I'm thinking of getting a bike. I want to drive my ITR less. I've never ridden before but have been told that it's not hard just takes getting used to. How would I go about getting the license in CA if I'm 20 years old. I've been looking in the local cycle trader and have seen a lot of 94-97 CBR600 F2s and F3s for $3500-5500, appropriate prices for a beginners bike?

 

Ooooh, where to start?

Since you're under 21, you'll want to take the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course. It's usually for one weekend. If you're under 21, then it's only around $70, but if you're over 21, it jumps up to about $170. So definitely get on it. The phone # for the MSF thing is 1-800-CC-RIDER. They can give you info about an MSF class in your area.

All you need for the course is a valid CA DL. You don't have to have your motorcycle permit to take the class. But you'll need to get it eventually. You'll spend half your time in the classroom and half your time on a bike in a parking lot learning to ride. It's a great beginner course. At the end of the weekend, you'll take a test where if you pass (real easy), then they send you a little pink certificate, which you take to the DMV. It lets you get your M1 license (given that you have your permit). For the course, bring a heavy jacket and wear jeans, but not baggy ones. Also bring shoes that cover your ankles and a pair of gloves. They can provide you with helmets.

A different path is to learn to ride, then take the test at the DMV. This one is a bit harder, though.

Also, if you haven't taken the class C permit test (the written one) within a year or two (can't remember which), you'll have to take that one again, before you can take the motorcycle permit test.

Then, smile big for your picture!

Riding a motorcycle isn't hard to get used to. It's riding with traffic that's hard to get used to. But practice a lot in parking lots, and you'll get more comfortable with the bike, and you won't be thinking "oh crap did I miss a shift/which one's the brake" etc. in the middle of traffic.

The Honda CBR bikes are all great bikes. ****, they're Hondas! They're reliable as heck if they're taken care of. The prices range a lot, since there's so many of 'em out there in various states of repair. Your prices are generally correct.

Another bike you could look into (for starting) is the Yamaha FZR600.

There's also the CBR list (at http://www.yoshimune.com/ ), which although generally is filled with flames, does provide some useful info.

Any more questions?


[Modified by marmaladeboy, 10:11 PM 8/15/2001]

 

a good starter bike is the cbr f2 or f3, pretty much the same bike. easy to ride, very forgiving of mistakes, looks good, and if you crack it, it will get up and scoot without lifting.
i started with a '94 f2, then i moved up to a '97 gixxer 750, i went back to a '94 900 rr, and my next bike is gonna be a r1. just progress, don't let your ego get the best of you and get a 929, gixxer1000, or r1 as a first bike, if you do that make sure you take out a hefty insurance policy to keep your family covered for funeral expenses.
fzr600, katana, zx6 ninjas the d or e model (i think) not the r, and f2-f3 should be what your looking for.
oh and take the msf course very helpful and the experience is invaluable.

 

a guy recently died opn the road by my house and guess how he wanted to learn took the course and then went and bought a brand new gsxr 1000 and killed himself 2 hours later riding a wheel over revving and ended up in a ditch when the rev limiter threw the front end at the ground and then got hit by n oncoming car into the ditch

600 that doess not pop easy wheelies much better beginers bike

 

Thanks for the info. Is the MSF class required if I'm under 21 or can I purchase a bike and have someone teach me after getting a permit?

 

I don't believe the MSF class is ever required. More like, extremely suggested (to take it). It can only benefit you. You can purchase a motorcycle whenever you feel like it, although most stores will probably not sell you a bike if you don't at least have a permit. Would you?

Besides, since you're under 21, you'll save around $100 in taking the class, than if you waited a year. That $100 could buy a decent pair of gloves.