In Ontario , both car and motorcycles are under a graduated licensing system. For bikes, you start by writing a written knowledge test about motorcycles and rules of the road. It's a good idea to study the material for the regular car written test (for the G1) because there is some cross over in material. Pass and you get an M1 license with some restrictions, including not being able to ride in the dark or carry passengers. You can keep this license for a minimum of 60 days, and a maximum of 90 days. Before your license expires, you must take a practical, on-bike exam to upgrade your license to an M2. You can have a road test at the Ministry of Transportation, or take a course at the end of which you will have a test. I opted for the course because formal safety training is never a bad idea, and the test is easier to pass when you have it right after your training. Finally, within five years of obtaining your M1, you must pass a final on-road examination. At this point you have your full motorcycle license, the M, with no restrictions above the regular laws, and you won't need to do any tests again. After getting my M1 in July, I finally made a decision on the Blast. I was going to buy new for certain. I paid my down payment with the order and thus will be the proud owner of a brand new 2005 Buell Blast. Well, to say soon is stretching it. I have to make the money to buy it first, so I won't be paying the balance and picking it up until next spring. It's going to be a long winter! Continue to part two: training and a surprise.
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