Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

How come licensing a motorcycle is more expensive than a car in NZ?
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/veh...sing-fees.html

Re: Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

I asked the same question and was told it was the compulsory ACC payment. As there are more accidents on motorbikes the ACC element of the insurance is higher!!

Re: Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

Strange - obviously the lower emmisions, reduced congestion, and less road wear doesn't factor much into it!

The under 61cc/above divide also doesn't make much sense being only a $10 difference for a year. Under 61cc can't go that fast or go onto motorways so the risk is surely greatly reduced? This price structure isn't going to discourage people from going onto fast bikes! :confused:

Re: Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

You don't seriously think any taxes really have anything to do with the environment do you?

I suspect most serious accidents involving bikes are caused by car drivers as bikers as a whole tend to be much more aware of other road users.

Re: Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

Well the 2 classes of road tax for cars in the UK is based on emmissions/engine size, so yes to a small extent, although yes I think we both know who the real winner is there and it isn't the enviroment...

Agreed, so they should pay more ;)

Re: Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

Mate, there's a section on www.kiwibiker.co.nz called "biker politics".
It'd be worth your while having a look at the site for info and discussion.
As a biker, you'll have a more realistic discussion there.
Admin, sorry if I've broken a rule, but it's a very valid direction for him to go.

Re: Motorcycle licensing (road tax)
 

Yup most (not all!) accidents involving a bike are often the car drivers fault - the ACC levy is higher on bikes ($166 vs $111 ish) mainly as bikes don't have "no-fault" ACC cover - so we have to pay more to cover the greater "incidence" of all accidents. They are debating changing this; which may also mean different ACC levies for small cars than for SUVs for example (as you're more likely to get injured in a small car).

Personally I'm quite happy to pay the extra for a bike; worth every cent to get me out of a cage and to the front of every queue :p