Wellington to Auckland?

[Hitcher]

Why did Kawasaki stop building them?

Kawasaki hasn't. It's still a current model in Australia. I'm sure your friendly Kawasaki dealer could get you a new one on indent for about NZ$17,000. The later models have a tank that's 2 litres larger than mine (the 2002 model) had.

I really rate these things, as you no doubt know.

Another model in the Kawasaki stable you may wish to consider is the ZZR1200. I almost tossed a coin between one of those and the FJR last year, such was my level of temptation.

[Headbanger]

Hmm... Wgtn SH1 to Sanson, turn right onto SH3 and head to Feilding via SH54....

Just thought I would mention, instead of turing left or right at Sanson, You can continue straight ahead instead, shes a fun little road that splits and either takes you straight into Fielding or through to Halcombe.

If someone was on their way to Wanganui it lets you shoot through to Marton, Turikina while avoiding the main roads. And its packed solid with interesting corners.

[Hitcher]

Just thought I would mention, instead of turing left or right at Sanson, You can continue straight ahead instead, shes a fun little road that splits and either takes you straight into Fielding or through to Halcombe.

Seconded..

[MaxB]

That's SH2, not SH3, and after the Rimutakas it's boring as fuck, only difference to SH1 is less traffic. Don't ride north that way.

Oops. Brain must've wanted to go to New Plymouth instead.

Exactly how do you propose to ride north from Wellington? You have 2 choices, State 1 or 2. You are pretty much stuck on SH1 until Levin. Roadworks, accidents etc will really stuff up your day. I used to do that trip for work.

On 2 once you get to Featherston there are heaps of little sideroads and if you know what you are doing you can bypass Masterton, Carterton etc. When you get to Pahiatua you then have the option of rejoining 1 via Palmy (or on to Woodville and the Gorge near where SH3 begins)

Finally, my post was written with Iand in mind. AFAIK he is a tourist from the UK who is new to NZ and on a rental bike. He is going to find the roads and driving standards a lot different to what he is used to.

[skelstar]

Just thought I would mention, instead of turing left or right at Sanson...

Yep, done that. Unfort it was straight into road works out the back for me, but prob still faster than left or right.

Its my usual route to Manfield for the racing.

[iand]

Oops. Brain must've wanted to go to New Plymouth instead.

Exactly how do you propose to ride north from Wellington? You have 2 choices, State 1 or 2. You are pretty much stuck on SH1 until Levin. Roadworks, accidents etc will really stuff up your day. I used to do that trip for work.

On 2 once you get to Featherston there are heaps of little sideroads and if you know what you are doing you can bypass Masterton, Carterton etc. When you get to Pahiatua you then have the option of rejoining 1 via Palmy (or on to Woodville and the Gorge near where SH3 begins)

Finally, my post was written with Iand in mind. AFAIK he is a tourist from the UK who is new to NZ and on a rental bike. He is going to find the roads and driving standards a lot different to what he is used to.

different how? sounds a bit scary!!!

thanks(i think?!?!) for all the advise/routes