Biking In Heels Archives Page 2 of 2 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

First ride: BMW S1000XR, F900XR & F900R

vuyi on July 31, 2020

Bongiwe Didiza recently attended the media handover of the latest motorcycles from BMW Motorrad and spent the day playing with all three new bikes.

I won’t mention my excitement and the feelings of anticipation leading up to this day, because that will be a year long page of reading!

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Arriving at Gemelli Restaurant in Bryanston, for registration and Covid-19 screening I was well received with friendly smiles, exotic elbow greetings, a steaming hot cup of tea and nice breakfast. I took time to marvel at the beauties on display, the S 1000 XR, F 900 XR and F 900 R that BMW was about to handover to the media.

Being the the only rose amongst 5 young-at-heart-gentlemen bikers I felt a hint of intimidation.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

I could hardly contain myself, even as the presentation was well underway. Thoughts of experiencing first-hand, the various features being mentioned were making me fidget and I wondered if it was obvious to others in the room. This being my first-ever motorcycle event I felt like all bikers do when itching to get into the saddle of a new iron horse – energized.

Being the the only rose amongst 5 young-at-heart-gentlemen bikers I felt a hint of intimidation. Although my riding experience more than qualified me to be in their midst, the age-old debate about which gender is the better biker gnawed at my brain. I didn’t entertain it. I knew I was spending a day with friendly colleagues experiencing the thrill of the ride.

I figured the F 900 R might be an interesting pick for daily commuting.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Daydreaming about the S 1000 XR, I marveled at how it combined the different strengths of various BMW motorcycles. by producing the S 1000 XR, BMW have effectively carved out a new and niche biking category as the S 1000 XR combines the performance capabilities of a BMW S1000RR with touring bike abilities.

I brought myself back into the moment of the presentation. My resolve didn’t last long though and I smiled slowly as I the imaged myself riding the F 900 XR adventure sport bike. It’s upright GS seating style would make me feel as though I was on my F 800 GS and that in itself, would be reassuring.

All the gentlemen were already suited up, however, a lady being a lady, I still had to get into my riding gear.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Letting my mind drift to the dynamic F 900 R, I figured the F 900 R might be an interesting pick for daily commuting. Most commuter bikes are generally powered by engine capacities smaller than 900cc. I couldn’t wait to discover how a bike of this engine size would fare in a commuter-type environment.

The presentation at an end, it was time for us to formally meet the motorbikes in the metal. All the gentlemen were already suited up, however, a lady being a lady, I still had to get into my riding gear.

The bike’s responsiveness is refreshing, ithi “phuma uze kudlala”.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

I started off with the dynamic power of the S 1000 XR. I fumbled, before I remembered BMW has a keyless start, then laughed at myself. Off we went on my ice grey horse down Bryanston, through Krugersdorp and all the way to Magalies for our first comfort break.

That was a long enough ride for me to fiddle with the 6’5inch TFT screen and explore the different riding modes – Dynamic Pro, Dynamic, Road. I didn’t tamper with the Rain mode though, knowing it would test better on a rainy day. In Dynamic mode, I felt the S 1000 XR punch forward. Although expected, it felt exhilarating. The bike’s responsiveness is refreshing, ithi “phuma uze kudlala” directly translated that means – “come out and play”. Corny I know.

The F900R, could be just perfect as it does not restrict you because of your height

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

The break over, it was time to hop on to the F 900 R – the Hockenheim silver/racing red commuter bike with its sizable engine. Although offering a comfortable seating position, my tall frame dwarfed it considerably and it felt too snug for me. I recalled conversations with ladies who only ride superbikes because of the tallness of the other bike models and realized that I could now confidently talk about the F 900 R as it’s height would suite most not-so-tall people. For those who may want to try something different, the F 900 R could be just perfect as it does not restrict you because of height; and while most may not want to admit it, height is not a female problem so a few guys might want to try out the F 900 R too!

The F 900 R lived up to my earlier day dreams when I had envisioned that it could easily be one of the best commuter bikes. As I rode it, it proved to be light and swift and given the capacity of its engine I can confidently say that the F 900 R would give you the freedom to quickly get out of sticky commuting situations with ease during an urban ride. Soon I was living my best life, playing on the curves along the road leading to our lunch destination, at the Cradle Moon Lodge, Muldersdrift.

Over lunch my colleagues and I shared our individual experiences thus far and discussed various features of each of the motorcycles. Oh, the joys of being in the company of those who share the same interests as yourself.

A short distance from our starting point, we had a motorcycle-journalists gone wild moment.

bongiwe didiza – biking in heels

Then came the big surprise reveal, in the form of the BMW R18 cruiser prototype. Seemingly, everyone else already suspected it lay in wait under the cover of the platform it perched on. I was the only one taken completely by surprise.

With our tummies refueled, it was time for me to saddle up on the F 900 XR. Presented in the perfect colour for me – galvanic gold metallic – I settled onto the bike I affectionatly regarded as the S 1000 XR’s little sister. The F 900 XR has loads of personality and ease of comfort for everyday riding. Riding the F 900 XR you’d be forgiven if you ‘mistakenly’ found yourself venturing on a mini adventure without a destination in mind – just to keep riding it.

A short distance from our starting point, we had a motorcycle-journalists gone wild moment. I let the ‘boys’ go wild on their powered-up toys, while I followed with my own hearty “cry-laugh” moment. The time to return the bikes had come and the ‘rowdiness’ was our way of signing off the end of an incredible experience.

Going home later on, I felt all sorts of sweet happiness. my first-ever handover experience had been amazing. the BMW Motorrad team and my media fellows had just a fantastic bunch of people and besides, its always a good day when one rides a well engineered motorbike.

I hopped into bed to remininse about the day and simultaneously made a mental, (albeit sleepy) note to book all three bikes for longer test rides as soon as possible. As my head hit the pillow I visualized myself astride the new BMW R18 cruiser set to arrive in SA in October. It gave me a glimmer of hope that even through the global coronavirus pandemic there was something to look forward to but until then I was just happy to have had a phenomenal day.

#MakeLifeARideSA

New Motorbikes On The Tarmac

vuyi on June 25, 2020

Suzuki Katana

Well known connoisseur motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki recently unveiled its most beguiling beauty in the form of the new Suzuki Katana. Paying homage to the GSX1100S Katana of the eighties, the new contemporary motorcycle from Suzuki effortlessly highlights sculptured lines and precisely contoured panels in its bold and intricate structure. Vertically stacked LED headlight and front position lights accent the sharp lines of the Katana’s distinctive face; and its tail light features a striking lighting pattern. Sleek, lean and athletic, the new Suzuki Katana promises its ride the thrill of a lifetime thanks to its 1000cc engine. The new Katana also relies on its 6-speed transmission, back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-model traction control system and new tyres with tubeless structure which have been designed specifically for the Katana. Weighing 215kg and standing at 1,110mm high, the Katana measure 835mm wide and is 2,130mm in length. The new Suzuki Katana is available in Metallic Mystic Silver and Glass Sparkle Black.

Priced from: R187 500-00

Triumph Rocket 3 R

Triumph has released the all-new Rocket 3 R which reportedly delivers incredible control, comfort, capability and instantaneous world-leading torque. The muscular new Rocket 3 R features distinctive twin full LED headlights including the distinctive Triumph triangle branding. The sculptured 3-header exhaust is a hallmark style focal point of the new Rocket 3 range while the 20-spoke wheels enhance the Rocket 3’s dramatic look. Its stylish handlebars, give the rider of this impressive beast a command riding position. The Rocket 3’s 2,500cc triple is the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, delivering 123kW of power and 221Nm of peak torque paired to a 6-speed gearbox. For rider ease, the all-new Rocket 3 features a TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (rain, road, sport and rider-configurable). The Triumph Rocket 3 has an 18litre petrol tank and is available in Phantom Black and Korossi Red.

Priced from: R299 000-00

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The 2020 CRF1100L Africa Twin derivatives from Honda are set to up the ante within the adventure motorcycle arena. With more power, the new models are more technologically advanced, lighter in weight and equipped with more driver aids than ever before. There are two Africa Twin motorbikes available being – the standard Africa Twin and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES. Both motorcycles are driven by a 1,084cc engine, firing 75kW and 105Nm, paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic dual-clutch transmission. The standard Africa Twin is designed for improved sporting and off-road performance, while the Adventure Sports ES – tailored for comfortable long distance quests – is fitted with heated grips and Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment suspension (EERA). Both 2020 Africa Twin bikes feature a 6.5-inch TFT (thin-film transistor) colour touchscreen display, which is Apple CarPlay compatible. New rider aids include wheelie control, cornering ABS, rear-lift control, DCT cornering detection, cornering lights and cruise control as standard. The Honda CRF100L Africa Twin and Adventure Sports ES are available in Rally Red Metallic or Black Matt.

Priced from R210 000-00

BMW S 1000 RR

One glance at the S 1000 RR confirms that is an indomitably spirited high-performance machine.

The new S 1000 RR features front indicators which have been repositioned from the fairing to the rear view mirrors, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing look as well as improved visibility. To the rear, the S 1000 RR shows off number plate lighting and the inclusion of LED turn signals in the number plate holder, a design which fuses sex appeal with everyday practicality.

At the heart of the much anticipated German thorough-breed, is the newly engineered four-cylinder enginespitting a heart-thumping 152kW and 113Nm. Reaching a top speed of 299km/hr, street superbike is fitted with BMW Motorrad Race ABS (part integral) and has ABS fittings for Rain, Road and Dynamic mode (Note – no ABS in Race mode). Other standard features include Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Control, Shift Assist Pro, TFT display and LED headlight and rear light. The BMW S 1000 RR is available in Hockenheim silver metallic, Racing red non-metallic and Light white/Racing blue metallic/Racing red.

Priced from R311 400-00

Why I learnt how to ride a motorcycle (& why other women should consider it too)

vuyi on April 29, 2020

Our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu shares her reasons for learning how to ride a motorcycle, courtesy of Honda Motorcycles South Africa.

After years of driving motorcars, I decided to earnestly peruse my curiosity about riding motorcycles. I had attended a couple of beginner’s motorbike riding lessons in the past but had never actually followed through with biking on my own. All that changed in 2019 when I wrote a list of the things I had, in previous years, promised myself I would do but had let fall by the wayside.

Women on the other hand are generally raised to be demure and delicate – characteristics which obviously don’t quite play out well in relation to straddling a motorcycle.

– Vuyi Mpofu, Editor – heels & horsepower magazine

I went about obtaining my learner’s license, but didn’t tell anyone, least of all my 75-year-old mother for obvious reasons; the culture of motorcycling doesn’t harmonize well with the traditional expectations of who I am preordained to be and what I am predestined to do with my life as a Black Woman.

Sadly motorbiking is still considered as the domain of tough, fearless and in some instances, rebellious men – which is not necessarily who male bikers are. Women on the other hand are generally raised to be demure and delicate, characteristics which obviously don’t quite play out well in relation to straddling a motorcycle.

My venturing into motorcycles had more to do with silencing a loud voice within me that demanded to know why I was trying to fit into a societal cage. By allowing myself to explore the world of 2-wheelers I not only fulfilled an life-long dream but also discovered many reasons to remain in the saddle. Here are a few:

I ride a Honda NC750x DCT which I’ve christened “The Blue Wildebeest” because it is short, stocky, powerful and well – blue!

– vuyi mpofu, editor – heels & horsepower magazine

REASON #1: FREEDOM

BENEFIT: I discovered that the ‘she-must-be-rebellious’ hype about being a female motor biker worked to my advantage. Rather than explain myself to those people who were determined to misunderstand my rational, I proudly plastered the proverbial ‘rebel’ sticker on my forehead and used it as an excuse to push self-imposed cultural & societal limitations about who I am (or not) as a Black Woman on a motorcycle. Thanks to the world viewing me differently I have embraced the courage to become more of the woman I have always been inside, but have never been encouraged to express.

REASON #2: ADVENTURE

BENEFIT: I ride a Honda NC750x DCT which I’ve christened “Blue Wildebeest” because it is short, stocky, powerful and well – blue! It is the vehicular equivalent of a soft off-road SUV and allows me to go off the beaten track to explore places I would otherwise need a bakkie to get to. Being light on fuel, (approx. 350km out of its 14litre tank) allows me to go on adventures without the burden of hefty fuel prices. Plus, it has a handy luggage compartment which can store up to about 5kg of clothes, cosmetics and gadgets for my trips.

When I ride, I can feel the wind all around me as Blue Wildebeest whistles along the road.

– vuyi mpofu, editor – heels & horsepower magazine

REASON #3: INDEPENDENCE

BENEFIT: Face it ladies, there are times you would like to just leave everyone and everything behind and be completely on your own. Nothing gives you more cost-effective independence than being able to strap on your helmet, crank up the engine and ride away to collect your thoughts. When I ride, I can feel the wind all around me as Blue Wildebeest whistles along the road. I am more in touch with nature than when I am in a car. When you ride (even when riding in a group) you are completely in the moment, without distractions from a phones, radio or talkative passengers.

REASON #4: COMMUNITY

BENEFIT: Speaking of group rides, being on a motorcycle has opened my world to people of all walks of life and I have formed friendships with folk I may not ordinarily have met had I not on a motorbike. I have developed a network of ‘biker-gals’ across the continent and it has been interesting to share and learn from more experienced riders who relate to my ‘newbie’ biker experiences. For instance, helmet hair is a real problem (that’s when your hair just flattens against your head or spikes up in all different directions when you take you helmet off) as is finding protective gear that comfortably fits my build.

The saying “there is nothing to fear except fear itself” is absolutely true.

– vuyi mpofu, editor- heels & horsepower magazine

REASON #5: CONQUERING MY FEARS

BENEFIT: The saying “there is nothing to fear except fear itself” is absolutely true. I have discovered that what I had perceived as reasons not to ride (e.g., traffic, the weather, speed etc.) are what makes biking exhilarating. Unfortunately, motorists tend to drive as if bikers are invisible beings, however the sun, wind and rain all make for memorable experiences. As for speed, well, I ride as fast or as slowly as I feel comfortable and keep a strong sense of self-preservation high on my list of priorities.

Motorcycling has become a large part of my self-love process and I wouldn’t hang up my riding boots for anything in the world. I would strongly encourage women to give biking a try, bearing in mind that you can’t write something off until you’ve determined what it is about. Who knows, the biking bug might bite you and open you up to a life you never knew existed.

How Well Can You Really See?

vuyi on March 27, 2020

A woman has the ability to note that the left toe-nail of another woman 10m away is in need of a trim and colour fill but has difficulty seeing the SUV she reversed into in the parking lot. You laugh but you know it’s true.

90% of the information motorists need is received through the eyes, therefore it stands to reason that good vision is a prerequisite for safe driving.

Let’ s face it. If you can’t see properly, you can’t drive safely, it’s simple – Thembela Moyo

There are different types of visual functionality necessary for driving, and should any of these be impaired your level of safety on the road becomes automatically compromised. These are:

COLOUR VISION helps you identify things like traffic signals, different coloured road signs, indicator and brake lights.

DEPTH PERCEPTION is the ability to see things in three dimensions (length, width and depth) and to judge the distance of various objects in relation to where you are.

VISUAL ACUITY gauges how clearly you can see and visual field is how wide of an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point.

VISUAL FIELD is how wide an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point.

PERIPHERAL VISION enables you to see things to your left or right such as the sides of your car, animals, cyclists and pedestrians without the need to glance away from the road.

NEAR VISION is the ability to quickly and effectively adjust your focus from something far away such as the bend in road ahead, to something near such as the information on your dashboard.

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It is incredible that the above (and more) work together almost instantaneously and to a large extent are the determining factors used in making critical driving decisions.

Asides driving distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, other reasons which affect our ability to see properly include:

Normal age-related degeneration
Glaucoma – a disease which damages the eye’s optic nerve leading to the development of blind spots in your central or peripheral vision
Macular Degeneration – a disease in which a part of the retina (called the macula) becomes damaged, causing loss to central vision
Diabetic Retinopathy – a disease in which high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina, depriving it of both central and peripheral vision
Cataract – a progressive clouding of the lens in the eye, causing halos around lights, blurry vision and difficulty in seeing properly in bad weather conditions, poorly lit environments and at night.

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Nothing signals that we are aging quite like deteriorating eyesight which is one of the leading reasons most people avoid having their eyes tested. There is no shame in admitting that your vision isn’t quite what it used to be and thanks to modern technology, there are many corrective solutions for various eyesight deficiencies – which don’t involve thick unsightly glasses!

Please let me know how about your eyesight and driving experiences by leave a comment below and tagging @freshvisionopt on Instagram and hashtag #heelsandhorsepowermag

About the Author: Thembelo Moyo