New member introducing himself & saying hello to everyone (Johny Brando)

**Johny Brando** · 20th April 2013, 12:22

Hi I'm a 56 year young Blue Blooded Englishman & proud of my heritage. I'm a passionate Biker always have been since I was 11 years old ...when I got my first bike ( 197 Francis Barnett ) i used to race Kneeler Outfits & Proddie race solo's in the 70,s . Currently have 8 bikes. For the last 20 years I've been living in Australia... last 15 years in South Coast NSW . I loved the Country but now feel the need to leave it ........ this, for many reasons as it's sure NOT what it was !!!!!!!!
In about 9 month time I'm jumping the ditch & coming over to NZ to ride around your Fantastic country from one end to another ( I'll be camping as i go , as I luv that & the budget is of course a consideration in that too ) this with a view to having a great Bike riding experience & also investigating whether I should be considering becoming a perminant resident there !!!
I have made contact with a nice guy there called Mark from near Wellington who has very kindly decided to provide me an SR-500 for me to tour on ..which in my opinion is a perfect bike for the job & I'm just a little biased here.......as I currently have 3 big Single Thumpers ! I plan to arrive mid January for 4 weeks riding ...3 in the South Island & 1 in the North island . I'm told the weather is the most favorable then . I'd luv to attend as many motorcycle events as possible ( I must admit I'm more into older bikes though.... 50's-70,s mainly but I do have a Speed Triple too & LUV it ) I'm hoping to attend maybe Swap meets, Classic and Street Race events and to hopefully meet up with other Bike Enthusiast as I ride around. My problem is ....not knowing what ,where and when is going on !!!! PLEASE.....CAN YOU GUY'S HELP OUT THERE ? any suggestions and imformation would be greatfully received . I have the current N. Z. - M/C Atlas as my get around road bible but would really appreciate any assistance & connections you can offer. Thankyou in advance & Safe riding. Lee.

email : leeshelford@bigpond.com

lee

**_Shrek_** · 20th April 2013, 12:27

hiya Johny welcome to KB, look forward to catching up when you get down to our part of the country best roads in NZ

place to stay, work shop etc... if needed

just don't feed the trolls & you will last

**Johny Brando** · 20th April 2013, 12:40

Originally Posted by _Shrek_

hiya Johny welcome to KB, look forward to catching up when you get down to our part of the country best roads in NZ

place to stay, work shop etc... if needed

just don't feed the trolls & you will last

Really appreciate your reply . Don't yet know about these Troll's .....Do they Bit ???
Cheers

**MIXONE** · 20th April 2013, 13:13

Originally Posted by Johny Brando

Really appreciate your reply . Don't yet know about these Troll's .....Do they Bit ???
Cheers

Please feed the trolls.This place would get boring without them.

PS.Welcome to the site.

**Murray** · 20th April 2013, 13:19

Originally Posted by Johny Brando

For the last 20 years I've been living in Australia... last 15 years in South Coast NSW . I loved the Country but now feel the need to leave it ........ this, for many reasons as it's sure NOT what it was !!!!!!!! & also investigating whether I should be considering becoming a perminant resident there !!!
lee

NZ is also not what it was!!! Your not Gay and coming over to get married are you???

**AllanB** · 20th April 2013, 13:26

Originally Posted by Murray

NZ is also not what it was!!! Your not Gay and coming over to get married are you???

The nice guy in Welly with the big thumper probably hopes so ..........

Observation: how come the proud and true Englishmen don't live there?

**HenryDorsetCase** · 20th April 2013, 13:33

And a fan of THE WILD ONE it appears.

good show.

**FJRider** · 20th April 2013, 13:56

Originally Posted by Johny Brando

Really appreciate your reply . Don't yet know about these Troll's .....Do they Bit ???
Cheers

Welcome to the site. I'm sure you'll find NZ a good place to tour. The NZ motorcycle atlas a good guide to the good roads. But the latest copy is still a re-print. Plenty of newly sealed and un-mentioned roads around the place. The trick is knowing where to look. (and who to ask)

Post your planned route here ... and the locals can point you in the right direction.

The Troll's don't bite ... they expect YOU to ...

**GrayWolf** · 20th April 2013, 15:27

Hi (from another Ex-pat)
I lived down South for 14yrs, before moving to Wellington.. I'd say you have the 'balance' right.. (timewise) There are some astounding roads in the North, but if you watched the Worlds greatest rides.. He's right, can the South Isle really be any better? Yes it bloody IS!
Depending on your 'bent' bike event wise, a good start might be to get here for the Burt Munro Challenge in Invergumboot. You will meet a big cross section of NZ biking, from all over the country. There really are so many riding options, West coast rd, Central Otago, across either or both passes Lindis/Arthur's, the ride into Milford is absolutely bloody spectacular on a bike.
There are so many variables of local knowledge for back roads, alternative routes you'll probably not even get a chance to explore half of them in a month.
As already commented, if you keep a running update in here, you'll find the Kiwi hospitality and 'open home' mentality, will make your stay/ride a truly outstanding experience.

The SR500 is a nice choice for a 'stroll' round NZ

**Orange-TOR** · 21st April 2013, 12:56

I have made contact with a nice guy there called Mark from near Wellington

Watch it Lee. Doesn't mean I'm too nice not to accept a beer when it's your round!

Welcome aboard this site.
Mark

**hayd3n** · 21st April 2013, 13:31

welcome to the nut

make sure to visit the catlins,

**Johny Brando** · 22nd May 2013, 17:55

Originally Posted by Murray

NZ is also not what it was!!! Your not Gay and coming over to get married are you???

Excellent luv the Kiwi sense of Humour......... Am I Gay ????? ....Give us a Kiss n I'll tell ya !
NAH...You can drop ya soap in the Mens commuinial Showers & bend down to pick it up in front of me in TOTAL safety. It's gotta be female & have a Pulse for me . Cheers Lee.

**Johny Brando** · 22nd May 2013, 18:01

Originally Posted by hayd3n

welcome to the nut

make sure to visit the catlins,

Hey great to hear from you & Thankyou. Rest assured I'm riding the South Island & I,d luv to meet up & get ya a Beer . I'm attempting to make Contacts & gather contact details to give destinations to ride to & like minded people to meet along the way .........Please reply with contact location & details . Ride safely buddy. Cheers Lee.

**YellowDog** · 22nd May 2013, 18:05

Welcome to KB.

The having a pulse requirement might be a problem

You can indeed get some Good Olde English in-house brewed bitter, if that's what you miss?

**Johny Brando** · 22nd May 2013, 18:06

Originally Posted by Orange-TOR

Watch it Lee. Doesn't mean I'm too nice not to accept a beer when it's your round!

Welcome aboard this site.
Mark

Hi Mark how ya doing Buddy ? I din't expect a reply from you mate ...what a turn up ! Hey just get that beautiful SR running sweet & the Beer's ll flow Bro !!!!!!!!!!! Be careful out there

mate . Lee