Stung $400

[redliner]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:

[Boob Johnson]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:Bugga! Did you try and make some half assed excuse?

[jrandom]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry:

Are you expecting sympathy?

[RantyDave]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday
Shit, that's the first time I've heard of that happening in isolation (i.e. not accompanied by $700 for riding like a nutcase or something). What did you do to draw attention?

Dave

[Devil]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:

Mate. I've got some kayaks, just need you to cry me a river...

[MSTRS]

Are you expecting sympathy?

Probably. Bit thin on the ground today.
"Still not gona use ma L-plate...." - yeah, don't worry about those fines. Once they get up around the $50K mark you can trade 'em in on a few Saturday mornings eh bro

[Chrislost]

or pay them off at $2 a fortnight.
sometiems being a broke, young person has its benifits...

[karmakillernz]

What did you do to draw attention?
Perhaps they was doing "no more than 70kmph" in a 100kmph zone... :cool:

[R6_kid]

I rode for nearly two years on my learners with no L plate and never got a ticket... I also rode a lot of the time after 10am, but at the same time i was 'breaking the law' and there are punishments for doing such things.

If you want to have a cry, a mate of mine no longer alowed to lurk here was stung for over $1200 for speeding, no L plate, and over 70kmh... the cop was a weekend biker who had a 636, so it's not like he was biased or anythhing.

[NotaGoth]

Know what you mean about cars positioning themselves right up your arse.... Going through that at the moment.. Had one bad experience when I first got my bike... Took my L plate off..... Decided to put it back on, had a nice red holden right up my arse.. Yes I know my arse is damn sexy but theres no need to get that close..!!! jk :innocent:
Not much you can do about it.. But the rules are the rules... I'm not playing innocent here as I've not followed rules myself.. But the decisions yours as to wether you put your L plate up or not... If you don't and you get caught.. No point whinging bout it..

[FROSTY]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:
And the cop just picked you at random diddn't he --You were riding completely within the law oterwise weren't ya ?

[Chickadee]

Condolences for the ticket, but it's a risk taken when riding without the looney L plate. Yes most other drivers act like dicks when you have an L plate, so it's a personal toss up between L plate or no L plate. I don't have an income to pay a fine, so figured I better be a good lass and do the legal thing. Was quite glad to move up to the restricted and get rid of the wind catching device (and impatient/moronic cagers attractant).

How long till you can go for your restricted?

[redliner]

Just wanted to warn people who dont use a L-plate.
Obviously u cant post a comment without getting shit.:Pokey:

[jtzzr]

Just wanted to warn people who dont use a L-plate.
Obviously u cant post a comment without getting shit.:Pokey:

Good warning too , don`t worry about the red thingy next to ya name ( what shade of red do you think it is) ,carry on as you were ,mate things will get better , just use the plate or know other alternatives , use search.

[karmakillernz]

Obviously u cant post a comment without getting shit.:Pokey:
Of course not - perhaps you forget you're on KB. ;)

I take the opposite approach to you - I keep my L plate on but ignore the 70kmph rule. I found this stops most idiots from riding my ass and I haven't yet been pulled up due to it.

[Donor]

Wow, I must be special...

Rode for 6 months with an L plate and never once did I have a car bother me with following/intimidating.

Pass the HTFU pills... methinks some L platers are paranoid is all...

[Stella]

I ride with an L-plate and am damned proud of it. Never thought I would get a motorcycle, to my the plate says not only do i have one but I am actually allowed to ride it! May not work for you but it works for me.

And the plate will be coming off the day I am allowed to sit my restricted. What is six months with a flap of yellow plastic?

I find some drivers sit a million miles behind me, some sit on my tail. Certainly when I was even more new at this having *anyone* behind me was too close, no matter how far away they were. When the L-plate goes there will still be someone a million miles behind me and someone on my tail. It is called being on the road.

If I have a tailgaiter then I make sure there is even more room between me and the car in front of me, or I pull over and let the idiot past (or swerve about a bit till they think I am nuts and put some space in between)

No big deal and doesn't cost a thing :)

Interesting to hear someone getting fined for it, but no sympathy. You know the rules and the consequences.

[jtzzr]

Wow, I must be special...


Pass the HTFU pills... methinks some L platers are paranoid is all...

No I`m not :crazy::confused::shifty:

[Donor]

No I`m not :crazy::confused::shifty:

You don't have to be... you KNOW everyone is out to get you...

[jtzzr]

You don't have to be... you KNOW everyone is out to get you...

Who said that?:shit:

[McJim]

I rode with the L plate on the whole 6 months.

I never had a problem - if you don't want to pay $400 then wear the L plate. You might not think it looks cool but chicks think it is cool when you can buy them stuff. Uncool if you're broke! :rofl:

[bane]

I made the choice to not use an L plate - knowing I could get hit with a $400 fine.

Personal choice, personal responsibility.

[1vanvan1]

I rode on my learners for 6 months and never had an L plate on.

Got pulled over for a random license check. Gave the cop my lisence. Looked at it. Looked at me. Then said " errrrr, is this for motorbikes." I laughed. he gave it to the senior officer and said it was ok. Meanwhile i was a wee bit worried having no L plate on. I took off pretty quick :P

[Boob Johnson]

I rode on my learners for 6 months and never had an L plate on.

Got pulled over for a random license check. Gave the cop my lisence. Looked at it. Looked at me. Then said " errrrr, is this for motorbikes." I laughed. he gave it to the senior officer and said it was ok. Meanwhile i was a wee bit worried having no L plate on. I took off pretty quick :PVery lucky boy lol, since this quoted system has been introduced it's a lot harder to get let off or talk ya way out of it.

[skidMark]

or pay them off at $2 a fortnight.
sometiems being a broke, young person has its benifits...

hang on a minute

i'm paying $25 a week LOL

[Rosie]

Cars are going to do stupid things whether you've got the L plate on or not. I used my L plate most of the time I was on my learners, mainly because it would give my insurance company less chance of wriggling out of a claim because I wasn't following my licence conditions.

[marioc]

Havnt had any problems with the loser plate on so far.Touch wood.
Have noticed a lot of drivers tend to back off and give me space once they see it.Which is good as some of my take/offs hill starts are a bit rough still :rolleyes:
A pleasent suprise really considering the horror stories I had heard.
maybe its a Wellington thing.

[yungatart]

I always used my L plate, never had a problem from cage drivers because of it either.
its the risk you take when you choose to ride outside the law.

[Dodger]

Wow, I must be special...

Rode for 6 months with an L plate and never once did I have a car bother me with following/intimidating.

I also had no problems with the L-Plate on, I ignored the 70kph rule and even had cop cars following me while I was doing 100pkh.

[Marmoot]

Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!!

1. put L plate on
2. wear best protection you can have
3. look for pedestrian crossing
4. slam the brakes to let pedestrian cross
5. *BANG*
6. some court action and healing
7. brand new bike from someone else's pocket

95% if you bang the vehicle in front of you then it's your mistake. Use this principle as wise as you can.

Disclaimer: This does not constitute legal advice. Take this with a grain of salt, two Panadols and a huge dose of beer at your own risk.

PS. Motorways are overrated

[LilSel]

I only bought L plates the day before sitting my restricted...
I knew that I could get a $400 fine... however was a risk that I took out of my own choice. Am still yet to be pulled over on my bike 3 years later :D

[Sniper]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:

Shame, your panties in a knot because you don't follow the rules and its the polices fault because they need to fill a quota? You need to grow up and learn to take responsibility

[sAsLEX]

Shame, your panties in a knot because you don't follow the rules and its the polices fault because they need to fill a quota? You need to grow up and learn to take responsibility

Though you do have to question the law since one cop has been on tellly saying 70 was too slow and he would ticket below that even though there was laws requiring it on the motorway........


What does one do after seeing that article on the tv? I mean? Here is a uniformed member of the constabulary saying he will ticket those that drive that slow on the motorway even though by law they are required to...... one could get all confused.............. weak defence I know..... but try it!

[Sniper]

Though you do have to question the law since one cop has been on tellly saying 70 was too slow and he would ticket below that even though there was laws requiring it on the motorway........


What does one do after seeing that article on the tv? I mean? Here is a uniformed member of the constabulary saying he will ticket those that drive that slow on the motorway even though by law they are required to...... one could get all confused.............. weak defence I know..... but try it!

Tis true. But the ticket wasn't for travelling too slow. It was for failing to display an L plate.

[scumdog]

? Here is a uniformed member of the constabulary saying he will ticket those that drive that slow on the motorway

And if he was NOT in uniform the difference it would make would be????

[Grub]

Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!!

Trust us, it's got nothing to do with the L-Plate. Drivers do it anyways ... Commodore drivers are the worst. But there is a good prevention strategy that does work (more in this thread http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=43104) ...

No, don't slam your brakes on ... Tailgaters are after you and they'll get you one day when you have to stop for someone stupid in front.

Two Strategies:-
- Double your following distance to 4secs so that you can brake slowly and not wear the wanker (or wankess) behind you

- To get them to back off a bit, this really works. Adjust your position on the road to be directly in front of their eyes. They were looking past you as if you weren't there, now they can't see. They will shift left/right so they can see - get in their line of sight again. I have ever only had to adjust my position in front of them a max of 4 times before seeing them drop back because they're running blind

It works, it's non-combative and they don't even know that you're controlling their position on the road. Report back to the thread when you've tried it

[sAsLEX]

And if he was NOT in uniform the difference it would make would be????

Most members of public would struggle to identify him as a member of the Police.

In uniform, most people will know who and what he represents......

but hey I would know nothing .......

[sAsLEX]

Two Strategies:-

opps missed a third

Carry a big bolt down your steering head and use that as a "deterrent" to tailgaters........

[discotex]

I've tested multiple scenarios while I was on my L plate.

Started with no L plate but decided that risking a $400 fine and invalidating my insurance wasn't worth it. Might as well ride a 400 if I'm going to do that....

So I put the L plate on. Made no difference to the number of people tailgating and I just rode to the speed limit on the motorway. I lost count of the number of police that just ignored me.

Then the L plate snapped off of it's own accord. Left a nice shard where it was attached so I figured I'd leave it that way for the last 2 months until my restricted. Still no change in the number of tailgaters and no change in policia attention. Had a cop follow me for a couple of km without incident.

In my experience Donor is right... For the most part an L plate doesn't make cages any more or less dangerous.

[Tank]

Funny how there is little sympathy in here although when I mentioned tailgaters when I started learning, the general answer from members of this KB was to drop the L plate - so you just cannot win.

I'll admit I went without it for a little while - but when I thought it thru there is no reason other than "not wanting to look like a dweeb"

Everything else is just trying to justify it to others.

The upshot is that it makes sence to have it. No potential hassle with insurance and no tickets (allowing you another $400 towards your new bike).

It makes no difference to tailgaters - although as one poster mentioned everything looks like tailgaiting when you start out (aint that the truth).

So learn the lesson and thanks for sharing - hopefully it will let other learners be aware that people ARE ticketed for it.

BTW - Do you have a L plate on now?

[sAsLEX]

The thing I get most confused about is PIXIE's avatar on the new guy? Double take every post!

[sprag]

Wow, I must be special...

Rode for 6 months with an L plate and never once did I have a car bother me with following/intimidating.

Pass the HTFU pills... methinks some L platers are paranoid is all...

Have to agree, I have been out a few times now and find that most people on the motor way do not sit up my butt, mind you i do keep to the middle lane and at 100k and only go into the fast lane if i need to pass someone in the middle lane

[*caution*]

I ride with my Loser plate on!! for me I did consider another reason for not wearing it apart from just not being a "geek", cops might think my bike looks a bit to big for a 250 and pull me over....

But good reasons to have it on:

1. Insurance
2. Fines
3. Demerit points
4. For those with exemption such as me, tickets = bye bye exemption....

Although I have been riding at 100 on the motorway, I'm assuming just keeping with the traffic flow, not speeding, not riding like a dick and the cops won't bother me....(assumption yet to be proven wrong...)

Any its only 6 months!!!

Have had one incident tho, was doing 60 in a 50, landrover tailedgated me for about 500m then passed me down the median strip.... not sure if this would have happened without the L-plate?? Apart from that I havn't noticed any difference having the L-plate on, as I did ride a couple times without it.

[peasea]

I went my whole 'L' plate time without one, all the time riding a big block Harley. The bikes I borrowed for tests had one so I've never actually owned an 'L' plate.

For tailgaters (or any other dorks) I carry a rock in my right breast pocket. Theory tells me that I can heave the rock over my shoulder with my left hand and grab a wee handful at the same time.

As for the cop, just buy a gun and shoot him. Surely you can get a gun for less than $400, sheeeeez.

[Phurrball]

Hmmm, interesting.

I largely went without the L during my learners, I was even pulled up about it by the constabulary without it being a major ("Take it easy, get it back on asap") But then, I am over 25 and usually pretty well behaved...especially when there is a car with a colourful paint job in my mirrors...

Either the good officer was having a bad day, filling their 'quota', or there was some other reason for them choosing to levy a fine...

I'd be searching my brain for what may have drawn the officer's attention if it was me.

It is a pain in the ass, as I concur that no L is better round Aucks to prevent the auckland special of tailgating, but by the same token - it's a risk you choose to take.

[Roj]

- To get them to back off a bit, this really works. Adjust your position on the road to be directly in front of their eyes. They were looking past you as if you weren't there, now they can't see. They will shift left/right so they can see - get in their line of sight again. I have ever only had to adjust my position in front of them a max of 4 times before seeing them drop back because they're running blind



A good idea, I always try to occupy the same space as a car when in traffic, ussually approximately in the drivers side tire tracks rather than keeping "as far left as practicable" cause this means on a bike your are invisible to anyone behind the vehicle following you, though of course car drivers are blind anyway

[surfchick]

bugger about the four-hundy :(
FYI i was so broke when i was on my L that I did the maths and figured it was a lower fine for going 100kph with the L displayed than getting done for not displaying it. I had the L-plate on for the entire duration of the my L (which was nearly 2 years as I was lazy about getting the next license...) I drove at 100 and I drove after 10.00 etc beause I was older then 25 & felt a bit patronised by those rules... the ONLY harrassment I had was from boyracers and was on my first solo ride when I could hardly ride. when I got better I had absolutely no tailgaiting or anything else from the L as I think the drivers can see you can ride. definitely take the advice to ride the right tire track directly behind the driver in town & claim your space on the road. don't hover left and get traffic trying to squeeze past...

[2wheeljunkie]

i was kinda lucky too as for the 11 months i rode on my learners i din get a ticket for not using my L plates..and i know what u mean when u say ppl ride up yer arse if u hav em on..on a ride up waipu, one of ours had an L plate on and some bastard tailgated her for ages until two of our more experience riders realised and closed in on him..scared the driver..leave the L platers alone u darn cagers..:Oi:

[davereid]

Put your L plate on the left hand side of your bike at the very rear - attach it to the swing arm, the inside of the number plate, somewhere like that.

From the LTSA website :
'L' (learner) plates
All riders on a motorcycle learner licence must have an 'L' plate attached to the rear of their motorcycle.
You can get an 'L' plate from a driver licensing agent. It's also acceptable to make one yourself, to the dimensions shown.
The 'L' plate must be clearly visible to all other road users. It must not restrict your front or rear vision.


So it must be clearly visable, and at the rear - but it doesnt say it has to be visable from any particular angle.

That way other road users cannot identify you as a learner from behind, so you will not be deliberatly tailgated or what ever, but you are still within the law.

[scumdog]

That way other road users cannot identify you as a learner from behind, so you will not be deliberatly tailgated or what ever, but you are still within the law.

Hmm, has ANYBODY got REAL proof a Learner was targetted or tail-gated just because the were displaying an 'L' plate?????

[The Lone Rider]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:

WHAT THE FUCK!!? $400!?

I've only had that kind of fine when I was doing 86 in a 60 zone at 2am in the morning with aftermarket drag pipes that were putting out over 100 dbSPL.

[Rosie]

Hmm, has ANYBODY got REAL proof a Learner was targetted or tail-gated just because the were displaying an 'L' plate?????

Sometimes I had a suspicion that cars were doing random things around me when I had my L plate on, but that's hardly real proof.
To settle the matter, we really need a scientific study. Do you think the government would fund a PhD student for us? They seem to fund all manner of other strange "research" topics.

[Swoop]

And if he was NOT in uniform the difference it would make would be????
A lot less ironing for the :Police:!

[klingon]

Hmm, has ANYBODY got REAL proof a Learner was targetted or tail-gated just because the were displaying an 'L' plate?????

I don't know how you would go about getting real proof...

I do know that the times when my partner (a very experienced rider) borrowed my Volty equipped with L plate, he found people tailgated him, overtook him dangerously and did all kinds of other things that they never do to him when he's riding his own bike. He definitely got the impression that they were picking on him because of the L plate. No proof though. They might have just been picking on him because he was riding a Volty.

[BigRed2007]

Bad luck mate

[Sniper]

I still feel very little compassion for whiney people who broke the law.

Your fault, grow up, accept responsibility (Its in the road code) or are you practising to go into the labour govt?

[Deviant]

I see it from your point Sniper, but also I see it from the point of the guy who posted this thread.

Half the members here suggest risking the fine, as a safety precaution to avoid the idiots who target L platers, and nobody speaks against them when they say it.

Now somebody points out the penalty (I thought it was only $80 for some reason!) and everyone gets on his case.

Personally, as soon as I pick up my plates tonight, I'll be using them, but there's a good chance it may be too late as the cop who helped me out this morning (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=56744) may run a check on my reg and see I should have had them on already.. Murphy's Law eh? :)

Personally, I say use the plates and save some dough. If some idiot hits/hurts you and gets caught, he'll regret it for the rest of his life and the court will have no sympathy.

Whether you're wearing a plate or not, there will always be idiots allowed to drive. My flatmate says his colleague puposefully hit a bike that overtook him just this past week.
I wouldn't take this as pure truth, but if it did happen I hope the prick gets done for it.

If anyone knows of this happening and wants info, let me know. I'd like to see that bastard off the road for all our sakes, whether it's true or just a joke/exagerration.

[davereid]

Do "L" plates cause a different reaction from drivers ? I can't say for sure, as I have never needed them.

But I know that I got treated completely differently on my Harley or Kawasaki to my scooter. In 50km/hr zones, where the scooter is holding no-one up I routinely get tail-gated and passed without being given any clearance.

It happens way less when I am on my "full size" bike.

I think car drivers just assume that a scooter needs less road - and maybe L platers too ?

[Deviant]

I've seen car drivers spot an L plater, and say "Fucking learners!" then speed up as though they would have been going faster if the learner wasn't there, when it's obvious their reaction was purely due to spotting someone in training.

eg: they are travelling 60kph, learner is travelling 65kph, so they have to go up to 80kph because somehow the learner was (in their imagination) holding them up.

[sugilite]

If I have a tailgaiter then I make sure there is even more room between me and the car in front of me, or I pull over and let the idiot past (or swerve about a bit till they think I am nuts and put some space in between)


My Dad taught me a trick for tailgater's, just drag your rear brake enough to actuate the brake light, and at the same time give the bike a little gas. The tailgater freaks at the brake light coming on and their deceleration combined with your acceleration produces an instant gap. Plenty of tailgater's simply don't realize they are doing it, and will back off and will stay that way afterwards. :yes:

[Hawkeye]

Though you do have to question the law since one cop has been on tellly saying 70 was too slow and he would ticket below that even though there was laws requiring it on the motorway........


What does one do after seeing that article on the tv? I mean? Here is a uniformed member of the constabulary saying he will ticket those that drive that slow on the motorway even though by law they are required to...... one could get all confused.............. weak defence I know..... but try it!

I don't claim to be the leading expert on the law.... But my understanding is that, as a learner, you are not allowed on the motorway.
And before everyone flames me about how you get from A to B without going on the motorway in certain part of the country, I'm talking about the law, not the practicalities.

I had the yellow thing on for the whole 6 months 1 day until I got my 6R. Never went on the motorway. I did however ignore the 70k limit for safety reasons. As has been said on KB in more threads than I have fingers and toes, you are less likely to get ticketed following the 'common sense' approach of staying within the road legal limit than you are riding without the yellow thingy.
I never had any problems with cages whilst on the 6L. Could be because, as a fat bastard, in full leathers, sitting on a very small 250, it made me look bigger and more intimidating so was left alone.

[Mythical007]

There are always going to be a******s Who follow right up your rear tail pipe dont know why but some people are just idiots like that. As a learner biker I had similar problems however i still get tailgaters now just beacuse I am a motorbike and I'm doing the speedlimit... (one speeding fine was enought for me) However as I am now finally making an effort towards getting my Restrcited car licence the tail gater passing for no reason problem has once again reared its ugly monstrous head, so the L-plate problem it seems applies to both cars and motorcycles. However there will always be impatient people driving on your tail... *pass them on the straight and make them think twice bout passing you on yellow lines agin* right right i need to put my agro driving ego away now.... mmmm

[mowgli]

I haven't been stung yet although I do expect I will :eek5:

I ride with an L-plate. I also travel with the traffic flow. If that means doing 100k then that's what I do. After getting my licence every biker mate I spoke to told me to ignore the 70k rule cos it's dangerous. They also suggested I remove the L-plate and leave a loose nylock nut rattling in the number plate. "Sorry Sir it must have fallen off. I'll rush down to AA and get another right away."

In the end I followed the advice regarding speed because I believe it improves my safety. I leave the L-plate on cos it signals my inexperience to other road users. Sure there are some shits out there who follow too close but a piece of yellow plastic won't change their behaviour. On the whole I reckon the L-plate improves my safety if even one cager gives me a slightly wider berth.

Mr plod hasn't tested my logic yet. When he does, safety may come at the additional cost of a ticket.

Finally, check out government online. Rumour is the 70k rule is being dropped but it may take 18mths to get through due process.

[Jantar]

I don't claim to be the leading expert on the law.... But my understanding is that, as a learner, you are not allowed on the motorway. .

The intention is to discourage learners from being on open roads and motorways, but it isn't illegal. As you point out, there are circumstances where there isn't an alternative.

[Hawkeye]

The intention is to discourage learners from being on open roads and motorways, but it isn't illegal. As you point out, there are circumstances where there isn't an alternative.

Read somewhere that there is a minimum of 80 on motorways (except during controlled roadworks) which by default, makes it illegal for learners. (70k max).
Can't remember where I read it!
I'm sure the more informed on KB can shed some light on it.

[sunhuntin]

There are always going to be a******s Who follow right up your rear tail pipe dont know why but some people are just idiots like that. As a learner biker I had similar problems however i still get tailgaters now just beacuse I am a motorbike and I'm doing the speedlimit... (one speeding fine was enought for me) However as I am now finally making an effort towards getting my Restrcited car licence the tail gater passing for no reason problem has once again reared its ugly monstrous head, so the L-plate problem it seems applies to both cars and motorcycles. However there will always be impatient people driving on your tail... *pass them on the straight and make them think twice bout passing you on yellow lines agin* right right i need to put my agro driving ego away now.... mmmm

yep... ive basically only just got rid after the plastic l [hell, after some 25,000k with it, i was kinda attached...] and still get gaited on a daily basis. that doesnt change whether im on the 250 or the 500, whether im doing the speed limit or slightly over, in town or open road. had a good one today with a beemer... dunno where the hell she came from, but fuck she came up fast. i was doing 51 at the fastest, and dropped to 49, combined with weaving into her line of view. eventually she backed off, but man! no reason for her to be that close.

[J_P]

Read somewhere that there is a minimum of 80 on motorways (except during controlled roadworks) which by default, makes it illegal for learners. (70k max).
Can't remember where I read it!
I'm sure the more informed on KB can shed some light on it.

Not sure what you were reading, but it sounds like mis-information.

Extract from NZ road code http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/

You may drive slower than the speed limit shown, but you must be considerate towards any vehicles behind you.

You must drive slower than the limit if:

conditions make the speed limit shown unsafe, or
you are driving a vehicle which requires you to drive at a lower speed (such as heavy vehicles, which have a lower speed limit than cars

I can't find anything which mentions a minimum limit for the motorway. If you find it, post evidence, otherwise stop your argument as you are only confusing the topic.

In saying this, I watched a NZ cops programme on TV where they monitored a tractor unit to ensure they were doing 45km/h on the open road. Therefore, to be able to drive on the road your vehicle should be able to maintain 45km/h. It was on TV so it must be true :banana:

Also, I say good on the cop who feels that it is right to ticket drivers doing under 70km/h on the open road. Assuming he ain't being a :tugger: There are some drivers whom drive only for themselves, and don't pull over to allow faster travellers to move on. Not as big a problem for bikers, as we overtake them anyway, (could be a problem if we get caught in a bad overtaking maneuvour by fellow frustrated motorists) However, I imagine the truck drivers get pretty sick of being stuck behind an inconsiderate driver, leading a cue of 10 cars on a leisurely Sunday drive at 70km/h and never pulling over.

Closer to topic...
I did the time with my L-Plate, I think it helped more than hindered. I was pulled over by a cop in the first few weeks of my licence for a minor indiscretion. He didn't issue a ticket, just chatted with me about my mistake.
I rode regularly at all times of the day and night and I was also pulled over after time by a motorbike cop. I explained that I had been caught late at work and he just told me to ride safe and left me to it.
Without the L-Plate who knows what would have happened, but it didn't hurt to have it there.

[Ixion]

Read somewhere that there is a minimum of 80 on motorways (except during controlled roadworks) which by default, makes it illegal for learners. (70k max).
Can't remember where I read it!
I'm sure the more informed on KB can shed some light on it.

Nope.No such law, either one forbidding learners from the motorway, or imposing a 70kph minimum (oh, if only. Be still my beating heart).

Only rules are , mopeds and pedestrians and treadlies forbidden (mopeds mainly cos the law still thinks they're a pushbike with a strapon. Shut up Ms Kittyhawk). And you must not unreasonably impede other trafffic. Pity the plod never apply that last rule to camper vans and horsefloats, isn't it?

[mowgli]

Read somewhere that there is a minimum of 80 on motorways (except during controlled roadworks) which by default, makes it illegal for learners. (70k max).

I've done a fair bit of digging on this subject. There are numerous references to advice received directly from Police that there is a minimum 80k limit on motorways. However, trawling through the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/) and subsequent amendments I can't find any reference to an 80k minimum. The best I can surmise is that 80k is used by Police as a guideline to decide whether or not to pull someone up to find out whether they are justified in travelling slow. This would be akin to the 20k discretion they generally exercise with bikes lane splitting.

While there is no mention of discouraging learners from using main roads, the stated objective of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999 includes this.

"These changes are aimed, in particular, at reducing the exposure of young drivers ... to road crashes; ..."
Given that there are fewer accidents per km travelled on motorways than on other roads and that the majority of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections (off the motorway), then I think the reasons for discouraging motorway use are flawed.

There is also suggestion in various forums that the 70k restriction may be scrapped on the grounds that it is dangerous. The Road User Amendment (Rule 61002/2) is in progress but I'm not confident that scrapping the 70k limit is included. The amendment is intended to implement the findings of the Road Safety Strategy 2010. There were heaps of submissions on speed, particularly what the open road limit should be, but I can't find any reference to the limit imposed on 6L/6R riders. Perhaps it got in though common sense ... yeah right! I'm not holding my breath.

[Hawkeye]

I can't find anything which mentions a minimum limit for the motorway. If you find it, post evidence, otherwise stop your argument as you are only confusing the topic.

Pull your head in. Who is argueing. Just making a statement about something I have read. I never said it was fact - Or is it illegal to post anything on this forum unless you are the leading expert in the field? Maybe that's why you have only posted 8 times in the last 8 months. No discussions happening in you specialized field.

As stated in an earlier post (quoted below) there has been references made to it which is where I was coming from. Just couldn't remember in what context it was being used.



I've done a fair bit of digging on this subject. There are numerous references to advice received directly from Police that there is a minimum 80k limit on motorways. However, trawling through the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/rules/) and subsequent amendments I can't find any reference to an 80k minimum. The best I can surmise is that 80k is used by Police as a guideline to decide whether or not to pull someone up to find out whether they are justified in travelling slow. This would be akin to the 20k discretion they generally exercise with bikes lane splitting.

While there is no mention of discouraging learners from using main roads, the stated objective of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999 includes this.

"These changes are aimed, in particular, at reducing the exposure of young drivers ... to road crashes; ..."
Given that there are fewer accidents per km travelled on motorways than on other roads and that the majority of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections (off the motorway), then I think the reasons for discouraging motorway use are flawed.

There is also suggestion in various forums that the 70k restriction may be scrapped on the grounds that it is dangerous. The Road User Amendment (Rule 61002/2) is in progress but I'm not confident that scrapping the 70k limit is included. The amendment is intended to implement the findings of the Road Safety Strategy 2010. There were heaps of submissions on speed, particularly what the open road limit should be, but I can't find any reference to the limit imposed on 6L/6R riders. Perhaps it got in though common sense ... yeah right! I'm not holding my breath.

[Ixion]

The Road Rule 2004 actually makes provision for minimum speed lanes, and makes it an offence to drive at less than the posted minimum speed , unless unsafe to maintain the minimum, or ordered to drive slower by an enforcement officer. And the penalties regs prescribe a $150 fine for the offence.

But --- there have been no minimum speed lanes gazetted.

So, yes, it is an offence to drive at less than the minimum speed in a minimum speed lane. But none of them exist. More's the pity. And can anyone see the geraitric fools that set speed limits actuallys ettign a minimum speed. I sure can't.

EDIT: The motorway thing keeps coming up. In fact, the rules about what can or cannot go on a motorway are determined not by speed, but by registration class. So mopeds are banned from the motorways not because they are too slow (there are "mopeds" than can exceed 100kph) but because they are registered as mopeds.

Similarly banned are tractors,all terrain vehicles (ie quads) , track laying vehicles, forkhoists, solid tyred vehicles, Road going machinery , graders and such like. A general rule of thumb is that if it doesnt have to have a WoF (or CoF) its not allowed on the motorway.

And pushbikes, pedestrians and horse drawn vehicles .

[FilthyLuka]

Pull your head in. Who is argueing. Just making a statement about something I have read. I never said it was fact - Or is it illegal to post anything on this forum unless you are the leading expert in the field? Maybe that's why you have only posted 8 times in the last 8 months. No discussions happening in you specialized field.


fight fight fight fight!

Chill out dude

[J_P]

Pull your head in. Who is argueing. Just making a statement about something I have read. I never said it was fact - Or is it illegal to post anything on this forum unless you are the leading expert in the field? Maybe that's why you have only posted 8 times in the last 8 months. No discussions happening in you specialized field.

Didn't mean to offend.

The word argument can be used in a greater context than what you have percieved.
Your statements were misinformation. OK, you did not state it was fact, but by referring to not riding on motorways as an impractacle law and driving less than 80km/h as being illegal, it came across (to me anyway) with slightly more weight than a comment by itself.

If you are going to be telling us how it is, then tell us right. Thats all.

[skidMark]

Just wanted to warn people who dont use a L-plate.
Obviously u cant post a comment without getting shit.:Pokey:


you havn't been on this site long have you. :lol:

[awayatc]

Put your L plate on the left hand side of your bike at the very rear - attach it to the swing arm, the inside of the number plate, somewhere like that.

From the LTSA website :
'L' (learner) plates
All riders on a motorcycle learner licence must have an 'L' plate attached to the rear of their motorcycle.
You can get an 'L' plate from a driver licensing agent. It's also acceptable to make one yourself, to the dimensions shown.
The 'L' plate must be clearly visible to all other road users. It must not restrict your front or rear vision.


So it must be clearly visable, and at the rear - but it doesnt say it has to be visable from any particular angle.

That way other road users cannot identify you as a learner from behind, so you will not be deliberatly tailgated or what ever, but you are still within the law.

I like your angle of approach, though I can see somebody making an issue out of the " Visible to all other road users " bit....
Another way to dodge the L plate issue "my son" was clever enough to come up with:
-Attach plastic L plate to rear as per " keep everybody happy" method.
-Ride bike with L plate and ensure the lot gets dirty.
-Snap L plate off and keep broken plate with you whenever you ride (under seat/toolbag etc)
-should you be randomly pulled over by the strong arm of the law, Try the "it just snapped off officer..." appoach....
(However this will have more chance if you ride within the legal limits, and be polite when pulled over....)
Admittedly it works best on a road/ trail style bike, but....

$400 is a lot of money, and not at all in proportion to the severity off the "crime" committed.
I feel for the youngsters that have to fork it out.
Youngsters do not always deservedly get targeted by certain "law enforcing" types.
Give em a break! surely you can all remember when you where young and bulletproof!

[scumdog]

$400 is a lot of money, and not at all in proportion to the severity off the "crime" committed.
I feel for the youngsters that have to fork it out.!

But when they 'signed-up' they knew the score, they knew the conditions of the Licence.

How they handle it is up to them - if they are the ones without the 'L' then they risk whatever comes their way.

I believe it's an ego/peer pressure (which IS related to ego) thing this not wanting to have an 'L' plate on their bike..

[sunhuntin]

But when they 'signed-up' they knew the score, they knew the conditions of the Licence.

How they handle it is up to them - if they are the ones without the 'L' then they risk whatever comes their way.

I believe it's an ego/peer pressure (which IS related to ego) thing this not wanting to have an 'L' plate on their bike..

agreed... its not hard to avoid tickets and stay on the right side of the law.

[Chill]

Never use my L plate, instead I scuffed it up a bit and kept in in the back of my jacket, hoping that if I was stopped I'd get off by saying it had fallen off. Luckily I never had to use that lame excuse.

[Weaver]

My L-Plate is hiding behind my number plate as shown in picture. I have been pulled over by the police for speeding and he didn't say it wasn't visible enough.
But I have never noticed the cars tail gating, etc

[Pancakes]

Pull your head in. Who is argueing. Just making a statement about something I have read. I never said it was fact - Or is it illegal to post anything on this forum unless you are the leading expert in the field? Maybe that's why you have only posted 8 times in the last 8 months. No discussions happening in you specialized field.

As stated in an earlier post (quoted below) there has been references made to it which is where I was coming from. Just couldn't remember in what context it was being used.

Does someones post count mean anything apart from how long they have spent combing KB which, in my eyes has it's own cool-ometer that is disconnected from the real world. There are KB truths you never break even if they're wrong (post count giving weight to someones side of a point being one).

You posted info and didn't mis-represent it, you told everyone it was overheard but you also said you didn't go o the M'Ways the whole time you were on your learners? I recon this would hinder your learning not help it.

J_P, good post, relevant and on topic, +1, people will read this thread for info like this and you have come up with the goods and a link to the source. Just ignore the haters. You don't have to reply, people with eye's can see how things play out.

[rphenix]

Me and mate both got stung $400 for no L-plates yesterday:cry: We werent doing over 70kph or nething. Still not gona use ma L-plate because drivers sit up ur ass!!!! Other learners beware of the quoter filling 50:Police:

Bad luck! get your Restricted ASAP?

[CookMySock]

(re tailgaters)
- To get them to back off a bit, this really works. Adjust your position on the road to be directly in front of their eyes. They were looking past you as if you weren't there, now they can't see. They will shift left/right so they can see - get in their line of sight again. I have ever only had to adjust my position in front of them a max of 4 times before seeing them drop back because they're running blind

It works, it's non-combative and they don't even know that you're controlling their position on the road. Report back to the thread when you've tried itAnother way is to adjust your speed up and down A VERY SMALL AMOUNT so they have to concentrate like hell. Excelerate GENTLY away and as the gap opens up EASE off the gas so they have to brake as they are still speeding up. It only takes 60 seconds or so before they are like "fuck this" and they back off or pass. Don't make any sudden moves doing this or you will be instantly underneath the tailgater in question - a bad look.

This can be uncomfortable for your passenger(s), so dont do it if they dont like it.

DB

[Blossom]

I am about to get my learners and rest assured tailgaters or not I will be using it faithfully. Why? firstly we have 4 children 2 of whom are not that far off getting into riding themselves and we want to lead by example. It may only be a loser plate to some but to my kids its about whether or not I obey the law. Kids are more police like than the cops are. lol. Secondly I am proud of getting my 6L. So I dont think of it as a loser plate.
On the topic of tailgating... As others have said when you first start riding, anyone behind you is too close. Perception is a strange beast when it comes to learning to ride or drive.

[Ragingrob]

Lol just c'mon and tell us how you attracted any attention?? Cops don't usually just pull everyone over at random, so what were ya up to? Stalling all over the place and wobbling around?

[CookMySock]

hrm it seems to me that newbs should not be so afraid of the traffic. All these nasty stories are not helpful to newbs, who spend a lot more time reassuring themselves than they do facing REAL ACTUAL problems.

Newbs, please don't worry too much. Cagers aren't ALL trying to kill you ok ? Someone may neg rep me for saying this, but I don't care :spanking: you are going to be fine on your learners license - don't put too much stead in the horrific stories you hear. I don't think anyone here has ACTUALLY been run down and gone underneath a car while on their learners license, so quite likely you can relax.

DB

[faredce]

L plates are there to let others know u are learning!!

so wen ppl are smart arses and ride close or toot wen u stall or whatever. i just think they are tools who find their mothers sexually attractive and they can go to hell.
every1 has a learning phase and all our concentration goes on our bike and our riding environment. its the last thing we need.

BUT in saying that i dont have the money to pay fines and u only need the plates for 6months. so put them on

[Blossom]

hrm it seems to me that newbs should not be so afraid of the traffic. All these nasty stories are not helpful to newbs, who spend a lot more time reassuring themselves than they do facing REAL ACTUAL problems.

Newbs, please don't worry too much. Cagers aren't ALL trying to kill you ok ? Someone may neg rep me for saying this, but I don't care :spanking: you are going to be fine on your learners license - don't put too much stead in the horrific stories you hear. I don't think anyone here has ACTUALLY been run down and gone underneath a car while on their learners license, so quite likely you can relax.

DB


Thankyou for that... I admit I have not been on a bike for 5 yrs and after reading this was getting a bit girly on it.:sweatdrop
no neg rep from me

[BiK3RChiK]

I am about to get my learners and rest assured tailgaters or not I will be using it faithfully. Why? firstly we have 4 children 2 of whom are not that far off getting into riding themselves and we want to lead by example. It may only be a loser plate to some but to my kids its about whether or not I obey the law. Kids are more police like than the cops are. lol. Secondly I am proud of getting my 6L. So I dont think of it as a loser plate.
On the topic of tailgating... As others have said when you first start riding, anyone behind you is too close. Perception is a strange beast when it comes to learning to ride or drive.

I use my L-plate too... Everyone has to go through the graduated licencing system now if they want a licence, so who cares? Slap the L-plate on or get a ticket!

My kids are also approaching the driving age {gulp} and you are right about setting the appropriate example etc, etc... My kids tell me when the wof & regn are due too! Talk about little police! LOL

M

[BiK3RChiK]

hrm it seems to me that newbs should not be so afraid of the traffic. All these nasty stories are not helpful to newbs, who spend a lot more time reassuring themselves than they do facing REAL ACTUAL problems.

Newbs, please don't worry too much. Cagers aren't ALL trying to kill you ok ? Someone may neg rep me for saying this, but I don't care :spanking: you are going to be fine on your learners license - don't put too much stead in the horrific stories you hear. I don't think anyone here has ACTUALLY been run down and gone underneath a car while on their learners license, so quite likely you can relax.

DB

+1 Hun

You really do make sense sometimes... ;)

[CookMySock]

+1 Hun

You really do make sense sometimes... ;):banana: thanks, I did wonder.. :lol:

me

[firefighter]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.I'm sure it won't be kept on for the whole day, and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky. Yeah sympathy all the way man it's a really un-necessary thing which seems to put you in the thick of harassment and do the opposite of what it's intetnded for. don't be dis-heartened by the ignorant old fogies who got there full licence from the local cop

[BiK3RChiK]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.I'm sure it won't be kept on for the whole day, and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky. Yeah sympathy all the way man it's a really un-necessary thing which seems to put you in the thick of harassment and do the opposite of what it's intetnded for. don't be dis-heartened by the ignorant old fogies who got there full licence from the local cop

Hey! Who you calling old? I wish I had got my licence out of the weetbix packet back in the old days then I wouldn't be going through all the bs now! Ah well, I didn't, did I, so I have to suck it up like the rest of the L-Plate riders!! BTW, I was harrassed today by a moron in a van and no way he could have missed my L-Plate... but I just think 'LOSER!' and carry on. I'm not going to let that ruin my nice ride out!!:rockon: Shows more about their character than mine!!!

[JimO]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.I'm sure it won't be kept on for the whole day, and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky. Yeah sympathy all the way man it's a really un-necessary thing which seems to put you in the thick of harassment and do the opposite of what it's intetnded for. don't be dis-heartened by the ignorant old fogies who got there full licence from the local cop

i ride my sons 250 all the time with the l plate and have never had a issue

[Mikkel]

I've got about a month to go before I can sit my restricted.

That means I've been riding for just around 5 months.

I have been displaying my L-plate like the good boy I am all the time...

I haven't had more than one or two episodes of someone sitting a bit closer than I was comfortable with. In those cases I just reduced my speed until it fit the distance they were keeping.
These episodes where in the beginning when I was a bit more lacking in confidence and didn't have my riding gear. After I got my black leathers, black helmet and tinted visor I haven't had anyone hassling me at all... Then again, it would be pretty hard for a car to tailgate me during rush hour unless it had flashing lights and sirens to make all the other cars move out of the way.

On the open road I ride at the speed limit (at least) - don't go there if you want to observe the 70 km/h rule and don't like people sitting on your tail and do stupid overtakes to get by.

If you for some reason choose not to wear the L-plate then accept that you're gambling 25 demerit points and $400 right there. Add to that whatever you might have gotten pulled over for... It's not worth it.

And I think scumdog is right. It's about ego and peer pressure. I've been told by heaps of guys to take mine off, ridden with a lot of learners who doesn't display it, etc. But let's face it - taking the L-plate off isn't going to improve your riding. The people who heed the L-plate and give you some extra space actually deserve to have it. If you're riding like a novice you'll get harrased by the assholes anyway - L-plate or no L-plate.

[Soul.Trader]

I just see it as a personal choice - I dont judge people whether they use the L or not. But if not, you're going to have to accept a strangely disproportionate fine if you get pulled over.

[marty]

Newbs, please don't worry too much. Cagers aren't ALL trying to kill you ok ? B

actually, EVERY car driver is either trying to kill you, or just will by sheer ineptitude.

and if the thread starter can't handle a car or two tailgating (geez you live in auckland ffs - the world authority on tailgating!), and see that this is great experience to stay alive/unscratched out there, then maybe you should get back into your toyota and listen to the edge on the way to work.

[Blossom]

actually, EVERY car driver is either trying to kill you, or just will by sheer ineptitude.


That doesn't say a lot for all the motorcycle owners who also drive cars then does it.
Thats not to say that I trust anyone else on the road, I dont. Experience has taught me a better lesson than that.

[discotex]

and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky.

So how exactly would you know what it's like to ride with an L plate on?

Many/most of the people who've commented on this thread wore their L plate for months before coming to their opinion. You on the other hand wore it one day and became an expert.... Hmm...




And I think scumdog is right. It's about ego and peer pressure. I've been told by heaps of guys to take mine off, ridden with a lot of learners who doesn't display it, etc. But let's face it - taking the L-plate off isn't going to improve your riding. The people who heed the L-plate and give you some extra space actually deserve to have it. If you're riding like a novice you'll get harrased by the assholes anyway - L-plate or no L-plate.

Exactly what I've said dozens of times myself. I rode on my learners with both L and no L (when it snapped off a month before my test) and the truth is it's a zero-sum game.

Yes some wankers will pick on you but more than enough make room and treat you with added respect that it cancels out.

Not wearing the L plate is mostly an attempt (albeit failed as you're still obviously on a 250) to not look uncool.

That said, looking cool is a big part of motorcycling (as discussed in gloves/scooters/ATGATT threads) so it's probably worth the $400 fine to many.

[PrincessBandit]

Hey! Who you calling old? ....

Hee hee, you beat me to it! I was (ummmmmmmm, about to admit to my age there, oh what the hell, it's in my profile) 43 when i sat my learners, and my husband a few years older than me when he sat his. I kept the L plate on as we're not rich enough to cope with potentially endless fines for non-compliance of licence violations :laugh:. My husband has no problems with riding my sweet wee ginny with a big yellow sign on it's bum (apart from the fact that he struggles to see anything in it's mirrors, which is why we're crossing our fingers for his exemption). I don't think it has anything to do with being a boring old fart or riding like a great great nana or anything like that for some people. There are some who simply feel that if dem's da law, then what the heck - it's only for a finite period! (unless you are a habitual licence fail-er, eeeek, sorry gijoe1313 for that dreadful use of English).

[JimO]

i bet the most guys who dont use a L plate are under 20 :baby:.....dont use the plate pay the fucking fine...its part of the rules - dont want to follow the rules, dont complain about the consequences, you will be quick to complain about the car drivers that dont give way to you, but maby thats one of the rules they feel doesnt apply to them

[Mikkel]

Not wearing the L plate is mostly an attempt (albeit failed as you're still obviously on a 250) to not look uncool.

Hey, I resent that! :angry2:
It's very possible to look cool on a 250 ccm - I've seen it done... :yes:
Those 250s are a lot more fun than some people probably are aware.

However, if you're riding like an inexperienced and incompetent newbie on a 250 ccm, having the L-plate or not won't make much difference for your image! :scooter:

[McDuck]

I had an lplate for the length of my learners and did not have one drop of problems. (maby helped by the fact that problems are not liquid) and for some of the way i like to think i look cool on the 250, like when riding calm feet firmly on the foot pegs and about half slow walking pace..... lots of people watched..... i felt cool....:rockon:

[CookMySock]

Not wearing the L plate is mostly an attempt (albeit failed as you're still obviously on a 250) to not look uncool.I can confirm that my mrs sexy ass looks exceedingly cool on her Yellow GT250R, L-Plate included.

Do I get points for this ? <_<

DB

[Tank]

I can confirm that my mrs sexy ass looks exceedingly cool on her Yellow GT250R, L-Plate included.

Do I get points for this ? <_<

DB

We need pics first - then we can discuss points or bling.

[BiK3RChiK]

I had an lplate for the length of my learners and did not have one drop of problems. (maby helped by the fact that problems are not liquid) and for some of the way i like to think i look cool on the 250, like when riding calm feet firmly on the foot pegs and about half slow walking pace..... lots of people watched..... i felt cool....:rockon:

Hey, Mcduck5n,

Did you ride at at 70km/hr on the open road?

M

[McDuck]

Hey, Mcduck5n,

Did you ride at at 70km/hr on the open road?

M

Nope. And i got pulled over at about 10.30 doing 113kph and i only got a ticket for the 13 over. The L plate helps to give the cop the idea that you are trying to obey the law. Oh i also did not have a rego plate on the bike at the time. (had ship and wof tho so it was ok)

[McDuck]

Also a good tip is do DO NOT DRINK. At all. It is a good bargenign chip when you get pulled over doing somthing bad.

[madandy]

250's are cool when the engine employs 2 cylinders or less :scooter:

[McDuck]

250's are cool when the engine employs 2 cylinders or less :scooter:

dont you mean 2 cylinders or MORE:mad:

[madandy]

Nope. Doesn't mean a 250cc multi is bad - and the mini Katana you have reminds me of the 650 Katana I learnt on but screaming round on a tiny 250 at 12000+rpm making all of 30hp is just lame.

[McDuck]

all of 30hp is just lame.

46hp............

[madandy]

I refer to at the wheel numbers
http://www.katanacentral.co.uk/history/katanatimeline.asp
Think 38hp at the crank may be more like it.
I hasd a GS650 that'd have been lucky to make 46 at the wheel :P

[Swoop]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.
There is a law against wearing an L plate when you have your full.
I offered, in a much earlier thread, to put one on and see what happened. Being quite happy to perform mirrorectomy's and cage panel adjustments, this would have been a very interesting experiment.

[Mikkel]

There is a law against wearing an L plate when you have your full.
I offered, in a much earlier thread, to put one on and see what happened. Being quite happy to perform mirrorectomy's and cage panel adjustments, this would have been a very interesting experiment.

No there isn't a law against wearing an L-plate while riding on your full.

But, you do have to observe the same restrictions as a learners when displaying an L-plate.

Guess it could have something to do with wasting police time otherwise.

[Dodger]

I never had any problems when I had the L plate on my bike.

It was only for 6 months, but never had cars tailgating me like I hear from others.

[headlesschicken]

No there isn't a law against wearing an L-plate while riding on your full.


It is in a car, so why not a motorbike??

[Ixion]

No there isn't a law against wearing an L-plate while riding on your full.

But, you do have to observe the same restrictions as a learners when displaying an L-plate.

Guess it could have something to do with wasting police time otherwise.


Quite incorrect. It is illegal to display an L plate if you are not a learner.

I do not know whence this canard derives, but it is incorrect in all respects.

See this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=853757&postcount=45) for full details

[crazybigal]

I remember being bullied when i had a L plate on. so that went west real quick and after that cars didnt try and overtake me in a 50k zone while i was doing the speed limit.
Cage drivers see the l plate and think "oh not another learner biker" and something changes in their tiny brains that makes them want to run you down or get past you as fast as they can.
I guess i may have used an l plate if the stupid 70kph rule was not in place.
You have just got to be asking for a ticket with board cops sitting on the side of the road with their lazer toys while you go by at 100+ with an L plate on!!
anyway just my 2cents.
thats great if you say you never had a problem with cage drivers when you had your L plate, but I did and lots of others have so there must be some truth to the matter!

[Mikkel]

Quite incorrect. It is illegal to display an L plate if you are not a learner.

I do not know whence this canard derives, but it is incorrect in all respects.

See this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=853757&postcount=45) for full details

I was looking around Landtransports rather average website in search of information on this - but nothing came up.

If what you posted in the thread you link to is correct then I stand corrected. Then I'll have to wring my brain to try and remember who misinformed me.

[discotex]

Hey, I resent that! :angry2:
It's very possible to look cool on a 250 ccm - I've seen it done... :yes:
Those 250s are a lot more fun than some people probably are aware.

However, if you're riding like an inexperienced and incompetent newbie on a 250 ccm, having the L-plate or not won't make much difference for your image! :scooter:

:lol: I didn't mean you can't look cool on a 250. Lord knows I looked cool on my ZXR. Plus 250's are freakin awesome fun to ride in tight twisties.


What I was getting at is that people who take the plate off to look cool are doing it because it shows they are a learner and that embarrasses them.

While some may think I'm crazy for saying this - taking the L plate doesn't actually turn you and your GN250 (not meaning you Mikkel) into either:

a) a black gixxer thou with black leathers and black helmet (or some other colour coordinated sprotsbike setup.

or

b) a big fat hog with leather chaps (maybe even with tassels) and one of those hitler helmets and a skull scarf thingy.


Shocking I know :gob:

[discotex]

I can confirm that my mrs sexy ass looks exceedingly cool on her Yellow GT250R, L-Plate included.

Do I get points for this ? <_<

DB

Only if she's in sexy hot leathers.


We need pics first - then we can discuss points or bling.

Now we're talking :shifty:

[Mikkel]

b) a big fat hog with leather chaps (maybe even with tassels) and one of those hitler helmets and a skull scarf thingy.

If you're thinking about those spikey helmets they're a bit older than the nazi party. Their name is Pickelhaube (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickelhaube) and if you want to call it something else, Bismarck Helmet would be more appropriate. :yes:


Now we're talking :shifty:

Indeed - pictures or it didn't happen!

[Zuki Bandit]

Bugger!:doh:

[discotex]

If you're thinking about those spikey helmets they're a bit older than the nazi party. Their name is Pickelhaube (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickelhaube) and if you want to call it something else, Bismarck Helmet would be more appropriate. :yes:


Nah that's not what I meant. Quick hunt through wikipedia and it's the Stahlhelm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stahlhelm) I was thinking of.

<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Stahlhelm.jpg"

Guess it's one way to look cool........

[CookMySock]

We need pics first - then we can discuss points or bling.I'll ask, lol.

DB

[Radar]

Very lucky boy lol, since this quoted system has been introduced it's a lot harder to get let off or talk ya way out of it.

What do you mean by "this quoted system" ?

[scumdog]

What do you mean by "this quoted system" ?

You know, the system that gets quoted on KB all the time, the one where the cops have this evil mysterious thing call a 'quota'.....;)

[Radar]

OK, thanks scumdog. I am new on KB and your post was the first I read that talked about a quota.

[Boob Johnson]

The same one that just happens to co-incide with a record amount of tickets issued in the last few years :Pokey:

[CHOPPA]

i have noticed when my sister rides along with the olds and she only aloud to do 70! thats a joke if i were all you newbies id organise a ride down the motoway at a busy time doin like 65k!

[Wasp]

i thought of red reping you for this but thats far too harsh

bad luck, but then again - serves you right