Farewell my friend!

By the time you’re reading this you’ll probably be looking forward to many gifts and, stuffing your face in a festive frenzy of drinking and gorging. All well and good and enjoy yourselves but my Christmas will be a little sad, why?

Well my Super Duke 1290R has been returned to KTMSA because they have a new owner for it after five months of ‘ownership’ my side. All good things come to an end, right?

KTMSA used the bike for spares during the recent 24-hour race in which their team came second. Only because some knob went too fast and broke out of the allocated time bracket and received a two-lap penalty, otherwise they’d have won. Showing the 160hp (rear wheel dyno hp), Beast can always brighten your day on the road then easily be ridden to any racetrack and win races, what a machine!

Sure it’s not for all riders but if you are a person who wants the ultimate in insanity with a touch of civility there’s only one choice of motorcycle and this is it. So if you’re thinking of buying one and, more importantly, know what you’re buying, you’ll never be disappointed believe me.

I’ll always remember the noise from the exhaust, mental styling and of course the unnecessary and totally necessary wheelie fests (sob). Anyway this bike just makes you feel mean, if you know what I mean?

So now what you ask? Well it looks like a few weeks of Monopoly board games and mince pies instead, as I look forward to the all- new 790 Duke for 2018. I’ll be hoping to resume my pleasurable experiences with KTM’s naked bikes on one of those next year, so all isn’t so bad after all.

Cheers folks, Sir William of Nottingham (www.billysbikes.co.za).

Go to www.ktm.co.za to find your local dealer and stuff your bike, or a new one, with all these tasty parts.

Total parts to date.

Carbon Akrapovic front mudguard: R4,290

Carbon/Kevlar clutch cover: R1,995

Carbon/Kevlar ignition cover: R2,135

Posh seat (highly recommended): R2,280

Seat cowl: R2,280

Akrapovic ‘Evolution Line’ Race Kit: R35,800

Galfer/KTM wave discs: R7,424 (for a pair)

Brake/clutch protectors: R1,978 (for both)

Total: R58,192

Oh yes the MotoGP star recently came and had fun in South Africa and Bill, predictably, invaded the party with one of his infamous t-shirts.

After insisting Maverick, Sheridan Morais, Clinton Seller and the ‘pit tarts’ had a picture taken with him, they did so, which was nice.

Bill then retired to the pub and told everyone they’re all his best mates – sad git!

International media and exhibitions company, Clarion Events UK, is thrilled to announce, new for 2018, a three-year commercial headline sponsorship from the largest online automotive marketplace in South Africa, AutoTrader!

South Africa Bike Festival, powered by Discovery Channel, is now the market leading annual showcase in the SA motorcycling calendar. The third installment returns to the legendary Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, 25-27 May 2018. Alongside the existing headline media partner, Discovery Channel, the three powerhouses look forward to delivering the strongest platform yet for the leading motorcycle brands, manufacturers, accessories and apparel, as well as all industry and motoring lifestyle businesses to meet upwards of 20 000 potential customers and network with the wider industry players to focus on the future of motorcycling in South Africa…

www.southafricabikefestival.com