2006 New Zealand Bike of the Year - Your Vote

**Squeak the Rat** · 10th January 2007, 13:20

Any poll like this is bound to disgruntle some punters. Buy any mag and the top lists are biased towards sportsbikes, after all that's where all the technology and money goes.

What would you rather see in a car poll, DB9's or toyota corollas?

Are these bikes the list of the awards finalists, or does each sponsor have the opportunity to nominate their own, and this is Star's list? Either way i reckon it's good to have a say regardless of how limited it is.....

**disenfranchised** · 10th January 2007, 13:26

I'd like to see the Triumph Speed Tripple in there, that's a beauty.

The list does seem a bit limited, are these the nominees or something?

**Star Insurance** · 10th January 2007, 13:27

There is a couple of other bikes on the list which we couldn't fit on the poll as the site only allows 10 options. They are Honda Goldwing, Triumph ST 1050, Yamaha FZ1, BMW F800S. So if a mod can add these bikes it would be great

These bikes are nominated by the distributors in New Zealand.

**James Deuce** · 10th January 2007, 13:37

Again, not bikes for mere mortals.

When are bike mags and bike manufacturers going to wake up to the fact that most people don't have $25-$40k to biff at a bike every year or two?

Where's the bike capable of touring two up in reasonable comfort, commuting, and going round corners in an entertaining way, for less than $15k new? The ER6n would have a stab at that, but with no fairing and little scope for adding a fly screen thanks to that headlight, touring might be a bit tiresome.

In answer to the chap who made the comment about DB9 or Corolla? Corolla's and their ilk DO win car of year awards. The Fiat Multipla won Top Gear's car of the year award in 2000. The car guys seem to get it. People want to read about what they can afford to own and run as well as the alpha dogs in each category, and they want them celebrated, not the usual desultory single page "review" that whinges about them not being as good as the flagship models.

Look at how many people own or have owned Hornet 900's in NZ for instance.

**Hitcher** · 10th January 2007, 13:40

The 2006 Honda Goldwing wasn't a "new" model. Apart from the addition of an airbag, it's no different from the 2005 model.

And don't the Harley distributors get a vote or do they choose not to participate?

And adding extra choices after 57 people have already voted on the poll is a bit pointless really.

**ArcherWC** · 10th January 2007, 13:41

Originally Posted by Squeak the Rat

Any poll like this is bound to disgruntle some punters. Buy any mag and the top lists are biased towards sportsbikes, after all that's where all the technology and money goes.

What would you rather see in a car poll, DB9's or toyota corollas?

Are these bikes the list of the awards finalists, or does each sponsor have the opportunity to nominate their own, and this is Star's list? Either way i reckon it's good to have a say regardless of how limited it is.....

Absolutly agree

**imdying** · 10th January 2007, 13:45

Hitcher, why would you like only new models in the list?

As an example, the GSXR750 hasn't changed much recently, but just keeps on winning.

**Hitcher** · 10th January 2007, 13:50

Originally Posted by imdying

Hitcher, why would you like only new models in the list?

As an example, the GSXR750 hasn't changed much recently, but just keeps on winning.

I agree with you. There are lots of "current" models (i.e. sold "new" by distributors) that have been around for years and just keep on keeping on. But this is a "Bike of the year" competition, the last word of that descriptor being the kicker. It's not a "Stood the test of time" competition.

**sels1** · 10th January 2007, 13:54

Originally Posted by Jim2

[LEFT]
Where's the bike capable of touring two up in reasonable comfort, commuting, and going round corners in an entertaining way, for less than $15k new?

The Triumph ST does all that...but it is around $20K new

But I see your point

**Squeak the Rat** · 10th January 2007, 14:00

If this list of bikes is not for every day people, why are sales of sportbikes so high? People buy them..... But I also agree with the sentiments of real-worldliness which is why i voted er6..... (followed if i could by ktm, then trumpy).

Originally Posted by Jim2

Where's the bike capable of touring two up in reasonable comfort, commuting, and going round corners in an entertaining way, for less than $15k new?

Good point. I'm riding it

**James Deuce** · 10th January 2007, 14:02

Shhhhhhhh

**Scouse** · 10th January 2007, 14:30

Originally Posted by starman

Star Insurance is sponsoring the Road Motorcycle of the Year at the Motorcycle Trader Awards and are asking KiwiBikers for your opinion.

This poll will be factored into one vote for the Bike of the Year at the Motorcycle Trader Awards.

We wish you a happy year's riding for 2007.

Star Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance Only
0800 96 8000

2006 Triumph Speed Triple should be on your poll

**imdying** · 10th January 2007, 14:33

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I agree with you. There are lots of "current" models (i.e. sold "new" by distributors) that have been around for years and just keep on keeping on. But this is a "Bike of the year" competition, the last word of that descriptor being the kicker. It's not a "Stood the test of time" competition.

Hmmm. I do see what you're getting at, but I wouldn't want to rule out a bike that is an 05 model if it's still the best bike of the year, even if it was designed and first sold last year. Know what I mean?