Completely new rider asking which first MSF or Gear?

[Pin_Cushion]

Hi all.
I've just purchased my first bike, a 02 Honda Rebel 250cc. The trouble is I'm on a very tight budget and I only have enough cash left to get either some gear (Gloves, Boots, Coat) OR take the MSF course in a week. Which would you do? Either way, I intend to get both departments covered sooner or later. This bike will be my only mode of transport for some time, and I've never so much as sat on anything more powerful than a bicycle or moped. I've driven a stick before, so the clutch thing shouldn't be a huge problem. I'm leaning toward picking up some gear (though a helmet comes with it), but I'm not sure how huge of a learning curve driving a motorcycle is. I'm 26 and have zero illusions about the realities of human mortality, so I want to make the decisions that will keep me breathing the longest.

FYI I live in a rural area, but intend to make brief forays into the nearest city (Charleston, SC) in search of employment when my confidence in my riding allows.

Any response will be appreciated.

[thaimike]

Take the MSF course first, without question. You have alot to learn and need practice and will be taught properly. The honda is a great first bike. At least get a helmet too. I understand being on a tight budget but don't discount your health,please.

[brbolin]

I agree...take the class first.
Make sure you have boots that cover your ankles. If you don't, run to Payless Shoes or Shoe Carnival and buy a pair of hiking-type boots that cover your ankle (that's what I used...and am still using) for about $20.
I didn't have a helmet, they had them there at the MSF class, so I didn't have to worry about that.
Also, make sure you have some sort of gloves. They didn't have any there to use, but I had a pair of leather gloves. I've heard people use gardening gloves, too. Just so long as you can easily move your hand/fingers and feel the controls through them.
Once that's done, then start looking at gear. Get a piece at a time. Helmet is the main, most important piece though...so put that at the top of your "gear" list.

[Scoutmedic]

Take the msf and make due with the safety gear you can scrounge initially. You said it comes with a helmet so, that's the most important. Long sleeve shirts, blue jeans and over the ankle work boots will help if you do go down but, get the safety gear as soon as you can.

I forgot gloves. Any kind of leather or "safety" glove. I use a pair of motocross gloves right now. I got them on sale for $15 at a dealership end of season sale.

The msf course provides a helmet if needed but, you need to provide the other things mentioned above.

[Sev]

Does the MSF provide gear while you're there?

Mine didn't, we needed to show up with our own helmet/jacket/gloves/boots.

[cb360]

Take the msf - you can find decent gear really cheap if you are patient and willing to make some vanity compromises. Do you have craigslist where you live? There's new posts for used gear every day in seattle.

[Scott58]

I'll be the devils advocate here as they didn't have MSF or any trainig really when I started riding (don't even remember if they had DOT helmets). Your main concern is to stay focused while your on the bike. Find a big parking lot and take your time. Don't get in a big hurry to do anything. You probably have the best starter bike made so don't be afraid of it, but do respect it. Ride it around in the lot for a bit and then decide. If your falling over every 5 minutes, by all means get some help. But if you find you do pretty well on your own you may want to consider gear first. My first bike cost me $25 (58 triumph tigercub 200) and I started out in a school parking lot going farther away from it everyday. Pretty soon I was 100 miles away and enjoying myself. It's been 30 years now with no accidents (alot of near misses) and i have never dropped any of my street bikes. In the end the choice is still yours, but the key to operating a motorcycle (or any other dangerous equipment for that matter is to stay focused and be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Good luck.

[Shiv]

I'd say take the MSF.

Mine provided gear, yours may or may not, might wanna check into that.

And remember a motorcycle has a wet clutch, and you can ride the clutch all day and it won't harm the motorcycle.

Don't keep releasing the clutch because you think it'll burn out.

[Pin_Cushion]

Well, it looks like my choice has been made for me. I have enough cash for some good gloves and food for a few months while I hunt a job. Man, wrecking your car is SUCH a hassle. If all goes well I'll be taking the MSF course by the new year. In case you're wondering why I'm getting a bike at all, it's because I found a really great deal on a bike and couldn't afford a car. Also, I've always thought they were kinda badass and just never had the guts to try one till now. Guess I'll be puttering down the lonely back road in front of my house at 15mph for a few days. I did find a copy of the Hough books though, and while most of them seem terribly arcane I can see how I'll make more sense of the articles after a bit of riding.

I've wondered why people so often feel the need to blog their first few weeks of learning a motorcycle. The reason must be that writing about it vents some of the nervousness that goes along with strapping yourself to a missle and playing chicken with tanks driven by the blind...and being bad at it. I have to say that my gut-wrenching terror is slowly turning into mild anxiety as I learn more and hear more stories.

Thanks for the replies. Your advice hasn't gone unheard and it is very appreciated.

[Mag7C]

And remember a motorcycle has a wet clutch, and you can ride the clutch all day and it won't harm the motorcycle.

Don't keep releasing the clutch because you think it'll burn out.

Where did you learn that? Just curious because I always though bike clutches wore just like cars.