[MMGUT]

I have an appointment set to take it in a couple weeks. I got my learners permit last October and have ridden 2500 miles since then but tight u-turns are my nemesis.

I have 2 of the 'ride like a pro' videos and they are a help. My problem is my short arms and my difficulty in working the controls lock to lock. That and I suffer the usual beginners reticence to lean the bike at low speed.

Anyone else take the test on their VN900? How'd it go?

Here's the Utah test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4g1rseNo_M

 

[Rider 50]

I took my test in Washington state with a Z1 900 back in "79"
The VN 900 is so much better at low speeds. Best advice if you do not want to sign up for a riders course, is to go to an empty parking lot and practice figure eights with in a 4 parking space area a few times a day for a week or two.

 

[MMGUT]

I did MSF beginner course. And have been practicing at the driving range a few blocks from home.
Starting to get the lean 'n creep against the rear brake thing down but not ready to pass yet. Right now I'm at 2 1/4 lanes for a u-turn turning to my right (where I can control the throttle easier) and 2.5 lanes for a left u-turn.

I need to try to remember to lean forward a bit to extend my reach next practice session

 

[fawlty99]

Any chance of borrowing another bike for the test? The vn900 does not lend itself for tight turns. Of course it can be done - but it will be a lot easier on a more nimble bike.

 

[boy_welder2000]

In Ohio, taking the MSF beginner course satisfies the "road" test for your license. They give you a card at the end that you take to the BMV and get your license with no other testing needed. That is what I did. Have been riding for 8 years now trouble free.

I see you already took the MSF course. Utah must still require you to take the test correct?

 

[HRH_Z]

:struggle:

Everything will be just fine.

 

[MMGUT]

In Ohio, taking the MSF beginner course satisfies the "road" test for your license. They give you a card at the end that you take to the BMV and get your license with no other testing needed. That is what I did. Have been riding for 8 years now trouble free.

I see you already took the MSF course. Utah must still require you to take the test correct?

Requires taking it on a bike 650+ cc if that's what you want to ride.

I'm going to practice u-turns this weekend trying to weight my outer foot on the FB and achieve a bit more lean that way.

 

[sailor v]

Good luck with the slow speed practice. Remember to look where you want to go to, not at the floor, and keep your hand off the front brake!

Theres me stating the obvious again....

You can never be too good at slow speed handling.

 

[RickD]

All sound advice above. I believe that all it takes is practice. You already have the desire and commitment, now just relax, focus, and follow through. Do this and my money says you'll do fine. Then, never stop practicing.

 

[HRH_Z]

Requires taking it on a bike 650+ cc if that's what you want to ride.

That's odd.

 

[RickD]

Requires taking it on a bike 650+ cc if that's what you want to ride.

According to this website...http://www.dmv.org/ut-utah/motorcycle-license.php#How-to-Get-a-License :

This [MSF beginning rider] course is a 15 hour course with classroom training and 10 hours on the motorcycle. The schools provide motorcycles and helmets and use 150 cc and 250 cc motorcycles for training.

NOTE: If you take the riding course on one of the school's motorcycles, you will be restricted to riding that size when you get your license. So, if you want to ride a motorcycle that is larger than what you tested on with the school, you will need re-test with the school or with driver license on your larger motorcycle

 

[asbrand]

Here in GA, you take the test, you can ride whatever size bike you want.

I took the test on my old '89 Vulcan 750. It was easy.

 

[miniv12]

counter balance, the biggest thing for me was to make sure i was leaning out and putting pressure on the outside footpeg/board. good luck. I consider myself lucky i didnt have to test on a 900. but practice makes perfect right

 

[13Vaquero]

I took my test on an 1100 Honda, i would practice at the local open test site daily for weeks before i took the test.

My best advice,learn to feather the clutch.

 

[VulcanJohn]

I took the MSF course in NC primarily since passing the road test in the MSF would clear me for the DMV test. BTW I did start on a Virago 250. Starting on a 900 would have been a disaster.