Earlier this year we published a post referencing the disparity between state motorcycle training programs and the bikes owners eventually go on to ride. We talked about the fact that in some states, the training necessary for a motorcycle endorsement is terribly inadequate. The Illinois regulations are a classic example. In that state, students can use smaller motorcycles for training and certification, then go out and purchase much larger bikes that they were never taught to handle. However, that might change.
Illinois is now considering adding a third class of motorcycle license to account for bigger, more powerful machines. If the change were implemented, a new license class would be introduced to cover bigger motorcycles in the 600cc and higher range. Furthermore, the law would require riders to test using the same class of motorcycle they intend to ride.
Officials from the Secretary of State's office have said the proposed rule change is only in the early stages of consideration at this point. They are talking about it in response to fatality numbers that are as high in Illinois as they have ever been. Rather than impose a mandatory helmet law (Illinois is one of only three states that do not require helmets) policy makers are looking at other ways to make motorcycles safer. They believe adding another license class could be one of those ways.
Currently a handful of other states offer multiple license tiers for different sized bikes. In most of them, riders can legally operate motorcycles only at, or below, the class of license they possess. Therefore, in the four-tiered system that Utah has, for example, someone possessing the highest class of license could ride any motorcycle. Another rider who tested at the second-tier would be limited to that level and the one below.
Ride Safely
Regardless of what happens in Illinois, the need to ride safely exists in every state. Motorcycles are not toys to be played with carelessly. They are machines that can become deadly when operated by inexperienced or careless riders who do not respect them.
We urge all riders to take not only the minimum training required in their states, but any additional training courses as well. This is especially important if one intends to buy a heavier, more powerful machine. The heavier a bike is, the more difficult it is to control under normal conditions. Moreover, as any biker can tell you, riding conditions are rarely ideal even on the best of days.
Motorcycle training is relatively inexpensive by most standards. So even cost is not a valid excuse to not be properly trained. If you're a veteran rider, don't do yourself a disservice by blowing off remedial training every few years. A good training course is an opportunity for you to refresh your memory and improve your skills.
The freedom of the open road is what makes the motorcycle lifestyle so inviting. Make sure you are able to continue enjoying it by being properly trained for your bike. It could pay off in ways you might never have imagined.
