Learner Approved Motorcycles

[koko64]

Aussie context, but open to all opinions and advice.
Learner/Probationary riders will soon have to wait three full years before they can get a full licence in my state. M600, M620 Lite and M659 are ok to ride as a beginner here since they all fall under the power to weight ratio formula used here for beginner bikes.
Got a guy who is looking for a small Monster that qualifies and it seems you might as well get something you really like rather than an interim bike due to the three year wait.
I have checked the local laws website on the legalities. People are desperately trying to book in to get their learner permits before the cut off date. This guy won't make it due to other issues holding up his licence testing, it's three years for him.

The M600 will be the cheapest, but they are all restricted power wise to qualify. All three bikes seem like useful and fun bikes. Guy is only 70kg and doesn't ride fast. Any tips or info on these models that may be relevant is appreciated.

[the_Journeyman]

Out of those, I would go with the M695 since it is a newer bike.  Nothing wrong with the M600 or M620 though, but purchasing one may require a little more upfront cost as they are older and my need tires and belts right from the beginning.

I also *think* the M600 would be carbed, if that matters to him.

JM

[Scoober1103]

The 659 (696 with throttle restriction) is a great bike with all the mod cons and can be de-restricted if the owner wants to keep it after the 3 years is up but will need to go through the pain of re-classifying it which up here at least probably lowers the value of the bike.

The 620ie has dual front discs and FI which some people prefer and the the older looks with modern fueling.

The 600 is the old school of the bunch and therefore can be cheaper and single front disc as standard and carbed. Will need to find someone who can tune it.......

From what i'm led to believe they all have a fairly simple throttle restrictor that can be removed once there probation is up!

JM the 695 cant be ridden on this type of license.

[the_Journeyman]

Didn't realize the 659 was a different bike, thought the it was a typo on 695.  We don't get the 659 here in the states.

As far as carbs and single disc on the M600?  My M750 is set up the same.  It has no issues going or stopping, even 2-up.  The only issue I've had with the carbs was the emulsification tubes got work around 30,000 miles and it ran really rich.  It starts easily with the choke, even in the cold.

JM

[koko64]

He might get a 600 for a good price. He's searching through bikesales.com like a fiend! 

Thanks you blokes.

[Howie]

I would base my choice on which engine is easiest to "unrestrict" assuming you can get away with that.  Looks like the 659 has all the equipment of it's more powerful sibling.

[brad black]

m600 is by far the cheapest.  they get pretty cheap on bikes sales, and don't seem to sell.  the 400 seem to pull more money.

620 and 659 are more modern bikes.  the 659 is surprisingly quick for a lambs.  depends whether he likes the original or nouvo.

[Scoober1103]

The 659 is a 696 just restricted i believe.

I'm not saying one is better then the other just pointing out some differences is all!  
 

[koko64]

That's a thought Howie, thanks.
They seem quite up to date and well equipped. I saw a trick 695 with quickshifter, etc, but alas it aint a 659 LAMS bike. Maybe price might beat him down to an M600. The 620 Lite might be ok too. I note that there is quite a price hike for the 620 Lite and 659. I'm talking 8-10K!

Brad I wonder if the M600 is restricted at all, I doubt it.

[koko64]

What fuel would they take? 95? Can the 600 with it's high comp get away with 91RON?

[ungeheuer]

Used M696s are gonna be going cheap.

[koko64]

Not LAMS iirc. The Vicroads list only had <659. It's true what Brad said, the 400s are generally more expensive that the 600s, go figure. Even 620s had to be the "Lite" model. Sheesh. I reckon my old M900 should be LAMS in stock form .

[koko64]

Yeah Scoob, the 659 appears to just be a restricted 695 or 696? I'm confused. Same capacity, but choked down or governed at the TBs I guess?

[Scoober1103]

You mean the 659 is a 696 with a throttle stop on it.........simple to remove but not recommended if in the event of an accident!

[ungeheuer]

Not LAMS iirc. The Vicroads list only had <659.

Exactly.  That's why used 696's are gonna be going cheap.  Cheaper than the leaner-sought-after 659.

Beats me why NFI continue to bother importing the 696 at all...... other than they have NFI.

Yeah Scoob, the 659 appears to just be a restricted 695. Same capacity, but choked down or governed at the TBs I guess?

659 is a lowered capacity, not just restricted 696.  LAMS requires sub 660cc.

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/OtherLicences/MotorcycleLicences/Approvedmotorcyclesfornoviceriders.htm