LADIES - Whoo Hoo!
We practiced on the Blast - and it was a blast to ride =). I own a Honda VLX Deluxe which is totally different riding than the Blast. Can't tell you which one I like better - have not ridden long enough to really compare and judge. My VLX took a few minutes to get use to after riding the Blasts all weekend. The Blasts are an extremely easy bike to ride - very good at slow speed and leans like you wouldn't believe. I plan on taking the Harley Experienced Rider Course some time next year - same class but you do it on your own bike.
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MonkeyMaw
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That really was a fascinating read. Thanks for the link, Seca Girl; I've passed it on to some friends.
The reason I started looking at Riders Edge is because the closest MSF location in SC is 1 hour away from me, too far a trip for my comfort level just yet. Also, taking the BRC does not waive the driven part of the license test here in SC, so I figured I could take instruction anywhere I wanted. The HD dealership in Charlotte, NC, is less than 30 miles away.
After reading about their program, I was looking forward to what I assumed would be more extensive instruction through Riders Edge. I don't know if I am helping or hurting things for MSF by taking ER instead, but the point, for me, is to be the safest and most-educated rider I can be. I don't regret my decision.
The reason I started looking at Riders Edge is because the closest MSF location in SC is 1 hour away from me, too far a trip for my comfort level just yet. Also, taking the BRC does not waive the driven part of the license test here in SC, so I figured I could take instruction anywhere I wanted. The HD dealership in Charlotte, NC, is less than 30 miles away.
After reading about their program, I was looking forward to what I assumed would be more extensive instruction through Riders Edge. I don't know if I am helping or hurting things for MSF by taking ER instead, but the point, for me, is to be the safest and most-educated rider I can be. I don't regret my decision.
'85 Yamaha FJ600
Do what you can to be the best rider you can be. That's how you stay alive. I think it's good that you still have to take the rider's test. There's nothing like some pressure to reinforce what you've learned.MonkeyMaw wrote:That really was a fascinating read. Thanks for the link, Seca Girl; I've passed it on to some friends.
The reason I started looking at Riders Edge is because the closest MSF location in SC is 1 hour away from me, too far a trip for my comfort level just yet. Also, taking the BRC does not waive the driven part of the license test here in SC, so I figured I could take instruction anywhere I wanted. The HD dealership in Charlotte, NC, is less than 30 miles away.
After reading about their program, I was looking forward to what I assumed would be more extensive instruction through Riders Edge. I don't know if I am helping or hurting things for MSF by taking ER instead, but the point, for me, is to be the safest and most-educated rider I can be. I don't regret my decision.
Still, it's good know what goes on behind the scenes. The unwritten conclusion of the articles is quite scary, really.
I don't know how dumb downed the Rider's Edge course is - I can tell you it is exactly the same exercises as the MSF course - and they were no easier than the MSF course. I just did much better because I had been practicing on my own and had already taken the MSF course so I knew what to expect. I don't think the instructors dumbed it down - it was just as rigid as the MSF course and graded the same. I have already heard that several seasoned Harley riders flunked the course. As with anything, it all depends on the instructors and the institution overseeing it. At the MSF course, there was one guy that SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED - but the two instructors passed him. He was obviously not comfortable at all on a motorcycle (even though he had been riding for a while) - he was an older guy that couldn't control the bike at all. It kept "getting away" from him, he kept hitting the throttle while braking and did very very poorly on the range tests.
From my reading of the articles, the BRC/Rider's Edge courses are the "dumbed down" version of the older MSF course. (Named RSS, maybe?) That was the reason that Oregon refused to switch to the BRC, and is now developing it's own course.
While the people involved in safety education at the class level are by and large sincere and dedicated, it seems that the MSF as a corporation is is putting profit first.
I seemed pretty clear to me that the MSF was "owned" by the MIC (maufacturers). And just as dealership salesmen push expensive litre-bikes onto unlicensed teenagers, the makers themselves don't want people failing the safety course. Becuase they know that a passing grade usually equals a new bike sale.
It's sad that the corporate side of the MSF seems to be undermining the dedicated instructors that care the most about teaching safe riding.
In the end, it's the instructors that will help you get the most from a class.
While the people involved in safety education at the class level are by and large sincere and dedicated, it seems that the MSF as a corporation is is putting profit first.
I seemed pretty clear to me that the MSF was "owned" by the MIC (maufacturers). And just as dealership salesmen push expensive litre-bikes onto unlicensed teenagers, the makers themselves don't want people failing the safety course. Becuase they know that a passing grade usually equals a new bike sale.
It's sad that the corporate side of the MSF seems to be undermining the dedicated instructors that care the most about teaching safe riding.
In the end, it's the instructors that will help you get the most from a class.
1982 Yamaha XJ650RJ Seca
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Lion_Lady
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Yeah, the instructors can make or break a class (or a student).
When I took the BRC the first time, the one instructor was awesome. Very encouraging, positive reinforcement all the time, etc. etc. The OTHER instructor kept focusing on what I wasn't doing or what I was doing wrong. I hated when he was in charge of an excercise.
In the end, I didn't pass the riding test but I returned the following weekend for a re-take instead of just packing it in. Didn't pass then either. BUT I bought a little beater bike a couple weeks later and practiced.
I took the BRC II and DID pass, a year later.
The director of the program nearest me is one of those old school 60-something guys. He refuses to coddle anyone and if he gets in his mind that anyone (particularly a woman) doesn't have what it takes, he pretty much steps back and lets them fail.
I watched TWO women just walk off the course after failing the riding test (hubby was teaching that day, too). One gal had been doing fantastic thru the whole course, she just got mentally freaked out by one booboo and just blew the rest of the evaluation. The other gal really just needed more time, like me.
The thing is, neither filled out an instructor evaluation - something that I believe MUST be done whether or not you pass. How else do these sort of instructors get a heads up as to the damage they do?
Makes me sooo mad. I think he's just been doing it too long. But, heck he's retired and knows the ropes.
Oops! this became a rant, huh?
P
When I took the BRC the first time, the one instructor was awesome. Very encouraging, positive reinforcement all the time, etc. etc. The OTHER instructor kept focusing on what I wasn't doing or what I was doing wrong. I hated when he was in charge of an excercise.
In the end, I didn't pass the riding test but I returned the following weekend for a re-take instead of just packing it in. Didn't pass then either. BUT I bought a little beater bike a couple weeks later and practiced.
I took the BRC II and DID pass, a year later.
The director of the program nearest me is one of those old school 60-something guys. He refuses to coddle anyone and if he gets in his mind that anyone (particularly a woman) doesn't have what it takes, he pretty much steps back and lets them fail.
I watched TWO women just walk off the course after failing the riding test (hubby was teaching that day, too). One gal had been doing fantastic thru the whole course, she just got mentally freaked out by one booboo and just blew the rest of the evaluation. The other gal really just needed more time, like me.
The thing is, neither filled out an instructor evaluation - something that I believe MUST be done whether or not you pass. How else do these sort of instructors get a heads up as to the damage they do?
Makes me sooo mad. I think he's just been doing it too long. But, heck he's retired and knows the ropes.
Oops! this became a rant, huh?
P
Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity - Alice Paul
I agree - instructors can make or break a new student who needs to build confidence. One thing I understood though - passing the MSF course or the Rider's Edge course is NOT an endorsement to "hit the streets". It gives enough basic knowledge in order for a person to go "hit the parking lot and practice". Some people might be able to just hit the streets - but I think most still need parking lot practice - that included me.
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Kim
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+1 to both your points.MicheleZ wrote:I agree - instructors can make or break a new student who needs to build confidence. One thing I understood though - passing the MSF course or the Rider's Edge course is NOT an endorsement to "hit the streets". It gives enough basic knowledge in order for a person to go "hit the parking lot and practice". Some people might be able to just hit the streets - but I think most still need parking lot practice - that included me.
When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
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Z (fka Sweet Tooth)
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