Molesworth pass ? - Horizons Unlimited

**mik60ish** · #1 17 Dec 2003

We are about to tour the the top of the South Island New Zealand just after Christmas, my question is will We (being the Wife and me) Be able to ride the Molesworth on a VFR 800 or will it ground out on the fairing, as we are going with friends Triumph Tiger, also would I have to up my rear tyre pressure to accomodate 3 Givi = 1 e460 & 2 e360 litre, and the wife.

**beddhist** · #2 17 Dec 2003

Hmmm, that's one hell-of-a-long-sentence. The road has been done on Honda Lead Wings, so I guess you should be OK. Is removing the belly fairing an option?

Whether taking a fully loaded sports bike two up on a rough dirt road is fun only you can decide.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

**mcdarbyfeast** · #3 17 Dec 2003

I did this on a borrowed Dominator (thanks again Mike) fitted with trail tyres, about four years ago. As far as can remember the track has a loose surface and is very rough in places. It was December and extremely hot. I would say it would be a nightmare on a VFR. You could probably do it, but it would not be pleasurable. The 'Dommy' was ideal.

**MurrayS** · #4 18 Dec 2003

I have travelled this route many times and it is possible to take the VFR, but I can assure you,you would not enjoy the experience, and your wife would be unlikely to thank you.The Molesworth road is controlled by the Dept. of Conservation, and open to the public for only 1 month of the year (Jan. I think ). The rest of the year it is used only by the large sheep and cattle stations in the valley, and maintained accordingly. After heavy rains there are washouts and mud, and during the dry,lots of loose gravel and dust from all the 4x4's converging in the area during the 'open month'. A toll is also payable,($15/bike I think).
I have always found this route quite boring, it basiclly just follows one long valley with scree slops on either side.
Why not use the Inland Kaikoura route turning off just south of Kaikoura? This road is nearly all sealed and very scenic.Another alterative would be the Rainbow road from St.Arnaud-Hamner Springs, much more scenic, better road surface but still prone to deterioration after heavy rain.
The dillema you face with tyre pressure on the VFR is that the more pressure you run (to avoid fracture punctures) the less traction on loose gravel you have, due to the profile of the tyre.
Which ever route you choose,take it slowly and enjoy!

**Nigel Marx** · #5 7 Jan 2004

I did it last year with a friend who was riding his TL1000 Suzuki. He was OK with the road, but the rocks cut a big hole in his back tyre about 2/3 the way thru. But at the moment the road is closed due to fire risk to the point may well be moot. Two up would be a lot harder.

Regards

Nigel in Amberley