Exploring one of Gauteng’s great motorcycle routes aboard a Harley-Davidson Road King and Yamaha Royal Star.
We’ve been asked by the folks at Bikeshop Boksburg if we can do a semi-regular feature on breakfast run venues. Or brunch, lunch or even, as is often the case when we get stuck waiting for Don from the Bike Show – early dinner venues.
“Guys, we have so many cruisers in stock, why not come and choose a couple.”
Many is an understatement… When you visit Bikeshop Boksburg, you’ll see what we mean. Spoiled for choice is the understatement of the year.
No Cruiser feature would be complete without a Harley, so Donovan blagged himself a 96-Cubic Inch Road King. Man, that bike is perfect, a 2009 model that has been so well cared for.
Our choice was a prime Yamaha 1700 Royal Star, a bit older than the HD, but also – an excellent choice.
For the first venue feature, we decided to head out to one of our favourite local haunts, OppiStasie in Cullinan. It’s a great little spot, right on the old Cullinan railway line. We have only ever ordered the cheeseburgers because – well they are flippen lekker and are served in a great big shovel. Yes really. They are licenced with an indoor section – or you can sit on the stoep overlooking the lines and enjoy a great meal for not a lot of money.
When you are done, take a wander around the station buildings, the missus will be happy because there are all sort of little shops for her to explore. It’s a great little community a cool space to kill a couple of hours.
Getting to Cullinan from our base – in this case, Bikeshop Boksburg is also a great country ride – especially now that most of the potholes have been repaired. We caught the airport freeway towards Pretoria, took the Bronhorstspruit road out to Bapsfontein. From there you follow Bronkhorstspruit – but turn left towards Rayton. It’s a cool piece of road all the way past the legends track, over the freeway, and through Rayton.
But.
Just before Rayton, you’ll see the signs for the Italian War memorial in Zonderwater.
We took a sho’t right to go and pay them a visit. If you are at all keen on history, go into the prison grounds, ask for directions and stop in. It’s seriously cool and the roads to and from the museum are in perfect nick..
Then go and get your burger!
Down from Rayton you’ll enter Cullinan. Oppistasie is at 1 main street, Cullinan Railway station.
Lots of parking, great food – and it’s just up from where the Cullinan Big hole is – the original diamond diggings, so you can go and have a look at that too. A very interesting spot.
It’s funny how the older you get, the more you come to understand the whole cruiser thing. It’s not about racing around or getting your knee down. It is about chilled camaraderie and the wide open road. If we tell you that we had a seriously cool day, that might just be an understatement.
The Yamaha Royal Star:
2007, With less that 30000 on the clock, the Yamaha is very refined, it sounds fantastic, runs perfectly and sounds like a million bucks with those cool shotgun pipes.
There’s lots of power on tap as that 1700cc Japanese V-Twin literally bulldozes you along the highways and byways in such a civilized manner. The brakes and suspension easily keep up with the power delivery.
That big screen keeps the wind at bay and the sculpted seat makes sure that you are good for a long journey. Like we said. It’s a great choice and a perfect example of what the Japanese are capable of.
There are signs of age, the usual wear and tear, but this all adds to the charm of a bike like this.
So yes, she’s almost twenty years old, but we bet that in the correct hands, she’ll be running for the next twenty.
At 89 900, this bike feels like amazing value for money.
The Harley Davidson Soft tail Road King.
The Harley is – well, it’s a Harley. Fire her up and everything shakes and vibrates as that 1600cc V-Twin roars to life, but climb aboard and open the throttle – all of the rubber mounting ensures that you get a very smooth ride.
Comfort is top notch – yes, she’s big and bulky, but clever design keeps everything supremely comfortable once you are on the roll.
Built in 2009, It’s a bit newer bike than the Yammie and it boasts a few extras like cruise control, saddle bags, adjustable pegs and a detachable sissy bar and luggage rack.
It is a Harley – and in the world of cruisers, there is something special about a Harley.
It’s an emotive motorcycle, not just a means of transport,
With less than 9000 KM’s on the clock it looks and feels brand new – and this is translated in the general condition.
It really is perfect for a journey like this. R139 900
All in – a great 300KM round trip, via somewhere so interesting to a great eatery.
All with good friends and almost perfect roads.
Isn’t that what riding a motorcycle is all about?
The bikes came from Bikeshop Boksburg. Click here for details.
