10,000 km in 10 days - Which bike for it?

[LBD]

Mate, I think the questian has to be more complex than which bike does every one recomend. I am not the tallest at 5'7" and for me the Monster is a good physical size but on a trip like the 10000km, the Monster would not be best. (I have put my name down for the 10 000 ride and will be on the Monster.)
But then, neither would the reputable tourer the GS 1200, its too big and heavy for me. I just completed 7000km on Norwegian roads on a GS (Two up). I did a few solo excursions and it made no diffrence to how I felt about the bike, I was not big enough to throw it around even though I was attacking the road pretty agressively at times. The Norwegian roads are not unlike NZ roads, some straight, some tight n twisty. Although the surface was predominantly smooth asphalt. For me, the likes of a SV 650 would suit the job best for one up riding long distance in NZ (or Norway)
The tires were Michelin somethings and still had 2000 km left at the end, not bad for two up touring.
Service and tyres for the 10 000km? I will use as sticky as I can find that will last say 6000km and will pre plan a 5000km pit stop.

[Gremlin]

Having just done the SI trip, I can report that the South Island certainly chews tyres faster than the North Island, probably in 2/3 the time of a tyre on North Island roads... so just be aware that North Islanders giving tyre life won't equate to South Island roads.

If it were me, I would probably try to plan a special service with a shop somewhere around the middle of the trip, that you know, or is prepared to be open later to help you out?

[Hinny]

Our South Island excursion over Xmas left me feeling very happy with my choice of bike. The Honda Pan European is a superb bike.
The weather protection afforded by the big screen and full fairing meant I was the only one to arrive at Wgtn. dry.
The Southern Coast wind didn't beat me up and leave me exhausted as it did the other riders.
Gravel roads were no problem.
500kms+ fuel range didn't get much of a work out as I had to stop for the Sprots bike riders every 200 odd kms. - kinda frustrating.
Carried enough gear to keep me on the road permanently.
Low centre of gravity gives 250cc style handling.
Lights are superb.

Only fault I found with it was that it goes too fast.

[McJim]

I thought all jappas had 6,000km service intervals. That's one of the reasons I bought a Ducati - reliability and cheaper parts and I can tell you that I have not been disappointed. I believe Ducati do a really uncomfortable range called ST (ST2, ST3, ST4) for people that like to ride a bike like they're sitting on the loo and risking tailbone damage. I would choose a SS1000DS but that's me matbe a multistrada would suit you? The new ones have 12,000km service intervals.

[ducatijim]

Just like TLDV8 says( almost!)...get a DR650....will do it all nooo probs!

She's not fussy 'bout service, stock OEM Deathwings just won't wear out,....

.....and,.... if moneys too tight for a Corbin, just make friends with a surgeon to remove her from ya butt cheeks when ya gets home Malcolm!!!!

Sweeet as!

[Hinny]

Ducati - reliability

That's not what I heard.

[Tony W]

If I were to do this trip I would choose a BMW R1100/1150 RT.
Its upright seating position is the key to comfortable long distances.
As with my RS, its oil change intervals are 10,000 km.
My Z6 Metzelers lasted 15,000km.

...If anyone has an RT and wants to do a swappy...

[Tony W]

Put my money where my mouth was and bought an RT last month.
Perfect for me. No more sore back and neck!

[LBD]

If I were to do this trip I would choose a BMW R1100/1150 RT.
Its upright seating position is the key to comfortable long distances.
As with my RS, its oil change intervals are 10,000 km.
My Z6 Metzelers lasted 15,000km.

...If anyone has an RT and wants to do a swappy...

I found that with the one I rode in Europe....I also found that 4 L of diesel and 2 cans of octane booster in a full tank make little difference to the performance....Bit of smoke but...


So...are you doing the 10 000 trip?

[grbaker]

10,000kms in 10 days... that'll hurt.

Anyway did 10,100kms in July across Oz (roads all the way) on a DL650 VStorm. It did it with ease and the tires still has another 5,000kms in them.

The wife road a BMW G650GS which also did the ride well.

Travelling on avg about 110kph the bike had a 400km+ range.. which is why we selected those bikes.

We found the bike didn't limit our daily ride range, but the comfort of our arses (which was worse up around Darwin where it was rather hot).

I found the VStorm lacking in brakes and little dull in acceration, but pretty good for the trip. The wife couldn't fault her BMWer at all (although the single banger was a bit loud).

[Tony W]

So...are you doing the 10 000 trip?

...not just yet, but want to do a circuit of the Sth Island at Xmas time.

[mangell6]

Do it twice for practice

[LBD]

Do it twice for practice

Which might come to 5000 km...

[Gezza]

A FJR and you'll do it with ease. I may be slightly biased though.
Gaz

[LBD]

A FJR and you'll do it with ease. I may be slightly biased though.
Gaz

It might but will you?....Lugging a 1/4 tonne of bike around NZs twistiest?

Monsters the bike for me....

Quick service and tyre change in Welly waiting for the ferry, and its all systems go