Advice on the course?

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Mistress Maygin

So, now that I can afford this stuff, I want to make sure I get the best education for my money.

I know that the courses take place in various parking lots. Schools, casinos, etc. What I don't know is what the difference is. Are these all the same people where I will learn the same stuff, or will one be better than the other?

Anyone in the South Florida area: can you tell me where the best place would be to go? I'm willing to drive, within reason, for the best possible course. In all reality, if the best one, hands down, is in Tampa- I've got friends that live there so I'm there.

Anyone else: tips? advice on what to look for, how to prepare, etc?

I'm an overachiever. And a teacher's pet. And a perfectionist. Help me out here!

To clarify, I mean the MSF course.

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.

[OneSickPsycho]

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.

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...

Oh yeah... and you fucking attention whore... how dare you want to better yourself and gain actual motorcycle knowledge. I can't fucking stand curb squirrels with genuine interest in motorcycle riding... Stupid bitch...

Sorry... couldn't resist.

[neebelung]

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...

We've got a few coaches on board... Neon, Beefcake, Sterling and PhiSig are all MSF rider coaches.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by neebelung

We've got a few coaches on board... Neon, Beefcake, Sterling and PhiSig are all MSF rider coaches.

And they're all in Jax... Is this some sort of world domination plan in action? I want in... I promise not to vomit on anything... anything super important that is...

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

And they're all in Jax... Is this some sort of world domination plan in action? I want in... I promise not to vomit on anything... anything super important that is...

There's more... DV8OR, Saki Girl, Al-caholic (Mr Saki Girl), 2K4Gixxer, Sportinsflyin... um... who am I forgetting. They're ALL Rider Coaches (and all but PhiSig work for the same school).

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by neebelung

There's more... DV8OR, Saki Girl, Al-caholic (Mr Saki Girl), 2K4Gixxer, Sportinsflyin... um... who am I forgetting. They're ALL Rider Coaches (and all but PhiSig work for the same school).

[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.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Rae

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.

Hmmm....so MSF does do basic operation drills and such? Cool,I took it when I was 18 in like 1983-84. The army mandated it before you could ride on post. Anyway,it sounds like FLA has put all it's eggs in the MSF basket. BTW I realize that you can pick up bad habits from friends but it's better than getting a bike and trying to learn on your own. Besides not all guys who ride are jerkwads. I've always got the impression the OSP was a conscientious rider and believe it or not I'm an excellent new rider coach myself. BTW MM when you're looking for gear,depending on your size,I have some Icon stuff that might fit you I'd sell cheap. Ex gf stuff/barely used!

[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...
.

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.