Part 1: The Arrival

Kilometres to date: 132

Last year I had the unsurpassed pleasure of ‘owning’ the mighty 1290R Super Duke for six months, then some horrid person bought it and ruined my Christmas, obviously not his!

Anyway it was time to forget and move on and after a forceful conversation with Riaan Neveling (KTM marketing boss, pictured), he agreed to hand over a shiny new 390 Duke for a similar long-term review.

Now why would I ask for one of those after the monster 1290R, 163hp episode, and good question? Well the idea is to find out if a 150kg, 45hp ‘mini-Duke’ is capable of entertaining a rider who’s enjoyed that sort of previous performance, or, is the 390 just for a new/virgin rider? Franziska Brandl (KTMSA hyper-boss, pictured), agreed and I owe her five litres of stein filled lager (seeing as she’s from Austria), for, err, agreeing.

So, I’ve only covered 130km trying to restrain myself during the running-in period to not ride it like a teenager, if you know what I mean? But I’m positive those youthful moments will return, it’s just that sort of motorbike.

This is the latest 2018 version with a few minor softwear updates and it is without doubt a very attractive motorcycle on anyone’s drawing board. I really like the orange/white colour, which the younger generation will prefer over a black one I’m sure. Well I’m not of the younger generation (pictured with grey hair and no-one’s boss), more in the autumn years of my life to me more precise. But I’d also go for this recognisable KTM colour option given the choice, wouldn’t you?

We’re also going to lather the little 390 Duke with juicy parts (like the 1290R), from KTM’s Power Parts book, which should add even more sparkle. So we’ll have a nice performance exhaust, hopefully by the next issue and other bits to make this the nicest 390 Duke in SA, maybe? Send us images of your 390 if you disagree and I’ll ignore them?

Keep tuned for next month’s exciting report and meanwhile go to www.ktm.com to see everything I’ve mentioned above.

Without doubt one of Johannesburg’s premier motorcyclists’ gatherings is the Ink & Iron Festival. For 2018 it was a momentous occasion because it marked the 15^th anniversary and it turned out to be one seriously entertaining day out for all concerned.

Our concern was that Natalie and Bill were asked to ‘attend’ the event to represent SuperBike Magazine and billysbikes.co.za. Bill was strangely asked to judge the Custom competition by event organiser and long time friend, Grant Mc Nicol, which he gladly accepted.

Much merriment ensued as the day progressed with local live bands filling the air with tunes and the whiff of tempting foods from various vendors also filled the air. Of course lots of drinking and ‘ha haaaring’ goes with mention!

Natalie spent most of the day caressing Mark Giltrow’s ego from SBK eyewear to obtain ‘free’ eyewear which, being a woman, was a successful exercise. However Bill was shamed and ‘fired’ from his judging position due to over-socialising with people around him, consuming too much lager and, irritating Natalie and her friend.

Anyway, everything ran smoothly and we have no idea how long the event held in Germiston carried on for, probably well into the night. But one thing is for sure we’ll be back there again next year because it’s such a well-run and enjoyable event for all kinds of motorcyclist, see you there!

The official launch of the Liqui Moly Superhero Academy has brought new hope to a homeless community in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Since 1999, families in desperate need of shelter, food and medical care have taken refuge at the New Beginnings Care Centre. The facility has an occupancy rate of approximately 1400 people, many of which are children.  

Education is provided at a crèche on-site, but without sufficient funding and support, this has taken place in frightening conditions.

“These children were in filthy conditions, and growing up in complete sadness. I bought into this amazing dream of uplifting an entire community, starting with little children from three months old right up to matric students. This is going to be a miracle place,” said Leigh Scheepers, principal of the Liqui Moly Superhero Academy.

The Liqui Moly team were approached about investing in the structure of the day care, which they soon discovered was nothing more than dilapidated garden sheds. The facility was beyond repair, and would have to be demolished and built from the ground.
In collaboration with Joint Aid Management (JAM), the team has worked around the clock for the last three months to create a new environment for the children of the Care Centre.

"When we first came to this centre, I saw a lot of heartache and hopelessness. Many of the adults who arrive here have been sleeping on the streets and are suffering from things like addictions and unemployment. The thing is, young children who cannot fend for themselves often arrive with them. That's where Liqui Moly wants to step in - we want to reach out to those helpless children and make a difference in their lives. They are the future of South Africa," commented an emotional Melicia Labuschagne, managing director of Liqui Moly SA. 

On 23 February close to a hundred little faces eagerly gathered behind the red ribbon that was strung across the entrance to their new day care.

It was heart-warming scene as they ran to discover completely new classrooms, a colourful playground and even a track with plastic motorcycles begging to be used. Infants were placed in sturdy cots and surrounded by bright, artistic paintings that covered the walls.

Amanda van Niekerk lives at New Beginnings with her husband and two children. As a witness to the transformation of the day care, she said: “This doesn’t just bring joy to my children, but complete security to me as a mother. Just look at the excitement in my children’s eyes… I can’t describe how grateful I am.”