John Turner

I am now a licensed motorcycle operator according to the State of Michigan. I left work early today and went to Sec of State to take the written test for the motorcycle endorsement and I passed! Next step is to buy a motorcycle and get out on the road. I don’t want to forget everything they taught us in the class. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to buy new or used. There are pros and cons to both, so I have to think about it.

I passed all of my MSF tests today!! Woot!! Now all I have to do is go into Sec of State and take the state written exam (and pass it) and I am good to go with my motorcycle endorsement. I am very happy, and very excited. The tests weren’t that bad. I knew I would have a tough time with “the box” but I just kept chanting to myself “you can do this, you can do this” over and over and took my time and passed it. I did blow one of the “curve” tests, but not enough to fail.

One thing I was surprised about was the number of people who didn’t seem to pass. We had a lot of people in our class on the first day, but I’d say that half of them were not there today when we got our certificates. I guess it is a good thing, as you don’t want to pass people unless they can actually ride a motorcycle, but on the other hand I feel bad because if I can pass the tests I think anyone can. Physical coordination is not my strong point! LOL

Just got done with my first day of range time on the motorcycle range at Schoolcraft College’s Garden City campus. Wow! What a blast. I am kicking myself that I didn’t do this 20 years ago, I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun. Ever! They only give us 250cc for the class…today I rode a Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250cc. It is a cousin of the Kawasaki KLR650 which is one of the motorcycles I’m thinking about buying once I pass my tests. I can’t wait for more range time!!!

Today is day one of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class I’m taking. I’m pretty excited. I’ve got 4 hours of class time tonight, then 6 or 8 hours of range time Saturday and Sunday. Then back next Friday night for more range time, and then back on Saturday to take the tests. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, so it should be interesting to say the least.