Plains Producer, Wednesday September 23, 2009
www.plainsproducer.com.au
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SPECIAL FEATURE v MOTORING
Suzuki will fit any size Designed specifically for young riders, the new Suzuki DRZ70 is the perfect tool for those learning the fundamentals of riding or developing their skills. Powered by a reliable 70cc, twin-valve, 4-stroke, SOHC, air-cooled engine with plenty of torque to leave the competition in its dust. With more displacement than its class rivals, the DR-Z70’s engine provides impressive performance from a smooth, controllable powerband. An electric starter and handle-bar start button means the DR-Z70 is also simple to get going. Alternatively, riders can kick start the DR-Z70, and there’s the security of a keyed ignition to provide maximum parent control. Accompanying a 10-inch rear wheel, the Suzuki DR-Z70 is also the first to combine a 70cc engine with a 10-inch front wheel. It comes in yellow or black. The JR80 is designed for young riders who have gone beyond their ‘first’ bike. The two-stroke engine has power to satisfy; Suzuki oil injection delivering optimum lubrication and removing the need for premixing of fuel, a 5speed transmission puts the power smoothly to the ground.
DR70
MESSAGE TO 4x4 and passenger car drivers:
Share the road, warns insurer
THE Suzuki DR-Z70 shows its style.
Mick knows bikes
Mick Tucker has been around motorcycles all his life and likes nothing better than going for a ride to clear his head. If the mood takes him, he’ll ride to Burra for morning tea and be back in Gawler for lunch. And after spending all his life around motorbikes, he is well equipped with advice for those wanting a new motorbike or parts. Mick owns Mick’s Motorcycles at Gawler, where he plans to indulge in his passion for bikes until it’s time for retirement. It’s not the first time he has been involved in the motorbike industry,
having a motorbike shop in the 1970s, which he described as a time full of fun. “It’s a fun business to be in,” Mick said. With a background in motocross and road racing, as well as 16 years on a farm, Mick understands the needs of his customers. “I understand what the farmers need as far as bikes go,” he said. “We have the full range of Suzuki road bikes, dirt bikes and ATVs. “We have ATVs for farmers, and the fun ATVs as well.” In addition to selling new bikes, Mick’s Motor-
cycles runs a workshop, and supplies parts and tyres. “If people want something and we haven’t got it on the shelf we can get it in for them,” Mick said. And supporting the local business pays off financially too for customers, with Mick matching competitors’ prices. • Contact Mick’s Motorcycles on 8522 2618 or call in at 32 Main North Road, Willaston.
Standard passenger car and four-wheel drive owners are being encouraged to recognise each other’s rights as road users after independent research revealed divisions between the two vehicle classifications on a number of issues. “On every measure, AAMI’s research showed stark contrasts between passenger car and 4x4 drivers about road entitlements and obligations,” said AAMI corporate affairs manager, Mike Sopinski. Among the national findings: • More than three-quarters of passenger car drivers (77 per cent) think four-wheel drives do not belong in the city (compared to 21 per cent of 4x4 drivers); • Three-quarters (75 per cent) think four-wheel drives, while safer for their occupants, are more dangerous for other road users (compared to 19 per cent of 4x4 drivers); • Two-thirds (66 per cent) think four-wheel drives should be subjected to higher registration fees (compared to just eight per cent of 4x4 drivers); • Two-thirds (67 per cent) are in-
timidated driving close to a four-wheel drive (compared to 22 per cent of 4x4 drivers); and • One in eight (12 per cent) consider four-wheel drives to be the greatest road hazard (compared to one per cent of 4x4 drivers). “It is of concern road users hold such strong views about their fellow motorists and this may spill over into driving behaviour. We therefore urge drivers of all vehicle types to come to a better understanding of their common rights and obligations,” Mr Sopinski said. Four-wheel drives remain enormously popular, as evidenced by their increasing penetration of the passenger vehicle market. But despite some commonly held views, there is no evidence they are more frequently involved in crashes. A review of AAMI insurance claims from the 12 months to July 2009 shows 4x4 drivers claimed for fewer crashes than standard car drivers. Nationally, car drivers insured with AAMI had a crash claims incidence rate of 17.82 compared with 16.13 for 4x4 drivers.
Save time & Money… Let me come to you & give your truck body protection before the rigours of harvest
“A major factor in choosing Don to do my truck was he came to me, so I was able to communicate with him on the job & not tie up equipment off farm. I was more than happy with his work. It was certainly value for money” - Peter Irish, Mallala For this mobile service to your home or work contact Don 0447 053 561 anytime
Excellent in paint repairs
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JR80
LT50
Layby For Christmas Authorised Dealer
32 Main North Rd, Willaston Phone: 8522 2618 Fax: 8522 4824 Email: micksmotorcycles@bigpond.com
Remanufactured starter motors and alternators with factory 12 month unlimited KM warranty
Clare Valley Toyota Telephone: 8842 2566 parts@clarevalleytoyota.com.au 380 Main North Road, Clare