MSF.....never rode before

[RockBottom]

So, rockbottom, did you take the state offered course, or the Riders Edge? Obviously, PA handles the license test differently than MD does (at least for our state run class).

The Riders Edge courses, in MD are taught by instructors who have passed the MD training program, then get additional "Harley" instruction to teach the Riders Edge. To avoid any hint of 'favoritism' after the instruction is complete, a NON Harley affiliated instructor oversees the riding evaluation at the end.

That said, the 'examiner' does have a bit of interaction with the class instructors. Nevertheless, the evaluation is based on empirical guidelines. Stuff is timed, there are lines that you may not cross, etc. It shouldn't be possible for the examiner to just say, "You fail."

I must be missing something here.

P

It's a state course. The way I understand it, the guy who did the examination is the boss who hired the coaches. I think there are specific guidelines that the examiner used. I'm willing to accept the idea that I screwed them up. It just seems weird that I was doing everything OK for the coaches and then 20 minutes later on the same bike, I did the same things inadequately for the examiner. Perhaps is was more of a communication thing--the coaches gave the impression that about the only way to fail was to drop the bike.

[olebiker]

Sounds like the instruction was a bit miss leading. I hope that you brought this to the school's attention. Sometimes these things can go unnoticed by management. I believe that if I was you I would ask for a retest at no charge. All they can do is say no. Back in the day of the dinasauor when I taught there was only one student that we could not get passed. He took the course quite a few times. His main problem was balance. He could not understand why he had to put his feet down when he stopped. He had never ridden a bicycle. It is kind of funny to watch someone make a great stop then just fall over with their feet on the pegs. I didn't have the chance to try teaching this guy but he quite well known to all of us.

[StillTry'n]

I took the MSF course three weeks ago. Never ridden a motorcycle in my life. I'm in my sixties, and I've always wanted to be on a bike!

I "failed"!!

For me I needed more than two days on a bike. I needed private instruction! I was intimidated by being in a class of people who had (for the most part) been riding a bike for years.

I did the very best I could in the breif time I had. I'm not good in a class setting, I need one on one training.

I was more embarassed than anything else.

I'm buying a brand new Suzuki DRZ 400SM.

And no matter how long it takes me: I will (one day) be riding my bike with confidence and courage.....and I will never be embarassed about riding again.

It is a great course,....... and you are given some fantastic knowledge that you may never get on your own......but it not the best way for every single rider to learn.

This forum has given me much to be encouraged about.

P.S.

Yes the bike is alive (really) and it knows what you are thinking: and it will go where you are looking......and that was worth the price of admission!

Dan

[Shorts]

Hey Dan, no worries. As you said, everyone learns differently. The great part is you're out there and by golly you want to ride - you'll ride my friend