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 15 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Should I take my bike to NZ?

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.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Aug 2008
KennyE's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Gold Coast Australia
Posts: 194
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

Quote:
Originally Posted by flying biker View Post
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.
__________________
Just Ride!
www.rocktravels.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
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
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Posts: 78
Quote:
Originally Posted by flying biker View Post
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.
__________________
Kind regards
Dave Milligan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Thanks for the info, guys.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Where in the South Island will you be? That way I can tell you about your closest dealer.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Hi Nigel, I'll be in Queenstown
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Aug 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
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.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 23
No

Brought my bike over from UK. Wouldn't bother doing it again. Cost of shipping, cost of MAF spraying, paperwork! Why bother? There are thousands of good bikes here. Sell it while you can and enjoy the freedom of choosing another machine once you have arrived and settled. Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Auckland NZ
Posts: 20
Flying Biker,
Have just this last week moved back to NZ from OZ.
Bought my TTR250 over with me, 2006 model with a declarable value of AU$4500.00.

Has so far cost me $650.00 for customs clearance and $640.00 to ship.

Would not do it again unless I had something rare or was very attached too....

Am yet to go through the proccess of registration etc but I am expecting another $500.00.

Your call but as someone has already said bikes here are readily available and given the current economy there are some bargains around.

Cheers and good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Thanks again for the advice everyone.

I am rather fond of the bike as it has served me well, but the costs and bureaucracy are dampening my enthusiasm for taking it across the Tasman.

After a lot of research on the web, I've also concluded my rather expensive TV is not compatible with the NZ system because - even though both countries use the PAL B/G system - the Kiwis use a different method to transmit the audio.

If there are any Queenstown bikers here, give me a yell, and I'll shout you a .
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Posts: 22
Tv

Quote:
Originally Posted by flying biker View Post
After a lot of research on the web, I've also concluded my rather expensive TV is not compatible with the NZ system because - even though both countries use the PAL B/G system - the Kiwis use a different method to transmit the audio.
I think your research may have misled you. If your TV is relatively new it should work in NZ. The only difference I can ascertain between the Aussie system and the NZ one is that the Aussies (just to be different) have their UHF channels spaced at 7MHz instead of the standard 8MHz. However, most modern TVs can tune to any UHF frequency, and do not necessarily step through the channels at fixed intervals.

Also some TVs cannot tune to VHF channel 1 and 2, which are at a lower frequency than those used in many other countries. In certain parts of NZ these are used for TV1.

NZ uses the same method to transmit audio as other PAL B/G nations. The odd ones out are the UK and Ireland, who use PAL I with a different audio frequency offset.

Most modern TVs should also be able to decode the NICAM stereo signal. If you have the type number of the TV it should be possible to find out whether it will work or not.

Alternatively you can get a Freeview receiver, connect it to your TV, and watch most of the TV channels on Freeview. In Queenstown a satellite dish and receiver would be required, since there is no UHF terrestrial coverage there.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 31
Canadian Australia New Zealand

At the end of October, I am travelling to Austarlia and then mid-January back over to New Zealand until May, 2009.

I am considering shipping my 1999 Yamaha v-Star 1100 twin cylinder cruiser. It has 92,000 kms.

If I chose to sell it there, how much would it fetch?

What Yamaha services are available in both countries, please?

Also, are there many used and similar bikes available for purchase and resale in both countries?

I have just completed this year a trip from eastern Canada, through 38 US states, 70% of Mexico, central America, Colombia south to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Ia m now in Victoria, British Columbia.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Posts: 22
The best places to look for price and availability of bikes are TradeMe and Motorcycle Trader. There are some Yamaha XVS1100 V-Stars with prices on both.

If you intend to sell the bike in NZ you will have to pay GST of 12.5% of the value NZ Customs places on the bike, and you will have to have the headlight changed for riding on the left. Also there are inspection fees and registration fees to be paid.

There are Yamaha dealers in most cities and largest towns. See Yamaha's web site for details and locations.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 31 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 103
Hello artig,

Yes both Australia and New Zealand use PAL B/G, but according to what I've read on the internet - and unfortunately I don't recall now exactly where I read it - Australia uses ZWEITON not NICAM for the audio.

To be honest I'd never heard of either of these things before, so I don't know whether you are able to enlighten me.

I don't think channel spacing is an issue because the TV scans through the frequencies until it finds something and then locks onto it. There is no channel selector as such.
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 01:52.