Akatarawa Valley Road was interesting to say the least a few moments.....
Interesting Discussion. I used a GN250 for commuting for a few years. It would do 28km to a litre of gas, I changed the oil every 3000k & had it serviced as per the warrenty, the only mods were a bigger bulb in the headlight & a decent rear chain & rear tyre. The only issues were a lack of power on the motorway & staying dry in the rain. By comparision a toyota vitz does 16k/litre, is more expensive to buy & service, but has cheaper rego I hardly ever used buses or trains as they never seem to have a decent timetable or go where I want to go.
Public transport is way cheaper than a bike...if you're being realistic For the first 50,000 kms, my 2008 GSX750F has cost near enough to 50 cents a km to operate. That is taking into account minor modifications, all servicing, tyres, rego, insurance, plus fuel of course. Ironically, petrol works out to maybe around 10 cents per km. Compare that to my 2008 Ford Falcon XR6, now at 70,000 kms and so far at around 65 cents a km all inclusive. I like the car, but the bike is a more soulful experience...unless it's pissing down with rain, then the bike stays in the garage So when I hear someone saying that bikes are a cheap form of transport I just giggle to myself and let them dream their little dream!
Originally Posted by Gremlin Dangerous to see a motorbike as pure cheap transport, as it isn't really, when you factor in the gear, servicing and maintenance and whether you run into any issues. More dangerous when the bug bites and you want more power... which strangely costs even more, but then, you don't care. Then you start riding more, which burns more gas, and suddenly you're addicted and the bus would be cheaper Still, enjoy, and we'll wait until you stop counting your distance! I stopped counting after about 10 hours, and I have no clue now... think I've done more that 250,000km in 7.5 years, so the bug has well and truly got me I do dread the day when I can't put the servicing off any longer. And maintenance too for that matter... As for being addicted, I'm not sure how long that will take, or even if i'll get completely hooked at all! Here's hoping. It seems that nobody really stops counting, do they? But I will enjoy the time I spend on the road here and now, not how many kilometers are behind me, or ahead. Cheers Gremlin.
Originally Posted by vifferman When I started my current job in January, it was costing my wife and I $18/day and 90 minutes to travel to work and back on the bus - and then I had a 5-10 minute walk to work or from work to the bus. I know it's not the only cost, but petroleum distillates for the VFR wouldn't cost me $18 a fortnight, and it takes me from my garage to the one in the basement of the office, in less than 15 minutes, and it's good for my soul, as opposed to being soul-sapping. Exactly. It would be hard for anyone here to disagree. The only problem is the walking to the bus stop, which i'll admit was probably my greatest exercise for the week.
When I started my current job in January, it was costing my wife and I $18/day and 90 minutes to travel to work and back on the bus - and then I had a 5-10 minute walk to work or from work to the bus. I know it's not the only cost, but petroleum distillates for the VFR wouldn't cost me $18 a fortnight, and it takes me from my garage to the one in the basement of the office, in less than 15 minutes, and it's good for my soul, as opposed to being soul-sapping.
Your Blogs are tribute to that very thought I would suggest Gremlin May they long continue.....
Dangerous to see a motorbike as pure cheap transport, as it isn't really, when you factor in the gear, servicing and maintenance and whether you run into any issues. More dangerous when the bug bites and you want more power... which strangely costs even more, but then, you don't care. Then you start riding more, which burns more gas, and suddenly you're addicted and the bus would be cheaper Still, enjoy, and we'll wait until you stop counting your distance! I stopped counting after about 10 hours, and I have no clue now... think I've done more that 250,000km in 7.5 years, so the bug has well and truly got me
Originally Posted by Berg Well done on the purchase. Mrs Berg started on a GN (abet the 250 version) and put about 12,000kms on it before updating to a larger bike. She said it was a fantastic learner bike and she learnt lots riding it. Enjoy your new found freedom Cheers! Already i'm having lots of fun and i've barely owned it for 3 weeks. I've noticed how many GN250's there are around town, they are quite popular. They are almost like the big brother to my wee 125. Maybe in the distant future i'll upgrade to something larger, but never over 600cc. Freedom. That's the perfect word to describe it. Thanks.
this one was tough as andrew kept us moving which was good but shit do my arms, shoulders hurt but my bum is fine... thanks alll for the day ...
Who's that idiot signing his life away? Like that Neutron Silver bike in the last pic!
Thanks for organising a great run. Always look forward to it and it's a nice to able to help out Muscular Dystrophy.
We got home about 7.00pm which means it took us about 14 hours all up, not bad cosidering we stopped when James had his little mishap and the VFR gave us a little grief untill i found the cause. My Pillion enjoyed himself although is still moaning about his sore butt. Great ride and well organised, thanks again Koro and look forward to next year
17hrs in total for me for just over 1400km (Home & back ) no GC this year but body felt like it had been there Awesome day cheers John & co organisers
Don't forget organiser Jim in Turangi. He was very involved. I said "Hi Jim, you got my disclaimer via email?" "Yep", "Sweet". All 5 from Turangi tootled home safely. Insomnia was apparently possessed, finishing in around 12 hours, but the rest of us finished almost together, around 13 hours. My 40min lunch at Foxton was worth it, as I rarely get to stop there. Other than that, just tootled along. Even the pair of STs were doing 2-3 fuel stops... no idea why. I only needed one
Wow! A mention in despatches, I feel really special and would await my bronze oakleaf in the mail...if I had a medal to pin it on!
Sure is Kev. Especially on a bike that's not trying to kill me or breaking or just too heavy to do anything with. My main problem now is digging up the money to ride the thing cos I put a fair bit into getting it ready!!
Onya mate - It's good to get back on the track after a long break eh ?
Originally Posted by gijoe1313 Jeez, this was a whiles ago, amazing you can still remember details! (mind you, you are a pedantic SOB!) ... And what, no picture of aforementioned cute backpacker? Uh... like a fine wine I get better? I envy KoroJ and his quick blogging... I'm farking shocking, still, like the post, it'll always get through! No, the poor girl looked a bit overwhelmed at a whole group lobbing advice at her.
Ahh this is what happened after I left you guys! When I was leading Mplant down to Taupo, I was a bit concerned myself. We had some slight drizzle and slippery conditions - I really had to emphasise the lines and braking to ensure he had the right cues. Wish I could have tagged along for the rest of that ride!
