Comments on: Looking Back: Aussie LAMS (Learner) Motorcycle Shootout

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 05:52:20 +0000

A good review and yes these bikes have a broader appeal than just learners.
Learners thinking of getting a first bike, read on…
I just sold my first bike. A KTM Duke 390 with 22000km on it. It has some big advantages over the plus 400cc bikes. Price is an issue because you don’t want to drop too much on your first bike and also pay for a wonderful triple or twin and then have it restricted on you. Weight obviously is an issue especially at low speeds and learners sometimes drop their bikes. Power is there if you want it but you have to rev it so no surprises from tapping into too much low down power with clumsy use of the throttle. It also has a very long throttle travel which make full use of the throttle something that has to be planned. I highly recommend one. But for a new LAMS rider a second hand one would be even better. (or cbr300 or Yamaha r3)

By: Bike Review

Bike Review — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 02:03:28 +0000

In reply to Alan Dunn.

Thanks for your comment Alan. There’s plenty of people with prior (often off-road) riding experience who have a big advantage over someone who’s never sat on a bike before and are looking for more in their machine, whether that’s performance or just a larger bike to suit a larger rider. There’s also people who start on a smaller capacity machine, but with the lengthy licencing process, upgrade during that time. Not to mention returning riders in the more premium category, who may have ridden 20+ years ago but are taking the responsible route back into riding.

Keeping in mind this was mainly looking at larger capacity LAMS models, some of these machines would definitely be more challenging to start off with than others, although this often comes down to rider mentality, risk taking, general road experience, natural aptitude and the training you receive.

The Honda CB300F certainly offers extremely good value for the totally inexperienced and is the most forgiving, but the KTM is on par as far as build quality in my experience. We haven’t had a long termer to test out reliability, but have never had an issue with the KTM’s, however Honda’s reliability is definitely a strong point. The Honda CB300F though is aimed at a very different rider than the KTM 390 Duke, which as you mentions offers a higher level of performance and more sporty handling – arguably the sportiest of those tested. Probably a fairer comparison within this group would have been the Honda CB500F.

The Triumph and Ducati as the most expensive options would no doubt be the hardest to start on but they are also the bikes many could probably most happily keep once off a restricted licence and hold their values very well.

It would have been great to do a 250-400cc comparison and 400cc+ comparison but unfortunately the logistics wouldn’t allow it at the time.

By: Alan Dunn

Alan Dunn — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 13:08:12 +0000

Another review of which LAMS bikes an experienced rider would choose. Makes no sense given that the target market for LAMS riders are the inexperienced / novice rider. And restricted or not some of these bikes like the Triumph are way beyond the capabilities of a beginner / inexperienced rider. Foe the novice the Honda CB300F makes the most sense as it is forgiving, light, and reliable. The KTM looks good on paper and rides well with good handling and power – but it’s a long way short of the Honda when it comes to build quality and reliability.