Newbie needs some advice

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Seton88 · #1 Unread post by **Seton88** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:32 am

I have been very interested in biking for a while, but I never had the money to start until now. I started looking around and realized that there are many affordable used bikes. I would mainly be using it for traveling to school (about 15 miles on the highway), visiting some friends about 100 miles away, and little other stuff. So far I have it narrowed down between a Ninja 250 and a Rebel, leaning more toward the Ninja.

Here is where my trouble starts. There is no MSF course available in my area until the beginning of August. I know how important it is and know I need to take it. But, I did want to get some experience riding over the summer so I would be confident on the highway. I think I read somewhere that IDOT(I live in Illinois) offers a course. If anyone knows anything could they please elaborate. My other alternative would be just to learn from my uncle, who has been riding for over 40 years.

I do know the first thing on my agenda should be getting a proper fitting helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. I have been reading through the forums and stickies for about a month, but this my 1st post. Any advice is appreciated.

Joelseph · #2 Unread post by **Joelseph** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:01 am

Hi Seton,

First of all, welcome! I'm fairly new here as well, but i'll toss in my 2 cents. First of all, great bike choices. I sat on an '08 250R just this past weekend, and also saw one at a bike rally that had a crapload of work done to it, and let me tell you, either way they are sweeeet looking bikes.

When I was looking into getting a bike myself, I was basically in the same position as you were (no MSF courses available till late summer). The first thing I would do if I were you, is call up every single place that offers a course, and ask to be put on their cancellations list. You run the risk of having to re-work your schedule on short notice, but it is really the only chance you have of getting an earlier start date. They will call you if someone cancels and offer you their spot.

As for having your uncle "teach" you to ride, there are obviously pros and cons. It's cheap and convinient, but he's not a certified instructor. Now I'm going to be realistic. If you get your bike anytime soon, you are probably going to ride it before you get to take the MSF course in August. This is fine. What I would suggest is try and stick to parking lots, and eventually suburban quiet streets. There are lots of videos/articles from MSF instructors outlining the exercises they go through in the course. Why not get a jump on the gun and practice them in an empty lot? Just make sure you have your license and insurance. Bring your uncle along. Although he isn't an instructor I'm sure he can give you some helpful hints. Just be careful and try not to develop any bad habits.

And of course, all gear all the time.

Let us know how things go!

big_ry_ry · #3 Unread post by **big_ry_ry** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:04 am

Here in NY the DMV lists all the courses that operate in NY, so check your dmv website and see if you can find that information. As far as local places you did not list what town/city you are from (you should place it in your profile)

As far as what bike to buy you should sit on them both and also if you are into sport bikes you will not be happy with a cruiser or you like cruisers you will not like the sport bike...

Check your DMV and let us know what you find, also post your area and maybe we can help a little more!

MrShake · #4 Unread post by **MrShake** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:11 am

Seton88, I used to live near the Fairview area, and I believe that SWIC has a course. I'd give them a call. I don't see a mention of it on the IDOT site though.. they list these sites for your part of the state:

1. Coles County Airport (Charleston/Mattoon)

2. Effingham Armory , no courses 2008

3. Jacksonville High School, no courses for 2008

4. Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey)

5. Litchfield Armory, no courses for 2008

6. Olney Central College

7. Quincy Regional Airport

8. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

9. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

10. Wabash Valley College (Mt. Carmel)

The MSF site lists this as well.. might be what your looking for

Southwestern Illinois College View BELLEVILLE 62221 ST. CLAIR (800) 642-9589

Seton88 · #5 Unread post by **Seton88** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:26 am

I noticed that SWIC was on there, but I checked their web site and did not find anything. Going to Carbondale would be a 2 hour drive every day which I really did not want to do. But, I did just check SIU Edwardsville and a new class opened up there on May 19-23rd. I am hoping to get into that one.

Fast Eddy B · Thu Apr 10, 2008 6:53 am

I'm a big fan of professional training. The sucks be it costs. The best part is that the more they costs, usually the more bikes you rides. The more bikes you rides, the mores yous knows.

Boo-ya!

oxbow1 · #7 Unread post by **oxbow1** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:49 am

the BRC courses here in NJ let you register for the later dates and then you can show up and try to walk on at the earlier courses.
my class was full at registration but we had one no show for the first night and a student was asked to leave the first range day because they couldn't ride the bicycle, yes you had to prove you could ride a bicycle before they would let you on the range.