Hi from Pasadena

[Zburatorul]

I'm originally form Europe, but I live in Pasadena, California.

It has always been my dream to own and ride a bike. Now that I'm here in LA, where public transportation is so bad, I have no more excuses not to buy a bike.

I don't really have experience driving big bikes; last time I did it was ~4 years ago, back then I didn't even have a driver's license.
About that, my license was issued in Europe and I know I need to get one here in the US.

Well, anyway I am here to learn more about bikes in general and about SoCal riders and the problems they deal with, in particular.

So far, my dream is a 2-sitter sporty looking bike. I'll read around for advice on first bikes.

[chaindad]

Welcome from Southern Illinois! Good luck on your search for that perfect bike!
God bless & ride safe!
Daddio

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d53/chaindad/FAITH/93f48555-2.jpg

[dustbuster]

Well, I'm about as far south as you can get in Calif. Welcome and read up. Lots of good stuff to be found.

[Zburatorul]

Hey guys. Thanks for the welcome.

I am going to outline my plan of getting a bike and I'd really appreciate any sort of feedback on it, criticism included.
Again, I am not from the US and many DMV related things are completely new to me, so please explain things in detail to me if you feel I may be misunderstanding something or using some hidden wrong assumptions.

1. Get a book about motorcycles and riding. Read it.
2. Keep browsing this forum, especially the new rider threads which discuss bikes and learning.
3. Study the California Driver Handbook, make an appointment and take the traffic laws exam.
4. At this point I get a permit and immediately sign up for the driving test.
5. Then I make an appointment with DMV to apply for a license and take the written motorcycle licensing exam.
6. Then I enroll in the Basic RiderCourse with CA MSP. This will waive my skills test and lower insurance rates.
7. At this point there's no more experience I can get on a motorcycle unless I buy one, ask a friend for one or take a more advanced MSP course. This is where I'm unsure what to do.
8. Buy the motorcycle (assuming I will have already found it) and the protective gear.

[Dodsfall]

I'm not 100% sure about California, but states don't usually require an appointment for the DMV. It's first-come first-served.

Here's the way I think it works:
1. Enroll in the Basic Rider Course with CA MSP.
2. While you are waiting, get a book about motorcycles and riding. Read it.
3. Keep browsing this forum, especially the new rider threads which discuss bikes and learning.
4. Take and pass the course.
5. Go to the DMV with your BRC certificate and pick up your license. You won't need to take an additional exam at this point.
6. Buy a motorcycle.
7. Practice, practice, practice.
8. ???
9. Profit!

[Zburatorul]

To take the Basic Rider Course I need at least a permit. For that I need to take a written test. This means the course has to come later.

The appointments are only there to save time, but you're right about CA DMV not requiring them, except for behind-the-wheel tests.

One more thing, I haven't explicitly said this yet, but I want to get both car and motorcycle driver's licenses. My home country's license is only valid here temporarily.

Can you suggest one or more good books to read?

[DjWags]

I've never read it, but EVERYONE recommends Proficient motorcycling: The ultimate guide to riding well. Link to amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ultimate-Guide-Riding/dp/1889540536

In terms of getting a driver's license, the best thing to do to practice the road test is to go practice on a range. On any day the DMV is closed, you can go practice. That way you are familiar with the spot you have to parallel park in before you ever start the test.

In terms of finding the perfect bike, go to a dealer, and sit on some bikes. You will probably want to buy used, but the dealer will give you and idea of what you like. Check out a kawasaki ninja 250R, 500R and 650R. Also check the Suzuki gs500 and sv650

please ask any other questions you have!

[Zburatorul]

Thanks for the book suggestion. I've look at it and a few others and decided to buy it.

The bikes you suggested vary quite significantly from each other. I believe 500R is twice heavier and more powerful than 250R. I weigh about 150lbs.
So as a beginner can I really go with any one of the above?

[Dodsfall]

So as a beginner can I really go with any one of the above?

I think any of those would be a good beginner bike. The lighter bikes will be faster to learn on than the heavier ones, but I don't think any of those would be unmanageable for the average person.

[dustbuster]

It's possible that the behind the wheel test could be waived due to having the out of country license, you'll definatly be required to take the written test, which is mostly traffic signs, rules of the road and a lot of alcohol questions. DMV handbook is best for that. Same for the motorcycle test you'll have to take. You don't give your age, so for the M endorsement under 21 the basic rider course is required, which waives the skills test.

[Zburatorul]

@dustbuster, I'm looking into that.

I'm actually in a curious situation, I'm not 21 quite yet, but I will be soon after I return to the US (I'm in Europe now). If I enroll in the MSP early enough, I should get the reduced rate; then after I turn 21 I can go to the DMV and apply for the license with marginally less hassle than if I were 20.