Pommie comes to NZ in Dec - looking for bike/mates

**Pommie Gaz** · 3rd November 2004, 09:58

Me and the missus are coming to NZ on Dec 2nd for a month. Never been before and excited about taking in the scenery/culture and meeting the people. We hear that you have a fabulous country.
We own a couple of bikes in the UK (Kwaka Zephyr 550 and Virago 535) and are just about to get a Guzzi V50 too.
Looking for a cheap and reliable bike to tour the islands on for a month (nearish to Auckland?)- not a sh*t heap, must be reliable, preferably with lids, jackets etc. to either buy/borrow. Renting from the hire companies is just far too expensive. Anything considered!
We know it's a tall order but are hoping that the international biker fraternity can help. We'd be willing to help out if you come to the UK.
Also looking for biker-friendly bars, cafes, motels or B&B and any clubs we could meet up with or individuals willing to show us around. Cheers.

**Dr Bob** · 3rd November 2004, 10:27

Welcome Gaz

In all likelihood you will find something here. I don't have a spare bike at the moment because I just sold one. Buying something cheap and then reselling may be your best bet. If you have an unristricted licence you can pick up a reasonably large bike at a reasonable price - in comparison to the 250's; however, this 'reasonable' price may seem to be high to you for the age of the bike. No salt on the roads, a non corrosive climate, garaging for most bikes, and a do it yourself maintenance regime typically mean that you *can* get an old bike that's reasonable. Factor this in with the relatively low depreciation of the bike and your resale at the end of your visit and you have your cheapest option, where you can have appropriate insurance coverage and all the legal stuff sorted out with minimal worries.

And there just may be someone here with a bike they are selling, or that would want to buy a bike, or could offer advice about a bike .... etc.

Good luck on your trip, and remember to put your watches back on the plane.

**vifferman** · 3rd November 2004, 11:02

Originally Posted by Dr Bob

...remember to put your watches back on the plane.

Yer what? :eyepoke:

**StoneChucker** · 3rd November 2004, 11:08

Where are you planning on visiting? You'll find plenty of people to ride with, and if you're in Wellington, I'd be up for a ride sometime. Hope you sort out your bike with minimal hassle.

Keep in touch.
Dave.

**Riff Raff** · 3rd November 2004, 11:31

Hi there

Have a look at www.trademe.co.nz which has heaps of second hand bikes for sale. You never know you might find something there.

Post a message on here when you know your itinirary and I'm sure you'll get heaps of people to ride with - I'll be happy to go for a ride when you're in Auckland if I'm not working. Good luck and hope you have a great holiday here. Beware - you might find it difficult to leave!!

**Slim** · 3rd November 2004, 11:44

Alternatively, try www.bikepoint.co.nz

**clint640** · 3rd November 2004, 11:53

Check out the dealers too, some may be happy to do a buy back deal with ya.

Cheers
Clint

**vifferman** · 3rd November 2004, 12:02

Originally Posted by clint640

Check out the dealers too, some may be happy to do a buy back deal with ya.

Indeed. I believe some of the dealers who hire bikes have this scheme, and the longer you have the bike for, the less it costs on a daily basis.

**Hitcher** · 3rd November 2004, 12:23

Originally Posted by clint640

Check out the dealers too, some may be happy to do a buy back deal with ya.

Alternatively just take a new one for a long demo ride. There are a few dealerships round where they wouldn't notice if you helped yourself until they did their annual stocktake...

**Bleck K6** · 3rd November 2004, 16:21

If you are goin to ride some of our awesome roads at the top of the north island we will gladly take you for a ride.

**Two Smoker** · 3rd November 2004, 18:06

What style of bike, or what kind of bike do you have in mind?????

Come to this site and you will find a ride going every weekend

**Pommie Gaz** · 3rd November 2004, 19:52

We're looking for a naked or touring bike rather than a sports as Mrs P wants a comfy pillion - but to be honest I'm none too fussed. Great responses so far guys. Thanks for all the help. Keep it coming!

**Mr Skid** · 3rd November 2004, 20:18

In a few weeks I'm going to see if I can organise some leisurely cruises for people not comfortable at 200+km/h speeds. Stopping off at cafes for lunch etc, generally laid back, pillion friendly stuff.

I'll post something up on this thread when I get it organised.

**jimbo600** · 4th November 2004, 05:48

Give me a PM when you are close to welly mate. Plenty of us here who would love to show you around. plus we can talk Pommy shit as I am an immigrant from the main land.

Don't know anyone who is selling, but you can't go too far wrong with the web pages already posted on this thread.