Hello and a few questions

[steve_IRL]

Hello people. new to the site. im from ireland and ride an r6, which i have to sell soon because im goin to nz for a year in march.

my plan is to buy a bike when i get there. so i have a few questions.

1. is tax and insurance expensive? do i even need insurance?
2. can i change my licence or do i have to do another test?
3. is gear expensive? (arai lids and good leathers) or should i bring mine.
4. how much would i pay for the likes of a mid 90s blade, zx9r or similar.

heres a link to the irish biker forum i use, and a pic of my r6!

www.biker.ie

[Switch]

Welcome to the site
I'll try answer a few questions.
1) Insurance is not all that expensive if you have a record or are over 25? i think its 25 anyway. Insurance is not compulsory, but i would recommend it anyway.
2) i believe you can get a 'international drivers licence' (dont quote me on that). but if you want to stay for a long time, you might have to sit a simple test.
3) if you have your own gear, you may aswell bring it, unless you have money to throw around :P
4) im not to sure, but check out www.trademe.co.nz that should give you a good idea.
Hope i helped somewhat.
Wish you all the best for your travels over here to NZ.

Matt

[Deviant Esq]

Hiya Steve, which part of NZ you coming to?

4) Northern Ireland (£) or The Rest (€) currencies both get you pretty decent amounts of $NZ, so if you've got a bit, it's not going to be a problem. You can get a pretty nice mid-90's Fireblade for approx. $NZ6500 - $8000 (£2200 - £2700, €3300 - €4000 I think) or so. Here's a 1997 'blade for $7500 (start bid), no reserve. Here's a 1999 ZX9R for $8350 (start bid), no reserve.

1) Insurance here isn't compulsory as mentioned, but invaluable for a motorcyclist. Bring proof that you've been insured back home and you should manage some no claims discount, which will make it reasonable.
2) Your Irish licence should be valid for one year over here without an international licence, the road rules are very similar. If it's cheap to get an international licence, get one, less hassle, still valid for a year. If you're staying longer, you'll need to sit a test, but it's very simple and not too expensive.
3) Gear is expensive for good stuff. If you can fit your stuff in, bring it. Better not to waste money on buying more! Besides you won't need two sets for when you're going back home, you might not find stuff that's as comfortable, etc etc etc.

All in all, shouldn't be much hassle at all. Best of luck! Be sure to look us up when you're ready to go for a ride.

[steve_IRL]

Thanks for the info guys.is there many tracks? oh and im an electrician whats the work situation over there??

[Deviant Esq]

Easy to find work as an electrician. If you're a skilled labourer (you qualify) there's a shortage in most industries in NZ, there are a lot of skilled workers headed overseas, especially younger ones to make their money overseas before possibly returning to NZ later. So you shouldn't have any problems finding work. Tracks? Yes, there are a few. Not so many as some of us would like (I'd love to see another one in Christchurch), but there are still enough accessable tracks if you're looking for a good time.

It's a good thing you're not looking for a 250cc or 400cc, they're pretty expensive in NZ. For example: A dealer can sell a 1992 CBR250RR for $5995 (2000 pounds, 3000 euro) because of the demand for a good quick 250 four stroke. But as mentioned above, you only pay a little bit more for a 1997 CBR900RR Fireblade. It's nuts.

Looking forward to heading over? You should get over earlier, avoid your winter! I'm in England for work atm. Sucks that I'm gonna miss all the summer in NZ! Nuts. Ah well, the money will be worth it. I hope. It's been nice doing touristy things anyway.

[Squeak the Rat]

Piont Guinness led' thoil!