Completely new rider asking which first MSF or Gear?

[Shiv]

My MSF class.

And they do wear out, but not near as quickly.

I left that part out because well, it should be common sense.

Nothing is completely indestructable.

[Mag7C]

Ah cool. They didn't tell me that.

I learn stuff on these forums just about every day.

[Pin_Cushion]

Well, I went on my first real drive today. Got it up to 35 to 40 mph after tooling around w/ the clutch/throttle in the driveway. Knowing how to drive a stick really helped. All I had to do was figure out how sensitive the clutch and throttle were and the rest was easy. This thing damn near drives itself. I took a nice 10 minute cruise down some beautiful country roads. I'm amazed. I was under the impression that as soon as I cranked it up SUVs would jump out of the bushes and tackle me . I'm anxious to take the MSF class though, because I'd like to learn to be more agile. Cruising down lonesome straight roads is one thing, but dodging around in real traffic is quite another. I'm also terrible on the tight turns where I'm at a near or complete stop.

[brbolin]

If you're not completely stopped, and the problem you have is "jumpiness" with the throttle, stay in 2nd gear; look where you're wanting to go, and slowly, smoothly roll the throttle as you progress through the corner. This was a trick that my MSF instructor told me while I was struggling with the slow figure-8's. He also mentioned staying on the back brake "slightly" as you go through it. Now, going around a corner, I wouldn't recommend using the brake, but when that figure-8 comes your way...remember, 2nd gear to keep the throttle smooth, and a little back brake to keep yourself steady. The reason 2nd gear is recommended (I'm sure you already know...) is because it's not as jumpy with slight throttle adjustments as 1st gear is.
If you're completely stopped, 1st is the best way to get around the corner. Just keep your head and eyes up and look where you're wanting to go. The key is, especially since you're just starting out (as am I) take your time. Go slowly through the corner and slowly roll onto the throttle as mentioned above. I hadn't ridden a bike until my MSF class a month ago, but during the riding test, I was told I had the best time during the cornering part! I was so happy to hear that!
I haven't had any problems with tight corners or such. I'm now riding a Suzuki M50 and enjoying every minute of it!
Enjoy it, and take your time. Make sure and wear some sort of "gear" to keep yourself safe. I realize you're saving up for the MSF class, but any type of long-sleeve jacket, high ankle shoe and GLOVES and HELMET are better than nothing.

[Pin_Cushion]

Thanks. I did a couple more practice runs around my 5 mile circuit of lonely roads and got a lot more comfortabe with turning and accelerating. I can't get myself to go past 50 mph yet, but it's still my first day. I'm terribly nervous about having to stop or swerve suddenly. Like what if a car's stopped in my lane after a curve, or if a deer jumps in the road, or if a dog tries to head me off. I keep playing these things in my head over and over again in hopes that if/when this stuff does happen I'll be a little more ready to handle it. I've been devouring Proficient Motorcycling the past couple of days, and while I don't completely understand the terms and situations the author's describing it is starting to gel. Something that really tickles me is how much of the road I can see, even with a helmet and visor on. I never realised how much of my field of vision a car takes up. Another difference that is immediately apparent is that I have to pay attention the whole time I'm driving. In a car I (and I think most people) kinda space out most of the time. I thought it was humorous that I had to drive a bike to learn how I should have been driving my cars the whole time!

[Shiv]

I'm terribly nervous about having to stop or swerve suddenly. Like what if a car's stopped in my lane after a curve, or if a deer jumps in the road, or if a dog tries to head me of

Which is why you should have taken the MSF course first.

They cover those three exact things (and more) in the MSF.

[brbolin]

I can't get myself to go past 50 mph yet, but it's still my first day. I'm terribly nervous about having to stop or swerve suddenly. Like what if a car's stopped in my lane after a curve, or if a deer jumps in the road, or if a dog tries to head me off. I never realised how much of my field of vision a car takes up. I thought it was humorous that I had to drive a bike to learn how I should have been driving my cars the whole time!

I agree, there. My actual "driving" started getting a LOT better just from reading the motorcycle books and what they say to "watch out for when the cagers do this". I made sure I was trying NOT to be a typical "cager".
Don't push yourself too fast too far yet. You're just starting out. Taking your time is the best "friend" you have right now until your MSF classes start. As Shiv mentioned above, they will go over the swerve and etc., and teach (and show) you how to do it correctly in the class.
Try to keep yourself out of those situations until you take the class. I wanted a bike SO BAD before I took my classes, but my wife made me wait...and I'm glad she did. Having never ridden before, I would've had to ride it from the shop (at least 35 miles away) to home...and that could've been bad. I was nervous enough riding it home after having taken my classes! Again, stay on your lonely street, don't push yourself too hard-too fast yet, and try not to put yourself in those situations you're not sure about until after your class. You don't want to mess yourself up (or scare yourself off your bike) before your classes come!

[Reflex439]

I'm terribly nervous about having to stop or swerve suddenly. Like what if a car's stopped in my lane after a curve,

I have to echo the comment Shiv made...

The MSF course would not only help you understand what you need to do in order to swerve and stop safely, you get to practice it over and over to help make it a habit. Same with smooth cornering techniques for accelerating, deaccelerating, emergency stops on a corner, running over obstacles, and so on. Having done each of them 4 or 5 times in a controlled setting sure takes the edge off wondering what to do in a real situation. Hopefully, it becomes instinctive. Nothing worse than overshooting a curve, then fixating on the object you may hit, rather than the proper steps to correct the situation.

I highly recommend you figure out a way to get into the course before something unexpected happens in real life, and you lack the skills to handle it. It could be a whole lot more expensive with bike and body repairs.

[macktruckturner]

I think how well the MSF course in your area covers the material everyone harps on them teaching depends largely upon the group, and the instructor. Personally, if you already have the bike and it is your sole transportation, I believe you made the right choice. Safety gear is very important, and you'll need it in the course anyway.

It sounds like you learn things rather well by reading, so I suggest trying to find a copy of Twist of the Wrist II - it does a very good job of explaining many of the basic skills one needs to ride. I've not read Proficient Motorcycling, so I can't comment on the delievery of said skills there - however I've heard that it does a good job as well. I try to stick to recommendations that I have personal experience with.

[bok]

check your local library for motorcycle books, even a "dummies" guide is better than nothing usually.

get into an MSF/BRC course as soon as you can but until then be safe and wear the best gear you have available to you.