Some questions re biking in New Zealand

[Largs Saint]

I will be moving from Scotland to Auckland in October. I intend to import my bike too. Looking for information regarding insurance costs. I am an old fart biker (aged 56 and 11/12) that rides a Suzuki 1200 Bandit. Does anyone know the likely insurance costs please? I will have one year's no claims bonus by the time I arrive. Also a licence question, I have held a car licence for forty years but a bike licence for just over a year. As I understand it I will be able to obtain an NZ car licence immediately. In relation to the bike licence, having held it for less than two years it appears I will have to sit a test. Can anyone clarify if that means I will have to sit an on road test only or will I have to pass your equivalent of the Highway Code or driving theory test. Thanks in advance.

[Banditbandit]

I'd expect your insurance to be around $400 to $600 depending ion the company, etc etc ... I pay $800 a year to insure two bandits ...

Not sure about the licence issue - you should be fine if you get an International Driving licence before you come here. Once here you can check out the situation re a New Zealand motorcycle licence ..

[Ulsterkiwi]

Hi, I have a GSX1250FA (Technically Not A Bandit). its a '14 model so a bit newer than your 1200 I am guessing. Its my first full licence bike (larger than 650cc and more than 150kw per tonne), I had one accident two years ago and I pay $60 a month for fully comp insurance on a bike valued at $14000, which included roadside assistance and cover for my helmet and gear. If you check the NZTA website they should be able to tell you definitively about your licence query. If its not there email them, I always found them pretty quick to respond to queries.

[Largs Saint]

Cheers thanks very much for that guys. Ulster Kiwi it is a 1998 Mark1 Bandit (a.k.a) Big Black Beastie. Hard to value as the mark 1 values here seem to be appreciating. I paid the equivalent of $2600 for it. Insurance seem to be more expensive in NZ. I pay the equivalent of $268 here. Although my location is rural which helps the premiums immensely. Are modifications hammered in terms of premiums in NZ? I have a viper race can, Renthal bars and Hagon progressive springs on mine this doubled my initial unmodified insurance quote here!

[Swoop]

Hi there. Contact Dave ay www.kiwibike.co.nz

There are quite a few of us insured by him and he looks after us price-wise and with a great service too! (No, I don't work there either, just recommending a good service when one is discovered!)

[Ulsterkiwi]

Cheers thanks very much for that guys. Ulster Kiwi it is a 1998 Mark1 Bandit (a.k.a) Big Black Beastie. Hard to value as the mark 1 values here seem to be appreciating. I paid the equivalent of $2600 for it. Insurance seem to be more expensive in NZ. I pay the equivalent of $268 here. Although my location is rural which helps the premiums immensely. Are modifications hammered in terms of premiums in NZ? I have a viper race can, Renthal bars and Hagon progressive springs on mine this doubled my initial unmodified insurance quote here!

yep might seem more expensive but premiums will go up depending on the value of the bike remember and like the UK your residential location will have an impact.Given the value of your bike you should pay less then I am paying. You can get cheaper quotes if you ride limited kms in the year but I commute so its not practical to do that. The other thing is an accident will not have such an impact on the next premium as personal injury claims are not the remit of insurance here, just replacing or repairing vehicles. ACC, love it or hate it thats the system here.
An aftermarket can and bars are not to the best of my knowledge something insurers get excited about. Probably best to ask them at the time. Its more likely to be a breach of licence conditions if a learner or restricted licence holder does something to change the power of their machine. Not an issue in your case.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Hi there. Contact Dave ay www.kiwibike.co.nz

There are quite a few of us insured by him and he looks after us price-wise and with a great service too! (No, I don't work there either, just recommending a good service when one is discovered!)

+1 on this

[Big Dog]

If you have had your motorcycle license a year and you spend a year on your international license there's your 2 years.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Gremlin]

An aftermarket can and bars are not to the best of my knowledge something insurers get excited about. Probably best to ask them at the time. Its more likely to be a breach of licence conditions if a learner or restricted licence holder does something to change the power of their machine. Not an issue in your case.
Just important to note the changes, otherwise it's not factored in during a claim. I'm insured via KiwiBike and have a long list of modifications and it's never presented a problem (granted most are not performance related but an exhaust isn't a rare modification)

[jonnyk5614]

Don't believe whatever the website/rules say about converting your license.

My brother converted a UK Learners (not allowed).
I converted a UK Learner bike license I didn't even have! She just took my word.....

So yeah, walk into VTNZ or the AA and see what they will do :)



Re insurance, the AA website online quote says:

What license do you presently hold.
Select NZ Full

Has it been at least 5 years since your NZ Full, NZ Restricted or Overseas licence was first issued?
Yes


Have I lied? Nope - I have passed my overseas license more than 5 years ago. They didn't ask which one :)


I've never had an issue with NZ insurers and they've been peanuts compared to UK premiums.

[mossy1200]

Importing a 1998 bandit. Would say its more cost effective to sell yours and buy another here. 3k pounds will get a good one.

Maybe if your already paying for a container that's not yet full that could be worth it.

[Ifsn8u]

When will your two years be up on your licence? You can use your current licence upto a year here before having to change it. Did this with my partners car licence when we moved back after being in the uk.

Another area to consider bringing your bike over is customs and compliance and registering it on nz roads, they are quite thorough with their checks. specially around chassis condition,rust and brakes and rotors. Seeing your bike is a 98 might want to check those parts before bringing it over. Bit of a cost their if they say you need to replace any parts. I know it's different but we brought our 2004 car back last year and had to replace all 4 brake rotors as they were couple mm outside factory specs. ended up being just over 1.5k including compliance and registration fees.

[Ifsn8u]

[QUOTE=jonnyk5614;1130876389]Don't believe whatever the website/rules say about converting your license.

My brother converted a UK Learners (not allowed).
I converted a UK Learner bike license I didn't even have! She just took my word.....QUOTE]

Dam wish I had thought of trying that last year when I got back.

[jonnyk5614]

[QUOTE=jonnyk5614;1130876389]Don't believe whatever the website/rules say about converting your license.

My brother converted a UK Learners (not allowed).
I converted a UK Learner bike license I didn't even have! She just took my word.....QUOTE]

Dam wish I had thought of trying that last year when I got back.

Should stress, since then I have legitimately passed Restricted and Full CBTA with Phil McDaid!

[Berries]

I will be moving from Scotland to Auckland in October. I intend to import my bike too. Looking for information regarding insurance costs. I am an old fart biker (aged 56 and 11/12) that rides a Suzuki 1200 Bandit. Does anyone know the likely insurance costs please? I will have one year's no claims bonus by the time I arrive. Also a licence question, I have held a car licence for forty years but a bike licence for just over a year. As I understand it I will be able to obtain an NZ car licence immediately. In relation to the bike licence, having held it for less than two years it appears I will have to sit a test. Can anyone clarify if that means I will have to sit an on road test only or will I have to pass your equivalent of the Highway Code or driving theory test. Thanks in advance.
Forget the international licence. Ride here for twelve months on your UK licence then you will meet the two year criteria and can convert without sitting the practical - http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/72/overseas-driver-licences.html. I suspect that when you convert your licence they will transfer the lot anyway and not even ask about the class 6. If you are worried then don't bother converting until you reach the two year mark.

Insurance here is absolute peanuts compared to the UK, I wouldn't even worry about it. I have used Vero for a few years. Never claimed so don't know how good they actually are but worth a quote - https://www.vero.co.nz/

But why would you want to go to the trouble of importing a 15 year old bike to NZ? I know you jocks are tight but bloody hell, it is not going to appreciate that much. And the clocks will be wrong.

[Largs Saint]

Thanks to all for the excellent advice. If I don't have to convert my UK licence for a year that will sort it out I reckon. I will check out the two insurance recommendations given, thanks for that. I wouldn't import the bike on its own as you are correct that would be too costly. It will be coming in a container with the rest of our stuff which makes it viable. I have been looking at Trade Me and I haven't seen many Mk1 bandits for sale. Are they designated GSX in NZ? The only Mark 1 I saw was with the dealer Red Baron and they were asking a huge amount for it. I don't really fancy the later Bandit models as they aren't as visceral or as soulful as a Mk1. Thanks for the info re brake rotors. I fancied going for wavy ones anyway. Apart from that, the bike is sound structurally. As for Jocks being tight, that is a myth propogated by our English neighbours. Most Scots are really generous in my experience. Those from Aberdeen, well they are a different kettle of fish. You won't meet many tighter than a Yorkshire man! ;) Thanks again for all the info and advice.

[Mike.Gayner]

There's always a few bandits around. These should universally be under $4-5k.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&cid=1255&sidebar=1&rptpath=1-26-&39=&40=Suzuki&153=bandit&9=1200&9=0&24=0&24=2000&51=0&51=0&sidebarSearch_keypresses=0&sidebarSearch_suggested=0

[Tazz]

Insurance on your UK licence will potentially be horrendous compared to switching to an NZ one.

[Largs Saint]

Cheers for that. I probably won't be bringing the bike over immediately. It's too long and boring a story to explain why. If the insurance is horrendous on a UK licence then I will convert to car NZ licence immediately and convert the bike one once the two year period is up. My fiancees son is giving us his old Holden. In the mean time I might consider getting a Yamaha Tricity which bizarrely you can ride on a car licence in NZ but not in the UK! Not quite two wheels but when I bring the Bandit over, we will have a two wheeler, three wheeler and four wheeler! Plus my fiancee will be able to ride the three wheeler as well.

Thanks for showing me the Trade Me bandits. I'm not up on NZ geography yet. Were any of those near Auckland? Also a non bike related question. Why do Aucklanders come in for so much abuse? I hear that they are called JAFAs. ;)

[Mike.Gayner]

Weirdly enough none of those are near Auckland. Having said that, pretty much anything in the North Island is riding distance.

Auckland gets a bad rep because no one outside Auckland can fathom why people would want to live there. We are in one of the most wonderful countries in the world, and yet a third of our population insists on cramming themselves into the same ugly shoebox and then whining endlessly that property prices are too high.

[Largs Saint]

Ha ha thanks for that. I and many other Scots feel the same way about London. You are absolutely right about NZ being one of the most wonderful countries in the world. I was in NZ for only two days and I knew that I had to move there. I've only managed to see Auckland, Paihia, Hamilton and Rotorua so far on holiday. All great in their own ways. Only 3.5 months to go!

[jonnyk5614]

Cheers for that. I probably won't be bringing the bike over immediately. It's too long and boring a story to explain why. If the insurance is horrendous on a UK licence then I will convert to car NZ licence immediately and convert the bike one once the two year period is up. My fiancees son is giving us his old Holden. In the mean time I might consider getting a Yamaha Tricity which bizarrely you can ride on a car licence in NZ but not in the UK! Not quite two wheels but when I bring the Bandit over, we will have a two wheeler, three wheeler and four wheeler! Plus my fiancee will be able to ride the three wheeler as well.

Thanks for showing me the Trade Me bandits. I'm not up on NZ geography yet. Were any of those near Auckland? Also a non bike related question. Why do Aucklanders come in for so much abuse? I hear that they are called JAFAs. ;)

Seriously - insurance is cheap here.

My UK insurance was $1300 on a 1.3l car. When I arrived in NZ, I paid $70 on a 2.5l car. I asked if that was the monthly price!!!!

Also, many insurance companies ask how many years "experience" you have riding bikes.
I declared 18 months on a 1000cc GSXR parked, unsecured, in Auckland city.
$500 fully comp.

We are a land of immigrants. When I arrived, the AA asked what license I had. They then asked how long - "one month". The didn't like that until I said "but I've had a UK license 4 years". Then they went, "Oh - that is fine. We mean how long since you started driving".

Stick your bike in the container, convert your license (if you have to do a theory test, so be it - if you can't pass it you probably shouldn't be on the road) and hit the road :D

[Largs Saint]

Good to know Johnny K . Thanks again.

[jonnyk5614]

Good to know Johnny K . Thanks again.

Also, unlike the UK, you don't surrender your license to convert it. They'll take a photocopy and hand it back.

Bring your counterpart though - someone probably hasn't told them that it isn't a thing any more yet!

[pritch]

I have used Vero for a few years. Never claimed so don't know how good they actually are but worth a quote -


I had my (then new) VFR insured with Vero through the Honda Riders Club when I threw it into a ditch. Vero were brilliant they replaced everything that was damaged, nothing was repaired. The boss of the local Honda shop said he was used to having to snarl and fight to get anything out of an insurance company, but Vero phoned and asked if the customer was happy - which was very different.

Don't know if they are always like that but my experience with them was excellent.

I always feel we should ask the Christchurch people for advice re insurance companies, they know who is good and who is not.

[jonnyk5614]

I had my (then new) VFR insured with Vero through the Honda Riders Club when I threw it into a ditch. Vero were brilliant they replaced everything that was damaged, nothing was repaired. The boss of the local Honda shop said he was used to having to snarl and fight to get anything out of an insurance company, but Vero phoned and asked if the customer was happy - which was very different.

Don't know if they are always like that but my experience with them was excellent.

I always feel we should ask the Christchurch people for advice re insurance companies, they know who is good and who is not.

I had to claim with Vero for a pushbike that was chained to a bus stop in a storm. The lock held firm while the bus stop blew into the road bending the frame!

They were perfect :)

[scumdog]

Good to know Johnny K . Thanks again.


Welcome to this site, you can get good advice from SOME members!:yes:

Oh, and the old man grew up in West Kilbride.

[Largs Saint]

Thanks again Johnny K, Pritch and Scumdog. I've had some excellent advice from the members here. I'll make sure to bring both parts of my licence. Sounds like Vero and Kiwibiker Insurance are both good. Scumdog so your old man is from just down the road. Nice place West Kilbride. Another good part of the Scottish Riviera:D Just a shame it rains so much :-(

[Wayne N]

................ As for Jocks being tight, that is a myth propogated by our English neighbours. Most Scots are really generous in my experience. Those from Aberdeen, well they are a different kettle of fish. You won't meet many tighter than a Yorkshire man! ;) Thanks again for all the info and advice.

I won't propagate the myth but ..... being a good scot I'm sure you ensured you got good value when booking a container ;-) I'm thinking of moving back to NZ in the next year or so and will probably need a container. Did you find any companies better than the other? and if you don't mind me asking, what sort of price were being quoted?

Good luck with the move. I'm sure you will enjoy NZ

Wayne
PS: sorry for hijacking the thread ....

[Largs Saint]

Hi Wayne we haven't compared quotes yet. We have only considered Anglo Pacific mainly because they ship from Glasgow. When I come out initially I won't be bringing a container because we haven't sold our house yet. Bit of a nightmare. This means we will stay in NZ for seven months and then back to UK for five or until the house sells. The effects of the actions of the U.K wanker bankers and the consequences of what they did in 2008 are still being felt today in terms of selling property. The value of our property has halved in those seven years and it still isn't selling. Anyway enough of my woes this thread that I found might help you.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/cost-experiences-shipping-uk-nz-823374/

[Wayne N]

Hi Wayne we haven't compared quotes yet. We have only considered Anglo Pacific mainly because they ship from Glasgow. When I come out initially I won't be bringing a container because we haven't sold our house yet. Bit of a nightmare. This means we will stay in NZ for seven months and then back to UK for five or until the house sells. The effects of the actions of the U.K wanker bankers and the consequences of what they did in 2008 are still being felt today in terms of selling property. The value of our property has halved in those seven years and it still isn't selling. Anyway enough of my woes this thread that I found might help you.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/cost-experiences-shipping-uk-nz-823374/

I feel for you! it is crap unless you live in the south east of England. I've been there before (selling) and you seem to have to go through the despair of not not selling and then all of a sudden one day someone turns up and it is sold. I sincerely hope that it works out OK for you. I doubt that you will regret the move!

Thanks for the link, I'll go through the posts. We have 3 bikes here but I doubt I'll bring all 3 back to NZ. Probably just my GSA. I'm half tempted to ride it back but have this uneasy feeling about the reliability. BMW are not as reliable as they like to make out!

[Largs Saint]

Cheers Wayne. Like the sound of riding the bike to NZ. True about BMW's though, I know a guy with a GS still in warranty and it has been back to the dealers loads of time. The latest being problems with the active suspension. Not a fan of these new fangled electronics. Pretty sure that the lovely perma-rain we get in Scotland plays havoc with them.

[Wayne N]

Cheers Wayne. Like the sound of riding the bike to NZ. True about BMW's though, I know a guy with a GS still in warranty and it has been back to the dealers loads of time. The latest being problems with the active suspension. Not a fan of these new fangled electronics. Pretty sure that the lovely perma-rain we get in Scotland plays havoc with them.

LOL .... way off topic here but indulge me. I've had GS's for quite a few years. I have to admit that my latest one hasn't let me down yet but it is only a year old with 9,000 miles. Almost without exception all the previous ones have required BMW assistance at some point in their lives :-( They are big and heavy and probably too much for NZ but then, they are comfortable and great if it is two-up touring. It is probably a year off before I can seriously move back so I have a while to decide. I was back in NZ in the past couple of months and the BMW dealer in Wellington quoted me $NZ 45K as replacement price <gulp> !!!! Bet they don't sell that many .....

The little Suzuki V-Strom I also have would probably be a better bike for the ride to NZ (just not two-up!)

[Largs Saint]

LOL .... way off topic here but indulge me. I've had GS's for quite a few years. I have to admit that my latest one hasn't let me down yet but it is only a year old with 9,000 miles. Almost without exception all the previous ones have required BMW assistance at some point in their lives :-( They are big and heavy and probably too much for NZ but then, they are comfortable and great if it is two-up touring. It is probably a year off before I can seriously move back so I have a while to decide. I was back in NZ in the past couple of months and the BMW dealer in Wellington quoted me $NZ 45K as replacement price <gulp> !!!! Bet they don't sell that many .....

The little Suzuki V-Strom I also have would probably be a better bike for the ride to NZ (just not two-up!)

Bike magazine ran a series on taking a V-Strom from England to its birthplace at the Suzuki factory in Japan was the V-Strom 1000. Is yours the 650?

[Wayne N]

Bike magazine ran a series on taking a V-Strom from England to its birthplace at the Suzuki factory in Japan was the V-Strom 1000. Is yours the 650?

Yeah, Mine is the 650. I brought it last year for commuting from Liverpool to Manchester so I would save wear and tear on the BM. I really like it, it is nice and light and perfect for around town. It is cheap too, cost me less than a 1/3rd of the BMW and yet does 90% of what the BMW can do. It has a smoother gearbox as well :yes:

[jonnyk5614]

Just as aside, when we moved out I looked into bringing my car.

Shipping containers can go door to door unopened. MAF will inspect it at your house for you.

If there is a vehicle inside though, the container must be unpacked at the port.

[Swoop]

Also a non bike related question. Why do Aucklanders come in for so much abuse? I hear that they are called JAFAs. ;)

Auckland is the powerhouse of the country with most of the companies located or re-locating to the industrial areas of the city. Aucklanders would probably admit that we would prefer big companies to be located in areas away from us, to ease up on everything (congestion, housing demands, labour availability, etc) but scales of economy don't help.
Smaller town people like to hate "Jafa's" due to every small reason they can think up, and then have to give their town a nickname which has "Vegas" tagged on to it to make it sound "bright lights! exciting" when it really has one traffic light... IF they are lucky. The sole exception is Rotorua "RotoVegas!" which deserves the title since they thought it up.

There. Plenty to get the townsfolk of KB suitably enraged and heading off to get their pitchforks and burning torches...

[Maha]

I hear that they are called JAFA. ;)

JAFA = Jewish Army Forgives Akzle

[jonnyk5614]

Auckland is the powerhouse of the country with most of the companies located or re-locating to the industrial areas of the city. Aucklanders would probably admit that we would prefer big companies to be located in areas away from us, to ease up on everything (congestion, housing demands, labour availability, etc) but scales of economy don't help.
Smaller town people like to hate "Jafa's" due to every small reason they can think up, and then have to give their town a nickname which has "Vegas" tagged on to it to make it sound "bright lights! exciting" when it really has one traffic light... IF they are lucky. The sole exception is Rotorua "RotoVegas!" which deserves the title since they thought it up.

There. Plenty to get the townsfolk of KB suitably enraged and heading off to get their pitchforks and burning torches...

Why do people hate London?

Same thing :D

[george formby]

Howzit OP? If your moving to Auks have you got house sorted? They are ridiculously expensive compared to the rest of the country. Mind you, there is a bloke on the North Shore who puts together a fine haggis.

I recently imported a bike and it was a bloody nightmare. Not so much at this end but the logistics company were horrendous. It took 9 months & finally turned up strapped to a pallet and wrapped in bubble wrap & cling film! Keys had vanished so had an exhaust sent with it. Customs, MPI and the freight handlers at this end were very helpful and reasonably efficient.

I will start the process of getting it road registered soon, a whole new ball game.

[Moi]

... Why do Aucklanders come in for so much abuse? I hear that they are called JAFAs. ;)

JAFA = just another fantastic Aucklander... :bleh:

Also, this (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11472525) might help

[98tls]

Ha ha thanks for that. I and many other Scots feel the same way about London. You are absolutely right about NZ being one of the most wonderful countries in the world. I was in NZ for only two days and I knew that I had to move there. I've only managed to see Auckland, Paihia, Hamilton and Rotorua so far on holiday. All great in their own ways. Only 3.5 months to go!Dont get to settled up there eh,when the bike turns up pack her indoors and some gear and head South...chances are you wont want to go back across the ditch.Whatever happens a welcome to you...enjoy.

[Berries]

Ha ha thanks for that. I and many other Scots feel the same way about London.


Why do people hate London?

Same thing :D
Not quite. There's a bit of history between England and Scotland so the way those tartan gingery Scotch people feel is somewhat understandable. As an Englishman who lived in Aberdeen when Braveheart came out I can vouch for the strength of that feeling.

The hate hate relationship with Auckland is nothing like as serious. In fact is it mildly amusing when they come back with words like powerhouse and heart of the economy, or should I say �电厂 and
的心� �济 for the locals.

Seriously though, if you want to live in a big shitty city with all the life draining crap that goes with it then there are places all over the world that fit the bill. If you come to NZ you have to head out of the metropolis and see what else there is, it's a fucking great place.

[98tls]

Not quite. There's a bit of history between England and Scotland so the way those tartan gingery Scotch people feel is somewhat understandable. As an Englishman who lived in Aberdeen when Braveheart came out I can vouch for the strength of that feeling.

The hate hate relationship with Auckland is nothing like as serious. In fact is it mildly amusing when they come back with words like powerhouse and heart of the economy, or should I say �电厂 and
的心� �济 for the locals.

Seriously though, if you want to live in a big shitty city with all the life draining crap that goes with it then there are places all over the world that fit the bill. If you come to NZ you have to head out of the metropolis and see what else there is, it's a fucking great place.

Nicely put B,push comes to shove if he gets homesick he can always spend some time in Dunners which in turn will remind him why he left.:whistle:

[Berries]

I find it difficult to respond to that post without using all of the four letter words that I have at my disposal. Lets just say that after seven years in Aberdeen I came to NZ to get away from all that shit and thought, you know, the other side of the world might be far enough. Little did I know that I would end up in a town that is more Scottish than anywhere in Scotland and be living next door to some fucking wanker who played the fucking pipes, if played can ever be the correct word. Fuckers should explode when they cross the equator.





At least we have better weather.

:thud:

[Kornholio]

I will be moving from Scotland to Auckland in October. I intend to import my bike too. Looking for information regarding insurance costs. I am an old fart biker (aged 56 and 11/12) that rides a Suzuki 1200 Bandit. Does anyone know the likely insurance costs please? I will have one year's no claims bonus by the time I arrive. Also a licence question, I have held a car licence for forty years but a bike licence for just over a year. As I understand it I will be able to obtain an NZ car licence immediately. In relation to the bike licence, having held it for less than two years it appears I will have to sit a test. Can anyone clarify if that means I will have to sit an on road test only or will I have to pass your equivalent of the Highway Code or driving theory test. Thanks in advance.

For god sakes if you see another bike on the road don't forget to wave :buggerd:

[Largs Saint]

Just as aside, when we moved out I looked into bringing my car.

Shipping containers can go door to door unopened. MAF will inspect it at your house for you.

If there is a vehicle inside though, the container must be unpacked at the port.


That sounds a right pain in the arse Johnny. Might change my mind and flog the Bandit here and buy one in NZ (with the right clocks):no:. Although it would be difficult as I have an irrational, emotional attachment to the bike. Excuse the ignorance but what or who is MAF?

[Largs Saint]

Auckland is the powerhouse of the country with most of the companies located or re-locating to the industrial areas of the city. Aucklanders would probably admit that we would prefer big companies to be located in areas away from us, to ease up on everything (congestion, housing demands, labour availability, etc) but scales of economy don't help.
Smaller town people like to hate "Jafa's" due to every small reason they can think up, and then have to give their town a nickname which has "Vegas" tagged on to it to make it sound "bright lights! exciting" when it really has one traffic light... IF they are lucky. The sole exception is Rotorua "RotoVegas!" which deserves the title since they thought it up.

There. Plenty to get the townsfolk of KB suitably enraged and heading off to get their pitchforks and burning torches...

We will have to start off in Auckland. Wouldn't be averse at all to moving further afield though. Enjoyed RotoVegas when I visited last. A lot of Scottish people outside of Glasgow have a dislike and distrust of Glaswegians or "weegies" as they call them.

[Largs Saint]

Howzit OP? If your moving to Auks have you got house sorted? They are ridiculously expensive compared to the rest of the country. Mind you, there is a bloke on the North Shore who puts together a fine haggis.

I recently imported a bike and it was a bloody nightmare. Not so much at this end but the logistics company were horrendous. It took 9 months & finally turned up strapped to a pallet and wrapped in bubble wrap & cling film! Keys had vanished so had an exhaust sent with it. Customs, MPI and the freight handlers at this end were very helpful and reasonably efficient.

I will start the process of getting it road registered soon, a whole new ball game.

I'm good thanks George. How are you doing? Good to know that I can still get some haggis in N.Z. Nothing like some sheep's brains to fill you up. The more I hear from you guys about importing, the more I am thinking I won't bother! Which logistics company did you use please?

[Largs Saint]

Dont get to settled up there eh,when the bike turns up pack her indoors and some gear and head South...chances are you wont want to go back across the ditch.Whatever happens a welcome to you...enjoy.

Would be very tempted to move as previously mentioned the house prices in Auckland are crazy high. Problem is that I am a step granddad to a lovely little Kiwi girl that stays in Auckland. She would miss me loads if I moved away. :hug: Looking forward to spending some time touring. We haven't been to South Island yet. I hear it is stunning. Thanks very much for the welcome. I'm really looking forward to coming over. :)

[Largs Saint]

Not quite. There's a bit of history between England and Scotland so the way those tartan gingery Scotch people feel is somewhat understandable. As an Englishman who lived in Aberdeen when Braveheart came out I can vouch for the strength of that feeling.

The hate hate relationship with Auckland is nothing like as serious. In fact is it mildly amusing when they come back with words like powerhouse and heart of the economy, or should I say �电厂 and
的心� �济 for the locals.

Seriously though, if you want to live in a big shitty city with all the life draining crap that goes with it then there are places all over the world that fit the bill. If you come to NZ you have to head out of the metropolis and see what else there is, it's a fucking great place.

I think nowadays the dislike Scottish people have is of the politics of Westminster not England in general. People from Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow have more similarities than differences in my opinion. The anti Westminster thing would seem to be a reasonable explanation for Scotland voting no to independence but then throwing out every Westminster party at the UK general elections. So loads of no to independence voters must have voted for the Scottish National Party at the general election. That's a shame that you had to live in Aberdeen. Wild horses couldn't drag me there to live. It's permanently bloody freezing and they really don't like west coasters up there. They also fit the Scottish stereotype of being mean and miserable with money. Also from the little that I have seen of it, I do agree New Zealand is a great place.

[Largs Saint]

Nicely put B,push comes to shove if he gets homesick he can always spend some time in Dunners which in turn will remind him why he left.:whistle:

:laugh: I've heard that. Won't be in a hurry to go there. Anywhere that reminds me of Edinburgh will have me running a mile. Just recently found out the Dunedin is actually Scots Gaelic for Edinburgh.

[Largs Saint]

:lol:
I find it difficult to respond to that post without using all of the four letter words that I have at my disposal. Lets just say that after seven years in Aberdeen I came to NZ to get away from all that shit and thought, you know, the other side of the world might be far enough. Little did I know that I would end up in a town that is more Scottish than anywhere in Scotland and be living next door to some fucking wanker who played the fucking pipes, if played can ever be the correct word. Fuckers should explode when they cross the equator.





At least we have better weather.

:thud:
:laugh: As we say in Scotland Berries, nae fooking luck.

[Largs Saint]

For god sakes if you see another bike on the road don't forget to wave :buggerd:

I always do:2thumbsup

[rastuscat]

Lang may yer lum reek

[Largs Saint]

Lang may yer lum reek

Cheers rastuscat. Lang may yours reek too. Am I correct in assuming that you are a Scot too?

[Banditbandit]

Cheers thanks very much for that guys. Ulster Kiwi it is a 1998 Mark1 Bandit (a.k.a) Big Black Beastie. Hard to value as the mark 1 values here seem to be appreciating. I paid the equivalent of $2600 for it. Insurance seem to be more expensive in NZ. I pay the equivalent of $268 here. Although my location is rural which helps the premiums immensely. Are modifications hammered in terms of premiums in NZ? I have a viper race can, Renthal bars and Hagon progressive springs on mine this doubled my initial unmodified insurance quote here!

I don't know if anyone's told you (can't be fucked reading it all) - Insurance is NOT compulsory in Godzone ... but at least 3rd party insurance is a good idea.

It depends on the company how they react to mods - and those are minor - my company (John Baker) would not even blink.


Importing a 1998 bandit. Would say its more cost effective to sell yours and buy another here. 3k pounds will get a good one.

Maybe if your already paying for a container that's not yet full that could be worth it.

True - but then I have a huge emotional attachment to my bikes so I would want to take them with me ..

[Banditbandit]

I find it difficult to respond to that post without using all of the four letter words that I have at my disposal. Lets just say that after seven years in Aberdeen I came to NZ to get away from all that shit and thought, you know, the other side of the world might be far enough. Little did I know that I would end up in a town that is more Scottish than anywhere in Scotland and be living next door to some fucking wanker who played the fucking pipes, if played can ever be the correct word. Fuckers should explode when they cross the equator.





At least we have better weather.

:thud:

:rofl: Apparently there are more pipe bands in NZ than in Scotland ..

[240]

Welcome over mate but if your going to Auckland you better buy an umbrella!!

[Paul in NZ]

:rofl: Apparently there are more pipe bands in NZ than in Scotland ..

Even more if you count P pipes...

[Big Dog]

Would be very tempted to move as previously mentioned the house prices in Auckland are crazy high. Problem is that I am a step granddad to a lovely little Kiwi girl that stays in Auckland. She would miss me loads if I moved away. :hug: Looking forward to spending some time touring. We haven't been to South Island yet. I hear it is stunning. Thanks very much for the welcome. I'm really looking forward to coming over. :)
Sounds like a great reason to live in the waikato or bay of plenty and go for a weekly ride to akl.
Still central enough then to explore the north island regularly and south island not far away.

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[Moi]

Sounds like a great reason to live in the waikato or bay of plenty and go for a weekly ride to akl.
Still central enough then to explore the north island regularly and south island not far away.

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+1 - the man speaks a great deal of sense...

Auckland house prices are not crazy, just insane...

[98tls]

That sounds a right pain in the arse Johnny. Might change my mind and flog the Bandit here and buy one in NZ (with the right clocks):no:. Although it would be difficult as I have an irrational, emotional attachment to the bike. Excuse the ignorance but what or who is MAF?

Glad to see someone else with such attachments to a motorcycle my problems an old TL 1000.MAF....https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDIQFjAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMinist ry_of_Agriculture_and_Forestry_(New_Zealand)&ei=qiSSVbSkBaHRmAXG5rrgBA&usg=AFQjCNEF7VFltnjkXjUp6dnzlYXt9Dkfpw&bvm=bv.96783405,d.dGY

[98tls]

I find it difficult to respond to that post without using all of the four letter words that I have at my disposal. Lets just say that after seven years in Aberdeen I came to NZ to get away from all that shit and thought, you know, the other side of the world might be far enough. Little did I know that I would end up in a town that is more Scottish than anywhere in Scotland and be living next door to some fucking wanker who played the fucking pipes, if played can ever be the correct word. Fuckers should explode when they cross the equator.





At least we have better weather.

:thud:

:clap::clap:Mate you have no idea how much i laughed,nice work.

[Big Dog]

+1 - the man speaks a great deal of sense...

Auckland house prices are not crazy, just insane...
I can't afford to live in Auckland. I can afford commute to suckled. Bought a house in tuakau for about the same as a parking space goes for in the cbd.

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[aws]

Most of those who wax lyrical about how horrid a place Auckland is have never even been to the place.

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[Largs Saint]

Glad to see someone else with such attachments to a motorcycle my problems an old TL 1000.MAF....https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDIQFjAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMinist ry_of_Agriculture_and_Forestry_(New_Zealand)&ei=qiSSVbSkBaHRmAXG5rrgBA&usg=AFQjCNEF7VFltnjkXjUp6dnzlYXt9Dkfpw&bvm=bv.96783405,d.dGY

Thanks Slapper so those are the guys that make sure the bike is uber clean or charge you for them to clean it?

[george formby]

Thanks Slapper so those are the guys that make sure the bike is uber clean or charge you for them to clean it?

MAF has re alphabetted and is now MPI (http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/other/). I had my bike inspected by MPI, Customs and, I think, LTSA at Tappers bonded warehouse in Onehunga. That's where the freight is held until it is cleared. The inspections were arranged by the NZ agents, Hemisphere freight, they could not have been more helpful. Mind you, for $600 they should be. Inspections were extra, about $180 IIRC.
Do not wear jandals at the freight depot or they will not allow you into the loading area, put your brogues on. And don't flush your underpants down the portaloo, the girls in the office get very upset at the smell.

Customs info (http://www.customs.govt.nz/news/resources/factsheets/Documents/Fact%20Sheet%2029.pdf)

I ended up calling both MPI and Customs to clarify issues and the freight co filled in a couple of gaps, too. Let me know what forms etc I needed if you get confuzzled.

[george formby]

Most of those who wax lyrical about how horrid a place Auckland is have never even been to the place.

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Auckland is not to bad if your on the inside looking out... :laugh: Must admit that when i first washed up here I thought Auckland was the mutts nuts, beaches, surfing, fishing, sunshine:shit:, yet to find a decent curry, though. Then I realised NZ is not about cities.

[Mike.Gayner]

Most of those who wax lyrical about how horrid a place Auckland is have never even been to the place.

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Untrue, I've spent a lot of time there and I fucking hate the place.

[aws]

Untrue, I've spent a lot of time there and I fucking hate the place.
Good for you. But I can hardly be expected to retract my suggestion that "most" haven't on the basis of one (or even a few) exceptions. [emoji6]

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[98tls]

The more people settle in Auckland the better i say.:niceone:

[Berries]

Good for you. But I can hardly be expected to retract my suggestion that "most" haven't on the basis of one (or even a few) exceptions. [emoji6]

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Oh well, if you are counting you can add me in as one who has and one who does.




Sent from my elephantine big bronze duck shaped roger jolly.

[jonnyk5614]

That sounds a right pain in the arse Johnny. Might change my mind and flog the Bandit here and buy one in NZ (with the right clocks):no:. Although it would be difficult as I have an irrational, emotional attachment to the bike. Excuse the ignorance but what or who is MAF?

They are the soil/food/bugs hitlers you see on the TV and the ones that manage to take longer to get through at the airport than Immigration and customs combined!!!

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (they might be MPI now but everyone knows who you mean by MAF).


In terms of no car, the 40ft container went straight to our house where it was greeted by the MAF guy who hung around (for a fee of course) and inspected what he wanted to see. He'd already looked through the manifest and knew the box numbers for his stuff (tents, garden tools, etc.).

Some baskets got taken away and fumigated (for $60 or something) but other than that, all sweet.


Customs wasn't a problem - new immigrants are exempt from pretty much any charges - alcohol is a pain paperwork wise. We simply drank out 20 years of collected French wine before we left!

[Largs Saint]

Big Dog's idea about buying in Tuakau makes a lot of sense just checked out the house prices. Much, much cheaper! Saw a nice bandit 1250 on Trade Me. I think it probably would make more sense to buy in NZ. Thanks for the info re MAF/MPI. I read about the Ulysees MCC does anyone know much about them? I believe that they are for old fart bikers like me.

[Big Dog]

Big Dog's idea about buying in Tuakau makes a lot of sense just checked out the house prices. Much, much cheaper! Saw a nice bandit 1250 on Trade Me. I think it probably would make more sense to buy in NZ. Thanks for the info re MAF/MPI. I read about the Ulysees MCC does anyone know much about them? I believe that they are for old fart bikers like me.
Be careful where. Avoid cherry grove and lili Ave. Be prepared to spend money on insulation for anything built before the 90s.

The worst areas in tuakau are still less hazardous than the average areas in akl.
Prices should rise when the new dairy plant in pokeno goes on line.

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[Largs Saint]

Thanks for the very helpful info Big Dog.

[Largs Saint]

Welcome over mate but if your going to Auckland you better buy an umbrella!!


I just checked the yearly rainfall averages for Glasgow and Auckland. The worst month for rainfall in Auckland is roughly the same as Glasgow's best month for rainfall. In January it rains on average for 25 days of the month and most of the other months aren't much better.

Glasgow rainfall.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

mm 130 90 120 50 60 70 70 60 80 110 100 120
Days 25 22 23 22 19 20 21 21 20 24 24 22


Consequently, we don't go out as much as you guys. :cold:

Table goes a bit wonky when I hit submit but you get the idea.

[aws]

At least you can ride all year in Auckland if you're prepared to put the wet weathers on.

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[aws]

At least you can ride all year in Auckland if you're prepared to put the wet weathers on.

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To be fair - you need the wet weathers pretty much any time of year!

[Largs Saint]

To be fair - you need the wet weathers pretty much any time of year!

Bit of wet won't stop me. When I was young and daft I used to ride in snow and ice. Moto-Skiing I called it. :wacko:

[aws]

You won't find any of that here - he says as he gazes out the window at a lawn of white, on this fine frosty morning.

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[george formby]

Bit of wet won't stop me. When I was young and daft I used to ride in snow and ice. Moto-Skiing I called it. :wacko:

:cold:Ditto. Commuted on a bike for 12 years in Grampian, all year round. Has taken it's toll, though. I have white finger now, killed a few nerves apparently. I don't miss skittering across the frozen ruts of slush or bouncing off the road side snow banks. I must have been nuts!

[Largs Saint]

:cold:Ditto. Commuted on a bike for 12 years in Grampian, all year round. Has taken it's toll, though. I have white finger now, killed a few nerves apparently. I don't miss skittering across the frozen ruts of slush or bouncing off the road side snow banks. I must have been nuts!

Co-incidentally it was riding in the Grampian area I was thinking about. I was in Lossiemouth for three months during the worst winter I can recall. Prior to going there I had plans to ride to Aberdeen, Wick, and various other places. The average temperature during the period was -20F. So the furthest I got was Elgin (5 miles away). As I got off the bike at the end of the ride, I fell over as my knees had locked solid with the cold. :Oops:

[george formby]

Co-incidentally it was riding in the Grampian area I was thinking about. I was in Lossiemouth for three months during the worst winter I can recall. Prior to going there I had plans to ride to Aberdeen, Wick, and various other places. The average temperature during the period was -20F. So the furthest I got was Elgin (5 miles away). As I got off the bike at the end of the ride, I fell over as my knees had locked solid with the cold. :Oops:

:yes: Yeah, when it was really cold, after my 45 mile night time commute, I would lean the bike against the wall and toot the horn so my G/F could help me off the bike otherwise I just fell over with bike on top of me. No feeling whatsoever below the Trossachs.
Might have been the same winter it reached a maximum of -18c in Inverurie during a week long cold snap IIRC

[Largs Saint]

:yes: Yeah, when it was really cold, after my 45 mile night time commute, I would lean the bike against the wall and toot the horn so my G/F could help me off the bike otherwise I just fell over with bike on top of me. No feeling whatsoever below the Trossachs.
Might have been the same winter it reached a maximum of -18c in Inverurie during a week long cold snap IIRC

It was Jan-March 1984. People stuck up the Lecht, getting dragged off trains that were stuck to save them dying from hypothermia. It was mental!

It was -20c not -20f

Top ten coldest recorded temperatures in the UK
This lists the lowest temperatures recorded in separate cold spells since 1961.

Date Station Area Temperature
1 10 January 1982 Braemar East Scotland -27.2 °C
1 30 December 1995 Altnaharra No 2 North Scotland -27.2 °C
3 13 December 1981 Shawbury Midlands -25.2 °C
4 13 January 1979 Carnwath West Scotland -24.6 °C
5 20 January 1984 Grantown-On-Spey East Scotland -23.6 °C
6 27 January 1985 Lagganlia North Scotland -23.4 °C
7 13 January 1987 Caldecott P Sta Midlands -23.3 °C
8 08 January 2010 Altnaharra No 2 North Scotland -22.3 °C
9 18 February 1960 Grantown-On-Spey East Scotland -22.2 °C
9 30 December 1961 Cannich North Scotland -22.2 °C
9 18 January 1963 Braemar East Scotland -22.2 °C

[george formby]

That could have been the year we got stuck on the Drummochter Pass heading for a ski trip! They closed the gates because of drifting. People were rescued from their vehicles by snow cats. I spent the night sleeping on top of someones chest freezer. T'was unbelievable. Took some photos the next day. One of them showed the top 6 inches of a telegraph pole poking out of the snow.
We all got out by snow plough train. Huge big blade higher than the engine on the front. You could hear it smashing into drifts, reversing, and having another go as it came up the pass. Just huge booms in the distance, slowly getting louder. Bloody eerie.

I'm sure you will love it here. It was 3c last night and we had a frost!:cold:

[Largs Saint]

That's the deed done. Bought my first N.Z. bike. Got insured through Kiwibiker on my U.K. licence no worries. They were a delight to deal with. Can't believe how cheap the bike insurance is here compared to the U.K. I suppose it makes up for the high Rego costs. Looking forward very much to riding in N.Z., and leaving the shitty Scottish summer we have just had behind.

[Big Dog]

Spend more time riding and less time crashing and that equation becomes more attractive.

If your bike spends to much time in the shed that equation sucks.

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