Finally popped my Cherry!

[basshole]

Well, I've had my 2006 Suzuki C50 for just over 2 weeks now. Passed my MSF and have my CA motorcycle permit. Now I'm waiting for whatever form it is the state needs from MSF to upgrade the permit to a full blown license. Anyways, I've been dreading the thought of driving on So Cal freeways for obvious reasons and today I finally did it. I hopped on the 405 north at the El Toro "Y" and headed up to Jamboree Rd about 8 miles away to hit the bank. Went during lunch so traffic was free flowing at about 70mph. I kept my cool and stayed relaxed (even sang to myself) and kept my head on a swivel. Had no problems going there or coming back at all. I even made myself go past some big rig traffic to feel the wash out effect so I'd know what it felt like.

Pretty simple to say that the more I ride the more comfortable I feel with my surroundings. I've commuted to work on my bike every day for over a week now and even experienced 2 guys trying to merge in on me today and was able to escape with no problems. Last night was my first commute home in the dark and had me a bit jumpy at first but i got acclimated to headlights being on me and my general lack of visability. I'm having sooo much fun!! As soon as I get off my bike I want to get right back on! I hope I never lose that feeling!!

[cb360]

Very cool Basshole. Glad you are doing well.

Not sure how Cali handles licenses. Up her in Wa we just show our MSF card at the DMV, pay an extra $25 and they issue a new license with an "two-wheeled cycle" endorsement on the back.

[Shiv]

Congratulations.

It's always a big moment when someone pops their cherry. Some day I, too, will pop my own. But at the moment I can't afford to have one. Gotta get a job first and then a bike.

Then I too can pop my very own cherry.


Innuendo ITT.

[Wizzard]

Good for you Bass . You need to take your permit and your MSF card etc. to the DMV your self . Then you will get your M1 endorsement on your new license and it will be renewed for only 3 years . After that , depending on your driving record , the renewal will be for more or less . As usual .
Regards, Wizzard

[bikeguy joe]

Good for you! Good choice of bike too. (I've got a 2003 Volusia among others...)

Man! I gotta say one thing here- you guys have it hard these days getting your licences, probably a good thing though. I just walked into the DMV in 1977 and took the written test for my "temps" then a couple weeks later, took the "riding portion" of the test and had my licence.

I also wrecked bad twice (both my fault) one of them breaking my neck in three places.

Had many near misses. (did you know a lot of bikes "stand up" and want to go straight when you get on the brakes hard mid corner?) Talk about a learning curve!

Never took the MSF course (probably should....you CAN teach an old dog new tricks....I have done a lot of reading and practising of good riding techniques and the last time I crashed was 21 years ago)

It took me 20 years to learn what you can learn by taking the riders course- do it!

[Loonette]

Man! I gotta say one thing here- you guys have it hard these days getting your licences, probably a good thing though. I just walked into the DMV in 1977 and took the written test for my "temps" then a couple weeks later, took the "riding portion" of the test and had my licence.

It took me 20 years to learn what you can learn by taking the riders course- do it!

In most states you can still obtain a license the way you did in '77. Only a few states require a rider's course - for most though it's just an option. If the US ever adopts a graduated licensing system like they have in other countries, that would complicate things a bit. Even though the MSF course is optional here, I still believe it's a great way to go through the whole process.

Congratulations Basshole!! Keep forcing yourself into that nasty traffic. Even though I don't need to ride in it hardly ever, I still ride in heavy traffic once in awhile to keep my nerves steady. Keep practicing, and enjoy your new ride.

Cheers,
Loonette

[basshole]

Thanks Guys! This is the most fun I've had since I bought my boat! And I get to use it a hell of alot more too!! It's amazing how quickly I've adapted to the bike and how much more comfortable and confident I feel on it everytime I ride it.

[bikeguy joe]

Great bike too....did I mention that?

[basshole]

LOL.. Yeah you did!! And I love it!!!! A very cool ride indeed!!! I've only seen one other one on the road too and it was black.

[bikeguy joe]

er, um, well....they are technically very dark blue metalflake. When I bought mine, I thought it was black, so did the "salesman". A few weeks after I got it I was looking at it in the bright sunlight and it's very dark blue metalflake.