My experience in NZ (NNN)

[NNN]

Hello Everyone

Greetings.. Just joined KB and what other way to start than share something about me. I moved to NZ about 8 years ago. I have been riding bikes for almost 10 years before I moved here. Since the move, I never got time (or could justify the expense) to buy a bike. I became a cager Anyway, last year told mrs that u take the car - my spirit was slowly dying. She being a biker happily agreed (am lucky on this front I guess). Anyway the NZ did not recognize my overseas license so I had to sit for Learners and ride 250 until i get my full. I bought a 2009 Ninja 250 and rode with an L plate till my full test. Fellow bikers sometimes made fun of my abidance to law, but after years of riding I have got the patience. Went for my full license test soon after the learners and passed it. I did have some discussion with the instructor after that. He said he could tell I have been riding for long. I guess it mutates in your DNA after years of riding.

WHAT I THINK ABOUT AKL TRAFFIC - I ride 25km one way every day across the bridge. I have had my share of rain, wind and of course those cagers who we love to hate for driving while smoking, eating, texting and putting up makeup - sometimes at the same time. I try to make sure they understand what they are doing :-) All in all AKL is a nice place to ride- weather can be a spoilsport sometime, but who cares. People's attitude, however, is very demoralizing. I am on a death wish and bikers are destined to have an accident is often implied if not stated. I initially tried to rationalize, but now i just say `you don't know what you are missing dude'.

MY 10 CENTS OF ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS- There is no substitute to practice. You will always have good days and bad days so it is imperative that you learn to listen to your instincts. Be patient - it is not about how fast you can go, but how good your control is. Riders will always respect you irrespective of what you ride and how fast you ride, and non-riders will never understand no matter what you do.

MY NEXT BIKE - I have been looking for 600-750cc, but money is a factor. I guess my ninja will sell for around 5000. Any suggestions?? My preference is R6, CBR, Monster or GSX.

Well this is me for now... Look forward to a long lasting relationship with KB

CHEERS
NNN


BTW: I don't know how to remove L-plate rider from my profile.

[Jantar]

.....
BTW: I don't know how to remove L-plate rider from my profile.

As your motorcycle related post count increases that name will change automatically. When you become a senior member then you can change it to whatever you like.

[Bikemad]

As your motorcycle related post count increases that name will change automatically. When you become a senior member then you can change it to whatever you like.

how many posts before becoming a senior member ??

[caseye]

Shhhhhhhhhhh! don't tell him, anyone.
Welcome to Kb NNN and your name will change soon enough.
Nice to see someone with an attitude that should keep them quite safe around Dorkland and naturally anywhere else.
Enjoy the BS and the talk around here and don't take too much of it to seriously.

[Akzle]

...
Enjoy the BS and the talk around here and don't take too much of it to seriously.

yeah. on balance, probably best not to take any of it seriously

[MSTRS:Me]

yeah. on balance, probably best not to take any of it seriously

Except for stuff I say. Sometimes.

[Akzle]

Except for stuff I say. Sometimes.

how 'bout now?

[SpeedySapper]

Welcome. Good bike for around here in my opinion is a Triumph Street Triple. Awesome engine, comfortable, and FUN!

[NNN]

Triumph is another good one.. the only issue is i am kinda stuck with Ninja.. i can't sell it for more than 5K.. A couple of dealers i tried are not offering me more than 4K..

[Lozza2442]

yeah. on balance, probably best not to take any of it seriously

Not stuff you say anyway! hahaha

[HenryDorsetCase]

Welcome. Good bike for around here in my opinion is a Triumph Street Triple. Awesome engine, comfortable, and FUN!

I concur with this, as a Street Triple owner

[Edbear]

I concur with this, as a Street Triple owner

A well balanced and unbiased opinion. I agree and I unfortunately never got to ride one, but every person who ever has seems to think they are the bee's knees!

[sootie]

Anyway, last year told mrs that u take the car - my spirit was slowly dying.

I went through that but the other way around!!. We lived in UK for a few years & did not have a bike, and then again when we returned to NZ for a few more years. The itch just never leaves does it ? Even when they damn near kill you!

I am impatiently waiting to re-rego mine now for the summer. Go Well friend & stay safe!

[Stucati]

Best of luck finding the right bike, at the right price! They don't appear too often and when they do they sell quickly!
You'll know if you've been looking on trade me (other online selling sites are available) or in dealerships there seems to be a culture of overvaluing
everything from low mileage older bikes (and we're not talking modern classics here, were talking run of the mill stuff) to high mileage examples which may or may not
have been looked after.
I spent ten months looking for a bike, I had cash in my pocket and a very clear idea of what I wanted and still it took months of trawling ads to find a good deal.

[IanGt750]

I agree, there are a lot of very average bikes on offer at top $$$ and you very rarely get back what you have invested if looking for a "trade". I currently have a BMW RS after several years of Suzi GT's and Ducati SS and this is the result of "trading", not what I want really but safe and sound. I have repaired the ABS (told it was working on Trade Me deal!), oil leak and anoying fault on indicators so should be goo to go for the summer.
I too have the "L" plates up on here but quite like that as I have been riding for some 30+ years now, UK and NZ. Can teach old dogs eh?