Travelling to South Island to pick up motorcycle, what do I need to do/take?

[MarkH]

On the 1st of January I will be heading to Auckland by car, flying to Blenheim, riding to Picton, ferrying to Wellington and then riding to Morrinsville (near Hamilton for those that don't know).

I'm taking a 'seat only' flight with a carry on bag.
I'll be wearing most of my riding gear (despite the heat) and in my bag I'll have a helmet, gloves, wet weather pants and whatever else I can think of that I'll need.
I guess I had better grab some tie down straps and take those for the ferry crossing.

What straps do I get and how many?
What else do I need to take?

[Gremlin]

You may have a problem getting stuff like tie downs into your carry on luggage. I'd suggest carrying a few basic tools, puncture repair kit etc, but then you definitely need checked luggage.

[MarkH]

You may have a problem getting stuff like tie downs into your carry on luggage. I'd suggest carrying a few basic tools, puncture repair kit etc, but then you definitely need checked luggage.

Maybe I could just call into a Repco or whatever in Blenheim?

[FJRider]

Courier your riding gear to the Blenheim Courier Office. Pick it up when you arrive there.

Domestic flights should have no issues with tie-downs.

[Akzle]

get rope you pussy.
9mm twin line/paracord, you get acres of the shit for 20 buck, and if you cant tie down a bike/woman with that, then what kind of man are you, really.

[Madness]

Cheese. Take some cheese.

Courier your gear to the seller in advance, the courier depot won't be open on New Year's Day.

[MarkH]

get rope you pussy.
9mm twin line/paracord, you get acres of the shit for 20 buck, and if you cant tie down a bike/woman with that, then what kind of man are you, really.

That's an idea, I've got some 550 paracord.
But the more I think about it the more I like the idea of just stopping off at the Blenheim Repco and grabbing some tie downs there.
They are open 10am to 4pm on the 1st according to the Repco web site.

[MarkH]

Cheese. Take some cheese.

Courier your gear to the seller in advance, the courier depot won't be open on New Year's Day.

I'll buy cheese locally as I go.
I'm not sure I really need to pay for the courier costs when I can just take what I need on the flight.
I'm also needing my helmet the day before for getting to work & back and I'm not really keen on trusting the couriers with a helmet that cost me over a thou.

I'm booked on a flight leaving Auckland at 8am and landing in Blenheim at 9:25am.
I'm booked on a Bluebridge ferry leaving Picton at 2pm (1pm check in).
Picton is only 28km from Blenheim according to google maps so I should have plenty of time.

I will now get to pay 2 lots of rego for over 600cc bikes - yay!
The new bike is my first dual sport, should be fun.

[Waihou Thumper]

I will be heading down as well but a bit later...
Bus to Hamilton from Te Aroha, bus to AKL airport, then fly one way to CHC, ride it home the long way. :)

[JimO]

you wont need wet weather gear

[AllanB]

you wont need wet weather gear

Hahahahahaha - in NZ? don;t count on it.

I'd be stuffing my bike gear in a bag and wear regular duds on the plane. Fuck sweltering that shit out.

Easy ride to Picton and nice open road spin over the hills for you and the new bike. Watch for police - stick to the limits.

Most importantly - what are you buying?

[MIXONE]

That's an idea, I've got some 550 paracord.
But the more I think about it the more I like the idea of just stopping off at the Blenheim Repco and grabbing some tie downs there.
They are open 10am to 4pm on the 1st according to the Repco web site.

Yep Repco have them and cheap as chips.Under $30 for a set of 4 from memory.If it's a calm crossing you'll only need 2.
The ride from Blenheim to the ferry you can knock off in 20 minutes easy.I seriously suggest you ride the Queen Charlotte Sound road before boarding the ferry.Only take you half an hour and it's one of the best bike roads in Godzone.

[BMWGSER]

Take some extra time ride thru the Molesworth to Hanmer Springs then thru the Rainbow to St Anard then on to Nelson and Then Picton. Don't forget to turn of at Havelock to go via Queen Charlotte drive . 2 extra days should do it. YHA is a good place to stay in Hanmer.
Marry Xmas.

[MarkH]

Most importantly - what are you buying?

Already added it to my profile - 2008 Suzuki DR650. The deal is done and money transferred, tickets booked, can't wait!
My ST1300 is great on the road but I wouldn't ride dirt tracks on it.
Gonna have a go at some off-road fun!

I'll be running up the k's on the ST1300 - 35km to work, 35km back, 5 days a week = 350km per week.
I like the low maintenance shaft drive bike for day to day running.
But I'll look into going on some organised off-road rides, seems to be plenty near Ruapehu, Taupo & Waipu and I'm sure many more.
For going on rides around the country I guess I'll have to evaluate whether I'll be going off-road or not and choose the most suitable bike for the trip.

[JATZ]

Take the Port Underwood rd, from Rarangi through to Picton.... Much more scenic :D bear in mind though it'll be crawling with holiday makers. . I'm sure you'd be allowed a back pack and helmet as carry on.
Congrats on the new ride

[jellywrestler]

What else do I need to take?

a few bucks to stick round for the street racing in nelson the next day....

[jellywrestler]

Courier your riding gear to the Blenheim Courier Office.

like anyones open that day of the year.

[skippa1]

Wallet
phone
phone charger
small back pack
spare undies
spare t shirt
spare socks
water bottle
sun glasses
ipod
sun block
tooth brush
tooth paste
soap
towel
small tool kit
spare plug
puncture repair kit
small jerry can of fuel
going out clothes for the evenings
packed lunch
two tie downs
20m of Akzle rope
a guide book
gps
radar detector
some south island currency
your passport
wet weather gear
bed roll
tent
toilet paper (or small packet of tissues)
baby wipes(small disposable pack)
your bus ticket
your plane ticket
your ferry ticket
a zip lock bag for your tickets

That is a reasonable start list. Youre welcome

[R650R]

I'd check with the airport and airline first about wearing your bike gear.... just with way security Nazis are these days... getting onto a plane wearing armoured clothing and all....
And the seats are small enough wearing shorts and a T shirt these days.
Jelly made an interesting point but you could always courier the bike gear to a third party before the new year like a friend/motel/bike seller.
I've worn bike gear back from the Ally Pally show in London to Newmarket on the train was alright but wouldn't want to do it on plane.

BTW for ferry two strops is fine, generally the normal passenger sailings are cancelled these days when its that rough that vehicles could move and only the trucks and freight go.
Leave the bike on side stand with one side pulling down and forward and one pulling back and to the other side and it wont go anywhere.

[Akzle]

some south island currency

but they have sniffer dogs at the airport nowadaze >_>

[Murray]

[23] 20m of Akzle rope

That is a reasonable start list. Youre welcome

20m??? All depends on how big a tree doesnt it??

[nodrog]

Wallet
phone
phone charger
small back pack
spare undies
spare t shirt
spare socks
water bottle
sun glasses
ipod
sun block
tooth brush
tooth paste
soap
towel
small tool kit
spare plug
puncture repair kit
small jerry can of fuel
going out clothes for the evenings
packed lunch
two tie downs
20m of Akzle rope
a guide book
gps
radar detector
some south island currency
your passport
wet weather gear
bed roll
tent
toilet paper (or small packet of tissues)
baby wipes(small disposable pack)
your bus ticket
your plane ticket
your ferry ticket
a zip lock bag for your tickets

That is a reasonable start list. Youre welcome

What The Swear word!

hes not going for a month.

[BMWST?]

two ties downs should be enough.one on each bar and leave bike in gear,not sidestand.If you have a third ties down or can scrounge a rope or something one from the rear of the bike .too but thats overkill.I have seen chocks but cant remember if that was Interislander or bluebridge

[Berries]

Wallet
phone
phone charger
small back pack
spare undies
tooth brush
tooth paste
wet weather gear
your bus ticket
your plane ticket
your ferry ticket

I took a few out.

[awa355]

Just point out to the security nazis the 'blast proof' built in armour of your jacket, and explain you do not intend to be returning. You have no need for a return ticket. Grow a beard. :niceone:

[breakaway]

Be well rested and ride with more wits about you than you normally would.

Holiday period means people who normally drive 10 minutes to work and then back with very little open road experience taking long open road trips. Center line crossers, people driving well under the speed limit to the ire of those behind them prompting dangerous passing manoeuvres, speed traps to catch these overtakers, etc etc will be quite common. I avoid going out during these days. But if you must...

[BMWST?]

Wallet
phone
phone charger
small back pack
spare undies
tooth brush
tooth paste
wet weather gear
your bus ticket
your plane ticket
your ferry ticket

I took a few out.

license
credit/debit/eftpos/cash

[Brett]

You may have a problem getting stuff like tie downs into your carry on luggage. I'd suggest carrying a few basic tools, puncture repair kit etc, but then you definitely need checked luggage.
Forget the tie-downs then. Brush up on your boy-scout skills and take some rope. You can easily rig up a tie down system with rope alone. Just need to know your knots. Or,alternatively, just buy a couple in Blenheim or Picton along with any basic tools that wont go in your carry on.

[jellywrestler]

Forget the tie-downs then. Brush up on your boy-scout skills and take some rope. You can easily rig up a tie down system with rope alone. Just need to know your knots. Or,alternatively, just buy a couple in Blenheim or Picton along with any basic tools that wont go in your carry on.

forget both, you pay the ferries to include material to tie your bike dwon, whay would you want to provide them make a scene too to prove a point

[Tazz]

x 2 on Port Underwood road. Wouldn't bother with the Queen Charlotte as it will chocka with corner cutters. You can also go as far as the Wairau bridge and come down through the river tracks back the SH1 (on either side of the river) for a bit of fun/time killer.

I'll most likely be around/at work (in Picton) so if you get stuck for tie downs/anything or feel like a yarn flick me a message. Repco and the Whuddy Fuddy will be open though.

You'll be able to take some of your gear off once you're on the plane and slam it in the overheads, no different from the extra laptop and booze bags they allow really, just be near the front of the queue as those small planes fill up fast, piece of piss.

As for South Island currency? I'll trade you a beer/coffee for some dunkin doughnuts XD

Oh, make sure you're sorted to get into Blenhole from the airport too before you land. It's a little out of town/spendy taxi if the shuttle is fully booked.

[Tazz]

forget both, you pay the ferries to include material to tie your bike dwon, whay would you want to provide them make a scene too to prove a point

Both flavours of ferries have em, and chocks, and will tie them for you if you're not confident (Blue Bridge will anyway) but they are always covered in salt water and manky as. I wouldn't worry about it with a DR :bleh: but I always take my own for the CBR. It's a small bike too so my thinner tie downs/rope are easier to sling around it without rubbing where they shouldn't.

As for making a scene, don't surprised if you do and find your bike is the only one secured with chain instead of rope :laugh:

[Berries]

license
credit/debit/eftpos/cash
Well I don't know about you but I don't carry a wallet just for the feel of the leather in my back pocket.

[BMWST?]

Well I don't know about you but I don't carry a wallet just for the feel of the leather in my back pocket.
Really?,at a pinch these two or three items are all you need

[caspernz]

Wallet
phone
phone charger
small back pack
spare undies
spare t shirt
spare socks
water bottle
sun glasses
ipod
sun block
tooth brush
tooth paste
soap
towel
small tool kit
spare plug
puncture repair kit
small jerry can of fuel
going out clothes for the evenings
packed lunch
two tie downs
20m of Akzle rope
a guide book
gps
radar detector
some south island currency
your passport
wet weather gear
bed roll
tent
toilet paper (or small packet of tissues)
baby wipes(small disposable pack)
your bus ticket
your plane ticket
your ferry ticket
a zip lock bag for your tickets

That is a reasonable start list. Youre welcome

I'd think some Akzle repellent spray might come in handy? After all, you can't carry .338 ammo on a domestic flight nowadays...

[Akzle]

I'd think some Akzle repellent spray might come in handy? After all, you can't carry .338 ammo on a domestic flight nowadays...

ax is his own repellent... (except for a certain tard or three that have a wide-on for me)
Why do you think the cunt is going SOUTH...

[Murray]

I'd think some Akzle repellent spray might come in handy? After all, you can't carry .338 ammo on a domestic flight nowadays...

As said previously why do you need 20m of rope for No 23. depends on height of tree???

[R650R]

Wallet
phone
phone charger
small back pack
spare undies
spare t shirt
spare socks
water bottle
sun glasses
ipod
sun block
tooth brush
tooth paste
soap
towel
small tool kit
spare plug
puncture repair kit
small jerry can of fuel
going out clothes for the evenings
packed lunch
two tie downs
20m of Akzle rope
a guide book
gps
radar detector
some south island currency
your passport
wet weather gear
bed roll
tent
toilet paper (or small packet of tissues)
baby wipes(small disposable pack)
your bus ticket
your plane ticket
your ferry ticket
a zip lock bag for your tickets

That is a reasonable start list. Youre welcome

Are the spare undies,spare plug and baby wipes for when the security team at airport have finished with him after discovering the small jerry can of fuel???

[Woodman]

I took my helmet and a carry on bag with gear last year on the plane no worries. Wore my boots with jeans and changed into riding gear when rode the bike home. Ferries have rope, and most guys I have seen overkill tieing their bikes down anyway. Enjoy the ride.

[MarkH]

Oh, make sure you're sorted to get into Blenhole from the airport too before you land. It's a little out of town/spendy taxi if the shuttle is fully booked.

Seller says he is 10 minutes from airport, he has offered to pick me up so that makes life easier.

Just got a 2 litre petrol container from Touratech, I should bring that on the plane! :wacko:

If I have my phone then I also have EFT-POS card, Visa Debit card, License & enough cash for petrol or whatever.

It couldn't hurt to own some tie downs, I don't have any at the moment but Repco Blenheim will be open and it is on the main street and therefore easy to find. I can't think of a good reason not to just grab a set there and not worry when I get to the ferry.

Coming home I'll probably need to figure out where to stop for the night.
The ferry is scheduled to arrive in Wellington at 5:30pm and I will have been awake since before 5am - a 6 hour ride to Morrinsville might be a bit much at that time.
I'll probably look to having diner and staying somewhere overnight and then having a nice ride home on the Friday.

[Akzle]

It couldn't hurt to own some tie downs, I can't think of a good reason not to

uses for (shit ass chinese ratshit ratchet) tie downs: tying shit down.

Uses for rope (if you have sufficient penis): 1, 000, 000.

Women dont need rope.

[wynw]

Welcome to stop here in Palmerston North if you need a bed/feed/coffee etc. Drop me a pm

[MarkH]

Uses for rope (if you have sufficient penis): 1, 000, 000.


I'm not sure that any of us really want to know what you do with your penis & rope.

[MarkH]

Welcome to stop here in Palmerston North if you need a bed/feed/coffee etc. Drop me a pm

Palmy could work, less than 2 hours from Welly - could be there around 7ish and get a good night's sleep, wake up refreshed and ride 4.5 hours or so back to Morrinsville.

[Akzle]

I'm not sure that any of us really want to know what you do with your penis & rope.

are you sure? I have 35mm slides...

[Akzle]

I'm not sure that any of us really want to know what you do with your penis & rope.

are you sure? I have 35mm slides...
Like some fuken macguyver shit.

[Berg]

What ferry are you on? If its the Kaitaki get there nice and early, be one of the first 12 bikes on and grab one of the proper "bike" slots (front wheel goes into a v on floor and low wall). That way you will only need 2 strops. I always take my own (so yep, Repco/Supercheap/Mitre 10 etc a bloody good idea) as then you are assured half decent ones.

[MarkH]

What ferry are you on?

Bluebridge 2pm crossing.

[R650R]

Has anyone ever seen a bike fallen over on ferry. In the parking spot, not entering or leaving. Pics or it never happened.

Screw mucking about with ropes, that gorilla caveman shit unless you drive a flatdeck for a living. You can decent tiedown strops bloddy cheap as these days and so usefull.
Also ropes are not load rated unless very new and you still have the packaging so maybe legal issues if you had it on back of trailer or ute in crash etc....

[Waihou Thumper]

You can decent tiedown strops bloddy cheap as these days and so usefull.
Also ropes are not load rated unless very new and you still have the packaging so maybe legal issues if you had it on back of trailer or ute in crash etc....

Umm, I forget how many times I have seen strops and tie downs from trucks on the side of the road or on the road in-fact.
Only as good as the user and knot tier right? AND, just because something is load rated doesn't in fact mean it is fit for purpose.
A Karabiner (yes, with a K):) can be rated to at least 21 Kn but if the user side loads it during use it then becomes sweet fuck all:) maybe 9 Kn at best!

I trust my knot tying ability....

[MarkH]

I trust my knot tying ability....

Anyone that is good with knots could easily do as good or better than ratchets, I can totally believe that.
But I've not had that much experience tying knots and am not keen on experimenting on a ferry crossing, I'd feel better trusting a ratchet.

It certainly wouldn't be hard to acquire good rope that you could trust for much more than you need and like I say, if you are good at knots then I couldn't see a problem.
For me some Repco tie downs are probably the best choice, for others maybe only 2nd best.

[JATZ]

Here's a thought.....
Get a couple of Cam lock tie downs, use them to strap your carry on bag on the back of the bike, aaaaaand.... Tie your bike down on the boat
They also pack down smaller than ratshit tie downs.
Also, inside your helmet is a good place to stick things on the flight down, if your pushed for space

Your welcome :D

[Waihou Thumper]

Take a couple of days to get used to the bike and think about shit! Then maybe stop somewhere, find out what you REALLY want and then organise it....
The south island ain't that backward, they do have traffic lights and a McDonalds...So maybe you could spend time to think about your options before loading up with needless crap for the flight down.

Because I am doing the same thing, well almost....
I have to think about what I require to take. I might be down there for three days, so a change of undies is a must...(so Mum says)
Dress up to dress down is the way to go. Tools? Now yes, that is a must, plus the Subway card, wait...They have that down there?
A block of Havarti, Gouda and a baguette, couple of hard boiled eggs will taste the bees knees on top of Altimarloch! :)

[R650R]

[I]Umm, I forget how many times I have seen strops and tie downs from trucks on the side of the road or on the road in-fact.
Only as good as the user and knot tier right?

That's usually from some knuckle dragging swap driver being too lazy to close the trailer toolbox doors or even look at them rather than the rachet failing...

[Moi]

Has anyone mentioned passport :confused:

[MarkH]

Take the Port Underwood rd, from Rarangi through to Picton.... Much more scenic :D


x 2 on Port Underwood road.

Motion carried!

Based on the plane landing at 9:25am and the ferry leaving at 2pm (boarding at 1pm) I have the choice of getting to Picton quickly and waiting for a couple of hours before boarding or taking longer to get there and waiting much less.
I might as well get a fun ride in and take some pics instead of waiting around for ages at the ferry terminal.

[Tazz]

Motion carried!

Based on the plane landing at 9:25am and the ferry leaving at 2pm (boarding at 1pm) I have the choice of getting to Picton quickly and waiting for a couple of hours before boarding or taking longer to get there and waiting much less.
I might as well get a fun ride in and take some pics instead of waiting around for ages at the ferry terminal.

Yeah man, bring your budgie smugglers and take a dip at whites or robin hood bay while you are there if you're that way inclined. They should fit in your helmet on the way down, fresh pair though aye haha

[240]

If your going down south man take a banjo and some Vaseline them southern rednecks like north islanders !

[MarkH]

Picking up bike tomorrow! W00t!
I think I've got what I need sorted.
Boss gave me some $50 MTA vouchers and I believe Repco takes them - I'll take them with me to spend at Repco Blenheim.

Some people might think that without the bike in my possession yet I wouldn't have started spending money on it, those people would be wrong!
I want to do some adventure biking type things with the DR, might go up to the tip of Coromandel (never been passed Coromandel itself) and I'll need some way of taking camping gear.
I've ordered a large rear luggage rack to strap my large waterproof bag to:
http://www.moto-racks.com/publishImages/DR650-buy-page~~element67.JPG

I might order the side racks too and some largish saddle bags.
I have some holidays owing so I might take a week off for my Coromandel trip, maybe in March when it isn't quite so uncomfortably hot.

[awayatc]

Has anyone ever seen a bike fallen over on ferry. In the parking spot, not entering or leaving. Pics or it never happened.
..

Railway carriages count..?
trucks...?

coz they all have fallen over in the past....
on a bad day....

[pete376403]

Not happened to me but, mates K100 tipped and fell onto a CBR1000 parked alongside. End of handlebar pushed a neat hole in the side of the CBR fairing. Honda owner was mildly pissed to say the least. (he had a bad day - when we saw him a few hours later he had just run over a dog at Kaikoura)

Incidentally the tip over was caused by strapping the bike down too tightly - the K100 stand bracket is a casting and ratcheting the strap too much snapped the bracket, followed by noise and curses.

[sidecar bob]

I duct tape my front brake on & offer to do the same to the bikes either side of mine. No stand & a tie down either side in the upright position the same as I do in the van & she's sweet.
Easy to find places to hook onto a 1200gs with the full protection bar set though, may be a bit harder on a smoother bike.

[R650R]

Railway carriages count..?
trucks...?

coz they all have fallen over in the past....
on a bad day....

They generally cancel the sailings for joe blow public nowadays and only trucks/rail sails on the bigger swells but even they have cutoff levels now.

[R650R]

Not happened to me but, mates K100 tipped and fell onto a CBR1000 parked alongside. End of handlebar pushed a neat hole in the side of the CBR fairing. Honda owner was mildly pissed to say the least. (he had a bad day - when we saw him a few hours later he had just run over a dog at Kaikoura)

Incidentally the tip over was caused by strapping the bike down too tightly - the K100 stand bracket is a casting and ratcheting the strap too much snapped the bracket, followed by noise and curses.

I'd say the bracket was probably already damaged prior and then let go all the way.

[awayatc]

They generally cancel the sailings for joe blow public nowadays and only trucks/rail sails on the bigger swells but even they have cutoff levels now.

Dream on trucky boy.,
I dont work on fuckun ferries..
got standards and all....
I do work at sea however...,
whole ferries got cleaned up either end of the straight....
tow truck territory only...
moana does as she pleases....
you ever want to find out how insignificant you are...?
you know where to go...
happy new year.....!

[R650R]

Dream on trucky boy.,
I dont work on fuckun ferries..
got standards and all....
I do work at sea however...,
whole ferries got cleaned up either end of the straight....
tow truck territory only...
moana does as she pleases....
you ever want to find out how insignificant you are...?
you know where to go...
happy new year.....!

Been there done that in 4m kayak when weather turned, wasn't fun. And love watching those container ship youtube vids in megastorms....
But a fellow driver who does crossings a lot said that was the go with ferries now that joe public sailings get canned long before the weather forecast is bad enough to tip bikes over....
Just sayinn....

[Gremlin]

Easy to find places to hook onto a 1200gs with the full protection bar set though, may be a bit harder on a smoother bike.
BMW recommends tying around the bottom triple clamp. Locks the wheel in place, allows the suspension to operate.

[sidecar bob]

BMW recommends tying around the bottom triple clamp. Locks the wheel in place, allows the suspension to operate.

I looked & mine doesn't have a bottom triple clamp:weep: .Weird Bmw's with their newfangled suspension.

[BMWST?]

Not happened to me but, mates K100 tipped and fell onto a CBR1000 parked alongside. End of handlebar pushed a neat hole in the side of the CBR fairing. Honda owner was mildly pissed to say the least. (he had a bad day - when we saw him a few hours later he had just run over a dog at Kaikoura)

Incidentally the tip over was caused by strapping the bike down too tightly - the K100 stand bracket is a casting and ratcheting the strap too much snapped the bracket, followed by noise and curses.
thats why you dont strap then down "on" the stand

[BMWST?]

I duct tape my front brake on & offer to do the same to the bikes either side of mine. No stand & a tie down either side in the upright position the same as I do in the van & she's sweet.
Easy to find places to hook onto a 1200gs with the full protection bar set though, may be a bit harder on a smoother bike.

thats a good idea but i just leave it in gear,ussually have a single tie down at rear too,but as you say bmws are easy as ussually have racks etc

[sidecar bob]

thats why you dont strap then down "on" the stand

The side stand on a K100 is also only an ornament, unless you want it to smoke for the next ten kilometres.

[BMWST?]

Been there done that,part of the flat four mystique

[R650R]

Been there done that,part of the flat four mystique

Inline fours do it too.... no mystique though just 110,000kim and a leaky valve seal on #1 cylinder. Solved by tipping bike to right to drop oil down cam tunnel before parking up :)

[BMWST?]

I bought a k100rs brand new,i can tell you I was a bit concerned about that habit

[mossy1200]

The side stand on a K100 is also only an ornament, unless you want it to smoke for the next ten kilometres.

Took mine off.
Wonder if they started the first k100 and cried out "I knew we shoulda faced the cylinders right".

[sidecar bob]

Took mine off.
Wonder if they started the first k100 and cried out "I knew we shoulda faced the cylinders right".

Easiest way to pick a recent BMW buyer regardless of model, they use the side stand.

[MarkH]

Everything went smoothly, no problems on flight or on ferry.
The ride home took a bit longer than expected, it is possible that riding the Gentle Annie and then turning around and riding back again may not be the quickest route home.
When I first got on the DR650 it felt weird and uncomfortable but as I rode along Port Underwood road I became more comfortable with it and my confidence grew, I was sad to get to my destination because I was really starting to enjoy the ride. Not sure I'd want to take a standard road bike on that road though, the dirt sections could be slippery with road tyres.
Heading to Taihape passed Kimbolton the twisty roads were a lot of fun and the Gentle Annie was really good.

[Waihou Thumper]

Everything went smoothly, no problems on flight or on ferry.
The ride home took a bit longer than expected, it is possible that riding the Gentle Annie and then turning around and riding back again may not be the quickest route home.
When I first got on the DR650 it felt weird and uncomfortable but as I rode along Port Underwood road I became more comfortable with it and my confidence grew, I was sad to get to my destination because I was really starting to enjoy the ride. Not sure I'd want to take a standard road bike on that road though, the dirt sections could be slippery with road tyres.
Heading to Taihape passed Kimbolton the twisty roads were a lot of fun and the Gentle Annie was really good.

Nice one. :)
My turn in a couple of days...