Which bike for NZ?

[libero]

Hi, i'm new to the HUB, young and inspired by people like you!
As a student in NZ i'm constantly in debt. so got down to two choices for a cheap ride to tour around NZ : Honda CBR 400 R or Suzuki DR 600 ?? Will need to carry me and girl plus tend, sleeping bag e some kit (no need much).
What do you suggest? Also do you guys think that travel in October in south island still to cold or is OK??
Many Thanks!
:confused1:

[Kiwirider]

Originally Posted by libero

Hi, i'm new to the HUB, young and inspired by people like you!
As a student in NZ i'm constantly in debt. so got down to two choices for a cheap ride to tour around NZ : Honda CBR 400 R or Suzuki DR 600 ?? Will need to carry me and girl plus tend, sleeping bag e some kit (no need much).
What do you suggest? Also do you guys think that travel in October in south island still to cold or is OK??
Many Thanks!
:confused1:

Hi libero

Welcome to HUBB

I would receommend the DR600 (or 650) as that way you can really explore the out of the way places that NZ has to offer.
There are so many places that you have access to throughout the country that is so much more comfortable on a dual purpose bike

If you are thinking of touring, then maybe November may be a better option, because of the Burt Munro Rally on in Invercargill?

Cheers Scott

[Nigel Marx]

Nice to see a Kiwi using this resource. There are a lot of people with experience here, not the least of all Scott who just replied to you. He and his wife have just done a mostly back road complete lap of NZ, and I had the privilege to join them from Hanmer thru the Molesworth Station road.
The DR600 is a bike with a few "issues" so be wary of it, unless you already own it! Stator, regulator/rectifiers, gearbox output splines, and heating unless the oil cooler is fitted and working are all known to be things to look out for. It's not a particularly weak bike in these respects, but usually the first things to start getting the spanners out for. Clutches are, like most big singles, fairly rapidly wearing also. Are you looking to buy? If so, nail it in third or four on a hill and see if the clutch slips.
Having said all this, it's still no competition up against the CBR400R! I'm a great proponent of the "if you got it, use it" school of thought and have done some big miles of thoroughly unsuited bikes, but touring 2-up with gear on a CBR400R will be very hard work. It's the other end of their design spectrum whereas the DR600 is completely in it's element, with the added bonus of being able to drop down off the main road at any major bidge you come to, to set up camp for the night, as well as heading up all the wonderful gravel backroads into the mountains. I have numerous bikes, ranging from Pukka sports-bikes (VFR750), tourer (K100LT BMW) through to little 'uns (about a dozen 50cc bikes) and the bike that we do more miles two-up than ALL the rest combined is the F650GS which is not that much different to the DR.

Anyhoo, if your tour takes you down this way south (and it bloody should!!!) there's always a bed and a shed for bike travelers.

Nigel in NZ (Rangiora)

[libero]

Thanks for reply guys!
The idea is to head south from Auckland around Oct-Nov. I still have to buy the bike but i'm almost convinced about the dr 600 between the two (can't find anything other for that money). If you guys got a minute to spare can have a look at the trade-me web site under:
Dual Purpose>suzuki>dr 600
Is red 1985 and 1000$$ at the moment. Ok I know is old and not the best but you guys think i can make it down to Invercargill and back to Auckland with that?
Cheers!

[Nigel Marx]

Hi Andrea.
I had a look and you gotta love the TF185 Mudbug farm bike carrier on the back! Looks a likely old war-horse. Personally, I wouldn't buy it without a good look and ride. Listen for engine noises, test the clutch, make sure it's charging the battery, check that the front sprocket isn't loose on the gearbox output shaft. 60,000km seems very low, and the speedo/odometer drive cables often fail so it may well have done more. IF it is a genuine, tidy bike, then it's well worth a look. How far away from it are you? See if you can get the phone number and call. My guess is also it's still some way from the selling price too at $1000.
Feel free to email me if you want to take this off the HUBB.

Kind regards

Nigel in Rangiora