Road trip, Auckland to Blenheim

[saraj]

Hi all
Im saraj just joined to this website today seems like great.

Im going to study in blenheim at the beginning of next year, so I decided to take my Hyosung GT250R with me and ride all the way down to blenheim from Auckalnd. instead of shipping it. My question is has anyone done it before or has anyone took a long trip on a sport bike? If so , what do I need to prepare for the bike? any advice you guys can give me ?
Thanks in advance

[PirateJafa]

Put some gas in the tank, check your tyres have sufficient tread and get on the road.

Don't bother with energy drinks, but it is very important to stay hydrated as we enter the summer months. Avoid carrying any/too much weight on your back - it is better to strap it onto your pillion seat instead.

[caspernz]

Book your ferry ticket in advance. The bike can handle the trip no worries. Done much distance yourself?

[FJRider]

Hi all
Im saraj just joined to this website today seems like great.

Im going to study in blenheim at the beginning of next year, so I decided to take my Hyosung GT250R with me and ride all the way down to blenheim from Auckalnd. instead of shipping it. My question is has anyone done it before or has anyone took a long trip on a sport bike? If so , what do I need to prepare for the bike? any advice you guys can give me ?
Thanks in advance

Things you need to acquire for such a ride on your 250 ....

1. Patience.
2. A sense of humor.
3. Money for food/fuel.
4. A map or good sense of direction. (or ability to read road signs)
5. A good understanding of how far your bike can go on one tank full of petrol.
6. A good understanding WHERE those fuel stops are on the route you have chosen.
7. A good sense of adventure.


Then ... GO DO IT ...

[nodrog:Me]

.... My question is has anyone done it before or has anyone took a long trip on a sport bike? ....

[MaxB]

It should take about 8 hours to Wellington if you take it easy. Blenheim is only 30mins from the ferry on the mainland side.

It is a long day if you throw in queueing for the ferry and the trip across Cook Straight. One way of taking out the stress of racing to the ferry is to stay in Wellywood overnight and roll down to the ferry next morning.

I'm assuming you have your full licence. If not my timings are a bit out.

If you search this site you will find plenty of riders who go all over NZ on their 250s. Good luck.

[saraj]

Thanks alot guys.
caspernz , I went to hamilton a few days ago and came back. thats the furthest destination I went to on a bike

[saraj]

Still on my learners unfortunately

[sleemanj]

I would personally suggest splitting it in 2, stay the night somewhere in the middle of the north.

Just becase unless you're used to it riding such distances, more than 4 hours in a day is a bit of a mission in my opinion, if nothing else you'll probably be a bit sore in the morning! And why not make a weekend of it anyway.

Arrive in Wellington with plenty of time to get yourself sorted to the ferry.

PS: I recommend you wear ear plugs, hours of near non-stop wind noise = even more tiring.

[saraj]

I would personally suggest splitting it in 2, stay the night somewhere in the middle of the north.

Just becase unless you're used to it riding such distances, more than 4 hours in a day is a bit of a mission in my opinion, if nothing else you'll probably be a bit sore in the morning! And why not make a weekend of it anyway.

Arrive in Wellington with plenty of time to get yourself sorted to the ferry.

PS: I recommend you wear ear plugs, hours of near non-stop wind noise = even more tiring.

I'll probably split it. I might use earphones instead of earplug , Will that work ?

[Rhys]

Don't forget to keep the chain lubed especially if it rains, chuck a thermal under the seat for if it gets cold, don't rush there are some great spots to stop have a look around, helps the legs and back from getting stiff

[sleemanj]

I might use earphones instead of earplug , Will that work ?

The in-ear type (sometimes called canalphones) usually work ok, try them under your helmet though to see if they are comfortable.

[Gremlin]

I'll probably split it. I might use earphones instead of earplug , Will that work ?

Often there is the temptation to turn them up high to block out the sound. Set the volume when you're stopped, to make sure you don't turn it up too high and damage your hearing.

If Auckland-Hamilton is your longest trip then definitely split it up. You would likely have been tired after the Auckland-Hamilton run. Motorcycling is more physical than driving a car and you don't want to be tired and riding. Auckland-Blenheim is at least 4 times the distance. Don't put yourself under any time pressures and stop when you feel you need it. Avoid energy drinks and caffeine (tea/coffee) as they're not healthy and dehydrate you. Keep your energy levels up by eating, even if you don't feel like it.

Your motorcycle, if properly maintained, should handle the trip no problem. Know your fuel range and plan your stops accordingly.

[Jantar]

You should also plan to stop every 2 1/2 to 3 hours to give your self a break and have a drink. While stopped its a good idea to check over your bike and give it a drink as well. Just don't drink the same stuff your bikes does .

As Hamilton is the furtherest you've ridden so far, I'm another one who would advise you to split the journey. Turangi or Taihape would probably be good intermediate points to consider for a overnight break. Taihape is prefarable if the weather looks cold so that you traverse the Desert Road in the warmer part of the day.

[Maha]

Are you going to study Linguistics?