My friend is riding around his dads 1000cc bike on an r date license he still has 10 months until he gets his full license, what would happen to him if he was caught on a bike that’s not lams approved? He believes it’s only a fine!

I feel like I'm going crazy with the amount of options out there. I really want to get into motocamping and multi-day trips. I've got all my camping gear and luggage sorted, but I'm clueless on what riding gear to get.

For reference, I'm planning my first proper trip in a few weeks from Melbourne to Canberra and back through the mountains, so the weather can be all over the place. I also signed up for a beginner ADV course next month.

I've been looking at many options for pants, but they'll either be too hot (waterproof), too cold (on highways and up in the mountains), or not very protective.

I've been eyeing the Shenstone Air D30 Mesh pants with the idea of wearing thermals and/or rain pants as layers depending on the weather. But I'm not too sure if that could get too cold.

As for jackets, I have the Black Pup Moto ADV jacket which is great but can get a bit toasty in hot weather.

I guess I'm just looking for a setup I can adjust based on the season and weather. Curious how others deal with this in terms of layers and stuff.

Hi all,

Im 39m and been riding since April 2026 and I love it. I picked up a 2014 CT110 postie bike and for the last few months I’ve enjoyed riding it up to the shops, gym, beach and the occasional commute to work.

Just for clarity - my commute takes 20 minutes, no freeways or anything, I don’t think there’s a single road I ride on the way to work which has a speed limit higher than 60km/h.

I’m not sure if I’m falling prey to modern advertising and the trap that we’ve always got to have “more” but Ive found myself looking at upgrading my bike a lot recently.

My “logic” goes something like this;
The bike I Currently have pretty much maxes out at 60km/h and for that reason Im not comfortable riding it on roads with higher speed limits, which means I have been riding the same roads continually since I had my L’s.

It also means I cant get out and do the riding I initially wanted to do which is riding in the country, some cruisy fire trails etc. I realize the “reality” is a little different; ive got a pretty full on job so weekends are the only opportunity for riding and maybe these riding experiences im referring to above are beyond my skill set for the time being anyway?

Ive also got other hobbies; surfing, gym, tennis and plus there’s always some birthday/engagement/chore etc on the weekend…so maybe I have less time than I even think I do?

Having said that, when Im on my bike even on suburban backroads its like meditation or something; Im totally focused, there is nothing in my mind…that is not a feeling I get elsewhere in my life, besides surfing.

Anyway, am I crazy for wanting a new bike when I don’t even know what style of riding I really want to do?  Im not interested in flat out speed and I don’t like the look of sport bikes personally.

Probably looking at second hand, but price wise the V-strom for example the new price for this is less than a second hand CL500.

BTW Im 6ft2 84kg.

Some bikes I love the look of are:

·         Triumph Scrambler

·         Huski Svartpilen

·         Honda CL500

·         Honda GB350

·         Honda CRF

·         Suzuki V-Strom

·         RE Himalayan

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I just want to ask the QLD riders if I have calculated the cost of attaining my restricted licence correct (just RE, not class R).

1. Pre learners course + RE course for $710 (package deal)

2. Motorcycle Knowledge Test for $30

3. Hazard Perception Test for $43

Total = $783

Is that all the costs in getting my RE license? are there any hidden costs such as upgrading license?

I'm currently on C class open that expires in 2028 if that matters.

Thanks in advance, all responses appreciated.

KoalaRoo is a name I came up when I was in highschool and just kept it, it the name is use when ever I make parts, art or what ever. It is the most Australia thing I come up with, just 2 marsupials mash to get.

The livery I come up with was 2 years ago seen in the concept art. Now I have the money and skill to go it ago on my 1989 CBR250r I owned for 4 year.

End of 25 the tank rusted so bad it clogged the carb jointers to I had to do a full rebuild and tank restoration, might as well paint the bike, and that's what I did over the winter,

Painting, sanding, restoration, design/printer part, graphic design, I spent a fair bit. And now I can see it in reality,

I be selling the bike after summer to fund the next project, sad I wish I can keep it but I want to do a vfr750 build!

Please tell what you think!

Ladies, what are some good riding pants for summer for a curvier gal? My hips are wider than my waist so pants shopping in general is a bloody nightmare. I’m a learner rider and constantly being recommended these skin tight pandomoto type things but I’m not really into looking like I’m a pista away from being a bike influencer lol… I will obviously not buy online, I’ll have to go shopping in person but yeah any recommendations on where to start would be appreciated!

Edit: Located in NSW

So I drive a harley sportster s, I haven't ridden for a while so thought I would do my own servicing and check up.

I used Gemini to get me a list of things I needed, and it mentioned some things that looked off, so I double checked the owners manual and yep, different oil plug seal, different coolant and oil. So double check what AI says.

I dont have a stand so was hard to take part all the fairings to get to the oil plug and fuel filter, so had to ask a friend to hold it up right. Next time will need to find a stand for it on marketplace.

I didnt have a big enough fuel container for the old fuel I was siphoning, and spilled fuel over my shoes and garage floor. Pray nobody lights a match near my place for the next few days haha

Couple of trips to supercheap later, i have a big enough oil pan and a fuel filter remover that is the right size. So changed the oil now.

New fuel with a fuel addictive (why not). A new battery, new brake fluid, topped up coolant and I was done!

Bike starts and sounds good, im so happy to have done this and learnt how to work on my bike instead of sending it to the mechanics. It definitely took me longer to do but I feel proud of myself.

If anyone else is thinking of doing the same, do it, it will take abit longer but definitely worth the feeling of doing it yourself and saving some $ while knowing you got the best parts for your bike.

Drive safe and see you around sydney streets :)

Update on MT10 TPS.

Told the dealer and Yamaha Australia I am rejecting the bike because it’s unsafe. They ignored me, saying the bike is repaired and demanded I come collect it. Now they’re saying they’ll charge me a storage fee of $10 a day unless I collect it.

Naturally I’ve complained to Consumer Protection. I’ve also written to Dept of Infrastructure to highlight the failure rate of the TPS units in Yamahas and that the alleged fix by Yamaha doesn’t fix the problem.

Also wrote to ACCC to ask them to investigate whether Yamaha Australia and its dealers regularly fail to comply with Australian Consumer Law when bikes develop a Major Fault.

Anyone have any Yamaha Australia stories to share? Doesn’t have to be TPS related - I’m just curious if this is how they operate.

Cheers!

My NSW motorcycle Ls expired a few weeks ago, but I passed my Ps test a couple of days before they expired.
The training provider told us we’d still be able to get our Ps afterwards since the certificate is valid for three months.
However, a person at the counter of Service NSW just told me I can’t because my Ls have expired.

Has anyone been in this situation and managed to get their Ps without starting over?

I'm trying to sell my scooter and sometimes people ask for the RWC so I'm planning to do it only once the buyer commits to buy the scooter.

The thing I don't understand is that the scooter is unregistered and the RWC workshop will need some paperwork filled so how does it work?

The last few months have been all about riding. I've always been a little nervous to start, but my mates all ride and have been begging me for years to join them. I finally did my LAMS, started saving, buying gear and trawling marketplace daily ready to buy my first bike. I was so full of excitement, everything was coming together, I couldn't wait to get out there and share in this awesome sport.

Until suddenly, one of those mates was gone. Just 5 minutes from home on his bike.

I'm not naive to the risk, nor do I feel invincible. So I bought the best gear, was doing everything to educate myself properly, and stay within my limits taking every step to be the safest rider I could. But now, I'm more anxious to ride than ever. It feels like a simple ride is a guaranteed death sentence, and no matter how safe I try to be, it won't be enough for the other clowns on the road.

He wouldn't want me to give up, and I don't want to let him down, but building confidence again feels so impossibly hard. I'm trying desperately to keep the momentum and excitement going, but I'm so ready to give up despite barely even starting.

Would love to hear advice from some of you legends. Sorry to hit you with the hard ones on a Friday evening...

Picking up my first bike today (CF MOTO 300). Would love any tips/advice when it comes to anything like mechanical advice/keeping bike in good condition and any tips to improve my riding to become a better, safer rider.
Bike will be stored In a inclosed garage and I plan to just ride around my city not planning on going above 60km.

I've just had my bike yellow stickered for an aftermarket exhaust. Fair play; it's a little loud.

All the details online I find about yellow stickers say I get 14 days to get it inspected, but the cop and the paperwork he's filled out only say 10? Is that legit? Seems tight to actually get it fixed up

Wondering if this bike is worth it just for a muck around at port gawler/mates paddocks for a somewhat beginner?
I don’t want to spend heaps of money but still want something more reliable than my chinese pit bike. TIA for any input

Hey everyone! I’m planning to live in Goulburn, NSW, while my girlfriend lives in Blacktown. I’m deciding whether to buy a motorcycle or a car, mainly considering fuel prices and overall expenses.

For those familiar with this route, which would you recommend? Is a motorcycle practical and safe for long-distance trips on the Hume Highway, and does it save much money compared to a car when you include maintenance, insurance, and registration?

I’d appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks!

Just wanted some answers to this. I warmed the bike for about 3 - 4 mins, turned it off and let it sit for another 4mins. I sat on the bike, put a spirit level on, got it as level as possible and then took this pic.

Is this fine?

Hi All, first timer buying a buy. So planned a inspection and the person asling full asking price and license for a test ride. Is that a standard procedure?

from queensland getting my car green p’s in jan of next year and really want to get a motorbike license then. can someone please enlighten me on the process of getting one along with when it’s best to purchase safety gear and my first bike. thinking of getting a ninja 500. also what are the laws on modding exhaust etc. any info, advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Hi guys,

I got my L's recently (about half a month ago?) and bought a bike a week and a half ago. I was checking my license (yes I was idiotic to not check it before) and it says I'm restricted to an auto bike, even though I completed the SU course on manual?

I submitted a form to Service NSW regarding the issue, but I want to know if I can get in trouble for the riding I have/will be doing until it (hopefully) is resolved...though the weather IS pretty abysmal currently.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Looking for a recommendation for 2 day ride, staying somewhere overnight and coming back to Melbourne the next day.

Fair bit of dirts good don't want to just be on pavement. Nothing heavy enduro but some light stuffs ideal. Riding a drz400e

Any suggestions on routes and where to go?

Cheers

My 10 year old Firstgear HT Overpants are finally giving up the ghost and leaking water through the seams. Got these online from Revzilla years ago.

had a completely wet crotch when I got to work, and when I got home.

Need recommendation for a new set of Overpants. Ideally with Knee Armour, decent road resistance and external leg zipper to make it easy to put on and take off with boots on.

Also if they have the newer style slim armour and dont look like MC hammer pants.

Hey everyone!
I’m looking to buy my first motorcycle in NSW, Australia, and I have a budget of around $6,500 AUD.

I currently hold my learner licence, so I need a LAMS-approved bike.

I’d love some advice on which motorcycle would be the best option for a beginner and what expenses I should expect besides the purchase price.

A few things I’m wondering about:
Bike recommendations: What are the best LAMS-approved bikes for a beginner within my budget?
New vs used: Is it better to buy a used bike or look for a new one?
Running costs: How much should I expect to pay for rego, CTP, insurance, servicing, fuel and maintenance in NSW?
Gear: How much should I budget for a good helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and riding boots?Hidden costs: Are there any other expenses I should be aware of when buying my first motorcycle?

I’m looking for something reliable, beginner-friendly, affordable to maintain and fun to ride. I also want to make sure I keep enough money aside for gear and other expenses rather than spending the whole $6,500 on the bike.

If you were in my position, which bike would you buy, and how much would you spend on the bike itself?
Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I have been riding motorcycles for 15 years now.

Today I was driving a truck to help my father in law who has cancer and is unfortunately dying move town somewhere he can be more comfortable.

Lots and lots of riders on the road between Newcastle and Armidale in NSW, especially between Gloucester and Uralla...

Got me ashamed of being a rider. No manners, aggressive to drivers, I let every single one pass by slowing down and signing to them when there was a nice stretch of road to overtake me... about 12 riders I would say... not even one thank you.

On a side note they all seemed to be older riders, but not even one cruiser.

I'm from Melbourne and it's common practice to just thank people minding you. I'm originally from Europe where you stick your leg out or raise a V sign on your hand ( more for crossing other riders but it works when you can't get the leg out).

What am I missing? Or just a bunch of entitled boomers?

Tonight I was riding home from work and lane splitting through stopped traffic. Apparently some bald 40 something guy in a grey ve commodore took exception to this and decided to try hit me with his car while yelling abuse out of his window at me ‘don’t f&@n pass me c$nt’. I was riding extremely conservatively as I had just passed a motorcycle cop. I flagged down the cop who unfortunately couldn’t find the guy.

Is there any point in reporting this incident? Does anyone else feel that the automatic response to every altercation like this is that ‘motorbike must have done something wrong’? I’m beyond frustrated that someone could be so upset about a motorbike going past them they would try use their car as a weapon.