Seeking interesting bikes and bikers for book

**john mccrystal** · 19th November 2007, 20:24

I'm a Wellington-based writer who's been commissioned by Penguin Books (NZ) to do a book on NZ motorbikes. It's intended to be something along the lines of Jim Hopkins' Blokes and Sheds of a few years back, with photographs accompanied by a short write-up of each bike. We're looking for interesting bikes and/or bikers, but especially a combination of the two, who would be willing to have their picture taken and to answer a few questions about their bikes and themselves. I've done a couple of books along these lines previously: one on NZ owners of British cars (The Cars We Loved), and another on NZ owners of American cars (The Cars We Dreamed Of). I've also published a big history of motoring in NZ (100 Years of Motoring, which featured a section on bikes), and I'm probably best (un)known for ghostwriting Gareth and Joanne Morgan's biking adventures on the Silk Road and in Africa.
If posters on this blog were able to name the 5 most interesting bikes and bikers they knew of, and where to find them, I'd be really grateful. The book is due out mid-2008. Cheers!

**McDuck** · 20th November 2007, 15:41

Sorry cant help.

**Her_C4** · 20th November 2007, 15:43

Originally Posted by Mcduck5n

Sorry cant help.

I can

PM sent

**007XX** · 20th November 2007, 15:44

Not wanting to sound like a wisecrack...but please define "interesting".

**Qkchk:Me** · 20th November 2007, 15:52

Come on folks, here is a good chance to promote Motorcycling and Kiwibiker!

Lets be more constructive...........

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 20th November 2007, 15:52

Originally Posted by john mccrystal

If posters on this blog were able to name the 5 most interesting bikes and bikers they knew of, and where to find them, I'd be really grateful. The book is due out mid-2008. Cheers!

what do you call interesting

99.9999% of bikers have a story or two to share and most can be interesting after a couple of beers.

I have been called interesting many times

though I only own a VTR at present I would call that interesting as its well mine. (also believe the previous own is a member on this site too

) but I have been biking for 20 years and have own many bikes and have a few yarns...

**imdying** · 20th November 2007, 15:55

We'll stick him on the back of OABs Lucky Strike GSXR1000 for a rip over to Akaroa, I've got a tenner that says he'll find that interesting

**marty** · 20th November 2007, 16:28

how will a book of gixxers be interesting?

Not wanting to sound like a wisecrack...but please define "interesting".

if you've a nice arse - you're in

**imdying** · 20th November 2007, 16:45

Originally Posted by marty

how will a book of gixxers be interesting?

I bet if you chop your arm off, build a custom motorcycle, and learn to ride it like a bat out of hell you'd be a whole lot more interesting

**Blue Velvet** · 20th November 2007, 16:49

Originally Posted by imdying

We'll stick him on the back of OABs Lucky Strike GSXR1000 for a rip over to Akaroa, I've got a tenner that says he'll find that interesting

LOL, pick me, pick me!

For the ride to Akaroa I mean...

**Conquiztador** · 20th November 2007, 16:50

................

**Swoop** · 20th November 2007, 16:55

Perhaps head along to any of the group rides that happen around the country? Loads of material to work with in the riding community...

Originally Posted by marty

how will a book of gixxers be interesting?

That would be like "who has the best toyota corolla..."

**Goblin** · 20th November 2007, 16:56

This has to be one of the greatest.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...96#post1280296

**john mccrystal** · 21st November 2007, 20:38

Thanks to all those who have replied to my query of a couple of days ago. Keep the suggestions coming: I'm really grateful.

And I'm enjoying the debate on what it is to be 'interesting', even if I'm not sure I can help with a definition... Pretty sure doing the two-up thing to Akaroa would do it, though.

Cheers!

JM