Failed motorcycle road test today

[tdragger]

I used to tell my MSF students, "Anyone can ride a motorcycle fast. It takes skill to ride one slow." I'd then demonstrate the MOST test on my 83 Yamaha Venture. On the figure 8, you have to use speed and angle to make the turn. It is extremely difficult if you try to "steer" the turn.

 

[cr0ft]

The course here is tight. In fact I even tried walking the Rocket round the u-turn box and on full lock and leaning over as far as I was game it still went outside the lines by about a metre. Impossible to ride it.

The test is about rider skill, not bike turning radius. The only sane thing they should do then is to measure out the box so it fits the bike, not try to make people do donuts in order to turn sufficiently...

 

[CanberraR3]

The test is about rider skill, not bike turning radius. The only sane thing they should do then is to measure out the box so it fits the bike, not try to make people do donuts in order to turn sufficiently...

No one doing the test would be on a Rocket. They're not legal for learners and provision riders. Test is set up for eligible bikes. I did see a rider on an C50 Boulevard manage, so it is possible on a bike of that size at least but generally people on cruiser style bikes struggle - even 250s - due to the wheel base and geometry.

 

[steve59]

I go when they're closed every time I get a new bike I passed on my sportster my dyna would have failed the braking test and my rocket can't make the hard left turn.

 

[Mittzy]

Is this test compulsory in some places around the world?

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

The test is all about your ability to ride slow and keep your balance. Starting off, maneuvering slow and particularly coming to a stop is the hardest part. It's like flying an airplane. Take off...somewhat easy and dangerous, flying ... very easy and very fun, landing ... hard easy fun dangerous all at the same time. Don't fly if you can't land safely. Don't ride if you can't handle a bike very slow.

 

[tdragger]

Mully, the bottom line is that you should just go ahead and take the MSF course. You'll get your license at the end of it and most likely a discount on your insurance. It's a small price to pay.

 

[mully95]

Mully, the bottom line is that you should just go ahead and take the MSF course. You'll get your license at the end of it and most likely a discount on your insurance. It's a small price to pay.

Hmmm I'll have to check on it then. Find out the places in my area. I have found a friend that will allow use of his Honda Rebel if I need it. That would be cheating I suppose. Time is what I have a hard time with. My new job is not allowing anything happen to my plans. They didn't really like me taking time off to go to the DMV yesterday. They acted like it didnt matter but I could tell. I work six days a week with every other Saturday off. Anyways .... I still have a hard time understanding how going that slow maneuvering proves anything. I have put 20,000 miles on my Roadster, and who knows how many on my other bikes I have rode through the years and never once have I had to maneuver that slow to do dodge others, go through parking lots, parking decks and so forth. Passing that test really doesn't prove anything to me. Who in the hell is going to veer in and out of cones and do wacky stuff like that in normal daily driving? To me if you put yourself in that type of situation you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. If they wanted to get "real" they should have gravel laid out there somewhere and have you turn around in it to really prove something. I mean things that motorcyclist encounter on a daily basis that can really mess your day up. So I learn how to veer through cones, turn around in a small box then forgot about it and never use that capability again?

 

[Lester532]

I don't know the tall goofy guy, but he's pretty good. Practice, practice, practice.

 

[peter k]

Don't sweat it ,the riders safety course near me only trains the riders on Honda 150's

That

Hmmm I'll have to check on it then. Find out the places in my area. I have found a friend that will allow use of his Honda Rebel if I need it. That would be cheating I suppose. Time is what I have a hard time with. My new job is not allowing anything happen to my plans. They didn't really like me taking time off to go to the DMV yesterday. They acted like it didnt matter but I could tell. I work six days a week with every other Saturday off. Anyways .... I still have a hard time understanding how going that slow maneuvering proves anything. I have put 20,000 miles on my Roadster, and who knows how many on my other bikes I have rode through the years and never once have I had to maneuver that slow to do dodge others, go through parking lots, parking decks and so forth. Passing that test really doesn't prove anything to me. Who in the hell is going to veer in and out of cones and do wacky stuff like that in normal daily driving? To me if you put yourself in that type of situation you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. If they wanted to get "real" they should have gravel laid out there somewhere and have you turn around in it to really prove something. I mean things that motorcyclist encounter on a daily basis that can really mess your day up. So I learn how to veer through cones, turn around in a small box then forgot about it and never use that capability again?

I think you are some what right but if you want your liscence you have to play there game