R65 after 20 yrs out of biking.

[Barry]

..... fortunately he didnt see me laying in the road with my legs in the air and passed me any way.

That was the strange thing about the test in those days. Most of the time you were riding around unobserved.  Anyone might think it was easy to pass.  In fact I don't recall knowing of anyone that didn't pass 1st time.

[RSMike]

Reminds me of when I did my test, back around 1980, It was an "around the block" job with the tester following, Two of us were doing the test, me on a yamaha yb50, and the other guy on something huge  (may have been a goldwing!).

Anyway halfway through the 5 minute test, at a junction, a dog jumped up and bit me on the leg! This threw me a bit and I'm sure I made a few mistakes, but I think the tester took pity and passed me anyway,  

[Dave 2]

I bought my first motorcycle in 1965. In Massachusetts at that time if you were licensed to drive a standard transmission car you could drive a motorcycle as well as an automatic car.(if you took your automobile drivers test in an automatic car you could only drive an automatic) I was "grandfathered" when eventually massachusetts required a separate motorcycle license. D2

[montmil]

...In Massachusetts at that time if you were licensed to drive a standard transmission car you could drive a motorcycle as well as an automatic car.(if you took your automobile drivers test in an automatic car you could only drive an automatic)...

Interesting factoid, D2, what our gubmint tax money sponges dream up. Just think, somebody got paid for that little legal tidbit. This is a bit off topic but it does concern licensing laws similar to your state's automotive, "if you do this, you can then do that" laws.

Texas' Concealed Handgun License qualifications state that if you qualify with a wheel gun, you cannot carry a semi-auto. Qualify with the SA and you can carry either or. "Yes, sir. And which trigger finger would you prefer today? OK?... so,

As a young rider back in the early 60's, I never knew if a motorcycle license was required in Texas or not; I was on bikes long before I got a automobile DL through high school Drivers Ed.

I never did bother to get a motorcycle endorsement on my TXDL until my insurance agent told me I needed one if they were going to write a policy for my R65s. D'oh! So passed the kindergarten written and took a MSF Riders Course which, in Texas, is accepted by the DPS as proof of skill. Passport stamped.

Bought a 50cc WhizBang back in 1962 for $25.00. And after quite a few motorcycles had passed through my hands, I got an actual Texas Motorcycle Operators License in 2007. Forty-five years and never been stopped by the 5-0. Pretty good Vegas odds, that. Oh, and I have the SA endorsement.

It's 77[ch730] and CAVU. I'm going to go air out the '81 for a bit. I'll take along my MC-endorsed license.

Carry on. Charlie Mike.    

[Melena]

Hi there Girl in a Gale!  Welcome!

Glad to see another woman rider here.  There are a few of us here.  

I'm in Northern California.  I've been on this forum since I got my R65 about, what is it now, 8 years ago?      My first bike.  I didn't learn when I was young.  I started riding at 55.  Hee  hee.  What fun!!   8-)

This is a great group.  Everyone is willing to give their opinion on your questions.  And they'll tell you everything you need to know plus more on the technical stuff.  

I  hope you get that license just in time for the riding season.  

[nhmaf]

When I first got my motorcycle license, it was 3 months after getting my auto driver's license in the small state of Vermont.   I had bought a practically new street bike (Yamaha XS400) but couldn't legally get it to the testing location, so I borrowed a friend's very tired Honda CT90 and aced the test - which was very easy on a CT90.  

[Geckohunter]

Hi there Girl in a Gale!  Welcome!

Glad to see another woman rider here.  There are a few of us here.  

I'm in Northern California.  I've been on this forum since I got my R65 about, what is it now, 8 years ago?      My first bike.  I didn't learn when I was young.  I started riding at 55.  Hee  hee.  What fun!!   8-)

This is a great group.  Everyone is willing to give their opinion on your questions.  And they'll tell you everything you need to know plus more on the technical stuff.  

I  hope you get that license just in time for the riding season.  

Hi Melena.
I'm 51 yrs young, but my dad is 85 and as soon as he saw my R65 he went and bought one too. He now wants to sell his retirement scooter, a 125cc twist n go. He rides good, not fast, but not tentative as he's ridden all his life. What a lovely couple of bikes in his garage now and a great way to spend hours together fiddling with carbs, filing new ignition key to fit and shimming side stands. It feels like we're both 20 yr olds again.
Clarissa

[montmil]

Did you really think Dad was going to let you have all the fun? That's just too cool. [smiley=beer.gif]

[nhmaf]

That's wonderful to have a "new" hobby in common with your father!  Who would have thought that your wanting to get bike again would create such a bonding experience?

My father had always wanted to get a motorcycle and ride on trips with me across our country.  He even got his motorcycle license along with me, and he'd "borrow" my motorcycle for small trips here and there.  Sadly, he passed on before we ever got to take any of those trips, 20 years ago.

Enjoy making many motorcycling memories!

[tvrla]

Sounds like he's doing well - perhaps there is some truth to the line 'motorcycles keep you young'.

Hope you have more stories of travels with dad. Sounds fun!

[Justin B.]

Texas' Concealed Handgun License qualifications state that if you qualify with a wheel gun, you cannot carry a semi-auto. Qualify with the SA and you can carry either or. "Yes, sir. And which trigger finger would you prefer today? OK?... so,

The "logic" behind this provision is that a semi-auto is more complicated (multiple safeties, etc.) to operate than a revolver so "Big Brother" feels if you can safely operate a semi then you won't have any problems with a revolver.

[suecanada]

Many welcomes Clarissa!!! Having your Dad get involved is just such a wonderful experience for you I am sure. My Dad was into motorcycles in the mid-1920's and had a Henderson Ace. Some fast bike back then. For some reason when my brother, then I, got our own bikes he never asked to ride them. Not sure why. Mechanics was a big part of growing up in my household. I got my motorcycle licence in 1970 on a Ministry of Transport closed course.....only hassle was getting the 30 miles on the bike from home to take the test when it meant you had to drive on the road for the very first time and get through the big city of Toronto from my country home! Yikes! If you failed, the bike would've had to be trailered home or someone with a licence ride it away for you. I just remember that the 175 Honda wouldn't start right away and got me pretty rattled!

I will keep checking back here to see how you do on the test!! Kudos!!
You will absolutely love the members on this forum...no question is ignored, all answered with much knowledge and interest. Soon they will become your 'brothers' too, I venture.

[badbmwbrad]

That R65 fits you very well.  I agree it's a "proper" standard street motorcycle (two cylinders and comfortable upright handlebar/seat/footpegs layout.  Mine is a 1983 R65LS.  It has more than enough acceleration and speed to out-run the trucks!

Airhead BMWs are probably the easiest motorcycles to service.  I love 'em!

     

I'm 51 yrs young, but my dad is 85 and as soon as he saw my R65 he went and bought one too. He now wants to sell his retirement scooter, a 125cc twist n go. He rides good, not fast, but not tentative as he's ridden all his life. What a lovely couple of bikes in his garage now and a great way to spend hours together fiddling with carbs, filing new ignition key to fit and shimming side stands. It feels like we're both 20 yr olds again.
Clarissa