The anything thread.

Sierra1

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What I thought was interesting was that the author claimed smaller ADV bikes were becoming more numerous. Apparently, your bike depends on what license you have in Europe.
 

thughes317

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What I thought was interesting was that the author claimed smaller ADV bikes were becoming more numerous. Apparently, your bike depends on what license you have in Europe.
There are multiple levels of motorcycle endorsement in Europe, each level limited to a certain rider age and displacement limit I believe. I'm too lazy to google it but I'm sure an EU member will be along soon to enlighten us.
 

AVGeek

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I got started riding with an ATC 90 when I was 14. My brother and I bugged our dad until he bought us one off of his old firefighter buddies that didn’t go anymore. Learning how to run the dunes on such an underpowered, nonsuspension vehicle has served me well to this day…
 

One-S

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There are multiple levels of motorcycle endorsement in Europe, each level limited to a certain rider age and displacement limit I believe. I'm too lazy to google it but I'm sure an EU member will be along soon to enlighten us.
It's complicated, most of us have to google it too. But in short:
License A1 : min age 18 and max engine power 11kW and max 125 cc
License A2 : min age 20 and max engine power 35 kW
License A : min age 24 unlimited engine power, BUT: if you have a License A2 for at least 2 years, you get a "Code 80" which means you can have it from age 22 years.
Don't ask whate Code 80 is or where it cames from. One would think there's also a Code 79 or 81 or so, but couldn't find out.
In general you may do theoretical exams one year before the age limit, and there are a few more exceptions if you have a lighter A license for more than 2 years.
As for myself: I automatically got my A license together with my B(cars) license. Didn't take lessons nor did I do an exam for either of them. Got it during my military service after -I'm not joking- one round in the military barracks, let's say 500 meters. A month later I was given my full truck license : we went on manoeuvres and the day before, they realised there weren't enough truckdrivers, would you believe it? Of course, 1km out of the gate, I drove in the back of a car as I was too afraid of using the brakes . That was way back in 1975 :cool:
 

pilleway

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It's complicated, most of us have to google it too. But in short:
License A1 : min age 18 and max engine power 11kW and max 125 cc
License A2 : min age 20 and max engine power 35 kW
License A : min age 24 unlimited engine power, BUT: if you have a License A2 for at least 2 years, you get a "Code 80" which means you can have it from age 22 years.
Don't ask whate Code 80 is or where it cames from. One would think there's also a Code 79 or 81 or so, but couldn't find out.
In general you may do theoretical exams one year before the age limit, and there are a few more exceptions if you have a lighter A license for more than 2 years.
As for myself: I automatically got my A license together with my B(cars) license. Didn't take lessons nor did I do an exam for either of them. Got it during my military service after -I'm not joking- one round in the military barracks, let's say 500 meters. A month later I was given my full truck license : we went on manoeuvres and the day before, they realised there weren't enough truckdrivers, would you believe it? Of course, 1km out of the gate, I drove in the back of a car as I was too afraid of using the brakes . That was way back in 1975 :cool:
Looks to be complicated!
 

Sierra1

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Wow, that's complicated. Over here, there are slight differences from state to state, but on average a 16 year old can get his motorcycle license . . . . and then jump on a 'Busa. Texas used to require a follow car with the DPS observer/passenger to follow the motorcyclist. Then, when the DPS observer would instruct the car driver to honk once for left. or twice for right. The motorcyclist would have to follow the instructions correctly. Now, Texas requires an MSF course to get a motorcycle license. Much better.
 

pilleway

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Wow, that's complicated. Over here, there are slight differences from state to state, but on average a 16 year old can get his motorcycle license . . . . and then jump on a 'Busa. Texas used to require a follow car with the DPS observer/passenger to follow the motorcyclist. Then, when the DPS observer would instruct the car driver to honk once for left. or twice for right. The motorcyclist would have to follow the instructions correctly. Now, Texas requires an MSF course to get a motorcycle license. Much better.
Having to take courses for sure is a plus and a need (from a certified school), the issue regarding on geting instrucctions from a car behind you it my get confuse for the bike driver and may fail exam due to the complicated it can be!
 

Cycledude

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Got my motorcycle license about 51 years ago, that was only about the second year they required a motorcycle license in Wisconsin, first had to pass a simple written test to get temporary license then ride to the courthouse where a cop watched you stop at a stop sign setup in the parking lot and do a u turn and ride back to where the cop was. I was rather worried about taking the test but it turned out to be incredibly simple.
Now days it’s way more difficult with many hours of actual training, I actually wish it was more educational way back when I got my license. I have taken MSF courses at least 4 different times and in my opinion they are very worthwhile.
 

bigbob

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Over 50 years ago my dad and I went to get our mc endorsement. There was a large outside U of cones that you had to ride down pull a turn and then when told do a panic stop without hitting a cone. Then there were 4-5 spaced cones in the middle of the U that you had to thread left-right-left-right.

First guy on say a Honda 175 no problem.

Second guy answers the first question “how did you get the bike here?” I rode it. FAIL. Cop says give me the keys and get somebody with a license to take it home.

Third guy on a hardley chopper hits a cone on the u-turn but cop lets it slide but then totally fails the zig-zag.

Our turn. How did you get it here? I pick up the plated Shriner clown bike and say: in the trunk! It was so small getting enough speed before the panic stop was tough!
 

fac191

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The big change in the UK came when the 2 stroke 250's started knocking out 65 horses and you could ride one on L Plates at 17yrs old.
 
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