Motorcycles license?

Question

How could I get a motorcycle license? the insurance/gasm, what are the comparisons to a car? Is it a risk?

Answer 1

Your age will be a major factor in how much your insurance is, and you need to have a couple years of good driving under your belt before taking on a motorcycle. There are simply things you need to understand about how traffic moves and what to look out for, because what may only be a simple "fender bender" in a car could KILL you on a motorcycle. An important think to remember is that it doesn't matter whose fault it is, the motorcyclist loses EVERY TIME.

As for the license, take an MSF course. It'll run you around $250, but any dealer will give you a discount on gear for taking the course. You WILL wear full gear, right? The MSF certificate in most states is the equivalent of your license exam anyway.

Compared to a car, a motorcycle usually goes the same direction as the traffic it's in and has to follow the same rules. But that's it. Shifting, steering, throttle, braking, clutch, tires, balance, body position, visibility and weather are all different on a motorcycle, and you need to be able to deal with them ALL AT ONCE every time you twist the throttle. There is no talking on the phone, messing with kids, shaving, eating, drinking, smoking, reading or watching a DVD on a motorcycle.

Risk? Of course there's risk, but motorcycles are NOT inherently dangerous. They do what you tell them to do, so if you crash then YOU made it happen. Remember the gear? Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots & pants? You'll appreciate them if the weather turns bad, but you'll REALLY appreciate them when you go down (and you WILL go down).

It's called a calculated risk, and it's up to you how much risk you're willing to take. Keep in mind that a mistake on a motorcycle has worse consequences than a mistake in a car, and that a bike can take you beyond your comfort zone faster than you think.

Do your homework, take it seriously, and don't be a Squid.

Answer 2

I would recommend a motorcycle safety course, if you are under 21 and live in CA you MUST take said course.
On your bike you have to be responsible for EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING around you....four wheelers will not see you until after they hit you. Be on the look out for them and you'll probably be allright.
Bike insurance isn't cheap, some states base your rate not only on age but on how long you've had your license. I'd call up a few insurance companies and get quotes.
Just about everything in life is a risk, do your homework and make an informed decision.
Good luck and happy hunting.

Answer 3

Motorcycles are safe. Most injuries are caused by auto drivers.

If you want to ride, take the Basic Riders Course, or the Harley-Davidson (MSF approved) equivalent.

You can expect at least 40 mpg, depending on what you ride, and how you ride it. Insurance is higher for men under 27 years of age, but again, that depends on the bike.
You'll use half the gas, half the tires and take up 1/4 the space.
Remember that the sun doesn't shine ever day, so be prepared to deal with rain and cold.

Answer 4

unfortunately, almost anyone can get a motorcycle license, and purchase a bike. really, all you have to do is read the manual and take the test. i would highly recommend researching your decision; how much your bike is going to cost, how much your gear is going to cost, what kind of insurance you want to take out(protecting yourself and others and paying the medical bills and the cost of fixing your bike), if your state has a helmet law... also, being on a motorcycle, you are susceptible to everything around you. no one can see you, no one really cares, and it is a dangerous sport. if you are seriously considering getting a bike and a license, take a motorcycle safety/riding course. and be cautious, but have fun.

Answer 5

I highly recommend taking a MSF course. Many states offer exemptions to testing, but regardless you will learn a great deal in two days...and you don't have to worry about damaging your own bike (they are very small bikes)...yes I laid mine down and ended up going over the handlebars...but I honestly believe if I han't taken that course, I would have done a lot more damage to my bike and myself. I am much more careful now, and tend to cruise more than anything else...its really enjoyable cruising and enjoying the scenery...

Insurance isn't bad, but it depends on the bike and if its paid for...if you don't have one, get one you can afford to buy outright and ride the pee out of it for the first year. Then get one you want. Like many serious riders told me, its not a matter of if you lay it down, but when...and it is usually in the first year.

If you are looking for a motorcycle in lieu of a car...it depends on where you live and your need to be at certain places on time...I live in vegas...and while it is sunny nearly 300 days a year...there are 65 days of rain or other that you could not get me on the road...and then there are days I wish I didn't have to go out...not because of the roads, but because of other idiots around here...plus you can't carry very much on them easily (unless you set it up for touring)

Answer 6

I insure everything with State Farm.
Car, Motorcycle, Boat, Camper, million dollar over ride.
I had a motorcycle accident ten years ago when a drunk hit me with a car. State Farm paid off with no problem.

Answer 7

Try contacting your local community college. Most offer weekend classes which discuss safety, controls, etc.. No comparison to a car, doesn't protect you from outside elements or other cars.

Answer 8

motorcycles are not safe..Make sure you fill out the organ donor area on your license...You have no protection on a motorcycle...Make sure the risk is worth it to you and your family.

Answer 9

if your worried about safety and think youd be scared of the bike. DONT BUY IT. bikes are dangerous.

Answer 10

CHEAPER......................