Oklahoma didn't require motorcycle endorcement until 1985.

 

I have been riding since 1974 without a MC endorsement. I recently found out that in Ohio no endorsement means no payout from the insurance carrier. I will be getting one this spring. Been pulled over some through the years but the cops never noticed I was riding without one. Either that or they just did'nt say anything. (doubtful).

 

Same here in TEXAS. My wife took the course, they rode Honda Rebel 250's. after she passed the class she went to the dmv, game them her card, took the written test and she had a liscense. She also rides a Heritage. big difference between rebel 250 and heritage!

 

Here's the reverse perspective - I've been riding since I was 11, but didn't get the M endorsement until 1978 in California, when I was 19. For many years I didn't own a motorcycle, but I kept the endorsement up on my license. As a result, I could always rent or ride friends's motorcycles. Best of all, when I bought my FLHR in 2001, my insurance agent mentioned that I had 23 years of experience, so I would receive full coverage insurance for $275 per year. Reason enough to always have my M endorsement!

 

This is in Florida:

Starting July 1 2008, new motorcyclists must take and pass the Basic Rider Course through the Florida Rider Trainer Program before they can have the motorcycle endorsement added to their license, per Section 322.12(5)(a)., Florida Statutes

From May 1988 until July 1, 2008, a written and road test were the only requirements in order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. As stated above, the requirements have changed.
I do not know what the fine is but it may require a court appearance.
My suggestion is to complete all of the requirements before the court appearance as this may reduce or eliminate the citation.
Any Fla LEO'S? here that could verify?

 

I rode off and on for 27 years without one. Not proud or ashamed just a fact. There never seemed to be a convenient time to go take both tests. Bought my first Harley in 2006 and no one even asked about one. Not the dealership or my insurance agent. That bike was a Night Rod. My biggest motivation for getting off my *** and getting the endorsement was the fact that I was putting a set of Jug Huggers on it and I figured it would only be a matter of time before I got pulled over for noise (it was seriously loud and still the best sounding bike I've ever heard). Took the test with no problems on that bike. A year and a half later I traded it for my current '08 Street Glide. Remember saying to my wife I was glad I took the test on the smaller bike. Funny thing is the SG is by far the easiest low speed handling bike I have ever been on! Would be a breeze to take the test with. But I will say in my case having the license made me more relaxed when I ride.

 

ok here is the deal here in Illinois (Im a LEO here so I think I know a little) if you are pulled over in Illinois for no M classification it is a ticket, but the LEO is not supposed to let you drive away, meaning you can either park the bike or have it towed, if you trust a tow truck company with your 20,000+ machine, more power to you, but not me! As for being arrested that isnt going to happen here in Illinois. As for being in a bad spot if you wreck, I look at is as the same as driving a car with no license, I would have to bet that your insurance company would have a issue with you not having a classification for that bike. As for getting license plates, Jesse White (the Secretary of State here in Illinois) will give anyone plates that doesnt mean anything... Thats my .02

Happy New Year to all, wish we could still be riding here in Illinois its cold and snow covered!

 

Started riding in the early 60's. Learned to ride on an old WLA. Wasn't a requirement back then. Got away from riding in the 70's. Started again in the early 80's. Had to get an endorsement then. Wasn't even aware there was a requirement until then. Have lived in several states since then, and always make sure the 'M' endorsement is included on new license.

Have another one for you retired vets... Military bases now require a Motorcycle Safety Course to get a base sticker!!! Why the #ell would a man 65 YO want to spend $350.00 just to ride on a military installation?
Doesn't matter if you are a 50 year veteran rider or got your license last week!!!

 

If you're going to ride....get a license.

 

How did you guys get insurance? I couldn't get full coverage with a learners. Needed the full endorsement.