Kiwi Biker FAQ

[SpankMe]

I want to put together an extensive FAQ for New Zealand bikers, both beginners and long time riders new to NZ. This site has a FAQ, but it's just the standard one that comes with the forum software. I want to add a biker section to it, and when I get enough Q/As, create a separate page for it.

So lets see what ya got, anything related to motorcycling in NZ, eg.

What/Where is the Autobahn?
What kinda bikes can I ride on a learners license?
Which racetracks have open days?
Whats a squid?
Whats a stoppie?
etc…

So any Q/A's you have been asked or have asked, add them here no matter how obvious you might think the answer to be, it wont be obvious to everyone.

[merv]

Here's one for a starter:

Its getting time I replaced the chain on my VFR. Anyone tell me what's the best thing to do. I generally do all my own servicing on my bikes - don't trust the shop mechanics basically - but having been a dirt biker mainly before I got the VFR I've generally had chains with ordinary joining links.

So what's the best chain to buy and what's the best tools to get to fit the rivetted link and where should I buy them? I live in Wellington area so is Motomail a good option or should I roll on down to Sawyers and expect them to have what I need. I see on the net that there are Regina link fitting and rivetting tool kits so are they or something like it available here?

I probably could find all this out by making some phone calls but hey SpankMe asked for some FAQ's.

[SpankMe]

Well I was actually asking for people to provide both the question and the answer.

[merv]

... but surely the point is to bring together questions with answers and it shouldn't matter whether they come from the same person at the same time. It didn't seem much point me coming up with a question to answer myself, but then I can probably answer someone else's question.

[merv]

Whatever is happening here we aren't getting too many FAQ's.

How about:

Who are NZ's motorcycling World Champions?

Tell me if I'm right here!

Ronnie Moore, Barry Briggs, Ivan Mauger - speedway

Hugh Anderson - 50cc, 125cc GP

Graeme Crosby - Formula 1 TT

Andrew Stroud - Bears

Stefan Merriman - Enduro

.... and I think that's about it.

[merv]

.... and how about:

Who managed to win the NZ Castrol 6 hour race riding the whole distance on their own?


Ginger Molloy
Graeme Crosby

[merv]

... and no one has noticed I'd missed off the World Champs list:

Shayne King - 500cc Moto-X

[merv]

.... and Spank you said you wanted questions and answers. I guess you are going to post the answers to your own questions you listed as examples above sometime.

[bluninja]

Spankme, what sort of stuff are you looking for ?

What is countersteering ? How does it work?

How to do a wheelstand?

How to do stoppie?

What is the difference between a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke?

Choosing a helmet?

What is target fixation?

How to lockwire a bike?

Basic motorbike maintenance...changing oil, filters, plugs, brake pads, removing wheels, bleeding brakes.

I'll have a look at old posts in the next week to see if people have already covered this stuff and invite them to produce a really good FAQ. Since they already know what they are talking about it shouldn't take too much effort. Maybe we need an intrepid FAQer to spot FAQs as they appear in the posts and get them tidied and moved to the right place.

TTFN

[SpankMe]

I'm looking for any general motorbike stuff, but mostly questions that are specific to motorcycling in NZ.

Explaining motorbike terms and phrases, popular motorbike events, the largest bike clubs, etc.

Like: I live in Blank, where is the best twisty?

Think about something you know about motorcycling in NZ and give it a question. When posting your answer, assume the reader knows nothing and give it plenty of detail.

[SpankMe]

Originally posted by merv
How about:

Who are NZ's motorcycling World Champions?

This is a good one.

Do you have the years that they won, the bikes they where riding and the teams they were racing for?

[SpankMe]

Are there any New Zealand made motorbikes?

The only one I know of is the Britten. Anyone got details of any others?

[wkid_one]

Why does easter egg chocolate taste so good?

[750Y]

The only one I know of is the Britten. Anyone got details of any others?

What about the BSL? I'm unsure as to whether it was made completely in House but it was rumored to have chewed up millions of dollars.

[bikerboy]

There's a guy that makes Norton Commander Race bikes totally in NZ.

These are brand new bikes not restored ones. For 60k he'll custom make to you race requirements. Beautiful bikes if you like classics.