Dreams come true
 

Here goes

Hi everyone. My name is Richie and just turned a YOUNG 40 and been riding bikes since i was a pup, MotoX and sports bikes.

Toured alot on bikes but nothing more then a few weeks around europe (its a nightmare getting off the isle of man with the local ferries) anyway i soon be selling up the house and handing my notice in at work to go traveling.

My destination is AUS melbourne but i need advice...

To transport my bike from uk will be a pain OR cheaper and a lot less hassle to buy in OZ.

Hopefully travel around OZ for a year then down to new Zealand then make my way back home.

Anyway any help will be mucho appreciated.

ps.its my 1st post

Welcome Richie!If you'll have the funds,and the time,why not go the whole hog and ride there?:mchappy:
If that's not practical,then it's probably a whole lot easier and cheaper to buy a bike when you get there,and sell it when you leave.Whatever you decide,enjoy.:thumbup1:

Welcome.

I think shipping a bike to Oz, New Zealand will cost about 1000 GBP so buying there is a really good option when you're there if you have a bit of capital.

Renting can even be cost effective for shortish trips.

David

Hi Richie

I expect you are already aware of this - but to bring your bike to Australia you will need a carnet. See the thread started by Singapore Dream back in August 2009 where he has a link to the official Australian Govt publication on that topic. As a carnet is only valid for 12 months you would need to check out with the issuing organisation how to get it renewed while you are away.

Hiring a bike for that period of time would be horrendously expensive, and I doubt they would let you take it to NZ, whereas buying over here would be relatively straightforward, though you would need to check out the licencing and insurance situation as you would have a IoM drivers licence.

I am not sure of the legalities of the State of Victoria which is where you will be if you are starting out from Melbourne, but I would think you could get a Victorian Licence over the counter on the basis of your UK one and, unlike the UK DVLA, Australian authorities normally allow you to keep your old licence. The Victorian RTA website should help you. Australian insurance companies will normally also credit you with your IoM no claims history if you bring documentary evidence with you.

Sell yours and buy a used DR650SE for the ride around Aus and the trip home in Melb. You'll still need a Carnet for Malaysia and the rest but you can arrange that easily with the UK RAC. Once back in the UK, you'll need to import the bike, the VAT and Duty costs are based on its value as is the Carnet as I'm sure you know so hence I'd go for a cheapish bike for the overland ride.

Bikes are quite expensive in Aus compared to the UK though, I bought a nearly new but used 2006 DR with 4000kms for $6500 and older DRs were around $3000.

Thanks everyone for your replys..Well made my mind up and going to ride to OZ....so need to sort a different plan out AGAIN:innocent:

Going to partX with the bm 800gs as it spends most of its time in the local bike shop:thumbdown: and treat myself to a lighter bike yam 650..

I have most things for travelling ie" camping and gps and wotnot but no idea about visa or canets but will read all about what i need on here:thumbup1:

I'm planning to hang around OZ for a few years but will have problems with carnets+visa...don't know how that will turn out but i will come to that later on..

Again thanks

Onya mate! (local-speak for good on you!). When you get to the end of your journey (and the South Island of New Zealand is about as far as you can get from where you are!!!), make sure you drop by. I know where the good beer is kept in these parts...

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ

If you are planning on spending a couple of years in Oz buying something there is definitely the way to go, you will find there are many more Suzuki DR650's around in Oz than Yamaha 660's, lots of the DR's will be set up for long range travel too. Getting a bike into NZ is easier than Oz, so no problem continuing your trip here on the same machine.

Have fun! keep in touch on here & come visit when you are in NZ.
Clint

PS Nigel is not kidding about knowing where to find good beer!