Another Theft

So glad to hear you got your bike back even if a little worse for the experience. When most social media is used to grind an axe or prove a political point, it's very refreshing to see that it can be used to do some good in the world. Thanks to everyone who helped him recover his bike, you've renewed my faith in humanity.

When we were in the UK years ago, we were dumbfounded by the huge cost of third party insurance there. That's what happens when you legislate in favour of the big rip off merchants. You get hung by your short and curlies. In NZ, we have an ACC scheme which you donate to when you register your vehicle. Its not compulsory to insure your vehicle here, and as a result , the fees charged by the insurance companies are usually competitive. As Blaise has suggested, you can get full cover for you $17,000 value classic bike for $100.00. I think you are required to do less than 5,000 miles per year though. We have been ripped of by our government for years to though. To register are larger capacity bike here used to cost about $550.00. It has come down now to about $300.00 [ I think but dont know as I dont own a bike less than 40 years old ] Bikes over 40 years old used to cost $117.00 pa and now that has come sown to about $70.00 pa. My Toyota Hilux used to cost over $500.00 pa , now it is less than $300.0 [ not entirely sure here because SWMBO pays all the bills.] Its all relative. The average income here is a lot lower than other"developed" countries. I was talking to a man who as a result of retiring at 73, had to sell his house because of the mortgage, but with what he had left he could not even buy a house way up here where we live, so he is buying a house in Mandura.
Wee bit off track but what the heck.

Dereck

kerinorton said:

When we were in the UK years ago, we were dumbfounded by the huge cost of third party insurance there. That's what happens when you legislate in favour of the big rip off merchants.

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We've had compulsory third party insurance in the UK since 1930.
No UK vehicle insurer would stay business for long if they weren't competitive, although as a visitor to the UK it's likely you would have paid more, however, there does seem to be a significant difference between UK and NZ third party insurance according to the previous link I posted, as your NZ 'compulsory' insurance only covers injury whereas UK third party also covers damage to vehicles and property and also passengers in your own vehicle, even so, most UK drivers would have comprehensive insurance especially if their vehicles are worth a significant amount of money although there is also a 'third party fire and theft' option.

kerinorton said:

In NZ, we have an ACC scheme which you donate to when you register your vehicle. Its not compulsory to insure your vehicle here, and as a result , the fees charged by the insurance companies are usually competitive. As Blaise has suggested, you can get full cover for you $17,000 value classic bike for $100.00. I think you are required to do less than 5,000 miles per year though. We have been ripped of by our government for years to though. To register are larger capacity bike here used to cost about $550.00. It has come down now to about $300.00 [ I think but dont know as I dont own a bike less than 40 years old ] Bikes over 40 years old used to cost $117.00 pa and now that has come sown to about $70.00 pa.

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The annual road tax on a large capacity bike in the UK is currently £85.00.
Bikes over 40 years old in the UK now qualify for zero road tax (the approximate equivalent of your registration) with no mileage or other restrictions so it's swings and roundabouts.

Nater_Potater said:

No worries! Hardly a derailment; t's all relevant information. I just love posting stupid pictures...

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Damn, that is a great photo!

It cost me $57.00 to register my Commando, the newer bikes ( less than 40 years old) are $522.00 a year, my Vespa is $408 a year.
ACC covers personal injury.

davamb said:

As does Craig. Well done that man!

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Guys my reward is already twofold. Firstly , Mike getting his bike back is the best part , secondly
I would never have found this forum if I wasn't searching to contact Mike. I am almost as happy as he is.

My additional insurance policy arrived today.

gortnipper said:

My additional insurance policy arrived today.

View attachment 3053

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I have harden locks and chains that can't be cut with bolt cutters but no good in my shed as I have a oxy cutting torch in my shed, but my best security is my two Cattle dogs they won't let anyone up the back unless I am there and my sliding shed door makes to much noise when it gets open.

Ashley

Yeah, and I have an angle grinder which I figure would take under 5 mins. But, I would hear that. I will have to hide the grinder...but this is just to prevent the opportunist and habitual petty thief from wheeling it away. If someone really wants the Norton or the Duc, and they know what they are doing, they will get it - all we can do is slow them down and make them make more noise than they like.

gortnipper said:

Yeah, and I have an angle grinder which I figure would take under 5 mins. But, I would hear that. I will have to hide the grinder...but this is just to prevent the opportunist and habitual petty thief from wheeling it away. If someone really wants the Norton or the Duc, and they know what they are doing, they will get it - all we can do is slow them down and make them make more noise than they like.

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I hear you but even out and you use the lock and chain if its not locked to something bikes can be picked up and lifted in a ute or pickup easy with 2 or 3 people as one of my firend's found out a few years ago losing his old Shovel Head.

Ashley

Hence the anchor