much easier. Even using a standard paddock stand is tricky without modifications due to the positioning of the exhaust. Checking the oil should be a simple task, but is unnecessarily complicated. The process has multiple steps, and I often find myself doubleor triple-checking at each stage just to be sure I’ ve done it correctly. A more user-friendly method would be a huge, and welcome, improvement. While I’ ll admit I’ m not always perfect with chain maintenance, I do keep up with it. Recently, half a link snapped, which meant having to replace the entire chain. A more durable stock chain would have been appreciated.
Despite these drawbacks, some of which could be deal-breakers for other potential owners, I’ d still recommend the Gold Star. It meets all my needs. The fuel economy is great, maintenance and most servicing can be done at home. My commute to work is comfortable and enjoyable, even when the weather is bad. Weekend rides are lots of fun, and I often include twisty country roads and light gravel. Touring is enjoyable, with just enough power from the single cylinder engine to keep things interesting. The only area where it falls short is on long motorway rides. It’ s fine for shorter stints, but I wouldn’ t recommend spending more than 1.5 hours at a time on the highway. That’ s the only time I’ ve really found myself wishing for more power. Thankfully, living in New Zealand, long motorway trips are rarely necessary as there are usually more scenic, much more fun alternatives to be enjoyed, rather than state highways to be endured.
KIWI RIDER 73