I work during hours when the MSF is offered. I cannot take off early, I cannot come in late, I cannot take any days off. If they held them only on weekends I'd be ok, but I just can't make it at all during the week.
Can I take private lessons from someplace "certified" and get the equivalent of a motorcycle endorsement like the MSF offers? I live in Florida.
Also, how much can I expect to pay for private lessons.
Private lessons
what is the main goal you're looking for from the instruction? is it the driving test waiver or the instruction itself? the dmv probably only honors msf completion certificates as a waiver of the driving test but only they can tell you that for sure. ask them. expect to talk to a bunch of people who are clueless about the subject before you are able to get an answer. even then you will probably wonder if it is the correct one...
but anyway if this turns out the case then step 2 is to contact the msf and ask is there such a thing as msf sanctioned private instruction that can get you a brc cert. if the dmv told you there is another approved route then you know who to call next.
failing that, maybe you could look around for performance driving schools in your area? some might have a motorcycle curriculum and possibly customizable private lessons. even if it's not msf, you might find something worth your while to help get started riding right, which is really more important than the waiver.
harley davidson's rider's edge (in contrast to a state funded brc at a community college or taught by the DMV) charges about 300 for their version of the brc. the equivalent amount of instruction in a one-on-one setting might cost a bundle even if it amounts to fewer hours.
finally, i have seen some pretty desperate sounding people soliciting private instruction on craigslist. this is probably the worst thing you can do but that is just my opinion. it seems they are either a) asking to get taken advantage of b) looking to take advantage of someone, e.g. bike thieves trolling for marks or c) just plain setting themselves up for some really poor teaching.
these are just my thoughts. i will freely admit that i have yet to throw a leg over and am still only looking forward to the brc. but i can relate to your situation. it was tough for me, too, getting my schedule to jive with a brc spot.
this is turning into an essay so i'll just end by saying good luck working it out and hopefully these ideas help some.
but anyway if this turns out the case then step 2 is to contact the msf and ask is there such a thing as msf sanctioned private instruction that can get you a brc cert. if the dmv told you there is another approved route then you know who to call next.
failing that, maybe you could look around for performance driving schools in your area? some might have a motorcycle curriculum and possibly customizable private lessons. even if it's not msf, you might find something worth your while to help get started riding right, which is really more important than the waiver.
harley davidson's rider's edge (in contrast to a state funded brc at a community college or taught by the DMV) charges about 300 for their version of the brc. the equivalent amount of instruction in a one-on-one setting might cost a bundle even if it amounts to fewer hours.
finally, i have seen some pretty desperate sounding people soliciting private instruction on craigslist. this is probably the worst thing you can do but that is just my opinion. it seems they are either a) asking to get taken advantage of b) looking to take advantage of someone, e.g. bike thieves trolling for marks or c) just plain setting themselves up for some really poor teaching.
these are just my thoughts. i will freely admit that i have yet to throw a leg over and am still only looking forward to the brc. but i can relate to your situation. it was tough for me, too, getting my schedule to jive with a brc spot.
this is turning into an essay so i'll just end by saying good luck working it out and hopefully these ideas help some.
something red with two wheels
Man, I hit the lottery. I took the MSF course and found it to be a decent introduction to motorcycling that provided some basics, but I left there knowing I was not road ready.
So. . . I had originally planned on getting a bike and learning from my gf, who has been riding for seven years. BUT. . . the guy I bought my Yamaha V-Star 1100 from is a passionate motorcyclist and he offered to give me private lessons for free! He spends two days a week with me for about two hours and I get some invaluable instruction from a 40 year rider.
Even my gf could not teach me as well as he does and she's a very good rider.
If you can find mentoring like this - take it! If not, private lessons are a really good option if you can afford them.
So. . . I had originally planned on getting a bike and learning from my gf, who has been riding for seven years. BUT. . . the guy I bought my Yamaha V-Star 1100 from is a passionate motorcyclist and he offered to give me private lessons for free! He spends two days a week with me for about two hours and I get some invaluable instruction from a 40 year rider.
Even my gf could not teach me as well as he does and she's a very good rider.
If you can find mentoring like this - take it! If not, private lessons are a really good option if you can afford them.
[img]http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i139/Npeart_2006/DSCN0153.jpg[/img]
Coiled for the spring or caught like a creature in the headlights of a desperate panic or a tempest of blind fury
Coiled for the spring or caught like a creature in the headlights of a desperate panic or a tempest of blind fury
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blues2cruise
- Moderator
- Posts: 10182
- Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 4:28 pm
- Sex: Female
- Years Riding: 16
- My Motorcycle: 2000 Yamaha V-Star 1100
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia