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OraleeWey

Member
I've been looking at potential next motorcycles for me and I've got three in mind right now. For some reason they're all Yamaha. Unfortunately, what I need is a new car now. My SUV is starting to show its age. So when that kicks the bucket, I will have to purchase a new car. It just means I'll have more time to save up for my motorcycle :)

At least I'll have my KLR650.
 

Ocho

Member
The newb is back.

Couple of questions (images incoming):

JYw1tz0.jpg

Found this under the seat. It's connected to the battery so I guess it's for a trickler charger. Any in particular or whichever works?


Are these H4 bulbs? For my no high beams issue, I'm looking to replace them. I want to verify if the fuse is broken though, but I couldn't pry it out haha. I also wanted to verify the manual to see if I needed to disconnect something before testing it out. Pending.


Is this just random stuff beneath the seat? There's a bell.


I assume these pads are custom. Not sure how I feel about them. Should I remove if I don't like? What would be the best way to do it?


I just cant figure out if there's oil there. I tried and I can't lol. It looks like it might be over full? This was in the kick stand, do I need to vertically stand and take a picture?

Random question: So the bike is dirty everywhere. Should I mind? Like the space below the seat is dusty, and the cables behind the fairings etc. I wonder if there's a spot I can pay to thoroughly wash the bike.
 

OraleeWey

Member
The newb is back.

Couple of questions (images incoming):



Found this under the seat. It's connected to the battery so I guess it's for a trickler charger. Any in particular or whichever works?



Are these H4 bulbs? For my no high beams issue, I'm looking to replace them. I want to verify if the fuse is broken though, but I couldn't pry it out haha. I also wanted to verify the manual to see if I needed to disconnect something before testing it out. Pending.



Is this just random stuff beneath the seat? There's a bell.



I assume these pads are custom. Not sure how I feel about them. Should I remove if I don't like? What would be the best way to do it?



I just cant figure out if there's oil there. I tried and I can't lol. It looks like it might be over full? This was in the kick stand, do I need to vertically stand and take a picture?

Random question: So the bike is dirty everywhere. Should I mind? Like the space below the seat is dusty, and the cables behind the fairings etc. I wonder if there's a spot I can pay to thoroughly wash the bike.


That is a trickle charger. Nice.

The pads are custom and they're supposed to provide more grip to you when you squeeze the tank with your legs/knees.

You need to stand the motorcycle straight (not on the kickstand) and check the oil level. It should be on the top line, where you see the "F" which stands for full, I'm going to assume.

You should replace the oil and oil filter yourself for peace of mind. Just watch a few YouTube videos and you're all set. The engine casing is showing you to use 2300ml of oil. Though, it's a little less or a little more depending if you change the oil filter or not. Please verify as well.


Edit: There might be motorcycle detailing if you want to clean the motorcycle like new. Fair warning though, people aren't always the smartest and I've heard that the detailers are using slippery/oily stuff on the tires, which is obviously a big no no. Try searching for your area.
 
I haven't ridden the RS yet, got both lined up for next week. Looking forward to it, it does look lovely in person. So does the Multistrada... and the Africa Twin

The Ducati place told me they won't allow test rides if it rains, which is fair enough... but September in England means there's probably a 50/50 chance of me having to reschedule


Hehe, I get it, but it would be kind of weird not letting you try a damn adventure bike if it rained :p
 

Dougald

Member
Looks like Sena are releasing a helmet with integrated comms/camera. Their bike-to-bike communicators are second to none (I got 12 hours non-stop talk time out of ours in France/Belgium), but not sure how I feel about buying a helmet made by them.

Hehe, I get it, but it would be kind of weird not letting you try a damn adventure bike if it rained :p

Yeah but you know it's a Ducati, they melt in the rain! This was at a different dealer to the place I went on Saturday, I'm trying to scope out which is the best place for me to take my business now. I'm leaning towards Moto Rapido as they were great in there, plus they have their own British Superbike team so their mechanics clearly know their stuff.

Found this under the seat. It's connected to the battery so I guess it's for a trickler charger. Any in particular or whichever works?

That looks like an SAE connector. Buy yourself an Optimate with SAE (not the older connector) and you should be able to use that cable instead of installing the one that comes with it

I just cant figure out if there's oil there. I tried and I can't lol. It looks like it might be over full? This was in the kick stand, do I need to vertically stand and take a picture?

You'll probably need to check with the bike upright. Looks like there's no oil in that window at all, but if its on the kickstand thats probably to be expected.
 

Ocho

Member
Ok, thanks for the responses guys. I'll check oil later today, makes sense. Found a detailing place for my bike kinda nearby, but it might be too far for my first weeks riding the bike.
 

Dougald

Member
My two eurocents: protective equipment with integrated-anything is either a dumb gimmick or a showroom conversation starter. Once you suspect the helmet is compromised after a crash, you don't really want anything - costly features included - trying to convince you not to dump it for a brand new one.

Excellent point, I was only thinking about overall safety but you're right, I don't want to be talking myself into not replacing a helmet if I take a small ding
 

OraleeWey

Member
Ok, thanks for the responses guys. I'll check oil later today, makes sense. Found a detailing place for my bike kinda nearby, but it might be too far for my first weeks riding the bike.

Also, I've hard that progressive is the best motorcycle insurance in the states. Just from word of mouth. I personally use Geico though and I think they're also great.
 

Ocho

Member
Get a battery tender jr for that stat. They are awesome.
(you can also use it as a jump point to start your motorcycle, but only ever jump a motorcycle with another motorcycle, cars output too much current and will blow fuses and other electrical parts)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CITK8S/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Cool thanks for the suggestion!

Also, I've hard that progressive is the best motorcycle insurance in the states. Just from word of mouth. I personally use Geico though and I think they're also great.

Progressive is 400-500 more expensive than Geico for me, and need to pay full year. But it does seem to offer better coverage (accesories, gear, etc).
 

OraleeWey

Member
Should I install the Pinlock that came with my helmet?

The advantage of the pinlock is 1: it will prevent the shield from fogging because of science (something to do with trapping air between the pinlock and the shield) and 2: if you've got a dark pinlock it will help reduce sun brightness intensity. Should go without saying but do not ride with a dark pinlock at night. No issues if it's just a clear pinlock.

If you're not in a hurry and need halogen bulbs, I recommend headlightbulbs.com. They've got a small but nice selection of colors. I've ordered a pair for my SUV and when the time comes, I'll be ordering some for my motorcycle too.
 

Dougald

Member
I'd consider Pinlocks to be mandatory in any of my helmets. Maybe its hot and dry enough to get away without one where you are, but they almost entirely stop your visor from fogging up and are well worth it
 
About to sell my KTM 390 since I don't ride at all anymore and will be moving to an apartment that doesn't have secure off street parking. Thinking about doing this on craigslist. Anyone have any experiencing selling bikes? Appreciate any input.
 

OraleeWey

Member
About to sell my KTM 390 since I don't ride at all anymore and will be moving to an apartment that doesn't have secure off street parking. Thinking about doing this on craigslist. Anyone have any experiencing selling bikes? Appreciate any input.

I had good luck with Craigslist, but that's what it was, luck. Price your motorcycle fairly and be as detailed as possible. Then it's a waiting game. Try not to give too much attention to lowballers, they're just a waste of time. Expect some negotiating, especially if you two meet. Always meet in a public place with lots of people around. Near a police station is encouraged.
 
Is meeting up at my current home not considered a good idea? Also for test drives most say only allow them if they have the cash on hand and give it to you while they drive the bike. Is this the norm?
 

Dougald

Member
I'd always meet at my place, because when I buy a bike I want to make sure the address it's registered to is where the seller and I are standing, so at least I can be reasonably sure it's not nicked
 
My sportster is all fixed up now :D, that was indeed the part that I needed, turns out I was leaking transmission fluid instead of oil. Got an oil change done anyways (oil had pretty much turned pure black), mechanic replaced primary gasket and some nylon washers in the crank case. Running amsoil 20/50 synthetic now (unfortunately not the v-twin formula but w/e). Seems to ride smoother overall now.
 
Get a battery tender jr for that stat. They are awesome.
(you can also use it as a jump point to start your motorcycle, but only ever jump a motorcycle with another motorcycle, cars output too much current and will blow fuses and other electrical parts)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CITK8S/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Fuck. I didn't realize you could jump a battery with one. Both my bikes have them but the battery was dead on one a few months ago and I had to run down the street like an idiot push starting it to get it going. Do you just plug one of these on a motorcycle straight into the other, or does that run the risk of blowing shit up?
 
Do you just plug one of these on a motorcycle straight into the other, or does that run the risk of blowing shit up?

My battery tender jr came with clamps that just plug into the thing that attaches to the battery and hangs out. There should be a fuse in the cable that is screwed to the battery (of the clamp wires) that will protect against over-current if you try to jump off a car, but they're probably best used to charge from another battery to the dead battery. But I'm 95% sure you should be able to jump from running bike to dead bike, but never from running car to dead bike.

Sorry, I sold my motorcycle a year ago so I'm a bit out of the loop, but hope to get another motorcycle next spring (WR250 or something).
 

Ocho

Member
Ok guys, so it happened. I dropped the bike. I was leaving a parking lot two blocks from my apartment and I fucked up and dropped it almost at a complete stop. I busted my front left turn signal (still works tho, is this still legal to ride?). Crash bar got scratched, and grip protector (whatever it is called) go cracked, but other than that, nothing.

So this experience really made me feel uneasy. I couldn't pick the bike up myself (luckily there was a man nearby that came to help).

Tbh I felt like I could learn quickly but this event has me down, I haven't even gone to real streets yet. Definitely felt a confidence hit.

I've also had had some trouble controlling the bike so far, and I haven't exceeded 0-20 mph speeds. Don't even get me started with turn signals and looking at my rear view mirrors. I feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe I went with a bike that's too big for first bike... Maybe this isn't for me? Maybe I need more practice?
 

Dougald

Member
What you need is confidence, and unfortunately that only comes with time and practice

In my first year of riding...

- dropped the school bike in the parking lot and got stuck under it
- slipped while reversing my ST1100 and damn near killed myself and my friend picking it up
- Almost dropped a loaner bike by grabbing a huge fist of front brake while stopping
- slipped on gravel in a car park in France and dropped my Bonneville, shearing off half the brake lever

All stupid mistakes I'd probably never make now, but it seems to be a rite of passage for a lot of people to embarrassingly drop their bike at slow speeds when they're new. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes, and be glad you didn't have a nice shiny new FZ-09!

When it happened to my wife she ditched her cbr600f at 2mph on gravel. I hope these examples of our ineptitude make you feel a bit better, I'm sure most people here have their own embarrassing drop stories too....
 

Scotch

Member
The Vstrom is a pretty big bike to get started on, but you just need to keep practising and practising. I dropped a bike three times in my 7 odd years of riding. First one was my learner's bike while doing double 8's on a parking lot. Second time was an actual crash at speed with my first bike because I braked too late and panicked. Then a few years ago I dropped by current bike gently on the ground after coming to a complete stop in a turn and losing my balance.

I don't know how expensive they are in the US, but I'd really recommend taking lessons, though. You can get immediate feedback on what you did wrong in situations like this.
 

OraleeWey

Member
Ok guys, so it happened. I dropped the bike. I was leaving a parking lot two blocks from my apartment and I fucked up and dropped it almost at a complete stop. I busted my front left turn signal (still works tho, is this still legal to ride?). Crash bar got scratched, and grip protector (whatever it is called) go cracked, but other than that, nothing.

So this experience really made me feel uneasy. I couldn't pick the bike up myself (luckily there was a man nearby that came to help).

Tbh I felt like I could learn quickly but this event has me down, I haven't even gone to real streets yet. Definitely felt a confidence hit.

I've also had had some trouble controlling the bike so far, and I haven't exceeded 0-20 mph speeds. Don't even get me started with turn signals and looking at my rear view mirrors. I feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe I went with a bike that's too big for first bike... Maybe this isn't for me? Maybe I need more practice?
Understanding why you dropped it can help you rebuild that confidence again. You'll most likely learn from it and not do it again. Do you know what you did wrong?

Also, the bike might feel a little bit intimidating at first, but that feeling goes away the more you become more comfortable with it.

I recommend you ride it in a neighborhood where the speeds don't go over 25mph. There's only so much a parking lot can do for you. Once you've felt more comfortable doing that, next thing from there is the streets. Once you've done those two things, comes more precision practicing such as emergency stopping, tight turns, etc, in an empty parking lot.

It's completely possible you'll get pulled over for not having one turn signal. In CA, proper turn signals are required.
 

Maedre

Banned
I dropped my 125 rebel a few times, had a corner incident, used the brake to late in „parking“ situation und bend my foot break up, dropped my second bike twice (glad that it practically felt on grass) and I think there are thinks that my mind tries to forget (successfully though ;)) and that’s the reason it was good that you didn’t bought a new bike.

As mentioned above try to look up how you get your bike up from ground alone.

Confidence is everything. Learning lessons are a good start and if this is not an option, try to start slow in a known environment and gather experience with you bike.
In my first years with my Rebell I rode only short distances. I used the bike only for commuting to skool and later the university and work. Often only a couple kilometers. Sound boring but I had a blast and was able to learn and make mistakes with low speed. Especially the habbits of car drivers.

Do you live in a state where filtering is alowed?

It’s nice to follow your progress. It remembers me so much of myself.
 

Ocho

Member
Thanks for all the words of encouragement. Got home today, youtube'd how to pick up a bike after a drop, and went for a drive. I was able to "fix" the turnlight with some scotch tape. At least it's properly positioned now, and still functioning. Will probably keep it like this for a while until I'm confident no drops will happen (and stay out of the rain I guess, but that was already planned).

Decided to run loops through the neighborhood streets, 25 mph tops, tried 3rd gear on this bike for the first time, 0 accidents. Used turn signals, checked my mirros constantly, used precaution on all crossroads. Felt great, feeling much better.

The only issue I had was stalling in the middle of a crossroad three times in a row because I panicked (luckily only one car was behind me, guy was kind enough to ask if everything was alright). I moved out of the way embarrassed when I finally got it running.

So, questions about riding position (vstrom 2007): I feel like I'm pushed waaay to the front by the seat, my legs are quite long and my feet rest by the heels on the pegs. I have to constantly arch my feet up not to hit the brake or clutch. Using the clutch requires some active move of my foot (go back -> under -> push top). I know all bikes have different seats/riding position etc but wondering what you guys thought about this. Should I look for more info on how to seat properly?
 

Maedre

Banned
I think it’s hard to recommend a driving position without knowing the bike in detail and without knowing you ;)

Do you habe the 650 Vstrom or the 1000er Vstrom?
 

Stevey

Member
Hey Fallout, what do you think of the drive belt on my Firebolt?
Last MOT they gave an advisory saying its starting to split- as far as I know, it is the original belt so will be 12 years old, but has only done 10000 miles which is half of its life according to the manual.
Will probably change it over the winter.
Do I need to change the sprockets as well like a regular chain driven bike?
Ignore the white paint blob, I was counting the teeth.

wFzait7.jpg


OeWAI00.jpg
 
Thanks for all the words of encouragement. Got home today, youtube'd how to pick up a bike after a drop, and went for a drive. I was able to "fix" the turnlight with some scotch tape. At least it's properly positioned now, and still functioning. Will probably keep it like this for a while until I'm confident no drops will happen (and stay out of the rain I guess, but that was already planned).

Decided to run loops through the neighborhood streets, 25 mph tops, tried 3rd gear on this bike for the first time, 0 accidents. Used turn signals, checked my mirros constantly, used precaution on all crossroads. Felt great, feeling much better.

The only issue I had was stalling in the middle of a crossroad three times in a row because I panicked (luckily only one car was behind me, guy was kind enough to ask if everything was alright). I moved out of the way embarrassed when I finally got it running.

So, questions about riding position (vstrom 2007): I feel like I'm pushed waaay to the front by the seat, my legs are quite long and my feet rest by the heels on the pegs. I have to constantly arch my feet up not to hit the brake or clutch. Using the clutch requires some active move of my foot (go back -> under -> push top). I know all bikes have different seats/riding position etc but wondering what you guys thought about this. Should I look for more info on how to seat properly?

First off: invest in some lessons! Seriously, ask around in your area or google for something. For us Europeans it's hard to believe they let Americans ride around with little to no instruction on machines that require quite a bit of finesse to pilot comfortably and safely.

My advise is (like that of others here) take a BUNCH of them (lessons). You'll feel so much more confident. And that's something you'll need. The vstrom is indeed a fairly heavy bike to start on (in terms of top heavy weight). It's still a pretty good choice for a starter bike, but the weight will make it more scary initially. (Lack of experience probably also causes most of your doubts with regards to a good seating position, but I'll try to explain my view on the things you mentioned).

Seating position:

Being forward on the seat is kinda how it's supposed to be. That way you can grip the tank with your knees and you automatically put some weight on the front wheel.

The front part of your shoes (not quite your toes, but the part just before them) are supposed to be on the pegs. Though it doesn't matter that much for a taller bike, it's still good practice because that gives you clearance when leaning in corners (feet don't touch asphalt) and you don't unintentionally touch any controls. Move your feet forward when you intend to brake or shift.

At least I think that's what I do. I'll pay close attention next time I'm on the bike to see how I place my feet. (Since it has to be said, the toes on peg position is for more spirited riding - but it's still good practice in general!).

Another thing to keep in mind is that your vstrom is a dual sport / adventure type bike. It will have a more upright seating position. I think it's actually MORE likely to suit starting riders and taller riders, so I think it's logical to assume that any doubts you're having, have more to do with a lack of experience than incompatibility with the bike's ergonomics. It actually has a reputation for being extremely comfortable.

Get some lessons!

And keep asking questions. We'll try to answer them as best we can.


Hey Fallout, what do you think of the drive belt on my Firebolt?
Last MOT they gave an advisory saying its starting to split- as far as I know, it is the original belt so will be 12 years old, but has only done 10000 miles which is half of its life according to the manual.
Will probably change it over the winter.
Do I need to change the sprockets as well like a regular chain driven bike?
Ignore the white paint blob, I was counting the teeth.


Twin Motorcycles sometimes post pictures of belts with comments on how much life they think they have left in them. Apparently cracks and tiny tears are what you should look for.

But yeah, it's a hard call to make. 10.000 miles is nothing. Some of those belts have been known to last ten times that... But then again, 12 years is a pretty long time.

You could replace it and keep the old one around as a spare (though it doesn't fit under a Firebolt seat).

You could also just keep riding till it snaps if that scenario doesn't bother you too much. Saves you from having to replace an expensive item prematurely. (An item that could easily do another 10 or 20.000 kms.)

Personally I haven't pre-emptively replaced any of my belts. But I have the luxury of a bike trailer I can use to pick up a stranded bike if it comes to that.

As for the sprockets: probably not, only if the teeth are visibly sharpening and with those low miles, I don't think that can be the case.
 

Ocho

Member
First off: invest in some lessons! Seriously, ask around in your area or google for something. For us Europeans it's hard to believe they let Americans ride around with little to no instruction on machines that require quite a bit of finesse to pilot comfortably and safely.

I did take the safety course available in California. There's an intermediate course, but I need around 6~ months of riding experience according to them. I do have the option of having extra ride time some weekends and get feedback by the trainers there. Unfortunately they only do parking lot drills, at least for basic and extra ride time.

I felt more confident yesterday with the bike, good to know about the seating position. I've googled more myself and I'll adjust accordingly.
 
I did take the safety course available in California. There's an intermediate course, but I need around 6~ months of riding experience according to them. I do have the option of having extra ride time some weekends and get feedback by the trainers there. Unfortunately they only do parking lot drills, at least for basic and extra ride time.

I felt more confident yesterday with the bike, good to know about the seating position. I've googled more myself and I'll adjust accordingly.

Just to get a sense of where you're at - how many hours of training did you have up to this point?
 

Dougald

Member
I always imagine US motorcycle testing in some states to be like when my dad did his test in the 60s in England. The examiner walked down the road and he had to ride towards him and stop the bike when the examiner raised his hand. My Dad stalled the bike repeatedly but because the examiner couldn't see him he passed. Now you can get a superbike!
 

OraleeWey

Member
Wait, you don't have to take a test to ride a motorcycle in the US?

You do but it's not very extensive. There's also no restrictions or limit to the motorcycle you can purchase. It could be a 150cc or a 1000cc. As long as you're licensed, you can ride it. Heck... You don't even need a license to purchase a motorcycle...

Which to be frank, I'm okay with. I had my motorcycle before I even knew how to
turn it on
.
 

Stevey

Member
Twin Motorcycles sometimes post pictures of belts with comments on how much life they think they have left in them. Apparently cracks and tiny tears are what you should look for.

But yeah, it's a hard call to make. 10.000 miles is nothing. Some of those belts have been known to last ten times that... But then again, 12 years is a pretty long time.

You could replace it and keep the old one around as a spare (though it doesn't fit under a Firebolt seat).

You could also just keep riding till it snaps if that scenario doesn't bother you too much. Saves you from having to replace an expensive item prematurely. (An item that could easily do another 10 or 20.000 kms.)

Personally I haven't pre-emptively replaced any of my belts. But I have the luxury of a bike trailer I can use to pick up a stranded bike if it comes to that.

As for the sprockets: probably not, only if the teeth are visibly sharpening and with those low miles, I don't think that can be the case.

Cool, thanks for the advice.
Think I will change it over the winter as there is some cracks/splits at the bottom of some of the teeth, then its done and I won't have to worry about it any more.
Might change the front sprocket as well as it's pretty rusty on the surface, hence the brown colour on the belt.
Back sprocket is fine.
 
I always imagine US motorcycle testing in some states to be like when my dad did his test in the 60s in England. The examiner walked down the road and he had to ride towards him and stop the bike when the examiner raised his hand. My Dad stalled the bike repeatedly but because the examiner couldn't see him he passed. Now you can get a superbike!

haha, that is almost how I go my license. The traffic cop just wanted to ride my bike so he make the testing very quick.
 

Dougald

Member
I've been at Bahnstormer BMW this morning testing the R1200RS... finally!

I wasn't too enamoured with it at first as it felt gutless albeit very smooth, but once I switched the engine mode from "Road" to "Dynamic" it transformed the bike. No problem getting past slow traffic on country roads, or rolling-on the throttle on the motorway.

- Very comfortable despite the "sporty" style bars and the fairly long reach for someone of my height
- Butter smooth engine with more than enough performance for me (the guy suggested I try the S1000XR as I'm looking at a Multistrada, but I'd never need the extra power)
- I felt the ESA suspension on the demo model was a bit gimmicky. It had two settings which might as well have been "too soft" and "too hard" - I'd just go with regular suspension
- It's two weakest points for me are the two strongest points of my Monster 1200 - tight cornering/filtering and chucking it into the corners. But a Tourer is never going to be as nimble as a naked bike.

All in all a really great bike which is just a really nice place to sit, I have to say I'm very tempted. I'm testing the Multistrada 950 (and possibly the 1200) on Wednesday, but I could definitely see myself going up to the highlands or down to the Alps on one.
 
I've been at Bahnstormer BMW this morning testing the R1200RS... finally!

I wasn't too enamoured with it at first as it felt gutless albeit very smooth, but once I switched the engine mode from "Road" to "Dynamic" it transformed the bike. No problem getting past slow traffic on country roads, or rolling-on the throttle on the motorway.

- Very comfortable despite the "sporty" style bars and the fairly long reach for someone of my height
- Butter smooth engine with more than enough performance for me (the guy suggested I try the S1000XR as I'm looking at a Multistrada, but I'd never need the extra power)
- I felt the ESA suspension on the demo model was a bit gimmicky. It had two settings which might as well have been "too soft" and "too hard" - I'd just go with regular suspension
- It's two weakest points for me are the two strongest points of my Monster 1200 - tight cornering/filtering and chucking it into the corners. But a Tourer is never going to be as nimble as a naked bike.

All in all a really great bike which is just a really nice place to sit, I have to say I'm very tempted. I'm testing the Multistrada 950 (and possibly the 1200) on Wednesday, but I could definitely see myself going up to the highlands or down to the Alps on one.

Great feedback.
 
I've been at Bahnstormer BMW this morning testing the R1200RS... finally!


- It's two weakest points for me are the two strongest points of my Monster 1200 - tight cornering/filtering and chucking it into the corners. But a Tourer is never going to be as nimble as a naked bike.


Oh how I hope you'll try a Ulysses one day.


Good write-up though. Looking forward to your Multi impressions.
 

Ocho

Member
Just to get a sense of where you're at - how many hours of training did you have up to this point?

10 hours of training in two days.

Wait, you don't have to take a test to ride a motorcycle in the US?

You can get a permit just by passing the written exam. To get the full license you can either take the test or do a safety course (safety course being the easier option apparently). At least in California.

I always imagine US motorcycle testing in some states to be like when my dad did his test in the 60s in England. The examiner walked down the road and he had to ride towards him and stop the bike when the examiner raised his hand. My Dad stalled the bike repeatedly but because the examiner couldn't see him he passed. Now you can get a superbike!

Here's the list of things we did that I can remember:

  1. Learn how a motorcycle turns on, where the clutch is etc.
  2. Walk the bike using the friction zone.
  3. Actually use the bike in first gear, go around a cone, come back.
  4. Do loops, go fast, then go slow, fast, slow, etc.
  5. How to brake using front/back, smoothly, etc.
  6. Clutch control, gear up, gear down before curve, etc.
  7. Curves, different types, slow down before curves. Apex, when to throttle, etc.
  8. Emergency break in a straight line.
  9. How to emergency break when in a curve (aka straighten up, then brake).
  10. Slow maneuvers like zigzag, 90 degree turns.
  11. Swerving out of the way.
  12. Change lanes, use blinkers, etc.
  13. There was a really small simulation of driving in traffic.
 
Here's the list of things we did that I can remember:

  1. Learn how a motorcycle turns on, where the clutch is etc.
  2. Walk the bike using the friction zone.
  3. Actually use the bike in first gear, go around a cone, come back.
  4. Do loops, go fast, then go slow, fast, slow, etc.
  5. How to brake using front/back, smoothly, etc.
  6. Clutch control, gear up, gear down before curve, etc.
  7. Curves, different types, slow down before curves. Apex, when to throttle, etc.
  8. Emergency break in a straight line.
  9. How to emergency break when in a curve (aka straighten up, then brake).
  10. Slow maneuvers like zigzag, 90 degree turns.
  11. Swerving out of the way.
  12. Change lanes, use blinkers, etc.
  13. There was a really small simulation of driving in traffic.

That sounds very similar to the CBT (compulsory basic training) we have in the UK. It's a 1 day course you have to do but restricts you to a 50cc or 125cc bike depending on your age. To get my full unrestricted licence recently I had to to do a theory test, then 5 days of lessons and a practical test at the end.

As someone said above, you need to get more on road tuition as even a couple of hours of that will be worth more than 20 hours on your own trying to figure it out.

I got this Gsxr 600 SRAD for my first bike and couldn't imagine going out on it with even a fraction less training than what I had.


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Maedre

Banned
10 hours of training in two days.



  1. Learn how a motorcycle turns on, where the clutch is etc.
  2. Walk the bike using the friction zone.
  3. Actually use the bike in first gear, go around a cone, come back.
  4. Do loops, go fast, then go slow, fast, slow, etc.
  5. How to brake using front/back, smoothly, etc.
  6. Clutch control, gear up, gear down before curve, etc.
  7. Curves, different types, slow down before curves. Apex, when to throttle, etc.
  8. Emergency break in a straight line.
  9. How to emergency break when in a curve (aka straighten up, then brake).
  10. Slow maneuvers like zigzag, 90 degree turns.
  11. Swerving out of the way.
  12. Change lanes, use blinkers, etc.
  13. There was a really small simulation of driving in traffic.

And after this you can drive everything? With this you wouldn’t be allowed to drive a 50 cc in Germany. It baffles me that the us laws are so lax in this regards. This practically kills people.
 
10 hours of training in two days.

For comparison: I did almost 35 hours over the course of nearly a year. I took a little bit longer than necessary due to personal circumstances, but I think having a bit of time for the experience to sink in and 'stick', is better than cramming it all in a day or two.

To be clear, I'm not trying to get you down - on the contrary, it illustrates how you shouldn't feel bad about a little mishap this early in your career. I was only starting to get slightly comfortable near the end of those 35 hours. And half of those hours were training in real traffic. I imagine it must be a challenge to keep calm and remember everything if the traffic part of the equation is entirely new. Couple of hours under professional supervision could be a good thing.

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Anyway, I'm back from France. Here's the second (and final) batch of pictures. Still slim pickings in terms of other bikes, but here's what I got:

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And more Buell:

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