Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
Get the Ride Like a Pro video. You can wheel anything around on the required course with some practice. If you can, ride the test course during off-hours. I had no problem on my HD, while the crotch rockets were smacking the cones. It will give you more condience in your own scoot.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
Matt,
I have a Road Glide, and rode it when I took the Experienced Rider Class as well as a six-week Arizona Drill Team course. These courses are more challenging (in my view) than the initial State qualificatiion course. Like some have already suggested, it would be better if you use a smaller bike to qualify and get your endorsement. Then, go back and take an intermediate course using your RK. You'll be surprised how nimble and easy to turn a Road King is! Of course, it takes lots of practice and confidence to really lean your bike and weave the cones. If you are not sure about the State course, then I would use a smaller bike.
My goal is to go back and take a riding course every other year to help keep me mentally sharp.
Good Luck!
Kahuna
I have a Road Glide, and rode it when I took the Experienced Rider Class as well as a six-week Arizona Drill Team course. These courses are more challenging (in my view) than the initial State qualificatiion course. Like some have already suggested, it would be better if you use a smaller bike to qualify and get your endorsement. Then, go back and take an intermediate course using your RK. You'll be surprised how nimble and easy to turn a Road King is! Of course, it takes lots of practice and confidence to really lean your bike and weave the cones. If you are not sure about the State course, then I would use a smaller bike.
My goal is to go back and take a riding course every other year to help keep me mentally sharp.
Good Luck!
Kahuna
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
I live in Ohio (Cincinnati) and the test doesn't have a figure 8. I took the test with my Road King and dropped zero points. It can be done. Weaving through the cones was the the toughest part, especially the last two cones. The tester even told me that I could hit the last three cones and still pass. Go and watch a few take the test, it's no big deal. And take it on your own bike, you'll be glad you did. Good Luck.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
I don't know anybody that has a smaller bike. Most of my friends have big sport touring bikes or bikes just as big as mine.
I took a MSF course w/ test over 20 yrs ago to avoid the testing center (PA).
At the time, there was a State Trooper at the testing center who failed everybody.
He had been banished there until his retirement, and shared his misery freely.
I understand the arguements for passing the exam with the bike you're going to ride.
They are valid, but rather academic until the state starts filling potholes with orange cones.
I'm a little more mission oriented; goal = pass test, stack the deck in your favor, steal a Vespa.
You want real world practise; drink until last call, pick-up a fat chick and ride 2-up on back roads you don't know to her place.
Cheers
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
The state course can be passed on just about any production bike if you know the proper techniques and how to use them. The toughest part is the offset slow cone weave. In most states it will be 5 cones spaced 12ft apart, with cones 2 and 4 offset 2 ft. You will have to place your front tire in line with the first offset cone. The trick to this is to focus 4 ft above the last cone. DON'T look at the cones directly in front of the bike or you will never make it. Look as far ahead of the bike as possible. Stay in the friction zone, and put pressure on the rear brake the entire time you are weaving thru the cones. To practice this exercise. start with the cones 12 feet apart, in a straight line. Then, start moving the offset cones 6 inches at a time untill you get the 2 ft offset. In Florida, the state course road test has a 90 percent failure rate mainly because 90 percent of riders don't know how to use their head and eyes, the friction zone, and the rear brake properly. I even included this test in my new Ride Like A Pro dvd for people who are still riding on a permit.
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
If you can find one I'd go with a smaller bike.
I took the test about 20 years ago on a scooter
Could have passed with a blindfold on! However, You can't do the scooter thing in CA anymore for a M1
unless it is 250 cc or better.
Took the course last time around for the discount. And even felt I learned some things.
My husband who has riden for a very long time used my 650 Yamaha Custom and passed fine
he did not want to risk using the Honda VTX 1800 (very big bike). The nimbler the bike
the easier it is.
Confidence is everything though so if your confident go for it!
BTW, my husband went over and practiced on the actual test course
after hours. Might be a plan if you can do it.
I took the test about 20 years ago on a scooter
Could have passed with a blindfold on! However, You can't do the scooter thing in CA anymore for a M1
unless it is 250 cc or better.
Took the course last time around for the discount. And even felt I learned some things.
My husband who has riden for a very long time used my 650 Yamaha Custom and passed fine
he did not want to risk using the Honda VTX 1800 (very big bike). The nimbler the bike
the easier it is.
Confidence is everything though so if your confident go for it!
BTW, my husband went over and practiced on the actual test course
after hours. Might be a plan if you can do it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
motorman,
I took a look at your web page, read a few of your articles, and will purchase your DVD today.
I tried a couple of your tips yesterday, and found them helpful.
I thought I controlled my bike well at slow speeds, but your rear brake technique made an improvement.
Thanks, Marty
I took a look at your web page, read a few of your articles, and will purchase your DVD today.
I tried a couple of your tips yesterday, and found them helpful.
I thought I controlled my bike well at slow speeds, but your rear brake technique made an improvement.
Thanks, Marty
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 472
Likes: 11
From: Erie, PA
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
Motorman,
I just wanted to tell you I purchased your DVD last year and it has made a great improvement in my low speed manuvering and confidence. I continue to practice weekly and am wondering how hard these sessions are on the clutch.
Thanks
I just wanted to tell you I purchased your DVD last year and it has made a great improvement in my low speed manuvering and confidence. I continue to practice weekly and am wondering how hard these sessions are on the clutch.
Thanks
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
ORIGINAL: venture33
I took a look at your web page, read a few of your articles, and will purchase your DVD today.
I tried a couple of your tips yesterday, and found them helpful.
I thought I controlled my bike well at slow speeds, but your rear brake technique made an improvement.
I took a look at your web page, read a few of your articles, and will purchase your DVD today.
I tried a couple of your tips yesterday, and found them helpful.
I thought I controlled my bike well at slow speeds, but your rear brake technique made an improvement.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IN
RE: Rider Test on a RK - Can I Do It?
ORIGINAL: Otisroundtree
Why not pass on the bike you are going to ride all the time...If you cheat and do it on a dirt bike it may come up to bite you latter on when youneed those skills on the bagger!
My 2cents
Why not pass on the bike you are going to ride all the time...If you cheat and do it on a dirt bike it may come up to bite you latter on when youneed those skills on the bagger!
My 2cents
Ride your Road King. If your not confident enough yet, ride until you are. You've already said you've had a permit for years[sm=confused06.gif].
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]