Any long distance tips? Riding from Wellington to Auckland and back this week

[FJRider]

It is my preferred way of getting between Auckland and Masterton, which I do 3-4 times per year.

I just prefer to avoid Auckland. Has worked so far. Each to his own I guess ...

[release_the_bees]

Yeah that's probably going to be the route i'll take

I've driven that way before, it was nice

Minor update to the route I just posted:
http://g.co/maps/d6fxm

The Woodville Gorge is closed at the moment.

[oneofsix]

Minor update to the route I just posted:
http://g.co/maps/d6fxm

The Woodville Gorge is closed at the moment.

Woodville Gorge? must find that one I know the Manawatu Gorge (closed) and Balance one but haven't found the Woodville one
Makes little difference, uses Soldiers Rd from Ashurst or Pahiatua track from Aokautere.

[insomnia01]

regular breaks ( I mate these up with my fuel stops ) stay hydrated by drinking water NOT caffine based drinks ( water works best over coffee etc,etc ) relax & enjoy yourself cause its a LLoooonnnggg ride buddy

[release_the_bees]

Woodville Gorge? must find that one I know the Manawatu Gorge (closed) and Balance one but haven't found the Woodville one
Makes little difference, uses Soldiers Rd from Ashurst or Pahiatua track from Aokautere.

I thought that might be coming. That's what happens when I post during worktime!

[oneofsix]

I thought that might be coming. That's what happens when I post during worktime!

The opportunity was much appreciated. but hopefully there was also some value add.

[FJRider]

The advice I give to inexperienced riders is simple.

Start as early as you deem comfortable. Leave your watch in your pocket.
Only two things to think about ... Where you will get your next tank of gas. AND ... the hundred metres directly in front of you.

[JustNick]

The advice I give to inexperienced riders is simple.

Start as early as you deem comfortable. Leave your watch in your pocket.
Only two things to think about ... Where you will get your next tank of gas. AND ... the hundred metres directly in front of you.

As above, know your bike's fuel range and plan your fuel stops accordingly. If you are travelling at night, do your research and find out what fuel servo's are open late or 24 hours.

[Rajol]

As above, know your bike's fuel range and plan your fuel stops accordingly. If you are travelling at night, do your research and find out what fuel servo's are open late or 24 hours.

Apparently my bikes sprocket was changed from standard, so i get 180km per tank instead of the original 250km, but in turn I get more acceleration/speed for a 250cc bike (it goes to 140 apparently, though i've only done 110~120)

my reserve hold abouts 1/3 of the fuel so gets me about 50km (low estimation, just incase of hills ect...)

so i'll be making plenty of stops,


Wellington to bulls, gas/break,
Bulls to Waiouru, gas/break
Waiouru to taumaranui, gas/break
taumaranui to otrohanga, gas/break
otrohanga to huntly, gas/break
huntly to auckland, gas/break

And back again

For the south island, i've driven up and down it a million times (in a car), so no troubles with that

[insomnia01]

Instead of going to Waiouru from Bulls why not head to Whanganui & head up the para's !! just my 2cents worth

[FJRider]

Apparently my bikes sprocket was changed from standard, so i get 180km per tank instead of the original 250km, but in turn I get more acceleration/speed for a 250cc bike (it goes to 140 apparently, though i've only done 110~120)

my reserve hold abouts 1/3 of the fuel so gets me about 50km (low estimation, just incase of hills ect...)

And back again

If the distance capable out of a tankful is reduced due to sprocket changes ... the bike has been geared down. Top speed is then LESS than standard. Higher revs at the same speeds ... but it wont increase your speed available. (Good around town though) More fuel used. Find a hand held GPS unit to check actual speed/reading on your speedo. It may be out.

For the south island, i've driven up and down it a million times (in a car), so no troubles with that

Try the Inland Kaikoura/Waiou/Culverton/Waipara jun. route

[cowboyz]

there is no real secret to long distance riding. just basic rules.

1.. stack up the ks when your feeling good. rest when your not. dont get set on... I have to make x place by x time. Its your trip.. you can stop anytime you want.
2. keep your speed down. Riding fast is tiring. Ride a a speed that you are comfortable with. one you can maintain without being on the edge of your seat
3. Making good time is more about just being on the bike than getting anywhere quickly. If your comfortable, enjoying yourself and keep moving.. you will be surprised how quickly the ks disappear behind you.
4. DRINK AND EAT! Its surprising how many forget the basics.
5. enjoy it! Dont stress! Dont worry!

[FJRider]

Instead of going to Waiouru from Bulls why not head to Whanganui & head up the para's !! just my 2cents worth

+1 on that ... I've always found that the BEST veiw of Waiouru ... is seen in your REAR vision mirror. (in my own personal opinion)

[Trade_nancy]

Depends on bike of course..but isn't 40Lb a lot for a front tyre? 36 PSI is maximum for my road bike. Procedure I have been taught is to check and fill your tyres COLD..and recheck when warm. Warmly inflated tyres will give a false indication of pressure. Measure the diff and the % diff between cold fill and warm fill will tell you if the psi you are inflating to is correct for your tyre. This link is one of many references to that:
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maint...ires-tyres.htm
Checking Tire Inflation

-Check your tire air pressure at least once a week and before long trips. Be sure to use an accurate pressure gauge.
-Check your air pressure when the tires are "cold." The tires are "cold" when your motorcycle has been ridden less than a mile at moderate speed or after being stopped for three or more hours.
-If you must add air when your tires are hot, add four pounds per square inch (4 psi)(28 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tire is cold.
-Never release air from a hot tire in order to reach the recommended cold tire pressure. -Normal riding causes tires to run hotter and inflation pressure to increase. If you release air when your tires are hot, you may dangerously under inflate your tires.
-If your tires lose more than two pounds per square inch (2 psi)(14 kPa) per month, the tire, the valve, or wheel may be damaged. Consult your local dealer for an inspection.
-Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean, clear of debris and to help guard against air leakage.

[mossy1200]

Just missing me im doing welly picton 25th ,27th to ChCh,29th ChCh to Dunedin.3rd Dunedin to March Hare Rally.

idd be 32pounds cold aiming for 36 when they heat up your on a light bike so 4 degree increase is good