Crusty Demon gives us a taste of what's to come

US stuntman Larry Linkogle demonstrates a well-known extreme motorcycle stunt for enthralled Aucklanders. Picture / Dean Purcell

Was it a bird? Was it a plane? No, it was a superman - of extreme motocross, that is.

Crusty Demon Larry Linkogle was the focus of an eager crowd yesterday as he performed the sport's famed "superman" stunt into the Waitemata Harbour at Princes Wharf.

As a taster for the Boost Mobile Crusty Demons' 10th Anniversary Tour, the extreme motocross stuntman sped on to a ramp and flew up to 18m in the air over a ferry, holding only the handlebars of his motorbike (superman style) before plunging into the harbour.

"That was so fun, I wanna do it again," he said.

The self-confessed "street-punk of motocross" had originally hoped to make the stunt a world first by setting himself on fire for the free performance.

This would be unlikely to faze Crusty Demon fans. The Demons have made a living from performing stunts and feats "nothing less than pure insanity".

However, after being doused in petrol and set alight, the flames proved too much for Linkogle's bike as it cut out, leaving him to resort to Plan B.

"For a while I was just sitting there with flames burning my neck and back. The bike just wouldn't go while I was on fire," he said.

The flames may have caused a dramatic pause, but the action man continued in the true "Crusty spirit" to impress.

Christchurch student James Rattray said the performance was "brilliant".

"I can't wait until they come to Christchurch," he said.

Linkogle had flown from California the day before especially to perform the stunt, which starts the countdown to the Crusty Demons' tour.

The Crusty Demons earned their fame from shooting videos of their death-defying motocross stunts and moves.

Their recorded exploits have gone on to become the most widely viewed action sports videos of all time.

Linkogle appeared in the very first Crusty Demons video 10 years ago and has starred in each one since.

Although he did not participate in last year's Crusty Demons tour, he is looking forward to the 10th anniversary tour, which will roll into Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in March.

"It's gonna be great."