[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Gravel and off road ride – Auckland #10215

Looks like Friday could be the day, weather wise. I am quite happy to go exploring in the Waikato, if you prefer that.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Bing carb overhaul (only for airheads :-) #10159

Sounded nice today too Alex.  😎

Thanks Jim. I really enjoyed the bike today. I suppose there was a lot of tyre noise as well :-).

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Bing carb overhaul (only for airheads :-) #10157

There was an instance when two bikes came the other way and one of them seemed to have that Castor oil smell that I smell at the classic bike races. I hope my bike wasn't blowing any smoke and burning oil. I do need a new gasket where the header joins the pipe.Most modern bikes seem to have a catalytic converter, so they may not smell at all.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Bing carb overhaul (only for airheads :-) #10154

Looks like all my wrenching was successful. The bike runs better than ever. I also replaced the pushrod tube seals and now the engine block stays clean. The bike's fuel consumption is down to at least 6L/100km from a peak of 8L/km. With today's fuel prices this will pay for the parts within 4000km. The best bit is that it's got most its power back. What a difference.I've learned heaps by just having a go. Airhead gave me quite a bit of support as I completely lack any reference points. Those old boxers are relatively easy to work on, everything is big and solid, so you're not likely to break something easily.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: RC8 1190 Test ride #10255

Once my new shocks turn up I might give it a go. Although I am not as weather dependent as some other people we know (made from sugar I guess), the idea of riding to Taupo and back in one day, with the track time in between, doesn't appeal to me.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: New Member #10135

The F800 is an excellent bike, with great fuel economy. A boxer maybe easier to service yourself, but I am not so sure about the 1200 series.The R1200R is rated very highly in Europe. In NZ you rarely see them, come to think of it, they only ones I see are at Experience.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: RC8 1190 Test ride #10245

Good idea Lugi, it's useful if you have two bikes. I do think he will be riding it a lot. I still can't get over how he rode that thing on Woodcock road, he thought it was a sports bike.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Standby to be invaded #10261

Good luck to them. Helen would sort them out.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: RC8 1190 Test ride #10242

Sound like a great second bike for someone with plenty of cash or a real enthusiast or both :-).I usually don't ride shop bikes unless I am genuinely interested. There is no way I'd buy this without a lotto win, it's just too specialized for me. The problem with these modern sports bikes is that they are so good, that you need to go really fast to get your kicks. Long term you'll get caught out, one way or another. They are downright boring and uncomfortable at lower speeds and I don't have the restraint to keep them there. I like what you've done, one fast bike and one slow one. I haven't worked out which is what yet.I've just ordered some Elka shocks for my R1150GS. On impulse I got into a group buy on advrider. My Showa shocks are getting that jarring feeling again and they bounce around corners....see it's too easy to justify spending sh*tloads of cash on bikes, no point putting yourself at risk by riding any you can't afford.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Gravel and off road ride – Auckland #10213

There are lot's of good roads down south, with Klondyke road being one of the more interesting options. However, we'll hit gravel sooner going up north and you have your off-road option on the  side of the road. They are sealing more and more roads in this area, so it pays to ride them before all the gravel is gone. I can never remember the road names. But will take in most of the good gravel roads in that area. So far nobody else seems interested, but that doesn't matter.  I found another couple of issues with my bike that I want to sort, but it shouldn't be a big deal.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: RC8 1190 Test ride #10239

How come I didn't get to see it? So what's the verdict?

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Gravel and off road ride – Auckland #10211

We could go up through Puhoi and then do the Kaipara Hills road. Then on to Tapora. There is probably a bit more gravel around Wellsford. Haven't been down to those Tomarata lakes for a while. That should fill in the day. Riverhead forest has some fire breaks beside the road, that's always good for a bit of off road entertainment.To get access to Woodhill you need to go during their ride days. Although I am quite keen to have a play with the R80, Woodhill forest is not the ideal playground for a GS, at least not the sand tracks amongst the trees.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5271

I am amazed how you keep finding these places. These guys are probably waiting for their leaky home claim to come through.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Gravel and off road ride – Auckland #10209

I've got my R80GS back together again. New pushrod tube seals and overhauled carbs. It purrs like a kitten and pulls like a mule. In other words, it's ready for the ride. After that I can retorque the head set the valves properly and synch the carbs for the final time.I am quite chuffed about having done the work myself, with airhead's support via the internet.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Baehr helmets #9433

Yes you're right, the prices are comparable to other brands.

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