Ducati encouraging MSF classes

[Brackstone]

http://www.ducatiusa.com/new-rider-incentive-program.do

$300 rebate on purchase of 696 or 796 (read: not the sport bikes)

While I still don't think a 696 should be your first bike. At least now Ducati is trying to offer people incentives to take an MSF class before you do it.

I don't know how much your MSF class would cost but with the credit from Ducati I'd actually be earning money taking my MSF class.

[NC Narrator]

MSF classes here (at the local community college) are $140. If you want to take the class from our local Harley Davidson dealership it's $385. I took the class at the community college, a friend took the class at the dealership. Almost exactly the same - the biggest difference was that I rode a Honda Rebel and she got to ride a cool Harley.

I took the class primarily to refresh my very rusty skills and for the discount on my insurance. Now I tell everyone I know that if they want to ride they need to take the class - even if they've been riding for a long time.

[Brackstone]

Yeah the dealership classes are almost always more expensive but they have to use the same format because the state requires certain skills to be mastered for them to give you that ticket to take to the DMV saying "I can ride!"

[storysunfolding]

Depends if your classes are subsidized by your state. The market price is about $350 in the DC metro area, but Virginia pays $200 per student from M endorsement fees. Private sites here still charge the full $350 since they are not eligible for subsidies.