Driver's Test on a Fat Boy
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Kansas
Driver's Test on a Fat Boy
Anybody done it? I know it's not the ideal bike for a driver's test but it's what I got now and after a long break from riding, I've decided it's time to do it legally. I took the written and now I need to take the driving part.
Any tips or tricks or advice (besides get a different bike for the test) would be appreciated!
Any tips or tricks or advice (besides get a different bike for the test) would be appreciated!
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 926
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, KS
I took the MSF class, they gave me a voucher so I just went to the DMV and had the motorcycle endorsement added on, no test, but, the class costs about 180 bucks.
I hear the driving part is not that hard here in Kansas.
I hear the driving part is not that hard here in Kansas.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Canal Fulton, Ohio
I took the Ohio test on a Fatboy, the only real challenge is getting the bike through the cones. The good news is that even if you hit a couple of cones and ace the rest of the test you can still pass. It took me three tries but I finally got it = stay focused and don't quit if you make a mistake.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 3
From: Mebane, NC
I took my test on a Fatboy. I didn't think it was bad at all. The only problem I had was a low hanging tree that the instructor placed the cones under. After ducking my head and putting my foot down he just told me to do it again. If you practice and get familiar with yor bike it should not be an issue.
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
If you can ride you can pass....
If you cant pass you maybe aint ready to be piloting that 700 pound missle around the public streets with women and children present?
I know thats harsh but we have way too many guys getting themselves killed and endangering innocent others here in Colorado on big bikes.
Practice in a parking lot somewhere til' you feel 110% confident in your abilities.
Good Luck! n' God Bless!
If you cant pass you maybe aint ready to be piloting that 700 pound missle around the public streets with women and children present?
I know thats harsh but we have way too many guys getting themselves killed and endangering innocent others here in Colorado on big bikes.
Practice in a parking lot somewhere til' you feel 110% confident in your abilities.
Good Luck! n' God Bless!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
I took my road test on a Honda ACE 750, which doesn't have the same power as a Fat Boy but it's similar in overall size and wheel base and I did fine (the 750 was about 150 pounds lighter, though). However, in Texas you just ride on the street and the inspector follows you in a car driven by another person. If it had been an obstacle-type course with cones and stuff, I might have had to take the test a few times.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
I was lucky. in Texas you take a 20 question computer quiz after you take the MSF. the MSF is kinda expensive - I believe mine was around $180 also. but, because I had bought a new Honda (gasp!!) Honda paid $175 of it. I'm not sure HD offers the same deal.
I'd think if you're comfortable on your Fat Boy, and can handle it, you should have no problem with a road test..... remember to look WHERE you want to go, not down at the ground beside you.
I'd think if you're comfortable on your Fat Boy, and can handle it, you should have no problem with a road test..... remember to look WHERE you want to go, not down at the ground beside you.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
If you know how to ride at low speeds using the "friction zone" and rear brake it's easy. Go to a parking lot and practice. If you don't know this technique, take the MSF class and skip the test. In Michigan, the classes at the community college are subsidised by the state and cost $25. I took the test on a Honda Interceptor 550 which made it very easy to pass. At the time I looked at the cones and thought there's no way I could pass with a big Harley.
Last edited by barjbar; Sep 10, 2009 at 11:59 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 2
From: nw alabama
never knew you had to take a road test!!!! i got my mc license when i was 14, and all we had was a written test.... when i got my auto license ,they put the mc indorsement on them... take in mind that this was almost 40yrs ago......
