Greets and thoughts (Hubris)

[Hubris]

Hey all,

(Edit) I'm an idiot and I posted this in the wrong area - apologies! I got my bike license before my car license back in Canada years ago, and had several years of riding there (summers only, obviously). I've now been in NZ for a few years, and feeling the itch (not that itch - I'm in Auckland, not Hamilton so I'm thinking about getting back into it. I'm fully-aware I'm going to need to ease back in and develop that comfort again..but I'm looking forward. Both bikes and gear have changed in the last few years, so I'm reading a lot to figure out what I want to get and do.

I like mid-full fairing sportbikes (I first learned on a Kawasaki GPz 550) with moderate riding position. While I recognize a 600 has most of the power we may need, I'm probably not interested in an RR....and for some reason I really hate digital speedos in either car or bike. I'm going to be acquiring some new gear and trying to arrange some rides on a bunch of bikes to get a feel for things. The last bike I was looking at in Canada was a ZX14 (which ticks most of the boxes) but it's possibly a bit big for rekindling skills (although I'm not much concerned with controlling myself - I've always owned and raced cars with some grunt).

Anyway, I don't really have any specific questions....bike and gear preference is a fairly personal thing so it's not like I can easily ask for suggestions - but I wanted to say Hi...and thanks in advance for the questions I'll no doubt be asking.

Hopefully see you on the road soon!

[TheDemonLord]

Ahem

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/fo...w-Member-Speak

(there is an entire sub forum dedicated to it)

[OddDuck]

Welcome! I'd be interested in how Canadian riding compares to NZ's, have you seen any major differences (frozen winters aside)?

[Hubris]

Hanging head in shame - the Newbie Bikers forum is on the opposite end of the list from New Members...but I should have noticed.

Ahem

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/fo...w-Member-Speak

(there is an entire sub forum dedicated to it)

[Hubris]

In general all roads whether in the city, motorways, or rural - are wider in Canada. You have to be really remote for there not to be a considerable paved area where broken-down vehicles (or ploughed snow in the winter) can sit without impacting primary lane. Excepting mountainous areas (which tend to be the fun rides) the roads are longer, straighter, and have higher speed limits (most highways are 100-110km/h). Lane splitting is not allowed - the only people you would see doing it are the likes of daredevil stunters who pull wheelies at full motorway speeds in heavy traffic (and contribute to a view held by some of bikers being unsafe). A lot of what I've just said contribute to engine sizes generally being larger - you really only see 250cc bikes for small ladies...other than the Honda 125s used in training courses most people's starter bikes are in the 400-600cc size. Graduated licenses for newbies apply with limited night riding and 0 tolerance for alcohol but there are no size limitations or equivalent of LAMS.

On the open road you tend to give a point or a wave to other riders as you pass...although this is sometimes limited to those of similar bikes (Harley riders and other cruisers don't interact as much with sport bike riders).

I've not ridden since I arrived in NZ, so somewhat limited in the comparisons I can make directly...but happy to try answer any questions.

Welcome! I'd be interested in how Canadian riding compares to NZ's, have you seen any major differences (frozen winters aside)?

[EJK]

Welcome to the forum Don't worry, there are far more idiots on this forum than you think.

Just watch out for Akzle.

[Akzle]

a newb.

...In auckland.
...With a sense of humor.




.....Not asking which bike, what gear, how do i check the oil and wipe my arse...

You'll never make it on kb.

[Akzle]

On the open road you tend to give a point or a wave to other riders as you pass...although this is sometimes limited to those of similar bikes (Harley riders and other cruisers don't interact as much with sport bike riders)..

ahhh. There we go...

[Hubris]

Ooh - have yet to find the arse-wiping FAQ. Does it have a pictorial guide? You guys think of everything!

a newb.
.....Not asking which bike, what gear, how do i check the oil and wipe my arse...
You'll never make it on kb.

[Akzle]

Ooh - have yet to find the arse-wipe

yeah...

Is maha on holiday or what?

[awa355]

I'm an idiot

You will fit in quite well. Welcome.

[Moi]

Welcome to another Dominion...

As for claiming to be an Idiot - don't say it too loudly, the present incumbents may get a tad upset if they think there's an interloper...

[Blackbird]

I like mid-full fairing sportbikes (I first learned on a Kawasaki GPz 550) with moderate riding position. While I recognize a 600 has most of the power we may need, I'm probably not interested in an RR....and for some reason I really hate digital speedos in either car or bike. I'm going to be acquiring some new gear and trying to arrange some rides on a bunch of bikes to get a feel for things.

Hopefully see you on the road soon!

Welcome! You might be struggling to find lots of non-digital speedo bikes now. Have you seen the Suzuki GSX-S 1000F? Sport touring ergonomics, sport bike performance. Reasonably low seat and carries its weight pretty low. Holeshot and Colemans have demonstrators. They weren't even on my radar until I saw one in the flesh, then tried a demo model. Ended up buying the naked model and love it to bits. Fantastic value for money.