First trip from Wellington to Auckland!!!

[Hijak]

Hey everyone,

Thanks to everyone for the advice on Hornets and other naked bikes.

So, after getting hold of my learners license and taking what feels like a lfetime to decide on a bike, i'm down to two, both Hornets.

This one:
http://www.motorcycle.co.nz/other/?id=36892
Or this one:
http://www.motorcycle.co.nz/other/?id=36895

No much of a problem but more of a bit of a daunting prospect is the fact that the bike is in Wellington and i'm in Auckland. I don't mind flying down to Welly to check the bikes out and they said they can send it up to AK for $200, but i was thinking i could just buy one of them and take this weekend, which is supposed to be great weather, to ride up from Welly to AK.

I'm moderately experienced on bikes as i did off road....15 years ago...and don't think that it would be too hardcore to take two days to do the trip, like staying the night in Taupo.

What i wanted was other peoples thoughts on the trip; is it tough? am i pushing it too much doing that so soon?

I thought that jumping straight in at the deep end would be a great way to learn and get used to the bike in no real hurry, what do they call it, total immersion learning??

Anyhow, i'm all for it but would like your thoughts...

Thanks all!!

Jake

[Ripperjon]

Can't give you any advice on the bikes as i'm a noob too.

But, as for the trip. Do it!!!

I put up a similar thread a couple of months ago called "new bike, big grin, small dilemma" asking thr guys n gals of KB's advice as to whether it was a good idea for me to pick up my first bike in Christchurch and bring it back to Queenstown. (If you look it up on here there is a lot of great advice and varied views on the idea that helped me prepare for it)

I allowed myself 2 days to get down, but as it turned out, a friend of mine picked up his bike in Christchurch the day after i picked up mine. So, i waited for him and we rode back together.

That spare day (and a bit) in Christchurch was awesome and gave me time to get to grips with my new bike before setting off on the big trip.
We did the trip in one day setting off early but had no deadline and were prepared to pull over for the night if either one of us got tired.
With plenty of stops to stretch the legs, get in some food and the obligatory cups of tea (i'm British), we were sweet.

If you can, get someone to ride with you. It will be much easier i reckon. I think i would've got more tired by myself.

I am real glad i went up there to get her.

The only drawback is that every time i go for a ride, i wanna just keep going. Every ride is too short now.

Have fun.

[Weaver]

Doo et

You can do it in a day if you want to be bored and have square tryes by the end of it.
Take the two days though and go via the back roads, you'll have a great time.

[Radar]

I say do it.

Make sure you have the right gear. Mornings and evenings will be cold and if the weather deteriorates, you are stuffed.

Practice before setting out on the big open road. Wgtn MC's is in a busy area so I am not sure where you could practice but maybe one of the guys there could take your bike to a quiet residential area or big parking area. BTW, the reason I say practice first comes from my experience: I rode my Hyo back from Napier (3 hours to Masterton) and the worst time was the first few minutes! On the open road it was easy but negotiating the Napier streets and a new bike made for a nervous rider - and I have had lots of experience years ago.

Watch fatigue. My guess is that you will want to get to AKL in one day but don't do it because you will get on the AKL motorway feeling buggered, with slower reactions and dulled perception. Stop often, even if you think you feel OK. Stop and walk around, eat, drink, whatever but get off the bike.

Lock your bike when you overnight in Taupo or wherever. At least buy a disk lock. We don't want to hear how you woke up to find your Bandit gone! Maybe a friendly motelier or backpackers could let you park your bike in a secluded safe area.

Ride with someone. If not for the entire trip, at least when you leave Wellington. Give us the time you will be leaving and some KB'ers will give you an escort out of the city and maybe up the Kapiti Coast.

[edit] Almost forgot: use Ear Plugs. The foam compression ones at a Chemist are OK.


Have a great trip!!!

[Nasty]

If you are coming down .. I am sure we can ride you out of Wellington a little ....

I reckon DO IT ... there is nothing like getting on a bike and getting it done .. there is a sense of achievement and wonder that you can! Remember though ... take lots of little breaks ... drink loads of water (which means you have to take lots of brakes to wee) ... and take your time ... get used to how the bike feels and what is happening under the wheels!

[TimeOut]

Go for it

Good advice on from those above, do it in two days and don't put yourself under pressure. Would be great if the Welly boys could escourt you out and show you some of the better less straight and busy roads.
I did the same 25 years since riding mainly dirt bikes (lucky I got my licence then) it just takes time and ks
I've enjoyed every one of my 12000 since October.

[Radar]

Hijak - forgot to say that those are very nice looking bikes!

Too pricey for me, as 250's go, but which ever one you choose you will love it.