DS
Hey, I'm a college student and I'm considering learning how to motorcycle to get across campus. The problem is, I do not know anyone who owns one, and wouldn't I need to own one if I decide to take a motorcycle class?
If anyone who has a license is willing to walk me through the steps on how they got their license, I'd greatly appreciate it! I live in Illinois, by the way.
Answer
First, can you ride a bicycle? If not, you should start on one of those, to learn to balance and steer. It's much safer and easier than tackling a 400 lb machine and trying to balance it.
Okay, then go to the DMV and get the brochure on the MSF, Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They are all around the US. They have a 'beginners course' where they supply the bike. It's about half riding and half classwork. The riding is at 10 mph in a parking lot, so you don't need a license or even a learner's permit. This is some peoples' first actual time on a bike, and they do it just to see if they like riding at all. The MSF course doesn't teach you to ride, but it teaches you some very important safety habits to make you safer while you learn. You learn, of course, by riding.
So then you get a bike. What kind of bike? We answer that question a lot here. In brief it is Japanese, used, medium-sized, NOT a specialized sportbike. Maybe $2500-3000. You need a helmet, jacket and gloves at least.
You go to the DMV now and get a learner's permit. Then you get on your bike and ride it slowly around the a quiet residential neighborhood or quiet country lane until you get all the controls down pat. I wouldn't recommend that you need any training, except the MSF course is good. They will show you how the clutch and shift work if you've never driven a manual-shift car. After that you can figure it out.
When you feel ready, venture out into traffic, and get used to that. Then, when you feel confident, go for a few longer rides out into the country. When you're ready.
Then. when you feel competent, you go back to the DMV and take a written test and a riding test.
Now this is the generic version. There may be some wrinkles. Here in California, for instance, we don't have separate motorcycle license, its' an endorsement on your car license so you have to get that first. In some states if you pass the MSF course the DMV waives the riding test.
It's good to have friends that ride, because there's a whole lore attached to it. But once you have a bike you will meet people! 8^)
First, can you ride a bicycle? If not, you should start on one of those, to learn to balance and steer. It's much safer and easier than tackling a 400 lb machine and trying to balance it.
Okay, then go to the DMV and get the brochure on the MSF, Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They are all around the US. They have a 'beginners course' where they supply the bike. It's about half riding and half classwork. The riding is at 10 mph in a parking lot, so you don't need a license or even a learner's permit. This is some peoples' first actual time on a bike, and they do it just to see if they like riding at all. The MSF course doesn't teach you to ride, but it teaches you some very important safety habits to make you safer while you learn. You learn, of course, by riding.
So then you get a bike. What kind of bike? We answer that question a lot here. In brief it is Japanese, used, medium-sized, NOT a specialized sportbike. Maybe $2500-3000. You need a helmet, jacket and gloves at least.
You go to the DMV now and get a learner's permit. Then you get on your bike and ride it slowly around the a quiet residential neighborhood or quiet country lane until you get all the controls down pat. I wouldn't recommend that you need any training, except the MSF course is good. They will show you how the clutch and shift work if you've never driven a manual-shift car. After that you can figure it out.
When you feel ready, venture out into traffic, and get used to that. Then, when you feel confident, go for a few longer rides out into the country. When you're ready.
Then. when you feel competent, you go back to the DMV and take a written test and a riding test.
Now this is the generic version. There may be some wrinkles. Here in California, for instance, we don't have separate motorcycle license, its' an endorsement on your car license so you have to get that first. In some states if you pass the MSF course the DMV waives the riding test.
It's good to have friends that ride, because there's a whole lore attached to it. But once you have a bike you will meet people! 8^)
I am interested in buying a moped.?
Q. ...We have a car and minivan now, and sometimes neither is available, and I have errands to do. I want some another means of transportation, I have done some research on the web already, and I think a moped (49cc) would do it. I do not want anything I have to license.
...Any owners/former moped owners out there who have suggestions and/or cautions re mopeds? What's a good make? Can you direct me to good web site?
Thanks,
carson123
I live in the United States, in Northern Virginia, 25 miles south of Washington, D.C.
...Any owners/former moped owners out there who have suggestions and/or cautions re mopeds? What's a good make? Can you direct me to good web site?
Thanks,
carson123
I live in the United States, in Northern Virginia, 25 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Answer
Hello Carson123!
I just bought my moped last month. Getting great gas mileage (>110 mpg!)
It is only 49cc which means that I stick to streets that have limits of no more than 35mph. It can go up to around 42-43mph but I can count on other drivers to go at least 5 over the limit.
There is only one dealer in town that has a real service dept. This dealer sells Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha scoots. The other "dealer" in town sells Sunl scoots (no thanks, I'll keep on looking).
Avoid mainland Chinese scoots unless you're really, really handy. Their warranties have less value than Charmin tissue if you get the drift.
Japanese, Italian, and Taiwanese are the scoots to consider. Focus on the brands that offer local parts and service. I'd love a Vespa but nobody rides them here, so nobody sells them here, thus nobody services them here.
Scooters aren't bicycles, neither are they motorcycles. The riding experience is different. Safety is important. Take riding gear and the MSF class into consideration. There is no such thing as being too prepared.
Licensing is a different topic. I don't need an M class endorsement, tags, insurance, or even a helmet in Missouri on my 49cc scoot. I have everything 'cept the endorsement. That might change though.
There are no dealer websites that I can share. Don't buy over the internet unless you have a local dealer/service dept that can handle warranty work and general maintanence. But, I do know of a good site that has a great forum. Try http://www.urbanscootin.com/forum/index.php
Things to consider: 4-stroke v 2-stroke, water-cooled v air-cooled, CVT, linked braking, disc-brakes, DOT certified, certificate of origin...
Have fun with the possibilities. It's sure nice only spending about 3 bucks every 3 weeks at the gas pump. I like to think that I'm doing my part. The refineries won't upgrade and I no longer want to line their pockets. So, scoot I will.
Keep the faith!
D
Hello Carson123!
I just bought my moped last month. Getting great gas mileage (>110 mpg!)
It is only 49cc which means that I stick to streets that have limits of no more than 35mph. It can go up to around 42-43mph but I can count on other drivers to go at least 5 over the limit.
There is only one dealer in town that has a real service dept. This dealer sells Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha scoots. The other "dealer" in town sells Sunl scoots (no thanks, I'll keep on looking).
Avoid mainland Chinese scoots unless you're really, really handy. Their warranties have less value than Charmin tissue if you get the drift.
Japanese, Italian, and Taiwanese are the scoots to consider. Focus on the brands that offer local parts and service. I'd love a Vespa but nobody rides them here, so nobody sells them here, thus nobody services them here.
Scooters aren't bicycles, neither are they motorcycles. The riding experience is different. Safety is important. Take riding gear and the MSF class into consideration. There is no such thing as being too prepared.
Licensing is a different topic. I don't need an M class endorsement, tags, insurance, or even a helmet in Missouri on my 49cc scoot. I have everything 'cept the endorsement. That might change though.
There are no dealer websites that I can share. Don't buy over the internet unless you have a local dealer/service dept that can handle warranty work and general maintanence. But, I do know of a good site that has a great forum. Try http://www.urbanscootin.com/forum/index.php
Things to consider: 4-stroke v 2-stroke, water-cooled v air-cooled, CVT, linked braking, disc-brakes, DOT certified, certificate of origin...
Have fun with the possibilities. It's sure nice only spending about 3 bucks every 3 weeks at the gas pump. I like to think that I'm doing my part. The refineries won't upgrade and I no longer want to line their pockets. So, scoot I will.
Keep the faith!
D
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Title Post: If I don't own a motorcycle or know anyone who owns one, how can I legitimately learn how to ride one?
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