike and Bulega’s SBK bike, jammy, lucky bast’ springs to mind and hope yer feet fall off! However, again, he’ll gladly share these enviable antics with you with his inimitable and ardent style. After my informative day there, and slightly depressing due to financial reasons, I couldn’t recommend a visit to RACE! more, for any of the reasons mentioned above. I’ve just bought a lottery ticket though, for the first time, which might help?

Go to www.RACE1.co.za to view what’s on offer. (011 466 6666)

RACE! is also very easy to find on Bookface and Instagram - to view their very entertaining videos.