An Unpopular Thought/Suggestion

**Ghost Lemur** · 14th May 2005, 23:54

Well what I'm about to say is an unqualified thought that came to me. I'd like some feedback on it.

What if we changed the licence system so that learners (maybe just learners under 20/18?) were only allowed up to a 150cc instead of a 250. Then were allowed to progress to a 250 with restricted.

I think this could be of benefit.

It would bring us into line with Europe. This has a couple of benefits. There's a hell of a lot more choice as far as <150cc bikes brand new when compared to 250's. Aprilia, Cagiva, all the japas, etc.

But because atm we can go straight to 250 there isn't the market to bring these bikes in.

Wouldn't it be better for our learners to be on these brand new, lighter, flickable, 150cc bikes than 15 year old 250's?

Just a thought. Opinions?

**SpankMe** · 14th May 2005, 23:59

Nope, don't agree. If you can't handle a 250cc from the start, you shouldn't even bother.

Anyway, the law should be based on HP not cc. I thought the UK had a 33hp restriction for learners?

**SuperDave** · 15th May 2005, 00:00

Then, not only will the 250's be seriously overpriced, but so too would the 150's.

**Biff** · 15th May 2005, 00:01

33hp - 125ccin the UK. And that's more than enough for newbies in my book.

**campbellluke** · 15th May 2005, 00:01

Modern 150cc's are just as slow as they were 15 years ago. I had an 1987 GL145, and it was faster than those FXR150s that people seem prepared to spend $2000 on.

If I wasn't allowed to use a 4 cylinder 15 year old 250cc on my learners, or possibly a 2 stroke 250cc. I would have been totally discouraged to take up motorcycles in the first place.

**gav** · 15th May 2005, 00:03

What will you gain going from a 150 to a 250? Whats the point? Havent we got Learner Approved Motorcycles these days, not neccesarily 250cc?

**erik** · 15th May 2005, 00:13

Boooo!

Nah, I don't like the idea. For a start, it would mean you'd have to buy a 150, then go through all the hassle of selling it and buying a 250. And 250's are already pretty flickable and light, plus they're also pretty gutless as well (well, I guess the cbr250rr's and the like are a bit gruntier, and the 2-stroke 250's).

**bugjuice** · 15th May 2005, 01:26

Years ago when I was still in the uk, being young and nieve, I was going to get my bike license. Cos you can have any bike and fit a restricting kit on it, I was looking at a nice CBR600 for a first bike. Pretty fukin glad I didn't. However, it would have been strangled to something like 40hp.
I think the hp restriction is an idea, but hassle, and how would a cop pulling over a learner know the kit is still in? Same should apply to cars, even more so if anything. That's so fukin stupid. anyway, ot.

I did hear last year a vicious rumor that learners can start on a 400. But I'm sure (well hope) that's been canned.
I would (however) be thinkin it's an idea to have learners restricted to 250 as they are now, and then (with age part of the factor) allow the restricted riders to 400.

I so think they should restrict cages. I saw a kid in school uniform about 15 or so (God I hope, didn't really look it) driving his mate (assume) in the passenger seat and 3 smaller/younger kids in the back to school!!
When I was applying for my lisence in the AA shop, a kid was applying for her lisence!! scary shit! Just so think it's wrong. I know why they've done it, for kids out in the sticks who need a bit of independance for their parents, but still..

/rant

**anmolt** · 15th May 2005, 01:29

the pricing on the 250's arent very attractive to a lot of learners in any case...150's turn out to be a cheaper and more logical option if people mainly want to use the bike to commute....just look at the no of 150cc's around auckland uni ..........

**Zapf** · 15th May 2005, 01:30

Yep. Restrict HP not CC.... CC gives torque, makes bike easier to ride

were as HP gives speed.

**SPORK** · 15th May 2005, 02:10

Well, the thing is, for a nice sub-150 (say Cagiva Mito 125 or Aprilia RS125) is that they cost a lot, and they're not even that hardcore.

I'd say let restricted riders have 400s.

**Bob** · 15th May 2005, 04:09

Originally Posted by Biff

33hp - 125ccin the UK. And that's more than enough for newbies in my book.

A 33bhp 125? Now I'd like to see that! 125cc horses limit here? Try much, much less than that! 14.6bhp to be exact.

You don't get to enjoy a whole 33bhp until you pass your main test (and you only have TWO years from getting your provisional licence to do that... or you are off the road for 12 months as a punishment). And you're then restricted to 33bhp (so realistically, a 250 or maybe if you can find one, something like a 350cc Zeal?) for two years... and then finally, you are allowed to ride anything you want.

Unless of course you are over 21, when you can go for Direct Access (which means you can bypass - which means taking the test on a larger bike... but it'll cost you about £400 on top of the 'small bike' training to do so.

This is a nice little guide as to how our licencing system works

We used to be allowed up to 250cc for a learner here... and then they halved the capacity allowance. Result? A host of 250's that were worth... nothing.

So the market between 125 and 500cc was killed off. So over here, there were 125's... then 500's and upwards. The small bike market was stone dead. So we get none of those interesting and fun 400cc sportsbikes, or the smaller capacity Bandits or the like.

Of course now, there is a need for the smaller bikes - but there are none about. And they're still not being imported, as dealerships are wary of getting stuck with little bikes they can't shift.

Mind you, if the EU get their way, the rules are changing again - and one of the things that will change is Direct Access, where they are talking about increasing the minimum age to 24/25. So maybe suddenly small capacity bikes will be needed... or it could just cause even more harm to biking as less people try to get their licences as they're stuck on small bikes until their mid-20's.

Still want our licencing laws over there?

**James Deuce** · 15th May 2005, 06:40

Originally Posted by Bob

.

Still want our licencing laws over there?

Yes, with an equivalent for cars.

**StoneChucker** · 15th May 2005, 07:42

Yes please. From what I read into it, the whole process is speeded up when compared to NZ. Do you HAVE to wait the whole 2 years until you sit the practical test?

So when you turn 17, all you have to do is sit the CBT, the theory and then your full (when you feel confident) and NOT get 6 demerit points in two years? Can you do this as fast as you want? Also, once you pass your full on a "A" licence, can you go to any CC / power straight away, or must you wait 2 years first?

The ONLY bad part is the not getting 6 demerit points in 2 years, but I've had to deal with a similar situation after doing my CBTA course. Not that tough, just don't be a mad hoon. It's been almost a year for me, so I'm pretty sweet I think

Overall, I'm really happy with getting my licence in NZ. I couldn't have afforded my bike in SA, or the insurance for it in SA, the roads in NZ are really fun to ride and you lot are all here (where else would you find such a nice bunch

)

Oh, and there are alotta sneeeeeky sneaky coppers in the UK so I've heard.