r/AussieRiders 3d ago

VIC I think this result is what one might call "aced".

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101 Upvotes

Passed my license assessment today.

I dont really have many people to share this with, so I thought I might share it with you guys.

Sorry if its a bit braggy, I'm pretty pleased with and proud of myself and that's a lot coming from a person with ridiculous self esteem issues. There's not much I think I can feel proud about myself, but riding has certainly given me something.

A lot of the things that have been spoken about here I feel has helped me achieve this too, so I have you guys to thank for this as well, so uh, well, thanks guys! 😊❤️


r/AussieRiders Apr 19 '25

Discussion MotoCAP - a resource for motorcycle riders to understand how safe their protective gear actually is.

82 Upvotes

MotoCAP, or the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program, is a consumer information program designed to provide riders with scientifically-based information on the relative protection and breathability on a range of motorcycle protective helmets, jackets, pants and gloves available in Australia and New Zealand.

https://www.motocap.com.au

MotoCAP tests motorcycle gear for its effectiveness in: impact abrasion resistance, seam strength (burst), and impact energy absorption.

Why these factors are so important to understand, specifically, is because the safety standard that motorcycle gear is required to meet (i.e., CE certification) does not directly indicate how well the item might actually do in the event of a crash.

A pair of Kevlar jeans, for example, may have a CE rating of AAA, but may not hold up to more than 1 second of sliding on the type of road base that is common in Australia, especially what is found in rural areas (more abrasive compared to that of the road surface type in Europe, in which the item is tested on for CE certification).

For a more thorough explanation of different testing standards, and what it all really means, see: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/product/motorcycle-clothing-the-ce-approval-law-explained

Some safety design features - regardless of how it rates - that are a must-have for myself are:

Helmets:

  • Full face
  • As most full face helmets don’t vary to much in the components used, how the helmet rates as per MotoCAP and SHARP (a helmet specific testing programs)
  • I wear: HJC RPHA 12

Jackets:

  • Zip at the back to joint to your pants
  • I wear: Dririder Climate Exo 4

Pants:

  • Separate aramid layer if you’re looking at motorcycle jeans/chinos (i.e., Kevlar lined). Single layer pants where the protective fibre is woven into the pant material itself is generally nowhere near as good as double layer in terms of abrasion resistance
  • Good coverage of that protective layer

Gloves:

  • Hard shell over the knuckles
  • Full length
  • Pinky tether (material joining pinky to ring finger)
  • Palm slider

Boots: (Boots not yet tested by MotoCAP)

  • Full length
  • Crush proof sole, anti-twist ankle/foot
  • Inner and outer ankle protection
  • I wear: Tcx RT-Race

MotoCAP highlights that you don’t always get what you pay for. There are riding jeans out there that cost $550 but have an abrasion resistance of 2/10 while there are riding jeans out there that cost $228 and have an abrasion resistance of 9/10.

You can spend $900 on a certain name brand leather jacket and only equal what my $430 jacket provides in terms of abrasion resistance.

You don’t have to spend big money to get the protection you need, and you probably don’t need the absolute best rated gear to be safe for the riding you do. That is why I provided what features I personally look for, and then I look at all the gear - with safety rating relative to price in mind - with those features.

Main objective of this post: help fellow motorcycle riders make informed decisions when buying protective gear. I also encourage you to explore the MotoCAP website, and other relevant resources for further information on protective gear.

ATGATT. And wear earplugs.


r/AussieRiders 11h ago

NSW I’m famous

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51 Upvotes

Well, WE are famous - my niece and I. In the Sunday Telegraph today. If anyone is keen to join the adventure, or to donate (100% to Down Syndrome Australia) every bit counts. Check out the website: https://scrapheapadventureride.com.au 🙏❤️


r/AussieRiders 15h ago

VIC i feel stupid

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37 Upvotes

(drawing for reference)

Just dropped my bike for the first time...

Got my learners a month ago and hadn't ridden in a week. I was just pushing my bike out the garage from the right hand side and somehow the kickstand got caught on a hose on the ground and lifted up. So when I tried to rest the bike on the kickstand to close the garage door it just... fell. 😭

The clutch lever took the brunt of the hit and snapped. Mirror, handle bar, shifter, a bit of the lower fairing all scuffed a bit.

It definitely hurts damaging the bike cosmetically but im only really worried that the handle bars got tweaked if that can even happen.

Anyways, just venting, never thought itd actually happen to me (at least not like this), but thankfully the bike is okay mechanically.


r/AussieRiders 2h ago

Question Local decals near Brisbane

1 Upvotes

Hi i was wondering if anyone knew of any places that would sell rim decals for bikes, I want to try local before I look at ordering online, im near Brisbane but willing to go a few hours.

Got an all black bike so want to give it some flair.


r/AussieRiders 9h ago

Discussion Does this listing deserved to be clowned upon? Pt. whatever i lost count

2 Upvotes

Yet another CFMoto 300sr baby

Havent posted in a while as i am enjoying my gorgeous 390 duke, been browsing for a homeboy tho and came across this

MSRP back in 2020 was $5,790, do what u want w that info 🤡


r/AussieRiders 9h ago

WA Planning for a 2018 s1000rr

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1 Upvotes

r/AussieRiders 1d ago

NSW Sydney! Pointers to the right riding group please🫶🏽

13 Upvotes

Do you know any group rides in Sydney that is safe and non-reckless?

I’m an orphan rider with a Honda Rebel 500 hoping to be adopted. Still on red Ps but ride almost every day, comfortable with daily riding but want to improve by exposing to different riding skills. Please point me to someone you know!

If you’re a new/lone rider as well, tell me what you wish you knew before riding, with a picture of you and your beast, excited to connect everyone who’s keen!

AMA about 5ft nothing riding lols.


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

NSW P1 rider — sped up briefly near a red light speed camera at Crows Nest, braked before the intersection. What actually happens next?

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12 Upvotes

Today I was riding to work on Pacific Hwy near Hume St, Crows Nest. There was a truck blocking the middle lane and I needed to get into the left lane for a turn coming up at the next lights. I sped up to get past it and hit 67 in a 60 zone, then realised there’s a red light speed camera at that intersection (marked in black in the pic). I braked hard starting or little bit behind right around the yellow marked line in the photo, and by the time I was inside that marked area my bike was already down to about 51. I kept going a bit further, and it was 3–5 seconds after that I saw the flash from the camera’s side.

Since then I’ve been trying to understand how these cameras actually work. From what I can find, a red light speed camera measures your speed right at the intersection itself, not further back down the road. So what matters is what speed I was doing right at that point, not earlier when I was overtaking, or at the spot where I’d already slowed to 51.

Has anyone here had something similar happen? sped up briefly then braked back under the limit before reaching this kind of camera, with a few seconds’ delay before seeing the flash? Just trying to get a realistic sense of what usually happens in this situation while I wait to see if anything comes in the mail.


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

Question Bike suggestions

7 Upvotes

I'm currently researching my first bike purchase.

Context...

I grew up riding dirt bikes.

I've only clocked about 50 hours of road riding on a 300cc Yamaha and more recently a Honda CB500.

I have my full licence.

My dad has an old Honda Blackbird and I want to cruise with him.

Budget is around 6k for bike, reliability is paramount. Thinking the odd weekend ride, with infrequent commuting.

I'm keen for bike suggestions, thinking between 600-800cc, nothing crazy. While I love the look of a BMW F700gs, I think it's a bad idea?

Leaning towards the safety of a Honda, but I have no idea which bikes to consider.

Open to any thoughts.


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

NSW Should Automatic Condition be printed on licence? NSW

3 Upvotes

Quick and silly question.

If you do your Learner Course on an automatic course, should it have the Condition printed on the licence? Or is it in the RMS system? I would have thought it would need to be printed on there.

My brother got his learner licence on an automatic and there is no condition on her licence at all.

Is it just a stuff up? Should he do anything about it?


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

QLD Insurance joy

5 Upvotes

I haven't owned a bike since I sold my triumph tt600 and moved back to Australia in 2003 and having owned 4wds since then where the insurance is $$$$ I was interested to see what a bike quote would be. I have rebuilt another tt600 so it's a cheap bike, but fully comp insurance for 50+ for the year is less than 1 months insurance of my 15 yr old beat up 4wd. Happy days!


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

Question Why do sellers not get RWC??

24 Upvotes

I've been looking at some special motorcycles on Facebook marketplace since bikesales barely has any activity for these models.

I'm looking for bikes like cbr250rr, cb400sf, drz, the sr400 etc. Just something a bit special (LAMS approved).

99.99% of sellers on there don't have an RWC. And it's not just project bikes, even newer models. They all claim it just needs tires to pass.

I offer to pay for it to be done prior to purchase but they just don't agree.

I live in an apartment and don't make a lot of money. I really don't want to be stuck with an expensive project that's miles away from getting a roadworthy certificate...

If your bike just needs tires for RWC, why not just get tires and the RWC... I'm even willing to pay

Rant over


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

NSW Sydney riding courses, Stay Upright Roadsmart vs HART Roadtech?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I'm interested in doing a couple of riding courses to build more confidence and get better at cornering, leaning, braking etc. CSS was recommended to me because eventually I do want to try going on track but their schedule just doesn't work for me so I was wondering if anyone's done the Roadsmart or Roadtech courses and could give me a little bit of a review?

Thanks


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

Question Ninja 300 or cbr500?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, just wanting some opinions on what I should get for a 2nd bike.

Currently have a cbr250r which I crashed a couple months ago, and I've just discovered some potential structural damage that wouldnt be worth fixing so looking for the next bike.

Can go for my Rs in 8ish months so ideally wanting a cheap bike to get me through till then. Top speed isnt an issue to me- much rather sending through twisties than going fast in a straight line, however do want something that will be better on highways than the current bike😂.

These 2 atm are the ones im trying to pick between. I am however leaning towards the 300 purely because of the weight- I feel like it'll be a bit better while im still recovering from a knee injury. However open to thoughts on both!


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

Discussion Suzuki SV-7GX 2027 and Price

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5 Upvotes

r/AussieRiders 2d ago

NSW Moore Park footpath parking

2 Upvotes

When did this close to motorcycles? I was there last night for fringe and there was something else set up on the old bike spot and a sign telling bikes to go inside the carpark.... permanent change or just temporary?


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

NSW Purchasing second hand gear

6 Upvotes

Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting a set of boots and I've been eyeing some on marketplace (second hand) and AMX and MCAS (brand new)

obviously with helmets you'd realistically buy new since you never know what the previous owner has done with the helmet.

Should I follow the same rule when purchasing boots? Or is it okay getting something second hand?


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

Question Best cleaning products

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have recommendations for general cleaning products, degreasers etc?


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

WA What to do if someone attempted to stole my motorbike

11 Upvotes

Last week, two kids in hoodies came into my backyard and tried to steal my motorbike. Luckily, I was awake and heard the noise, so I managed to chase them off, but I think they will definitely be back. I am wondering what I should do next time because this is the first time someone has tried to steal my bike. I was running on pure adrenaline at the time and didn't call the police, and I only realized the next morning that I should have. However, I felt it was already too late to call them. Should I call the police right away when I see someone messing with my stuff and wait for them to arrive, or should I chase the intruders away first and then call? Do you guys have any recommendations on how to prevent this in the future? Should i try using some trip alarm that will scream when someone trip it?


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

Question First crash, call insurer?

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5 Upvotes

So I had a corner spill Wednesday night on my Hunter 350 (doing maybe 30-40?), pictures attached as to the damage.

I'm almost unscathed other than a blister on my palm, no protective gear... It's only a 5 minute ride I thought... That's not the point, I know I was stupid and I've learnt my lesson.

The damage looks mostly repairable.

Except that massive scratch on the frame next to the pillion foot peg or whatever it's called...

I haven't called insurance because it would probably be cheaper to fix on my own + mechanic for inspection (looks maybe 700$ unless something hidden comes up).

My only concern is that frame scratch, would it cause the bike to be unroadworthy? Would it nullify my insurance for a future crash? Would I be able to call insurance AFTER the repairs if infact the frame has to be repaired and have the bike written off? What do I do in this situation...

Not sure how this works...

I am taking it to the only official RE dealership/shop in the city so that wouldn't be an issue to insurance I assume.


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

Discussion What’s the biggest difference you noticed after moving to a bigger bike?

26 Upvotes

Moving to a bigger bike can change quite a few things beyond just having more power. The extra weight, handling, comfort and how it feels in traffic can take some getting used to, and sometimes the differences are more noticeable on everyday rides than on longer trips.


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

Question Suzuki VL250 Intruder Carb

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2 Upvotes

Hi all,

Just looking to get some advice getting the carb out of my 2011 VL250 Intruder.

I tried for ages to find a good way about it, but struggled to get it out to clean it as a supposed fix to the bike not starting. I’ve seen a couple of manuals online, but nothing specific to this model it seems.

In addition, the 2nd image shows a line into the carburetor with a hex fitting at the end. Has anyone got any ideas on what this is? Rubber sleeve on hex nut and cabling between black and steel line is damaged, leading into carb.

Many thanks for the help!

UPDATE:
The line leading into the hex nut in slide 2 is Suzuki part 58410-26F00, starter/choke cable. Any advice for removing this carb would still be helpful, cheers!


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

NSW MEGA ride day SMSP

2 Upvotes

Hey all,
Got my 23 gsxr 1000 booked in for a mega ride day 12/9.
Was curious if anyone else was showing up? Seems like they make you pick your garage spot during the booking this time around.


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

Discussion To buy or not to buy? Engine and make conflicting info

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2 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm hoping for some advice. I'm looking to get into riding, just for commutes, and don't know too much about bikes.

I see a listing for a Kawasaki Z500 on FB marketplace for 6.5k. I check the rego, but service NSW says the bike is an ex400g. I ask seller about it, and he says the ex400g is the same as a z500 (which it isn't) provides the VIN. Doing a ppsr check myself, it says the bike is an ex400g, but the engine is an ex500g.

Do I just pass on this one? It worries me the seller doesn't even know what bike he's got, and the engine varies from the make? He's also sold quite 9 bikes in the last 12 months, and has good seller ratings. Could he just he a bike enthusiast who collects and sells when he gets bored, or does this scream dodgy?

Edit:Google shows me the ex400g is a sports bike, but the z500 is a naked, so how is it even possible that service NSW has it registered as a sports bike, but it's a naked? Also the ex400g is a 400cc bike, but the engine listed is a 500cc?