De-restricted 50cc 'mopeds'

[quattrocchi]

How likely is it that you'd be picked up for riding a derestricted 50cc scooter without a m/cycle licence?
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/43.html
states the requirements for a moped ridden by a car-licenced rider. But I see that the Yamaha Jog, for example, is power-rated on their brochure at well above the 2KW ('hmm, it must be a mistake' says the salesman), and it does go faster than 50kph, but it this requirement really policed in everyday life on the road?

If a scooter agent de-restricts the moped, effectively making it a motorcycle, might they be required to mention this to the LTSA people? Probably not. But the rider of that derestricted 50cc would legally need a m/c licence. So is this a big deal in the eyes of The Law?

Might affect the payout if you totaled a mini or something.

[Morcs]

Im not sure in NZ.

In the uk where nearly all 50cc scooters are mostly decent european ones (even the jog is different and nice) they are 2 strokes. At 16 years old it must be restricted and not capable of more than 30mph (50kph) - the police do enforce this as most derestrict them (my 50cc gilera dna used to do 105kph... )

So a 4 stroke 50cc cant really do diddly squat anyways and if you did derestrict it wouldnt be noticeable from a policemans point of view - even so you'd only go faster down a hill - and hey presto theres your excuse.

[cynna]

i wouldnt think the average cop on the street would notice if its deristricted or not. unless you are speeding then they might get a bit suspicious

[davereid]

If you are riding sensibly most cops are reasonable and would give you no bother. Ride like a nut, and count the fines ..

[delusionz]

So a 4 stroke 50cc cant really do diddly squat anyways

BS. 4 stroke 50's are capable of 80+ km/h on air cooling. The ones you find in your scooters are restricted in more ways than just a rev limiter to produce a maximum of 2KW (2.7HP), the NZ definition of a moped. The power stroke of an average air cooled 4 stroke 50 is good for 4 to 5HP with non restrictive parts and a new red line (or none if you cut the wire instead of replace the whole unit). Add water and high compression and those figures can double.

btw, Riding past cops at 59km/h on a scooter had never got me in trouble

[mbazza]

Cops do watch and stop you as you slalom through the pot holes on your side of the road. After discussion they admit they've never ridden anything but a bicycle on the road and turn down my offer of the helmet and gloves. Friendly, but ignorant of the problems of scooter riding. Cheers.