Kiwi Motorcycle NutZ

New Zealand Waco ZK-AEL and ZK-ALA NZ575

2011-11-29T11:33:00.000+13:00

Pilot Thomas Daniel Horgan beside the Waco ZK-AEL, which was used for General Freight, Air Taxi and Air Ambulance.
Under the partnership of Thomas Horgan and Fulton York.
Was bought by the Marlborough Aero Club then was used in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) under the serial number NZ575 for communications plane in New Zealand.
Was later bought back by the Marlborough Aero Club as ZK-ALA.

Was used in Marlborough which was then written off after the wheel collapsed and insurance was paid out.
Had a checked and colourful passed as it had a lady jump out of it when in flight over the Cook Strait and she had a large bag of cash with her, both were never found.
Was then bought by a family in Rotorua and later ended up in a Museum there.
Then sold to an Australian and for some reason it couldn't be flown in Australia.
So in 2009 was bought by Omaka Museum in Blenheim and now being restored to it's old self.
They hope to have it back in the air soon.

Next Generation Motorbike - 1920's styling

2011-08-06T16:03:00.000+12:00

One of these could be good for the morning Coffee run.

At least I can pedal home if something goes wrong.

The Derringer cycle captures the look and feel of the 1920’s board track racing motorcycles.

35 mph, 180 mpg, 49cc overhead 4 stroke engine, no Bike license required, price is around $3,500 USD.

Or maybe I could pull the old Bike out of the shed and convert it into one of these - yeah sure…

Having a Threesome - GT550

2011-08-04T23:21:00.002+12:00

Great story from the Bikenut guys on Suzuki’s legendary 2 stroke triples.

These days if someone asked you if you'd like to own a bike that used fuel like a V8, needed basic maintenance every few weeks, had a front brake that didn’t like rain and generally scared the crap out of you every .....

Read more on Bikenut.com.au

New Zealand Truck Drivers

2010-12-09T03:35:00.001+13:00

Hi, all my loyal readers.

Been busy lately travelling in a truck from Nelson to Blenheim, New Zealand.
With unusually heavy loads.
Had to share my thoughts on the guys who use our roads at night.

These bunch of drivers (truckies) don't get the credit they deserve.
Without these guys you would have no food on shelves and businesses with no product.
You imagine if all the drivers stopped for just one day.
You would not have food, general frieght, parts, meat, wood, produce and even god forbid post that come from Bill...hehe

Have a question for the Government and Local councils, of the two roads I have travelled the most on.
The Rimutaka Hill and Whangamoa Hill are roughly the same, why for the life of me.
After spending millions of dollars a year to upgrade the hills, have they not just go through the bottom of them.
Both roads are alike, Whangamoa's are tight winny roads and Rimutaka is a higher climb with a few tight bends.
Stop spending money on the bloody Auckland Motorways and Underground Trains.
They need to concentrate on the roads that need to be really upgraded.
Both are in that catergory.
They are both good for holding black ice on the road aswell and trap poor motorists out when least expected.

One thing that I have honestly learnt and opened my eyes, was that they are a great bunch of guys.
They work hard and you don't see that at night, because you are sound asleep at that time.
They have to be places at certain times and can't be late as most times meeting likes of the Ferry's are important and have to also be in cities on towns on time.
Not only that but what you don't know is when there is an accident on the roads at night, those bunch of guys are usually there. Most of the time first on the scene and great at communicating between other drivers about the situation or Police and Emergency Services.

It is a tight knit group and will help fellow drivers and the public out.
I think that there is too much pushed on these drivers though, for time limits and loads to been pushed out quickly.
Especially when every load is different every night, and all drivers are different at doing things.
These drivers get out of their trucks and help other drivers unload, in which they return the favour.

The one real danger that I have come across is that out of town drivers head down South Island and not knowing the roads. They don't know how dangerous the roads can be and end up rolling the trucks or even worse deaths. Always throws them on the Blenheim through to Kaikoura making their way to Christchurch.
But then you could say the same as South Island truck bound for the North Island that haven't travelled their roads.
Care needs to be taken.

Would like to thank John for letting me join on the trips and opening my eyes to another view on the back bone of the real night time Kiwi's.
I take my hat off to you lot.

Nice to have meet a good bunch of guys.

Over and Out

Road Rat

Motorcyclists rally against ACC hikes

2009-10-31T15:33:00.002+13:00

Motorcyclists rallyed in five cities around NZ, tooting horns and revving engines in a loud display of opposition to put up levies by as much as three times current levels -
Riders Rally against ACC Rise

Harley Davidson closes down Buell

2009-10-16T11:02:00.003+13:00

Sad to see Harley Davidson have killed off their line of Buell Motorcycles.

Alot of Buell riders and fans will be greatly disappointed by this news and will really feel for Erik Buell who has dedicated 26 years of his life to producing the machines.

Erik Buells send off message

"We've proven that a small group of passionate and inspired people can compete against industry giants,"

New Zealand National Motorcycle Show 2009

2009-09-18T15:08:00.000+12:00

Nelson put on a fine day again this year at Founders Park.

On Sunday 13 September 2009.

There was a good range of bikes from old bikes and new models of Bikes.

The show also included a mini motor-cross track, the rescue helicopter display and also the trail riders.

With the speeches held on the Britten bikes and also Burt Munro.

It is will worth the trip in to see it and would go again.

As I said before they need to show whats on before the show so people would get a better idea of what they would be interested in.

Highway 6 Nelson were the ones in charge of the event and did a good job and hopefully raised enough money for St. John's.

They needed a new health shuttle, so hopefully raised enough funds.

Can't see why not, it certainly bought out the public.

Sorry, didn't get much pictures this year as there was too much to look at but will give you a taste of the weekend.

This year even the bike parks outside on the road seemed to have more space for bike parking.

Road Rat

Andrew Stroud

2009-09-16T01:33:00.006+12:00

Most people have asked whatever happened to Andrew Stroud as one of the lucky guys, who had the pleasure to ride the Britten.

My younger years, I was a fan watching Andrew Stroud, Aaron Slight and the late Robert Holden racing. Alot of kids in New Zealand know about the Britten but not the riders, so had a chance for kids to meet
the guys who helped the bike to fame.

To be honest I have meet some top riders but not so down to earth as Andrew. Some have swollen heads and won't give you time of the day.

Andrew, did a talk on the Britten bike and his involvement with the team.
Also the building of the Britten motorcycle.

Even at the moment my son in reading about the Britten, know about Andrew.
But couldn't be there on the day.

As this event was part of the 2009 N.Z National Motorcycle Show,
I didn't know that Andrew was doing a talk till I heard about the annoucement on the day.
Poor people had to stand outside the building, which Founders Park supplied a little church, so alot of people walked off.

Left: Road Rat Right: Andrew Stroud

The most impressive thing I have seen is Andrew doing a wheel stand passed the Ducati.

Motorcycle Trials Riding

2009-09-15T11:03:00.004+12:00

The Motorbike Show on the weekend had a fine day.
Every year the trial riders come out to put on a good show for the public to watch.
I watched them last year and never get sick of the skills these riders have.

I think that most riders need the skills they have,
with clutch, brake and engine control.

The two young boys belong to a bike trials academy based in Nelson.

For more details and pictures follow the Link:

http://www.nonstopadventure.co.nz/index.php

You don't see or hear much about trials events on television, but kids should be able to see more.
It's unreal to watch as points are deducted for putting feet down on climbs or jumps.
They also stand on foot pegs through the trials and never use the seat to sit on.

Also do competitions on rocky hillsides and rough torrain.

Nobody really know that we have some good champions doing trials in New Zealand.
Who are doing real well overseas.

No Road Rat not doing it, he needs his family jewels for little hamsters hehe.
Plus have a short wheel base on Rat.
Enjoy pictures.

Road Rat (not no sack)

Britten V1000

2009-09-14T23:09:00.003+12:00

For the first time ever, I had finally got to see the Britten V1000.
Last year I only got to see the replica, but to see what the late New Zealander John Britten from Christchurch had put together before he sadly passed away in 1995 from cancer.

John Built a motorbike or should I say Superbike, that was hand built in a shed with a few other kiwi's and which it still puts some other bike brands to shame. As he put his time and heart into a machine that was solely his own idea which was to build his own bike.

The guy was a true genius and the stand out colouring of the pink and blue carbon fibre body panels.

The V1000 engine is a piece of art, down to the twisting exhaust.
Like me, it is seen to be believed, everything on the bike has it's own little piece that plays a part on the bike.

The late Burt Munro would have been proud of what John had produced are both legends in their own rights to build their very own bikes by hand. Down to molding their own engine parts and also in their own back sheds.

Britten Specs:

Capacity : 1000cc
Output : 120KW (160BHP) at 11000 RPM
Weight : 145KG
Top Speed : 290 KMH (180 MPH)
Features : Onboard Computerised Engine Management System and Data Logger
Carbon Fibre Chassis, Body Panels, Wheels, Front Girders and Rear Swing Arm.
Fully Ducted Radiator, which is located under the riders seat.

Road Rat Britten Fan

Holden Show

2009-06-06T15:01:00.007+12:00

Nelson Held a Holden Club Show 2009 and I was there to take some pictures of some old classics, and new model Holden's.

Lots of old people there to look over classics that they might have driven in their teenage years.

Plus the young looking at cars that they wish they will one day own.

From the four cylinder, straight 6 and then the V8 motors.

Have a look and see if you know who signed the motor.

Road Rat

2009 Daelim Roadwin 125R Sport Road Test

2009-06-02T01:57:00.004+12:00

2009 Daelim Roadwin 125R FI

My little Road Rodent bought his first bike for the road as a learner rider.

It's a good bike for boys or girls to learn to ride, without too much power to kill themselfs on.

And yes Road Rat had to give it a ride to see what it is like.

Rat's results:

Very comfortable to ride and all out handling is good.

Problem is that is the bike is real revy in 1st gear and just as easy to take off in 2nd gear.

Cause if you start of in 1st you have to change to 2nd fast cause it rev's it ring out.

Don't know why they put a 5-speed gear box on a bike that only does a top speed of just over 100 km/m.

Needs that extra power to pull out of the corners a little more.

They are made in Korea, by KIA as far as I know.

Getting popular in America and bought this one through Triumph NZ.

I like what they have done with the fairings, as it gives that sporty look.

The earlier models didn't come out with them.

If you buy one be prepaired for a long wait on parts as they have to come from Korea.

It might be me but always grew up on big bikes and like the power of the big bikes so it might be the below cc range I am use to.

Anyway you can look at the specs for yourself below.

Specs:

2009 Daelim Roadwin 125R FI Sport

Displacement: 124.10 ccm (7.57 cubic inches)

Engine Type: Single Cylinder

Stroke: 4

Fuel System: Injection

Valves Per Cylinder: 4

Starter: Electric

Cooling System: Liquid

Gearbox: 5-speed

Transmission type final drive: Chain

Brake Front: Single Disk

Brake Rear: Single Disk

Top Speed: 110.0 km/h (68.4 mph)

Fuel Capacity: 14.90 litres (3.94 gallons)

Colour Options: Blue, red

Good thing about this bike is the price in parts compared to the main bike brands, due to the OEM parts prices.

Plus the fairing seems to be a robust thick type of plastic, but also looks like a Yamaha R1 gave birth to it's style.

Road Rat

2009 Summit Rescue Bike Run

2009-05-05T11:56:00.007+12:00

2 May 2009

Nelson put on a great day on Saturday for a nice laid back ride.

To raise funds for the Summit Rescue Helicopter service.

About 200 bikes turned up for the ride.

I really enjoyed the run, firstly for the fund raising as most people know that the Rescue Service do a great job.

Attending rescues 24/7 and always on call when needed.

Nelson, New Zealand is a small town, but most riders what to give back to a worthy cause.

Jen Trow, did a great job orginizing the event.

"Old NZ police bike."

With an auction run at the end of the ride to raise more funds from items supplied from local businesses.

Bikers and drivers should support our local services.

St Johns Ambulance - which does a great job and couldn't do without. They are there on the scene of accidents big or small.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter - Who do the same as Summit Rescue Helicopter.

New Zealand Fire Service - which help to protect us in any situation. Weather it be fires or accidents.

The Police also for setting up road blocks for the riders to go through town and Ulysses Motorcycle Club for helping out at the event, great job.

Most of the rescue services are made up of volunteers and are unpaid for what they do and sometimes put their own lives at risk for us.

Plus hospital staff for the work to help people recover.

The Government needs to fund them a lot better as well. Bet they have used the service sometime in their lives.

So the $10 cost for the ride was well worth it, which also bikers support people with cancer.

See bikers do try and help community.

So come on and support your local charities.

Got the results from fund raising $7,000.00 not bad.

Big or small.

There is a link on this site that you can donate to.

Road Rat will be at the next run showing his support.

Bushfire Relief Ride

2009-04-05T23:10:00.002+12:00

Large turnout of Bikes for the Melbourne 'Ride for the Hills' bushfire relief ride.
Must have been at least 5000 Motorcycles.

Motorcycle Gangs - You Choose

2009-03-19T02:04:00.004+13:00

Do we really need them.
During the last few years there seems to be building amount of gangs.
Every household knows of a family member involved in some sort of Gang.
Gee, even meet families that have members of the opposite sides at one table.
Worst of all Maori Gangs against other Maori Gangs.
Brother's, Cousins, Uncle's and Father's fighting against each other.

Ok, gangs have been around for year's. Things have gone too another level now.
Drugs and guns seem top be the thing now, when the old way was a bit of weed and despute where handled by a simple punch up. Can't forget chasing the greasy pig through the house.
Now it seems a knife or gun does a better job, than a fist.

Getting to the stage where the average Joe who loves to get his bike out on the weekend for a local charity run etc, is too scared to go because of gangs being there.
At least of all support the local organisations by not wearing Gang patches and enjoy the day out riding.

I am sure before they became members, like us just enjoyed the ride with other riders who just cruised around and meet other bikers from different places around the country.

I have meet a few Gang Members in my life, from Presidents to Prospects and they are generally nice guys away from their fellow members.
Have also come across some bad Prospectors who want to make a name for themselfs, that they do anything to get their name plasted around town as the tuffist dude in town.

Seen Gang Members from other Gangs meeting together in one place for a meeting, Gangs you would never think would be seen in the same room.

Had a knife pulled on me twice and had to fights with Gang Members, come on.
Both times they got us mixed up with some other guys that they were after. That is why people get scared of the guys.

Innocent kids now getting hurt, drive by shootings. Had a car drive up our street one night and heard a Gang shooting at another gangs house. What happens if they get the wrong house or hit someone who has nothing to do with their fight.

More and more older Gang Members leave their Patches behind after spending years in Prison to get away and live with their families, cause of all the time they have wasted being behind bars and haven't seen their kids grow up. Wasted their lives for what...

Asian Gangs now out there too, who else would supply the Gangs with their white powder and other little goodies to hand out to little boys and girls. Zombie Nation or should that be a Nation of Zombies (NZ).

Even kids are selling and supplying drugs and getting drunk at an early age.
Living on the Streets wanting to belong to a Gang so they either join the Cribs or Bloods.
Kids joining Amercian style gangs and learning young.
Some boy got stabbed over a cell phone and kids wearing gang colours.
Even dangerous to wear certain coloured shirts, because they could be Gang colours.

Will little boys and girls, take note:

The reason gangs want you so young is to steal and sell for them, is that you have mates and jobs that you can do for them to make money. How easy you are lead, because you are under age you can just about get away with anything. Then what happens to you when you are old enough to face a Judge. Do time or try and quit, by that time you are too late and can't be trusted because of your Police history.
Gangs are like a pyramid scheme, everything you do makes money for the guy at the top.

So Gangs leave the kids out of your way of life and just let them be kids.
What you do is your business but think of the elderly and kids that are scared to enjoy their lives.

There is enough violence out there now.

I find no problems with Motorcycle Clubs they are different as they love to ride and socialize with other bike riders, but Gangs a totally different story.

We are only killing off the kiwi, pump them with drugs or weapons.
Why not less more of us and we will be extinct.

Take it as the way I see it and make up your own minds on how you feel about it.
Just remember the average Joe.

Do you really know how many Gangs are out there in small country like ours.
Here is a list, might surprise you.

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs:
__________________
Devils Henchmen MC - New Zealand
Devils MC - New Zealand
Forty Five MC - Auckland
Epitaph Riders - Christchurch
Filthy Few MC - New Zealand
Head Hunters MC - New Zealand
Hells Angels MC - New Zealand
Highway 61 MC - New Zealand
Lone Legion MC - Blenheim
Lost Breed MC - Nelson
Magog MC - New Zealand
Mothers MC - Palmerston North
Outcasts MC - Hamilton
Outlaws MC - Napier
Road Knights MC - New Zealand
Satans Slaves MC - Wellington
Sinn Fein MC - Upper Hutt
Southern Vikings MC - Dunedin
Tribesmen MC - New Zealand
Tyrants MC - New Zealand

Ethnic Gangs: Mongrel Mob
___________________
Mighty Mongrel Mob - Aotearoa
Mighty Mongrel Mob - Rogue
Mighty Mongrel Mob - Wanganui
Mighty Mongrel Mob - Wairoa
Mighty Mongrel Mob - New Zealand
Mongrel Mob - Mobster
Mongrel Mob - Notorious
Mongrel Mob -Auckland
Mongrel Mob - Christchurch
Mongrel Mob - Hastings
Mongrel Mob - Porirua
Mongrel Mob - Petone

Ethnic Gangs: Black Power
___________________
Black Power - Auckland
Mangukaha - Aotearoa
Black Power - Forever
Black Power - Gangster
Black Power - Movement
Black Power - New Zealand
Black Power - Manawatu
Black Power - Taranaki
Black Power - Turanga
Black Power - Waikato
Black Power - West Coast

Others:
_____
King Cobra - New Zealand
New Zealand - Nomad
Barbarian Stormtrooper
Tribal Huk - Ngaruawahia

And we fit all these gangs into one small country, gangs on list may change due to the time of this article. Due to closing of clubs or joining to other bigger Gangs.
More and more are also added as Gangs move into other towns to expand.
Real eye opener for you to know what is really happening.

In Australia, police did a Gang raid.
$334 million (NZ) of drugs were seized.
That was just in Ecstasy and Methamphetamines, with large P labs found.

Road Rat not a Pack Rat

Crusty Demons Nelson Tour Pictures

2009-03-12T01:11:00.007+13:00

Pictures take from the Unleash Hell 2009 Tour of New Zealand, in Nelson
Due to rain was surpost to be run on Saturday but was run on a Friday instead.

About 5000 tickets sold and kids enjoyed it.
Good to see small towns support this type of event.

Hopefully they will be back.

Waiting on Road Rat on Tour with his 50cc scooter triple back flip.

Don't forget the Road Rat's very own cheerleading squad.

Motorbike and Car Rego On The Rise

2009-03-07T13:46:00.006+13:00

Can't say that I didn't warn you after my last older posts on Registration, will here is the update.

As people are getting laid off their jobs and promises of tax cuts.

Nick Smith (Left) has given everyone a good look into what his plans are and are looking grim.

Car registration will hit the roof and it doesn't explain what the cost is going to be for the motorcyclist as we pay more for registration.

So be will aware bike owners as it is going to be bad for us.

Accident Compensation is their main objective, to make all New Zealanders take private Insurance against injury.

Don't know if that is the plan, but don't think that would be far from the truth.

Everytime that I post something, it comes true. Road Rat has ESP.

So with cost of food going up, fuel and now registration.

It is all of us that it has effected, not just bottom feeders.

Businesses are surpost to get help from the Government, but have got them as well.

They don't think that they have company cars and work vehicles.

A lot more people will drive with no registration, with the almighty birdie finger in the air.

Come on New Zealanders, give a crap about your country and have your say.

MP's on a good salary they don't worry.

It is true we pay the MP's wages and they sleep through Parliament meetings, which we would be sacked for at work. Plus love the odd alcholic beverage through work hours.

It is true, we do follow like sheep.

We use to stand up for our rights, what happened.

This is taken from Govenment Report.....

Beehive Report: Nick Smith (Below)

Changes Needed to Contain ACC Costs.

Significant changes are needed to avoid huge increases in ACC costs for families, businesses and Government, says ACC Minister Nick Smith.

Dr Smith today released the latest six monthly Price Waterhouse Coopers valuation of ACC's liablity.

"It is deeply concerning that ACC's liabilities have increased to $21.875 billion - an increase of $2.581 billion in six months. Deteriorating economic conditions have brought into harsh focus significant cost increases that have occurred over the past decade.

"This latest report translates into ACC levy increases over the next five years of 185% for employees, 71% for employers, 129% for motor vehicle owners as well as increases for the Government through the Non-Earners Account.

"These increases in five years would cost the average employee an additional $27 a week,

or $1386 a year a year as consequence of the Earner's levy increasing from 1.4% to 4% and the motor vehicle levy rising from $255 to $585.

"This scale of cost increase is not acceptable. Changes will need to be made in the governance of ACC, legislation, and administration of the scheme to prevent these soaring costs.

"The Government is determined to get better governance is determined to get better governance and management of ACC to conatain costs. I am reviewing the entitlement extensions introduced but not fully funded by the previous Government. We need to have an open debate about the balance between how far ACC goes and the cost to households and businesses. I am also reviewing the timetable for funding of residual claims that particularly impact negatively on the motor vehicle and employer accounts.

"The Government remains committed to a non-fault 24/7 accident insurance scheme but changes will be needed to ensure it remains affordable."

Very Sad.

Road Rat

Australian Bush Fire Pictures

2009-02-19T15:27:00.005+13:00

A big thank you to Linda for suppling the photo's and wish the all our best to all the fire victims. Donate to the families who lost their homes and loved ones, a link is added to my site.

Fuel Costs At The Pump

2009-01-26T12:15:00.004+13:00

Why are we paying more for fuel.

It has got stupid at the pumps and have been watching prices rise then fall.

Noticed one thing, that prices fall on the barrel of crude and takes a long time to drop at the pumps.

At one stage when prices jump from .99c to about $1.45 cents a litre.

You can't tell me that they still had stocks of petrol at the cheap price and the next they are up high and a big profit for them.

Filling up a 5 litre container for your lawnmower costs just under $10.00.

Oil companies have you by the balls as they know that we need fuel to keep workers on the roads and businesses to run.

The consumer is hit the most with truckers paying for diesel and diesel road users plus truck COF, which drips down on cost of freight and groceries to consumer as well.

Now the Government wants a watchdog to keep an eye on fuel costs, my ass they will control the costs to keep us happy as it seems funny on major holidays that fuel costs come down for some ungodly known reason.

People going on holidays over Christmas decided to travel close to home and couldn't afford trips away and what happened, prices drop on fuel on the holidays.

The more fuel prices go up the more the Government makes on taxes as well.

Cars now with big engines have become cheaper to buy and small four cylinder cars have shot through the roof. Really a have as Government has hidden plans that they want to take old cars off the roads that puff just a little of smoke and large engines, so then we will buy eco-friendly cars.

But why do they drive around in their new Merc's with fuel cards as a benefit. Come on New Zealand is not that big, could buy a small car. Even better use the Railway that we bought back.

Could see them using a ten trip bus pass.

One petrol company posted a 56 billion dollar profit, so imagine the rest of the other companies.

That is why motorbikes are back to being the big thing, but then the prices drop and everyone stops using them cause you can't go and get the weeks groceries without a boot and fuel cheap.

Bio-fuel is a joke as you are only saving a few cents as it costs a lot of money to produce, so an airline has decided to try it. So if you are a few thousand feet above the ground and smell hotdogs and chips, no the airline hasn't opened up a takeaway shop. Plus its not the ground crew having a BBQ either.

Bush only started the war in Iraq for the oil, so he got his greedy little hands on it. See how quick they were to put the fires out on the oil fields, like seeing money going in flames.
Now see who is control of the oil prices now.

Gas fields are drying up for liquid gas, so on a limited supply. A 10kg gas bottle use to cost $10 to fill, now $20 to fill.

So watch your petrol pump next time or watch the news and see what you think, might be my insanity.

Even better buy a ride-on lawnmower or golf cart, bonus is that you can get them down the shopping lanes.

Do as the Dukes do, moonshine fuel.
Can't say it isn't eco-friendly.

Motorcycle Parks

2009-01-11T12:18:00.002+13:00

Local Councils need to now look into more motorcycle parking spots.
In our area we only have a few in the city area and only one in the town area.

Even then a car is parked in the spot marked for bikes.
If we park in a disabled zone we get issued with a ticket.

See a car in motorcycle parking area and that seems ok.
So, do as I do and park behind the car in that zone, nothing like a hot day.
Ice Cream in the boot and can't move... Evil I am.

Nothing more than a car looking for a car park with a full supermarket parking area.
Think there is a spot, when low and behold there is a motorcycle parked there.
Shame my heart bleeds (Not).

Even better when it looks like a park next to the doors of the Mall.
Haha revenge again.
The tar babies will seek and destroy their car parks unless they make us some room.

With all the bikes on the roads now, we to need parks or you will be sorry.
I am going to wake the public up this week by parking next to a shop window and shaking the crap out of it with the deep throaty sound of my Buell.
Better nail down their products, won't even supply ear muffs.

So start thinking of us as we don't need much space, they have hundreds of parking spaces for two Supermarkets and a big Mall.
We have rights too, please think of us.

Parking Warden Road Rat.

Laws Need To Be Changed

2009-01-07T14:23:00.002+13:00

New Zealand Laws need to be changed as Road Rat has been speaking with other motorcylist and even drivers of cars.
The number of deaths on the roads is increasing due to faster motor cars.
In New Zealand if you get a motorcycle learners licence you have to ride a bike that is 250cc or under, which if you look at it is a very good idea when there are superbikes out there that can run at over 200 km/h.

So in order to be fair and safe to all road users, is to do the same to drivers of cars.
Young boy racers should be restricted to 1300cc motor cars, as in cases. The cars that are fitted with turbo's have the same horsepower of a V8.

What it means is that I can go to a car yard after I got my car learner licence.
Then buy a V8 or modified import car and drive away.
Throw in a couple of friends on board and then you have speed and showing off, admit it we were young once.

The days of driving you old Mini's and Cortina's etc, are long gone. The closest you got to juicing it up was fluffy dice, a set of mags and maybe a set of extractors.

Now we have Intercooled Turbo's, Nos kits, lowered cars, computerised tuning, super chargers to name a few.

Parents say there kids are good and just having fun. But have they been out watching them on a Saturday night with the rest of their mates and say to the parents that the cops keep hassling them.

All Road Rat wants to do is not become Road Kill and to make sure that we all survive another day.

Take care all and safe travels.

NZ Motorbike Registration Rip Off

2008-12-14T13:04:00.003+13:00

I don't know how you feel but sick of getting hit hard in the pocket everytime I pay road users on my motorbike.

At one stage, someone in the Government had a brain fart and was going to make us pay a $1 a cc... eg 1000cc bike would cost $1000 a year for registration.
Now we pay more than cars on road users charges, cause there excuse is that we have a lot more accidents.

Wrong, how many car wreckers in New Zealand that have damage from accidents.
Another thought for you how many of those cars were licenced for the road at the time and wasn't added to the list of car accidents.
Bikes are also the most expensive to get Insurance for and most Insurance Companies avoid us like the black plague.

More and more do I hear about car owners, opening car doors on riders and pulling out in front of us. Because they couldn't see us or even hear us.
I have been hit by a car that pulled into a service station without idicating, then had the balls to ask about me about paying damages and didn't care about me or the bike.
Lucky there were witnesses.

My motto now is: louder the bike, the more to be heard.

Yes the LTSA wants us to quieten the bikes down, that even means that you have stock standard exhaust.
But have heard Boy racer pipes louder than bikes.

A rider got pulled over the other day and just picked up his brand new off the floor Harley Davidson.
On his trip home got pulled over by the Police aka Road Nazi's, for too loud of noise from his bike.

Ok here is my point...
Car licence Fee: $211.84
12Months
Motorbike Licence fee: $224.28
12 Months
Motorcycle Scooter 50cc or less:$90.00 give or take
12months

Don't get me wrong, but aren't scooters more chance of getting hit in an accident.
They are hard to see and hear.

About time they looked in it, as we do alot of work for the community in raising funds for Emergency Services etc.
We do have friends and follow riders that need their help and are greatful, so we help out as much as we can.

We are all in for a greater shock as the Government is also on the trail, to up the price again on registration on all vehicles.
Take a real hard look, why are they trying to drop petrol costs.

So then you won't say much about the increase on registration fees.
I know of a few unregisted riders and car owners out there but the Police have a little fund raiser going aswell.
It's hello, I see you don't have registration that must mean no Warrant of Fitness.
Because in New Zealand you have to have the Warrant first before Rego.
So followed by the ticket and calculator.

Revinning a motorcycle is also a big joke, if I have drum brakes on my bike they don't have to be checked. But if I had disk brakes then have to be stripped down and checked.
So to be put on the road it has to be brake checked, then WOF, new plate and papers, vinned and then Rego.

Silly thing is I can go to the nearest LTNZ and get a Scooter done, by just getting a new number plate and no WOF needed and doesn't need WOF done ever.

Alot of new riders are hitting the roads these days including, doctors, lawyers, politicians as well as businessman.
All because of fuel rising fuel costs and cheap commuting, but also the best of all the freedom.

Cost of getting a motorbike licence for riding a bike is bloody expensive now.
Have to pay for riding course, then sitting learners licence, then restricted licence and then the full licence. I think about $300.
Here is a fact, most accidents are caused by older riders that haven't riden in years, and buy a nice new bike off the showroom floor and don't realise the power that they have than the old Honda's etc.
I have seen it first hand and heard about it also.

All I want is to give us a fair go, young and old who like to ride and enjoy ourselfs.

Nothing like riding through New Zealand on a motorbike.

Safe Riding, brothers and Sisters

2008 Nelson Christmas Toy Run Gallery

2008-12-14T02:41:00.021+13:00

Ulysses Toy Run, sounded like it got a good run going this year.

With about 400 bikes and scooters, sorry to say but Road Rat and some of his friends didn't ride.
Got Scooterman to take some pictures in my place.

Road Rat was sitting at a batch down the Sounds with 3 wild pigs on the truck and a Bourbon in hand plus fishing rod in other.
Had choice of Xmas Run or Sounds trip umm, guess who won. It was hard to choose...... truely.
Blame the Government as had to put warrant on the bike and passed straight away, but had to wait till the hold on the bike finished on the 10th of December and run was on the 6th of December.
They would have made me pay the registration from day that I put a hold on relicencing it.

They got you by the balls and giving them a good twist.

How Safe Is Your 50cc Scooter

2008-11-20T01:46:00.003+13:00

How safe is your scooter really.

After a few weeks looking over and riding it, here are my thoughts.

On buying one check the nuts and bolts, sounds funny but it is true.

Found bolts where lose even as far as the throttle cable as well.

The bike only has 150k's on the clock, since new.

Ran like a dream when new but started to have starting issues, like there was no automatic choke there anymore.

Would also drop revs when slowing down, almost felt like it was starving for fuel.

Picked up a wrecked scooter, as you can see they fold up easy.

Good for taking on planes as luggage and yes before you ask, Road Rat had to take the bent one for a little ride. Small issue on bumpy ground, seems to bottom out.

Hit a little bit of a rise and both wheels were off the ground for some reason.

I had the job of dismantling it and a few things started to worry me.

The engine and wheel are one whole thing, held on by a bolt in the chassis.

It has a single tubed frame that goes from motor to the handle bars which as you see in the picture folds easy. They are like the ones you would get on a cheap push bike.

Chassis also bent in three places, but around the seat has two tubes and they had to be there for the shocks to bolt on too.

A pin fell off the bike and can't find where it had snapped off from.

Forks snapped no problems at all, for a bike that can get up to 50 km/h. It could be a death machine.

If you want to ride this on the road then take life insurance first.

You see young boys and girls riding these things at high speed down the road. All it takes is someone to open their car door.

Made by a country with a high safety standard (not).

Just my thoughts on these types of bikes, not the earlier models made by well known brands.

When scooters were stronger and could take a beating, but was also fun.

Oh.. Yes, sorry to my mates mum, I did do the donuts on your lawn.

Couldn't you see the smile on my dial, when I said it wasn't me.

Anyway, Road Rat signing off.

I think I have some lawn to reseed now.

Wellington woman sets new record

2008-11-19T13:35:00.003+13:00

Wellington Rider Vicky Streifer became New Zealand's fastest woman on two wheels, after setting the new time on the fast roads in the Wairarapa.
But she was not alone, having been joined by a number of other fearless riders who were all out to break national records.
The road proved to bumpy for Malcolm Breadmore, He had planned to nudge his Suzuki 1500 over the 200 mile mark - that is 321 km/h.
"It's just too dodgy," Breadmore said. All of the bikes are getting airborne and you get a lot of headshake when that happens.
And that makes it interesting."
It is even more interesting on three wheels . The sidecar team broke the national record by three seconds. And while the riders have conquered the fear of speed, 38-year-old Streifer found racing has some unusual side effects.
"The only trouble I have is breathing, she says. "By the time I hit the trap I'm holding my breath."
While there is a lot of money involved, much like their hero - Burt Munro - there is a lot of Kiwi ingenuity.
The plan is now to follow Munro's tracks and test drive some flatter South Island roads.