My journey to getting a full motorcycle licence

[Darth Knox]

Harleys used to vibrate a lot, but over a decade ago they counterweighted and rubber mounted their engines, and now the ride is much smoother.

Yeah, those are all pretty popular here too, depending on your riding style and needs.

Daily commuting (where the average speed I may hope to get to on a journey through London is maybe 20mph) and occasional 90 min weekend riding (for trips to places like Cambridge, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton to visit friends), and of course back to my home town to visit the parentals.

My riding style will definitely be laid back, comfy and fun and less about warp speed.

[tx_tuff]

Ooo, that's nice. How's the ride? I've heard that Harley's vibrate a lot.

Really looking forward to getting the Rebel. Planning on new LED turn signals, head & tail lights, paint job inspired by the 1960s AC Shelby Cobra, custom seat, new exhaust obviously, new handlebars/grips/switches/mirrors. Not sure about in the states but in the UK there's a bit of a craze for scramblers, bobbers and cafe racer type mods. Hopefully, by the time I'm finished some elements of those bike types will be there, but in a very unique way.

I love bobbers and that Honda would make a bad a$$ bobber!

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[Darth Knox]

I love bobbers and that Honda would make a bad a$$ bobber!

Indeed. Although, with so many people going for the bobber look, I want to make sure that mine offers something a little different. Obviously I'll be posting photos of the mods as they happen.

[DaddyFlip]

Good luck on your moto future! I only been riding five years and have some forum acquaintances in the UK who ride also. Used to have a Triumph Explorer and looking at the new Speed Triple that was just announced Monday. I have a 2001 Kawasaki ZR7s and a 1995 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide.

[Darth Knox]

I always wondered how comfortable it is to ride with raised handlebars like that. Doesn't the blood drain from your arms?

That Triumph looks nice.

[DaddyFlip]

Nah. I'm 6-3. My hands are right at shoulder level even with the 16" apes rolled forward a bit. I'll post up a pic later.

[Darth Knox]

I am considering changing out the handlebars for some Biltwell Moto ones. All depends how I feel after sitting on the bike and having a test ride.

[Landen Se-Sentien]

I am considering changing out the handlebars for some Biltwell Moto ones. All depends how I feel after sitting on the bike and having a test ride.

A test ride is definitely a must. I think its more vital for a bike than for a car.

[Darth Knox]

I definitely wouldn't buy a bike without a test ride.

I'm curious. Looking through youtube videos it seems getting a licence in American is much less involved than the UK. What exactly is compulsory for bikers before they can get their licence?

[Landen Se-Sentien]

Different states may have different rules, but it's usually passing a skills test, and you get a learner's permit, and that usually has restrictions (helmet required, no passengers, no riding at night, etc.). If you hold the permit long enough, then you can get an endorsement on your license, and many of those restrictions will be lifted. We don't have different licenses for different sizes, at least none that I'm aware of.

[Darth Knox]

Still amazes me that helmets are not compulsory.

Just been reading through the highway code, refreshing my knowledge before I take my theory test. That comes in two parts - part 1 has 50 multiple choice questions about road use/road signs etc. I think you need to get a minimum of 40 out 50.

Part 2 is the hazard perception test, where you watch a video from a camera mounted on a bike. As soon as you see the hazard you click on the screen. The quicker you react the more points you get. I think you need a minimum of 20 points out of a possible 25.

[Landen Se-Sentien]

 In some states they are. We also require a written test. I forgot about that.

Good luck!

[DarthScrub]

Good luck, Knox! Always wanted to try riding a bike, but Texas drivers are dangerous 😱

[DaddyFlip]

I took the two day Motorcycle Safety Foundation course because I had never ridden before. I think it cost about $200 and includes classroom and riding instruction. Well worth the time and money. Arkansas requires proof of the class and a 20-25 question multiple choice test given on an iPad. Then you get your full endorsement. If you don't take the MSF, then you do have to demonstrate riding ability to police like you would a regular driving test for automobile.

I was not aware of a permit anywhere unless you're a minor or something? Don't know.

Cmon Scrub! Texas is one of the better states for riding!

[Greywolf]

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/street/cmx500-rebel/overview.html

Already have plans to modify/customise it a bit.

Nice one!

Have you seen the Triumph Bonneville Bobber?
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/bonneville/2018/bobber

I also like their Street Scambler:
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/classics/street-scrambler/2018/street-scrambler

And today I 'found' an interesting Cafe Racer:
https://www.fbmondial.co.uk/model/FB-Mondial-HPS-125

(Yes, I'm a sucker for that retro-style look )