[Lupin]

Hi all, my dh has asked if I could pick your brains about the above. We're going to be living rurally, so to keep costs down I have reluctantly agreed with him that a motorbike is the best means for him to get to work enabling a car for myself and the children. Can anyone enlighten us:

1) Is a UK biking license valid in NZ? (he doesn't currently have one as his CBT ran out some time ago and it would save time to get it done here)

2) Is there any benefit to buying a bike here and shipping it...bearing in mind the motivation would be cost-cutting as it needs to be cheap. So far our shipping needs are just over half a 20ft container and we've been advised that to fill it would only be a few more hundred.

I'm not that keen on the motorbike plan as I know the fatality/injury rate on bikes in general and in NZ in particular is high :( but he can only ride a 250cc for the first year (or two...can't remember) and it's a case of necessity (of sorts).

Thanks all :)

[Smiler]

Hi lupin

2nd question 1st, deffo not worth it unless he has a high value bike like a Ducatti :wah Brought both of ours because we didn't have time to sell, costs loadsa $$ to put them through certification, registration, WOF etc and there is the high risk of damage on the trip. Mine had a mirror snapped off and the quote to replace was $99 from Japan.

You can buy bikes here cheap enough, IMHO.

You can't ride a bike on a car license here and have to take a different test. You also have restrictions when you are learning, similar to their car learning restrictions here. Bit like the CBT or direct access.

However, coming from the Uk with a full car and bike license you only have to take a theory test for each, as long as you do it in the 1st year of your arrival and the issue date of your UK license must be shown on the license. So it may pay him to do it in the UK then.

Some more info here - http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/licensing/motorcycle/index.html

I'm with you on the fatalities coming from working in that area though, I'm always noticing that stuff. :(

But costs are low here, lots of free parking too, although just like the UK, you have to have your eyes in the back of your head.

HTH.
D x

[Lupin]

Thanks Smiler :nice1

He's going to sort out a bike test asap!

[Smiler]

No worries. :nice1

Just get a house on the flat, our drive is like the north face of the Eiger when I'm sitting on the bike. :o

[Diny]

Both hubby and I had a Harley-Davidson back in the UK and we 'ummed and arred' whether to bring them. My brother in law then pointed out that NZ is one of the chapest places in the world to buy a HD.

Sadly we haven't replaced them yet (always something else on the 'to buy' list) but I have to say we never go anywhere without saying things like ..'wow - this road was made for a Harley' (or of course whatever bike you wish to ride).

And just like back at home, you need eyes everywhere if you're on 2 wheels -dangerous hobby (but great fun).

Diny

[baboonworld]

We have brought Stu's bike over and it has been damaged when shipped (although very hard to prove - fork seal) Yes it is costing loads to get reg and warrant etc $150 for vinning, £280 for reg plus the MAF fees etc etc (and now repairs)

With regards to licence he had his full licence (did the direct access after CBT and doesnt need to ride on a restriction) but will need to renew his licence(s) within 12 months anyway (as is with all UK licences) - so your hubby with have to retake the theory again anyway.

I dont know which would be more cost effective - getting licence in UK or here - but motorcycling in general i do not believe to be a cheap means of commuting! The bikes costs loads, then helmets, then leathers, then parts, etc etc then repairs, the shipping of course and the fees -

I'd get him a cheap little run around that he can also use to take the kids in if you are off in the car somewhere - otherwise being rural your kids will be totally relying on you to drop them off and if you go somewhere on your own then they will be isolated in the wop-wops!

Stu's bike is a "hobby" (exp one!) but if he used it more often it would be even more exp i guess. We are going to get him a little dunger of a car to get to work and back and we have bought an odyssey (like everyone else in NZ) for when we all go out (or when i go out!)