want to ride, no idea where to even start!

[landon12]

Right now i'm on the stages of learning about motorcycles, taking practice tests, everything i can to start getting a base knowledge about bikes. I think with some convincing my parents will be fine with me getting a bike and riding, as long as i pay for insurance, cost of bike etc. or i am considering asking for it as my 18th birthday present (for my 16th they are being very, very nice and paying for my rugby trip to wales) so i think they would at least help cover some costs as my early 18th present. I really don't know where to start, i can't think of anyone i know well that has a bike to learn from, so where do i go from here? I want to start learning and riding, but not sure where to start!

[Dodsfall]

Take the MSF course as a first step.

http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl=2&action=display&pagename=ridercourse%20info

[landon12]

do they provide bikes, or will i have to do a rental? and before doing this will i need to pass a written test?

[Dodsfall]

They provide the bikes. You take the written test in the class.

[landon12]

thanks a lot, so i take the MSF course, then take the written test, then how long before i can take the riding test how quickly after completing the written test? thanks a lot for the help so far by the way.

[squiddle]

I took the written test to get my permit at the MVC last month, then i signed up for the MSF class in my area but there was a waiting list so i had to wait for about a month to take the class. I just passed it this weekend and now I have a license waiver.

[starzandstripes]

The safety course for new riders is really good if you have never ridden since they teach you the basics and teach you the correct and safe riding techniques. IMO this is critical for new riders. Even if you don't pass the course for whatever reason, the information you get will be invaluable. The other option is to go to the DMV, get your permit, then your license. I will say as an absolute new rider the course can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with motorcycles but they success rate of the schools is pretty good for most of them and most people pass.

[starzandstripes]

thanks a lot, so i take the MSF course, then take the written test, then how long before i can take the riding test how quickly after completing the written test? thanks a lot for the help so far by the way.


If you take the safety course, you take the written test on the first night which is the classroom night, then that weekend on the second day, Sunday, you take the riding test.

[landon12]

thanks to everyone who's replied.
so at 16, i'm able to take the written test, do the safety course the next day, and then take the riding test day after? i can really get my full license in only a few days? or am i wrong and missing something..?

[Dodsfall]

thanks to everyone who's replied.
so at 16, i'm able to take the written test, do the safety course the next day, and then take the riding test day after? i can really get my full license in only a few days? or am i wrong and missing something..?

The courses are usually 2.5 to 3 days, depending on the locality. Yes, you can get your license once the course is passed.

[landon12]

The courses are usually 2.5 to 3 days, depending on the locality. Yes, you can get your license once the course is passed.

thanks so much for the help, I really appreciate it. Hope to save up some money, and I'll be back for some help as soon as i can, to see your opinions on my first bike! (already somewhat decided on the Honda CBR 125 because of price and I think it would be a good beginner bike).

[Orgetorix]

thanks to everyone who's replied.
so at 16, i'm able to take the written test, do the safety course the next day, and then take the riding test day after? i can really get my full license in only a few days? or am i wrong and missing something..?

It depends on your state's laws. Here in KY you get your permit after passing the written test, but whether you take the MSF course or the state skills test, you have to have the permit for at least one month before you can get your full license.

[landon12]

It depends on your state's laws. Here in KY you get your permit after passing the written test, but whether you take the MSF course or the state skills test, you have to have the permit for at least one month before you can get your full license.

Should of mentioned this earlier but i'm Canadian, from Ontario. I think I have it figured it out, found a guy around my age who rides that I've kinda chilled with before so its all good.

[newrider93705]

Should of mentioned this earlier but i'm Canadian, from Ontario. I think I have it figured it out, found a guy around my age who rides that I've kinda chilled with before so its all good.

If you lived in usa. Easier to do is get a scooter and well take ur written test then take the cource with the scooter but you must know how to drive it before you take the driving test or you will fail. But you live in Canada so you have to check if there a program where you can take you're lesson. What I did is I passed my written test and received my permit so I already been practicing on my scooter on the public street. I need to get my lights working and new speedo panel and then I can go to dmv and take the driving test. :thumbsup: its alot easier this way on a scooter.

[newrider93705]

If you lived in usa. Easier to do is get a scooter and well take ur written test then take the cource with the scooter but you must know how to drive it before you take the driving test or you will fail. But you live in Canada so you have to check if there a program where you can take you're lesson. What I did is I passed my written test and received my permit so I already been practicing on my scooter on the public street. I need to get my lights working and new speedo panel and then I can go to dmv and take the driving test. :thumbsup: its alot easier this way on a scooter.

Now that I know how to drive my scooter on the street now I wanna get a used 250cc motor cycle and learn to use manual tranmission at my alley. Sure motorcycle is different then scooter but just driving, leaning on curve and such is all the same only different is scooter has a automatcally tranmission and motorcycle don't.

[landon12]

Now that I know how to drive my scooter on the street now I wanna get a used 250cc motor cycle and learn to use manual tranmission at my alley. Sure motorcycle is different then scooter but just driving, leaning on curve and such is all the same only different is scooter has a automatcally tranmission and motorcycle don't.

yeah, thats a good idea. my parents are okay with me getting my motorcycle license. just found out at dinner that my dad actually took the test a couple times but failed when he was younger. but, me and my dad are pretty different so I'm not too worried about the test, at least once i get some practice i won't be. i'm just trying to find someone who rides that i know, try and get them to show me some pointers etc.