"Rainbow" (rainbeaux)
02/23/2015 at 08:07 • Filed to: None
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"Rainbow" (rainbeaux)
02/23/2015 at 08:07 • Filed to: None | 0
| 13 |
I could probably look this up the easy way, but I'm too lazy to think of how to word it right. Anyway, once you get motorcycle certification (or whatever they call it) on your license, does it need to be renewed separately or are you legally able to ride forever as long as you can still drive? The reason I ask is that I want a bike, but I don't want my permit until I'm sure I can use it. Since my dad used to ride like 10 years ago, I'm wondering if he'd be able to bring said bike home if and when I do buy it, or if it'll need to be towed. I know I could ask him, but he won't be home for 8 hours or so and I'll forget by then...
EDIT: In Georgia, it apparently needs to be renewed separately. Thanks for the help, though, everyone!
yamahog
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:13 |
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It may vary by state, but everywhere I've been licensed (NY, CA, MI), the full motorcycle endorsement is valid as long as the license is. Permits are a different story.
iakona
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:13 |
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Uh, it depends on the state you're in I'm sure. I know in NC, once you've received your motorcycle endorsement, it's part of your regular driver license renewal every 8 years(I think? I'm pretty sure that's it). As far as the bike, riding it or trailering it home is completely up to the seller, as you'll need them to let you keep their tag on the bike until you get it home. That said, I normally bring a trailer when I buy a motorcycle.
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Rainbow
> iakona
02/23/2015 at 08:26 |
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Cool, thanks! In related news, I literally just came across one of these on Craigslist and will probably buy it today or tomorrow since the price is right:
A Yamaha CV80, (unsure of the year) not running for $150. I'm going to offer the guy $100 since my research tells me these are fairly cheap (let me know if I should go even lower) and then attempt to restore it or, worst-case-scenario, try to break even. I figure an 80cc bike with a top speed of like 40 will be excellent for a first time, not to mention it's cute and cheap and will give me a fun little project. That said, the engine is too big for it to be exempt from insurance and registration, so I'm not even sure if the seller has a title or if one can be found at all.... that would be a deal-breaker for me.
Clown Shoe Pilot
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:27 |
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In Texas, your "M" license is valid as long as you keep renewing your license. My dad hasn't ridden a motorcycle in 40 years but he's still legally allowed to.
JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:30 |
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it varies by state. in Vermont the endorsement costs extra to keep on your license at the time of renewal, but you don't have to retake the test if you keep the endorsement valid. You may have a permit, which is good for 90 days, once a year, up to four times before you have take the test. My dad finally stopped paying the extra $40/4years to keep his endorsement but he had it for over 20 years without ever owning or riding a motorcycle in that time.
McMike
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:37 |
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In Virginia, it's forever.
Come to think of it, so is my regular license. I'll be 46 this year, so we're looking at 30 years with a driver's license after one single test.
Will they ever make me take another written test? And if they do... would I pass?
Tohru
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:51 |
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In Wisconsin, you have to renew it every 8 years along with your driver's license. Class D (auto) license is $34 for renewal, Class M (motorcycle) is $18. As long as you renew it every time your license expires, you're good to go.
505Turbeaux
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 08:57 |
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I would research the laws where you live, up here in Maine anything that shifts manually or is above 49cc you need an endorsement for. Some states have better classifications for scooters that let you ride those without the endorsement. I have had my endorsement in 2 states so I never worried, and I still recommend it just for the course, but good to know the laws
nermal
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 10:56 |
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Skip the buying the bike now part, and go directly to < http://www.msf-usa.org/ > and sign up for the next course you can take. You'll need to get a permit in advance, go through your local DMV for that. You may need to get a helmet first as well.
Why do that? Because you'll learn how to ride a motorcycle, safely, at little to no cost. You'll then have your full license afterwards. You'll also be able to drop and / or wreck the clutch on their crappy classroom 125 / 250cc cruisers instead of your new bike.
It's well worth the time, usually two or three weekends. You'll get a significant discount on your insurance after passing the course. In addition to the being better equipped to handle a bike without getting squashed by a truck and whatnot.
ranwhenparked
> Rainbow
02/23/2015 at 15:34 |
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It varies by state. In Pennsylvania, I believe it's forever. I know my dad has/had an "M" endorsement, even though he's never ridden a motorcycle in his life. Apparently, you could just check a box and pay an extra fee at one time (ca. 1965), and that would be it.
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ranwhenparked
> 505Turbeaux
02/23/2015 at 15:35 |
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Some states also draw a distinction between a step-through or sit-on frame. A CVT 49cc bike with a 40mph top speed might still require a motorcycle endorsement if there isn't a floor to rest your feet.
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505Turbeaux
> ranwhenparked
02/23/2015 at 15:39 |
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interesting, I did not know that. Would a 125 vespa require it if it does have floors?
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ranwhenparked
> 505Turbeaux
02/23/2015 at 15:45 |
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It's all state by state, no real consistency. But, I believe the one commonality in pretty much all states is that if the engine is over 49cc, you do need a license.