The General Motorbikers Discussion Thread

[Peter3hg]

I would ring the local riding schools ASAP. They block book test slots for the DAS but most will have or will soon run out for the old style test.
The new test isn't massively more difficult on the 500s (on the 125 bikes it is stupidly hard), but it's main problem is that it cuts the number of test centres by 3/4.

[Jon]

I was going for DAS, but a friend and his wife did lessons at a particular riding school (where i did my CBT) said it's far cheaper and easier to do pay as you go lessons. I'll have to start getting some booked as soon as though this is for sure..

[Peter3hg]

Originally Posted by Jon

I was going for DAS, but a friend and his wife did lessons at a particular riding school (where i did my CBT) said it's far cheaper and easier to do pay as you go lessons. I'll have to start getting some booked as soon as though this is for sure..

DAS is just the name of the test. People seem to think that a DAS is a 5 day course or something similar.

[Ottobon]

Any tips on getting a permit? I need a bike!!

[KaJuN]

It varies from state to state but it should be an easy process. All I had to do here was pay out about $20 and take a ridiculously easy written test and I got my permit.

[Spectre]

Originally Posted by Ottobon

Any tips on getting a permit? I need a bike!!

Tell me what state you're in and I'll tell you where to go to find out. And then tell you where to go for your MSF course, which WILL save your ass.

[Ottobon]

Originally Posted by Spectre

Tell me what state you're in and I'll tell you where to go to find out. And then tell you where to go for your MSF course, which WILL save your ass.

Michigan, don't you remember? you called it "the single state depression"

[Spectre]

I try to forget Michigan as much as possible. In fact, I think we should give it to Canada and let THEM try to clean up the mess.

http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7...3676--,00.html

And here's where you should go to get training:

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=MI

https://learning.grcc.edu/rider/

[Ottobon]

Updated: So should i take all of the classes (including experienced riders course) or just the beginners and licensing/performance class.

Originally Posted by Spectre

I try to forget Michigan as much as possible. In fact, I think we should give it to Canada and let THEM try to clean up the mess.

Whats so bad about Michigan? (besides our economy) we're about as different as neighbors can be. With both Ohio and Canada if you tried to "give" us to either we'd probably launch a preemptive air-strike followed shortly by full armored invasion on said state/provence/country/whatnot.

[Spectre]

Originally Posted by Ottobon

Updated: So should i take all of the classes (including experienced riders course) or just the beginners and licensing/performance class.

The experienced riders' course is a refresher course plus a few advanced techniques. You don't take that until you've been riding a few years, or rode a few years, then been away a while.

You only need the beginners'/licensure course.

Whats so bad about Michigan? (besides our economy) we're about as different as neighbors can be. With both Ohio and Canada if you tried to "give" us to either we'd probably launch a preemptive air-strike followed shortly by full armored invasion on said state/provence/country/whatnot.

Your economy, your government, the fact that you elected a Canadian citizen governor, your crime, your corruption, your lousy riding weather, your snow, your unions, your idiotic laws.... shall I go on?

[Ottobon]

Originally Posted by Spectre

Your economy, your government, the fact that you elected a Canadian citizen governor, your crime, your corruption, your lousy riding weather, your snow, your unions, your idiotic laws.... shall I go on?

You forgot the Kwame, or don't you know?

Which idiotic laws, and what corruption?

if you so feel inclined feel free to really go on as long as you want, because i think one big OT post is better then 5 little ones.

[Spectre]

Kwame is part of the Michigan idiocy.

Idiotic gun laws for starters. Corruption - see Detroit and the ongoing massive investigations of bribery and collusion - which are now spreading to the state level.

However, this isn't really that appropriate for the General Biker's Thread.

[BigDaveDogg]

You forgot to mention their terrible roads. At least they don't require a front license plate though.

...fuckin Illinois...

[Spectre]

If anyone has an older Honda and needs new decals/stickers for it: http://www.cbdecals.afegraphics.com/...adminshopping=

They seem to have all the classic 70s and 80s models represented there. Much cheaper than the dealerships.

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Peter3hg

DAS is just the name of the test. People seem to think that a DAS is a 5 day course or something similar.

I am one of those people and if you do a search on DAS, you only really get presented with crash courses. So we could be forgiven for thinking so!..

[Blind_Io]

Fuck.

I just got back from a ride and my right side panel is missing. I don't know if it came loose (unlikely) or got nicked at my last stop.

Well, time to post on Craigslist and my V4 forum to beg for parts.

If anyone finds a black right side cover to fit a '94-'03 Magna, please let me know.

[Blind_Io]

I got a chance to ride the Ducati Hypermotard up in the mountain twists, it was certainly something different. That thing has such a vertical fork rake and forward seating position I thought I was going to endo the damn thing before I ever started it up. The Hypermotard is about 200 pounds lighter than my Magna and much taller, making for more dynamic cornering. I loved the suspension and how planted it was in the corners, but you do have to keep your weight forward to keep that front wheel on the ground.

When it comes to bikes I hate being so damn tall. I don't fit on most sportbikes and I would love to test ride the Ducati Monster.

/EDIT - Double Post goodness. Go me.

[Spectre]

Try the Triumph Tiger, if that's the way you're, er, leaning.

As for the Monster, try a Honda 919 while you're at it. Or the Kawa Z1000.

[Blind_Io]

The Triumph is WAY out of my price range... well, all of them are actually. I own the bike I've dreamed of for over 10 years, so I guess I am in search of my next dream.

I'll take a look at the Triumph and the Honda. I've never much like Kawis, and, to be honest, I've never met a Triumph owner that didn't have loads of problems with the bike.

[Ottobon]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

The Triumph is WAY out of my price range... well, all of them are actually. I own the bike I've dreamed of for over 10 years, so I guess I am in search of my next dream.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever taken a extended test drive of a Triumph? Of course i'm not firmiliar with them as i don't even have a permit, but whatever the brand, i always find it good to mix it up a bit. Actually i usually can only live with one singular brand for about a year, which is why i own 3 damn cars (hopefully 2 by tomorrow after-noon ) The Magna seems like a really nice bike, but from my own experience its best if you can find a brand that has a different approuch to everything, particularly in a way that you lust for. Just be honest with yourself and it should be fine.

I think people put a lot of pressure to love what they have, sometimes to a artificial level, but if your honest with yourself you'll be happier in the end. I personally have given up Toyotas for the time being even though i can't think of another small RWD car i'd want more then my old MR2, but its honestly for the better. Everytime i ride in my dads (Toyota based) Pontiac Vibe i remember all the little things that i despise about Toyota, and i just feel the need to get as far away from that as possible. Just saying, a Triumph might not be a bad idea if you've had a Honda for 10 years.