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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Getting a motorcycle license in Calif.
I have been riding motorcycles for about twenty years however I never bothered to take the motorcycle test at the DMV. Back in the day the police didn't care too much if you had the motorcycle stamp on you drivers license however in our modern times I hear bad things happen if you get caught riding without one.
Now I'm thinking of buying a motorcycle to save a little time and money on my work commute. I was thinking of taking the motorcycle safety course where at the end they give you a certificate and you don't have to take the riding test at the DMV. So the course is two days and $190 however I am pretty sure I could pass the test at the DMV. Although I don't have a bike to take the test with. So what to do?
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone  1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. Last edited by scottmandue; 10-07-2005 at 02:05 PM.. |
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10-07-2005, 12:59 PM
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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I think we have a few new bike riders here, anyone taken the course and/or the DMV test?
What was it like?
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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10-07-2005, 01:04 PM
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B58/732
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Hot as Hell, AZ
Posts: 12,313
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Take the course.
Take the course. Take the course. Any questions?
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ I don't always talk to vegetarians--but when I do, it's with a mouthful of bacon. |
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10-07-2005, 01:12 PM
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Somewhere in the Midwest
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: In the barn!
Posts: 12,499
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I'm not in Cali...but I'm with "blue."
TAKE THE COURSE! I just went to the DMV to get my M-class, but I still took the class twice! (no I didn't fail...I actually score perfectly on both the written and riding test both times  )You will learn a whole lot more in a weekend, than you will in over 1 yr of riding. The instructors in Cali will have plenty of pointers on how to survive! As a bonus, you will become a better driver too. You will be more alert and involved in the task of riding or driving. That was probably the most important thing I got out of the class. The small fee you pay may mean the difference between life and death. TAKE IT! (In Illinois, the course is "free." But I'd still pay for it. You actually send in $20 to hold a spot in the class. At the end of the class, they give you the option to get you money back, or donate to the program. If you donate, you get a t-shirt. That was how it was the first time I took it. I can't remember the second time, as I was a walk-in. I guess they didn't offer it to me because I didn't pre-register.) |
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10-07-2005, 01:20 PM
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Registered
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take the MSF course
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10-07-2005, 01:36 PM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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HIGHLY advised you take the course.
You'll learn a lot. I remember that I didnt have to take the DMV riding test after completing the MSF course, although that might not be everywhere. |
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10-07-2005, 03:12 PM
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Virginia Rocks!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Just outside the beltway
Posts: 8,497
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You guys have me psyched up for my course next month, now that DE season is over (for me anyhow).
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Rosewood 1983 911 SC Targa | Black 1990 944 S2 | White 1980 BMW R65 | Past: Crystal 1986 944 na Guards Red is for the Unoriginal
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10-07-2005, 04:50 PM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,943
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Another vote to take the course. They will have bikes you can use and you have your license at the end of the course.
Call the guy I turned you on about the bikes as well! JoeA
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2013 Jag XF, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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10-07-2005, 07:32 PM
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Thanks Joe, we have already exchanged emails.
Looks like I will get me a new helmet and sign up for the course. Then he can hook me up with a beemer around Christmas time, Merry Christmas to me!
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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10-08-2005, 07:28 AM
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Registered
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The course is fun and may catch some bad habits -- meaning you'll make your mistakes on a 125 in a parking lot. Plus, when I took it, thre were a couple of pretty hot chicks in my class...
:-)
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techweenie | techweenie.com Marketing Consultant (expensive!) 1969 coupe hot rod 2016 Tesla Model S dd/parts fetcher |
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10-08-2005, 07:41 AM
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Registered
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Scott, I think 90% the MSF will be pretty boring for someone who has ridden for 20 years but the other 10% fun and educational. There in the parking lot you really get a chance to learn/reinforce good riding technique. It is worth the time/cost.
Zero hotties in my class
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10-08-2005, 08:15 AM
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RETIRED
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I've kept my MC license up even though I no longer own one. If I were to purchase another one I woud prolly take the course on a bike similar to what I would be buying.
Some areas actually rent Harleys and that or a Duc/Moto Guzzi is what I would be buying.
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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10-08-2005, 09:44 AM
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B58/732
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Hot as Hell, AZ
Posts: 12,313
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Quote:
No hot chicks in my class, though.
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ I don't always talk to vegetarians--but when I do, it's with a mouthful of bacon. |
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10-08-2005, 10:22 AM
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Well $hit the only reason I was going to get a bike was to get laid!
  That and gas being three bucks a gallon... and I get to drive in the car pool lane.
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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10-08-2005, 10:28 AM
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Damn, I should have got the leather pants widebody had for sale!
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone 1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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10-08-2005, 10:43 AM
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B58/732
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Hot as Hell, AZ
Posts: 12,313
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Nah, go for chaps.
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ I don't always talk to vegetarians--but when I do, it's with a mouthful of bacon. |
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10-08-2005, 10:44 AM
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1979 Porsche 911SC 3.0
Sinister Dove
Gemini Boomerang
Porsche 996 Turbo Convertible
996 Turbo
Carrera
2003 996
04 Jeep
Da cab
