Would you want to have UK-style licensing laws?

[Grey Thumper]

Seems pretty harsh, but I'll bet there are far fewer squids getting killed on GSX-Rs there.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring...9/mfbike119.xml

"Armed with your provisional motorcycle licence, you must take Compulsory Basic Training (CBT - about £80-100) before you're allowed on the roads, on a sub-125cc bike. You must show basic machine-handling competence, after which you're issued with a certificate valid for two years. You also need to pass a theory test to gain a full licence, although this can be taken once you're riding on the road with L-plates."

"At the end, you come away with a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence, but don't assume you can then ride a 180mph superbike: apart from anything else, no insurer will touch you. For the first two years after the standard test, taken on a 125cc bike, you're restricted to a machine of no more than 33bhp, which is sufficient for some riders indefinitely. Many bikes producing much more power can be restricted to 33bhp by dealers, so you can ride one of these for two years and then have the restriction removed, effectively giving you a new bike without the hassle of buying and selling."

[jonnythan]

Seems pretty harsh, but I'll bet there are far fewer squids getting killed on GSX-Rs there.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring...9/mfbike119.xml

"Armed with your provisional motorcycle licence, you must take Compulsory Basic Training (CBT - about £80-100) before you're allowed on the roads, on a sub-125cc bike. You must show basic machine-handling competence, after which you're issued with a certificate valid for two years. You also need to pass a theory test to gain a full licence, although this can be taken once you're riding on the road with L-plates."

"At the end, you come away with a full, unrestricted motorcycle licence, but don't assume you can then ride a 180mph superbike: apart from anything else, no insurer will touch you. For the first two years after the standard test, taken on a 125cc bike, you're restricted to a machine of no more than 33bhp, which is sufficient for some riders indefinitely. Many bikes producing much more power can be restricted to 33bhp by dealers, so you can ride one of these for two years and then have the restriction removed, effectively giving you a new bike without the hassle of buying and selling."

No. CC limits are stupid. You can have a 125cc bike with sharp handling and brakes that really rips, but you can also have a 750cc bike that's leisurely and slow.

[fireguzzi]

While I think that it's a good idea to have proper training and to start on a small bike, I like having the freedom to choose for myself what I can do.

[x0054]

No way, this is America, for god sakes, and I want my freedom. In fact, I do not like the fact that I have to get any sort of license what so ever. UK generally sucks in all things related to automotive laws, and they suck in this respect as well. I like people getting R1s as their first bike and killing them selves, then I can find cheep parts online for mine.

- Bogdan

[Dragonhawk]

Honestly, this is a tough issue.

As a species, we should not discourage Darwinism. Therefore, because I believe in individual freedom, I also take heart the phrase:

"Helmet laws pollute the gene pool."

At the same time, what about the morons who take out an innocent bystander (who just might be YOUR own loved-one)?

As a culture, we are pretty harsh on drunk driving. However, some nimrod buying a GXR-1000 as their first motorcycle is JUST as dangerous as any drunk driver. Yet we don't stop them.

In our culture, "freedom of choice" does NOT apply to driving drunk. We do not give you that option. Why? Because it endangers peoples lives.

Owning a 150HP motorcycle as your first bike endangers lives too. Why does our culture permit that "freedom of choice" for people?

See? The issue isn't so simple.

[storysunfolding]

I like the idea. I think it should be rated by hp and not cc. Given the nature of america's bike availability and roads I think the bottom hp limit should be higher, but I think it would be advantageous to all parties involved.

[jimyed]

No way, this is America, for god sakes, and I want my freedom. In fact, I do not like the fact that I have to get any sort of license what so ever. UK generally sucks in all things related to automotive laws, and they suck in this respect as well. I like people getting R1s as their first bike and killing them selves, then I can find cheep parts online for mine.

- Bogdan

Your attitude while typical of most North American's highlights the problem. We take things like riding as a right. In fact it should be regarded as a privledge. learning to actualy ride BEFORE geting an R1 wouldn't hurt any one and might just be a big help.
My 2 cents

[Johnj]

No way, this is America, for god sakes, and I want my freedom. In fact, I do not like the fact that I have to get any sort of license what so ever. UK generally sucks in all things related to automotive laws, and they suck in this respect as well. I like people getting R1s as their first bike and killing them selves, then I can find cheep parts online for mine.

- Bogdan

Your attitude while typical of most North American's highlights the problem. We take things like riding as a right. In fact it should be regarded as a privledge. learning to actualy ride BEFORE geting an R1 wouldn't hurt any one and might just be a big help.
My 2 cents

jimyed, most North Americans do not share x0045's attitude.

[desper]

No way, this is America, for god sakes, and I want my freedom. In fact, I do not like the fact that I have to get any sort of license what so ever. UK generally sucks in all things related to automotive laws, and they suck in this respect as well. I like people getting R1s as their first bike and killing them selves, then I can find cheep parts online for mine.

- Bogdan

Your attitude while typical of most North American's highlights the problem. We take things like riding as a right. In fact it should be regarded as a privledge. learning to actualy ride BEFORE geting an R1 wouldn't hurt any one and might just be a big help.
My 2 cents

jimyed, most North Americans do not share x0045's attitude.

+1 Not a common point of view, and lumping all of North America together is a little rash. Up here in Canada, from my experience, people don't think they are entitled to anything and everything they desire under the guise of 'freedom'.

[Brackstone]

I'm in favor of natural selection.

Remove the labels from Hair Driers and Toasters that say "Do not Submerge in Water".