Monday, 15 June 2020 10:34

Farm bikes bred in NZ

Written by Mark Daniel

font size decrease font size increase font size

Suzuki Trojan.

The story of how Suzuki's Trojan became one of the most reliable and durable two-wheel farm bikes on the market begins in the early 1970s.

For most farmers, transport has been a key towards more efficient farming practices and as on-farm transport improved, farm sizes increased, to be managed by smaller numbers of staff.

Early attempts at manufacturing farm bikes specifically for New Zealand conditions were rugged, yet very basic. So much so that farmers spent a lot of time either falling off or repairing the early models.

It took several years for farm bikes to become an indispensable tool on most farms, but the Japanese manufacturers took note and started to develop more efficient ways to get around the farm.

Suzuki developed the iconic Mudbug series in the early 1970s with the TF100, 125 and 185 models. These two-strokes were reliable, easy to maintain and most importantly, got farmers around the farm with the minimum of fuss.

Sales boomed in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, right up until when Suzuki introduced the first four wheeled ATV, the LT125.

Farmers immediately grasped the importance of ATVs, offering the ability to be able to carry more, or the convenience of being able to tow a small trailer.

Suzuki has continued the development of farm-bikes and ATVs, including the country’s best-selling farm bike, the DR200 Trojan.

Developed by Suzuki New Zealand, the prototype machine was built in Wanganui, before being shipped back to Japan and being introduced as the DF200ET.

The popularity of this model has seen it become the number one selling 200cc farm bike, built to exacting Japanese quality standards,making the Trojan one of the most reliable and durable two-wheel farm bikes on the market today.

Published in Machinery & Products

More like this

Suzuki DR150 Designed for Practical Use on New Zealand Dairy Farms

While quads and LUVs are a major part of the rural landscape, on many New Zealand dairy farms 2-wheelers continue to be an important part of the logistics puzzle.

Jimny 5-door – cute off-roader now comes with extra length

Since its launch in the late 1960s, nearly 3.5 million Suzuki Jimnys have been sold worldwide, picking up numerous awards along the way.

Jimny goes 5-door

Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and low fuel consumption. Suzuki Development of the original Jimny in 1968 and the LJ10 Jimny arrived in 1970 it was the first mass production 4WD in the Japanese domestic mini-car category.

ATVs that make farming easier

Suzuki was the first on four wheels right back in 1982, when Suzuki importer of the day Rod Coleman developed the successful LT125.

'Stick to farmland or motocross tracks' - Police

Police are urging dirt bike riders to get their motorbike driver’s license before riding in public places.

Featured

NZ Farm Accident Claims Drop Nearly 35% Since 2020

A huge reduction in ACC claims from on-farm accidents over the last five years is due to thousands of small, practical decisions being made in sheds, yards, paddocks and around kitchen tables across the country, says Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson.

Inside the Moxhams' Award-Winning Organic Dairy Farm

Wayne and Ange Moxham of Horowhenua have just been named as Fonterra's top organic performer for milksolids. As well as providing organic milk to Fonterra, the couple also sell Udderly Organic milk to more than 100 outlets in the region and are embarking on another exciting venture producing organic gelato. Reporter Peter Burke went along to see their farming operation.

Federated Farmers: Rural Voices Must Shape Reform

Certainty and a clear understanding of the needs of rural communities is a critical outcome in the series of government reforms that are taking place at present.

Fonterra Cuts 2026/27 Milk Price Forecast to $9.25

Fonterra has reduced its forecast 2026/27 Farmgate Milk Price.

Czarnikow Launches Digital Milk Pricing Tool in NZ

New Zealand dairy farmers are set to be the first in the world to receive access to a new digital physical milk pricing tool that enables them to fix the price for their physical milk.

Pāmu Opens Farm Gates for Summer Open Farm Days

State farmer Pāmu is opening its farm gates this summer in an effort to give the rural sector the opportunity to see how large-scale, multi-system farming is delivering productivity and profitability across New Zealand.