Steve Plater bound for South Africa

New HM Plant Honda signing Steve Plater is one of several Brits that former Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki works rider and TT legend Mick Grant is taking on a classic bike trip to South Africa early in the new year.

Former BSB champion Ian Simpson and his father Bill are also on the billing in the classic ‘parades’ at Zwartkops in Pretoria on Jan31/Feb1 and Killarney, Capetown on Feb 6/7.

Grant said: “this is the second year we’ve run the trip. The two meetings are predominantly classic car events but the two-wheel content is growing and the Brits are contributing 11 bikes, including John Chapman’s replica Honda RC181 and RC174 350 and Steve Wheatman with his ex-Mamola Suzuki XR45 that Randy actually raced at Kyalami but is probably going to be ridden by Plater this time around.”

During the trip, Grant reckons some of the Brits will take in some of the sensational scenery with some road riding, including a visit to Plettenberg Bay (on the southern South Africa coast between Capetown and Port Elizabeth). “It’s the most beautiful spot in the world,” said Grant.