New bike. Massive grin. Small dilemma...

[Ripperjon]

YESSSSS!!!!

The deposit is down on my new bike (first bike) and it gets delivered to Norjo in Chch middle of March.

I've gone for a ninja 250r (despite Skidmark's advice against them in another thread!:bleh:)

I can't wait to get hold of her now, i'm so chuffed! :wari: but i'm having a dilemma...

I'm not sure whether to have the guys at Norjo truck it down here to Queenstown for $350 or to get a bus up and ride it down.

The thing is, i am a total newbie so i don't know whether a trip of that size is really the right thing for me to be doing.

Also, i've looked at different ways of running in the engine and am not sure whether riding it that sort of distance is a good idea. Some running in methods say take it easy, some say go hard but i don't think any say to drive 300 miles straight off the bat.

So, i was wondering what you guys think, should i wait with baited breath for her to arrive or go get her?

cheers in advance....

[Blue Velvet]

Bus up and ride it down. Total immersion learning etc.

If you think you can, you can...

[Jimmy B]

YESSSSS!!!!

The thing is, i am a total newbie so i don't know whether a trip of that size is really the right thing for me to be doing.

but i don't think any say to drive 300 miles straight off the bat.

....

If by total newbie you mean absolute beginner then I would be inclined to take a more measured approach to learning than "total immersion" 480K ride straight off the bat.

[owner]

bus up ride back, In my humble opinion no better way to pop its cherry,
with skydiveing, snowboarding, experience the open road should be easy,just be extra careful at intersections provided youve been driving cars for 10years+, and your nothing like skidmark, and remember everything! is trying to knock you off.

[Mental Trousers]

If you can find someone to pillion you to Christchurch then ride back with you I'd say ride it.

If you do ride it the main things to remember when running the engine in is:

don't make it labour
don't over rev it
don't let it sit at the same revs all the time


Constantly on then off the throttle in different gears is the way to run it in.

[owner]

+1^^^^^ and the make sure the clutch is either in or out. not in between ie dont slip the clutch, after a 1000km slip it as much as you want to get the wheel up

[NOMIS]

ride it back!!!! got my mint perfect no scratch hornet up from christchurch really good guys the even scratched it droped it broke my mirror and cracked my fairing for me. oh and smashed my indicator and bent the foot peg i had payed for a crate to ( which consisted of a wooden crate and strops ) wtf

[Blue Velvet]

I would be inclined to take a more measured approach to learning than "total immersion" 480K ride straight off the bat.

Assuming he actually has his license, he therefore has the necessary basic skills.

Some consider riding on the open road easier than city riding.

Oh and he's over 25 so probably doesn't think he's bulletproof.

And there is such a thing as stopping. They have, like, hotels and shops and stuff in the South Island don't they?


not sure whether riding it that sort of distance is a good idea. Some running in methods say take it easy, some say go hard but i don't think any say to drive 300 miles straight off the bat.

When's the first service due? 1000k?

Ride it back. It's a great way to familiarise yourself with your new bike.

[jrandom]

Ride it back.

Picking up a new motorcycle in another town and riding it home on the open road is a grand and wonderful tradition. I've done it with my last three bikes, and it's been great every time.

:2thumbsup

When it comes to running the engine in, just vary the load, don't sit at the same revs for ever, etc, and don't rev the tits off it until it's had its first oil change. You'll be fine.

[jrandom]

Some consider riding on the open road easier than city riding.

Translation: Blue Velvet thinks riding on the open road is easier than city riding, but has been working in a Government department for too long and is starting to talk like Hitcher.

[Badjelly]

don't let it sit at the same revs all the time


Especially that one! You might want to choose the route and time of day to make that easier.

[CookMySock]

YESSSSS!!!!

The deposit is down on my new bike (first bike) and it gets delivered to Norjo in Chch middle of March.way to go bro!! its an awesome feeling ay.


I'm not sure whether to have the guys at Norjo truck it down here to Queenstown for $350 or to get a bus up and ride it down.

The thing is, i am a total newbie so i don't know whether a trip of that size is really the right thing for me to be doing.hrm well I did it - a five hour trip home on a bike that I was not remotely comfortable on, and a 650 to boot. From wellsford to whakatane.

I had a fully dry mouth for the first 25 mins, but after that I was, well, not what I would call "ok" but at least I wasn't scared of it any more. After one hour, I was "ok" and flew along in traffic at the speed limit feelin' fiiiiine.. until I fucked one corner up and headed for the gravel, then I fucking behaved all the rest of the trip.

IF you can get some roadbike experience beforehand then you will be more able to judge for yourself. If you put it down a bank then it will be the end of a dream and you are fully likely to snap off a part of you that won't grow back.. not easily anyway.

If you decide to ride it, then get your steering fully sorted, get an escort cager, take a drink bottle and something to eat (not carbs), and follow your escort along at 3-4 seconds gap and try to relax. Take a break every hour, and BE CAREFUL and don't be a smartass. Get someone you trust (a careful driver) to drive the car in front of you as judging speeds and distances feels *different* on a bike.


Also, i've looked at different ways of running in the engine and am not sure whether riding it that sort of distance is a good idea.I was told by the local shop "that such a trip would be a good run for a new engine." It is unlikely considering your inexperience that you will be caning hell out of it, or idling it at 50km/hr all the way back either, so my guess is you will be fine. Just resist the temptation on the long straights.

And BE CAREFUL and don't be a smartass.

HTH,
DB

[Blue Velvet]

Blue Velvet thinks riding on the open road is easier than city riding

:lol: I like dodging cars in the city. It's like a video game, but, like, real and stuff.

I've heard a few new riders say they prefer riding on the motorway/open road.


Blue Velvet has been working in a Government department for too long and is starting to talk like Hitcher.

WTF? Burn him!

Heh

[Badjelly]

I was told by the local shop "that such a trip would be a good run for a new engine."

Hmmm. I'm still a bit concerned about the constant-revs thing. Also, the Scorpio manual says to avoid long trips and, if you're doing one, stop every hour for 5-10 minutes to let the engine cool. (That may apply only to air-cooled engines, though, and I presume the Ninja is water-cooled.)

[jrandom]

... the Scorpio manual says to avoid long trips and, if you're doing one, stop every hour for 5-10 minutes to let the engine cool.

:lol:

Really?

:lol:

What utter bollocks.

If it's brand new, just ride the snot out of it, and if it blows up, send it back for a warranty repair and then flog it and swap it for a bike that's fit for the purpose it was sold for.

Betcha it wouldn't ever blow up, though.

[clint640]

Congrats on the new bike! Those new Ninjas look very nice. I reckon ride the thing back, but take 2 days to do it, riding 480km on an unfamiliar bike can be tiring for anyone. That $350 would pay for your gas, a few meals & a bed at a pub on the way with plenty left over :yes:

Re running it in, don't worry about that, it's really just a matter of not thrashing it too much.

Cheers
Clint

[Blue Velvet]

Road trip!

[Badjelly]

If it's brand new, just ride the snot out of it, and if it blows up, send it back for a warranty repair and then flog it and swap it for a bike that's fit for the purpose it was sold for.
OK, thanks jrandom, next time I buy a new bike, perhaps you could run it in for me?

[DingoZ]

Yeah, go and pick it up and ride it home.

If someone can go with you, to ride along or (drive) with you. Good idea

Take lots of breaks. Drink . Relax ... Have fun....Learn YOUR bike...:)

[Jimmy B]

Assuming he actually has his license, he therefore has the necessary basic skills.

Some consider riding on the open road easier than city riding.

Oh and he's over 25 so probably doesn't think he's bulletproof.

And there is such a thing as stopping. They have shops and stuff in the South Island don't they?





Fairy Muff Blue Velvet.

I remember my first open road experience on a 250 and it was damn frightening but I had to get from Palmerston Nth to Napier, no choice. I was not a complete noob and had ridden plenty but all of it off road.

One point I was following a stock truck, it was raining and I got covered in shit. After several discussions with myself around the issues of self presevation, perception of risk and whether is actually possible to be sucked under a truck, I finally decided to execute an overtake that took about 5 kms. This of course was due to the blistering acceleration of the mighty SR250. Much pleased I pulled into Waipkurau to clean myself off. To my horror the truck rumbled past 5 minutes later and the whole experience was repeated 20k down the road.

Given the choice I would have put that ride off and built up to it. :2thumbsup

[Rosie]

If you are going to ride the bike back, and don't have any/much on road experience, make sure you stop and take a lot of breaks.
When I was learning to ride, I was amazed at how quickly I got tired when I was out riding. The extra concentration from being unfamiliar with the controls, and not being used to the vibration of the bike can really take it out of you. And, if you are riding back along highways, you'll have traffic to interact with as well.

I'd been riding for quite a while before I could manage 400km on highways. But everyone is different.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a pleasant, and safe introduction to motorbiking :sunny:

[crazybigal]

well id say do it, but its a long way for a newbie rider!
having said that its an easy ride and the roads are safe at that time of the year(no grit or ice) and its way safer than riding around queenstown roads!

[jrandom]

OK, thanks jrandom, next time I buy a new bike, perhaps you could run it in for me?

I'm keen.

:D

[Blue Velvet]

Given the choice I would have put that ride off and built up to it.

Nah man, animal steel aye :msn-wink:


its an easy ride and the roads are safe at that time of the year (no grit or ice) and its way safer than riding around queenstown roads!

See!


OK, thanks jrandom, next time I buy a new bike, perhaps you could run it in for me?

I'd like to see Dan on a Scorpio... :buggerd:

[jrandom]

I'd like to see Dan on a Scorpio... :buggerd:

Done two Scorpios (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpio_(astrology)), far too much hassle to be worth the excitement, swore I'd never go near one again...

[Jimmy B]

Nah man, animal steel aye :msn-wink:





Less Animal steel, more poopsicle. It still concerns me that Mum didnt comment on my odour when I gave her a hug. Maybe I always smelt that way :gob:

[jim.cox]

Did you hear about the guy that collected a Ducati Paso in Dunedin one Friday - bought it back the following Monday for its first service (3000km). He liked it so much he didn't want to get off - so he'd gone to Nelson and back

I'd say "Ride it Back"

But take it easy - be gentle on your new baby

Make sure you follow any running-in instructions in the service manual

Might be a good idea to find out what the manual says before committing yourself - you may need to allow for an oil change etc etc

Just my $0.02

[Blue Velvet]

swore I'd never go near one again...

:lol: Same. Obssessive compulsive closet homos.


It still concerns me that Mum didnt comment on my odour when I gave her a hug. Maybe I always smelt that way

Ahhh, unconditional motherly love... :blink:

[marioc]

I think you will find it very very tiring,so keep that in mind,do it in short hops and try to leave early or when there is the least traffic around and you should be all good

[HTFU]

Sweet bikes those 250 Cowarsarkeys. Ride it home man, best way to run it in at the lower revs recommended.

Would do an oil and filter change when you get home as well.

[Pex Adams]

Hang on a minute - $350 to take it from Chch to Queenstown?!

Is someone taking the piss - You could get Valentino to come and deliver it for that sort of money... What a god damn rip off.

Nonetheless - you have to ride it home, just out of pure principle.

$350.... I'm in the wrong business.

[Blue Velvet]

What a god damn rip off.

Hey, give me the $350 and I'll come down and deliver your bike to you. Added bonus it'll be run in for you :sunny:

[Ripperjon]

Cheers guys,

looks like the general concensus is for the road trip.

I was hoping you'd say that! I'm really looking forward to it now.:2thumbsup

Yeah, i dunno if $350 is expensive but it was that that made me consider picking it up myself in the first place.

I don't have the immortality mentality so that's one thing i have going for me! Maybe back when i was seventeen and originally wanted a bike, so prob. a good thing i waited 10 years to get one!

I'm fairly confident i'll be able to resist the over-revving, i'm more concerned about not making any silly mistakes and hurting my new baby:baby: so yeah, stopping off on the way down sounds like a good idea.

So, going back to the breaking-in questions, do you think it's best to stop just for a bit of food and set off again while the engine is warm or stop overnight and let the engine cool completely overnight? Or a mix of both? Or neither and make it one non-stop journey?

Also, are you guys familiar with this break in theory...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Somewhere in there it suggest that having an oil change after the first 20 miles is a good idea apparently because most of the metal filings and stuff build up in the engine almost immediately. In that case, i could cruise around Chch a little bit and go straight back to the garage, get an oil change and then set off for the big roadie. What do you think? Waste of time?

Cheers again for all the info...

[jrandom]

Gosh.

Seriously, man, it just doesn't matter much. Just ride the thing and change the oil at the recommended services intervals.

It will not break.

Now go forth and enjoy!

:niceone:

[jim.cox]

Somewhere in there it suggest that having an oil change after the first 20 miles is a good idea apparently because most of the metal filings and stuff build up in the engine almost immediately. In that case, i could cruise around Chch a little bit and go straight back to the garage, get an oil change and then set off for the big roadie. What do you think? Waste of time?


I think that would be a VERY good idea.

Even if not called for by the service manual, it wont do any harm.

For me I'd probaby aim for a bit more than 20 miles though.

Just my $0.02

[Ripperjon]

Are there any garages between Chch and Qtown that i could stop at with my new bike?

I was thinking i would be heading down tekapo / pukaki way. Maybe i could go down the east coast instead if there are better garages that way?

[jim.cox]

It will not break.


I beg to differ...

It will break...

Eventually.

As the law of automotive entropy states:

"Tits or Wheels, It'll give you trouble in the end"

But riding a brand spanking new bike from Chch to Qtn - no worries

[yod]

mate of mine has bought one up here

running in recommendations she was told were:

less than 4000 rpm for the first 800km
less than 6000 rpm for the next 800km

gonna be a slow trip back mate, at 4000rpm, it's doing about 70-80kmh

just thought you'd wanna know

edit: on a lighter note - they're FARKIN nice!! you'll be grinning for a month!! (she got the red one)

[Ripperjon]

Yeah, it'll probably take a good while, but i don't have the bike skills to be haulin ass anyway.

And Mr. policeman:Police: says i should only do 70kmh on my learners anyway.

I don't wanna lose my licence before i get home!

[Badjelly]

So, going back to the breaking-in questions, do you think it's best to stop just for a bit of food and set off again while the engine is warm or stop overnight and let the engine cool completely overnight? Or a mix of both? Or neither and make it one non-stop journey?


Doesn't matter if you let the engine cool overnight. It'll only take 5 minutes to warm it up completely. (Which does contradict the "stop every hour to cool down" advice from my manual a bit, but I never said I was consistent.)

As others have said, I think you should break up the journey as much as you can (overnight in beautiful Geraldine?) and don't put any pressure on yourself to keep up any particular pace. For your own benefit, mostly, as open-road riding can be very tiring if you're new to it.

As for the bike, the people who say "just get on it and thrash it" might be right <_<

[sinned]

Cheers guys,

looks like the general concensus is for the road trip.


Also, are you guys familiar with this break in theory...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

.

The first few ks is the most important. For my current bike and the SV1000s I carefully planned the first 10ks and next 50ks according to mototuneusa. Make sure that at the time you pick up the bike that you are not going to be riding in heavy traffic or on a road where you can't load and unload the motor or stop. Stop at 10ks or sooner and let it cool down, this is a good chance to rest yourself and adjust yourself and your gear for the trip. Work the engine and gears during the first 50ks and have at least a couple of stops. And then don't nurse it but ride it home like you stole it.

[Padmei]

reminds me of the first time I bought a bike when i was 17. Had to pick it up over on the shore & ride over the windy harbour bridge - not too relaxed doing that.
As to whether to ride to qtown - big call if doing it in one trip - your arse will be wanting to get off & hitch hike.

Just remember to take something warm to wear as the temp drops about a million degrees somedays when you jump on a bike & the last thing you want to worry about is numb hands.

welcome aboard

[JMemonic]

Are there any garages between Chch and Qtown that i could stop at with my new bike?

I was thinking i would be heading down tekapo / pukaki way. Maybe i could go down the east coast instead if there are better garages that way?

No No No do not get a garage to do an oil change for you, unless they deal with bikes, the wrong oil in there will surely void your warranty, the normal oil for a car engine contains friction modifiers that will ruin your clutch there has been plenty of discussion on that in the maintenance threads with some good info.

Now that's out of the road, congratulations on your new bike, if you can find a place to stay in ChCh and time off work you could always come out on the Wed night ride, (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=63581) we get about 100Kms in on the night, this would give you the chance to meet some of the local folks and mean you could organise with the dealer to change the oil for you before you ride home. If you cant make the Wed ride just jump into the discussion and ask if anyone wants to go for a blast on what ever day, it likely someone will be keen.

[pritch]

You're starting to worry too much. Get the oil changed at a dealer when the manual says.

There is a theory which states that it is better to run an engine in with more heat cycles than less (shorter rides) but you won't have that option. That matters more to people preparing racing engines anyway.

If you are traveling somewhere excessively flat and boring like the Canterbury Crusaders (Ooops! sorry, I meant the Canterbury Plains) change up and down a gear, or even two, occasionally so as to vary the revs. You should be able to do that at 70kph.

Bang the throttle shut periodically as that is supposed to toss oil around the inside of the engine. Check first that there isn't a stock truck up your arse before you do that though. And for future reference, never do that while the back wheel is either sliding or spinning :whistle:

[Ripperjon]

Yeah, maybe i am worrying too much, but thought i'd get a few more opinions on the break-in method i was reading about.
I've never owned a bike before so i just want to make sure i don't miss out on anything i should be doing, or do anything i shouldn't be doing, which will shorten the life of my newie.

As for the ride in Chch, that sounds awesome. It all depends really what day the bike is delivered to Norjo (should be around the 12th which is a Wednesday i think) and how much time i can get off work but if it works out i'd definitely be up for meeting the local riders and getting a few Ks under my belt.

Thanks for the invite Jmemonic

[JMemonic]

Yeah, maybe i am worrying too much, but thought i'd get a few more opinions on the break-in method i was reading about.
I've never owned a bike before so i just want to make sure i don't miss out on anything i should be doing, or do anything i shouldn't be doing, which will shorten the life of my newie.

Its a good thing looking for more information and alternative views, one of the great things about this internet thing. I first heard of that method of running in an engine back in the 80's from and engineer for a firm called Denco so its not that new as such, the article you point to make the same conclusions re machining and tolerances and I guess as these guys used to build all sorts of race engines they had a clue.

Read a bit more, talk to some of the mechanics locally, ask the same question in the maintenance section you might get a few more replies there.


As for the ride in Chch, that sounds awesome. It all depends really what day the bike is delivered to Norjo (should be around the 12th which is a Wednesday i think) and how much time i can get off work but if it works out i'd definitely be up for meeting the local riders and getting a few Ks under my belt.

Thanks for the invite Jmemonic

Every one is welcome including learners, and visitors, we can cater for all riding abilitys and there are folks who will give you tips.

[Mikkel]

I know a lot of the other guys (and they are experienced riders so their advice is always worth listening to - but bear the experienced part in mind) have recommended the roadtrip. However...

Personally I would not recommend a 480 km road trip on a brand new bike if you are indeed (as you put it yourself) a complete newbie. It's a long road, the scenery is magnificient and you'll encounter many many different road environments along the way. You'll be going through mountains and the weather can change pretty quickly - unless you're confident, have the right gear and some familiarity with riding a motorcycle it could very quickly become very unpleasant.
However, if you could find someone who's willing to tag along - by all means go for it! And, as has already been said, consider breaking the trip up and doing it over two days.

Perhaps spending a few days in Chch - going for the WNR, getting some kms on the clock and observing run-in limits - would ensure a good experience.

I'm not saying this because I don't think you should have fun. But only having had my learners for ~5 months I can very well remember the feeling of getting onto a bike for the very first time after getting my license. I surely didn't feel confident enough to go on a trip to Queenstown that day! A month later I felt like I could do Bluff to Cape Reinga in one day. Now I'd happily drive to Queenstown in a day - but would prefer company for the road though... and I would make sure I had everything planned!

[caseye]

RIDE the damn thing home! You'll enjoy the trip and by the time you get back it'll be a breeze and you'll wonder what all the kaffulle was about.New engines car or bike don't need running in anymore, just drive em like you would everyday.
Have fun and remember everyone else out there, is out to getcha!Avoid them to get home safe.

[Steam]

...New engines car or bike don't need running in anymore, just drive em like you would everyday....

Completely, profoundly, wrong.

[Chrislost]

have you ever been the driver of a trip that long??

if you have go for it, if not, go for it anyway. just take heaps of breaks and remember to countersteer!

[caseye]

Hey STEAM not to put too fine a point on it, but my advice while short on detail is not Profoundly or completely wrong.For over 30 years I've acquired a new car every two years or so.lucky ol me most of em have been toyota's.Toyota themselves have told me that their cars need only be driven normally for me or other owners and they'll do everything I' could ask for, forever.
Bikes, Ok a little different I'll admit never having owned a brand new one but I've ridden newly reconditioned ones a few times and again the guys making them have told me "ride it like you mean it and all will be well" To date none of those engines have ever given any trouble that I know of and the bikes went very well.
Naturally both types of engines/vehicles still needed early oil changes and a little TLC to make sure they were functioning Ok but apart from that the advice I've been given, taken and carried out over the years has borne out what I was told.
Leat thats my personal experience.

[Badjelly]

You're starting to worry too much. Get the oil changed at a dealer when the manual says.

There is a theory which states that it is better to run an engine in with more heat cycles than less (shorter rides) but you won't have that option. That matters more to people preparing racing engines anyway.

If you are traveling somewhere excessively flat and boring like the Canterbury Crusaders (Ooops! sorry, I meant the Canterbury Plains) change up and down a gear, or even two, occasionally so as to vary the revs. You should be able to do that at 70kph.

Bang the throttle shut periodically as that is supposed to toss oil around the inside of the engine. Check first that there isn't a stock truck up your arse before you do that though. And for future reference, never do that while the back wheel is either sliding or spinning :whistle:

All good advice.

Just another minor point from me: Did someone say that the Ninja manual suggests no more than 4000 rpm for the first 500 km or some such. That sounds very conservative for a 250 twin. (It is a twin, isn't it?) On my single-cylinder Scorpio the suggested limit is 4700 rpm (which sounds suspiciously like 50% of maximum 9500). Also the manual says not to exceed this for prolonged periods. They don't say what they mean by "prolonged", but I take all this to mean that you can (and possibly should) go over the suggested maximum for 20 seconds at a time without worrying that you've just damaged your brand new engine.

[Renegade]

just ride it, i broke my hyosung 250 in on a 1000km round trip and shes sweet as a nut, spend that $350 on some gear making sure $50 of that is a puncture repair kit to put under the seat, just in case.

[Learner Zealot]

Yeah, it'll probably take a good while, but i don't have the bike skills to be haulin ass anyway.

And Mr. policeman:Police: says i should only do 70kmh on my learners anyway.

I don't wanna lose my licence before i get home!

Wow, that's one of the learner restrictions in NZ? You poor bastards, that just makes things scarier surely (having cages up your arse all the time).

We don't even have the power restrictions you guys have, so long as its 250 its all good, though that may change :shutup:

My brother started on an RGV, but I wanted to live (he still survives to this day mind).

I was initially going to say that if your just starting riding then 100kph could be a bit too taxing on your nerves for that distance straight up. But 70? Sure why not. Just apologise to your butt later.

[MaxB]

Wow, that's one of the learner restrictions in NZ? You poor bastards, that just makes things scarier surely (having cages up your arse all the time).

We don't even have the power restrictions you guys have, so long as its 250 its all good, though that may change :shutup:

My brother started on an RGV, but I wanted to live (he still survives to this day mind).

I was initially going to say that if your just starting riding then 100kph could be a bit too taxing on your nerves for that distance straight up. But 70? Sure why not. Just apologise to your butt later.

AFAIK you can start on any 250 at 15 years old but you need to pass a basic skills handling course before you get your learners. And you are stuck on 70km/h.

BTW We have no restrictions on bike power, no ridiculous ADR rules, radar detectors are legal (for the time being), no demerits on speed cameras and a way bigger selection of cars and bikes thanks to Jap imports. Its not that bad here aye.

[Learner Zealot]

AFAIK you can start on any 250 at 15 years old but you need to pass a basic skills handling course before you get your learners. And you are stuck on 70km/h.

BTW We have no restrictions on bike power, no ridiculous ADR rules, radar detectors are legal (for the time being), no demerits on speed cameras and a way bigger selection of cars and bikes thanks to Jap imports. Its not that bad here aye.

Must have misread other posts about the power restriction stuff. From things I read it sounded like some of the 2 smokes has to be modified somehow? Maybe it was what I was smoking at the time.

That does sound nice anyway. What's the ADR rules you're talking about?

[Ripperjon]

So, the ride is on. The bike is ready and my flight is booked.

Heading up on Thursday. Can't get up there for the Wednesday night ride due to work which sucks :(

But, i think i'm gonna stay up in Chch for a night and ride around and get used to the bike before i head South the next day so might bump into a few of the locals (Not literally though :P )

Weather forecast looks ok. Maybe a bit cloudy.

Was wondering what kind of layering i should take. I've got a nice thick Alpinestars GP Plus jacket and gloves. Would you say i should stick some thermals in a backpack or am i more likely to get hot rather than cold?

[Mikkel]

So, the ride is on. The bike is ready and my flight is booked.

Heading up on Thursday. Can't get up there for the Wednesday night ride due to work which sucks :(

But, i think i'm gonna stay up in Chch for a night and ride around and get used to the bike before i head South the next day so might bump into a few of the locals (Not literally though :P )

Weather forecast looks ok. Maybe a bit cloudy.

Was wondering what kind of layering i should take. I've got a nice thick Alpinestars GP Plus jacket and gloves. Would you say i should stick some thermals in a backpack or am i more likely to get hot rather than cold?

Hang on to the thermals. It's easier to drink more water than to start a fire to alleviate hypothermia. ;)
Travel light. If you are not used to biking you could find it a bit hard on your body in the beginning (weeks, not days), any weight you carry on your back will add to the fatigue, so consider getting a set of bags for your stuff as well.

Good idea to have a go around Chch before heading south. Make sure to go and do some practice on the hills since you'll probably have some on your way south.

[alex]

Good luck for the trip bro, it'll be awesome.

I'm in Qtown at the moment. Would love to see the bike when you get it down here if thats cool? would definitely look at getting that bike if i start riding, looks mean.

[Dodger]

yep, Ride it back.
Look what Steam did :)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=646072&postcount=1

[Steam]

yep, Ride it back.
Look what Steam did :)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=646072&postcount=1

Cool! That was my 2nd ever post. :2thumbsup

[Ripperjon]

Good work Steam. Sounds like the biker gods are with you:niceone:

I picked up my bike this afternoon and have been cruising round Chch for a few hours. I'm so chuffed with her. Have done 100ks today and already have a bit of an achey prostate! But, thats a small price to pay for love eh?:love:

The bike is so easy to ride. I am a complete newbie with a little bit of experience on rental bikes (and the half hour on Kaye's GN during the basic handling test) and i seem to be coping fine with her so far.

I'm only taking it easy and have been letting a lot of traffic pass me by which can be a little bit nerve-racking when they only seem to want to give you about 30"s short of a foot's clearance when they pass. But it feels awesome gliding around on her.

Yeah, Alex. Don't know where you live but i'll bring the bike around for you to see if you like some afternoon next week when i'm back in town.

Anyway, i need a power nap. Couldn't sleep last couple of nights. Not sure why:msn-wink:

Will keep you posted on the progress if i can bare to dismount anywhere near an internet cafe. Otherwise will be back on when im back in Qtown.

Wish me luck:banana:

[Steam]

Exciting! I hope he doesn't crash on the way home from picking up his first ever bike!

[Dino]

Have a great ride home, sounds like you are going to have a ball.

.

[alex]

Good luck mate! have a great journey!

[Badjelly]

Wish me luck:banana:

:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup :2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[Ripperjon]

Exciting! I hope he doesn't crash on the way home from picking up his first ever bike!


Thanks ( i think )

Well.... i did it :2thumbsup

Got back without a scratch :beer:

Rode down with my mate SwoopyRick who bought a zxr250 through trademe.

I spent an evening riding around the outskirts of Chch. Next day i delved into the belly of the beast ( city centre ) and cruised around just about every suburb there is for a few hours. Went halfway to Akaroa ( Had to come back to meet Ricky. Then, this morning, we left Chch and rode all the way down!

We stopped loads to let the bike (and my prostate) cool down and took about 9-10 hours getting down here.

Fuck, is it fun!:wari:

Now she's downstairs with 847ks on the odometer! Not bad eh?

Pretty much means that by the time i get down to Invers (nearest Kawa garage) the first service is already due.

Cheers on all the advice fellers. Thanks for the support.

Time for beer i guess.... :whistle:

[JMemonic]

Congrats, hope it treats you well

[CookMySock]

Well.... i did it :2thumbsup Got back without a scratch :beer:Well done. See, no rocket science! ;) Now after your trip back is when you think you are doing really really well ok, and then you make a nasty mistake and find out that you're human still, so be cool just yet.

eww enough with the internal body-parts description.. :pinch:

DB

[homer]

now thats a great thread .
A lot of knowledge for a new rider
and a lot for him to consider .
hope the rides great for you :rockon:

[CookMySock]

now thats a great thread .yeah.. there needs to be a button - "click hr to wiki this tread, kthx."

DB

[MotoGirl]

Hey, it's fantastic to see you got the bike! :2thumbsup

You and SwoopyRick were so excited about getting them the day Cajun and I met you (we were skydiving). It's just so cool to hear you've got the same stupid grins the rest of us get every time we ride. You're now officially bad-arse bikers!

[Ripperjon]

Yep we've definitely got the grins!

Not sure how bad-arse we are (yet;)) tho.

Glad you enjoyed the jump. Is Bananaman still green:lol: after his?

Hope the three of you had a wicked safe trip too.

[sinister^]

Any tips on running it in etc etc.

I'm not sure if I want to "break" mine in. Already tried that on a pocket bike and its shit slow compared to a friends "ran in" one.