Bad Horse Bikes
In 2002, after riding over 250,000km in Europe, Marcus decided he needed to explore further and the far-flung roads of New Zealand took his fancy. As can happen over a beer, a grand plan for a great adventure was hatched and he spent over 18 months driving a truck from his hometown of Detmold to New Zealand, the place he now calls home.
Having ridden about 80,000km in his adopted country, Marcus has set up Bad Horse Bikes to help bring to life your BMW motorcycle adventure in New Zealand. He knows you don’t need your hand held – that you are an independent traveller who prefers to discover where the road takes you. He will happily suggest routes and roads and places to visit, but also knows you appreciate the freedom of a fluid itinerary.
Whilst riding in New Zealand, Marcus has two key pieces of advice: always keep an eye on your fuel – it can be a long way between service stations, as he discovered when he had to ask to buy 5 litres of petrol from a man in a pub…and of course the man said yes – they are like that over here.
His other advice? Beware of the wet rain – it isn’t a joke! The intensity of rain in New Zealand means even your fanciest waterproof gear will be waterlogged before too long…try to stay dry.
We encourage you to get in touch with any questions – let’s start the conversation and get your adventure on the road.
Testimonials
“Having just completed a 3 week hire, riding just over 2,000 miles around South Island, I would have no hesitation in recommending Bad Horse Bikes. Marcus of Bad Horse Bikes is a very experienced biker who has turned his love of motorcycling into a business. He deals only in top end BMW motorcycles, I hired a GS R1200 Adventure for my trip and could not have wished to be riding anything else.
The whole experience from start to finish could not have been better. Marcus always replied promptly to any queries I had and did everything possible to ensure that my trip was hassle free. The bike itself was superb, having every conceivable extra, in immaculate condition and included panniers and Givi tank bag. Overall the cost of hire was very competitive compared to other hire companies in NZ, with the added bonus of being based in Wellington which is positioned ideally to explore both North and South Islands.
I will definitely be using Bad Horse Bikes for my next trip to NZ!”
Dave.
Dorset, UK.
December 2019
“Marcus was helpful and friendly and provided plenty of useful tips for our first time on 2-wheels in NZ. The bike was in great condition and a pleasure to ride. We hadn’t brought helmets with us (too baulky to pack in hold luggage) but Marcus found helmets for us even though renting gear wasn’t part of the service. There were no undue/unfair terms or conditions applied like with some rental companies. I would rent from BHB again when next visiting NZ.”
Nigel Plumb
December 2019
“Couldn’t recommend them more highly. I hired for 4 days for a trip to the Hawkes Bay. Markus was good, communicated clearly, and the bike was in great condition. He obviously has a passion for riding, and was good to have a yarn to. Would definitely hire with them again”
OneThinKiwi
February 2020
“Marcus is genuine and has an obvious passion for riding and his bikes. Fantastic communication and commitment to my needs. The Urban GS covered 2600kms and was for me the complete package. A true Jekyll and Hyde of a beast. Totally civil in manners till the magic wand was waved by the right hand and voila instant everything right where it’s needed. Immensely capable motorcycle. Could not received the company or the bike any more highly. Thanx Marcus. ”
Greg Inglis
February 2020
“All good at Bad Horse Bikes. From initial contact, through airport pickup, paperwork, bike presentation and tank bag and bungie’s, Markus was on the ball. He was friendly and approachable. Highly recommended.”
John Vercoe
January 2020
Start your adventure today
