|
8 Jun 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NYer living in Finland and traveling through Europe
Posts: 64
|
|
How do you afford to ride in Finland?!
Ok, I understand I need to stop comparing the dollar with the Euro as it is quite worthless these days. But even if the dollar was even money with the Euro, it is so bloody expensive here!
A Metzeler Z6 170/60ZR17 in the states, is on average $140. In Germany it's 130€ and Finland... 240€! I can get one shipped to me from Germany for 163€, but the shops around here want a minimum of 40€ to seat the tire! Even if I bring the tire to them off the bike. I can have one shipped from the states for $270, roughly 170€, 70€ less than if bought here in Finland.
I made a big mistake and waited until I arrived in Finland to put new rubber on. I just had no idea it was that big of a difference.
So any Finns on here with advice? What do you do to save money on these things? Do you ferry over to Tallinn to get some Eastern European discounts? Is there a shop around here that is a bit more reasonable? Or is this all city prices, and it's cheaper in the north (I'm in Helsinki)?
|
8 Jun 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
Your absolutely right, the prices in Finland skyrocketed after we switched to euro. Especially on all small buys - a cup of coffee, that used to be 5 or 6 Finnish marks (0,8-1euros) is now 1,5-2 euros.
Just looked at the ferryboats going to Germany. Sometimes in the nineties, you could get a bargain seat and your bike over for around 130-160 euros... now you´re looking at 300 euros minimum, and if you want even a basic cabin, it more than doubles. And this place is practically an island, if you want to get to Central Europe!!!
40 euros to seat only one tire seems a bit high, however... I would think you can get both tyres done for around 50 euros in several places in/around Helsinki, especially if you buy from there.
I hear people order tyres from Germany these days, and I guess its okay as long as they dont send you some old ones (somebody said he received a tyre made in 2000!)
|
8 Jun 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Gold Coast Australia
Posts: 194
|
|
He he I'm in Finland at the moment and my wallet has taken a beating!. I am hoping my front tyre lasts until I get back into Germany before replacing it.
The price of fuel here seems to be higher here than the rest of Europe. It's about 10 cents dearer than Sweden.
|
25 Jun 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: At the moment:Zanzibar
Posts: 116
|
|
oh yes.....
Yes it´s very expencive ,that´s why I don´t spend much time in my home country anymore.Why stay home and suffer when there is so much else to see?
I used to get my tyers from Sweden,have a cousin there that sendt over what I needed,usualy saved me around 20-30% Haven´t tryed the German option mainly because of what is mentioned above,you can´t chek the manufacturing date when you mail order.
I do think you can get a better price further north, I live (used to) 80km north from Vasa. And don´t think I ever payed more than 200-220€ for a tyer + fitting. But it´s at least 2years ago since I changed tiers at home,so things might be diffrent now.
Im traveling to Finland at the end of the week for vaction,haven´t been there for over a year so it´s probably going to be a shock again.........
cheers.
Tom
__________________
Places to be and things to do, see you all out there!!
Cheers.
Tom.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|