HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
Your sportster is known for being a little top heavy so slow tight maneuvers might be more of a challenge. Rent the blast, you'll love the ease of handling. Ride a few circles in a parking lot first and you should have no problem with the test. Rent it a few days early and practice with it if your really concerned about it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
Well I recommend NOT taking an Ultra. \\;\\\\\\; There was no way I could swing that 9 foot \\;long bike between the 12 foot \\;spaced cones. \\;\\\\\\; I cannot rememeber the last time I \\;\\\\\\;was so aggravated. \\;\\\\\\; Afterwards I asked the gal giving the test if she could have done it on a dresser and she admitted that she had never seen it done. \\;\\\\\\; The darn tests should be adjusted for the bike you are using. \\;\\\\\\; I mean what sense does it make for me to rent a 250cc bike to take the test and then drive off on a bagger, arghhhhhh.
 \\;\\\\\\;
-Harry
 \\;\\\\\\;
-Harry
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: Oceanside, CA
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
I have seen the Ca. dmv test done and passed easily by many different bikes- I can do it on my 1200, hubby does it on his KZP1000 and also his vintage Chief, Students of ours have passed on a Gold wing and also a HOnda Rune which is \\;a  \\;huge bike. \\; Any bike can do it- the question is can the operator? It takes time and practice to get it down. Keep in mind the test MUST be done at a walking(idle) speed. Good clutch control and working the friction zone is required along wiht feathering the back brake. I have never seen anyone just ride up and pass the test. It really is NOT hard but you have to have done it a few times to get the feeling and rythm of the course down and pat. I personally would not want to ride next to anyone who cannot pass the test and have good control of their bike in a tight situation.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, Va
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
I agree with what many others here have said. The MSF course would not only be beneficial to you, their skills test is easier to pass. I was at my local DMV last week registering my new bike when I saw one guy fail and another barely pass their driving tests. Both had been riding for years w/o a license, so they weren't exactly newbies. I spoke with them and they insisted that the figure 8 was extremely difficult on their larger metric cruisers. It certainly looked tighter than the one set up at the MSF course.
 \\;
Shakey
 \\;
Shakey
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
First choice would be msf course. \\; Second choice rent or borrow the smallest bike you can. \\; The test is not designed for what people ride in real life. \\;
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 23,178
Likes: 19
From: elsewhere
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
The smaller the bike, the easier they are to turn. They're also so much lighter that you can make them do things that you can't make a big bike do. I went in to take my test (1976) here in Missouri on a day when it was around 10 degrees. The examiner thought I was nuts and only had me go down turn around and come back. Still, I was on a Suzuki 250 Enduro that you could stop, stand on the pegs, and balance for a long time. No way I could do that on my EG.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 423
Likes: 241
From: Pineville, Louisiana
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
ORIGINAL: Medicfrost
I took my DMV test with a Vespa Scooter. \\;\\\\\\; I was the only person to pass out of 4 that day.
I took my DMV test with a Vespa Scooter. \\;\\\\\\; I was the only person to pass out of 4 that day.
 \\;
[sm=funnypostabove.gif]
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
RE: HELP!!! DMV Test Friday the 13th
ORIGINAL: travroc
I am not against taking the MSF, just wanted to try the test before I shell out $250 and 16 hours of my time. \\;\\\\\\; Besides, no openings for the MSF course here until next month. \\;\\\\\\;
I am not against taking the MSF, just wanted to try the test before I shell out $250 and 16 hours of my time. \\;\\\\\\; Besides, no openings for the MSF course here until next month. \\;\\\\\\;
By all means, try it out... \\; If you pass, then you're golden. \\; If not, sucks for you.
 \\;
I, for one, highly recommend taking the class. \\; If you're a new rider or haven't been on a bike in awhile its worth it. \\; The instruction is invaluable, the instructors were cool and the fact that the test you take, and if you pass, is credited towards the DMV is down right nice. \\; No added pressure taking it at the DMV office. \\; The class can be a bit boring but once you're out on the course, its not too bad. \\;
 \\;
I took that class in Corona and only had to wait 2 weeks after registering. \\; It was last year though...