From world tracks to home turf for Josh

From racing around a Ngātīmoti farm as a child to competing in front of thousands across Europe, motocross legend Josh Coppins has come full circle.

Nearly a year after taking over Murray Thorn Motorcycles and rebranding it as Josh Coppins Motorcycles, the 48-year-old is loving life back home—closer to his roots while still riding full throttle.

“I worked here after school,” Josh recalls of the motorcycle shop. “I’ve only had one real job, and this was it. I left school young and quickly ended up racing in Europe.”

That leap launched a remarkable two-decade international career. At his peak, Josh notched 13 World Championship Grand Prix wins, was twice runner-up in the World Motocross Championship, and claimed titles in the UK, Belgium, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand—including 21 national and island championships.

Despite his many successes, Josh is often described as “one of the greatest riders never to win a world title.”

“I love this region—it’s home,” Josh says. “Coming back just made sense. The timing felt right, so deciding to move back and take on the motorcycle shop was a quick decision.” He officially opened Josh Coppins Motorcycles in November 2024.

Born in Motueka and raised in Ngātīmoti, Josh’s family originally farmed tobacco before switching to sheep and beef. Bikes came naturally—there was space, freedom, and a young boy with a growing passion.

“I wasn’t super-talented when I started,” Josh admits, “but I worked hard.” That work ethic propelled him to one of New Zealand’s most decorated motocross careers.

“Life in Europe was a different world. When you’re fully immersed, you don’t think about home.” He continues. “But now that I’m back, Europe feels like a life from long ago, and being home just feels right. Things happen for a reason, don’t they?”

Josh says motorcycles are all he knows and that he still holds his role as Yamaha NZ’s Motorsports Manager, coordinating and overseeing their motorsport program—a job that keeps him busy and connected but also adds to the challenge of running his own shop.

“I still work for Yamaha, still travel, and wear multiple hats. The staff have done a great job keeping things running while I’m in and out,” Josh says. “Next year it’s full steam ahead trying to improve and keep building what we’ve started here.”

Though he’s no longer chasing world titles, Josh still races when he can and remains a respected figure in the motocross community. Though he may never have clinched that elusive world championship, back home in Motueka—surrounded by bikes, mountains, and memories—Josh Coppins looks every bit the winner.