- NZ Neurological Foundation CEO riding 16,000km around Australia
- Kawasaki KLR650 from Bike Round Oz chosen for reliability and long-distance capability
- Fundraising aims to support the next generation of neurological researchers
BRM caught up with the CEO of the New Zealand Neurological Foundation, Rich Easton, who is leaving his desk behind to complete a lap of Australia — all in the name of raising funds for neurological research.
Father’s Legacy
It was slightly surprising that Rich wasn’t wearing green when we caught up with him on Zoom — because he’s a Kawasaki man through and through.
How much of a fan? He’s currently got five bikes in the shed, all of which get ridden regularly… and all of them are Kawasakis.
So when he decided to take on a lap of Australia, there was really only ever going to be one brand on the shortlist.
Enter the Kawasaki KLR650, sourced through Bike Round Oz. Not the fastest thing out there, but exactly what you want for a trip like this — comfortable, simple, reliable, and capable of covering big distances between fuel stops.
The ride itself is deeply personal.
Rich explained that the recent loss of his father, Frank Easton, provided the catalyst to finally make the trip happen. A former artillery scout who used motorcycles in his role, Frank later became a teacher, dedicating his life to helping young people achieve their potential.
That influence has clearly stuck.
A Lifetime on Two Wheels
Rich has been riding for most of his life, and like many Kiwi riders, it started small.
His first bike was a Kawasaki KH100, and from there the collection grew — including a Z250 and a 750 Turbo, the one bike he still regrets selling. These days, the garage is still very much Team Green, with a Versys 1000 (now showing 126,000km), Z900RS, 1999 GPZ900, W800 and a new Z650 all in regular use.
He estimates he’s owned close to 20 Kawasakis over the years, with the odd Triumph and even a Norton thrown into the mix — although, by his own admission, the mechanical gene skipped a generation.
Despite riding daily, Rich still completes a Ride Forever course every year.
“You get into your own habits,” he says. “It’s good to reset and keep learning.”
The Journey
Rich begins his journey on March 29 by joining a guided Sydney to Perth tour with Bike Round Oz — a 20-day ride that will help him get used to Australian roads and fine-tune his setup.
From there, the real adventure begins.
After a short break in Perth, he’ll head north up the west coast to Darwin, before cutting across to Port Douglas and eventually returning to Sydney — a journey of more than 16,000km over 63 days.
Daily distances will typically sit around 300–400km, although a few unavoidable stretches will push closer to 700km due to the remoteness of parts of the route.
The KLR650, with its 23-litre tank, should comfortably cover around 350km between stops, with Rich carrying an additional five litres for peace of mind.
Camping was considered — briefly.
“I’m at a stage where motels are a better option… plus, there’s snakes and crocs to think about.”
Riding for a Reason
The trip isn’t just about ticking off a bucket-list ride — it’s about raising funds to support two summer students entering neurological research.
It’s a cause that ties directly back to Rich’s father, who spent his life helping young people succeed.
And with more than 700 neurological conditions affecting thousands of Kiwis — from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s through to traumatic brain injuries — the need for research is significant.
Rich has been CEO of the Neurological Foundation for over eight years, helping grow research funding from around $5 million annually to more than $9 million. But he’s well aware there’s still a long way to go.
“We need to inspire the next generation of researchers — that’s how we make progress.”
The Bigger Picture
There’s also a broader message behind the ride.
Rich admits the trip may never have happened if he’d waited for the “perfect time”.
“If you wait until retirement, you might never do it.”
It’s a sentiment that will resonate with plenty of riders — and ties neatly back to the cause itself.
Looking after your brain isn’t just about research — it’s about how you ride, how you live, and the decisions you make every day.
🔗 Follow the Ride
👉 Follow Rich’s journey HERE
👉 Support the fundraiser: HERE
👉 Planning your own Aussie ride? Bike Round Oz
