Should I take my bike to NZ?

[flying biker]

I'll be moving from Australia to New Zealand before the end of the year, and am undecided whether to take my bike with me.

It's a BMW R1150R with about 110,000km on the clock, and I still love riding it - as long as I'm not battling city traffic.

As I'll be living on the South Island, I think the touring opportunities will be fantastic.

However I'm not sure how good BMW support is over there (I'll be a fair way from Christchurch by the way) and haven't yet sussed out the transport costs.

Would be pleased to hear from any local BMW riders, and from anyone who's recently shipped a bike to NZ for any tips/warnings, etc.

[KennyE]

I shipped my Honda VFR800 over there 4 years ago as I moved to Christchurch for a few years. The moving company I used for my personal effects shipped it in the same container. Import requirements were fairly easy(do a search on the Web). All I had to do was pay $245 for MAF inspection and give an assurance that I wouldn't sell it within two years.

There's a great BMW dealer in Christchurch- I don't know about the rest of the South Island, but there are a lot of BMW's rolling around

Kenny

Originally Posted by flying biker

I'll be moving from Australia to New Zealand before the end of the year, and am undecided whether to take my bike with me.

It's a BMW R1150R with about 110,000km on the clock, and I still love riding it - as long as I'm not battling city traffic.

As I'll be living on the South Island, I think the touring opportunities will be fantastic.

However I'm not sure how good BMW support is over there (I'll be a fair way from Christchurch by the way) and haven't yet sussed out the transport costs.

Would be pleased to hear from any local BMW riders, and from anyone who's recently shipped a bike to NZ for any tips/warnings, etc.

[Warthog]

I would do a search to see what prices you can buy for out there.

You may find that in selling it here and buying another once over there, you can get a newer model, for example.

Bear in mind that there will also be import charges, more than likely as well as registration fees which might entail vehicular inspections. It all mounts up as I found out when riding and registering my bike here in Estonia (and that is all in the EU, and probably less hassle, too).

If it works out financial viable enough to make it worth your while, then go for it!

However, unless this bike has particular sentimental or practical value, I think it could be a lot less hassle and one less thing to worry about...

I found this BTW: HTH

Experience BMW, New and Used Motorcycles in Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand

[Dave Milligan]

Originally Posted by flying biker

I'll be moving from Australia to New Zealand before the end of the year, and am undecided whether to take my bike with me.

Check with GetRouted : Bike shipping and Tour Operator but the last time I looked they were charging $1185 One way between Melbourne & Christchurch including Marine Insurance, MAF inspection, Customs Clearance. Ride your bike to their Melbourne depot and ride it away from their Chch depot. Crating not required.

Yes, you can get a waiver on paying the GST if you promise not to sell the bike for 2 years.

Compliancing is not expensive or difficult. As long as the bike can pass a Roadworthy and a simple check-up it should be OK.

[flying biker]

Thanks for the info, guys.

[Nigel Marx]

Where in the South Island will you be? That way I can tell you about your closest dealer.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

[flying biker]

Hi Nigel, I'll be in Queenstown

[beddhist]

To find out what BMWs are worth in NZ you can contact BMW Owners Register Inc. of NZ and look into trademe.co.nz

While it is correct that compliance in NZ is not an issue, you do need a new VIN. I don't know how much that costs, they didn't exist when I imported my R75/5. For me that was a big mistake: the bike is worth around 2-3000 Euro in Germany, but turned out to be unsellable in NZ.