HONDA CR500AF. An aluminium framed CR500R, using the CR250R aluminium frame and the incredibly powerful CR500R 2 stroke 500cc engine that was discontinued in 2001. The frame is carefully modified and re - tig welded with a jig that secures the modified frame segments in place, and is then fitted with a modified exhaust system that is provided by FMF or Pro-Circuit. The motorcycle itself is 'manufactured' by Service Honda, USA. Cost?....around $16000.00 fully equipped and modified!

The Yamaha IT175, the fact that one of these carried my relatively hefty freind Owen around for years not so far from the beginning of our really serious off-road experiences can only give this classic credit as a true example of a tough enduro bike that has more than earned it's place in off-road riding history. Although fastidious sometimes to the point of distraction with the maintenance of his bikes, Owen has never been easy on the bikes when it comes to riding them, shocks and rims taking the greatest strain whilst the engine strained at its seams at full throttle!

A Suzuki PE175, The bike I used for a couple of years, spent most of it's life billowing along in the dust cloud created by the bike on the left, along with Nils and Lars' KDX175's. Although no powerhouse, the PE was a sturdy fun bike to begin a dirt riding experience on. One day I will source one for a full nostalgic rebuild.