A Dane in distress

[jophiel]

A Dane in need in New Zealand


I'm currently in New Zealand for three months, fulfilling a long-time dream of riding around this beautiful country on a motorcycle, followed by another three in Australia. I actually took my motorcycle license not many months ago for this specific purpose, and before I came here, the lessons were the only riding experience I had. Some people thought I was crazy, but I believe that dreams are there to be pursued.

Unfortunately, the second-hand Honda XR250 I'd bought gave out a couple of days ago, and I don't have any space in my budget for buying a new one. I'd figured that, even though minor repairs might be necessary, a generally indestructable XR250 which had only gone 21000kms on purchase (and looked like it was in good condition) would last me the trip. I was to be proven wrong! All I got out of it was just over two weeks of travel and 1500kms

I bought it as-is, knowing full well that if anything went wrong the problem was mine. Here's how it all happened

This saturday, I was cruising along on my way to Te Anau as the engine started making funny noices. Shortly after, a very loud metallic rattling sound came from the engine, and I immediately pulled the clutch which stopped the noise. As I pulled over, the engine was still going (I'd put it in neutral), but as I stepped off to see if I could find any outside damage, the engine died for no apparant reason and I couldn't start it again. Every time I tried, the clanking sound came back. Fortunately, a local girl I'd met was travelling the same way as me not long after I'd taken off and she brought me to her aunt's farm. She arranged for her aunt's husband (John) to fetch it in a pickup truck.

The next day we got it going after a good amount of thinking and pilfering. Believing it was alright, I was very relieved to set off again. After around 10k, the same thing happened, and this time the gears got stuck too. John came and picked me up again, and in the evening we took it to the mechanic. I was praying it was fixable, but I knew it'd probably be expensive. Yesterday he called me and told me the engine was dead. I went to see it, and it probably couldn't have been much closer to utter destruction. The piston was cracked, the cylinder walls were ruptured, the valves were bent, and something (don't remember what) was destroyed in the gearbox as well. Total write-off. The mechanic offered me 400$ for it to use for spare parts and, having no other options, I took it.

The mechanic said there was nothing I could have done, it was just normal wear and tear and it was probably already on it's way out when I bought it (I don't blame the seller though, I don't think anyone would've seen it unless they opened up the engine.) It is just too bad since the bike (and motor) is generally considered to be so reliable (or so I'm told.)


What a bummer! I've had so much fun riding it, and I had hoped it'd take me all the way to Auckland. In the end I only got 1500kms out of it. I can't afford a new bike, much as I'd love to, so my only options from here-on out is hitchhiking.


What I'm doing now is writing everyone and anyone I know in NZ who has anything to do with motorcycles and see if there's some unforeseen opportunity that opens up. Who knows, maybe I'll find a kind soul who'd let me borrow a bike for the rest (or part) of the trip. I have no real money to offer, but I'd be happy to offer something else (such as ads on my blog, which is seeing a steady increase in traffic, and currently have around 50 individual kiwi readers.) I am open for suggestions.

If I hear of a really good offer I might consider it, but this write-off is quite a cut in my budget so I really don't know how much I'd give. Having set my nose up for a bike trip around NZ, it's a real let-down having to complete it hitching. And I haven't even considered what this'll mean for my Australia plans.


Anyways, just thought I'd throw a line. As I said, if (against all hope) you know anyone who could help in whatever small way to get me back on a bike, please let me know. Other than that, I'd be happy if you just spread the word about this dane in need.



If it takes time for me to answer this post, it's because internet is expensive and/or hard to come by for travellers around here. I WILL be checking back here as often as I can.

[Conquiztador]

Hi

So I take that you are still in the deepest South Island? When/if you get your self up to Hawke's Bay there is a few things to consider:

1. There is work here. You get a work permit inside a couple of days to work in orchards (as there is a shortage of staff). That could in a week or two get you back in a financial position so you can afford a $1 - 1.5K bike.

2. I have a spare room. No money required, but some help around the place while here.

3. I am quite handy with bikes, so if we find you something we can quickly sort her out.

I am not that good on Danish. (Even if Dorte tried to teach me in the 80's.) But if Swedish will do, then...

Your move.

[Mystic13]

Like the previous poster says maybe your best bet is getting some short term work.

It would help to know where abouts in the country you are. "On the way to Te Anau" could be Christchurch.

PM me with you contact details. I have a bike in Christchurch that'll easily go the distance, I have some work in Auckland that you may be able to do to either pay for that bike or buy another.

Or depending on the fruit picking gig you could fly there. Bunk down for a week or two, buy a bike there with some expert help and get going from that neck of the woods.

Or if it was important to continue the trip from the deep South you could well take on the work where ever someone can find it for you.

Then buy a bike back in the area you want and just get some KB help in buying a good one and getting going.

In Te Anau there is a back packers called "Bob and Maxine's". Bob is a bike nut and can fix pretty much anything. They're also top folk. I think he'd have no problems looking over a bike for you. I don't think he'll lend you one of his babies though. He does have a huge workshop and garaging for bikes.

Good luck with the hunt for a bike.

Oh and what's your blog address?

[jophiel]

Unfortunately I don't have a work visa, and no time in my schedule for taking out a couple of weeks

I do have some "emergency money" though, which could be spent on a new bike. The problem is that I'm afraid of getting my fingers burned again if I buy a cheap bike. If I find one that I'm relatively sure will go the distance, and I think I can afford it, I'm pretty keen on buying it I think. It all depends on whether it's reliable, big enough (250cc or bigger), and how easy it would be to sell it in Auckland.

"able to afford" means in the 1k - 1.5k range, though exceptions may apply if for some reason it seems worth it


To answer some of the questions:
I broke down halfway between Invercargill and Te Anau. I left Te Anau yesterday and am now in Queenstown. Internet was particularly hard to come by in Te Anau, so I didn't hear about Bob & Maxine's until now.

My blog adress is jophielsbigadventure.blogspot.com


EDIT:
My postcount isn't high enough to use the PM system, but my phone number is 021 203 2665

[Conquiztador]

Unfortunately I don't have a work visa, and no time in my schedule for taking out a couple of weeks

I do have some "emergency money" though, which could be spent on a new bike. The problem is that I'm afraid of getting my fingers burned again if I buy a cheap bike. If I find one that I'm relatively sure will go the distance, and I think I can afford it, I'm pretty keen on buying it I think. It all depends on whether it's reliable, big enough (250cc or bigger), and how easy it would be to sell it in Auckland.

"able to afford" means in the 1k - 1.5k range, though exceptions may apply if for some reason it seems worth it


To answer some of the questions:
I broke down halfway between Invercargill and Te Anau. I left Te Anau yesterday and am now in Queenstown. Internet was particularly hard to come by in Te Anau, so I didn't hear about Bob & Maxine's until now.

My blog adress is jophielsbigadventure.blogspot.com


EDIT:
My postcount isn't high enough to use the PM system, but my phone number is 021 203 2665

- Do some more posting then. Think you only need 10 or so posts to get the PM up and running?
- When taking a orchard job they fast track the visa and you have it in a few days.
- You are on a holiday and have "no time in your schedule to take time out" ? Holidays must have changed for the worse since I last had one.
- Most on KB are prepared to help others who will help them self.

I really think you should consider a cage for the $1K.

And don't call me, I call you...

Good Luck.