So how 'bout those Americans? (xevor)

**xevor** · 24th March 2008, 10:03

Life was getting dull for me. So I have decided to move to New Zealand and got a 1 year holiday visa (for the moment, if I like it I will find a way to stay). I am 27 and would like to think I make friends fast but still I don't know a single person in New Zealand and am sure I will be the butt of many jokes for A) Being from America and B) Not knowing the slang / using my own.

I have decided that when I move there on April 15th (looking at Auckland) that I will want to buy a motorbike instead of a car.

I looked through the license regulations and saw that to get one there I would have to get a 250cc to start

i'll probably just buy something used off trademe until the restrictions pass...

Anyways, if there is anyone on here who wants to make friends with a naive American who doesn't know slang or even how to ride a bike yet lemme know.

**Edbear** · 24th March 2008, 10:11

Anyone who likes bikes is going to be welcome here! MAy I suggest seeing if you can get your licence before you come out here, as it will then allow you to drive/ride here on it for 12 months and then you simpoly convert it to an NZ licence, unrestricted?

A lot of Kiwis go to Rarotonga and for $20 or so, sit their licence on a scooter in a car park, then come back able to ride anything.

I do recommend a smaller bike to start with regardless, as it's very easy to kill yourself, and take a learner course as well.

Welcome to KB, and I'm sure you'll find a lot of people here ready to help!

**Bikernereid** · 24th March 2008, 10:14

They are really nice peeps in NZ and that is one of the main reasons that I shall be heading there for good. You should make friends easily if you like your bikes and there are always rides that you can go out on which is a great way to meet people.

Good luck.

**xevor** · 24th March 2008, 10:22

Rarotonga eh... that's an interesting idea I had not heard of.

It's not that I have any hate for 250cc and I know I should buy a bike that I am not afraid to beat up but I hate having restrictions on things I can do.

**Gubb** · 24th March 2008, 10:26

I'm in Auckland, would be glad to have you round for a Barbie and a few Sangers.

Drop me a PM when you get here.

**Edbear** · 24th March 2008, 10:27

Originally Posted by xevor

Rarotonga eh... that's an interesting idea I had not heard of.

It's not that I have any hate for 250cc and I know I should buy a bike that I am not afraid to beat up but I hate having restrictions on things I can do.

I feel the same about speed limiters. Maybe I won't ever do 300km/h+ but it's the principle of it, eh?

There is an exemption available here for those who are too big to fit a 250cc, so if you're very tall, you may qualify...

Most 250 sport bikes will top the ton or close to it these days, so performance solo is rarely an issue for new riders. The most popular new bike here at the moment is the Hyosung GTR 250. A full size bike that seems to be building a good reputation.

**xevor** · 24th March 2008, 10:52

is there a new zealand site similar to craigslist.org ? craigslist is a free classifieds site where you can post a classified for absolutely any reason with no cost.

If not what other NZ sites get used by a majority of people there?

**jrandom** · 24th March 2008, 10:55

Originally Posted by Bikern1mpho

They are really nice peeps in NZ...

Well, some of us can be pretty annoying.

Originally Posted by xevor

Life was getting dull for me...

It's a piece of piss (you did say you wanted to learn Commonwealth idiom) to make friends on motorcycles around these here parts.

Come on down.

**Edbear** · 24th March 2008, 10:57

Originally Posted by xevor

is there a new zealand site similar to craigslist.org ? craigslist is a free classifieds site where you can post a classified for absolutely any reason with no cost.

If not what other NZ sites get used by a majority of people there?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/ is a good place to start and probably the most popular site.

**WierNixie** · 24th March 2008, 11:00

Originally Posted by xevor

is there a new zealand site similar to craigslist.org ? craigslist is a free classifieds site where you can post a classified for absolutely any reason with no cost.

If not what other NZ sites get used by a majority of people there?

There is a New Zealand branch of Craigslist, but it is not as well populated or as popular as the rest of the world at the moment.

If you are able to get an American Motorcycle licence, it would probably be a good thing to do before you leave? Then you may not have do do your licence in New Zealand. A number of licences from many countries are recognised here.

I am sure that thru riding you will meet tonnes of people in NZ.

WN

**James Deuce** · 24th March 2008, 11:00

Sweet! More victims!

**Edbear** · 24th March 2008, 11:04

Originally Posted by Jim2

Sweet! More victims!

Don't listen to Jim2, as long as we take our medication, we're fine...

**xevor** · 24th March 2008, 11:05

Originally Posted by WierNixie

If you are able to get an American Motorcycle licence, it would probably be a good thing to do before you leave?

Yeah, I thought about that but even here you have to have a learners permit for so long... granted there is no 250cc restriction here like there is there but still a permit is not a real license.

Besides I am on a road trip going all over the country to see my friends right now before I fly out so I won't really have much time. I just don't want to have to buy a car right when I get here. Would rather just buy a bike.

**James Deuce** · 24th March 2008, 11:05

That fknAmerican guy is really entertaining (and really easy) to wind up.

I hope xevor will be able to cope with our oblique, sometimes inscrutable humour.

**xevor** · 24th March 2008, 11:12

Originally Posted by Jim2

That fknAmerican guy is really entertaining (and really easy) to wind up.

I hope xevor will be able to cope with our oblique, sometimes inscrutable humour.

I run a site called The Smartass if that is any indication of my sense of humo(u)r.