another beginner

Message

madd dogg11 · Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:13 pm

hey i just signed up for the MSF course but its not till dec 30, so i got a little bit of time to kill. i wanted to ask some questions about it. is it possible to learn enough from the course to be a safe rider ? i've never ridden a motorcycle before in my life and i wanted to know what all they teach me. i also wanted to know maybe a little bit more about the liscence qualifications for california. im not really sure. i think after i take the course, then pass a written test i get the motorcycle liscence but im not 100% sure. alright well thanks for the help guys . i cant wait to see you on the road

thaimike · #2 Unread post by **thaimike** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:45 am

welcome...not sure about the california regulations but once you pass an MSF course, the certificate will allow you to get endorsed as a license motorcycle rider valid in all 50 states. The course is a great introduction. You will learn how to ride in a controlled environment, but it is up to you to practice, understand the machine and know your limits!!! Be smart, wear your gear, and have fun!

Wizzard · #3 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:59 am

Welcome to the forums madd dogg .
Regards, Wizzard

brbolin · #4 Unread post by **brbolin** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 2:08 am

First off, congrats on signing up for the MSF course...great move!
As was mentioned above, I'm not sure about the qualifications for the CA license, either. In Southern Indiana, I took the written test at the license branch for my permit a month before my class. Then, when I passed my class I handed in my permit, old driver's license, and one of the MSF cards and got my endorsement then and there.
Everyone will ALWAYS need to be constantly practicing...no matter if you've been riding 40 years or 40 minutes...any time you can get around to some practicing is great.
I had never ridden anything motorized (besides a car) before my class this past September. I got the "bug" in June, signed up for the MSF class, looked at/sat on/made "vroom-vroom" noises on bikes at different dealerships to get an "idea" of what I was looking for. When I passed my class and got my license two week later I was the proud owner of a new, '05 Suzuki M50.

Now, again, I had spent from June-October sitting on, learning all I could (without actually turning one on) the bikes. If you're still a little hesitant/nervous, I would recommend, as many others will, getting a used bike or something in the 250cc-650cc range.
You will get a LOT of great info on this forum. Enjoy, good luck, and welcome!

Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:25 am

To answer your question directly, is it possible to learn enough from the MSF to be a safe rider? No.

It will teach you the basics of riding a motorcycle, evasive manuevers and whatnot. However, and others correct me if I'm wrong, it doesn't give you real world experience or experience at speeds over 20 mph. Learning how to navigate traffic and what to do when the redneckasaurus is pissed at you riding on his streets are just two things it doesn't teach you.

However, it's probably the best way to start learning due to its structured and proven method of teaching you the fundamentals, but you're going to have to practice alot before you get out on the streets.

If you want to know what they teach you, check out their website, go to the library section and flip through the basic rider course handbook.

madd dogg11 · Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:55 am

yeah im looking into a kawasaki ninja 250, just in my price range. i've heard some good things and a few bad things. but again i really dont know a whole lot.

Ions001 · #7 Unread post by **Ions001** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:26 am

I'll echo the others congratulations on your decision to take an MSF course. Like others have mentioned though, it is only the beginning.

Like thaimike said, know your limits! It's amazing how quickly things can shift gears from fun to painful.

Anyway, enjoy whatever bike you decide to get, and here's to chatting with you in the future here on the boards.

#8 Unread post by **cb360** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:07 am

Like my instructor said at the end of our class , "You are now certified to ride around in a parking lot without supervision." He was kidding but the point was valid. The msf is great - it gives you lots of knowledge and some solid technique and a little experience. you're still gonna get white knuckles the first time you go 40 - and the first time you gte on the interstate and the first time you get passed by an 18 wheeler and the first time you feel the back tire slide a bit. But it's a great place to start. putting on the miles is the only way to get really comfortable on a bike. And you'll be doing that before you know. The msf is a blast by the way. At least mine was and it was raining the entire time.

basshole · #9 Unread post by **basshole** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:20 am

God I read this post and thought it was me!!!!

Congrats and welcome to board! I'm here in Cali and just finished the MSF 2 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for MSF cert to come in the mail here anyday now. I took the written exam a week into my MSF class and passed it. It allows you in CA to ride during daylight (but I also ride home at night now too) and the only other restriction is no pillion. I would suggerst boning up on the motorcycle exam ( I took mine with no prep and still passed) and take it as soon as possible. That way, you can get some riding time in before your MSF class. Definitely hit lot's and lot's of parking lots and do lot's of slow speed turns and stuff then find some lonely local roads you can run on and get comfortable with. Where in CA are you located? I'm in the OC. What kinda bike are you getting or have?

Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:36 am

cb360 wrote:Like my instructor said at the end of our class , "You are now certified to ride around in a parking lot without supervision." He was kidding but the point was valid. The msf is great - it gives you lots of knowledge and some solid technique and a little experience. you're still gonna get white knuckles the first time you go 40 - and the first time you gte on the interstate and the first time you get passed by an 18 wheeler and the first time you feel the back tire slide a bit. But it's a great place to start. putting on the miles is the only way to get really comfortable on a bike. And you'll be doing that before you know. The msf is a blast by the way. At least mine was and it was raining the entire time.

Of course it was raining, you're in seattle.