Subjects wanted for New Zealand motorcycle book

[Steve Holmes]

Hi folks, my name is Steve Holmes. I've written a few car related books in the past couple of years for HarperCollins, mostly on various enthusiast cars and car collections etc. I've recently been asked by HC to write a book on the Motorcycle culture in New Zealand, and was hoping to find some people who want to be included, or can suggest people who could be included in the book.

Basically, the book is whats known as a 'Kiwiana' book, ie, all about what makes us unique as Kiwis. I guess you could call it a coffee table book, lots of nice big photos etc, and something anyone with even a passing interest would enjoy. It'll be approx 200 pages.

For this new motorcycle book, what I'm after is people who have bikes of interest, or people who are bike riders and are themselves of interest, ie, they use their bike as their daily transport, or they've ridden bikes all around the world, or they use a motorcycle for their job etc. Just something that makes an interesting story. The bikes of interest would be anything rare, old, customised etc.

I'm also wanting people with motorcycle collections. I already have a few interesting collections that are confirmed, including the Craw collection in Whangarei, and the Hayes collection in Invercargill.

I know security is important, I'll only be using peoples first names in the book, unless they specifically request their full name be used. I won't be giving away locations etc. Just in case you'd like to know what other books I've written, so far there have been three: The Kiwi Hot Rodders Guide To Life, Kiwi Ute Drivers Guide To Life, Petrolheads In Sheds.

Thanks heaps for your help guys. I can be contacted by email on: theroaringseason@gmail.com or just reply to this thread.

Thanks again

Cheers
Steve Holmes

[Steve Holmes]

I'd just like to say a big thanks to everyone who has responded so far. This is fantastic! For anyone who thinks they'd like to be included, if they have a bike of interest, custom, rare, old, high mileage, weird, etc, I'd love to hear from you. Don't be shy! Also, I'd love to hear from older riders, and young ones too. Anyone who would make for interesting reading.

Thanks again everyone.

[Hitcher]

Ahh. THOSE sorts of subjects. Here was me about to rattle off a list:

• Where do I get insurance?
• What sort of bike should I buy?
• Does anybody other than Pirelli make tyres?
• Why isn't there a standard biker wave?
• Are there any randy young women who ride bikes near me?

But now I realise how unhelpful such a list may be.

[AllanB]

Ohhhhh what about a section on KB!!!!!!

[cheshirecat]

Ohhhhh what about a section on KB!!!!!!

Nobody would believe it. Would have to be in fiction, like a bus timetable

[rustic101]

Maybe a section on; 'to wave or not to wave' but not nodding...

[Laava]

Ohhhhh what about a section on KB!!!!!!

A let's put a face to the name section.
So we can see if Akzxle is really a somalian refugee
Or whether ducatilover is really a bald ginga
Or if Cook my sock is still stuck in tree
Etc etc?

[ducatilover]

I should be back down in the Wairarapa at the end of this month or beginning of July, I am happy to have a chat (but it'll probably make your book turn to shit...)

[Kornholio]

I've got a beaten up GSXR750 that can tell some stories if you want to throw that in there.... second thoughts may be incriminating.... (parking on footpaths and stuff...)

[kiwifruit]

I have 3 expresses

[Kornholio]

I have 3 expresses

You have way much more than that Mr Fruit

[sidecar bob]

Id like to nominate my Mrs, Tracey Bryan & her pink formula 2 sidecar #28.
Both have very interesting stories to tell.
I am also the custodian of the last competitive british race bike to be campaigned by a kiwi in the open class, the owner & former rider of this bike whom I am in regular contact with, currently resides in Australia & he is a paticularly interesting subject too.
Maybe you ae only interested in road riders ?? That could end up being a bit of a yawnfest to be fair.

[Akzle]

were you one of the guys responsible fop the thinly veiled advertising that is 'nz huntin WORLD'?

[FJRider]

A let's put a face to the name section.
So we can see if Akzxle is really a somalian refugee
Or whether ducatilover is really a bald ginga
Or if Cook my sock is still stuck in tree
Etc etc?

Some things that are seen ... can not be unseen ...

Be careful what you wish for ....

[98tls]

Got "The Kiwi ute drivers guide to life" on the coffee table,great read.Look forward to this one.