I need a big but sensible bike

[Scouse]

I looked into it a little. I was getting quoted about $1,000 to transport a bike from Oz to NZ so I dare say it would be a large sum and a considerable amount of time to ship. I'm hoping that with the help of some clever and handsome Kiwis, I should be able to identify a bike I shouldn't lose too much cash on for my stay.

Are you a bit of a chutney ferret
Cos there is a bloke who's on here by the name of Nodrog who would like to meet you.

[quattro]

He's already been PMing me asking for 'a good time', whatever that means

[Banditbandit]

Need big but sensible bike

Many people would tell you there is no such thing as a big bike which is sensible ...

250 is sensible ... anything bigger is not sensible - but fucking fun!

[quattro]

The fastest bike is only as fast as it's rider....in my case; that's not very fast at all

[nadroj]

I know of a Busa if it's unsold when you get here - very reasonable price.

[sleemanj]

Do you not have the KLE500?

The KLE do appear on TradeMe but not that often, I'd guess they are all grey import.

The BMW F650 in it's various models are FAR more common.

[scracha]

If the price is right, they'll all sell. I'd go for a middleweight because what nobody has told you is that
a) The cops here are utter nazi fun police. It's not like the UK or Ireland where you can cruise happily at 140kmph. They really aren't kidding about the 100K limit. Go over 110 and you'll get a ticket...they're so fucking anal and the cops have ZERO discretion. Not that you'll give a $hit because you'll just leave without paying. Stick to below 130 and you'll be sweet.
Points to note:
Go over 140 (or 40kmph above a lower limit) then it's bye bye license.
Go over 150 (or 50kmph above a lower limit) then it's bye bye bike.
Pull a burnout, and it's bye bye bike.
Pull a wheelie, and it's likely to be bye bye bike.

[jmmk]

If the price is right, they'll all sell. I'd go for a middleweight because what nobody has told you is that
a) The cops here are utter nazi fun police. It's not like the UK or Ireland where you can cruise happily at 140kmph. They really aren't kidding about the 100K limit. Go over 110 and you'll get a ticket...they're so fucking anal and the cops have ZERO discretion. Not that you'll give a $hit because you'll just leave without paying. Stick to below 130 and you'll be sweet.
Points to note:
Go over 140 (or 40kmph above a lower limit) then it's bye bye license.
Go over 150 (or 50kmph above a lower limit) then it's bye bye bike.
Pull a burnout, and it's bye bye bike.
Pull a wheelie, and it's likely to be bye bye bike.

This makes it sound more like biker hell then biker paradise. I'm also coming there for about 2 months in Nov. and was curious about how the speed laws work there.
Is this a problem more in large urban areas or are there parts where a guy is able to open it up without worrying too much about cops? Sorry probably should have just started new thread instead of hijacking this one.

[tigertim20]

Hi all,

I'm planning to hit NZ around Oct/ Nov. I want to buy a bike wherever I land in NZ and want to spend a few weeks having a right good look around before I settle down somewhere there's work going. I don't know how long I'll actually stay thereafter but the plan is stick around until my 1 yr holiday visa expires.

Firstly, bikes are a s**t load more expensive over there. My 02 Busa cost me $5,000, ffs. My mint 01 GSX1400 is worth about the same! My scruffy with low mileage Blackbird was $3,900! I'm a big dude and I have big bikes. I'm really concerned that I might decide to leave NZ early and will end up lumbered with a sale-proof bike so I could do with some advice on which types or brands of bike are most popular or considered a 'safe bet' for selling on later.

Do bikes sell on a reasonable pace or are they very niche? In other words, would I have to give a bike away to shift it or will a popular bike sell if it's sensibly priced?

I like big nakeds. I've seen a couple of CB1000s and the like. Any other suggestions?

Many thanks

Not reading the whole thread, but might pay to look into a dealer, and ask whether you can get an agreement thatthey will buy it back after the 1 year is up at an agreed price, provided the milage and condition are of an agrred standard

[Big Dave]

Why do you need a bike with a big but?

[Scouse]

Kawasaki ZRX1200R the Eddie Lawson replica is the bike to get, for my money you can not get a better looking Jap bike.

[GrayWolf]

Many thanks but let me ask another question: Are there bikes or brands that I should just stay away from? I'm more concerned about buying a bike that Kiwis consider undesirable bike that I can't shift if I decide to go home

What does the average biker down the pub say? Can it be said that 'you'll always shift a Honda on' or 'Triumphs come with a wedding ring' or 'Once a bike has more than X amount of KMs it's sale-proof?

So far, the shortlist of bikes I've been thinking might be in my budget and might work are;
CB1000
CB1300
SV650/ SV1000
Bandit 600/ 1200
Fazer 600/ 1000
Varadero 1000
Transalp
Do you not have the KLE500?


My budget clearly prevents me from getting newer bikes but it would have to be in good condition, I'm sure.

Quattro,
for less than 5k, you could pick up an FJ1200 with quite low milage. Not the newest, but for def' one well known and well proven motor. Not sure on how quickly you would be able to re sell any bike in a couple of months.... Option could be to sell through a dealer on 'behalf' may take a bit of time? but you'd get money back on the bike eventualy.

[quattro]

Why do you need a bike with a big but?

I can not lie- I like big butts.

Kawasaki ZRX1200R the Eddie Lawson replica is the bike to get, for my money you can not get a better looking Jap bike.

+1
I looked for them earlier on but there were few and the ads were old making me think they might be hard to shift.

Quattro,
for less than 5k, you could pick up an FJ1200 with quite low milage. Not the newest, but for def' one well known and well proven motor. Not sure on how quickly you would be able to re sell any bike in a couple of months.... Option could be to sell through a dealer on 'behalf' may take a bit of time? but you'd get money back on the bike eventualy.

I might try to speak to dealers first when I arrive.








What do we think if the VTR Firestorm?

[scracha]

This makes it sound more like biker hell then biker paradise. I'm also coming there for about 2 months in Nov. and was curious about how the speed laws work there.

It's good and bad. Starts to get very hot in November. The sun here is HOT. Tar bleed can be an issue as they use cold mix on most roads.

Is this a problem more in large urban areas or are there parts where a guy is able to open it up without worrying too much about cops?

Out in the sticks there's less chance of encountering a cop, but all it takes is one. Also, out in the sticks and off the "state highways" you've got to factor in random mid-corner patches of gravel, wandering stock and hillbillies.

[thepom]

Watch out for the coppers....sneaky speed traps and lie like fuck too.....all for revenue....not that I,m bitter.......much....