Kiwi Specification bikes

**Biff** · 16th February 2005, 14:05

A general and possibly broad question regarding the specification of bikes brought into New Zealand; apart from Kiwi kikes being right hand ride, are there many other differences between US spec bikes, Aussie bikes, Kiwi bikes and even European bikes?

I know that there are one or two differences between my Bird and it's European cousin. But is there a general rule of thumb?

**Sniper** · 16th February 2005, 14:17

What sort of differences are we talking about, you mean to tell me that the throttle is on the left side of the bike now??

**Waylander** · 16th February 2005, 14:18

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

A general and possibly broad question regarding the specification of bikes brought into New Zealand; apart from Kiwi kikes being right hand ride, are there many other differences between US spec bikes, Aussie bikes, Kiwi bikes and even European bikes?

I know that there are one or two differences between my Bird and it's European cousin. But is there a general rule of thumb?

What do you mean by right hand ride? If you mean the throttle then guess what my bike has right hand throttle aswell and as far as i can tell has no diference in specification from the NZ version.

**Biff** · 16th February 2005, 14:21

Originally Posted by alucard_draken

What do you mean by right hand ride?

Sorry guys, that bit was a (bad) joke. The rest is a serious question (for a change).

**Sniper** · 16th February 2005, 14:22

I beleive on European bikes you fall off on the left side of the bike and not the right as it is punisable but death of a thousand virgins

**vifferman** · 16th February 2005, 14:30

I believe we get Australian-spec bikes here.

Main differences are that the US and European bikes have lighting set up for right-hand drive, and Jap-spec are often restricted. Minor differences are that US-spec bikes don't have the "Pass" high-beam flasher, have 45W headlight bulbs, and "PAIR" valves to satisfy emissions regulations. Oh - and of course, MPH speedos.

**JohnBoy** · 16th February 2005, 14:30

i dont know how true this is but i always thought that we had canadian spec bikes (cause thier laws are as loose is ours when it comes to restrictions).
i didn't think that there was a NZ spec, we just got what ever was sent from the factories.

**bugjuice** · 16th February 2005, 14:31

make sure the dash is for right hand drive, instead of left..??

The only thing I can sensibley think of is the headlights. The low-beam lighting often illuminates more of the kerb side of the road. I know this for cars, but might not apply to bikes, and might be different now, with new 'clear' headlights etc. Have to check mine when I get home..
Apart from the head lights, can't think of anything that would specifically make it left or right sided of the road.
Hell, my bike even has a Canadian tested sticker on it, so I guess it could have gone anywhere..

**XTC** · 16th February 2005, 14:33

Yeah what he said and also US bikes may have the speedo in miles... May have hard wired lights etc.

**vifferman** · 16th February 2005, 14:34

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

i didn't think that there was a NZ spec, we just got what ever was sent from the factories.

Not quite - we get sent Australian-spec bikes. My last one had "ADR Compliance" stickers on it.

**Biff** · 16th February 2005, 14:34

Originally Posted by vifferman

I believe we get Australian-spec bikes here.

Main differences are that the US and European bikes have lighting set up for right-hand drive,

Thanks Viffer - Clarification q - I thought Shamericans rode on the left? So why set up their lights for right hand ride?

**Waylander** · 16th February 2005, 14:37

Originally Posted by bugjuice

make sure the dash is for right hand drive, instead of left..??

The only thing I can sensibley think of is the headlights. The low-beam lighting often illuminates more of the kerb side of the road. I know this for cars, but might not apply to bikes, and might be different now, with new 'clear' headlights etc. Have to check mine when I get home..
Apart from the head lights, can't think of anything that would specifically make it left or right sided of the road.
Hell, my bike even has a Canadian tested sticker on it, so I guess it could have gone anywhere..

It is true with some bikes they warned me that i might have to get mine switched. I think its with all bike made after '96 that the headlights have some kind of dedlector that points it mostly to the right side of the bike in the states. Here it needs to be off to the left to keep it out of oncoming traffic.

**F5 Dave** · 16th February 2005, 14:37

We get the end runs from where ever it is convenient & cheap. Typically we used to get SA spec or Australian, but those got a bit funny sometimes, so when we get Canadian/Euro etc ones they need a headlight swap when/before they come into the country & if you are luck a kph speedo.

Some countries are restricted more than others for noise, power or emissions.

RF900s for example came here from at least 3 different markets 04, 06 & something else.

**bear** · 16th February 2005, 14:37

Don't NZ get over runs from the States, like Suzuki Bandit's and SV's.
My Bandit must be from that way, no off switch for the headlights, no pass button, speedo in miles (km in small text).