I thinking about buying a motorcycle. I know how to ride but never on the road. Is there courses through the government I can take that upon passing I would be given a liscense? How does this work and does anybody have any advice as to how I should get a liscencse if I dont have my own bike to test on?

 

You can go to the DMV and get a permit by taking and passing a 50 question test. A permit will let do every thing but drive at night and ride passengers.
After you get your bike and if you are over 21 you negotiate a simple course at the DMV and thats it, If you are under 21 you have to take and pass a highway patrol aproved motorcycle school.

I have had my lisence for years, Ill post some pics of my new bike later this week,

 

It sounds like you're talking about the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I took their class before getting my license (no previous motorcycle/dirt bike experience), and it was great; they let you use their bikes and everything. Completion of the MSF course will waive the DMV's riding test, all you've got to do is pass the written DMV test and you've got a full M1 endorsement on your driver's license.


According to statistics, two-thirds of motorcycle accidents involve riders who have NOT completed formal motorcycle training classes, such as those offered by the MSF.
http://www.msf-usa.org/



-s-

 

+1
thats what i did. only takes a couple days, and once you pass and get your licenses, they give you a card that gives you discount rates on insurance.
if your under 21, this test is actually required by law

 

+1

you should definately take the course regardless of your riding experience. There's at least 1 thing you'll learn there, and that's enough to take it. It's a fun, easy course. You'll have a blast. Good luck homey.

btw, I took mine at Cerritos College because the wait wasn't that long and they have online registration.

 

i got to drive up to bakersfield for mine. that was fun

 

+1 The MSF course is worth it's weight in gold!! I haven't taken the beginner class, but I did take the experienced rider's course and it was really good. This would be the way to go for anyone IMHO.

 

after the course, you can go to one of the skills days that some of the experienced riders put together. They're usually donation only and they're very good for finetuning some of your newbie problems.

 

Take the MSF course, period. Motorcycle riding is one of the most dangerous hobbies you'll ever take up, and the class is a HUGE investment in your safety. I actually didn't know about that 2/3rds statistic above, but I'm not surprised by it. One of the most common misconceptions about riding is that a skilled rider will be immune from accidents, but the reality of the matter is that many accidents are caused by other motorists, not the rider.

I'm not sure if this is true, but from what I'd heard, the riding test at DMV is apparently near-impossible to pass, and I believe they've structured it that way so that more people will be steered towards taking the MSF course.

And once you've got some experience, you can take sign up for a superbike school:


=]

 

I would say 2/3 of riders do not have an M1 endorsed License. I passed on the first try on a 750 GSXR, but then I also passed the car test in a manual the first try as well. I actually prefered the freeway because the #1 accident is a car doing a left turn in front of you at an intersection and you can use the car pool lane. Also, realize motorcycle insurance is not the same as auto. State Farm will not ask for multiple repair quotes and there is not actual repair, only new part replacement which cost more then the original bike cost and there is no multi car/bike discount. I would definately a recomend a safety course!

 

Whoa...is the fraction of non-M1 riders really THAT high?

 

I wouldn't be surprised; I've seen a lot of squids riding in T-shirts and shorts lately...

-s-

 

considering the weather, I'm getting tempted to do the same.

my helmet's got lots of good ventilation. too bad I can't say the same for my jacket. I'm gonna have to buckle down and buy me a perfed jacket soon. Either that, or just keep riding at night only.

 

Thanks everyone, Ill probably start that course soon. Anyone here ride a bike in the bay area?

 

A wet towel around your neck helps a lot. You can sometimes find pre-made neck coolers at sporting goods stores.

This isn't exactly the thing I'm thinking of, but it's close:
http://watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm

-s-

 

Like they said almost 3 out of 5 motorcycle accedints are the other persons fault.(my wife is a insurance agent)

Also the test at the dmv for your m1 is rediculisly easy. It takes about 3 minutes. You drive up a lolly pop shaped course go around the circle a couple of times and go back to the begining. Then do the same the revers direction. Then they want to watch you go down the road and shift at least 3 times up and down.

It was a joke. My wife could have passed it.

 

I actually just order this.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motor...-underwear.htm

I'm hoping that it'll keep my pants from sticking to my legs. I hope those guys at webbikeworld are right about this stuff.

If all else fails, I can always just wet my shirt and wear my jacket over that.

 

Wow that looks cool. I just picked up my new bike and its hot as hell out today with all my gear on.

 

for those of you experienced riders:

http://www.socal-letsride.com/forum/...n.html#msg9421

MSF free ride day = experienced rider course for free!

 

So if I wanted I could just pass he written test the I will get a permit that lets me ride on the street during daylight hours?

 

yes. And you cant ride any passengers.

 

So is the discount on insurance really signifigant if I pass this government course.

 

if you have permit only, you can't ride freeways either. You will get a discount with the MSF beginner course, and you may also get a discount with the experienced rider course as well. It's a pretty sweet deal, and you get to learn how to be a safer rider. Definately do the course.

 

^ exactly

 

So I should take the written test-get my permit and then take the course?