My new ride - the trip home

**Kendog** · 9th April 2007, 20:06

Sunday finally arrived, and just like the kid waiting for Christmas it took too long and I didn't get much sleep the night before.

Off to the airport to catch my flight to Tauranga. Was a bit of a laugh wondering around in an airport in bike leathers, got plenty of strange looks (stranger than the normal strange looks I get)

Nathan from Bay City Motorcycles picked me up at the airport (just part of the great service I got from them in buying this bike, I highly recommend this shop to everyone) and off to the shop we went. 10 minutes later I had signed the papers and I had my new bike

A few of the local KBers arrived to escort me out of their city, I mean say hello and ride with me to Rotorua. Cajun, MotoGirl, MidnightMike, saul and Waylander, it was great meeting you all and riding with you.

I also got to meet babyB who was unfortunately cage bound with the kids, and a KBer from Napier (sorry forgot your name)

After riding the Pyes Pa road to Rotorua, having a bite to eat and a drink it was farewell to the Tauranga crew and I was off on my home. Took the long way round the lake to Turangi and was starting to really get into the groove on the new bike, but still being a little cautious as it is soooo different to the Hornet and had a new rear tire.

Stopped in Turangi for gas and a pie (only one on the trip, must do better next time) then off again. I had planned to go the National Park, Wanganui way home but I had spent too much time gas bagging at lunch so opted for the more direct Desert road instead.

Last stop made in Bulls to top up the gas and change to clear visor. Then the homeward stretch, zipping around the never ending slow moving stream of cars heading towards Wellington.

Arrived home at 8.00pm. About 6 hours riding time and my butt and lower back were telling me all about it. Today they don't feel too bad (thanks for the massage honey) so I am sure I will get used to it in time. The ride today also didn't feel too bad as well.

So how does the bike to ride?
Fantastic!!! I never once had a moment of 'oh shit' and I was cornering way faster than I have ever done. It is effortless, light, smooth, confidence inspiring etc etc etc. The biggest problem was trying to keep the speed down (a lot of cops out there yesterday)

Am I glad I made the move from the Hornet?
Yes. Riding has a buzz about it now and I look forward to getting to the next corner more. Went up the Takas today, what a blast. Can't wait for the next track day.

Will I miss the Hornet?
Hell yes. The Hornet has soul, it's unique and often attracted attention from bikers due to its look (especially those red wheels) and 'bling'. The GSXR is....... a GSXR, and it's blue and white

nuff said.
On the positive side the Hornet has gone to a good home and I know the new owner so hope to see it around a bit.

Here are some pics:
Pic 1 - MotoGirl, MidnightMike & Cajun + the bikes. About to leave Rotorua.
Pic 2 - The bike at Whakamaru
Pic 3 and 4 - The bike at home

**dogsnbikes** · 9th April 2007, 20:14

Nice Ride and glad you enjoyed the trip back many happy miles ahead

**Waylander** · 9th April 2007, 20:17

lol good ride mate, glad you had fun while you were up here.

And the GSXR may look like just a GSXR now but I'm sure you'll have it looking red hot in no time.

**Kendog** · 9th April 2007, 20:18

Originally Posted by Waylander

lol good ride mate, glad you had fun while you were up here.

And the GSXR may look like just a GSXR now but I'm sure you'll have it looking red hot in no time.

The bling search has begun in earnest

**u4ea** · 9th April 2007, 20:20

awww I remember the glow you had when you rode one at Quassis show!!!!awesome youve made the decision and are totally enjoying the steed!!!!

**Waylander** · 9th April 2007, 20:21

Originally Posted by Kendog

The bling search has begun in earnest

lol I also noticed you scrubbed a bit more of the feathery white meat off the back tyre after leaving Rotorua.

Was wondering what you were talking about when you said you were cornering faster, must have been after we split cause I was right behind you all through Pyes Pa.
And I'm a slow bastard lol

Did you happen to see that Blue Corolla again by the way.

**Edbear** · 9th April 2007, 20:22

My favourite sports bike! I know you're going to love it!

**MotoGirl** · 9th April 2007, 20:24

It's an awesome machine you've got there Nigel. I'm sure you'll love it for many years to come

You've also got some nice pics there, I see you got my best side!

Seriously though, the second pic is cool

.

**Edbear** · 9th April 2007, 20:26

Originally Posted by Waylander

Was wondering what you were talking about when you said you were cornering faster, must have been after we split cause I was right behind you all through Pyes Pa...

10char

**Kendog** · 9th April 2007, 20:27

Originally Posted by Waylander

lol I also noticed you scrubbed a bit more of the feathery white meat off the back tyre after leaving Rotorua.

Was wondering what you were talking about when you said you were cornering faster, must have been after we split cause I was right behind you all through Pyes Pa.

Did you happen to see that Blue Corolla again by the way.

Yep, very cautions going to Rotorua, got a bit better after that. But still a little Nana like and will be for a while me thinks.
No sign of our Corolla friend. Shame, would like to have given him a return wave.

**Kendog** · 9th April 2007, 20:30

Originally Posted by MotoGirl

You've also got some nice pics there, I see you got my best side!

.

There have been a lot of pics of the ladies from the rear lately on this site. Not intentional I can assure you

**Waylander** · 9th April 2007, 20:30

Originally Posted by Kendog

Yep, very cautions going to Rotorua, got a bit better after that. But still a little Nana like and will be for a while me thinks.
No sign of our Corolla friend. Shame, would like to have given him a return wave.

Hmm guess one of us should have taken his mirror when we had the chance. Ohwell.
And just giving you a bit of guff mate, new tyre and new bike take a bit of getting used to and Pyes Pa isn't that good a road to be on even in the best of times lol.

**cowboyz** · 9th April 2007, 20:43

nice. welocome to the R models. I hear what your saying. Bit of getting used to. When I brought mine I near had meanie overtake me on pikcock hill on the meanstreak. Takes a bit of getting used to but real fun huh.
Be nice to see it at the next track day.

**Leong** · 9th April 2007, 21:47

Hey!! Congratulations - Nice Bike ( and nice photos )

and nice report!!

Originally Posted by Kendog

About 6 hours riding time and my butt and lower back were telling me all about it. Today they don't feel too bad (thanks for the massage honey) so I am sure I will get used to it in time. The ride today also didn't feel too bad as well.

And what a great weekend to be riding your new bike. Coming off an SV650 and being a bit older than you too, I had the same aches, but find the GSXR pretty comfy now.

Originally Posted by Kendog

Went up the Takas today, what a blast. Can't wait for the next track day.

Careful - it can be HIGHLY adictive this trackday business... I'll be in Taupo for the ones on the 20th, 28th April, 4th and 6th May. Addicted??? Hmmm

Originally Posted by Kendog

Will I miss the Hornet?
Hell yes. The Hornet has soul, it's unique and often attracted attention from bikers due to its look (especially those red wheels) and 'bling'. The GSXR is....... a GSXR, and it's blue and white

nuff said.

Couldn't believe it when I ended up with a Blue/White one myself. I looked at a few of the Philip Island demo bikes, and the only one available at the time was the blue/white. However, I think once one has owned these bikes for a while, and appreciates the way you can tour on the bike on standard settings, stiffen it up for the track etc, the colour (Nicer than the previous blue IMO) and the clean styling will grow on you!! Enjoy!!