Alittle Rant Here...

[quote="lynw"]

Having gone down 4 times this yearquote]

I would quit riding while i was still alive if i was you.....

I guess its all about calculated risk. Some people are convinced they're skilled enough to avoid a crash. The rest of us realize that sometimes it doesn't matter how good you are. My friend went down last week, got hit from the side by someone who got impatient waiting for a light and decided a U-Turn was more effective. Didn't see my friend on his 02 SVs that he'd had for all of 2 days, was on his way to get the bike inspected. Luckily he was wearing jacket/gloves/helmet and got away with some bumps sprains and bruises, the bike didn't fair as well *moment of silence*

As for licensing requirements, I think that will vary state by state, I only know NY. You go in and take a 20 question written test, 16 correct is passing and I don't really know how you could fail. After that you get a learner's permit that lets you ride within either 1/2 or 1/4 mile (sorry I forget) of a buddy that has his license. At that point you can go take the road test whenever you want.

I opted to take a weekend training course ( http://www.msf-usa.org/ ), about 8-10 hours of classroom and 12 hours of riding, they issue both a written and riding test. At the end you get a waiver so you can skip your road test for your license, and you get the 10% defensive driver insurance reduction. It was pretty pricy but I'm a better rider for it. Plus I'd rather practice my low speed maneuvering on their bikes, not my pretty 03 sv. Got my road test waiver in the mail today so I'm off to the dreaded dept. of motor vehicles to get my full license, it'll nice to be riding legally!

Originally Posted by halfway

After that you get a learner's permit that lets you ride within either 1/2 or 1/4 mile (sorry I forget) of a buddy that has his license. At that point you can go take the road test whenever you want.

What's your buddy going to do if your 1/2 mile away!

Originally Posted by Mogs

What's your buddy going to do if your 1/2 mile away!

What did your DAS instructor do when he was 1/2 mile away?

Originally Posted by Mogs

What's your buddy going to do if your 1/2 mile away!

About as much as he'd do if he was a hundred feet away I'd guess. Its a strange law but really the only motorcycle version of having a licensed driver with you when you learn how to drive a car. At least they don't want them on the back of the bike.

Don't worry too much about it,it's called freedom and our parents/grand/great-grand parents fought and died for it in their thousands.Cherish it and don't let anyone persuade you it aint worth defending.Many non bikers think we are deranged for riding the things at all irrespective of what we wear.Its about individual choice.Personaly I allways wear the gear.


couldnt agree more! it doesnt bother me at all what people choose to wear cos at the end of the day they are the ones that are taking the risk! and if they're taxed,mot'd and insured then so what if it costs the taxpayer(me) money,they're entitled to the treatment.

Originally Posted by TC3

I would quit riding while i was still alive if i was you.....

given youre going to have an accident at some point, how about you give up now?

or shall I just give up life now cos its too dangerous and Im not getting out of it alive?

out of interest do you know anything about my offs this year? Ive questioned everything about my riding to find out that I had a mechanically faulty bike - despite being assured it was fine and hence me getting back on each time only to come off again.

None were my fault, all low speed and I was geared up and THAT was the point I was making ie if I wasnt geared up Id have been badly injured without question.

I've been waiting all night for you to read that

Originally Posted by Godikus

I've been waiting all night for you to read that

Did you hide behind the sofa as well then?

Originally Posted by Carsick

Did you hide behind the sofa as well then?

you know it