If you are shopping for a new motorbike in New Zealand, then chances are you have a list of models in mind. However, it is also important to consider the right brand when making your choice. That’s because the right brand of motorbike can not only provide you with a better vehicle, it can help you enjoy a better ownership experience.
Today, we are going to take a look at what makes a good motorbike brand in New Zealand. Whether you are buying new or second-hand, these are the best motorcycle brands in New Zealand.
So what makes for a good motorcycle brand in New Zealand? Well, you can start by looking at which motorbike brands have the most sales in the country. After that, we suggest that you consider the following three criteria.
Be sure to choose a brand that has a strong dealer network. This will allow you to choose from a better range of inventory. Also, a good dealer network will come in handy if your motorbike happens to have any defects or when you need to service the vehicle.
Make sure that the brand you choose has a reputation for making quality motorbikes. The last thing that you want to deal with is a motorbike that can give you trouble when you are out on the road or deep on a trail.
Finally, make sure that the brand you choose has OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts that are easily available in New Zealand. While you can make do with third-party parts, it is always better to choose OEM parts for your vehicle.
Now that we have qualified what makes a good motorbike brand in New Zealand, let’s take a look at the five most popular brands in the country:
If you are a fan of motorbikes, then you are well aware of Yamaha. They build exciting and affordable motorbikes that provide high performance along with some excellent style. Some of the most popular models in New Zealand include the best-selling Tenere 700, the track-focused YZF-R3, and the hot-looking MT-03. If you are looking for a motorbike with lots of show and go - at a price that you can potentially afford - then you will want to see what the Yamaha line-up has to offer.
Are there any reasons to not consider a Yamaha? It’s a great brand. However, if you are really serious about performance, then you may want to consider the Suzuki brand which offers more track-ready motorbikes with a reputation for stellar performance.
Suzuki is another big brand in New Zealand. With Suzuki, you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to performance and cruising fun. While Suzuki is not considered as “hardcore” as the Yamaha models, they can still pack lots of excellent performance. Some top models in the Suzuki line-up include the excellent dual-purpose DR650SE, the easy-to-live-with GSX150 Gixxer, and its more powerful big brother SX250R.
So are there any reasons why you would not want to consider a Suzuki? Not really. The only reason why you may want to consider another brand is that Suzuki doesn’t quite match up when it comes to powerful track bikes like some other brands. However, you can find some great everyday motorbikes from the brand.
Okay, so Kawasaki is not as big as Yamaha and Suzuki in the New Zealand market. However, there is one big reason why you will want to put this motorbike brand on your list - the incredible Ninja 400. This is a powerful, hot-looking bike that is a must-have for lots of motorbike lovers in the country. If you want a fast-low profile bike, then you will want to put the Ninja 400 at the top of your list.
Kawasaki is a big performance-focused brand. Therefore, if you are not looking to rip it up on the road or the trail, then you will perhaps want to consider the Yamaha brand. Besides that, there is really nothing bad to say about this popular brand.
You may be surprised to find the iconic U.S. brand on the list. However, some people like the cruise-focused approach to its motorbikes. Also, Harley’s Street 500 motorbike is a top 10 seller in the country. If you are looking for an attractive touring bike, then you should certainly consider the Harley brand.
The only reason to not consider Harley could be the price. These motorbikes are certainly not affordable compared to other brands. However, if you want something attractive and comfortable to ride, then you may want to consider what Harley has to offer.
Honda is a great choice for those who prefer straight cruising compared to street performance, off-road rising, or showing off. Quite simply, the Honda brand is known for reliable, comfortable motorbikes that are extremely reliable. At the top of the Honda motorbike list for New Zealand riders is the excellent Honda Shadow Phantom. This is one of the best long-distance cruisers available in the country.
The one downside to the Honda brand is that it is not flashy and popular as Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. You could even say that the Honda brand is focused on an older demographic. However, that’s not an issue if you are some kid looking for a fast and flashy motorbike.
You’ll be glad to know that there is a diverse range of motorbikes available in the New Zealand market. If you are not familiar with the brands, then it's a good idea to visit each company’s website and take a look at their model line-up. Also, be sure to take a test ride. With the right research, you should be sure to find the motorbike brand that is right for you.
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