Haven't gotten your motorcycle license yet??

[jermag24]

After 2 1/2 years riding on a permit, and a ton of excuses, I finally took my riding test. I got my permit in the Springs, and kept putting off taking the test for one reason or another, mainly because only one DMV offered it. Now that I live in Denver, I went the third-party tester route, and wish I would have done it sooner!

If you're putting off, or completely blowing off getting your license, I'm going to try to give you all of the info you need to get legal.

Here is a link to the Colorado DMV requirements for getting a license, and a list of third party testers.

http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_di...drli/faqdrli22

Basically read the handbook (posted below) and take the written test. Passing this will get you your Motorcycle Instruction Permit. It is good for 3 years, but has limitations (no passengers, riding at night, and must have a licensed rider in the group-not sure if it's still all of these). If you're under 18, you need to have this permit for one year before you get your motorcycle endorsment.

Here's a link to the Motorcycle Operator's Handbook:

http://www.revenue.state.co.us/MV_di...f/motorcyc.pdf

It is a useful guide to riding, and prepares you for both the written and riding tests.

Next, schedule with a 3rd party tester (highly recommended for more experienced riders or self-studyers), a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course (another great way, with a wealth of info), or the DMV to take the riding course. The last 2 pages of the Motorcycle Operator's Handbook wil guide you through taking the riding test and shows pictures of the course. Once you pass the riding test via one of these methods, all you have to do is go into the DMV to get your license.

Here's a list of Colorado MSF course providers:

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=CO

Here's a link to RMHD and Jack Arnold's info (the guy who does the testing).

http://www.rmh-d.com/re/dmv_testing.php

A couple of videos that helped too:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...arch&plindex=1

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...arch&plindex=3

And why a newbie should take a MSF course first:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...arch&plindex=8

I was going to rent an enduro bike to take the test, but decided if I'm going to ride a sportbike, why not test my skill? Oh, I would also recommend going to a dealership/DMV during their off hours to practice on the course in their parking lot. It's painted on, and will give you a reality check! Weaving through offset cones at a walking pace isn't as easy as it sounds on a sportbike! The turns are very sharp too. I showed up 20 minutes early and ran the course a few times as well.

I don't mean to preach, but I've seen alot of temp tags around this summer, and hope these riders are taking their freedom to ride very seriously. I know the licensed riders HATE when a cop shows up someone decides to run.

Even if you have a license, continuing your riding education may prevent you from getting hurt or worse. I plan on taking the MSF course soon for my own benefit.

If this info is posted somewhere else, feel free to delete this. And feel free to add anything I forgot! Jeremy

[*GSXR~SNAIL*]

Good post Jermey. Hopefully, those that haven't got the proper credentials heed your advice and move forward in a positive direction regarding this.

[jermag24]

Good post Jermey. Hopefully, those that haven't got the proper credentials heed your advice and move forward in a positive direction regarding this.

Thanks man, I'm sure there are other ways of getting a license. It is a good feeling knowing I don't have riding limitations.

[RF900guy]

I rode my RF900 for 3 1/2 years without either the M endorsement or even the permit. I got lucky and was never pulled over by the police and made sure I obeyed all the laws to ensure that I didn't. I was looking to trade it in and get something more modern. I was looking at a white Hayabusa. I figured that a white Busa would be a cop target. I signed up for the beginner rider course through Wheels in Motion (in the Springs). It took 3 days (1 weekday evening for about 3 hours, 8 hours on Saturday, and 4 hours on Sunday including tests). It only cost $210 for the three day course and was the best money I have spent since owning a bike.

I think I started to rant there. Anyway, there are several options to getting the M endorsement and I don't know why I waited so long to do it.

James

[Scruff Dog]

I let my motorcycle endorsement expire years ago and attempted to pass the DMV cone test on a litre sized sport bike. I failed the first go round. Its a trick to go that slow around tight cornors and not touch your feet to the ground. It was funny, there were several big burly biker guys taking the test on old small displacement jap bikes and steering them like bicycles. I ended up passing the test on a Buel Blast.

[jermag24]

I let my motorcycle endorsement expire years ago and attempted to pass the DMV cone test on a litre sized sport bike. I failed the first go round. Its a trick to go that slow around tight cornors and not touch your feet to the ground. It was funny, there were several big burly biker guys taking the test on old small displacement jap bikes and steering them like bicycles. I ended up passing the test on a Buel Blast.

That's funny, when I showed up early to practice I felt like I was 3 feet tall. Suddenly I was stumbling around, trying to inch my way around a u turn with my steering cranked. That video I posted about leaning your bike, not your body, helped alot.

[RF900guy]

How does your endorsement expire?

James

[Scruff Dog]

How does your endorsement expire?

James

Move from one state to another and neglect to ask them to include your motorcycle endorsement on your new license.

[RF900guy]

I see.

[Scruff Dog]

Its hard to imagine that I was ever at a point in life that I thought I'd never ride again. I plan now to ride as long as I can toss my leg over seat. And at that point, I'll probably get a step through Vespa.

[tarded400]

Wow! Great thread. Definatly going to forward it to a friend. Hes going to take the MSF course if his wife decides to let him get a bike, but hes looking at an SM like mine, so the course shouldn't be too hard. Thanks for posting those vids!

[Crisco]

I took the MSF with Ricky Orlando and I told all my friends who are looking to get a bike to take that class.

It really shows you if you are ready or not to ride a bike.

[jermag24]

I took the MSF with Ricky Orlando and I told all my friends who are looking to get a bike to take that class.

It really shows you if you are ready or not to ride a bike.

I worked with Ricky Orlando, at the old Cycles of Boulder, when I was 16. I knew he raced, but had no idea at what level until I saw him again at PPIR. Any MSF course will be useful I'm sure.

[clustermagnet]

pffft, who needs a license

[noInsurance]

Waited over two years, my permit said it was good for 3 years. I call the cop shop and asked them what i do with a permit. They said ride like normal. You dont need to ride with anyone that has a licence. So I did. My friend did the same thing. His front tire got hit by a car while he was at a dead stop at a light. The bitch lied and he had to pay to get his bike fixed. Well thats another story. He got busted for not riding with someone with a licence, and got a ticket. Long story short, we went last weekend and took the driving test at the dog track on a mini buell. What a joke, and 50 bucks later.

[tarded400]

I noticed at IMI raceway today they have the license test laid out on the pavement in the parking lot between the dirt and the asphalt "pits"

[MAZIN]

Hey for anyone in the north denve area Front Range Community College also does MSF and have multiple areas painted in the parking lot by the daycare center

[Crashdaddy]

That is some very good advice. The number of non-licensed riders with no rider training whatsoever would probably amaze you.

Well, if you look at what is happening to the injury and fatality rates, insurance costs and police enforcement policies (and attitudes)maybe not?

The MSF classes are not for novice riders only. Just about any rider can come out of the class (BRC, or ERC) having learned something. And if they didn't, it's their own fault. The other good part of the MSF classes is they are a heck of a fun time if you have a motivated rider coach. Some are in it for the money, and some are in it because they give a damn. Look for the latter. And the money you save on insurance alone is usually enough to pay for the class in a short time. Not to mention possibly saving your life.

Also, although it is cheaper to go to the state and take the riding test, the issue is how long it takes to get an appointment. I know some offices are not as back logged as others, but there are some ridiculous waits for getting in (months sometimes). And if you happen to fail, you will have to schedule a retest. To me, spending $45-$50 and getting the test done right away (and the added bonus of not dealing with a state DMV employee) is well worth it.

One last thing and I will shut up. If you cannot successfully ride your bike (or the bike you plan on riding daily) in the state test, shouldn't that tell you something? Maybe more practice, more training, buy a different bike, or give up riding altogether? Who are you getting over on when you use your buddies dual sport for the test, and then get back on your GSXR1000 or Electra Glide and ride away?

Ride safe.

[clustermagnet]

this is nonsense. a license is completely unnecessary and is just a waste of time.

gear is optional as well

[rider955i]

Yeah I need mine still what way is the quickest and cheapest? Should I borrow my friend's suzuki 350 enduro or should I do you guys think that I would be alright on my 955i?

[pilot]

Agreed, nothing wrong with taking the Basic Rider Course--even after years of riding. Heck, I'm scheduled for it. At least so says my parole officer. j/k. But, I'm actually going to take it.

[clustermagnet]

Yeah I need mine still what way is the quickest and cheapest? Should I borrow my friend's suzuki 350 enduro or should I do you guys think that I would be alright on my 955i?

tests they do are useless. take whichever bike is easiest to turn with.

[Crashdaddy]

tests they do are useless. take whichever bike is easiest to turn with.

Are the New York DMV tests the same as Colorado? Or would you know that factual data?

What part of the test is useless? The hard part?

[clustermagnet]

Are the New York DMV tests the same as Colorado? Or would you know that factual data?

What part of the test is useless? The hard part?

all DMVs are useless

and the people that work for them

i am just pulling your chain ya know?

besides that... DMVs are awful and provide no real testing.

example... most... 99.5 percent of drivers in the midwest have NO CLUE what they are doing behind the wheel... they all think they do... but they dont.

i live in Manhattan. I have seen/heard of 3 accidents this year. 1 on FDR (car stalled out causing fender benders) 2nd was a lady (from jersey) drove on the curb knocking people over... 3rd one was a cabby driving into the subway entrance (avoiding an accident)....

so with that said... this is NORMAL behavior for busy traffic, where people pay attention to what is going on.

i've driven in colorado...

its REAL scary. you see accidents every day! several times per day... places where you SHOULDNT have accidents.