Licence question

[FJRider]

I know that no bike is limited to 100km all I'm trying to say is I don't want a big bike to go fast

Then be careful what you post. You did say you didn't want to be restricted to 100 km/hr.

I can't find any laws bikes I like the look of and I'm not willing to pay for something that'd be restricted

It's LAM's class (Learner Approved Motorcycles) and restricted motorcycles are NOT allowed on the LAM's list ... in the belief they "might" be removed. Bigger and heavier bikes are better in the wind. Even for a complete noob. In the two years until you are allowed to sit your full license ... ride as many different types and sized bikes as you can. This equates to actual motorcycling experience. And give you a better understanding what type will actually suit you best. This often differs from your original "I Want" ...

I've ridden bigger bikes in the wind and they have just felt more stable

They are. Don't be too/so fussy in your early stages of learning ...

and I've had various people cut me off or start to chance lanes without looking and if I want to move I've got to drop it down a gear or two

Some people do that to every other motorist. Not just learner riders. Don't take it personally. EVER. That's how road rage starts.

if my senses miss them starting to move my reaction Time will be limited and the bike doesn't have enuf grit for me to get out as quick as I like

Keep a BIGGER gap between YOU and THEM in future. You will find you get there almost as fast ... AND alive.

why do most people get bigger bikes is it because we feel they are more suited to our needs? If smaller slower bikes are really safer for everyone why don't we only ride 125cc bikes?

Different bike sizes were built for different purposes. Some suit different tasks better than others. In inner city/low speed travel ... small light motorcycles suit as they are lighter (easier on the rider) and cheap to run. Motorway travel requires bikes that can keep up with the usual traffic flow. (easily) And can handle usual weather conditions (like wind)

Motorcycles that are used for commuting ... are usually a compromise. And usually/often the bikes you will find on the LAMs list (funnily enough). They may NOT be your idea of "cool" ... but believe it or not ... actual experience on them ... and your opinion of their capabilities will change. Ask a CX500 rider about their bike. Their WILL be a few about in Welly town.

[FJRider]

I don't get it, my bike feels pretty stable. And, if it's not so much then cool, means I can learn and will gain skills as a rider rather than rely on my bike to get me out of sticky situations..

Bigger and heavier bikes do handle/feel different to ride. And do handle the wind better. GN's are cool ... and unappreciated by those who don't/wont ride them. The skills you learn on them you will remember throughout your life. Regardless of what bike you may move up to.

What's wrong with backing off if someone goes to cut you off etc? if that's the case surely they'd be at least somewhat ahead of you, since you're keeping a good following distance, so I can't see why you'd power ahead to overtake them. The only situation I'd like to power away is when people tailgate me. If I can, I speed up and put some more space between us, if it's the motorway etc., I change lanes so they can pass me.

Good advice. VERY good advice.

Nobody said smaller bikes are safer, just as no one said bigger bikes aren't safe. Its putting an overconfident newbie on it that isnt (safe). Take my flatmates BMW S1000RR, safe as houses, but put ME on that? dead, or seriously injured probably

More good advice.

You don't NEED a bigger bike, you just WANT one. Can you find a mentor or instructor down there? nobodies saying you can't ride a bike, clearly you can, but the road is damn dangerous and takes a long time to get used to, longer than a few weeks, longer than a few months and old buggars who've been riding for years are still learning too, whether they care to admit it or not.

Consider whether it's your roadcraft or attitude to roadcraft that needs adjusting first, I'm not saying you have a bad attitude but take a step back and think. I all to often hear people blame problems on their bikes when it's actually them.

If and when I get another bike of course it will have more power, I want to go on long trips away and need something that's happy with the weight of all my shoes and tiaras. Also I want to go fast, over the speed limit even... on the track.... of course... but, that day will come when I'm way more skilled and have had a lot more time on the road, I'm in no rush.

Well said. Probably the best post you have ever made.

They do have Mentors in Wellington. And they have much to teach him. If he really WANTS to learn. However .... none of his posts indicate this.

[FJRider]

Wash your filthy mouth out, young lady. We are NOT still learning. We are in the process of forgetting what we have learned.

I prefer "Continually re-evaluating the value of what we remember" ...

[madscientist]

Just add my bit, I'm on my learners, 6mo to Restricted, and when I first booked my license I looked up how long it would take. Yay, I'm over 25, only 3 months.... until I read the next part, After Oct 1st..

I do wonder why there's still a restricted license, and I hate my licence saying LEARNER despite being a full car for 15 odd years. I think that its much easier to learn to ride with already having the road rules. I remember learning to drive a car.. clutch, gear, gas, who gives way? stalled it, bunny hop, shit shit shit.. at least its one less thing to worry about. I'm patient, I wait in line at traffic lights, I (usually) do the speed limit, I'm slowly pushing myself in corners, I've only had one slight almost off. (too keen in a downhill corner), but I ride every chance I get. why cant I go for my full after 6 months if I'm actually competent.. why not make the full test more comprehensive, so the one sunday a month rider will fail, but the daily rider will pass. why don't cyclists have rego/warrant/licences gah, gah.. anyway back to my search of "what does the restricted licence test cover"

[SNF]

In the Wellington area ... nobody is shooting at you.

Auckland however ... it does happen ...

Had one ages back, before I pulled out and cleaned my carbs after I ran out of petrol. Bike bogged down and I didn't expect it - stalled at a give way. Wanker in a nissan got on the horn. I was busy trying to start the bike "come on for fuck sake FUCKING START!" Then it got the death rev, I take off, he floors it and passes me WTF. meh.

Anyway - I am glad for my L plate - apart from that one faggot when something has gone wrong people have been patient or at least weren't too crazy.
I think its down to that plate. I really am a noob. I ride as much as I can, been to work nearly every time I try take the bike. I might actually stay on my L's for a bit more than the 6 months. Might do 9 or 10 months - I'd rather feel confident and have a better idea of what I am doing when its time to sit my R's so I can show the tester that I can handle a bike rather than go oh sweet 6 months get off the L's and hope I pass.

[FJRider]

I think its down to that plate. I really am a noob. I ride as much as I can, been to work nearly every time I try take the bike. I might actually stay on my L's for a bit more than the 6 months. Might do 9 or 10 months - I'd rather feel confident and have a better idea of what I am doing when its time to sit my R's so I can show the tester that I can handle a bike rather than go oh sweet 6 months get off the L's and hope I pass.

See how you feel when the time comes.

[McFatty1000]

See how you feel when the time comes.

+1

I got on my restricted asap just due to the length you sit on that..

Also, anyone know if any more changes are coming up the to the restricted license? I'd be quite happy with the time restrictions being taken away...

[FJRider]

+1

I got on my restricted asap just due to the length you sit on that..

Also, anyone know if any more changes are coming up the to the restricted license? I'd be quite happy with the time restrictions being taken away...

Rider training courses to shorten the restricted time is "being planned". Don't count on them anytime soon.