[ChrIsChriS221]

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!

[ChingGoo]

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

[OMGHIyori2U]

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.

[Tubits]

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

[FusionGT2]

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.

[tbkonwso]

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

[ChrIsChriS221]

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..

[ilikesnoopy2]

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.

[Mercedes_slk350]

cbr250rr are good bikes for a beginner.

[Jintastic]

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.

[tbkonwso]

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..

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.

[ilikesnoopy2]

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

[Tubits]

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

[tbkonwso]

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

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.

[lockinsocks]

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!

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.

[mistertony]

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.

[ilikesnoopy2]

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.

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.

[mistertony]

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.

[tbkonwso]

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.

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.

[ilikesnoopy2]

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.