Nine cylinders of fury go riding

**Hitcher** · 18th November 2009, 20:43

After a Bikoi, what else makes sense than to go for a spirited pootle with a couple of mates?

So I did. RantyDave (Street Triple), James Deuce (Z750) and me (Shiver) rendezvoused at a place of petroleum purveyance, and topped up.

James and Dave did a bit of bike swapping and away we went off down the Wainuiomata Coast Road to, of all places, the coast.

This stretch of road is one of my favourite rides in the Wellington region. It’s a no-exit road to a strip of rugged coastline, pounding surf and, and on a good day, marvellous views of the South Island. I discovered it during my “250 Era” a few years ago and it has never lost its charm. Indeed it is my usual new-tyre-scrubbing-in road, so I get to go down there at least three times a year. Let’s just say it’s a technical ride that isn’t every biker’s cup of java and leave it at that.

We pootled in respectful formation through the last of the going home rush traffic and the interminable 50kmh zone that is Wainuiomata. One hesitates to say anything disrespectful about this doughty borough, because John Lomax and Tama Umaga know where I live…

Once the speed restrictions abated, James Deuce (astride the Striple) was gone like a bolt from a Nerf Blaster™. Dave and I “pursued” in a comparatively sedate manner. I was most impressed by the aural pleasure afforded by the Fuel muffler on the Z750 immediately in front of me. I think Dave was too, because he was up and down the rev range like a concert pianist.

We arrived at road’s end to find an unhelmeted James sharing a post-coital cigarette with the Striple.

After standing around for a while and talking shit about bikes, we decided that ales were in order. Dave asked if I’d like to have a go on the Striple. “Yes please!” I replied.

“It’s a bit revvier than you might think,” said Dave.

“Rightio,” said I.

James by this stage had accepted the invitation to ride the Shiver.

Away we went.

Funny exhaust note. Short pegs. Really light clutch. Where’s the speedo? Woo hoo! Oh, so that must be the gear position indicator. Where’s the speedo? You cannot be serious! Yee hah!

Bugger me. I can see why motorcycle reviewers get excited by Street Triples. They’re just bonkers good fun! I don’t know how many ponies that 675 triple produces, but it’s heaps. And another stable-full arrives once 8,000rpm is exceeded. Interestingly too, it likes to lug. This isn’t an attribute that many expect from mid-sized engines. Mrs H’s 650 Bandit (inline four) is a great lugging bike. Indeed it delivers its power in much the same places as the Striple – just not as venomously. The Striple’s engine is sufficiently flexible so that one could just cane it around all day in 4th gear, should one wish.

Handling is magic. It insists on being thrown around, corners like it’s on rails and the Pilot Road 2s that Dave currently has his ride shod with complement this very nicely indeed.

Ergonomics are Okish. I’m not sure how a fuller-figured lad would fare on a Grand Challenge on one of these, but it should cut the mustard for his usual average 300km weekend day ride.

Thanks Dave!

And then, reunited with our own bikes once more, we were off to the Parrot & Jigger for an ale and a bite and more talking shit about bikes and the day’s Bikoi! Young StoneY was there too. Happy birthday, you bloody good bastard you!

**shafty** · 21st November 2009, 16:55

Nicely ridden up wriport!

That's what it's all about ain't it?

**Blackbird** · 21st November 2009, 17:05

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I’m not sure how a fuller-figured lad would fare on a Grand Challenge on one of these....

Hahahaha..... cheeky bugger

. We shall find out in 2010, won't we???

'bout time Mr Deuce did it too

**vifferman** · 21st November 2009, 17:29

Stop it! Stoppit!! STOPPPITTT!!
I'm not going to test-ride a Striple!
I've already got a (mostly) perfectly OK bike.

**Paul in NZ** · 21st November 2009, 17:36

Ah - the diversity of it all.

Rather than waiting for an invite to Wainuiomata Coast from people with far too many cylinders and more horsepower than sense, I pointed the pretty TR6C for home at the bucolic comfort of Raumati South.

On the grind home I got a little fed up with being buzzed by badly behaved riders (oh god, small wonder people don't like bikers, 1st prize went to the fat f$%k with the loud tee shirt and physics, the rules and commonsense dont apply to me attitude - I hope you were simply drunk and thats not your nomal riding style)

Anywhom, at Plimmerton I ducked around Greys road for a solo waft over the Hill... Not one other bike! 2 cars (one 4wd driven by a homocidal fat cunt eating a pie and driving on my side of the road - I got your number mate and found where you live)

But lets not dwell on that.

The Trophy reveled in being slipped from the leash and galloped over the hill like and excited labrador. From memory only a couple of the four gears were required and the wonderfully neutral handling delivered raw pleasure to every sense. Lotus eating is fun but a well tuned Triumph on the right road is the ultimate addiction.

ACC - you pricks will prize his bike from my cold dead fingers...