Londoner moving to San Fran need advice

[jnahmias]

Hi,
Im am currently in the process of moving from london to emeryville san francisco
for at least 6 months and thinking i might get a bike out, and hoping you kind americans might be able to answer a few questions.
Been riding an r6 in london for 3 years and love it.
I'm going to US under J1 visa, and was wondering if i need to take some kind of motorcycle test out there, or will my UK motorcycle license do?
I also heard that lane splitting is not allowed in US, in England we call it filtering and everyone does it all the time, was wondering the situation is?
What is insurance like? Any recomendations for insurance companies?
Also might be looking for bike out there so if anyone has cheap r6, r1, ninja, gsxr the usual suspects for sale please let me know.
I would also appreciate any tips and advice.
Thanks from fellow R6er Danny

[hate12]

Lane Splitting is legal in California.

Since you're moving to the Bay Area, check out BARF they will help you a lot.

cheers

[EvolvedRaven]

how is the traffic in london? san francisco traffic is crazy and they got crazy a$$ drivers out there. not as bad as LA but close. i would try calling california dmv about the issue with using your uk license in california. i kno tourists can drive and rent cars np but im not sure about motorcycle. since you been riding for a while, theres no reason for you to take the motorcycle safety course. you can just go to dmv and study the handbook a bit, and then take the test. the written is pretty simple, i didnt do the riding portion.