Firstly, congrats to the organisers of the event.... it was a simply fantastic ride. A couple of 'last minute' purchases helped ( Venture pack rack & 5 ltr petrol can). There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's. I was fortunate one of the group I was in had a mate in Marty with a 10ltr fuel can. (thank you, Stretch & Bruce). Yup I was one of the teeny weeny tankers! (note to organisers, it hurts ya know, to be frequently reminded on the route notes you only have a teeny weeny one!)
Weather apart from a wee rain splatter in the 'Rapa, was fantastic, not too hot, not too cold (unless 1 degree is cold for you)
I've not traveled this kind of distance in one hit for many years, and I can assure anyone 1000 miles in a day in Europe is a cake walk (UK to Spain) compared. This is a true 'challenge' on NZ roads, to maintain a good average speed.
With extra fuel (can) and more frequent stop than my group mates needed (thank you guys for your patience) the MT was a reasonable mount to achieve it on. Gel seat pad is a 'must'
That big lazy motor is 'effortless' over the distance, performance was adequate but obviously when you are with some heavy duty uber tourers you may need to work sometimes. The bikes a good size for me and has a nice wide seat for a big fat arse! but, the fuel range was a 'killer' in all honesty. Plus the (errrrr they are standard mufflers occifer) 'fruity'? big V-twin sound is a tad noticeable in the still of the night on quiet roads!
At first I thought the amount of checkpoints and required photos was a bit overkill, but on discussion after, it's actually a good idea, it DOES get you off the bike for a quick leg stretch and allows quick communication between your group. The manned checkpoints were just about 'spot on' for the distance/time on the road to see if anyone was in real difficulty, obviously experience of distance riding showed through from the organisers.
Will/Would I do it again? Hell yes, but I would seriously need to have/use a different bike if riding in a similar group in future. The MT-01 made it a 'real challenge' and that was enough of that experience.
Anyone who really fancies themselves as a 'distance rider' (if you consider a 4-500km ride a Sunday jaunt) look for next years event, it's given me the long distance bug again!!
Originally Posted by GrayWolf
Firstly, congrats to the organisers of the event.... it was a simply fantastic ride. A couple of 'last minute' purchases helped ( Venture pack rack & 5 ltr petrol can). There was only really one 'hitch' in the whole ride, completely out of the organisers control.. the bloody eftpos/creditcard servo at Martinboro' decided to 'shit itself'. Only having a 220/230 max (out of gas) range that almost did my ride. I'd have run out somewhere near the top of the Taka's. I was fortunate one of the group I was in had a mate in Marty with a 10ltr fuel can. (thank you, Stretch & Bruce). Yup I was one of the teeny weeny tankers! (note to organisers, it hurts ya know, to be frequently reminded on the route notes you only have a teeny weeny one!)
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Then I ran out fuel the second time a few hundred meters from Z Turangi, but that was due to my miscalculation. 
seriously liking/considering getting a Connie for future touring 
make sure you come back for more.
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