Might be time for a Motor Bike [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 10:58 AM

I am so sick of my commute to work each day!

It takes me on average, an hour and quarter, but this year its averaging an hour and half, and some times its an hour and 45 or even 2 hours to travel a mere 40kms.

Thats 15 to 20 hours of my life each week sitting on my **** in traffic!

Clutch in, clutch out, clutch in and brake, clutch in, clutch out, clutch in and brake, i cant stand it anymore. Well actually i got bored with the clutch years ago so only use it when i have to and knees are easier to steer with than hands and leave your hands free for rude gestures :angel:

So anyway back to the point...

Every 12 months i go to myself "i wanna a motorbike", but normally this is where it all falls in a heap. I let my bike license expire 10 and a bit years ago (back in the dim dark days when you had separate licenses) so i have to resit my bike license and so im stuck on a 250cc and at 6'2" i have all the joys of riding of with my knees somewhere around my head :(

So every now and again i jump online and have a look whats about and generally get annoyed at the ridiculous prices of 250's, 10 YO Honda CBR that looks like its been repainted with a toilet brush for $6k etc... NO FRIGGIN' WAY!!!!

But today is different, i found something that looks a goer' but im not keen on the red, never been a red fan, it reminds to much of things that say "stop" ie: traffic lights :) Hyosung GT250R (http://www.hyosung.com.au/gt250r.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Now normally i cringe at the thought of "Korean" but this doesn't look half bad, seems to get good reviews, it is big physically, costs $6.4k new + ORC, has 2 years warranty. It isn't the most powerful 250 out there but has a flat power curve and really what do you expect out of 15 cu in of motor? Even better theres a few coming up in the 2nd hand market which is where I'll be looking.

So it costs me approx $20 a day to go to work, $10 a day in tolls and $10 for petrol, but the bike will cost me a mere $2 a day, (no tolls) plus will save me prob 5 hours a week in travel time, its damn appealing!

I haven't been on a bike for a bloody long time and i have no intention of coming off but....

What are peoples recommendations on safety gear?

Minimum i see is- helmet, gloves and jacket. Should we go the whole lot and get boots and pants too? Pants and boots are a pain having to change at work each day.

Opinions?

BigJon

2nd March 2007, 11:02 AM

Not very helpful I am sure, but if I had to travel like that to get to work I would move house!!

Bigbjorn

2nd March 2007, 11:06 AM

Cagive 125's are a brilliant commuter. A two stroke, but don't bag it unless you have tried one. The frame, brakes, etc. are the same all the way up to the 600, and, you dont have that ridiculous bent over rider position. Run on other peoples exhaust fumes too.

Use all the protective gear you can tolerate. Car drivers don't see bikes, and bikes and peak hour traffic full of unskilled vision challenged idiots in private school 4wd's are not a good mix.You don't heal as well or as quickly at 60 as you did at 20, take it from me.

rangieman

2nd March 2007, 11:07 AM

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 11:09 AM

Not very helpful I am sure, but if I had to travel like that to get to work I would move house!!

Im about $1,000,000 short in the wallet to make that a viable option

mns488

2nd March 2007, 11:11 AM

Not very helpful I am sure, but if I had to travel like that to get to work I would move house!!
Thats one of the annoying things about melbourne these days- Ridculous amount of Urban sprawl and absolute lack of investment in public transport.

We have all these new suburbs and little or no PT service to them.

I don't know how people can live out in the new estates or "new" suburbs when there are no business hubs out there so therefore they have to travel to work.

sorry, a bit of a tangent.

Enjoy the bike grumpy. I ride a scooter to work - easy as 20 mins door to door.

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 11:12 AM

Cagive 125's are a brilliant commuter. A two stroke, but don't bag it unless you have tried one..

2 strokes and me have just never played nicely together

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 11:36 AM

well im into bikes and a big yes to pants and boots
have you ever seen anyone have a skin graft so the pants are the go with boots

you can get what they call dragon pants they are made from kevlar they look like jeans but are very good for protection

just think the amount of time you save sitting in traffic you will have time to change into and out of your gear at work

also if you are not young dont get a sports bike get a sports tourer i always wanted a sports bike , i took one for a test ride and 20 minutes latter i returned with sore shoulders and wrist,s

my sports tourer i rode to QLD and back the only part of me that hurt after that was my bottom:D

good luck with your choice

Okay so a big yes to pants and boots!

Im not into fashion so to be honest im not really interested if they look like jeans or not. If i have to change when i get to work i may as well wear what offers the best protection.

Sports bikes tend to work in my favor, it appears i was put together with spare parts and for some unknown reason my arms are ridiculously long (knuckles drag on ground when walking) so a sportsbike still means an upright riding position especially on a 250cc

Its only an interim solution, 12 months on P's and the 250 is history :)

rangieman

2nd March 2007, 11:41 AM

Okay so a big yes to pants and boots!

Im not into fashion so to be honest im not really interested if they look like jeans or not. If i have to change when i get to work i may as well wear what offers the best protection.

Sports bikes tend to work in my favor, it appears i was put together with spare parts and for some unknown reason my arms are ridiculously long (knuckles drag on ground when walking) so a sportsbike still means an upright riding position especially on a 250cc

Its only an interim solution, 12 months on P's and the 250 is history :)
go for it mate:D

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 11:43 AM

go for it mate:D

I just need to sell the Statesman to finance it first :(

hiline

2nd March 2007, 11:44 AM

unknown reason my arms are ridiculously long (knuckles drag on ground when walking)

i did notice that at the pub :D :D

didn't want to say anything incase i hurt your feelings :p

sorry i just had to say it :angel:

right back to it guy's

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 11:47 AM

i did notice that at the pub :D :D

didn't want to say anything incase i hurt your feelings :p

sorry i just had to say it :angel:

right back to it guy's

yeah i think its an evolution thing, it allows me to slap you from across the bar without needing to get up

hiline

2nd March 2007, 11:49 AM

yeah i think its an evolution thing, it allows me to slap you from across the bar without needing to get up
:D :D :D thats nasty

MacMan

2nd March 2007, 11:58 AM

What are peoples recommendations on safety gear?

Everything you can live with. Leave a pair of shoes at work and DEFINITELY wear boots. Take it from someone who's broken an ankle, $400 for a good set of Alpinestars touring boots with goretex and armour are the cheap way out.

Jacket - I'd be cautious of the synthetic cheapies sold around the traps these days. They all have some armour in them, but are so baggy that as soon as you hit the ground the armour moves around and you're grinding flesh. I have a Walden Miller leather jacket that was made to measure ten years ago and it's been great. Definitely worth the money.

Pants - knees, hips and **** are where you lose skin. I have made to measure leathers but often skimp and wear jeans. Partly because my K100RS is ****en hot in traffic, and partly because a 6'6" leather clad bloke can make the wrong impression! The Draggin jeans with Kevlar inserts are the go and I will buy some.

Gloves and helmet - best you can afford, no less.

In terms of bikes, there are plenty of options. Depending on the speed of the traffic (ie, any freeway work?) a 4 stroke trailbike with road tyres makes an excellent commuter. I did my early road riding on a TTR250 and the riding position is great, view of the road is great and they are so nimble in slow moving stuff. A good TTR or Suzuki DR250 (both elec start) starts at about $3.5K and both are super reliable. Mounting curbs to park is a cinch and there are no fairings to damage. All other 250s were way too small for me. The CB250 Honda I did my L's test on was like a dog rooting a golf ball.

I commute 40km each way on the K100RS when I need to go to town and it beats taking the Disco. Cheaper on fuel, no tolls, faster without speeding, free parking, and just plain good fun. Go for it!

FenianEel

2nd March 2007, 12:58 PM

Maaaaate,

As Rangieman said - 'go for it'.

I sold my bikes, but kept my licence.

I've got dragon jeans and they are the ducks nuts.

In QLD (if you've had a car licence for 3 yrs), you can do a "Q RIDE" one day course, about $250.
If you have half a brain and know how to ride and handle a bike, you'll pass. Then you can get an open licence the same day.

It is a better system as there is more thorough technical and theoritical training. but.....

in theory some numbnut who has no idea could go from non rider to flogging a Hayabusa in one day:eek:

FenianEel

2nd March 2007, 01:00 PM

If you come off without the boots and pants, you might just wish you'd gone the extra $ and inconvenience.

What Mrs Numpty said....it's chear insurance and far better for you.
Gloves and boots especially - the digits and wrists/ankles get hammered more than anything.

Tank

2nd March 2007, 01:03 PM

I am so sick of my commute to work each day!

It takes me on average, an hour and quarter, but this year its averaging an hour and half, and some times its an hour and 45 or even 2 hours to travel a mere 40kms.

Thats 15 to 20 hours of my life each week sitting on my **** in traffic!

Clutch in, clutch out, clutch in and brake, clutch in, clutch out, clutch in and brake, i cant stand it anymore. Well actually i got bored with the clutch years ago so only use it when i have to and knees are easier to steer with than hands and leave your hands free for rude gestures :angel:

So anyway back to the point...

Every 12 months i go to myself "i wanna a motorbike", but normally this is where it all falls in a heap. I let my bike license expire 10 and a bit years ago (back in the dim dark days when you had separate licenses) so i have to resit my bike license and so im stuck on a 250cc and at 6'2" i have all the joys of riding of with my knees somewhere around my head :(

So every now and again i jump online and have a look whats about and generally get annoyed at the ridiculous prices of 250's, 10 YO Honda CBR that looks like its been repainted with a toilet brush for $6k etc... NO FRIGGIN' WAY!!!!

But today is different, i found something that looks a goer' but im not keen on the red, never been a red fan, it reminds to much of things that say "stop" ie: traffic lights :) Hyosung GT250R (http://www.hyosung.com.au/gt250r.html)

http://www.hyosung.com.au/GT250R.jpg

Now normally i cringe at the thought of "Korean" but this doesn't look half bad, seems to get good reviews, it is big physically, costs $6.4k new + ORC, has 2 years warranty. It isn't the most powerful 250 out there but has a flat power curve and really what do you expect out of 15 cu in of motor? Even better theres a few coming up in the 2nd hand market which is where I'll be looking.

So it costs me approx $20 a day to go to work, $10 a day in tolls and $10 for petrol, but the bike will cost me a mere $2 a day, (no tolls) plus will save me prob 5 hours a week in travel time, its damn appealing!

I haven't been on a bike for a bloody long time and i have no intention of coming off but....

What are peoples recommendations on safety gear?

Minimum i see is- helmet, gloves and jacket. Should we go the whole lot and get boots and pants too? Pants and boots are a pain having to change at work each day.

Opinions?
I gave up commuting on bikes years ago, BECAUSE it seems every Ba$tard in a car is out to KILL you, I would go for the red, more visible and I would opt for some flashing lights as well and get as much protective gear as you can, great way to travel, but until the motorist finally connects that part of his brain that say's, "GEE, I BETTER LOOK AND SEE IF THERE IS A MOTORCYCLIST THERE BEFORE I DO A RIGHT TURN, CHANGE LANES, DO AN ILLEGAL U TURN, PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY (just add whichever is applicable) before I get back on one, Be Careful, Regards Frank.

Aussie

2nd March 2007, 01:05 PM

I say the same thing to the MRS every day when sitting in the traffic along Nepean Hwy, " I think I'll get another Bike" I am sick to death of the traffic, Have also thought very seriously about moving. The problem is, your everyday average motorist doesn't look/care about Bikes, Thats what is scaring me off from buying another Road Bike, But a dirt bike again is getting very tempting, problem is all the mates are married and not allowed to buy a dirt bike and I dont see any fun in riding alone.

100I

2nd March 2007, 02:52 PM

Yup as everyone has said, definitely get the best gear you can afford including pants & good boots. Legs get caught underneath a sliding bike and grind away at your ankle bone, even a couple metres at low speed is gonna hurt. If you can afford leathers and can stand them in summer, this is the best protection as although draggin jeans have kevlar to take the friction of sliding you'll still land with a thump which is when bones break, leathers will usually have some soft armour on the bum/hip/knees which will take some of the hit and are more comfy in the saddle.
Speaking of saddles, dirt bikes have no saddle to offer. I had a KLX250 to start with but if you're only using it on road and for some distance then a roadbike will have better seating, brakes, tyres & handling. Those Hyosungs are the same frame as the 650 so they're a generous cockpit.
Don't use high beam, it hust dazzles even in daylight and people will tend to misjudge your speed & distance. My thumb habitually checks the indicators are cancelled and hovers by the horn button. Don't know the situation in Vic but in Bris there's been a blitz on lane splitting, just political ****

gofish

2nd March 2007, 02:54 PM

Go the bike for sure. You will save a fortune in time & money. Definitely the more protection gear the better. I was talking with a guy from work about the kevlar pants the other day & he said he saw a site online that sold military grade kevlar pants & much cheaper than from a bike shop (of course). The traily with a set of road tyres is a good idea as someone stated. Enjoy & keep it up :)

D110V8D

2nd March 2007, 02:56 PM

What suburb do you work in? Why not walk/ride/drive to the Train station.

Zone 3 doesn't exist anymore so train tickets just got a whole lot cheaper.

You're on Belgrave Line so wont have to worry about trains with dodgey brakes. No Siemens trains on Belgrave/Lilydale as far as I know.

Just my 2 bits.:)

JES

2nd March 2007, 03:51 PM

My two bits.
Love bikes, rode for years. Protective gear a must, as NM said, gravel in wounds is no good. Saw a friend of mine get scrubbed with a scrubbing brush to remove the embedded gravel from under his skin.:eek:

Be as brightly coloured as you can, watch out for painted lines and tram lines etc expecially in the wet. Space is your survival zone. Keep as much space between you and all other vehicles. Ride as if the are ALL out to get you. Always plan excape routes... I have ran up onto gutters 4 times in my days. Not wanting to point any fingers, but young girls on their mobiles turn and change lanes when they want to.

Being tall, a sports bike would not be the best. They are designed to ride with your elbows bent and relaxed, this enables you to react faster. Target a sports tourer, you'll be much more comfortable.
John

jddisco200tdi

2nd March 2007, 04:08 PM

I do the commute to work from south east Melbourne on a triumph. Have done for the last 18 years.

If you wanted my advice I would say don't do it.
You need a sixth sense to ride a bike in peak traffic. People cut you off even when they have looked and know your there. As you haven't ridden for a long time it like learning all again.

We might not pay tolls now but they are coming. Eastlink WILL have them and I'm sure Citylink will follow suit.

If you do decide to ride, get a road bike, they handle, stop and offer some weather protection. Do an advanced rider course and maybe just start riding on weekends for a couple of months at least.
And wear all the gear, even if it 40 deg.

Regards

BigJon

2nd March 2007, 04:14 PM

Im about $1,000,000 short in the wallet to make that a viable option

Maybe change work?

BigJon

2nd March 2007, 04:15 PM

Thats one of the annoying things about melbourne these days- Ridculous amount of Urban sprawl and absolute lack of investment in public transport.

We have all these new suburbs and little or no PT service to them.

I don't know how people can live out in the new estates or "new" suburbs when there are no business hubs out there so therefore they have to travel to work.

sorry, a bit of a tangent.

Enjoy the bike grumpy. I ride a scooter to work - easy as 20 mins door to door.

I don't know how people can live in a big city at all. Maybe 3 years in Alice and growing up in Adelaide has spoilt me. I can't stand Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. People everywhere, terrible traffic, pollution, etc. Not my cup of tea.

Jeff

2nd March 2007, 04:16 PM

I have been riding for years, in fact I do it for a living, and I agree with the protective gear, especially good quality gloves,as I always land on my hands.
I don't agree that bright colours help, they probably don't hurt. I was once in a Sydney bus (white with red reflective striping) and a person ran into it and said "Sorry I didn't see you" so it doesn't matter when they don't even look.

I started with black gear and helmet and used to have people turn into me, then I started riding quicker and wearing bright gear, now I ride quicker again and wear black gear and I don't have near as much problem. I think it is experience that protects you, and you will get to know who is trying to kill you before they try it. If you act confident drivers give you space, but if you putt around like a learner they will push you around.

As for sport bikes not being suited for tall riders, I disagree totally. I am 6'1 and I ride a GSX-R and find it comfortable, and have friends tall and short who ride all types of bikes, so it is personal preference. Try them first if you can.

Jeff

grumpybastard

2nd March 2007, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the replies people.

I was working on $1000 for safety gear, but its looking like it might be nudging closer to $1200 realistically?

I wont be riding in the rain, i'll keep the tired commuter for days like that.

I was told lane splitting is legal in VIC something around a technicality where you aren't actually lane splitting you are overtaking?

Most of my riding will be below 60km/h the main advantage i have is being first off at one of the 47 traffic lights on my way in (yes i have counted them)

I'd love to the catch the train, but theres 2 issues with that. Im out in Port Melbourne which requires a change at Richmond to Flinders St, then a bus to P'Mel. But the major one is i often have to go out to site to fix or setup things places like Geelong etc so need transport. The appealing part of a bike is the 67c/km ....Geelong and back will pay for petrol for an entire month
:)

BigJon

2nd March 2007, 04:28 PM

one of the 47 traffic lights on my way in (yes i have counted them)

:)

We only have about 7 sets in the entire town :eek: :D

amtravic1

2nd March 2007, 05:26 PM

Get the bike. I work in the city most of the time and the travel time from Bayswater has increased dramatically over the last 5 years or so and peak hour in the morning does not seem to end until about 10am. Used to take 45mins - 1 hour in the mornings but now takes about 1.5 hours to get to work. Unfortunately I need a car full of tools for work so the bike is not an option. I would love to be able to ride to work every day instead of sitting in the Rangie watching the fuel guage go down. Still have all my dirt bike gear and road bike gear. Unfortunately I dont have the time or spare cash to own bikes at present.

grumpybastard

5th March 2007, 10:16 AM

MarknDeb

5th March 2007, 10:36 AM

Grumpy a must is a good pair of pants mate, if you come off a pair of normal jeans will last .6 of a sec on bitumen where as reinforced bike pants will last 6 seconds and that’s a lot of skin.

PhilipA

5th March 2007, 10:36 AM

Having just stopped riding 30Kmfrom Mona Vale to Sydney every day for the last 6 years, perhaps I can offer some tips. I also rode to work often in Melbourne in the early 80s while Marketing Manager of BMW Motorrad.
1 Get a light bike. The Hyosung 250 is a ball tearer according to my son and is light. About 200Kg is the limit to be able to switch lanes between stopped cars. Big scooters are unbeleivably heavy. A Bergman weighs 228KG!!!!
2 Get expensive breathable gear with removable inner liners. Do not get plastic rain suits( except for summer storms) as you get wetter inside than out. Gore tex lined gloves do not keep heavy rain out , but are OK in light rain. You will need a summer jacket also. I had Gaerne Boots which were waterproof and are still great after about 3 years.
3 I have only been knocked down once, and I should have stayed away as the guy had already cut me off once. IMHO you can pick the nuts. they usually have a green or red "P".LOL .
Although the guy in the Commodore ute who swung over on me and hit my leg on take off from lights, and then waited for me and swerved into my lane onto me was hard to pick as he was stopped at the lights when I split up next to him.
4 I always found riding in the rain great, in my dry gear,I was in this little "cocoon", but in Melbourne watch the tram lines.
Regards Philip A

crump

5th March 2007, 11:29 AM

when I lived in Brissy I used to do the commute from one side to the other daily on the bike, you cant beat it for a quick trip.Go the protective gear, but I find in traffic your pretty safe as no one speeds anymore.

scrambler

5th March 2007, 12:02 PM

grumpybastard

5th March 2007, 12:34 PM

Are you sure on the 250 thing? I thought this had been standardised nationally and i know that in Qld we've gone to allowing those with more maturity (read, more than a couple of years on a license) to jump straight to a "big" bike after mandatory defensive riding training. That is, you can learn and license straight on an unlimited license. At least we HAD gone that way about 6 months after I got my open. Maybe it's gone back the other way again.

No, it's stillpossible to go unrestricted straight away:

http://www.roadsafety.qld.gov.au/qt/LTASinfo.nsf/ReferenceLookup/Your_keys_QRIDE.pdf/$file/Your_keys_QRIDE.pdf

Victoria is still the Nazi state, speeding fines for 3km/h over the limit regardless of the speed etc

From Vicroads (http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Motorcycles/Licensing/MotorcycleLicenceAndLearnerPermitRestrictions.htm)

A person issued with a motorcycle licence for the first time will have the following restrictions placed on their licence for 12 months from the date the motorcycle licence is issued:

* you cannot ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity exceeding 260 cubic centimetres
* you must not ride a motorcycle while carrying a pillion passenger (a motorcycle and sidecar is acceptable with a passenger)
* you must have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .00% when riding a motorcycle, even if you already have a full motorcar licence

Signal1

5th March 2007, 01:00 PM

I too would love to get a bike as a commuter for work as I live in Doreen and work in Flinders St. At the moment I catch a V/Line service from Donnybrook into Southern Cross which is fine i suppose but limiting. Problem is, SWMBO will divorce me if I got one - :( :mad: :dbcry:. Why wasn't I told about the extra :rulez: in marriage.

Anywho, State Liberal MP, Victor Perton, wants to amend legislation to allow for larger people to go above the 260cc restriction. Not sure if it has actually been lodged or just talk as pollies do so well.

LoadedDisco

5th March 2007, 07:40 PM

Make sure your life Insurance is payed up. The wife will need the money to pay for your funeral.

Not a safe hobbie.

Get a 4 wheel job still as unsafe but a little better.

jake

6th March 2007, 09:43 AM

Their are dsome great bikes out their, It is posssible that the law may change in the near future and you can ride larger bikes. I am involved in emergency services, and deal quite often in road crash, If you ride a bike include all the right gear. Dont scrimp. Consider the cost of the right clothing as just as important as buying your bike. In some of the presentation I deliver on Road Trauma I am often in debate with people of all ages who say I dont wear gloves or its too hot for leathers etc. Buy the right gear. My wife and I ride all the time and in all weather and always with the right clothing.
As you have not been riding for a long time think about a course proper.
A lot of people who have kept their license and got back on a bike have become statisitcs.
Best of luck.

PeterM

6th March 2007, 04:36 PM

As many have said, go with the right gear. With helmets, go somewhere where they get a helmet that fits your head properly, not try and flog you off the latest and greatest.

Personally, stay away from the Hyosung. I have a mate who works at a bike shop where they sell these, too many bad stories to ever contemplate one. 250s, just get a 2nd hand one, preferrably a single or twin for commuting as you'll appreciate the more useable torque and not haveing to rev it's tits off to get anywhere. GPX/ZZR are pretty bulletproof and cheap too.

GregTD5

6th March 2007, 11:11 PM

As every one has said before, don't try and save money on the protective gear, and ride like every motorist is out to kill you.

p38arover

6th March 2007, 11:34 PM

Clutch in, clutch out, clutch in and brake, clutch in, clutch out, clutch in and brake, i cant stand it anymore.

Buy an automatic. :D

I let my bike license expire 10 and a bit years ago (back in the dim dark days when you had separate licenses) so i have to resit my bike license and so im stuck on a 250cc

Re-sit the exam and wait for a year before buying. Then get a big bike.

Alternatively, get a 250 trail bike and fit road tyres. Your knuckle won't drag the ground on a big trail bike.

Ron (who never let his bike licence lapse)

Bigbjorn

7th March 2007, 10:10 AM

Are you sure on the 250 thing? I thought this had been standardised nationally and i know that in Qld we've gone to allowing those with more maturity (read, more than a couple of years on a license) to jump straight to a "big" bike after mandatory defensive riding training. That is, you can learn and license straight on an unlimited license. At least we HAD gone that way about 6 months after I got my open. Maybe it's gone back the other way again.

No, it's stillpossible to go unrestricted straight away:

http://www.roadsafety.qld.gov.au/qt/LTASinfo.nsf/ReferenceLookup/Your_keys_QRIDE.pdf/$file/Your_keys_QRIDE.pdf

This is how it was about 12 months ago but may have changed.

Tasmania does not have a restricted motor-cycle licence.

A.C.T. sensibly works on a power-to-weight ratio restriction for twelve months.

Queensland has a restriction to under 250cc in the first twelve months. you then have to take the same test again on a large bike this time to upgrade to an over 250cc licence. If you go through the Q-Ride scheme (private sector contractors) then you can get an open motor-cycle licence straight away. This costs several hundred dollars. I am told that very, very, few applicants for open licences who go through the govt. testing scheme are passed. I am also told that many people in the motor-cycle community believe that there has been an instruction to the govt. testers not to pass applicants, in order to force them into the Q-Ride scheme which has to be seen to be successful.

Interestingly, if you once held a motor-cycle licence in Qld. and let it lapse, and can prove it, but still hold another licence in Qld, you can have your licence re-issued without a learner's and without testing. Apparently all Qld's old licence records held on file cards have been destroyed following the use of computer records. So if you can produce your old grey thin cardboard licence from before the early '80's, you will be OK.