Looking for advice

Sledgehammer427 · 02-19-11, 03:34 AM

Hey guys,
I'm turning 20 soon and I have this insatiable teenage urge (ironically, as I'm leaving that age) to own a motorcycle, and ride it, of course.

I moved to Connecticut from nowhere, Illinois. My dad is the big motorcycle guy, and he lives in IL.
My internet has been on the fritz lately, so I can't do much searching, the only things working are SUBSIM and skype.

I haven't had much practice on a motorcycle, I had a JR50 when I was a wee kid. I do know how to drive a standard transmission, including all the racing bits (heel-toe downshifting, that kind of thing((its a long story))
But, I haven't done it on a motorcycle. I'm told it's about the same and should be pretty quick to learn.
I don't intend on owning any kind of big cruiser, no Harley's for me.
the kind of bike that's always appealed to me are the dirtbikes that are fitted to be road bikes. with bolt-on blinkers and perhaps a headlight, taillight and speedometer.

What I'm concerned about is getting a license.
can anyone run me through kind of an idea of what it takes to get one, tests. If memory serves me right, theres more than one license, for different motor displacements IIRC.

any help would be much appreciated

HunterICX · 02-19-11, 04:35 AM

Don't know if it's the same here as in the states.

but here in Spain for example you have 3 parts

1 - Theory Test
2 - Driving test #1 *on a circuit where you have to do a trial run (ride between 2 lines, zig zag between cones and some more of that stuff)
3 - Driving test #2 *on the road, where an examiner tells you to follow or where to go*

as for choice of bike, what are you planning to go to with a road legal dirtbike?

HunterICX

Jimbuna · 02-19-11, 08:23 AM

I've yet to see anyone drive a bike 'normally' in Spain

In the UK it consists of a theory test and an on the road test where you are told a route and followed by an examiner.

I'm not sure about the control/cones thing because it was over 30 years ago for me.

AVGWarhawk · 02-19-11, 08:33 AM

I believe it is Japan that has certain levels of CC that the rider must pass before going to a higher CC bike. In short, they can not get a FJ1200 croch rocket to go 150+ the first day out. They start on a scooter. It is like crawling before you walk. With that said, get a bike that you can physically handle. I understand some tests for a license require you lay the bike on it's side and pick it up again. If you can not physically do this you fail the test. Get a bike that is not overpowered. You are attempting to pass a test. Again, a Harley hog might not be your best pick for this. Something like an old Honda Rebel. Once you learn to ride on something a bit slow and get the license then go for the bigger bike.

One word of advise...ride like know one sees you because 9 time out of 10 they do not see you.

Good Luck!

Sledgehammer427 · 02-19-11, 10:16 AM

Hunter, I grew up in an area that was full of farmland, it seems perfectly natural that I would like a bike that I can use on the road and....if need be.....cut across the open areas.

the bike I'm looking at is a Honda CB400, or a CB650. (I Really want the 650, all I gotta do is put the carbs back on)
if anything else theres a 1988 Ninja ZX750. Theres not a large choice of bikes for less than $1000 US. The most I'll pay for one of those Hondas is $700

@AVGWarhawk, I can handle a bike the size of the ones I'm looking at. I don't intend on getting a big cruiser anyway, theres enough guys here with those big obnoxious bikes and I'm just not a fan.
I would just like something I can get around on and look cool riding

Thanks guys!

Sailor Steve · 02-19-11, 11:15 AM

Check here:
http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?q=259456

If it's the same as Utah then taking the course will get you certified automatically.

Sledgehammer427 · 02-19-11, 12:19 PM

Excellent link SS!
I wouldn't know where to start, I hate navigating government websites

Sailor Steve · 02-19-11, 01:48 PM

When I was 16 I got my California Learner's permit, and it said "May drive a motor vehicle when accompanied by a licensed adult. May ride a motorcycle unaccompanied."

I said "Dad, you know that little Honda 50 you bought to ride to work and never did...?"

XabbaRus · 02-19-11, 04:57 PM

Jim I have never seen anyone in Spain drive anything normally.

AVGWarhawk · 02-19-11, 05:26 PM

Quote:

CB650.

College room mate had a CB650. Great bike and bullet proof!

yubba · 02-19-11, 05:56 PM

It all comes down to what you can afford, though I like your thinking a endro model motorcycle would be the way to go to get your driving skills up to snuff, it's not if, you have to put a motorcycle down, it is when. For a first time rider like yourself I think you would like a Beull Blast a one lung sportster motor on a respectable chassic.

Penguin · 02-20-11, 01:54 PM

I made my licence on a CB, they are the beagles of the motorcycle world: good character and sufficient speed.
I don't have a personal experience with the '88 Ninja, but when they came out, many people complained that they were a female dog in handling and quite unforgiving when you make a mistake.
As you state that you live in a rural area, is an enduro bike off the table like you said in the OP, or didn't you just find one in your price range?

Sledgehammer427 · 02-20-11, 02:26 PM

Penguin, I used to live in a rural area, now I live in southern Connecticut.
But since I'm just leaving my teenage years, I am setting anything under 1,000 $US as my price range.

The CB650 I'm looking at is only 600 dollars, theres a CB400 for 700, and the kawasaki ninja is 750.

the 650 and the ninja have carb issues, the 650 needs them put back on (which I know how to do) and the ninja needs them rebuilt or cleaned (both I can accomplish, but I have help if need be)

Penguin · 02-20-11, 08:07 PM

my bad, I should learn to read more carefully...

tough choice, if the carb is not on the 650 you are missing the chance to listen to the engine in action and thus be able to diagnose some problems. Sure, bigger engine is always nice, but I think in terms of power the 400 and 650 don't differ much.
I say go by your gut feeling!

Sledgehammer427 · 02-20-11, 10:20 PM

well, theres new listings opening up every day, I'd really dig the 650, but the 400 doesn't seem all that different.
we'll see where I am when I have the money together. 400 dollars to go.
still some birthday and christmas money coming in

02-19-11, 08:23 AM	#3
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,584 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I've yet to see anyone drive a bike 'normally' in Spain In the UK it consists of a theory test and an on the road test where you are told a route and followed by an examiner. I'm not sure about the control/cones thing because it was over 30 years ago for me. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

02-19-11, 08:33 AM	#4
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,266 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	I believe it is Japan that has certain levels of CC that the rider must pass before going to a higher CC bike. In short, they can not get a FJ1200 croch rocket to go 150+ the first day out. They start on a scooter. It is like crawling before you walk. With that said, get a bike that you can physically handle. I understand some tests for a license require you lay the bike on it's side and pick it up again. If you can not physically do this you fail the test. Get a bike that is not overpowered. You are attempting to pass a test. Again, a Harley hog might not be your best pick for this. Something like an old Honda Rebel. Once you learn to ride on something a bit slow and get the license then go for the bigger bike. One word of advise...ride like know one sees you because 9 time out of 10 they do not see you. Good Luck! __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

02-19-11, 10:16 AM	#5
Sledgehammer427 PacWagon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Drinking coffee and staring at trees in Massachusetts Posts: 2,908 Downloads: 287 Uploads: 0	Hunter, I grew up in an area that was full of farmland, it seems perfectly natural that I would like a bike that I can use on the road and....if need be.....cut across the open areas. the bike I'm looking at is a Honda CB400, or a CB650. (I Really want the 650, all I gotta do is put the carbs back on) if anything else theres a 1988 Ninja ZX750. Theres not a large choice of bikes for less than $1000 US. The most I'll pay for one of those Hondas is $700 @AVGWarhawk, I can handle a bike the size of the ones I'm looking at. I don't intend on getting a big cruiser anyway, theres enough guys here with those big obnoxious bikes and I'm just not a fan. I would just like something I can get around on and look cool riding Thanks guys! __________________ Cold Waters Voice Crew - Fire Control Officer Cmdr O. Myers - C/O USS Nautilus (SS-168) 114,000 tons sunk - 4 Spec Ops completed V-boat Nutcase - Need supplies? Japanese garrison on a small island in the way? Just give us a call! D4C!

02-19-11, 11:15 AM	#6
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Check here: http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?q=259456 If it's the same as Utah then taking the course will get you certified automatically. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

02-19-11, 12:19 PM	#7
Sledgehammer427 PacWagon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Drinking coffee and staring at trees in Massachusetts Posts: 2,908 Downloads: 287 Uploads: 0	Excellent link SS! I wouldn't know where to start, I hate navigating government websites __________________ Cold Waters Voice Crew - Fire Control Officer Cmdr O. Myers - C/O USS Nautilus (SS-168) 114,000 tons sunk - 4 Spec Ops completed V-boat Nutcase - Need supplies? Japanese garrison on a small island in the way? Just give us a call! D4C!

02-19-11, 03:34 AM	#1
Sledgehammer427 PacWagon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Drinking coffee and staring at trees in Massachusetts Posts: 2,908 Downloads: 287 Uploads: 0	Looking for advice Hey guys, I'm turning 20 soon and I have this insatiable teenage urge (ironically, as I'm leaving that age) to own a motorcycle, and ride it, of course. I moved to Connecticut from nowhere, Illinois. My dad is the big motorcycle guy, and he lives in IL. My internet has been on the fritz lately, so I can't do much searching, the only things working are SUBSIM and skype. I haven't had much practice on a motorcycle, I had a JR50 when I was a wee kid. I do know how to drive a standard transmission, including all the racing bits (heel-toe downshifting, that kind of thing((its a long story)) But, I haven't done it on a motorcycle. I'm told it's about the same and should be pretty quick to learn. I don't intend on owning any kind of big cruiser, no Harley's for me. the kind of bike that's always appealed to me are the dirtbikes that are fitted to be road bikes. with bolt-on blinkers and perhaps a headlight, taillight and speedometer. What I'm concerned about is getting a license. can anyone run me through kind of an idea of what it takes to get one, tests. If memory serves me right, theres more than one license, for different motor displacements IIRC. any help would be much appreciated __________________ Cold Waters Voice Crew - Fire Control Officer Cmdr O. Myers - C/O USS Nautilus (SS-168) 114,000 tons sunk - 4 Spec Ops completed V-boat Nutcase - Need supplies? Japanese garrison on a small island in the way? Just give us a call! D4C!

02-19-11, 04:35 AM	#2
HunterICX Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2006 Location: Malaga, España Posts: 10,750 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Don't know if it's the same here as in the states. but here in Spain for example you have 3 parts 1 - Theory Test 2 - Driving test #1 on a circuit where you have to do a trial run (ride between 2 lines, zig zag between cones and some more of that stuff) 3 - Driving test #2 on the road, where an examiner tells you to follow or where to go* as for choice of bike, what are you planning to go to with a road legal dirtbike? HunterICX __________________

02-19-11, 01:48 PM	#8
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	When I was 16 I got my California Learner's permit, and it said "May drive a motor vehicle when accompanied by a licensed adult. May ride a motorcycle unaccompanied." I said "Dad, you know that little Honda 50 you bought to ride to work and never did...?" __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

02-19-11, 04:57 PM	#9
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Jim I have never seen anyone in Spain drive anything normally. __________________

02-19-11, 05:56 PM	#11
yubba Admiral Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: in a neighborhood near you Posts: 2,478 Downloads: 293 Uploads: 2	It all comes down to what you can afford, though I like your thinking a endro model motorcycle would be the way to go to get your driving skills up to snuff, it's not if, you have to put a motorcycle down, it is when. For a first time rider like yourself I think you would like a Beull Blast a one lung sportster motor on a respectable chassic.

02-20-11, 01:54 PM	#12
Penguin Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rheinische Republik Posts: 3,322 Downloads: 92 Uploads: 0	I made my licence on a CB, they are the beagles of the motorcycle world: good character and sufficient speed. I don't have a personal experience with the '88 Ninja, but when they came out, many people complained that they were a female dog in handling and quite unforgiving when you make a mistake. As you state that you live in a rural area, is an enduro bike off the table like you said in the OP, or didn't you just find one in your price range?

02-20-11, 02:26 PM	#13
Sledgehammer427 PacWagon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Drinking coffee and staring at trees in Massachusetts Posts: 2,908 Downloads: 287 Uploads: 0	Penguin, I used to live in a rural area, now I live in southern Connecticut. But since I'm just leaving my teenage years, I am setting anything under 1,000 $US as my price range. The CB650 I'm looking at is only 600 dollars, theres a CB400 for 700, and the kawasaki ninja is 750. the 650 and the ninja have carb issues, the 650 needs them put back on (which I know how to do) and the ninja needs them rebuilt or cleaned (both I can accomplish, but I have help if need be) __________________ Cold Waters Voice Crew - Fire Control Officer Cmdr O. Myers - C/O USS Nautilus (SS-168) 114,000 tons sunk - 4 Spec Ops completed V-boat Nutcase - Need supplies? Japanese garrison on a small island in the way? Just give us a call! D4C!

02-20-11, 08:07 PM	#14
Penguin Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rheinische Republik Posts: 3,322 Downloads: 92 Uploads: 0	my bad, I should learn to read more carefully... tough choice, if the carb is not on the 650 you are missing the chance to listen to the engine in action and thus be able to diagnose some problems. Sure, bigger engine is always nice, but I think in terms of power the 400 and 650 don't differ much. I say go by your gut feeling!

02-20-11, 10:20 PM	#15
Sledgehammer427 PacWagon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Drinking coffee and staring at trees in Massachusetts Posts: 2,908 Downloads: 287 Uploads: 0	well, theres new listings opening up every day, I'd really dig the 650, but the 400 doesn't seem all that different. we'll see where I am when I have the money together. 400 dollars to go. still some birthday and christmas money coming in __________________ Cold Waters Voice Crew - Fire Control Officer Cmdr O. Myers - C/O USS Nautilus (SS-168) 114,000 tons sunk - 4 Spec Ops completed V-boat Nutcase - Need supplies? Japanese garrison on a small island in the way? Just give us a call! D4C!