taking NJ motorcycle road test friday, need advice! thanks

[aonello3]

Hey all, i'm new to the forum, as i'm new to bikes, and i just picked-up a 2005 FZ6 about a month ago and have been riding it nearly everyday since. But the time has come to get official with my license.

the NJ manual doesnt exactly say: 'the exact dimensions' for the test, and from the research i've done, i've got a pretty good idea of how it's going to play out:

1. swerve around 12ft apart (2ft offset) cones (5 of them) and them make a sharp u-turn

2. speed up from 1st to 2nd gear (up to 20 mph) and then back down to first, then come to a full stop with my front tire in a 2 ft. box

3. 2 sharp 90 degree turns

4. _____ <-- please add if i'm missing something, and/or please comment on the above

i can handle all of these on my bike, so i dont think renting a scooter is necessary. (i've been riding motocross for years)

as for gear, i have full leather gloves, and a helmet (of course), but i've been told i need to have reflective tape on both sides of the helmet?

do i need full leather boots to up and above the ankle?? (i dont have these right now, but if i need them i'll find a pair)

now my other question is regarding bringing my bike to the testing center (Lodi, NJ) the manual says i can either have another licensed motorcycle rider accompany me to the testing center or i can bring it in on my pick-up. but my main question is, does my pickup truck need to be in-line to the testing start-line? does my accompanying licensed rider need to be on his bike in the testing starting line? or can i just show up on my bike and say i trucked it in?

ANY and ALL advice is much appreciated. i look forward to riding my FZ6 and being a part of this community. thank you in advance!

- Angelo

 

[stevesnj]

The NJ test is ridiculous, I took mine on my honda shadow 600 and failed, the bike is just too long to maneuver through the cones and the corner turn. I eventually got the scooter just to get the test done. The test is not impossible on a full size bike but unless you practice on the actual course there is no way you can pass with a big bike. The FZ may handle good enough though. I suggest buying some cones and practicing on a sunday when your DMV is closed. I did this and it helped tremendously!

 

[chunkygoat]

I myself took the Pa safety course, but I know a number of people who have taken the Jersey test. Don't quote me on this, but your going to have to

-do a quick stop where you ride until he drops his arms and you have to stop immediately. He times you with a stop watch and the longer it takes you to stop, the more points you get (which is bad).

-figure 8's in a box (i think its a 15' by 12' box) that you have to do 2 tight uturns in a figure 8 pattern. If you go out of the box, you will get points.

-roll on throttle around a slight curve

-and evasive maneuvering where you swerve left and swerve right to avoid a cone.

you shouldn't need reflective tape, but it wouldn't hurt. I would highly suggest wearing boots that cover your ankle as its a good habit to have, and they will check your footwear.

Just don't let the handlebars hit the ground or you will fail. Don't drive like a maniac or even get into 3rd gear unless they tell you. Its a simple test, stay calm and as long as you show your capable of learning and following directions, you'll be fine.

Good luck!

 

[chunkygoat]

The NJ test is ridiculous, I took mine on my honda shadow 600 and failed, the bike is just too long to maneuver through the cones and the corner turn. I eventually got the scooter just to get the test done. The test is not impossible on a full size bike but unless you practice on the actual course there is no way you can pass with a big bike. The FZ may handle good enough though. I suggest buying some cones and practicing on a sunday when your DMV is closed. I did this and it helped tremendously!

Yeah the figure 8's or the u-turns would be slightly more difficult on a larger bikes. I don't know if jersey offers bikes to learn on, but I did mine on a 110cc dirt bike so maneuverability wasn't an issue.

Practice your slow speed turning as tight as possible in advance, that was surely the most difficult part of the test. That and don't lock your brakes up on the quick stop. Its better to get 1 or 2 points than to lock the brakes up and drop it and fail.

 

[aonello3]

awesome guys.

anyone know about the 'showing up on the bike' aspect? or need to be in line for the test with my pick-up ?

boots as a necessity for the test?

 

[Boneman]

boots as a necessity for the test?

You should ALWAYS be wearing the proper footwear when riding a motorcycle! Test or no test.

Practice, practice, practice! Go into the test prepared and it will seem easy. Go unprepared and you will have difficulty. Technique is everything. Here are a few tips for you:

- When you start your U-turns, look to your exit point (NOT at the cones) and don't take your eyes off it! "Look where you want to go".

- When doing cones (slalom) and turns, keep your head UP!! Look ahead and see the cones in your lower peripheral vision. When you stare down at the cones is when people do excessive weaving and hit them.

- For stopping, apply your brakes smoothly. The "emergency stop" should be the only time you use your front brakes.

- When using front brakes, make sure that the handlebars are straight (front wheel is pointed forward). If you are slightly turned and brake hard on the front, this can cause a 'stop flop' as the bike is now unballanced on the front due to having the front wheel turned.

- When doing slow speed maneuvers, keep your revs up and work the clutch friction point and the rear brake together to control your speed (don't need any front brake). This combination is how you control a bike at low speed. Keeping the revs up helps keep the bike upright as the engine acts as a big gyroscope. I'd say 805 of the riders out there don't know this about low speed drills and always try to do them at idle.

- Did I mention practice? You only benefit yourself by practicing.

I can't speak for NJ, but usually the testers want to see control of your vehicle and that you maintain control at all times. Doing jerky turns is not demonstrating good control.


Good luck and let us know how you do!!

 

[08-FZ6]

awesome guys.

anyone know about the 'showing up on the bike' aspect? or need to be in line for the test with my pick-up ?

boots as a necessity for the test?

I am almost positive you will have to unload it and be lined up on the bike ready to take the test. Do you know anyone with a liscense that can go with you?

 

[aonello3]

yes, i'm pretty sure my friend is going to take the day off work, but i was really planning on just showing up, i've been riding the bike on a permit since the day i got it. just thinking worst case. i'd hate to show up, and have the NJ DMV guy say: "how'd you get it here, show me."

 

[Doorag]

Regardless of what they throw at you, just relax and ride like you know you can and it will be fine.

 

[aonello3]

thanks man, yeah i can handle everything, but my experience with the NJ DMV over the years hasnt been so hot, i failed my permit test the first time b/c it had nothing to do with a motorcycle, i was mega pissed. and any time you go there the 180 pts of ID usually have something wrong with them. but we'll see, i've been practicing riding the bike with very very slow turns, basically just keeping it from tipping over/ foot down by giving it just a little gas to power through the turns. thanks guys. and please continue with the input. i'm heading cross-country on aug. 1st !

 

[08-FZ6]

thanks man, yeah i can handle everything, but my experience with the NJ DMV over the years hasnt been so hot, i failed my permit test the first time b/c it had nothing to do with a motorcycle, i was mega pissed. and any time you go there the 180 pts of ID usually have something wrong with them. but we'll see, i've been practicing riding the bike with very very slow turns, basically just keeping it from tipping over/ foot down by giving it just a little gas to power through the turns. thanks guys. and please continue with the input. i'm heading cross-country on aug. 1st !

Turn your idle up a little and just clutch/brake through your turning drills. You shouldn't even need the throttle for them.

 

[Boneman]

Turn your idle up a little and just clutch/brake through your turning drills. You shouldn't even need the throttle for them.

Yeah but that's not really teaching you the proper skills, nor how one should execute slow speed manuvers in the real world. You're just fooling and handicaping yourself in the long run.

Learn do do it properly in the first place.

I think people tend to lose focus of what a test is all about. It's NOT just about PASSING, then going "whew, now I can forget everything and just ride". The point of the test is to demonstrate that you have the MINIMUM skills required to get licensed! The learning and training should not stop there.

Shortcuts and 'cheats' don't really benifit you and you only end up cheating yourself. You are going to have to realy on your riding skills on your bike when you are out in traffic. It's those skills and things learned that is gong to keep you alive out there and make you a better rider.

 

[08-FZ6]

Yeah but that's not really teaching you the proper skills, nor how one should execute slow speed manuvers in the real world. You're just fooling and handicaping yourself in the long run.

Learn do do it properly in the first place.

I think people tend to lose focus of what a test is all about. It's NOT just about PASSING, then going "whew, now I can forget everything and just ride". The point of the test is to demonstrate that you have the MINIMUM skills required to get licensed! The learning and training should not stop there.

Shortcuts and 'cheats' don't really benifit you and you only end up cheating yourself. You are going to have to realy on your riding skills on your bike when you are out in traffic. It's those skills and things learned that is gong to keep you alive out there and make you a better rider.

Yeah, I understand that 100% and I'm not trying to say that he shouldn't learn & practice the proper ways to ride. It was just a little "hint" that was told to me. Taking the test can be more stressful than actually getting out and riding and this method helped me. I wasn't trying to give bad advice or anything so please take it for what it's worth.

 

[aonello3]

i've put about 600 miles on my bike in the past month, mostly highway, the transition from dirt to road wasnt too bad at all, actually pretty quick, major thing i notice is i 'look' when i make turns, and dont use the back brake in turns too much, ha.

i'll just keep practicing, just seems the test should be set-up completely different for realistic purposes

 

[stevesnj]

I think people tend to lose focus of what a test is all about. It's NOT just about PASSING, then going "whew, now I can forget everything and just ride". The point of the test is to demonstrate that you have the MINIMUM skills required to get licensed! The learning and training should not stop there.

Shortcuts and 'cheats' don't really benifit you and you only end up cheating yourself. You are going to have to realy on your riding skills on your bike when you are out in traffic. It's those skills and things learned that is gong to keep you alive out there and make you a better rider.

Well to me the test is ridiculous not the skills. The NJ road test is nothing about safety. We have to stop the front wheel in a box from 30mph. maneuver around a set of cones (what are the cones supposed to represent in the real world?) set up a certain distance apart. I would rather the state mandate evasive maneuvers, proper braking, use of signals, checking your mirrors properly, so in NJ it is all about taking the test and passing.

 

[Boneman]

i've put about 600 miles on my bike in the past month, mostly highway, the transition from dirt to road wasnt too bad at all, actually pretty quick, major thing i notice is i 'look' when i make turns, and dont use the back brake in turns too much, ha.

i'll just keep practicing, just seems the test should be set-up completely different for realistic purposes

U-turns and slow speeds drills ARE realistic and aplly to the real world quite well. parking lots, dead-end roads, etc.

Again, they are mainly looking that you can demonstrate control of your vehicle.

Sounds like you should do fine. Give em what they want to see. Wheather you continue to do those things after you pass is up to you.

 

[Boneman]

Well to me the test is ridiculous not the skills. The NJ road test is nothing about safety. We have to stop the front wheel in a box from 30mph. maneuver around a set of cones (what are the cones supposed to represent in the real world?) set up a certain distance apart. I would rather the state mandate evasive maneuvers, proper braking, use of signals, checking your mirrors properly, so in NJ it is all about taking the test and passing.

So enlighten me, this is a ROAD TEST, not a Skills Test? Your "road tests" are done in a parking lot? If that's the case I have to agree with you then.

Stopping the front wheel in a box demonstrates control of the bike in an emergency stop. Think of the box as the distance to teh car bumper in front of you.

Cones, well they can be several things like fallen debris, wet manhole covers, pot holes, etc.

All what is descirbed here sounds like the MSA (Motorcycel Skills Test) that is done in the parking lot and that you have to pass this test BEFORE you can take the Road Test, which is all on the road, riding in traffic and such. I'm confused......?? Do you guys in NJ only have one motorcycle test then or 2?

 

[stevesnj]

So enlighten me, this is a ROAD TEST, not a Skills Test? Your "road tests" are done in a parking lot? If that's the case I have to agree with you then.

Stopping the front wheel in a box demonstrates control of the bike in an emergency stop. Think of the box as the distance to teh car bumper in front of you.

Cones, well they can be several things like fallen debris, wet manhole covers, pot holes, etc.

All what is descirbed here sounds like the MSA (Motorcycel Skills Test) that is done in the parking lot and that you have to pass this test BEFORE you can take the Road Test, which is all on the road, riding in traffic and such. I'm confused......?? Do you guys in NJ only have one motorcycle test then or 2?

Our test is in a 20 foot by 20 foot paved area with markings on the ground.. thats it. Also we have to take a written test for the permit then we ride with another licensed motorcycle driver until out test which could be a few weeks later. No safety course is required. And you can take the test on a mini scooter not even on a motorcycle.

Stopping a bike on a mark demonstrates that I know how to use the brakes not demonstrate a controlled stop in an emergency. Also cones to me represent cones not debris. Im not trying to be a smart A$$ but I am just venting on the horrible nature of the test here in NJ.

 

[aonello3]

there's 2 options to go about getting your license here in NJ:

1. take your permit test (about 30 ques. on the computer at the DMV)
if you pass the first time (don't laugh, i didnt, and not everyone does either)
you have to wait atleast 20 days to take the road test at the DMV

20 day interim: ride alongside another licensed motorcyclist

take your road test, if you pass, then you get an 'M' added to your license

or the other option:

2. take your permit test, and then wait 20 days. then take a 3-day (8-hr per day) rider safety course at an approved facility and if you pass you can get a waiver certificate of completion to bypass the road test. take this to the DMV and get your license


i wasnt opposed to the rider safety course, i just literally couldnt afford the 3-days in a row. had i no experience what-so-ever i would have taken the course, but i'm well aware of how the motorcycle handles etc., i just keep my eyes wide open for the other drivers on the roadways

 

[chunkygoat]

- For stopping, apply your brakes smoothly. The "emergency stop" should be the only time you use your front brakes.

- When using front brakes, make sure that the handlebars are straight (front wheel is pointed forward). If you are slightly turned and brake hard on the front, this can cause a 'stop flop' as the bike is now unballanced on the front due to having the front wheel turned.

- When doing slow speed maneuvers, keep your revs up and work the clutch friction point and the rear brake together to control your speed (don't need any front brake). This combination is how you control a bike at low speed. Keeping the revs up helps keep the bike upright as the engine acts as a big gyroscope. I'd say 805 of the riders out there don't know this about low speed drills and always try to do them at idle.

Well put.


I use both brakes almost every time (unless its under a couple of mph). Muscle memory is a fantastic thing. 4 fingers every time. And teach yourself to not grab a fist full of brake. Same with the back brake. Slowly apply more brake as needed. I wouldn't say use the front brake for emergency stops only. If you don't use the front brake ever, your instinct will tell you to slam your back brake in an emergency.

I never knew about the gyroscope effect of the engine giving the bike more balance.

Now riding at very slow speeds is different.

I was instructed by my teacher that when driving under 5mph - to give yourself more stability, keep your RPM's up, while working the friction zone. Apply a decent amount of back brake and it will work your bike upright for you.
Also if it seems slightly choppy, try using 2nd gear as 1st gear is your working horse. 2nd gear will be slightly more smooth on the throttle. Using all of those technique and keeping a constant 3 - 5,000 RPM's, driving with the speedo reading 0mph is not a problem.

Hope this helps somebody.