Motorcycle Event - Imagine

[rastuscat]

Okay, so I’m involved in helping to organise a motorcycle event.

At yesterdays meeting, we all decided to seek the views of four riders we each know as to what would attract them to go to a motorcycle event.

There are a couple of different formats.

One is a 2 – 3 hour event (morning or evening) with talks by various industry people. Who would you be keen to hear from? Keen enough to give up a couple of hours to go and see.

The other is a bike fest sort of thing. A one day event, which people can come along to for free to see the motorcycle things that interest them. We think we have a format in mind, but we would like to hear what it is that would attract more people to come to our events.

I’m kind of opening myself to some random ideas, I know, but any that can fit with us will be gratefully received. Suggest away.

And no, bikini bike wash is off the table.

[gsxr]

Topless bike wash then ?????

[jim.cox]

Bikini Bike Wash gets my vote

Sorry not at all interested in either of your 'real' options

Actually just a free bike wash would work for me...

[rastuscat]

Topless bike wash then ?????

I'll consider this. But given the people I work with, not so much.

[rastuscat]

Bikini Bike Wash gets my vote

Sorry not at all interested in either of your 'real' options

Actually just a free bike wash would work for me...

What would interest you? Like, if we get a MotoGP bike and Marc Marquez, would that do it?

Not saying it's gonna happen, but surely there must be something that you'd get out of bed for.

[Laava]

Be interesting to hear from someone involved in the manufacture process of electric motorcycles. A boffin, not a salesman.

[jim.cox]

What would interest you? Like, if we get a MotoGP bike and Marc Marquez, would that do it?

Not saying it's gonna happen, but surely there must be something that you'd get out of bed for.

A MotoGP round at Ruapuna? I'd go for that.

In real life I'm the most anti-social bastard around. Severe introvert, agoraphobic and not into 'events' big or small.

However I love to ride.

So it you REALLY want to spin my wheels, lead me down a great road I haven't ridden before.

But I'm also lazy and my bike DOES need a wash :)

[RDJ]

Only FYI OP: I looked at (and researched very carefully) organizing a local m/c event over the holidays.

The ChiVi surveillance requirements imposed by the Medical Bureaucrats and liable To Be Enforced by the Blue Gang, are numerous and potentially very onerous indeed.

The proceeds were for charity. Made five-eighths of fuggall difference to what I had to organize in terms of contract tracing and what I had to accept in terms of my personal, individual liability. You may argue that the end result does not matter in terms of risk. Then, FYYFF.

In the end I decided that given the hourly rate for my effort required and the additional stress, not to mention the possibility that the Princess of the Pestilence through her avatar Sir Bloomfield could nix all the work the volunteers I have recruited would have done and with no notice if TPTB freaked out about sudden community transmission of this year's (Nasty but Not Historically The Worst Ever) flu - I'd just be smarter to write the charity a personal cheque, from me as well as the 2 sponsors I had lined up.

So, the three of us, we've done that.

F*** you and the horses you rode into town on, you Wellington / MOH invertebrate bureaucrats.

[Gremlin]

The problem is, herding motorcyclists are like cats. Real individualists with different drivers (some even ride Harleys).

You have the cruisers, strong sense of belonging, enjoying their rides within their group, poker rides etc. Some attachment to events/other groups, if you get their interest then you'll get a reasonable turn out, thinking the likes of BACA etc that attend the NZ Motorcycle Show. This is partly self serving of course because they're there to raise publicity of their own cause.

Sportbikers would love a trackday - obviously, as they go to them already. A lot would be interested in specialised talks like suspension. Less likely to ride to a show, as that's all town, no fun in that.

Clubs will generally stick to their own, RATS etc, but can also be similar to cruisers.

Classics lovers are old and curmudgeonly, good luck converting them to new ideas (like fuel injection)

Commuters are generally only in it for the cheap commuting, unless it draws them into another group (sportsbikes etc).

Adventure riders are happiest in mud or sand (retards), none of that in the city. Some will have specific interests in suspension etc. They'd benefit most from a bike wash (gear wash as well).

Where was I? Oh yeah, you're talking the difference between the talk series and whole day events. Talks will always have a smaller turn out, often on week day evenings which rule some out. You have to be more both feet in for a weekend event, whole day, more resources, more people etc. If budget is a driving factor, you're best looking at existing events and latching on if values align.

Personally, I get my information from the internet, don't generally need to see anyone or attend events. Normally do it to support an organisation working on publicity for itself, like IAM.

[Dean]

I can offer my services as group leader.

(Speaking/chairman).

My Bike Fest Top Tips:

- Craft beer and wine tasting booth (promote drinking responsibly).
- Good food stands (gourmet meat/roast type stands, they come for free if you provide the numbers)

Good food and piss - simple yet effective, if it ain’t broke...

[RDJ]

Gremlin: agreed. But what I am / was looking at was entirely non-denominational :-) - and more oriented towards the schizophrenic combo of younger sports-bike riders and older classic-bike riders, than to cruiser-bike riders; even though I belong age- and bike-wise (trike-wise) to the latter demographic. My point was and is that TPTB are currently entirely hostile to gatherings.

[Berries]

I can't think of a single industry person I would want to listen to other than some of the old guys I already know who would talk for ages for a cup of tea and a biscuit anyway. And Dean, obviously.

I thought I might be interested in hearing from some famous racers from days gone by but in the end even if you dug up Barry Sheene I am not sure I could be arsed going to a venue to sit with a load of smelly bearded bikers to listen him. Like Gremlin said, the internet has all this anyway.

If a bike fest was local and had the specific 2021 model I was interested in I might go but then that is what bike shops are for. I don't imagine for one second it could or would happen in little old Dunedin anyway. The only thing that might ever so slightly tempt me to turn up for twenty minutes would be a roadshow of clothing importers who are offering big discounts. Actually, no it wouldn't. I buy gear as and when I need it.

So no, I won't be there, but here's an idea. Boxing ring and selected KB members. I would travel anywhere in the country, perhaps even north of Glenavy, to see some of the KB names knocking the shit out of each other. Fuck. I would pay to see some of them in the ring.

Obviously you would not be thinking of organising this just for shits and giggles. What do you plan to do with the captive audience?

[jellywrestler]

swapmeet in one corner, dyno in another, interclub tug of war in another. Ridesafe tried, they paid for a woman to come all the way from america and tell everyone the ATGATT message, then had stunt riders on harleys wearing T Shirts and Shorts riding around.
Why not try an overnight rally style thing?

[RDJ]

Why not try an overnight rally style thing?

Because TPTB make it a too-high risk-v-return gamble. I already have people who are willing to - and who have - contribute to the charity without the effing Ardern Government Of Effwits being able to Eff It Up at the last minute. Not that the Commie Biatch would GAF.

[jellywrestler]

Because TPTB make it a too-high risk-v-return gamble. I already have people who are willing to - and who have - contribute to the charity without the effing Ardern Government Of Effwits being able to Eff It Up at the last minute. Not that the Commie Biatch would GAF.

sorry, i don't talk shorthand and therefore have no idea what you're on about.

[caspernz]

The problem is, herding motorcyclists are like cats.

That be the Bronze course on Great South Rd you're talking about.


RC has the right idea, just the diversity of the group runs counter to achieving unity.

R4E needs a boost, so my vote has to go towards that bikini wash. Even better if they're girls wearing the bikinis :yes:

[RDJ]

Of course you do not. So, just keep being you, you sheep.

[BMWGSER]

Hard to come up with the perfect event that captures all sorts of riders. Just make sure the team are at the Burt Munroe Rally thousands go there and sadly some don’t make it home.

[Laava]

sorry, i don't talk shorthand and therefore have no idea what you're on about.

I think he's having a bad night. He red repped me for my comment about being interested to hear from an electric motorcycle development engineer. Must have upset him?

[Gremlin]

... Even better if they're girls wearing the bikinis :yes:
I'm torn. You'd do a damn fine job cleaning my bikes... but I think you in a bikini is a step too far :puke:

[rastuscat]

F*** you and the horses you rode into town on, you Wellington / MOH invertebrate bureaucrats.

:msn-wink::niceone::msn-wink::niceone::msn-wink::niceone::msn-wink::niceone:

[malcy25]

Taking bits out of the marketing world and what I have seen overseas and would like to see myself.

1) Who's the market? Think about what they would like to see or be involved with. Will it be all age groups - their wants are probably quite different.
2) Swap meet! nothing better than buying some one's old shite and selling your own to fix something and the hunting through the piles.
3) Interactive. Things for people to participate in. Doesn't have to be at a track or track day or motorcross or whatever.
4) technical support like Suspension engineers, tyre tech, R4E etc all running half hour sessions on basics.
5) Really cool shit to see or famous people that are worth hearing from.

[Vinz0r]

I am a 33year old male who is mainly interested in older bikes of the Japanese variety.
What I would like to see at an event, is a lot of interesting classics and customs. I enjoy wandering around and seeing beautiful original (and not so original) restorations and old race reps etc. I am sure that there are a lot of people out there with some really cool bikes that would like an opportunity to show them off.

I'd be very interested in seeing the current crop of electric bikes, specifically electric superbikes (Zero for example). The opportunity to test ride one would be amazing. I'd even be excited to have a go on one of those HD LiveWires if the opportunity presented itself.
If nothing else, even throwing a leg over and having a close look would be pretty neat.

I am really not interested in hearing about new motorcycle gear unless it's interesting new tech to try out in person like helmets with an integrated HUD. I can't think of anything more boring than listening to a spiel about the new Rev-It 2021 version winter riding gloves (for example).

In summary:
A motorcycle show with cool old bikes and interesting customs, with vendors showcasing interesting new technology like electric superbikes and helmets with a HUD.

[EDIT] Suspension workshops and skills training would be cool, but it might be a hard sell to get people to sit down for half an hour when they are there with family and kids.

[rastuscat]

I am a 33year old male who is mainly interested in older bikes of the Japanese variety.
What I would like to see at an event, is a lot of interesting classics and customs. I enjoy wandering around and seeing beautiful original (and not so original) restorations and old race reps etc. I am sure that there are a lot of people out there with some really cool bikes that would like an opportunity to show them off.

I'd be very interested in seeing the current crop of electric bikes, specifically electric superbikes (Zero for example). The opportunity to test ride one would be amazing. I'd even be excited to have a go on one of those HD LiveWires if the opportunity presented itself.
If nothing else, even throwing a leg over and having a close look would be pretty neat.

I am really not interested in hearing about new motorcycle gear unless it's interesting new tech to try out in person like helmets with an integrated HUD. I can't think of anything more boring than listening to a spiel about the new Rev-It 2021 version winter riding gloves (for example).

In summary:
A motorcycle show with cool old bikes and interesting customs, with vendors showcasing interesting new technology like electric superbikes and helmets with a HUD.

[EDIT] Suspension workshops and skills training would be cool, but it might be a hard sell to get people to sit down for half an hour when they are there with family and kids.

You are a shining light in a sea of pessimism. Thsnks for your balanced and helpful response.

[BMWGSER]

Put up a ride forever stand tomorrow night in Martinbough with the BMW GS Rallye We always have a couple that come off or get unstuck. I need some more tire gauges.

[Navy Boy]

I am a 33year old male who is mainly interested in older bikes of the Japanese variety.
What I would like to see at an event, is a lot of interesting classics and customs. I enjoy wandering around and seeing beautiful original (and not so original) restorations and old race reps etc. I am sure that there are a lot of people out there with some really cool bikes that would like an opportunity to show them off.

I'd be very interested in seeing the current crop of electric bikes, specifically electric superbikes (Zero for example). The opportunity to test ride one would be amazing. I'd even be excited to have a go on one of those HD LiveWires if the opportunity presented itself.
If nothing else, even throwing a leg over and having a close look would be pretty neat.

I am really not interested in hearing about new motorcycle gear unless it's interesting new tech to try out in person like helmets with an integrated HUD. I can't think of anything more boring than listening to a spiel about the new Rev-It 2021 version winter riding gloves (for example).

In summary:
A motorcycle show with cool old bikes and interesting customs, with vendors showcasing interesting new technology like electric superbikes and helmets with a HUD.

[EDIT] Suspension workshops and skills training would be cool, but it might be a hard sell to get people to sit down for half an hour when they are there with family and kids.

Ditto what Rastus said. I was starting to lose the will to live having read some of the earlier posts...:rolleyes:

I'd personally love to see something to do with EVs - Something other than the marketing speak/PR that I've been exposed to thus far. For instance I'm currently watching the 'Long way up' series with Ewan and Charlie riding their modified H-D Livewires. The practicalities of EVs here in NZ is something that I'd like to hear more about. That and what the future looks like as I'd love to own an electric bike.

One day anyway.

Also some of the Ride Forever crowd themselves - I'd be keen to pick their brains on a few things. :niceone:

[caspernz]

Well Pete, the event that seemed to create a reasonable buzz was the one run last year on Barrys Point Rd in Takapuna, motorcycle awareness month if I recall correctly. Got some reasonable numbers of riders thru R4E that'd never done one before. Kinda funny too when riders I'd spoken to then attended one of my R4Es, and they seemed surprised I did more than just talk about this stuff.

How did motorcycle awareness month stack up in terms of bang for buck for ACC?

[RDJ]

I have engaged, again, at length with NZ Health and NZ Polizei bureaucrats to organize an event in Dec where all proceeds plus sponsorship support (already in excess of $NZ750) would go directly to the charity's beneficiaries.

These Govt jobsworths are fucking Unfit For Purpose.

The requirements of us as organizers, are excessively policing-paranoid.

'We' have now decided that we will just donate directly, and will not try to get more $ from a likely helpful public, because to do so would put us at greater risk than the donations we can already summon, would provide.

FYYFF.

That is all.

[Berries]

You are a shining light in a sea of pessimism. Thsnks for your balanced and helpful response.
Sorry. I thought you were seeking honest feedback from an open forum. Next time I will just get my pom poms out.

:grouphug:

[nerrrd]

I wonder if some way of doing maintenance courses wouldn’t be an attractive proposition for new riders, part time riders and those of us unskilled in the ways of the spanner?

I did one ages ago but it was a watch and learn set up, so it kind of went in one ear and out the other. Maybe something where you could be supervised while doing the basic safety checks on your own bike? To make sure you’re doing it right?

Maybe checking brake pads, levers/pedals, tyres, oil and water, maybe going as far as chain adjustment?

Not sure how much of a factor poor maintenance would be in accident stats.

[caseye]

I wonder if some way of doing maintenance courses wouldn’t be an attractive proposition for new riders, part time riders and those of us unskilled in the ways of the spanner?

I did one ages ago but it was a watch and learn set up, so it kind of went in one ear and out the other. Maybe something where you could be supervised while doing the basic safety checks on your own bike? To make sure you’re doing it right?

Maybe checking brake pads, levers/pedals, tyres, oil and water, maybe going as far as chain adjustment?

Not sure how much of a factor poor maintenance would be in accident stats.

Bigger than you'd think, some bloody lazy barstewards out there.
But the concept of being overseen while doing your own learning is a good one, keep up the good work Rastus.:2thumbsup:2thumbsup

[R650R]

Only thing that would really interest is a decent gear expo as even the bigger dealers these days don’t carry anough stock.
It would be a success radius if even one rider upgraded their safety gear.
So big boys toys style thing with bikes and riding gear but emphasis on gear.
Haven’t got time to listen to speakers you can watching all that type stuff on YouTube on rainy days.
Brolly dollies and bikini bike wash will get the punters in, people who dislike political correctness outnumber the few feminist social justice warriors that will complain.
Plus the mere mention of that is free advertising in media.

[Ulsterkiwi]

I wonder if some way of doing maintenance courses wouldn’t be an attractive proposition for new riders, part time riders and those of us unskilled in the ways of the spanner?

I did one ages ago but it was a watch and learn set up, so it kind of went in one ear and out the other. Maybe something where you could be supervised while doing the basic safety checks on your own bike? To make sure you’re doing it right?

Maybe checking brake pads, levers/pedals, tyres, oil and water, maybe going as far as chain adjustment?

Not sure how much of a factor poor maintenance would be in accident stats.

I will see your practical suggestion and raise you a demonstration (or two)

There are many who remain to be convinced about the benefit of good gear. Could you set up some demos where people see the consequence of flesh being dragged across tar seal? Pig flesh is similar to human apparently.

I think it may have been done before but the concept of following distance behind a car easy enough to show it is woe betide those who think they can outbrake anything they are following at less than 2 seconds of separation.

Talk about proper helmet fitting? or a jacket for that matter

Ergos on a bike, how to set them up for more efficient and safe use.

[rastuscat]

I think it may have been done before but the concept of following distance behind a car easy enough to show it is woe betide those who think they can outbrake anything they are following at less than 2 seconds of separation.


We have done that at the Kickstart events in Christchurch. It's a real eye opener.

Following distance is one of the most valuable free things that a rider can give themselves.

Space gives you time, time gives you control.

[Silv3r]

Okay, so I’m involved in helping to organise a motorcycle event.

At yesterdays meeting, we all decided to seek the views of four riders we each know as to what would attract them to go to a motorcycle event.

There are a couple of different formats.

One is a 2 – 3 hour event (morning or evening) with talks by various industry people. Who would you be keen to hear from? Keen enough to give up a couple of hours to go and see.

The other is a bike fest sort of thing. A one day event, which people can come along to for free to see the motorcycle things that interest them. We think we have a format in mind, but we would like to hear what it is that would attract more people to come to our events.

I’m kind of opening myself to some random ideas, I know, but any that can fit with us will be gratefully received. Suggest away.

And no, bikini bike wash is off the table.

Hi, I have just arrived in NZ from AUS and am wanting to convert my Queensland R Motorcycle License to a Newzealand Motorcycle license. Is it true that this will convert to a NZ Full motorcycle license? A few friends of mine that have returned also have said that there R license converted to Full Nz license. I've looked online and havnt found anything about it or what class my license converts too. Thank you.

[caspernz]

Hi, I have just arrived in NZ from AUS and am wanting to convert my Queensland R Motorcycle License to a Newzealand Motorcycle license. Is it true that this will convert to a NZ Full motorcycle license? A few friends of mine that have returned also have said that there R license converted to Full Nz license. I've looked online and havnt found anything about it or what class my license converts too. Thank you.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/converting-to-nz-driver-licence/