Is the Napier-Taihape road sealed yet?

[Hitcher]

Mrs H and I are planning a mental health break this weekend involving, surprise, an extended journey on our motorcycles.

I had heard a rumour that the Napier-Taihape road had been sealed right through and was seeking corroboration and validation of this from people who have had recent first-hand experience or have reliable sources of information.

[denill]

FWIW A mate who travels the road regularly said a couple of months ago that there is still quite a bit still unsealed.

Worth a getting the bike a bit dirty though as it a great bit of unspoilt country.

Cheers
Bill

[Quasievil]

Last I heard it wasnt, could be wrong

[denill]

Checked with my Mate (just one of many) and he wrote:

Hi Bill

Not 4 weeks ago, it was very much still unsealed

Larry

[Hitcher]

Good enough for me. The ST is a bit of a handful on gravel, so will give this a miss.

[mangell6]

After being in the SC you are a woose. The way a certain rider handled his ST1300 (also red) on gravel showed how wimpy the guys who were there on their off road bikes - KTM, XTZ, and XTs. He drifted around corners, snaked to a stop, was an impressive sight, I am sure that he could give you lessons on how to ride an ST on gravel.

[Lou Girardin]

Three guys took their road bikes, one was a Rocket 3, through the Waikarimoana road on their way to the Puke classic meeting.
That's game!

[Paul in NZ]

Yeah but...

I have found the clay on that road to be a real bugger to get off the bike if it has been wet as it sticks like shit to a blanket..

The one time I rode the Guzzi through there in the wet I was crapping myself most of the way. When the clay finally plugged all the holes in the disks leaving me with virtually no brakes it was a little more than scary (fully latend with panniers, seat bag etc.

It roots chains and bikes that stuff... (not that I cared on the Guzzi as I have a shaft) and Mr hitcher, if your beautiful bike was mine, I would NOT take it down through there if it was damp!

Can't remember if Janes bike is chain or belt but I would be even less inclined to take that lovely new bike their either.

Since I scarely pause about gravel on the Guzzi, you know I'm being serious about that. That stuff is not good for bikes...

[MSTRS]

Napier - Taihape = 150kms. Approx 35kms of gravel with a sealed bit in the middle over the GentleAnnie itself. Unsealed part(s) were very corrugated last couple of times I went thru.

[clint640]

Did someone say powerslide?
Wasn't sealed 2 weeks ago either. The gravel section, though wide is rough in places. The KTM loved it. Even if you are gravel shy it's well worth a return trip in as far as the dirt from either end as the tar bits are very nicely curvy & scenic.

Cheers
Clint

[Hitcher]

Thanks guys. Decision made and validated.

[sAsLEX]

After being in the SC you are a woose. The way a certain rider handled his ST1300 (also red) on gravel showed how wimpy the guys who were there on their off road bikes - KTM, XTZ, and XTs. He drifted around corners, snaked to a stop, was an impressive sight, I am sure that he could give you lessons on how to ride an ST on gravel.

Struggled to keep up with a guy splitting one of these as well!!! I was bashing elbows on mirrors and all sorts trying to keep up

[mangell6]

Struggled to keep up with a guy splitting one of these as well!!! I was bashing elbows on mirrors and all sorts trying to keep up

It could have been him.

[What?]

Considering the low traffic volumes and the strategic unimportance of the Gentle Annie road, I doubt it will ever be sealed.

[XTC]

Too many good gravel roads have been stolen by the seal theives already IMO. :mad:

[Ixion]

Too many good gravel roads have been stolen by the seal theives already IMO. :mad:

Well said that man, Give him a small orang-utan.

[LB]

.
.
Apart from the gravel, you may get snow if the weather turns nasty.

Do you have Plan B?
.
.

[Coyote]

I wonder if I can get me some dirt tyres to suit the CBR.

[Bonez]

There's around 20k of gravel. Can be quite rutted due to truck traffic this time of year. Also fresh metal 6 inches deep on occasion which is fun on a wide tyred ride bike. Gravel gets kicked up by passing cars so there is the possiblity of paint damage on fairings. Nice ride on a clear day tough. The gouge at the Manga end even though sealed usually has rather large rocks lying over it. Done it a few times on the ol cb550 and Integra no probs. I'd give it 10/10 for variaty.

[Bonez]

Damn senility get my roads all upf**&ed.