Hmm, seems someone is passing the smarties around in that nest of vipers affectionately known as the Victorian Parliament. In an announcement that will gladden the hearts of those who like to mix their motoring modes (two wheels… four… who gives a rat’s rectum?), the Victorian Government has finally worked out that putting folk with huge arses on tiny little 250cc motorbikes, is a pretty dumb idea. Better, and safer, the Government has concluded, that they ride a machine more in keeping with their physical dimensions, and one they’ll hang onto longer.

Seems that some learner motorcycle riders have been choosing not to ride much in their first year of being licensed because they don’t want to be seen, dead or alive, riding around on a 250cc ‘mozzie’. (Yeah, duh, don’t need to be a genius to work that one out.) They’ve been waiting it out, then strapping on the leathers and heading out with a wad in their mitts to buy the thumping machine they really wanted in the first place.

Normally, it’s quicker, simpler and takes a lot less time to grow a third leg than it is to wait for sensible legislation from any Government when it comes to motorbikes. But there we have it. The new regulations for learner and probationary motorcyclists, to come into effect on 1 July, will allow novice riders to ride motorcycles up to engine capacities of 660cc, provided the power to weight ratio does not exceed 150kW per tonne.

The VicRoads website has a list of “acceptable” motorcycles and scooter models available for these riders, which will be updated continuously as new models come onto the market.

Go to www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/LAMS for the full list of approved motorcycles and scooters.