On Throttle New Zealand

With the introduction of the Learner Approved Motorcycles Scheme (LAMS) in 2012, new riders have far more choice in bikes than ever before. But has that extra variety and choice come at the cost of incredibly fun and thrifty, smaller capacity bikes? I’m not sure about the statistics, but in my own anecdotal view, it has. While I’ve noticed more people in my social circle taking up riding, not one has started with a sub 250cc motorcycle, even when their commuting needs don’t require the power and torque of a mid-sized bike. As a result, I’ve come to the conclusion that small capacity commuters are seriously underrated in terms of fun and ability. Jumping on the Aprilia ETX-150 for the first time I, like many, made a judgement about how the little Aprilia would ride based solely on the bike’s capacity. That 150 printed on the side cowling, in my mind, meant ‘no fun, gutless, and boring’. How wrong I was… The first thing you notice with the ETX-150 is not the size of the engine b...

I'm lucky to sample some of the best cars that make it to our shores, and 2015 has started off with a bang with some incredibly rare and expensive cars. While we mainly focus on driving on the road, where let's face it, the majority of cars spend their time, some cars just can't be understood until you hit the racetrack to truly appreciate what they're capable of. Enter the Lexus LFA. With only two of the 500 examples of the LFA ever imported to New Zealand, Toyota and Lexus New Zealand borrowed LFA #496/500 from owners, Lexus Singapore, for a couple of months to display and demonstrate the Lexus supercar during the Toyota 86 Championship series. Unlike other supercars that feature wide carbon-fibre tubs that make getting in and out an experience in itself, the Lexus is much more restrained with distinctly Japanese DNA dictating form following function,  which thankfully makes getting in and out of the LFA much more like an everyday car. Being hand built b...