Qld to get LAMs!

According to today's Courier Mail we're finally getting LAMs (although the
660cc version; not the full-blown one)
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24643373-3102,00.html
Nothing else cheery to report.

 

Quote:
The Government will also introduce a Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme
to replace the existing 250ml engine capacity restriction for class RE
motorcycle licence holders with a restriction based on a 150kW
power-to-weight ratio and a 660ml upper engine capacity limit.

....

Can someone please explain what this means...for the not so tech minded?

I recently got my RE licence..will this mean I can ride a 660cc
bike...the requirement being it's under the 150kw limit?
Does such a bike even exist?

Sean

 

How is the 660 version different to the full-blown one?
Vicroads says
From 1 July 2008 there will be new regulations for Learner and
Probationary motorcyclists in Victoria with the introduction of a new
Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).

An approved LAMS list of motorcycles and scooters, which will be
updated as new models are approved by VicRoads, provide details of all
motorcycles and scooters that learners and newly licensed riders are
permitted to ride. View the approved list of motorcycles for novice
riders.

The LAMS list includes moderately powered motorcycles with an engine
capacity up to and including 660cc which do not exceed a power-to-
weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne.

LAMS gives novice riders access to a greater range of motorcycles and
scooters that are appropriate to their level of experience and more
suitable to riders of all sizes.

The introduction of the LAMS in Victoria will contribute to a more
consistent approach to vehicle restrictions for learner and newly
licensed riders across the country as similar schemes operate in South
Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT.

Nsw says

Approved motorcycles for novice riders
Revised 23/10/2008
As from 6 September 2002 a Learner Approved Motorcycle (LAM) scheme
for novice riders (both learner and provisional) will commence on a
trial basis. The LAM scheme will allow novice riders to ride
moderately powered motorcycles with an engine capacity up to and
including 660ml and which do not exceed a power to weight ratio of 150
kilowatts per tonne and are shown on this list. The following list,
which will be adjusted as new models are approved by the RTA, displays
details of all motorcycles that can be ridden by learner and
provisional riders.


Theo

 

A great many, even most, motorcycles under 660 fall within this list,
see
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html
Includes the SV650 and the Moto Guzzi V65, but not an R6.

Theo

 

Ok, I think I've done this right..

How is power to weight ratio calculated?
• The power output (kilowatts) is divided by the tare weight of the
motorcycle + 90kg (for rider and fuel).
The result is then multiplied by 1000 (to convert to kW per tonne), i.e.
Engine power (kW)
Tare weight (ie mass of motorcycle in kg) + 90kg (80kg rider weight +
10kg for
fuel)
x 1000

Spada
*Power:*40.00 HP <http://www.bikez.com/jargon/index.php#horsepower>
(29.2 kW <http://www.bikez.com/jargon/index.php#kilowatt>)) @ 12000 RPM
<http://www.bikez.com/jargon/index.php#Revolutions>
*Dry weight:*140.0 kg (308.6 pounds)

So: 29.2 divided by 230kg x1000 =126.9 PWR

Note to self...lose 35kg...
29.2 / 195kg x1000 = 149.7 PWR

Still legal and I can audition for a melbourne cup ride...lol

 

A great many, even most, motorcycles under 660 fall within this list,
see
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html
Includes the SV650 and the Moto Guzzi V65, but not an R6.

Theo

I have checked the RTA website and they mention a Suzuki SV650SU (whatever
that is). My understanding is that the current SV650 puts out about 52kW
and weighs about 175kg dry. You will need a rather heavy rider to obtain a
power to weight ratio of less than 150kW per tonne. If you allow 20kg for
fuel and other fluids, allow even 100 kg for a rider in riding gear, you
will obtain a power to weight ratio of 170 to 175 kw per tonne. While I am
open to arguments, I doubt that the current SV650 is learner legal, despite
what is stated on the NSW RTA website.

John Dwyer.

 

In aus.motorcycles on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:17:29 +1000

That looks like the same requirements as NSW. So see
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html

Zebee

 

I believe the ACT just has the 150kw/tonne without the 660cc
restriction (so the learner-you could theoretically ride a big 'Guzzi
or Harley)

 

In aus.motorcycles on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:41:01 +1100

It is a restricted version.

THe SV650SU is. The SV650 isn't. Seems simple enough to me.

Zebee

 

OK, I didn't know that. Are there any states apart from WA who don't
now have LAMS?

Theo

 

OK, I didn't know that. Are there any states apart from WA who don't
now have LAMS?

Theo

 

No. NT is (technically) not a state.

 

Errr no it doesn't yet include the SV650. It will shortly when the
restricted SV hits our shores

JL

 

The SV650SU is a restricted version of the SV, and the power to weight
is calculated used a nominal weight rider of I think it was 75Kg. Your
actual weight is not relevant for the purposes of approving which bike
you can ride. The list is pre-approved based on weights and power
recorded during the homologation process

JL

 

Nope

JL
(not according to amcn anyway)

 

yeah ACT is the only one for the pure power to weight no capacity
limit

JL
(660 is a bit of an odd threshold in my opinion)

 

yeah ACT is the only one for the pure power to weight no capacity
limit

JL
(660 is a bit of an odd threshold in my opinion)

I was doing Rider Training on weekends for RTA contracted providers when
LAMS came in John. From memory the 660cc limit was picked as there were a
couple of 660cc singles (Yamaha SZR660 being one I think) that manufacturers
argued for inclusion in the scheme.

Hence 660cc.

Chris

 

Mmm yes, I gathered it was intended to pickup the SZR660 for example, as
opposed to a 650 cutoff, but wasn't my point. I thought 660 was an odd
point not because it wasn't a round number but because it seemed a bit
low considering the ACT had had their open power to weight limit in for
a little while at that stage and it seemed to be successful. I can only
assume they thought there was some good reason to cut out the Massey
Davidsons and etc that were ok under the ACT legislation

JL

 

The story I heard at the time of NSW discussing LAMS was that they
worked out an unlimited capacity would allow learners to ride ST1100's
which they seemed to think was a bad thing.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Is it really an odd number, or is it just carrying on the tradition of
the 250cc limit (which was actually written up in the legislation as a
260cc limit to allow for the slight variations and avoid the ridiculous
anomaly where a 248cc bike would be learner legal but a 251cc bike would
not). Surely this is a case of them choosing 650cc because it is a
popular number with manufacturers, and then adding 10cc to allow for
slight variations in the actual capacity.

Nev..
'07 XB12X