Ashburton Guardian | Guardian Motoring | March 27, 2020

Motoring March 27, 2020

Not your average green machine MORE

P22

22 Ashburton Guardian

W

hen it comes to customisable motorcycles, it seems the cruiser style still reigns supreme.

But while many people will think of Easy Rider, where Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda rode highly modified Harley-Davidsons, there are more simple ways to start making a bike custom fit to its rider.

Somewhat surprisingly, it is Japanese brand Kawasaki that has one of the best factory set-ups for creating a custom-fit cruiser, in the Vulcan S range.

Based around the same DOHC 650cc parallel-twin engine as used in the popular Ninja 650 and Z650 sports bikes, the Vulcan S is also offered in both full power and LAMS guises.

But where the Ninja and Zed go for the thrill of unleashing the engine in a sporty chassis, the Vulcan acts to create the most comfortable fit for its rider with Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit system core to the bike’s identity.

Straight from the dealership, the Vulcan S offers 18 combinations of ergonomic adjustability, with three positions for the forward-mounted footpegs alone. This means riders can have the bike tailor-fitted before they even leave the dealership.

This comes at an additional cost, with the optional extended/reduced reach seats for the Vulcan S priced from an additional $280, while the

Friday, March 27, 2020

handlebars start at $159.

That said, with an entry price of just $13,995, the Vulcan S offers good value for the learner rider, as well as the more experienced rider looking for a fun bike to enter into the cruiser lifestyle.

Aesthetically the bike hits the spot.

Low and raked out, its silhouette ticks all the boxes for a cruiser.

Cradled within the high-tensile steel perimeter frame and at the centre of mass is the 650cc parallel-twin heart which adds to the burly look of the Vulcan S with an underslung muffler.

The matte-look Metallic Flat Spark Black that has a gorgeous sparkle when you get up close in the daylight underneath the otherwise flat black paint scheme.

For the base bike, this is the only option available, but for an extra $1000 you can upgrade to the Vulcan S SE, which adds Metallic Matte Covert Green as an alternative.

With its factory solo seat featuring a wide scalloped lip at the rear providing comfort and the forward set pegs letting you stretch out, it’s easy roll along all day.

Though the Vulcan S may not have the brand recognition as the top-selling bike in the LAMS cruiser segment (Harley-Davidson’s Street 500) in my eyes the Vulcan outclasses the American in terms of rider dynamics and fun factor.

+3 years free scheduled servicing* Don’t miss your last chance to get never-to-be-repeated offers across the Holden range, all backed by our 3 years free scheduled servicing. That’s our commitment to continue servicing in Holden certified workshops right across New Zealand.

From the 7-seat Acadia and the small but tall Trax, to the Colorado ute that doesn’t know ‘no’ and the Equinox that lets you power on, this truly is the best time to buy. But hurry, limited stock is selling fast. Visit your Holden Dealer today!

CLEARANCE SALE available across a range of Holden vehicles at participating Holden dealers, while stocks last or unless changed. Pricing may vary and is at the discretion of each participating Holden dealer.

Clearance pricing is not available with any other offer. *FREE SCHEDULED SERVICING applies for 3 years or up to 100,000km as specified in the Service Warranty Booklet. Date and kilometre restrictions apply.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Friday, March 27, 2020

Ashburton Guardian 23

Motoring writer loses licence Bernard Egan MOTORING

T

he headline is true – but thank goodness not in the way it might sound.

Needless to say losing one’s licence is not such a good thing for anyone to do – especially a motoring writer!

This motoring writer dropped his driver’s licence when shopping at Netherby Four Square.

Well, to be more precise, confirming the Lotto ticket he shared with his Guardian Motoring Team friends was a donation, rather than the hoped-for investment.

A customer kindly handed said licence to the fabulous staff at the store, who in turn made a post on Facebook.

It has been quite overwhelming – and rather humbling – to have received so many calls from friends.

All of this has very much appreciated.

The response has demonstrated the power of social media, but more importantly has been a reminder of the care,

concern and kindness of others.

It is acts of kindness like this which will get us through the tough times we are facing.

My thanks to everyone who has helped, except that is to Lotto, who somehow got the numbers wrong.

Again!

Iconic swap meets cancelled

U

nfortunately both the Ashburton and Winchester Swap Meets have fallen victim to Covid-19.

The pandemic prevents these iconic events taking place this year.

We feel for the organisers and stall holders who are naturally disappointed, as are the punters

and other supporters.

Sadly like so many other clubs and organisations, the Vintage Car Club has had to cancel or postpone other planned activities too.

Another biggie on the local motoring calendar – the annual Rotary Classic Car Run – won’t be happening this year, which of course is a real shame.

World famous in Ashburton

I

t’s a car which stands out.

Everything about it is impressive.

But there’s a whole lot more to this very special veteran than immediately meets the eye.

Classified as a Veteran because of its age – it was manufactured in 1917 – the car is just one of 20 of its make known to exist worldwide.

It’s the only one in New Zealand, and it lives right here in Ashburton.

When it was spotted, something else stood out – its number plate, which just happens to be the surname of the family whose home it was parked outside.

So two and two was put together, and while assumptions can be tricky, the thought this special car probably belonged to them proved correct.

Soon after there was a chance to speak with the owner. The conversation went something like this “Not sure what make it is, but it must be yours because you’ve given the car a personalised plate identical to your surname.”

Actually, it may have been more like “See you’ve put your name on a car.”

The response was amazing.

It went something like this: “Good spotting, it

is as you know my surname, but I didn’t put the plate on it, the previous owner did.”

“That’s an interesting coincidence”.

“Yes, that’s because it was his surname too”.

So the choice of plate is quite understandable.

But here’s where the story becomes even more intriguing. The surname and the number plate also reflects the make of the car.

It’s not a well-known marque; in fact the current owner, who has a real interest in veteran cars and a good knowledge of them, wasn’t previously aware that in America, way back in time, a man with whom he shares a surname built some very special cars.

There is no family connection with either the maker or the previous owner.

Now if that’s not intriguing enough, how about this. Of the 20 cars known known to exist, fifteen are owned by people with the same surname.

And the story of the names doesn’t end there.

The current owner not only shares his surname with the founder of the company, but a Christian name as well.

So what’s the car, what’s the make and who’s the This isn’t the car which is world famous in Ashburton, but we just owner? couldn’t resist sharing the photo for the benefit of those who wonder Read about it next time. what running boards are for.

MOTORING SERVICES GLUYAS MOTOR GROUP • Automotive servicing, repairs and diagnostics • Latest scan tools and service data • Cars, 4WDs, campervans • European, Japanese and everything in between • Vehicle transport and recovery Call Dave and the team in the Big Blue Shed, cnr McLean and John St Phone 03 308 6646

Insurance work Insurance Work Insurance Work

AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS & SERVICING

THE NAME IN COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR

Specialing in

299 Havelock St, Ashburton 03 308 9109 mitsubishiadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz

DE

NISSAN NAVARA ST 2WD

$

34,990 +GST +ORC

1.9% FINANCE OVER 36 MONT

Pricing indicated for D23WM & D23VM. Finance ooer available to approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services only and exclu only. The 1.9% p.a. xed interest rate is available with zero deposit and 36 month term. $375 establishment fee, $8.05 PPSR fee, a last. Nissan reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this ooer.

Book a service today with us and experience what service should be.

Call 307 5800 79 Kermode Street

&

of Cars, Trucks, Buses, Horse Floats & Motorhomes, Caravans, Trailers, Farm Machinery, Jet Boats, Light Engineering and Aluminium Welding 17 Range Street, Ashburton Phone: 307 0378 Mobile: 0274 274 007 busandtruckbodywork@xtra.co.nz

ies Think Brakes... Think Robb ies Think Clutch... Think Robb bbies Think Specialist... Think Ro Being the experts in their field Robbies can give you professional, efficient service when repairing or replacing your brakes or clutch at a competitive price.

We service and repair all makes and models

MALCOLM LOVETT AUTOMOTIVE LTD

Full servicing, Genuine parts, Loan cars (T’s & C’s apply) Vehicle Report cards Ask about our Map care & Extended Roadside assistance

PANEL BEATING SPRAY PAINTING

Your local authorised Mitsubishi Parts and Service

Book your service at Malcom Lovett Automotive today

• • • • •

SPRIN

R

• • • • • •

Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Vehicle Servicing and Repairs Airconditioning Battery Town Courtesy Vehicles Available Auto Electrical Repairs

If it doesn’t go, let us know! Call 307 2696 187 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton P 307 2696 E autosparks@xtra.co.nz

YOU

PART

YOUR LOCAL HONDA PARTS & SERVICE CENTRE

OBBIE’S

undercar specialists

Cnr Cass & South Streets Phone 308 9984 Mob 027 499 9565

MALCOLM LOVETT AUTOMOTIVE LTD

299 Havelock Str, Ashburton 03299 308Havelock 9109 Str, Ashburton 03 308 9109 hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz

hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz