Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Meet the Winners of Honda Quest 2021

Press Release: Honda Motor Southern Africa

Congratulations to the winners of Honda Quest 2021: Ruan Ueckermann & Neil Rieck.

The winners were announced at a victory ceremony held on November 10, 2021 at Kaleo Guest Farm.  The champions were ‘crowned’ by Yuishi Fukuda, President of Honda Motor Southern Africa.

This year’s pairs were particularly strong and the 7 teams got a taste of some of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in South Africa whilst putting their riding skills to the test. 

Just 9 days before the final event, the 14 contestants were strangers; polite and formal around each other. But within a very short period of time, no one would have believed that they had just met. It wasn’t the dust and travel grime that made them gel so well; rather, it was the adventure journey that had irrevocably changed them. 

The final tally of the adventure was very close amongst the heroic group; however, Ruan and Neil’s infectious energy, ability to approach every challenge with a smile and unwavering consistency both on and off the bike saw them richly deserving of their grand prize the Honda Africa Twin motorcycles which they competed on.

Honda Quest 2021: Finalist Announcement

The Honda Quest 2021 boot camp held in the Koue Bokkeveld in the Cederberg came to conclusion on Thursday October 14th.

The 28 semi-finalists were put through their paces during an extensive 3-day bootcamp which tested them on various tasks that involved more than just riding a bike.

The selection panel had the arduous task of eliminating 14 of the 28 hopeful semi-finalists by conducting theoretical and practical tests that varied from adventure related general knowledge questionnaires to African geography quizzes. The semi-finalists were also asked to perform various practical and mechanical tasks with the added pressure of time limits per task.

The individual tasks also included the assembly of adventure essential accessories to the CRF1100 Africa Twins, one of the finest adventure motorcycles, and the bike they will be using to compete in the Honda Quest 2021 competition. Additional tasks over the 3 days included the assembly of a camp, motorcycle maintenance, tyre and tube repairs among others.

The selection panel were constantly on the lookout for individuals who demonstrated the competitive spirit and determination to complete the necessary tasks that would stand them in contention to compete in the final of Honda Quest 2021. Individual interviews were also conducted with each of the 28 semi-finalists which gave the panel insight into the behavioural responses of each semi-finalist.

The finalists (in no particular order) are:

Ellio Marcello Striglia

Hein Kumm

Peter Wilhelm Siegling

Murray Ross Campbell

Clemence Neil Rieck

David Johannes Gouws

George Hugo Minnaar

Andrew de Bruin

Hendrik Schalk Visser

Shaun Engelbrecht

Ruan Carl Ueckermann

Daniel Francois de Kock

Jaco Swiegelaar

Tom Andrew Stewart

The seven teams of two will now have the opportunity to embark on a life changing adventure from 1 – 10 November as they navigate through the challenging terrain in the Northern Cape’s Richtersveld, Namakwa Eco Trail, Tankwa Karoo and Cederberg whilst competing for the title of Honda Quest True Adventure 2021. The winning team will ride off on the very bike they will have competed on.

New Motorbikes On The Tarmac

  1. 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