KiwiStyle Journeys

In February 1982, my Dad bought me an immaculate 1980 Honda CR80R Elsinore motocross bike. I got the riding gear for my birthday, new found enthusiasm and absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into!What followed was an entertaining introduction to motorcycling, complete with runaway two-strokes, failed attempts at sliding the rear wheel, a motocross race start gone wrong and a rather painful encounter with my handlebars.Growing up in South Auckland here in NZ in the early 1980s, life was a little different. No mobile phones or social media — just bikes, mates, plenty of mischief and a whole lot of learning the hard way.I'll take you back to those early days, share some memories of my Dad teaching me to ride, and explain how a little Honda CR80R helped start a lifelong passion for motorcycles.Looking back, I probably should have stopped asking myself, “How hard can it be?”Welcome to KiwiStyle Journeys — real motorcycle stories and memories from a Kiwi rider who's been around bikes for most of his life.Thanks for listening!Connect with me:YouTube: MotorcyclingKiwiStyleKiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.

The Moto Guzzi V11 Sport was one of my favourite bikes I've ever owned — and over the years it provided plenty of stories.In episode 6, I tell seven short stories from my time with the V11, both involving problems that happened while riding on the open road and also around town. From oil leaks to brake jamming on!None of the stories went quite according to plan, but that's often what makes motorcycle memories worth telling.This is an audio-only episode of KiwiStyle Journeys — just me telling the story, without the usual YouTube video format.More Moto Guzzi V11 Sport stories are coming (if I can remember any!).#MotoGuzzi #V11Sport #Motorcycling #MotorcycleStories #KiwiStyleJourneysKiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.

The Moto Guzzi V11 Sport is my favourite bike that I've ever owned — and over the years it provided plenty of stories.In episode 5, I tell two stories from my time with the V11, both involving problems that happened while riding on the motorway.Neither story went quite according to plan, but that's often what makes motorcycle memories worth telling.This is an audio-only episode of KiwiStyle Journeys — just me telling the story, without the usual YouTube video format.More of my Moto Guzzi V11 Sport stories are coming.#MotoGuzzi #V11Sport #Motorcycling #MotorcycleStories #KiwiStyleJourneysKiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.

Three Moto Guzzis. Two Eldorados. One MGX21. And three rides that became memorable for very different reasons.Back in 2016, I got the chance to ride a brand-new Moto Guzzi California Eldorado in bright red. That first ride led to two charity rides — one supporting the SPCA animal shelter and another Toy Run supporting children in hospital.A year later, I found myself back on another Eldorado, this time in black, for another SPCA charity ride. By then I'd had some time to reflect on what made the Eldorado such an interesting motorcycle to ride.Then, in 2019, came the Moto Guzzi MGX21 Flying Fortress.This one wasn't just another motorcycle ride. It became part of a much more personal journey — riding to the funeral of a five-year-old boy, dressed as Batman.Along the way, I talk about what these big 1400cc Italian V-twins were actually like to ride, a little of the technology and specifications behind them, and most importantly, the people and memories that made these rides stay with me.This isn't really a motorcycle review. It's three motorcycles, three rides, and the stories I still remember.Thanks for listening to Kiwistyle Journeys.I dedicate this episode to James Swan (2013-2018).KiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.

Five minutes. That's all it took between one of the most ordinary motorcycle rides of my life and something that would change everything.On August 20th, 2020, I was riding my Aprilia Shiver home after work. I'd recently turned 50, had plans for a motorcycle trip around New Zealand with a mate, and after months of COVID restrictions, we were finally starting to make those plans again.But that ride home ended very differently.This is the story of what happened, what I remember, what happened afterwards, and how I eventually found the courage to ride again.I sold my motorcycles. I genuinely believed my riding days were over.But sometimes life doesn't turn out the way you expect.This is a very personal story, and one I've carried with me ever since.Thanks for listening in.KiwiStyle JourneysReal motorcycles. Real stories. The journeys in between.KiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.

In my last podcast I explained why I sold my Harley-Davidson Street Rod after only a few months of ownership. After uploading it, I realised I'd left out three memorable stories that deserved to be told.In this episode I share:🏍️ My first Harley HOG Poker Run🔧 The mechanical problem that had me chasing the wrong diagnosis😬 The embarrassing day I dropped the V-Rod in my own drivewayIf you enjoy honest motorcycle stories, pull up a stool and join me for another KiwiStyle Journey.Thanks for watching. If you've ever owned a Harley—or dropped a bike at walking pace—I'd love to hear your story in the comments.KiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.

Why did I sell my dream Harley-Davidson V-Rod after only a few months?This is the true story behind my factory yellow Harley-Davidson Street Rod (VRSCR)—a bike I thought I'd own for years... until it's quirks got the better of me and it started attracting attention from the wrong people.What began as a bike and I always desired quickly turned into one of the strangest experiences of my motorcycling life, ending with a cash sale to three men who arrived in a white van.Was I overreacting?Would you have done the same?This is the first story on KiwiStyle Journeys, where I share the motorcycles I've owned, the people I've met, and the adventures and lessons learned along the way.If you enjoy real motorcycle stories, classic bikes and honest experiences from a 50-something year old Kiwi in New Zealand, I'd love to have you along for the journey.💬 Tell me in the comments...Would you have kept the bike or sold it?KiwiStyle Journeys — stories from motorcycles, life and the road.