Decisions, Japanese License Decisions

[Shaman]

So I am in Japan, and may be here for a few more years. I am looking at getting my license, so I can avoid the outrageous parking fees that exist here, and save on some gas money and traffic annoyances. I had a Zx-6E for a year before coming here, and never had a problem with it, aside from some crazy drivers not understanding that you can’t tailgate something without a tailgate. I have a few choices, all of which will be based on what test I take.

Japan Test Information About halfway down you will find the information

Bike Info Long read, but has all the #@$%! related to owning a bike.

If you have read through all of that, I am proud of you. With that information, which class would you choose? I am told that the big size 400cc-up is very difficult to pass. I am confident that I can sling around the 400(399cc) they will test me on without a problem. The big class I will test on a 750, and I don’t know how much it will weigh or handle. We can’t use our own bikes here, only what the center has. I don’t even know if it will be a cruiser, naked, tourer, or sportbike. As of now I am thinking of staying with a 250cc, because of the related costs that will crop up if I keep it for more than a year.

 

[Gary Allan]

This is interesting ...and not totally descriptive.

I can't quite visualize the test here.

Quote:

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UNEVEN-PITCH OBSTACLE COURSE: There is a series of 8 (or so, I forgot) concrete bars (approx. 7-8cm base/5cm top X 5cm X 100cm) laid parallel to each other with uneven pitches. The testee is required to cross these bars taking as long a time as possible without running off of the bars or dropping the bike. The performance should be done in a standing position on the steps.

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The "long a time as possible" sounds like it should be "long a time as necessary" and I get the impression that you're looking at what should be called "off camber". I also can't tell if you're crossing them lengthwise and have to do 8 separate passes at the various pitches ..or if you're, effectively, crossing a wash board ..where I can't see how you could fall off if them if they're laid in parallel ..being 100cm long. I'll assume the former ..but if they are all that close together (being "in parallel") it sure sounds like dropping the bike or "rolling off" could make this like that Japanese imported game show that shows on Spike in the collateral damage it assesses upon the participants.

 

[Shannow]

Gary,
I think it's a "slow ride on uneven ground" test. uneven washboard style

 

[Shaman]

Yeah, like the train tracks/ speed bump. Stand up on the bike and go over them.

 

[Gary Allan]

Basically a balance test. I guess if they spaced them in some odd manner you could be challenged.

 

[Shaman]

I don't see a reason to go for the big bike now. I am thinking that the 250 would be the best bet because there is no biannual inspection which runs about $700.