My new ride - the trip home

[Kendog]

Sunday finally arrived, and just like the kid waiting for Christmas it took too long and I didn't get much sleep the night before.

Off to the airport to catch my flight to Tauranga. Was a bit of a laugh wondering around in an airport in bike leathers, got plenty of strange looks (stranger than the normal strange looks I get)

Nathan from Bay City Motorcycles picked me up at the airport (just part of the great service I got from them in buying this bike, I highly recommend this shop to everyone) and off to the shop we went. 10 minutes later I had signed the papers and I had my new bike :done:

A few of the local KBers arrived to escort me out of their city, I mean say hello and ride with me to Rotorua. Cajun, MotoGirl, MidnightMike, saul and Waylander, it was great meeting you all and riding with you.

I also got to meet babyB who was unfortunately cage bound with the kids, and a KBer from Napier (sorry forgot your name)

After riding the Pyes Pa road to Rotorua, having a bite to eat and a drink it was farewell to the Tauranga crew and I was off on my home. Took the long way round the lake to Turangi and was starting to really get into the groove on the new bike, but still being a little cautious as it is soooo different to the Hornet and had a new rear tire.

Stopped in Turangi for gas and a pie (only one on the trip, must do better next time) then off again. I had planned to go the National Park, Wanganui way home but I had spent too much time gas bagging at lunch so opted for the more direct Desert road instead.

Last stop made in Bulls to top up the gas and change to clear visor. Then the homeward stretch, zipping around the never ending slow moving stream of cars heading towards Wellington.

Arrived home at 8.00pm. About 6 hours riding time and my butt and lower back were telling me all about it. Today they don't feel too bad (thanks for the massage honey) so I am sure I will get used to it in time. The ride today also didn't feel too bad as well.

So how does the bike to ride?
Fantastic!!! I never once had a moment of 'oh shit' and I was cornering way faster than I have ever done. It is effortless, light, smooth, confidence inspiring etc etc etc. The biggest problem was trying to keep the speed down (a lot of cops out there yesterday)

Am I glad I made the move from the Hornet?
Yes. Riding has a buzz about it now and I look forward to getting to the next corner more. Went up the Takas today, what a blast. Can't wait for the next track day.

Will I miss the Hornet?
Hell yes. The Hornet has soul, it's unique and often attracted attention from bikers due to its look (especially those red wheels) and 'bling'. The GSXR is....... a GSXR, and it's blue and white :zzzz: nuff said.
On the positive side the Hornet has gone to a good home and I know the new owner so hope to see it around a bit.

Here are some pics:
Pic 1 - MotoGirl, MidnightMike & Cajun + the bikes. About to leave Rotorua.
Pic 2 - The bike at Whakamaru
Pic 3 and 4 - The bike at home

[dogsnbikes]

Nice Ride and glad you enjoyed the trip back many happy miles ahead:rockon:

[Waylander]

lol good ride mate, glad you had fun while you were up here.

And the GSXR may look like just a GSXR now but I'm sure you'll have it looking red hot in no time.

[Kendog]

lol good ride mate, glad you had fun while you were up here.

And the GSXR may look like just a GSXR now but I'm sure you'll have it looking red hot in no time.

The bling search has begun in earnest :yes:

[u4ea]

awww I remember the glow you had when you rode one at Quassis show!!!!awesome youve made the decision and are totally enjoying the steed!!!!

[Waylander]

The bling search has begun in earnest :yes:
lol I also noticed you scrubbed a bit more of the feathery white meat off the back tyre after leaving Rotorua.

Was wondering what you were talking about when you said you were cornering faster, must have been after we split cause I was right behind you all through Pyes Pa.
And I'm a slow bastard lol


Did you happen to see that Blue Corolla again by the way.

[Edbear]

My favourite sports bike! I know you're going to love it!:yes:

[MotoGirl]

It's an awesome machine you've got there Nigel. I'm sure you'll love it for many years to come :rockon:

You've also got some nice pics there, I see you got my best side! :rofl:
Seriously though, the second pic is cool :yes:.

[Edbear]

Was wondering what you were talking about when you said you were cornering faster, must have been after we split cause I was right behind you all through Pyes Pa...




:whistle:




10char

[Kendog]

lol I also noticed you scrubbed a bit more of the feathery white meat off the back tyre after leaving Rotorua.

Was wondering what you were talking about when you said you were cornering faster, must have been after we split cause I was right behind you all through Pyes Pa.


Did you happen to see that Blue Corolla again by the way.

Yep, very cautions going to Rotorua, got a bit better after that. But still a little Nana like and will be for a while me thinks.
No sign of our Corolla friend. Shame, would like to have given him a return wave.

[Kendog]

You've also got some nice pics there, I see you got my best side! :rofl:.

There have been a lot of pics of the ladies from the rear lately on this site. Not intentional I can assure you :)

[Waylander]

Yep, very cautions going to Rotorua, got a bit better after that. But still a little Nana like and will be for a while me thinks.
No sign of our Corolla friend. Shame, would like to have given him a return wave.
Hmm guess one of us should have taken his mirror when we had the chance. Ohwell.
And just giving you a bit of guff mate, new tyre and new bike take a bit of getting used to and Pyes Pa isn't that good a road to be on even in the best of times lol.

[cowboyz]

nice. welocome to the R models. I hear what your saying. Bit of getting used to. When I brought mine I near had meanie overtake me on pikcock hill on the meanstreak. Takes a bit of getting used to but real fun huh.
Be nice to see it at the next track day.

[Leong]

Hey!! Congratulations - Nice Bike ( and nice photos ):yes: and nice report!!


About 6 hours riding time and my butt and lower back were telling me all about it. Today they don't feel too bad (thanks for the massage honey) so I am sure I will get used to it in time. The ride today also didn't feel too bad as well.
And what a great weekend to be riding your new bike. Coming off an SV650 and being a bit older than you too, I had the same aches, but find the GSXR pretty comfy now.


Went up the Takas today, what a blast. Can't wait for the next track day.
Careful - it can be HIGHLY adictive this trackday business... I'll be in Taupo for the ones on the 20th, 28th April, 4th and 6th May. Addicted??? Hmmm


Will I miss the Hornet?
Hell yes. The Hornet has soul, it's unique and often attracted attention from bikers due to its look (especially those red wheels) and 'bling'. The GSXR is....... a GSXR, and it's blue and white :zzzz: nuff said.

Couldn't believe it when I ended up with a Blue/White one myself. I looked at a few of the Philip Island demo bikes, and the only one available at the time was the blue/white. However, I think once one has owned these bikes for a while, and appreciates the way you can tour on the bike on standard settings, stiffen it up for the track etc, the colour (Nicer than the previous blue IMO) and the clean styling will grow on you!! Enjoy!!

[MidnightMike]

new tyre and new bike take a bit of getting used to and Pyes Pa isn't that good a road to be on even in the best of times lol.


Who suggested going that way? :whistle:

Good to hear you got home safely KD, you've got a wicked bike, so enjoy it! :scooter:

[et al]

Nice bike Mr Kendog - and a good choice of colour too, that is my favourite colour scheme for any of the GSXR's. Am a little envious of you because Suzukis used to be my brand of choice and the GSXR750 was always the one I aspired to own, but I never got around to it for various reasons. It is still the quintessential Sports Bike in my opinion. Not fair to compare it to the Hornet because of course they have different design briefs and end user requirements etc but it must feel like a quantum leap in terms of handling and performance for you. Has the Mrs got her leg over it yet?

[Chisanga]

Looks like a cool bike. Enjoy it and stay safe out there :)

[Trudes]

Nice bike Mr Kendog - and a good choice of colour too, that is my favourite colour scheme for any of the GSXR's. Am a little envious of you because Suzukis used to be my brand of choice and the GSXR750 was always the one I aspired to own, but I never got around to it for various reasons. It is still the quintessential Sports Bike in my opinion. Not fair to compare it to the Hornet because of course they have different design briefs and end user requirements etc but it must feel like a quantum leap in terms of handling and performance for you. Has the Mrs got her leg over it yet?

Hey, I'll swap it for your Monster, god I love that bike of yours, I'm sure he won't notice it' s missing from the garage!!
He's been officially kicked out of the Hornet's nest, especially buying a Suzuki and in Suzuki colours too!
Haha, nah, I'm happy that he's happy, and I'm especially happy that his choice of bike was something I actually can "get my leg over" or more to the point, get my feet on the ground on. I took it for a little ride yesterday around Pahatanui a couple of times and out to Rimutex before I was told to get off!:mellow: It's so very different from the Hornet that I don't want to ride it too often incase I get too used to it. It felt very strange to get back on the Hornet and hating that I got used to the K7 so quickly!:angry: Still, tons of fun for the boy!:yes: I should add that I'm not too keen on the submissive sort of pose that bike puts me in, bum up, head down, knees up around my ears....

[et al]

Good on ya - sounds like you could be tempted to go the Sportbike way as well, although now you have the best of both worlds with a Naked and a Sportsbike in the family you can do Swapsies and get to ride two very different bikes in one day - life does not get much better than that I reckon.

[Trudes]

You got it spot on!!!:yes:

[Pwalo]

Alright I was wrong. It's a K7 750 with risers and touring bags. Congrats on the new bike, and welcome to the Suzuki world.

Apparently you meet the nicest people on a Honda, but you don't really care when you're on a Suzuki. (Besides meeting nice people must be some damn boring).

[Hitcher]

Well done KD. And remember to change your signature...

[ninjac]

Congrats on the new bike.
Did they do a hell deal on the bike. Just wondering why you had to go all the way to Tauranga. I'm in the same boat too. I think the bike shops have a far bit of room to move on price.

Edit: Just looked at the pics and saw the number plate holders gone. So bike was second hand. Disregard my above rant. All the best with her.

[Alltrax]

very nice dude!!! are ya going to bling it up a bit?

[chanceyy]

laffing .. just waiting for 86GSXR to see this thread Nigel .. you can park the GSXR's next to each other & admire the blue & white paint jobs/design together :yes:

seriously congrats on the new ride :sunny:

[skelstar]

Good stuff Mr K. Will need to follow you to the sportsbike fold sometime.

[NZsarge]

Yeah, thats a nice bike without doubt, congtats.

[yod]

nice lookin piece of machinery....enjoy it mate!

[jade]

Does a k6/7 750 hit 300kph?

[Fatjim]

Good stuff Mr K. Will need to follow you to the sportsbike fold sometime.

"Good on ya mate".

BTW,that bikes far too sexy for a Kendog. Give it to me!

[86GSXR]

Oh well done Mr K! I love my 86 models, and they'll be with me forever. I did have the thrill of test riding a 04 GSXR 1000 today though.

Congratulations:yes:

[Kendog]

Does a k6/7 750 hit 300kph?

Horsepower 127
Weight 163
1/4 Mile 10.36
Top Speed 276

Not that it really matters on the road. It's way beyond what I realistically need but nice to know its there. Looking forward to stretching it a little on the track.


BTW,that bikes far too sexy for a Kendog. Give it to me!
You need one cause you wear Suzuki blue :shifty:

[jade]

hmmm.. zx6r's and r6's get more than that top speed wise..
be interested to hear from someone who has topped out a 750..

[Kendog]

hmmm.. zx6r's and r6's get more than that top speed wise..
be interested to hear from someone who has topped out a 750..

why?

10...

[jade]

im just curious, the 300 club is a milestone

[Kendog]

im just curious, the 300 club is a milestone

As long as its not your only motivating factor for a bike.

[elle-f]

looks awesome! :Punk:

[cowpoos]

hmmm.. zx6r's and r6's get more than that top speed wise..
be interested to hear from someone who has topped out a 750..
no they don't...they may get higher than that indicated on a speedo but they won't have a higher topspeed dude...that will very likely be measured...I saw a indicated 298kmph [on the speedo] on a stock gsxr750k5 with gearing change of 2 up on the back down pukie main straight...but theres no way it would have been going that fast...speedo will be out from tha factory and the gearing changed aswell...probally more like 265kmph...

[sels1]

Congrats on the new baby KD

[DrHook]

Beautiful! Simply beauuuuttiiiiifulll!

[Fatjim]

im just curious, the 300 club is a milestone
Roadrocket and MD will tell you exactly how fast a 636 can go.

I believe they were getting ~262 at the Rapa sprints. So maybe 265 is about it for them. (Taz's ,now Vaselines Worriers, GSX-R600 was going a bit better funnily enough).

[WickedOne]

Good on ya matey!!!

[ruphus]

Nice photo's there KD.

Hope you have a good ride tomorrow. The weather was good out there today for testing. I won't be joining ya tomorrow, still looking for a new steed.

[Swoop]

Hmmm.

"Honey, I'm just taking the bike in for its warranty service! Be back in about two days!!!":done:

[Kendog]

Hmmm.

"Honey, I'm just taking the bike in for its warranty service! Be back in about two days!!!":done:

Not a bad idea that.

[Trudes]

Hmmm.

"Honey, I'm just taking the bike in for its warranty service! Be back in about two days!!!":done:

Yeah, that would be me saying that! :dodge:

[_intense_]

mmmm shiney new wheels. yum. time to put in some peakak praccy?

[Kendog]

The lovely Mrs KD took some pics of me on the bike this morning (she even very nicely cleaned the bike yesterday while I was at soccer :love: )

[MidnightMike]

Some or one? 0_0

Good photo though. :rockon:

[Kendog]

Some or one? 0_0

Good photo though. :rockon:

There are others, just can't be arsed sizing them. I also put the wrong lens on the camera so made it hard to get good close ups.

[bistard]

So did you two get out for a ride yesterday??
Twas bloody cold at the top of the Takas,but I caught up with KB ride at Rimtex upperhutt,big turn out!!

[Trudes]

We did, thanks!! Was very cold up the top alright, so had a chin wag then skulked off home. I successfully twiddled my suspension and am happy with how it feels now and Nige still can't undo a bolt to loosen his chain, so he rode like a nanna.:gob:

[skelstar]

Mr K looks great with that Blue Kagayama helmet on his bike. Think the paint scheme on that gixxer is quite stunning. VERY different than the K6. For some reason reminds me of the MV F4 paint for some reason.

<img src="http://static.sportbikez.net/bikepics/medium/1125156552.jpg">

[BIGBOSSMAN]

That's an exceptionally good looking ride there, Mr Kendog. Probably the best looking Gixxer yet! Keep it real.....:Punk:

[et al]

..... Nige still can't undo a bolt to loosen his chain, so he rode like a nanna.:gob:
If it is same as GSXR1000 then there is a really big wheel nut to undo - can't remember exactly what size it was (think it was 35mm) but I ended up using biggest crescent I could find to do the job then brought the correct size socket for next time - let me know if you need to borrow tools(s) for it.

[Kendog]

If it is same as GSXR1000 then there is a really big wheel nut to undo - can't remember exactly what size it was (think it was 35mm) but I ended up using biggest crescent I could find to do the job then brought the correct size socket for next time - let me know if you need to borrow tools(s) for it.

Thanks for the offer.

I got the axel nut ok, and one side was also ok for adjusting. But the right side lock nut for the adjuster wont move and I was starting to round the edges of the nut trying to loosen it :gob:

It is booked in for a service end of next week, so will ask the shop to adjust the chain and possibly replace the lock nut.

[raster]

.....It is booked in for a service end of next week, so will ask the shop to adjust the chain and possibly replace the lock nut.

Good Idea, keep your nuts in good condition!:rockon:

[gijoe1313]

It's tasty, very very tasty! Better than a flea in your ear!
Now talk about your new ride, it's a luvverly one -
Looks like you're having fun!

On ya both for getting out for a little stroll over the 'takas! I'm itching to take my little ol'Hornet back down Wellyways for a pootle! :niceone:

[raster]

Hey KD, I love the one by the lake, would you be able to send me an original full size?

[Kendog]

Hey KD, I love the one by the lake, would you be able to send me an original full size?

Yep, PM me your email address.

[Templar]

Nice bike KD!