Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Australia / New Zealand
Australia / New Zealand Topics specific to Australia and New Zealand only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
A Dane in Dire Distress!

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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Hi jophiel,

Can't offer any specific help but you may also like to try the forums on kiwibiker.co.nz

You may find someone there who can assist.

Hope it all goes well.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Danmark
Posts: 346
As you have a lot of time, you could buy a bicycle and continue on a smaller scale. you'll save the gasolin money, its cheaper to get it to Australia. It can be brought on a train, plane or bus and probably you could hitchhike a ride with a pickup in the outback.

Not to mention the effects on your health ;o)

I'll see you in Australia ;o) I'm bicycling Adelaide-Oodnadatta-Darwin from 16 of march to 12 may

Poul
Odense
__________________
Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !

Last edited by pbekkerh; 31 May 2010 at 22:17.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Feb 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 619
Adelaide

Hi, it won't exactly be cold for you then will it! Travel. Ain't it great. Linzi.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up

I have an old Suzuki AC50 with an A100 motor fitted you could borrow for the South Island... Don't laugh, it's already done a 5 month lap of NZ with a German girl aboard. Come to the HU travellers meeting here on the 21st Feb, whatever happens. See link above left.

Regards

Nigel in Christchurch
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Rotoiti, New Zealand
Posts: 138
Woohoo! go the AC50/100!

If you make it to Nigels on the 21st we'll see you there.

Cheers
Clint
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Copenhagen
Posts: 22
I very much hope to be at the bike meet, but I can't say anything for sure as my schedule has been screwed up a bit.

Poul, you're a hero for doing it on a bicycle, but it's not for me

100cc sounds quite small for a trip. I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I can do it feasibly on anything less than 250.

I'll try the other forum as well for sure, thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
Quote:
Originally Posted by jophiel View Post
I very much hope to be at the bike meet, but I can't say anything for sure as my schedule has been screwed up a bit.

Poul, you're a hero for doing it on a bicycle, but it's not for me

100cc sounds quite small for a trip. I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I can do it feasibly on anything less than 250.

I'll try the other forum as well for sure, thanks!

I read something on here where a student rode a 50cc scooter from Gibralter to Skagen and down to Arhus. it took him 3 weeks and he loved it.

100cc is big enough and beggars cannot be choosers. You would see so much more at that speed.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Feb 2009
FUTURE's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Back from visiting Uncle Ho
Posts: 92
Quote:
Originally Posted by steveindenmark View Post
I read something on here where a student rode a 50cc scooter from Gibralter to Skagen and down to Arhus. it took him 3 weeks and he loved it.

100cc is big enough and beggars cannot be choosers. You would see so much more at that speed.

Steve
It would make one great story if you took up the 100cc and went onto finish your NZ part of the trip. I would do it.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Feb 2009
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Yep, 100cc will do fine. Last year I travelled 8,000kms in China in one month on a 125cc. New Zealand is tiny by comparison and easily done.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 100
Take it!

Hi Jophiel

I'm with you Steve, what a sincere and generous offer to turn down, plus the invitation to an HU event just a few days away, which will give you a fine group of contacts and future mates. If I were you, I'd reconsider and move that event to the top of your schedule.

That 100cc bike will do about 70MPH (downhill) and cruise near to 60MPH, just a little less then the highly geared XR250 you seem to have blown up. Sounds like to many revs and not enough oil to me.

I'd also find a job for a couple of weeks and earn a few hundred dollars to buy another bike with. Easy!

Sorry if I sound a bit angry, I don't mean to be, as it's probably more jealousy, but to me sitting here in the slush and cold that is England at the moment, the perfect solution has been laid out for you and you are walking away from it.

I (and others at the time) never had these fantastic networking oportunities, such as HU and ADV via the internet, when I was travelling RTW in the 80's.

With what's in place this century, from now on travellers are almost guaranteed to find like minded people along their journey, rather then just having to wonder how close you are to a friendly local, as you trudge through a quiet town or busy city feeling lonely and sorry for yourself. But then when you do find friendship and hospitality, it makes the trip worthwhile and restores your faith in fellow man (and woman)

Journeys always work out and from being out on the 100, you will soon get an offer to borrow a bigger bike, which may even happen at the HU event.

Wish I could make it, but at least I will be at the Ace Cafe this Sunday for the HU event that is happening there.

Good luck with your trip.

Chris
__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"

Last edited by welovebikes; 7 Feb 2009 at 14:42. Reason: added a bit
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Feb 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
mmm

gee a great offer like that ,i rode a vespa from bali to bangkock no probs ,i would ride a cow if i had to do my trip and no money ,yeah, beggars cant be choosers
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 7 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 100
I did!

I agree! Oh and by the way, I did ride a few cows during my travels!!!

Cheers


Chris
__________________
[/SIZE] "Live dangerously for as long as you can!"
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
I'll take the 100! sounds like an adventure!!!!
__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 19
Looking for a bike

100cc is absolutely fine. I also toured two up across the Rajastahni desert with dunes deep across the roads. Was really glad of a light bike and was the first vehicle back from the camel race traffic maelstrom.
100cc has advantages and will work fine with oil.

I'm coming to Christchurch 19 Feb, just before the HUBB meeting for 2 weeks trekking/traveling unfortunately without a motorbike before Aussie HUBB.
I'd be jealous of such an offer too.
If anyone knows a good place to rent/obtain any old reliable bike suitable for dirt road.
Cheers, Rob
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:08.