Tiger 800 - OK to do the Rainbow/Molesworth on 2up ???

**GMcC** · 13th April 2011, 09:40

Ive done 2000ks on new Tiger 800 and so far all good
For the last few years we have toured the South Island mainly on the SHwys and a few back type roads - minimal gravel ( Speed Triple )
This coming March ( 2012 ) looking to do more of a off the beaten track type thing with these two roads and others in mind - Mavora etc
Went and did 200ks of mixed seal and gravel on the weekend and bike was rather well behaved - 19" front with Scorpion Trails alround -
though to be fair wasnt pushing it
Running typical factory pressures 36/42 with pillion and small bit of gear but will be fully loaded when heading Sth as is the norm
Also may look at replacing the hoops with ??? when time comes
( Read the Adv tyre thread - good advice too )
Gaz

**NordieBoy** · 13th April 2011, 09:57

Should be no problems. A couple of places the co-pilot may prefer to walk over but nothing bad.

**thepom** · 13th April 2011, 13:59

go for the mitas eo -7 ....great all round tyre....

**Crim** · 13th April 2011, 14:22

If you want someone to test whether the Tiger will be able to do the trip prior - just drop it in ChCh and I'll take it round the loop for you

(be able to knock it off in a day from here) - you can even use my KLR while I am away if you like to have a look round "quake central"

Seriously just done it in a day from here - a bit of a rush but do able and passed more than one campervan on the Molesworth (indicating the standard of that road) Rainbow is a bit rougher but no problems - take two days, have a good look, camp on the way round (take insect repellent) and enjoy!

**YellowDog** · 13th April 2011, 14:58

Sounds like a great trip.

I'd be a little cautious with a new bike over such terraine.

But then, you're more experienced off road than I am

Enjoy..............

**GMcC** · 13th April 2011, 16:08

Originally Posted by Crim

If you want someone to test whether the Tiger will be able to do the trip prior - just drop it in ChCh and I'll take it round the loop for you

(be able to knock it off in a day from here) - you can even use my KLR while I am away if you like to have a look round "quake central"

Seriously just done it in a day from here - a bit of a rush but do able and passed more than one campervan on the Molesworth (indicating the standard of that road) Rainbow is a bit rougher but no problems - take two days, have a good look, camp on the way round (take insect repellent) and enjoy!

You pay the ferry down and we`ll see............
Think inner Chch be out of bounds still by the time we hit there - will have a sneak when down at Burt....maybe
So this things running tubeless tyres whats the go with punctures/repairs etc I`ve got the old dogpoo inserts plus a tubeless pando ? not sure that would repair a rock cut tho?
So wear the Scorps out and replace with E07s ?
How would they go with tubeless rims ?
Was considering camping overnight so will have to work out a plan
Missus always packs the Det2 - must be my high cholestrol.....

Will have to look into some durable footwear - have my trailride Gaernes which should be ok ( not water tight tho )
Her indoors will need new boots too - for the water crossings

Gee it aint cheap no more.................

**Transalper** · 13th April 2011, 17:16

Speaking of water crossings I see they finally put the signage up asking everyone to use the bridges where available. Was asked to do that by the DOC ranger a couple of years ago but this is the first season I've noticed signs... or did I not go through last season?? Now I'm not sure.
It's all about the Didimo you know.

**NordieBoy** · 13th April 2011, 19:17

Originally Posted by Transalper

Speaking of water crossings I see they finally put the signage up asking everyone to use the bridges where available. Was asked to do that by the DOC ranger a couple of years ago but this is the first season I've noticed signs... or did I not go through last season?? Now I'm not sure.
It's all about the Didimo you know.

Had the signs for years.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 13th April 2011, 19:43

isn't that sort of journey what this bike is FOR?

**snodpete** · 13th April 2011, 20:01

Did the Rainbow 2-up last year on Wee-Strom, no probs. Camped at Lake Tennyson. Molesworth is smoother but longer (pillion would prob get sore bum

).

Like Crim I'd be happy to check whether the Tiger could cope on your behalf... noice bike!

**banditrider** · 13th April 2011, 22:04

Originally Posted by snodpete

Did the Rainbow 2-up last year on Wee-Strom, no probs. Camped at Lake Tennyson. Molesworth is smoother but longer (pillion would prob get sore bum

).

What if you were a noob on a V-Strom?

**pete376403** · 13th April 2011, 22:20

Molesworth is easy - SH1 has roadworks that are gnarlier.

**Padmei** · 14th April 2011, 07:43

You should be able todo it easily however the week before you come down post uphere & ask what it's like then. SOme of the fords are knarly after a very heavy rain however most times are fine with a bit of confidence & forward motion.

Don't worry about rock bites for the rainbow- itsnot a knarlytrack just a gravel road.

I did a ride report a fewyears ago of the Molesworth& Rainbow describingbreifly the conditions.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=537291

**snodpete** · 14th April 2011, 08:28

Originally Posted by banditrider

What if you were a noob on a V-Strom?

I reckon assuming 'n00b attitude' to begin with is a good strategy. Riding gravel quietly 1-up first, keeping weight forward, knees in against tank (standing or seated) and steering with the throttle - it's amazing where these ugly critters will take you. In slow -> out fast works in most situations

. Standing ergonomics aren't great on the 'Strom, but you can get by.