Coming from Canada (b1unt3d)

[b1unt3d]

Just wanted to say hello. I am new to KB forums, but have been riding motorcycles for a couple years. I am planning on visiting New Zealand for a 1 year working holiday in the next few months. I figured joining a kiwi biker forum would be a good way to get to now a few locals before I come.

I currently ride a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R, but I believe it is called an ER-6f there. Unfortunately I have to sell it to make the trip, but I am hoping I will be able to ride one there. Ideally I would love to bring my bike, but from the little research I have done, it wouldn't be worth the hassle.

[OnCam]

hey man, have just been staying in edmonton alberta for 6 weeks, was awesome seeing all the bikers riding around after work till late, such a wicked summer!!!!

might catch up with you if you go on a ride sometime, where abouts in NZ are you coming to stay

send me a pm anytime for info/help!

Cam

[b1unt3d]

Are you still in Edmonton, or have you gone back to NZ? How would you compare our traffic compared to say, Auckland?

I am planning on coming to Auckland first, and then probably staying in hostels until I can find work and a place to stay. A buddy of mine is hopefully going to be able to come with, so we are thinking we might eventually be able to get an apartment of some kind. I plan on seeing as much as possible while there though, and might keep travelling after the year is up, if I can.


I forgot to introduce myself in my first post, I am Sean, and I live in Edmonton, Alberta. :)

[Ypawa]

Kiaora Sean & welcome to KB... & eventually to NZ:wari:

[KrazyGixxerBoy]

Hey Sean. Nice bike mate...bet your gutted to sell it. Welcome to the site mate, heaps of good info on here. Hope you make it to Wellington!!

[cc rider]

Wecome to KB Sean.

Have a great time over in NZ. :banana:


cc

[CookMySock]

You will have fun here, mate.

Steve

[b1unt3d]

Thanks for the compliments and greetings guys :)

[trailblazer]

hi there sean welcome to kb and when you arrive welcome to nz. Lots of great roads to ride when you get here :woohoo:

[hospitalfood]

yep, what they said.

you will love it but be warned, only 1 out of 100 people here know how to drive properly, which makes life interesting

[b1unt3d]

yep, what they said.

you will love it but be warned, only 1 out of 100 people here know how to drive properly, which makes life interesting

sounds like home already.

[chanceyy]

Welcome aboard Sean, Nz has the most amazing roads to ride, when your ready to start your adventures south of Aucks (a whole new world opens up by the way) make sure you post in meetings & events ..

other kbers will be happy to meet you & show you the "better" roads of their area :yes: some totally awesome roads in the Manawatu on offer :clap:

Other than that watch your fingers when feeding the trolls in KB :laugh:

[Pedrostt500]

Welcome to KB, you will enjoy the twisties.

[Sparky Bills]

Welcome dude.
Make sure you visit some race tracks around NZ too! :Punk:
Depending on timing you must go to the Boxing day street race and Paeroa street race! They will impress you for sure. :done:

[crazyhorse]

Welcome. You will love our roads here. Certainly not worth bringing a bike over, but am sure you will get one when here and enjoy our country as well as meeting up with heaps of KB'ers :)

[YellowDog]

Hi Sean and welcome.

The last time I was in the Edmonton area was in the 1970s, so I can't really comment on the comparable traffic. All I would say is that when compared to European cities, Auckland is a walk in the park. You can get across the city in about 10 minutes, even at the busiest times. The main difficulty is the traffic lights. It is worth travelling a few K more to avoid these as for some reason they are not synchronised. Most cities you go to, if you reavel at 50kph, you will get through all the lights at green. Not in NZ. Your journey time can treble just by missing a couple of sets of lights. Strange but true.

The other strange thing is that when turning left, you need to give way to traffic from the opposite direction turning right across you. This is quite a strong arguament in favour of giving serious effort to not forgetting to cancel your indicator.

Incidentally, I don't know about Edmonton however in most countries; drivers use indicators to give advance warning and an indication of the intended manouevre. In Auckland, car drivers don't indicate. They just use the flashing light to show what they are already doing. Strange but true. The left trun rule may be an explanation for this.

I rode a foreign bike here for six months (great for speed cameras) and never got questioned by Police. I believe that foreign registered bikes can ride here for upto 3 months, but if noone's checking..........

I got a bike from LA to Auckland without a crate for US$495 by utilising spare non quota space. You would also have to get a blank for the left hand road side driving headlight issue (unless you have synchronous beams). So long as it is 'super clean' they will let you have it without any compliance issues. Or you may not want to go throught he hassle.

The roads out here are very light on traffic and quite spectacular. You will have a fantastic time.

Good luck.

[I'm motarded]

hello and welcome Sean

[b1unt3d]

Thanks again guys :) Certainly a lot more, and friendlier responses than on my local sport bike forum :P

A few more pictures, taken at Hawrelak Park..

[paulmac]

Welcome, what line of work are you in mate ?

[onearmedbandit]

*blunted* eh? Welcome to the site.

[b1unt3d]

I have been a delivery/courier type driver for the last 7 years (basically since I finished high school.) I doubt I would be able to get a job driving there as a foreigner though, eh?

[b1unt3d]

Ug, I can't wait to come to New Zealand, if nothing else, for the weather alone. It's been about 30°C for the past few days here, and is supposed to be that hot for the next few days as well. Ad that to the -30° to -40° we can get in Winter (Nov - March).. and the mild temperature of NZ sounds like paradise.

[vifferman]

I have been a delivery/courier type driver for the last 7 years (basically since I finished high school.) I doubt I would be able to get a job driving there as a foreigner though, eh?
Ack Shirley, many of the couriers seem to be immigrants. All you'd have to do is learn our mental road rules (so you can ignore them), and learn to drive badly (perhaps starting each day with a few beers would help).

[b1unt3d]

I just realized how stupid my avatar must look, considering you guys drive on the left side of the road :P

[b1unt3d]

Well, I finally got offered what I am asking for my bike, so I will be selling it tomorrow. It is bittersweet, I love the bike, but I need the funds. I am way closer to coming to NZ in December now :D



So is my avatar correct now? Slow drivers should be in the left lane there, right?

[b1unt3d]

everything was finalized and I got the cash today. I feel like such a sell out...

[p.dath]

Try checking out the "New to New Zealand" section in the Wiki.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/Category:New_to_New_Zealand

[Maha]

Well, I finally got offered what I am asking for my bike, so I will be selling it tomorrow. It is bittersweet, I love the bike, but I need the funds. I am way closer to coming to NZ in December now :D



So is my avatar correct now? Slow drivers should be in the left lane there, right?

In some cases here, there are actual slow lanes for people to drive in, they are not long, just enough for a few vehicles to get past. But I hate those drivers that sit in the 'fast' lane on 80-90 kph. Come to think of it, any lane that im in seems to be the slow lane....:confused:

[b1unt3d]

so I sold my bike a couple days ago, and I just found out today that buddy I sold it to let his noob friend ride it, and he already dropped it. argggh. She definitely deserved better than that, and now I feel like a douche bag for selling her.

[cc rider]

.... now I feel like a douche bag for selling her.....is shitty to hear that happened, b1unt3d, but just remember you only sold her so you could fulfill another dream by going to NZ. Don't feel bad. Your friend will prob. get her all prettied up & never lend her out again.

Keep focusing on the amazing riding you're going to do & meeting some of this bunch along the way. :2thumbsup

If it helps, I'm very jealous & hate you......:girlfight: No I don't, but jealous...YES

cc

[naphazoline]

Welcome onboard KB b1unt3d.:)

[cc rider]

blunt3d, how are the plans going.

Did the dweeb get the bike fixed?

cc

[b1unt3d]

Plans are coming along pretty well :) I applied for the 1 year working holiday scheme. I am hoping to get decent job and save up a bit more money before I go though. I figure I want to have at least $10 000 NZD after purchasing the plane tickets :)

I think he is bring it in to get fixed pretty soon. Luckily his friend is going to pay for the damages, so I guess it could've been worse. I think he said it is under $1000 including everything, I am sure the frame sliders I installed on it saved him a couple grand though.

[cc rider]

Plans are coming along pretty well :) I applied for the 1 year working holiday scheme. I am hoping to get decent job and save up a bit more money before I go though. I figure I want to have at least $10 000 NZD after purchasing the plane tickets :)

I think he is bring it in to get fixed pretty soon. Luckily his friend is going to pay for the damages, so I guess it could've been worse. I think he said it is under $1000 including everything, I am sure the frame sliders I installed on it saved him a couple grand though.....sounds like you'll be well funded, b1unt3d. Appreciate the update.
So you have an indecent job right now?? <_<

Not too much damage, that goods to hear, mate. Got to love them sliders, save a lot of $$$$, for sure. :niceone:

cc

[Mom]

I figure I want to have at least $10 000 NZD after purchasing the plane tickets :)

Your shout when you get here then :blip:

[b1unt3d]

My application for a Working Holiday Visa was accepted today :) Time to book a flight, and buy traveller's insurance.

[cc rider]

Cool stuff, mate :clap:

Let the local (KBers) know some dates when you get things finalized & have a great trip over.

Then time to think about a new bike :cool:

[Hopeful Bastard]

Dont forget to update where bouts you will be travelling to / through ;)

[tate35]

Hi there and welcome to Kiwibiker,

And eventually welcome to NZ. Nice bike you have - same you will have to sell it.

[b1unt3d]

Well, I finally purchased my plane tickets today! I leave here on Christmas evening. So very excited :D

[cc rider]

That's so cool, mate. :banana:

give yourself another piece of pumpkin pie



cc

[chanceyy]

congrats .. :clap: definitely plan to get around the country .. there is heaps to see :yes:

[Bumblelou]

Hey b1unt3d - I spent most of my childhood in Calgary - nice to see another Albertan on here. I spent a few weeks biking in NZ last year, and am coming back in December to do a bit more. Can't wait! I've never biked in Canada cause I left at 17 to go to university abroad and never went back! An ER-6F is my dream bike - I'm so jealous! I hope you have a great time and love the country. I would recommend a ride through Lewis Pass on the South Island - much less mentioned than Arthur's pass, but comparable to a beautiful drive through the Rockies, plus Hamner Hot Springs at the end to have a great soak after a great ride!

[b1unt3d]

Well, I am in the middle of a ridiculous winter blizzard right now. I swear it has snowed at least 6 inches in the last few hours. UGGG... only 3 weeks left :P

Here is a picture from outside my bedroom window. My car is the one on the bottom left that is completely covered :(

[Maha]

Well, I am in the middle of a ridiculous winter blizzard right now. I swear it has snowed at least 6 inches in the last few hours. UGGG... only 3 weeks left :P

Here is a picture from outside my bedroom window. My car is the one on the bottom left that is completely covered :(

Three weeks is not that long, soon enough you will be in the winterless north of New Zealand, man did it piss down here on Friday, anyway, see ya late December and I understand you will be in good company on New Years Eve?...:drinknsin

[b1unt3d]

We had at least a foot and a half of snow here yesterday. Can't even get out of my parking lot heh :P

[Mom]

We had at least a foot and a half of snow here yesterday. Can't even get out of my parking lot heh :P

I got sunburned yesterday :bleh:

Lovely and warm here too :dodge:

See you soon!

[b1unt3d]

winter sucks..

[b1unt3d]

Ok, I know my complaining is getting old.. but holy crap!

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Edmonton+coldest+place+North+America/2336460/story.html

"Environment Canada recorded a frigid -46.1 C, or -58.4 C with wind chill, at the Edmonton International Airport at 5 a.m."

Apparently, at some point last night Edmonton was the coldest place IN THE WORLD (including Antarctica) ... bloody hell.

[AndyMoto]

Hey, my partner is from Edmonton originally (Redwater actually) and I spoke to her sister who is still there yesterday. She sounded cold on the phone! We went back the Christmas before last and I froze my ass off on a snowmobile, great fun but the weather here is much to good to leave this year. Not long and you too can hit the beach and laugh at wearing shorts at Christmas.
Good luck and have a safe flight!

[b1unt3d]

Well.. I arrived today and am currently typing this from some sleezy internet cafe between Nomads and Fat Camel hostels here in Auckland. Just thought I would check in :)

[Mom]

Well.. I arrived today and am currently typing this from some sleezy internet cafe between Nomads and Fat Camel hostels here in Auckland. Just thought I would check in :)

Nice day for it :D

Welcome to NZ my friend. Warm enough for you?

[sondela]

You've certainly arrived at a good time :) the weather now should get the chill off of ya!

[b1unt3d]

You've certainly arrived at a good time :) the weather now should get the chill off of ya!

Was it hotter than usual today? It literally felt like it was 35C or something.I was wondering if it was just because I've been in -20 or colder for the last month, but if it was unseasonably hot today that makes a lot more sense.

just googled it.. +26 today? damnnnn, no wonder I was melting :P A lot different type of heat that I am used to.. very muggy/sweaty :P

[chanceyy]

Was it hotter than usual today? It literally felt like it was 35C or something.I was wondering if it was just because I've been in -20 or colder for the last month, but if it was unseasonably hot today that makes a lot more sense.

just googled it.. +26 today? damnnnn, no wonder I was melting :P A lot different type of heat that I am used to.. very muggy/sweaty :P

Welcome to NZ,

yeah Aucks is always muggy & 4 seasons in one day .. different types of heat around the country .. :) hope to see you if you head down to the manawatu area :clap:

[Brownbikerbabe]

Jealous Cannuck here....just want to tell you how jealous I am of you right now...I live outside Toronto and its -20 today:cold:, snow storm on the way. So enjoy the damn hotness in NZ! Are you back packing it across NZ? renting a bike?

[Nasty]

Welcome to NZ ... glad that you finally made it!!!

[shafty]

Gidday Blunted - well done on getting to NZ and not just talking about it!

I guess you've discovered www.trademe.co.nz for bikes.

If applying for a Driving Job, just tell them you'll get a GPS if you get hired!

Good luck, have fun

Shafty

[b1unt3d]

Hey all.. well I am already pretty sick of auckland :P .. it is far too much like my home town (Edmonton) back in Canada. I am heading to Rotorua early tomorrow. If only I could get over this jetlag/ear pain bullshit I will be fucking golden.

PS.. I heard "cheap as chips" twice today.. I like it!

[shafty]

:woohoo: Have fun in Rotorua Dude, but don't overlook Tauranga/Mt Maunganui as many Tourists do - it is a Jewel in NZ's crown - and a nice <hour fang on a bike from RotoVegas - there are 2 routes, so you could try both, one on the way, and one return if u desire.... both nice rides. Check out The Lakes In Rotorua too - not just Lake Rotorua where the town is - a few Km out toward the airport is the well signposted turnoff - less than 10km each way.....enjoy!

You have wheels?

[b1unt3d]

hey, thanks for the tip.

I actually don't have a car, but I really want to buy a car asap I would like a relatively cheap, but reliable car (oxymoron eh).. can you guys recommend a good make/model etc? I haven't heard of most of the models here, and there's a ton of weird makes (puegot, holden etc). Is trademe the best? If anyone can link me to a good example of a solid car to buy (.. preferably around $2000-2500 give or take) that would be awesome.

I am at a hostel that charges by the MB instead of time (sooo weird).. other weird things I have noticed: 6% milk? that's intense. Back in edmonton we don't even have higher than 3.25% (homo or homogenized). The closest I have found is "slim" 1.6%. Oh and what's up with not refrigerating eggs? that is freakin weird! :P And goddamn people in cars are pricks, never stopping etc. Do they ALWAYS have the right of way? I don't understand that at all.

[Guzza]

hey, thanks for the tip.

... I haven't heard of most of the models here, and there's a ton of weird makes (puegot, holden etc). Is trademe the best? If anyone can link me to a good example of a solid car to buy...

Not surprised you haven't heard of Peugeot, they only been making cars since 1889 LMAO! For what its worth, I've had my peugeot for about 3 years and its never let me down

[b1unt3d]

I have definitely heard of it, but I had only seen one in my entire life in Canada :P

[b1unt3d]

By the way, does anyone have an authenticated TradeMe account.. and can send a question to sellers for me? I am in Rotorua right now and have my eye on this car:

Mazda familia 1998
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazda/familia/auction-264204007.htm


If you could get them to text me (Sean) at 0211492896 that would be awesome!!!

[shafty]

I would recommend buying a well serviced Jap car (Sent you a Priv Message)

TradeMe would be a good source to start at......... it's a Buyers market so you can walk away fom plenty of non hagglers knowing there are more to look at.........have fun

RotoVegas has a quasi Car Sale park up spot just past Pak'nSave heading toward the airport on the left

[OnCam]

hey dude, no one will stop for you crossing the parking lot or crossing the street like in edmonton, pedestrians are meant to use the "zebra" stripe crossings and controlled lights etc
cars basically have right of way etc

at the stop signs and give ways just give way to the vehicle on your right, not who got to the intersection first.. not that we have any 4 way stops

toyoto corolla or honda civic are reliable and cheap, just find one that has been looked after. i think ellislie racecourse (horse racing) still have a car fair on during 8am-12pm every sunday morning, free to get in an look around usually a ton of cars there with their owners to chat to an take for a test drive. get in early for the bargains. people usually put high prices on the windows so bargain them down.

that mazda will be ok, remember it will need another cambelt and waterpump done as its done 80,000 since last one est $550-600.

spend some time looking around and getting an idea of whats on the market. generally anything here with more than 150,000kms is considered "high" or getting on.. not like in Canada it would be barely run in..

[Dan Mapp]

Hey there Sean

That car would be not bad buying if a little gutless. Y not just buy yr bike?

[Dan Mapp]

By the way, does anyone have an authenticated TradeMe account.. and can send a question to sellers for me? I am in Rotorua right now and have my eye on this car:

Mazda familia 1998
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Mazda/familia/auction-264204007.htm


If you could get them to text me (Sean) at 0211492896 that would be awesome!!!



Question asked

[b1unt3d]

Dan: Thank you very much for asking the question for me, I really appreciate it :) Gutless is perfectly fine for me at the moment.. I am still getting used to driving on the left (so strange) and would prefer to save money on gas than have a fast car :) Unlike Canada, I don't plan to speed here. As for why I don't get a bike.. I met up with two 20 year old German girls, and we plan to travel together for the next couple of months, so I need a car. Very nice.

The car looks decent.. fucking ugly as shit.. but it looks like it is in fairly good condition etc. It is being sold by an automotive shop though.. that kind of makes me wary.. what do you guys think about that? It is called LRC Automotive and it is here in Rotorua..

It says 161 000 km .. is there any chance they could somehow set it back? He says the belt has just been fixed (it looks brand new to me) but I will ask about the water pump.. thank you for the tip. He said he wants $2700 or $2800 with a brand new WOF... what do you guys think is a fair price for the car? I was thinking maybe offer $2250ish and see what he says.. Maybe meet at $2500 with a new WOF. Is that a fair price for a 1998 Mazda Famillia (Is that a protege.. I don't think they made 323's by 1998 for North America).. I would like to buy a car but I don't know car values here in NZ.

Thank you all for the help.. I really appreciate. In a few months when the girls go back to Germany I will probably ditch the car and get a bike :)

[b1unt3d]

Well the guy wouldn't take $2500. Do you guys think that the car is worth more? .. 0211492896 if you can txt me your opinion as I don't really have access to internet anymore (had to go back to my hostel to find out if anyone replied) if not, a post here would be good too! I really need a car but I don't want to get ripped off :P

[Guzza]

Well the guy wouldn't take $2500. Do you guys think that the car is worth more? ..

Guess you gotta ask yourself if your two German gals are worth more than $2500? For help with that question, you would really need to post up lots of pix...:innocent:

[b1unt3d]

Basically I am wondering if $2700 is a fair price for the car or not.. considering it will save me a couple hundred in other expenses as well. Do you guys think that the Mazda Familia is a quality car? I am hoping to drive it for half a year or so and then sell it for as much as I can.. with hopefully no repairs in between (obviously that would be kind of based on luck and what not)...

[Guzza]

I guess you get what you pay for but $2700 sounds a bit steep for what you want. I recall alot of the overseas climbers I met paid $1000-1500 for a decent vehicle. In most cases I think they were vans or wagons. That was around 2004-5. Could be worth sending a PM to BADGRL. she works in a car yard here that caters to tourists and backpackers. Maybe she could give you an ides of whats what.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/12712-BADGRL

[b1unt3d]

Hey,

I don't mind spending up to $2500. I don't really want to get a POS for like $1000 because I am not mechanically inclined at all. I'd rather pay a bit more now and hopefully save more in the future.

So I think I might wait to get a car when I go to the South Island.. What do you guys think of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Honda/Civic/auction-264147066.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/Bluebird/auction-264514663.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Toyota/Corolla/auction-264675092.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/Cefiro/auction-265018008.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Nissan/Sentra/auction-260970794.htm

heh .. thanks in advance if anyone replies :)

PS, I am currently in Taupo. Man... this country is so beautiful! I went sky diving today... I still can't believe I jumped out of a fucking plane today!!

[Dan Mapp]

The little blue toyota carolla would be the best buy as long as you dont mind driving a nana,s car. Will run for ever and cost you sweet fa to run.
Cheers Dan

[Guzza]

... I went sky diving today... I still can't believe I jumped out of a fucking plane today!!

You are gonna love throwing yourself of a bridge with a rubber band tied around your ankle then :2thumbsup

[cc rider]

and being dropped off on a snow capped mountain by helicopter & the only way off is down :woohoo:

[b1unt3d]

still in taupo. decided that I am going to travel alone for now :P i really want to get a bike instead of a car

[b1unt3d]

I hitchhiked for the first time in my life today :P Went from Taupo to Napier. Plan to spend a couple days here before I head to Wellington. Soooo beautiful!!

[OnCam]

haha nice one, i went skydiving for first time when i went to canada..i understand how you feel!

[b1unt3d]

well.. I am currently in Wellington.. I will be here for a couple days I think. Not a big fan of the whole city thing.. but I am definitely going to check out that museum. Looks amazing.

So for the first time in over a decade.. I lost my wallet today. WTF! First day in Wellington.. I literally almost had a heart attack. It fell out of my backpack without me noticing when I grabbed my camera to take a picture of the museum... I didn't notice until 2 hours later when I went to retrieve my hottel room key.. and my wallet was gone! I literally almost had a heart attack.. but there was a note on my room door telling me to come to reception at my hostel... and then they told me that someone turned it into the police. So I ran 10 blocks to the police station, and some saint turned in my wallet, with 2 credit cards, my canadian and nz debit (eftpos or whatever) cards, my drivers license.. and some cash. etc. I seriously wish I could find whoever it was that turned it in.. seriously saved my life. Whoever you are THANK YOU SO MUCH. I can't believe someone actually turned it in. What a complete angel!!

Anyways, if anyone is in Wellington and wants to meet up, give me a shout. I seriously need to find a doobie to calm myself down. It has been a ridiculously hectic day!!

[Guzza]

I seriously wish I could find whoever it was that turned it in.. seriously saved my life. Whoever you are THANK YOU SO MUCH. I can't believe someone actually turned it in. What a complete angel!!

Did you not ask at the cop shop? They should have some details.

[b1unt3d]

It was "an anonymous tourist".. apparently whoever it was mentioned the fact that they lost their wallet traveling in Spain once.. and remembered how shitty it was. Goddamn.. I am one lucky son of a bitch!

[cc rider]

Sounds like you're having quite a time Sean. I wish we could have met up on my last visit. But I was down sth. Maybe next time. Kinda fancy travelling about with no plans for a wk or so. Where are you going to pick up a bike? Try get along to a Wed night ride in chch, they're a friendly crew. (as are all KBers naturally :grouphug:) The hills are great around that area. It's really weird not having trees everywhere. You can actually see the views. Awesome! Bit like some places up far nth C.

So keep your wallet on you & not in your pack. It's to easy to be snowdropped like that. There is live music & markets in the chch town square during summer (at least there was the other wk) pretty cool.

have fun hun :sunny:

cc

[Blackflagged]

Quote from page two "You can get across the city in about 10 minutes, even at the busiest times"

Weres that Auckland havn`t been there yet!

[Guzza]

It was "an anonymous tourist".. apparently whoever it was mentioned the fact that they lost their wallet traveling in Spain once.. and remembered how shitty it was. Goddamn.. I am one lucky son of a bitch!

Aint you just! What goes around comes around. If you cant pay it back, ya just gonna have to pay it froward.

[b1unt3d]

in kaikoura
:)
swimming with seals!

[motodrummer]

Hey Sean, welcome to the site mate- sure you'll find a decent bike here n plenty of nice roads n people to ride with! :)

[cc rider]

in kaikoura
:)
swimming with seals!and here they were thinking they were swimming with people ;)

Any pics available Sean???

cc

[b1unt3d]

hey,

I have uploaded about 500 pics to facebook already.. are you a member? add me if you would like to see pics :)

[cc rider]

No mate not on stalkbook.

Glad you're having a good time though

Maybe you could throw the odd pic on KB :yes:

cc

[b1unt3d]

....ignore this..... :P

[Guzza]

Planning on getting that bike any time soon? Theres a rally on the west coast next weekend, it's one of the bigger ones

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/115853-Woodstock-Rally-29-31-Jan-2010

[b1unt3d]

not really sure. bikes are really expensive in nz eh.. cars not so much. I think I might just get a cheap car for now.


going to try and hitch to Christchurch tomorrow :) Anybody fancy a meet up?

[cc rider]

Planning on getting that bike any time soon? Theres a rally on the west coast next weekend, it's one of the bigger onesThat sounds like a great wknd Guzza. Maybe see if you can get a lift Sean.

Would do it myself if it wasn't so far :eek:

[b1unt3d]

So if anybody here in Christchurch wants to meet up, that would be rad! I am probably going to spend at least the next week here, but I don't really have any plans other than find a car. So many freakin' options!

[b1unt3d]

btw, I thought it was hilarious that KB was blocked when I tried to access it using the libraries free wifi (if you can call it that)

[sugilite]

Dude, you know there is a special place reserved in hell for motorcyclists that visit NZ and buy a car instead of a motorcycle eh?

[cc rider]

Sean try drop a line into these guys, they have a ride on tomorrow night. Someone would probably have some gear you could borrow
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/106734-Chch-Wednesday-Night-Cruises-2009-10/page124

Also go check out the Britten Motorcycle display on Worcester St in the city. I was there a few wks ago, really interesting.

[b1unt3d]

Ok, let's try this message for the 3rd time. I keep getting booted mid message :P

Sugilite: The ironic thing is.. that decision will probably directly result in me going there (hell) later than it would otherwise. The drivers in this country are freakin' mental! I thought it was bad in Edmonton.. heh, I don't understand how a group of people otherwise so laid back and mellow.. go bat shit crazy as soon as they get behind the wheel. It's mind boggling!

I am not saying I won't hopefully eventually get a bike here, but financially, and for safety reasons, it is probably a better idea if I get a car for the first few months at least... bikes here are so freakin' expensive. However, if you can find a decent, <20 year old bike for around $1500.. I would probably get that instead. There seem to be a ton of cars fitting that description (which is equally as mind boggling to me :P)


Cas: thanks so much for the link. I will do that for sure!

Also, I saw the britten bike (see attached picture) in Te Papa a few days ago. Breathtaking! Can you tell me what the display shows, and where exactly it is located?!

[cc rider]

Also, I saw the britten bike (see attached picture) in Te Papa a few days ago. Breathtaking! Can you tell me what the display shows, and where exactly it is located?!Yeah there are a few of the Britten bikes on display including Andrew Strouds ride, some raw components, lots of reading material. It's just a little display but worth the checking out.
If you go to the Cathedral Square, face the church, look to your right, there is Worcester St and just along a building or 2 on your left will be a bilboard out the front for the display. Take the first door on your left in the carpark. It's 103 Worcester St. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Free. You can take photos. Just ask anyone in the area for directions. I really liked chch. Everyone was so friendly. Have fun while you're there.

cc

[b1unt3d]

Damn you both.. now I am really considering getting a bike again.. it really is like a drug, once you start thinking about it, you just can't get it out of your head!!

I have seen a few that intrigue me:

Suzuki GSX400E 1986 - 67,387km - $1,800
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-266521902.htm

Suzuki GSX600FL 1989 - 118,754km - $3000 ono
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-266881650.htm

Honda VFR 1987 - 80,000km - $2300
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/117416-vfr400?p=1129621264#post1129621264

Yamaha XJ 600 1985 - 80,000km - $1650 ono
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-267936076.htm

Honda VF500 1986 - 55,900km - $3100
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-266601060.htm

Yamaha xz400 1987 - 71,377km - $1000
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-266807755.htm


Honda CBR400RR 1988 - 33,00km - $3000
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-267778692.htm

Honda VF 400 FC 1986 - 95,389km - $1000
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-267931398.htm

Honda CBR400R 1987 - 36,500km - $2500 ono
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-265365475.htm


I don't really want a 250 .. but:

Kawasaki ZZR 1993 - 52,000km - $2500 ono
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-267500061.htm

Honda CBR 250 1988 - 34,000km $1800 ono
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-265970521.htm




Most important thing to me is reliability. I am not mechanically inclined at all. Also the ability to resell easily would be a huge plus.



Can any of you give me any advice?!

[Guzza]

Damn you both.. now I am really considering getting a bike again.. i
Yamaha XJ 600 1985 - 80,000km - $1650 ono
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-267936076.htm

I had an XJ900 in the eighties, it was bullet proof.

While wandering the CBD of Chch, head towards the Moorhouse Ave end of Manchester St, should only be a 10-15 min walk from the Square. Theres 6 bike shops down there to kick tires in but in Casbolt Honda there is what I presume is one of the movie replicas of Burt Munros Indian. Well worth a look.