ROTORUA TO FEILDING . 429KM . While the first day had been rain and motorway , the next leg was a planned mix of the twistiest tar seal and lots of gravel roads . To make luggage hauling a little easier ( I was constantly worried the Kriega US30 would fall into the back wheel ), I borrowed the luggage rack off Doug ’ s 690 Enduro R , which fitted a treat , replacing it with the grab handles off my bike . Doug decided to join me down to Feilding , and as we were only riding road and gravel , he took his far more comfortable Africa Twin . To be honest , I wasn ’ t exactly looking forward to the big , wide , open roads from Rotorua through Atiamuri to Turangi via the Lake Taupo Western Access road . They ’ re just that too wide to enjoy on a trail bike unless you ’ re vastly exceeding the speed limit . But once into the twisties near the road summit before heading down to Turangi , the ES700 came into its own . The 693cc single puts out a quoted 74hp , which makes it really slingshot out of corners when its revved – especially with only a 157kg wet weight ( or thereabouts ). It goes like a cut cat – seriously quick . After a pie and fill up at Waiouru – averaging 4.49l / 100km or 22.3km / l – we turned onto the Turakina Valley Road . On our typical gravel roads and tight twisty tar-seal , the ES700 really shines . Its lack of weight and punchy motor make it a joy to ride and this was probably my favourite section of the trip from a riding perspective . The standard tyres are Continental TKC80s , and they ’ re perfect for this riding – very grippy on seal and confident in the gravel . A splash and dash in Taihape – 4.2l / 100km or 23.8km / l – we headed south again and turned
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