Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: insurance, etc., motorcycle license, skill test

Question
Hey Pat,

I'm moving to California this fall, and am considering getting either a motorcycle or a simple vespa-esque scooter.  I know you don't need a licence for the scooter.  Ballpark, how much is it, and how long does it take to obtain a motorcycle license?  How expensive is the insurance required to make it a legal vehicle?  Do scooters require similar insurance?
Thanks!

Answer
These are tough questions to answer. There are many, many variables to consider.

I'm not familiar with California laws, but you may very well need a license for the scooter. Generally, anything above 50 cc or 2 hp or can go more than 30 mph is considered a motorcycle, which requires a license. Mopeds (basically, bicycles with engines) often do not require a license, but there aren't many around anymore that meet all the criteria (cc, hp, mph, above).

It's not difficult to get a motorcycle permit, but the license takes practice and skill to achieve. Fees usually run $10-30. The best way to get the license is to take a BRC course (visit www.msf-usa.org), which usually qualifies you to waive the state skill test. Training makes a huge difference in your learning curve--don't buy a bike until you've taken the BRC!

Insurance is hard to pin down. When I was a 20 year old kid and wanted a sportbike, I was getting quotes for $2500-4500 a year for liability only. Now I'm 35 and married and I pay about $250 a year for full coverage. Smaller bikes can run as low as $50-100 a year, but it depends on where you live, your driving record, age, marital status, etc.

Generally, if you're an adult on a utilitarian motorcycle, you'll pay a fraction of the cost of a car to own, insure, and ride (50 mpg!) a motorcycle or scooter.

Good luck!

Pat