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ok, I'm only 21 but I did the learning the whole motorcycle thing the hard way I guess. First time I put the old 82 suzuki in gear i flew into a picnic table crashing to the ground, clutch was no problem after that. I've driven the suzuki into a tree on lack of judgement around a corner, my judgement seemed to slowly progress after that. The '86 450 Rebel (first on road bike) with drum back brakes and crappy front taught me at one of the busiest intersections in town what happens when your front brakes lock up, dropping in front of a strong crowd of 25 cars. I've learned many of my ways through trial and mostly error on my part in public with no MSF course. Anyone have a similar story??

erbgottie wrote: Anyone have a similar story??

Probably. And I'm sure some of them are dead. I don't care if you're Valentino Rossi, there's no substitute for professional training. I don't really want to share the road with untrained riders and I'm betting others don't either. Take the MSF! the life you save might be mine
Oh ya and yours too.

av8r wrote:

erbgottie wrote: Anyone have a similar story??

Probably. And I'm sure some of them are dead. I don't care if you're Valentino Rossi, there's no substitute for professional training. I don't really want to share the road with untrained riders and I'm betting others don't either. Take the MSF! the life you save might be mine
Oh ya and yours too.

MSF isn't necessarily available everywhere, and travelling for several hours to the nearest course isn't always an option. Lighten up.

He's asking if anyone else has had to learn to ride on their own, without the option of a trainer.

Riders without formal training are far more likely to die in an accident than riders with formal training.

Please get some.

jonnythan wrote:Riders without formal training are far more likely to die in an accident than riders with formal training.

Please get some.

Based upon what facts?

Sev wrote:

jonnythan wrote:Riders without formal training are far more likely to die in an accident than riders with formal training.

Please get some.

Based upon what facts?

I'm not getting into another argument with you. You argue just to argue, hanging on to the slightest sliver of doubt in an argument as a justification for taking a contrary view.

I learned without MSF, didn't have it then. I later took MSF and wish they had it when I was first riding. As soon as you get a chance to take the MSF do so you will not be disappointed.

Sev wrote:

jonnythan wrote:Riders without formal training are far more likely to die in an accident than riders with formal training.

Please get some.

Based upon what facts?

+1

No formal training here. Never dropped a bike, never wrecked a bike, never had one down.

Trying my hardest to keep it that way, too.

Gadjet wrote:MSF isn't necessarily available everywhere, and travelling for several hours to the nearest course isn't always an option. Lighten up.

Of course he's only 30 minutes from the Winston Salem which has a course see

I learned from my dad riding dirt bikes and ventured onto the streets by myself on a rebuilt 82 xz550. A week after I did that a friend of my dad's who happens to be a professional took over my training. The difference was night and day.

Later when I took the MSF courses, I still learned things. I learned even more at track days and other riding schools.

I'd recommend signing up for a class. Sure it costs money, but you're worth it!