"Officially approved 250cc bike" - HELP!!

[Kenzie]

Quick question, but before I start arguing with someone on another forum (or the equivalent of bashing my head against a brick wall as history would prove), could anyone shed light on what they've said below:

"It's the usual LTNZ cock-up - someone's bright idea that hasn't really been thought through. Another Andy Knackstedt initiative ........... like motorbikes. Just learned from friends with a shop that there is now no officially approved 250cc bike in NZ and the modification kit which Suzuki put out in order to make their bikes comply for licenses have not been approved. So, how does anyone get their license nowadays? There are little mopeds but they're under 50cc:

How does that work do you think? No "officially approved" 250cc bike in NZ? Have I missed something?

Ta muchly

[Kenzie]

I mean surely a 250cc bike is a 250cc bike and if it is registered, wof'd, etc it IS a legal, acceptable 250cc bike as far as LTSA is concerned, right?

[sAsLEX]

Anything 250cc or less is automatically "approved"

Be it a 9Hp Gn250 or a 70 odd HP RS250

[discotex]

They've lost the plot. There is no approval system in NZ so if it's a 250cc bike it's legal for learners. Even the Aprilia RS250 at 60hp is legal for Kiwi's on an L plate.

They must be confusing the Aussie rules with NZ or something...

[James Deuce]

I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm sure Yamaha, Honda and Hyosung will be quite bemused that their 225cc, 248cc and 249cc motorcycles respectively, aren't considered learner legal?

What modification are you talking about that Suzuki use and on what motorcycles?

How about some substantiated evidence for what you're trying and failing to communicate?

[Kenzie]

Thanks, so I'm not wrong in thinking they're talking out their arse.

Jim2 - I have no idea what they are on about either - was a little bit of a scratch head and WTF?? moment to be honest so though I'd chuck it in here to see if I was the only one thinking it was nuts 'tis all.

I'm just asking as it's their un-substantiated evidence for what they are "trying and failing to communicate?"

I'll see what they can come up with - won't hold my breath though as they generally make things up and pull the "my hubbies a policeman" thing.........

[James Deuce]

Good stuuf!

Now I'm having a chuckle.

As I say ask them for some substantiated proof, like a link to an LTNZ webpage that defines in writing within an LTNZ regulation what they are claiming to be true.

www.ltsa.govt.nz

Bet you it can't be done.

[Kenzie]

LOL - have asked and got this

"that is what they were saying!!! They (friends) have a bikeshop and sell farm bikes, quads, etc, etc, and apparently the 250cc bike has too high a something or other rating (kW???) for the license criteria and so aren't approved and the 50cc's are too small for the normal license, but if you remove their inhibitors they can crank along at faster revs than the bigger bikes and it's just a friggin nightmare for them! I mean, I don't know ALL the ins and outs and I was having a few reds with the ladies!! but that's the gist of it"

Mind you, with all the little things LTSA is doing re HT licenses - I wouldn't be completely surprised

[Ixion]

There is no officially approved 250cc bike in NZ , simply because the concept of "officially approved" does not exist.

Someone is thinking of Australia , where there is an "official list". You must only ride a bike on the "official list" if you are a learner.Some 250cc bikes are on the list, some (eg RGCV250) are not.

There is no such concept in NZ. Our law simply says "If you are a learner you must not ride a bike over 250cc" End of story. No list, no "official approval" .

EDIT: The only power (KW) restriction in NZ law relates to riding mopeds on a cage (class 1) licence. They must be less than 2KW (I think - some number, anyway).

There is no power restriction as regards a class 6 L or R licence, other than the "less than 251cc" rule . Your friend is confused (to put it tactfully)

[MSTRS:Me]

I see the problem. It is one of mis-communication (perhaps)...
If you have a car licence, you may ride a moped (under 50cc/2kW) without having to get a m/c licence. But these things can be derestricted to reach higher speeds and it is impossible to know if any given moped complies....

[crashe]

where is the link to this wee battle of words.......


My bike is classed as a 249cc by Yamaha, but I still call it a 250cc bike.
Yamaha are still making this particular brand and are legal in NZ to do your license levels on.

[Kenzie]

No link I'm afraid , "Off Topic" so doing this by email......

Will update, have just got the will check with hubby email...........

She's nucking futs most of the time anyway but good entertainment....

[homer]

Quick question, but before I start arguing with someone on another forum (or the equivalent of bashing my head against a brick wall as history would prove), could anyone shed light on what they've said below:

"It's the usual LTNZ cock-up - someone's bright idea that hasn't really been thought through. Another Andy Knackstedt initiative ........... like motorbikes. Just learned from friends with a shop that there is now no officially approved 250cc bike in NZ and the modification kit which Suzuki put out in order to make their bikes comply for licenses have not been approved. So, how does anyone get their license nowadays? There are little mopeds but they're under 50cc:

How does that work do you think? No "officially approved" 250cc bike in NZ? Have I missed something?

Ta muchly

Well we all know if its good auzzie
Then itll be a happening here not long away

[homer]

Any ways whats the point of getting a fast 250 when its still a 250
when i got my licence i wanted a 750 which i could have got and would have been capable of riding at the time
I then got my 750 about 2 months before my full licence
Cop stoped me asked all the questions ....Like what licence i have told him a restricted
He asked how big the bike was i said 750
he asked how long i was going to keep riding it .
So i told him since its mine and since i brought it i think ill ride it when i want .
1 month added to licence (back then)
Anyways the whole point is that i didnt want a 250 then have to sell that to get a 750
250 goes just as fast anyways so why have a class at all.

[discotex]

Could always show them the law.... From the horses mouth

[(d)in the case of a Class 6L licence, where the holder is riding a motorcycle, the holder—

(i)must display on the vehicle an “L” plate as specified in clause 66; and

(ii)must not—
(A)drive between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am; or
(B)drive at a speed exceeding 70 km/h, unless taking the restricted licence test for a Class 6R licence under clause 48(5); or
(C)drive a motorcycle that has a total piston displacement exceeding 250 cm3; or
(D)carry another person on the motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle]