Power-to-weight ratio law and bikes

[vtec]

CBR250RR
34kW @ the crank
27kW @ the wheel
Weight approx 155kg
Weight with 70kg rider 225
That's only 120kW per tonne with rider at the wheel
or as much as 220kW per tonne without rider at the crank

Two very different numbers. Need to work out the methods of measurement before we can start assessing what the deal is.

[TomJ]

I currently ride an 07 Kawa GPX 250. It does not seem to be in the various lists. If I want to upgrade to a 650 will it be ok for a learner under the new rules?

[lostinflyz]

I currently ride an 07 Kawa GPX 250. It does not seem to be in the various lists. If I want to upgrade to a 650 will it be ok for a learner under the new rules?

all 250's are in except for the excluded few (i.e. 2 strokes)

650's will more than likely be out, but i know in aussie the gs500 or 550 or whatever is realy popular as one of the bigger bikes thats new

[Ixion]

There is no date set for the introduction of new rules, and the election will delay matters.

If they follow the Australian model ( and every indication is that they will), then

All 250s and less except specifically excluded models (all two strokes) are Learner (and restricted) OK
*SELECTED* larger machines up to a maximum of 660cc will be permitted. These will be specified on a list. Not on the list, not legal. The ones on the list will be lower horsepower models. Single cylinder shookchasers will probably make the grade. Four cylinder race replicas won't. You will NOT be able to ride an R6.
The LIST is based on horsepower and weight. But what matters is the LIST. It is no good you saying "Oh my bike has x horsepower and weighs y so it's OK". If it's not on the list and it's over 250cc it's not legal. No matter *what* figures you come up with . It's the LTSA (or whatever they are by then) that decide NOT the rider.

660 is the absolute limit, there is nothing on the list over 660cc (bearing in mind, this is the Australian list , we don't have one yet, the NZ government have said they will copy the Australian list) .

The figures for deciding whether it qualifies for the list will be manufacturers crank horsepower, and manufacturers dry weight plus 90kg for fuel oil and rider. But the authorities are under no obligation to put it on the list even if the figures stack up. They probably will , because that's why they have the guideline. But if they decide not to, you can't force them to.

If it is a legitimate Learner Approved bike, that fact will be noted on the registration and it will be printed on the rego label . The cop will check the label. If it doesn't say "LAMS Approved", bye bye dollars, hullo demerits.

[TomJ]

all 250's are in except for the excluded few (i.e. 2 strokes)

650's will more than likely be out, but i know in aussie the gs500 or 550 or whatever is realy popular as one of the bigger bikes thats new

Thanks for that. I have full now so this is not big issue but wanted to check I could still sell my 250 on without problems

[Bullitt]

Id recommend you sell your 250 before this law becomes widespread knowledge amongst everybody (if it isnt already). A reasonable proportion of learners ride a 250 because thats the largest they can so that artifically creates demand which holds prices up.

Once theres a bigger range of bikes available, particularly larger/faster ones the demand for most 250s will drop off so get out while the going is good.

[rgv250]

hey guys iv got a 91 rgv250 and the factory spec ratings on my model from what i can find is 63hp @ 11000rpm and dry weight of 139, i worked it out like 328kw per ton. am i corect in that? and how will they test how much power your bike got or will they go by factory specs? i dont want to have to sell my baby but if i cant ride it what else can i do :S rgv250s getin rare now and id never get another one. and does anyone know when this law wil come into affect? hope iv done my math wrong so hope someone can help thanx guys

[imdying]

If it's a JDM one, it's probably a 45hp model. If it's had the SAPC changed to get it up to 60hp, then put a JDM one in, and that'll take you back to 45hp.

[GOONR]

hey guys iv got a 91 rgv250 and the factory spec ratings on my model from what i can find is 63hp @ 11000rpm and dry weight of 139, i worked it out like 328kw per ton. am i corect in that? and how will they test how much power your bike got or will they go by factory specs? i dont want to have to sell my baby but if i cant ride it what else can i do :S rgv250s getin rare now and id never get another one. and does anyone know when this law wil come into affect? hope iv done my math wrong so hope someone can help thanx guys

If we end up following the NSW models then the RGV250 is explicitly excluded.

[Jantar]

hey guys iv got a 91 rgv250 and the factory spec ratings on my model from what i can find is 63hp @ 11000rpm and dry weight of 139, i worked it out like 328kw per ton. am i corect in that? and how will they test how much power your bike got or will they go by factory specs? i dont want to have to sell my baby but if i cant ride it what else can i do :S rgv250s getin rare now and id never get another one. and does anyone know when this law wil come into affect? hope iv done my math wrong so hope someone can help thanx guys

Surely you'll have your full before the law comes into force?

[bogan]

holy thread dredge batman! Didn't notice the dates till second page in even.
My 650 with me on it has wheel kw of 132kw/ton, so does that mean it would be classed as a learner bike?

[Infamy]

This is the worst news all year, well after the $1000 fix up shock my mechanic advised me of. I ride an 1990 RGV VJ21. I did a rough calculation based on a few estimations on weight and exact power of my bike. As follows:
RGV
@ 50 HP =33.55 kW
@ 140kg dry weight
=(33.55/140)x1000
=239kW per tonne.

or a more realistic figure:

@50hp
@ 140kg dry weight + me (80kg) + 20liters of fuel =240kg
=(33.55/240kg)x 1000
=139.79

Which is just under!
I am wondering if I should bring it up to scratch then pay for rego+wof or just scrap it as I will be riding out side of the law again.
This law will probably go through this time, they can't keep holding back. They should implement something like this for cars as well in the interest of 'safety'

[rgv250]

churs guys i really dont want to change the motor tho. i should have my full by then and upgrade but if its comes to it i think il just have to put on some weight to try make it legal i dont want to down grade

[chasio]

This is the worst news all year, well after the $1000 fix up shock my mechanic advised me of. I ride an 1990 RGV VJ21. I did a rough calculation based on a few estimations on weight and exact power of my bike. As follows:
RGV
@ 50 HP =33.55 kW
@ 140kg dry weight
=(33.55/140)x1000
=239kW per tonne.

or a more realistic figure:

@50hp
@ 140kg dry weight + me (80kg) + 20liters of fuel =240kg
=(33.55/240kg)x 1000
=139.79

Which is just under!
I am wondering if I should bring it up to scratch then pay for rego+wof or just scrap it as I will be riding out side of the law again.
This law will probably go through this time, they can't keep holding back. They should implement something like this for cars as well in the interest of 'safety'

Surely even when the law comes into force your bike won't be worthless?

Just worth less.

[chasio]

churs guys i really dont want to change the motor tho. i should have my full by then and upgrade but if its comes to it i think il just have to put on some weight to try make it legal i dont want to down grade

I think your hopes of making that work are, sadly, slim. They will most likely sheepily follow the NSW list in Goonr's post.

Have they bothered making that clear anywhere yet, or just blurted a general statement?