Biker and new to New Zealand

[Zyre]

Hi!

I'm 25 year old guy from Sweden that is coming over to live in beautiful New Zealand this summer. I'm staying for approx 12 months in Wellington and since I'm a biker I don't know if I can go without riding motorcycles for that long plus I love exploring the countryside and I can't think of a better way than doing it by bike.

A few questions for you guys (tried the search function but it gave nothing):

1. I'm planning on spending around $4200, can this get me a decent bike that can handle the roads in NZ

2. What are the roads like?

3. For exploring the countryside, what bike would you recommend?

4. I've read something about an extremely expensive levy(tax?), what's that about?

5. Best site for buying used bikes? TradeMe?

6. What are the insurance fees like for someone my age? Good and cheap insurance companies?

Alot of questions, but it would be really helpful if you could answer at least a few of them. Thank you!!

[Zyre]

Also, if there are other things I should know about I certainly welcome any advice or insight.

[nathanwhite]

1) it should get you something small-midsize depending on factors as km's, general wear, service history etc
2) We tend to think they are are terrible and probably compared to highways and interstates in america they are, you probably need to watch some ride videos to see the roads for yourself.
3) that's kinda hard because you can have differing tastes to me. Personally I would like a midsized sport tourer like the SV or VFR (no doubt this will get shot down or better one's suggested)
4) no idea, someone else will have to answer that
5) trademe is fine if you are competent at testing out bikes and checking for mechanical flaws, you could maybe rent? Alternatively you could go to a dealer, but they tend to add several thousand to the average price on sites like trademe
6) your 25 which is the age usually the fees start going down. flick an email to kiwibike. They act as brokers for a couple of insurance companys

hope this helps somewhat.

[Zyre]

1) it should get you something small-midsize depending on factors as km's, general wear, service history etc
2) We tend to think they are are terrible and probably compared to highways and interstates in america they are, you probably need to watch some ride videos to see the roads for yourself.
3) that's kinda hard because you can have differing tastes to me. Personally I would like a midsized sport tourer like the SV or VFR (no doubt this will get shot down or better one's suggested)
4) no idea, someone else will have to answer that
5) trademe is fine if you are competent at testing out bikes and checking for mechanical flaws, you could maybe rent? Alternatively you could go to a dealer, but they tend to add several thousand to the average price on sites like trademe
6) your 25 which is the age usually the fees start going down. flick an email to kiwibike. They act as brokers for a couple of insurance companys

hope this helps somewhat.

I'm thinking a 600cc or similar. I currently own a 2008 ER6n and a 1999 SV650 and love them both. I'm selling the SV650 and will be looking to buy a bike on NZ for those money, maybe a bit more. Right now I'm leaning towards a similar bike but I asked since I don't have a feel for the roads, maybe an offroad tourer is better suited for exploring? I know the basics of mechanics and what to look for, but I don't want a bike that needs any fixing. Any work on the bike would have to be done at a repair-shop. Renting is quite expensive, the point of buying is so that I can ride during my whole stay.

Thank you for the answers, more input is certainly welcome!

[nathanwhite]

what type of bike you get is up to you. People will argue twins or fours all day, but end of the day its a preference thing, both can be ridden quite well as long as you understand the engine characteristics. As you are only over for one summer then i would say you wouldn't need an offroad capable bike as we have plenty of interesting roads (unless of course you really want to do offroad stuff)

I would also suspect that for a decent mid-size tourer you would need something more like $6000

[MSTRS:Me]

You say 'this summer'. We are just into our autumn now, so...

1. Troll TM to get a feel for what the market prices are for bikes that appeal.
2. The roads in general are fine. We like to grumble, because as bikers we'd like them to be perfect. You do have to be alert to stuff like diesel spills and unmarked loose gravel etc.
3. A sport tourer (GSX750F would be brilliant) or an adventure bike (F650 BMW would be in your price range)
4. We must register our vehicles to use them on the road. Must be renewed every year. The tax/levy you hear about is imposed by AC, is a part of the yearly fee and varies depending on engine size. It pays for personal injury for anyone hurt as a result of a vehicle crash.
5. TM is fine most of the time, but sometimes you are better to approach a bike shop about a purchase/buy back arrangement.
6. Insurance premiums differ wildly from one company to another. 25 is the magic age for 'cheaper' rates, but shop around.

[cheshirecat]

Re The roads.

Caution. They are not classifled and prioritised according to speed or type, ie gravel path or dual carriageway. It means that a road named State Highway 1 will experience gravel, dual carriage way and everything in between. It means you have to ride accordlingly and asume the next corner will uncover a complete change in road conditions.

Also this is a land where a supermarket entrance and a public gravel track has certain rights of way over a major state highway since roads are not prioritised as in the rest of the world except the Sahara desert. No doubt the rule changes on the 25th will change this for the better we hope.

[FJRider]

I'm thinking a 600cc or similar. I currently own a 2008 ER6n and a 1999 SV650 and love them both. I'm selling the SV650 and will be looking to buy a bike on NZ for those money, maybe a bit more. Right now I'm leaning towards a similar bike but I asked since I don't have a feel for the roads, maybe an offroad tourer is better suited for exploring? I know the basics of mechanics and what to look for, but I don't want a bike that needs any fixing. Any work on the bike would have to be done at a repair-shop. Renting is quite expensive, the point of buying is so that I can ride during my whole stay.

Thank you for the answers, more input is certainly welcome!

Unless you are looking to travel ALL roads in NZ ... a (sealed) road bike would be fine. Try to get a bike with panniers fitted already, or at least capable of carrying a reasonable amount of gear.

600 cc's will move you around the country pretty well. Unless you are bringing your own riding gear ... build that into your costs too. Some older bikes may be ok to get ... some with low km's but "old" ... and thus cheaper. Resale value will remain about the same though.
Whatever you are looking at buying ... you can get checked out at any bike shop. Usually for a fee ... but good insurance. Any seller reluctant to allow this ... AVOID.

[Zyre]

Sorry for the misunderstanding, by "this summer" I mean june/july which is winter for you but summer here in Sweden I will browse the market and probably check out some dealers before and after I arrive. The idea of a buyback arrangement is definately worth investigating.

It seems you have a somewhat different system than we do. Here we pay a road rax as well, but it's extremely cheap. However we have to have insurance, which include something called "traffic insurance" that pay for damage and injuries that you cause to others. Ontop of that you can upgrade your insurance for your bike and your gear.

[baffa]

Welcome Zyre. Where are you going to be based?

The road quality is probably not as good as your local, but consider it a challenge!
A 600cc sounds sensible. Oh, and NZers all love Hondas, so this should be a priority.
Despite what people say, the North Island has the better roads, and less earthquakes.

Edit:
As above, we have a system called ACC, which covers injuries caused by anything from vehicle accidents to sports injuries.
So you basically cannot hold me liabile for injury if I run you over for instance. So no need for your traffic insurance. On the flipside, our vehicular insurance isnt mandatory, but third party covers are pretty cheap.

[Zyre]

Reading about insurances. Third party seems very similar to what we have here, what I called "traffic insurance" although it seems it also includes theft and fire. I'm thinking an insurance like that would be enough for a bike in the price range I'm looking at?

[Zyre]

Welcome Zyre. Where are you going to be based?

The road quality is probably not as good as your local, but consider it a challenge!
A 600cc sounds sensible. Oh, and NZers all love Hondas, so this should be a priority.
Despite what people say, the North Island has the better roads, and less earthquakes.

I'll be based in Wellington and work in the city. Hondas are nice indeed, when I upgrade my bike here in Sweden next time I'll probably go for a CB1000R.

[yod]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-453885223.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-454623906.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-457293299.htm

[Crasherfromwayback]

trademe is fine if you are competent at testing out bikes and checking for mechanical flaws, you could maybe rent? Alternatively you could go to a dealer, but they tend to add several thousand to the average price on sites like trademe
.

Mate...you're so far out of touch it's not funny. In actual fact, most trade me sellers now ask as much as most dealers, but can offer absolutely no after sales backup and or warranty. Have a look for your self.

[Coolz]

Some on here may give you the impression that our roads are poorly maintained goat tracks with a hazzard around every corner. Henry Cole of 'Worlds Greatest Motorcycle Rides' fame called New Zealand 'Motorbike Heaven'. If you like twisty roads and great scenery you'll love it here.