Total Motorcycle Community Forums

How long is to long? I’m looking to buy an older used bike in the $2500 range. I just started putting away money for that, I should have the enough money by the end of May (early June) to buy a bike for around that price and all the safety gear I need. I want to pay cash for the bike so that way insurance will be cheaper for me, its expensive being 20 years old.
My problem is, when I should take the MSF class. They offer it twice a month, and have been doing so for at least 5 years. I would like to take the class before I buy a bike, but I’m not sure how long is to long. I don’t want to take the class and have some set backs in buying a bike (i.e. none that I would want to buy in the market), and then sit on my only experience with motorcycles for a few months.
Any Ideas?


Cool forum... Im a long time reader and the peopel here seem like very cool people willing to help out (you dont see that to often on forums).

Welcome!

I'd go ahead and sign up for the course. There's usually a substantial waiting list, even though sometimes you can get in on a walk-in basis by taking a "no-show's" place. Your training should still be fresh enough. And besides, it will take some time to become familiar with the bike you end up buying. There may be some differences in some of the controls and handling qualities, for example, so it will likely have a different feel than the training bike. Ideally, you want to be able to execute all maneuvers without thinking about them. So, take some practice time with your bike in a vacant parking lot before you spend much time in traffic. With practice comes confidence.

Good luck!