Does "L" really = Loser

[James Deuce]

Depends what your breath is like

As vile as my advice.

[Ixion]

As pointed out there is no legal restriction preventing a learner from riding on the motorway.

The L plate does nothing except set you up as a target for either criticism or hostility from people who have never, ever been informed that there is a 70 km/hr limit for motorcyclists on their learners permits.

City traffic with it's greater number of intersections, and oncoming traffic with no dividing barrier or median strip is a great deal more dangerous than a motorway for a learner. Learning to mentally filter relative motion and detect threats consciously and sub consciously and flow with the traffic whilst maintaining a buffer is arguably easier at 100km/hr, with all the traffic around you moving in the same direction and moving at speed differentials of no more than 10%.

I personally think that the 70km/hr law exposes learners to a great deal of unecessary danger, and as you point out compels them to travel via more dangerous, not less dangerous routes. Then when they do hit the open road at 70km/hr on a congested main highway, they either ride to the left and encourage the less "able-minded" drivers to overtake them within their lane, or potentially precipitate a head on collision with oncoming traffic if they maintain their lane position.

Mind you this is all just my opinion, and we're all well aware of what that's worth.

FWIW, I agree with Mr Jim2. The 70kph limit serves no useful purpose, and causes those obeying it to expose themselves to unnecessary hazard.

If it were thought desireable that beginners should not venture onto "derestricted" roads, then the law should have said exactly that.

And the L plate, in Dorkland at any rate, simply marks the learner out as a target for abuse or smart alec attitudes. It is interesting that the Road code does not anywhere indicate anything that other motorists should do when encountering a L plate driver/rider.

If the intention was that it would indicate to other motorists that the bearer should be afforded some tolerance, then the Road Code should have said so, and the law should impose penalty for drivers who harrass a learner.



JMHO.

[scumdog]

"L" is a badge of hounor, anybody that 'disses' you has a short memory, be proud that you've started your journey of motorcycling.

I would NEVER knock anybody for having an "L" plate on their bike - nor ticket them for breaching the terms of their "L" status. (unless they were in a cage).

[Ixion]

"L" is a badge of hounor, anybody that 'disses' you has a short memory, be proud that you've started your journey of motorcycling.

I would NEVER knock anybody for having an "L" plate on their bike - nor ticket them for breaching the terms of their "L" status. (unless they were in a cage).

Admirable sentiments . And hopefully it would never be bikers belittleing those with L plates (and the period required before younger riders can "move up" is so long that some L-platers may be very good riders indeed)

Arrogant young punks in cages are unfortunately, another matter.

[Zed]

"L" is a badge of hounor, anybody that 'disses' you has a short memory, be proud that you've started your journey of motorcycling.

Lol, badge of honour, hehe...more like a badge of horror! However, I do have respect for those who 'wear' the badge as it shows they have a respect for the law, it also shows how much of a noooob they really are!

[Coyote]

"L" is a badge of hounor, anybody that 'disses' you has a short memory, be proud that you've started your journey of motorcycling.

I would NEVER knock anybody for having an "L" plate on their bike - nor ticket them for breaching the terms of their "L" status. (unless they were in a cage).

I for one would rather ditch the L plate than wear it with pride

[SixPackBack]

This is just a general rant, and maybe im wrong..... BUT why is that the last couple of times I have been riding home from work while waiting at the traffic lights I have been "hassled" by some older grey hair dude (2 different guy's each time). Ok so hassled may not be the right word. But annoyed is definatey how I felt.
I am aware that the rather large bright yellow "L" plate does pretty much give it away, Im a learner!!
I was at the traffic lights yesterday, so im just sitting there minding my own business and then all of a sudden some old dude pulls up on his BMW something .... and tells me "back there you should have given way to that pedestrian"(even though I was already over the crossing before anyone walked up to it) then he proceeded to tell me that I needed to go a bit faster to keep up with traffic, even though I was riding at 50 the whole way up the road and there was no other traffic on the road to hold up!
THEN yesterday I was sitting a different set of lights when this grumpy older grey/white haired dude pulls up next to me and proceeds to tell me how to look after my bike, that I should be checking the brakes, lights etc everytime I take the bike out. To this I simply replied, "would you fuck of, im trying to concentrate" - Traffic was heavy. He didnt get the hint and started telling me how to clean my bike - What a dick!

Got abit of sand in your crack sweety.......chill......just ignore them and forget about it

[scumdog]

I for one would rather ditch the L plate than wear it with pride

All you sorry arsed 12 year olds are SO easily impressed!!

Who the eff CARES if you have to wear an "L" plate?? Big Deal!! - not.

[Wellyman]

Wankers in there BMW's. they all think they are all bloddy kings of the roads.
oops i shouldn't be sayin that when my dad owns a beemer.
WM

[justsomeguy]

Ive seen zxr600's outridden by a guy who knew his 250 inside out...............in the end its not the bike its the rider, but speaking in straight lines my money's on the busa as much as i love the bird

Very true.

I've seen litre bikes outridden by a guy on a 150 and a dirt bike....
However in this case I know the bird rider can clock the bike with comfort and yeah even take a few corners while he's at it.

[Coyote]

All you sorry arsed 12 year olds are SO easily impressed!!

Who the eff CARES if you have to wear an "L" plate?? Big Deal!! - not.

You think it's all about image? Nooooo way. If I was worried about that, I would have 'Von Dutch' plastered on the side of my bike. I just don't like staying at 70k all the time and don't want to get ticketed 400 bucks if I break that silly law

[justsomeguy]

FWIW, I agree with Mr Jim2. The 70kph limit serves no useful purpose, and causes those obeying it to expose themselves to unnecessary hazard.

I was only trying to speculate (wild guess) what whoever designed the law may have been thinking, having said that I agree that your statements are more akin to the truth than my ramblings.

.......and the 70 limit is pretty much another myth.....just like our 50 zones....

I honestly don't know anyone who's ever followed it.....

Matter of fact I know a few L-Platers who been trying hard to reach 170.....

[justsomeguy]

You think it's all about image? Nooooo way. If I was worried about that, I would have 'Von Dutch' plastered on the side of my bike. I just don't like staying at 70k all the time and don't want to get ticketed 400 bucks if I break that silly law

Yeah 70k in a 50 K zone is dangerous...... (p/t p/t p/t )

[danb]

If you do decide to take the "L" plate sign off your bike..
Dont chuck it into the drawer... Keep it with you at all times when riding.

Snap the "L" plate off your bike.. so that a tiny yellow bit is still there (a corner of it under the screw holding it on) then if you can depending upon your type of bike, put it under your seat. Or keep it in your backpack that you always carry.

Reason: If you get stopped by the nice police officer, then all you say is that when you came out of where ever you have just come from, like 10 minutes ago, that you found it on the ground as some twat had snapped it off. You will attach it back on when you get home.
The nice police officer should be ok about that.

But always have it with you...... if you don't carry it with you, then you are up for a heavy fine.

Oh and take care out there on the roads...

I just hope the cops don’t already know this as an old trick. I still have my one on but come of the day when I get my restricted. Less than a month to go I think

[danb]

I was only trying to speculate (wild guess) what whoever designed the law may have been thinking, having said that I agree that your statements are more akin to the truth than my ramblings.

.......and the 70 limit is pretty much another myth.....just like our 50 zones....

I honestly don't know anyone who's ever followed it.....

Matter of fact I know a few L-Platers who been trying hard to reach 170.....

None of the rides I have done, have i kept to the learner speed limit and I dont know of anyone who has.