Gunnyrob's Beemer breaks down again again

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 15:19

Well to some of you, this tale will come as no surprise, as I have told a similar one in May '08 in "Gunnyrob's beemer breaks again". In that sordid story of woe and gnashing of teeth, I recounted my adventures when Mighty Max, my trusty steely steed, bred from the finest teutonic technology, shat his clutch, pressure plate & gearbox input shaft to leave me stranded in the middle of the Gentle Annie, a place more isolated in the North Island I couldn't possibly have found if I tried. (or so I thought)

However I digress

The present day, Friday 24 July 09. Max & I knocked off work and headed down South to meet the other KB dual sport adventure riders for the MMMMM ride, through the heart of Te Urewera. We managed to avoid most of the absolutely filthy weather smashing into the Waikato, but eventually got punished at Taupo, where the weather gods took great pleasure in soaking us both in nothing flat. Undeterred, we pushed on to Rangitaikei Pub on the Taupo-Napier Road, where we rendezvoused with the other hardy souls who were to make out touring group so much fun.

After a cold, but alcohol induced sleep, we rose early as the remaining group members arrived. Clint gave us our brief, and we were off, off into the wilderness!!!!!

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 15:27

Off we went, 23 hardy blokes, and Rosie. We turned off the highway and into the forestry, heading north east. Sunstrike was a bit of a problem, noted for the unique way that it only seemed to hit when we hit some really rough ruts. Max took umbrage at being woken so early, and gave me a demonstration of how he can be induced into a tank slapper at 90km/h on gravel.

Having watched one of my conrades lose it on a corner, I took things easy on the real nasty bits, but even then I almost got thrown when Max's front wheel succumbed to the silky smooth grip of a raggedy rut.

After passing through some entertaining forestry, we popped out near Minganui and seal, A quick sprint to give Max his head led to a meet of motorcylists for a regroup. After some "No shit, there I was...." stories, Clint pointed South and it was off to Wairoa!

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 15:40

No sooner had we set off, a sign announced "Seal repairs". Max stumbled on some pea gravel, and wouldn't you know it, next thing I knew I was skating down the road on my back!! Max was in a ditch and as I picked him up, the others came by wondering why I was facing the wrong way. There was no way in hell I was going to tell them I had binned on tar seal!!! (oh, I guess I just did

)

No damage was done and it was off up Waikaremoana. As we climbed higher and Higher, it began to snow & was quite picturesque. As we came through a clearing, I noted some cows....waitaminute...those are PIGS....BIG PIGS

We eyed each other up & we pottered on.

Over the next 70km we saw more pigs, horses & pheasants, then had another regroup at the lake. Next was Wairoa, my home town. Having left the others in my wake on the seal, I had a quick pootle around town to check up on my Nana & Gran's houses, and my old house in Apatu street. Pies and coffee was on the menu for lunch at Ostlers on Marine Parade, and are highly recommended.

Hunger sated, it was uo to Tinorito for a quick stop at the pub. It seems we crashed a baby shower as there were a lot of farming ladies, some of whom were very preggers. (well that or there isn't anything else to do at Tinorito

)

So again, it was off up North, past Rere Falls to our accommodation at the journeys end station. Our hosts put on an excellent feed and made sure we were well looked after. Thanks everyone! (It was a good job it was a good feed, 'cos I'd have sweet FA tomorrow!!!)

**Taz** · 27th July 2009, 15:42

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 15:59

Up we got, it was light misty rain, and set off to Matawai for fuel and pies. Someone ran out of gas 400m from the pump and not realising it was just around the corner, had someones KTM leant over so they could decant fuel into a container.

By the time I was there, there was only a fish or mussel pie left, so I had that & set off early, knowing the others would soon catch up on the rough Motu road.

The raod was pretty cool, with lots of bush, occasional glimpses of the Motu river and we met a family mountain biking up the opposite side of the hill. I also saw some young hunters, just dropped off by dad, heading into the hills, rifle slung over shoulders, in search of a stag.

Dropping off the main hill, I noted an audience gathered around a ford, awaiting the carnage sure to follow (note to self, next time, lower your visor!!!)

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 16:03

The road after the ford was pretty rough. Max bounced around a bit, and 5 kms after the ford he cried "enough!!"

Well he didn't really, all he did was turn off. and not start. not even go through diagnostics. Fuck.

Luckily, I was only SECOND to last, and Clint asked if I was OK.

"No" I replied. "I think I'm fucked"

"Goodness me" said Clint & he shot off to summon the BMW riders......

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 16:13

Almost an hour later (now about 1300), Three riders turned up. One of whom was John Glaswell, the NZ BMW Motorad rep who knew lots about such things. We tore Max to bits, seeking out water or moisture, for that was what we opined was wrong. Unfortunately, nothing worked (including a rather spectacular battery voltage test that involved screwdrivers and sparks).

Thinking "I've done this before", I duly scribed a note to summon the AA at all haste, and, take note that I have paid an extra premium to become one of the hallowed AA PLUS members!! (This means they will take me home and Max to a nominated reapir shop, instead of just Opotiki)

Colin roared off to summon assistance, and when he returned at about 1430, told me that the AA dude would be no longer than half an hour.

Delighted, I sent my would be rescuers on thier way, having felt that they had gone beyond the call of duty to help a fallen comrade.

All I had to do now was wait for the AA. So I waited. And waited. a breeze came up, and still I waited.

The mountain bikers came past. "you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, the AA is on the way."

So they left and I waited.

I cleaned the mud of my boots & panniers, and by the time 1800 rolled around it was getting dark.............

**Kiwi Graham:Me** · 27th July 2009, 16:23

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 16:23

"Fuck", I said, "this is bad" I scoffed the Moro bar John had left (the second thing I had eaten that day) and broke out my gloves and a survival blanket (next time I'll bring my tent)

Some hunters who were spotlighting drove by, and I passed them a note to please ring the AA and let them know that the stranded biker was still there & please hurry.

At 2100 a ute pulled up & Sefton, the AA man alighted.

"Sorry about that, the clowns at AA were trying to ring you to see how you wanted to get to Auckland before they got me on to the job"

Fuck me, sure enough when we got to civilisation there were three missed calls. Shame you can't get coverage in the wops.

We muscled Max onto the back of the ute, no small feat. Sefton's aluminium ramps were twisted & buckled under Max's weight. "Fuck" he said.

After an hour (we were being very careful), we pulled into a motel. the lady running it offered me a toasted sandwich. This was quickly devoured.

Sefton was great. He gave the AA lady an earful for being stupid, and pulled some strings to get me sorted for Monday. He bade me farewell, and it was time for a shower and sleep after letting Colin know that I was OK.

**gunnyrob** · 27th July 2009, 16:34

Monday was glorious. But instead of doing a Coro loop, I was stuck in a ute with Max on the back, heading to Experience BMW with Sefton's assistant, Paul.

Sebastian was bemused to see us again, and to his credit, didn't laugh. He had a quick look and again sucked through his teeth (it's ALWAYS a bad sign when the chief BMW mechanic sucks through his teeth)

"Well Rob, it doesn't look good. If it's the central computer, it will cost about the samE as your last job." (That was $4500!!!!) "You'll be happy to know it doesn't happen very often, but you may be my first."

"Fuck," I thought, "here we go again!!!!"

So, in summary, I'm home, Max is getting fixed. GET AA PLUS EVERYONE, it saves a shitload of fucking around. During a call out you get $800 to get you and your vehicle home. It works big time.

Thanks very much to Sefton & the team at Opotiki Mitsubishi, and hopefully Sebatian can work his magic in time for me to lead the Aucklanders to the Cold Kiwi.

BMW= Biker Must Walk!!!

Sorry about the lack of pics, I'm on dial up. See the MMMMM thread for photos. have fun, ride safe.

**tri boy** · 27th July 2009, 16:53

Bad luck mate.
Glad AA, (finally) got someone to you.
Hope the bill is small (is there such a thing with Bavarian Machines?).

**James Deuce** · 27th July 2009, 16:54

Bloody hell.

Here I was getting all excited about an almost affordable R1200S I'd found.

I hope you get Max going again with a minimum of financial battering.

**Cary** · 27th July 2009, 17:02

Sorry to hear that, glad you survived tho!

Just when you think a can of CRC can fix anything.......

This the begining of the end you think?

**Youngjim** · 27th July 2009, 17:06

Bad luck Rob, hope it doesnt cost tooooooooooooooo much to fix !!!!!!

Maybe I should sell my one before I have problems like you.

**That looks like fun** · 27th July 2009, 17:06

Good to hear you are safe

mate got to admit that when I left you the last time and hadn't passed a tow truck by Opotiki I was starting to think you could be in for a long wait.

When you didn't reply to my text I got nervous, and when I tried to ring about 6:30 I got the next thing after nervous. Rang AA again and spoke with Jill who said she would check up on you and I told her I wanted confirmation you were ok so could they ring me back. So at 7:20 when the towey called and said he had not been out to get you

I bet it was getting pretty cold and dark with only pigs and possums for company.

When the towey asked if the bike would fit on a ute I told him he would need a good ramp plus he would have to be a tough bugger to push the bike up, Assumed you would be hypothermic by that stage and not up to pushing a beemer.

Let us know what they find mate, hope its not another Bust My Wallet moment