MSF Question

[Lion_Lady]

Okay. Don't let our posts get you thinking, "So what DOES this course teach me?" or that it isn't worth your time and money.

You will learn a HUGE amount. After the basics of throttle and clutch control (friction zone), you will move on to, simply put, "How not to die."

This includes making emergency/quick stops, how to follow a line through a corner (to stay out of oncoming traffic), and how to swerve (to avoid a suddenly stopped UPS truck, etc.).

You'll also learn slow speed handling - making a U-turn in 4 parking spaces, and many other skills.

As for your progress AFTER you finish/pass the riding test at the end, that is entirely up to you. It depends on how determined you are to master things and how quick a study you are.

Many folks feel confident enough to commute to work after a couple weekends, others feel still feel shaky after a couple months. That depends on how comfortable you are being outside your comfort zone as you work on skills.

Enjoy your adventure!!

P

[Nalian]

From my own personal experience: After MSF I felt nervous but headed out to a parkinglot. After about 30 minutes of drilling there I headed out on some local roads. I did this a few nights and started using the bike to commute by the end of the week.

[storysunfolding]

Okay. Don't let our posts get you thinking, "So what DOES this course teach me?" or that it isn't worth your time and money.

You will learn a HUGE amount. After the basics of throttle and clutch control (friction zone), you will move on to, simply put, "How not to die."

This includes making emergency/quick stops, how to follow a line through a corner (to stay out of oncoming traffic), and how to swerve (to avoid a suddenly stopped UPS truck, etc.).

You'll also learn slow speed handling - making a U-turn in 4 parking spaces, and many other skills.

As for your progress AFTER you finish/pass the riding test at the end, that is entirely up to you. It depends on how determined you are to master things and how quick a study you are.

Many folks feel confident enough to commute to work after a couple weekends, others feel still feel shaky after a couple months. That depends on how comfortable you are being outside your comfort zone as you work on skills.

Enjoy your adventure!!

P

+1. You have to walk before you run. Or take baby steps before you can walk, or crawl before you take baby steps, or wiggle a bit before you can crawl.

If you want a fast accelerated way to start learning to ride a bike, the MSF is your best bet. However, you still need to learn alot of things and then try them above the MSF limit of 20 mph. A quick stop at 14 mph is great, but you need to be able to do it at faster speeds. The same goes for everything you learn at the MSF. If you aren't comfy going 55 and doing a swerve or quick stop, stay under 55 until you feel comfy.

[stevep]

Lion_Lady- thanks for the link. my wife said it was only a night and a day. I never checked(dumb move).

I want to practice, I have a healthy respect for fear. I have spent quite a bit of time rock climbing and one lesson I take from that is that if you get in over your head you can die. I was about to write that Im not the thrill seeker type of person, but that's a load of crap. I think everyone on a bike is a thrill seeker to some extent. But I dont think you'll ever see me doing nosies ( i think thats what they are called).

Thanks for the help.