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The BV
New Zealand
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2016
Embark on a breathtaking motorcycling journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of New Zealand, as I embrace the beauty of two wheels in my forties! Join me on an awe-inspiring exploration of stunning vistas, picturesque backroads, and hidden gems that will leave you in awe. From rolling hills to pristine lakes, this channel invites you to immerse yourself in the serene tranquility and natural wonders that New Zealand has to offer. Experience the thrill of discovery as I uncover the most scenic routes and share the mesmerizing beauty that unfolds at every turn. Soothe your soul with the captivating scenery, unwind with the gentle hum of the engine, and let's embark together on a tranquil motorcycle adventure like no other! Hit that subscribe button and join me as we chase the serenity of the open road.
Current bike: 2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally "Aragon Edition"
Previous bikes: 2012 Triumph Tiger 800, 2002 BMW F650 GS
Current bike: 2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally "Aragon Edition"
Previous bikes: 2012 Triumph Tiger 800, 2002 BMW F650 GS
My 2024 Roundup
2024 was a busy year for me. I nearly knocked out a video every week. To do this I travelled almost 40,000km and spent 1,000 hours editing over 3.5TB of footage.
I didn't do any big trips this year. There were a couple of 3 day rides, but no big trips to the South Island. That is something I want to address next year.
These rides have been very expensive - financially and personally. So I'm going to slow down a bit next year, and save some money so that I can head down to the South Island.
#newzealand #motorcycle #adventure #travel
Please subscribe to this channel to encourage me to ride more, and put more effort into these videos - th-cam.com/channels/fHDgltJxKA_nAdNDDDR_mg.html
Instagram :- bikervirgin
Filmed on
DJI Action 4 #osmoaction4
DJI Mini 3 Pro @osmo_global
DJI Osmo Pocket 2 @osmo_global
If you need music for videos please use my referral link to Uppbeat - uppbeat.io/?referral=james-zrmf2
I didn't do any big trips this year. There were a couple of 3 day rides, but no big trips to the South Island. That is something I want to address next year.
These rides have been very expensive - financially and personally. So I'm going to slow down a bit next year, and save some money so that I can head down to the South Island.
#newzealand #motorcycle #adventure #travel
Please subscribe to this channel to encourage me to ride more, and put more effort into these videos - th-cam.com/channels/fHDgltJxKA_nAdNDDDR_mg.html
Instagram :- bikervirgin
Filmed on
DJI Action 4 #osmoaction4
DJI Mini 3 Pro @osmo_global
DJI Osmo Pocket 2 @osmo_global
If you need music for videos please use my referral link to Uppbeat - uppbeat.io/?referral=james-zrmf2
มุมมอง: 462
วีดีโอ
Waihi Falls - backroad motorcycle ride
มุมมอง 2.2Kวันที่ผ่านมา
I wanted to see what Waihi Falls looked like after all the rain we'd had during the week. I headed out at 5:30am so that I could do the ride before the next forecast storms arrived. The dawn light and morning fog made for some picturesque views along the way. I had looked at the map the night before and seen a nice route up Birch Road East and then along Tahuokaretu Road. I have been along Birc...
A short Hawke's Bay ride. Ellis Wallace Rd and Waipunga Rd
มุมมอง 93314 วันที่ผ่านมา
A short motorbike ride along a couple of gravel roads out of Napier. I had other commitments today so only had time for a very short ride. I had not looked up Ellis Wallace Road before. It was a nice road, even though it's a dead-end. The old bridge over the Esk River was interesting. I have always like old bridges - especially when they are derelict. I also found it funny that they still had s...
This motorbike ride didn't end well. Taumaranui to Stratford to a trailer.
มุมมอง 4.2K21 วันที่ผ่านมา
This motorbike ride was meant to be a lot of fun - a 12 hour ride; catching up with mates for dinner; camping; all on the way to getting the bike serviced. Well, things changed within 7 hours. I started the ride just after 5am so that I could get a decent ride in before catching up with mates. There was a bit of rain around, but nothing that would spoil the ride. The first interesting road was ...
Motorbike ride around Castlepoint and Pack Spur Road gravel loop
มุมมอง 6Kหลายเดือนก่อน
Castlepoint is one of the standard motorcycle rides to do from Wellington. I've been up to the Castlepoint lighthouse many times. However, I had never headed further along the coast and around Pack Spur Road. This turns out to be a nice little adventure bike route. The coastline north of Castlepoint is one big shelf of turbidites (those parallel ridges you see sticking out of the ground). You s...
Ruapehu mountain motorbike ride - Turoa and Whakapapa
มุมมอง 1.2Kหลายเดือนก่อน
A lovely ride up Ruapehu to see the view. I'm surprised I haven't done this ride before. The main aim was to check out the view from Ruapehu. My route to the mountain took me along the Gentle Annie (the Taihape-Napier Road). I couldn't resist having some fun editing a section after I mentioned Top Gear. I hope that doesn't distract from the rest for the video. I checked out some very scenic roa...
Centre of the North Island and Endeans Mill
มุมมอง 12Kหลายเดือนก่อน
On my earlier ride to the geographical centre of the North Island I just went there, and then turned around and came back the same way. I remember wondering whether the road would take you all the way through the Pureora Forest. So, I decided to check it out again. Google Maps didn't think there was a road there... but it didn't even think there was a road to the Centre of North Island. I was p...
Auckland to Napier - a surprisingly scenic highway ride
มุมมอง 1.1Kหลายเดือนก่อน
This is the return journey from my 3 day Labour weekend ride. It started with an unsuccessful ride to the Bridge to Somewhere. Then a completely unplanned ride up to Auckland. The return journey took me from Auckland to Mount Maunganui - which was far ridiculously busy on the long-weekend (not my scene at all). Then I went around the coast to Whakatāne, through the Wiaoeka Gorge, and then back ...
New Plymouth to Auckland - an excellent motorcycle route
มุมมอง 2.9K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
My previous ride to the Bridge To Somewhere took a little longer than expected. There wasn't really enough time to explore more roads on the way home, so I decided to stay the night in New Plymouth. When I was looking at the map for some interesting roads I realised that there were some good looking roads a bit further north. Each road took me closer to Auckland. So that's where I went. I shoul...
Almost The Bridge to Somewhere near New Plymouth
มุมมอง 2.9K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Road To Somewhere is not a tourist destination. I don't think it's even a local destination. It's just a bridge. But it is in a good location. It spans the Whangamomona River, and joins the Whangamomona Rd (no, not the Forgotten Highway) and Tahunaroa Rd in the Aotuhia Station. Apparently you can get all the way through to Whangamomona when the roads are open. Unfortunately the roads weren'...
Akatarawa Road - an interesting road out of Wellington
มุมมอง 1.3K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Akatarawa Road is a very narrow, twisty sealed road, a few minutes north of Wellington. This isn't an "adventure" route, but it is an "interesting" route. It's pretty amazing that there are roads like this so close to the capital city. Being so close to a city does mean that it does have it's fair share of traffic. Be very aware of oncoming traffic. Most of the traffic, maybe 70%, is betwee...
Kiwi Road - New Plymouth to Taumarunui motorcycle ride
มุมมอง 12K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
I had heard about Kiwi Road. It sounded like quite an adventure. I also remember that the local council were looking at closing it because it was too costly to maintain. I hope that they have changed their mind about that. It seemed like a good idea to check it out while it's still open. Kiwi Road is a road of two parts. One part is a nice countryside gravel road. The other part is a very narro...
Some very scenic roads - Masterton to Waipukurau
มุมมอง 1.4K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
There are many roads to choose between Masterton and Waipukurau. I sometimes think I must have ridden down all of them. But this time I chose a few "random" roads that were heading in the right direction. Some, like Coonoor Road, are almost a regular ride. Others, like Barton's Line and Rimu Road, are something new for me. The great thing about taking these back roads is that you get to see the...
Motorcycle Camping - Te Pakau Campsite, Te Urewera
มุมมอง 2.5K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
It's been a while since I've chucked the tent on the bike and gone camping. So, to remedy the situation I looked for a campsite that was out-of-the-way. The Te Pakau campsite is in north Te Urewera. You can't get there from the lake. You have to go around to near Opotiki and head down Matahi Valley Road. On the way there I decided to make the trip more interesting by cutting through the Whirina...
1300km Weekend Ride - part 2 of 2 - East Cape
มุมมอง 1.1K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
This was the second half of my 1,300km weekend ride. There was a rain front moving across the country, so I decided to take the long way home and go around East Cape instead. The East Cape route is always a good time. The weather might not always cooperate, but the ride never disappoints. The roads are solid, and there's always another scenic bay around the next bend. The ride from Rotorua to N...
1300km Weekend Ride - part 1 of 2 - Napier to Tauranga
มุมมอง 8113 หลายเดือนก่อน
1300km Weekend Ride - part 1 of 2 - Napier to Tauranga
Hawke's Bay Backroads - Mangakuri & Blackhead Road
มุมมอง 5874 หลายเดือนก่อน
Hawke's Bay Backroads - Mangakuri & Blackhead Road
A scenic motorbike ride along the Mahia Peninsula
มุมมอง 7174 หลายเดือนก่อน
A scenic motorbike ride along the Mahia Peninsula
Taihape to Napier motorbike ride along Matewhero and Mangaohane Rd
มุมมอง 3.1K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Taihape to Napier motorbike ride along Matewhero and Mangaohane Rd
Palmerston North to Taihape - Pohonui Rd motorbike ride
มุมมอง 1.3K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Palmerston North to Taihape - Pohonui Rd motorbike ride
Whariti Road - Ride up to the TV tower
มุมมอง 1.2K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
Whariti Road - Ride up to the TV tower
Dartmoor motorcycle loop - exploring the gravel roads
มุมมอง 9615 หลายเดือนก่อน
Dartmoor motorcycle loop - exploring the gravel roads
Whariti Road - A short ride with a long view
มุมมอง 6096 หลายเดือนก่อน
Whariti Road - A short ride with a long view
Lake Taupo Motorbike Loop. Some interesting stops along the way.
มุมมอง 1.1K6 หลายเดือนก่อน
Lake Taupo Motorbike Loop. Some interesting stops along the way.
Tolaga Bay (not quite) Loop Motorcycle Route
มุมมอง 4.1K6 หลายเดือนก่อน
Tolaga Bay (not quite) Loop Motorcycle Route
Wairoa to Gisborne on some nice backroads
มุมมอง 9376 หลายเดือนก่อน
Wairoa to Gisborne on some nice backroads
Thank you again for another great vid.
Thanks. I'll need to find a few more interesting places like this one.
You are doing a great job.
Thank you
Thanks for all the entertaining videos, at my age I dont ride the gravel much so enjoy seeing those backwoods trips. Cheers Mate
Thank you. I'm glad I can show you some different places.
What fuel do you run, 91 or 95, and do you carry a spare container ?
Generally it's 95. I occasionally use 91 when there isn't a choice. (My previous Tiger didn't like 91 at all. This one seems to tolerate it). I don't really need spare fuel on the rides I do. However, I did come extremely close to running out when I did my ride from Auckland To Napier. The bike was on 0km range for quite a while. *I have noticed that I get slightly better range if I use 98 - but I'd need to do some maths to see if it's worth the extra cost*
Just love your videos. I have passed them on to family and some friends over in the states. Love the roads you have chosen and your pace. I am 71 and I have never on a motorcycle except just a couple of quick runs over 50 years ago. So I am thankful that you are taking me along. I live in the bay of plenty. Wonderful work of love you are doing.
Thank you for you kind words. I'm glad my videos are interesting to non-motocycle riders. For me the motorcycle is just a tool to take me around interesting places. It's all about the journey.
@theNZbv The nonrider classification is only temporary. That's the plan anyway. And I agree with you, this life is all about the journey.
big herd of chickens there for sure
:)
thanks for a great year of marvelous experiences.I look forward to you doing it again in 2025.I'd love to see you do a south island trip.I've done several but it will be great to see your video's
I don't think I'll have the time or money for a full South Island tour. I'll probably just focus on a small area.
Loved every one I've watched. They mean so much to me as I've ridden so many of your routes in the past. It's great what you're doing. God bless you brother.😊
Thanks mate.
Hi again I watched this on new years eve, I also watched the Waihi Falls too, I grew up and lived in Waihi for many years so I was interested to see your ride to Waihi, then I realised the Waihi Falls you were heading for were in different part of the country, you got me there. Great to see your channel doing well and looking forward to seeing what you do in the new year, as alway I get inspired by your videos and I must admit feel a little envious at times ( not really but you know what mean), hopefully I can get out on the bikes a bit more this coming year, I find longer rides a bit harder now but still hoping to get a few more in this coming year God willing. Happy new year all the best for 2025 Regards Kev
Thanks, Kev. I could imagine the confusion with Waihi Falls. The road signs wouldn't make any sense. ;) One thing I've learned this year is that there are always some nice short rides in this country.
Thanks Mr BV. I guess I'm one of the dozens who have subscribed in this last year or so. The really good thing is going to places via the back roads. See you 2025. Cheers from North Waikato. 👍
Thank you for subscribing. I've travelled the main roads so often that I only want to find alternative routes now.
@@theNZbvGood on you, keep them coming. Cheers.
Thanks for all your effort bringing these simple but enjoyable adventures to us. I've gained lots of ideas for trips of my own from the information you attach to your films. Well done Mr BV.
Thank you.
Lol North Range Road was my 1st experience off road as well, scared the shit out of me as a complete newb. Ill have to try it again, see how far I get this time. I only got to that 1st flooded puddle,(which was alot more flooded when I went there) and said nope, nope, I'm going home lol
I'm jealous of people who were brought up on dirt bikes. I don't have any of that instinctive balance and throttle control.... or any other skills really. I need to find some tracks that are less difficult before I try that one again.
@@theNZbv True, I just started practicing my figure 8s in a hall carpark in colyton. A few tip overs but I eventually got use to it and still practice it. Helped me heaps.
Whangamomona looked really busy.. Interesting roads.
Yeah. I think that's the busiest I've seen it.
Thanks for the ride mate,cheers
Thank you. There will be more next year.
Thanks for sharing your trips, I've just completed Whangamomona to Mt messenger then up the coast to Port Waikato thanks to one of your recent trips. Plan to do more of them cheers.
That's a good ride. I hope you had some nice weather for the ride.
You have created an awesome playlist of motorcycle rides around NZ, including Google GPS maps so that others can do the same. Honestly, before I found this channel I thought the main rides were all along the well trodden holiday routes, and I was really envious of some of the motorcycle rides in other countries. Why couldn't we have rides like this in NZ? Wrong! I see a lot of rides overseas swamped with other riders and motorists, whereas in NZ there are heaps of rides through fantastic scenery where you are lucky to see anybody. If that is what you want (and I do) then we are blessed indeed. Your vids are also way ahead of any other channel I have found yet in NZ, especially in terms of focusing on the actual ride and what we can see when we get there, so thanks, and have a great new year (and please don't fall off again ;))
Thank you so much. It took me a while to realise that these videos could be used as a reference for other riders. I was also surprised how many good roads there are in the North Island. So many people think all the scenery is in the south.
Absolutely awesome videos. Thanks for sharing your adventures!! I'm sure I speak for all your fans...:) we are happy to share your adventures when ever or wherever you get too. You have earned a break! Happy New year 🎉
Thank you. Happy New Year to you too.
That doesn't happen often 👍
and 2024 doesn't happen often. It's only happened once in my lifetime. ;)
A lot of people like to see the country especially chaps like me tighter to a bed so I hope you can continue. GOOD LUCK for 25
Thanks. I will definitely continue. But probably only do 30 or 40 videos in the year. Have a good 25 too.
Thank you very much for your effort.....Well done 40k !
I will have worn the bike out before I finish paying for it. ;)
Thanks for all the videos , they have been a pleasure to watch🎉, have a Happy new year.
Cheers. Happy New Year to you as well.
You have the knack of making great videos, please keep up the travels.
Thank you. There are still lot's of things I can improve on.
BV if I hit the thanks button does that $ go to u or does utube take a cut
I'm pretty sure TH-cam takes 30% the moment you even think about clicking the button.
@@theNZbv If u set something up me an my brother will pitch in, small price to pay for yr effort..all the best
Congrats for all your effort to make these videos... your hard work is appreciated by those of us who follow the roads you have mapped out... looking forward to seeing where the new year takes you on your travels. Thanks again... hope to meet you on the back roads one day soon. Regards Rich.
Thanks Rich. I'm sure we'll bump into each other day.
all good bro you can set up a fund and do patreon to help out with the cost as I love the vids and for some resin you are the first one to see when you post I made it to Oamaru and blow my van up on the way home but got to see some seal's and lots of road lice Love you bro stay safe SHIFT
Man, that's bad news on the van. I guess there's more tourists than locals down there at this time of year. I did think about Patreon a while ago. I always feel a bit guilty about taking money. I feel like I have a "responsibility" to make videos if people are paying. Maybe I just need to suck-it-up and take it more seriously.
40k in a year! Well done! Time for a channel name change? Cant be the biker virgin anymore? Maybe a bike review video next? Cheers all the best for '25!
Thanks. Happy New Year to you to. I keep thinking about a name change. I'll need to read up on how to do that. I don't want to have to start from scratch.
Well done buddy. Keep it going 🙂
Cheers mate.
Thanks. really enjoying your videos.
Thank you. That's nice to hear.
Hi. What bike is it ?
it's a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally (Aragon Edition)
Drove from Napier through the Gentle Annie to Taihape, then up to almost Ohakune down the Whangaehu valley Rd to the Para para rd, up to Taumarunui then the forgotten highway to New Playmouth. Awesome trip.
Fantastic. That's some real zig-zagging, and a great combination of roads and views.
@@theNZbv Coast to Coast....
how do the new tyres feel?
The Anakee feels ok on the rear. I wouldn't want to take it on any grassy tracks. But it's good for the type of gravel roads I usually ride.
lovely video, went there a couple of times, lots of gravel road, pretty much took the same route.
Thanks. There are a few good roads along the way. They seem to change from season to season.
Great vid, love waterfalls
I was lucky to have it to myself. A few carloads of people arrived as I was leaving.
I think the longest place name translates into something like, Chief Tumati sit's on the hill playing his flute and mourning the loss of his brother. While traveling through the area the brother was killed by another tribe. Nice falls. Might see if I can visit them in my travels this summer. Thanks for sharing.
The translation I've seen is - "The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as 'landeater’, played his flute to his loved one."
How LOVELY ! Thank you !!
Thank you.
Wasnt exactly sure where you were actually going.When i saw the falls I remembered where they are .The northern approach looks more interesting than coming from the south
I'm sure there are ways to make the southern approach more interesting.
@@theNZbv yes do it on a bike not a 4wd!
Nice one BV. Merry Christmas.
Thanks. And a Merry Christmas to you too.
Great ride along, thank you. Waterfall looks awesome there. Shame the english version of the long name on the signage has been taken away at the stop earlier, very very few can interpret it and one version of treaty only displayed now. Seems like its now a point of protest instead of information, as they dont want to let people know both versions or form their own opinion..
I don't actually have a problem with the version of the treaty they display. It's private property. They can do what they like. I just think the translation of the place name is very entertaining.
Another great video, thanks. Your drone shots are awesome in both this and earlier videos, and I like the choice of music to bring them out too. Since I'm getting into a bit more gravel these days, I do wonder what my chances of coming off eventually will be, either potholes or hitting one of those critters you keep coming across. From watching your vids seems like it is not that high if you keep your speed down and practice? or are you binning those episodes :)
Yeah. I try to stay well within my capabilities. I'm far from perfect, but I do try to remember that defensive driving/riding still applies on country roads.
A great video, many thanks
Thank you.
Great moody shots and done footage to fill in the gaps and overhead views. Looking forward to next year's rides down the back roads.
I think a photographer would have enjoyed the morning light and fog. A quick ride didn't really do it justice.
Merry Xmas mate! Another great video! Cheers
Thanks for that.
Done my fair share of goat culling up through there over the years. We used to live at the top of the Waitaanga's back 1984-1990. I haven't driven that road in more than 20y so it was good to see it all. I learnt to drive on that road. The old building on the left as you drove through Ohura was the Farmers co-op back in the day. It was a dying town back then. Taumarunui looked surprisingly alive still. Good to see.
I read somewhere that Ohura is have a bit of resurgence.
Love your content mate,I'm doing my first jaunt up north from Welly this week to the forgotten highway. What are your go pro settings if you don't mind me asking?
I have a DJI Action 4 which is similar to a Go Pro (although I still dislike the box shape for a helmet cam). I film at 1080p 30 fps. I think all the other settings are standard.
That was awesome bro....thank u. Use to ride those roads on my dirt bike years ago n castlepoint. Ride a harley now so I felt that ride🫶🙏💪❤️
I'm sure you could manage those roads on the Harley. Some bits would be ... interesting.
Have 4 wheels on your bike with good tires
very clever how you get those high up shots whilst riding?
Technology is a marvellous thing.
Enjoying your rides! Two requests. Can you provide a map and/gpx track? After 650 adventure bikes (BMW and Aprilia) I'm now on a roadbike (Aprilia Shiver) that's fine on easy gravel such as Molesworth and doable on the Rainbow. Can you indicate suitability of the sections for road bikes? Buyer beware, of course!
Glad you enjoy them. I usually put a link to a google map in the video description. I not sure how good I am at judging road conditions. It's rare that I would do any difficult roads (and usually not planned).
Looks great!
It's looking a bit dirty at the moment. I should really give it a wash.
I'm planning to head up to Castlepoint and Riversdale from Lower Hutt over the holidays! Really nice video! I like how you add in some drone footage to an adventure motorcycling video; nice job! :)
Thanks. I think the drone footage helps to break it up. It gets a bit boring when the whole video is taken from the same perspective.