• To ride a motorcycle in New York, you'll need to follow the rules.motorcycle image by Bionic Media from Fotolia.com
  
  Compared with cars, motorcycles can provide a cheaper form of transportation. Insurance, fuel and maintenance often cost less for a motorcycle, which can average higher miles per gallon than many automobiles. In addition, motorcycles can offer a lot of enjoyment. New York residents who want to operate a motorcycle in their state must comply with specific rules and regulations.
  
  

Insurance

• New York requires that all motorcycle riders carry valid motorcycle insurance. Choose a policy from a variety of insurance companies that do business in New York. Riders must show proof of insurance before they can register a motorcycle. If you cancel your motorcycle insurance seasonally (i.e., during the winter when you don't ride), New York does not require that you return your license plate to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
  
  

Licensing

• New York residents who wish to ride a motorcycle legally in New York must also possess a valid New York driver's license. The only exception is if you already possess a motorcycle license from another state. Motorists who wish to register a motorcycle in New York must show proof of residence and exchange this out-of-state license for a New York motorcycle license at a DMV office.
  
  Otherwise, motorists must apply for a motorcycle permit (or motorcycle junior permit, if under 18) at a DMV office. To apply for this permit, you will have to take a written exam, fill out "Form MV-44" and pay the required fees. You can use the "Class M" learner's permit for up to one year and renew it one time. In order to receive a motorcycle license, drivers must take a road-based motorcycle driving test at the DMV.
  
  

Registration

• Anyone who owns a motorcycle must register it each year with the New York state DMV. Although these registrations last for up to one calendar year, all motorcycle registrations expire April 30. Unlike cars registered in the state of New York, motorcycles must bear only one license plate, affixed to the back of the motorcycle. To register a motorcycle, go to any New York state DMV office with proof of ownership, insurance card, New York state photo ID and another form of valid identification that shows date of birth. Fill out the "Vehicle Registration/Title Application" form and pay the relevant fees to register and title your motorcycle.
  
  

Inspection

• Each motorcycle registered in New York state must undergo an annual safety inspection. Motorists must have these inspections conducted at a licensed inspection facility; certified garages and inspection shops will display a yellow and black sign bearing the words "Official NYS Motorcycle Inspection Station." Cyclists must have any newly purchased motorcycle inspected within 10 days of registration.