Riding home in a 250

[JC Viper]

What kind of streets/intersections? The only thing that would have scared the "crumb" out of me when I was first starting was the highway. I was on the street within days of learning the basic controls in my alley.

But, since you have another option, you should probably just use it. I didn't have that option.

That's why I considered it a good thing I went to my local driving instructor instead of the MSF.

I start out on a dirt bike to learn how to release the clutch and gassing smooth enough to take off, then braking from normal to hard. Then we would drive around in light traffic in the near-by area. Then small boulevards and heavier traffic. Then there was the highway riding, bad weather riding and the traffic cone maneuverability training.

In all I've got several good hours of training and road experience.


Why don't you hold off on getting the bike until after completing the next step in the MSF courses, something like Intermediate or Advanced.

[storysunfolding]

I consider myself a slow learner, but I would say the MSF course definitely does not prepare you for that kind of immediate riding. It's a precursor course, and frankly I'm surprised - pleasantly, don't get me wrong, because I'm responsible and it made my life a lot easier - that they allow it to substitute for the driving test.

Personally I don't think the MSF courses should excuse you from a riding test. However, in Virginia the riding test covers the same skills as the MSF and has no on road skills evaluation so it only makes sense.

The BRC is not designed to get you on the road. It's designed to be a first step in becoming a safe and responsible motorcyclist. By teaching you a range of skills, each one building on the last the course builds a wonderful foundation for you to continue building. Basic control, emergency manuevers and familiarization with bike controls while building gross motor skills and muscle memory.

Almost every BRC is closed with "Congratulations, you're now qualified to ride in a parking lot." The idea is for each rider to practice the skills they were taught until they are able to produce them consistently and effectively. The next step is working their way onto streets (first small, then larger) and not moving to the next step until they are comfortable wit the current step.

The intermediate program offered by some ranges is a great way to add to those initial skills but the experienced rider course should only be undertaken after a year of riding or 3,000 miles.

All that said, I see no reason to hold off on getting your bike, just take it easy, stay safe and have fun.

[jonnythan]

Why don't you hold off on getting the bike until after completing the next step in the MSF courses, something like Intermediate or Advanced.

The next step is the Experienced RiderCourse, which requires that you have your own bike and assumes you have a fair bit of road experience.

It's more parking lot stuff. It doesn't give you any additional skills and doesn't do anything more to prepare you for the road than the BRC.

[storysunfolding]

The next step is the Experienced RiderCourse, which requires that you have your own bike and assumes you have a fair bit of road experience.

It's more parking lot stuff. It doesn't give you any additional skills and doesn't do anything more to prepare you for the road than the BRC.

Have you taken it?

[jonnythan]

The next step is the Experienced RiderCourse, which requires that you have your own bike and assumes you have a fair bit of road experience.

It's more parking lot stuff. It doesn't give you any additional skills and doesn't do anything more to prepare you for the road than the BRC.

Have you taken it?

Yes.

Why?

[Jas0n]

Im going to take the msf and the riders test. I'm a minor, so unless I turn 18, I cannot get a license from the msf alone. The riders test will just reinforce my skills if anything.

[Bubba]

Several questions. I'm taking the MSF course as a guarnateed student next week on the 23rd. I'm a complete noob at this and I don't even have a bike to ride once I get home. Now, I might get a bike withen that week (after the msf) and I was wondering..

Will the MSF give me enough experience to drive a new Ninja 250 on a busy road with at least 25 intersections, not to mention I'd have to hit the highway (3 miles) on the way back also. I also have to account for the break-in period that the Ninja requires. I belive its 4,000 rpm's for 100 miles, I'll check that later. If its true, then thats not too fast at all considering it IS a 250; the average speed home is around 40 mph (not counting the highway).

I havn't asked yet, I might call them later tomorrow.. Untill then, do you think the local shop will deliver it for me?

I THINKKKK it might be able to fit into my dad's working van. If thats the case, then I have nothing to worry about.

Have them deliver it. Explain that you are new and inexperienced. I'm sure they will accommodate you.
When you first take the bike out, find some friends to ride with you so they can put a cocoon around you. Stick to the back roads where there is less traffic and practice practice practice.

[paul1149]

"Congratulations, you're now qualified to ride in a parking lot."

That sums it up very well. When I finished the BRC I sensed that there was a huge disconnect between what I had learned and riding on the road, so I asked if the next step was to find some deserted back roads. The instructor instead answered that I should find some parking lots.

Problem is there aren't many good lots available around here. So I bit the bullet and went out on the road. But I planned very carefully, choosing routes and times that were as lightly trafficked as possible.

[new2cycles]

I agree, I took the basic rider course and realized I was not ready for the street, I plan to practice in parking lots and then around the neighborhood, how many dealers will deliver a new bike?

[storysunfolding]

I agree, I took the basic rider course and realized I was not ready for the street, I plan to practice in parking lots and then around the neighborhood, how many dealers will deliver a new bike?

most of them will, or they will be able to hook you up with a good towing company that will.