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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!!

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.

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.

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

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!

bikeguy joe wrote: 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

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.

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

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.

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.