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Complicated Licensing...

3833 Views 12 Replies 10 Participants Last post by howe92, Apr 23, 2008

64866

Discussion Starter · Apr 20, 2008

I turn 16 this coming Sunday. I'm a resident of Washington state, but in July I'm moving to Honolulu, Hawaii. I haven't taken driver's ed yet, and I don't have a permit or anything... But I'm thinking to get all that done as soon as possible. I have several questions: Can I take driver's ed and then take the written test and driving test right after I complete the class? Is driver's ed necessary to get a permit and/or license in Washington state? Do I need to wait 6 months/when is the soonest I can get my license? Also, moving to Hawaii raises complications - Will I need to take more tests once I move there so I can have a valid driver's license? And when would I be eligible for a motorcycle license in Hawaii?

Sorry, all of this is sort of mashed up and there are so many laws and restrictions for young people that I'm a bit confused, but I thank you all for helping...

Additionally, what motorcycles are best for young people in my age group? I'm sort of aware of all those rambunctious teenagers who get their asses whooped on motorcycles, so I'd think that a 1,000cc Kawasaki wouldn't suit me so well. But I am turned on by standard bikes and sport bikes. But I guess you could say I'm a beginner at all this and any feedback would be great.

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mscuddy

· #2 · Apr 20, 2008

Yes. Yes. No. Yes.

A 125cc Dual Sport sould be just fine. You will poke out an eye if you get a 1000cc bike for a first motorcycle. And Oahu will seem a lot bigger on a 125.

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64866

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 20, 2008 (Edited)

Would you recommend a Honda NSR 125? Or the Honda CBR 125R? Sexy...

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The_AirHawk

· #4 · Apr 20, 2008

howe92 said:
Would you recommend a Honda NSR 125? Or the Honda CBR 125R? Sexy...

I'd buy one myself - if they sold 'em over here............

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64866

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 20, 2008 (Edited)

Well living in Seattle, I'm about a 3 hour drive away from Vancouver British Columbia and I suppose I could check 'er out there, but I don't even know because there's that sweet ass Honda Go Combo where you get a 2008 CBR125R, gear, and a 3 year warranty, and it SUCKS that none of this is available in the US... Is there anything I can do about it? Oh and on top of that I'd have to change the speedometer from metric to standard... Ef me!

Oh but I do go back to Thailand often and apparently these babies are manufactured there so maybe a friend of mine could hook me up. *sigh*

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Kenneth_Moore

· #6 · Apr 21, 2008

If you like sportbikes, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a good start. Especially a nice pre-owned one.

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pushrod

· #7 · Apr 21, 2008

Careful buying a bike outside of the U.S., especially if they are not available here.

You may not be able to register it, as it may not meet EPA standards. Even if it does, but has not been certified.

Stick with the little Ninja. The new variant is very nice.

One note of caution. I've been told the islands are sorta "bike-unfriendly." Drivers there seem to be abnormally prone to running over two-wheeled vehicles.

So, be careful out there!

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sarnali2

· #8 · Apr 21, 2008

Kenneth_Moore said:
If you like sportbikes, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a good start. Especially a nice pre-owned one.

That's the one, what you need to do is go to the DOL and get the drivers handbook they have. That'll answer all or most of your questions. I'm guessing they'd make you take the test over again in Hawaii. I wouldn't bother trying to import the 125 myself, probably more trouble than it's worth.

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vermicious

· #9 · Apr 21, 2008

Kenneth_Moore said:
If you like sportbikes, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a good start. Especially a nice pre-owned one.

I'm looking to pick one of those up after I move to Cali. I'm going to use it as a project/mechanics training bike.

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acecycleins

· #10 · Apr 21, 2008

Weryhuuytrewq2

Kenneth_Moore said:
If you like sportbikes, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is a good start. Especially a nice pre-owned one.

Ken's right. Buy used. Spend $1500 or less. You will find something that more than meets the needs. Stay away from 2 stroke bikes for your first bike. They are fun but require a little more mechanical attention than 4 stroke bikes. You WILL drop the first bike- happens to all of us. It is less painful to drop a $1500 bike and a $3000- remember that. GO THROUGH A MSF CLASS!! No exceptions. At your age it will save you lots of money on insurance premiums if you buy anything other than liability coverage. Most importantly, DO NOT take riding suggestions from friends- they will undoubtedly lead you down a path of mistakes.

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longride

· #11 · Apr 22, 2008

"Drivers there seem to be abnormally prone to running over two-wheeled vehicles."

Not a big deal really. Just wear a helmet and nothing will ever happen to you. It is kind of like an Aura of Heavenly Protection if you have on on. Nothing can hurt you.

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seruzawa

· #12 · Apr 22, 2008

pushrod said:
One note of caution. I've been told the islands are sorta "bike-unfriendly." Drivers there seem to be abnormally prone to running over two-wheeled vehicles.

So, be careful out there!

If Hawaii is still like it was last time I was there then you gotta figure in tens of thousands of drunk and/or stoned tourists along with the general population of the usual cellphone addicted drones and makeup appliers.

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64866

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 23, 2008

thanks for the feedback... i planned on taking an msf class from the start but i think i'll wait on buying a bike. an msf class probably can help me decide what cc i'm ready for. maybe as a graduating gift i can get one, then go to europe for university and get my ass whooped there instead... oh god, the impending doom of the autobahn.. at least most people are aware of bikes there i'd think. hawaii is disappointing so far

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