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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat
    Gallowspole's Avatar
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    Riding a bike in USA - Seattle to LA

    I'm off to the States next year and looking at hiring a 750cc bike. The motorcycle hire websites state that the requirement is a 'full motorcycle license'.

    Google hasn't really been my friend. I'm British and have an ancient pink paper licence that is only good for cars and mopeds. So...

    Can I ride a motorcycle in the USA with a Thai motorcycle licence?

    Or, can I, as a foreigner, get an international driver's licence issued in Thailand, and would that licence be then acceptable in the States or do the States require an IDL issued from the UK being as I'm British?

    Cheers.

  2. #2
    My kind of town
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    With those glasses????

    I think it would be good, but only for 3 months. At least that is what I have been told.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat
    Gallowspole's Avatar
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    thanks - I'll only be there for a couple of weeks.

  4. #4
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    You'll need the full license to rent the motorcycle. You need more than some old pink piece of paper that allows you to ride a moped. Go get a motorcycle license. It's called preparing for a holiday. We don't want any unlicensed wankers terrorizing our highways.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gallowspole
    Can I ride a motorcycle in the USA with a Thai motorcycle licence?
    I would've thought so. Similar driving standards; people not looking, on their cell phones, not understanding road conditions, etc.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by BugginOut View Post
    You'll need the full license to rent the motorcycle. You need more than some old pink piece of paper that allows you to ride a moped. Go get a motorcycle license. It's called preparing for a holiday. We don't want any unlicensed wankers terrorizing our highways.
    Reading not your strong point?

    I have a motorcycle licence for Thailand.

    Why do you think I'm asking these questions?

    It's called preparing for a holiday.

    Wanker.

  7. #7
    A Cockless Wonder
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    I did Seattle to LA by bike but it was one of these.



    Took 6 weeks so 2 should be enough for a mocy. Lots of amazing scenery on the west coast should be a good time. I lost 8 kilos due to being unable to eat enough food to replace the lost calories. Put it all back on within 2 weeks of stopping since your metabolism keeps you hungry until you get the weight back.

    Quote Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog
    Similar driving standards; people not looking, on their cell phones, not understanding road conditions, etc.
    The biggest hazards are the huge logging trucks in WA and the myopic 80 year old Elmer Fudds driving their RVs the size of a house with a flask of JD in their lap to pass the time.

  8. #8
    Thailand Expat
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    Don't think I'd be able do 2 days never mind 6 weeks on a bicycle! I was planning on around 7 days because I've got to visit Chicago as well.

    I have a couple of mates who have been up and down there quite a few times driving trucks and they often wax lyrical about the scenery. Also a mate sailed around there last year and he raves about it, too .

  9. #9
    En route
    Cujo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Looper View Post
    I did Seattle to LA by bike but it was one of these.


    Yeah, but i just looked on the map and it's downhill all the way.

  10. #10
    My kind of town
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gallowspole View Post
    I've got to visit Chicago as well.
    For deep dish pizza in order starting from mouth mouthwatering tongue slapping delicious to really delicious

    Edwardo's Natural Pizza

    Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

    Gino's East Chicago

    An enjoyable restaurant that has Second City interns as staff who put on a show whilst waiting tables

    Ed Debevics l Famous Since 1945

    A pub in my old neighborhood!

    Winter Menu | Moody's PubMoody's Pub | Est. 1959 ? Chicago

  11. #11
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    Hehehehehohohohahaha
    IDL with a valid UK License works.
    Easy Bloke.
    You can rent a shit box on your UK License.
    But if you have a IDL with UK License your set!
    No need for Insuranse if you put on a Credit Card. CC Company will cover you!

  12. #12
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    Easiest way to check, is to email the rental company. When they say "full" license-- they likely mean as opposed to a "learner's permit" (don't know if you have this concept in UK) and specifically for motorcycles (this varies by state but you can probably ride a 50cc scooter with a "car" driver's license--obviously not adequate). Motorcycle learner's permit in California, for example, is issued upon successful completion of written test only and if I remember correctly had the restrictions of no riding either after dark, 2 up, or on highway (learner's permit restrictions vary by state). Full motorcycle license includes a road test and won't have those types of restrictions. If your thai motorcycle license has no english (I have no idea if this is the case), don't expect that they will take it and you will need some sort of IDL translation (a guess on my part).
    Last edited by nikko; 14-10-2011 at 03:15 AM.

  13. #13
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    If your going to rent a smaller bike such as a 750cc I would suggest you plan your trip down highway 101 its a great run and speed is not important...................

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