Getting the Motorcycle Endorsement

[Penny_Plinker]

In WV you have to pass a written test to get your learners first and that's good for 3 months, daytime only, no passengers. I found the WV study guide online, read through it once, then skimmed through it again. Allowed to miss 5 questions on the test, i only missed 2 and had my learners before picking up my Yamaha 250. I'd never ridden a bike, though so hubby had to ride it home.

Then we went to a parking lot and practiced and he had me ride as slow as possible and practice using the clutch, and then shifting gears. Took it out on some back roads. Once when we went into town and i stalled out on an inclined intersection in traffic and someone started honking their horn. That was embarassing as i duck walked it out of traffic. After that i went to a hill and practiced braking and using the clutch and never stalled out like that again.

The skills test to get the official F endorsement consists of a few exercises that shows the testing officials you have the basics down. They have a marked off course in a big parking lot. You have to make some sharp turns and then stop with your front wheel inside a box. You have to weave around six offset cones without putting your foot down or knocking them over. Then proceed around the course and make a sharp "U" turn without putting your foot down. Then they time you as you get up to 15 to 20 mph and come to a measured stop. Last, they time you while you get into 2nd gear then have to make a quick swerve and measured brake.

I had practiced a lot and passed the test the first time with no points deducted. Which felt pretty good since i'm 52 yrs of age, only been riding 30 days and now i have a motorcycle license. I'm enjoying it a lot, because it gives me the freedom to "waste" gas with a free conscience. It's nice to go for long rides, and know you can go 100 miles and only burn about a gallon of gas. With fuel prices only going higher, i think it's something anyone should consider if their health and circumstance permits.

Penny

[madmac]

Hey Penny. That's a cool story. Way to be too I might add. 52 years young and getting a motorcycle lic. I ride myself. Have been for around 40 years. It feels good to be able to save gas without limiting yourself or your travels. I sold my Harley a few years back and wasn't going to ride anymore but with gas so high I am back on a small bike myself. Got a ninja 250 and it gives me 68 MPG, sometimes more. Be safe and enjoy the ride.

[MadTripper]

Pennsylvania is similar. They used to give permits out and they were good for a year but they recently decided on the written portion before the permit issue. I had my permit a few years ago but didn't test for my license. I just got my permit last week and like you, missed two questions. We can only miss 4 out of 20 however.

We also have a motorcycle safety course available at no cost. I am signed up for this week. I've have ridden motorcycles quite a bit but mostly dirt bikes as a child. Everyone I talked to said the safety course is absolutely worth it.

I have a 1971 Honda CB350 that was my Uncle's. I have been doing some small work on it getting it ready for registration. I only drive about 10 miles one way to work but figured I'd try and save a little gas money and enjoy the old bike.

When I decide to get a different motorcycle, I think I'll look at a Buell Blast. They are 500cc and supposed to be very fun. I look like a clown already on the Honda as I'm 6'3" so the Buell shouldn't be as bad. I love Ducati's and Aprilia's as well but they are a bit higher on the price range.

Tripper

[Penny_Plinker]

Hey Penny. That's a cool story. Way to be too I might add. 52 years young and getting a motorcycle lic. I ride myself. Have been for around 40 years. It feels good to be able to save gas without limiting yourself or your travels. I sold my Harley a few years back and wasn't going to ride anymore but with gas so high I am back on a small bike myself. Got a ninja 250 and it gives me 68 MPG, sometimes more. Be safe and enjoy the ride.

Ninja 250, looks like a cool bike. Saving on gas is even cooler! Enjoy!

Pnny

[Penny_Plinker]

When I decide to get a different motorcycle, I think I'll look at a Buell Blast. *They are 500cc and supposed to be very fun. *I look like a clown already on the Honda as I'm 6'3" so the Buell shouldn't be as bad. *I love Ducati's and Aprilia's as well but they are a bit higher on the price range.

Tripper

don't worry about lookin like a clown. When i was taking the test there was a tall gangly guy there and he was on a 250 Honda Rebel and he looked, well tall and gangly on that size of bike. But he liked it and chose to ride it over his 650, and he could really maneuver between those cones!

Penny

[Penny_Plinker]

Had to make a trip to DMV, so i planned to have my husband video me on the testing cones. It WAS a longer video with twice through the cones and some tight U turns but I had to edit and cut the video where he says, "I ain't gonna "bleeping" do this all day." Next time i'll take the tripod. Here's one run through the cones:


http://www.dropshots.com/PennyPlinker#date/2008-06-27/12:37:58



Penny

[MadTripper]

Turns out that if you successfully pass the motorcycle safety course, you get your license! I have had the class sessions the last two evenings and the written test last night. I passed that with no issues. Tomorrow is the riding portion and also Sunday. They test you towards the end of class on Sunday and if you handle everything correctly, they stamp your permit.

So, taking the class turned out to be well worth it.

Tripper

[Penny_Plinker]

Cool beans. I bet you learned a lot of good stuff in the classroom portion. Now comes the fun riding part. Good luck, hope you will update how it went. I'd like to take the class especially for braking and swerving practice.

Did you click on my video? I thought it might be of interest to you, you'll be doing a lot of cone practice in your class.

Penny

[MadTripper]

I had the first session of riding today. Went well. We did some controlled braking exercises which were probably my favorite. The cone section was also fun, especially the offset cones.

Tomorrow is more riding and then our test in the afternoon. Hopefully the rain will hold out.

I watched the video. I have to say it is a lot more fun than it looked. I should have my Honda roadworthy within the next few weeks. I can't wait to use it for work and some tooling around.

Chris

[MadTripper]

All finished up and now I officially have my Class M license. Class was well worth the time and now I can start riding a bit more than just back roads.

Tripper

[Penny_Plinker]

Congratulations, on getting your license. Hope you have a lot of fun, be careful out there, though.

Saw a motorcycle rider wearing one of the bright lime green safety vests like construction workers wear. Seemed like a pretty good idea, he showed up real good.

Well good job on the course, and thanks for the update!

Penny

[MadTripper]

I'm not sure if I'll wear one of the reflective vests during the day but at night I will. I ordered my helmet today as I don't have one currently. I went with a Bell Mag-8 which is open face but has a full shield and visor. It has some good reviews and I wanted a good helmet since that is your main form of protection if involved in an accident. Other than that, I found that by looking local, the prices are much better on used bikes as compared to Ebay. The prices are way up online at the moment but I'm sure that will dissipate after some of the new riders get scared. We'll see!

Tripper

[flatwater]

I let mine slip for over a year so had to take the test all over again. This time I took it on a 250 scooter. What a hoot.
Flatwater

[rAcErRicK]

Way to go Penny, and Tripper ! Penny looks like a seasond "hog rider" in that video. Been riding for about 55 years myself and aside from the gas savings, there just is nothing like it. The wind in your face and the feeling of freedom can really blow the stress right out of your head. Ride safe and enjoy, I'm happy for you. :D Flat on a scooter, man, we need a video of that ! ;D

[flatwater]

Actually it's a 250 scooter that has 16inch tires. I get a solid 70 mpg from it and it will get up to 80 mph (once, I had to try it) but will cruise at 65 all day.
Flatwater