SteveD CB500F:
I'm in Denmark 
Bought Harrys CB500K
Now I understand why we don't hear about Harry lately...
I had to "suffer" the two-years-probation on my license and I have to say that it's a good thing. When I bought my commuter 250 cc and took out of the dealer I was scared to death. Now it's a convenient commuter bike but I don't like it for road use. I've known 18-year-old people get killed for buying a crotch rocket. Too young+too much drink+hot babies around+a crotch rocket = recipe for desaster.
Some people buy bigger bikes, like CBR600 or Hornets and restrict them, so they can "unrestrict" when the time has come and keep the bike. Many of them simply remove the restrictor after leaving the inspection station; that's stupid in my opinion. Once the bike is yours, get used to it and when you feel you need more performance then you can remove the restrictor, or wait until the 2-year period is over.
I search offen for bikes like my commuter bike. It's funny because 99 % of the forum members are people like a was: car drivers that decided to put a little thrill in their lives. The questions they ask are so simple, like what kind of oil, how to lube my chain etc, but you would be surprised how many people post ads selling their bikes less than one year after the purchase, with less than 5.000 miles, because "they have outgrown the bike". You would also be surprised how many people wreck those tiny commuter bikes. That's when I knock the door, to buy cheap remains.
Even worst, the government dictated a law (I've written about it before) letting people with 3-year-experience car driving license to ride 125 cc (or smaller) bikes with no additional license. That has been terrific for the bike industry, who have boosted sales -as well as mechanics, gear shops etc- but I foresee many accidents, as they are left alone in the jungle of city traffic. What's more funny, the "toughest" new bikers are the ones who complained more when you splitted lanes when they were on a traffic jam!!!!
I also foresee the future with intelligent cars. Government is going to modify the regulations in June. All drivers will start from, say, 30 points. If you are caught speeding, you are removed 5 points. If you are caught DUI, you are removed 10 points and your licence is suspended for 30 days etc. When you run out of points you have to examine again and get another license and undergo a recycling course. Will that stop people to drive? If I'm a professional driver -cab driver- and my license is stolen, a big fine won't stop me from driving because I have to earn a living.
Intellingent cars should have a card reader. Driving licenses should be like credit cards or phone's SIM cards: when you insert it in the car, the latter contacts the DMV and check wether you are allowed to drive or not. If you are not, the car doesn't start. It could also work as a car detector that are sold today as an aftermarket device. If your car is used by more people, you -as administrator- can give the right to others to drive your car. If your license is revoked you can also drive with somebody else's license, but a fingerprint recognition device will check wether it's you or not. In case of a crash, a GPS can accurately detect each car trajectory and position, and syncronize with the world's semaphore master clock to check who run the red light...
...well, when technology is that advanced, maybe the cars can drive by themselves...
Raul
