What's it like there [Archive]

Mort

8th July 2005, 23:50

Hi Guys,

This is my first message on your forum but I'm sure it won't be my last. I'm due to move to NZ in the next 6 - 9 months. As a fanatic bike rider I'm wondering what the scene is like there... I ride a 2004 R1 and I'm in to trackdays (which are big here in the UK)... I have a few questions...

Should I bring my bike there or sell it here and buy one down there (Its worth about NZ$17,250 here
What is the track day scene like around Auckland ?
Is Pukekhoe the only track in the area ?
What is the road riding scene like - people keep telling me NZ drivers are dangerous...!!

Would be interested in any info or opinions to help make my mind up....

Cheers fellas...

:wait:

SixPackBack

8th July 2005, 23:58

Hi mort welcome

Bike prices.......r1, 22k
Tracks a plenty, Taupo is also close to Auckland
Drivers can be a little ......agressive, but what the hell.
sell your bike and check out www.biketrader.co.nz an accurate indication of prices..........see you soon
SPB

justsomeguy

9th July 2005, 01:08

Welcome matey, :spudwave:

I'd say sell - the stress of the extra paper work and potential damage through shipping isn't worth it in my opinion......

Plenty of R1's/ZX10's/Gixxer thous/Fireblades, etc here - new and used.

The main sites to checkout are www.bikepoint.co.nz (http://www.bikepoint.co.nz) for new and used bikes from dealers

and

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/mcat-0001-0026-1255-.htm

for mostly private and dealership bikes - it's like NZ's e-bay.

The trackday scene is quite active (I think) don't know really...... however there are enough riders on this forum in pretty much any part of the country who'll give you a race or fast road ride sometime.

A lot of people here serious about trackdays belong to Formal Bike Clubs and are involved with club racing, which I believe occurs monthly during their respective race seasons.

9th July 2005, 05:06

.
.
Hi Mort. Welcome to KB and (in advance) to NZ.

I'll let those who have experience of bringing their bikes over advise you on that one. A bloke from work brought his ZX6 over here from the UK recently - PM me if you want to make contact with him for his slight horror story.

Have you thought of living in Wellington? We have Manfeild (race track) about an hour and a half away from here, and some great roads.

Or how about somewhere in the South Island? Best roads in the world there.

Not that I don't like Auckland....
.
.

Hammer

9th July 2005, 08:59

Howdy Mort, You want regret making the moving here. The roads are a tad rougher but oh so much more twisties and cool scenery. No motorways really either. Can't help with the track stuff but can help with advice on getting the bike back. I moved here 6 months ago and brought the bike. Never again. The hassle with paperwork and customes and import/gst is just not worth it. To top it off mine got damaged and they buggers are denying the insurence claim. Add to that the dick around you get waiting for the bike and then the time to get it registered here. Forget it - it will be cheaper and less stress to hop off the plane with cash and walk into a bike shop and ride away - seriously. Good luck with the move.

9th July 2005, 09:28

pritch

9th July 2005, 11:20

One thing that I don't think anybody mentioned is that, with the possible exception of Auckland, the roads should be much less crowded than what you have been used to.

Patch

9th July 2005, 11:46

Obviously you haven't been up front with our Immigration staff.
Rule 1 - no yamaha owners allowed in
2. we've got 20,000 Brits running amok around NZ at the moment for some reason in campervans. Until some leave there's no more room! Your Prince Will can stay he's turned out to be a top bloke (what bike does he ride? better not be a Yamaha)

I spent a year or so riding in the UK and can confirm NZers are crap drivers. You Guys can move more vehicles faster and safer than here mainly because you are courteous drivers, its a simple cure our Transport police/authorities are blind too e.g. if someone indicates you make a gap, here someone gives you the fingers and trys to nudge you out.
If you've chosen Auckland then... well definitely stay where you are, less congestion in the UK than Auckland.
Welcome anyway Mort. And yes, as everyone had said buy a bike here.
MD
I agree with MD, no more bloody poms!!!! For now at least. Went to park down Oriental Parade (where we always do) just before 8am, some asshole in a camper decided he'll have three carparks :angry2: Me being ever so polite and all :devil2: had great pleasure banging da crap outa his door. :Oi:

:eek: Old geezer in bathrobe and fluffy slippers :sick:

Sell ya Yammy mate, buy a decent one when ya get here. :niceone:
Then we can all :drinknsin especially after tonite's rugby game

Coyote

9th July 2005, 12:12

Come down to Wellington Instead. You have the Rimutakas and Pahiatua Hill Road close by, the closest track (Manfeild) is 1 1/2-2 hours away which isn't much of a problem if you're serious and don't mind the trip, plus you can get into the Victoria Motorcycle Club that hold a winter season at the track. Also it's a lot less crowded than Auckland. Also got a lot of motocross tracks and trails too.

ZorsT

9th July 2005, 12:24

I would say come to nelson for the best roads in NZ (Tekaka hill, Kerrs hill, Hope Saddle, Buller Gorge, Mot Valley "highway" dare i mention the Wongamoaes (sp) which leads to QEII road) :whistle: but we have nothing that is even close to a track... But we make up for it with our sunnyness and our scenery. All those roads are within 2hours ride, most are half to an hour away :devil2:

FROSTY

9th July 2005, 12:53

Welcolm fellow Yamaha rider. To answer ya questions.
Bringing ya bike over--I wouldn't to be honest -If ya can actually SELL it for $17500 I'd do it. Im pretty sure that this time of year you are gonna get a hell of a lot of bike for that kinda moolah.
Keep in mind that even if ya have to dip in your pocket and extra thousand quid you are still better off -By the time ya pay freight and all the stuff youll need to do to get your first WOF(mot) and registration (road tax) youll be lucky to see change from $2500.
But if the best offer ya gonna get is around 14-15000 Then would ship it over -Valuation and actual sale price can vary heaps.
As for roads --we have a fair number of what you would call B roads where the trsffic is light if not non existant.
Race tracks and track days --Pukie is the nearest to AUCKLAND but we have a fair few others and theres a place called Hampton Downs being developed near auckland which is gonna be a world class venue
The good news is that track time i9s shit loads chaper than UK ---these Kiwis moan if they pay more than $60 for a full day on the track
Check the racing forum -in there is a list of NZ tracks.

Biff

9th July 2005, 12:59

I guess you're heading to the North Island as you mention Puke'. But there are some very good tracks here, apparently. Although from what I hear from some North Islanders the one here in Christchurch is up there with the best, it may even be the best.

As a Brit that moved here last year:

The roads are rougher, and the road workers have a nasty habit of leaving gravel lying around, which can be 'interesting' - but the roads are emptier (unless you're movind to Auckland) wider and windier, with some magnifcent scenery.

The car drivers are pretty crap, but you learn to look out for their sudden lane changes, lack of indication and sudden use of the brakes, then using their indicators at the last minute or even mid corner!

There are far more traffic cops and general cops allowed to police the roads here, with the kind of radars that were banned in the UK years ago due to their potential for inaccurate and questionable readings. Some have forward and rear mounted radar guns, and they're pretty ruthless on issuing tickets, but there are no VASCARs in use here, and fixed speed cameras are far less common than the UK. And for some reason handle bar, 70's porn star, moustaches are compulsory for all traffic cops (Alledgedly. He he he sorry SD!) So get used to the lower speed limits quick, and invest in a radar detector.

The bike riding scene is great here, and this crowd are a great bunch, so I'm sure you'll hook up with some like minded folk pretty easily.

Leave the bike in the UK - it's not worth the hassle and the bikes are cheaper to buy here, apart from the British and German made variety which are pretty evenly priced with blighty.

Good luck.

parsley

9th July 2005, 13:02

I spent a year or so riding in the UK and can confirm NZers are crap drivers. You Guys can move more vehicles faster and safer than here mainly because you are courteous drivers, its a simple cure our Transport police/authorities are blind too e.g. if someone indicates you make a gap, here someone gives you the fingers and trys to nudge you out.
Really? I'm not disagreeing - a lot of drivers in NZ are crap. But I wouldn't have said UK drivers were much better, especially in big cities. Far more aggressive, far less considerate of bikers. NZ drivers will hit a bike because they didn't know it was there. UK drivers will hit a bike because it gets in their way.

Although they're both better than Romanian drivers, who just scared the crap out of me!

rfc85

9th July 2005, 13:27

How many of u pommie pricks have we got over here-a shit load by the sound of it, almost enuff to make up a rugby team-NOT

White trash

10th July 2005, 09:20

Absolutely crap, weather's shit 11 months of the year, the roads are 95% gravell, there's a Gatso camera on every straight longer than 50 meters, the cops are allowed to shoot you on sight for doing faster than 10 kph over the limit, all the women are ugly, the beers always cold (poms hate that) and the last thing NZ needs is another fucken Yamashit riding, winging pom.

Now on the other hand, if you were to sell said Yamahahaha and get a real bike, you'd find the opposite of what I just said.

Welcome to KB by the way. :drinkup:

Zed

10th July 2005, 10:08

Hi Guys,

This is my first message on your forum but I'm sure it won't be my last. I'm due to move to NZ in the next 6 - 9 months. As a fanatic bike rider I'm wondering what the scene is like there...Welcome to Kiwibiker, I hope the move over to the Land of the Long White Cloud (Maori saying) goes smoothly for you!

I ride a 2004 R1 and I'm in to trackdays (which are big here in the UK)... I have a few questions...

Should I bring my bike there or sell it here and buy one down there (Its worth about NZ$17,250 here)
The '04 R1 is a fantastic machine. If it was me I'd have to consider how much I love and appreciate bike, and how much time and money I've invested in modifications, etc before I decide on whether or not to ship it over?

What is the track day scene like around Auckland ?
There's usually a handful of bikes that turn up to the track days, sometimes up to 30 on a good day. Probably not as popular as in the UK?

Is Pukekhoe the only track in the area ?
Puke track is about 40mins ride from Auckland city. Check out the calender here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/calendar.php?) for the track day timetable. The next closest track to Ak is in Taupo which is about a 4 hour ride away. There are plans to build another track just south of Auckland in Hampton Downs (http://www.hamptondowns.com/Track.wse) in the near future, should be awesome once completed! :Punk:

What is the road riding scene like - people keep telling me NZ drivers are dangerous...!!
Road riding scene is great IMO. Roads and scenery are spectacular in many parts of this country. There are regular KiwiBiker road rides leaving Auckland most weekends so be sure to get involved when you get settled in, we'll show you the right roads to ride! :ride:

Mort

12th July 2005, 01:40

Thanks Fellas... lots of good info there....I think I will sell it and buy over there.

Cheap track days sound cool - here they are bloody expensive (average full day cost with fuel/transport/accomodation etc is £200+ ($450 +) and there can be 150+ bikes on a day.... Mind you riding places like Donington is pretty special....

Hampton Downs sounds interesting - lets hope they get that sorted and attract some big races there....

You're a vociferous lot aren't you.!!!... I like that...

:clap:

justsomeguy

12th July 2005, 02:01

You're a vociferous lot aren't you.!!!...
:clap:

Yes it's winter and we can't ride as much as we like.........

loosebruce

12th July 2005, 15:31

Yes it's winter and we can't ride as much as we like.........

Dont know what you're talking about ya pussy, i'm riding every day.

Yes you should sell the R1 and buy a GSXR1000K1-5 as they are all better than what you have.
The track scene is not too bad if you're up for a bit of travel, car and trailer would be a good investment, and plus then you could give dickheads like me a ride to the track and back.
Pukekohe isn't the only track round Akld, SH22 and SH16 is pretty good and the Coromandel loop (SH25) is well worth it, and what makes it better is the latter 2 they dont charge you an entry fee and you don't have to wait 40mins between sessions, only there are these fellas with red n blue lights on there cars that try racing you all the time, don't know whats with that or why they bother they can never keep up, but it doesn't seem to dishearten them as they keep on at it.
NZ has it's fair share of crazys on the road, as does anywhere, dont let that put you off.

Quasievil

12th July 2005, 15:38

Mate dont listen to the fool above he is dilusional like many, thinking a GSX is better than most YEAH RIGHT, forget the GSX and go for a Kwaka ZXR636 all the cool guys ride these here in NZ, the pussies generally stick to the Gixxers, not sure why.

But compared to England mate you will love the scene over here look forward to meeting you sometime soon

loosebruce

12th July 2005, 15:48

, forget the GSX and go for a Kwaka ZXR636 all the cool guys ride these here in NZ, the pussies generally stick to the Gixxers, not sure why.

Thats cause the pussies like to stay out front ya bald beaver, of course if you'd like to prove that theory wrong, what ya upto in the weekend, the only time i've seen the back of a Kawaka is when i catch and pass the bloody things.

Quasievil

12th July 2005, 15:52

Thats cause the pussies like to stay out front ya bald beaver, of course if you'd like to prove that theory wrong, what ya upto in the weekend, the only time i've seen the back of a Kawaka is when i catch and pass the bloody things.

Ya cheeky prick :rofl:
Nah in Auckland buying a car for the fembot and having a drink or sumfing
the only time I see your rear end is for the milli second it takes you to pass me and disappear around the next corner, one day son one day !!
get on the track on a 400 and I will give ya a run for ya money pizza boy:whistle:

loosebruce

12th July 2005, 16:24

get on the track on a 400 and I will give ya a run for ya money pizza boy:whistle:

you're on buddy, i'm sure someone will lend me a 400cc, Chris, Sudeep, anyone..........

Toast

12th July 2005, 20:01

"There's usually a handful of bikes that turn up to the track days, sometimes up to 30 on a good day. Probably not as popular as in the UK?"

Last time I went to Puke for an open day, 5 was the most bikes there was all day. I got about 200kms of lapping in by the end of it I think. Not bad value for $90, especially compared to $450-ish...Christ that made my eyes water.

Zed

12th July 2005, 20:11

Last time I went to Puke for an open day, 5 was the most bikes there was all day. I got about 200kms of lapping in by the end of it I think. Not bad value for $90, especially compared to $450-ish...Christ that made my eyes water.Excellent value for money eh! I intend on doing more. I've been to Puke when there's been 70-80 bikes, 30 bikes, and small groups of 5 & 6...like it more when there's not too many, but alas, the KB community is growing so rapidly, by the time Hampton Downs is ready to rumble we'll have hundreds of trackday enthusiasts who have 'cut their teeth' on KB rides!! Still hope Puke doesn't close down to track days? :nono:

marty

12th July 2005, 20:28

.
Pukekohe isn't the only track round Akld, SH22 and SH16 is pretty good and the Coromandel loop (SH25) is well worth it, and what makes it better is the latter 2 they dont charge you an entry fee and you don't have to wait 40mins between sessions, only there are these fellas with red n blue lights on there cars that try racing you all the time, don't know whats with that or why they bother they can never keep up, but it doesn't seem to dishearten them as they keep on at it.
NZ has it's fair share of crazys on the road, as does anywhere, dont let that put you off.

you cad! the coro loop isn't a racetrack! well not officially.....:nono:

justsomeguy

12th July 2005, 20:33

you cad! the coro loop isn't a racetrack! well not officially.....:nono:

You bastard......:mad: Next you're gonna tell me Santa Claus is fake......

wari

13th July 2005, 02:24

...
You're a vociferous lot aren't you.!!!... I like that...

:clap:

YEah ... butt :moon: ... we dont like show-offs 'n' BIG werds that I dont knowda meening off ... :scratch: .. I Gitt dis-com-bobulated .. :confused:

DUnno .. wherr have I ben .. :doobey:

AHh ... herre I was ... :spudwave: .. well-come .. :spudbooge

:sunny: .. HAv a grreat day mate .. :spudguita

Mooch

13th July 2005, 04:09

The weathers shite
The roads are crap
Car drivers are the worst in the world.
People can't ride and all the Kiwi's are moving to the UK.
No point in owning a bike at all in NZ. :devil2:

But if you do decided to go, tell you what, I'll give you $1000 pounds to take that embarrassment of a bike you've got. :whistle:

A friend took his R1 back to NZ , Said it wasn't worth while , ended up owing him $28K and had problems selling his immaculate bike because of being imported from the UK. We have the impression that most vehicles that hit UK roads get caked in road salt during winter and are best avoided if they turn up in NZ. With the NZ exchange rate being good, the 1000 cc bikes work out cheap enough not to bother.
Cost of living is very good compared to the UK, and housing is mostly affordable. If you selling UK property then you'll end up with something superior in terms of size and land area (expect for parts of Auckland).

Lou Girardin

13th July 2005, 14:46

Yes it's winter and we can't ride as much as we like.........

Yeah, I can only ride mine twice a day. :ride:

Toast

13th July 2005, 18:17

the Coromandel loop (SH25) is well worth it, and what makes it better is the latter 2 they dont charge you an entry fee and you don't have to wait 40mins between sessions, only there are these fellas with red n blue lights on there cars that try racing you all the time, don't know whats with that.

The Coro loop is the absolute dogs bollocks! (Sorry to state the obvious) What's better, there's actually not even that many cops out there. In fact, of all the times I've been out there (I used to live there) I think I saw one (and I almost hit him while avoiding the traffic stopped at that one lane bridge around the blind '55' corner, ooops).

Come along Pommy dude, you'll learn to find things to love in this place :niceone:

Mort

13th July 2005, 21:51

What's all this Anti-Yamaha sentiment all about ? :Punk: Its a great bike..... The latest Suzuki wasn't out at the time I bought it...if it was, I may have gone for that... its a lovely bike too.... I rode the new fireblade, ZX10 and old GSX-R and reckoned this was the best for looks, speed, handling, (some comfort).... been happy with it so far.... Its what ever does it for you at the time...

You know, I'm still undecided on whether to bring it... I'm having to hire a 40ft container anyway and its tempting to just shove it on the trailer with my dirt bike and car... chances are I'll just keep it for the track anyway so I may save myself the hassle of registering it for the road etc.

Question : What are road insurance rates like for a bike like this there ?

scumdog

13th July 2005, 21:59

Just watch yer speed sonny, I'm one of those "porns-star moustached" types that Biff mentioned. :motu:

And you'll keep Biff, you'll keep....

But welcome to this site - and this country when you get here.

HINT: when you sell the 'are won' get a Harley when you get here, cheap as chips old boy!!!

justsomeguy

13th July 2005, 22:12

Yeah, I can only ride mine twice a day. :ride:

That's cos you don't work from home......

marty

13th July 2005, 22:36

You know, I'm still undecided on whether to bring it... I'm having to hire a 40ft container anyway and its tempting to just shove it on the trailer with my dirt bike and car... chances are I'll just keep it for the track anyway so I may save myself the hassle of registering it for the road etc.

?

i was just talking to some english mates who have a friend coming over from the UK (ex army) who has a bike, and i mentioned that same thing to them - if the container is coming anyway, why not? he is going to be living in upper hutt after all....

Toast

14th July 2005, 10:56

HINT: when you sell the 'are won' get a Harley when you get here, cheap as chips old boy!!!

:puke: For a reason.

Some how I can't see an R1 owning track day nut trading down (ok, across) to a Harley.

14th July 2005, 19:29

What's all this Anti-Yamaha sentiment all about ?
Question : What are road insurance rates like for a bike like this there ?
What we lack in humour we make up for with insults, sarcasm or if that fails good old fashioned abuse for the sake of it. Who cares what you ride we'll pick on it- that's a sign of what a multicultural bunch we've become. Selective prejudice and racism has been deemed politically incorrect by our leader, saint Helen, so now we just abuse the shit out of everything and everyone to be safe. Get used to it Mort and you'll fit in fine.
Annual bike registration, like your road tax, is about $240 (90 pounds) a yr for a 1000cc. Insurance? depends on your history a bit but I'm paying $1050 a yr for the Blade. When I was living/riding in the UK you insured the 'rider' for a certain class of bike whereas here you insure the 'vehicle'.
I still don't think it would be worthwhile bringing the R1 over (did I mention we don't like em in NZ?) and I could have a mint cbr1000 waiting at the airport for you. No honestly mate no trouble at all we are so helpful over here, consider it done.Traveller cheques will do fine. Just to help further I'll swap those smelly pound notes for kiwi dollars one for one to save you the hassles with rogue moneychangers :rofl: .

Mort

14th July 2005, 21:24

HINT: when you sell the 'are won' get a Harley when you get here, cheap as chips old boy!!!

Not a chance.... :puke:

Mort

14th July 2005, 21:50

What we lack in humour we make up for with insults, sarcasm or if that fails good old fashioned abuse for the sake of it. Who cares what you ride we'll pick on it- that's a sign of what a multicultural bunch we've become. Selective prejudice and racism has been deemed politically incorrect by our leader, saint Helen, so now we just abuse the shit out of everything and everyone to be safe. Get used to it Mort and you'll fit in fine.

Hey... no worries.... you're my kind of people.... why do you think I want to join you....

:Punk: