MSF Question

[pacedawg]

New to the site (and riding) so bear with me. I have been reading through the forum about the MSF and I came across a posting regarding courses in NJ. I just got my permit but have no experience riding. I definitely want to do this right and have always wanted to get into biking. My problem is, I know no one with a bike. With that said, I am looking to see if there are any other alternatives to the RiderEd (run through the MSF)? I did see that one Harley dealer offers a course but it is booked until mid July and is far from where I live. I don't really care about the drive but I really want to get going. Does anyone know of other courses or private instructors?

[Bx RedBull]

If you're looking to take the MSF course, you won't need a bike. They'll supply you with one of theirs. If you're looking to practice beforehand, then yeah, you'd need to know someone with a bike willing to let you practice.

If you can't take the MSF because its filled up, then thats another story. But if you've got classes in your area that still have space available, stop reading this now and go sign up before they all start getting filled as the seaons draws near.

[BigChickenStrips]

MSF is more than worth the money and the wait...

new bikers do better at the MSF because they learn the right way, while existing bikers tend to do a little worse because they have to try to un-learn the bad habbits they taught themselves.

good luck to you whatever you decide to do, but remember to ride safe.

Ryan

[pacedawg]

Thanks. I have already signed up. I am not scheduled until June 23rd but I am going to try and do stand-by. I am excited and a bit nervous. It seems that most of the postings say that the 0 experience riders tend to do better on the evaluation. Do you guys feel that way? Do most 0 experience people pick it up quickly during the class.

Thanks-

[Loonette]

Welcome aboard!

Good thing that you got signed up for the course - it's a great way to learn, and the classes do fill up quickly. There are no hard facts about what type of rider does better at the course - people just say that. But, you will learn every basic that you need, you go step-by-step through the course, and in the end, you'll be licensed. You don't have to worry about what type of rider does better - just pay attention, relax, and have fun.


Cheers,
Loonette

[jstark47]

With that said, I am looking to see if there are any other alternatives to the RiderEd (run through the MSF)?

In New Jersey, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's BRC (Basic Rider Course) curriculum is delivered by both the state itself, and by several private outfits. Whichever way you take the BRC, if you pass, you will get a learner's permit endorsement entitling you to waive the state riding test.

The state gives the BRC at two locations, Sea Girt and Egg Harbor. The state's courses are free, and are hard to get into, they fill up very fast. http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/mcsafe/index.html

I know of three private providers of the BRC, they all charge a fee:
a. Rider Education of New Jersey http://www.rider-ed.com/
b. Rider Training of New Jersey http://www.ridertrainingnj.com/
c. Fairleigh Dickinson Motorcycle Safety http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=93

I'm less familiar with the status of the Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge course in New Jersey. The Rider's Edge website states, "You will receive your Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourseSM completion card." Logically, if you fulfill the MSF requirements, you ought to fulfill the NJ requirements to waive the driving test.......... but, hey, I just used "logical" and "New Jersey" in the same sentence....

Anyway, in NJ, Rider's Edge appears to be given only at Barb's Harley Davidson in Collingswood.

When I took the BRC, there was a mix of more and less experienced people. One guy was a total noob, never even sat on a bike. Everyone passed. The curriculum does a great job IMO of breaking riding down into very small, easy to master bits.

[The Grinch]

Do you guys feel that way? Do most 0 experience people pick it up quickly during the class.

I'd say that people with zero experience either pick it up quickly or get asked to leave. When I took the class last weekend, there were three poeple with zero experience. One was asked to leave after about 2 hours because the instructors felt he was a danger to himself and others. The other two did fine and both passed.

[BigChickenStrips]

i would say in my class the beginners did a lot better than the advanced people.

before my class i had never ridden on a bike (even as a passenger) and i had never driven a 5speed car (so i was worried about clutch/shifting and whatnot) but i did better than some of the people who knew how to dire already. the clutch took a little getting used to but overall i passed easily.
theres noting to be nervous about. i was scared to death that i'd be lagging way behind the class and wouldnt pass the tests. the only people who didnt do well were scared of the bikes. they wouldnt speed up in turns, they wouldnt lean the bikes, and they were generally too afraid to really "ride" they were so busy worying about all the little stuff. IMHO these people did not belong on two wheels if they are afraid of what they are doing they are dangerous to themselves and others. if you just pay attention to the instructors, and be relaxed. you'll be fine. i went from knowing nothing about riding, and now im lookign at buying a brand new bike because i am hooked!

good luck and keep us posted on how it goes. riding is so awesome, i only wish i had started when i was younger. (although insurance on a 21 y/o is not pretty so i immagine insurance on a 17 y/o is insane $$$)

[ofblong]

Must be n ice to be able to get into the MSF. I am on the "ON CALL" list where I am because the courses filled up within a month here. I could drive 3 hours to take the MSF course they offer in detriot but that would cost me more in gas than to take a private course here somewhere. I guess I will just wait until next year and signup on the day of FEB 1rst .