(UPDATED: March 19, 2012)The ride of your life involves getting picking up some licenses. Four licenses are available for you to acquire with the Tourist Trophy License School. Getting these licenses pertains to your ability to competitively ride a motorcycle across a number of challenges. There are forty license tests in all. This resourceful blog post features some of my own commentary and info on how to take on each of the forty license tests.
Welcome to Tourist Trophy License School.
LATEST UPDATE(S)/REVISION(S):
MAR 19 2012 - updated look of post
--- Tourist Trophy Licenses at a Glance ---
^
Being taken for a ride by License Tests? Perhaps my insight can help you!With four licenses to pick up, they represent your only chance of even being eligible to compete in any number of championships or any number of bikes. You must demonstrate mastery of skill in operating and riding a motorcycle to become any professional in the game.
Riding a motorcycle features skills much different from driving a car. You are able to ride harder and deeper into corners on a motorcycle. Unlike cars, though, you can take a nasty spill that will have you flying off of your motorcycle. So make sure to hold on tight while smoothly making your moves on your motorcycle. Motorcycles get even more unstable in certain sections than cars. You need to be absolutely careful trying to maneuver a motorcycle around race tracks. The license tests you have to take part in demonstrate many aspects of how to operate and race a motorcycle.
You have four licenses to pick up: Novice, Junior, Expert, and Super. Each level demonstrates varying levels of difficulty both in operating motorcycles and in competitively racing motorcycles. The Graduation Tests for each class of competition are all one-lap Time Trials. The Novice and Junior classes demonstrate unique abilities to use in your racing. You have a dashed line on the track to let you know the preferred line. Blue means you accelerate, red means you brake, and gray means you let off the throttle. A gradient in the colors means you should apply a little throttle or a little brake depending on the colors. Once you reach the Expert Class, this dashed line will be vanished, and it will be up to you to find the preferred line for each course. The Super Class is all one-lap Time Trials. Here, your concentration and ability to ride a motorcycle while demonstrating all previously-learned skills will equal the difference between pass and fail.
License tests feature standing starts and rolling starts. Getting a good launch in a standing start can make a big difference in shaving a few extra seconds off of your license time. Engage the throttle on a rolling start. I will let you know which tests feature rolling starts. The launch speed is an estimate of how fast your bike is going when you cross the finish line. All speeds are indicated in miles per hour, so if you are more accustomed to kilometers per hour, you'll have to (sadly) do a conversion.
Important Riding Notes.
Here are a few things to take note of as you do license tests...
• You need to tuck down when doing license tests. This will help cut down wind resistance at speed. Just hold down the button you've set to tuck down to ride through the wind better while riding at full speed. Don't try to tuck down in cornering, because this hampers your handling ability trying to lean into the turns.
• Hitting any off-track objects, such as cones or turn markers, results in an automatic disqualification.
• Any time you fall off of your bike, you will be disqualified. Try to clear each task while still on your bike.
• When both tires leave the track, you are not automatically disqualified unless you are off the road for half of a second. Make sure to quickly get back on the road if you are off-course as you get off.
One last note... Tourist Trophy remains the ONLY Polyphony Digital-made racing game where I have gone All-Silver for all license tests. As of this post, I have 20 Golds and 20 Silvers. Most of the tests shouldn't be too difficult to get even Bronze. As long as you have decent understanding of how to handle a bike in the game along with proper racing technique, you should do just fine getting even Bronze. The most important thing to practice is staying on your motorcycle and controlling it.
--- Tourist Trophy License Tests: Novice Class ---
Basic understanding of handling and operating a motorcycle are featured here in the Novice Class. You will learn the basics of competitively riding a motorcycle. You will also learn how to properly control your motorcycle through ten different tests. Your ability to properly use a motorcycle is what you will be tested on for the most part.
(FUN FACT) Tourist Trophy's Novice class is the ONLY set of license tests I've reached that legendary milestone of All-Gold. As of this blog post, this is the first (and sadly) ONLY set of license tests in any Polyphony Digital game I have accomplished All-Gold.--- NOVICE TESTS ---
N-1: Braking Basics 1
N-2: Braking Basics 2
N-3: Riding Basics 1 (Circles)
N-4: Riding Basics 2 (Circles)
N-5: Slalom 1
N-6: Cornering Basics 1 (Braking to Lean-In)
N-7: Cornering Basics 2
N-8: Cornering Basics 3
N-9: High-Speed Cornering
N-10: Novice Class Graduation Test
N-1: Braking Basics 1.
"Come to a complete stop within the specified area."
Motorcy,c,le: 2005 Yamaha Grand Majesty 250
Course: Test Course (500m strip)
Start: Standing Start
You're not ready for superbikes! Practice your acceleration and braking by utilizing your first two-wheeled rocket: a Yamaha scooter. The Grand Majesty 250 is a peppy scooter that gets up to speed fairly well. Get up to speed (tuck down if you have to) and start braking either as you approach the 450 meter mark or just past the 450m mark. If you need guidance, pay attention to the dashed line on the road and plan your attack there. Gold shouldn't be too difficult to attain.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 28.270
• SILVER: 29.630
• BRONZE: 32.300
N-2: Braking Basics 2.
"Come to a complete stop within the fixed area. Be careful of the rise in speed compared to the previous test."
Motorcycle: 2005 Honda CBR600RR (J)
Course: Test Course (500m strip)
Start: Standing Start
You will be riding a supersport (also called middleweight) motorcycle here. The same skills you learned in the previous test will come in handy here. Remember that you are attempting the same test in N-1, but on a faster motorcycle. If you are any Gran Turismo veteran, you know that faster machines require quicker stop times. Use the dashed line to help you realize when to brake.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 19.900
• SILVER: 20.010
• BRONZE: 22.800
N-3: Riding Basics 1 (Circles).
"Ride around the circle 3 times as fast as possible. The test will demonstrate how the racing line is affected by acceleration."
Motorcycle: Suzuki Skywave 250 SS
Course: Circle Course
Start: Standing Start
This is your first test where you will need to do some handling. The Skywave 250 SS from Suzuki is your ride for this course. You will be asked to complete three laps around a circle track 100 feet in radius. To do so, you must keep a consistent top speed all the way around. Adjust throttle input as you lean hard into the corners on your Suzuki. If you leave the course either by hitting the outside cones or with both wheels leaving the race track, you will be disqualified. Try to keep your bike as far inside as much as possible without going off course. If you need a little extra speed, then as you cross the finish line for the final lap, instead of dig inside, try to go straight ahead without hitting any outside cones. A speed of about 36 mph is just right to maintain. You may reach 37 or 38 mph in your run, but keep it between 36 mph or 37 mph. At the start, be careful not to lean too far while trying to get up to speed.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 39.120
• SILVER: 40.800
• BRONZE: 44.400
N-4: Riding Basics 2 (Circles).
"Ride around the circle 3 times agaim, this time using a more powerful bike."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha XJR1300
Course: Circle Course
Start: Standing Start
From a standing start, you must perform the same task in N3, but on a faster motorcycle. The XJR1300 is your motorcycle for this test. Since you are riding a faster motorcycle than the weakling Suzuki scooter, you obviously realize you can go for higher top speeds. The difficulty is greater, though, as you try to maintain a solid speed for the entirety of the run. A speed of about 40 mph is a good speed to maintain and not exceed. Remember- when getting up to speed, don't lean too far, because you will fall off of your bike if you lean too far trying to get up to speed.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 37.870
• SILVER: 39.010
• BRONZE: 42.400
N-5: Slalom 1.
"Synchronize rhythmic on/off acceleration with the shifting of your weight."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha TMAX
Course: Fuji Speedway '90s
Start: Standing Start
One of the coolest things about riding a motorcycle is razor-sharp handling while leaning hard. Practice maintaining a decent speed in this slalom test. Yamaha power has been bestowed to you in the form of the Yamaha TMAX scooter. You know you can go only so fast, so don't worry about trying to go too fast to try to complete the slalom run. It is possible to take this course at full throttle without needing to do any braking. Better have a good racing line if you plan on doing this, though.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 19.050
• SILVER: 19.970
• BRONZE: 21.200
N-6: Cornering Basics 1 (Braking to Lean-In).
"Reduce your speed significantly at the entrance of the corner. Use accel/rear brake to adjust if you enter a corner too hot."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha XJR1300
Course: Twin Ring Motegi - Road Course
Start: Rolling Start at 81 mph
This is your first true handling test. It is also the first Rolling Start test. You are asked to clear the hairpin corner leading to the Start/Finish line of the East Short Course portion of Twin Ring Motegi's road course. The Twin Ring Motegi course is used as the Grand Prix site for World Superbike and MotoGP. This test is the first Rolling Start test, so you do not have to get a proper launch off the line. Just follow the dashed line and carve this corner like a jack-o-lantern as best as you can. You need to brake hard while leaning hard into the corner. Let off the throttle mid-turn, then twist the grip, and rocket down the straight to complete the test.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 15.130
• SILVER: 16.090
• BRONZE: 17.500
N-7: Cornering Basics 2.
"Learn rhythmic cornering and racing lines by going through a series of corners."
Motorcycle: 2005 Triumph Sprint ST
Course: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Start: Rolling Start at 43 mph
The British stallion you will ride is the Sprint ST from Triumph. It is your task to navigate three corners ranging from after the Andretti Hairpin to heading into the high-speed part of the track. Laguna Seca delivers some deceptive corners to you. And if you're not ready, you will pay dearly. Do some hard braking mid-turn for all three corners to keep the bike stable. Pay attention to the dashed line to get some ideas on how to maneuver properly around this course. Be smooth with it to land the best times.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 32.600
• SILVER: 34.080
• BRONZE: 37.100
N-8: Cornering Basics 3.
"Try to get your bike upright when you need to brake hard. Your bike will lose balance if you brake hard during cornering."
Motorcycle: 1989 Honda VFR400R
Course: El Capitan
Start: Rolling Start at 48 mph
Even though El Capitan can not be raced on against three other riders, you are still given one hefty challenge to power this 1980s Honda motorcycle around the tricky El Capitan course. El Capitan is a course from Gran Turismo 4 with vicious elevation changes. It is an exercise in car control where only the finest will come through with victory. Thankfully, you will not have to take on the elevation changes here. You are asked to clear a very long left-hand hairpin. You will go far outside when approaching the corner. The dashed line suggests you let off the throttle halfway through the corner, then brake moderately followed by twisting the throttle. Develop a smooth line exiting the corner while leaning just right to clear the corners properly. Be careful not to lean too far to where you increase your chances of flying off your motorcycle. Stability at speed is an absolute must around El Capitan.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 24.543
• SILVER: 24.620
• BRONZE: 28.100
N-9: High-Speed Cornering.
"Try mastering cornering at ultra fast speeds."
Motorcycle: 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600
Course: High-Speed Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 50 mph
High-Speed Ring is a nice challenge for motorcycles as it is for cars. Take on the first two corners of High-Speed Ring in this test in a fast Suzuki supersport bike. Make sure you are at full throttle because the test begins immediately after you start/restart the test. Half of the first corner can be taken at full speed until you have to do some hard braking and some hard leaning. You will need to brake hard as you exit the first corner, but get the Suzuki back up to speed to take on the second corner. Brake hard into the second corner and try to get a good launch to clear the Finish gate at a blistering speed.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 35.420
• SILVER: 37.000
• BRONZE: 40.200
N-10: Novice Class Graduation.
"Run the Autumn Ring (Mini) in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha TMAX
Course: Autumn Ring Mini
Start: Rolling Start at 43 mph
You will receive your Novice license if you can complete one lap around Autumn Ring Mini on a Yamaha TMAX. Autumn Ring Mini is considered a great race track for racing vintage motorcycles and scooters. Its simplistic nature makes it a great course to test your motorcycle riding skills. The critical corners to Autumn Ring Mini are the very first hairpin and all the corners at the eastern ends of the circuit. A healthy amount of leaning is needed to clear this course properly. It takes some practice to get Gold here, but it can be done. Just be smooth all around the course. Watch your lines and try to develop a good angle.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 46.460
• SILVER: 48.370
• BRONZE: 52.600
That concludes the Novice license! You may either try to earn some new bikes or go for your Junior license. It's up to you.
Speaking of the Junior License, make sure you are reading the full blog post to see my other license test commentaries. This Jump Break is provided for performance purposes.
--- Tourist Trophy License Tests: Junior Class ---
After showing your worth in the Novice Class, it is time to step up to the Junior Class. You will need to take your Novice skills and apply them to more advanced riding. Tougher tests and faster motorcycles await you here.
--- JUNIOR LICENSE TESTS ---
J-1: Braking Basics 3
J-2: Braking Basics 4
J-3: Avoidance 1 (3 Levels)
J-4: Slalom 2
J-5: Slalom 3
J-6: S-Turns 1
J-7: High-Speed Turn 1
J-8: Compound Turns 1
J-9: Compound Turns 2
J-10: Junior Class Graduation Test
J-1: Braking Basics 3.
"Practice smooth transition from braking from cornering."
Motorcycle: 2005 Aprilia RSV1000R Factory
Course: Tsukuba Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 73 mph
Aprilia provides you its RSV1000R Factory motorcycle for which you take on this test. You are asked to negotiate the first hairpin of Tsukuba, which is punishing for both cars and motorcycles. This is a double-apex hairpin. You have to brake very hard trying to attack the far inside of the corner. Then, you'll need to power out of the corner with both a strong exit and a clean transition to the following straightaway. Use the dashed line to help you create the best line to use around this course.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 13.657
• SILVER: 14.790
• BRONZE: 16.100
J-2: Braking Basics 4.
"Learn high-speed braking going downhill. Use objects of scenery to judge ideal braking points."
Motorcycle: 2000 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana Final Edition
Course: El Capitan
Start: Rolling Start at 86 mph
With El Capitan as the track and Suzuki providing you a ride, you are asked to negotiate the southwestern end of El Capitan. The elevation changes and snaking roads are NOT easy to negotiate as you power this naked Suzuki (which has GREAT engine noise!) around this section. Pay close attention to the dashed line and try to attack every section as best as you can. Let off the throttle to avoid tagging the outside wall in Turn 1. Start braking hard as you head downhill into the hairpin. A few intervals of throttle and brake will help you to clear the rest of the course.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 24.788
• SILVER: 24.880
• BRONZE: 27.000
J-3: Avoidance 1 (3 Levels).
"Watch the signal given and maneuver in that direction to proceed. The indicated route is random so you must react quickly."
Motorcycle: 2005 Honda VFR
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Standing Start
The Avoidance tests are really the most fun to me. You will have sections marked off by tire walls and concrete barriers. In the middle are big light-up boards telling you which direction to go. You must react quickly and go in that direction. What makes these fun is that I often try to go full speed through most of these sections, like I know what the right direction is. Each time you attempt the Avoidance tests, the direction of left or right will be random. Your job is to go quickly in the indicated direction without hitting the walls or going in the wrong direction. This test exercises your ability to react quickly by moving in a certain direction as indicated by the boards. Shift your weight and lean hard to accurately go in one direction. Then, power out of each corner to take on the remaining signals until you cross the finish gate. When you clear the final signal, you MUST bring your bike to a complete stop in the Finish area to complete the test. If you run out of bounds or dump your bike in the Finish zone, your run will be disqualified. A good bit of advice is to start braking meters before you get the signal to each section. This way, you slow down quick enough to properly set yourself up for each section. Another good bit of advice is to braking hard into the Finish area after clearing the final signal.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 19.940
• SILVER: 21.040
• BRONZE: 22.900
J-4: Slalom 2.
"A cone slalom performed at higher speeds. More rhythm is required in this test compared to the previous one."
Motorcycle: 2005 Honda CB1300 Super Bol D'or
Course: Fuji Speedway
Start: Standing Start
Rather than a measly scooter, you're on a real motorcycle. Honda's CB13000 Super Bol D'or is your two-wheeled rocket as you power your way through the same slalom course as you did on the Yamaha TMAX. Quickly learn, understand, and utilize the capabilities of your motorcycle to navigate your way through this slalom course. Use finesse in your riding and throttle input to make the most of your run in trying to clear this course quickly. Remember- if you clip a cone, you will automatically fail.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 16.490
• SILVER: 17.500
• BRONZE: 19.000
J-5: Slalom 3.
"A cone slalom but with a passenger. The handling will be greatly affected with the extra weight so be careful."
Motorcycle: 2005 Honda CB1300 Super Bol D'or
Course: Fuji Speedway
Start: Standing Start
When riding two-up, extra weight is added to the bike. This is about the only chance you will ride two-up in this game. You will be riding the same bike from J-4 on the same course as J-4. You can make this test fun by imagining the passenger is a friend of yours or a loved one. Your job is to try to clear the same slalom course, with the same bike, but with a passenger riding with you. Extra weight at the rear of the bike will impair your ability to turn and lean properly through the corners. So your job is to try to weave your way around the cones even with extra weight at the rear. It may be good advice that you don't use your Chase Cam because your passenger will obstruct your view of the road in Chase Cam.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 17.238
• SILVER: 17.420
• BRONZE: 20.100
J-6: S-Turns 1.
"Complete this test with rhythmic combination of accleration and braking."
Motorcycle: 1986 Yamaha FZR400
Course: Suzuka Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 49 mph
The Esses of Suzuka Circuit are for you to navigate on a 1980s Yamaha motorcycle. This part of the track is exciting to race on. Making the most of the Esses involves a proper and well-balanced attack. Try as hard as possible to not go too far wide through any of the aforementioned corners. Modest elevation changes will also play tricks on you as you try to clear this course, so keep this in mind and adjust and adapt as quickly as you can.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 21.650
• SILVER: 22.800
• BRONZE: 24.800
J-7: High-Speed Turn 1.
"It will take longer than you think to reduce your speed. Be careful on your approach."
Motorcycle: 2005 Kawasaki Z1000
Course: Suzuka Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 135 mph
130R is a track that catches out a lot of racers (myself included). This corner at Suzuka is like Tertre Rouge at Le Mans or Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps. You will need to do a consider a decent amount of hard braking while quickly twisting the throttle to power through the corner. Careful brake and throttle input will help you through along with some hard leaning into the corners. Your Kawasaki can take it... can you?
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 11.220
• SILVER: 12.070
• BRONZE: 13.100
J-8: Compound Turns 1.
"Keep a clean driving line in mind to get as close as possible to a circular path."
Motorcycle: 1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R
Course: Deep Forest Raceway
Start:
The undulations and twisty roads of Deep Forest Raceway will play havoc with you and whatever machine is being ridden across these roads. An '80s Kawasaki motorcycle will be your bike for this one. You are asked to negotiate the roads between the first tunnel and the tunnel leading to the backstretch. It is very tough trying to keep the bike balanced as you shift your weight from left to right and across various undulations. You may need to take this course defensively just to learn the Kawasaki's handling nature, then try to race this course harder once you understand and adapt to its handling nature. 28.774 was the best-ever time I've managed around this course in preparing this blog post.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 27.760
• SILVER: 29.020
• BRONZE: 31.600
J-9: Compound Turns 2.
"Try to clip the line at the rear and keep a clean driving line in mind to try to get as close as possible to a circular path."
Motorcycle: 2005 Ducati 999R
Course: Suzuka Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 94 mph
I LOVE Ducati motorcycles! You're going to enjoy racing this superbike across the challenging Suzuka Circuit. Your Ducati 999R will be used to take on Spoon Curve. Listen to the throaty roar of this beautiful Italian stallion as you power your way through Spoon Curve. Spoon Curve is a decreasing radius corner with two apexes. The corner starts out wide in radius until it shrinks up towards the conclusion of this section. Go full speed into Spoon Curve. Begin braking hard to keep the Ducati stable. As you go through Spoon Curve, you set yourself up for the second half of the corner, which substantially decreases in radius compared to the first half. A good line sets you up for a strong blast down to the Finish gate.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 20.830
• SILVER: 21.970
• BRONZE: 23.900
J-10: Junior Class Graduation Test.
"Run the Deep Forest Raceway in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Moriwaki CBR600RR-Moriwaki
Course: Deep Forest Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 102 mph
A high-performing motorcycle is available to you from Moriwaki. Moriwaki tuned a Honda CBR600RR to come along with the Moriwaki CBR600RR. Its performance characteristics are greater than the CBR600RR offered by Honda. Therefore, you will be dealing with an advanced and enhanced supersport/middleweight motorcycle. Use this Japanese muscle to tame the natural beast known as Deep Forest Raceway. The most important thing to remember in your runs around Deep Forest is that you try to keep the bike stable with the many elevation changes and undulating roads. Even for a supersport bike like the one you're using, you still need to devise a delicate balance between all-out power and great control. It won't be that simple trying to keep this bike on the tarmac. Be careful trying to shift your weight from one side to the other in quick succession.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:23.910
• SILVER: 1:27.450
• BRONZE: 1:35.100
Congratulations! You're climbing the ladder now! You can now get some of those more powerful bikes and compete in tougher races! That is, unless you want to get your Expert License first...
--- Tourist Trophy License Tests: Expert Class ---
Get ready for the Expert Class, which features some of the fastest motorcycles and some of the toughest tests. Everything you've learned previously will have to be applied to even tougher applications. Use caution when trying to aggressively take on some of the many tests in the Expert Class. There is no more dashed line. It will be up to you to find the proper racing line as well as know how to properly handle each section as you power through each of the ten tests.
--- EXPERT LICENSE TESTS ---
1: Dunlop Corner to Chicane to Turn 2 Hairpin
2: Braking From High-Speed to Corner Entry
3: Avoidance 2 (5 Levels)
4: S-Turns 2
5: High-Speed Esses to Braking 2
6: Blind Corner
7: Continuous Turns with Elevation Change 1
8: Continuous Turns with Elevation Change 2
9: Chicane Entry
10: Expert Class Graduation Test
E-1: Dunlop Corner to Chicane to Turn 2 Hairpin.
"Try to conquer the most technical section of Tsukuba Circuit."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1
Course: Tsukuba Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 68 mph
The middle part of Tsukuba Circuit is yours to navigate through on the exciting Yamaha R1. This superbike will be raced in anger as you take on the middle part of the short Tsukuba Circuit. The motorcycle route is different from the car route. Rather than a smooth bend for the car course, you have to contend with a slow chicane for the motorcycle course. If you know how to race Tsukuba in cars, then you know mostly how to tackle this section. Go deep into Turn 1 as you cross under the bridge. Careful throttle usage and handling will see you through the chicane. Prepare to brake hard as you take on the hairpin. Get a strong enough launch to clear the test. It shouldn't be too difficult to get even a Bronze here.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 23.340
• SILVER: 24.550
• BRONZE: 26.700
E-2: Braking From High-Speed to Corner Entry.
"Master controlling a monster bike at high speeds."
Motorcycle: 2005 Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Rolling Start at 130 mph
That's right- you're racing with the one and only Suzuki Hayabusa! This is the most powerful street bike in the game with over 1300cc of displacement and about 192 horsepower. You will be putting that power to good use at the first hairpin of Grand Valley Speedway. You have to handle a kink followed by the hairpin itself. Let off the throttle a bit as you head through the kink. When negotiating the hairpin, brake hard and try to attack the inside as best as you can. As you exit, get a good line going and use all of your Suzuki Hayabusa's 190+ horsepower to blast your way out of the corner and through to the Finish gate.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 17.330
• SILVER: 18.360
• BRONZE: 20.000
E-3: Avoidance 2 (5 Levels).
"This is another test in rapid maneuvers. Watch the signal and head in the indicated direction. This test is split into 5 sections."
Motorcycle: 2005 Triumph Speed Triple
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Standing Start
The last time you did the Avoidance test, you had to deal with three signals with a Honda. Now, you must take on two more signals and on a Triumph. This British motorcycle will be used to go through five signals as opposed to the three from the previous test. The same rules apply- including coming to a full stop in the Finish area without going out of bounds. Remember to start braking hard after the final section and into the Finish area. It helps to start braking meters before you get the signal to each section. This way, you slow down quick enough to properly set yourself up for each section. React quickly and ride smart for a great time! This test is the final Standing Start test.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 28.070
• SILVER: 29.400
• BRONZE: 32.000
E-4: S-Turns 2.
"Precision accleration and braking is required on this high-speed S-bend."
Motorcycle: 2005 MV Agusta F4-1000S
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Rolling Start at 88 mph
The third successive license test at Grand Valley Speedway features one of the loveliest masterpieces in motorcycle creation will be ridden in this test. The MV Agusta F4-1000S and its four-tailpipe exhaust and single swingarm design makes for one of the finest motorcycles ever made. Use this Italian beast to power through the second hairpin of Grand Valley Speedway. Try not to get too deep on the throttle through the sweeping corners. When you get to the hairpin, start braking hard and set yourself up properly to weave as inside as possible of the hairpin as you can and deliver a powerful exit to the Finish gate.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 25.350
• SILVER: 26.610
• BRONZE: 28.900
E-5: High-Speed Esses to Braking 2.
"Practice difficult braking whilst weaving. If the bike is leaning even slightly, full braking cannot be performed and you are likely to run off the course."
Motorcycle: 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Course: Mid-Field Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 97 mph
When you visit Mid-Field Raceway on your Suzuki superbike for this test, you will have exited the second of two straight long corners at Mid-Field Raceway. What awaits you is a high-speed chicane followed by a super-slow and sharp hairpin. The best way to go fast is to treat the chicane-hairpin section as one long corner.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 22.890
• SILVER: 23.580
• BRONZE: 25.600
E-6: Blind Corner.
"The corner is deep, so pay particular attention to the exact point where you should open throttle."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha YZF-R6
Course: The Ricardo Tormo Circuit of Valencia
Start: Rolling Start at 56 mph
This circuit will be brand-new to you. Exclusive to Tourist Trophy is the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Or by its full name- Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo. Anyhow, you will be racing the final corner on this spectacular Spanish race track. Imagine a very long corner that QUICKLY snaps to a sharp turn as you progress through the corner. Well, that's what you're going to face here on your supersport/middleweight Yamaha R6. This is essentially a very long left-hand turn that snaps quickly to the left. As this test suggests, the corner is blind. You have to rely on the HUD display to know when to brake because there are NO turn indicators as you approach this corner. Start braking hard once you enter the proper zone for which to brake. It is best to be on the far outside and attack the inside of the corner as you reach it. This way, you prevent getting the bike completely unstable upon entry. Trust me- you don't want an unstable bike in this corner when you race this track on more powerful motorcycles! The R6 has great control and stability, so don't abuse it as you attack this corner. This will (surprisingly) be your only test around this track.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 22.030
• SILVER: 23.210
• BRONZE: 25.200
E-7: Continuous Turns with Elevation Change 1.
"This is a section that challenges with different types of cycles. Notice the difference in your line caused by acceleration and braking."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha MT-01
Course: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Start: Rolling Start at 66 mph
Thankfully, you don't race this track against multiple bikes. You will, however, have to race this track for this license test. You will begin from the start of the Nürburgring Nordschleife through a series of corners leading up to near the Flugplatz section. The toughest corner of all is the very first one. Most of the rest of the track are mostly second and third gear corners. You will be going so fast that you have to adjust your throttle and leaning inputs to avoid veering off the road (which is absolutely easy to do here). Bronze isn't difficult at all to get here. To master this course, try to pull for times below 50 seconds.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 49.060
• SILVER: 51.040
• BRONZE: 55.500
E-8: Continuous Turns with Elevation Change 2.
"In sloping corners, you tend to understeer due to insufficient weight front wheel. Try easing off the accelerator or apply brakes."
Motorcycle: 2005 BMW Motorrad K1200R
Course: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Start: Rolling Start at 93 mph
You will now be asked to negotiate the set of turns on the northeastern end of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The northeastern end of this track is more like a rally course with its many sudden corners. The only German make in Tourist Trophy, BMW Motorrad, lends you their K1200R to use around this German purgatory. The BMW has better handling performance than the Yamaha MT-01 you used in E-7, so you can be a bit more aggressive with this bike than you could with the bike from the previous test. All it takes is solid bike control and consistent speed to help you pass this test. You'll need to do a lot more to reach Gold times.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 34.840
• SILVER: 36.890
• BRONZE: 39.600
E-9: Chicane Entry.
"Challenge chicanes with varying speed levels. Be careful as bikes tend to be unstable in these conditions."
Motorcycle: 2003 Yamaha TZ250R
Course: Suzuka Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 90 mph
This is your first license test involving a racing bike. Because this is a Racing bike, its performance characteristics will be much different compared to street bikes. This may also be the only chance for you to enjoy this motorcycle unless you clear the TZ250 Challenge. Anyhow, you are asked to clear a chicane on the exciting Suzuka Circuit. This section includes both 130R and the dreaded Casio Triangle. Taking on 130R requires you to apply some brake to keep the Yamaha stable. Heading full speed afterwards is fun... until you realize there's a super-slow section at the end. The margin for error is paper-thin at the Casio Triangle. It is too easy to overshoot either corner or try to get through Casio Triangle without dumping the bike. So my advice- if you think you're going to dump the bike trying to clear either corner, come to almost a complete stop to avoid falling off your bike leaning in. This will NOT be easy.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 27.410
• SILVER: 28.740
• BRONZE: 31.200
E-10: Expert Class Graduation Test.
"Run the Autumn Ring in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha MT-01
Course: Autumn Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 92 mph
As your gateway to the Super License, you must clear one last task- complete a lap around Autumn Ring on a Yamaha MT-01. I don't like Autumn Ring (except Autumn Ring Mini) to be honest, but it is a great track to race on a motorcycle. So make sure to attack this course as best as you can. Brake down to about 1st or 2nd gear into the first corner. The next series of corners require both great throttle usage and proper handling technique. Heading onto the front stretch of the Mini configuration, get ready to brake hard heading into the following sharp right. Proper technique and leaning will see you through the following downhill section. Try to stay inside through the next corner. Up next is the loop. As you go under the bridge, try to get as inside as possible to attack the Autumn Ring loop. It is then full speed ahead followed by letting off the throttle a bit to negotiate the chicane. The next few corners aren't too difficult. Just remember that on the final turn leading to the Start/Finish line, don't go too inside to where you whack the inside wall with your head.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:30.510
• SILVER: 1:34.680
• BRONZE: 1:43.000
Only the Super License remains now! You're done with lessons. Now, it's time to go for time trials! In the meanwhile, go get yourself some Expert motorcycles if you choose.
--- Tourist Trophy License Tests: Super Class ---
Every remaining test at this point are all one-lap time trials. Many of these involve a combination of street bikes and racing bikes. Prove your motorcycle racing worth across ten different tracks on ten different bikes. It becomes more crucial that you remain consistent and masterful for the entire lap if you want to pull the best lap times. Quickly learn the strengths and weaknesses of each bike and adapt to the tracks quickly to succeed in this series of license tests.
--- SUPER LICENSE TESTS ---
1: Full-course Time Attack (Tsukuba)
2: Full-course Time Attack (New York)
3: Full-course Time Attack (Grand Valley)
4: Full-course Time Attack (Laguna Seca)
5: Full-course Time Attack (Infineon)
6: Full-course Time Attack (Midfield)
7: Full-course Time Attack (Special Stage Route 5)
8: Full-course Time Attack (FISCO '90s)
9: Full-course Time Attack (Trial Mountain)
10: Super Class Graduation Test
S-1: Full-Course Time Attack (Tsukuba).
"Run the Tsukuba Circuit in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2003 Yamaha TZ125
Course: Tsukuba Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 88 mph
Tsukuba is your first challenge in the Super License, and Yamaha provides the first bike. The TZ125 is a Racing bike with 125cc of displacement and fairly good handling. This class of motorcycle racing usually has some slow motorcycles with rather skinny tires compared to 250cc or greater bikes. You will be able to push this bike as hard as you like without it snapping on you. So take advantage of this bike's performance to navigate Tsukuba. How you handle both hairpins and the chicane have a BIG effect on your lap time. Don't forget about that long right-hander that leads to the Finish line, either.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:03.998
• SILVER: 1:06.110
• BRONZE: 1:10.000
S-2: Full-Course Time Attack (New York).
"Run the New York City Circuit in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Yamaha VMAX
Course: New York
Start: Rolling Start at 133 mph
Prepare to get an injection of character as you take a Yamaha VMAX through the streets of New York City. You're the toughest guy/girl in Manhattan on a mean motorcycle. The Yamaha VMAX is a beautiful cruiser-type bike. However, it is... not very good for handling. That's okay for this course. To be honest, you have a very good bike for this course. You could have been given an immensely capable superbike (or even be given a Hayabusa), but this bike is just right for this course. It is capable without being over-capable. The real key to getting through this course is in how you handle the first two major sections as well as how you take the loop that leads to the Start/Finish straight. The VMAX is not any kind of track star, so don't push its capabilities that far. You're doing just fine if you try to shoot for times below two minutes to feel accomplished. Any time below two minutes flat is an accomplishment.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:57.013
• SILVER: 2:00.000
• BRONZE: 2:08.055
S-3: Full-Course Time Attack (Grand Valley).
"Run the Grand Valley Speedway in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2001 Honda CBR1100XX
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Rolling Start at 123 mph
Grand Valley Speedway is Polyphony Digital's premier motor racing creation. You're racing that premier creation on a Honda CBR1100XX. The Honda has great power delivery and above average (not great) handling. Be proficient in your attack of the first half of this circuit (Start/Finish into the first tunnel). The crucial sections are the two hairpins, the entrance into the first tunnel, and the chicane after the final tunnel. I pulled a 2:11.979 in my demo run. My previous best was a 2:13.168. I are good, are I? :)
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 2:12.550
• SILVER: 2:15.850
• BRONZE: 2:25.130
S-4: Full-Course Time Attack (Laguna Seca).
"Run the Laguna Seca Raceway in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 1981 Honda CB750F RacingModified
Course: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Start: Rolling Start at 89 mph
For you '80s racing fans, here is one for you. You're riding on a 1981 Honda CB750F racing bike on one of the world's most unique and challenging race tracks- Laguna Seca. The growl of this Honda's engine reverberates nicely across the Monterey, CA, USA race track. How you handle these intense corners determine pass or fail. This is an '80s racing bike, so many of the trick technologies and capabilities of modern racing bikes will not cut it here. The first thing you can do is attack the inside white line from the start and head into the Andretti Hairpin. Let off the throttle to a good extent to set yourself up for a good exit. Follow the racing line and attack the next corner after a quick kink. Head under the bridge and make ready for the mid-speed right that follows. Get a good lean going through to get set up for the hard left that follows. The best time to brake would be as you go under the pedestrian bridge. The sharp left kink that follows requires some braking somewhere between the "3" and the "2" markers. Get a good launch to get set up for the make-or-break section: the Corkscrew. The best point to consider braking is when you're about to reach the top of the hill. This is where it gets tricky- attack the far inside of the first half of the Corkscrew. Then, exit with power while trying to remain upright trying to exit the Corkscrew. Rainey Curve is a smooth left that goes downhill and is a bit banked. Be careful on your approach downhill. The next corner is a fairly smooth right-hand corner. The final corner is a super-slow and sharp left. Start braking hard at the "3" marker. After that... full speed ahead to the finish line!
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:36.360
• SILVER: 1:40.280
• BRONZE: 1:49.000
S-5: Full-Course Time Attack (Infineon).
"Run the Infineon Raceway in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Honda CB1300 Super Bol D'or RacingModified
Course: Infineon Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 91 mph
From one California track to another, and from one racing Honda of one generation to a Honda of a modern generation; you are racing at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, USA. You are in the Bay Area at a track someplace northeast of San Francisco. What makes this track challenging (besides no turn markers) is that this track allows you very little room to ride upright. You do a lot more leaning than sitting upright because of its many corners and interesting elevation changes. A lot of braking while leaning is required here. Fortunately, there aren't many moments where the bike gets immensely unstable under cornering here. Follow the racing line to get the best idea as to how to attack this course. This great-sounding Honda is a fairly consistent bike to use under
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:44.660
• SILVER: 1:48.830
• BRONZE: 1:58.300
S-6: Full-Course Time Attack (Midfield).
"Run the Midfield Raceway in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Course: Mid-Field Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 136 mph
The lime green can mean only one thing- you're riding a Kawasaki! Your Kawasaki here is the ZX-10R, and the track is Mid-Field Raceway. This track is a fast one for motorcycles as it is for cars. Attacking it, however, is much different on a motorcycle than in a car. Better dynamics of handling equal the difference between pass and fail here. You are tempted to go faster than you really want to here. Especially if you're used to racing this track in cars, you know you want to lay down a blistering lap here, even on a motorcycle. However, you have to realize that cars and motorcycles handle much differently from each other. My demo run was my fastest-ever: a 1:19.286. This was better than my previous best of 1:20.392.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:18.760
• SILVER: 1:22.440
• BRONZE: 1:29.300
S-7: Full-Course Time Attack (Special Stage Route 5).
"Run the Special Stage Route 5 in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2000 Yoshimura Hayabusa X-1
Course: Special Stage Route 5
Start: Rolling Start at 139 mph
This is the only night course of all License Tests for Tourist Trophy. The darkness of night coupled with the challenges of racing a city course equal a unique racing challenge. Your motorcycle is quite powerful. Really, this test is a dream test: riding on city streets at night on a very fast and powerful motorcycle. Not just any Suzuki Hayabusa... you're on a Yoshimura Hayabusa! The most important thing to remember about racing on any city course is that you can't go too far inside knowing you can hit a wall inside and go flying off your bike. You want to attack the inside of corners as always, but it is much tougher on a motorcycle. You have to try to attack without going too deep to where your head knocks into an inside wall as you're leaning. The display will tell you to brake before heading into the tunnel. Really, you can ignore this and just start braking hard as you enter the tunnel. You still need to brake hard while leaning hard from the right to the left. Lean hard to the left through the carousel with intervals of throttle. Depending on the line you're working on heading out of the tunnel, you may need to adjust your current path to set yourself up better for the right-hand corner coming out of the tunnel. If you're too far outside heading out of the tunnel, you'll need to adjust your line so you get a better look inside. Brake hard heading into the left that follows. The next three corners are an exercise in stability and limited throttle bursts. Be stable as you go downhill past Intermediate 1. Try to attack the far inside of the hairpin that follows. Go as far inside of the curb as you can. Don't let off the throttle for the next corner, and you can just let off the throttle a little as you head down the backstretch. Stay on the far left lane as you blast down the backstretch. The right-left-right that follows is a motorcyclist's dream. Attack the insides and get a good lean through all three corners. Head to the far outside (on the yellow diagonal lines to set yourself up for the final corner. Get a good launch to go full speed to the finish line. If your current time is at or below 1:30 as you pass the "Pit" sign after clearing the final corner, you're going to pass with Gold. Guaranteed. My demo run was a 1:38.861. My previous best run was Gold too- a 1:39.570. Then again, I do tend to specialize in city courses.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:40.220
• SILVER: 1:43.270
• BRONZE: 1:50.050
S-8: Full-Course Time Attack (FISCO 90s).
"Run the Fuji Speedway in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Aprilia RSV1000R Factory RacingModified
Course: Fuji Speedway '90s
Start: Rolling Start at 153 mph
Up next is Fuji ('90s configuration). This classic Japanese course will hear the roar of an Italian superbike race around it. The major appeal of Fuji is that you are racing near the base of Japan's national symbol of Mt. Fuji. That, and the super-long front straight. The first corner is the first major challenge of this course is that super-slow hairpin. Slow down to about third gear or second gear. You'll have to do very hard braking as well as properly get a good boost out of the corner upon exit. The next corner can be a bit easy to overshoot and head off into the gravel (and fail the test). Even in cars, you have to let off the throttle a bit to avoid going off-course. Same goes for motorcycles. At the two high-speed long rights, you are trying to avoid having your machine veer off in the outside grass. You're trying to stay inside while also trying not to veer too far off into the outside grass. When you reach the chicane on the backstretch, find a good braking point to make the most of your leaning into the corner and getting a powerful exit. You'd better have good exit speed coming out of the chicane and out of the final corner to land the best time. I had a 1:36.393 in my demo run (previous best was 1:36.632).
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:34.680
• SILVER: 1:38.750
• BRONZE: 1:47.400
S-9: Full-Course Time Attack (Trial Mountain).
"Run the Trial Mountain Circuit in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Kawasaki Zephyr1100 RacingModified
Course: Trial Mountain
Start: Rolling Start at 117 mph
The penultimate license test takes place at Trial Mountain. This course is like a street course and like a rally course. There is very little runoff room for most points around the track including some natural rocky mountain walls. It is like a rally course because of its rally nature. It's a tough track for cars, and even tougher for motorcycles. My only advice is to be careful not to drag the bike on the ground for too long. Stability at speed is of the utmost importance at Trial Mountain. Trial Mountain is much more forgiving in elevation changes than El Capitan (as far as Original tracks) are concerned. Even when you blast down the backstretch, you'll note the bike getting twitchy at speed as you go over the crest. So it is very important to keep the bike stable as much as possible for as long as possible. The Kawasaki is powerful and fairly agile, so make the most of its capabilities to survive Trial Mountain.
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1:39.640
• SILVER: 1:43.660
• BRONZE: 1:52.700
S-10: Super Class Graduation Test.
"Run the Suzuka Circuit in a one lap Time Trial."
Motorcycle: 2005 Honda CBR1000RR RacingModified
Course: Suzuka Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 123 mph
The only thing separating you from a Super License at this point is one lap around Suzuka. I've said all along that this is a very exciting course (and it is). You're about to see why by racing this course for a one-lap time trial. It's you, your Honda racing superbike, and over 3.5 miles of Japan's finest race track. The CBR1000RR is your stallion as you race the motorcycle configuration of Suzuka, The big difference between the car configuration and the motorcycle configuration is that there is a slow chicane between the hairpin after the overpass and heading into Spoon Curve. You are racing the motorcycle configuration here. It is raced by many motorcycle series as well as it being the configuration for the 8 Hours of Suzuka motorcycle endurance race. Heading into the Esses, make sure to brake deep to get a proper setup into the Esses. Remember your practicing from the other test that utilized the Esses. You can actually take most of the rest of the road from the last of the Esses to Degner Curve with intervals of throttle. Get a good entry to the sharp corner after Degner Corner to go under the overpass with considerable speed. Attack the very inside of the ensuing hairpin. Get ready for the chicane that follows as well as the speedy blast into Spoon Curve. Remember how to attack Spoon Curve? If you could attack it best on that other bike, it's no different on this Honda superbike. on the other bike
LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 2:13.510
• SILVER: 2:18.050
• BRONZE: 2:28.750
That concludes the licenses. Congratulations if you cleared all the Super License tests! You can either improve your License Test times or go race. It's up to you!
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