I didn't put the above question correctly;
What I'm really asking is, if a motorcycle specific license isn't required for sidecar use, and you don't have a solo bike- why take the test?
Just to have it "in case"?
Originally written by Uncle Ernie on 5/19/2008 3:24 PM
I didn't put the above question correctly;
What I'm really asking is, if a motorcycle specific license isn't required for sidecar use, and you don't have a solo bike- why take the test?
Just to have it "in case"?
It depends on whether or not you get stopped by a LEO who doesn't know the law. In the case of Arnie Schwarzenegger, when he had his sidecar crash, the media was all over him for not having the M1 endorsement. It turned out that he didn't need it under the circumstances. It's funny, too. If you have seen "Terminator II" I think you would agree that he should be awarded an honorary M1 endorsement! By the way, it's great to have a pro-motorcycle Governor in our state. He hasn't got rid of helmets but he definitely likes bikes and owns several of them along with his collection of Hummers. LOL
So, technically in California at least, I guess you don't need to take the test. It makes no sense to me, however, since I always wanted to be a motorcyclist and from time to time I do ride solo on my bike or that of a friend. In any case, you would still have to wear a helmet or they will stop you since AFAIK, there's no exemption for a sidecar.
By the way, last weekend my daughter passed the MSF class approved by the California Highway Patrol and now she can have her M1 endorsement. All she needs to do now is to take the written motorcycle exam at a local DMV office and they will give her an M1 endorsement. She did this all on her own and I'm quite proud of her. She doesn't own a bike presently but we're going to look for something like a 250cc Kawasaki or Honda cruiser to get her going. The MSF class does qualify you for the M1 since they are using 250 and larger bikes for the students, no scooters, etc.
One added benefit is that most all insurance companies give some discount to riders who have passed the CHP/MSF in California so it's a win-win situation for her.
So I agree with those who think that the MSF class is a good idea. It sure is!
Originally written by Uncle Ernie on 5/19/2008 4:24 PM
I didn't put the above question correctly;
What I'm really asking is, if a motorcycle specific license isn't required for sidecar use, and you don't have a solo bike- why take the test?
Just to have it "in case"?
What if you decide to replace your rig? Maybe you want to keep the sidecar but attach it to a newer/larger/smaller bike? It would be nice to be able to legally test drive one.
Originally written by SidecarMike on 5/19/2008 3:52 PM
Originally written by Uncle Ernie on 5/19/2008 4:24 PM
I didn't put the above question correctly;
What I'm really asking is, if a motorcycle specific license isn't required for sidecar use, and you don't have a solo bike- why take the test?
Just to have it "in case"?What if you decide to replace your rig? Maybe you want to keep the sidecar but attach it to a newer/larger/smaller bike? It would be nice to be able to legally test drive one.
Absolutely! We are motorcyclists as well as sidecar riders!
I've been trying to rent or borrow a 250cc to take the M1 driving test on June 9.
The problem is places that rent motorcycles require an M1 license!
Howard
Originally written by gilberth on 5/19/2008 4:12 PM
I've been trying to rent or borrow a 250cc to take the M1 driving test on June 9.
The problem is places that rent motorcycles require an M1 license!
Howard
That's a real catch 22. Maybe you have a friend with a solo bike?
The reason I'd like to have an M1 license (even though it's not required with a s/c) is to save an additional 20% on an insurance quote.
There's also a possibility of having a solo rig some day.
Howard
Originally written by gilberth on 5/22/2008 4:19 PM
The reason I'd like to have an M1 license (even though it's not required with a s/c) is to save an additional 20% on an insurance quote.
There's also a possibility of having a solo rig some day.
Howard
My daughter took the MSF Safety class in Woodland, California not too far from you last weekend and passed it. I would suggest that you take the test and avoid the hassle of renting or borrowing a bike. It cost something like $250 but it will pay for itself in lowered insurance costs in a couple of years anyway. They had about 25 motorcycles available at the class. They were smaller Kawasakis and Hondas but big enough to qualify for M-1. They had one day of classroom and demonstrations and the rest was actual riding.
Once you pass the class, you just take the written at the DMV nd you then get your M-1. There is a class almost every weekend somewhere in Northern California. If my daughter could do it, so can you. So what are you waiting for? LOL
Gaylord,
I took the MSF class a number of years ago and agree it's very worthwhile.
But, since I've already passed the written test and have an apt for a DMV driving test on June 6, I'm just going to see if I can borrow a bike, do two small circles for the examiner and move on.
Howard
BTW Are you going to be at the Lake Berryessa Sidecar Event on May 31?
Originally written by gilberth on 5/23/2008 5:52 AM
Gaylord,
I took the MSF class a number of years ago and agree it's very worthwhile.
But, since I've already passed the written test and have an apt for a DMV driving test on June 6, I'm just going to see if I can borrow a bike, do two small circles for the examiner and move on.
Howard
BTW Are you going to be at the Lake Berryessa Sidecar Event on May 31?
Good luck on the test. May I suggest that you go to the DMV on a weekend when they are closed and practice on the course. The ones at Sacramento are outside, usually in the back of the building. As I said earlier, I took the test on a 1993 Shadow and almost muffed it due to the extreme long fork anle of the bike. LOL.
Sorry, I haven't yet recovered from my hip operation. I'll be back on the road by August this year so I'll take a rain check until next year for Lake Berryessa.
Regards.
