Motorcycle license in Japan - anyone know??

[mercutio]

I've done some research and gotten some conflicting info so I though I'd ask you guys.

I know that with an intl license I'll be able to legally drive a scooter of up to 50cc. I have also heard that there are difference license requirements for motorcycles when you get to an engine bigger than 400cc. Well at 6'2" and 235 lbs I just cant see myself on a 50cc scooter considering the fact that my current bike (Ninja EX500) looks like a kid's BMX bike when im sitting on it (hey it was cheap and meant to be temporary )

soooo... Does anyone know what it is going to take to get a license for a large bike in Japan...something like a 900?

[Crispy]

Hm, I heard someone say that motorcycle licences were easier and cheaper to get than car licences. That must only apply to 400cc or less motorcycles. Either way, there is no way I have found to make Japanese people my age more jealous than to say that I had a driver's license in high school. I guess I took it for granted...

[mercutio]

Check out the Japan Newbie link I posted in the scooting around kanto thread. There's a long discussion on it.

If you have an International License and a valid US motorcycle license, you can ride up to 400cc.

I think a 900 will cost at least $2000 - 3000 in special classes to pass the tests. Most of my Japanese friends had to take the tests multiple times to qualify. One guy took it 18 times before he passed.

yeah i read through that entire thread before posting this one. The only finite fact seems to be that the intl license will allow you to drive a scooter up to 50cc. I have conflicting info on what it takes to get up to the 400cc mark and then noone has specifics on the larger bike license but everyone seems to agree that it is expensive.

Are you certain that an intl with an american motocycle license will get you up the the 400cc mark? I read somewhere that you cant do anything over 50cc without another japanese license in addition to the intl license

.... boy I'm gonna look cool on a moped I should get some big shoes and a red rubber nose so I can complete the circus clown image

[mercutio]

Ah ha! I reread it again. so it sounds like I can just have my US motorcycle license converted to a Japanese license and will be okay up to 400cc