DMV Circle

[hihhs]

I just moved here from outta state. I have a valid MC license (hawaii).
When I switch to a CA license, will I have to take the riding test?
I practiced really tight low speed turns extensively in a parking lot a while back. It is TOUGH on the M1100.

[rafa]

Just borrow an 250 enduro,or a ninjet.Youll pass it with flying colors.actually any light weight bike with wide handelbars should do the trick.

[Michael Moore]

I just moved here from outta state. I have a valid MC license (hawaii).
When I switch to a CA license, will I have to take the riding test?
I practiced really tight low speed turns extensively in a parking lot a while back. It is TOUGH on the M1100.

If you've got a moto endorsement from HI they should honor that.

[hihhs]

If you've got a moto endorsement from HI they should honor that.

Good news!
Thanks.

[desmoquattro]

I took the DMV test on a CB175 way back in 1992. In those days, you couldn't get an MSF test waiver. And you had to push the bike to class...uphill, both ways. But I passed. I think the mullet I had at the time was a nice counterbalance that helped my turning radius.

Anne and I went there on her old Riva 80 scooter and practiced on the circle. It was definitely tough, even using ample rear brake. But I suspect the SF circle is a bit smaller than the circle I rode for my test. And I think my Monster could do it with counterlean. But not easy.

[b.]

Good news!
Thanks.

I had to take the written test again when I moved from Seattle in '06, but they didn't require the skills test because I had my endorsement from WA.

When I took the MSF test in WA, they had a larger diameter circle for those riding their own bikes >500cc's.  Does the DMV here require all bikes to complete the same circle?

[ScottRNelson]

It's interesting to take a few measurements.  The DMV circle here in Pleasanton is 20 feet at the inside diameter and 24 feet at the outside diameter.

My ST2 has a 20 foot turning diameter when upright and pushed around in a circle.  I can easily do a U-turn and stay inside the lines on the DMV circle, but going one and a half times around is too much to ask.  Once you hit the steering lock and start to fall to the inside, the only way to recover without putting a foot down is to give it more power, which as often as not takes you outside of the outer ring.

But the ST2 is way better than my 888, which has a 27 foot turning diameter.  That thing has problems making a U-turn on any two-lane road.

Just for fun, after I bought my XR650L I tried the DMV circle again.  Other than being a bit difficult to keep at low speeds because the clutch is kind of grabby, that one had no problem at all keeping within the lines at all times.  I haven't measured, but I think the turning diameter for that one is about 12 feet.  Much easier to do tight stuff on.

By the way, it's available for any MOB members who need to take the test, as long as you sign up for it at the Pleasanton DMV, which is less than a mile from my house.  I'll even go over there with you the night before for practice sessions.  Just be aware that at 6'1" I can barely get both feet flat on the ground on that bike.  It's "a little bit" higher than a Monster.

[mostrobelle]

My ST2 has a 20 foot turning diameter when upright and pushed around in a circle.  I can easily do a U-turn and stay inside the lines on the DMV circle, but going one and a half times around is too much to ask.  Once you hit the steering lock and start to fall to the inside, the only way to recover without putting a foot down is to give it more power, which as often as not takes you outside of the outer ring.

Yeah--this was my issue.  But I was awfully darned close and with a bit more countersteering practice (as was said earlier) I think I could do it without too much trouble.  I'm just too lazy to do that.  I could go practice doing tight u-turns on steep slopes just to master the skill, but honestly the number of times I need to do that doesn't really justify the work involved.  I have the same mentality about the DMV circle.  I really don't give a rip that I can't do it, but I was wondering if I just really suck or if I'm about par for the course.  Sounds like I'm "normal" in our group.  So either we all suck (quite possible) or Monsters aren't inherently easily to navigate around that little circle.   

[Spidey]

I was wondering if I just really suck or if I'm about par for the course.  

<raises hand and almost jumps out of his desk>

Oooh, ooh, I know this one, I know this one.  
Pick me, pick me!!  I know the answer. 

[mostrobelle]

<raises hand and almost jumps out of his desk>

Oooh, ooh, I know this one, I know this one.  
Pick me, pick me!!  I know the answer. 

ESAD 

[Le Piou]

I really don't give a rip that I can't do it

Yeah sure...