Thinking about The Grand Challenge, what bike?

**FJRider** · 27th November 2011, 23:12

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Actually, I found the 2010 Grand Challenge quite easy. Trotted home in 17h 40min I think, didn't have the usual "why on earth am I doing this?" etc. Ride was actually easier than some of the training ones, but I had done 8000km of prep riding in the 1-1.5months prior.

I agree with all you said. And my second WAS easier than the first. Knowing WHAT to expect helps.

One I did was twice over the Arthurs pass ... the first time in daylight ... (No keas on the second time)

Some times ... the middle of the night is pure MAGIC ...

**Gremlin** · 28th November 2011, 02:17

Originally Posted by FJRider

Some times ... the middle of the night is pure MAGIC ...

Best night moment I've had...

Went up to Cape Reinga with a couple of mates on a quick trip from Auckland. Hit the gravel (when it was still unsealed) in the early evening, came across a young fella newish to bikes coming back south, who'd come off, broken his ankle etc. His mate had gone to get help etc, we stayed with him. Long story short, Westpac was called due to location, all hands to the stretcher, Westpac was incredibly loud. However, when it left, only the two park lights of the rangers SUV remained, no clouds, just stars from horizon to horizon and eerily quiet. Really felt like a small dot on a landscape that would be with or without you. Worst part was you knew you could never capture the moment in a photo.

Other good moments are a strong moonlight, and as you're rounding corners the road is already lit from the moon. I actually really enjoy night riding for the most part. Only problem is you miss a lot of the views.

**caspernz** · 28th November 2011, 02:25

Night running can be fun when it's around that full moon period on a clear sky. Almost eerie and yet so serene. Desert Road looks great in such conditions. Other big difference is the smell in the air compared to daytime. Only fun if you're in your thermals though I must add.....

**nzspokes** · 28th November 2011, 07:46

Another random thought has been to rebuild my bike and keep it. Ok, it only 250 but I can keep good avaerage speeds on it. Would want to rebuild the motor and re-paint it. New rear shocks are a must have. The bike is light and comfortable apart from vibrations in the bars, may try some bar weights.

I think I need to wait and decide......

And ride, alot.

**Hitcher** · 28th November 2011, 18:21

Originally Posted by nzspokes

And ride, alot.

A lot. Allot is something completely different. And ride a lot at night.

**Fast Eddie** · 1st December 2011, 14:51

this will do

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/20...er-motorcycle/

**nzspokes** · 4th December 2011, 14:24

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

this will do

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/20...er-motorcycle/

Thats cool. Bitch to kickstart I would think....

**nzspokes** · 4th December 2011, 14:27

So the headlight has been re-wired and seems brighter. I tidied up a few other things to.

Also have tried a trick to reduce vibration which I w ill discuss if it works.

**FJRider** · 4th December 2011, 16:18

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Ok, it only 250 but I can keep good avaerage speeds on it. Would want to rebuild the motor and re-paint it. New rear shocks are a must have. The bike is light and comfortable apart from vibrations in the bars, may try some bar weights.

I think I need to wait and decide......

And ride, alot.

Unless it uses heaps of oil ... and is not reliable ... leave it the way it is. Paint job can wait. 1600 km's is a long way ... a lot can happen. Save the money for gas.
A good sheepskin attached with elastic/velcro is a good idea ... as well as comfortable shocks ... they may help too.

Ride not so much often ... but ever increasing distances ... untill a 1000 km day is not a big problem ...

**nzspokes** · 4th December 2011, 17:15

Originally Posted by FJRider

Unless it uses heaps of oil ... and is not reliable ... leave it the way it is. Paint job can wait. 1600 km's is a long way ... a lot can happen. Save the money for gas.
A good sheepskin attached with elastic/velcro is a good idea ... as well as comfortable shocks ... they may help too.

Ride not so much often ... but ever increasing distances ... untill a 1000 km day is not a big problem ...

Main issue with current bike is mainly tune as in I would like to dyno tune it to make sure Ive got all it can give and replace the rear shocks. The back end bounces round turns a bit. It needs just a little more top end to help with overtaking which Im sure is in there. I need to give it a blowout in the primary carb as its surging a bit on part throttle, no biggy.

I do need to spend some real dollars for a new helmet, my AGV is great but known for being noisy which it is. The wind noise and motor noise on acceleration would be very tirering over a long time. Ive looked at the Shoei Qwest helmets which seem to be the best for noise.

**FJRider** · 4th December 2011, 17:54

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Main issue with current bike is mainly tune as in I would like to dyno tune it to make sure Ive got all it can give and replace the rear shocks. The back end bounces round turns a bit. It needs just a little more top end to help with overtaking which Im sure is in there. I need to give it a blowout in the primary carb as its surging a bit on part throttle, no biggy.

I do need to spend some real dollars for a new helmet, my AGV is great but known for being noisy which it is. The wind noise and motor noise on acceleration would be very tirering over a long time. Ive looked at the Shoei Qwest helmets which seem to be the best for noise.

It's an old 250 ... and if the bike can average 70 - 80 km's or more on the move ... you'll be fine. An overnight bag with a few tools and a torch. Plus a full 5 litre fuel container ... and go do it.

I have an AGV helmet ... four 1000 milers with it. (yes it is loud) save the money for the new bike ... or gas.

Do a few longer DAY rides before you do the distance at night.

**nzspokes** · 4th December 2011, 21:02

Ive not checked my average speed when traveling by myself yet. But I see 70/75 on the road all the time.

Now should I get this and adapt it on?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-427699138.htm

Would make her go faster? And better on gas?

**longwayfromhome** · 5th December 2011, 17:20

Originally Posted by nzspokes

...I do need to spend some real dollars for a new helmet, my AGV is great but known for being noisy which it is. The wind noise and motor noise on acceleration would be very tirering over a long time. Ive looked at the Shoei Qwest helmets which seem to be the best for noise.

...but, irrespective of the helmet, you do wear ear plugs don't you, good ones? For long distances, ear plugs are mandatory.