New biker....kinda.

[Super Dave]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and new to the world of motorcycles. My wife and are down to one car so i decided to buy a scooter. It's a 150cc and goes up to 60mph quite well so i can commute to work and school...without getting tailgated . I had never rode before the day i bought it. I guess since it was automatic it was like riding a bicycle.

Anyways I'm gonna take the MSF BRC next month and actually learn to ride a motorcycle. Do you think learning on a motorcycle will increase my confidence and skill on a scooter? I already had an small spinout in the rain. I turned a little sharp on the slick rode and hit the ground but made it out ok.

To avoid this i practice everyday in an empty parking lot, watch safety videos, read the safety manuals, and wear my gear. I hope to be posting more as i learn more about this exciting lifestyle.

[Flesher]

Do you think learning on a motorcycle will increase my confidence and skill on a scooter?

Yes, the MSF course will increase your skill, confidence, and awareness immensely. Even though you are reading, practicing and watching videos, there is no substitute for having an experienced instructor watch you and give you feedback on what you are doing. And you will learn some other things as well, like when a road is most slippery

It will also give you an opportunity to discover if a motorcycle suits you better then a scooter.

[safety-boy]

In my local traffic, I would be scared to death on a scooter In my town, there is an understood 20mph increase to any (ANY) posted speed limit.

Many of the riding skills taught at the MSF are two-wheel skills rather than purely motorcycle skills, except that you learn how to handle the clutch for the skill in question. Most of the safety items apply to being on two-wheels in particular. Probably more scooter riders should take the course, especially since gas prices are sending more people to Vespa and Honda.

Good luck, and be careful.

--Dave