What bike holds its value the best in NZ?

[lostbeachbum]

Hi everyone,

My name is John, I'm 27 and from the US. I'll be arriving in New Zealand around January on a WHV as part of a RWT. I plan on buying a bike as soon as I get there and was wondering which bikes, specifically cruisers and tourers. hold their value best in NZ and which were in the most demand? I planned on buying a late model Suzuki GN250 since I am familiar with them and I will be riding one through SE Asia before I get to New Zealand. I'd like to stay under $4000 and don't need anything too fancy, however I don't want to take a huge loss when I sell it either. I take meticulous care of my vehicles so it would still be in great shape. Also what bike would you guy recommend to ride across both Islands that fits into my restrictions? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks,

John

[avgas]

GB400 or RG150 or RGV250 holds the best value in NZ.

The first 2 are more expensive right now then they were new. I have bought GB400's for sub-$1000 and cleaned them up for $2K+ sales.

[Maha]

Ones that doesn't cost alot to start with, most (if not all) new bikes are overpriced and drop in value once the funds have been transfered.
Same as cars really....

[MSTRS:Me]

... I planned on buying a late model Suzuki GN250 ...

Please don't make that mistake.
Spend some time here and familiarise yourself with what's available, prices and what sells easy.

[lostbeachbum]

Thanks guys, I would never buy any brand new vehicle, loses to much as soon as you drive off the lot. I've never been much of an off roader, but given the beauty of NZ, I'd like to have the option to hit some trails. I've owned enough sport bikes to never drive one around a country. I plan on camping as well as staying in hotels, hostels, couch surfing and some Help Exchange. I was thinking something like this
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-394240448.htm

or this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-395511927.htm

My problem comes back to not wanting to take a huge loss or spend months trying to sell the bike. If I buy something cheap enough, I should be able to sell it to another backpacker at a hostel. There is also a chance I'll stay in NZ for the full year, then it really doesn't matter. I still want something reliable, dual purpose, comfortable for a wide guy and good for long hauls. Any more suggestions?

[wysper]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-394240448.htm

or this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-395511927.htm

My guess would be the R1100 would be easier to sell at the end of your trip.
But nothing to base that on except a hunch.

[Maha]

If your looking to onsell quickly later then perhaps a BMW is not the bike to buy.
Yes it would be a great tourer but...
What you need is something like this http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...uki-GSX1200-FS

You will have no real problem selling it when you are done with it.

[lostbeachbum]

Please don't make that mistake.
Spend some time here and familiarise yourself with what's available, prices and what sells easy.

I've been searching the site for some time and there are plenty of options. It's going to be a pleasure after Asia I'm sure. What exactly is wrong with buying an older GN250? I see them for around $1600 and for that price another backpacker would be more likely to buy it. I've ridden them through some pretty tough shit in the Caribbean and besides normal tire blow outs and some carb issues it was very reliable. Plus it was comfortable on my wide ass.

However if I can find something for $3-$4k that I would likely sell quick for around the same price, I'd buy that too. I need to research more about what make and model bikes are more expensive to repair in NZ. Any examples of this would be appreciated.

I like the GSX1200 Maha, but it's the handle bars that I think would give me a problem, they're a little too sporty. I have screws in my shoulder so I need bars that come farther back to me like a tourer. I could use some like a Suzuki Intruder like this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-397397037.htm or even a Vulcan. But those are comparable to my Harley Sportster. It's comfortable on long cruises and I could camp from it, but the off road capabilities are extremely limited. Plus they're heavy and if NZ roads are windy they won't be much fun.

[MSTRS:Me]

Re GN250s...the newer ones were made in China (with all poor quality of materials etc that entails) and the older ones have usually been owned by a succession of first time riders or poor students (ie people who may have heard of the word 'maintenance' but have no understanding of what it means).
As for touring the country on one...yes, it's possible. But who would want to? Far better options out there. For what you are prepared to fork out, I'd say that with patience you could score a fairly reasonable F650. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-357049984.htm

[wysper]

Plus they're heavy and if NZ roads are windy they won't be much fun.

Yep, we have corners in NZ, and large rocks glued together that we call roads.
You can have fun on most bikes and most styles in NZ.

Is the riding position on something like an SV650/1000 to sporty?
How important is carrying capacity?
Are you really going off road?

[ukusa]

What exactly is wrong with buying an older GN250? I see them for around $1600 and for that price another backpacker would be more likely to buy it.

Biggest problem I see is falling asleep at the controls We do have some good roads here, & they would be much more enjoyable on a bike that has a little open road ability.
In the South Island we have a distinct lack of passing lanes (and alot of roadhog camper vans sitting on 80kph/50mph), so you will need to take your passing opportunities when you can. The GN will leave you struggling on those all important overtaking manouvers, especially on the hills.
For touring, some more cubes will be needed.

[chasio]

If you want to do off-seal work (and there are some cracking rides that are) maybe something like this DR650 and a sheepskin for the seat?

Well regarded and pretty sellable.

[JohnJumper]

Definitely go for something popular if you want to sell it off quickly, price it a tad below everyone else and it'll be gone in a flash

[_Shrek_]

Thanks guys, I would never buy any brand new vehicle, loses to much as soon as you drive off the lot. I've never been much of an off roader, but given the beauty of NZ, I'd like to have the option to hit some trails. I've owned enough sport bikes to never drive one around a country. I plan on camping as well as staying in hotels, hostels, couch surfing and some Help Exchange. I was thinking something like this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-394240448.htm

go for this, simply because it will give you more comfort on the long distance & has power for overtaking when needed thats is not that i'm biased

& welcome to KB

[JATZ]

If you want to do off-seal work (and there are some cracking rides that are) maybe something like this DR650 and a sheepskin for the seat?

Well regarded and pretty sellable.

That would be perfect