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2022 WRAP UP: TOP 5 POSTS OF 2022

With 2022 now wrapping up about 5 months earlier than it feels like it should, I look back at 2022 and see what made you all keep coming back for more. Some may surprise you and some may not - either way, cheers for the support and have a fantastic summer break on two-wheels!

Number 5 - IN FOCUS: SOPHIE MEAR

Sophie mear came in as our 5th most clicked-on post for 2022. The Tauranga native and co-owner of Bay Honda in Te Puke has ridden motorcycles all around the world, even if it was only a scooter, and ventured into the motorcycle dealership game about three years ago. Sophie proves that dirt bikes not only give you the best time ever, but you can meet lifelong friends along the way. CLICK HERE if you missed out on this read first-time around.

Number 4 - GEAR REVIEW: LEATT 5.5 FLEXLOCK ENDURO BOOTS

Clipping in at the fourth most-read post this year is the review on the Leatt Flexloxk Boots. 2021 saw the South African company come out swinging with a full do-over on their off-road line-up. Now the company offers total head-to-tow coverage, including protection, hydration, and everything in between. These are Leatt’s top-of-the-line moto boot, worn by the likes of Johnny Walker, Ryan Sipes, and the infamous Vince Friese. I run them exclusively at Flat Track racing, and they are also in the rotation when it comes to trail riding. A boot that really is value for money with lots of cool tech. Check them out HERE.

Number 3 - PROJECT 300: HONDA CRF300 RALLY

Yep - I succumbed to the Adventure life, and this is a project like no other sitting as the third highest read. We picked the Honda 300 Rally because when it comes to off-road riding, bigger isn’t always better. And our adventure riding wont be strictly gravel roads and tarmac. I say we because my Dad and I both got one each, and now we have been joined by my cousin Karl and his father Trevor. So that is 4x 300 Rally’s between us. They are lighter than most, cheap on the wallet and far more offroad-orientated than just about all the other ADV bikes out there.
Follow the saga HERE.

Number 2 - HONDA BRING BACK THE XR250 - SORT OF...

Sliding in at number 2 for 2022, this post initially went live on 17 June 2019! Just goes to show how popular the old XR250 was, or the click-bait-ish title is still paying dividends over three years later. This is all about the new (then) CRF250F, which replaced the very popular CRF230. It is an upgrade in every way from the injected engine, to the suspension, to styling to overall performance. Bridging the gap more between the farm bike and trail bike, the CRF250F is a real do-it-all machine and my go-to when on the coaching duties. Read all about the CRF250F HERE.

NUMBER 1 - 2021 YAMAHA YZ250F MAPS

And the most popular post for 2022 is overwhelmingly going to the bLUcRU. That’s right, people still want to know how to either jazz up or mellow out their YZ250F - and nowadays, through the sweet, sweet app that Yamaha now offers customers. Nearly 2000 of you clicked, read, and maybe even installed some of the maps I have here, and that is great stuff! If you are a Yammy rider on a 250F, take a look at the options you have at your fingertips for making that incredible reverse engine exactly to your liking. CLICK HERE.

And since we are already here, this is what the top 10 looked like - as clicked on by you.

  1. 2021 YAMAHA YZ250F MAPS

  2. HONDA BRING BACK THE XR250 - SORT OF...

  3. PROJECT 300: HONDA CRF300 RALLY

  4. GEAR REVIEW: LEATT 5.5 FLEXLOCK ENDURO BOOTS

  5. IN FOCUS: SOPHIE MEAR

  6. UP CLOSE: THE DEAL BETWEEN FANTIC & YAMAHA

  7. THE STITCH UP: MOTOMUCK 2-MAN

  8. EVENT: BERM BUSTER IS BACK

  9. REVIEW: ALPINESTARS TECH-7 ENDURO BOOT

  10. TESTED: XTRIG PHDS SYSTEM

Merry Christmas team, and thanks for the support in 2022. I tested some bikes, tried some cool gear, rode many, many tracks and trails, talked to a heap of you throughout the year and moved to the Sunny Bay of Plenty. 2023 is gonna be awesome.

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