your states licensing requirements

[RACER X]

so TX just made MSF mandatory to get a M license (started 9/1), no way around it.

whats ya'lls states procedure?

is mandatory MSF good or bad?

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by RACER X

so TX just made MSF mandatory to get a M license (started 9/1), no way around it.

whats ya'lls states procedure?

is mandatory MSF good or bad?

I think it's good but in NY you have to do figure 8's and stuff anyhow.

If I had a dollar for every bike out there where the person has no "M" endoresment though... it won't really matter one way or the other in those cases.

It's still too easy to get a bike off the floor without any licensing (not even a permit).

[BobTheBiker]

MSF became mandatory here not long before I got my license. I think its an excellent thing, as new riders are learning how to ride right before they can even put tags on their bikes.

I'd like a tiered licensing system though.

[Trip]

Don't really care, seen people pass MSF without much effort that couldn't ride so there you go...

There is still a test out option here.

[RACER X]

Originally Posted by Trip

Don't really care, seen people pass MSF without much effort that couldn't ride so there you go...

There is still a test out option here.

you think the state test is harder then the msf test? riding part

[Trip]

Originally Posted by RACER X

you think the state test is harder then the msf test? riding part

Depends on who tests you, I have heard of people just making a pass in the parking lot and showing the instructor they can go in a straight line and turn around and then I have heard of people getting full on MSF test.

[Tmall]

Originally Posted by Trip

Don't really care, seen people pass MSF without much effort that couldn't ride so there you go...

There is still a test out option here.

\

This..

It is a good thing to get some confidence and the basics down, but it doesn't teach anybody to ride aside from in a parking lot..

[wildchild]

msf is a useful tool is someone doesn't have another way to learn to ride BUT a few days of class and less then 10 miles of range time to get a license will not make you a better rider.

our's here require MSF if you are under 18 and getting a motorcycle endorsement.

for those who want tiered, why? do you think my 1600cc harley is faster or harder to control then a 600cc sportbike? people need to accept personal responsibility for what they drive. licensing only ensures you have a very basic understanding of the controls of a vehicle of one style or another. if you can understand the controls of a 250 rebel you can also drive a triumph rocket. doesn't mean you can handle it in any emergency situation but you can control it.

[anthonyk]

Originally Posted by wildchild

for those who want tiered, why? do you think my 1600cc harley is faster or harder to control then a 600cc sportbike? people need to accept personal responsibility for what they drive. licensing only ensures you have a very basic understanding of the controls of a vehicle of one style or another. if you can understand the controls of a 250 rebel you can also drive a triumph rocket. doesn't mean you can handle it in any emergency situation but you can control it.

You haven't watched many brand-newbies on a bike, I'm guessing. They come up with all kinds of crazy ways to screw up controlling a bike, even after understanding the basic operation of the controls. A tiered system would hopefully keep people on something a little more forgiving until actually controlling the bike becomes second nature (and then they can start paying attention to what's around them).

Tiered licensing doesn't have to be a straight cc limit. Limiting horsepower is probably a smarter idea.

I dunno if the mandatory MSF is a good idea or not. I haven't seen any convincing studies that show the class does any long-term good.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by wildchild

msf is a useful tool is someone doesn't have another way to learn to ride BUT a few days of class and less then 10 miles of range time to get a license will not make you a better rider.

Just to clarify:

The MSF is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The CLASS you take is called (at least here in FL) the BRC - BASIC Riders Course. Emphasis on BASIC. It doesn't pretend to teach you everything you need to know, it's intended as an introductory course to give you the basic knowledge needed to operate a motorcycle. And when you finish the course, they literally tell you 'Congratulations! You're now qualfied to ride a motorcycle around a parking lot!'

That said, it's more training than most people would get otherwise. Having your brother's father's uncle's friend let you take their bike up and down the street a few times doesn't really constitute much in the way of "learning" how to ride. But having some basic skills, and then PRACTICING them (on your own, or with a skilled rider) both in a controlled environment (like a parking lot) and then on the street will go a long way.

Originally Posted by anthonyk

A tiered system would hopefully keep people on something a little more forgiving until actually controlling the bike becomes second nature (and then they can start paying attention to what's around them).

Tiered licensing doesn't have to be a straight cc limit. Limiting horsepower is probably a smarter idea.

I couldn't agree more.