Is the Napier-Taihape road sealed yet?

**Hitcher** · 23rd May 2005, 14:04

Mrs H and I are planning a mental health break this weekend involving, surprise, an extended journey on our motorcycles.

I had heard a rumour that the Napier-Taihape road had been sealed right through and was seeking corroboration and validation of this from people who have had recent first-hand experience or have reliable sources of information.

**denill** · 23rd May 2005, 14:15

FWIW A mate who travels the road regularly said a couple of months ago that there is still quite a bit still unsealed.

Worth a getting the bike a bit dirty though as it a great bit of unspoilt country.

Cheers
Bill

**Quasievil** · 23rd May 2005, 14:15

Last I heard it wasnt, could be wrong

**denill** · 23rd May 2005, 14:50

Checked with my Mate (just one of many) and he wrote:

Hi Bill

Not 4 weeks ago, it was very much still unsealed

Larry

**Hitcher** · 23rd May 2005, 15:03

Good enough for me. The ST is a bit of a handful on gravel, so will give this a miss.

**mangell6** · 23rd May 2005, 15:31

After being in the SC you are a woose. The way a certain rider handled his ST1300 (also red) on gravel showed how wimpy the guys who were there on their off road bikes - KTM, XTZ, and XTs. He drifted around corners, snaked to a stop, was an impressive sight, I am sure that he could give you lessons on how to ride an ST on gravel.

**Lou Girardin** · 23rd May 2005, 15:43

Three guys took their road bikes, one was a Rocket 3, through the Waikarimoana road on their way to the Puke classic meeting.
That's game!

**Paul in NZ** · 23rd May 2005, 15:47

Yeah but...

I have found the clay on that road to be a real bugger to get off the bike if it has been wet as it sticks like shit to a blanket..

The one time I rode the Guzzi through there in the wet I was crapping myself most of the way. When the clay finally plugged all the holes in the disks leaving me with virtually no brakes it was a little more than scary (fully latend with panniers, seat bag etc.

It roots chains and bikes that stuff... (not that I cared on the Guzzi as I have a shaft) and Mr hitcher, if your beautiful bike was mine, I would NOT take it down through there if it was damp!

Can't remember if Janes bike is chain or belt but I would be even less inclined to take that lovely new bike their either.

Since I scarely pause about gravel on the Guzzi, you know I'm being serious about that. That stuff is not good for bikes...

**MSTRS:Me** · 23rd May 2005, 16:19

Napier - Taihape = 150kms. Approx 35kms of gravel with a sealed bit in the middle over the GentleAnnie itself. Unsealed part(s) were very corrugated last couple of times I went thru.

**clint640** · 23rd May 2005, 18:06

Did someone say powerslide?
Wasn't sealed 2 weeks ago either. The gravel section, though wide is rough in places. The KTM loved it. Even if you are gravel shy it's well worth a return trip in as far as the dirt from either end as the tar bits are very nicely curvy & scenic.

Cheers
Clint

**Hitcher** · 23rd May 2005, 19:00

Thanks guys. Decision made and validated.

**sAsLEX** · 23rd May 2005, 19:05

Originally Posted by mangell6

After being in the SC you are a woose. The way a certain rider handled his ST1300 (also red) on gravel showed how wimpy the guys who were there on their off road bikes - KTM, XTZ, and XTs. He drifted around corners, snaked to a stop, was an impressive sight, I am sure that he could give you lessons on how to ride an ST on gravel.

Struggled to keep up with a guy splitting one of these as well!!! I was bashing elbows on mirrors and all sorts trying to keep up