New learner rules- will they reduce crashes?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

IMHO, 600ccs are is WAY too much for a learner to handle.

LS 650 Single Savage... too much power... :?????

The IL4s anyway.

Many are but not all... imho

[Mikkel]

Lacking judgement can get you killed on a push-bike!

I don't think the statistics are going to change measurably because of the new bike restrictions for 6L and 6R.

The restrictions haven't prevented people from taking big and fast bikes on the public road while still on their 6L and 6R. And I am sad to see that a lot of bikers do not actively condemn that practice. Having recently purchase a big and fairly powerful sportsbike I was actively encouraged by several members on this forum to HTFU and ride it from Napier to Chch on my recently acquired 6R (17th this month).

Again, compulsory 3rd party insurance would be a much more efficient way of bringing the road toll down!

Ultimately Jim2 is absolutely right - until you have to actually learn something and display a reasonable amount of aptitude in order to get your license things are probably not going to change much.

Also, as Ursaka said - it's not what you ride, it's how you ride it.

[Rogue]

I think the HP/ weight ratio is a good start. As already stated it will have to be strickly . It will open a larger field of motorcycle , large trial/adventure bikes and mid size cruiser's that new riders are presently not able to obtain (if they keep within the law)
I do wonder if there will be more accidents off road if learners go for the bigger trail/adventure type of motorcycle
It should give the inexperienced rider the skill they need when they get a bigger more powerfull bike. Man I wouldn't like to be on a DR 650 at 200km.

[MaxB]

Like others on this thread I dont think it will make much difference to the stats. It will make some difference to the riders who can get a feel of a big bike while learning. If you could still get one a BMW R65, Pegaso or XJ650 etc. would make quite good first tourers but what are the odds of finding a good one?

I think NZ needs a proper organised rider training system well above the standard we have now, maybe even a graduated system based on merit not age. Possibly have a 2 year probation period between licences which is reduced to a year if you remain accident free. In other places this has been proven to reduce accidenty rates.

We have to decide what type of bikers we want to be, highly trained like Japan or Germany with low accident rates or will we end up like a free for all like Vietnam.

[howdamnhard]

Only the scrapping of the 70km/hr rule makes any sense.Yes being able to choose from a greater selection of bikes is great except bikes with a bigger power to weight ratio will be less forgiving initially to the beginner.Better riding training and stricter tests will be the only thing that will bring down the number of crashes but thats harder to implement .So instead making the relatively simple to implement new rules will placate the masses without achieving anything.

[SPman]

Then again it isn't like you can duck down to the local dealer and buy a Panther 650. I've been riding bikes off and on since 1959 and I've even never seen one in the flesh...

Used to be a couple around Uni, 70-71......

[RiderInBlack]

Well at least this will make the 250's come down ta a realistic price. When is this law change supposed ta come in? My partner is looking a starting and this will make a huge difference in the price of the bikes we would be looking at to start her on.

[scumdog]

Wellllll.....it SHOULD make all the KB 6L & 6R Whinger Brigade ecstatic - but I know that's a pipe dream, give 'em an inch and they'll want a mile.

[Swoop]

Gene-O-Kleen sales are quite safe.


How about Harry organises a learning system, not just a testing system?

[Usarka]

How about Harry organises a learning system, not just a testing system?

we'll have none of that training here! training encourages people to ride/drive faster didn't you know.......

[Swoop]

we'll have none of that training here! training encourages people to ride/drive faster didn't you know.......

Yeah. It might also achieve what the politicians want - less road accidents or injuries.

Once that is solved, they can work on the roading gangs that fail to create a safe environment... sweeping up the excess gravel after performing roadworks, perhaps?
Using the warning signs that alert motorists to the fact that they are working on the side of the road... like yesterday when I came around a corner at speed, leant over, "oh how nice, a road gang cleaning the side of the road". If they didn't like the antics then they can simply use the signage they were provided with and which was sitting on thew back of their truck.[/rant]

[Ocean1]

Once that is solved, they can work on the roading gangs that fail to create a safe environment... sweeping up the excess gravel after performing roadworks, perhaps?

Ah, now... an uncle used to be with the old MOW, was in charge of roading for all of the south island. He used to visit us up north, he'd see roadworks up here and mutter and shake his head. One of the things that upset him was the tactic of using general traffic to compact any new metal. Apparently the approved “correct” procedure saw one of those big rubber tyred rollers stomp all the new aggregate into the surface and any loose stuff was then swept clear before the road was re-opened.

Doubt you'll ever get it done properly nowadays unless the scope of works specifies such a procedure, contractors will always cut cost where possible. Still, I've complained about tar on me paint before and been successful in having the contractor clean my car several times. Once had a team of 4 cleaning about 40 employees cars in the company car park when they re-sealed the road outside, took them 2 days. Time for a wee complaint campaign blitz?

[Blue Babe]

When do the new rules come into play? Personally as a newby I'll probably stick to the 250cc or maybe look at a 400cc. I'm Not a big girl so will need something I can handle. When cc rating goes up the bikes generally get bigger too.

[Horse]

At the very least, I will now no longer want to throttle n00bs and plonkers who love to get all emo about how 70km/h is so dangerous that they feel compelled to take their L plates off because it makes car drivers want to kill them on sight, as well as summon aliens to probe their bottoms with cold steel implements...

Really? I just ride at 100km/h with the L plate on. Seems much simpler.

[breakaway]

Also everyone should get rid of their overpriced 250s RIGHT NOW