Honda Motorcycles successfully defends their economy run title

2013 RFS Economy Run

The 32nd Annual running of the RFS Economy run took place on the 30th and 31st of August 2013 and Honda SA was again victorious with the NC700X and Shado Alston.

The Economy run started from The Zambesi Drive in Pretoria and covered 527.2 km, from Pretoria, to Hotel Numbi in Hazeyview, making 2 stops on the course at Bethal and Barberton, via Hendrina, Carolina, Badplaas, for fuel of course and a rest break.

Day one was an extremely challenging route. With heavy traffic, slow moving mining vehicles, challenging potholed roads, high winds, as well as road surfacing construction in some areas, causing delays and congestion and forcing the riders to keep their whits about them while reading the road book, adhering to the average speeds set out for them and abiding by the rules of the road. The first Bike set off at 9am, and arrived at the Numbi gate in Hazeyview at approximately 4pm. It was a long day in the saddle to say the least and no results were posted for day one leaving everybody to calculate their own consumption, and because this was a contest, keeping their figures close to their chest.

Day two which covered 329km started again in Hazeyview and took the route of Graskop, Cowies pass via Sudwala, White River, Sabie and then back to Hazeyview. Route two was picturesque and the Lowveld turns were enjoyed by all but the day was equally challenging in comparison to day one.

Maintaining the recommended average speed per day was probably the biggest challenge of the weekend due to the nature of the roads and passes encountered on the route as well as the road works and traffic.

By the end of the event, Honda SA’s official entry of Shado Alston was once again crowned overall winner of the event, with an astounding average consumption of 3.03L per 100km, on board his NC700X.

Keith Parry from Honda Motor Southern Africa took second in class A as well as the rookie award, with his average consumption of 3.66L per 100km achieved also on an NC700X.

Grant Scott, riding a privately entered CBR250R took Second overall in the event, with an average consumption of 3.08L per 100km, and Won his class.

Honda Sa would like to take this opportunity to thank Shado and his team who as always put a huge effort into this event. Shado once again showed his grit and determination, while the NC700X again proved why it’s the best bike money can buy in South Africa, taking the overall crown for the 2nd time in as many years.

Below are Shado’s previous overall consumption figures.

2012 – Shado Alston, Honda NC700X, 3.227 L/100