Almost 500 motorcyclists, from Dunedin, its outlying areas, and some from Southland, took part in a protest ride on Saturday from Mosgiel to the Octagon, in central Dunedin, to bring attention to their plight.
From grizzled-looking men, to parents with young children in tow, the motorcyclists looked an impressive sight as they made their way up Dunedin's main street revving their engines, flashing lights and tooting horns.
The bikes ranged from heavy-duty Harley-Davidsons and Ducatis down in size through to small scooters.
The protest was one of several being held throughout the country, with more than 300 turning out at the Auckland Domain, with similar numbers in Christchurch.
All road motorcycles currently are levied $252.69, but from 2010-11 levies for 125cc-600cc would rise to $511.43 and for over 600cc would be $745.77.
Bronz Otago secretary Nat Voight said she was "absolutely fizzing" at the number of people who had turned up for the protest.
She said the protest showed motorcyclists would not tolerate the "ridiculous" increase in levies.
Bronz Otago president Ron McKay said motorcyclists were a leisure group and should be classed as that - the same as boat users, jet-skiers and cyclists.
Most motorcyclists had a car as their main source of transport.
"Here we are being penalised while the others pay nothing, yet they have as many accidents and deaths," he said addressing the crowd.
Mr McKay said bicycles were the most dangerous form of transport on a kilometres-travelled basis.
Labour Party MPs David Parker, Clare Curran and Pete Hodgson also spoke at the rally and handed out petitions headed "Stop ACC Rip Off".
A national protest, organised by Bronz Auckland and ending up at the Beehive in Wellington, will be held on November 17.
More than 5000 riders are expected to take part.
