Motorcycle Skills Test: Part 1 (cc)

[2wheelsteve]

The more slow riding practice the better, anyone can ride fast

[Candeekissez]

Steve, Is that a Honda Pacific Coast 800 you're leaning on? I just bought one and love it. I'm just learning how to ride and this is my first bike. Do you think it might be too big for a first time learner?

[KMMCSafety]

@Candeekissez– Riders often get a +1000cc bike first. Stats show riders that get a new bike (size, style, or fit) are more at risk. Stepping-up in size appears more risky than starting large(r). Training seems key for a safe(r) ride!

In class, we discuss bike size, fit, and styles. We suggest to choose a bike that “fits” ride and rider. (Awareness of bike style/size and trained technique reduce risk.) Take a class. Then practice! DOL offers classes to train control/response of ‘your’ bike!

[svengalie]

good video

[tacomajg]

I took a Basic Rider Course to get my endorsement waiver card last month with Puget Sound Safety in the Tacoma area. I had a blast in my class!! Our instructors were full of knowledge and their encouragement and coaching throughout the class helped me to grow from a nervous rider to a confident rider...and I passed my class! It was exciting to see all my new friends in the class progress together. I'm going to take the Intermediate course next summer as a refresher. Puget Sound Safety rocks!!!

[JaSchAirbourne]

How much does it cost to take the test and get a motorcycle license?

[KMMCSafety]

@RatedATG – WA does not offer a "Class M" (motorcycle only) as some other states do.

These (4) evaluations are a part of the Alt-MOST skills test. Successfully passing the skills test allows for a 2-wheel motorcycle endorsement (End: 3) to be added to a driver license.

There are 3 (motorcycle) endorsements offered in WA: “3” (2-wheel), “5” (3-wheel), and “7” (2&3-wheel).

2- vs. 3-wheel endorsements require separate testing of.

(Scooter/Motorcycle vs. Sidecar/Trike)

Hope this helps!

[RatedATG]

Are these videos for the Class M test entirely?

[KMMCSafety]

@akl3g This test is the Alt-MOST by MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). It has a different layout and scoring criteria than the BRC (Basic RiderCourse) by MSF. In WA, we adapted the scoring so both tests are the same.

The Alt-MOST evaluates path-of-travel, ‘foot down’, and stopping distances vs. standard. Whereas, the BRC evaluates these aspects as well as technique(s). Different tests for different customer bases: non-trained vs. trained. Scoring standards are the same.

KM

[beaverulf]

Didn't he make a 180 degree turn? :S

[KMMCSafety]

@beaverulf "kind of".... it was a very large 180!

Within the 1st run, only the ‘90° turn’ (left) and the ‘stop box’ are scored.

In order to get to the ‘stop box’, after the ‘90° turn’, the tester needs to “ride to the other side of the course”.

How? In effect, a large 180° turn –but not scored in any way. Turning to the other side of the course to get to the ‘stop box’ isn’t really looked at.

Only the ‘90° turn’ and ‘stop box’ are scored.

Hope this helps… KM

[KMMCSafety]

@anatoliycst -If you go to DOL.WA.GOV then select MOTORCYCLE then select MOTORCYCLE TESTING there is information there about the Knowledge Test, Riding Test (and offices that 'test'), etc.

Good luck!

[denrizza]

to practice this in a parking lot, how far do the cones need to be apart?

[KMMCSafety]

@denrizza  Cones (for the offset weave) are set 12' distance/apart and 2' feet offset. Usually a combination of friction-zone (throttle/clutch) and/or rear brake -to balance/lean the bike. (Too fast -ya' go wide. Too slow -ya' put a foot down.) It's all about balance, control, and awareness of your bike and positioning.

Good luck! KM

[patriotofcali]

does dmv provide a motorcycle?

[KMMCSafety]

@patriotofcali The safety course companies provides training motorcycles. DOL (who does licensing) does not. To test/license, it is the responsibility of the rider to get a bike (legally) to the test. I'd suggest that if a rider doesn't have a bike... take a safety course! (That's part of the really good $125-training course- gig!) GOOD LUCK!

[yodaddyxx]

i can't make a 90 degree turn

[KMMCSafety]

yodaddyxx: Question, "Where are you looking?"

'Plan the ride'... 'LOOK' where you want to go... then 'ride your plan'! Folks that look down at the lines typically go there and ride over them. Try a 'chin-to-shoulder' head-turn and look father up and out. (It works!) Good luck! KM

[KMMCSafety]

@yodaddyxx -what type of bike??? Try a combination of Outside-Inside-Outside path of travel along with a HUGE head-turn to look where you want to go. (If you're looking down... you'll most likely hit a line or blow the turn. It's all about balance, control, and awareness of your bike and positioning.

[zjbeast]

I am here in NY. I took my motorcycle saftey course. I was so glad I did. I know a lot of people who bought fast superbikes and have been killed on them because they did not practice SAFTEY. When you are on a bike there is no need for wheelies and other stunts while on the road. It is not only a danger to you but to other drivers. I feel no sympathy when someone crashes while being stupid. Keep it on the track. I am glad that you posted these videos. Thank You

[WALicensing]

@zjbeast You're welcome.  Thanks for sharing your story here.

[Jackspadeproductions]

@zjbeast Yes It's common sense that you shouldn't do dangerous things. I do look down upon some safety tests because not everyone needs it. They know how to use it right.

[fmxfreak177]

LMAO i could do anything this instructor could do with my eyes close and one hand and my shifting leg hahahahaha....

[friawan88]

they have the same test in sydney, i was so happy to when i saw this video,now i can learn some tips before going for my test next week ! nice video

[WALicensing]

@friawan88 Very cool!  Thanks for sharing. Feel free to let us know how your test goes.

[friawan88]

@WALicensing ahh man i failed , it was bad luck that is all, i passed all of them and i lost all points in the U turn. all things happened at once.

1- my hand right hand stuck on between throttle and fuel tank coz i have sport bike.

2-engine turned off

3- my feet touch the floor 3 times.

4- i touch the line

5- 8 points has gone in a second , i can't believe it man...ahhhh !!!!but i'll do it again in 10 days so i hope i'll have a bit of luck :(

thanks for your reply message BTW

[KMMCSafety]

@friawan88  -Done that! A tip (especially on a sport bike) is a bit more speed. (Not 60mph... just a bit more.) Why? LEAN. Sport bikes need a bit more speed to (effectively) lean with balance.

Consider trying 2nd gear (I used 3rd in the video) and slipping the clutch (friction zone). Consider dragging the rear brake.

Keep your head & eye up.

Keep knees against the tank.

U-turns work with Head Turn; Handlebar Turn; Lean.

(optional counterweight)

Practice this.. Let me know

[friawan88]

@KMMCSafety i passed :))))

[KMMCSafety]

@friawan88 WOOOOOHOOOOO! Congrats!

I'd love to know 'what worked' for you... and 'why'?

:-) KM

[friawan88]

@KMMCSafety I decided to hire a bike from there, Honda VTR coz it is easier than my CBR.

[skullroses]

here in ohio i took 2 day (16 hour) basic rider course that upon completion earns your endorsement. the MSF instructors and dealer course trainer (who teaches advanced techniques) told us that u turns are for showing off in parking lots. and that the ability to handle curves and swerves along with proper braking are key. and after 2000 miles this summer what i learned saved my life on many occasions none of which involved a U turn... or any 15 mph or slower maneuver

[KMMCSafety]

@skullroses THANK YOU! Great insight! True, most riders consider/use a U-turn as a convenience skill. However, with a (better) understanding of the bike and smooth low-speed control, a rider may be able to save their bike -or life- in a hazardous situation less than 15mph! 

There are reasons for each of the skill-test components. From personal experience, low-speed control has help me time and again!

Ride SAFE! :-) KM

[skullroses]

@KMMCSafety you're right! and i work on my low speed stuff all the time. i need to get better. anyone can go fast in a straight line.... ride smart and stay safe. again you are right...

[GenuineProductions09]

hi im fifteen and im wanting a motorbike for my sixteenth birthday. its cheaper than a car and looks for fun to ride. i dont want a harley but like a motor sports bike. what should i get?

[KMMCSafety]

@GenuineProductions09 - Do you live in WA? You'll need a license then a safety class to add an endorsement -to legally ride.

I'd look to the 'type' of riding you're expecting to do. Then, consider size and style of bike(s). Go to multiple dealerships to try different brands and styles.

From scooters, standards, sport / sport tourers, or cruisers... there are a lot of options.

I suggest a safety class first. As part of they discuss bike types/options.

Important things to consider. K

[supergeek7]

What are the dimensions of the right turn and the stop box? Thanks so I can set up a practice area. Thanks Steve

[WALicensing]

@supergeek7 “Right turn” aka U-Turn? U-turns are dependent on m/c cc size.

(Under 500cc – use a 20’ u-turn area / Over 500cc –use a 24’u-turn area)

For reference (p.68)

dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moto­manual.pdf

Quick-Stops are timed/distance measured. Standards are:

12mph = 9’; 15mph =13’ stopping; 20mph = 23’)

KM

[broberob]

This is exactly the same test you take for Ohio

[FastisFast]

@broberob Really? Im taking my thursday. Its nice to know I can watch this to see what I have to do.

[rama6maiden]

i dont understand why people make this motorcycle culture look like a danger?

what is danger bout motorcycles are the stupid riders!!

[KMMCSafety]

Stats show intersections are the greatest conflict (## of crashes) for motorcyclists. Multi-vehicle crashes are often caused by a driver's inattention or inability to judge a riders speed. (Often turning left into our right-of-way.)

However, its speed, alcohol, and/or inability to navigate lane position that kills most riders in Washington. We are our own worst enemy.

Training, awareness, and safe(r) street strategies are the best thing we can do to ride safely!

[dcnhvhb]

when stopping behind a car at a street light how far back should I stay from them

[KMMCSafety]

@dcnhvhb GREAT question! "It depends!" Personally, I've learned that being seen is as -or important- than being able to see. Ive added hyperlites to for added (rear) visibility.

Drivers often dont see a bike stopped behind a car and misjudges their stopping distance. Personally, Ive found it safe(r) to have enough exit space in case I need to get out of the way! (A bigger bike = more exit space!)

Seeing and being seen (with enough exit space) is the only way to ride!

[ChainbladeVideos]

I'm getting my endorsement in a few weeks in Washington.

Thank you for putting up these videos.

[WALicensing]

@ChainbladeVideos You're welcome. Great to read that you're getting your endorsement. Thanks for posting.

[CBRuRedE]

Thanks for sharing this, man.

[WALicensing]

You betcha! Thanks for watching.

[mcsons]

Thanks for sharing this.

[WALicensing]

@mcsons You're welcome. Thank you for your interest.

[BMWKRS03]

2 thumbs up for getting the beginnings of real motorcycle skill testing.

[datboymark77489]

Thats too technical man

[13loodshed]

better technical than dead :)

[WALicensing]

Also sorry to read that you're having difficulty hearing the videos properly. Just checked on my end and they're all playing correctly here. Is it possible that the volume on one of your speakers is turned down?

[cliffordlouie]

I recently completed and passed the Evergreen Safety Council's Novice course in lieu of the dol exam and can tell you firsthand how valuable these skills are in the real world. The dol exam is just as thorough and I for one am grateful for it. It can save my life one day. This is an outstanding video.