The honeymoon lasts forever
Actor Craig Hall appears in Head High (full season on ThreeNow) and Shortland Street (weeknights, 7pm, TVNZ 2). He rides a Triumph motorcycle.
What are you riding?
A 2008 Triumph Bonneville T100, or “Angelina” as she is called.
What makes it special?
I’ve always loved the late-60s style of Triumph. So I had my eye on this model when Triumph brought out its modern classics. I bought her new, and have had her for 12 years. She’s our baby.
Why did you buy this particular bike?
I rode a Triumph in my first feature film, Savage Honeymoon in 1998; it was a 70s Triumph America with some Bonneville parts. I absolutely loved her and knew one day I would get me one.
How many other bikes have you owned?
Angelina is my ninth, including offroad bikes: four off, five road.
So it’s always bikes before cars?
Bikes have always been my favourite. I was on a bike at 5 years old; didn’t stand a chance.
Steve McQueen or Bud Ekins — who’s coolest and why?
Well, Bud is the man behind those stunts that forever associated McQueen with Triumph, but I have to admit that I draw most of my clothing style from the former.
What’s the best/most interesting feature on your Triumph?
My wife when she rides with me. Or the wide cafe bars I put on the bike a few years back.
What’s one thing you would change on the bike?
Maybe louder pipes. I have some after-market pea shooters, but I wouldn’t mind a few more decibels.
Do you ride it every day?
I wish I could, but I don’t. There was a few years there where I had no car, so my bike was my only source of transport. I rode every day then. But I’m getting to be more of a fair weather rider now.
Do you prefer to cruise or do you enjoy the corners?
I cruise, and I enjoy the corners. I don’t believe they are mutually exclusive!
Does anybody else ride it?
There have only been three other people who have ridden her: Peter Elliot, Edwin Wright and my wife. And the wonderful mechanics who service her of course.
What do you always carry with you on your bike?
Driving licence. I got caught without it once and learned my lesson.
What’s your dream bike?
I am partial to the new Triumph Scrambler . . .
Some classic bike brands like Harley-Davidson are now selling electric bikes. Your thoughts?
I think it’s great that these companies are moving this way, or at least they are creating alternatives.