Re:Yamaha MOTOROiD
by brandall10 on Saturday May 29, 2021 @10:24AM
(#27325430)
Fwiw, in California itβs customary to do a day long motorcycle safety course in lieu of taking an on road test with the DMV, which is noted as having some aspects that are unusually difficult.
Re:Yamaha MOTOROiD
by annoyingnoob on Saturday May 29, 2021 @10:37AM
(#27325526)
I did both, but the rules have changed since then. When I did the CA DMV motorcycle test it was super easy. Ride straight between two white lines, then around a full circle between the lines, then back between another set of lines - all you have to do is stay in the lines. Took all of about 1 minute. The trick was to use a small motorcycle, you need a 250cc or above for M1 so I borrowed a 250. Piece of cake.
When I did it (long ago) I think there was a cone weave as well. I started off thinking that test was a poor representation of what riding was actually like, but came to understand that for a quick test, it probably mapped pretty well to basic MC skills.
Re:Yamaha MOTOROiD
by annoyingnoob on Saturday May 29, 2021 @03:05PM
(#27327485)
Its been 30 years for me, maybe I just dont remember that part. I only recall the second part here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H572hoMVZXY
Re:Yamaha MOTOROiD
by brandall10 on Monday May 31, 2021 @09:08AM
(#27343692)
I did it about 15 years ago, but I think this is what I was referring to - I had just purchased an SV650 and was told the test would be virtually impossible to do with the bike (and most bikes) due to some low speed maneuverability portion that was only feasible with the small cruisers they use in the safety schools.
My instructor claimed the DMV had done this on purpose to encourage people to take the safety course, how they can't force people to do one by law so this is how they got around it.
When starting out, take that weekend course your local college offers - and try all the bikes in a controlled safe environment. I was shocked how much I didn't want a sports bike - the posture and low speed maneuverability were horrid. I also didn't like cruisers personally, didn't feel in control leaning back. I turned into a lifelong standard posture guy - whether city bike or adventure or dirt/supermoto... But point is, find out what feels right for you, rather than get a 750cc superbike as your first ride based on specs or review or what you think may work well.
I had fun going full throttle redline on... My cbr125, back in the day:D. More so than on some twitchy overpowered bike where I feared touching the throttle.