New to SD Forum

Hi guys, I've wanted to join the SD group for awhile now. Thanxs scamb66 for sorting it for me. I brought a new 1290R in 2014, and traveled 18,000Ks, I've now traded it in on a 1290GT (orange), have so far only traveled 220Ks for the home trip. but I've gelled really quick with this bike, and loving it so far, I've previously had quite a lot of new bikes, ranging from Triumphs-Moto Guzzi's- Aprilia's-Ducati,s etc. now in the shed i have a 2005 640, with a heap of modification, a 2010 black 1200 multistrada with ful system etc, and the bran spanking new 1290GT.. I'm looking forward to chatting, and a bit of banter with you all. Dave...Oh PS, I'm from New Zealand, middle of the North Island, beneath MT Taranaki.

Welcome in!

I love your two largest exports Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement.

Welcome in comrade.

Welcome
When you say 2005 640, what model and what mods.? Did you have many or any problems with the 1290 in the 18000 ks?
Do you plan on using the cruise control on the new GT?

Welcome aboard Dave
Got your new bike just in time for Summer down there - I went to North Island in 2007 for a cousin's wedding near Auckland and stayed on for a bit afterwards, including hooking up with old mate Tony Rees (former NZ Superbike champ) - I gather that Tony's still doing pretty well on the tarmac and his two boys are cutting it in MX. Tony took a bunch of us out for a spin one evening and we went along the Gorge, Route 2 inland from Opotiki on the Bay of Plenty - that route is legendary, you probably don't need me to tell you about it, just make sure you wear a groove in the tarmac with your new GT - enjoy

Good to see after 2 years that you finally got it sorted. Glad to have helped.

Only saw my first GT on the weekend and noticed a few differences...
It appears to have an exhaust (EXUP?) valve, why is this and does it make any noticeable difference anywhere?
Obvious suspension upgrade, crooze control (bastard) and the rear header pipe looks larger and has heat shielding, possibly for the rear shock.
As there are only a couple of GT owners here and you are probably one of the few that has had both, it would be great to hear a little about the difference (good/bad) between the two.

Comrade Dribble - If you used cruise control in New Zealand you'd hit the other side

Nah really - some great roads.

Welcome to the Forum
Will be interested in hearing about the GT too

Hey Dave hows it going, we hooked up in Raglin in March with the Wanaka Motorcycle club.
Still trying to sell 990 SDR on trademe.
Have a S1000R now and loving it.
Off to Greymouth Street race's labour Weekend, when you down this way? Hope you like the GT.