Australia and New Zealand are separated by a stretch of ocean, but they share a particular gift for motorcycle travel: huge skies, excellent roads, remote towns, dramatic weather, and the feeling that the next bend might reveal an entirely new country. Australia gives you continent-sized distances, red interiors, tropical coasts, and alpine roads. New Zealand compresses mountains, fjords, vineyards, forests, and coastlines into rides that change character every hour.
This guide focuses on motorcycles sold through established Australian and New Zealand dealer networks. Prices are indicative new-bike references in AUD and NZD and vary with freight, registration, dealer offers, options, and model year. Plan carefully for fuel distances, seasonal closures, ferry bookings, gravel sections, and weather that can change faster than the map suggests.
16 Retro Bikes Available in Australia and New Zealand
1. Honda CT125 Hunter Cub — approximately A$6,000–7,000 / NZ$7,000–8,000
The CT125 is one of the most useful small motorcycles for this region. Its 125cc engine, upright position, rack, and light weight make it perfect for camping roads, forest access, island ferries, and everyday errands.
2. Honda Monkey 125 — approximately A$6,000–7,000 / NZ$7,000–8,000
Small, cheerful, and easy to carry or store, the Monkey is ideal for short coastal loops and town exploration. It turns a slow day into a memorable one and handles tight roads with almost no effort.
3. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — approximately A$7,000–8,000 / NZ$8,000–9,000
The compact 349cc roadster brings classic style and easy handling to city streets, back roads, and weekend escapes. Its approachable size is useful on narrow New Zealand lanes and Australian country roads alike.
4. Royal Enfield Classic 350 — approximately A$8,000–9,000 / NZ$9,000–10,000
The Classic 350 suits riders who like a steady pace, a traditional silhouette, and plenty of stops. It feels at home outside an Australian country pub, a New Zealand lakeside village, or a small-town railway station.
5. Triumph Speed 400 — approximately A$8,000–9,000 / NZ$9,000–10,000
The 398cc single-cylinder roadster is light, modern, and easy to place on tight roads. It offers enough performance for regional highways without becoming tiring on winding mountain routes.
6. Triumph Scrambler 400 X — approximately A$9,000–10,000 / NZ$10,000–11,000
Longer suspension, a wider handlebar, and a scrambler stance give the 398cc Triumph more confidence when the road surface gets rough. It is a natural fit for forest roads, gravel viewpoints, and rural detours.
7. Honda Rebel 500 — approximately A$10,000–12,000 / NZ$12,000–14,000
The 471cc twin is smooth and forgiving, while the low seat makes the Rebel approachable in town and at slow speed. It is a comfortable choice for coastal touring and relaxed long-distance riding.
8. Honda CL500 — approximately A$11,000–13,000 / NZ$13,000–15,000
The 471cc parallel twin and upright riding position suit roads that alternate between perfect seal and rough edges. The CL500 is one of the most versatile modern classics for mixed Australian and New Zealand touring.
9. Kawasaki Z650RS — approximately A$14,000–16,000 / NZ$16,000–18,000
The 649cc parallel twin combines classic Z styling with a light, modern chassis. It has the speed for open Australian roads and the agility for New Zealand's tight alpine bends.
10. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 — approximately A$11,000–13,000 / NZ$13,000–15,000
The Interceptor's 648cc twin is relaxed, characterful, and easy to understand mechanically. It is a strong value choice for riders building a multi-day route through either country.
11. Ducati Scrambler Icon — approximately A$15,000–17,000 / NZ$17,000–19,000
The 803cc L-twin gives the Scrambler a lively feel, while its upright stance works for city riding and mountain roads. It is particularly good for the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania, and New Zealand's wine-country loops.
12. Moto Guzzi V7 Stone — approximately A$16,000–18,000 / NZ$18,000–20,000
The transverse 853cc V-twin and shaft drive provide a distinctive mechanical character. The V7 is a stylish roadster for riders who prefer scenic mileage, good coffee, and a motorcycle that feels alive at ordinary speeds.
13. Triumph Speed Twin 900 — approximately A$16,000–18,000 / NZ$18,000–20,000
The 900cc parallel twin has the right blend of torque, comfort, and modern equipment for serious weekend touring. It works equally well on Australia's open highways and New Zealand's flowing rural roads.
14. BMW R 12 — approximately A$25,000–29,000 / NZ$29,000–33,000
BMW's 1170cc boxer roadster pairs classic design with premium chassis engineering. It is a strong choice for long paved-road journeys, especially when the route links several distant regions.
15. Indian Scout — approximately A$22,000–26,000 / NZ$25,000–30,000
The 1250cc V-twin gives the Scout strong acceleration and a low, distinctive cruiser profile. It suits Australia's long coastal highways and broad inland roads, with enough comfort for big days in the saddle.
16. BMW R 18 — approximately A$38,000–45,000 / NZ$43,000–50,000
The 1802cc boxer is an imposing modern classic built for grand touring. Its low centre of gravity helps at slow speed, but its weight deserves respect on gravel, steep turnarounds, and ferry ramps.
30 Australia and New Zealand Roads and Destinations
Australia
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
From Torquay to Port Campbell, this famous coastal road links surf beaches, rainforest, cliffs, and the Twelve Apostles. Start early and use inland alternatives when summer traffic builds.
2. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
The route from Wangaratta through Bright, Mount Hotham, and Omeo delivers river valleys, vineyards, high country, and serious seasonal mountain scenery. Check snow and closure information before riding the high section.
3. Black Spur and the Yarra Valley
East of Melbourne, the Black Spur runs through tall mountain ash forest before opening toward the Yarra Valley. Add Healesville, Marysville, and the Reefton Spur for a full day of bends.
4. Snowy Mountains and the Alpine Way, New South Wales
Ride through Jindabyne, Thredbo, Khancoban, and the Alpine Way for lakes, high country, and changing road surfaces. Weather can close high sections even outside winter.
5. Oxley Highway, New South Wales
The route between Port Macquarie and Walcha climbs from the coast through rainforest and the Great Dividing Range. It is one of Australia's best combinations of flowing corners and changing scenery.
6. Thunderbolts Way, New South Wales
Link Gloucester, Walcha, and the New England Tablelands through farmland, forest, and high-country bends. The road is a superb alternative to the main north-south routes.
7. Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Use Katoomba, Blackheath, and the Bells Line of Road as a base for sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forest, and winding mountain roads close to Sydney.
8. Tasmania's east coast
Ride from Hobart through Orford, Swansea, Bicheno, and St Helens for beaches, coastal hills, seafood, and a road network made for middleweight classics.
9. West Coast Tasmania and Queenstown
The roads around Strahan, Zeehan, and Queenstown cross rainforest, mountains, and mining country. The weather is famously changeable, which is part of the attraction.
10. Huon Valley and the Southern Forests
South of Hobart, the Huon Valley offers orchards, river roads, forests, and access toward the remote far south. It is an excellent slower alternative to Tasmania's headline routes.
11. Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Ride north from Adelaide through the Clare Valley and into the red mountains around Wilpena Pound. The distances and heat require careful fuel and water planning.
12. Fleurieu Peninsula and the Coorong
Coastal roads around Victor Harbor, Cape Jervis, and the Coorong combine beaches, wetlands, vineyards, and open horizons. It is a rewarding loop from Adelaide.
13. Margaret River and the southwest, Western Australia
Vineyards, karri forest, limestone caves, and rugged coast make the southwest one of Western Australia's most varied riding regions.
14. Coral Coast and Shark Bay, Western Australia
Follow the coast north through Geraldton, Kalbarri, and Shark Bay for red cliffs, coral reefs, and huge distances between services. Plan fuel stops before leaving the main towns.
15. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
The road north from Cairns through Port Douglas and toward Cape Tribulation moves from tropical coast to rainforest. Some sections require careful weather planning, especially during the wet season.
16. Savannah Way, Queensland and the Northern Territory
This long route links Cairns with the Gulf of Carpentaria and beyond. Sealed and unsealed sections vary considerably, so choose a suitable bike and confirm conditions before committing.
17. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, and the West MacDonnell Ranges create one of Australia's most iconic inland loops. Heat, tyre choice, water, and isolation should define the planning.
18. Nullarbor Plain
The crossing between South Australia and Western Australia is a genuine big-distance ride. The road itself is straightforward, but wind, fatigue, wildlife, and fuel gaps demand discipline.
New Zealand
19. Milford Road, South Island
From Te Anau through Fiordland to Milford Sound, the road crosses lakes, rainforest, avalanche zones, and the Homer Tunnel. Weather can change rapidly, even in summer.
20. Crown Range Road, South Island
The route between Queenstown and Wānaka climbs over the Crown Range with excellent views and tight mountain bends. It is a must-ride link through Central Otago.
21. Haast Pass and the West Coast
Ride from Wānaka toward the West Coast through beech forest, rivers, waterfalls, and glacial valleys. Continue north or south along the coast for a complete South Island journey.
22. Arthur's Pass, South Island
The road and railway corridor across the Southern Alps links Canterbury with the West Coast. Short distances hide dramatic climbs, viaducts, and weather that deserves respect.
23. Lewis Pass and the thermal country
Lewis Pass offers a quieter Alpine crossing between the east and west of the South Island. Combine it with Hanmer Springs and the roads around the Waiau Valley.
24. Kaikōura and the Pacific Coast
The coastal road north of Christchurch combines ocean, mountains, seals, vineyards, and excellent places to stop. It is a relaxed route with scenery that never feels repetitive.
25. Catlins and the southern coast
Between Invercargill and Dunedin, the Catlins offer forest, waterfalls, sea cliffs, lighthouses, and quiet roads. Allow extra time because many of the best destinations are short walks from the road.
26. Otago Peninsula
Loop from Dunedin around the peninsula for harbour views, steep coastal roads, historic sites, and wildlife. It is a compact route with enough variety for a full day.
27. Forgotten World Highway, North Island
State Highway 43 links Stratford and Taumarunui through volcanic hills, tunnels, farms, and the Republic of Whangamōmona. It is one of the North Island's most characterful rides.
28. Desert Road, North Island
The route between Taupō and Waiouru crosses stark volcanic plateau beneath Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. Wind, cold, and sudden cloud are normal even when nearby towns are warm.
29. Coromandel Peninsula
Coastal roads, forested hills, beaches, and small settlements make the Coromandel one of the North Island's best weekend loops. Ride patiently through the narrow sections.
30. East Cape and the Pacific Coast Highway
From Gisborne toward Opotiki, the road follows remote coast, rural communities, hills, and long ocean views. It is a slower, more human route that rewards riders who avoid rushing.
Ride in the Right Kit
For riders who measure distance in stories, ferry crossings, and the roads beyond the last fuel sign.
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