Road Test

[Tom_imp]

Anyone take their road test on their CB1100? I am a relatively confident rider but in NJ it looks like the road test is designed for a tricycle. Tiny course with very tight maneuvers. I'd rather not rent a scooter, but I'd prefer to pass the 1st time.

Thakns,
Tom

[Gone in 60]

CA has a program that lets you skip the riding portion of a license exam if you pass a basic riding course. Does NJ have something similar? Our ride test has tight circles too. Shouldn’t be a problem if you’re very comfortable on the CB at low speeds but if not, I’d want a smaller bike with a lower center of gravity, like a scooter.

[Tom_imp]

CA has a program that lets you skip the riding portion of a license exam if you pass a basic riding course. Does NJ have something similar? Our ride test has tight circles too. Shouldn’t be a problem if you’re very comfortable on the CB at low speeds but if not, I’d want a smaller bike with a lower center of gravity, like a scooter.

You can take a course in NJ that consists of a few Saturdays in a parking lot learning how to ride on small bikes. You still have to take the road test and with the course usually comes a scooter rental. The courses are pretty expensive and take lots of time.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

Do some practicing in a parking lot. The CB is pretty maneuverable and easy to ride at slow speed, you just need to get used to it.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

I took my DMV test on a H-D Sportster lo these many years ago. I would go over to the DMV on weekends and practice on the course that's laid out. You'll want to very comfortable in the friction zone, and know how to tilt the bike under you while you remain upright, like riding a dirt bike. Many times there were other riders there practicing, too.

[Jfro5687_imp]

There’s some great YouTube videos on slow speed handling, a guy on a Goldwing does amazing things at walking pace. Figure of 8’s and the like. One trick I learnt watching those vlogs was to practice using only the back brake for very slow speed stuff, it works a treat. Another was to hold revs slightly above idle but constant and then use the clutch biting point to moderate things. Again, simple once you see it being done and very handy.

[redbirds_imp]

Is there a parking area or something similar where you could get in some practice? I found the CB1100 to be fairly easy to maneuver once you gain confidence dealing with it's relatively high center of gravity. The short wheel base and relatively fast steering response are great assets. Get in some practice time and you should have no problems with the test.

[the Ferret]

If you are making a tight turn, DO NOT hit the front brake.

[PowerDubs_imp]

CA has a program that lets you skip the riding portion of a license exam if you pass a basic riding course. Does NJ have something similar? Our ride test has tight circles too. Shouldn’t be a problem if you’re very comfortable on the CB at low speeds but if not, I’d want a smaller bike with a lower center of gravity, like a scooter.

You can take a course in NJ that consists of a few Saturdays in a parking lot learning how to ride on small bikes. You still have to take the road test and with the course usually comes a scooter rental. The courses are pretty expensive and take lots of time.

Unless it has changed in the last couple years- you take the class at the local community college- it was 2 days if I remember- and if you pass you get a voucher to give to the DMV and you get your license. No road test needed.

[LongRanger_imp]

I took my road test many moons ago on a CB750, which was about the weight as a CB1100. No issues.