Waiheke Island NZ
What a time and place. Some things just seem made to go together.
Co-pilot and I were lucky enough to combine a Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy, a glorious Autumn Day and Waiheke Island.
It has to be one of the best combinations you could put together for enjoying a day’s motorcycling.
The good folk at H-D Aus made their beautiful red press bike available for KR hijinks and the co-pilot and I looked at each other and said ‘Waiheke?’
It costs $90 for a return ticket for the bike with two adults to make the 45 minute crossing and there are various ferries leaving on the hour at either end of the day.
We were first ones aboard the nine o’clocker and after a chat with the master, who wanted to know all about the bike, we had a very pleasant passage in glorious conditions.
Just about the first thing you encounter on the Island is a large sign that says – ‘Slow Down – you’re here!’
I think they don’t just mean on the roads as the island has it’s own kind of pace for everything - and pootling around on the Fat Boy suited it to a tee.
A lot of the conditions are urban type riding but the scenery and backdrops are stunning – as is winding to the top of some of peaks through the sub-tropical jungle.
The lazy torque and lounge chair comfort of the bike are a delight. Co-pilot was comfortable all day too.
The big 1645cc balanced engine is close to vibration free and torques around very comfortably while it draws a crowd of admirers at every stop.
The Fatty is quite fuel efficient for such a large machine and the standard exhaust system is quiet enough not to upset the locals whilst it still produces a pleasant rumble.
What the day really reinforced is that there are a whole lot of enjoyable ways to enjoy motorcycling in NZ rather that just wringing a sports bike’s neck through the twisties.
There are some wonderful ‘roses’ in this country – every now and then it’s worthwhile to sit back and sniff ‘em.
Cruising on a Fat Boy around Waiheke Island turned out to be one of life’s true pleasures.
Whatever you ride – Ferry over and have a look.
First Published in KIWIRIDER 2008
