Helpful, friendly Kiwi Bikers needed

**Paul in NZ** · 10th October 2005, 12:07

The bike specific ones are pretty cheap, like $50 or summat and feature a loop that allows you to pass the hook end around some stury bit and fix back onto the tiedown itself near the tightening up thingy.

They are a worthwhile investment in my book as can do double duty as a towrope... ah hem Of course only a guy that rides a 25 year old Guzzi would think like that I suppose...

btw - US$3,800? Fark. He could have bought an old beater here for that.

**vifferman** · 10th October 2005, 12:14

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

btw - US$3,800? Fark. He could have bought an old beater here for that.

Yeah, true dat.
He realised that afterwards, that buying a bike in each country and reselling it at the end of his trip would've been more cost-effective, but I think Mac only looked at rental options, which were toldlessly more expensive.
And I didn't help because I mentioned rental options when he was looking at coming here, and forgot that some shops here do a buy-back rental, which over 9 weeeks may well have been a hassle-free and maybe cheaper option.
Easy to be wise in hindsight, I guess...

**oldrider** · 10th October 2005, 13:25

Bought a set of "ADRAN" tie downs from Dannevirke Suzuki and have found them to be the best I have used yet. They are 40mm wide and don't slip. (Just ask for young Max, salesman extraordinaire he will see you right.)
They did not cost an arm and a leg and they wind up small and compact. I always carry at least two under the seat not just for the ferries but in case of rescue. It is a lot easier to get a lift for your bike if you have got your own tie downs.
It is not hard to secure a bike if you have got the right gear. It's a bit like the adage $10:00 head $10:00 helmet. The average bike costs about $10,000-$20,000, would you tie yours on some helpful strangers truck or trailer with a bit of old rope and twine etc for the sake of a $40:00 pair of tie downs?

"ADRAN" Recommended by motorcycle consumer news made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts by Studebaker MFG. Inc.

For first time ferry users. While you are hanging around in the wind and rain waiting for a ship that is usually 40mins late get your gear ready because when they say go it's all go and they don't piss around waiting for you to get tied down. The responsibility is yours. Think about it before you get there, ask others who have been there done that. Have your own gear, the ships stuff useless and dirty. You will probably have to go and find the rubber wheel chocks to tie under your wheels if there is a hint of rough weather and they will be dirty.
You don't have to tie it down so hard that you shag all your fork seals either, just make it "secure".
Enjoy the experience. Cheers John.

**b4time** · 10th October 2005, 13:53

I've just created a new thread asking about Garmin software.
It's over there ->
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=18406

**vifferman** · 11th October 2005, 07:25

Hopefully, Mac's bike will turn up at Motohaus today, and he'll be free from the Vifferhaus cage. Hopefully he can still get into his leathers after all the beer he's inhaled....

Anyway - anyone else like to volunteer some shelter, guided touring, companionship or beer to Mac when he does finally manage to break free of the greyness of D'Auckland?

**Beemer** · 11th October 2005, 10:17

Originally Posted by vifferman

Hopefully, Mac's bike will turn up at Motohaus today, and he'll be free from the Vifferhaus cage. Hopefully he can still get into his leathers after all the beer he's inhaled....

Anyway - anyone else like to volunteer some shelter, guided touring, companionship or beer to Mac when he does finally manage to break free of the greyness of D'Auckland?

As mentioned, our place has a spare bed and garaging so he's welcome here - oh, and I have beer AND whisky/whiskey! Any idea of when he's likely to be down this way? It's just I have a prior engagement on Tuesday that may put me out of action for a few days.

**b4time** · 11th October 2005, 11:17

Originally Posted by Beemer

Any idea of when he's likely to be down this way?

It's kinda tricky to plan when I don't yet have the bike and have done no riding in NZ yet. My kinda plan is to spend the rest of the week (once I have the bike) and get some idea of the area & roads etc.
I'm planning to go to Coromandel this weekend then Wellington by the weekend after. Not the most concise plan I realise but once I've had a couple of days to get an idea of distances & roads I'll be able to plan better.

**Beemer** · 11th October 2005, 14:11

If you are down this way and need a bed/food/whisky, give me a shout on 0274-862-428 - we're Faye and Andy!

**Gixxer 4 ever** · 11th October 2005, 16:55

Originally Posted by b4time

It's kinda tricky to plan when I don't yet have the bike and have done no riding in NZ yet. My kinda plan is to spend the rest of the week (once I have the bike) and get some idea of the area & roads etc.
I'm planning to go to Coromandel this weekend then Wellington by the weekend after. Not the most concise plan I realise but once I've had a couple of days to get an idea of distances & roads I'll be able to plan better.

ok lets try this. You ride around dickland for a few days and head south. Take up the offer from the KBer ( sorry can't remember who it was ) to do the East Cape. Some of the best riding and views in da world. We could meet with you in Gisborne. That would enable your fellow KBers to go to Opotiki home. Or come on down with us to Napier. I live 18 Km North of Napier on the Napier Wairoa Road. We have plenty of room for people to stay. We could show you around this place and then escort you out of the Bay as you head to Liven. Think about it and I will try and work my work around it. MSTRS and I ride together so we would work something out between us. See what happens............. We don't kill everyone that stays. Only a select few. Hmmmmm VFR for free..........hahahahahaha. Come on get the plan sorted and the Kiwis will keep you out of trouble......... PM me if you want to follow this up. Cheers and happy riding.

**Gixxer 4 ever** · 11th October 2005, 17:14

Originally Posted by b4time

I realise but once I've had a couple of days to get an idea of distances & roads I'll be able to plan better.

Opotiki to Napier via the East cape. I think it took MSTRS 8 hours. This is a good place to stay if you can not find a KBer to stay with Cost us $135.00 for 4 people in Feb this year. Bloody nice people and locked the bikes up. Only thing is I wanted to leave at 7am ish but they were still in bed and I didn't want to wake them so arrange a time to get the bikes out. Look here> http://www.eastlandpacific.co.nz/

If the speed posted for a corner is 15 kmh I suggest you stick to it. All others you can add to but I found 15kmh means 15 kmh.

**DemonWolf** · 11th October 2005, 17:27

Just had a chat with 'She whom must be obeyed' and if you are heading near the Taranaki area, We can put you up in our spare room. So feel free to drop on by, you will be more than welcome.. (The west coast

Originally Posted by Gixxer 4 ever

East Cape..Some of the best riding and views in da world.. Cheers and happy riding...

Well infact all of New Zealand has some excellent riding and beautiful views)

So PM me if you need contact info..

Cheerz

**Gixxer 4 ever** · 11th October 2005, 17:35

Originally Posted by DemonWolf

Well infact all of New Zealand has some excellent riding and beautiful views)

Cheerz

That is true. :spudwave: But it is kinda special up there.

**vifferman** · 12th October 2005, 09:00

The MacAttack will no doubt post here soonly, but I thought I'd get in and steal his thunder, heh heh...

He's found his bike! Progresss!!!!

Well, no.
It's still sitting in pharkin' Los Angeles!!!

So, wasted days'n'nights, an' all that.

Meanwhile, more hospitalities needed, Good, Kindly, Friendly KiwiBikerFolx! Places to go, people to meet, favourite roads to strafe, that sort of thing. Don't be shy, now.