Photographic portrait, kiwi bikers

Renowned photographer Ken Downie combines his love of motorcycles and photography in a unique photographic portrait of Kiwis and their machines.

Published by Massey University Press, Kiwi Bikers includes some of the most famous names in New Zealand motorsport, along with numerous witty and engaging stories, and photo essays of unique events all over the country. Read about the last-ever Brass Monkey Rally in Central Otago, the Pukekohe Classic Festival and the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill.

Ken kick-started his love of motorbikes with a gold Suzuki GT185 while still at high school.

In a two-year project that saw him travel the country, he collected stories from 85 passionate owners about them and their machines, 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.

Kiwi Bikers showcases veterans of the track such as Grand Prix champions Hugh Anderson MBE and Graeme Crosby, along with women’s motocross triple world champ Courtney Duncan, European Junior Cup winner Avalon Biddle, and 17-year-old stunt rider Shontelle Feeney.

Entrepreneur and successful motorcycle racer Mike Pero also shares his love of the Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki in his Christchurch motorcycle museum.