another beginner

[Shiv]

Have you taken one?

If not, then what do you have to lose? A few bucks, no?

But what do you have to gain?

A lot, like, maybe your life some day.

[Chris8187]

And some states have free MSF classes. I know New Jersey has them. They will obviously be harder to get into though.

[sapaul]

Have you taken one?

If not, then what do you have to lose? A few bucks, no?

But what do you have to gain?

A lot, like, maybe your life some day.

I just have to back this one up, I am 44 years old and have done more training in the past 8 years for tar riding than I did in the previous 20. I thought that because I could ride observed trials, and actually won a competition or two, that it would be easy for me to get back onto the tar any time I wanted. DUH, I was wrong. The bikes have changed, the technology has changed, the tyres have changed, you have to keep up with everything unless you are naturally gifted and sometimes that is even not enough. Pay the money and then go back and pay some more. I really enjoy my training it keeps my confidence level high and impresses the girls and therefore keeps the Goose on her toes.

[redbar1]

I agree. One can never get enough training. Remember, although we bikers like to minimalize the fact, it is dangerous on the road. Not because of what bikers do. Rather, it is the knuckleheads in the cars who are oblivious to us. Not only did the MSF basic riders course teach me to be a better and safer biker, indirectly, it made me better behind the wheel of my car. Now, I am now much more cognizant of my surroundings. Further, I think one has to continually practice what one has been taught. When that emergency arises, you will not have time to think. Your reaction will be instinctive, and hopefully, it will be the correct one.

[dr_bar]

Strangely, I just completed a survey by Ipsos Reid. Most of the questions had to do with driving habits. They even asked something like,

Do I;

1. Actively look for Motorcycles.
2. Sometimes look for motorcycles.
3. Don't care about motorcycles.

I'd like to see the results of that question...

[SuperRookie]

Strangely, I just completed a survey by Ipsos Reid. Most of the questions had to do with driving habits. They even asked something like,

Do I;

1. Actively look for Motorcycles.
2. Sometimes look for motorcycles.
3. Don't care about motorcycles.

I'd like to see the results of that question...

While driving I'm always aware there are motorcyclists on the road somewhere...even with that awareness, man are 'cyclists still hard to see...Especially if they're filtering...

[jfeaz]

I took the MSF course in December. I got a new bike in January that already has 1,200 miles on it (all mine). The course is totally essential. Aside from the skills and physics you learn, it's a much easier and faster way to get the license, at least here in Colorado, where all you do is take the certificate to the DMV and pay $1.

Addressing an earlier topic, the course I took used Rebel 250s. Even as someone who had never ridden before, I thought it felt really dinky and weak. I'm a mountain biker and the rebel kind of reminded me of my bicycle. I'm not a big guy either, 5"10 150 lbs.

The other guy in my class (there were only 2 of us) had to switch from the Rebel to a Nighthawk after the first exercise because he could practically rest his chin on his knees while he was flatfooting it.