General new (international) rider questions

[Tenchi]

Hi all,

First of all, I am a new guy, and I haven't been riding that long (months, not years). I'm moving to Seattle in roughly two months, and I'd like to do some touring on a 07/08 FJR1300, and I have a few general bike questions and some specific to Washington state.

Washington specific questions:

1) What is involved in obtaining a motorbike licence, specifically the test itself? I had a look at https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/motoendorsement.html and the system is pretty different to Australia. It seems that you can do an approved course and you don't have to do a test, or you can do a test. Regarding the riding test itself, in Australia we use 3 general areas for testing: slow speed O-turns (U-turn, go straight for 2m, do another U-turn, repeat until you get dizzy and fall or they tell you to stop), emergency stops, and general road craft. Is this the same for the WA? (for the record I intend to do the riding course - it's more expensive but I doubt getting a refresher course from the last one I did is a bad thing).

2) I can't find any limitations on the website, but in West Australia we have a levelled rider scheme where, for the first 12 months, a 250cc limit is imposed on all new riders, before they re-take the test on a larger bike. Is this also the case in Washington?

General questions:

1) Does any state in the U.S. impose a "double demerit" period? (penalty points imposed are doubled for certain times of the year)

2) I intend to get a FJR1300, 07 or 08 model (most likely 07 model for economical reasons). One of my biggest concerns is slow speed maneuvers on a hill, losing balance and having the bike go over. Currently it happens once in a blue moon on my ZZR250, which is a 350lb wet bike - very light, easy to put the foot down, catch the bike and lift it up again. The wet weight of a FJR1300 is (at a guess) about 600 lbs all up, not quite double the weight of my bike but getting close. I've also heard the weight distribution is more top-heavy as well. This makes me a bit more worried in those slow speed maneuvers that I may get myself into a situation that I'll drop the bike unnecessarily. Are my worries unjustified, or am I right in guessing that I probably wouldn't be able to "catch" if it happened in the same situation? If so, how do the more experienced riders handle this?

3) So far from what I've read a lot of people think frame sliders for the FJR1300 are a must and the G3 throttle tube modification and heated hand grips are the bees knees (I plan to do all three). Are there any other common mods that people make to their FJR's, such as a Power Commander ECU, throttle wrist paddles or a cruise control/throttle locks?

4) People keep telling me to watch out for armadillos and wild turkeys - are they really as bad as people say they are? We have a rabbit and drop bear (hehe) problem here, but most times it's not too bad.

5) I've never had any experience riding in the ice/slush/snow, however I ride under all conditions in Australia (at worst, we get lots and lots of rain). I don't imagine it's any fun, but when you gotta do what you gotta do - any words of advice?

6) What's the general public and police perception of riders in the U.S.? Where I live we're villified generally as hoons who speed and are reckless to the point of endangering lives on an everyday basis. This is passed on to the media and in turn the public.

7) Are there any special considerations required for riding across state boundaries? (I've never ridden across a state boundary in any country.)

8) Are there parking restrictions on where you're allowed/not allowed to park a motorbike in any state? For example, in the city of Perth we're not allowed to park a motorbike in a bay designated for a car.

9) I am questioning the wisdom in upgrading straight from a 250cc ZZR250 to a 1300cc FJR1300. I would like to do it as it seems like the right bike for me, however an "intermediate" bike for me to get used to handling a larger bike doesn't seem like a completely bad idea. Would you say that a FJR1300 for a rider with reasonable abilities but lacking experience is a bad move?

That's all for now. I apologize in advance for asking (very n00b and lengthy) questions that have probably been done to death, but I'm stuck for info as the relocation agent allocated to me doesn't know anything about motorbikes.

Many thanks in advance

 

[Checkswrecks]

Gee, that all the questions you have? Use the forum search function for "noobs" moving onto the FJR. We've had people happy as clams and others scare themselves. Coming off a 250, you may want an intermediate step like a 650cc twin.

As for riding in the US, the licensing is much easier than you've been through. If I were you I'd go down to the Aussie auto club and get an international permit. They're meant for vacationers, but have a long expiration. The requirements for licensing in WA or any US state can be found by Googling up the State's motor vehicle administration web-site. You'll probably need to be able to have a bike with you to take the test and buying it and then getting it to the test station without a license can be interesting. Again, just get an international permit and you're started.

Sure we have rabbits, dogs, deer, carnivorous marmots, and killer prairie chickens. No matter what critter you hit, anywhere, is bad. Try not to. If you must, hit it head-on and hold the bars really tight.

Riding between States in the US has gotten tough. There are armed border guards and roadblocks at every road crossing a State border and if you don't have the right papers for you and stickers on the bike, you're going to jail. Or you'll be shot. The jailers put your head in a box with hungry hamsters to make you tell why you want to cross the border. (Should we tell him about the gerbil treatment?) Seriously, most borders may have a roadsign that you have to ride past.

Riding through the winter can get really really cold and wet. Snow can be a game-stopper. Speed and parking? Try to read the signs, do like the locals, and be friendly. Works anywhere.

It may be worth the coin to try calling a motorcycle dealer in the Seattle area if you come up with another list like this. They're easy to find online.

Bob

 

[madmike2]

Hi all,
First of all, I am a new guy, and I haven't been riding that long (months, not years). I'm moving to Seattle in roughly two months, and I'd like to do some touring on a 07/08 FJR1300, and I have a few general bike questions and some specific to Washington state.

Washington specific questions:

1) What is involved in obtaining a motorbike licence, specifically the test itself? I had a look at https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/motoendorsement.html and the system is pretty different to Australia. It seems that you can do an approved course and you don't have to do a test, or you can do a test. Regarding the riding test itself, in Australia we use 3 general areas for testing: slow speed O-turns (U-turn, go straight for 2m, do another U-turn, repeat until you get dizzy and fall or they tell you to stop), emergency stops, and general road craft. Is this the same for the WA? (for the record I intend to do the riding course - it's more expensive but I doubt getting a refresher course from the last one I did is a bad thing).

Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. MSF link

2) I can't find any limitations on the website, but in West Australia we have a levelled rider scheme where, for the first 12 months, a 250cc limit is imposed on all new riders, before they re-take the test on a larger bike. Is this also the case in Washington?

There are no "tiered" or "leveled" restrictions in "The States". ANy young lad can get a license, buy a new liter bike and "impact" the local accident statistics.

3) So far from what I've read a lot of people think frame sliders for the FJR1300 are a must and the G3 throttle tube modification and heated hand grips are the bees knees (I plan to do all three). Are there any other common mods that people make to their FJR's, such as a Power Commander ECU, throttle wrist paddles or a cruise control/throttle locks?

For the '06 & '07 bikes the G-2 throttle tube smooths out the throttle. I have a throttle lock and use it all the time when traveling.

4) People keep telling me to watch out for armadillos and wild turkeys - are they really as bad as people say they are? We have a rabbit and drop bear (hehe) problem here, but most times it's not too bad.

Wildlife, in general, is bad news. In Washington and Oregon, deer ("antlered forest rats") are a larger problem. We have wild turkeys in my area and one must be aware they are out there. It sounds like the warnings are a bit "out of proportion". Hitting any wild animal is going to be dangerous. Twilight times are the worst for most creatures as they are wandering around just before sunset and just at sunrise.

5) I've never had any experience riding in the ice/slush/snow, however I ride under all conditions in Australia (at worst, we get lots and lots of rain). I don't imagine it's any fun, but when you gotta do what you gotta do - any words of advice?

For an inexperienced rider? DON'T! Wait until it melts off. Snow and ice are "ride-breakers" for me, that's what motels are for. In 2 months, Winter will be past in Seattle. Rain will be the largest problem...

6) What's the general public and police perception of riders in the U.S.? Where I live we're villified generally as hoons who speed and are reckless to the point of endangering lives on an everyday basis. This is passed on to the media and in turn the public.

While there are those who don't help the biking image, as a general rule we are not "scorned" here. Misunderstood...but not identified or pointed out as a troublemaker. For instance, I've never had any trouble at a motel, hotel or restaurant because I rode up on my bike.

7) Are there any special considerations required for riding across state boundaries? (I've never ridden across a state boundary in any country.)

From state to state there can be inspection stations, but most are looking for anyone carrying produce (apples, oranges, bananas, etc., that can harbor insects). No other restrictions. Crossing the border into Canada......

8) Are there parking restrictions on where you're allowed/not allowed to park a motorbike in any state? For example, in the city of Perth we're not allowed to park a motorbike in a bay designated for a car.

This can vary from city to city. For instance, San Francisco has special motorcycle spaces. If there are restrictions, they SHOULD be posted. IIRC, there is a town on the East Coast that will not let motorcycles park 2 or 3 to a car parking spot, but we do it all the time in California. There are so many different locals, there is no "blanket" post that could cover them all.

9) I am questioning the wisdom in upgrading straight from a 250cc ZZR250 to a 1300cc FJR1300. I would like to do it as it seems like the right bike for me, however an "intermediate" bike for me to get used to handling a larger bike doesn't seem like a completely bad idea. Would you say that a FJR1300 for a rider with reasonable abilities but lacking experience is a bad move?

Almost everyone reading this is saying, "YES, its a bad move! Get a used "middle range" bike!" Experience is the key work. If you've had issues with your 250, they will be exacerbated (increased) with the FJR. Riding a600-750 cc bike for a year to gain confidence and ability is a good thing.

That's all for now. I apologize in advance for asking (very n00b and lengthy) questions that have probably been done to death, but I'm stuck for info as the relocation agent allocated to me doesn't know anything about motorbikes.
Many thanks in advance

You will probably generate 1,000 responses. Welcome to the forum and welcome to the United States. You're going to love the PNW (Pacific North West) area. It is truly beautiful and there are some lovely roads. As a side note, you should be aware that Eastern Washington and Oregon are "high desert", so the topography is completely different from the cool, green coast lands.

 

[vandy]

If I was you I think I would hunt for a great buy on something a touch smaller for a few months of riding to get used to everything over here.

Maybe something in the 500 to 750 range.

If you grab one at the right price you will be better adjusted for the next jump, your license will be easier to get, your insurance will be cheaper, and you will have time to find the great deal on the fjr that you really want plus now have better skills to handle.

And if everything goes according to plan you wont even loose money on that first one.

 

[Tenchi]

Bob, your post cracked me up, and to the rest thank you for the information. I will definitely be tormenting the dealers when I arrive in Seattle... as it is the few we have over here hide whenever they see me coming . I don't think it really counts for anything, but I didn't mention that I was a daily rider and I've taken part in several riding courses in my previous post. Put it this way... occasionally I get withdrawal if I haven't ridden my bike in a day or two...

Regarding the parking, you'd think that signs would be enough, but in Perth it says NOTHING about it being "illegal" to park your bike in a car bay on any signs, anywhere. To find that information you have to go on to the web and search for it. So it does seem like an unnecessary question at first glance, but if you live in Perth it's one of those unmentionable bits that hits the wallet unnecessarily.

I was previously considering a 07 Kawasaki Z750 and have fallen in love with it, even though it looks really weird. They're very easy to ride, can be very smooth if you play with the tuning and mod it a little, behave like a 650 but deliver the power much better, and very enjoyable at speeds below 80 mph and trips less than 100 mi, but they're definitely not something one would cross several state lines on (and I am yet to see one with a bag rack of any kind). I think I'll probably be going for that as an intermediate bike if that's the case - keep the touring local until I gain more experience, then branch out.

Thank you again for the advice and information, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[Niehart]

Just give us a little lead time and we'll find ya a deal on the only bike, A FJR. Looking forward to meeting you.

 

[madmike2]

That Kawi is a great bike. I was thinking along the lines of an FZ-6 (the Fazer is called an FZ-6, here), but the Z750 is along the same lines. You might be pleasantly surprised how many people hand soft bags on them and travel.

 

[Tenchi]

Just give us a little lead time and we'll find ya a deal on the only bike, A FJR. Looking forward to meeting you.

Well, once I graduate from my big bike training wheels, I'll definitely do that. If you're not completely against playing "spot the odd bike out" we may meet even sooner than that

That Kawi is a great bike. I was thinking along the lines of an FZ-6 (the Fazer is called an FZ-6, here), but the Z750 is along the same lines. You might be pleasantly surprised how many people hand soft bags on them and travel.

The FZ-6 has the "bikini fairing" around the front which on my dad's old bike was a huge improvement over the nakeds, but after talking to one of the owners here they tend to get a bit warm under the seat (a problem in Australia, where our summers are long and up at the 100-110ºF mark) and it's a little less in the power delivery. Other than that, you hit the nail on the head - that was actually my second choice. The Z750 lacks a stock windshield, which is my only complaint, but everything else seems just right to me - handling, braking, maneuverability is top notch, weight, rider position, handlebars, accessories available, location of all switches, and even the dash.

I'm a bit of a Kawasaki lover too, but there's not a lot in their big bike range that appeals to me.

EDIT: ARGH... the Z750 isnt' available for sale in the U.S.? Grr... looks like I'll be going for the FZ6 then.