Hi there,

I just arrived in Sydney. I'm here on a Working Holiday Visa and want to work a couple of months first before starting the "big trip".

Which bike would you go for and what places to get them in Sydney? The offers on Ebay are not very big...
I was looking in to Kawasaki KLR, Suzuki DR or Yamaha XT
I don't want to spend more than $5K

Cheers,

Frank

Franconian, welcome to Ozzieland.

I think the best bike deals are on eBay - I have bought 5 bikes on eBay and sold 3.

Next bet is the online sites such as Trading Post and Bikesales. You'll aways get a better deal buying privately rather than from a dealer, but if you want to check out the dealers then I'd be heading off to the bike shops in Paramatta.

Sorry, I'm in Melbourne so I can't help you find one personally.

__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Thank you for the infos farqhuar.

Tomorrow I am viewing a Honda XR650L which is still registered in NSW. What do I have to look for? I mean paperwork, insurance etc.

Is it true that as long as the registration lasts there is automatically a 3rd party insurance (for persons) included?

Another thing would be where can I buy accessories like helmet, jacket etc. cheaply?
Are there any motorbike chain stores or shipping stores?

Thanks,
Frank

Just be aware that when you buy a vehicle in NSW it is liable for an annual roadworthy inspection - cant remember if its a blue or pink slip that they refer too. You cant get registration renewal without the inspection carried out by a NSW Govt. approved inspection service. Victoria and Queensland only require a roadworthy inspection when the vehicle changes ownership and you can renew rego and third party insurance over the internet or phone with a credit card - a lot easier than having to go back to NSW in a few months.

Selling a vehicle is a lot easier in the State that it is registered in - you also get a better price as the buyer does not have to go through the hassles of changing rego details.

Do a weblookup on RTA NSW, Qld Transport or RTA Vic, their websites have full details about buying vehicles.

Third party insurance for injuries that you cause to other people is required before you can (re)register a vehicle. In some States it is automatically included in the rego fees, other States you have to buy it and then produce the insurance certificate. I'm not 100% sure, but I think that all third party injury insurance is void for the driver/rider if they are at fault unless the insurer specfically has cover for them.

Parramatta Road used to be the mecca for bike shops in Sydney a few years ago - maybe have a wander up there and have a good look at whats on offer, see if anyone is offering buyback deals, clothing, etc.

Hello Franconian,

Lived most of my life in NSW so I'm familiar with the process.

If you buy a bike which is already registered in NSW, you should obtain the certificate of registration from the current owner. You then need to complete the section concerning transfer of registration and take the form to the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority). You will be charged stamp duty based on the sale price.

If the bike is already registered, then it already has insurance cover for third party personal injury. But that is the only kind of insurance which is compulsory, and it will be up to you to buy any other insurance that you want.

Each year when the registration is due for renewal, the bike must be inspected for roadworthiness, and you will pay the mechanic a modest fee to get a "pink slip".

You will also have to go to an authorised insurance company to get a "green slip" for the third party personal injury insurance.

This compulsory insurance relates to the bike, not just the registered owner. That means that if you lend the bike to a friend who has an accident and injures another person, then the insurance is still valid.

You will need to take out separate insurance for damage to property, against theft, etc.

You should also ask the RTA whether there is any legal requirement for you to get a NSW licence. If you are living permanently/indefinitely in NSW then you will need one, but if you are just passing through, probably not.

Thanks a lot for all your tips.

I'm actually considering moving to QLD or Victoria now due to the roadworthy process.

Where is the market generally bigger? Brisbane or Melbourne?

Cheers,
Frank

Just buy a bike! And get on with it! ADVrider, Australian forum wouldn't be a bad place to start. I have a 1200gs,DR650,R80gs,and really think for OZ, you can't go past a KLR650...... (Does that make me stupid? Probably...
If you're in the West, always welcome... Boot.

I just got an offer for a 1998 Kawasaki KLR with 21000 km. Bike is in good condition and the guy wants $4000 for it.

The price seems a bit high to me for an 11 year old bike. Or is this normal for Oz?

Don't think it's the age that's important. It's the condition. And 21,000 km is not much for 11 years. I easily do that in one year.