Thread/group for ex-London despatch riders

[cheshirecat]

OK I know there's a few of us 'out there', well one - Hi Katman.

There's an altruistic thought we could put together some hints and tips or just talk shit if there's a difference.

Probably what I won't be doing is a group ride at DR speed through the densest trafffic I can find for 12 hours - well not on the VFR anyway.

I've also seen some DR's in Welly so what are your experiences?

[Brian d marge]

on and off for 12 years odd back in the early eighties

wouldnt mind doing it again , back for a holiday and give it a bash again

Stephen

[mattsdakar]

I motorcycle couriered for "Premier" based in Camden for 2years back in 2001/2002
Great money back then I've heard since 911 you can't make nearly the same money as all the new security checks slow your progress right down, no longer can you run in and throw a package at the receptionist.
My best tip for would be DR's is try bribing the despatcher for the good jobs, a carton of cigarettes went a long way to grease the wheels!
Great days, go as hard and fast as you can all day long and get paid for it!
I use to hire a Honda CB400 scream machine from near Wembley for 80pound a week (tyres,oil,pads inc) and was usual able to make 1000 pound a week so it was fairly profitable times, work 6months, travel 3months, work 6months, travel 3months.....

[Grubber]

It used be fairly common to see them running around Aucks all day but don't seem to see them now. Is it still a done thing here anymore or not?

[ellipsis]

....worked in central londinium in the early 80s....was really impressed with a courier on a triple kwaka...heard him often...used to sit on a seat in Soho Square...have a smoke and watch the courier action...in between checkin out the short skirts....

[Brian d marge]

Ive even used a Red BSA bantam ..

great lifestyle , had a squat in Camden ( 72 Camden st) party all nite , call in a few cashies , and back to the party

or work ... and travel

even did it on a pushbike , quite enjoyed that I did

Stephen

[Voltaire]

I lasted about 3 days....the R100 was not really suited to it and I got lost a lot....
I used to see a guy on a mint BSA Spitfire in the City a lot, it was always so clean.
That was about ..1991/93.
Them there CX500's and MZ's were very popular.

[cheshirecat]

Ok then - should we start a KB group up and if so what should we call it

[ellipsis]

Ok then - should we start a KB group up and if so what should we call it

...'ere..follow that smash and grab......

[cheshirecat]

...'ere..follow that smash and grab......

You just got my controller there

[Brian d marge]

I lasted about 3 days....the R100 was not really suited to it and I got lost a lot....
I used to see a guy on a mint BSA Spitfire in the City a lot, it was always so clean.
That was about ..1991/93.
Them there CX500's and MZ's were very popular.

He had 2 and his missus used to clean em , Met him a few times I dont think he had a garage either , they were in his hallway

Stephen

How about wait and return as a name,,,,,

[cheshirecat]

I'll put a poll up when we get a couple more.
As a matter of interest how does anyone do their filtering these days, what with no London drivers and the lane splitting laws here.

[Voltaire]

I used my BMW for work in the city and west end, used to filter all the time....
only got chased once by a driver when I knocked his mirror.....he grabbed me and I had to run the red light....

I was able to carry a cylinder of R22 on the back and all my tools....left the car at home and claimed the 16 quid a day parking money
Got pulled by the Police during the IRA square mile cordon.....He saw the cylinder and then the tools in the panniers.....I had to take off my jacket to show him the overalls.....I think the Kiwi accent saved me from " going down to the yard"

[danchop]

It used be fairly common to see them running around Aucks all day but don't seem to see them now. Is it still a done thing here anymore or not?

now?about 5 in total in 3 different companies,a hyosung 250,2 guys on dr400sm and a couple on uz125s

[Grubber]

now?about 5 in total in 3 different companies,a hyosung 250,2 guys on dr400sm and a couple on uz125s

Hmmm. Not a large call for them anymore then i guess, or is it just the fact that it has become too difficult to master the Auckland traffic now days.