Running in a new GSA

[lopaka]

Yup. The GSA is way overkill for Hawaii. But I don't care ....

Near Kaneohe on Oahu, the weekend I picked it up.


Since I live on Maui, I wanted to get the running in service done on Oahu before it got shipped over. While the wife hit the shopping center in Waikiki, I was doing laps of the island. Saw the north shore at least 5 times, all the H's (H1, H2, H3) repeatedly, back and forth past the Dole Plantation a few times, Tantalus. I had a chance to see most of the streets in Waikiki (some many times, I got lost --- many times).

Lost. On Diamond Head Road.
"so ... if I'm heading north on the east coast of the island, why is the ocean on the left?".


Since it was our wedding anniversary, I thought it might be good to spend some time with my wonderful, understanding, supportive, saintly wife, so I rode as much as I could in a 36 hour period --- about 330 miles at an average speed of 42 mph. Not a lot of time for pictures.

One shot I wished I could have gotten was the Sunday morning ride in south on the H2 past Mililani. Traffic was light, moving fast, and the GS was in full song ---

The bike arrived on Maui a few days later.
Looking down from Pukalani towards Kahului harbor.


It seemed to be a good idea to continue running it in by navigating the south road to Hana. To get to it, you have to get up the Haleakala Hwy to Kula, past Ulapalakua.

The road actually starts out fairly nice. Looking toward Kihei and Maalaea on Ulapalakua Road.


Looking past Molokini Crater towards Kahoolawe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahoolawe


As you head east on the road, it changes. As State Hwy 31, it becomes narrower with a few patches, then more patches, then it is all patch. The landscape gets dryer and more barren. A decent dirt road substitutes in places for the bumpy patchwork road. Occasional uphill slightly muddy patches don't seem to bother the Anakees. Not a lot of traffic.

Sorry, no pics here. I was busy exploring the mysteries of ESA and trying not to run off the road.

As I approach Hana, the moisture comes. Mist, sprinkle, full-on rain. I'm wet.

Coming around the island CCW, I'm now on the Hana Hwy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway

Lots of holiday traffic. Rain. 46 one-lane bridges. 620 curves. 68 miles. Subtract the traffic and maybe the rain and it would be fun. Not so much with traffic. I research the use of 1st/2nd gear, the great brakes, the psychologies of uncertain tourists and the mysteries of ABS.

Some time later, things straighten out a bit. I had been taking occasional advantage of the WFO setting of the throttle to get past crawling cages, but finally I could spend quality time in the higher gears.

Back home - pass out.

The next day, it's the west coast.

Starting early, up State Hwy 30 toward Lahaina. I scoot through town before folks start stirring and head up the west coast.

The road starts two lane, but peters down to a 1-ish lane road. Nice views. Watch out for local traffic. Probably better to go CW instead of CCW (enter from Lahaina side rather than the Wailuku end).

Looking toward Molokai.


On the NW Coast.


Looking toward Haleakala.


Again, lots of 1st, 2nd gear action with occasional oncoming traffic excitement.

Back home. Pass out.

Next day (it's the 3-day 4th of July weekend), I'm on the best road on the island -- Crater Road to Haleakala National Park. 30 + curves on a well-maintained road, with ample passing room for slow movers. Before entering the park, it's open range ('ware --- if cattle are out, they like to cross in the hairpins). Best to slow down inside the Park and don't run over the wildlife --- they are practically domesticated.

The summit is about 10000 ft ASL.

Looking toward the Big Island. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in view.






Now, two weeks after dropping the bike off to be shipped, I have 1000 miles on the odometer. Adds up.

[GSbiker]

Wow that brings back memories. I purchased my 95 GS new from the Honolulu dealer and proceeded to put 30,000 miles on it between the big island, Maui and Oahu.

Thanks for posting but it makes me homesick.

[lopaka]

Originally Posted by GSbiker

Wow that brings back memories. I purchased my 95 GS new from the Honolulu dealer and proceeded to put 30,000 miles on it between the big island, Maui and Oahu.

Thanks for posting but it makes me homesick.

Sorry, man. I know how you feel --- I was away for a few years. Here's a bit more, from earlier days, to stir the pot...

Big Island, upcountry Paauilo


Queen K Hwy, Big Island



Near Hilo


The view from Mauna Kea, looking at the summit road



Gulch near Laupahoehoe


Hamakua Coast Sunrise

[prometheus rising]

Paradise !!!!

[middleview]

Sweet pics. Sometime in the future maybe we can swap miles if you want some European experience! You've inspired me to get my camera out, but it'll be hard to top Maui!

[LewisNClark]

Worked at Fort Shafter (near Pearl City) for 2 years and spent many days riding those same roads. The Big Island has got to be the best riding. Envy your 12 month riding season.

[NCredneck]

To all of you that have traveled by motorcycle in Hawaii You suck, and I hope ya choke!! Nice pics ya'll.-Don

[lopaka]

Originally Posted by LewisNClark

Worked at Fort Shafter (near Pearl City) for 2 years and spent many days riding those same roads. The Big Island has got to be the best riding. Envy your 12 month riding season.

The Big Island is uncrowded (at least outside of Kona), with lots of different kinds of roads. It is about 800 square miles short of being as big as Connecticut with a population of about 170000.













My favorite, too.

[lopaka]

Originally Posted by NCredneck

To all of you that have traveled by motorcycle in Hawaii You suck, and I hope ya choke!! Nice pics ya'll.-Don

[eljeffe]

Great thread.

We're gonna be there in October, mostly on the Big Island.

Anyplace to rent a non-Harley on the island?

[lopaka]

Originally Posted by eljeffe

Great thread.

We're gonna be there in October, mostly on the Big Island.

Anyplace to rent a non-Harley on the island?

Sorry, not that I know of.

There used to be a place in Kona that did Honda & BMW, but they closed their doors several years ago.

Although I have a house there, I work on Maui, so I have lost touch with what is available. I did the web search thing and only found HD myself. I'll admit, I've been tempted to rent a Harley to get my fix when I'm over there. There are great roads there, even (especially?) when traveled in a leisurely fashion.

[eljeffe]

Yeah, we've been going to Kona every other year for the past 15 years. I remember the place that had BMWs. They had R1100Rs.

[W8-4IT]

+1 love the pictures I spent 3 years at Wheeler AFB in the mid 80's. The last two years I didn't even own a car. Need to get back there one of these days.

[Norhasken]

Originally Posted by eljeffe

Great thread.

We're gonna be there in October, mostly on the Big Island.

Anyplace to rent a non-Harley on the island?

Post up if you find a non-Harley option. I tried to find the same in May
and had no luck. We got a Jeep instead.

[eljeffe]

Originally Posted by Norhasken

Post up if you find a non-Harley option. I tried to find the same in May
and had no luck. We got a Jeep instead.

The gang at Molokai Airlines are awesome. Cedric just told me about an outfit at the King's Shops in Waikaloa Village.

http://www.thrillseekershawaii.com/

Looks like I'll have a VFR in October.