I say take the test on what you ride.

Within reason, of course.

Well, that's just it. The test should be passable on a touring bike and for 90 percent of the people, it isn't. So they don't bother getting a license.

The smaller the bike, the easier the road test. My advice: borrow a small bike, take the test, then ride your bike in mostly 'comfortable' situations (daytime only, light traffic, dry roads...etc.) for a few months before thinking you are some kind of pro. My friend is an X-ray tech and he told me that most of the cycle rider he works are a car's fault with an inexperienced rider on the bike. I believe it.

I'd planned to keep my permit for a while, which means I can't legally ride at night or with a passenger. That's something I'll follow, for sure.

I don't understand why the license test should be this low speed maneuvering stuff. Licensing riders is supposed to be to ensure competence on the roadways and safety to others who are out there, not some kind of test of whether you will drop your bike in a parking lot.

if you took out all the unlicensed/untrained riders, and all those riders who had more than 0 drinks before they headed out, and all those with no helmet i bet you'd have half the number of injuries that you do

How many times have you seen a guy at a stop light take off and leave his feet on the ground for a half block? It bugs the hell out of me. A test like that should cure them. Of course, if someone is on a Road King or Gold Wing I don't complain.

But you also make a valid point. The test should have a COUNTER-steering test instead of a putt-putt steering test.

My course this weekend actually had quite a bit on counter-steering. Nothing terribly fast (third gear), but it was there.

Usually, the license test doesn't include it. That's why so many on here suggest taking an advanced course. You'll be twice the rider.

i know those guys are always leaving their legs dangling, cornering at 15mph, riding in groups a foot apart at 55mph on the freeway, putting their feet down in parking lots. so what, i could care less as long as they are not crashing into me.

I agree, I just don’t think the test should be dumbed down for the guys that have to take it on a bigger bike either.
I also agree that many guys don’t bother getting a license but I think that’s as much because of enforcement as the difficulty of the test. Most cops don’t even know to look for the motorcycle license when they pull a motorcycle over.

That’s good.
Knowing exactly how to handle your sled will improve your enjoyment of it.
You’d be surprised how many guys have ridden bikes for years and don’t know what counter steer is or how to manipulate it.

FMB, You are better off as a rider, especially a first time rider, by taking the advanced course rather than the DMV test. If it is readily available where you are located, that is the way to go.

Yeah, I know. The intermediate course is the same as the basic course except you use your own bike.

On another (bragging) note, the course instructors made a point in class to say that I was the best in the class. :D One of the instructors pulled me aside after class was over and said I should get a few years experience, take the upper classes, and come back and help teach. That was nice to hear.

i remember when i took the class there was this kid(18-19) in there that wouldn't shut his yap...always trying to be funny, or show how much he knew about bikes/riding.
the 2nd day we were all out on the course doing figure 8s, and he laid the 250 over on it's side and shit his pants. he duck-walked around all afternoon w/a big old wet splotch on the back of his pants.
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