Listen: Tell-Tale Signs Your Car Is Costing You Too Much
Tune into #SAfmLivingRedesigned on SAfm, every Tuesday between 13:40 and 13:50 for an update on all things motoring.
Listen: What Consumers Should Consider When Buying A Car
We are pleased to share that our editor Ms Vuyi Mpofu is now on national radio station, SAfm, presenting a weekly motoring feature.
What are ISOFIX fittings?
There is much talk about child in-car safety and one of the most common ways to ensure the safety of your precious cargo is with the aid of ISOFIX fittings. But what exactly are they and how do they work?
The word ISOFIX is derived from the words “International Safety Organization” (ISO) and “Fixation” (FIX). It is the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in passenger vehicles. They are U-shaped brackets welded to the chassis of a car for the sole purpose of securing an ISOFIX compliant child seat or base. Almost all cars come standard with ISOFIX points. They are not optional extras nor can they be removed. Should the car owner not need to use them, they remain unobstructive and do not interfere with passenger seating comfort.
Why do I need them?
Prior to ISOFIX fittings and ISOFIX compliant car seats, there was a myriad of different sizes and shaped of car seats on the market. It can’t have been easy for parents to know which car seat was best for their child. ISOFIX however was designed to give parents peace of mind and security, and by virtue of their design, added protection for children in the event of an accident.
Does my car have them?
Most manufacturers mark the location of the ISOFIX fittings with either the words ISOFIX or a symbol. Some are covered with hard plastic flaps whereas others are covered by the upholstery of the vehicle. They are generally located either in the front passenger or rear seats.
How do I find them?
To identify them, push your hand through the gap where the backrest and seat meet and run it across from one end to the other. Within seconds you will come across the first metallic U-shaped fitting. Continue sliding your hand across the gap until you locate the second.
What do they do?
Those with more grey hair than they care to admit will remember a time when in-car child safety meant securing the car seat with the use of seatbelts and a prayer for the best! ISOFIX fittings however, keep the car seat firmly in place drastically reducing the possibility of your child tumbling out of his seat in the event of an emergency braking scenario.
Asides offering optimal safety, ISOFIX and compliant products include:
- Ease of use
- Quick and simple to install
- Convenience
ISOFIX fittings in a car are so important that they have become major considerations in the car buying process. They minimise the risk of incorrectly installing a car seat and provide a solid and permanent connection between the car and the framework of the child seat. Should you be in the family way, ISOFIX compliant car seats are a bit pricey but then again, what price wouldn’t you pay to ensure your child’s safety?
Dads on Motorbikes: Bongi Nkosi
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Bongi Nkosi and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
– Vuyi mpofu, editor
Fantastic Father: Bongi Nkosi (41)
Full time job: Fantastic Father to Siyabonga (8)
Between 8 & 5: Senior Engineering Technician
Brrrps around on a: BMW F 850 GSA
I convinced ubhut’ Boi to let me take his scooter for a spin when in reality I had never ridden a bike before!
– Bongi nkosi
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Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
BN: The honour of igniting my interest in motorcycles goes to my dad. When I was about 8 years old, he gave me my first ride on his motorcycle which I surprisingly enjoyed. He rode a Honda CB750 at the time. I remember quite vividly how absolutely fearless I was, listening to his instructions on how to hold on to him prior to our departure. My other motivation in becoming interested in motorbikes was that quite frankly, I was tired of peddling on my mountain bike. I loved my bicycle but I didn’t enjoy trudging uphill. After the first ride with my pops, I knew that motorcycles were in my future. The introductory ride I been on with him had planted the motorcycling gene in me.
In my defence I had ridden a bike before, just not on my own!
– bongi nkosi
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride and what was your first motorbike?
BN: I taught myself how to ride on a borrowed semi-automatic Honda scooter. I was 13 years old at the time. Ordinarily I would have asked my father to teach me given that my first ride had been with him on his bike; but I am not sure he would have agreed especially as the bike he rode was too powerful and too tall for me at the time.
Instead, I happened upon a family friend, ubhuti Boi Maduna, who owned the scooter. It didn’t take much to convince him to let me take it for a spin. Note that I didn’t know how to ride at all and chose my words carefully by asking if I could “take it for a spin”. I deliberately did not ask him to “teach me how to ride”. As you can imagine the difference between the two would have resulted in him either letting me hop onto his precious scooter or throttling away and laughing at me in disbelief!
I found myself surveying a 2016 BMW GS 1200 on his showroom floor, which he emphatically claimed had my name written on it
– bongi nkosi
Before departure ubhut’ Boi asked if I had ever ridden a motorcycle before. I told him a little white lie – that of course I had. In my defence I had ridden a bike before, just not on my own! As I was about to pull away on my first ever solo bike ride (on the scooter he relied upon as a means of transport I might add), I hurriedly asked him to show me the accelerator and the brakes. Instinctively, he did so. Relieved, I speedily zipped off before he could realise what I had just said!
Sadly ubhut Boi is no longer with us but I know he would been amazed and proud of the biker I have become.
3. H&H: What made you choose the BMW F 850 GSA over other adventure bikes on the market?
BN: This honour goes to a friend of mine – Leonard van Gruenen, a passionate BMW GS enthusiast and bike sales person. Leonard noted my interest in adventure biking after reading about my rides to Lesotho and Coffee Bay in 2019. Being the convincing sales man that he is, I found myself surveying a 2016 BMW GS 1200 on his showroom floor, which he emphatically claimed had my name written on it; and me being a newbie adventure bike lover, I found myself believing him. Needless to say, it didn’t take much to convince me to purchase the bike. As we began negotiations on the sale, Covid-19 put a spanner in the works. In hindsight this wasn’t a bad thing because coming out of lockdown, an F 850 GS Adventure with very low millage on the clock became available. The rest, as they say is history.
At 16, I couldn’t even spell the word logic let alone apply it to the circumstances.
– bongi nkosi
4. H&H: What do you like most and least about your bike?
BN: I have more likes than dislikes to be honest. The things I like most are:
- The TFT Dash. I think BMW makes one of the best TFT dashboards on the motorcycle market. Not only does it display loads of rider and bike information, but it is coupled with a very user-friendly switch gear.
- Awesome looks. I’m in awe of the Bavarian style Rallye colour scheme and gold rims.
- Braking power. The F 850 GSA comes standard with all-around Brembo braking system and ABS Pro feature.
Overall, my F 850 GSA is a fresh and unique bike and very different from its siblings, the bigger R1250 GS Adventure and outgoing F 800 GS Adventure.
The things I like least are:
- The bike seat height. I can’t stand flat footed when I’m in the saddle, but I’m sure this can be sorted out by dropping the suspension a bit.
- Standard all plastic hand guards. A replacement of these hand guards with a more durable aftermarket set is quite imminent.
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Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
5. H&H: When you initially started out, how did you parents feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
BN: I bought my first bike, a 1990 Kawasaki AR-50 when I was 16 years old. My parents had mixed emotions upon seeing me roll up on 2-wheels. The thing is, dad had been involved in a biking accident a few months prior to my entrance to the family home on my Kawasaki.
I guess logic would have dictated that I be thoroughly deterred from biking given what he had been through but let’s be honest, boys will be boys. At 16, I couldn’t even spell the word logic let alone apply it to the circumstances!
I like to think I am a responsible rider but when I ride with Bonga, he always reminds me about taking it easy on the throttle.
– bongi nkosi
It took a while to convince my father that I was serious about biking and that I respected all vehicles and the rules of the road. I also had to ensure that I upskill myself just to gain some measure of trust from him and my mother.
Fortunately, I was determined to become the best and safest motorcyclists I could be and gathered most of my early riding experience on the Kawasaki under the watchful eye of my father. Almost a year to the day after ripping off on bhut’ Boi’s AR-50 and with my parents blessing, I upgraded to a slightly bigger and more powerful Suzuki SE-125 street scrambler.
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Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi -
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
6. H&H: How does Siyabonga feel about you being a biker?
BN: My son fully supports my biking hobby. He thinks it’s really cool. I once overheard him showing off to his friends that I own a motorcycle and that I occasionally take him for rides. The pride in his voice when saying that melted my heart. It also served to remind me yet again, that I should be ultra-careful on the road whenever I ride, with or without him.
7. Do you ride with Siyabonga and if so, how often?
BN: Occasionally, I have taken him on a few short bike rides on my former machines, a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and a Yamaha MT09. In as much as he likes the fact that I am a biker, I think he is still a little scared at the thought of riding with me. He enjoys our ‘boys time’ but I notice that the height of any motorcycle and the sound of a revving engine frightens him. I am cognisant not to impose my passion for bikes onto him and only ride with him when he indicates that he wants to do so.
That said, whenever we come to a stop, the grin on his face is endless letting me know how much he really does enjoy it. I like to think I am a responsible rider but when I ride with Bonga, he always reminds me about taking it easy on the throttle. I hear his little voice whenever I am riding, even when he isn’t with me and for that I am abundantly thankful.
8. H&H: Would you encourage Siyabonga to ride in the future if he wanted to?
BN: Yes, I would. I guess I have already taken a leaf out of my father’s book and have introduced him to the world of biking. Should he show a definitive interest in biking however, I will invest in his biking lessons with a reputable riding school. I will have to start saving for the numerous pairs of boots, jackets and pants he will need as he grows and grows and grows! Donations will be most welcome!
What made it an interesting trip was that my friend challenged me to ride as if on an economy run, meaning we had to use as little fuel as possible
– bongi nkosi
9. H&H: What have been the highlights / lowlights of your biking life?
BN: Lowlight – being affected by bike theft. In 2016, I was unceremoniously relieved of my beloved Yamaha R1, 2003 model. It was stolen from the complex I lived in while I was out visiting friends. I can’t describe the pain I felt upon discovering the theft. What made matters worse is that the bike was never recovered. To date the perpetrators have never been never caught.
Highlight – I guess the spirit of ubuntu, brother and sisterhood that bikers portray. Along a way in my biking journey I have managed to forge new relationships with many people from different walks of life.
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Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019 -
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019 -
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019 -
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019 -
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019
10. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places have you have been to?
BN: I dedicate two weekends a month to ride either on my own or with a group of friends. I am not terribly particular about who I ride with just as long as they are good company and are up for an adventure.
Through biking, I have travelled to many incredible places. The most interesting trips have been in the past 18 months. A trip to Lesotho on a Honda Africa TwinDCT, which also happened to be my first road trip to the mountainous kingdom proved to be fun in spite of the fact that it rained the entire journey. A few weeks later I joined friends on a trip to Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape. This trip was memorable largely because very few of our best laid plans materialized and a lot of decisions were made on the fly. This was also the first time I had been to the breath taking tourist destination, Hole-In-The-Wall. For this trip I rode a Honda Africa Twin Manual.
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Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA -
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA -
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA -
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA -
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA
Another biking adventure I went on was to Durban. What made it an interesting trip was that my friend challenged me to ride as if on an economy run, meaning we had to use as little fuel as possible. The winning biker would be the one who used the least fuel. For someone with a love for a fast paced ride this was indeed a big ask. In order for me to better my chances at winning, I swopped motorcycles with him and used his Honda NC750x on the journey down and my own bike, a Suzuki GXS-R 1000 on the trip back to Jozi. Needless to say I won the first leg of the challenge only because I used his more fuel efficient bike and made a complete hash of things once I was in the saddle of my monster!
Being on a motorbike has also emphasised the need to appreciate the little things in life on a daily basis
– bongi nkosi
11. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
BN: Biking has taught me to be more open minded than I knew I could be. I have learnt that we live on borrowed time and must make the most of it while we can – to live in the moment. Everyone I’ve met through my biking journey has played some sort of role in my life and has touched my life in one way or another. Biking with family, complete strangers and strangers that have become family has served me well. I have ventured to places I might never have been to and have been exposed to certain life lessons I might not have learnt had I not been on 2-wheels. I am also happy to share that had I not been on a bike I may not have been in a position to meet people from so many different circles of life.
Being on a motorbike has also emphasised the need to appreciate the little things in life on a daily basis. Spending quiet time away with my family or going for an afternoon run with my loved ones, be it on a motorbike or in a car are to me the types of moments I truly enjoy.
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Honda Goldwing: Image courtesy of Honda SA -
Ducati Panigale V4R: Image courtesy of Ducati SA -
BMW R 1000 SS Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad SA -
BMW R 1250 GSA. Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad SA
12. H&H: If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
BN: To put it politely, I don’t think so. Asking me to do that would be similar to asking me to stop breathing and expecting me to survive.
The Goldwing would be great for an unhurried ride with my partner to Cape Town
– bongi nkosi
13. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
BN: There’d probably be 4 2020-year model bikes on that trailer.
- Ducati V4R: I would get this bike for the Italian flair! I mean what would be the point in having all the money in the world and not getting a piece of Italian spirit! But because this bike is an incredibly beautiful machine, I don’t know if I would ride it or just sit and stare at it!
- BMW 2020 S1000RR – this is a masterfully created machine. I especially love it in its motorsport colours.
- BMW R1250 GS Adventure – The BMW GS range is legendary and I think BMW outdid themselves in the production of the 1250 GS derivative. In my humble opinion, the 1250 GS is hands down the most comfortable and most biker friendly adventure bikes on the market. Of course it comes with the reliability of the Boxer engine. All in all it is a terrific all-rounder and I would hope not to have to wait to win the Lotto to get it.
- Honda Goldwing. I would get this bike just to be a tad different because not many people my age truly appreciate what it is all about! The Goldwing would be great for an unhurried ride with my partner to Cape Town. It has loads of storage capacity but best off all I would love to be a disrupter and pump up the volume on it, just to see the surprised looks of other motorists upon hearing music from a motorbike!
Follow Bongi Nkosi’s biking travels on Insta: @will_i_am_sa
Dads On Motorbikes: Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Mnoneleli Ntshauzana and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
– VUYI MPOFU – EDITOR
Fantastic Father: Mnoneleli Ntshauzana (34)
Full time job: Fantastic Father to Aziza (2)
Between 8 & 5: Works as a Transmission Controller
Brrrps around on a: BMW R 1200 GSA
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse the heavens opened up and spat on me…
– Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
MN: My uncle, a traffic police officer, rode a Kawasaki to and from work. I was fascinated and began pestering him to take me riding. That soon escalated to sweetly requesting if I could start the bike for him when he left for work in the mornings. The sound of the bike’s engine was very different from that of any car I had ever heard. I was smitten and that’s how my love for the two-wheeled machine was born. When I was about 13 years old, I remember promising myself that I would buy a motorcycle before I bought a car. That’s exactly how things have turned out. I believe I was born to ride. I’m a biker through and through.
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride and what was your first motorbike?
MN: My colleague taught me how to ride. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I can’t remember what model the bike was but if memory serves me correctly it was a scrambler. During our lunch break, we would take his motorbike to a park close to our workplace. He showed me all I needed to know, from correctly starting the bike to safely pushing off. It took me 3 days to get comfortable on it and my early childhood resolve to get a motorbike was strongly rekindled. At the time, I got around using public transport but the queues at the taxi ranks were not my cup of tea. Fortunately I had saved up a bit. When I learnt that a colleague was emigrating to the USA and selling his Big Boy Voyager 250cc, I jumped at the opportunity. I felt like the king of the road on that scooter!
Later though, the dreaded – “aren’t you afraid of dying?” question came up.
– MNONELELI NTSHAUZANA
4. H&H: When you initially started out, how did your family feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
MN: I think most bikers encounter the same negative reaction when we bring up the topic of becoming a biker. No-one really gives you the thumbs-up or fully supports you. When you start showing an active interest in motorcycles, you find that you are basically on your own. It wasn’t any different in my case. In an attempt to avoid the pre-explosion, I simply bought the bike and showed up. All I got was “your bike is beautiful”. Later though, the dreaded “aren’t you afraid of dying?” question came up. At that point, it was too late. I had made my choice.
5. Would you encourage Aziza to ride in the future if she wanted to?
MN: If I could start her off at this early age I would definitely ride with her so she can get used to it. As she grows older and should she show interest, I will absolutely encourage her to ride. Motorcycling is an expression of freedom and I’d want her to experience the same sense of liberation which I enjoy when I saddle up.
6. H&H: Motorcycling is an enjoyable lifestyle. Share with us some unforgettable memories of your biking journey thus far.
MN: Riding home to Maclear in the Eastern Cape earlier this year easily comes to mind. I had previously made the journey on a Honda NC750x but doing so on my GSA changed the nature of the excursion completely. It was a far more comfortable, smoother and rider friendly trip. The cruise control element came in handy and the bike’s 30-litre fuel tank made the ride more fuel efficient.
I engaged my front brake and dismounted rather disgracefully from my saddle.
– mnoneleli ntshauzana
My 1200 GSA has seen more than its fair share of gravel! Some of my happiest memories include attending off-road rider training courses. These came in handy when I optimistically decided to ride solo through Naude’s Nek Pass in the Eastern Cape. Physically, I was more than prepared for the adventure but nothing could have primed me mentally. The Pass turned out to be endless. It snaked through varying degrees of gradient, offering nothing but dust, rocks and shadeless trees. Sheer vertical drops, seemingly into perpetual depths of nothingness on either side of my motorcycle made my heart beat more than I can articulate in printable English. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse the heavens opened up and spat relentlessly at me for the remainder of the ride. It was torture but I enjoyed it. That’s the love hate relationship bikers have with the elements.
7. H&H: It can be said that riding a motorcycle is quite dangerous. What is your scariest biker memory?
I can best describe my scariest moment in 3 vivid parts.
Part 1: It all began when I dropped my bike in Swaziland, resulting in a fractured ankle. My friends and I had been riding on a sandy gravel road when I decided to change from the line I was riding in and take the line of the lead rider who was on my left-hand side. Forgetting that there would be a column of sand between the two riding lines, I attempted to cross to the left and that’s when the drama began. Immediately my from tyre bit the sand, my bike unsurprisingly started to slide out of control. What ensued over a 2-second time frame felt like 2-minutes of slow motion terror. The sand, coupled with my riding speed, was a recipe for a fall. All the rider training I knew came to play but nothing proved effective. Although I had the presence of mind to acknowledge that I was losing control of the situation I simultaneously made a rookie mistake. I engaged my front brake and dismounted rather disgracefully from my saddle.
I have learnt not to dwell on crappy situations and negative people
– MNONELELI NTSHAUZANA
Part 2: You would think that the scary part would have been the fall but you’d be wrong. Falling is not unusual however looking down at the shattered bones which just 3-minutes prior had formed my healthy ankle all but freaked me out. The pain was excruciating and I wondered if I wasn’t dying.
8. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
I’ve learnt that there is so much more to appreciate in life than what culture and society conditions us to believe. There isn’t a template for living your life. You make your own life in your own way. BMW Motorrad’s tag #MakeLifeARide truly embodies how I live and my attitude towards every day that I am blessed with.
Part 3: I don’t know why I didn’t just pass out and wake up in a hospital bed like in the movies. If that had happened I might have been spared the third part of my scare which was mental. Thoughts of being never being able to ride or walk again, (yes in that order) hounded my mind mercilessly. Fortunately my injury wasn’t that severe. Several medical procedures later I am fully healed and have been happily riding once again.
Hanging up my helmet at someone else’s request is simply not an option.
– mnonoleli ntshauzana
Biking has also taught me that time is a gift and as such I have learnt not to dwell on crappy situations and negative people. With the understanding that my life could change in a heartbeat, it is in my best interest to be as happy as possible, as often as possible.
Of equal importance, joining the biker community has taught me about the value of friendship, brotherhood and the love that people on bikes have for on another and people as a whole. We are a misunderstood group of people, often branded as rebels, misfits, yet bikers are some of the warmest people I have ever met with a heart for other people. I don’t think the non-biking public is aware of the amazing things bikers do for communities i.e. charity work.
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Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana -
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana -
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana -
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana -
9. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places you have ventured to?
I ride often because I use my bike to commute to work. I make it a point to ride off-road twice a month or just ride in search of roads not commonly travelled. Riding is a form of therapy for me and whenever I feel off-centre, I ride to re-balance my emotional and mental energy.
I have been privileged to visit extraordinary places in and around South Africa. My favorite destinations include off-the-beaten-trail hide-aways in Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West. Lesotho and Swaziland also offer some world-class tourist sights and have roads which seem to have been designed with bikers in mind. As soon as it is permissible I will look to traveling to countries such as Namibia and Botswana.
If if were possible, I’d be the guy who would upgrade his bike each time there was a new one on the market!
– mnoneleli ntshauzana
10. If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
I hope never to be asked such a horrible question! Hanging up my helmet at someone else’s request is simply not an option. I would probably distance myself from that person because they would have demonstrated a clear lack of understanding of who I am and what makes me happy. In short, don’t ask me to do that.
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Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad -
Image courtesy of Ducati.com -
Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad
Also read – https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/dads-who-bike-mojaki-rammoneng/
11. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
Let me start by saying that if if were possible, I’d be the guy who would upgrade his bike each time there was a new one on the market! But to answer your question, I’d get three completely different types of bikes. A city run-around, an adventure bike and a street bike. These would be:
- BMW R 1250 GS: This would be my adventure bike. It looks good and has incredible technology.
- BMW R Nine T: I just love this lifestyle bike. I would use it for casual riding around town, you know coffee dates and the like.
- Ducati Superleggeria V4: I’m not particularly crazy about speed but I would make an exception for this monster and use it on the track.
You can follow Mnoneleli’s adventure on Instagram: @guyonbikesa
FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS
ABOUT
The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS aim to educate, inform and empower male drivers and motorcyclists on the nuances of motoring/biking and vehicle ownership. The Forums focus on similar topics as in the Gals Garage Workshops – finance, safety, vehicle maintenance and driver/rider training.
A key topic within the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS is the safe travel of expectant women, babies and toddlers.
Using various manufacturers’ vehicles, the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS showcase different vehicular features, technologies and services and how those fit the everyday lifestyle of the guests at the Forums.
The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are extremely popular as they provide a bonding platform for groups of men who attend either as family members or friends.
PAST EVENTS
The first ever FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUM was held in association with Subaru South Africa at Bass Lake Adventures. 20 men attended the forum and spent the day experiencing various Subaru vehicles on the challenging courses within the facility. Thereafter the Forums continued with Isuzu South Africa in association with celebrity Chef Benny Masekwameng and with Bona Magazine as our media partner.
Due to COVID-19 regulations the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are currently on hold until further notice but will resume as soon as government regulations permit.
Dads On Motorbikes: Mojaki Rammoneng
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Mojaki Rammoneng and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
Vuyi mpofu – editor
Fantastic Father: Mojaki Rammoneng (39)
Married to: Tumi (37)
Full time job: Husband and Fantastic Father of two gorgeous girls Kabelo (12) and Tshegofatso (2)
Between 8 & 5: Works as a Quality Assessor
Brrrps around on a: Honda Africa Twin Adventure CRF 1000 D (2018 model)
When I arrived home on a super bike my wife didn’t speak with me for 3 full weeks!
– Mojaki Rammoneng
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
MR: I did a bit of off-road driving and enjoyed the adrenalin rush. When I stopped due to financial reasons, I realized that a cheaper way of getting the same adrenalin rush would be on 2-wheels; so I decided to explore biking.
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride, what was your first motorbike?
MR: Surprisingly, I am self-taught. I simply dived into it! First, I bought a 250cc scrambler and headed for the bush. A couple of falls later, I started to get the hang of it. Next, I bought a road legal 250cc Motomia and hit the road. 6 months after that I took a deep breath and went for a Suzuki GSR600. Since 2018 I have been in the saddle of a Honda AfricaTwin Adventure and have made many happy memories.
3. H&H: What made you choose the Honda Africa Twin Adventure CRF 1000 D over other adventure bikes on the market?
MR: To be honest, I stumbled into the Adventure Bike category by sheer luck. I was a super bike rider at heart but decided to enter an off-road biking competition in 2018, the Honda Quest. To my delight and I emerged as the first placed winner! In fact, I won the bike I currently ride. Immediately I got home I sold the super bike because I had fallen in love with adventure riding.
Riding with Kabelo has provided us with invaluable bonding sessions
– mojaki rammoneng
4. H&H: What do you like most and least about your bike?
MR: I have a lot more likes than dislikes, hence I haven’t sold it yet. The things I like most are:
- My bike is a DCT. Riding a bike with an automatic transmission makes a world of a difference especially when I go off-road. It gives me confidence and takes away a lot of things that would otherwise run through your mind during a ride.. On a manual transmission bike I would worry if I am in the correct gear; if I might stall the engine. I would also have to constantly wonder if I need to drop a gear in order to get more power. All those thoughts are not particularly conducive to a safe riding environment. The environment in an off-road situation can change in a heart beat and riders need to focus on staying upright more than anything else.
- I only need to service my AfricaTwin Adventure every 12000kms. This is a much longer interval than most brands. I like that I can ride for much longer periods without having to frequently take my bike in.
- Cost of ownership is “wallet-friendly”.
- My AfricaTwin Adventure is incredibly comfortable, a feature whis comes in handy when I go on long haul rides. I have hardly ever arrived at a distination with a sore back.
The only think I dislike about my bike is that it is now what I would consider an older model. It lacks the latest rider-aids and technologies such as heated grips and cruise control.
I’ve learnt to enjoy my own company and often have the most enlightening conversations with myself!
– Mojaki Rammoneng
5. H&H: When you initially started out, how did Tumi feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
MR: She didn’t take it well at all! She was ok with the 250cc scrambler. No disrespect but a 250cc isn’t very intimidating so maybe she didn’t quite consider it as a real motorbike. That all changed though, the day I came home on a super bike. The best way I can describe it is to say it became World War 3! She didn’t speak to me for full 3 weeks but I didn’t back down.
6. H&H: How do your daughters feel about you being a biker?
MR: My 12 year old daughter Kabelo loves it to bits, she insists on riding with me every chance she gets. As you can imagine it was nerve wrecking the first few times, but having her as a pillion has enhanced my safety consciousness. I find that riding with Kabelo makes me even more careful on the road. I am extremely grateful to my wife for supporting Kabelo to ride with me given her personal misgivings. It is a true testament of her trust in me and support of Kabelo’s obvious passion. My riding times with Kabelo have proved to be invaluable bonding sessions. Soon she will be teenager and it is vitally important to me that she sees me as both a parent and confidant. At age 2, Tsego doesn’t have an opinion as yet!
My tumble highlighted just how fragile and short life is.
– Mojaki rammoneng
7. H&H: Picture this. Kabelo announces that she too wants to ride ‘just like daddy’. What immediately goes through your mind?
MR: First thought? Absolutely! Second thought? What will Tumi say? Third thought? I’m dead! Assuming Tumi agrees I would definitely teach Kabelo to learn how to ride. Attending riding courses will be mandatory of course. I cannot overemphasize the importance of defensive riding skills. Biking will expand her horizons, give her something to focus on and hopefully keep her out of mischief! On a serious note though, I look forward to the first breakfast ride – with Kabelo commanding her own bike. That will truly be special.
8. H&H: Motorcycling is an enjoyable lifestyle. Share with us 3 most memorable highlights of your biking journey thus far.
MR: Without a doubt winning the Honda Quest in 2018 and riding off on an incredible machine is top of my list! I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to ride with industry legends. Movers and shakers such as Mat Durrans (Presenter, The Bike Show) and Donavan Fourie , (Editor, Bike SA Magazine). I have watched these reputable bikers for the longest time and riding with them was quite surreal. Through biking, I have travelled to amazing places. I have ventured to stand out destinations such as Tankwa Karoo, Namaqua National Park, Vioolsdrif Richtersveld. Lesotho is one of my favorite destinations. Its breath-taking mountain passes and fantastic off-road routes make my heart sing!
Every now and then I feel the need for speed. I think the best tool for that job will be the R1 2011 Big-Bang
– Mojaki Rammoneng
9. H&H: It can be said that riding a motorcycle is quite dangerous. What is your scariest biker memory?
MR: Having an accident on my super bike easily comes to mind. Thank goodness it wasn’t fatal. The silver lining of that incident however, is that it changed my attitude towards these amazing machines. Motorcycles are not toys. They should be treated with respect at all times. My tumble highlighted just how fragile and short life is.
10. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
MR: Being on a motorbike has reminded me to live and enjoy life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. Of course that can be said about any aspect of life. The reality is that long life is not guaranteed. We need to appreciate every day that we are blessed with. Furthermore, biking has taught me to be ‘alive’ and to be ‘present’ in all my waking moments. Biking has also taught me to be more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve learnt to appreciate my own company; so much so that I regularly have the most enlightened conversations with myself while riding – all in my helmet of course!
11. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places you have ventured to?
MR: I ride to work at least 3 days a week and dedicate every second weekend of the month for dirt/gravel riding. I sometimes ride with friends but I usually ride alone because that’s my ‘me time’. Time alone is a critical part of my emotional and mental health. It allows me to regain balance in my life and I re-emerge as a much better man, father and husband.
Also read – https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/dads-on-motorbikes-mnoneleli-ntshauzana/
12. H&H: If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
MR: That would be a very big ask. I would turn into an extremely miserable father and husband. I sincerely hope I am never asked to do that!
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Honda Goldwing -
Yamaha YZF-R1 Big Bang
13. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
MR: There’d probably be 3 bikes on that trailer.
- The 2020 AfricaTwin Adventure. This bike hits all the right notes for me. It is equipped with all the rider-aids you can think of and is brilliant to ride off-road.
- The Yamaha YZF-R1 Big-bang. Every now and then I feel the need for speed. I think this bike would be best tool for the job.
- BMW K1600 GTL or Honda Goldwing. To prove to Tumi that you can still ride long distances with compromising on comfort. These bikes, which some people affectionally refer to as couches – are as cushy as a luxury car.
You can follow Mojaki’s adventures on @mojakirammoneng (Instagram)
