Modern Vespa

startekstuntman

you are way better off having the M1 than not though. Think of it this way if you ever go to another state on a ride and say get stopped for whatever and the police officer says yoou can't ride that thing as you have no motorcycle license. and you try to expalin to him "in California" and he says come with me you smart *ss your bike is now impounded and your SOL. But you are good now cause you have it and another plus side if you want to goto say a BMW dealer and test ride a new motorcycle you can as you have the endorsment. no problems.

Your 100% right!

Very good point.

I said to myself.... "Am I always going to be riding in California?"

Just because California is ok with it, that may not be the case with other states.

And the Fun part is this....

You can go into most motorcycle and scooter dealerships and show them your M1 license and chances are much greater that you will be able to test drive most of their bikes...

So I agree with you "old as dirt," it is much better to have your M1 license.

According two the two Chppies officers in my office yesterday they would not cite a mp3 driver for a riding without a M endorsement...even though it is just a loop hole. My local dealer will not let you test drive theirs without a M endorsement and they tell everyone who asks that everything they sell requires a M endorsement..this is San Jose Vespa/Piaggio/BMW dealer.

SJVPB is just CYA and you can't blame them for that. I personally would never let someone ride my scoot of mc with out Toreador Pants or a mc endorsement.

... because the LAW is correct.
because the new drivers with class C permit if they forced to get
M1 d/l will not gain experience in driving TWO wheeled motorized
vehicles (what M1 d/l states for) if they will not actually drive one.
So,MP3 drivers will loose theyr scills obtained on MSF course in time
and if they will decide to drive a two-wheeled motorized vehicle in
the future (and M1 d/l will still allow it) they may become too novice
on the road, and that's the safety issue.
So, for MP3 drivers (or any three wheeled vehicles) separate class
of D/L should be created, untill then class C d/l is good enough.
Thanks.

Actually, the California vehicle code says that any motorcycle with three wheels or a sidecar only requires a class c license. I actually printed it out and carry it in the bike for assurance. I have had a motorcycle license before and taken the class as well. I don't really have the time to do all that again right now, so just keep the copy of the vehicle code with me, in case any policeman decides he thinks I need a license.

Well, I passed my MSP a few weeks ago and I have just completed the CA-DMV motorcycle written test and passed that also. However, I was a bit surprised that I had to take the standard written test at the same time , and I had not revised at all on that, (apparently if you have not renewed your 'C' license in the last year or so. you have to take both tests), anyway luckily I passed that as well.

So, lets drop the trainer wheels now and bring on the Harley.
Just joking, I think I'll stick with my 250 for a now, I'm having way too much fun, but I do wish I had brought the 500. Hind sight is always 20/20.

To conclude; lets not kid ourselves the MP3 is a motorbike. NOT a trike. Take the the MSP class and get the M1 license its well worth the effort both in safety and peace of mind.