Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme bikes: A comparison guide

The retro

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

The Continental GT 650 is a proper retro bike both in name and intent. Its 650cc twin-cylinder engine gives it plenty of performance. But the real selling point is its charming, old-school cafe-racer appearance.

Under the skin, it’s more modern with a six-speed gearbox and fuel-injection, and it’s a relaxed urban bike that should be easy to own and maintain.

Thumbs up: Classic looks and feel. Unintimidating.
Thumbs down: Low bars and thin seat could make it less than armchair-comfortable.

The adventure tourer

Honda CB500 X 

Tackling the world on a motorcycle is a big deal right now. Enter the Honda CB500X which uses the brand’s proven 500cc twin-cylinder engine along with raised suspension and specific wheels and tyres.

Lighter than some of the established adventure-tourer makes and models, the Honda will also be more manageable in sand.

Thumbs up: Reliable and easy to manage.
Thumbs down: Relatively high seat won’t suit shorter folk.

The muscle-bike

Yamaha MT-07LA 

The street fighter or muscle bike look is a popular one right now and is the closest thing to a hot-rod on two wheels. Wide rear tyres, aggressive styling and lots of attitude are the key points.

The Yamaha MT-07 is actually a one-off model produced specifically for Australia and the LAM scheme, proving that even the manufacturers are behind the idea. The parallel twin-cylinder engine has been tuned for torque over outright power and uses a clever crankshaft that makes the engine feel and sound like a V-twin while remaining compact.

Thumbs up: Relatively low seat height makes the Yamaha manageable.
Thumbs down: A bit more expensive than many LAMS bikes.

The sports bike

Suzuki SV650 learner approved 

A thumping V-twin engine has long been the trademark of a purist’s sport-bike. And that’s where the Suzuki SV650 scores. The 90-degree twin makes it easy and fun to ride.

There’s also a thing called low-speed assist which controls the engine speed when taking off to avoid stalling or kangaroo-hopping. The handling also appeals here with plenty of cornering clearance and neutral steering. Like all good sports bikes, it can tour or commute as well.

Thumbs up: An all-rounder with a sporting flavour.
Thumbs down: You’ll pay for that sportiness.

Top tip

The great thing about a LAMS bike is that you won’t necessarily grow out of it the minute you’re off your licence restriction. Not to mention that physically bigger riders can find a bike that fits them properly. While there are plenty of laid-back cruiser bikes in the LAMS scheme, their often-greater weight and sometimes odd low-speed handling mean they aren’t always a good match for the skill-sets of inexperienced riders.