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Power to Weight Ratio Converter

LAMS Power-to-Weight Ratio Calculator

Check LAMS compliance — Australian limit is 150 kW/tonne (0.15 kW/kg).

Decimals:
3
LAMS limit: 150 kW/tonne = 0.150 kW/kg. Results in kW/kg at or below this threshold pass LAMS.
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What Is the LAMS Power-to-Weight Limit?

The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) is an Australian standard that governs which motorcycles learner and provisional (P-plate) riders can legally ride. A key requirement is that the bike's power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 150 kW per tonne — equivalent to 0.150 kW/kg.

LAMS is administered state-by-state in Australia. Most states — including NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, and the ACT — use the same 150 kW/tonne threshold, but always check your state's road authority for the official list of approved bikes.

How to Check LAMS Compliance

  1. Find the bike's peak power in kilowatts from the manufacturer spec sheet.
  2. Find the wet weight (with all fluids) in kilograms.
  3. Enter both into the calculator above and select kW/kg as the output unit.
  4. A result of 0.150 kW/kg or below passes LAMS. Above that, the bike is not LAMS approved on power-to-weight grounds alone.

Note: A bike can also be excluded from LAMS for other reasons (engine capacity over 660cc, listed on the state's prohibited list). Always confirm with your state's official LAMS register.

Worked Examples

  • Honda CB300R: 20.5 kW / 143 kg = 0.143 kW/kg ✅ Passes LAMS
  • Kawasaki Z400: 35 kW / 167 kg = 0.210 kW/kg ❌ Exceeds LAMS
  • Yamaha MT-03: 31 kW / 168 kg = 0.185 kW/kg ❌ Exceeds LAMS
  • Royal Enfield Meteor 350: 15 kW / 191 kg = 0.079 kW/kg ✅ Comfortably within LAMS

FAQs

Is LAMS the same in all Australian states?
The 150 kW/tonne threshold is consistent across most states. However, each state maintains its own approved (and prohibited) bike register, and some bikes may be added or removed from state lists. Always verify on your state's official road authority website (e.g., Transport for NSW, VicRoads, TMR Queensland).
Do I use wet or dry weight for LAMS calculations?
Use the wet weight (also called kerb weight or ready-to-ride weight — with fuel, oil, and coolant). This is the figure used in official LAMS assessments. Dry weight produces a higher P/W ratio and would incorrectly fail bikes that actually comply.
Can a bike be LAMS approved even if it exceeds 150 kW/tonne?
No — the 150 kW/tonne limit is a hard ceiling. However, manufacturers sometimes restrict a bike's power output via a different ECU map or restrictor kit for LAMS compliance, so always check whether there's a "restricted" variant of the model you're looking at.

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