Auckland to Invercargill and back again

[SpeedySapper]

Hi there,
Having had 25 years away from biking, in 2007 I got back onto 2 wheels and have pottered around on my Speed Triple ever since.
I'm now warming up to an idea to ride from Auckland to Invercargill down the east coast of both islands, and back up the west coast. The thing is, I need to take luggage, and the Speed Triple isn't made for such adornments as panniers or top boxes.
So, perhaps a new bike is required, and my question to you all is, what should I get for such a trip.

PS. I only have 7 days to do it in, so the bike needs to be comfortable, fast and fun!:yes:

[Stylo]

Did a trip with the Mrs on the back from ChCh to Picton- Wgtn- Napier -Auck then back via the West Coat of the NI in 5 days recently and only 2200kms. Two good nights on the turps included, your seven day journey, as you've outlined it would be challenging , but a lot of fun.

Personally I would try and allow myself a couple more days but then, I might be a bit of a pussy.You've got a bit further to travel. Speed Triple would be a nice Bike for the trip, dress up warm mate. We were on a Hayabusa which possibly is'nt the best choice for a longish trip but no problems with Cement trucks overtaking us on the corners. Take care.

[hayd3n]

ducati st4s :yes: comes with factory luggage

[FJRider]

Fly down ... pick up the bike ... spend seven days riding it home ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-388340787.htm

[banditrider]

7 days is more than enough time. :devil2:

Can't go past a Connie...

[Stylo]

242840242841
7 days is more than enough time. :devil2:

Can't go past a Connie...

Unless you're in a Hurry and, you're on a 'Busa

[jaffaonajappa]

Anything with a horizontally opposed cylinder setup should do the trick.....so long as its been made in the last 40 years or so :)

And not a VW Trike btw.

[White trash]

I've got a 2006 Sprint ST ABS with factory bags in stock. 21kays, ultimate Sports Tourer with the motor you already love. Trade your Speed III on it, PM me if keen or email jimmy@tssmotorcycles.co.nz

[GrayWolf]

Hi there,
Having had 25 years away from biking, in 2007 I got back onto 2 wheels and have pottered around on my Speed Triple ever since.
I'm now warming up to an idea to ride from Auckland to Invercargill down the east coast of both islands, and back up the west coast. The thing is, I need to take luggage, and the Speed Triple isn't made for such adornments as panniers or top boxes.
So, perhaps a new bike is required, and my question to you all is, what should I get for such a trip.

PS. I only have 7 days to do it in, so the bike needs to be comfortable, fast and fun!:yes:

what about the Oxford throw over panniers? I use them on the ZZR which has a WIDE ASS across the seat and rear bodywork... or a pack rack? Doesnt sound as if you are taking a pillion,, so that should hold a weeks supply of gear

[SpeedySapper]

Thanks for the advice guys. I like the triple, and wondered whether the Tiger 800 would be a good move.

[SpeedySapper]

what about the Oxford throw over panniers? I use them on the ZZR which has a WIDE ASS across the seat and rear bodywork... or a pack rack? Doesnt sound as if you are taking a pillion,, so that should hold a weeks supply of gear

Not sure the throwovers would fit over the high level cans, but I'll make some enquiries.

PS: why does it say L Plate Rider under my name?

[SpeedySapper]

Did a trip with the Mrs on the back from ChCh to Picton- Wgtn- Napier -Auck then back via the West Coat of the NI in 5 days recently and only 2200kms. Two good nights on the turps included, your seven day journey, as you've outlined it would be challenging , but a lot of fun.

Personally I would try and allow myself a couple more days but then, I might be a bit of a pussy.You've got a bit further to travel. Speed Triple would be a nice Bike for the trip, dress up warm mate. We were on a Hayabusa which possibly is'nt the best choice for a longish trip but no problems with Cement trucks overtaking us on the corners. Take care.

Good journey. My missus doesn't like to mess her hair with a helmet; leaving it off doesn't help either

[Stirts]

No need for luggage. Just wear 7 pairs of undies - added bonus of keeping your arse warm and extra comfort for the longer riding days.

Toothbrush and smellies will fit under the seat - only just.

Man I am so jealous!!

[Shadowjack]

PS: why does it say L Plate Rider under my name?
It's to do with the number of posts you've made so far. There's an FAQ somewhere.

[CRM]

For seven days on your own a ventura rack and bag would work on your bike for all you need I reckon. This (http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=806) is what they would look like on your bike. Then you get to keep your bike that you know and enjoy and can trust :yes:

[SpeedySapper]

I've got a 2006 Sprint ST ABS with factory bags in stock. 21kays, ultimate Sports Tourer with the motor you already love. Trade your Speed III on it, PM me if keen or email jimmy@tssmotorcycles.co.nz

Thanks for the offer but probably won't trade. Still thinking about the best machine.

[nodrog]

Thanks for the offer but probably won't trade. Still thinking about the best machine.

If you like the 1050 triple, that is the best machine. I'm sure Jimmy will be happy for you to buy it outright with no trade.

[Hinny]

Fly down ... pick up the bike ... spend seven days riding it home ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-388340787.htm
Perfect bike for the job.

[Winston001]

What a great trip. Are you planning this soon, because winter on the Mainland takes its job seriously.

And is this a way of changing your bike, or are you going to keep the Triple?

Personally I'd use a Ventura rack or simply bungy a backpack onto the rear seat. Crude but simple.

[Quasievil]

get the tiger or an adventure bike, why restrict yourself to highways, far more fun mixing it up a bit, go back via the molesworth or something. they will take more luggage to.

[SpeedySapper]

What a great trip. Are you planning this soon, because winter on the Mainland takes its job seriously.

And is this a way of changing your bike, or are you going to keep the Triple?

Personally I'd use a Ventura rack or simply bungy a backpack onto the rear seat. Crude but simple.

I'm thinking of going in November; I know it's some months away, but time seems to be flying past. I seem to be in Christchurch every week for work at the moment, so have some idea how much colder (and sunnier!) it is than Auckland.

I really like the Triple and would like to keep it, but was also thinking of the Tiger 800; another triple you see.

The Ventura seems to provide the capacity, but it looks like I'll need to develop ore flexibiliy in the legs to get on the bike, with the pack there.:woohoo:

Since I started planning, the missus has started to take an interest and may even want to come along for the adventure. She's only small, but even her knees meet her ears when riding pillion on a Speed Triple. Maybe a larger tourer will be in order. Decisions, decisions.:violin:

[SpeedySapper]

get the tiger or an adventure bike, why restrict yourself to highways, far more fun mixing it up a bit, go back via the molesworth or something. they will take more luggage to.

I was reading the NZ Motorcycle atlas earlier and saw some great unsealed roads described. Good idea to get off road. One particular route went from somewhere Manoupouri to Lake Wakitipa, requiring a trip across the lake on TS Earnslaw. Now that would add to the adventure.

[FJRider]

I was reading the NZ Motorcycle atlas earlier and saw some great unsealed roads described. Good idea to get off road. One particular route went from somewhere Manoupouri to Lake Wakitipa, requiring a trip across the lake on TS Earnslaw. Now that would add to the adventure.

It's Lake Wakatipu ... apart from gravel ... there's a few easy fords too ...

But it has been done on a regular basis by road bikes ...

The link to the Te Anau end here ...

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Te+Anau,+Southland&hl=en&ll=-45.523428,167.981815&spn=0.057609,0.109692&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=31.564662,56.162109&z=13

Prior booking/notice on the Earnslaw may be a good idea as its a long way back to Te Anau at gravel road speeds ...

[Macbat]

V-Strom 1000 would be perfect
Great for a pillion, great for luggage, great on a gravel road (Molesworth) with decent handling and performance for the highway, best allrounder to see and experience all of NZ, if I could find a better value all purpose I'd sell it

[Bikemad]

you already have the bike for it mate...........have done the Burt Munro challenge for the last 3 years on the 955........eight days for the round trip last year which isnt really enough time if you want to take in some sights......... and took way to much gear.......ventura rack would be all you need i reckon
242983

[SpeedySapper]

It's Lake Wakatipu ... apart from gravel ... there's a few easy fords too ...

But it has been done on a regular basis by road bikes ...

The link to the Te Anau end here ...

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Te+Anau,+Southland&hl=en&ll=-45.523428,167.981815&spn=0.057609,0.109692&sll=-41.244772,172.617188&sspn=31.564662,56.162109&z=13

Prior booking/notice on the Earnslaw may be a good idea as its a long way back to Te Anau at gravel road speeds ...

Thanks for the tip about booking the boat. Not sure I'd want to take my Triple through fords though.

[SpeedySapper]

you already have the bike for it mate...........have done the Burt Munro challenge for the last 3 years on the 955........eight days for the round trip last year which isnt really enough time if you want to take in some sights......... and took way to much gear.......ventura rack would be all you need i reckon
242983

I'm used to travelling light, so the Ventura could be the answer. Wife seems to be more interested in coming as the days go by. Happy with that, but changes the bike requirements (eg: hair dryer socket, vanity mirror, heated seat, etc:laugh:).
I see you have a good collection of bikes. Back in the late 70's I wanted a Le Mans, but my mate (now brother in law) got one before me, and I couldn't possibly get the same bike as him! Fancy a 916 now, but just for Sundays!
When is the Burt Munro challenge?

[Bikemad]

23-27th of November.........great event
http://www.burtmunrochallenge.com/

[Supertwin Don]

Did the whole circuit a couple of years ago, doing the Burt Munro this year - leaving Hamilton 23/11 return 30/11 - initial plan, east coast both ways but might consider other options. 3 bikes/riders - Guzzi, GPZ900, FJ1200 - pm me if you want to know more:scooter:

[Winston001]

You know, as a group we aren't good at getting together at rallies. Is there any reason we don't have a couple of flags on the Mainland to put up for a gathering point? I've missed several KB members at rallies and that's a shame.


Or....maybe they avoided me...:innocent:

[johnauck]

Did this trip August last year for a feed of oysters in Bluff - they are too expensive in Auckland. BMW R1200RT and mate on ST1300. Left Auckland via Paraparas caught 6.30pm ferry to Picton, stayed night in Top 10 Blenhiem - pub over road. Next day south on 1 & stayed motel Dunedin as raining heavy. Next day via Catlins to Bluff for feed of oysters for lunch - best place little takeaway along by Foveaux Hotel - then up to Queenstown for night. Beautiful coming up side of lake into Q'town with evening sun on ski slopes. Next morning was -4 deg so had to give Crown Range a miss however great ride up West Coast, Murchison and back to Top 10 Blenhiem with meal at pub. Next day ferry to Wgtn at 10.30am then rode back Auckland on 1. And saved all those dollars buying oyster takeaways in Bluff. Just make sure you have warm gear as cool temps down that way can catch you out.

[ExpertoCrede]

That's going to be a fantastic trip.

If you're going on your own keep the bike - with throw on panniers and a top box.

Or get a DL650 with Givi luggage.

If you're 2 up get a DL1000 with Givi luggage.