So I wanna buy a bike

[E30Nova]

Those that have motorcycles (especially in Cali), what are the "procedures" that I have to go through? I was looking up the driver's courses and they require you to have your own bike and gear, which doesn't make sense since I can't *legally* buy a bike if I don't have the license. So can I actually get a license without taking the driver's courses things?

And is the written test basically the same as if I was getting a regular license or are there motorcycle specific questions?

I'm looking at buying a used bike since they're cheaper, so if I got a license and gear and all that, could I just buy a bike and ride it home or would I have to tell my insurance company that I was planning on buying a bike?

I dunno how all this works, lol.

[e34john]

You can buy a bike, you just can't have it on the street. When I was looking to buy. The dealer would sell me one. I couldn't drive it home, it would be delivered.

[Killacortes]

i dont know how cali works but get your riding permit buy a bike practice then get your endorsment.

insurance isnt required in washington

[5spoke]

Disclaimer: Everything you are about to read is in regards to VA laws.

I think technically the bike has to be insured when you pick it up and ride it, whether that be a dealer or a private party, but no cop is going to hassle you if you happen to get pulled as long as you show them the title/bill of sale.

In VA you can get your learners permit and ride with another person on a separate bike next to you. Then you take a written and driving test at the DMV to get the real license. Or the other option and probably the better option is to take the MSF course. THis is a weekend full of motorcycle riding and instruction by real motorcycle riders. You learn the basics of riding and how to handle emergency situations. At the end of the course you take a test and get your real license, no permit required, no bike required just basic gear and they provide everything else. You can literally go in knowing nothing and come out two days later fully licensed. Is that totally safe? Probably not but I believe its safer than riding around the back of the DMV and getting it handed to you. Just be careful and don't drive like an idiot and you will be ok.


Edit: MSF = Motorcycle Safety Foundation, I am sure this class is available in California too.

[VacMan]

You can take the MSF course and they'll provide the bike. If you pass you don't have to take the riding portion of the M1. You still need to take the written. They will not let you take the bike without insurance.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#MINORMC

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two505

[wannagetane30]

What he said. Take the MSF course. It's good for you. Get good gear. It's not cheap to get everything, but it's worth it.

[E30Nova]

See I was reading either on the dmv site or the msf site that they don't provide the bike for the training. That was my biggest issue. I'll call em tomorrow and see wtf is up.

[VacMan]

DMV doesn't, MSF does. They're not the same thing.

http://www.msf-usa.org/

[E30Nova]

Ah, that's cool then. I'll definitely be doing the msf course then. From what I've read, you get an insurance discount for taking the course as well. So that's cool, lol.

[wannagetane30]

Yup. Insurance discount (from many ins companies) and, depending on where you are, a discount at Cycle Gear.

[E30Nova]

GOOD GOD, $700 for a helmet?

FML, it's gonna take more cash than I was expecting to actually get a bike and gear. :hitler:

[wannagetane30]

You don’t have to spend $700 to get a good helmet. You can usually find clearances on previous year's designs for cheap. There are Shoei rf-1000s for $199 right now at my local shop. Scorpion is a good bang-for-the-buck brand. Spend some money on leathers, good boots, and gloves. Yeah it gets expensive....

[mbonder]

Personally, to me that's much cheaper than brain damage. I wouldn't skimp on gear as it can really save your ass in a bad situation.

[E30Nova]

Oh, nice. I just went to the Cycle Gear site and clicked helmets and was like WTF?? haha

What's the deal with those backpack things that some dudes wear? I saw a guy with one a few days ago. Some dudes in The Fast and The Furious wore them, too. Is that for aerodynamics or something?

[VacMan]

Check out newenough.com and you'll be able to completely outfit yourself for $700.