New bike and a GDLS exemption...

[h20boy]

Hi all

Thought I'd share some experiences for any of those who are considering a GDLS exemption.

Firstly, just picked up my shiny new 2008 Kawa 650R.

SO..about three months ago I decided to look at a new bike and subsequently went and put a deposit down on a new green 250R. Super, only have to wait three months for that to arrive. As so often happens when you have to wait for something, I started to think about other opportunities and I heard that I could possibly apply for an exemption from the maximum cc rating of my learners license. Before you jump up and down about the pro's and con's of this, I am 6'4 and 130kg. I was passed by a scooter while test driving the 250R (not really, but trying to get a point across).

Off I went to Mt Eden MC to ask their advice about the exemption and was directed towards John Wright, a riding instructor in South Auckland. He said he would give me a letter to accompany my application for exemption, subject to carrying out one of his "refresher courses". This constituted doing the Basic Handling Skills along with some others who where attempting to obtain their Learners. So I gladly dished out the dosh and did the course, nice guy by the way, went to the bike shop and took lots of pictures of me on bikes to assist my application.

Sent off my application and waited. Now they say it can take up to 20 days but in my experience, I rang them after about 25 days and they told me a letter was on its way. I received this on the 25 Aug(letter dated 14 Aug) and told I had 21 days to supply some additional information(10 days left). This was:

1. Make, Model, size and rego of motorcycle I wish to ride
2. Evidence of my height and weight
3. Riding experience.

Also in this letter was a list of motorcycles. This is where it turns ugly.
(Attached for your reference). It also stated in the letter that you may not be granted exemption if your bike is not on the list.

So I rang them today in a cold sweat, as I still haven't had an answer, to be told basically if it aint on the list, you aren't going to get exemption.

Bugger.

I'm not blaming anyone but I was led to believe that my bike choice would be satisfactory (the 650r being classed a sport-tourer), and with the way the timing of the application works, you don't get the list of bikes you are allowed until after you have already made a choice (as evidenced by them requesting the details of the bike you are going to ride)...if that makes sense.

SURELY, the list of bikes should be made available prior to someone even making the application?

I haven't officially been told no as yet, but it sounds as though my green machine, with the 18kms on the clock form riding it home last night, is destined to sit for 6 more months.

I'll post more soon, in the mean time, check out the attached list of 'approved for exemption motorcycles'.

Bugger.

[MentalFacility]

Everyone has to go through the licence system like that. It doesn't make it any easier. At some point ull get a funny idea to ride with no good licence on ur 650... but this is something i could never recommend.
I'm actually kinda glad that I had to wait 2 years to get a big bike, i gained alot of experience on my 250 that now is saving my life.

Just take it easy, get a 250.

[h20boy]

Yeah fair comment. This isn't my first time on a motorcycle but in saying that, I don't claim to be an expert. The decision to go for a 650 straight away was two fold. Firstly, financial. I now have a bike that I will ride for the long-term as opposed to a bike I will need to sell in 12 months time and lose 2k. (New was the only option I was going to consider.)
Secondly, I am a big guy. This wasn't just a "see if I can get away with it' thing. My knees were literally higher than the tank on the 250r and fouled the handlebars.

The purpose of starting this thread is to provide some experience to other large riders who are considering the same...not to whinge about the GDLS.

[CookMySock]

Sent off my application and waited. Now they say it can take up to 20 days but in my experience, I rang them after about 25 days and they told me a letter was on its way. I received this on the 25 Aug(letter dated 14 Aug) and told I had 21 days to supply some additional information(10 days left).

Stop paniccing dood. Wait for the letter. You will get the exemption for sure.

They gave me mine for less reason than you have. Chill.

Steve

[h20boy]

LOL...God I hope so. I've been waiting so long to finally have it and to not be able to ride it is the ultimate tease. Fingers crossed.

[Badjelly]

That looks suspiciously like the list of approved motorcycles for the proposed new licensing scheme, based on power-weight ratio. The Australian LAMS scheme in other words. Which suggests that the new scheme has come into effect before it's passed into law. Quite sensible, in my opinion, though it does leave you in a difficult position, and they definitely should have told you about the list before now.

Of course, you could get a BSA Golden Flash or an Indian 741 Stout [sic].

[h20boy]

Yeah you may be right. THe lady I spoke to did indicate that this was a fairly new development. No-one at all I spoke to told me there was a list of bikes to choose from...Hope I'm not a trial run for them

[The Pastor]

just tell them its the er5 instead of the er6

[Henk]

Some of the dirtbikes on that list will make hopeless learner bikes. 525 KTM is not an easy bike to ride, it may sneak in on the power to weight but theres plenty of power and not much weight, same goes for the 300 two strokes in there. Never mind still got to be better than the blanket 250 rule.

[h20boy]

just tell them its the er5 instead of the er6

I think that is really the issue. People were obtaining an exemption and buying bikes that really were beyond the intended purpose of the rule.

It would appear that the exemption is going to be tied to the bike, that is, you will need to provide the registration of the bike you will be riding and that is the only bike that you will be exempted to ride...outside of that bike you are back on 250cc only.

Its probably not a bad idea, i'd go as far as to say that its sensible. I just wish I had been told/forwarned.
Obviously, they need to draw the line and say from 'x' date this is the rule that applies...but surely the public should be made aware?

[CookMySock]

You will be fine. It doesnt matter a shit anyway - if they dont give it to ya just kit up in all the protective gear so you look ultra-pro and go ride the fucker - they will leave you alone if you behave and you look like money and like you know what you're doing. No one will know or care. If you get stung riding it, tell them some bullshit sob story and get off it anyway - How long since you were stopped for a license check ?

DB

[thehollowmen]

Why the hell is the RE5 on the list (under suzuki)?!?!
there are only six or so of those in the country because they were only made for two years back in the 70s

[h20boy]

Why the hell is the RE5 on the list (under suzuki)?!?!
there are only six or so of those in the country because they were only made for two years back in the 70s

I went looking for some of the bikes...does the word obscure mean anything to ya?

[shafty]

They have to 'cover themselves' with bikes like the RE5, rare but Murphys law, one will spring up.

I may be mistaken - I was once before - but I reckon you will be Okay H20Boy, with the new legislation coming along - I'm sure that will help them approve your application. I didn't see the Kawas at all on that list, but there ARE bikes which sure as hell shouldn't be there before a W650 should.

Good logic in your approach BTW

[h20boy]

They have to 'cover themselves' with bikes like the RE5, rare but Murphys law, one will spring up.

I may be mistaken - I was once before - but I reckon you will be Okay H20Boy, with the new legislation coming along - I'm sure that will help them approve your application. I didn't see the Kawas at all on that list, but there ARE bikes which sure as hell shouldn't be there before a W650 should.

Good logic in your approach BTW

Thanks shafty. One other thing she said was the bikes on the list are generally between 30-38hp...mines a tad over that Well...guess i'll know next week hopefully.

I rode the bike home from the shop...first impression...bloody terrible bars, torque (there is some), and generally...cannot bloody wait to ride it for some distance!

As far as the bars go, they almost turn your wrists inside out. The ends of the bars seem to angle in towards the tank and the pressure on your wrists is totally different to anything I've felt before. Its not that your leaning forward like on a rs250 or something, just the dreadful angle. (Could be that I'm wide across the chest so arms are coming in at a wide angle i guess).
Anyrate, I'll change them to the bars available @ www.ninja650shop.com after my first service.