Most people visit their motorcycle dealership only when their motorcycle needs attention, or when they need to buy some new kit. There is, however, one dealership that has become my home away from home. A place where I can stop at any time, walk in and just have a friendly banter. If I am really in the mood, I can even sit down for a hearty – and may I add affordable – meal in their restaurant. This is what you will always experience at the World of Motorcycles’ showroom in Centurion.
Most people know it as the home of Ducati, and although the building proudly displays the scarlet letters of the Italian brand, the store is much more than that. As multi-franchise stores are becoming more and more prominent, World of Motorcycles is following this trend. As you move through the sea of Ducatis on the ground floor and go up the stairs, you will find two more levels full of brand-new motorcycles. The first mezzanine level is the home of Suzuki motorcycles, and if you head further up, you will arrive at the latest addition to the World of Motorcycles catalogue: Kawasaki and SYM.
We were invited to the official announcement of the partnership, where we were welcomed by Ian van der Merwe and Kyle Keating. Ian is the dealer principal at World of Motorcycles and Kyle is the regional sales coordinator of KMSA, the official distributors of Kawasaki and SYM here in South Africa.
Nestled in a Kawasaki-branded corner stood a selection of Kawasaki and SYM motorcycles. This includes everything from the affordable SYM Blaze 200, all the way to the incredible Kawasaki ZX10-R. There is even a Kawasaki Mule Utility vehicle on the floor if you need a tough workhorse on your farm.
If you are looking for a reliable runabout, then the Taiwanese SYMs have you covered. They have a selection of scooters and a few small-capacity motorcycles. These include the thoroughly enjoyable NHT range of adventure bikes and the NHX naked. Now that I saw them all on one floor, I realise just how extensive the SYM range actually is.
If you are ever in the area, pop in and come and see the bikes for yourself. I, for one, am very happy to see Kawasaki and SYM back in Centurion.
World of Motorcycles also stocks a comprehensive range of helmets and motorcycle gear, so this can truly become your one-stop shop for all things motorcycles.