New(bie) to everything

[ceruleanwildfire]

Hey there all,

My wife and I have recently moved to NZ and decided to get bikes as part of our new lives here. This has given us a couple of unique challenges. We are new to NZ, new to biking, etc.

We have managed to get our 6L licences so far and have decided on our bikes of choice after some test driving. My wife is going for the Honda CBR125 and I decided on the Suzuki 250LC Intruder.

I need some help figuring out the best Suzuki dealership to go too and some advice on things to look out for. I'm a bit picky when it comes to dealers, ok a lot picky. The two dealers I have been too so far didn't gel to well with me. The one was too pushy and the other didn't seem to know the bike.

I'm looking at buying new with a full cash payment. I know not to expect any type of major discount, with the margin being so low on the smaller bikes, but I am looking for someone who knows the bike and can tell me what accessories can be fitted, specifically saddle bags (Prefer Suzuki original), and can actually sell me the bike.

Any suggestions and/or recommendations?

[fletcher]

I'm currently looking for a bike to buy as I'm returning to riding after a long absence. So far I've found Colemans Suzuki in the city very helpful - and patient with my return visits to sit on this bike, that bike and so on. They recommended the 250 Intruder, had one there and gave me lots of good advice about bikes in general. Hope that helps.

[CookMySock]

Welcome to NZ, and to biking. It's quite gratifying to many of us, that folks will choose NZ as their new home, and move into our culture simply for one reason - that they like it the best.

Steve

[YellowDog]

Yep, I'll second that. Go and see Colemans on K'Road. They will look after you and make sure you are happy in all respects.

[Fatt Max]

Yep, third that as well.

I bought my VL250 Intruder off those guys just on a year ago and they were great to deal with. They also kitted me out with a lid and jacket (which was a mission because....well....I'm a fat bastard) and service the bike for me as well. They have a great service division and Cam in the shop is a real pleasure ot deal with.

I live in East Auckland and work in town, ride in every day and no probs, great commuter bike. At the same time, the outlaws have a place on the Corromandel (about 2 hrs south of Auckland) and the VL handles the open road with ease. All up a great choice in bike and you should definatley give Colemans a look.

So, where are you emigrating from dude? I'm ex pat Pommie, been here 11 years and loving it....

This is a great site with really cool and helpful people, enjoy mate...

[portokiwi]

Welcome to KB both of you... Cool more riders on the road.
Shame Auckland though lol.
Yes where are you both from. Many crazy overseas riders on this site.
lol 2 more for Auckland,
Enjoy NEW ZEALAND.

[Mom]

Shame Auckland though lol.

Enjoy NEW ZEALAND.

Pardon?

Geez you are a cheeky ex-Aucklander portothingy

Welcome to KB, as you can see there are some very rude people on this site

[ceruleanwildfire]

So, where are you emigrating from dude?

Originally from South Africa. Great Country, pity about the people. Well... the majority at least. The roads were way to dangerous there to consider a bike.

Shame Auckland though lol.

With you there, would ideally want to be in chch but you have to go where the work takes you. At least for now.

To every one else. Thanks for the advice. Sounds like Colemans is the place to go to. Any advice for the VL250? Saddle bags/paniers, etc.?

[portokiwi]

Yes mom is right.... You will love Auckland, I just didnt want to say how much I loved Auckland
Loving Wellington though.... So good to be home.

[Bren]

Hey guys and welcome to New Zealand....Good luck on getting your bikes....and keep safe

[Furbiewankenobi]

Hi Guys,

Welcome to NZ and to biking. Congratulations you have made the right choice, NZ is the best place to live! Hope you enjoy biking and make good use of this forum, KB'ers are awesome and will put you firmly in your place when you need it! lol

Can't help you with the bike stuff as I am in Wellington but it looks like you're being well looked after.

Ride safe and enjoy.

[DMNTD:Me]

PM sent

[phill-k]

Greetings
Just bought a V Star from Colemans, very good deal on a 2008 with 3500km's was looking at a new Intruder, Alister has a new 250 intruder with rack and pack and believe me the cash deal he offered me was less than most of the 2 year old intruders on trade me, be quick though, and remind him of the deal he offered the chap from Northland. Alister is also a bloody nice guy. Bought the V Star home on a trailer this afternoon after spotting it yesterday, either or would make a great first bike.
Enjoy NZ

[KrazyGixxerBoy]

Hey, welcome to NZ (and KB!) Great to have more two wheelers evening up the odds! Looks like you're being looked after, there's a lot of good info and advise to be had off here.

Good luck and ride safe.

[Cheshire Cat]

Welcome!! Go the CBR125! She'll have fun on that!