$$$$ L - Plates

[GPXchick]

So having nearly had my boy a month, i'm spewin about 1 thing and 1 thing only. I have had to replace my l-plates 3 times already. The LTSA/AA decided to no longer make the little plastic ones for bikes and only do the STICKER version for cars. I had looked everywhere to find a plastic jobby. To no avail until yesterday. THANK YoU $2 shop Onehunga. They have the plastic,s you have to cut them down as they are huge. However they are extremely durable and $2 get you 2. The LTSA can go and stick its $5 stickers you know where.:yes:

I managed to keep the old Plate this was from 3 days worth of riding. I will post some pics of the old and the new for anyone interested. As a learner why do we not receive the plate with our licence. Grrr i guess thats just too easy for our govt ahy?

233896

[sil3nt]

Plastics are crap. Girlfriend uses those static L plates and we haven't lost one yet. Yes it flaps around in the wind but it doesnt get caught by the wind and blown off. Haven't had any complaints about it not being visible.

[Brown Bear]

Got a piece of yellow cardboard,made a L on it with a black felt pen,Laminated it.This has been used by two grandchildren to get there licence ,and me when i needed a l-plate on my bike until i got my restricted.Now in bin.Cost sweet F/A.

[Hellzie]

I have a plastic one, never had any issues with it!

Streamlining the process would be good wouldn't it???

When can you go for your restricted GPXchick? Sounds like you're definitely ready for it!

[GPXchick]

I got my learners on FEB 1st 2011 :) Got a few months to go yet, I reakon i will have clocked close to 15000 kms before then EASY.

I can't wait to get my Suzuki GSX 750 when i get my F, Such a sexy bike :love:

By the way Clint and i loved the DVD, (except fot the cheeeeeeese inbetween :corn:) now with throttle control and clutch manipulation OMG i wanna be a track driver i think. I can't wait till next spring PUKE, Hampton downs watch out NZ has New chick is on the roads and my passion is burning. Why did i wait so long :pinch:

233896

[Hellzie]

Hehehe cool will keep an eye out for our cool new racey chick! Thought you said you like the slow stuff better??? I thought Twist of the Wrist might change your mind! I like both, we have been going for carpark practice of slow speed manouvers before our country road rides in the last couple of weekends. It's a nice mix as you really don't get to do the fun super tight, super slow figure 8s and U turns on the road.

[GPXchick]

I have slowly started splitting here and there at the lights. Have some funny looks from the boys..... See my pony tail and my l plate and i'm sure they're thinking SHIT stay well back its a chick learner. I have found the slow car park stuff very useful when splitting and going through the traffic. Balance and slow speeds are fun and challenge me; i like it. Twist of the wrist has helped me with my s bends where i find i turn into an auto lemon. I think i was not moving my head fast enough. Now i know i was chopping the gas and not rolling through evenly, NOW ZOOOOOM vroooom thanks dvd learner me. Now to get rid of those chicken strips. LOL just joking. Man i wish winter will hold off this year. Drought smought, Lets RIDE.

Are you still keen for this sunday going somewhere, anywhere?

I find places to do u turns - oooo the fun :)

[Hellzie]

Sure am, fingers crossed the weather holds out!!!!

I need so much more practice with the slow stuff.. and the fast stuff... but having loads of fun doing both so it's all good!

Anyway, gone way off topic here, we were talking L plates!! As you were!

[bungbung]

I'm sure I have seen the plastic style L plates in $2 shop/coin save style shops.

[GPXchick]

I'm sure I have seen the plastic style L plates in $2 shop/coin save style shops.

Alot of them have got those stupid stickers too and not the actual Hard plastic types.

[cbfb]

Weetbix carton, yellow paper, vivid and sticky back plastic. Bomber!

[White trash]

PM Me a postal address and I'll mail you a real one. Nice and tidy, built for bikes.

[Maha]

Why anybody actually puts them on a bike in the first place is beyond me.
From what I have seen, L Plates tend to make you ride to far to the left instead of the correct position on the road, giving the car behind you the sense that they can squeeze on by. It may be the law, but then so was having a TV license and who the hell had one of them?

[Hellzie]

Why anybody actually puts them on a bike in the first place is beyond me.
From what I have seen, L Plates tend to make you ride to far to the left instead of the correct position on the road, giving the car behind you the sense that they can squeeze on by. It may be the law, but then so was having a TV license and who the hell had one of them?

Huh??? What does the L plate have to do with people's riding position on the road?

When I see someone with an L-plate (Car or bike), I give them a bit more room, and am a bit more patient when they pull off slowly, etc etc.

[Slyer]

Yay for GPX!
My old L Plate serves as a bookmark currently. :bleh:

[GPXchick]

Why anybody actually puts them on a bike in the first place is beyond me.
From what I have seen, L Plates tend to make you ride to far to the left instead of the correct position on the road, giving the car behind you the sense that they can squeeze on by. It may be the law, but then so was having a TV license and who the hell had one of them?

I don't mind embracing my learner self as the above said i also find people tend to give me that little bit more room if i do stall i turn and say sorry and they ususally have a big smile and give me a thumbs up or something. If you want to talk about something stupid 70 BLOODY KMS an hour on the motorway Its a tui ad isn't it. I speed on the motorway and am a learner. I feel safer FULLSTOP.

OO and i want to avoid the instant loss of 25 demerits and a $200 fine :)

[Oblivion]

I ignored the speed restriction from day one really. Never got caught, Even had the L plate on the back. It split in half while I was riding once. Fixed it with 1/4 roll of tape. Works perfectly now. :yes:

If I wasn't on my Restricted.

[Hellzie]

I don't mind embracing my learner self as the above said i also find people tend to give me that little bit more room if i do stall i turn and say sorry and they ususally have a big smile and give me a thumbs up or something. If you want to talk about something stupid 70 BLOODY KMS an hour on the motorway Its a tui ad isn't it. I speed on the motorway and am a learner. I feel safer FULLSTOP.

OO and i want to avoid the instant loss of 25 demerits and a $200 fine :)

Definitely ignore the 70km speed limit! It's super dangerous. Plus when you go for your restricted the instructor tells you to ignore it and go 100.. it's outright dangerous going 70km on the motorway. People get really angry, I would think most cagers don't even know about that rule. I think it's being phased out! :woohoo:

[Maha]

I don't mind embracing my learner self as the above said i also find people tend to give me that little bit more room if i do stall i turn and say sorry and they ususally have a big smile and give me a thumbs up or something. If you want to talk about something stupid 70 BLOODY KMS an hour on the motorway Its a tui ad isn't it. I speed on the motorway and am a learner. I feel safer FULLSTOP.

OO and i want to avoid the instant loss of 25 demerits and a $200 fine :)

You speed on the M'Way but you have L PLate visable because you dont want a fine or demerits?....:facepalm:

My point earlier was, L Plates tend to make those who use them do stupid things, ride to the left, ride over the legal limit for the license held, and just generally draw attention to themselves. Thank you for clearing that up.

[Hellzie]

You speed on the M'Way but you have L PLate visable because you dont want a fine or demerits?....:facepalm:

My point earlier was, L Plates tend to make those who use them do stupid things, ride to the left, ride over the legal limit for the license held, and just generally draw attention to themselves. Thank you for clearing that up.

I still think the two are totally unrelated... riding to the left has absolutely nothing to do with whether you have an L plate. There are learners, restricted and full licence riders that do this, and then there are ones that don't. The fact that they have an L plate has nothing to do with it!! :facepalm:

[Oblivion]

My Trusty GN250 sometimes could'nt get to 100kph in heavy headwinds. I believe that was the only time that I rode to the left hand side. All the other time it was in the middle of the lane, or following near the right hand wheel path of the car in front.

[Timmeh:P]

Never used an L plate , never went 70... It was safer!!! :innocent:

[Maha]

I agree with the 70kph restriction thing, its dangerous.
But why have an L Plate visable if you're not going to stick to 70kph?
I dont understand the thought behind that.

[Oblivion]

There is some leniency regarding learners going 70k. No exceptions for not having an L plate.

[Juzz976]

$2 shop, they have heaps at the papamoa one.

[GPXchick]

I agree with the 70kph restriction thing, its dangerous.
But why have an L Plate visable if you're not going to stick to 70kph?
I dont understand the thought behind that.

A speeding ticket i don't mind a fine and demerits for no L plate is COSTLY. I have sped past coppers on the mway they smile at me. I'm in all correct gear head to toe and a vissy vest. I think in all honesty they themselves don't mind turning a blind eye to this rule.

Riding left in the lane. Hey bud why do you think having an L plate instincts a learner mentality? I have 15 years of Cage driving, so my road knowledge is great. I understand where to position myself on the road at times yes left, at other times right. I mostly like to own my lane and discourage idiots trying to sneak past me. Venturing along the western M'way the other weekend i passed several cops none blinked an eye to my 95/100 km's. The wind whewwwwwww kept left a few times to avoid being picked up and blown into the other lane. I appreciate you might just think i don't know in general. thank you for your input.:scooter:

[superman]

Got a piece of yellow cardboard,made a L on it with a black felt pen,Laminated it.This has been used by two grandchildren to get there licence ,and me when i needed a l-plate on my bike until i got my restricted.Now in bin.Cost sweet F/A.

YUSS!!! I'm doing that right now

[funrunna]

YUSS!!! I'm doing that right now

will we see it tomorrow night then :innocent:

[superman]

will we see it tomorrow night then :innocent:

Haha, I have work on Wednesday nights now! That's why I ain't been coming along. Hopefully get out of it when the roster rolls over :bye:

[\m/]

I agree with the 70kph restriction thing, its dangerous.
But why have an L Plate visable if you're not going to stick to 70kph?
I dont understand the thought behind that.
Most cops ignore the 70k rule, but they will enforce the L plate law. I have an L plate on my bike and I've ridden past patrol cars parked on the roadside while doing 100k and haven't been pulled over.

[p.dath]

Hey bud why do you think having an L plate instincts a learner mentality?

Check out my blog on L plates. There is nothing wrong with using an L plate. They are just an informative sign for other road users.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1646-L-Plates-Their-just-a-sign


I have 15 years of Cage driving, so my road knowledge is great.

I love that one. Check out my blog entry on why car driving skills don't convert to motorcycle road riding skills.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1780-Car-driving-skills-don-t-convert-to-motorcycle-road-riding-skills

[GPXchick]

I love that one. Check out my blog entry on why car driving skills don't convert to motorcycle road riding skills.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1780-Car-driving-skills-don-t-convert-to-motorcycle-road-riding-skills

I Ment in it the way that im aware people are idiots, and i'm not also learning the rode code while trying to learn how to ride a bike. I also think because i drove a manual car it has helped me on a bike. My sister just can't get her head around the gears - bloody auto drivers. Other than that your right Cars and bikes 2 different kettles of fish. Love my bike, my poor ss is so lonley now thinking of buying a jetski for xmas then the holden still has something to do :yes:

[Hellzie]

I Ment in it the way that im aware people are idiots, and i'm not also learning the rode code while trying to learn how to ride a bike. I also think because i drove a manual car it has helped me on a bike. My sister just can't get her head around the gears - bloody auto drivers. Other than that your right Cars and bikes 2 different kettles of fish. Love my bike, my poor ss is so lonley now thinking of buying a jetski for xmas then the holden still has something to do :yes:

I also agree, having car driving experience (or should I say "being a road user" experience) does help somewhat with riding. I learnt many useful things about being on the road BEFORE I started riding. It's about being observant and considerate to others, and thinking about what their needs are on the road, not just your own. For example, I don't need to drive a truck to know that they can't brake as fast as cars and bikes and that they leave a big gap for a reason, so pulling in front of them is not a good idea. Didn't know / think about this when I first started driving that's for sure.

[firefighter]

In saying that, when you drive a truck, you'll learn all sorts of new things your car and bike won't teach you. You see a lot of crazy shit up in the cab, plus much to those whom are un-educated on this, trucks need to be driven more than people realise. I won't get into it, but there's more to it than squeeze and point.


I also agree, having car driving experience (or should I say "being a road user" experience) does help somewhat with riding. I learnt many useful things about being on the road BEFORE I started riding. It's about being observant and considerate to others, and thinking about what their needs are on the road, not just your own. For example, I don't need to drive a truck to know that they can't brake as fast as cars and bikes and that they leave a big gap for a reason, so pulling in front of them is not a good idea. Didn't know / think about this when I first started driving that's for sure.

[Maha]

Most cops ignore the 70k rule, but they will enforce the L plate law. I have an L plate on my bike and I've ridden past patrol cars parked on the roadside while doing 100k and haven't been pulled over.

Answer me this if you will...
If a Cop is having a bad hair day and decides to stop someone showing an L Plate because they riding at 100kph, how much do you think the fine would be?

And dont say it wont happen.

[GPXchick]

$200 if under 40kms over limit 25 demerit points.
So went past another copper today 98 kms he nodded at me and smiled.

[Oblivion]

I find that the coppers are all well and good, Provided that you don't do anything extremely stupid. They know that you are learning to ride and also to be as safe as possible.

[DrunkenMistake]

Ok, I love the mixed reactions/opinions etc,
In a nut shell, If you go over the 70km limit and you get pulled up, its because you have your L plate on, take the fucker off. If you get pulled up in say a 50 zone doing 53 with no L plate, you make sure you bolt your L plate on at home, You rip it off the back of your bike and you either Jam it into a pocket or under the seat of your bike, (make sure its dirty) so long as your not a pratt to the plod, all you have to do is take it out when they ask where it is and explain, "I was parked on the main street outside blah blah and some dick has ripped it off and biffed it on the ground" or you change your story on the fly, I rode to Blenhiem and back to Dunedin on my Learners and I got pulled over once for 110 in an 80 simply because I failed to see the 80 sign that was posted, long story short, I asked him how he was etc, when he asked what the story was I explained I had missed the 80 sign that was posted, he had a look at my license and and glance over my bike and he had a bit of a laugh over a sign I had on my bike at the time saying want sex?, and he let me go on my way.
You just need to stay calm if you get pulled over and act confidant but not cockey, but unless you are doing something stupid or speeding like a crazy prick then your not going to be pulled over.

[rastuscat]

Ok, I love the mixed reactions/opinions etc,
In a nut shell, If you go over the 70km limit and you get pulled up, its because you have your L plate on, take the fucker off. If you get pulled up in say a 50 zone doing 53 with no L plate, you make sure you bolt your L plate on at home, You rip it off the back of your bike and you either Jam it into a pocket or under the seat of your bike, (make sure its dirty) so long as your not a pratt to the plod, all you have to do is take it out when they ask where it is and explain, "I was parked on the main street outside blah blah and some dick has ripped it off and biffed it on the ground" or you change your story on the fly, I rode to Blenhiem and back to Dunedin on my Learners and I got pulled over once for 110 in an 80 simply because I failed to see the 80 sign that was posted, long story short, I asked him how he was etc, when he asked what the story was I explained I had missed the 80 sign that was posted, he had a look at my license and and glance over my bike and he had a bit of a laugh over a sign I had on my bike at the time saying want sex?, and he let me go on my way.
You just need to stay calm if you get pulled over and act confidant but not cockey, but unless you are doing something stupid or speeding like a crazy prick then your not going to be pulled over.

Cool, yeah, that'll work.

And people wonder why Popos pay little attention to the explanations people make.

How about, foolish me, JUST COMPLY WITH THE LAW.

Harumph.

[MSTRS]

Fines - are for breach of licence conditions.
Each carries a $100 penalty (was $400) but now also carries demerits. 25 or 35, depending on which is broken.

Conditions are -
# you must ride a motorcycle of up to 250cc only
# you must not go faster than 70km/h
# your motorcycle must display a learner (L) plate - rear only
# you must not carry a passenger
# you must not ride between 10pm and 5am

Doing 100kph on the open road (say) on L is NOT speeding - it is breach of licence condition. But if you are caught doing this in an 80kph zone, you could be done for the breach AND speeding (20k over).