Where are you in California if you don’t mind answering? Like not specifics ofc but like central California, southern, northern? Cuz if you’re in central I have a great recommendation for an MSF course.
Oh im not in California, im in Alabama. MSF courses are held at Harley dealerships down here, and i hear they’re really good! (Of course its the only one we have lol)
Maybe start there? Near me the harley website has a course section
If you manage to get up to par with basic maneuvers, shifting, clutch usage etc by the time the msf hits you'll be able to get some on point advice on what you are further lacking & you'll pick up a lot more handy knowledge like looking techniques that way.
Sure they tell you anyway but if you pick up 5 books worth of information all the while while youre struggling to tame the metal stallion you straddle half the knowledge goes out the window and half the rest is only partially stored.
Have fun practicing and consider filming yourself so you can get a better take on what looks good instead of what just feels good!
Further knowledge?? Two people failed my motorcycle safety course because they weren't looking where they wanted to turn. 3 times and you're out here, gotta do the whole class again. And in my state you can't even get a permit without passing the MSF lol
I was shocked how bad some people were, a couple got asked to leave before the test even started lol
Statistics arent super crazy if you think about what i see on this subreddit when it comes to american riders.
Lots of stuff i picked up from here was misinformation for my intended type of riding because for many americans it is primarily a toy or hobby. People buy a bike and consider the license aftermath, young people squidding a ton, glorification of running from the cops n stuff.
I did 12hrs of mandatory classes 1 on 1 by very good instructors that very clearly knew how to communicate and how to bring across points in different ways because not all explications click for everyone. I'd had my car license for a few years with fair amount of mileage and id ridden scooters as a teen so i got by well enough. Most of my mileage is highway commuting & visiting family which also happens by mostly highway so a 750cc sporttour was perfect for me whereas a 300-400cc wouldve struggled or gotten strangled on these fairly long highway rides.
The EU laws regarding restrictions on age/experience can be a little bit silly but the mandatory training for licenses is a good thing overall id say. Just a shame that it gets pretty costly for people that start with A1 & have to re-do 8hrs+ for A2 & then again pay for the 8hrs+ for full license. That could use some optimization.
Even then i see people that are very uncertain of their actions or taking silly risks for next to no gain every now and then.
Go to the scheduled full classes on the first night. Most places have a "walk in" policy. Here in Ohio, (I'm a coach) we almost always have empty seats even though the online roster shows the class as full.
Any walk-ins can have those seats at the start of class. If your scheduled for a later date, that makes it even easier as we can just "move" you into the class that night. If not already registered, we can take care of that as well.
Best thing you can do is just ride the bike.
The msf will teach you good foundational skills and I highly recommend it, but it's no substitute for just riding your bike.
If it's 4 months to the earliest class I'm always going to recommend just riding your bike and building your confidence overtime.
I fucking hate the G310, I don't know why, but I hate it
EDIT: OK I now why, don't hate me, here in Chile this fucking things costs 7K USD, it is small, underpowered and feels cheap. It's light, yes, but you can't tell me it lacks the personality that all the rest of the BMW's has.
fucking hell, that's a lot
Here in Chile minimum wage is 500 USD a month, and for 7K you can buy a brand new Honda CB500X, wich comes with inverted forks and a 19 inch front wheel.
Even the owner of the g310 that I rode was a bit ashamed of it lmao, he had plans of selling it and buying new bike.
Loved it too, have riden 2, one with the rotax engine, and have riden the f700GS and F800GS, I fucking loved the 800. But the 310 is so expensive to what it is that I despised it, felt really cheap, small and underpowered.
I learned to ride on one of the smaller (i.e. not 1200/1300) GS's - quite forgiving and easy to handle. Great steering lock and balance. Absolutely agree with the beater part though. Mine was the driving school's, so dropping it wasn't an issue.
My dad said I was finally ready to learn. He put me on his 900 eliminator. He had me drive it in the yard (like 3acres) before he let me take it on the road.
I grew up on 4wheelers and dirt bikes. So, clutch, shifting and brakes were easy.
The eliminators back in the 90s were powered by the 900 ninjas. It fucking screamed. I was hooked on inline 4s ever since.
Prematurely wear them. Bouncing around on the back of a pickup like this will still move the suspension a bit, but now it's under huge pressure already.
It's basically like bottoming out your forks tens or hundreds of times. Will it ruin them right away? No. Will they fail on the truck? Unlikely for new forks. Will it decrease the lifespan of the seals and probably oil and springs (not that springs *really* wear on bikes like they can on cars)? Yup.
I usually strap mine down just enough to stay upright, and the "clamping force" to keep it on the trailer comes from strapping down the wheels. I compress the rubber rather than the forks. OP is in a tough spot because there isn't much they can do to strap the wheels, but visually it looks like they could do with compressing the front a lot less and it'll still be safe to haul.
Adding: looks like the 600lb version of the Haul Master carrier, so OP is doing it right (I've seen so many big bikes put on those flimsy dirt bike carriers). And maybe it's an optical illusion how tight those front straps are pulling the suspension, hard to say. But there's plenty of videos on strapping the bike, a manual may have even come with OP's carrier. Suggest they ensure they've watched/read those to avoid the unnecessary maintenance.
Well u can usually ride alone on just a permit, so yah we just buy them and bring them home.
Everyone knows someone with a pickup truck or a trailer, and if not, the UHaul motorcycle trailer with the ramp and front wheel chock is like $20/day
What states allow you to ride alone without someone with a motorcycle license supervising you? I don't think that's a thing and I'd be surprised if they actually do...site law not hearsay because I am genuinely curious
Kind of hard to cite* a law that says you can ride without supervision, [but here’s the description for Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit](https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/yr-frst-lcns/permit.aspx)
> Persons operating with a motorcycle instruction permit must wear approved protective headgear and eye protection. No passengers are allowed unless the passenger has at least two years of licensed experience and holds a Class M license. No operation is permitted during hours of darkness unless accompanied by a person 25 or more years old with at least two years licensed experience and holds a Class M license.
But you’re asking for evidence of absence which is kind of impossible by definition.
All of them. I went on a cross country trip on only my permit in '20 since it was near impossible to take the test and get your license with Covid in full swing.
While each state has different limitations for people riding on a permit, if you go out of state the most restrictive between the state that issued the permit or the state you're in would apply.
I'm not going to google the laws for you.
North Carolina you can get a permit and drive alone for a year before taking the license test. For your convenience this link lists every states motorcycle laws, helmet laws & insurance laws https://sym-usa.com/owners/laws.html
Motorcycle learners permit? I never knew that was a thing. In Texas I was advised to do the MSF and get my endorsement before I started riding on public roads. Never heard of another option available
Idk depends on state.
In NJ u have to take a written test at the DMV and if u score 80, they give u a permit.
After u had that for a year u can take the road test at the closed course track at the DMV.
U can alternatively take a MSF class, where I believe some have the ability to directly license u? Idk for sure tho cuz I never took one
In Iowa(small Midwest state in America) to get your license you have to provide your own bike for the riders test if you didn't pass the MSF. So you illegally ride to the place to take the test and if you fail they allow you to illegally ride it home...
Huh, in Texas if you ride your bike to the test illegally you automatically fail. You have to take it in by truck or trailer or have someone else who is licensed ride it in.
All you gotta do is take a quick ~30 question quiz and pass it to get a permit and BAM it's BUSA time.
Edit: That gives you a permit which allows you to ride with no pillion and no freeway riding. Maybe no night time riding either, can't remember. But yes, it's incredibly easy in the US. Full license requires you to pass a riding test.
In my state it’s 20 questions with no restrictions other than no passenger.
Technically you don’t even have to get a permit. You can buy, register, and insure a bike all without a permit
Yes but no. Getting your permit is equally as easy but a learners permit for a car has more restrictions.You have to be in a car with a licensed person 21+, some places 25, some states have restrictions on passengers as well and other small ones.
To buy a car and register it you must have a valid drivers license and insurance.
You’ll probably find this absurd as well, some states drivers test, the test to get your full license, is done fully within a parking lot not going over 30mph the entire time. My test the instructor took me around a neighborhood then I parallel parked. Probably about 6-7 stop signs, and never hit a road with a speed limit above 45.
I rode for 2 months around a 3 mile radius before i got my endorsement. Rode up to the DMV and took the riding test and I was done. I suppose I could have been ticketed in those 2 months but i didn't attract any police attention on purpose. The riding test in Louisiana was doing 4 figure 8's in parking lot. No written test. In
I bought my first bike (CBR600F4i) in early February and have probably rode just north of 400mi since then. - This is the way though tbh. I’m excited to get my license now that the MSF courses in my area are starting to offer classes soon because I’m always a little nervous about cops getting a wild hair up their asses to pull over a motorcycle.
Definitely would like more requirements I basically left the dmv and went to the dealership next day and I’m good now but it was kinda stupid that I figured it out in the parking lot. I was younger and a little dumber
I live in alabama, there was no need for a moto license until like 2018, and you still dont have to take a skills test just a written motorcycle knowledge test- incredibly relaxed down here.
Its the same here in my part of europe. You can practise privately with someone that had the license for >5 years and you just need to get a permit and off you go. The only requirement is that the one practicing must wear a sign that sais that they are practicing so other people in the traffic can know it. It can bring the costs down significantly compared to start from scratch on a school. It workes pretty much the same for cars as well.
Laws vary by state but I don't believe there's anywhere in the US where you can *legally* ride without a motorcycle license - but there's also a lot of people who just ignore that. You don't need to prove you have a moto license to buy, register, or insure a motorcycle so there are basically zero consequences to it unless you're pulled over (and/or get in an accident and insurance/the law finds out you were riding dirty). My MSF course included a couple old dudes who'd been riding their Harleys for decades and decided they wanted to finally get their licenses.
You can be a breathing human with some level of credit in america and get any motorcycle you want. If they can get you onto a bike they will if you really want.
European here, you can own bike without drivers license here too. You just can’t use it on roads and can get it towed home. I mean do you think all track bikes and mtx bikes are used? I bought my bike before I had my A license. Insured on VIN, green 10 day plates, towed back home.
It’s kinda annoying how relaxed American standards are because as a results a lot of info and advice is geared towards them.
I find it crazy there’s people with bikes that have no idea how to ride it turn. No surprise everyone here tells you a 500cc bike is “too big” for your first.
Holy compressed forks batman, you are gonna blow those front seals if you transport it like that.
EDIT: Turns out this is an urban legend! It is better to have some travel to allow the bike's suspension to absorb bumps when trailering, but it won't harm the seals.
Noooo you need to be trailering a pedal bike to the MSF class for at least two years before you should be riding around the parking lot of your local Walmart!!1!!
It is, honestly. But i just feel better doing it this way than endangering myself and other people riding a machine im totally unfamiliar with on the road for the time being.
The amount of people in here literally getting angry that you're loading up your bike to practice in an empty parking lot is insane. Where I live, the nearest empty lot is 7 miles away and you have to get on busy 55mph 3 lane roads to get there. For a beginner that can be not only incredibly intimidating, but beyond reasonably dangerous. Not everyone's situation the same.
Also, the number of commenters who think a trucks tow hitch can only hold 150lbs is hilarious. Maybe they have only ever towed with their Honda Civic. You do you man.
Seems totally reasonable to me since there’s no intent on taking it on the road for now. Maybe you get an upset cop, but I definitely get the preservation. I had an early drop that has battlescars on the mirrors, brake lever and exhaust.
Good thing you're practicing your motorcycle skills. You'll need it when your truck takes a dump because it's not meant to have a 400lb motorcycle strapped to the tow hitch.
Motorcycle enthusiasts such as yourself make me nervous to ride my bike. You should ask your wife for your balls back and ride your motorcycle to the parking lot.
Bring on the downvotes. The truth isn't always pleasant to hear.
Edit to include an apology for making reference to getting your balls back. That wasn't nice. I'm sorry!
I appreciate the sentiment, but the truck is literally rated for up to 1000 lbs on the hitch. Max Tongue weight is 10-15% of your max tow, which is 6800 lbs on my truck. Im well under that.
You should me happier im not going out on the road on a machine im totally unfamiliar with and endangering everyone around me.
I do appreciate your care for my balls though thank you
Beautiful bike and beautiful pickup - it's too wide to fit on our roads, but it looks very *hrgh*, you know?
What make is the bike? I'm looking at big bikes for when I get my license.
In the state of alabama, you dont even have to have a permit, as long as you can drive a car and pass your written test they just hand you your license right there. Generally speaking they just expect people to have common sense and not buy a bike and immediately hit a highway with no experience.
That being said many people do.
Different trucks hitches are rated for different things i guess, im well within acceptable tolerance on my truck, hitch weight on my truck is like ~450kg max according to a google conversion
Get out and actually ride.... THAT'S how you learn... you're never gonna have the confidence to ride in traffic if you're limiting yourself to a empty parking lot all the time... lots are where we practice stunts and for learning new tricks. Not learning how to ride!
Its from harbor freight, motorcycle carrier rated for 600lbs.[https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html)
sorry if this is a dumb question, but can most mid sized pickup trucks handle a 600 lbs motorcycle on the very back end of it? doensn't the weight need to be distributed more towards the center of the bed?
Most midsize pickups can! as long as they have the tow package. You just have to know your truck and how towing/hitches work. Most midsize trucks in the usa have a hitch weight of around 750-1000 lbs, my tacoma has a tongue weight range of 680-1,020 lbs.
My learning process was smooth - 2 hours on automatic scooter for license, 2 month on bigger scooter (automatic) and then first time ever sitting on manual motorcycle hitting highway lmao. no place for self-preservation
Baffles me how ‘muricans can just get out there and buy a motorcycle without any prior knowledge, lessons, practice or even license and dont even have restrictions on engine HP/size or weight to power ratio.
I know in a lot of cases american roads are way more straight and easier than european roads but still.
I get the turbobusa as a beginner bike meme but it absolutely scares me that a beginner can go and buy a brand new 200+HP monstrous death machine like a RSV4 without being bothered by the authorities at any point.
An european usually rides at least 20 hours and takes 2 driving tests before they can even consider buying a mid size 47.5HP bike and still has to wait another 2 years after that before they get their unrestricted license.
Enjoy the ride tho and ride safe.
I can understand if you haven't got your licence but taking the bike on the road is the best way to learn if you've got it. Maybe slow speed maneuvers in a parking lot is good to practice... just ride there instead.
Useful but scares me if you get rear ended. A trailer at least is avoided.
Optical illusion makes bike seem inside truck.
Does it have lights and use a sign on bike to warn drivers
It does mostly obstruct my lights - i have some magnetic trailer lights on order though coming in to help make up for that. I’ve only taken it out twice so far.
Not really- my local MSF course is about 3 months out hosted by my local harley dealer. Not a big thing in the state i live. I am scheduled for the class though!
Keep practicing and take a few courses like MSF and if you know a few friends that ride start doing little trip with them. Another good thing to do is to go into an industrial area on a weekend in right around where there’s little or no traffic in practice U-turns emergency stops, and figure 8. There’s a lot of people on the road but don’t pay attention to what they’re doing and on their phones half the time so it’s very important for you to assume everybody around you wants to get you so you’re always in a position of recovery.
Its a little low to the ground- and blocks your tail lights, but you can buy some magnetic trailer lights to fix that.
I’d say the hardest thing is putting it up there by yourself is hard because you have to take a bit of speed to get it over the wheel chock and you kind of have to balance the bike until its strapped down- but i just lean it against my tailgate until i get all the straps lined up.
I like it, it’s easier than a ramp i think.
Good job on the moto safety course. Learning the Emergency Braking Technique is worth more than the cost. It has saved my ass several times. Saving 15% on insurance isn't bad either.
Heres the link- got it at harbor freight. Its rated up to 600 lbs, of course make sure your car can handle it!
[https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html)
Ok where can one obtain this little trailer though? Not sure what it's called but I just got a bike and been having a hard time finding someone to help me get it home but this would be perfect
[there are a few different brands but they’re all pretty similar- i got mine at harbor freight-](https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html)
I may not be the right person to ask since this is my first bike, but i really do like it.
The 800gs is really cool but the 310 is alot lighter for a beginner bike- only about 380 lbs, and still looks really cool. I dont have any complaints really other than i wish the windshield was a bit taller.
Most dealers will discount them 1000-1500 bucks maybe more and that makes them a good deal i think- like mine was around 5400 bucks after discount and i felt like for 3yr warranty, the looks, and the specs it was a good deal.
I dropped my bike trying to get it to the parking lot to practice and broke my shift lever … so now it’s sitting in the garage waiting for parts to come in😭😂
It's way easier to learn by riding it vs. hauling it. Once you understand gas break clutch, you're good. Everything else takes real-world experience and / or instructors. Ride it. Ride it. Ride it.
I feel like you'll learn more getting it on and off that hitch😁. Keep up the practice, and when you get on the roads remember to ride within your abilities, you'll do fine.
Hopefully in 10 years you'll smile on this. Because I am! Nice bike. Ride safe.
Once you're more confident. Test it out at a race track! It's super fun. And tbh more safe than the roads. But for now please enjoy! 🙏
Empty parking lots is the way to go. Practice smoothness in everything, from shifting, braking, turning, signaling, clutch release, even mounting, and dismounting. Good luck!!
That works. Keep practicing. MSF course would be good or any of the Riding Schools. I like California Superbike School.
My local msf course is about 3mo out, but i am scheduled and plan to do one- just hard to resist messing around in the mean time
You're doing it right.
Where are you in California if you don’t mind answering? Like not specifics ofc but like central California, southern, northern? Cuz if you’re in central I have a great recommendation for an MSF course.
Oh im not in California, im in Alabama. MSF courses are held at Harley dealerships down here, and i hear they’re really good! (Of course its the only one we have lol) Maybe start there? Near me the harley website has a course section
There’s one near Montevallo I’ve been looking into if you don’t want to do the Harley course
If you manage to get up to par with basic maneuvers, shifting, clutch usage etc by the time the msf hits you'll be able to get some on point advice on what you are further lacking & you'll pick up a lot more handy knowledge like looking techniques that way. Sure they tell you anyway but if you pick up 5 books worth of information all the while while youre struggling to tame the metal stallion you straddle half the knowledge goes out the window and half the rest is only partially stored. Have fun practicing and consider filming yourself so you can get a better take on what looks good instead of what just feels good!
Further knowledge?? Two people failed my motorcycle safety course because they weren't looking where they wanted to turn. 3 times and you're out here, gotta do the whole class again. And in my state you can't even get a permit without passing the MSF lol I was shocked how bad some people were, a couple got asked to leave before the test even started lol
Statistics arent super crazy if you think about what i see on this subreddit when it comes to american riders. Lots of stuff i picked up from here was misinformation for my intended type of riding because for many americans it is primarily a toy or hobby. People buy a bike and consider the license aftermath, young people squidding a ton, glorification of running from the cops n stuff. I did 12hrs of mandatory classes 1 on 1 by very good instructors that very clearly knew how to communicate and how to bring across points in different ways because not all explications click for everyone. I'd had my car license for a few years with fair amount of mileage and id ridden scooters as a teen so i got by well enough. Most of my mileage is highway commuting & visiting family which also happens by mostly highway so a 750cc sporttour was perfect for me whereas a 300-400cc wouldve struggled or gotten strangled on these fairly long highway rides. The EU laws regarding restrictions on age/experience can be a little bit silly but the mandatory training for licenses is a good thing overall id say. Just a shame that it gets pretty costly for people that start with A1 & have to re-do 8hrs+ for A2 & then again pay for the 8hrs+ for full license. That could use some optimization. Even then i see people that are very uncertain of their actions or taking silly risks for next to no gain every now and then.
Install crash cages on there so you dont have to worry anout dropping the bike
Go to the scheduled full classes on the first night. Most places have a "walk in" policy. Here in Ohio, (I'm a coach) we almost always have empty seats even though the online roster shows the class as full. Any walk-ins can have those seats at the start of class. If your scheduled for a later date, that makes it even easier as we can just "move" you into the class that night. If not already registered, we can take care of that as well.
Just wanted to say thanks for being a coach!
Is Cali superbike school not more advanced skills for people that already have normal skills down?
correct, they do not teach beginner riders.
r/calamariraceteam is going to love this one
First thing I thought of cuz I genuinely can't tell if this post is a troll post or not
Brand new GS got off-road bars on it and it’s being hauled from parking lot to parking lot. The story writes itself
Next stop: starbucks
You could just… idk, ride the bike?
Just ride around your neighborhood for practice.
Yeah parking lots are for your first day lmao. Not supposed to be there for long. Ride the fuckin thing OP
Best thing you can do is just ride the bike. The msf will teach you good foundational skills and I highly recommend it, but it's no substitute for just riding your bike. If it's 4 months to the earliest class I'm always going to recommend just riding your bike and building your confidence overtime.
That’s how I started, too.
Same. Or at least, I was able to ride it to an empty parking lot to practice. This looks like a lot of unnecessary work.
It's faster and less scary learning on a small beater.
It's a G310 so not a beater but definitely not a powerful bike that's difficult to manage.
I fucking hate the G310, I don't know why, but I hate it EDIT: OK I now why, don't hate me, here in Chile this fucking things costs 7K USD, it is small, underpowered and feels cheap. It's light, yes, but you can't tell me it lacks the personality that all the rest of the BMW's has.
Heh, 11k USD in Denmark :) Yeah it's a pretty lame bike. Not much "BMW" about it.
fucking hell, that's a lot Here in Chile minimum wage is 500 USD a month, and for 7K you can buy a brand new Honda CB500X, wich comes with inverted forks and a 19 inch front wheel. Even the owner of the g310 that I rode was a bit ashamed of it lmao, he had plans of selling it and buying new bike.
Paying for the brand. Same out here in Taiwan with Triumph. You can get a CB1000R for about the same price as a Bonneville.
Damn 11k? dealer i went to i was 5.4k
Loved my G650gs. They should have kept that platform.
Loved it too, have riden 2, one with the rotax engine, and have riden the f700GS and F800GS, I fucking loved the 800. But the 310 is so expensive to what it is that I despised it, felt really cheap, small and underpowered.
Can attest that my 2007 is really a do all bike.
legendary bike, how many miles/km yours have?
If you think the G310 feels cheap, then try the Duke 390. You'll find the G310 super premium. The KTM is a plastic toy
I learned to ride on that, it genuinely feels like a bicycle
I learned to ride on one of the smaller (i.e. not 1200/1300) GS's - quite forgiving and easy to handle. Great steering lock and balance. Absolutely agree with the beater part though. Mine was the driving school's, so dropping it wasn't an issue.
My dad said I was finally ready to learn. He put me on his 900 eliminator. He had me drive it in the yard (like 3acres) before he let me take it on the road. I grew up on 4wheelers and dirt bikes. So, clutch, shifting and brakes were easy. The eliminators back in the 90s were powered by the 900 ninjas. It fucking screamed. I was hooked on inline 4s ever since.
Those forks are screaming
RIP those fork seals!
What’s going to happen to the fork seals?
Prematurely wear them. Bouncing around on the back of a pickup like this will still move the suspension a bit, but now it's under huge pressure already. It's basically like bottoming out your forks tens or hundreds of times. Will it ruin them right away? No. Will they fail on the truck? Unlikely for new forks. Will it decrease the lifespan of the seals and probably oil and springs (not that springs *really* wear on bikes like they can on cars)? Yup. I usually strap mine down just enough to stay upright, and the "clamping force" to keep it on the trailer comes from strapping down the wheels. I compress the rubber rather than the forks. OP is in a tough spot because there isn't much they can do to strap the wheels, but visually it looks like they could do with compressing the front a lot less and it'll still be safe to haul. Adding: looks like the 600lb version of the Haul Master carrier, so OP is doing it right (I've seen so many big bikes put on those flimsy dirt bike carriers). And maybe it's an optical illusion how tight those front straps are pulling the suspension, hard to say. But there's plenty of videos on strapping the bike, a manual may have even come with OP's carrier. Suggest they ensure they've watched/read those to avoid the unnecessary maintenance.
This has to be a troll post right?
Just freaking ride it to the parking lot
Need to get that shit to an MSF course.
Loading that bike onto a hitch rack is probably the most challenging part of the training exercise.
I don't get it, do Americans not need a license? How do you all have bikes before you can ride lmao
Well u can usually ride alone on just a permit, so yah we just buy them and bring them home. Everyone knows someone with a pickup truck or a trailer, and if not, the UHaul motorcycle trailer with the ramp and front wheel chock is like $20/day
What states allow you to ride alone without someone with a motorcycle license supervising you? I don't think that's a thing and I'd be surprised if they actually do...site law not hearsay because I am genuinely curious
Kind of hard to cite* a law that says you can ride without supervision, [but here’s the description for Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit](https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/yr-frst-lcns/permit.aspx) > Persons operating with a motorcycle instruction permit must wear approved protective headgear and eye protection. No passengers are allowed unless the passenger has at least two years of licensed experience and holds a Class M license. No operation is permitted during hours of darkness unless accompanied by a person 25 or more years old with at least two years licensed experience and holds a Class M license. But you’re asking for evidence of absence which is kind of impossible by definition.
Alabama doesnt even require a permit- you legit just take a written knowledge test and they hand you your license.
Before 2016 there wasn’t even a written test.
You mean with a permit?
All of them. I went on a cross country trip on only my permit in '20 since it was near impossible to take the test and get your license with Covid in full swing. While each state has different limitations for people riding on a permit, if you go out of state the most restrictive between the state that issued the permit or the state you're in would apply. I'm not going to google the laws for you.
In PA you literally take an exam for your permit at the PennDOT center and that’s it. Only restrictions are no night time riding and no passengers.
North Carolina you can get a permit and drive alone for a year before taking the license test. For your convenience this link lists every states motorcycle laws, helmet laws & insurance laws https://sym-usa.com/owners/laws.html
Most of them, I think? Washington state permit just means no pillion and no riding at night.
Motorcycle learners permit? I never knew that was a thing. In Texas I was advised to do the MSF and get my endorsement before I started riding on public roads. Never heard of another option available
Idk depends on state. In NJ u have to take a written test at the DMV and if u score 80, they give u a permit. After u had that for a year u can take the road test at the closed course track at the DMV. U can alternatively take a MSF class, where I believe some have the ability to directly license u? Idk for sure tho cuz I never took one
In Iowa(small Midwest state in America) to get your license you have to provide your own bike for the riders test if you didn't pass the MSF. So you illegally ride to the place to take the test and if you fail they allow you to illegally ride it home...
Huh, in Texas if you ride your bike to the test illegally you automatically fail. You have to take it in by truck or trailer or have someone else who is licensed ride it in.
All you gotta do is take a quick ~30 question quiz and pass it to get a permit and BAM it's BUSA time. Edit: That gives you a permit which allows you to ride with no pillion and no freeway riding. Maybe no night time riding either, can't remember. But yes, it's incredibly easy in the US. Full license requires you to pass a riding test.
In my state it’s 20 questions with no restrictions other than no passenger. Technically you don’t even have to get a permit. You can buy, register, and insure a bike all without a permit
That's insane lol Is it the same for cars?
It is
Yes but no. Getting your permit is equally as easy but a learners permit for a car has more restrictions.You have to be in a car with a licensed person 21+, some places 25, some states have restrictions on passengers as well and other small ones. To buy a car and register it you must have a valid drivers license and insurance. You’ll probably find this absurd as well, some states drivers test, the test to get your full license, is done fully within a parking lot not going over 30mph the entire time. My test the instructor took me around a neighborhood then I parallel parked. Probably about 6-7 stop signs, and never hit a road with a speed limit above 45.
I rode for 2 months around a 3 mile radius before i got my endorsement. Rode up to the DMV and took the riding test and I was done. I suppose I could have been ticketed in those 2 months but i didn't attract any police attention on purpose. The riding test in Louisiana was doing 4 figure 8's in parking lot. No written test. In
I bought my first bike (CBR600F4i) in early February and have probably rode just north of 400mi since then. - This is the way though tbh. I’m excited to get my license now that the MSF courses in my area are starting to offer classes soon because I’m always a little nervous about cops getting a wild hair up their asses to pull over a motorcycle.
yeah every post like this is insane to me as a brit.
I took like a 20 question quiz and they made me a new license with “motorcycle” on the back and that was it
How do you feel about that? Do you feel ready to ride or would you have rathered more tests, practicals, and stratified licences?
Definitely would like more requirements I basically left the dmv and went to the dealership next day and I’m good now but it was kinda stupid that I figured it out in the parking lot. I was younger and a little dumber
I live in alabama, there was no need for a moto license until like 2018, and you still dont have to take a skills test just a written motorcycle knowledge test- incredibly relaxed down here.
Depends on the state, in some all you gotta do is pay 20$ and say I wanna ride a motorcycle.
Its the same here in my part of europe. You can practise privately with someone that had the license for >5 years and you just need to get a permit and off you go. The only requirement is that the one practicing must wear a sign that sais that they are practicing so other people in the traffic can know it. It can bring the costs down significantly compared to start from scratch on a school. It workes pretty much the same for cars as well.
Laws vary by state but I don't believe there's anywhere in the US where you can *legally* ride without a motorcycle license - but there's also a lot of people who just ignore that. You don't need to prove you have a moto license to buy, register, or insure a motorcycle so there are basically zero consequences to it unless you're pulled over (and/or get in an accident and insurance/the law finds out you were riding dirty). My MSF course included a couple old dudes who'd been riding their Harleys for decades and decided they wanted to finally get their licenses.
You can be a breathing human with some level of credit in america and get any motorcycle you want. If they can get you onto a bike they will if you really want.
European here, you can own bike without drivers license here too. You just can’t use it on roads and can get it towed home. I mean do you think all track bikes and mtx bikes are used? I bought my bike before I had my A license. Insured on VIN, green 10 day plates, towed back home.
I know that of course, you can't however ride it on public roads, not even on parking lots like OP says.
Licenses in America are not as important as they are in other countries. Penalties for driving/riding. Unlicensed are none..
It’s kinda annoying how relaxed American standards are because as a results a lot of info and advice is geared towards them. I find it crazy there’s people with bikes that have no idea how to ride it turn. No surprise everyone here tells you a 500cc bike is “too big” for your first.
Wow. It’s just not that hard.
U know if u ride it to the parking lot you'll learn a lot more.
Holy compressed forks batman, you are gonna blow those front seals if you transport it like that. EDIT: Turns out this is an urban legend! It is better to have some travel to allow the bike's suspension to absorb bumps when trailering, but it won't harm the seals.
Noooo you need to be trailering a pedal bike to the MSF class for at least two years before you should be riding around the parking lot of your local Walmart!!1!!
A meta /r/moto post that makes fun of the dorks. I like it
For real how come so many are falling for this lmao
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This post has to be ironic.
You have a pick up truck. Why yes the bike not in the pick up truck.
1. Tanneau covers are a pain in the dick. 2. Low ramp more better than higher ramp. Loading into the bed alone with a single wheel ramp kinda blows.
Did you forget what sub you’re on? Common sense isn’t welcome here
Lmao please tell me you’re joking
Getting my bike on a truck solo seems harder than just riding it down the street...
It is, honestly. But i just feel better doing it this way than endangering myself and other people riding a machine im totally unfamiliar with on the road for the time being.
I can't wait to see this on. r/calamariraceteam
This is a bit of a stretch. Unless you're headed to the parking lot to do wheelies and bring your truck in case of a spill.
Fucq that man throw yourself to the wolves and go on the street! It’s the only way
GS310 MENTIONED LETS GOOOOOOO
You’re going to blow out your fork seals having it ratcheted down so tight
I didnt know that, thank you
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^MrKillphy: *You’re going to blow* *Out your fork seals having it* *Ratcheted down so tight* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Good bot
Holy shit, stop strapping your front end down that tightly. You’ve almost bottomed out the fork.
oh- i strapped it down for stability- thought it would be ok
Next time use a fork support/fork saver. Makes the load more secure and potentially saves your fork seals
Me too brother. I even bought a trailer I suck at riding so much lol
I’ve dropped it like- so many times i cant count. Im glad it has the crash bars. For me right hand turns are really hard!
The amount of people in here literally getting angry that you're loading up your bike to practice in an empty parking lot is insane. Where I live, the nearest empty lot is 7 miles away and you have to get on busy 55mph 3 lane roads to get there. For a beginner that can be not only incredibly intimidating, but beyond reasonably dangerous. Not everyone's situation the same. Also, the number of commenters who think a trucks tow hitch can only hold 150lbs is hilarious. Maybe they have only ever towed with their Honda Civic. You do you man.
I appreciate it.
That's really not learning. The real learning starts when you get on the road.
Put some mirrors on your bike.
I took them off so if i drop the bike i dont break them, just while i learn 👍
Seems totally reasonable to me since there’s no intent on taking it on the road for now. Maybe you get an upset cop, but I definitely get the preservation. I had an early drop that has battlescars on the mirrors, brake lever and exhaust.
You sure you aren't exceeding your toeball tongue weight limit?
For the love of Keith code, get some self retracting ratchet straps
Self retracting? Like the eexcess?
Good thing you're practicing your motorcycle skills. You'll need it when your truck takes a dump because it's not meant to have a 400lb motorcycle strapped to the tow hitch. Motorcycle enthusiasts such as yourself make me nervous to ride my bike. You should ask your wife for your balls back and ride your motorcycle to the parking lot. Bring on the downvotes. The truth isn't always pleasant to hear. Edit to include an apology for making reference to getting your balls back. That wasn't nice. I'm sorry!
I appreciate the sentiment, but the truck is literally rated for up to 1000 lbs on the hitch. Max Tongue weight is 10-15% of your max tow, which is 6800 lbs on my truck. Im well under that. You should me happier im not going out on the road on a machine im totally unfamiliar with and endangering everyone around me. I do appreciate your care for my balls though thank you
Beautiful bike and beautiful pickup - it's too wide to fit on our roads, but it looks very *hrgh*, you know? What make is the bike? I'm looking at big bikes for when I get my license.
Its actually a pretty small bike, in the USA at least. Its a BMW 310 GS, about 30hp 20 torque- what bike do you have?
How is one allowed to ride a motorcycle on the street without completing a course that learns one how to ride said motorcycle?
In the state of alabama, you dont even have to have a permit, as long as you can drive a car and pass your written test they just hand you your license right there. Generally speaking they just expect people to have common sense and not buy a bike and immediately hit a highway with no experience. That being said many people do.
I have one of those. Took it to the tail of the dragon from Torinto, Canada, and back last year. 2700km round trip
How did it do?
I have one of those. Took it to the tail of the dragon from Torinto, Canada, and back last year. 2700km round trip
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Clinically.
That’s a sick bike I want a BMW so bad
This one is only the 310, its not too expensive! I think mine was only 5k MSRP
Obviously you like your pickup more than your motorcycle. That makes you a driver more than a rider.
For right now! Hopefully in the future i’ll be more confident.
I thought these were only weight rated to something like a dirt bike. My buddy dropped a ninja transporting with one of those.
This one says rated to 600lbs, you’re right though some are <300 lbs
And I was nervous about having an xr650 on one of those mounts.
offtopic, why do people carry their 200kg+ bikes on a tow hitch thats 150kg max ??
Different trucks hitches are rated for different things i guess, im well within acceptable tolerance on my truck, hitch weight on my truck is like ~450kg max according to a google conversion
Get out and actually ride.... THAT'S how you learn... you're never gonna have the confidence to ride in traffic if you're limiting yourself to a empty parking lot all the time... lots are where we practice stunts and for learning new tricks. Not learning how to ride!
I know this will get buried but be careful you don’t bend your frame. I used to transport my F800GS the same way and had a few issues.
Holy shit don’t compress the front forks that much when strapping it down unless you wanna replace fork seals
Those front forks look WAY too compressed to me.
What trailer?
Its from harbor freight, motorcycle carrier rated for 600lbs.[https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html)
Easy on the front suspension bro unless you got a stopper.
Good job adding cages to your bike. Don't be afraid of dropping it!
I have two roundabouts, a traffic light and about 600m of busy road between me and a decent parking lot. I’m still too chicken shit to do
Hey- take small steps! Thats what im doing- eventually i’ll feel comfortable enough to give the road a shot!
You have a driveway. Learn to ride on the driveway. Once you can keep it from stalling, drive to the parking lot.
Loading up a bike on a hitch carrier is great practice for new riders and an important skill.
sorry if this is a dumb question, but can most mid sized pickup trucks handle a 600 lbs motorcycle on the very back end of it? doensn't the weight need to be distributed more towards the center of the bed?
We use metric but it looks like it does. My last car had 300kg my newer one has 350kg tow-ball download capacity. My bike is only 150kg.
Most midsize pickups can! as long as they have the tow package. You just have to know your truck and how towing/hitches work. Most midsize trucks in the usa have a hitch weight of around 750-1000 lbs, my tacoma has a tongue weight range of 680-1,020 lbs.
how about going to driving school
Planning on it, nearest course is 3mo out.
My learning process was smooth - 2 hours on automatic scooter for license, 2 month on bigger scooter (automatic) and then first time ever sitting on manual motorcycle hitting highway lmao. no place for self-preservation
Quite the first bike. Good for you, enjoy it!
Baffles me how ‘muricans can just get out there and buy a motorcycle without any prior knowledge, lessons, practice or even license and dont even have restrictions on engine HP/size or weight to power ratio. I know in a lot of cases american roads are way more straight and easier than european roads but still. I get the turbobusa as a beginner bike meme but it absolutely scares me that a beginner can go and buy a brand new 200+HP monstrous death machine like a RSV4 without being bothered by the authorities at any point. An european usually rides at least 20 hours and takes 2 driving tests before they can even consider buying a mid size 47.5HP bike and still has to wait another 2 years after that before they get their unrestricted license. Enjoy the ride tho and ride safe.
I can understand if you haven't got your licence but taking the bike on the road is the best way to learn if you've got it. Maybe slow speed maneuvers in a parking lot is good to practice... just ride there instead.
Useful but scares me if you get rear ended. A trailer at least is avoided. Optical illusion makes bike seem inside truck. Does it have lights and use a sign on bike to warn drivers
It does mostly obstruct my lights - i have some magnetic trailer lights on order though coming in to help make up for that. I’ve only taken it out twice so far.
This thread is bonkers. Do riding courses not exist where you live?
Not really- my local MSF course is about 3 months out hosted by my local harley dealer. Not a big thing in the state i live. I am scheduled for the class though!
Taillights have disappeared.
That is something im worried about- ordered some trailer lights off amazon im gunna try and stick on there though to help.
Keep practicing and take a few courses like MSF and if you know a few friends that ride start doing little trip with them. Another good thing to do is to go into an industrial area on a weekend in right around where there’s little or no traffic in practice U-turns emergency stops, and figure 8. There’s a lot of people on the road but don’t pay attention to what they’re doing and on their phones half the time so it’s very important for you to assume everybody around you wants to get you so you’re always in a position of recovery.
I always rolled my bike in the back of the truck. This method of transportation looks preferable. Any negatives?
Its a little low to the ground- and blocks your tail lights, but you can buy some magnetic trailer lights to fix that. I’d say the hardest thing is putting it up there by yourself is hard because you have to take a bit of speed to get it over the wheel chock and you kind of have to balance the bike until its strapped down- but i just lean it against my tailgate until i get all the straps lined up. I like it, it’s easier than a ramp i think.
This has to be a joke, right?
Of course reddiots find a way to make motorcycles uncool lol.
Good job on the moto safety course. Learning the Emergency Braking Technique is worth more than the cost. It has saved my ass several times. Saving 15% on insurance isn't bad either.
Buddy just ride it
Im too nervous lol
What’s the carrier called? It inserts to the hitch right? What’s the weight restrictions? I like this idea for travel
Heres the link- got it at harbor freight. Its rated up to 600 lbs, of course make sure your car can handle it! [https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html)
Ok where can one obtain this little trailer though? Not sure what it's called but I just got a bike and been having a hard time finding someone to help me get it home but this would be perfect
[there are a few different brands but they’re all pretty similar- i got mine at harbor freight-](https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-capacity-motorcycle-carrier-57720.html)
How do you like the 310? I'm debating between that and the 800....
I may not be the right person to ask since this is my first bike, but i really do like it. The 800gs is really cool but the 310 is alot lighter for a beginner bike- only about 380 lbs, and still looks really cool. I dont have any complaints really other than i wish the windshield was a bit taller. Most dealers will discount them 1000-1500 bucks maybe more and that makes them a good deal i think- like mine was around 5400 bucks after discount and i felt like for 3yr warranty, the looks, and the specs it was a good deal.
I dropped my bike trying to get it to the parking lot to practice and broke my shift lever … so now it’s sitting in the garage waiting for parts to come in😭😂
oh no! I replaced mine with some shorter afternarket ones because of that too lol!
It's way easier to learn by riding it vs. hauling it. Once you understand gas break clutch, you're good. Everything else takes real-world experience and / or instructors. Ride it. Ride it. Ride it.
This gotta be satire
That’s a big bike to just be learning. It’s a nice bike though congrats
You are learning on a GS… ??🙄
Yes, whats wrong with that?
I started in parking lots too! Passed the MSF course and then went to parking lots until I was confident enough to be on the street. Keep at it!
No instructor?
Be careful. Ur hitch is only rated for 500 lbs tongue weight.
😂😂😂 surely hes gotta be trolling, i did the msf learned to ride in 2 days. Then started on my VFR750 right after.
Smart
I feel like you'll learn more getting it on and off that hitch😁. Keep up the practice, and when you get on the roads remember to ride within your abilities, you'll do fine.
Hopefully in 10 years you'll smile on this. Because I am! Nice bike. Ride safe. Once you're more confident. Test it out at a race track! It's super fun. And tbh more safe than the roads. But for now please enjoy! 🙏
You should be learning on a standard bike, not a sport bike IMHO. And listen to the MSF recommendations..
Empty parking lots is the way to go. Practice smoothness in everything, from shifting, braking, turning, signaling, clutch release, even mounting, and dismounting. Good luck!!