How many times is too many for the MSF course

[dieziege]

LOL...

Wanna bet he still doesn't have an endorsement?

[flynrider]

The California DMV test is virtually impossible to pass and is designed for you to fail and go through MSF. The state of CA really doesn't want to take the time to do M/C testing. If you put your foot down ONCE you fail. In fact, I don't know anyone who has taken the CA DMV test and passed.

You're right about that CA DMV test. I spent an aftenoon practicing it while helping out a couple of friends that were scheduled to take the test. I couldn't pass consistently with the precision required by some testers (i.e. no foot touch and your tires can't touch a line) when on my 750. It was substantially easier on a Rebel and a Ninja 250, since they're small enough to allow you to see the lines you're supposed to follow.

I have heard that some DMV testers are more lenient than others, so that enters into the equation too. With the tough testers, I'd be surprised to hear of a noob passing it.

On that subject, I wonder if Governor Arnold has taken the DMV test yet. Wanna bet he'd get one of the easier testers?

[Bubble Gum Jr.]

The California DMV test is virtually impossible to pass and is designed for you to fail and go through MSF. The state of CA really doesn't want to take the time to do M/C testing. If you put your foot down ONCE you fail. In fact, I don't know anyone who has taken the CA DMV test and passed.

You're right about that CA DMV test. I spent an aftenoon practicing it while helping out a couple of friends that were scheduled to take the test. I couldn't pass consistently with the precision required by some testers (i.e. no foot touch and your tires can't touch a line) when on my 750. It was substantially easier on a Rebel and a Ninja 250, since they're small enough to allow you to see the lines you're supposed to follow.

I have heard that some DMV testers are more lenient than others, so that enters into the equation too. With the tough testers, I'd be surprised to hear of a noob passing it.

On that subject, I wonder if Governor Arnold has taken the DMV test yet. Wanna bet he'd get one of the easier testers?

DMV Tester: You took that turn too fast.
Ahnold: Yaa, Don't be a bay-bee! (or gur leee man!)

DMV Tester: You put your foot down?
Ahnold: Yaa, So I could put my other foot up your....

[CNF2002]

ROFL

[yoda731]

Hey all, figured I'd post an update to this. I don't like to leave things undone, so I took the MSF BRC course one more time this weekend...I did pass with 3 points.

Fantastic, mic. Congrats. Enjoy riding, and put up some pics some time.

JC

[Kim]

By all means, if you want to take the time, take the course again. Can you get a learner's permit? Do you have someone you can ride with on it for a while?

If you can do that, I say practice a bit that way and take the test at the DMV.

I did the MSF course but was very overwhelmed and didn't finish it. I'm riding on a leaner's permit and will go to the DMV soon to take their test. I debated about taking the MSF course again, but I figured I'm getting good practice as it is now and I really don't want to tie up another weekend.

[earwig]

Rent a 50cc scooter and get your license at the DMV... then practice lots and lots until you are safe... you can always take the MSF after you get your license down the road if you want their approval on your riding skills.

Ok, so I am about to take the MSF course for the 3rd time.

To give you the background I am only 4'9 and brand new to riding. I've never even been a passenger! The first time taking the course there were several short people - I ended up on a Kawasaki something or other - I could just barely put my toes down on both sides. I struggled both days of the course performing the exercises and laid the bike down 3 times because I couldn't get enough balance to feel comfortable when stopping. I ended up dropping the bike on the first exam portion - that silly U-turn part and that is an automatic failure.

Second time I got a Honda Rebel. Much lower and smaller than the bike I had before and I had been practicing on a friend's Honda Rebel so I felt pretty comfortable. I had no trouble with any of the exercises and never dropped the bike. The instructors offered very little negative feedback - saying things like "great job, nice turn, good posture, etc". So I thought I was doing well. I scored 21 points on the exam. The instructor was new and thought that was a passing score and gave me a course completion card and told me the DL389 would come in the mail in a few days.

Now 2 weeks later the course organizer tells me the instructor made a mistake and I have to get less than 20 points which requires me to take the course again. I'm pretty pissed off about it - since thinking that I had passed the course I went out and bought my bike and just been waiting on the DL389 for the DMV.

So, now what do I do? Should I take the course again or just take my chances with taking the riding test at the DMV?

Or should I take this as a sign that riding isn't for me?

[dieziege]

Can't use a 50cc scooter to get a motorcycle license.

At least not in California.

50cc Scooter will get you an M2 (good for riding mopeds and 50cc scooters). Motorcycle needs an M1.

[earwig]

Heh... OK.. rent the smallest scooter you can I took my test on a tiny Honda... I believe it was 50cc. I took the MSF after so I could learn but not be stressed out if I failed.

Can't use a 50cc scooter to get a motorcycle license.

At least not in California.

50cc Scooter will get you an M2 (good for riding mopeds and 50cc scooters). Motorcycle needs an M1.

[mic_merritt]

Well it took me 3 tries but I did pass the MSF Basic course. Got my license today. I don't think riding a 50cc would have helped. I was having more trouble *practicing* on little bikes than just riding my own. The bikes in our course were junk - literally and I spent more time trying to keep them running than learning how to ride. The Honda Rebel I borrowed from a friend just felt unstable and ready to topple over at low speeds.

I'm comfortable on my Honda Shadow Spirit - its heavy enough that it feels stable even at low speeds and it's weight is low so it's great for a short rider.

I'd say the MSF Basic course is good for a refresher - not for a beginner. I'm wondering now if the Advanced course will be any better?