Photos provided by his dad Peter and @maxpaestner_228
Max’s story starts in a bike shop in Australia, where his dad runs the kind of place most riders wish they had growing up. He spent his early years around lift tables, parts bins, and whatever project rolled through the doors. Before road racing was even on the radar, he was out on dirt and trail bikes, eventually moving into motocross and learning real bike control the hard way.
Now at just 14, Max is taking the next step. He’s building a 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R into a dedicated track bike, stripped down and rebuilt from the frame up.
It’s a race‑focused machine with minimal electronics and a clean layout, running an NWT power/charging setup (BATX.155, SOLX.200, RECX.370), chosen because it fits the build and keeps things reliable without adding anything unnecessary.
Whether he’s already turned laps or is gearing up for his first race weekend, the progression is clear: dirt → MX → road‑race prep → building the bike that’ll carry him forward. No shortcuts, no pretending — just a young builder putting in the work.
More stories like Max’s here at aftr.nwtcycletronic.com — real builders, real projects, and the next generation already wrenching their way up.
Instagram: @maxpaestner_228
