Never thought I'd do this but...

**CRM** · 17th February 2009, 13:11

Don't hate me guys - I've bought a cruiser. 1990 Honda Magna 700.

I've got this trip to do through NZ in March for my work (software sales and training) - Invercargill to Kerikeri so i thought why not pick up a bike down that way and ride it?

I was looking at adventure bikes (of course

) but they tend to cost a little more and my budget was under $5k. There was a nice TDM850 in Christchurch for $4500 I would have enjoyed, then I saw this red V4 700 cruiser in Dunedin that just reached out and grabbed me - got it for $3800, 20000 miles on the clock. I pick it up on 28th; I've already got a friend who's keen to buy it off me when I get back (unless I fall in love with it and hang on to it).

I've always wanted to do a NZ tour - would love to do a full-on adventure tour but just don't have time this time as I have to do training each day. Maybe next time!

**riffer** · 17th February 2009, 16:33

As long as it's got two wheels it's all good mate...

Have one hell of a trip. Start planning now.

**thommo77** · 17th February 2009, 16:47

Looks like a pretty shrewd purchase. Very tidy!

**CRM** · 17th February 2009, 17:00

Hey it has got a good bash-plate I just noticed - maybe if I change the tyres I could do the rainbow...

**CRM** · 17th February 2009, 17:02

They say the range isn't that good on these as the tanks aren't huge - maybe the 22l ascerbis off the XR would fit?

**P38** · 17th February 2009, 17:03

Good on ya mate.

Seeing Godzone from the back of a cruiser is a lifes dream for many.

I'm sure you'll be lovin every minute of it.

**Padmei** · 17th February 2009, 18:08

Mmmmm red hot molten Magma.....

**CRM** · 1st March 2009, 16:31

Hi guys - I'm having a ball on the Magna - she's actually not that bad on gravel but brake slides for cornering I haven't mastered yet

. I'm doing a daily progress report (2 days so far anyway) over on the touring section http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...36#post1959036 (I'm not sure who i am anymore touring on a cruiser when I've just got a set of motard wheels for my street legal dirt/adventure bike - at least I know I don't fit in the pocketbike thread LOL).

**Edbear** · 1st March 2009, 16:47

Last guy I saw on one, reckoned he'd never sell it! He'd had it for years and had a screen and bags on it.

**thepom** · 1st March 2009, 16:51

I would have taken the tdm but hell if your having a good time then it,s money well spent...

**CRM** · 1st March 2009, 17:16

Originally Posted by thepom

I would have taken the tdm but hell if your having a good time then it,s money well spent...

Maybe next time. I'm feeling it in the back a little today after 750km in two days on the Magna - but maybe that was just because of being cold and wet

. Maybe I'll try a big Adventure Bike next time I do a trip like this if I can rustle up the money. A screen would probably help a lot too.

**.chris** · 1st March 2009, 18:13

Originally Posted by CRM

Don't hate me guys - I've bought a cruiser. 1990 Honda Magna 700.

I've always wanted to do a NZ tour - would love to do a full-on adventure tour but just don't have time this time as I have to do training each day. Maybe next time!

An adventure bike is what you make of it, just put a ADV sticker on it, take a photo of it somewhere adventurous and you are done.

Its a way better option than the car. Good on you! We look forward to your ride reports.

**CRM** · 1st March 2009, 19:45

Originally Posted by c.h.r.i.s

An adventure bike is what you make of it, just put a ADV sticker on it, take a photo of it somewhere adventurous and you are done.

Its a way better option than the car. Good on you! We look forward to your ride reports.

reports over here:http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...17#post1959317

This is my best attempt at off-roading today. This was at Orepuki - Southern Coast just up from Riverton.

**CRM** · 25th March 2009, 12:34

Well my little fling with Cruisers is over and I'm back among the Adv riders again...

I did nearly 4500km over the past three weeks on the Magna and she was great

but now she's gone... sold to a friend for same as I paid for her so great I got a free trip but real sad to see her go

Next trip (if I do another like this) I'll maybe do it on a Tranny or Tiger or VStrom or something and take in some gravel as well.

So... time to go kick over the old XR and remember why I like dirt bikes