getting a M endorsement for a biker newbie

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jbob286 · #1 Unread post by **jbob286** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:43 am

Hey all, I've been interested in getting a motorcycle for a couple years now but never considered it seriously until recently because I have moved away from the city and now drive 400+ miles a week. With gas prices the way they are I really want to get a nice bike for transportation and some hobby riding too

The problem is I do not know anyone who can teach me to ride (so getting a TIP is of no use) and all MSF courses are full through the summer and once school starts I won't be able to take advantage of my bike as much. I want to take the MSF course ASAP but I really want to start riding this summer. The only way I can do this (I think) is to buy a bike and get a TIP, practice on trafficless country roads alone (illegally

) and somehow find a licensed biker to escort me to my road test. Is there a better way?

...There is one MSF place around here in west michigan that takes walk-in candidates when others who signed up do not show, so I am going to try to do this and hopefully take the MSF course soon.

jbob286 · #2 Unread post by **jbob286** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:45 am

Oh I'm looking at a '74 Kawasaki kz400 for $550. Seems like a good starter bike and 60mpg on highway

I drive a manual transmission car and mt bike so I understand the concepts of shifting and have good balance, and I also learn quite quickly. How much practice do you guys think it will take before I can take a roadtest? And is there anywhere I can get a handbook about the stuff they teach in the MSF course so I can atleast read about all the methods of staying aware and safe?

mswarrior · #3 Unread post by **mswarrior** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 4:22 am

Class "M", you in Ontario right, why not call other MSF's in other towns/cities. It is a very imortant step nowdays to take it. Help is never to far away, that's thing about bikers. Most of us would give the shirt off our back to help another biker.

jbob286 · #4 Unread post by **jbob286** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 4:38 am

I checked all around the state and the best I can find is openings in late August a few hundred miles away :/

I live by Grand Rapids, MI, so not Canada. The license for motorcycling is called the M endorsement on your license. There are other letter endorsements for driving trucks, buses, etc.

TheReaper · #5 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:42 am

Hey, if you want to take the trip there is a class here in MN open 4th of July weekend.

Have you checked with any dealers to see if they sponsor programs? That's how I found my BRC course. When I actually researched through the MSF they were booked until mid July, this was back in May. When I called the place sponsored by the dealership where I got my bike they had openings in 2 weeks. Sold.