A versatile rider and a versatile bike can only add up to one thing, positive results across many different branches of the sport.

Aucklander Callan May and his 2013-model Yamaha YZ250F are very busy on the national motorcycling scene at the moment, with a log-jam of national championship events on the calendar throughout January, February and March.

And because the Titirangi electrician loves his racing so much, his bike is virtually in constant use.

Last weekend he was racing in the MX2 (250cc) class at round three of the New Zealand Motocross Championships near Pukekohe, achieving 21st overall in the talent-packed international field of riders.

The BikesportNz.com rider is also 21st overall after the three rounds.

May is also leading the under-300cc four-stroke class after two of eight rounds in the Yamaha-sponsored enduro nationals.

In addition he is racing the same motorcycle in the New Zealand Cross-country Championships and, after just one round in that four-round series, he is in runner-up position in the under-300cc four-stroke division.

“I’ve had a few problems in the motocross championships,” admitted May.

“I didn’t finish the second race at round one near Timaru last month after I crashed and broke my handlebars.”

He had a problem with his handlebars during race two at the next round at Patetonga, near Morrinsville, too.

“I got a bit out of shape on the bike and my handlebars struck me in the groin. It was too painful to continue and I pulled out of the race, so once again I scored no points.

“I couldn’t see any point in wasting energy carrying on when I was in so much pain. But I bounced back to finish 16th in the third and final race of the day at Patetonga, so that was positive.”

He explains that the bike does not need much doing to it between the various events.

“Taupo’s Richie Ebbett, from MotoSR suspension, just changes the suspension settings for each different race. I have the suspension stiff for motocross because of the big jumps, but softer for the enduro events. It’s a pretty versatile bike and I’ve been enjoying a fair bit of riding lately.”

May is in action again this weekend, racing at round two of the cross-country nationals, at Purangi, just outside Inglewood, on Saturday afternoon.

It’s a brutal three-hour race and he’ll be pushing hard to take over the lead in the under-300cc four-stroke class from main rival Jason Dickey, of Raglan.

May is supported by Kiwi Rider magazine, TCX Boots, Fox apparel, Ariete Goggle, Michelin tyres, Graphic Creations, Yamalube GYTR, Victor Contractors, BikesportNZ.com and Yamaha Motor New Zealand.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com