The mighty NV150Spl has performed more than admirably. Hasn't missed a beat since side-of-road rejetting. The roads have been wriggly, hilly, spectacular, and damaged from the earthquake (because heavy trucks are now diverted to them and they just aren't made for it); this combined with rain and westerly sidewinds has had every road user driving pretty sedately. The fork depicts some degree of preload, I believe this is due to the weight. But he says he likes it like that, the centre of gravity is great and the tube bag and extra motor fill a void of low pressure to reduce drag (shock looks squashed to fuck to me). The px200 is sweet as and has now traveled just on 2000km from Auckland. However ironically, my (new) front shock is leaking oil. We noticed this because there were moths stuck all over to it. No worries (poor moths). But we are here. And happy to have made it. Great service from Retroscooter who had another shock in the mail, just in case, after a quick phone call. Cheers Skand and DB.
Rear Michellin City Grip Winter tyre still has heaps of tread. I'm surprised. It already had 700km on it. A Pirelli SL26 would have been toast by now. It has been very secure under some pretty wet and cold conditions. I have a new set of Pirellis waiting, on rims, at my brothers house in Dunedin for the trip back. And some 2 stroke oil.
Last post saw us arriving in Invers and going to the hardware shop. This place has everything. I could have bought a stove. Bought a socket extension to reach the shock bolts and some Castrol 30 engine oil, to be kind to the bike, and change the oil. The flash Castrol one. Guy said it was made out of whales or something and you could could smell it as you rode. I asked if they had any syringes, even 10ml would do, so I could refill the crankcase oil. Guy thought I was mental and said I'd be there all day. Prolly thought I had a Gold Wing or something.
Anyway I'm rambling. Time to get lost going to the site.......
So we arrive and find Irish and Alan are camping nearby. See them at CC and BM rallies.
Marty lost his leg and half his pelvis at 20 but trucked down from Nelson on his sidecar 1300 japper
Camping is available at the Teretonga track but not swamped with punters due to weather
A late night in Jim's shed sees the NV ready for action
A Ducati
Beach racing at Oreti Beach. This where Burt tested his motors
Jock is my nexttentflap neighbour. He is 75 and rode 1800km on hid Honda to be here
A chance to dry out some kit. 4 seasons in one day
Support for Matt on the track. Jim's expansion chamber wouldn't fit without mods there was no time for. SIP pipe used.
Taking them from behind
Sweet home Alabama! Covers band in the Big Tent. Cheap booze.
One of Jim's old Vespas. Was a late night.
Seen on the wall of Jim's shed. Thanks guys for a lovely dinner and a real bed for the night!
Obligatory photo at Bluff. Due south now to Antarctica. But we're turning around and heading home....
Part 3 laterz. Next stop Dunedin.....
Our route to the Burt. We were going to go back up the other side but landslides have blocked the roads after Christchurch...
