Those who know Billy Graham need no introduction. Those who don’t - just imagine the Kiwi version of the Seven-Deuce-Deuce and you might get the idea. This guy hasn’t got a single mean bone in his body, but more importantly, I am lucky enough to call him my friend. So without further adieu…….Billy The Kiid.

Name: Billy ‘The Kiid’ Graham
Location: Auckland
Bike: KTM 250SX-F / 500cc Speedway Bike
Been riding for: I’ve been racing speedway bikes for 15 years now 5 years on a junior speedway bike and 10 years on the 500 cc speedway bike. And got my first mx bike around March 2020 and started racing flat track in October 2020

How did you get into riding dirt bikes?

My dad rode speedway bikes, but stopped riding maybe 1998. We had a few close family friends that raced like Mike Head and Brendon Manu, that we would go and watch Mike would give me videos of speedway meetings in England and Europe and I would watch that instead of cartoons.

Tell me what was your first bike and why?

My first bike was a PeeWee 50 and I started riding it at about 5/6 years old. They are just super slow and easy to ride. My First MX bike was a KTM 250SX-F and it was pretty hard to pick as I wasn’t to sure about the 2-stroke or 4-stroke deal. It was between a Yamaha or a KTM and I pretty much picked the KTM over the Yamaha because of the look of the bikes.

What was the first thing you learned when you started riding?

The clutch is your friend - it’s not as easy as the TV makes it look.

What was the first thing you wish you knew/someone had told you before you started riding?

Probably more about 2-strokes as I really like them.

What did you initially find easy about riding Speedway and FT?

For me, I really like a wet track - it makes everything easier and makes the track more consistent.

What do you still struggle with when out on the Solo/FT track?

Well the last few years I have gained a lot of weight, and with speedway it’s the worst thing you can do. And especially being a real tall rider, when you hit a grippy patch on the track it can make things interesting. Flat Track…probably just staying in my comfort zone to much is what is holding me back.

Who else in the family rides dirt bikes?

My wife rides MX too and we started riding at the same time. But she has taken to it like a duck to water and it’s pretty cool really. She rides a solo bike as well and will even throw in a FT race now and then.

Where/who do you get your inspiration/advice/tips/tricks from right now?

At speedway Bradley Wilson Dean and Ryan Terry Daley help me out in the pits when they can; whether it’s bike help or just advise. But of course Dad is always by my side helping me. I am so grateful to have him around me helping with everything and anything.

And in FT I pretty much just keep my ears open as it’s a lot more complex then a solo bike and setup is very important. I watch a lot of Twitches YouTube channel for moto inspiration and wow, do these guys live!

Twitch This Youtube

What is the best tip/trick/piece of advice you have had over your riding career?

I got trained by David Steen for a while and he helped me a lot in the pits. He was massive in my team. I continue to break riders hearts with some passing techniques he taught me. Greg Hancock once said ‘just have fun…if you’re having fun you’re probably winning.’

Why are you riding the bike you are on right now, and what do you like most about it?

With my FT bike, it’s only a 250 but it’s pretty cool because it’s universal. Being a novice at MX, it’s a good happy medium and 450 would be to much for me I think. But in the future I will be on a 450 for FT.

My solo bike is a Jawa No.1 frame with a GM engine and I feel like that suits me and it rides well. I really like the look of my bike with the purple tank too.

What kind of riding do you enjoy doing the most?

Wow…hard one. I really enjoy all of my riding I do and as long as I got a few mates around I’m happy. Speedway was tough this season, so I was happy to put the bike away and just ride the MX bike. FT is really enjoyable and can’t wait to start racing that again.

What else do you get up to besides being a badass on a dirt bike?

If I’m not at speedway I’m at an MX track. I really enjoy my rugby league I used to play a few years ago and possibly might start playing again next season…but we will see. The family definitely like to visit the beach too so that’s always a good time.

Tell us a little bit about your work life?

I’m a qualified maintenance engineer, servicing and maintaining machinery for an installation company that run 24/7. I’m on call every 2-weeks from Monday to Sunday and I could get a call any time through the day or night.

Tell us a little bit about your home life?

I’m married to my beautiful wife Jess, who is also a killer photographer and we have our son Koda who is turning 3 in August. We also have a Chihuahua called Coco.

What is one piece of advice that you would give others thinking about getting into dirt bikes?

With Speedway Solos, travel as much as you can down south and get as good as you can. Then move to Australia if you want to further your racing career and chase the dirt, stay focused and try not to stick to one track.

With Flat Track, get your bike lowered and do laps, laps, laps whenever you can.

You can follow Billy’s moto journey on his Instagram - @billythekiid

Images Supplied by Billy and Jess Graham Photography

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