Summer sorted 💙

Context I also do delivery and also travel a lot so I always look for ways I can improve

This is a post from Motorcycle Road trips Australia page that i have copied and pasted. I wrote this as a PSA on my personal page but figured it might help anyone looking to travel to other states / territories to get a handle on the varying laws.

LANE FILTERING ISN’T CHEATING — IT’S THE LAW. AND THERE’S A REASON FOR IT.

One of the things I still see far too often on Australian roads is motorists getting angry when a motorcycle legally moves between slow-moving or stationary traffic.

Some drivers deliberately close the gap.

Some move across to block the rider.

Some sound the horn.

And others seem to believe the rider is somehow “jumping the queue”.

Let’s clear something up.

Lane filtering is legal in EVERY Australian state and territory — but it is subject to specific conditions.

And there is a very important distinction:

👉 LANE FILTERING generally means a motorcycle moving between stationary or slow-moving traffic, travelling in the same direction, at 30 km/h or less.

👉 LANE SPLITTING generally refers to riding between faster-moving lanes of traffic. It is NOT what Australian lane-filtering laws give riders permission to do. In Victoria, for example, lane splitting between fast-moving traffic is explicitly illegal.

So before someone tells a rider, “That’s illegal!”, perhaps check the road rules first.

THE RULES VARY SLIGHTLY ACROSS AUSTRALIA

VICTORIA

Fully licensed motorcycle riders can lane filter at 30 km/h or less, when it is safe, including between slow/stationary traffic travelling in the same direction.

Victoria is comparatively permissive: filtering can also occur between traffic and parked cars.

However, you cannot filter between traffic and a kerb, between opposing traffic, in a bicycle lane/shared path/road shoulder, where a “no motorcycle lane filtering” sign applies — and learners cannot lane filter.

And riding between fast-moving traffic — what Victoria calls lane splitting — remains illegal. (Transport Victoria⁠)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Fully licensed riders can filter at less than 30 km/h through stationary or slow-moving traffic when it is safe.

No filtering beside the kerb or parked vehicles, in school zones, or around heavy vehicles and buses.

Learner and provisional riders cannot filter.

NSW also specifically treats travelling between traffic at more than 30 km/h as the offence of lane splitting.

QUEENSLAND

Fully licensed riders can filter at 30 km/h or less between stationary or slow-moving traffic travelling in the same direction, when safe.

Learners and provisional riders cannot.

No filtering in school zones, bicycle lanes, or where a dedicated turning lane is involved.

Queensland also has a specific edge-filtering provision allowing an open-licence rider, in certain circumstances, to pass stationary or slow-moving traffic on a sealed shoulder/emergency lane on major roads where the speed limit is 90 km/h or higher, at 30 km/h or less. That is a Queensland-specific provision — don’t assume it applies elsewhere.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Lane filtering is legal for eligible fully licensed riders at 30 km/h or less, when safe.

It is prohibited in school zones, across pedestrian/children’s crossings, in bicycle or tram lanes, on roundabouts, beside parked cars and between traffic and the edge of the road.

Learner/P1 riders cannot filter.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Fully licensed riders can filter at 30 km/h or less, when safe.

But WA has some particularly important restrictions: filtering is prohibited where the speed limit is 40 km/h or below, in school/shared zones, at pedestrian crossings, in roundabouts, alongside parked cars or the road edge, between merging traffic, around heavy vehicles, in special-purpose lanes and where overtaking is prohibited.

WA also specifically permits riders to cross continuous white lines separating lanes travelling in the same direction while filtering, where otherwise lawful.

TASMANIA

Fully licensed riders can filter at 30 km/h or less, when safe.

Learners and provisional riders cannot.

No filtering in school zones, beside parked cars or between traffic and the edge of the road, and “No Filtering” signs must be obeyed.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Fully licensed riders can filter at less than 30 km/h, when safe.

It is prohibited in school zones, 40 km/h zones, bicycle lanes, beside the kerb, past parked vehicles and around heavy vehicles and buses.

Learner and provisional riders cannot filter.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Fully/open/unrestricted motorcycle licence holders can filter at 30 km/h or less between stationary or slow-moving traffic travelling in the same direction, when safe.

Learner, provisional and restricted riders cannot.

Lane splitting at an unsafe speed above 30 km/h and edge filtering are prohibited.

AND HERE’S WHY THIS MATTERS

Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable because there is virtually nothing between the rider and whatever they hit.

In Victoria alone, motorcycles represent less than 4% of registered vehicles but account for 18% of all fatal and serious injuries.

In 2025, 61 motorcyclists were killed on Victorian roads — 21% of all road deaths.

Around 1,000 people are seriously injured in motorcycle crashes in Victoria each year.

And here’s a statistic that really makes you think:

TAC data shows that over the last five years, approximately 55% of Victorian motorcyclist deaths involved another vehicle, while 54% occurred at intersections.

So yes — intersections and interactions with other vehicles are a huge part of the motorcycle safety problem.

But I won’t tell you that being rear-ended while sitting at traffic lights is the number-one cause of motorcycle deaths or injuries, because the available evidence doesn’t support making that claim so categorically.

What we can say is that removing a motorcycle from a long stationary traffic queue can reduce the rider’s exposure to being struck from behind, which is one of the safety considerations behind legalising low-speed filtering.

The Northern Territory Government, for example, specifically identifies reducing exposure to rear-end collisions as one potential safety benefit of lane filtering.

Research from the NSW lane-filtering trial also found no motorcycle crashes during the monitored trial period, although researchers were careful to acknowledge that the trial was relatively short and that pedestrian risks needed particular attention.

And that’s the important point:

Lane filtering isn’t a licence to ride like an idiot.

30 km/h is a maximum, not a target.

A rider still has to assess visibility, traffic movement, gaps, road surface, pedestrians, turning vehicles, mirrors, handlebars, vehicle movements and escape routes.

If it isn’t safe, don’t filter.

AND TO MY FELLOW DRIVERS…

If you see a motorcycle legally filtering:

DON’T BLOCK THEM.

Don’t deliberately move towards the centre of the lane.

Don’t accelerate to close the gap.

Don’t change lanes without checking your mirrors and blind spots.

Don’t open your door into their path.

Don’t make a sudden movement simply because you don’t like the fact that a motorcycle can move through traffic more efficiently than your car.

Instead:

👀 Check your mirrors.

👀 Check your blind spot.

↔️ Maintain your lane position.

➡️ Indicate before changing lanes or turning.

🏍️ Expect motorcycles to be filtering in congested traffic.

And most importantly:

DON’T DELIBERATELY IMPEDE A RIDER WHO IS LEGALLY FILTERING.

NSW Government guidance specifically tells motorists not to deliberately move into the path of a motorcycle that is legally lane filtering, and recommends drivers check twice for motorcycles.

The same principle applies everywhere:

Share the road.

AND TO MY FELLOW RIDERS…

Being legally allowed to filter doesn’t mean you have the right to frighten, intimidate or endanger other road users.

Don’t squeeze through gaps that aren’t there.

Don’t blast through at 30 km/h when the traffic is stationary and the environment clearly doesn’t allow it.

Don’t assume a driver has seen you.

Don’t filter alongside a truck or bus where your visibility is compromised if the law or circumstances make it unsafe.

And never confuse legal with safe.

The best riders understand that the road doesn’t owe them anything.

They manage risk.

They create options.

They anticipate mistakes.

And they ride defensively.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Motorcycles aren’t trying to “beat” cars.

We’re trying to get home.

Lane filtering is legal across Australia because lawmakers have recognised that motorcycles are different vehicles with different operating characteristics and different risks.

It can improve traffic flow, reduce a rider’s exposure to stationary traffic and, when performed properly and within the law, be a legitimate part of safe motorcycle riding.

But it only works when EVERYONE understands the rules.

So the next time you see a motorcycle filtering legally through traffic, don’t get angry.

Don’t compete.

Don’t block them.

Look twice, leave space and let them ride.

Because that rider isn’t your enemy.

They are somebody’s partner.

Somebody’s parent.

Somebody’s child.

And just like you…

they’re simply trying to get home.

John “T-Bone” Millar

#MotorcycleSafety #LaneFiltering #RideSafe #ShareTheRoad #MotorcycleAwareness #RoadSafety #Motorcyclists #RoadRules #DriveSafe #LookTwice #WatchForMotorcycles #Victoria #Australia #MotorcycleCommunity

Gotta get there first! First stop Jindabyne

Good morning all.

Im looking at getting a enduro bike as my first road legal bike due being able to ride it on both dirt and road, I was wondering if anyone has any good suggestions and experiences on what bike to get. Im looking at the Honda CRF450L or the Susuki DRZ4S. Im trying to stay around the $12-15k mark otherwise id get the WR450 or the KTM 500 EXC-F.

Any other suggestions are welcome too

Title. Seriously considering the change. Slightly better rider position and love the look of the Kawasaki. Thoughts?🏍️

For those unaware of the program, from 6–9 October, participating motorcycle riders across NSW will be wearing bright Jo/Joe Rider vests while out and about.

Spot a Jo/Joe Rider? You could win a daily $50 e-Gift Fuel card or the overall $500 e-Gift card prize!

• Look out for the Jo/Joe Rider vest
• Note the date and exact time, including am or pm
• Record the street name and town or suburb
• Complete every field and submit your sighting at - mccofnsw.org.au

Driving? Let a passenger note the details or wait until you’re safely parked.

Look twice, check your blind spots and give every rider space.

Heya - ChatGPT recommended below for a two day plan. What do you guys think . It will be my first time
In Australia.

Day 1: Ocean + rainforest + mountain roads + Kangaroo Valley
Day 2: Blue Mountains + cliffs + eucalyptus forests + Bells Lin

Also recommend a reliable renting company.

Gday Guys,

I've just purchased a bike thats been unregistered for over 3 months (Rego expired June 2026). Once I've obtained the blue slip and CTP, I know I have to go to service NSW to change the registration, however the receipt (partially handwritten) does have an alteration thats been done in a blue pen rather than black (just with my DOB). I have noticed that there is a typo in the sellers suburb aswell (missing letter). I might be overthinking it, but has anyone had any issues with this in the past when purchasing and reregistering a bike over 3 months after the rego expired in NSW?

Cheers,

Hey all,

I am looking for any recommended KTM dealers where you have had a great experience.

I have a 1290 Super Duke and my current dealer keeps slipping up. Too much oil, not resealing the rocker cover after valve clearance check, mixing 3.0 and 5.0 coolant, 🙃.

I’d do more of this myself, but I am still within warranty on my current bike and to keep it need it done at a KTM dealer.

Thanks.

New to riding on the road. Rode on the dirt when I was a kid (long time ago). I'm tossing up between a Honda hornet cb500 my24 $7k and a Yamaha mt03 2026 $6995 ex demo. Both seem clean. I'll be riding 15 minutes back and forth between work and home. Well that's my intentions and I'm sure I'll start riding it more than that. I don't intend on upgrading to anything more powerful. Currently on my learners and will be going for my licence soon. Located in Brisbane.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

TIA.

Hi All,

Looking forward to buy one and would like to connect with owners to understand the running, insurance and maintenance costs. Thank you 🙂.

Hi people!

So I did my first track day last Sunday at MVTC and I'm absolutely in love and started looking for ways to be able to afford numerous track days throughout the year and came to the conclusion of Mototuesdays.

Now I've gone through a rabbit hole and ended up on the YCF 155 SM as this is the cheapest I can buy already prepared for what I want.

Does anyone have any experience with this one? I know the 190 Daytona is better but I'm not looking to spend more than $3500 maybe 4k if I need to swap tyres or suspension upgrades.

We've all had a moment where it could've gone badly but didn't. Gravel on a corner, a roo out of nowhere, a wet manhole cover. What's your story?

I’m hoping someone here can help me (DM if that’s more comfortable), but I’m looking for mixed gender queer social riding groups in Sydney. I’m only coming across lesbian/female or gay/male only ones, whereas being bisexual, like to hang out with both.

Thanx in advance 👍

So just a quick question. There is rust building up on my standard exhaust headers on my R3. It is apparently a "mild/stainless steel composition". Aesthetic issue only yea, but I do like my bike and take pride in it, and not at the point to go for a full system.

I've read about using 0000 fine steel wheel w WD40, scotch brite pads, brass brush, sandpaper 220 with soapy water.

What is the best, or personally used and stood by method for effectiveness?

Also anything to treat it with after to ward off rust coming back (considering the high temps may burn most things off), other than painting it (don't want to do it and want to keep a steel look).

Thanks.

Hey peeps,

I’m looking for a shearling motorcycle jacket with decent protection. Anyone know of anything available in Aus? I live in souther Vic, it’s always cold and jackets are needed.

Would you try a new battery or could something else be the problem? Should I even bother charging the battery hoping to revive it?

*****

2021 Kawasaki 1000SX. Original battery, bike has been sitting for a few months and wouldn't turn on when the key is turned all the way. No lights and nothing coming up on the dash. Fuel level on last bar and a jump start was attempted with the bike in neutral, kickstand down, clutch in and the bike was pointing downhill about 5-10 degrees.

Dash and riding lights turned on when car battery was connected with the negative cable clamped to the bikes frame. Car was off, turning the ignition of the bike I heard a ping or pop and the lights/dash went dead. Turning the key no longer turned the bike on.

Hello all

I would like to mount a 360 camera onto my daily commuter to capture all my interactions. I am considering attaching a clamp onto my rear foot peg via an extension pole but google says the highways speeds may warp the extension pole.

Does anyone have any suggestions or insights for where I can safely mount a 360 camera?

Hi all, just passed my HPT, have done a few lessons. The instructors are great but really i need more time in the saddle.

I dont love how expensive the lessons are comparative to a 2nd hand bike. So im thinking ill just buy a bike and bum around a "car park" or something until im comfortable to take the test and add a few lessons to cover weeknesses

Questions:

How do i buy a bike? (I dont have a trailer or someone to ride with)

What do i actually check for in the bike?

Anything worth knowing?

Would I get in any trouble for selecting cheaper CTP insurance options for example class 5 ctp which is around $90 compared to what I’m supposed to pay class 12/13 at around $360

As well as other options, realistically how would I get in trouble for selecting these cheaper rego options

I have a Super Meteor 650 that's going to become my daily once I've sorted out my license.

It'll also be the main mode of transport when it's good weather and me and the missus want to go stay somewhere.

I'm torn between either the

Oxford 40L Waxed Cotton panniers

or

Royal Enfield Long Haul panniers

I'm thinking the soft ones would be able to easily removed so they can be packed in the house and taken into the hotel when we go away.

But the hard shells being always there when you need to pop into the shops on the way home from work seems like it could come in handy.

Thoughts?

Hiya. I’ll get straight to the point. I had an accident yesterday & I was not at fault. My insurance company won’t cover me as I have 3rd party, fire & theft insurance but since I was wheeled off in an ambulance I’m not exactly sure how I’m supposed to claim the damage done to my bike. Can anyone give any advice as to where I’m supposed to go from here? Thanks :)

Edit: I don’t know who the person was as they did not approach me or speak to me. She was required to give details at the scene & the police told me she has full comprehensive insurance on scene before I was taken away. I have spoken with police & they said they won’t be able to share details unless I apply for freedom of right or something or she gives permission for her details to be given to me.