Stung $400

[firefighter]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.I'm sure it won't be kept on for the whole day, and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky. Yeah sympathy all the way man it's a really un-necessary thing which seems to put you in the thick of harassment and do the opposite of what it's intetnded for. don't be dis-heartened by the ignorant old fogies who got there full licence from the local cop

[BiK3RChiK]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.I'm sure it won't be kept on for the whole day, and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky. Yeah sympathy all the way man it's a really un-necessary thing which seems to put you in the thick of harassment and do the opposite of what it's intetnded for. don't be dis-heartened by the ignorant old fogies who got there full licence from the local cop

Hey! Who you calling old? I wish I had got my licence out of the weetbix packet back in the old days then I wouldn't be going through all the bs now! Ah well, I didn't, did I, so I have to suck it up like the rest of the L-Plate riders!! BTW, I was harrassed today by a moron in a van and no way he could have missed my L-Plate... but I just think 'LOSER!' and carry on. I'm not going to let that ruin my nice ride out!! Shows more about their character than mine!!!

[JimO]

I hate it when older riders comment on threads like this, funny that they feel there opinion counts when they have never had to use them, I challenge all you oldies that never had to to try it for a day and see the harrassment you get.I'm sure it won't be kept on for the whole day, and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky. Yeah sympathy all the way man it's a really un-necessary thing which seems to put you in the thick of harassment and do the opposite of what it's intetnded for. don't be dis-heartened by the ignorant old fogies who got there full licence from the local cop

i ride my sons 250 all the time with the l plate and have never had a issue

[Mikkel]

I've got about a month to go before I can sit my restricted.

That means I've been riding for just around 5 months.

I have been displaying my L-plate like the good boy I am all the time...

I haven't had more than one or two episodes of someone sitting a bit closer than I was comfortable with. In those cases I just reduced my speed until it fit the distance they were keeping.
These episodes where in the beginning when I was a bit more lacking in confidence and didn't have my riding gear. After I got my black leathers, black helmet and tinted visor I haven't had anyone hassling me at all... Then again, it would be pretty hard for a car to tailgate me during rush hour unless it had flashing lights and sirens to make all the other cars move out of the way.

On the open road I ride at the speed limit (at least) - don't go there if you want to observe the 70 km/h rule and don't like people sitting on your tail and do stupid overtakes to get by.

If you for some reason choose not to wear the L-plate then accept that you're gambling 25 demerit points and $400 right there. Add to that whatever you might have gotten pulled over for... It's not worth it.

And I think scumdog is right. It's about ego and peer pressure. I've been told by heaps of guys to take mine off, ridden with a lot of learners who doesn't display it, etc. But let's face it - taking the L-plate off isn't going to improve your riding. The people who heed the L-plate and give you some extra space actually deserve to have it. If you're riding like a novice you'll get harrased by the assholes anyway - L-plate or no L-plate.

[Soul.Trader]

I just see it as a personal choice - I dont judge people whether they use the L or not. But if not, you're going to have to accept a strangely disproportionate fine if you get pulled over.

[marty]

Newbs, please don't worry too much. Cagers aren't ALL trying to kill you ok ? B

actually, EVERY car driver is either trying to kill you, or just will by sheer ineptitude.

and if the thread starter can't handle a car or two tailgating (geez you live in auckland ffs - the world authority on tailgating!), and see that this is great experience to stay alive/unscratched out there, then maybe you should get back into your toyota and listen to the edge on the way to work.

[Blossom]

actually, EVERY car driver is either trying to kill you, or just will by sheer ineptitude.

That doesn't say a lot for all the motorcycle owners who also drive cars then does it.
Thats not to say that I trust anyone else on the road, I dont. Experience has taught me a better lesson than that.

[discotex]

and dude the only time I used mine was for my test, guess I was just lucky.

So how exactly would you know what it's like to ride with an L plate on?

Many/most of the people who've commented on this thread wore their L plate for months before coming to their opinion. You on the other hand wore it one day and became an expert.... Hmm...

And I think scumdog is right. It's about ego and peer pressure. I've been told by heaps of guys to take mine off, ridden with a lot of learners who doesn't display it, etc. But let's face it - taking the L-plate off isn't going to improve your riding. The people who heed the L-plate and give you some extra space actually deserve to have it. If you're riding like a novice you'll get harrased by the assholes anyway - L-plate or no L-plate.

Exactly what I've said dozens of times myself. I rode on my learners with both L and no L (when it snapped off a month before my test) and the truth is it's a zero-sum game.

Yes some wankers will pick on you but more than enough make room and treat you with added respect that it cancels out.

Not wearing the L plate is mostly an attempt (albeit failed as you're still obviously on a 250) to not look uncool.

That said, looking cool is a big part of motorcycling (as discussed in gloves/scooters/ATGATT threads) so it's probably worth the $400 fine to many.

[PrincessBandit]

Hey! Who you calling old? ....

Hee hee, you beat me to it! I was (ummmmmmmm, about to admit to my age there, oh what the hell, it's in my profile) 43 when i sat my learners, and my husband a few years older than me when he sat his. I kept the L plate on as we're not rich enough to cope with potentially endless fines for non-compliance of licence violations . My husband has no problems with riding my sweet wee ginny with a big yellow sign on it's bum (apart from the fact that he struggles to see anything in it's mirrors, which is why we're crossing our fingers for his exemption). I don't think it has anything to do with being a boring old fart or riding like a great great nana or anything like that for some people. There are some who simply feel that if dem's da law, then what the heck - it's only for a finite period! (unless you are a habitual licence fail-er, eeeek, sorry gijoe1313 for that dreadful use of English).

[JimO]

i bet the most guys who dont use a L plate are under 20 .....dont use the plate pay the fucking fine...its part of the rules - dont want to follow the rules, dont complain about the consequences, you will be quick to complain about the car drivers that dont give way to you, but maby thats one of the rules they feel doesnt apply to them

[Mikkel]

Not wearing the L plate is mostly an attempt (albeit failed as you're still obviously on a 250) to not look uncool.

Hey, I resent that!
It's very possible to look cool on a 250 ccm - I've seen it done...
Those 250s are a lot more fun than some people probably are aware.

However, if you're riding like an inexperienced and incompetent newbie on a 250 ccm, having the L-plate or not won't make much difference for your image!

[McDuck]

I had an lplate for the length of my learners and did not have one drop of problems. (maby helped by the fact that problems are not liquid) and for some of the way i like to think i look cool on the 250, like when riding calm feet firmly on the foot pegs and about half slow walking pace..... lots of people watched..... i felt cool....

[CookMySock]

Not wearing the L plate is mostly an attempt (albeit failed as you're still obviously on a 250) to not look uncool.

I can confirm that my mrs sexy ass looks exceedingly cool on her Yellow GT250R, L-Plate included.

Do I get points for this ?

DB

[Tank]

I can confirm that my mrs sexy ass looks exceedingly cool on her Yellow GT250R, L-Plate included.

Do I get points for this ?

DB

We need pics first - then we can discuss points or bling.

[BiK3RChiK]

I had an lplate for the length of my learners and did not have one drop of problems. (maby helped by the fact that problems are not liquid) and for some of the way i like to think i look cool on the 250, like when riding calm feet firmly on the foot pegs and about half slow walking pace..... lots of people watched..... i felt cool....

Hey, Mcduck5n,

Did you ride at at 70km/hr on the open road?

M