LAMS choices range from easy-to-control machines that are perfect for novice or less-experienced riders through to high-performance middleweight bikes that will challenge any rider.
For example, a typical learner rider would benefit from something like a cc machine with a conventional riding position a naked. Machines of cc or above will also have plenty of performance.
At the other extreme are machines pushing the limits of capacity or cc and power-to-weight ratio. Where the weight is carried also makes a difference — cruisers generally have a lower centre of gravity and so the weight isn't so noticeable, while taller bikes — like adventure bikes — usually carry their weight a little higher.
Finally, with both hands on the handgrips, how much weight is on your wrists, how easy is it to look over your shoulder and how far can you turn the handlebars until they hit the bump-stop?
A sporty ride position places more weight on the wrists, leading to aches sooner and more work for your core muscles than other styles of bike, while a bike with a wider range of steering is usually easier to thread through traffic. While there are an increasing number of models that cross multiple categories these days, LAMS bikes can largely be placed in the following categories: scooter, naked, sports, sportstourer, cruiser, adventure, and off-road. Scooters Scooters range from small 50cc mopeds to mid-capacity maxi-scooters, but the bulk of the genre comprise cc to cc step-through models 'step-through' because you can swing a leg 'through' the scooter's mid-section, instead of having to swing a leg over it like you would with a traditional motorcycle.
Generally light, nimble and easy to manage, the vast majority of scooters have automatic transmissions, meaning there's no clutch and no gears to manage. On the plus side, scooters are easier to park and store than motorcycles and they have large, secure storage compartments under their seat — usually enough to swallow a helmet and a pair of gloves. They're super convenient and cost effective, but they lack the performance and road presence of most road motorcycles.
Naked bikes are so-called because they have little if any bodywork or fairing. They usually have an upright ride position and generally comfy ergonomics, although the lack of a screen and bodywork means you'll cop more wind buffeting at speed — something to think about if touring is on your agenda.
However, that lack of bodywork also means they tend to be a bit cheaper than faired machines and if your world tips sideways you'll be glad you don't have to replace all that plastic — while minor damage can be repaired, replacing bodywork with new panels is an expensive exercise. Sportsbikes have screens, fairings and a more forward-inclined ride position than most other motorcycle genres.
However, they're built for fun and many novice riders can't go past their racy looks, which mimic the litre-class rocketships found in most marques' line-ups. As previously mentioned, be aware that just toppling over at a standstill can spell surprisingly big wads of cash to replace smashed bodywork. Sportstourers, as the name suggests, bridge the gap between sportsbikes and touring machines, essentially blending sporting performance with more comfortable ergonomics and some luggage-carrying ability.
They still come wrapped in expensive bodywork, but higher-angled screens mean less buffeting on the highway and, as a result, less fatigue for the rider.
New sportstourers may or may not come with the option of factory luggage, such as hard topboxes or panniers, or soft seat bags and 'throwovers' — soft panniers made from leather, waxed cotton or synthetic fabrics like Cordura that sit on either side of the bike with a connecting middle section.
Cruisers typically have longer wheelbases the distance between the centre of each axle , lower seat heights, and relaxed ride positions that place the rider's feet forward compared to, say, naked bikes or sportsbikes. These bikes usually mimic the styling of the big, iconic cruises of Harley-Davidson and Indian, and are usually powered by V-twin engines. But if long and low lines and acres of chrome push your buttons, LAMS cruisers are manageable packages — certainly more manageable than their heavyweight counterparts.
Adventure bikes are big in Australia, and with so much country to explore — and so much of it off the beaten track — it's no surprise why they're as popular as they are.
Generally tall bikes due to their long-travel suspension, adventure bikes have upright ride positions and, in many instances, larger front wheels to aid stability and help soak up off-road bumps. They're generally fairly easy to load up with luggage, too, and should have a reasonable fuel range to get you out the back of beyond and hopefully back again!
Taller seat heights may put off shorter riders, but adventure bikes are good all-rounders that take everything from touring to commuting, road or off-road, in their stride. Purely off-road bikes, or dirt bikes, are light and ideal for trail riding or even the odd squirt on a motocross track, but they can also be useful commuters if the daily trek to work isn't too long.
While motocross bikes can't be registered as they lack the required road gear lights, horn, indicators etc , enduro and trail models may, in most instances, be registered for road use if set up for the task. Dirt bikes are single-cylinder affairs and therefore relatively cheap to run and service, but seat heights are usually tall, the seating uncomfortable a lot of off-road riding is conducted while standing up, adding your legs to the suspension equation , and fuel ranges small courtesy of tiny tanks.
If you pass and pay for your knowledge test online, your driver licence may have the RE learner licence automatically added to it and a new driver licence will be sent to you. Your RE learner licence can't be automatically added, and you will need to apply at a driver licence issuing centre if:. You can now start learning to ride a motorcycle once you have been issued your RE learner licence.
We use cookies to collect information about how you use this site. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services. BETA - This is a newly updated website. Please send us any feedback. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Being able to ride a motorbike is a fantastic skill: it can give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Are you ready for the challenge of becoming a skilled rider?
0コメント