Some general questions:

[acritzer]

Both of the instructors I had in the classroom made it very clear that while they do have an agenda, they will work with each individual at their own pace. No experience needed, very little pressure. Step by step. I think you just ran into a crabby instructor.

[tropicalhotdog]

Clearly. And "crabby" is a politic way of putting it. So yes, it really depends on the particular instructors.

[Septimus]

+1 on the Ninja 500! Plenty of power for fun and "omg i need to pass u" on the highway but not so much that a little extra throttle will launch you into outer space. not that I'm biased or anything.

[jonnythan]

But the MSF will tell you that it's NOT a instruction course for rank beginners, as was proven by that crazy instructor we had.

From the MSF's website: "Basic RiderCourse- For beginners and re-entry riders of all ages. No experience necessary." and "The Basic RiderCourse is aimed at beginning riders of all ages."

Yeah, but that's not what they tell you on the phone. Nor is it true in practice.

Who exactly did you talk to on the phone? An MSF representative, or the instructor that we already know sucks monkey butt?

My class made it absolutely clear that the class is for absolute, rank beginners who don't even know what a motorcycle looks like. That's how it was taught, that's what the materials were geared for, and that's how the course played out.

You got shafted. I'm sorry. But your experience with your shitty school is not representative of the MSF in general.

[tropicalhotdog]

It wasn't me on the phone - a different rider for a different BRC course in a different state. He was told that the beginning rider should have "some experience" before taking the course.

When my fiance went back to re-take the BRC after her private lesson (given by a wonderful MSF instructor in Williamsburg, Brooklyn), there were two rank beginner females in the BRC class, who were both brought to tears by those instructors. One of the instructors was female too.

I know it's not reflective of the MSF in general - as I said above, it really depends on the individuals teaching the course, as with any school anywhere.

[Lion_Lady]

But the MSF will tell you that it's NOT a instruction course for rank beginners, as was proven by that crazy instructor we had.

From the MSF's website: "Basic RiderCourse- For beginners and re-entry riders of all ages. No experience necessary." and "The Basic RiderCourse is aimed at beginning riders of all ages."

Yeah, but that's not what THEY tell you on the phone. Nor is it true in practice.

Who is "they"? It sounds like the site where you and your SO took the class is writing their own rules.

Unfortunately, some instructors (and training sites, you've seen) don't follow the MSF BRC guidelines. That said, they are supposed to teach to the students' level of ability. That is where 'class makeup' comes into play.

On the other hand, it would seem that the particular instructor was a total a$$hole and should be reomved from teaching. If no one complains about them to the higher ups, they get to continue doing as they wish.

P

[Tenku]

On the other hand, it would seem that the particular instructor was a total a$$hole and should be reomved from teaching.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I took the course, there were 6 of us....and one instructor (Mike)
He was very good! 5 of us had zero experience, and 1 had ridden dirt bikes...
When it came time to take the exam....we had an additional student from the previous week (who had failed..)
She (the addition) said her class had 12 students...and 2 instructors...one was Mike and the other was a 'screamer & yeller' ...... She passed the 2nd time.....She said we were lucky to have only 6 students, and 'Mike' as an instructor......
Mike was a very good instructor!
I would certainly tell any prospective students to get into a class with only 6 students, and make sure 'Mike' is the instructor!

R

[sackett]

Can I get a recommendation for a first bike? I am pretty tall, 5'11". I'm looking for something relatively sporty looking. I'm used to barrel/pole racing horses so, I need a forward leaning seat or I would feel off balance moving that quickly. But on the bright side I'm used to leaning with turns and have great balance.

Also, I will probably be doing a lot of highway driving when I get the ovaries to do it. And I drive on dirt roads frequently to get to where we keep our horses. I'm also willing to do more mechanical stuff because I want my first bike to be a learning experience and I'm not bad with cars. Um, thanks in advance?

[jstark47]

Hmmmm......... tall rider + sporty looking + sportbike riding position + highway + dirt roads ......... + new rider ..... not usually a combination of traits all found in the same bike.

A V-Strom DL650 has some of those covered, but it's **really** borderline for a noob. A dual-sport like a DR-Z400S is much more noob-friendly, fits tall riders, and has the dirt road thing covered, but is not going to be comfortable for long highway hauls, nor does it resemble a sportbike. Both of these bikes have a standard, straight up-and-down riding position.

KTM 640 Adventure, maybe? Still a borderline bike, but lighter and less power than the V-Strom.

BTW, you might get more answers if you start a fresh thread with this question.