MSF Courses

[car_to_motorcyc]

HI everybody,

This is what my local MSF course sent as a description of it :

To be eligible to enroll, a student must know how to ride a bicycle, be at least 16 years old and have written parental/legal guardian permission up to age 18. (Parent/legal guardian must attend first class meeting.) Note: A motorcycle license will not be issued to anyone under the age of 19 who doesn’t possess an automobile operator’s license. Because this course is physically demanding, students should be in good health. The instructor will make the final determination if the student will be allowed to participate in the riding portion of the course. All course requirements must be met for successful completion.

How do they expect people to know how to ride a motorcyle before comming?? Is that a joke or what?? I never rode one in my life

[JTpaintball70]

They actually say bicycle if you read over it carefully... not sure where you saw theat you have to be able to ride an mx

[car_to_motorcyc]

<----- Feeling very stupid now

lol....english isnt my first language, didnt pay attention to that, but thanks you dont know how ****ed i was when I thought thats what it ment....

[JTpaintball70]

I've done stuff like that at school all the time, and english IS my first language Not a problem at all. Glad to see that you're getting started into the sport right

[brady666]

Here's my 2 cents if anyone is debating on whether or not to take a course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

I absolutely recommend a MSF course to anyone looking to learn how to ride. I live near York, PA and when I decided to start riding (almost 10 years ago now) I enrolled in an MSF course (or something very similar) offered at Harley Davidson. Anyway, I had never ridden before this course. They provided Honda Nighthawk 250's and helmets. We started in a classroom setting learning 'rules of the road'. Eventually we got out to the range. We started by pushing the bikes all over the parking lot. Then we got on and walked them all over. Then we started with the basics and by the end of the course we could pass the basic skills needed to pass the course and get our license. I needed a lot of practice, but after this class I felt I was well prepared to start riding and learning more.

Anyway...almost 10 years later, I work on a Federal Army Installation that requires an Experienced Riders Course through the MSF before they allow you to ride on Post. I signed up and just completed the class this past weekend. The experiences riders course (ERC) was 5 hours in a parking lot using your own bike. (I ride an '03 Mean Streak.) I cannot tell you how valuable it was to 'learn to ride the right way' when I first started. Things they looked for in this class were things I learned in the basic class (looking through a turn, don't look down, take turns outside, inside, outside, etc.). There were a couple of folks at the class that could barely handle their bikes in a parking lot. Believe me when I tell you that this class was rather challenging for some people when you had to do figure 8's in a small area of the parking lot. The last time I did figure 8's was with that Honda 250 in the basic course; big difference from a Honda 250 to a 1500cc Mean Streak.

My point in all this is that I recommend an MSF course to anyone who is looking to learn how to ride. They way you learn is the way you will ride.

[Spok]

I will jump in here. I rode alot as a kid, never learned the right way and always on my friends bikes. Took a 20 year layoff and came back to riding last summer when I bought my bike. One of the promises I made my wife besides not killing myself was to take the class. I made excuses last summer to not do it but just completed my class this weekend. Although I have over 7500 miles of seat time since last April and have had my endorsment since last May, I found this weekends MSF class to be eye opening. I now know what I've been doing wrong as well as right, I know the things I need to practice on.

I think that this class is probably one of the best designed instructional classes I've ever taken.

[SouthJersey600R]

Im planning on attending the Experienced course also just to get better at riding. I never knew how to ride a motorcycle prior to the Beginners course and thank myself everyday for taking it. Never can know too much about riding, always read up on new info and tips, fill the brain with info from peoples comments, idea, suggestions.

[vtecno]

i took this class last fall and am glad i did. it was outstanding and the rider coaches were very nice,friendly, and helpful.

[dgmp259]

Like Spok i also road alot but on other peoples bikes. I just went through the basic course and what an eye opener. and what they teach you makes riding and controling the bike much easier. This course is a must. imop

[luvda6R]

If someone has the time, could you try to give a detailed description of what is covered in the course? (not sure if they vary a lot) I'm signed up for a 3-day course coming up in July. Just curious what to expect, and if a lot of the time is spent on the real basics, like where the parts of the bike are (clutch, brake, etc.) and the basics of how to ride....or if they get into some more advanced topics. I dunno...just wondering what it involves.
Thanks.

[woodchucks800]

Sorry to get off topic but I had too. Spok I've got you an whistle signed up along with me for a new class in Butte ,MT when you guys head over for Red Lodge. The instructor of the class only lives there in the summers now so it was the perfect time for the class. The name of the instructor is a surprise along with the type of class. I'm busy right now so I'll get back to this post later.

[cudaosix]

The school I used to take the course has this discription on their site of whats covered in the BRC. The course your taking will probably be similar.

The Basic Rider Course is a research-based and action-oriented core curriculum designed to teach beginning motorcyclists of all ages the physical and mental skills necessary to ride safely on the street. It includes basic motorcycle operation, maximum effective braking techniques, turning skills, obstacle avoidance maneuvers, classroom instruction and ten hours of "on cycle" training. RiderCoaches for the program are all experienced motorcycle operators who are nationally certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Student workbooks, helmets and motorcycles are provided by MTII.
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are exempt from further testing at the Division of Driver Licenses Office and may be entitled to insurance premium discounts through participating insurance companies.

[moab1]

The MSF course is a great way to get started. You learn alot of things and you have fun at the same time.