Taking MSF Course.....What should I expect?

Message

drrhythm39 · Wed Nov 07, 2007 2:37 pm

I took and passed the MSF (pa) this past Sept. I went in knowing ZIP about motorcycles, except to know what one looked like. I have to say that the course was both informative, educational, but most of all fun. My instructors had great personalities and knew their stuff. I think each of them were teaching the course for 15 yrs or so. It was funny, I started out having a hard time "power walking the bike." 3 hrs later i was doing swerves and turns, fig 8's with no problem. They do spend ALOT of time on clutch control which I thought was great. Each technique and exercise was explained in great detail. Fatastic course. After you've completed it You will have the confidence to ride your own bike. But, for me, after i bought mine i practiced for 2 -3 weeks in the local school parking lot going over what they taught me. I still have a fear of the bike, but it is a good kind of fear. The kind that keeps you safe and your concentration on high all the time.

stevep · #12 Unread post by **stevep** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 1:15 am

I just took it this past weekend. It was alot of fun and very informative. I went in without any experience, and came out some what confident of the BASICS. Now, you may need a great deal of patience, depending on how quick you pick it up. I have been seriously riding bicycles for my whole life, 37 years, so I went in with a good head start on balance and body control. There will be people who havent ridden anything since they were a kid and start from zero. The instructors will spend the majority of the time helping them (which they should) and when everyone is in a line you can only go as fast as the worst rider. So even though I enjoyed it thoroughly, I did need some patience.

blackmouth · Thu Nov 08, 2007 5:37 pm

Expect to learn AT LEAST one thing that you will find VERY important while on the streets riding your motorcycle.

I agree that the experience riders get from an MSF class varies from location to location. However, every rider I know who has taken the MSF (and some were well experienced before-hand) has been able to take something useful and positive from the training.

Might you fail? Of course there is always that possibility. But, folks with NO riding experience pass it every day. With your scooter experience, I think you will be fine.

Props to you for taking the course. Good luck.

hordak · #14 Unread post by **hordak** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:21 am

blair wrote: If they also enable you to get a license or ride in certain locations (military bases are making it a requirement)

Only for active duty and DOD employees. Civilians do not need it. I live on an AFB and ride around on a permit.

Hotscootermama · Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:18 am

I'm taking the course in 2 weeks and am soooooooo freaking excited!!!!

WOOHOO!!!! I got my helmet, jacket, gloves, boots..... all I need now is ..... A BIKE!

illuminati · Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:14 am

I took the course and it was intense they cram 5 hours of lessons straight.bring some water and get there early,they will not let you in even if your 5minutes late.the good news is 90% of the people pass the test.I'll be honest with you ,it's a pretty easy test.Just don't drop the motorcycle on the test and you will probably pass.good luck.

btlegend · #17 Unread post by **btlegend** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:27 am

i was only able to take the first day of the course, do to unforseen problems, i wasnt able to attend the second day.....wich i wil have to pay again and take all over,...crappy...but when i was in the cource i had fun, it was a great experiance. the people there where fun and every one was there helpling each other out,...harley guys helping sport bikers out, sport bikers helping scooter riders, its one big missfit family, even out in the road, riders all..one big family....its all cool.

illuminati · Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:16 am

Don't quit,don't let fear get the better of you, like the nike commercial says"JUST DO IT".

Hotscootermama · Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:58 pm

Tomorrow is the big day!! WOOHOO!

Hotscootermama · Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:50 pm

I PASSED!!! WOOO HOOOO

now for my lisence and A BIKE!! Ya know I thought I knew what I wanted but after taking the course I want to start out with something different. I want something in the 250cc range. a GZ@%) or a nighthawlk or even....do I dare say it... a Rebel. I thought it looked small, but I hadn't driven yet. Now I think it is perfect for me to start with. As long as I can keep up on the highway without blowing it up I'm happy!!!