[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Annual Rally and East Cape Tour #11662

Heading out to the East Cape light houseThe light house, most of it anyway. I was already half way down the cliff to get this shotThe view from up thereQuick break, to be continued......

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Annual Rally and East Cape Tour #11661

Still, nice scenery where ever you lookedThe brand new Otane cafe in the old libraryNext stop Tolaga Bay, we stayed at the Tolaga Bay Inn, I don't recommend it. Nevertheless it's in a nice location.The famous wharf, all 600 meters of it.Who can resist a walk down Adventure St.?Tokemaru Bay also has a wharfWhen you get closer it looks like thisBut when you look even closer you think you're at Kelly Tarton's Mt Hikurangi basking in the sun

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Opotiki #11653

You wus robbed  🙄

I thought that was quite good for both meals and the beers.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Wairoa #9853

We've stayed there a few days ago. It's probably the best place in Wairoa for food and accommodation. They have a nice deck outside the cafe overlooking the river. They also do breakfast, which was very convenient.The view from the deckThe view of the breakfast 🙂

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: It happened yesterday, just before Waiouru #11650

Before and after shots over 300 meters...It happened 5 years ago in Victoria/AU.Mind you, this is the second time round the clock, though  🙂Matthias

A target to aim for. The 1150 should be there in about 4 years. My R80 has over 110000km on it, but only 10000km of those are mine. However, as I only ride about 5000km a year on it, so I am afraid I'll get nowhere near your count.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: It happened yesterday, just before Waiouru #11648

well done Alex - or should I congratulate the machine - you're an inspiration - my leven fiddy has done 61k - I've a little way to go to catch up with you - cheers Stephen OIncidentally (off topic) how was the rally - good gravel roads?

The machine has survived my maintenance attempts and very careful ownership. Getting ready for the next service tomorrow or so. We did 3000km last week and using the bike for commuting also adds up the k's very quickly. You'll only catch up if I break it :-).

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5288

I finally get to play again. Trouble is, I am a bit vague on the location on some of these places.I think this one is north of Waipukerau Tologa BayOn the way to the East Cape light houseNear ElsthorpeJust before RuatahunaForgot where this one wasOh, this could be the one where Whakarau Rd meets SH2. That added on a cool 40km to our Motu Rd ride. Well, cool is the wrong word, we were parched.Well recommended though. Don't bother after heavy rain, you won't make it across the fords, according to the locals.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Whangamomona and Fisher’s track Adv. Ride #11580

Well, which dates would suit you guys? I am pretty flexible. I'd hate to miss Dave's motorway adventure, so for that the 25th and 26th would be best. The main target is the Old Whangamomona Rd. Then we'll do as many tunnels as we can fit in/find. If there is time for the Fisher's track we could do that as well. I don't want to put us under pressure, so we'll do what we can with as little stress as possible. With a bit of luck it will be dry enough to make most of this happen. We could stay at the Awakino Hotel or at the Whangamomona Hotel. We'll make it an early start, 7am on the road, so we can fit in more. We'll ride down the west coast via Marocopa and make up the rest as we go.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Finally got "aroundtuit" and did the Molesworth/Rainbow …. #11629

Sounds like you've had a good ride. This is still on my list of rides to do. Maybe next year. Feel free to post some pictures. Then I'll shift it to ride reports. Good post to start they year off with, after all it's about the riding. Happy new year.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: R1200GS battery #11614

Excellent, I'll bring jumper leads in case my one packs up.  😀

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Lube Oil recommendations #11619

I usually don't worry about any particular brand, as long as it meets the specifications set out in the handbook. Brand products , Motor oil usually 15w40  or 20w50, SF, SG, or SH. Gearbox oil and final drive 80w90 GL5. brake fluid DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, never DOT 5.  So far it's done 100 000km and hasn't blown up yet. I'll know more after 300 000km. You should probably check your final drive pivot bearing for any play. Grab the rear wheel and see if you can get any movement from 6 to 12 o'clock and from 3 to 9. There shouldn't be any.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: R1200GS battery #11610

Malcolm, I found this:Gelled electrolyteGelled batteries, or "Gel Cells" contain acid that has been "gelled" by the addition of Silica Gel, turning the acid into a solid mass that looks like gooey Jell-O. The advantage of these batteries is that it is impossible to spill acid even if they are broken. However, there are several disadvantages. One is that they must be charged at a slower rate (C/20) to prevent excess gas from damaging the cells. They cannot be fast charged on a conventional automotive charger or they may be permanently damaged. This is not usually a problem with solar electric systems, but if an auxiliary generator or inverter bulk charger is used, current must be limited to the manufacturers specifications. Most better inverters commonly used in solar electric systems can be set to limit charging current to the batteries.Some other disadvantages of gel cells is that they must be charged at a lower voltage (2/10th's less) than flooded or AGM batteries. If overcharged, voids can develop in the gel which will never heal, causing a loss in battery capacity. In hot climates, water loss can be enough over 2-4 years to cause premature battery death. It is for this and other reasons that we no longer sell any of the gelled cells except for replacement use. The newer AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries have all the advantages (and then some) of gelled, with none of the disadvantages.here:http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Lifespan%20of%20Batteries

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: Whangamomona and Fisher’s track Adv. Ride #11576

Yep, that sure helps, but it's still a worry :-o.  I suppose that's why they call it an adventure ride.

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: 650X #11571

Enjoy the Safari, I am sure the bike will perform as advertised. Which tyres did you have fitted?

[Dave Ross]

in reply to: R1200GS battery #11608

Batteries can die for no obvious reason. I suspect your battery will not fully recover from this. That's how the battery on my R80 died, while I could recharge it and run the bike, the battery would no longer hold a charge for any length of time. There are a number of people selling batteries on trademe, for the R80 I bought a Panasonic.I still have the original battery in my R1150GS. It's getting close to 6 years now. I found I had to keep an eye on the fluid level of the battery, other than that I would get a similar battery again, because they seem to be the cheapest option. That reminds me, better check the level again before I leave for the Rally. I guess I will also have to look for a new one soon. However, having two bikes makes it a little less urgent.

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