I like the bike. Perhaps even more than I thought I would. I had thought of it as a “bigger version” of the CB500x that I’m very familiar with but it’s much more.
Category: Motorcycle Travel
NZ Epilogue: What I did; What I planned
It’s what happens when you go to a place you don’t know and discover things you never considered along the way. Those “unknown unknowns” they teach you about in project management class.
NZ: Final thoughts about the CB500x
When loaded it was a bit sluggish in the corners but a willing hauler that could still pass slow trucks with ease when asked to. When unloaded it was a lot of fun on twisting roads and mountain passes.
NZ Day 20: Blenheim to CChurch
I rode in gusty headwinds that seemed to body-slam me regularly from both directions.
NZ Day 19: Nelson to Blenheim
Kennepuru Road is a narrow twisting road through lush green forest with frequent views of the sound.
NZ Day 18: Westport to Nelson
Best weather I’ve had so far! Also got to ride one of the nicest roads I’ve ever been on.
NZ Day 17: Christchurch to Westport
Beautiful roads and riding, with only a handful of minor delays for construction. I passed a number of smaller ski areas – low-key old-school places that I would probably enjoy.
NZ Day 15: Goodbye Bottom of the World
I left the coastal road with it’s heavy trucks behind and rode into the rural Canterbury Plain. What started as a bad day turned very, very good with the sun shining and the fresh air blowing through.
NZ Day 14: Wanaka to Dunedin
The past 10 days could well be described as “Adventures Around 45 South.” I’m beginning to think I could have just cut everything else out and made that the theme for the full trip.
NZ Day 13: Last Day in Wanaka
The ride was beautiful. Near perfect small curves above the lake on the Wanaka side, and longer sweeping curves with some up and downhills on the Hawea side.