Try ADV Australia market place:
OZ Flea Market ***** PLEASE-READ THE RULES in FIRST POST ****** - ADVrider

Plenty of good deals to be had. Suzuki DL's are always popular here. As for where to start-you mean to buy or to tour?

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Squily

Hi Squily,

Thanks for the link. I've had a quick look and will check it fully over the next few days. My intention is to buy a bike, tour Australia and then sell the bike when I'm done (I may export it back to the UK if I really get on with it - depends on costs). Was initially thinking of a camper van but a bike is so much more fun! Any tips/advice welcome. Maybe get to meet up in Esperance, was there in 2007 and it's on my list to revisit.

If you decide to come to Esperance- let me know. Have plenty of room and and good workshop if you're interested.

Being here before- you probably know the sites and conditions, so no point in informing you of that. Personnaly- I think buying from an inmate on ADV is a good way to go. There's always a few bargains to be had and the guys are really helpful in assistance and organising- I've been helped out of the jam a few times.

As to what bike- Hmmm... How long is a piece of string? Guess it depends on where you want to go. If you stick to major routes, any DP would do. If you plan to be more adventurous and do things like the Canning and Simpson- probably trail bike is better. All a compromise as you know- but whatever you choose- choose something reliable. Personally, I'd stay clear of KLR's. Seen enough guys "going around Aus" with KLR's (bought new) falling apart halfway through the trip to make me wonder about them. But that's me...

As to advice:

1. Reliability is key
2. Comfort is important, but not as important as reliability- try crossing 2000km between towns with no support
3. If you're going off the bitume- keep it as light as possible. Aus has sand, sand and more sand
4. Buy something you'll get support for everywhere- Even the most out of the place places support things like DR's, but KTM dealers are spread wide and few
5. Servicing costs in Aus are expensive- oil is around the $80 mark (don't use car oil as they have additives here that bugger up a wet clutch)- so something that needs servicing every 1000km it going to cost you and it's impractical (you'll need to suervice it twince before you reach the other end of the Nullarbor ). That includes technological marvels- most of Aus is remote and can you fix it with some ducktape?
6. Highly tuned angines will probably give you grief. Some of the remote areas have some pretty crap fuel and low-octane at that. Best to stick to a low-compression machine
7. Plan to break down and you'll be ok (e.g. how will you deal with it and can you survive on your own for a few days
8. But mostly- have fun

But scan the forums - there are some pretty good ride reports of Aussies as well as international travellers and you can learn a lot by seeing what they struggled with and so forth. If you're more visually orientated- look into the Motorbikin' DVD series. Phil is a well-experienced traveller that goes to some amazing places He uses several machines (KTM, DR, Tiger, postie bike etc) and you can see what worked and what didn't (e.g. on one of their unsupported desert crsiings, they destroyed all their tires on the big KTM's halfway thorugh the trip and had to 'pack it in' and go home cause theree was no replacements to be found in the middle of Northern Teratory

Lastly- there is a system called the 'red book' in Aus. That indicates the 2nd hand value of vehicles. When you you see bikes on offer- compare it to the red book and you'll see whether it's above or below market value. Another way is to go to one of the on-line insurance quote engines like Insure-my-ride and typing in the details of the bike there- it'll automatically tell you what they think it's worth.

And expect to take a knock on the resale (especially if you're in a hurry to sell afterwards). If you plan on getting back 50% of what you pay, you know you won't be disappointed and anything more is a bargain.

And finally, finally: where you buy the bike will impact on registration costs as not all States use the same system. E.g. NSW and Victoria are probably the most expensive, whilst WA and NT is the cheapest (ranging from $200-$1000/annum). And some of teh States may require you to do a road-worthy if you sell/buy or even annually. Here in WA it's relatively cheap, and as long as you pay your rego, you never need to take the bike back over the pits.

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Squily

Thanks Squily, I've been giving it a lot of thought over the last few days and have just about come to the decision on what to get. I'm flying into Cairns or Brisbane and will pick up the bike there, I figure I'll be able to shake down any potential major problems in a fairly populated area. I'll hopefully get to chat with you over a in a few months, I'm planning on being around Esperance February time if all goes to plan and will, no doubt, see you musing on the HUBB.

John

Good luck with your trip oldrider.

One small addition to the advice above regarding servicing costs. There is nothing to stop you buying your own oil and giving that to the mechanic to use when you have your bike serviced. You will find most auto parts stores (Super Cheap Auto, Autobarn, Bursons, Repco etc) sell wet-clutch bike oils considerably cheaper than what the mechanic will charge you for the same oil. (But don't buy the cheap oil filters from Super Cheap Auto. They are total crap.)

Cheers,
Brett.

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May 2015 - Canberra to Townsville via the Birdsville Track in a 1969 Mini Van.
http://www.facebook.com/TeamBMCAdventures

Thanks for that info Brett, I will definitely remember that one. As a matter of interest, do you have the same system of service record that is used in the UK and Europe where the dealer stamps the record book and annotates the date and mileage? And, is this reflected in the resale value of the vehicle? I assume it is the case but not having any experience of buying and selling in your fair country.......

I really appreciate the advice and help that is on offer on these threads, it is a reminder of the warmth and friendliness we received when we were in Oz in 2007

Thanks again,



John

No problem John. Most Aussies are very welcoming to visitors to our country.

In Aus we do have the same service books system as other countries. It's by no means compulsory though, so some mechanics have to be reminded to update the books.

Cheers,
Brett.

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May 2015 - Canberra to Townsville via the Birdsville Track in a 1969 Mini Van.
http://www.facebook.com/TeamBMCAdventures