Hey all,
First off I think I should explain what an American living on the east coast (no, I dont mean California.....its the EAST coast!!) is doing on a kiwi bike forum!!! Here goes:
About a year ago I spent 6 months in NZ and fell in love with the place. From the amazing people to the spectacular scenary I was just blown away. NZ had all the beauty I've seen in my travels accross the USA but in a nice compact and accesible package.....well not quite the grand canyon....but most everything else! I spent alot of time touring around the north island before eventually ending up in Christchurch (best city in NZ, hands down.......hella lot better then Auckland anyway) where I spent much of my time. I did a semester at University of Canterbury (why I came to NZ in the first place......yeah right) and basically took weekend road trips with all the crazy kiwi's, Aussie's, Fijians, Brits, Germans, Americans etc I met and befriended on campus. I made some great friends and thoroughly enjoyed myself, not to mention I developed an love of Rugby (Crusaders dominate all...), fish n' chips wrapped in newspaper, Indian take-out (errr take-away), L&P, and kiwi/aussie women (its the accent......just does it for me).
But, on all those road trips all over the south and north islands one thought kept nagging me.......one little question stuck in my mind.......wouldnt this road trip just be a bit better if I were on a motorcycle?
And now I get, more specifically, to why I've come to this forum in the first place. I'm headed back to New Zealand (Christchurch again).....this time for a more extended stay. Im planning on getting a bike......and this time I'm gonna see your great country (maybe soon to be my country as well...who knows) the right way: on two wheels. I hope to have the same experience as I had last time....which means meeting great people and establishing lasting friendships......and going all over new zealand having one crazy adventure after another until severe injury, total exhaustian, imprisonment, or death stops me.
Oh, almost forgot........right now I ride a Ninja 250. It aint much but its my first bike and its what my Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course instructors recommended I get. Its not pretty or fast but it was cheap, light weight, and great to learn on......and to be honest it just has a special place in my heart. Even when I pull up next to cruisers that have over a liter displacement on me I pat her on the side just to let her know its ok, I'm bigger then them where it counts anyway hehe.
So I have a few questions:
1. When I went to NZ, my American drivers license was good for the entire period I was there. Is this the same as with my motorcycle license or will I need to retake the test?? If so, can you post a link or let me know what the requirements are??
2. I noticed while in NZ that some car prices, not to even mention petrol, were outrageous! You guys sure do pay a premium for some of the trick kit we pay pennies for in the states, and yeah Ive taken the exchange rates into account. Is this the same with bikes?? Im looking at an R-6, CBR600RR, or GSXR-600 depending......also consiering an FZ-6 as it would be more comfortable on those long trips then a full on sports bike. So anyway, what do those bikes run new over there?
3. Im looking for a group of people, in Christchurch preferably, who like to do some weekend riding and dont mide riding with a F'in American. So anyway, if your interested in riding with me I would like to know who you are so I can get in touch when I get to Christchurch in about 4 months. PM me or something. I would also like to know the best place to get a bike in the city and that sort of thing.
Well, I guess thats it for now. Sorry for the long intro. Just thought I'd introduce myself straight away and get things rolling. Cant waite to get back to NZ......on a motorcycle this time. Counting down the days....
Heaven is a twisty road........somewhere in New Zealand.
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Originally Posted by DingDong
. Ordering a big mac at "Mackers" and being asked "would you like the burger or the sandwich" is a question every American should be faced with at least ounce in their life. Going to the "largest screen in NZ" to watch a movie and realizing its about the size of the HDTV in my living room was great. Paying twelve billion dollars for what was basically some Mexican food was quite a laugh as well....oh but waite a second, it was ACTUALLY fancy "Spanish" food......wonder how long you Kiwi's are gonna fall for that shite hehe. ROFLMAO....... Oh, and I wont ever forget spending 4 months pronouncing it like "Wangeray" before somebody FINALLY politely told me the correct pronunciation of the city. 
because you have hotter strippers then we do). I mean, besides driving up to Alaska thats pretty much the only reason we travel to Canada anyway.......but a damn fine one at that!
but s'ok, sounds like he's already under our evil influence
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