Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: general info, motorcycle safety course, motorcycle learner

Question
Hi, my name is Chris and I just had some questions for you.  I live in Virginia, what is the age requirements to obtain a motorcycle license?  How do I go about learning how to ride a motorcycle because I want like a Ninja, but I don't know how to shift gears.  And one last question.  How good are motorcycle tires?  Can they blow out like car tires?

Thanks for your time,
Chris

Answer
Chris
Thanks for your questions.
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In Virgina this is the law for a motorcycle liceanse and age
Obtaining a Motorcycle License

Class M Designation

If you already hold a valid Virginia driver's license without a motorcycle designation, you may add Class M that will allow you to also operate a motorcycle. To obtain this motorcycle designation, you must:

   * Pass the required vision screening
   * Pass the motorcycle knowledge exam
   * Pass the motorcycle road skills test

IF YOU ARE 19 OR OLDER and you have never held a license issued by any state, U.S. territory or foreign country, you must also:

   * Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 30 DAYS

         OR

   * Provide DMV with a certificate from the Virginia Rider Training Program indicating that you have successfully completed the state-approved motorcycle safety course.

     NOTE: If you provide DMV with a valid motorcycle safety course certificate, you will be exempt from holding the motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days and from taking the motorcycle road skills test at DMV.

IF YOU ARE UNDER 19, you must also:

   * Hold a motorcycle learner's permit for at least 9 MONTHS (This requirement does not apply if you were age 18 and your motorcycle learner's permit was issued prior to July 1, 2002.)

         AND

   * Provide DMV with a certificate from the Virginia Rider Training Program indicating that you have successfully completed the state-approved motorcycle safety course.

     NOTE: You will be exempt from taking the motorcycle road skills test at DMV.

The motorcycle class costs $2.00 per year. It is valid for the same period of time as your driver's license. When you renew your driver's license, remember to renew your Class M designation also.

Driver's License Restricted to Operation of a Motorcycle
If you do not hold a driver's license, you may obtain a driver's license that allows you to operate ONLY a motorcycle.

In addition to the above requirements for adding a motorcycle designation to a driver's license, you must:

   * Pass the two-part driver's license knowledge exam

The motorcycle-only driver's license costs $6.00 per year and is valid for 5 years. Remember that this type of driver's license allows you to operate only a motorcycle. If you decide later that you want to operate another type of vehicle, you will have to pass the knowledge exam and road skills test for that vehicle type. For more information, refer to Applying for a License.
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Motorcycles are not very hard to ride after a little practice. Here are some steps to help you on your way.  The best way is to have someone show you.

  1. Get on the motorcycle.
  2. Start the engine in neutral.
  3. Squeeze the clutch lever with your left hand all the way to the grip.
  4. Place your left foot on the gear shifter and kick straight down to first gear.
  5. Give a little throttle with your right hand. Don't race the engine.
  6. Slowly release the clutch with your left hand while maintaining engine speed with your right hand on the throttle.
  7. Balance the bike and move off slowly.
  8. After you are moving and balanced, put your left toe under the gear shifter.
  9. Squeeze the clutch and release tension on the throttle a little.
 10. Smartly kick upward with your toe on the bottom of the gear shifter. You are now in second gear.
 11. Release the clutch smoothly and simultaneously apply more throttle.
 12. As you gain more speed, repeat the above steps for third, fourth, and fifth gears.
 13. Downshifting is done similarly except you sharply kick down on the gear shifter to go to the next lower gear.
 14. As you come to a stop, squeeze the clutch and kick down on the gear shifter, one gear at a time, timing it so you are in first gear as you stop.
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As far as Motorcycle tires go yes they can be as good as car tires generally the tread life will not last as long as a car will.  They can blow out as any other tire due to improper air in the tire excessive heat and other factors.  One rule to remember when buying a tire is most of the time YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

I hope this helps and I am sorry this is so long.