Bike Review(s) and Travelogue

[James Deuce]

Sometimes life dishes up some fairly unpleasant stuff, and just forces a bout of retail therapy that could only be described as insanity. What better then, than to co-opt willing accomplices and set off on a 'bike buying expedition.

I've been looking for an excuse to buy a second motorcycle for a while (one a little more suited to general duties than the R6, like commuting and my once a year tour), and thankfully several oil cartels and a couple of middle-eastern countries agreed to boost oil prices and provide some fairly flimsy "evidence" as to why. I set a budget of $2500-$3500 and spent about 2 months perusing Motorcycle Trader, Bikepoint, local 'bike shops, and as luck would have it, KBers signatures.

Sick of being "undertaken" by Sensei, inlinefour (he isn't an arsehole, he just likes to look that way) decided that his CB400 had to go and a CBR600RR was on the cards. A couple of PMs later the deal was done, Hitcher "offered" (that thumb OK now mate?) to give me a lift on the back of the mighty STX, and I was off for my first visit to "the Naki".

We left on Saturday and Mrs Hitcher graciously let me ride her '04 Marauder to Levin. Every time I ride a cruiser I find something else to like about them, and Mrs H's Big Blue Bounder was no exception. Up the Hutt motorway and over the Haywards I kept noticing a shooting pain, getting worse and worse all the time. By the time we got through Grey's road, and were waiting to "enter" (see gap, close eyes, nail it, more like) SH1's traffic "flow" (hah!) I'd figured it out. Bloody lockjaw. From the mammoth grin threatening to make me look human. Cruisers are just - Damn. Good. Fun. Having experienced a variety of cruisers, in both the US, and Japanese flavours I can say without reserve that I wouldn't say no if someone offered me one for free.

We stopped in Levin for lunch, and a had a pleasant meal at the Train Station Cafe. Mrs H had to go back to Wellington to help cover the Election for her employer (that was the excuse proffered - I think the weather forecast had rather more to do with it - wise person as it turns out), so I now had to remember how this pillion thing works. My last pillion ride (20 years ago. 20! sigh) was on the back of an RD350LC and I distinctly remember getting my feet wegded in the pilot's armpits. The STX was rather a different kettle of fish to the LC though. Comfortable, enormous, smooth, enormous, deceptively quick, enormous, Battleship class stability, enormous, cavernous luggage capacity, and quite big too.

The drone to Wanganui passed oddly quickly. Not having to concentrate on riding leaves one able to look at stuff, think about stuff, and generally relax. The westerly "airflow" meant we had a 10 degree cant to the left on all the way from Levin to Sanson, but Hitcher was more than up to the task, so it didn't feel uncomfortable or scary at any point. Fairly soon we were travelling through towns I'd only heard about; Waverley, Patea (what about those meat works! Talk about a huge waste) and all those other South Taranaki towns that probably match the definition of "small NZ town" better than anywhere else in the country. The STX space/time continuum folding warp drive thing went into overtime through the "Surf Highway" to New Plymouth. Distance markers magically morphed from, "New Plymouth 115km", to, "New Plymouth 23km". Eeek. Just how long had I been asleep!

During the planning for the trip I'd mention that I had a GPS unit and asked Hitcher if he had an accessory socket on the STX. "No", he said. What kind of blimmin' ST rider is he? He doesn't even have a cup holder on that thing! It isn't right. Anyway, I digress. Hitcher asked me inlinefour's address and I told him, to which he replied, "I know where that is, no need for a GPS unit." True to his word, we went directly to the correct address, through a bewildering number of different roads, and there was this lovely K4 Gixxer in the (correct) driveway. Sensei happened to be there, so while the deed was done, we had a coffee, introduced ourselves, and chatted.

inlinefour has looked after this bike fantastically, and it is mechanically the quietest Honda I've ever owned. The gearbox is slick as hell too, which was a shock, especially as I have a Yamaha "start it in 1st so no one hears the clunk" at home. As we rode off to the motel, I couldn't quite conceal my delight at the good deal I'd got. Smooth, neutral handling, light weight, but a full sized motorcycle, the CB is precisely what I was after. I never usually buy without try, and I sure as hell don't usually trust people without knowing them for a decent amount of time, but this whole experience just highlights the subtle power of this site. Especially as inlinefour (or Honda as he was known) and I have had our "moments". Still I'd much rather be the friend of someone who'd look me in the eye, kick me in the balls and then laugh, than be friends with someone who pays other people to kick me in the balls. Or something.

The Motel (Landmark Manor Inn I believe the full title to be) that Hitcher had recommended was new and clean, and run by a very friendly man, with whom we discussed 'bikes, Rugby (the 'Naki was a good place to be on Saturday), and the election, and as we were settling in he popped up and presented us with a couple of Tuis! Top bloke! Respective spouses duly informed of our whereabouts we decided to look for a meal. The first place we checked out smelled good from outside, but we were duly ejected as we hadn't booked. From a half empty restaurant mind you. They did suggest an alternative, Aubergine (and it certainly was) and by golly am I glad they did! Fantastic meal, and professional but friendly service. Hitcher and I stopped in at Paul in NZ's place on the way back today, and once I mentioned what I had for an entree, I was lectured about nouveau riche, bourgeouis pretensions, and told to go to my room. Can't think of a better recommendation really.


More to follow...

[LB]

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Looking fwd to Part II Jim2, it's a great read.

We stay at Landmark Manor, have been there about half a dozen times now. Very handy for numerous reasons, not the least that it's 25 seconds walk from Woolworths, and 30 seconds walk from McDonalds. Plus good reasonably secure bike parking.

Congrats on the new steed.
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[RiderInBlack]

Bet your glad Moto One changed ownership now Enjoy your new ride. So which bike is the misses going to ride

[James Deuce]

Hitcher and I tootled back to our room after our meal with me suitably impressed by New Plymouth. It most certainly isn't "hick" in any way, but the people we ran into were all friendly without being obsequious.

The Election results and subsequent flurry of predictions and "promises" from minor party leaders made great viewing. I didn;t vote ACT, but I was impressed with Rodney Hide's comportment on the night, and doubly impressed that he made more of losing colleagues that he respected than any other minor Party leader did. Of course bloody Helen made us wait until 12:30am to hear precisely nothing in her speech, and then we went to sleep. Well I did, but I think poor old Hitcher suffered a bit, thanks to my seven week long bout of tonsilitis.

It poured during the night (apparently - I heard nothing - poor Hitcher) and when we woke , it was cloudy, but there was no imminent rain. I donned wets anyway, knowing both the forecast and Mt Taranaki's reputation for capriciousness in regard to modifying weather, just to annoy motorcyclists. We gassed up (not that I needed to - thanks for the full tank of gas inlinefour.) and headed out to Inglewood for breakfast at MacFarlane's. Wow! Taranaki is a Gastronome's delight. Beautiful cafe this, lovely roaring fire, big broad veranda providing plenty of cover (must go back in Summer), and of course Hitcher's inimitable company. All that was needed now was some lovely young - Hello! That would be the waitress.

The rain. Big black clouds. Wispy mist scudding through little valleys, overseen by giant brethren intent on making sure my new boots filled to the brim. Well, yah boo sucks weather. I'd been thinking about what sort of gear to wear while commuting, so I'd bought some StylMartin low calf goretex boots, Draggin jeans, and a one piece wet weather oversuit. Everything functioned as required through the first heavy shower we had, which lasted from Normanby to Patea. Then it just got warmer, and warmer, and warmer, the closer we got to Wanganui.

The CB just keeps on going without intruding on the experience at all. Compliant (really, really soft compared to the R6) supension ironed out the worst excesses of SH3, the engine required a bit of the old left foot toe shuffle to keep it on the boil, but the gearbox made sure that wasn't a chore at all, and the comfy seat just kept on winning the battle with the moneky butt demons. My gear was keeping the weather at bay, even on a naked bike. I had to keep reminding myself to lean into the wind instead of trying to fight windblast with my neck muscles, but like all things in life, the quality of the experience improves along with your technique.

The weather is inscribing a dark line on an ever distant horizon as we begin the short descent into Wanganui. 19 Degrees, and I'm swimming in my own juices when we stop in Wanganui for a five minute stretch and a quick call to our respective spouses. Hitcher is prompted to make comments like, "Well James, we may just be jammy buggers and miss the worst of it". Insert Tui moment here. By the time we reach Bulls it is fairly obvious that the best we could hope for is no rain until Otaki. The long straight roads from Sanson to Foxton actually go by pretty quickly, and once again I am struck by just how low the standard of driving is in general. Things like maintaining a constant speed just seem to be beyond most late model Falcon drivers, whihc is odd as I imagine they have cruise control anyway. I keep comming up behind people, overtake and they immediately speed up, preventing Hitcher from staying in formation, only to slowly drop back to 90-100km/hr again. I know it's my choice to travel slightly, and I mean very slightly above those speeds, but the inconsistency of other drivers actually makes it quite difficult to maintain a legal average by legal means.

Thanks to the scenario outlaid in my rant above, Hitcher ended up being confronted with an unpleasant prospect. Coming into Levin we came across a car weaving in and out of the correct lane and the shoulder. Not an aggressive weave, just a gentle oscillation, with 5 cars stacked up behind them. I despatched them before the Waiterere Beach turn off, but Hitcher got stuck behind them and when he did overtake, he pulled back in just as the HP car that I'd spotted (with a sinking feeling I might add, even though I was perfectly legal at the time. I hate getting mates in trouble). Fortunately I know of an alternate route through the back of Levin, so I took it just incase our HP friend was in the process of doubling back. It seemed to work and we avoided the queues and traffic lights on Levin's main drag as well.

Rain. This time a bit heavier than last time. It got very dark very quickly, the standing water made it obvious that it had been raining hard for some time, and the spray from traffic reduced visibility still further. My crutch started leaking about the time we hit Waikanae (from the outside, you bastards) so we pulled in at Paul in NZ's so he could have a laugh, and have a look at the CB. HE took it for a quick blat up to the end of the road and back, and I'm still not sure what that look on his face was all about. I'm picking he liked it despite his preconceptions.

A quick "fang" (more like a tentative teeter) over the Paekak' hill road to avoid traffic was plotted, and I was just thankful to avoid the leaf litter, dirt, spilled diesel and errant 4 wheel drives (what is it with these morons!) straying over the centre line on blind corners and get back to the main road. The temperature had just dropped and dropped the further South we got and we'd shed 10 degrees Celsius by the time we got to the Hutt motorway.

I know it sounds like a faint insult but the CB never ever got in the way of the journey itself. Isn't that the point of a road trip though? It also proves that I'd made the right "decision" (more like insane mid-life crisis impulse purchase - VTWIN I'm here when you go mental mate) in light of the criteria for a simple, comfortable, competent commuter/tourer. Hitcher's company made the trip, and the Taranaki district proved to be something other then the desolate, isolated, banjo farm I'd expected.

[Blackbird]

Cracker write up Jim. That's what motorcycling is about - out in all weathers. A really good read.

Geoff

[MSTRS:Me]

Top marks Jim2. Riveting read. Reminds me why I like motorsickles.

[Paul in NZ]

. My crutch started leaking about the time we hit Waikanae (from the outside, you bastards) so we pulled in at Paul in NZ's so he could have a laugh, and have a look at the CB. HE took it for a quick blat up to the end of the road and back, and I'm still not sure what that look on his face was all about. I'm picking he liked it despite his preconceptions.

Not even close....

It was interesting..... and... Conformed exactly to my suspicions of ruthless efficiency and an utter lack of anything which my experience thus far recognised as a motorcycle, which since I was in the process of dismantling mine to find an obscure fault at the time (found it too) should provide you with aeons of reliable commuting.

I do agree that it has been very well kept and is a credit to the fomer owners...

Paul in NZ

ps - change the handlebars

[Krayy]

All I can say is that based on the first photo, they sure know how to grow BIG cows in the 'Naki!!

[badlieutenant]

nice looking bike there jim and the best read on KB Ive seen in a while.
you will have to update this when yourv had a chance to go for a blast on a nice hot day.

[Sensei]

Great to meet You Jim & to see Hitcher again in better times than last . Excellent write up Too . Hope to show you some roads round here that we talked about next time ya up .

[2_SL0]

Excellent write up.

[inlinefour]

Yea, its funny how people behave/read into what happens here at KB. Don't remember the kicking, but I'm quick to forget things like that as its not important. Sounds like some people take what I say to heart sometimes when I'm just doing a big piss take and if so, I apologise. Was truely awesome catching up with more KBers, was not sure to expect from Hitcher as we have had words in the past, I think (vaugely), but was most friendly. Sorry about the South Taranaki jokes hitcher and hope that THC finds a good spot somewhere and just ask if you want more. Like wise everyone else, if you need something from the naki, I for one are allways glad to help. Despite is you think I'm a bastard or not.
Glad the new owner is happy with the 400 and I do hope it serves you as well as it has me. Sadly I think I out grew it. It was surprising that I was sad when I watched the bike being ridden away, but it also make me realise that I'm about to get my ultimate ride that I have wanted for so long but it was out of my grasp. Went and played moto gp3 for a while and I was happy again.
Just hope that our paths cross again and it involves riding Jim2, I've still got those manuals you need so PM me your addy and I'll post a disc down...

[Hitcher]

A fun weekend in the land of my birth was had.

The ST acquitted itself well with two largish gents aboard (one more "fuller figured" than the other) and prior to some most excellent Taranaki dining, as described by my partner in crime James Deuce. A couple of turns on the rear suspension knob and James became the "invisible man" on the rear. Apart from watching the fuel consumption drop to single figures on a couple of steeper ascents, the mighty ST rocked on as it normally does.

Taranaki was looking a picture on Saturday. I really miss living up there at times.

Finding Huatoki Street was a breeze (I never got round to telling you that story, Jim). And Inline and Sensei did an impressive meet and greet and a much-appreciated hot beverage.

The CB400 is a stunner, age and mileage considered. It runs sweeter than a Swiss watch. Good fuel economy too, as it turns out. And it seemed to keep Jim adequately entertained on his ride home. The "high elbow" riding style was interesting (change the bars, mate).

My folks were also in Taranaki for the weekend. Dad was a guest of the Taranaki Rugby Union for a golden oldies weekend. And what a weekend. Taranaki walloped the latte and hair-gel boys from Auckland.

Jim has already done the food and beverage review. I concur, as you do.

Election night was interesting. Most interesting. Demonstrating everything I hate about MMP, as will the next two weeks' political machinations. Will leave that there. For the moment. Seethe, fume...

The weather on the ride home was interesting, particularly the last bit as we rode past the teeth of the southerly, eventually encountering its uvula. Jim resides atop the Hutt Alps. I had my suspicions as to what the weather may be like up there when I saw several Brass Monkeys waiting for a unit at Melling Station. Seven degrees air temperature, 30 degrees wind chill.

And on the final leg of my journey home along the motorway from Petone to Ngauranga, waves were breaking across the road. Lovely.

And yes, that is a Kleensack on the tank of the ST in the photo.

Great fun. Many thanks Jim for this opportunity and for the company.

[LB]

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Great write ups guys.

I see you stopped in at Dairyland. First time I went there, I put my helmet on a table in the middle of the round window - I felt selfish and wanted to hog the view. We went to the counter and ordered our food. Walked back to the table - jesus, someone's stolen my helmet!! Hamish pissed himself for the 30 seconds it took me to realise the circular floor rotates!!

Macfarlanes isn't the same now they no longer do the warm lamb panini.....

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