A courier package arrived at the BikesportNZ.com office door and we hurriedly ripped it open … it contained a brand, spanking new hardback book called “Kiwi Bikers – 85 New Zealanders and their motorbikes” and it was crying out for a review.
We decided one word would probably suffice … and that’s a four-letter word.
And that word is WOW!
Yes, we know, “wow” is not a four-letter word, but you’ve got to add an exclamation point don’t you? And this book was certainly deserving of that.
This latest offering from Auckland-based photographer Ken Downie is 264 pages of pure pleasure.
From start to finish, this glossy hard-back is packed with exquisite photographs and sumptuous text, leaving no stone unturned as he chats to equally-passionate Kiwi motorcyclists.
Published by Massey University Press and retailing for around $65 at any good book store, this is a beautiful “coffee table book” and a must-have for any discerning motorbike fan’s library or collection. 
Ken Downie’s photographs expertly capture and convey the love, joy and respect these motorcyclists have for their bikes, be they old or young (and that refers to both veteran and youth riders, as well as vintage or famous and classic hardware) or bikes that are simply cherished and enjoyed for no better reason than they exist and hold fond memories.
Including some of the most famous names in New Zealand motorsport, and brimming with witty and engaging stories throughout, Kiwi Bikers showcases enthusiasts of all ages, genders and backgrounds and includes photo essays of unique events all over the country – the last-ever Brass Monkey Rally in Central Otago, the Pukekohe Classic Festival and the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill.
Read about well-known individuals such as Steve Roberts, Mike Perry, Ken McIntosh, Sean Donnelly, Stephen Briggs, Rod Price … the list goes on.
In a two-year ambitious project that has seen him travel the breadth of the country, Ken Downie has collected stories from 85 passionate owners and their incredible bikes, including the oldest bike in the book – a 1920 AJS Model D7win80. There’s also a host of Triumphs, Ducatis, Royal Enfields, the famous Britten, Moto Guzzis and more, not to mention one of the most collectable bikes ever: the 1927 Brough Superior.
As much about the rider as it is about the bike, Kiwi Bikers showcases veterans of the track such as Grand Prix champions Hugh Anderson, MBE, and Graeme Crosby, along with a new generation of track stars, including women’s motocross triple world champ Courtney Duncan, European Cup winner Avalon Biddle, and 17-year-old stunt rider Shontelle Feeney.
And there’s so much more: entrepreneur and successful motorcycle racer Mike Pero shares his love of the Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki in his Christchurch motorcycle museum, there are father-and-daughter duos who race together, couples who ride pillion and an Anglican minister who rides a 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse.
This stunning collection of photographs and stories is a fascinating insight into the world of motorcycle enthusiasts, capturing both the love and passion they all share.
© Review by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
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