MSF course advise...

[AmericanWeiner]

I was the only one however, most were in a riding jacket or thick leather jacket of some sort, a helmet and work boots and jeans.

This is probably what I'm going to be looking at, though it all depends on what kind of bike and how much. I'm expecting to have somewhere between $2k-$4k to spend. I'm selling a car, and I've been offered $8k for it (literally not five minutes after we paid $4k for it), I think, but it's since degraded and been dissasembled a little bit.

Back on subject- a riding jacket, ff helmet, and something like combat boots should be good, right?

I did see one guy dump it though, so be aware of the possibility.

I'm hoping my high pain tolerance (*knocks on wood*) will help if the situation arises. God bless adrenaline.

[cb360]

Back on subject- a riding jacket, ff helmet, and something like combat boots should be good, right?

I took the class in Wa. state and what you describe would have been fine. Here's what georgia requires...

"Motorcycles and helmets (if you do not own a helmet) are only provided for the basic course. The following clothing requirements are the responsibility of EACH student and MUST be worn during the conduct of ALL range riding sessions:


A DOT approved helmet with eye protection (faceshield, goggles, etc.)
Full-fingered gloves (preferably leather).
Over-the-ankle boots (high-top tennis shoes or athletic styled shoes are not allowed).
A long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
Long pants (no holes and not torn).

[AmericanWeiner]

Back on subject- a riding jacket, ff helmet, and something like combat boots should be good, right?

I took the class in Wa. state and what you describe would have been fine. Here's what georgia requires...

"Motorcycles and helmets (if you do not own a helmet) are only provided for the basic course. The following clothing requirements are the responsibility of EACH student and MUST be worn during the conduct of ALL range riding sessions:


A DOT approved helmet with eye protection (faceshield, goggles, etc.)
Full-fingered gloves (preferably leather).
Over-the-ankle boots (high-top tennis shoes or athletic styled shoes are not allowed).
A long-sleeved shirt or jacket.
Long pants (no holes and not torn).

Thank you.

I forgot gloves in my list. I'm not going anywhere without full skin coverage the first time I'm on a bike.

[TheReaper]

I'm expecting to have somewhere between $2k-$4k to spend.

I'd plan on spending upwards of $1k on gear. I spent $1200, but I've never been a very patient frugal shopper either. There are some good deals out there on the net, but if you get a full set, which you may want for longer rides, it's still going to cost you.

All in all the MSF course is pretty low key. While the risk of an accident is certainly there, most of the manuevers are at such low speeds that accidents can easily be avoided so you should be fine with the basics they require for the course.

"Motorcycles and helmets (if you do not own a helmet) are only provided for the basic course. The following clothing requirements are the responsibility of EACH student and MUST be worn during the conduct of ALL range riding sessions: /

We only had two helmets that were provided for a class of 12, so I'd strongly recommend trying to find your own.

[FattyJ]

I'd take the Beginner's Course first. When I took it I learned things I wasn't doing before and so did everyone else in that class.

[cb360]

You can spend as much as you want on gear though it seems like $300-$500 would be the bare minimum if you count...

$100'ish for a DOT approved full-face helmet
$200'ish for a thick leather jacket
$100'ish for boots
$30'ish for leather gloves

Obviously those are kind of low-end prices but that's about what I spent. You CAN get even cheaper if you really shop, just make sure you are getting a good product. Notice that this doesn't include any riding pants or rain gear or warmer weather gear. I just wear jeans when riding extremely locally which is usually what I do. I plan on getting riding pants for longer trips - I understand the risk I'm taking when I ride a mile to the gym and I accept it with my eyes wide open. Anyway, you seem like you are on a budget so I thought I'd post this. Of course you could buy a helmet alone that cost more than all my gear put together... I'm just saying you could keep it to around $500 and be pretty well equipped if you shop frugally.

[Aggroton]

i got a 98 on the written last night...finally range class today!