So Friday sees the arrival of the royal wedding, and while most of the nation will be glued to the telly watching, we most certainly will not. We're having our first big trail bike ride around the Surrey hills. A few of the BMW Vines Guilford crew will be joining us and they've sent word out to some of their customers as well. So it promises to be a good day. If I'm lucky I'll be able to tag along with the cameras and get some images and footage of the day. Would make for some excellent blog content.
If you're keen for a bit of fun and want to get your GS, KTM, Honda, Yamaha or Triumph nice and dirty then feel free to join us. We'll be leaving from the Azcari Adventure Centre at 10:00 so get there early and have a coffee on us.
And as I'm writing this the big boss man has returned. He's been out "working" and plotting the route for Friday's ride. Looks like it's going to be a good one. I've just been informed that the route will be a pretty easy one don't worry too much about getting your big bike stuck in a rut or the fact that you're using road tyres.
Enjoy the short week for those of you unlucky enough to be working and we'll see you on Friday.
Until next time...
Monday, 25 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Azcari Adventure Centre - Official Opening 09.04.11
So it been quite the weeks for firsts. For example - this is the first time I'm blogging about our opening day on Saturday. I also passed my CBT first time last Thursday. And yesterday racked up a couple more firsts with a trail ride and a crash. Both were excellent by the way.
So lets start with Saturday and then I'll work my way through the list.
As you can see we could not have picked a more perfect day. The weather gods finally smiled on us and gave us a sunny weekend. There were moments when it felt like I was back in South Africa, beer camera in hand and sun on my face. Lekker nice! So I've been trying to get this done all day every time I try, something else happens. The doors are shut, the sun is down and the last minute brochure is finished. Shall I tempt fate and try finish this post? I think yes.
Another first for our list I forgot to mention, we made our first few Husqvarna sales. Very nice indeed. Hope there are many more to come. There were a few test rides on Saturday and everyone seemed to enjoy the bikes. Our web designer was one of them. And as you can see from below, he was so impressed he bought 3 on the spot . . . in cash. Thanks Lee! Not only do you stop me from deleting/destroying the Azcari site, you also support the shop.
Lee and his new fleet of huskys.
As the masses waited eagerly for the chicken curry to arrive there was plenty of time to talk all things adventure. Amongst the crowd was Mark Kirby, on his Honda Africa Twin, who plans to ride from Chertsey in London to Chennai in India this September.
If that wasn't enough, he and 3 others plan to do so on classic Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles. Further still, these guys are raising awareness and funds for the White Lodge Centre. If you can, please take a few extra minutes and read a bit more about this challenging and noble cause. The Azcari crew wishes you well guys.
Nick Plumb from Touratech was also there. As was Robert Wicks who was signing copies of his Adventure Motorcycle books. Vines Guilford also brought down a few of the new BMW's to display.
I can tell you that the food was well worth the wait. I ate it all day and then took a tub home and ate till it eventually ran out on Sunday night. I wish it had been an infinity tub. Everlasting chicken curry . . . hmmmmm.
*Wipes drool*
The trouble with an open day is you're never sure who's going to turn up. More often than not you have a few trouble makers and true to form they arrived. They pretty much trashed the place and gave my brother a good beating. Luckily for me I has some back up. We managed to get them off the bikes and out the shop. I gave these photos to police so hopefully they'll catch them. If you see them be warned!
Yeah...think I'm having too much fun here. This is supposed to be a work blog. Woe betide he who enjoys blogging at work. I'm going to sign off now and leave you with few more images from the day.
Until next time.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Husqvarna TE630 - Azcari's newest demo bike.
3 . . . is the magic number. That's right folks. The newest addition to our demo family is none other than the Husqvarna TE630. And it is truly is a sight to behold. Just take a look for yourself.
I told you.
So if you want to take this fine machine out for a test ride, best get yourself down the Azcari Adventure Centre a.s.a.p, or call us on 01306646424, There have been more than a few wanting eyes cast over this majestic beast and with the centre's official opening this Saturday, I suggest you make your move soon. I have a feeling she won't be on the showroom floor for very long.
We also have the TE310 and TE449 for available for test rides.
Read up a bit more below if you're not yet convinced.
Until next time...
Based on the new SM 630, the Husqvarna TE 630 benefits from having many parts in common with the smaller capacity racing four stroke Enduro Husqvarna models. The new machine sits in the range alongside the proven WRE 125 and these two bikes are the only models by themanufacturer who has won the title of off-road champion 78 times, to sit neatly in the dualpurpose sector: bikes that will take you anywhere.
With the new TE 630, Husqvarna intends to broaden the appeal of the range to include those less competition-minded riders who use their bikes every day and need more comfort and practicality but want to combine this with the thrill of owning a race bike.
Combining the look and character of a racing bike with performance perfect for daily use on or off-road, the new TE 630 is perfect for those riders who want a bike with muscle but also class. It is without any doubt the best example of how a racing off-roader can be transformed into a road going machine.
The new Husqvarna TE happily took up the challenge of racing and in the last Italian Championship Motorally and Marathon Raid it just won in the "Marathon" category for production bikes, the category Husqvarna dominated also in 2009.
The superlative engine is highly tractable even at low to medium revs thanks to its 600 cc capacity achieved by increasing the bore from 98 mm to 100 mm. The DOHC head with a red painted rocker cover like those on our racing bikes is inherited from the Husqvarna competition 450/510 engine and this permits a 20% increase in power over the earlier 576 cc version.
The TE 630 has an electronic fuel injection system developed in collaboration with Mikuni. The engine features a 45 mm throttle body with the fast idle control on the handlebars and there is now a 300 Kpa Mitsubishi "twin jet" fuel injector fitted to the throttle. The pressure regulator (3 Bar) regulates any return of excess fuel to the tank and the MAQS (Modularised Air Quantity Sensor) consists of air temperature, mapping and TPS (Throttle Position) sensors.
The Kokusan 360W three-phase ignition flywheel is also new.
The water temperature sensor is on the cylinder head: the injection system unit processes the signal from the sensor and controls the operation of the cooling fan on the right water radiator according to engine temperature. The bike has a completely new cooling system with a new impeller and water pump body.
The clutch is now controlled hydraulically and the left engine case has been redesigned. New components include a petrol tank with a 40l/h pump and a capacity of 12 l; the non-return fuel circuit has quick-fit connections for ease of removal.
The exhaust system on the four-stroke single cylinder engine has a "closed loop" lambda probe and twin aluminium exhaust silencers. The catalyser has been redesigned and optimised to easily meet Euro 3 requirements. The silencers, which also play an important role aesthetically, giving the bike an aggressive look, are covered with stainless steel guards in the catalyser and passenger foot peg area.
The suspension system consists of 45mm Marzocchi forks with rebound damping adjustment mated with a Sachs rear shock absorber.
The 2011 version of the TE 630 will have Magura tapered handlebars with new steering head clamps and no cross bar.
I told you.
So if you want to take this fine machine out for a test ride, best get yourself down the Azcari Adventure Centre a.s.a.p, or call us on 01306646424, There have been more than a few wanting eyes cast over this majestic beast and with the centre's official opening this Saturday, I suggest you make your move soon. I have a feeling she won't be on the showroom floor for very long.
We also have the TE310 and TE449 for available for test rides.
Read up a bit more below if you're not yet convinced.
Until next time...
Husqvarna TE 630
The Husqvarna TE 630 is a new addition to the Dual Purpose Husqvarna range and is launched into a particularly interesting segment of the motorcycle market; 600 cc single-cylinder four-stroke on/off-road bikes.Based on the new SM 630, the Husqvarna TE 630 benefits from having many parts in common with the smaller capacity racing four stroke Enduro Husqvarna models. The new machine sits in the range alongside the proven WRE 125 and these two bikes are the only models by themanufacturer who has won the title of off-road champion 78 times, to sit neatly in the dualpurpose sector: bikes that will take you anywhere.
With the new TE 630, Husqvarna intends to broaden the appeal of the range to include those less competition-minded riders who use their bikes every day and need more comfort and practicality but want to combine this with the thrill of owning a race bike.
Combining the look and character of a racing bike with performance perfect for daily use on or off-road, the new TE 630 is perfect for those riders who want a bike with muscle but also class. It is without any doubt the best example of how a racing off-roader can be transformed into a road going machine.
The new Husqvarna TE happily took up the challenge of racing and in the last Italian Championship Motorally and Marathon Raid it just won in the "Marathon" category for production bikes, the category Husqvarna dominated also in 2009.
The superlative engine is highly tractable even at low to medium revs thanks to its 600 cc capacity achieved by increasing the bore from 98 mm to 100 mm. The DOHC head with a red painted rocker cover like those on our racing bikes is inherited from the Husqvarna competition 450/510 engine and this permits a 20% increase in power over the earlier 576 cc version.
The TE 630 has an electronic fuel injection system developed in collaboration with Mikuni. The engine features a 45 mm throttle body with the fast idle control on the handlebars and there is now a 300 Kpa Mitsubishi "twin jet" fuel injector fitted to the throttle. The pressure regulator (3 Bar) regulates any return of excess fuel to the tank and the MAQS (Modularised Air Quantity Sensor) consists of air temperature, mapping and TPS (Throttle Position) sensors.
The Kokusan 360W three-phase ignition flywheel is also new.
The water temperature sensor is on the cylinder head: the injection system unit processes the signal from the sensor and controls the operation of the cooling fan on the right water radiator according to engine temperature. The bike has a completely new cooling system with a new impeller and water pump body.
The clutch is now controlled hydraulically and the left engine case has been redesigned. New components include a petrol tank with a 40l/h pump and a capacity of 12 l; the non-return fuel circuit has quick-fit connections for ease of removal.
The exhaust system on the four-stroke single cylinder engine has a "closed loop" lambda probe and twin aluminium exhaust silencers. The catalyser has been redesigned and optimised to easily meet Euro 3 requirements. The silencers, which also play an important role aesthetically, giving the bike an aggressive look, are covered with stainless steel guards in the catalyser and passenger foot peg area.
The suspension system consists of 45mm Marzocchi forks with rebound damping adjustment mated with a Sachs rear shock absorber.
The 2011 version of the TE 630 will have Magura tapered handlebars with new steering head clamps and no cross bar.
Sun is shining . . . weather is sweet.
In honour of this glorious Monday, I think it best we kick things off with a classic...
Aaah, nothing like a bit of Bob to start the day and distract from the fact that the weekend is over and another Monday is upon us. I hope the gods smile kindly on me and let this weather last till at least lunch time so I can catch a few rays for myself. Chicken soup for the soul. Growing up in Africa, you tend to take this kind of weather for granted. Not anymore!
So a good morning to you all.
Just wanted to touch base and remind you all of the big day coming up this Saturday. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry, I'm about to remind you. The Azcari Adventure Centre has its official opening! It promises to be an excellent day, so I hope you're going to make an appearance. Things will kick off at about 9-10am and last throughout the day. I'll be there doing a little bit of everything but most of the time I'll be hiding behind the camera capturing the happenings of the day.
It's been a hard slog getting here but we've made it. Seemed like the day would never come and now it's just around the corner. Hard work pays off I guess. It's pretty exciting to be honest, but then adventures always are.
Bog entry - tick.
Now just a few hundred more and I should be sorted. Oh wait, I've just added another tick to the list.
Book CBT - tick. Oh yeah! Thursday is the big day. Super stoked! Now I get to crash all the demo huskys and give the boss sleepless nights. Muhahahaha. Only joking boss man, I'll crash the AJP instead.
Until next time...
Aaah, nothing like a bit of Bob to start the day and distract from the fact that the weekend is over and another Monday is upon us. I hope the gods smile kindly on me and let this weather last till at least lunch time so I can catch a few rays for myself. Chicken soup for the soul. Growing up in Africa, you tend to take this kind of weather for granted. Not anymore!
So a good morning to you all.
Just wanted to touch base and remind you all of the big day coming up this Saturday. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry, I'm about to remind you. The Azcari Adventure Centre has its official opening! It promises to be an excellent day, so I hope you're going to make an appearance. Things will kick off at about 9-10am and last throughout the day. I'll be there doing a little bit of everything but most of the time I'll be hiding behind the camera capturing the happenings of the day.
It's been a hard slog getting here but we've made it. Seemed like the day would never come and now it's just around the corner. Hard work pays off I guess. It's pretty exciting to be honest, but then adventures always are.
Bog entry - tick.
Now just a few hundred more and I should be sorted. Oh wait, I've just added another tick to the list.
Book CBT - tick. Oh yeah! Thursday is the big day. Super stoked! Now I get to crash all the demo huskys and give the boss sleepless nights. Muhahahaha. Only joking boss man, I'll crash the AJP instead.
Until next time...
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Azcari Adventure Centre - Open Day April 9th.
P.S I'm in the process of booking my CBT, so I might even be able to pass myself off as a bike rider.
And here is a map, just incase.
View Larger Map
Until next time...
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
The joy of blogging.
* Face palm *
Don't ask me how - because I have absolutely no clue - but I somehow managed to lock myself out of my g mail account. It's not too much of a train smash as I don't use it that often, but I did use that e-mail account to register the new blog. I've filled out the forms (more than once) and sent Google a DNA sample but they still seem to want more information before they let me back in. It seems my password didn't like me anymore and just decided to change without telling me.
So welcome to the newer than new Azcari blog. I have a feeling that now I've started a new blog, Google will send me a password and all this will have been in vain. If I'm looking for a positive here...the only one I can find is that at least this has happened now and not a year into the blog. OK, so guess I better get this blog populated with some content.
Until next time...
The above text was posted on the new blog yesterday. When I came into the office today, Google had sent my DNA for analysis, got the report back and decided to let me back into my account. I'm still none the wiser as to how or why this happened though. So lets just put this in the past and move on.
Don't ask me how - because I have absolutely no clue - but I somehow managed to lock myself out of my g mail account. It's not too much of a train smash as I don't use it that often, but I did use that e-mail account to register the new blog. I've filled out the forms (more than once) and sent Google a DNA sample but they still seem to want more information before they let me back in. It seems my password didn't like me anymore and just decided to change without telling me.
So welcome to the newer than new Azcari blog. I have a feeling that now I've started a new blog, Google will send me a password and all this will have been in vain. If I'm looking for a positive here...the only one I can find is that at least this has happened now and not a year into the blog. OK, so guess I better get this blog populated with some content.
Until next time...
The above text was posted on the new blog yesterday. When I came into the office today, Google had sent my DNA for analysis, got the report back and decided to let me back into my account. I'm still none the wiser as to how or why this happened though. So lets just put this in the past and move on.
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