Another reason for doing the Coro Loop right now..

[Blackbird]

Photos taken this week on the Thames - Coro road when I went for a ride with fellow KB'er Pixie. This road is absolutely breathtaking at present with the thousands of Pohutukawa out - really have to concentrate on what you're doing!

I guess we tend to take it for granted but I posted one of the photos on an overseas website and they were blown away with the Pohutukawa.

[Virago]

Sigh...





Bigger sigh...

[beyond]

Pretty awesome alright. Gotta make sure you keep your eye on the road though or it will be a flash of loverly red and then a swim...... if you miss the rocks that is.

Hey, howz the Street Triple? Miss the grunt of the Blackbird? Review pleaaaazzzze :)

[Quasi]

Photos taken this week on the Thames - Coro road when I went for a ride with fellow KB'er Pixie. This road is absolutely breathtaking at present with the thousands of Pohutukawa out - really have to concentrate on what you're doing!

I guess we tend to take it for granted but I posted one of the photos on an overseas website and they were blown away with the Pohutukawa.

WOW - gorgeous sight,:niceone:

[Blackbird]

Hey, howz the Street Triple? Miss the grunt of the Blackbird? Review pleaaaazzzze :)

Hi Paul:niceone:

Loving the Triple thanks!

A summary so far:

The one fear when selling the Blackbird was I'd be disappointed with less horsepower. Maybe that would have been the case if the bulk of my riding was on more open roads than the Loop but on balance, I'm inclined to think not. Whilst the 'bird was a torque monster, the Triple is bloody excellent in that it develops 80%+ of it's torque at 3000 rpm and with its 167 kg weight, it's got amazing acceleration on tap without worrying about being caught in the wrong gear. I understand its 0-100 time is about 3.3 secs as opposed to 2.8 secs for the 'bird so it's no slouch. The differences will be more noticeable at higher speeds of course but it still pulls hard enough at 190:rolleyes:. I initially didn't like the "revviness" compared with the 'bird - felt like I was thrashing it everywhere but am totally used to it now. It has a flat spot on a trailing throttle just off idle which is noticeable but not really irritating. Will do something about it when it's fully freed up.

Now comes the really good bit - the handling! It's so light that you can almost change line by thought alone and I'm definitely faster through the tight stuff than I was on the bird, where you had to get your corner entry sorted pretty early, then work hard! The wide bars and upright riding position also help cornering and I can now see the attraction of your GSX! It does tend to dance about on ripples a bit more than the 'bird but she had well-sorted suspension and I haven't touched the Striple until everything settles in. Backing rear shock pre-load off a turn might help a bit. One thing I do have to be careful with is the tendency of the rear wheel to lift under heavy braking. I'll get used to it, but it's not something that I had any problem with on the Big Blue Whale :cool:. I think stepping down in weight from the 'bird has allowed me to ride the Triple fairly hard straight away as you don't have to be so deliberate or conscious of the mass. Might have to try moving around on the bike a bit more when cornering in a hurry as I'm catching my boots a fair bit in corners and have to consciously tuck them in. Hate the idea of hanging off though as I'd feel like a poser.

The Dunlop Qualifiers seem to have plenty of grip in the dry, although they tend to let the bike "drop in" to a corner more than the "controlled roll in" of the Avon VP2's I had on the 'bird. Haven't had the opportunity of trying them out in really wet conditions yet.

The motor isn't totally freed up yet and the fuel consumption is still improving. Averaging about 270 km/tankful which is still quite useful. Put an Italian Barracuda screen on it as I wasn't all that keen on the Triumph accessory. It works surprisingly well and doesn't interfere with the naked looks too badly.

The OEM lights aren't bad at all for night riding in unlit twisties but the prospect of a Grand Challenge on it next year has led me to fit Osram Nightbreaker bulbs this week and they're a definite improvement.

Finally, I didn't really "get" why journalists called it a hooligan machine compared with others until I rode it. The riding position might have something to do with it, but manoeuvrability is a significant contributor. I certainly ride it more aggressively than the 'bird. Then there's the induction growl..... instant hard-on, even at my age:msn-wink: The lower seat height and lighter weight have also given me renewed confidence too.

Hope that gives you a brief overview. Well-pleased with the purchase!

Cheers,

Geoff

[p.dath]

Looks great! I might take a trip around the coro loop this summer.

[CookMySock]

This road is absolutely breathtaking at present with the thousands of Pohutukawa out - really have to concentrate on what you're doing!hehe reality check.... it's FLOWERS bro..

If it was lots of bare bent-over girly arse and hairless twot hanging from the trees, THEN it I would have to really concentrate on what I was doing. :devil2:

But yeah, I was up east cape ways last weekend, and the pohutukawa was awesome.. It's quite early too.

Steve

[Highlander]

But yeah, I was up east cape ways last weekend, and the pohutukawa was awesome.. It's quite early too.

Steve

Early Pohutuakawa flowering indicates a long hot summer doesn't it?

Mr Blackbird, good to hear you are happy with the change of bike. When I changed mine, happy as I was with the new one (and still am) I had a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I would regret it.

[Ragingrob]

Yep been out coro ways a few times already this summer and the scenery is stunning. Roads are in pretty good condition too... Is there still a lot of unsigned surface gravel on the coast road?

[Naki Rat]

No question about it, Kerry (http://www.triplefourensics.co.nz/) will have her running better than new. And the bonus is the before and after test runs through the Forgotten Highway on the way there and back :woohoo:

[Blackbird]

Is there still a lot of unsigned surface gravel on the coast road?

Seems to come in waves as they finish a bit of road works then bugger off somewhere else. They're good with the warning signs whilst doing it, but they definitely aren't cleaning up with bikes in mind. I emailed Thames District council about it in the spring and never even had the courtesy of a reply.

The biggest loose gravel hazard at present on the Loop is through melting tar, so keep your eyes peeled. Surely it's uneconomic to use low melting point tar and constantly have to resurface it?

[CookMySock]

Early Pohutuakawa flowering indicates a long hot summer doesn't it?Yeah bro heres hoping so anyway.

Steve

[Ragingrob]

Seems to come in waves as they finish a bit of road works then bugger off somewhere else. They're good with the warning signs whilst doing it, but they definitely aren't cleaning up with bikes in mind. I emailed Thames District council about it in the spring and never even had the courtesy of a reply.

The biggest loose gravel hazard at present on the Loop is through melting tar, so keep your eyes peeled. Surely it's uneconomic to use low melting point tar and constantly have to resurface it?

Useless bastards huh... Patchy roadworks all through Karaka coming up to summer and already some parts are completely chunking off as the tar melts, what a waste of money and danger to road-users.

[beyond]

Thanks for the write up mate. Sounds like you are enjoying it and have found a suitable replacement :)

[Skyryder]

Sure is a great ride. Done it once. Just out of curiosity what preference: clockwise or counter clockwise.

I went clockwise and had the sea on my left. This also gave me a safer option for stopping on the side of the road without having to cross the centre line to pull up on the seafront.


Skyryder

[PirateJafa]

Sure is a great ride. Done it once. Just out of curiosity what preference: clockwise or counter clockwise.

I went clockwise and had the sea on my left. This also gave me a safer option for stopping on the side of the road without having to cross the centre line to pull up on the seafront.


Skyryder

Counter-clockwise.

Safer to be taking the blind corners when they are left-handers - means you are leaning towards a known quantity (cliff-face), rather than leaning towards the unknown quantity (right-handers with your head closest to the retards in camper-vans and trucks and motorbikes, all of which are oft sharing your lane as much as their own).

Also it means that on the right-handers, you often have enough visibility to safely pass a car or truck if you are behind one.

Edit: Also, doing it anti-clockwise puts you at the Coroglen Tavern bang on lunchtime.

Editedit: The ONLY reason any of us have been able to think of as to why most people do it clockwise, when it has no advantage and many disadvantages, is because when you arrive at Kopu, it's a free left turn to start the loop, rather than having to wait at the right-turn at the intersection for a gap in the traffic.

[Ragingrob]

Editedit: The ONLY reason any of us have been able to think of as to why most people do it clockwise, when it has no advantage and many disadvantages, is because when you arrive at Kopu, it's a free left turn to start the loop, rather than having to wait at the right-turn at the intersection for a gap in the traffic.

And the fact that when there are slips etc along the coast road it is better to be in the outside lane rather than to come around a corner into rubble.

[Tank]

hairless twot ........ THEN it I would have to really concentrate on what I was doing. :devil2:


Look closley in the mirrors.

[PirateJafa]

And the fact that when there are slips etc along the coast road it is better to be in the outside lane rather than to come around a corner into rubble.

You're clearly out-riding your abilities if you're unable to stop within the visible distance.

[Ragingrob]

You're clearly out-riding your abilities if you're unable to stop within the visible distance.

That's a bullshit point, what about blind crests and corners? I can promise you that there have been many a corner you've been around where you wouldn't have been able to STOP in the amount of road you can see.

[Tank]

That's a bullshit point, what about blind crests and corners? I can promise you that there have been many a corner you've been around where you wouldn't have been able to STOP in the amount of road you can see.

Just ask yourself - what would Katman do.

[PirateJafa]

That's a bullshit point, what about blind crests and corners? I can promise you that there have been many a corner you've been around where you wouldn't have been able to STOP in the amount of road you can see.

As someone who lives semi-rurally, I'm surprised that you don't slow for blind crests. I usually do. Blind crests are just as dangerous as blind corners.

It's a public road - just because you're doing 99km/h on a 100km/h road doesn't mean that you will magically be safe from rear-ending a tractor or ploughing into a herd of sheep on the other side of that blind crest. And you will be found liable if you do so. Both have as much right as you to use the public road.

[Ragingrob]

As someone who lives semi-rurally, I'm surprised that you don't slow for blind crests. I usually do. Blind crests are just as dangerous as blind corners.

It's a public road - just because you're doing 99km/h on a 100km/h road doesn't mean that you will magically be safe from rear-ending a tractor or ploughing into a herd of sheep on the other side of that blind crest. And you will be found liable if you do so. Both have as much right as you to use the public road.

Did I say that I don't slow for blind crests?

What I'm saying is that following you around lots of 25k corners etc, I know many times we would not be able to stop in the distance of road in our lane in such a sharp corner, the bike would straighten up straight away and we'd be over the other side.

It's not a matter of being able to STOP in the distance you can see, more a matter of being able to avoid an unexpected encounter such as rocks on the road whether it be by stopping or moreso changing direction.

All I'm giving is another reason to go clockwise that some people may consider which would have more weighting then simply thanks to a free left turn. I prefer going counter-clockwise too.

[Swoop]

...is because when you arrive at Kopu, it's a free left turn to start the loop, rather than having to wait at the right-turn at the intersection for a gap in the traffic.
Huh? Straight ahead and get gas for the loop...

Just ask yourself - what would Katman do.
Talk absolute bollocks and look stupid on the interdweeb?

[firefighter]

Fucken homos.

This was a cool thread, thanks Bbird.

What a fucken wankathon. Ca'nt fucken help yourselves.

No-one cares how far you can piss.

[PirateJafa]

Jeepers, firefighter, chill out. Go get laid or something.

Although, being a Honda rider you might have to settle for something less. :tugger:

[Tank]

FF has a point - so back on topic.

It looks awesome - I've just emailed the boss to see if I can get a day off during this week so I can head over do the loop and get some pics myself.

Stunning.

How long do they normally stay in bloom?

[Dirty_Harri]

Although, being a Honda rider you might have to settle for something less. :tugger:

Wow steady on there PJ! I ride a honda and have no trouble in that department. :niceone:

[Ragingrob]

Fucken homos.

This was a cool thread, thanks Bbird.

What a fucken wankathon. Ca'nt fucken help yourselves.

No-one cares how far you can piss.

Good to see how beneficial your post is to this thread mate :niceone:

I don't see how discussing whether clockwise or counter-clockwise is the best way around the loop wrecks the thread :rolleyes:

[Squiggles]

It's not a matter of being able to STOP in the distance you can see

Nah, its a matter of being able to stop/avoid in 1/2 the distance you can see :msn-wink:

[Blackbird]

How long do they normally stay in bloom?

Until early January but the best is before Xmas.

BTW, thanks for the kind words about the blog. It's been fun putting it together whilst I've been mainly house-bound post-Mrs B's hip surgery.

[PrincessBandit]

Our pohutukawa is looking stunning already - right outside bedroom window. My one consolation of not being able to do the coro loop for a while is that at least I can get a portion of the scenery (tree) just by looking out the window.
Dont' think I'll get very far trying ride the bandit around it though; very tight circle and I'd probably manage to fall off...

[firefighter]

Jeepers, firefighter, chill out. Go get laid or something.

Actually your original post was all good, I was thinking it useful and it was cool. Then you pulled this shit;
You're clearly out-riding your abilities if you're unable to stop within the visible distance.

Which is why you received my response. It was a load of wank and you know it.

oh and;
Although, being a Honda rider you might have to settle for something less. :tugger:

That is fucken hilarious! Did you come up with that all on your own?


Good to see how beneficial your post is to this thread mate :niceone:

I don't see how discussing whether clockwise or counter-clockwise is the best way around the loop wrecks the thread :rolleyes:

Splitting hairs, you know what I was talking about, read above.

I for one have only done the loop once, anti-clockwise but that was circumstancial.

Thanks Jafa for the info it was actually helpful, although just for interests sake I will probably go the other way next time just to be different.

I have only done the loop once due to the m-way and state highway ride down, I hate it, so I usually ride up north.
Is there a less painful way of heading down that way?

[PirateJafa]

Actually your original post was all good, I was thinking it useful and it was cool. Then you pulled this shit;

Which is why you received my response. It was a load of wank and you know it.

I've had to pull too many bikes out of Coro ditches/bushes to give a fuck if you think it's a "load of wank" or not, mate.

In pretty much every case, the rider was out-riding their own abilities.

Take it easy guys. The Coro is too beautiful a ride to waste like that.

[Blackbird]

In pretty much every case, the rider was out-riding their own abilities.

Almost always on group rides, almost always under-25's. Which is why I prefer to do it on a weekday on my own or with trusted company.

[PirateJafa]

Almost always on group rides, almost always under-25's. Which is why I prefer to do it on a weekday on my own or with trusted company.

Ooooh the age is arguable. During winter, certainly. But spring/summer, easily the majority of the ones I have come across have been late twenties through to late thirties. Mostly on expensive bikes which they've brought out after winter for the nicer weather.

But in all but one case, they've been riding in a group. Hmmmm. :sherlock:

Oops, time to return a bit to the topic.

I'm fully agreed about the weekday Coros. Tuesday is our favourite (Coroglen Tavern doesn't open until noon on Mondays). ;)

[Thani-B]

Is there a less painful way of heading down that way?

Clevedon -> Kawakawa Bay -> Kaiaua

[gijoe1313]

Mmmm the Coro was very nice today, managed to skirt all the wet bits by doing it anti-clockwise and got to see lots of nice Pohutakawas lining up to greet me! :yes:

[insomnia01]

the prospect of a Grand Challenge on it next year has led me to fit Osram Nightbreaker bulbs this week and they're a definite improvement.



Look forward to riding with you on the 2010 GC Geoff, I could'nt do it this year due to unforeseen circumstances , but did manage to do the Easy Rider Rally last month after having spent the previous week touring the East Cape & the Naki before heading down to Wgtn... SCRR 2011 Geoff ??????

[Blackbird]

Look forward to riding with you on the 2010 GC Geoff, I could'nt do it this year due to unforeseen circumstances , but did manage to do the Easy Rider Rally last month after having spent the previous week touring the East Cape & the Naki before heading down to Wgtn... SCRR 2011 Geoff ??????

Hi Hami!

Have the completed entry form in front of me right now - will post tomorrow. Probably won't do the SC in 2011, much as I enjoyed the one in 2005. I'm thinking about a leisurely tour of Northland on the bike maybe next year as the only time I've been up that way on the bike was on the SC and that was low flying:whistle:

All the best for the festive season for you and yours:hug:

Geoff

[insomnia01]

Hi Hami!

Have the completed entry form in front of me right now - will post tomorrow

That would put you in the 1st grp to depart !!!!

I like to send mine in @ March drops you to about grp 3

All the best to you & Jen :2thumbsup:2thumbsup I hope she is mending well & YOU are looking after her

[Blackbird]

That would put you in the 1st grp to depart !!!!

I like to send mine in @ March drops you to about grp 3

All the best to you & Jen :2thumbsup:2thumbsup I hope she is mending well & YOU are looking after her

What's the story with starts now? When I last did it in 2003, they used to send groups off every 2 or 3 minutes. Do they send people off off in bigger blocks now?

Jennie's good thanks. Got clearance to put full weight on her bionic hip and dispense with crutches gradually. She's spinning it out because she likes me doing the housework and cooking, haha.

[insomnia01]

What's the story with starts now? When I last did it in 2003, they used to send groups off every 2 or 3 minutes. Do they send people off off in bigger blocks now?

Jennie's good thanks. Got clearance to put full weight on her bionic hip and dispense with crutches gradually. She's spinning it out because she likes me doing the housework and cooking, haha.

still same time frame @ 6 - 8 per grp which don't mean much once you get 100mtrs down the road..... I would'nt mind catching up with you at some stage Geoff ( Jan/Feb ) to rattle your brains on the SCRR

[Blackbird]

Yep, t'would be great to catch up with you again. In the meantime, you can find two ride reports here: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=12630. It's mentally quite a bit different from the GC.

Cheers,

Geoff