Just arrived from Sweden (tobbera)

**tobbera** · 21st September 2013, 11:15

Hi!

My name is Tobias, 29 yr old from south Sweden, active in the IT-business.

I arrived in Auckland a week ago and going to stay here for a year to work. Now I'm looking for a bike to commute to work on, ride on the weekends and do some touring. Did the same thing in Sydney for tor two years.

Writing here hoping you can help me figure out Kiwi specific things about biking. My first concern is, When buying a second hand bike at a dealership, should I consider the price tag as an absolute fixed price? Or is there room for "negotiation"? Looking for bikes in the range 6K-9K of pretty usual models like Hornet and similar. The same question basically also applies in private listings on Trademe. Whats the going standards of haggling on second hand bikes in this country?

Hope you can help me as a newcomer!

Regards
Tobias

**unstuck** · 21st September 2013, 11:46

Negotiate for everything, ask for discounts on everything. They can either say yes or no. Plenty of good deals around if you are prepared to shop around.

Oh, and welcome to NZ and KB.

**Road kill** · 21st September 2013, 14:22

Wot he said,,,you'll never know if you don't try.

On my latest bike which I bought from Botony Honda,the sales man dropped $500 without a problem.

BTW,their great guys to buy your next bike from and have very good after sales service as well.

**russd7** · 21st September 2013, 14:49

yeah haggle, its a buyers market at the moment, most people expect to drop $500.00 or so on thier listed price on trademe, as for the dealerships, hit them up for some free gear or heavily discounted gear, most will come to the party.
welcome to lil ole NZ

remember the listed price on trademe is only a listed price and not what bikes are selling for, a lot of dreamers out there expecting to get way more than what their machine is worth.
a bike is only worth what some one is prepared to pay for it

**george formby** · 21st September 2013, 17:52

Yup, with dealers go for a deal, discount or gear or tires or servicing etc. List price & sale price are not usually the same thing. Same with a private sale. I'm a bugger, I check out the vehicle, make a list of any issues, work out what they cost to get fixed & start haggling from the price of the vehicle less what it is going to cost me. I also check as many other of the same bikes for a comparison, too. So I know more or less what the average value is. Kiwis are allegedly sheep shaggers, just like Arabs, and Arabs love to haggle.
Lots to choose from so you have time on your side.
Anywhere near Varberg? Been there. Nice mushrooms.
Welcome to the Kiwi Battery & Conspirasists forum, it's a hoot!

**tobbera** · 22nd September 2013, 13:16

Thank you for your fast replies! I visited a couple of shops yesterday and was able to knock of about 1000 NZD on a 9000 NZD bike I was interested in. Hopefully I can go ahead and make a deal the coming week. Will keep you posted!

**the oldstuff** · 25th September 2013, 01:28

The bikeshops knock off more $$$ if you are pretty and have a nice arse.

The best approach is "I saw a Kawazuki at......for.....$....and I'm pretty (keen)"

**the oldstuff** · 25th September 2013, 01:37

If you venture to the South Island you have a place to stay. PM me if required.

**russd7** · 25th September 2013, 18:25

Originally Posted by the oldstuff

The bikeshops knock off more $$$ if you are pretty and have a nice arse.

The best approach is "I saw a Kawazuki at......for.....$....and I'm pretty (keen)"

better off with the kawazuki then

**the oldstuff** · 27th September 2013, 10:51

Originally Posted by russd7

better off with the kawazuki then

Oh dear, someones been looking through my bedroom window again

**tobbera** · 27th September 2013, 15:40

Originally Posted by the oldstuff

If you venture to the South Island you have a place to stay. PM me if required.

Thanks mate! Looking to do some touring around january.

**russd7** · 27th September 2013, 18:36

Originally Posted by the oldstuff

Oh dear, someones been looking through my bedroom window again

would be harder if ya closed ya bloody windows, nearly blinded me as i rode thru oxford

**tobbera** · 30th September 2013, 09:23

Ended up with a 2013 KTM Duke 200 ABS from a private seller. Really happy with it. Got plenty of get-up-and-go even thou its "just" a 200cc. Haven't been able to flog it since its not run in yet, just done 80 km.

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My conclusion after two weeks of motorbike shopping in Auckland is

Surprised that a second hand bike shop wont sell me a bike over the counter. Pay today, pickup mid next week.
Private sellers and shops usually deregister their bikes. That means, when you buy it, you are not allowed to drive it.
Kiwis are nice and friendly people.
People tend to response on enquiries on Trademe very late, if at all.

The reason I went for this bike

Brand new. I don't have a garage and tools to fiddle with things that comes with a 5-20 yr old bike. Even though I would be happy to bring out the toolbox once in a while.
Bike had almost 1 year WOF and rego. Just jump up and ride.
At inspection, the seller was happy with me taking the bike home after part cash payment, then paying the rest over bank transfer later this week. (Overseas account).
Nice bike.
ABS
Fuel injected
Light and easy when commuting.

Gonna do a proper review of the bike when I have had it for a while.

Thanks a lot for your input guys!