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Thread: Backpacking NZ on a bike - Genius or a terrible idea?

  1. #16
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    6th May 2012 - 10:41
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micheken View Post

    And yes I can't tell you how sad I feel when I picture myself driving some shitty van with 2XX,XXX kilometers on it, picking up vagabonds along my way...


    onlys 200.




    mate, down here we don't consider them run in until 350, by 500 thou you know if it's worth keeping or not

  2. #17
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    19th January 2013 - 16:56
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micheken View Post
    ... Would a cheaper sport/touring bike be a bad idea? Looks like I can find a decent 500cc bike for under $5,000. Something like this Bandit: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh.../180900-Bandit (I just sold my Bandit here in Canada - I had the exact same model). Obviously that would limit where I can go (and kick me out of the offroad club)...
    If you go for that one, insist on 2 years unconditional warranty and road-side assistance...

  3. #18
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    Using a vehicle does give you more options, what if you want to mtb bike as well, or something else requiring gear. Securing gear while tramping (obviously doesn't stop people breaking in), or you have to drop the gear at accommodation. Day on day of miserable rain, it is easier in a vehicle.

    Budget accommodation options: http://www.bbh.co.nz/

    You definitely want to get off the sealed roads, that's where you'll see the best bits. Motorcycles are far more enjoyable for that.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jane Omorogbe from UK MSN on the KTM990SM
    It's barking mad and if it doesn't turn you into a complete loon within half an hour of cocking a leg over the lofty 875mm seat height, I'll eat my Arai.

  4. #19
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    25th June 2007 - 21:21
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    BBH is a pain in the bum when it comes to booking. Try YHA.co.nz.

    Your backpacking bike travel sounds awesome! Hope you have fun in NZ!


    If you can make it on Kiwibiker you can make it anywhere.

  5. #20
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    28th August 2016 - 07:55
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    Thanks - I'll keep those hostel sites ready for when I'm sick of the rain...

  6. #21
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    28th August 2016 - 07:55
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    Any thoughts on this little guy? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...?id=1124685311 He only wants $3,350 at this point.

    I know it's small, but after my SV1000 and Bandit 1200 I wouldn't mind something nice and light. I imagine it's cheaper on gas and insurance, can do the same offroad as the BMW, has almost no mileage on it, etc. Or maybe I'm missing something, and there's a reason it's been for sale for quite a while now?

    Cheers

  7. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micheken View Post
    Any thoughts on this little guy? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...?id=1124685311 He only wants $3,350 at this point.

    I know it's small, but after my SV1000 and Bandit 1200 I wouldn't mind something nice and light. I imagine it's cheaper on gas and insurance, can do the same offroad as the BMW, has almost no mileage on it, etc. Or maybe I'm missing something, and there's a reason it's been for sale for quite a while now?

    Cheers
    It needs another ~200cc if you're going touring, you'll have a queue of caravans up your date the whole time.

  8. #23
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    28th August 2016 - 07:55
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    Quote Originally Posted by Madness View Post
    It needs another ~200cc if you're going touring, you'll have a queue of caravans up your date the whole time.
    So true...although I really wish it wasn't. Alright I'll stop being a cheapskate and look at 400+ bikes.

  9. #24
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    28th August 2016 - 07:55
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    This is probably more like it: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1150885041.htm
    2010 DR650

  10. #25
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    8th July 2004 - 14:56
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micheken View Post
    This is probably more like it: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1150885041.htm
    2010 DR650
    Yep, those are super common here & a great pick for traveling NZ. If it's a good runner I'd jump on that one. The DR's are good cos they are relatively light for a 650, so easier & more fun on rough roads. You do have more expensive rego (vehicle tax) at 600cc+ but there just aren't many good bikes in the 400-600 range available. Definitely get something with racks already fitted like that one, NZ stocks of specialist accessories are often minimal & stuff has to be ordered from overseas.

    For going hiking the trick is to stay at a nearby paid campground on the way to/from the walk & ask if you can leave your gear with them. There aren't too many trailheads in NZ where I would worry about leaving my unladen bike to head off on a day walk. I would lock it to something though. A nice long cable that can go through all your riding gear is good. Most of the popular multi day walks have shuttles from the nearby towns so if you are heading for the hills for a few days leaving the bike at the campground or accommodation is usually no problem. Some shuttle companies also have secure parking.

    Having some offroad capability means you'll be able to find lots of cool wild campsites but leave no trace. Pack a trowel & bury your shit.

    Come visit when you are in Rotorua. If we are home there's always a beer & some tent space here for moto travelers.

    Cheers
    Clint

  11. #26
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    28th August 2016 - 07:55
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    Quote Originally Posted by clint640 View Post
    Yep, those are super common here & a great pick for traveling NZ. If it's a good runner I'd jump on that one. The DR's are good cos they are relatively light for a 650, so easier & more fun on rough roads. You do have more expensive rego (vehicle tax) at 600cc+ but there just aren't many good bikes in the 400-600 range available. Definitely get something with racks already fitted like that one, NZ stocks of specialist accessories are often minimal & stuff has to be ordered from overseas.

    For going hiking the trick is to stay at a nearby paid campground on the way to/from the walk & ask if you can leave your gear with them. There aren't too many trailheads in NZ where I would worry about leaving my unladen bike to head off on a day walk. I would lock it to something though. A nice long cable that can go through all your riding gear is good. Most of the popular multi day walks have shuttles from the nearby towns so if you are heading for the hills for a few days leaving the bike at the campground or accommodation is usually no problem. Some shuttle companies also have secure parking.

    Having some offroad capability means you'll be able to find lots of cool wild campsites but leave no trace. Pack a trowel & bury your shit.

    Come visit when you are in Rotorua. If we are home there's always a beer & some tent space here for moto travelers.

    Cheers
    Clint
    Thanks for all that great advice, Clint! I just nabbed that DR650 - picking it up the day I arrive. I feel like I just got really lucky. I'll need to pick up a rear box and some side cases, but after that I'm all set!

    I should be passing through Rotorua in October or November - I'll make a note to message you again a bit down the road!

    Cheers,
    Ryan

  12. #27
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    8th July 2004 - 14:56
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    Good stuff - Have fun!

    You probably don't need to be told to check out the brake pads, chain, sprockets, wheel bearings etc... but pay particular attention to the sprocket carrier bearing - they are often the first thing that wears out on a DR650. That bike was in Tauranga right? I'm not too far from there & I've got a reasonably well set up workshop so get in touch if you need a space to do some wrenching.

    Cheers
    Clint

  13. #28
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    Looks like good buying!

    Sent from Tapatalk. DYAC

  14. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Dog View Post
    Looks like good buying!

    Sent from Tapatalk. DYAC
    Concur. OP, if your oop north (Bay of Islands) I have a socket set and a lawn but I'm not very good at handling either of them.
    Manopausal.

  15. #30
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    28th August 2016 - 07:55
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    Quote Originally Posted by clint640 View Post
    Good stuff - Have fun!

    You probably don't need to be told to check out the brake pads, chain, sprockets, wheel bearings etc... but pay particular attention to the sprocket carrier bearing - they are often the first thing that wears out on a DR650. That bike was in Tauranga right? I'm not too far from there & I've got a reasonably well set up workshop so get in touch if you need a space to do some wrenching.

    Cheers
    Clint
    Funny you say that - just a few months ago I replaced the pads, chain and rear bearings on my Bandit, so I'll definitely know what to look out for. Thanks

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