Fuel consumption tested in a race with a difference

The briefing, route schedules and starting times were part of the banter over coffee at Eastview Motorrad, the sponsors of this fun event.

Riders departed from 08:30 at one-minute intervals on a scenic 185 km route, with some navigation required as not to get lost, this being a cardinal sin when it comes to economy runs.

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After negotiating the various turnoffs departing Mbombela, the riders headed to KMI Airport via the N4, White River, Hazyview, the long climb to God’s Window and then refuelling in Sabie at the Caltex that also sponsored some spot prizes.

The route had to be completed in two hours and 27 minutes. Every minute over earned a 500ml fuel penalty added to the fuel used; so being late was not an option.

Paolo Rondini from Maputo achieved the best overall result on a BMW F800GS with a fuel usage of 3,85 litre/100 km. In the 800 to 1200cc class, Mier Simpson beat the guys with 4,56 litre/100 km.

The pillion class was the biggest and most hotly contested affair, with Rocco and Kelly on a BMW R1200GS LC using only 4,65 litre/100 km.

Johan Bezuidenhout Snr on a Can Am Spyder achieved 5,92 litre/100 km and Johan du Plessis used 3,94 litre/100 km on a Kawasaki Versus 300 that should do better next year when the new motor has had a chance to get more run in.

Four scooters entered the scooter class on a shortened route of 95 km going directly from White River to Sabie, with Jacques Robinson on a Yamaha BWiz 100 using 2,2 litres to complete the route, giving him a 2,32 litre/100 km usage. Why are we all not riding scooters?

Prize-giving was a fun affair at the Sabie Brewing Company with good beer and food. The class winners walked away with vouchers sponsored by Eastview Motorrad.

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