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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.
Recently released in New Zealand and a sponsor of New Zealand Fieldays, the JAC (“Jack”) T9’s positioning as a reliable workhorse for Kiwi tradies has been reinforced by the remarkable achievement overseas that shattered a 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
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.
"The worst of the worst" is how Richard Kempthorne, the chair of the Nelson Tasman Rural Support Trust, describes the cumulative effects of the two storms that have wreaked havoc across the top of the South Island.
The basis for making great cheese is good milk, says the owner of Banks Peninsula's Barry's Bay Cheese, which was named Champion of Champons Mid-Size, for its traditional Aged Gouda, at this year's NZ Champions of Cheese Awards.
The 2024 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year, Ben Purua has been named farmer-backed charity Meet the Need's first official ambassador.
Global dairy prices have ended a two-month run of losses.
The world's largest dairy company may be in pole position to acquire Fonterra's Australian assets.
In a major win for farmers, the Government has directed regional councils to halt all work on plans and regional policy statement reviews under the Resource Management Act (RMA).
OPINION: As India negotiates to open its borders to more global products, dairy is proving a sticky issue.
OPINION: Paranoia about foreigners is at an all-time high in the US and attention is now turning to foreign-owned farmland.
