UK Learner law changes 70s and 80s

[JonW]

Not a bad video for those who were there...

[geoffb]

Thanks for sharing JonW 👍

I had a Honda SS50 in 1982 with pedals fixed forward. What a pile of crap that was compared with my mates Fizzy! 🙄

Also, I was on the cusp of the 250cc down to 125cc learner law change. My Brother is 4 years older than me so could ride a 250 at 17 on L plates and then the awesome RD250LC came out, the law changed I had to make do with an RD125 air cooled when I was 17. 🤔

[donkeychomp]

Great reminder of times past Jon. Though 60-70mph on a moped? Typical clueless politician lol.

I (ahem) had an SS50 that pissed all over Fizzies. However it did have a C70 head and barrel on it...

Alex

[JonW]

Agreed Alex. I did get above 110kph (70mph) out of my 70cc kit (with large carb and pipe) on my MT5, but you just cant get that from an unrestricted 50cc generally. I think some of the later water cooled Kreidlers did it but not the normal stuff unless heavily breathed on.

[midlifecrisisrd]

The 50cc 30mph law was a bit harsh but personally I'm glad the 250 law dropped to 125

Don't think I'd be here in one piece if I'd have been let loose on a 250lc as a first bike

Steve

[JonW]

I totally agree Steve. The stats in the film also include the introduction of CBT which also had a huge impact i recon.

[donkeychomp]

I don't really agree but I understand it. I was very naughty as a 16 year old. I was already riding my RS100 and when I hit 17 I had an RD250, and still a learner...but passing the test back then was as complicated as turning a light on. I do know of people taking their tests now. I feel for them as not only is it very expensive indeed you either get lumped with a 35bhp limit (I think) for2 years? Unless you do the full power test and then you really are in trouble. Say you last rode a maybe 250cc machine 40+ years ago and your next purchase is a Ducati Panigale...coz it looks SO cool...life expectancy in minutes.

Alex

[JonW]

I believe the understanding part comes with age. When I was 16 I hated this, but I see the sense now.

For years I rode bigger bikes (eg RD350 and 400N Wetdream) around after I dispensed with mopeds. The step up was considerable (less so with the wetdream lol) and would have been much worse if I hadnt ridden tuned 50s. Anyway, lets just say doing all of that was naughty on a few levels, even hopping up a 50 meant no insurance and its in fact classed as a motorbike so you are licenceless etc. I was stopped once and had the book thrown at me by a very lovely WPC who funnily enough refused my offer of a drink later but she did smile as she walked away. Charm, works every time lol. Those were the days, today im sure that would have ended much more seriously. And, yes it did make me not do it again rather than make me hate the fuzz.

[dougw]

I was 17 in January 1982. My left leg was also in a full length plaster cast as a result of being hit by a Granada while on the back of a mates KE175.

My Malaguti 50 was broken , again, and mate with the KE175 took me look at a GT250. Nice bike, couldn`t afford to buy it and rebuild the top end as it rattled quite a lot.
80 year old drove through us on a roundabout, smashed my tibia.

6 months in plaster and 3 months with a support calliper and leg is strong enough to ride a bike again.

125 law in place, I got a C70 from a friend of my mums, Bought for £15, taxed, MOT and insured for around £50 all in.
Passed test on it.

October 1983 I`m 18 with a brand new RD350LC , old stock from Team Ham Yam. Compo from the insurance claim paid for it.

I may have , allegedly, been riding a mates ropey old 650 triumph at 15, but the LC was definitely a step up !

[arrdy350]

70 mph on a MT5 must of felt like you put a rocket to it JonW.
I was not allowed a 50cc on the road when I was 16 as my pearents said it wasn't safe be restricred to 30mph or less getting overtaken by lorries. So I done my CBT on a twist and go and then got my 125 when I was 17. I do think it is silly that you have to do the same test twice on the same bike most of the time at the same price  that costs £750 plus for a A2 restricted (47 bhp) or a full test I think they should change it so if you have done a A2 and have had that for two years you just go out with an instructor for a couple of hours ride and then you get your full license. 

Also if you can't ride a bike on a A2 you should be able to do your full test on it no matter what the CC is. 

[donkeychomp]

I would pay cash money to see a 17 year old take the test on a fully laden Honda Goldwing

Alex

[arrdy350]

Jan 19, 2023 1:03:15 GMT 1 donkeychomp said:

I would pay cash money to see a 17 year old take the test on a fully laden Honda Goldwing

Alex

I would to 💰
But it would be gutless at the 12bhp limit for a 17 year old 😀