Tag Archives: Honda Grom

2025 Honda Grom Preview, Plus Other Honda MiniMotos 

2025 Honda Grom Cherry Red
2025 Honda Grom in Cherry Red

The popular and fun-inducing Honda Grom gets a fresh face for 2025, and the Honda Navi returns for 2024 with new color options. Other small Honda models, including the ADV160, Ruckus, and Metropolitan, will also return for 2025.  

2025 Honda Grom 

2025 Honda Grom Candy Blue
2025 Honda Grom in Candy Blue

The Honda Grom, first introduced in 2014, has been one of Honda’s top-selling models and has inspired its own subculture. Built to be easy to customize, the Grom is now in its fourth generation with new styling, and a full range of Honda Accessories are available. 

Related: Honda Grom First Ride Review 

2025 Honda Grom ABS Pearl White
2025 Honda Grom ABS in Pearl White

The Honda Grom is powered by a fuel-injected 125cc Single with an overhead cam and has a bore and stroke of 50 x 63.1mm and a compression ratio of 10:1. It has a five-speed gearbox and a top speed of about 60 mph. Fuel capacity is 1.6 gallons, seat height is 30.0 inches, and claimed wet weight is 227 lb for the ABS version and 224 lb without ABS. 

2025 Honda Grom SP Matte Black Metallic
2025 Honda Grom SP in Matte Black Metallic

The 2025 Honda Grom will be available in Candy Blue, Pearl White, or Cherry Red for $3,599. The SP version (includes SP graphics and a chin fairing) will be available in Matte Black Metallic for $3,699. The ABS version will be available in Pearl White for $3,799. 

2024 Honda Navi 

2024 Honda Navi Arctic Silver Metallic
2024 Honda Navi in Arctic Silver Metallic

As the most affordable and approachable model in Honda’s streetbike lineup, the 234-lb Honda Navi features a compact size, light weight, and an automatic CVT transmission. Popular among younger riders, the Navi starts at only $1,999 and is powered by a 109cc Single, which is located at the rear of the bike to allow space in the front for a lockable storage pod. The Navi boasts a claimed 110 mpg, giving it decent range from its tiny 0.9-gallon fuel tank. 

Related: Honda Navi First Ride Review 

2024 Honda Navi Blue Metallic
2024 Honda Navi in Blue Metallic

The 2024 Honda Navi will be available in non-painted white for $1,999. For those wanting a splash of color, the Navi will be available in Artic Silver Metallic, Pearl Red, or Blue Metallic for $2,099. 

2024 Honda Navi White
2024 Honda Navi in White

2025 Honda ADV160 

2025 Honda ADV160 Pearl Blue
2025 Honda ADV160 in Pearl Blue

This Honda scooter is designed around the concept of “city adventure” and features a 156cc Single, an automatic transmission, a two-step adjustable windscreen, and under-seat storage. The ADV160 also includes a centerstand (and sidestand), a 12-volt accessory outlet, a 3.1-gallon fuel tank, a 30.1-inch seat height, a small storage compartment, all-LED lighting, and Honda’s Smart Key system. 

Related: Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders 

2025 Honda ADV160 Matte Black Metallic
2025 Honda ADV160 in Matte Black Metallic

The 2025 Honda ADV160 will be available in Pearl Blue and Matte Black Metallic for $4,499. 

2025 Honda Ruckus 

2025 Honda Ruckus Beige
2025 Honda Ruckus in Beige

The Ruckus features a simple design that lends itself to customization. It’s powered by a 49cc Single and has an automatic transmission, a seat height of 28.9 inches, fuel capacity of 1.3 gallons, a wet weight of 194 lb, and a helmet holder to lock a helmet under the seat. The 2025 Honda Ruckus will be available in black or beige for $2,899. 

2025 Honda Ruckus Black
2025 Honda Ruckus in Black

2025 Honda Metropolitan 

2025 Honda Metropolitan Red
2025 Honda Metropolitan in Red

The Metropolitan is designed for urban transportation and features a classic European scooter style. It’s powered by a 49cc Single with automatic transmission and comes with an inner storage bin that can hold a 1-liter bottle and a large hook for securing a bag. Honda also offers a rear trunk, rear carrier, a rear trunk attachment kit, and an outdoor cover as accessories for the Metropolitan. 

2025 Honda Metropolitan Denim Blue Metallic
2025 Honda Metropolitan in Denim Blue Metallic

The 2025 Honda Metropolitan will be available in Denim Blue Metallic or Red for $2,649. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 Honda Grom Preview, Plus Other Honda MiniMotos  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda Announces 2022-2023 Returning Models

2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary
The 2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade. It’s one of 10 returning models Honda has announced for 2022-2023.

Earlier this year, Honda announced some of its returning models for the 2022 model year, including the Africa Twin, Super Cub, Gold Wing, NC750X, Rebels (300, 500, 1100), Fury, CB/R500s (CB500X, CB500F, CBR500R), CBR600RR, and CBR1000RR.

Another crop of returning 2022 models, as well as a couple for 2023, has been announced. Joining those listed above are 10 additional models in four categories, including sport, miniMOTO, dual-sport, and scooter.

Headlining the announcement is the legendary CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, which in 2022 adopts important new performance upgrades to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade’s original introduction in Europe (followed a year later in the U.S.).

2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary
2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and 1992 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

Also returning for 2022 are the CBR650R sportbike and CB650R naked bike, both of which come standard with ABS. On the miniMOTO front, the 2023 edition of the popular Grom is back, as is the 2022 edition of the retro Trail 125. The PCX also returns for 2022, continuing as the benchmark model among scooters, and joined by the 2023 Ruckus.

Three dual-sport machines were also announced – the popular CRF300L; its adventure-focused sibling, the CRF300L Rally; and the classic XR650L, the latter in a new color.

“We recognize that motorcycling comes in many forms, a fact that is reflected in today’s announcement,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “The models included are each unique, but they share a commitment to delivering the enjoyment of two-wheel recreation. We’re proud of the disparate nature of the motorcycling community, and we’re happy to serve all of its members in 2022 and beyond.”

2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary
2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary

Read our 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP review

To celebrate the original, groundbreaking CBR900RR and a record of continuous challenges since the introduction of that game-changer, Honda offers a stunning 30th Anniversary version of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. For 2022, development of this model’s inline four-cylinder engine centers on mid-corner acceleration: the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section are all revised to deliver extra midrange power. The final-drive sprocket has gone up three teeth for stronger acceleration through each ratio, and quick-shifter performance has been upgraded. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has also been optimized, with feedback from HRC’s riders, for refined rear-tire traction management, and throttle feel has improved even further.

The 2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP will be available in Pearl White with an MSRP of $28,900, and it will be in dealerships in July 2022.

2022 Honda CBR650R

2022 Honda CBR650R
2022 Honda CBR650R

Designed to be appreciated on the street, but drawing inspiration from the supersport realm, the CBR650R excites riders with its sharp lines, complete bodywork, and corner-carving abilities, but it also delivers comfort, practicality, and value. A full-fairing sport variant of the standard CB650R, this model has a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, stylish aesthetics and excellent emissions performance. With a finely tuned chassis delivering light, responsive handling, and a high-revving inline 4-cylinder engine that offers enjoyable power, the CBR650R is exciting to ride and a pleasure to own, a gratifying intersection of values for the modern sportbike rider.

The 2022 Honda CBR650R will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $9,799, and it will be in dealerships in August 2022.

2022 Honda CB650R

2022 Honda CB650R
2022 Honda CB650R

Honda’s iconic CB moniker evokes a proud legacy of middleweight machines that boast user-friendly four-cylinder engines mated to nimble, confidence-inspiring chassis. That’s also an accurate description of the CB650R, which features a Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, excellent emissions performance, striking aesthetics, and comfortable ergonomics. Showcasing Honda’s Neo Sports Café design theme through its smooth lines and compact packaging, the CB650R is a popular and enjoyable naked bike that builds on the CB history of catering to diverse riding experiences, from daily commutes to exhilarating outings on tight, twisting backroads.

The 2022 Honda CB650R will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $9,299, and it will be in dealerships in September 2022.

2023 Honda Grom

2023 Honda Grom
2023 Honda Grom

Read our 2022 Honda Grom review

The undisputed emperor of the miniMOTO world and the spawner of a vibrant subculture of fun-seekers, Honda’s Grom inspires a cross-demographic army of enthusiasts who embrace the diminutive model with remarkable passion. Its low seat height and approachability make it an unintimidating option for new riders to learn with, while its modular styling and peppy performance make it an entertaining plaything for experienced riders and a customization platform for those looking for an amusing project. It’s no wonder that the Grom continues to be one of the powersports industry’s most popular motorcycle models.

The 2023 Honda Grom will be available in Matte Black Metallic, Cherry Red, and Force Silver Metallic for the non-ABS model (MSRP is $3,499) and Pearl White for the ABS model (MSRP is $3,799). It will be in dealerships in April 2022.

2022 Honda Trail 125

2022 Honda Trail 125
2022 Honda Trail 125

Read our 2021 Honda Trail 125 review

When it comes to fun, approachable, popular miniMOTO models, no manufacturer even comes close to Honda, and the Trail 125 is a prime example of one such machine that also pays tribute to the past. The model harkens back to a golden era of motorcycling when there was seemingly a CT model on the bumper rack of every motor home but, like Honda’s nostalgic Monkey and Super Cub, it also incorporates the modern joys of practical design and hassle-free technology. Compared to the urban-focused Super Cub on which it is based, the Trail 125 has a number of rugged upgrades, making it ideal for casual trekking on- and off-road.

The 2022 Honda Trail 125 will be available in Glowing Red with an MSRP of $3,999, and it will be in dealerships in April 2022.

2022 Honda CRF300L

2022 Honda CRF300L
2022 Honda CRF300L

Read our 2021 Honda CRF300L / CRF300L Rally review

The motorcycle industry’s top-selling dual-sport model, the CRF300L boasts strong power, low weight and excellent on- and off-road performance, while also delivering unparalleled value, reliability, and styling. The model has a broad powerband, predictable handling, and aesthetic cues that are carried over from Honda’s CRF Performance line, and it’s available in standard and ABS versions, both of which are ready to provide low-cost transportation and true dual-sport adventure.

The 2022 Honda CRF300L will be available in Red with an MSRP of $5,349 without ABS and $5,649 with ABS. It will be in dealerships in April 2022.

2022 Honda CRF300L Rally

2022 Honda CRF300L Rally
2022 Honda CRF300L Rally

Read our 2021 Honda CRF300L / CRF300L Rally review

Based on the standard CRF300L, but with comfort-focused upgrades including handguards, more fuel capacity, and a frame-mounted windscreen, the CRF300L Rally evokes images of the Dakar Rally while delivering practicality and value. More suitable for long-distance adventuring than its standard sibling, the Rally version is also a stellar commuter.

The 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally will be available in Red with an MSRP of $6,099 without ABS and $6,399 with ABS. It will be in dealerships in April 2022.

2022 Honda XR650L

2022 Honda XR650L
2022 Honda XR650L

Yes, the XR650L has been a familiar part of Honda’s lineup for many years, but there’s a reason the tried-and-true dual-sport model continues to be popular with customers. It’s highly adaptable, opening the door to adventure on single-track trails, dirt roads, and backroads, while also delivering capable transportation in the city. The natural result of those characteristics – plus a proud Baja heritage – is a diehard following of riders, who will be pleased to know that the model has received a styling facelift for 2022.

The 2022 Honda XR650L will be available in White with an MSRP of $6,999, and it will be in dealerships in April 2022.

2022 Honda PCX

2022 Honda PCX
2022 Honda PCX

Honda’s PCX is the ultimate tool for tackling urban environments in style, continuing to set the standard for scooter design and technology. Equipped with a freeway-capable engine, the PCX is equally suitable for new riders and more experienced customers, delivering performance, fuel economy, great handling, a comfortable ride, and simple operation – all attributes that are vital in the scooter category.

The 2022 Honda PCX will be available in Pearl White with an MSRP of $3,899 without ABS and $4,099 with ABS. It will be in dealerships in April 2022.

2023 Honda Ruckus

2023 Honda Ruckus
2023 Honda Ruckus

When it comes to little two-wheelers that ooze personality and attitude, it’s tough to top Honda’s unique Ruckus, the model that launched an entire scooter-customization subculture. With an exposed frame and dual round headlights contributing to an industrial-looking design, plus practical features like reliability, fuel efficiency, and nimble handling, the Ruckus a great choice as a platform for personalization or affordable, around-town transportation.

The 2023 Honda Ruckus will be available in Gray, White/Metallic Blue, and Metallic Blue/Tan with an MSRP of $2,899, and it will be in dealerships in April 2022.

For more information or to find a Honda dealer near you, visit powersports.honda.com.

The post Honda Announces 2022-2023 Returning Models first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2022 Honda Grom | First Ride Review

2022 Honda Grom review
We got a first ride on the third-generation Grom, which has a revised engine, a 5-speed transmission, a new seat, fresh styling, and other changes. With a base price of $3,399, you’ll never have so much fun for so little money. (Photos by Drew Ruiz)

When the Honda Grom debuted for 2014, it was a curiosity. The first question was, “What the heck is a grom?” Since 1959, American Honda has been based in Southern California, a place known for its tasty waves. When the time came to name a 125cc minibike, it chose the slang term for a talented young surfer.

The next question was, “Who’s gonna buy it?” Everyone, as it turned out. Priced at $2,999, the low buy-in and appeal of a modern, playful minibike proved irresistible. Dealers ordered them by the dozen, and when they couldn’t get as many as they needed, they took deposits and put people on waiting lists. Some early buyers flipped Groms for a profit.

Almost overnight, Grom subcultures popped up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Shops like Steady Garage in California and MNNTHBX (man in the box, get it?) in Tennessee started customizing Groms, and aftermarket companies began offering special parts like shocks, exhaust pipes, and big-bore kits. Grom enthusiasts started racing them, and friends and clubs got together for group rides.

There’s a house in my neighborhood that was occupied by four bikers who rode tricked-out Dynas and dressed like Sons of Anarchy cast members. At random times I’d see their garage door open, and out they’d come in black vests and half helmets on four identical Groms, their normally serious “cruiser face” replaced with boyish smiles.

2022 Honda Grom review
The 2022 Honda Grom SP ($3,499) comes in Pearl White and includes special graphics, gold fork tubes, and gold wheels. Large bolts make it easier to remove the Grom’s bodywork.

The Grom has been Honda’s top-selling streetbike in the U.S. since it was introduced. Worldwide, more than 750,000 have been sold. And over the past few years Honda’s miniMOTO lineup has expanded to include the Monkey, Super Cub C125, and Trail 125, all powered by the same 125cc air-cooled Single.

After getting an edgy styling refresh in 2017, the Grom was updated for 2022 with a new look, a revised engine, a new transmission, a larger fuel tank, and a thicker, flatter seat. The goal was to make the Grom easier to customize, more comfortable, and – dare we say it – more practical.

2022 Honda Grom review
The light and agile Grom is right at home on city streets.

Greg’s Gear
Helmet: HJC RPHA 90S
Jacket: Fly Racing Strata
Pants: Sa1nt Unbreakable Jeans
Boots: Highway 21 Axle Shoes

Though still a fuel-injected, 2-valve 125cc Single with an overhead cam, the Grom’s powerplant now has a more undersquare bore/stroke (now 50 x 63.1mm vs. 52.4 x 57.9mm before), a higher compression ratio (10:1, up from 9.3:1), and a larger airbox, all aimed at making the little engine that could more torquey and fuel efficient. A replaceable oil filter simplifies maintenance, and the down pipe and muffler are now a two-piece design for easier replacement.

2022 Honda Grom review
We dare you find a way to have more fun for less money on a motorcycle.

The Grom’s gearbox now has five speeds (up from four) and wider gear ratios, which, along with a larger 38-tooth rear sprocket (up from 34), help the bike cruise more easily at speed. Nonetheless, due to its top speed of about 60 mph, the Grom is too small to take on the freeway, not that I’d be inclined to do so even if I could. A larger 1.6-gallon tank (up from 1.45) will help the fuel sipper go even farther between fill-ups – last year’s model got an EPA-tested 134 mpg.

I showed up to the Grom press ride after a particularly stressful week. The day before we had shipped our August issue off to the printer, and I felt wrung out like an old dishrag. After getting a tour of the Steady Garage shop in Irwindale, California, and checking out some of their amazing Grom builds, our get-along gang of eight riders buzzed through the city streets and up into the San Gabriel Mountains.

2022 Honda Grom review
LCD meter has a speedo, tach, fuel gauge, clock, gear position, and trip/fuel economy functions.

I’m 6 feet tall and weigh more than 200 pounds. Honda hasn’t provided a curb weight figure for the 2022 model, but the previous model weighed 229 pounds. Even with my big sack of taters in the saddle, the Grom is zippy and pulls away from stops eagerly. Its clutch pull is ultra light, and rowing through the gears is effortless, which is good since keeping the Grom in the go zone requires the right gear and all the throttle you can twist out of the right grip.

Going up into the mountains was a tad slow, but going down was a total riot. With 12-inch wheels and barely 10 horsepower, the Grom is all about corner speed and drafting the person in front of you. Its brakes and suspension are as basic as you’d expect for a $3,399 motorcycle, but they are steady and predictable. (An extra $200 gets you ABS.) The Grom is tough and takes a lot of abuse without complaint.

By the time we got back to the valley, I had all but forgotten what I was so stressed out about. I had been so focused on keeping up and being smooth and laughing inside my helmet at the silliness of it all that the fun had displaced all of my concerns

2022 Honda Grom review
Grom, Monkey, (Super) Cub, or Trail, there’s a 125cc Honda miniMOTO for you.

It has been said that you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist’s office. That’s especially true if the motorcycle is a Grom. Go ahead, have some fun!

2022 Honda Grom Specs

Base Price: $3,399
Price as Tested: $3,499 (Grom SP)
Website: powersports.honda.com
Engine Type: Air-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves
Displacement: 125cc
Bore x Stroke: 50 x 63.1mm
Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 47.2 in.
Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/3.3 in.
Seat Height: 30 in.
Wet Weight: 229 lbs. (2020 model)
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gals.

The post 2022 Honda Grom | First Ride Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda latest manufacturer to recall models for reflectors

Motorcycle Recall Notice


PRA No. – 2021/19048
Date published – 24 Jun 2021
Campaign number – 3M1

Supplier – Honda Australia Motorcycles and Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Traders who sold this product – Honda Australia MPE authorised dealers
Where the product was sold – Nationally
Dates available for sale – 1 January 2020 – 28 February 2021

Honda Motorcycle Models:

GROM(L), Z125M – Model Year 2019
CB500X, CB650R, CBR500R, CBR650R – Model Years 2019 and 2021
C125AL, CRF250L-LA, CRF250R (Rally) – Model Year 2020
CB500F, CMX500A2 – Model Year 2021
CMX500A – Model Years 2019-2021

Total of 2,981 affected motorcycles

See the VIN list here.


What are the defects?

The reflex reflector may not comply with the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 47 for reflection luminosity.

What are the hazards?

If the reflector has insufficient luminosity, affected motorcycles may be less visible to drivers of other vehicles, which could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death of the rider and/or other road users.

What should consumers do?

Consumers should contact their nearest Honda motorcycle dealer and arrange for their motorcycle to be inspected and repaired, free of charge.

For further information, consumers should contact their authorised Honda Motorcycle Dealer directly or contact the Customer Relations Department on 1300 559 846 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 6pm) or email [email protected] or via the website https://motorcycles.honda.com.au/contactus

Source: MCNews.com.au

Honda Could Update the Grom Soon

Honda’s Mini Could Become Even Better

Honda’s motorcycle division is all about rumors. The company must have about 10 million projects going at once if you believe all of the rumors, but this recent one stood out to me. Honda could update the Grom soon. 

According to a recent report by the Japanese publication Young Machine the rumor is that the Honda Grom could undergo a pretty dramatic change, what the publication calls an “evolution.” This would update the styling and the engine of the little mini-moto.

スクープ! 実車が発表間近の気配です。Scoop!【新型グロム画像を極秘入手】エンジンも完全刷新か【原付二種】https://young-machine.com/2020/10/02/133861/

Posted by ヤングマシン YoungMachine on Friday, October 2, 2020

An anonymous source sent the publication a look at a race-spec Grom with notable chassis and engine changes. These changes could come from the act of making a race-spec Grom, but they could also hint at a new Grom hitting Honda dealers fairly soon.

Kawasaki

To be fair, the Grom has mostly been unchanged since its introduction in 2014. The styling was updated at one point to help differentiate it from its competitors, but it might be the perfect time for Honda to make this little bike better. Especially now that Honda has plenty of other bikes in its Mini line, including the Super Cub, Monkey, and now the CT125 Hunter Cub.

If the rumor is true, it will be interesting to see what Honda does with the Grom. I’d think they would make it the most extreme mini out there. The company has bikes for the casual rider in its other small-displacement bikes, so why not make the Grom even more of a little badass? Time will tell.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Should drivers ride light motorcycles?

A new survey has found a large majority of European riders believe drivers should be allowed to ride light motorcycles up to 125cc on a full car licence.

In Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, licensed drivers have been able to ride a 50cc scooter or moped for decades without having to do any sort of extra test.

However, in some states there are restrictions such as not carrying a pillion or riding on freeways or motorways.

Some European countries allow drivers to ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 15 horsepower such as the Honda Grom and Monkey bikes and the Kawasaki Z125 with little or no extra training or licensing.

Jake Dolan on the Honda Grom light motorcyclesHonda Grom

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations conducted a survey to see whether this should be extended to all of Europe and found riders largely agreed.

However, they say drivers should take some motorcycle lessons. There is no such requirement in Australia.

Training for light motorcycles

The Adventurists Monkey Bikes Monkey Runs Romania tall returned riders light motorcyclesMake sure the bike suits your needs … and your height!

Several rider representation groups have called for competency training for car drivers to be allowed to ride.

University safety researcher and Triumph Street Triple ride Ross Blackman confirms that many riders believe moped riders should be required to have a motorcycle licence.

“I’m not sure that this is supported by the stats, acknowledging that non-injury crashes are generally not reported,” he says.

“Something that muddies the waters here now is the rise of electric bicycles which, operationally, are similar to mopeds in terms of trip purpose etc.”

CARRS-Q QUT researcher dr Ross Blackman Motorbike online survey moped mopedsRoss Blackman

There have been no changes to the moped rules over the past few decades, despite most states reviewing their motorcycle licensing.

A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says a 2012 review of moped licensing found the severity of moped crashes was lower overall compared with motorcycles.

This research determined there was no requirement for changes to licensing requirements.

Crashes involving mopeds within Queensland, 1 January 2013 to 31 May 2019.

Crash severity

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Fatal

3

0

0

0

1

2

1

Hospitalisation

78

78

41

44

65

61

22

Medical treatment

56

52

45

44

34

42

18

Minor injury

10

7

8

10

11

17

6

Total crashes

147

137

94

98

111

122

Compare that with motorcycle and scooter crashes (excluding mopeds).

Crash severity 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Fatal 42 37 54 64 50 41
Hospitalisation 930 932 968 966 935 960

However, we note that there may be significantly fewer people riding mopeds on car licences.

It is impossible to gauge exact numbers given many may only hire them.

Queensland registration statistics also don’t different mopeds from motorcycles.

Western Australia’s Department of Transport also reviewed moped licensing in 2014.

“Discontinuing moped operation on a car licence was not supported due to there being little evidence that moped riders in WA were overrepresented in crashes compared to other powered two wheelers,” a spokesperson says.

“DoT would reconsider moped operation on a car licence should data show that moped riders are overrepresented in crashes in WA, and that there was evidence to support that discontinuing the approach would result in considerable road safety benefits.”

WA registration stats show a 33% increase in moped registrations from 2011 to 2015.

“This could have been attributed to an increase in traffic congestion, lack of available parking, need for economical and convenient transport and that the holder of any valid class of driver s licence is also authorised to ride a moped,” the spokesperson says.

Pros and cons

Repsol Honda Racing Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa race mopedsMoped racing

We can see pros and cons in allowing drivers to ride mopeds.

On the positive side, it’s great for tourist areas where foreigners can hire a moped to get around.

It also allows drivers to experience the thrill of riding and hopefully encourage them to go for their full licence.

The licensing also allows inner-city residents to get around cheaply and conveniently without the expense of a motorcycle licence they may never need.

There is also a host of great light electric motorcycles and scooters hitting the market that qualify under the moped rules.

On the negative side, we see a lot of stupid moped riders doing some dangerous and illegal things on the roads.

An example is filtering. It is illegal to filter unless you are a fully licensed rider, for a start.

Secondly, we see moped riders filter to the front of a queue of traffic at the lights only to hold everyone up when the lights go green because of their slow acceleration.

Unfortunately, the ire drivers feel toward some idiot moped riders filters across to legal and sensible motorcyclists!

  • What do you think? Should moped licensing be extended to other states? Should there be some sort of competency course first? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com