Advice on the course?

[the chi]

Everyone has offered excellent advice and the appropriate ways to go about getting into riding.

On the gear, remember to get something that is fully functional. Right now on the market there is alot of ladies gear that looks like real MC gear but is in reality just for looks. You want to make sure you have CE rated armor in your jacket (back, shoulders, arms). Make sure your helmet is Snell and/or DOT approved. As for pants, well, there are several types you can go with, but for the MSF, jeans are sufficient. A good sturdy pair of over the ankle boots are a must, try not to get anything with too boxy a toe as it may not fit under the peg. A pair of gloves can be picked up at any bike dealer from $35 and up.

I think that covers it, they are finally getting good stuff out for us girls, just ask if you have any questions about what you are looking at.

[Smittie61984]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

I disagree... friends will most likely teach you their bad habits, it'd probably be better to just learn from MSF instructors from the bery beginning... That being said, I know Neonspeed is an MSF instructor, but he's all the way in Jax... Perhaps he can point you to the right people down south...
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Learn from Stunters. They got mad skillz yo.

Good point OSP. But it doesn't hurt to have them teach you the basics. A buddy of mine use to race ATVs and had trouble turning the bike for a bit until my buddy who rode streetbikes said "Push down on the bar in the direction you want to turn". Such as if you want to go left push on your left bar to help steer. I learned that too and it made a big difference.

Unfortunately as soon as I got my bike my friends pretty much had to sell theirs becuase they needed money. So I got stuck riding alone then went to forums for advice and that helped even better.

In the "Other Forum" I posted a thread that had a bunch of instructional videos that I think were great and helped me a ton. After watching them once my riding improved big time.

I'll dig them up again and post them on here when I get a chance.

For now here are the vids on another forum incase some aren't allowed to view the other one(I'll get a thread for TWFix later)...
http://southeastmotorcycleforum.com/...hp?topic=135.0

OH yeah. On a Georgia forum some Florida transplants where talking about the Florida test and said it was very difficult. A guy with a 06 CBR1000rr said he couldn't do a U-turn with his bike. Even when he got off of it and walked it to demostrate the bike literally could'nt do it.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by Ebbs15

really all MSF courses should be teaching the same material. the only diffrence SHOULD be the quality of the instruction.

take what they teach you and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE by yourself. in a big ass parking lot... well once you get your bike

also remember that they'll want you to have boots, jeans, long sleaves... preferbly a riding jacket, and full fingered gloves. A helmet is also required but most courses I've seen can provide that.


I'd say get your gear and ride in that... that way your learning in the gear you'll be wearing anyways...

All great advice.

Originally Posted by TIGGER

some states offer a riding school where they provide the bike and helmet for a reasonable fee. They train you in the basics,just like driver's ed except with bikes. It's been a long time but as I remember it the msf course doesn't deal in basic operation that much. Plus they definitely didn't provide bikes to ride or gear,again as I remember it. I don't know what your skill level is but if you need basic operation training you should go with a state run program first or get help from friends that already ride(like OSP!) before taking the MSF course.

In Florida, the state has no such school. It's all private schools, and they're not subsidized by the state (I know some states up north, the course if free, or dirt cheap, because the state funds it... no such luck here).

Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, state DMV offices will no longer be offering the testing to get your endorsement AND it's going to be a requirement to have your "M" endorsement in order to register a motorcycle... in short, this means EVERYONE will have to take the MSF class. So you may want to try to take the class as soon as possible before all the schools start to get flooded (also, you want to take it before the heat of Summer - heat exhaustion is no fun!)


In addition to the long sleeves, long pants, etc... start hydrating the day before (or two days before if it's hot) your class, and take a small cooler or insulated bag with bottled water, gatorade and some snacks with you (the school will probably provide water, but take some just in case... dehydration and hunger will affect your concentration)

As for schools in your area... go to http://www.msf-usa.org to find a class in your area.

And I'd recommend against having a friend or loved one coaching you before taking the class. MSF instructors actually prefer you coming in with NO skills than with some skills learned from a friend - that way they don't have to untrain any bad habits.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by neebelung

All great advice.



In Florida, the state has no such school. It's all private schools, and they're not subsidized by the state (I know some states up north, the course if free, or dirt cheap, because the state funds it... no such luck here).

Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, state DMV offices will no longer be offering the testing to get your endorsement AND it's going to be a requirement to have your "M" endorsement in order to register a motorcycle... in short, this means EVERYONE will have to take the MSF class. So you may want to try to take the class as soon as possible before all the schools start to get flooded (also, you want to take it before the heat of Summer - heat exhaustion is no fun!)


In addition to the long sleeves, long pants, etc... start hydrating the day before (or two days before if it's hot) your class, and take a small cooler or insulated bag with bottled water, gatorade and some snacks with you (the school will probably provide water, but take some just in case... dehydration and hunger will affect your concentration)

As for schools in your area... go to http://www.msf.org to find a class in your area.

That's AWESOME! I think that's a step in the right direction... I dunno about FL, but the licensing test in OH was a fucking joke. I could have done it blindfolded with 20 beers in me...

[NeonspeedRT]

Originally Posted by neebelung

Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, state DMV offices will no longer be offering the testing to get your endorsement AND it's going to be a requirement to have your "M" endorsement in order to register a motorcycle... in short, this means EVERYONE will have to take the MSF class. So you may want to try to take the class as soon as possible before all the schools start to get flooded (also, you want to take it before the heat of Summer - heat exhaustion is no fun!)


In addition to the long sleeves, long pants, etc... start hydrating the day before (or two days before if it's hot) your class, and take a small cooler or insulated bag with bottled water, gatorade and some snacks with you (the school will probably provide water, but take some just in case... dehydration and hunger will affect your concentration)

As for schools in your area... go to http://www.msf-usa.org to find a class in your area.

And I'd recommend against having a friend or loved one coaching you before taking the class. MSF instructors actually prefer you coming in with NO skills than with some skills learned from a friend - that way they don't have to untrain any bad habits.

Well said baby. Everything Nee said is great advice. Get in before the summer and before the crowds. Up here in Jax, we're already filling up about three weeks in advance now. Closer to july it's going to get even more crowded.

Plus I highly, highly reccomend taking the class before the heat of the summer.

As far as the class itself, the program is the same no matter where you go. Go check out MSF's website. Also check with the better business beauru. See if any schools in your area are registered with them. If they are, then they can give you some good feedback as to good schools in your area. Also ask any local riders in your area. Word of mouth is usually the best indication of a good school.

Here are the best tips I can give you for when you take the MSF class.
_______________________________________________

First and foremost, something to remember. The MSF class is designed for students who have NEVER been on a motorcycle and who have never even driven a manual transmission car.

You say you are a perfectionist. Get that attitude out of your head for the MSF class. Nobody, and I mean nobody comes out to the class and is perfect. Thats not what the class is designed for. If you have that attitude, you will make mistakes and start beating yourself up. It's ok, mistakes are allowed. The class is about building a foundation to learn on and teaching you the basics of motorcycling. In the two years i've been teaching i've maybe had a dozen perfect scores. Thats for experienced riders and new riders. We see more people defeat themselves by having that attitude that they want to do everything 100% perfect. As my sig says, motorcycling is like chess. Anyone can learn the moves. It takes a lifetime to master the game. All the MSF class is doing is teaching you the basic moves of the game.

As long as you have common sence, can ride a bicycle, and can follow directions, you will do great and have nothing to worry about.

If you can, try and ride a bicycle for a few hours between now and then. That will just get you refamiliar with balancing something on two wheels. It's not mandatory, but it will help, esp if you haven't ridden a bicycle in a while.

Get lots of sleep the night before and the nights of the class. Nothing will hurt you more then lack of sleep. Also keep yourself hydrated. Start drinking lots of water the day before class. Then keep drinking lots of water during the class.

Bring some good snacks to keep your energy up during the class.

Listen to what the instructors tell you. Trust them. They won't tell you to do something that you can't.

Pay attention to what they are saying and don't be afraid to ask questions. They would rather have you ask questions then to stop an exercise because you are confused.

Most importantly. Have fun. The MSF class is designed to be a no threat, positive learning experience. It's about having fun and learning to ride a motorcycle.

If you currently have a motorcycle or have friends with a motorcycle. DON'T let them give you any tips and DON'T practice on your own. We would rather have students with a clean slate to work with. It's easier to teach good habits, then to fix bad habits.

I hope that helps out some. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

[Amber Lamps]

outstanding post! BTW do you provide bikes/gear now and approximately how much does it cost? Just curious.

[NeonspeedRT]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

outstanding post! BTW do you provide bikes/gear now and approximately how much does it cost? Just curious.

Our course runs $200. It's about 5 hours of classroom and 10 hours of range time on the bikes. We provide bikes, helmets, glasses, and gloves.

The bikes are all Suzuki GZ250's. We have two DR200's for taller students also.

The students need to have long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy over the ankle footwear.