Hi guys, I was thinking of getting an M license and a motorcycle to save gas, better parking at school, etc. but I don't really know too much about it. Is the information on this site accurate: http://www.testquestionsandanswers.com/mot...california.html (I'm in California). I'm 20 and have a driver's license so would that I mean I basically go in to the DMV, do the paperwork, take the written test. Then I go to take the CHP training class, and then I get my license? Are there any good motorcycle schools in the San Diego area?

Also, what would be a good bike to get for a beginner? I wanted something sporty but with a low displacement, ideally around 100, 150 cc. I kinda wanted to stick with Honda because my 9 year old Honda I've been driving for the past 3 years has served me extremely well. However, the only small bike that is 'sporty' I know of is the Kawasaki Ninja 250. Do you think a 250cc bike would be too much to handle for a beginner? Is craigslist a good source to find a used bike and what should be I be looking for, for example what is high mileage for an old bike, etc.?

Thanks for all your help, sorry I have so many questions!

i'm wondering the same thing.. except i'm 18. ^^

Here's how u do it.

Sign up for the MSF course
Take MSF course and pass
While in the MSF course, ask the others in your class if they have the answers to the multiple choice written DMV test. Get copies and memorize it.
Go to DMV, take written test and pass
Go to a Kawasaki dealer, and pick up a Ninja250
or
Get a used Ninja250

As for 100-150cc, it's not enough power trust me.
When I took the MSF course, I used a Kawasaki Eliminator (125cc). In the beginning, when I was learning how to move the bike, any sort of speed whether it be 5-10mph was kinda scary. But after u learn to get moving on the bike, you get used to the slow speed. There was a point in the class where we would just ride around in a big circle, and gave it 100% throttle, it was ridiculously slow. I don't even think I went pass 25 mph. So you will definately regret getting a smaller engine than 250cc. I say start out with a Ninja250 then if you're comfortable with it and want more speed, sell it and move up to a 600cc bike.

A lot of people who start off on a 250cc bike, but when they get used to it they usually always sell it and get something bigger like a 500-600cc bike as yori said. I wouldn't waste money on a new bike if you're just a beginner. Just buy a used one, doesn't have to look good, as long as it takes you from A to B. Once you get the hang of riding in the streets and so on then go hunting for a better bike. You gotta learn to walk before you run

My housemate started out on a Ninja 250 and had it for about 3 months and once he got used to it he got an 06 GSXR. Now he rides a Ducati 848. I personally started out on a 600cc bike but it was a '91 Yamaha FZR600. The bike was quick, but not so quick that it'd fly me off the thing.. Honestly I'd stick with the 250s if its one of the newer bikes and once you get used to it, sell it and get yourself a nice bike. Its not hard to resell a 250 at all as there are new riders everyday looking for a beginner bike like yourself.

what your budget? i have couple bikes for sale right now.

Thanks for your answers, time to search for a MSF class...

As for my budget, around $1,500 (based on the kelly blue book value of some used bikes) so not very high. However, I may not be looking to actually buy a bike for a while because I don't plan on signing up for a MSF class for a month or two..

Im taking my MSF class in 2 weeks in LA. You don't need to take the written test first, if you have a drivers license. Also, take it before you turn 21, its $150 if you're under but $250 if you're 21+. Yes, you can get your license w/o the MSF class if you're 21 but most riders would advise against that.

cbr250rr are good bikes for a beginner.

yea i think your range of 100-150 cc is even a bit low. Thats like a motor scooter, and the sound of it you want a motorcycle. 250cc is what you want for now.
good luck.

i would save up more money till you can buy a more reliable bike for that money... that range you'll get older 90's bike with carburetor engine, as a beginner bike i would suggest fuel injection like f4i or something. (about $3500 or so). if your taking the class in Hayward lol i live right across the testing field lol. i use be part time assistant field instructor for msf back in 01 when i was still in school.

I read the requirements but just to make sure, to take the msf course I ONLY need a class C drivers license correct (no motorcycle permit) ? im in california

^ yup, thats what i did. I think taking the lass first helped me with my permit test but thats just me

that correct, but i highly suggest getting a motorcycle test booklet from dmv and review it and take the written test to get a permit first. that way you can practice a little on bikes first. because the course is rather short , 3 days... 1 in class 2 field test (i duno if its still the same) i took it in 98. instructor will fail you if they feel like you lack the skills on a bike. in my case, a girl with zero experience on manual car or motorcycle joined the class, did great on paper exam, but horrible on fields test, she couldnt even eease the clutch out,, everytime bike stalls she gets nervous, i tried to work with her but decided it was probably a good idea to drop her, she cried neverless but its probably better for her in the long run. good luck on your test =] try to get some friend to show you some basics on a bike they dont care about.

Ninja 250 will serve you well as the bike is light. I recommend getting a used one since the prices for the new 250 are a real rip off. Anything around 5,000-10,000 miles isn't bad for a used bike, but make sure the bike hasn't been sitting around all its life since bikes with low mileages can also be a problem of their own.

I'm in SD so if you're in need of a group to ride with PM me! My friends all ride the Ninja 250s and we sometimes go riding to get more practice.

best of luck in getting your m1 license. you'll have a blast at the msf class.
in terms of newbie bikes off the top of my head... ninja 250, ninja 500, gs500. they're all pretty dirt cheap, easy to ride, and you wont feel too bad if you drop it.

Thanks for the advice. It's a bit too late to get my permit because I'm taking the class in two days. My dad rides a Harley and my brother has his m1 but I don't think my dad will let me near his bike lol. I do drive a manual (s2000) so I guess I shouldn't be too bad with the clutch ( I think), ive only been driving for 1.5 years though (im 17). I heard the hardest part is the figure eights. I read the handbook a while ago, I'll probably read it again tomorrow it's pretty short. I take the riding part on 7/5

Btw what do think about starting on 650 cc ? Like the ninja650r or sv650? Ive read a lot of people get easily bored of the ninja250 or something comparable.

well, the larger and stronger the bike, the steeper the learning curve. with a smaller bike, there's more room for error during the learning process. but in the end, it's your decision, based on how comfortable you feel on the saddle.

that being said, i think the 650r and sv650 are great beginner-intermediate level bikes. they both have decent low-mid end power, handle well, and the riding position doesn't suck too badly.

lol the figure 8 they make you do in the class is piece of cake on a nighthawk, its the one at dmv that gives most people the trouble. if you drive a manual car now, you should be able to pick it up right away. figure 8 requires full body counter steer, slow throttle control and rear brake. sv650 is very good bike to start off with... i rather start off on a 650 instead of 250.

make sure to buy the 03 up fuel injection sv650 , monster style ^^. if u can find any of the modern 600 within your budget, i would just jump into that. respect the machine and u should be fine on 600.

Ah I think you right that the figure eights at DMV is hard not the msf figure eights. Should I go for the cruiser or dirtbike / sportbike at the MSf course? Im planning on riding sportbikes in the future but i guess it doesn't matter. I like the ninja 650, lime green lol. I'm getting used since I'll probably have to pay for half at least by myself.

Do you wear full leathers when riding ? I usually see people wearing a leather jacket and jeans but I hear jeans offer very little protection.

You will need gloves. That's pretty much it. They will ask u to wear jeans though if u don't have riding pants. My cousin's friend didn't feel like buying gloves so he brought his ski gloves with him lol. Needless to say he got yelled at lol Any type of leather glove is fine (i.e baseball gloves or whatnot). This is for the MSF course. If you plan on riding afterwards, u should buy motorcycle protection gear.

I highly doubt the MSF course will have dirtbikes/sportbikes. It'll show in the video they show u, but most likely you'll end up with a Nighthawk or Eliminator, which are both cruiser type bikes. Eliminator is for shorter people.

As for the figure eights, that is the hardest part of the MSF test. Out of the test, only 4 people were able to keep it within the rectangular lines. Just think of a basketball court, inside the paint. That rectangular box gives you an idea of the size of the figure eight box (although it's probably a little smaller than that).

If you're about 5'7" or shorter, I'd recommend the Eliminator. It's much easier to control since you're lower to the ground than the Nighthawk.

People who dont wear full gear and/or do dumb things on their bikes are called squids. You know those fools who ride around on their bikes in their tshirt/beaters and think they're badass. I wonder how badass they are when they scrap off their skin and some bone if they fall onto the pavement at 60mph+ Yeah jeans wont protect you much.. just try running as fast as u can and sliding on your jeans. Now imagine falling on your jeans at 50mph+ Yeah it'll be a bit painful lol. Best thing to do is AVOID mesh suits cuz they burn into your skin. Leather is the way to go definitely.

lol ski gloves.. my dad has gloves so i should be good. They said you only need a long sleeve shirt, jeans, gloves and shoes that cover tha ankle.

My brother said he rode a dirtbike, I think they might have them at my course because they have a picture of the students on the front page...




I don't think I could wear full leathers all the time... Obviously im never going to wear a wife beater and shorts but ill probably look into more flexible options like kevlar jeans or something to wear under/over jeans... I saw this guy yesterday wearing a t shirt and shorts doing wheelis on his R1.. lol

the MSF in class part was so easy.. I got a 100% on the test, Im riding next week.

^ gj all they do is go over the answers in class anyways

congra on the test first of all!! i wear full leather when i know i'm going to be doing some Spirited riding.... but when i commute i just wear jeans and jacket. im not a gear nazi, if someone prefers to wear a t shirt or tank top when they ride by all means go ahead.

are you in california bay area? if you are, i can show you lot of nice routes.

LOL, I'm just sayin

Thanks, actually I'm in LA so kinda opposites.

The class was basically answering 120 questions divided up in the book and watched some videos + the test. I think I was the youngest one there because no one else had a parent sign the waivers. It was in a mall and my dad couldn't find the room for like 20 minutes.-.-

a buddy of mine goes to work wearing his suit under his leathers its kinda funny but works. lol.

What do you guys have on your bike to prevent it from being stolen?

^ my picture

haha jk, havent bought any security for mine yet but will soon. thinking about getting a disc lock what do u guys think about that?

if a thief really wants your bike, they will take it.. wheel/disc locks are alright, but if they got 3-4 ppl they can just lift ur bike onto their truck and poof its gone.

I heard there are some sort of tracking device for motorcycles, how well do those work?

i just want a motorcycle that's fast enough to be highway rated. Does this mean I need 250cc's of displacement, atleast?

a lojack works wonder on a motorcycle. or comprehensive insurance =]..i think the insurance is cheaper..

most likely u wont have the bike for more then 20k miles.. lol...it will be crashed or stolen or sold. =]...

yay I passed the MSF , i have to get my permit now. The test was easier than I thought, everyone passed.

^ haha gj, it is easy, iono y like half of my class failed tho

question : what do you guys wear during the summer? I was wearing a hoodie and jeans during the MSF course and I thought it was hot.. imagine wearing a black leather jacket

I've scrubbed before, got pretty bad road rash, it was a hot day too so i was in a t. I now wear all the gear i have now, helmet, gloves, jacket. Unfortunately i cant afford pants so i just wear jeans and got knee/shin guards on the way.

You'd be surprised at how reckless/careless some drivers could be

Do you wear a leather jacket all the time ? I was thinking of getting a schott perfecto and a textile / perforated leather for hot days.

My jacket is mesh and kevlar, though i wouldnt mind leathers now. I already brought the jacket so im going to stick with it for awhile until i have enough money to buy a new one.

I would recommend leather.

nah man start of with honda cbr250rr its good for beginners

I see... Is it wrong to wear black leather while riding a sport ? lol, im not really into the matching colored leathers or whatnot I just want classic black leather + a black / silver full face helmet.



I dont think they have that in the US... right ? Im planning on getting a Ninja 250r as of now, my dad is afraid of "sport bikes" even though the ninja 250 / 650 is more of a standard and the max speed on a 250r is like 90-100 (?). I was thinking of getting a sv650 or a ninja 650 but ill start off slow and insurance should be cheaper. My dad rides a Harley Road King and I think he wants me to get a Harley / cruiser which is not really my style. I wouldn't mind a iron 883 though, those look sick.

you dad is a harley guy? lol maybe you should get a speed tripple or something. dont buy color matching jacket and look like power rangers lol.... buy whatever fit you best and enough to put you where you feel your well protected.

lol I can match though, I got a black ninja 250. Its 2008 with 100 miles on it and it was clean, like brand new. Then my brother was riding it home and like 5 minutes into it he dropped it at a stop. I think he grabbed the front brake or something, but he hasn't ridden in months so... idk . eventually my dad came and the bike wouldn't start so we call the guy we bought it from. He comes and we push the bike and start it in 3rd gear and it started to run, It wouldnt go into neutral which is why it didnt start. So my dad rides it home and we drive home... the bike has scratches on the left fairings and the turn signal broke off, but thats about it. Its ok though, and my brother is ok too.

We got it for $3100 so its still a good deal. The guy had it on Ebay and it ended for $3100 but the buyer never paid. Came with a two brothers exahust and he gave me the stock one too. I'll try to post pictures up tomorrow, its at my dads office atm.

Im not 100% sure why he dropped the bike. He was following me a bit too close because he didn't know the directions to get home but still he had space to stop or swerve... There was one of those random pedestrian crossing lanes in the middle of the street and the guy in front of me stopped quickly and I stopped quickly but definitely not enough to cause the person behind me to crash.

The bike is bigger than I thought, its a lot bulkier than the pre 08 models and I can't flat foot so i might get the seat shaved. My dad like the bike too, he says its comfortable even though he rides a huge touring bike, which he says hurts his back or something.

^ pretty good deal, know why the guy was selling it that cheap with just 100 miles on it?

i got my gs500f 04 model for $2200 with 5k miles on it

He said it was his wifes and by the looks of it he already knows how to ride so I guess he no one needed it. It sold on Ebay for $3100 but the guy never paid so I swooped in and oferred to buy it for the same price. I went on the streets (around the block) with my dad for the first time today... I was going like 20 mph lol but I got comfortable and it was alot of fun.

Heres the pics




lol probably didnt need to circle it but whatever

tbkonwso, are there any places you would recommend for taking the MSF class in/around the east bay?

^ Im not tbkonwso but i would recommend mission college. Thats where i took mine and i think it was helpful, fun, and easy. Plus the course coaches are fun too

ilikesnoopy2 nice kawasaki ninjaaa bro
how mcuh you got it for??