Help a Pom

[scrubs]

Wow.. Thanks for the overwhelming response of invites and advice lads.
I really apperciate it, Cheers!

I realsise the range will be limitied with a DR650 so I am hoping
to pick one up with an after market tank and I'll probably just bung
a sheep skin on it to save my arse a bit of ache.

The reason why I was inclined to go for this bike is I have an inside leg length
of an umpa lumpa, so my bike choice is somewhat limitied. I also like
the fact that this is probably one of the lightest dual sports in the
650 class (one of the reasons I am getting shut of my F650GS)
which is enough to bring on a bout of severe piles trying to lift it out
of the mud. I'm thinking of a bike budget of around $4000 NZ
do you think it's feesible or am I a bit shy in my budget?
I'm not too bothered how old the bike is as long as its mechanically
solid, it can look like shit for all I care. I intend to buy and then resell
before I leave... Which might present another problem

The passes ride in February looks fantastic by the way!

[cooneyr]

.......I realsise the range will be limitied with a DR650 so I am hoping
to pick one up with an after market tank and I'll probably just bung
a sheep skin on it to save my arse a bit of ache.......
......... I'm thinking of a bike budget of around $4000 NZ
do you think it's feesible or am I a bit shy in my budget?
I'm not too bothered how old the bike is as long as its mechanically
solid, it can look like shit for all I care. I intend to buy and then resell
before I leave... Which might present another problem .......

Good luck finding a DR650 with an after market tank. I think I've seen one with an IMS for sale in the last couple of years - not that I'm constantly watching the for sale adds though. Also $4k is probably just a little light unless your are lucky. Would be far easier to get one for $5k to $5.5k.

Cheers R

[FROSTY:Me]

Bike wise check out www.trademe.co.nz its our equivilant of ebay
If you're clever youll buy a new unused tank in the uk and bring it with ya. You probably wont be able to take it home once its used

[Crisis management]

Good luck finding a DR650 with an after market tank. I think I've seen one with an IMS for sale in the last couple of years - not that I'm constantly watching the for sale adds though. Also $4k is probably just a little light unless your are lucky. Would be far easier to get one for $5k to $5.5k.

Cheers R

My principle reason for suggesting some other bike than the DR.....you will struggle to buy anything other than a standard DR (remember that in Auckland there are probably a total of 4 DR's for sale at any one time, not a huge choice).
You won't have time to modify a DR other than fit a pack rack and tyres so if stock is not workable then look for something else.
Pricewise, 6k would be a safer bet, you will actually be able to buy something useful then. You may get a cheaper bike but if you want 20k kms of trouble free riding you will have to be very lucky with your purchase.
You mention you are a short arse (thank you, yes I am this polite in real life too), so have you tried riding a DR? I understand your concern about the weight but the additional height of the DR over the F650 is significant.
How about a KLR, it may be a better alternative all round?

When are you arriving? We have a ride in the Waikato the first weekend in December that would be a great introduction.........

Keep us posted here, should be a neat trip!

[cooneyr]

......You mention you are a short arse (thank you, yes I am this polite in real life too), so have you tried riding a DR? I understand your concern about the weight but the additional height of the DR over the F650 is significant.
How about a KLR, it may be a better alternative all round?.....

Steady - a KLR is even taller than a DR with no "easy" option to lower it. In saying that though RedKLR650 is a "short arse" and defiantly doesn't seem to have any problems. Generally more expensive than a DR as well.

If fuel range is a problem get yourself a 5l fuel bottle as you wont need it that much and the cost of the IMS $370 ish vs $10. I've been doing this for the past year and it works fine with it strapped to the back of the seat. I'm going to get a IMS 18l but only cause cause most others I ride with have about a 300km range.

Cheers R

[Crisis management]

Steady - a KLR is even taller than a DR with no "easy" option to lower it. Cheers R

I realise this, but was thinking of a better "package", range, comfort etc. If he's going to have all his possesions on the bike for 5 months there are probably a few other considerations than the ability to leap tall buildings.......

[scrubs]

Yeah I reckon a KLR could work also. I've not ridden a DR but I understand the seat height is same as my CRM but most probably a little wider in the seat
but I reckon I would manage. I'll make up and bring some adjustable dogbones out with me anyway so I won't be so limitied in my bike choice. I'm hoping to be there late December/early Jan.

[clint640]

G'day Mate, You'll be able to have a good look around withe that much time. Good call above on the NZ motorcycle atlas. CooneyR is right about just getting a 5L fuel can rather than worrying about a big tank, it's not often you NEED 300+km range in NZ, but it is handy at times.

I'm near Rotorua so get in touch when you're in the area - I need very little prompting to saddle up the KTM & showing a visitor some of the local backroads is more than enough excuse.

For some inspiration, check out my trip reports over on advrider.com, search the ride reports forum for threads started by clintnz.

Cheers
Clint

[scrubs]

Cheers Clint

I actually found this site through a post on ADVrider somewhere
I initially posted a question in the regional forums there but got no replies.
I'll check it out!

[scrubs]

Ahhhhh! The Gerbil Gang

I had already read some of your reports a few days ago on my searches
infact I think I may have even got the link to this site in one of your posts
Some great rides there mate, they look fantastic!

Whats the deal with camping. Would I likely get into any bother by
pitching a tent on what seemed like a quiet field? or is it likely I'd get
awoken by a copper, farmer or drunk at 2am?

[clint640]

Usually best to ask if you want to camp on someone's farm. National parks & reserves, riverbanks etc are fair game unless signposted otherwise & constitute a fair bit of the countryside over here. There are lots of basic $5/night DOC campgrounds on public land too. Check out doc.govt.nz for lists of all the public campsites & huts.

Cheers
Clint

[mstriumph]

..................like places worth
seeing .............

it's ALL worth seeing ------- even the bits that aren't

[fergie]

Thanks for choosing NZ, im sure you will have a great time over here, well done forun members for the great advice.

[_Shrek_]

Yeah I reckon a KLR could work also. I've not ridden a DR but I understand the seat height is same as my CRM but most probably a little wider in the seat
but I reckon I would manage. I'll make up and bring some adjustable dogbones out with me anyway so I won't be so limitied in my bike choice. I'm hoping to be there late December/early Jan.

hiya srubs welcome have you thought of a trasnalpine 650 bit dearer than the Dr but comfy & reliable?
anyway when you get down to the mainland some of us can take you out back Nth Canterbury place to stay as well & you can camp just about any where

cya when ya get here
keith

[RedKLR650]

Steady - a KLR is even taller than a DR with no "easy" option to lower it. In saying that though RedKLR650 is a "short arse" and defiantly doesn't seem to have any problems.Cheers R

Jeeze Ryan, I take offence to that , it's not my arse that's short, it's my legs.....

Anyway you're right though, I'm only 5'8"on a good day and have no problems with the KLR. and the 23litre tank does have it's advantages.

I've just completed a 1400km trip to the west coast and back over the weekend, and the seats not too bad either.....

All the best in your travels, Stu