[Magnum]

Dont know if this is right forum to post to but, I have heard this mentioned alot for new riders to take and i was wondering what does it consist of and cost and where is it available from? I hope to be purchasing a bike at the end of the season to hopefully get a good deal on one and i would like to gain as much safety/riding information as i can since ill be a new rider. Any information would be appreciated, thanks.

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[jrm]

Mine was a two day class combining some drivers ed-style films, easy tests to be sure you stayed awake and some great riding around a Sears parking lot. The outside portion had everything from how to push your moto around with engine off (over and over), countersteering, quick turns and a skid test. They provided small bikes that anyone could handle and it was around $40. Totally a deal. I got that much out of the rear tire on the skid test. "That was great! Now get back in line and try to hit the line at the top of 2nd gear when you lay on the REAR brake". I must've taken 5k mileage off that rear tire.

They will assume you have never ridden, so it starts somewhat slow. Take it regardless. It is pretty fun and you get to be around moto-oriented folks for two days.

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[FZR400Tony]

in pa it's free

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Tony

the views and opinions expressed by tony (cbrf2boy) are the ramblings of a total idiot. sbw.com, it's administrators, moderators, and members don't necessarily agree with and are not responsible for anything this idiot has to say.

 

[Magnum]

I think i have seen the outdoors portion at my last college. They had little bikes and big parkin lot to practice in, always wondered what the hell they were doing guess that was it!

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[Luv2RideFast]

Magnum,

Here is the URL to the MSF. http://msf-usa.org/pages/ridertrainingfs.html This page lists all their courses and has an 800 number so you can find out more information for your particular area.

Take the course. I took it and proceeded to teach my husband things he didn't know after 25 years of riding! It does start slow but I learned many helpful things and gained LOTS of self confidence.

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Stacia
Co-Admin
'00 CBR F4 (the faster, silver/red model)
"Objects in mirror no longer matter!"

 

[Magnum]

thanks alot luv2ridefast for the link i found out the college i used to goto does have the course and its only 5 mins from my house

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[JohnF4]

I definitely recommend taking the MSF course before buying your first bike.

It will teach you some good riding skills while riding on their bikes, so you don't risk dropping your own bike while learning to do tight turns etc.

In my state (WA) it was $50 for the class, and it was the best $50 I've spent in a long time, very much recommended.

One tip, if the signup for the class is full already (usually in the warm months classes are hard to get into) try showing up about an hour or two early before the next class and tell the instructor you would like a spot if anyone doesn't show up, usually at least one person ditches out and you can bypass the long waiting lists (this is how I did it).

Anyhow have fun.


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--John

Joao "John" Silva
'00 F4

 

[MattB]

I've never ridden before, and have no idea how to ride a bike at all. I want to take this course ASAP, but am I gonna look stupid? That's what I'm afraid of, nto knowing what to do. I'm afraid that everyone else is gonna know how to ride, and make me look dumb. Anyone else taken this course, yet started out not knowing anything? Also, in my area, the course is $120! Another thing that sucks is I call them over and over again, and all they tell me is that it's full, sorry. And when I talk to them about signing up for the next available class, they say "let us call you back", yet they never do. I'm kinda getting tired of this, and it's really making me lose my interest in sportbikes. I really wanna ride and have fun, but it seems as if someones trying to hint to me not to take this course. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Guest]

MattB, call them back and *forcefully* tell them to put you on the list for the next available class (i.e., don't take "no" for an answer). If they still refuse, tell them that you are going to lodge a formal complaint against them with the MSF. If that doesn't get you anywhere, let me know via e-mail and I'll help you out (no, I'm not connected, but I love a good fight).

The course costs $120 here in Houston too, so it must be a state thing.

As for not knowing how to ride, and taking the course, well, there were a few people in my class last year who had never ridden before. Some made it through just fine, some failed. But don't let that discourage you. The course is designed with non-riders in mind. Had I not ridden before, here's what I would have done (because I too would have worried about not passing, not to mention my safety). I would try my damnedest to find someone willing to teach me on a dirtbike, or a dual-sport on the dirt. Or, I would look for the cheapest dirtbike to be had, buy it, and ride that for a while until I felt comfortable with my abilities. This might be days, weeks, or months, but it is well worth it in the end. Finding someone who is experienced in the sport to coach you would be invaluable.

I know that there are exceptions (like people who seem to have an innate ability to ride well), but I have a hard time recommending that someone with no experience whatsoever go the route of taking the course, buying a streetbike, and getting out on the road immediately. I just don't think that a couple days worth of instruction (i.e., the MSF Beginners' Course) is enough preparation for riding on the street.

Just my $.02. Hope that helps.

P.S. Matt, on *any* of this, feel free to e-mail me. I'd be glad to help.

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Pete
"Ultimately, most problems can be solved by applying a large brick to the correct skull. Difficulties arise when you don't have a brick or can't find the the right skull. The Devil is always in the details."

[This message has been edited by Pete (edited July 18, 2000).]

 

[MattB]

Well, thanks for the info. I don't really have any friends with bikes that would be willing to teach me to ride. Well, I guess it will be a little while before I get a bike, or get into sportbikes. This a really a bummer. I wish they had some sort of a beginner class for real beginners. Oh well, probably be awhile before I'm on the board again.

 

[RCjohn]

Due to my job situation and scheduling I was unable to get into the class until after I had already purchased my VFR. I was the first bike I had owned since the age of 8. Had good gredit in elementary school.

The VFR had 4200+ miles on it when I got to the class. I rode to the class. The class as mentioned is taught as if you have never ridden a motorcycle. Some in the class had not, some were frequent riders and just take the class as a refresher, some had not ridden in years. It is taught(at least mine was) in a way to prevent making people feel stupid. If you can ride a bicycle easily then you can pass the course. If you struggle on a bicycle then you better consider a cheap dirtbike first. Actually you should stick to the bicycle. Just kidding.

I did a lot of reading a race following prior to ever purchasing my VFR. I was an AMA member for over 2 years before I owned a bike. That's somewhat geeky but so what.

I believe that most of the manufacturers and motorcycle clubs such as HRCA(Honda Riders Club) will reimburse most of the fee for the course and it will get you a discount on insurance.

I don't recommend the Showoff approach that ISIS used. No wheelies on the first day.

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Ride Hard!

John

 

[NinjaGal]

You really need to take the MSF course if you can. I had never riden a bike on my own before, and this class teaches you everything. Most importantly, they teach the safe way to ride, so that you start off doing things the "safe" way and not the "squid" way. Good luck, and have fun!!

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Connie
The curvier the better!

 

[obxninja]

The MSF course was great for me. When I enrolled, I had never even sat on a motorcycle. They put us on these glorified mopeds and gave us a lot of riding time. Some of the stuff was easy and got boring, (pushing the bikes around, practicing turning around, etc.), but a some was a challenge (a tight course that you have to ride around without putting your feet down.)

It cost about $75 where I took it and I think it was a bargain. I do believe that it has saved me on the street once already.

Spend the $75 to save your bike and your butt.



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John E. Dawson
'87 Ninja 600R
http://home.interpath.net/banker/ninjapage.htm

 

[Magnum]

Welp looks like NY has all your states beat with the price.... I was informed its 370$!!! Its a 3 day course from 8-5 fri - sun for begginners. Hopefully i misheard them but if this is the case i hope i get a nice insurance deduction from it. Btw by taking this course do you get exempt from takin exam for license?

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[dtechZR7]

Magnum....OUCH! Talk about getting raped! And I thought our $195 down here in South Florida was pricey.....sheesh! Anyway, the course does exempt you from having to take the DMV driving test, so it's a definite plus, unless of course NY wants to rob you of some more of your hard earned cash. In either case, the course is well worth the money with all the guidance, instruction, and experience you receive.


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"Enjoy the ride!"

Dan M.

[This message has been edited by dtechZR7 (edited July 19, 2000).]