Archive for April, 2012

Motorcycle Riding Tips for Women

Colorado motorcycle classes | Posted by admin April 25th, 2012

by Tina Hartley | helium.com

Motorcycle riding tips for women aren’t really any different than motorcycle riding tips for men. As a capable woman I rather resent the implication that women need special tips for all things related to the automotive world. Inferior strength and smaller size, you say? Not necessarily. In any case and for any gender; make sure that the bike you are planning on riding suits your size.

When sitting in on a motorcycle your feet should be able to be planted firmly on the ground. If you ride a bike that is too big for you, strength may well come into play since you will not to be able to properly balance the bike. A bike on a lean may require extra strength to keep it from tipping over.

All motorcycle riders should take an approved motorcycle training course. Many states require a rider to complete an approved safety course before they will issue a license. The majority of states also require a rider possess a valid drivers license before they can receive a license to ride motorcycles.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers courses for beginners and refreshers courses for seasoned riders. MSF offers 5 keys tips on their home page:

  • Get trained and licensed
  • Wear protective gear
  • Don’t drink and drive
  • Ride within your skill limits
  • Take refresher courses

Don’t underestimate the need for protective gear. Wearing proper clothing while riding is absolutely essential. Seasoned riders are often overconfident and novice riders don’t know any better…yet. There are few guarantees in life, but it is guaranteed that if you ride a motorcycle you will eventually have a spill.

A DOT approved helmet is a no brainer; that is if you want to protect your brain. Personally, I am pro-choice when it comes to the helmet debate. Adults should not be forced to protect their own heads or any other body part. The law should allow an adult to make stupid choices. That said, wear a helmet at least until you can claim seasoned rider status. After that, make your own choice according to the laws in your state.

More on protective gear; the leather look. Leather didn’t become the coolest thing in biker gear because it was a fashion statement. Leather does a great job of protecting your skin when you lay down your bike. At the minimum; wear denim. Riding a motorcycle while wearing a halter top and sandals may catch plenty of eyes but it falls in the same category as not wearing a helmet.

Ride within your skill limits. There are women who were riding bikes on dirt trails when they could barely reach the ground. If you’re one those women; great, you’re ready for anything the road can throw at you. At least, your as ready as you can get… Otherwise don’t overload your behind. Don’t drive too fast, don’t corner too hard, and for heaven’s sake… don’t let anyone tell you you’re handicapped because you’re a woman!

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Ricky Orlando’s Motorcycle school is the ideal place to learn how to ride motorcycles. Our classes appeal to novice and advanced bikers as well as covering everything in-between. Ricky’s enthusiasm and knowledge can help you learn to love your motorcycle. Contact us and start your Colorado motorcycle classes today!

To get additional information about Colorado motorcycle training or how to get your Colorado motorcycle license, visit our website Colorado motorcycle class.

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Motorcycle Operator Licensing

Colorado Motorcycle License | Posted by admin April 11th, 2012

Extract from “Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook”, published by The Colorado Department of Revenue

It is illegal for you to operate a motorcycle on a public street or highway in Colorado unless you have a valid Colorado motorcycle license that specifically authorizes the operation of such vehicles. The general motorcycle endorsement “M” qualifies you to ride a 2- or 3-wheel motorcycle. Colorado also issues a separate endorsement “3” that authorizes the operation of 3-wheel motorcycles, only. Low-power scooters (engine size of 50cc or less or 4476 watts or less, if electric. 40 mph max.) do not qualify as motorcycles but Colorado law requires that you have at least a basic driver’s license to operate a low-power scooter on public streets.

The State of Colorado no longer issues new “Motorcycle Only” licenses. The motorcycle endorsement will be part of a regular or CDL license, only. The “M” will no longer be issued as a separate class of license. To add a general or 3-wheel motorcycle endorsement to your existing Colorado driver’s license you must be at least 16 years of age and pass all required examinations:

  • Driving record review.
  • Physical aptitude review.
  • Vision test.
  • Pass a motorcycle written test (pass the basic written test requirements if you do not have a valid driver’s
  • license).
  • Pass the motorcycle operator’s driving skill test at a State Driver’s License Office or with a certified third-party tester. State Driver’s License Offices are equipped to test 2-wheel motorcycles only. If you pass a skills test on a three-wheel motorcycle, the endorsement “3” will appear on your license.
  • Pay the required fees.

If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship for you to be issued your instruction permit. You must hold your motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months and be 16 years of age before you can add the endorsement to your driver’s license. If you are between 15 and 16 years of age, you must be enrolled or have completed a Motorcycle Operator Skills Training (MOST) program, and show proof of completion, prior to receiving your instruction permit.

A motorcycle instruction permit allows you to operate a motorcycle while under the immediate, proximate supervision of an adult who is at least 21 years of age and holds a valid COLORADO license endorsed for motorcycles. If you are under the age of 18, per Colorado Revised Statute 42-2-106, if you are not riding with your MOST instructor or the parent or guardian who signed your Affidavit of Liability, you must have your parent or guardian’s permission to ride with another adult who meets the requirements of having a valid driver’s license endorsed for motorcycles.

The driving test is the most important part of the examination because it provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to drive safely. You must provide a properly registered and insured motorcycle to be used in the test. Make certain you are familiar with it and all the controls.

For drivers under 18 years of age, the DR 2324, Drive Time Log Sheet, required for a regular license, is not necessary for the addition of the M or 3 endorsement.

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To get additional information about Colorado motorcycle training or how to get your Colorado motorcycle license, visit our website Colorado motorcycle class.

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