With both the nice Spring weather, and the ever increasing price of gas, it seems like I’m starting to get a lot of queries about how to go about getting a motorcycle license, what bike to purchase, etc. Given that, I thought I’d put up a little post for aspiring motorcycle riders, slightly biased towards the metro Denver Colorado area. I don’t claim to be an expert at all about the subject, but here are my experiences and recommendations:

1. How do I get started? How did you pass your motorcycle test? What classes did you take?

I think the best thing to do is to take the basic Motorcycle Operator Safety Training class offered by the ABATE of Colorado. You’ll get a solid 2 days of riding experience on low powered motorcycles, as well as class time. I think it’s quite stupid to ride on the street without taking this class first. It gives you the chance to get some confidence about riding a motorcycle (it’s pretty nerve racking the first time you try it), as well as essential skills and techniques to survive on the street. Also, if you go through the class and decide that you don’t like riding, you’re only out the price of the class instead of trying to sell a motorcycle.

2. Do you need a motorcycle to go to the class?

Nope, the motorcycles are provided. You just need to wear jeans, boots, a long sleeve shirt or jacket. They provide helmets if you need them, but you’re better off finding your own helmet before the class if you’re pretty serious about obtaining your license.

3. How much was the class?

Well, it was cheaper when I took it around 4 years ago, but now it looks to be $165. It’s totally worth the price.

4. Once I’ve taken the class, then what? What will I need to do to get my motorcycle endorsement/license?

If you passed the class, you take your certificate of completion to your nearest drivers license office, and take a written test. Because you passed the class, you are able to skip the riding part of the motorcycle license test.

5. Was the test to get your motorcycle license hard?

I’m not sure to be honest. As long as you do well in the MOST class, you will probably do well on the license test. I believe I missed 2 questions. I think someone who hadn’t taken the MOST class would find it much harder.

6. How much was your helmet? Why would I want to spend that much on a helmet?

I paid a bit under $400 for my helmet, brand new. I believe they sell for around $320 now.

It wasn’t cheap, but there are much more expensive models out there. Generally the more you spend on a helmet, the more comfortable and lighter it is. My Shoei RF-900 helmet has 3 switchable vents, but not a removable lining so that it can be washed easily. It’s pretty comfortable.. I’ll probably buy another Shoei to replace it with in a year or two.

7. What sort of gear do you wear when you ride?

I’m sure my co-workers look at me funny when I gear-up, but I do it for protection and not to be cool. I had a minor accident last Spring, and because I was wearing an appropirate amount of gear, I escaped with no scratches and a mild concussion. I wear a riding jacket, gloves, and a helmet at all times. Every now and then I’ll also break out some riding pants depending on the weather or the type of pants I’m wearing.

I think that’s it for now– I’ll update this as needed.