Mopeds on A roads..

[KirstySG]

Hiya,

Im a fairly newish rider, Im on a moped 50cc, I can get about 40-45mph out of it, depending on what level ground im on..

Ive finally worked out that im allowed to ride on A roads, I would like to travel to Norwich on from Bury st Edmunds using the A11..

Can you confirm for me that I can defenetly ride on these roads?

Im being warned that it could be very dangerous, and that I could go under a truck should I get sucked in by the force..

Whats your opinion on this? Should I? Would you?
____________________
K

Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that its stupid.

[anthony_r6]

Yes you can ride these roads. The correct thing to do is pull in and let vehicles pass you whenever you're causing an obstruction, assuming it's safe to do so of course!
____________________
Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[Paulington]

Yes, you can ride on A Roads as long as you are riding in accordance with the terms of your licence, you are insured against third party risks, your moped is roadworthy, has a valid and in-date tax disc illustrating that you have paid your Vehicle Excise Duty and a valid MOT.

No matter what ANYONE tells you, NEVER ride in the gutter of the nearside (left hand) lane. That encourages people to go past you in an unsafe manner which is very likely to cause a crash. Always ride in the CENTRE of your lane and only change that if there is a hazard, otherwise only ride in the CENTRE of your lane. If people want to overtake you it is their job to go into the offside (right hand) lane and do so safely.

If there is a large tail-back behind you, just stay calm and pull into a layby/safe stopping zone if it is SAFE to do so to allow the traffic to pass you but I can't see this being too much of an issue.

If I were you, instead of going along the A143 and A140 I'd take the B1113 if I were riding a moped, mostly lower speed limits and roads more suited to a moped. It will only take you around 10-15 minutes longer really.

However, if you are 16 you shouldn't be riding your moped anyway as you are driving otherwise than in accordance with your licence.

You can only legally ride a moped with a design speed no faster than 31mph. If you get caught it's 3-6 points and up to a £1000 fine. If you are 17 or older then it's fine.

Plan your journey carefully and enjoy it. Best of luck.
____________________
"Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul."
Current Vehicles: '89 Kawasaki KDX200, '99 Yamaha XV535, '00 Honda ST1100 Pan-European, '08 Suzuki GSX-R1000, '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GS4 2.0 TDCi, '15 BMW 1 Series 116d Sport Turbo.
CBT: 27/08/08. Theory: 04/09/09. Module 1: 16/09/09. Module 2: 01/10/09.

[dazzzaa]

what paulington said

BUT, be advised, after traveling the a27 for 3 months commuting to work on a 125 (capable of 60mph) traveling in the centre of the far left lane will not stop the odd few arsholes passing youhalf in your lane and half in the outside lane. sometimes a bit too close for comfort.

happened to me a few times and you dont need that shit. its daunting enough when you use the a roads for the first time with traffic moving so much faster than you
____________________
1988 VFR 750-f,,,,binned on duncton hill. current-1993 vfr 750-f

[Rogerborg]

[KirstySG]

Thankyou very much everyone for your replies.

Im 23 so I assume im within my license to travel at faster speeds than 31.. Im allowed up to a 125 on my licence.

My bike is a new bike, about 3 weeks old and was delivered to me (by the shop) as it is now, I havnt de-restricted it.. So do this meen they have?
And isnt that illegal?

So since my bike do more than the normal moped, It will be classed as a motorcycle?
I have notified my insurance that it is a moped, so would that make my insurance invalid?
____________________
K

Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that its stupid.

[felicity]

[KirstySG]

Yes its a cat A licence, and a valid CBT.

My bike is a Boation, Pulse scout 50.
____________________
K

Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that its stupid.

[felicity]

[KirstySG]

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, Its def mph, They must of de-restricted it.

I think I will avoid the trip to Norwich, I dont feel too confident that I will return in one piece! :/
____________________
K

Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that its stupid.

[Rogerborg]

Oh, right. Sorry, we get a lot of 16 year olds coming in swinging with "My ZingPing can pull a wheelie at 90mph, innit" fantasies.

Wellll, technically the various statutes and C&U regs talk about "design" speed, i.e. what the manufacturer claims - and depending on which document you read, the limit is 50kph, 30mph or 45kph - so I wouldn't sweat it. If it's stock, then there's no reasonable grounds for putting the obligation on you to ensure that it can only do that speed, or to stick to it.

Some police forces do occasionally run Operation Pedboi Sweep and roadside test peds - very dodgily, IMO - but since you're on an A provisional you should be fine.

So you should be OK legally, I wouldn't sweat it.

It does beg the question though: why not get a 125? It'll be far more capable and therefore safer.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[KirstySG]

"My ZingPing can pull a wheelie at 90mph, innit" fantasies.

Haha, No.. no chav over here!

I dont feel that I would be confident on a 125 if im honest, im really small so a bike like that looks like a tank to me..
Well compared to my little ped.

I may however at some point next year, have a quick go on one.. Maybe then I will change my mind, Or maybe by then I may have grown a little more, one of the two
____________________
K

Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that its stupid.

[felicity]

[multijoy]

I'd second the 125cc bit. Physically, a 125cc scooter isn't much of a step up from a 50cc but the speed and acceleration will turn your commute from a chore to a joy.

Also, at 23, do your DAS before they start dicking about with entitlements! Go!
____________________
'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[neil.]

Nothing wrong with 125's on a dual carriageway - I've been doing it for 3 and a half years 60 miles a day (I have a full license too). I don't know any better but certainly don't feel the vulnerability that's been suggested here. Learn good roadcraft (in fact, get the book Motorcycle Roadcraft!), ride confidently and assertively. I see 50's a lot on my commute, riding in the gutter. As well as riding over all the crap, making punctures more likely, it's really not safe IMO and I'd imagine it'd present a big temptation to road users to overtake dangerously - they should use the other lane for it and not be lazy.

[KirstySG]

I may well go take a look at some 125s actually, by the sounds of it, I should be fine.

I will let you all know how I get on,

Also.. do your DAS before they start dicking about with entitlements!

Oooo whats this? Whats happening?
____________________
K

Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that its stupid.