‘Mud Bugs’ for M.O.T. training

Press, 23 February 1978, Page 10

‘Mud Bugs’ for M.O.T. training

A new variety of motorcycle recently introduced to New Zealand is now being used by the Ministry of Transport in Wellington to train new traffic officers in riding safety technique, and skills. The bikes, manufactured bv Suzuki, have been adopted for training purposes by the Ministry of Transport because it considers them among the safest and most stable machines available. Suzuki “Mud Bugs.' as they are called, are the result of 18 months intensive research in New Zealand by visiting engineers from the Japanese motorcycle company. They are specifically designed for New Zealand off-road conditions. This makes the bikes ideal for farm use. They have many features which can aid the farmer considerably in his work. But a more striking feature of the new motorcycle, and the one that most interests the Ministry' of Transport, is a particularly low centre of gravity which makes it extremely stable in ail conditions”. This, together with the new safety features included , in its - design, makes the bike an ideal trainer, the ministry reports.

The Ministry of Transport has so far taken possession of 10 Suzuki FT 185 “Mud Bugs” for use at its Trentham training college. Tlte college, which has

been operating since 1962. trains more than 90 new traffic officers, drawn from throughout the country, each year. A riding course forms part of basic training for all new officers, who are required to be able to handle ail situations that might be encountered by a motor-cyclist on public roads. Traffic officers complete more than 100 riding hours during their three months of basic training.