THIS week SunWheels spoke to Leslie Mmako from Protea. When he isn’t riding, Leslie works at an investment bank.
Though he enjoys being on the road more than anything else, he is always careful to double check his bike, gear and the weather before hitting the road. This rider makes sure he avoids wiping out when at all possible.
Q: What bike do you own?
A: Suzuki GSXR 600.
Q: How long have you been riding?
A: For two years.
Q: Is it your first bike?
A: Yes.
Q: Does your bike have a name
A: No, but I call it my gixxer.
Q: Are you licensed to ride?
A: Yes, I got my licence a few years ago.
Q: Why do you like biking?
A: Firstly, I’m a MotoGP fanatic. It is the pinnacle of professional motorcycle racing. The adrenaline and precision that comes with biking are second to none.
Q: How did you learn to ride?
A: My friend and fellow biker Papi Mawelewele taught me.
Q: Who else can ride your gixxer?
A: No one else.
Q: Have you customised it?
A: Yes, I added braided Yoshimura pipes, power-commander short levers and a matt-colour paint job.
Q: What colour is your bike?
A: It’s blue and white. Blue is my favourite colour but white can match and enhance any colour. The white makes the blue look brighter and more attractive on the bike.
Q: When do you ride?
A: I mostly ride on weekends because it’s the only time where I have enough time to visit different places.
Not only do I enjoy riding but every time I ride I am teaching myself to be a better biker.
Q: How far have you ridden?
A: I went as far as Zebediela in Limpopo – that’s roughly a 350km trip.
Q: Do you have any traffic fines?
A: None that I’m aware of. I don’t get fines because I respect the road rules.
Q: Do you wear a safety outfit?
A: Yes, I do. Safety is paramount. I put on my protective gear whenever I plan to ride.
Q: What do you think of other Mzansi road users ?
A: Motorists tend to drive as if they are the only ones allowed on the road and this needs to change. I have this to say: Respect the rules of the road. Do it for the safety of all road users, not just you. Let’s share the road together.
We also need to stop drinking and driving. We also need to stop texting, phoning and watching videos while we are behind the wheel.
