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Basing it on cc's is stupid. If they wanna do this it should be based on HP if anything. For example, a 1200cc sporty is under 70hp but a 600cc sport bike is well over a hundred and has hair trigger controls. What are new riders going to get into more trouble riding? \\;
Probably would make more sense if the 'breakdown' was based on a power to weight ratio instead of just an engine size.
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Guy I know has a 650 VStrom, which isn't considered a super bike by any means, but it will still run circles around the largest displacement stock Harley cruisers, and could get a beginner rider 'in over his head' very quickly.
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A power to weight breakout would make more sense than just throwing out displacement figures.
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Fine with me...so long as they do the same with cars. Get your diver's license on a Toyota Tercel doesn't mean you're qualified to drive that 8000pound Lincoln Navigator.
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OOOO! that would be AWSOME! most people would drive Yugo's around here! \\;
A couple of weeks ago I rode a coworkers Honda CX 500T (turbo from the factory) http://www.turbomotorcycles.org/TMIO...a_CX500Tc.html \\; The motor was "scary" you had to make sure you were pointed in the right direction since you would be shifiting very quick. \\; the motor was too much for the suspension and brakes and more importantly the tires available for the sock wheel sizes. \\;What legislators fail to realize that the 600 sport bikes can out accelerate 99% of any car on the road and can hit of 140. \\; the factor controlling the item is the wrist and how far you turn it.
Greetings,
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Illinois has a tiered system as well...But it's up to 150cc for a L class license, and 151cc and above is the M class license. People in record numbers are getting their L class license so they can look gay on their scooters all over town.
California has 2 as well, m1 for full size and m2 for scooters. I think there is way too many problems trying to break it down more than that. Most of them mentioned in the posts above. I wish there was a tiered system for cars, other than the age based restrictions. I would hate to see my wife driving a Lincoln Navigator, she's the feared "woman driver", hell I don't let her drive my pickup. I told her she doesn't have the diesel endorsement, so she really can't drive it legally. They are so cute at that age.
Been that way in Europe for years, very hard to get your license. The dealership I work at sells metrics and I have seen too many kids buying crotch rockets and have zero riding experience. This year alone I have seen two of them go to leave the lot, nail it and shoot straight into the median and cross four lanes (luckily no traffic) usually a lot of trashed plastic and road rash but I can see how it will end up, not pretty!
I thought most European countries did it based on experience? \\; I thought when you first got your licence you could only ride a certain size, and as time progresses you can eventually start (legally) riding larger bikes. \\; They typically have more standards and sportbikes than cruisers like Harley's, so they size/power ratio tends to follow a little more closely. \\;
I personally think it would be a good idea to have some kinda of tiered system. \\; Maybe a combination of size/power and experience? \\; It's rare that someone who just took the MSF should be riding a 600+ pound bike for their first ride (or a GSXR1000 - pushing out 150+hp!)
If I have a motorcycle license I should be able to ride whatever I like. \\; If I have a car license I can drive whatever I like as long it is for commercial purposes so I don't see the difference. \\;
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If I have a motorcycle license I should be able to ride whatever I like. \\;\\\\\\; If I have a car license I can drive whatever I like as long it is for commercial purposes so I don't see the difference. \\;\\\\\\;
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Different skillsets are required for riding a motorcycle. \\; Keep in mind that driving (and riding) is not something that is guaranteed for you to do. \\; It should probably be the same way for cars as well. \\; There's no reason for a 16 year old kid to be driving a Mustang Cobra around for their first vehicle (or a Humvee for that matter). \\; It still takes a different skillset to operate those vehicles.
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On the other hand you do have a point though. \\; The tiered liceneses is just yet another form of control by our government (state in this case). \\; Not sure if I like it from that standpoint.
 \\; It's a tough call to be sure.
I am a truck driver I have to have different endorsements for different things.
I see people driving motorhomes as big as busses that have no idea what they are doing, i think they should have to have special licensing for it, kids with no riding experiance buying 600 and 1000 cc crotch rockets and riding them home from the dealer with no endorsement..
Its crazy when you think about what some people can do, but then again, it's crazy how much legislation is being put on us..
 \\;When does it end???
I guess I agree with tiered licensing ( as I have that with my CDL ), I see the point of it.
I dont agree with all these laws being passed \\;for everything we do.
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