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Remarkably there are still many of the venerable Honda step-throughs operating on rural properties throughout New Zealand.
Favoured for their ease of access and light weight, the commonly known 'postie bike' has been replaced with a reborn version of the CT 125, allowing fans to upgrade to something similar but a lot more modern.
The single cylinder 125cc features electronic fuel injection for rapid starting and smooth power delivery, a four-speed transmission, electric start, ABS, LED lights and en electronic display. An upswept muffler keeps it clear of dirt and mud, disc brakes front and rear bring thrings to a stop and reduce mainentance and the bike has a substantial rear carrier and front rack.
Detailed changes see an increased wheelbase and seat height and upswept handlebars for better rider comfort. Featuring suspesion used on much larger road machines, travel is 110mm, making for a more comfortable ride on rougher ground, while ground clearance is 165mm.
Weighing in at 120kg, the machine is carried on stainless steel wheels, supported with similar spokes and shod with 80/90-17 block pattern tyres for improved traction.
While it wouldn’t be unfair to call the LDV T60 “the poor man’s ute”, a change of distributor in 2023 has seen the brand raise its profile, while the recent arrival of the new LDV T60 Max Plus, will undoubtedly open the door to a wider audience for the brand.
Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely popular SUV family, said to offer improved offroad capabilities, without compromising on towing capacity or on-road comfort.
While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.
While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.
Since its launch in the late 1960s, nearly 3.5 million Suzuki Jimnys have been sold worldwide, picking up numerous awards along the way.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
