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X-Mailer: m, by Cameron Simpson
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2002 14:09:24 +0000
Subject: aus.motorcycles FAQ, part 1 of 3 [monthly post]
Approved: [email protected]
Followup-To: aus.motorcycles
Summary: This posting and its companions cover most of the
common issues raised in motorcycling discussions, with
Australia specific information.
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Maintainer: Cameron Simpson <[email protected]>
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(Living on the WWW at) \| |/
"http://www.zip.com.au/~cs/moto/aus.moto/FAQ/" |_|

Overview
~~~~~~~~
The Aus.Motorcycles FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) comes in three parts.
Part One contains introductory material for learners or new bike buyers.
Part Two contains specific information about Australian touring, maintenaince,
bike hire, gear, etc...
Part Three covers the safety and everything else of clothing & gear.

1. 1.1 Welcome to Aus.Motorcycles

2.

Welcome to Aus.Motorcycles Aus.Motorcycles (a.m) is a forum
for discussion (haha) of Australian motorcycles and
motorcycling. This FAQ was put together by lots of regular
posters to a.m not only to answer the FAQs but also give
people an idea of how to begin _and_ enjoy motorcycling
around the entire country. It is hopefully a starting point
for beginners and a useful reference to ol' timers :-)

Need some info you can't find in here?... Let the posting
begin!
3. 1.2 What kind of bike should I buy?

4.

What kind of bike should I buy? Compiled by Zebee Johnstone
<[email protected]>.

Bikes come in 4 main types:
cruiser (harley clone)
good for small people - low seat height
good commuter - upright riding position
OK for luggage, although heavy loads can be awkward, too
far back and high up.
OK for light pillions, but again, too far back and high
up.
sports

Ok for most folks, may be too high seat for small
people, too cramped for tall ones.
Ok to poor commuter. often too peaky, hard in slow
traffic and riding postion too radical for town work.
Usually poor for pillions, seat too small, pegs too
high, weight too high up.
Usually poor for luggage, no attachment points
Good for freeway riding.
Good for recreational riding (ie fanging)
standard
Good commuter/tourer but can be slow to accelerate
often overweight/underpowered.
Good for luggage
Good for pillions
OK for freeway
Poor for sporty riding, too slow.
Few made now - usually mid-80s bikes.
dirt or road/trail
Amended by Ian Mason <[email protected]>.
Good for tall people, short people can't touch the
ground; good commuter - upright position plus good
accelleration; poor on freeways, and can be not fast
enough
OK for luggage
Ok for pillions, although can compress the suspension
too much; brakes and lights may not be up to road bike
standard; knobby tyres ok but suboptimal on bitumen, and
they wear fast.
High centre of gravity, thus less stable at speed than
road bikes.
Which you choose depends on your type of riding. Plus, not
all bikes are the same - a ZZR250 is a sports bike, but is
more friendly to pillions and luggage than an RGV250 would
be.

Go to all the dealers you can, and sit on the bikes. See
what fits you and which ones you like.

You need to ask yourself these questions:

� Kind of riding.
Lots of city riding? traffic jams etc? Lots of
freeway riding? Want to spend time playing in curving
roads? Are there bush trails near you? Are you
unusually tall or short? How heavy are you?

� Pillions and luggage
Will you need to carry a lot of gear? shopping? lots
of books? More than you can comfortably get in a
backpack? How about another person? Is this other
person tall? Heavy?

� maintenance
Do you want to work on it yourself? How much can you

afford to spend on servicing? Some bikes are much
easier to work on than others - a single cyl 4 stroke
cruiser like an SR250 is a doddle. A 4cyl sports bike
like a GS250FW is much harder.

� money and future plans
How long will you be keeping it? Do you plan to buy a
250 to learn on, and upgrade as soon as you get your
unrestricted license?

Many riders will drop the bike in the first year. Do
you want to buy an expensive faired bike now, or wait
till your skill improves?

Do you want insurance? Comprehensive? Have you
factored in your riding gear? Helmet? Boots? Gloves?
Jacket? Wet weather gear?
Once you have sorted out your needs, you can then peruse the
250cc list for likely candidates, and cross check with your
local paper for likely price and availability. The monthly
bike trading magazine Just Bikes is also a good resource for
pricing and model identification.

You should also try and locate the beginner's magazines that
Two Wheels puts out from time to time. They usually have
good advice on how to buy a second hand bike, models, riding
gear etc.
5. 1.3 Which bike? - Bikes for Learners.

6.

Which bike? - Bikes for Learners. compiled by Miles Gillham
<[email protected]>.
Maintained on the web by John Lamp
<[email protected]>.

The version recited here is 3.0j. I update it when someone
prods me.
The live version is on the web at:
Bikes For Learners
http://www.250ccbikes.com/

7. 1.4 Buying a Bike

8.

Buying a Bike [ Overview | Finding Bikes To Buy | Evaluating
a Bike | More Resources and Links ]

8.1 Overview

8.2

Having thought about what kind of bike you might want and
checked out the leaner bike list it's time to go hunting.

Suggestion: bring an experienced friend if you have one.
They may point out things you miss, and can also test ride
bikes for you.

8.3 Finding Bikes To Buy

8.4

For just looking at bikes the easiest thing is to visit a
dealer. You can eyeball many bikes in a short time, and
thus know what you're looking at when you see it described
later. So do this first, with no intention to buy. Take a
bit of notice of prices with respect to age and kilometers
travelled.

Then do a look in your paper. Your local and main city
papers will have for sale sections. Also, in most
newsagents you can find copies of "
The Trading Post
http://www.tradingpost.com.au/
" and "Just Bikes". The Trading Post also has a well
implemented web site.

Note that with a dealer purchase:

� dealer prices tend to be a bit higher

� in NSW at least, a bike less than two years old comes
with 3 months warrantee if you buy from a dealer

� new bikes come with their factory warrantee (eg 1 or
2 years) and are of course much more expensive; on
the other hand several dealers offer "learner
packages" which do you a (new) bike and some gear and
perhaps insurance and finance

8.5 Evaluating a Bike

8.6

Consider the kilometers the bike has travelled. Look for

oil leaks, especially in the lower gaskets (the joins
between the pieces of the engine and gear cases). Look for
signs of crash damage or racing use (eg oil caps and the
like with small holes drilled in them to accomodate "race
wire" used to ensure the bikes stay done up and with the
bike). In a learner bike race use is uncommon.

If you're getting serious about a bike, make sure a friend
test rides it. Try to check you're buyng from the bike's
real owner: do the rego papers match the address you're at,
does the seller's licence match the owner on the rego
papers, do the rego papers match the bike (plate, chassis
and frame numbers)?

Before you buy a bike, do a REVS check. This is the
Register of Encumbered Vehicles. It lists bikes with money
owning on them; such vehicles can be repossessed. You can
do a REVS check online here:
Register of Encumbered Vehicles
http://www.revs.nsw.gov.au/

8.7 More Resources and Links

8.8

See also:
Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html
Buying Vehicles Privately
http://www.fairtrading.wa.gov.au/consumers/motor_vehicles/buying_privately.shtml
9. 1.5 Licencing: What rules and regulations do I have to
follow in my state?

10.

Licencing: What rules and regulations do I have to follow in
my state? [ Queensland | South Australia | Western
Australia | Australian Capital Territory | New South Wales |
Tasmania | Northern Territory | Victoria ]

10.1 Queensland

10.2

Compiled by Red & Chris Martin.
[ Learners | Provisional | Open Learners | Open ]

LEARNERS PERMIT

Requirements To obtain, must answer a selection of questions from the
Queensland drivers guide. (Currently holding a car licence is
not taken into account)
Pass an eyesight test.
Be over 17 years of age.
Use Conditions During this period, you must be accompanied at all times by
either (1) A rider on another bike with at least 1 years riding
xp. or (2) A pillion with at least 2 years riding xp.
CC Limit 250cc limit (no problems with 2 strokes .... yet.)
Duration Must keep permit for six months (minimum), valid for 12 months.
BAC 0.0 BAC
Pillions No pillion passengers other than a rider with at least 2 years
riding xp.
Speed Restrict No additional.
Plates No 'L' or 'P' plates required.
Points you get 4 points

PROVISIONAL LICENCE

Requirements Road test with transport department official (approx
half an hour) to qualify for licence.
Use Conditions Nil.
CC Limit 250cc
Duration 1 year minimum duration.
BAC 0.0
Pillions None. (Not even those with 2 years riding experience).
Speed Restrict No additional.
Plates None required.
Points 4
A full, non-provisional licence will be granted at the end
of a year of holding a Provisional licence. No extra tests
required.

OPEN LEARNERS

Requirements Must have held a Provisional licence for at least 1 year.
Use Conditions Must be followed around by a person with at least 1 years
experience on a bike with capacity >250cc OR 2 years
experience if pillion. (Note that this is only if you
are on your >250cc bike)
CC Limit Nil.
Duration Must hold learners permit for 6 months, Maximum Duration
12 months.
BAC ??
Pillions Only those with greater or equal to 2 years riding
experience on a large bike.
Speed Restrict No additional.
Plates Nil.
Points ????

OPEN LICENCE

Requirements Bike Test required (Slalom, Figure 8 etc.)

Use Conditions Nil.
CC Limit Nil.
Duration Nil.
BAC 0.05
Pillions Yes.
Speed Restrict No additional.
Plates Nil.
Points Nil.

10.3 South Australia

10.4

Compiled by Cameron Miller
<[email protected]>.
[ Learners | Restricted | Open ]

LEARNERS PERMIT

Requirements Pass written test on road rules (only if you don't already
have a car licence.)
Pass 2x4 hour training sessions on Motorcycle riding (rider
safety course.)
Use Conditions Nil. May ride completely unaccompanied, at any time of day.
CC Limit 250 cc.
Duration 4 - 6 months.
BAC 0.0
Pillions No, unless they hold an unrestricted licence.
Speed Restrict ???
Plates L plate attached to rear of bike.
Points 4?

RESTRICTED LICENCE

Requirements Have to pass a 4 hour rider safe course/test.
Use Conditions No conditions imposed.
CC Limit 250 cc.
Duration 1 Year.
BAC 0.0 if on P plates, 0.05 otherwise.
Pillions Ok.
Speed Restrict No Additional.
Plates P Plates required if you do not already have a full car licence.
Points 4 for P plated, 12 otherwise.

OPEN LICENCE

Requirements Must hold a restricted licence for the period of one year.
Use Conditions Nil.
CC Limit Nil.
Duration N/A.
BAC 0.05
Pillions Ok.
Speed Restrict No additional.

Plates Nil.
Points 12

10.5 Western Australia

10.6

Compiled by Matthew Carter <[email protected]> &
Chris Martin.
[ Learners | Restricted Provisional | Provisional | Open ]

LEARNERS PERMIT

Requirements Pass 30 Question multiple choice test
unless the holder of a car licence, in
which case it is a 10-question test.
Use Conditions You may only ride when accompanied by a
licenced rider with at least two years
experience - either following, or as a
pillion.
CC Limit 250cc.
Duration No Minimum duration. Valid for one year.
BAC ???
Pillions ???
Speed Restrict 72 Km/h maximum.
Plates ???
Points ???

RESTRICTED
PROVISIONAL

Requirements For those who have not held a car/other
vehicle licence for more than 2 years, A
simple riding test needs to be completed.
Use Conditions No need for experienced rider accompanyment???
CC Limit 250cc.
Duration No Minimum duration. Valid for one year.
BAC ???
Pillions ???
Speed Restrict 72 Km/h maximum.
Plates ???
Points ???

PROVISIONAL LICENCE
(L class)

Requirements If you have held a
licence of some form for
over 2 years, a simple
driving test will gain
you a class 'L' licence.
Use Conditions Nil???
CC Limit 250cc.

Duration 1 year minimum duration.
BAC 0.05
Pillions Ok.
Speed Restrict No Additional.
Plates ???
Points 12

OPEN LICENCE (K
class)

Requirements Riding test for large
capacity bikes.
Must have held a
Provisional licence for
at least 1 year.
Use Conditions Nil.
CC Limit 250cc.
Duration 1 year minimum duration.
BAC 0.05
Pillions Ok.
Speed Restrict No Additional.
Plates ???
Points 12

10.7 Australian Capital Territory

10.8

Compiled by Neal Gowen <[email protected]> & Dean
Kaufman.
[ Learners Licence | Provisional Licence ]

LEARNERS LICENCE

Requirements Minimum Age - 16yrs 9 months
Current ACT car L, P or full licence to book
Must pass 10 hours competency-based course with Stay
Upright Motorcycle Techniques pre-learner course. Cost
$150
Book course through Stay Upright on (02) 61423963.
Use Conditions Nil
CC Limit Nil (but changes to law expected in late 1998)
Duration maximum 15 months, minimum 3 months before P assessment,
BAC 0.02
Pillions None.
Speed Restrict Normal posted limits apply
Plates L Plates required.
Points 4 or more means 3 month suspension

PROVISIONAL LICENCE

Requirements Must have current ACT Learners motorcycle licence
Must pass Alternate MOST practical skills assessment
with a no more than 8 points lost. Involves 7
exercises including not stalling engine, sharp left
turn, normal stop in a box, offset cone weave, U-
turn, quick stop in a straight line, swerve (obstacle
avoidance). No on-road test.
Book through Stay Upright on (02) 61423963. Cost $25
Use Conditions Nil
CC Limit Nil (but changes to law expected in late 1998)
Duration minimum 12 months depending on existing licence class
BAC 0.02
Pillions None for first year.
Speed Restrict No additional
Plates 'P' Plates required.
Points 4 or more means 3 month suspension

10.9 New South Wales

10.10

Compiled by Chris Martin, Colin Panisset <[email protected]>
and Thomas Cohen <[email protected]>.
See also the
RTA
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/
including
the RTA's licence info
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/frames/licensing/a_f.htm?/frames/licensing/a&/licensing/a_c.htmLICENSING&0
, although they seem to have recently undergone a revamp
and are now a miracle of bad organisation painful
navigation, and ill-designed frames and html.

[ Learners Permit | Provisional Licence | Open Licence ]

The RTA Rider Training Unit can be contacted on (02)
9218-6641 or free on 1 800 45-1389, or via any motor
registry. PDF (ugh!) of various pamphlets and booklets
may be fetched from
RTA Licence Educational Material
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/a31_c.htm

LEARNERS PERMIT

Minimum age 16 years and 9 months
Requirements Must pass a two day riding course (3.5 hrs per day) plus a
Computer-based knowledge test (Standard Learners + a bike-
specific section).
* Note: Course is optional if you live in an area that
does not contain a testing station; you will be requires
to pass a riding skill test (bizarre, eh?) [ I don't
belive there are any such exempt areas any more. ]

Use Conditions not drive in Centennial Park, Sydney
not teach other learners
CC Limit Less than 260cc
Bike must have a power to wieght ratio of no more than
150kw/tonne (figure based on an 'average' rider of 75kg)
Thus most 2 strokes are out. :( eg: RGV250, TZR250, KR1-S,
NSR250.
Duration Must hold licence for a minimum of 3 months, licence is
valid for 15 months.
Learners under 25 must hold the licence for a minimum of 6
months.
BAC 0.02
Pillions Only riders with at least 2 years full licence experience.
Towing not tow trailer or another vehicle
Speed Restrict 80 Km/H
Plates Must display an 'L' plate at the rear
Points 0 (you may not accumulate any demerit points)

PROVISIONAL LICENCE

Requirements Must pass a one day driving
course (Duration is the entire
day).
Note: Course is optional if
you live in an area that does
not contain a testing station.
[ I don't belive there are any
such exempt areas any more. ]
Minimum age 17 years
Use Conditions Not teach learners.
CC Limit As for Learners.
Duration Normally, 12 months. For
riders over 30 who hold a full
car license, the duration is 3
months.
BAC 0.02
Pillions None.
Speed Restrict Speed is restricted to 80/km/h
Plates 'P' plate at the rear
Points 4 licence points.

OPEN LICENCE

Requirements If you are over 30 years of age, and are eligable
for a you have passed the provisional test.
Use Conditions
CC Limit
Duration Indefinite.
BAC 0.05
Pillions Ok (once you've had an open licence for 2 years?)
Speed Restrict
Plates
Points 12. Demerit points have a three year lifespan.

10.11 Tasmania

10.12

Compiled by John Lamp <[email protected]>.
[ Learners | Provisional ]

LEARNERS

Requirements Be 16 years of age
or older
Satisfactorily
complete a Level 1
motorcycle rider
training course (if
required)
A candidate may
undertake Level 1
training three
months prior to
attaining 16 years
of age
Pass a written test
on Traffic Law.
Use Conditions (Defunct! Repealed
November 1998)
Not between sunset
and sunrise
(exemption may be
issued).

CC Limit 250cc
Duration 1 year
BAC 0.0%
Pillions No, unless the
pillion has held a
motorcycle license
for three years and
is being carried for
the purposes of
instruction.
Speed Restrict 80 kph
Plates L plate required.
Points ???

PROVISIONAL

Requirements Satisfactorily complete a Level 2
motorcycle rider training course (if
required).
Pass an oral law/regulation test.
Pass a driving test.
Pass an eyesight test.
Be at least 17 years of age - although a
candidate may undertake Level 2 training
three months prior to and undergo a
driving test one month prior to attaining
that age.
Use Conditions
CC Limit 250cc
Duration 3 years
BAC 0.0%
Pillions No
Speed Restrict 80kph
Plates P plates required for the first 12 months
Points 3
If you are already the holder of a full license, cc limit of
250cc, and no pillion for first 12 months.

10.13 Northern Territory

10.14

Contributed by Radley Jones <[email protected]>.
[ Learners | Provisional | Open ]

See also:
Nothern Territory Driver Licencing
http://www.nt.gov.au/dtw/aboutus/branches/transport/roadtransport/licensing.shtml
and the section on
Motorcyclist Education, Training and Licensing (METAL)
http://www.nt.gov.au/dtw/aboutus/branches/transport/roadtransport/licensing.shtml#METAL

LEARNERS PERMIT
[Class R(e)]

Requirements Two methods: either pass a multiple choice test or
pass the Basic M.E.T.A.L. Course.
M.E.T.A.L. stands for Motorcyclist Education,
Training And Licensing and is part of the Department
of Transport and Works.
I thoroughly recommend doing the courses, all 3 are
heaps of fun.
Use Conditions Nil
CC Limit 260cc
Duration Valid for 12 months. Minimum?
BAC 0.00%
Pillions None.
Speed Restrict 80kph.
Plates L Plate at rear.

Points There is no points system in the Northern Territory.

PROVISIONAL PERMIT
[Class R(e)]

Requirements Two methods: either pass a physical road test, or pass
the Intermediate M.E.T.A.L. Course.
Must have held a Learners Permit prior.
Use Conditions Nil
CC Limit 260cc
Duration 12 months. Open class automatically given after this.
If you do the M.E.T.A.L. course and you show
excellent skills, you may be eligible to upgrade
earlier.
BAC 0.00%
Pillions None.
Speed Restrict 80kph.
Plates P Plate at rear if you haven't got a full car licence.
Points There is no points system in the Northern Territory.

OPEN PERMIT [Class
R]

Requirements Two methods: either pass the Advanced M.E.T.A.L.
Course (if elegible this way), or wait 12 months on
your R(e) Class license and it is automatically
given.
Note:- you can do the Advanced M.E.T.A.L.
(Motorcyclist Education, Training and Licensing)
Course to improve your skills, even if you don't
want to upgrade your license.
Use Conditions Nil
CC Limit Nil
Duration Indefinite.
BAC 0.05%
Pillions Yes.
Speed Restrict None. Obviously the posted limit applies. (But much
outside towns is not posted!) Alright!

Plates Nil.
Points There is no points system in the Northern Territory.
Notes On 06jul2001, Breet [email protected] remarked:
If you do the Advanced M.E.T.A.L. Course and get
your OPEN PERMIT [Class R] early, you are
restricted to 100km and no pillion for the next
year.

10.15 Victoria

10.16

Compiled by Jason Brand <[email protected]>.
Clarifications from Tim Bell <[email protected]>. Further
clarification from "Just in the machine"

<[email protected]>.
[ Learner | Restricted | Probationary | Full ]

"Just in the machine" <[email protected]> remarks that in
Victoria the path to licencehood varies.

Basically, there are 2 types of licences: probabtionary (P)
and full. For a motorcycle, there are 2 classes:
restricted(R) and motorcycle. Any person who gets a licence
for the first time (car or bike), will be put on 3 years of
probationary. Any person who gets a bike licence, will be
put on 1 year of restricted.

Accordingly, I will list the classes below. Note that your
path will be learner, then one of:

� If you have not held a car licence: 3 years P, then
full. BAC of 0.00% for all three years. In the first
year you have a type R licence (no pillion, 260cc
limit).

� If you've held a car P licence for a year you do 2
years P, then full, same restrictions on the first 12
months as above.

� If you've held a full car licence for 3 years you get
an R-type full licence (<260cc, no pillion, 0.05% BAC,
no P plate).

� Like NSW, there's a rumour that sufficiently "mature"
drivers (over 30? over 5 years full car licence? hmm?)
go straight to a full bike licence from learners.

LEARNERS PERMIT

Requirements 17yrs 9mths
written and riding
test (RTA or
private course)
cc limit 260cc
Duration 3mths - 1yr
BAC 0.00
Pillion No
Speed restrictions No additional
Plates Yellow "L" plate(s)?
17yrs 9mths
Written and riding
test (RTA or
private course)
cc limit 260cc
Duration 3mths - 1yr
BAC 0.00
Pillion No

Speed restrictions No additional
Plates Yellow "L" plate(s)?

RESTRICTED
QUALIFICATION

Requirements Applies to either the Probationary or Full licences as as suits.
cc limit 260cc during the first year.
BAC 0.05%
Pillion None.

PROBATIONARY LICENCE

Requirements Hold Learners permit for at
least 3 months
Written and riding test
(RTA or private course).
cc limit 260cc during the first year.
Duration 3 yrs if full drivers
license not held.
1 yr if full drivers license
held.
BAC 0.00%
Pillion Not during the first year.
Speed restrictions No additional
Plates Red "P" plate(s)

FULL LICENCE

Requirements Hold Probationary License for duration (see above)
cc limit None
Duration Indefinite
BAC 0.05%
Pillion Yes
Speed restrictions No additional
11. 1.6 What about lanesplitting?

12.

What about lanesplitting?
12.1 Lanesplitting Legalities

12.2

(Note that overtaking on the right is legal in all states
with indicator).

Vic legal cars must be stationary.
WA legal cars must be stationary,
you must indicate to
change lanes and you
must not cross a solid
white line.

NSW illegal
ACT illegal
Qld illegal
SA illegal
NT illegal

12.3 Lanesplitting Sensibilities

12.4

The aus.motorcycles community is split about 50/50 on
whether it is a good thing or not. Don't bother arguing
about it, there are good cases for and against and you'll
get nowhere. If you lanesplit, try and keep these things in
mind:

� your lack of buffer zones (space around you) means MUCH
less reaction time

� cars run red lights (YES REALLY!) so look both ways

� drivers are frightened & annoyed by hoons

� look in rear view mirrors for other bikes before
spliting lanes and watch for bikes ahead of you stopped
ready to pull into the split lane (from DS -
[email protected])

Speaking for myself, my criteria for splitting are usually:

� Not if the traffic is moving (sometimes if it's
crawling).

� Not if I'd have to put my feet down during the split
anywhere.

� Not if I can't be sure of reaching the front or a
visible bike-sized gap before the traffic starts to
move again.
Some drivers will notice you coming and shift aside to let
you pass. I try always to wave or nod (or say "thanks!" if
their window's open) to acknowledge this courtesy. " " " "

" "
" " " " " "
"
"
" " "
" " "