RTA NSW Allows Big Bangers for L and P Plate Holders - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Aussie Pete · 09-15-2002, 17:58

It took a while but the RTA now lets learner and provisional plate holders to ride motorbikes up to 660cc (with a few exceptions). AP has booked his tests already and is gonna get back into it.

I've been looking for a good dirt bike and have a short list, all I need is the money....

1. Yamaha WR426F
2. Honda CR500E (yyyeeeeeeehhaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!! But ocifer, it's under 660cc!)
3. Honda XR650R (another of the banned bikes but what the hell!)

AP looks around house for stuff to sell........:s3 :oo1: :s6:

Falchoon · 09-15-2002, 19:44

I think in ACT you can ride whatever size you want (they may have changed this rule).

Pearly · 09-15-2002, 21:17

when the hell will that come to VIC???
oh well, I guess I'll have to stick to the Aprilia Arrow 250...

Xyphoid · 09-16-2002, 01:41

This is a good step for NSW Riders, (Learners and P Platers).

I couldnt understand when I started riding how Learners and P platers could get away with riding 2 stroke Sports racers such as the Suzuki RGV250, and the kwaka (Cant remember the model).

Both these bikes were absolutely dangerous for beginers to learn to ride on, (The sledge hammer type power curves are scary on roundabouts, and the wet).

The new laws should mean that those whom are Big Boned, can now ride something torquey, and something with a bit of weight behind em, so as they dont get blown off the road in heavy weather.

Finally, lets hope that NSW doesnt copy Victoria with its STUPID $50 Levy for motorcycle registration.

The levy will supposedly be used to pay for a safety campaign.
Although this sounds good, the campaign is to be run by non-motorcyclists, and bikers will not be consulted on how the money is to be spent !
So it looks like Victorians will be forking over their $50 a year, to help pay for more of the typical Government scare tactics, and research in to finding ways to remove the "motorcylce plague" on our roads.

Black S · 09-16-2002, 05:27

About time..

I've been wiating for this..
hehehe

bring it on

Black S · 09-16-2002, 05:29

Hey did you know that HART are kicking up a sand storm about it.

XR_Strider_GuY · 09-16-2002, 05:39

Wooooooooow, me is interested. CBR600F here we come. Strider loves his sports bikes.

maddnez · 09-16-2002, 18:29

lol AP,

if you havent rdden many dirt bikes, i'd suggest maybe steering clear of the 3 u mentioned!..

as an owner of a WR400F i can say that if u dont have much experience it wil lead to broken bones and etc cause these things are like lightening out in the scrub!!

the XR650 is just a heavy lump o lard and best avoided for serious dirt riders, and the cr 500? i CAN actually register them legaly (yes there are loopholes ) .

its the most insane one of the lot, its a true race bike and in reality isnt really a good chioce unless u wanna blast around paddocks or MX tracks.. even then its hp can be a big hand full..

this is just my opinion tho so take or dismiss at will :D

i'd suggest a XR 400 if you are a noob that doesnt lie the hp of a 250. good bike that can grow a little with you as you evolve skill wise..

Danny
Bringing a TT XCGXL to Melbournes streets soon.

KenOath · 09-16-2002, 19:29

AP, as an experienced bike dirt bike owner, I must say, you are doing the right thing. You will have a blast.

maddnez is right about the WR400. It has a light switch of a power band which can catch you out in the mud.

My advice is biast, but you can't go wrong with a KTM. I recently sold my KTM520, (saving for house), and it was a beast!!! It can out drag race any WR400/426, but is like a pussy cat through the power band. It is as easy to ride as a XR250. That is if you don't crack the throttle open. It also has electric start, and WR's are renowned for being hard to start.

Downside is that they are expensive to maintain. Two oil filters to change. Small oil capacity.

But the bike is just awsome!!! They run like a BMW six, and are reliable.

I would avoid the XR650 like the plague!!! They are so heavy, you will be kicking your self in the tight stuff.

The DR400Z is a good option. Nearly as quick as the WR400, but has a better power band. Maintenance is not as high as the KTM, but it is a bit heavier. The DR also has electric start.

You will be sorry if you buy the CR500. There is a reason why they are not being made anymore. They are just to powerful and are not fun to ride.

Sorry if I have rambled, but bikes is as big a passion for me as cars are.

Aussie Pete · 09-16-2002, 20:13

Oh bugger. It's 660cc or 150kW/tonne. That means XR650R and CR500E are not on the list. I'm looking around for a WR400 or WR426 which will be a good compromise. As for the KTM, don't think they weren't my first choice until I thought about parts prices and the general extra cost of buying one.

I've ridden bikes before and in fact my first bike when I was 12 years old was an Yamaha IT490 which was followed by RM100, YZ125, XT600 Tenere Single, and nothing. I have found one rule that holds true for all motorised equipment I have bought - from brushcutters to mowers to cars to motorbikes: buy the most power you can get and never wish you had more.

I have strictly ruled out air cooled bikes like the smaller XRs - hate em! Nothing under 400cc for AP!