Vroom Vroom

How I got my license and learned about motorcycles

Getting a License

You need a Class M driver's license to legally drive a motorcycle. I completed this process in New York, and this actually turned out to be pretty simple.

The gist is that once you have passed your permit test and your road test, you get a license! And if you've already got a driver's license, then you don't need to pass a road test - you can just pass a two-day certification course and get a waiver for the road test.

The permit test is pretty easy. In New York, you can take this test online. The two-day certification course cost me $310. It's worth the money because:

• You get your license without taking a road test
• You get training and instruction from experienced instructors
• It doesn't hurt to know some other motorcyclists

How Bikes Work

Motorcycles can be thought of as pretty simple when compared to cars. However, they can also be pretty complicated. There's something like 66 essential parts in a sportbike. A motorcycle can have between one and six cylinders.

Styles of Bikes

There are two main categories: street and dirt. The main styles of street bikes are:

Standard (Naked): Essentially sportbikes not optimized for racing - no plastic side fairings, shorter tank, central footpegs, higher handlebars. More comfortable for everyday riding.

Sportbike: Built to resemble road racing machines. Driver leaned heavily forward, lower handlebars. Made for speed, not ideal for long rides. More powerful with sharper braking and handling.

Cruiser: The opposite of sportbikes. Rider is completely upright with no leaning. Very relaxed sitting position. Optimized for comfort over speed.

Touring: Meant to carry lots of stuff at high speeds for long distances. Storage built in with huge saddlebags. Often have audio systems and navigation.

Sport Touring: Hybrid of touring and sportbike. Lighter and faster than touring, but more comfortable than pure sportbikes.

Buying Gear

Helmet Considerations

• Head shape, size, helmet type, and color
• Visibility (go for yellow or orange for safety)
• Pinlock visor insert for anti-fog
• Sunvisors
• Bluetooth
• DOT/Snell Certification

Top Starter Bikes (from worst to best)

• F Tier: Suzuki GSX 250, Harley starter bikes, Royal Enfield, cheap Chinese bikes
• E Tier: Honda 300 series, Yamaha MT03, BMW G310
• D Tier: Kawasaki Ninja 400/Z400, Yamaha R3, RC390, Honda 500s
• C Tier: Kawasaki 650s, Suzuki SV650
• B Tier: MT07, Honda 650s, Triumph Trident 360
• A Tier: Duke 390
• S Tier: Kawasaki KLX 300, Svartpilen 402

If buying used: look for less than 7500 miles.