# RiderMates Magazine


## Posts

- [Is the Rego Hike Killing New Zealand's Motorcycle Industry?](https://ridermates.com/rego-hike-nz-motorcycle-industry/): Big-bike rego has jumped 51% and riders are parking their bikes. But the numbers show the motorcycle slump started long before the ACC levy rose.
- [Yamaha to Build Engines From Recycled Aluminium by 2030](https://ridermates.com/yamaha-recycled-aluminium-diasil-cylinders-2030/): By 2030 every Yamaha engine with a DiASil cylinder will use a new recycled aluminium alloy, cutting about 47,000 tonnes of CO2 a year. Indonesian commuter models get it first. Here’s how it works and why it took so long.
- [Zero DS Rides 436km on One Charge to Smash Electric Motorcycle World Record](https://ridermates.com/zero-ds-436km-single-charge-world-record/): A production Zero DS has ridden 436.5km from the French Alps to the Mediterranean on a single charge, beating the previous Guinness World Records title by more than 40%.
- [CFMOTO 450MT vs KTM 390 Adventure vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450](https://ridermates.com/cfmoto-450mt-vs-ktm-390-adventure-vs-himalayan-450/): NZ's three best-selling LAMS adventure bikes compared on price, specs, off-road ability and ownership costs – and which one to buy.
- [CFMOTO Replaces Yamaha as Bike Supplier for Women’s World Racing from 2027](https://ridermates.com/cfmoto-worldwcr-2027-675sr-r/): From 2027 every WorldWCR rider will race a CFMOTO 675SR-R, replacing the Yamaha R7 – the first time a Chinese brand has supplied an FIM world championship. Here’s the bike, the deal and why it matters in NZ.
- [Kawasaki Versys 900 (2027): The Middleweight Tourer Gets Radar – NZ Details and Estimated Price](https://ridermates.com/kawasaki-versys-900-2027-nz-price-radar/): Kawasaki’s new Versys 900 slots between the 650 and 1100 with a Z900-based four, radar-assisted rider aids and two NZ versions due by mid-2027. Here’s what we know, and our estimate of the NZ price.
- [Labour Weekend Riding in NZ (2026): The Best Rides, Traffic Hotspots and Staying Safe](https://ridermates.com/labour-weekend-riding-in-nz-2026-the-best-rides-traffic-hotspots-and-staying-safe/): Labour Weekend (24–26 October 2026) is the first big riding weekend of spring. Here are six great rides, the traffic hotspots to avoid, spring riding hazards and how to stay safe.
- [Honda CB750 Hornet (2026) Review: The Most Muscle for the Money, Now With E-Clutch](https://ridermates.com/honda-cb750-hornet-2026-review-the-most-muscle-for-the-money-now-with-e-clutch/): Honda's CB750 Hornet brings a 90hp, 755cc twin, quality brakes and full rider modes to NZ for $15,995 – and the 2026 model adds Honda's clever E-Clutch. The suspension is basic and there's no cornering ABS.
- [Triumph Trident 660 (2026) Review: More Revs, More Tech, Same Easy Manners](https://ridermates.com/triumph-trident-660-2026-review-more-revs-more-tech-same-easy-manners/): The 2026 Triumph Trident 660 gets a reworked 95hp triple, a quickshifter, cruise control and cornering ABS as standard for $15,990 + ORC. The engine now outclasses the soft, basic chassis.
- [Yamaha MT-07 LAMS (2025) Review: The Learner Favourite Grows Up](https://ridermates.com/yamaha-mt-07-lams-2025-review-the-learner-favourite-grows-up/): The fourth-generation Yamaha MT-07 LA adds radial brakes, ride-by-wire, traction control and a TFT dash to NZ's favourite learner naked, at around $15,199. It's still light and friendly, but the firm rear shock and basic forks remain.
- [New WoF Rules from 1 November 2026: What Changes for NZ Motorcyclists](https://ridermates.com/new-wof-rules-from-1-november-2026-what-changes-for-nz-motorcyclists/): NZ’s WoF rules change on 1 November 2026. Here’s what it means for motorcycles – which bikes go to annual WoFs, which don’t, and the bigger fines.
- [Motorcycle Insurance in NZ Explained: Cover Types, Costs and What to Compare (2026)](https://ridermates.com/motorcycle-insurance-in-nz-explained-cover-types-costs-and-what-to-compare-2026/): How motorcycle insurance works in New Zealand – what ACC does and doesn’t cover, third party vs comprehensive, agreed value, gear cover and how to compare quotes.
- [Buying a Used Motorcycle in NZ: The Complete Checklist (2026)](https://ridermates.com/buying-a-used-motorcycle-in-nz-the-complete-checklist-2026/): Everything to check before you buy a used motorcycle in New Zealand – PPSR, stolen checks, WoF and rego, inspection, test ride and doing the deal safely.
- [Motorcycle Intercoms Compared: Cardo vs Sena vs ASMAX (NZ 2026 Guide)](https://ridermates.com/motorcycle-intercoms-compared-cardo-vs-sena-vs-asmax-nz-2026-guide/): An honest NZ comparison of Cardo, Sena and budget brand ASMAX intercoms – audio, mesh, range, waterproofing, apps, warranty and NZ prices.
- [Motorcycle Helmet Standards in NZ: What’s Legal and How to Choose (2026 Guide)](https://ridermates.com/motorcycle-helmet-standards-in-nz-whats-legal-and-how-to-choose-2026-guide/): Which motorcycle helmet standards are accepted in New Zealand, what ECE 22.06 changed, how to check labels, and how to choose and fit a helmet.
- [How to Ride a Motorcycle in NZ Rain and Wind: 14 Tips That Actually Help](https://ridermates.com/how-to-ride-a-motorcycle-in-nz-rain-and-wind-14-tips-that-actually-help/): Practical techniques for riding safely in New Zealand rain and strong crosswinds – from slippery surfaces and visor fog to gusts and trucks.
- [The Coromandel Loop: The Perfect Weekend Motorcycle Ride from Auckland](https://ridermates.com/the-coromandel-loop-the-perfect-weekend-motorcycle-ride-from-auckland/): A two-day ride guide to the Coromandel Loop – SH25, SH25A, the 309 Road, where to stop, and what to watch out for.
- [New Motorcycles for 2027: The Upcoming Bikes NZ Riders Should Watch](https://ridermates.com/new-motorcycles-for-2027-the-upcoming-bikes-nz-riders-should-watch/): The 2027 model year is taking shape fast.
- [What It Really Costs to Own a Motorcycle in NZ in 2026 (Including the New ACC Levy)](https://ridermates.com/what-it-really-costs-to-own-a-motorcycle-in-nz-in-2026-including-the-new-acc-levy/): The sticker price is only the start.
- [How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence in NZ: 6L, 6R and Full Explained (2026)](https://ridermates.com/how-to-get-your-motorcycle-licence-in-nz-6l-6r-and-full-explained-2026/): Getting a motorcycle licence in New Zealand is a three-stage process: learner (6L), restricted (6R) and full (6).
- [Kriega Trail 18 Review: Brilliant, Bombproof – and Smaller and Pricier Than You'd Like](https://ridermates.com/kriega-trail-18-review-brilliant-bombproof-and-smaller-and-pricier-than-youd-like/): The Kriega Trail 18 is one of the most comfortable, best-built small riding backpacks around – but it's pricey, smaller inside than 18 litres suggests, and only partly waterproof.
- [Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail Review: Lots of Bike for the Money, With Some Catches](https://ridermates.com/benelli-leoncino-800-trail-review-lots-of-bike-for-the-money-with-some-catches/): The Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail offers a punchy twin, quality brakes and great scrambler looks for $11,990 – but vibration, basic suspension and minimal electronics are the price of that value.
- [Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs CFMOTO 450MT: Which Adventure Bike for NZ?](https://ridermates.com/royal-enfield-himalayan-450-vs-cfmoto-450mt-which-adventure-bike-for-nz/): For a New Zealand rider choosing a smaller adventure bike, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and CFMOTO 450MT deserve a place on the same shortlist.
- [Top 5 Motorbikes Launching in NZ Soon](https://ridermates.com/top-5-motorbikes-launching-in-nz-soon/): Five upcoming motorbikes to watch in New Zealand, with confirmed and reported arrival windows for Triumph, Husqvarna and Kawasaki. Updated 13 October 2026.
- [Savic C-Series: what an Australian road test reveals](https://ridermates.com/demo-editorial-news-2/): AMCN’s Savic C-Series road test offers a look at electric riding in Australia. Here are the main findings and the questions New Zealand riders still need answered.
- [Royal Enfield Himalayan 750: When Will It Launch in NZ, and at What Price?](https://ridermates.com/royal-enfield-himalayan-750-nz-launch-date-price/): When could the Himalayan 750 reach New Zealand, and what might it cost? We separate overseas launch reports from confirmed NZ availability and pricing.

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