[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: 2009 F800 – New Mirrors #10967

I've heard that BMW have finally found a solution to the problem of only having a single usable key supplied with each bike. In future they are going to supply two keys. A pure stroke of genius. Who would have thought it possible to deliver a bike with two metal keys instead of one metal key and one unusable plastic key? Next they will be discovering that it's actually possible to supply a usable toolkit with each new bike!

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Letterboxes, post them here #6875

And another, using a gas bottle.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Letterboxes, post them here #6874

Spencer Rd again.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Letterboxes, post them here #6873

Spencer Rd near Lake Tarawera has a selection of interesting letterboxes. First two are next door to each other.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5281

Well hidden, just opposite Lake Tarawera, on Spencer Rd.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5280

A whole set of them from Millar Rd, Lake Okareka.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5279

This one from Rahui Rd, near Ngongotaha.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: F800 2009 colours and pics #10833

I like the 800GS. What I think would have been an interesting bike to see thought was the new 650 with the 800 engine set up so the 800 had it's usual grunt, and have the bike set up more as a scrambler or lower ground clearance off road bike with spoke wheels.

I just don't understand the desire to change the F650GS engine to the same specs as the F800GS. The only part of the rev range where the 800GS has more power than the 650GS is above 6000 rpm. The 650GS has the same or more torque below 6000 rpm, and runs on regular 91 octane fuel. I have yet to run gravel or offroad above 6000 rpm, and on sealed roads I only use it occasionally when overtaking. The reason why the 800GS feels faster and more powerful is the lower gearing. Put an 800GS sprocket on the front of the 650GS, as I have done, and the 650 will be faster than the 800 for most purposes. I'd actually prefer the 800GS with the 650GS engine specifications, which you can more or less achieve by having the dealer remap it for 91 octane fuel.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: 42nd Traverse, interested? (Oct.4 & 5) #10851

It's Daylight savings weekend, so Sunday should gain us a bit more daylight.

Daylight savings starts earlier this year. Changeover is September 28. See Dept of Internal Affairs page at:http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Daylight-Saving-Index

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: New F800GS at Experience #10663

BMW are due to release a more permanent tall screen option also.

BMW already have a taller screen, the touring screen, with a bracket to stop it from waving around too much at the top. Cost is upwards of $1000.

Experience also have the new Scott-Oiler designed specifically for the F650 and F800 chains- saw this today .. a good idea for one used to shaft drives.

I've had Scottoilers on two bikes, and didn't like it on either of them. Very difficult to get the oil feed set correctly, and then conditions change. It keeps feeding while you are standing still, and feeds the same amount whether you are travelling at 10km/h or 110km/h. You also need to buy the special oil. So this time I fitted a Pro-oiler, from http://www.pro-oiler.com/. You can use almost any oil, and have buttons to set the exact amount of oil to feed. It feeds oil dependent on distance, not on time, and uses much less oil than the Scottoilers. Scottoilers are cheaper, but not by much, and they are easier to install. But I won't be using them again.Good luck with the new bike. Keep adding extras, and it'll end up being as expensive as the GT.  😀

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: any advice welcome #10697

Welcome to the board.Unless you want to do gravel roads there are really only two circuits of the peninsula. The shorter SH25 and SH25A and the longer circuit using SH25 plus SH2 between Waihi and Paeroa, and SH26 between Paeroa and Kopu. The longer circuit is well worth taking, especially for the stretch from Hikuai to Waihi, via Whangamata. SH25A is also worth riding, in both directions.If you want gravel roads then the Tapu-Coroglen and 309 roads are good for crossing over the peninsula. There are also good gravel roads heading north from Coromandel township.Can't help you with the accomodation options. Sorry.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5277

There's not much left of the third one. Two large chimneys, a concrete stairway, a water tank, and bits of the foundations.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5276

Next one is somewhat larger.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Abandoned weatherboard buildings -Post them here- #5275

Found 3 abandoned houses on one short, no-exit road. Lichenstein Road.This one was probably a shearer's cottage, as there is a large woolshed nearby.

[Arne Rohde]

in reply to: Lower suspension #10496

There is at least one significant disadvantage to a bike with lowered suspension. At least for the F650GS. With normal suspension the maximum payload is 237 kg. With lowered suspension it is only 150 kg. For some riders that would mean no pillion, or a very light pillion and no luggage. Unless, of course, you ignore the maximum payload restriction.I wonder how many of those who order bikes with lowered suspension are informed of this beforehand, rather than finding out by chance when (if) they read the Rider's Manual?

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