INFO LAMS - RVF - Aftermarket exhaust, carbon parts?

**smithmZXR** · 19th October 2012, 22:14

Hi, I've bought a RVF 400 and I see it is LAMS approved now. Can anyone tell me if I can legally put a aftermarket exhaust on it / swap for carbon parts (tyga performance parts, I think the exhaust adds 6-8hp??)? Any help would be much appreciated, or else I will call on Tuesday and try to find out.

Cheers,

Mike

**James Deuce** · 19th October 2012, 22:16

Nope. It has to remain as it left the factory. Any modification makes it ineligible for LAMS status. If you need to replace parts, you have to use factory ones.

**smithmZXR** · 19th October 2012, 22:19

Thanks, it's not so much of getting a WoF etc but in the case of insurance etc also. Cheers for the quick reply.

**Jantar** · 19th October 2012, 22:32

Originally Posted by smithmZXR

Hi, I've bought a RVF 400 and I see it is LAMS approved now. Can anyone tell me if I can legally put a aftermarket exhaust on it / swap for carbon parts (tyga performance parts, I think the exhaust adds 6-8hp??)? Any help would be much appreciated, or else I will call on Tuesday and try to find out.

Cheers,

Mike

You can put an aftermarket exhaust on it provided it doesnt alter the power to weight ratio. Ie it must not increase power or decrease overall weight. Thus your idea of a tyga exhaust would make it non compliant. If you really need a new exhaust then as James Deuce says, the only real way is replace with a factory item.

**FJRider** · 20th October 2012, 07:32

As the legislation is written ... modifications for the purpose of increasing the power to weight ratio is not allowed.
If an aftermarket exhaust system was just fitted ... as no standard original part was available to be fitted. With no (or little) gain to HP ... and wasn't an obvious and/or loud pipe (and not speeding) ... not much would be said.

BUT ... With the Carbon pipe ... with re-jetting to get the best out of the system ... intentional performance gains were sought.

As far as insurance goes ... riding a motorcycle outside the class of your license ... may not affect your insurance. If the bike had a WOF, was up to date with registration ... they may still cover you. (ASK THEM)

**steve74** · 20th October 2012, 08:42

The other thing to consider is how would anyone know? Vtnz don't have dyno's. the police don't have a clue what your bike is, let alone how much power it's got or if the exhaust is factory? You wont find many bog standard Japanese 400cc bikes that haven't had holes drilled in the air box or a jet/ needle modification or an aftermarket exhaust to increase horsepower. I just can't see how they can prove it on the spot. Fair enough in a major accident they might investigate modifications which I guess may void insurance but our local cops won't have a clue?

**Subike** · 20th October 2012, 08:50

Originally Posted by steve74

The other thing to consider is how would anyone know? Vtnz don't have dyno's. the police don't have a clue what your bike is, let alone how much power it's got or if the exhaust is factory? You wont find many bog standard Japanese 400cc bikes that haven't had holes drilled in the air box or a jet/ needle modification or an aftermarket exhaust to increase horsepower. I just can't see how they can prove it on the spot. Fair enough in a major accident they might investigate modifications which I guess may void insurance but our local cops won't have a clue?

finally a man that can think.
If others had been following Rastacats thread, he stated that a high majority of the popo;s dont even know about the law change, let alone what a bike rating is full stop.
But do be aware, this could be the start of bikes having to be certified like cars and hot rods are, so I would not make too much noise about checking out a bikes legal position with the land transport, they will find another reason to tax us.
Keep your bike , clean, tidy and licensed, you should not have a problem.
Notify your insurance company of any Major changes, which everyone should do without saying.
And enjoy your ride

**FJRider** · 20th October 2012, 09:00

Originally Posted by steve74

The other thing to consider is how would anyone know? Vtnz don't have dyno's. the police don't have a clue what your bike is, let alone how much power it's got or if the exhaust is factory? You wont find many bog standard Japanese 400cc bikes that haven't had holes drilled in the air box or a jet/ needle modification or an aftermarket exhaust to increase horsepower. I just can't see how they can prove it on the spot. Fair enough in a major accident they might investigate modifications which I guess may void insurance but our local cops won't have a clue?

If his luck is as good as mine ... the first booze check-point he finds himself at ... will have a cop that owns one, and knows the lam's laws well.

And depending on the circumstances of the stop ... and attitude of the rider (and cop) at the time. A complience notice may also be issued (on suspicion of non-complience of LAM's regulations). Which is not a ticket ... but still costs.

The risk is his ... but are the 6 or so horses gained worth the possible extra costs ... if he is caught.

The OP himself can decide that.

**McFatty1000** · 21st October 2012, 11:05

With regards to this, what about 250s that have had modifications? I have a slip on on mine which I have had since before the lams laws and was put on by a previous owner so don't have the original. Wouldn't think it actually does anything for my bike honestly but I'd rather not have to find a stock pipe to make things legit?

**FJRider** · 21st October 2012, 11:56

Originally Posted by McFatty1000

With regards to this, what about 250s that have had modifications? I have a slip on on mine which I have had since before the lams laws and was put on by a previous owner so don't have the original. Wouldn't think it actually does anything for my bike honestly but I'd rather not have to find a stock pipe to make things legit?

If it doesn't increase the power to weight ratio ... it is allowed.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/gett...torcycles.html

Those people with a non-compliant LAMs class bike from before the legislation came in ... can apply for an exemption.

**Glowerss** · 21st October 2012, 12:32

Originally Posted by McFatty1000

With regards to this, what about 250s that have had modifications? I have a slip on on mine which I have had since before the lams laws and was put on by a previous owner so don't have the original. Wouldn't think it actually does anything for my bike honestly but I'd rather not have to find a stock pipe to make things legit?

With 250s it doesn't matter. Only matters on 251cc - 569.

**FJRider** · 21st October 2012, 14:22

Originally Posted by Glowerss

With 250s it doesn't matter. Only matters on 251cc - 569.

Incorrect ... Any motorcycle modified in a way that increases its power-to-weight ratio is no longer LAMS-compliant, regardless of whether it appears on the list.

**McFatty1000** · 21st October 2012, 14:29

Ok, just saw this on the nzta site:

Please note

Any motorcycle modified in a way that increases its power-to-weight ratio is no longer LAMS-compliant, regardless of whether it appears on the list.

If you are a rider on a learner or restricted motorcycle licence, it is your responsibility to ensure you are riding a LAMS-approved motorcycle, as produced by the manufacturer. If in doubt, seek confirmation from the manufacturer’s agent or dealership. If you are unsure who to contact, details for all major motorcycle importers are available on the Motor Industry Association website (external link).

So I guess that'd include mine? However, they're going off the factory specs right? Mine will have lost horses over the years so where does that put it now? Even a small increase in power now wouldn't off set this...

**FJRider** · 21st October 2012, 14:44

Originally Posted by McFatty1000

Ok, just saw this on the nzta site:

As always ... if you're on the restricted license ... don't attract the attention of plod. If said plod is having a slow day ... or just in the mood (after you fail the attitude test) he/she will go looking for issues to ticket you with.
Some plod may not know ... or care. Some WILL ... and will care.

For the 18 months of the restricted license ... be good boys and girls. Especially ... if your bike "Features" non OEM parts.

Individual choice for doing this of course.

Ignorance of the rules is no excuse ... as always.

**jasonu** · 21st October 2012, 15:10

Originally Posted by smithmZXR

Hi, I've bought a RVF 400 and I see it is LAMS approved now. Can anyone tell me if I can legally put a aftermarket exhaust on it / swap for carbon parts (tyga performance parts, I think the exhaust adds 6-8hp??)? Any help would be much appreciated, or else I will call on Tuesday and try to find out.

Cheers,

Mike

I'll bet the exhaust doesn't add 6-8hp