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I am doing alot of parking lot practice until my MSF class. I have found alot on the net about what they do and learn in the class. But have not found the dimensions and layouts of the course, size of the turns, etc. etc for the various drills. Does any one no a web site that has them?

goodies wrote:I am doing alot of parking lot practice until my MSF class. I have found alot on the net about what they do and learn in the class. But have not found the dimensions and layouts of the course, size of the turns, etc. etc for the various drills. Does any one no a web site that has them?

DON'T PRACTICE!!! If you've never been on a bike before (and even if you have), chances are whatever you manage to "perfect" in your pre-class practice will have to be unlearned and re-taught by the instructors in the class. You're actually making it harder on yourself. Especially if your bike is not the same as the range bikes.

Basic bike handling (such as starting off, stopping, and throttle/braking) is probably not a problem, but don't try to do the class before you take the class. Trust me.

P

Yup what Lion Lady says is right. You'll build up a lot of bad habits trying to practice on your own. We understand your anxious and really want to ride, but it's really hard to unlearn bad habits.

Listen to Lion Lady...put the bike away until after the course, as hard as that's going to be.

But, since you asked a question...yes, there are places online where you can get the course dimensions. You just have to dig for them. Start at the MSF site. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but...

Well, maybe I am a jerk. But I really hope you listen, because bad habits on a bike can get you seriously hurt, and I'd hate for that to happen.

I'd listen to LionLady. As an MSF instructor- she sees it all.

Now what I wanted to hear. But I know it's true! Thanks!

Definately, listen to the posts in here! I took the class about 2 months ago and the 1 person who failed, was a lady that had been doing exactly what you are trying to do!

Let THEM teach you!

sitzdown wrote:Definately, listen to the posts in here! I took the class about 2 months ago and the 1 person who failed, was a lady that had been doing exactly what you are trying to do!

Let THEM teach you!

Had a lady who took the course about a month ago. She could not get shifting, etc. Managed to "get through" the class (in retrospect, we should have counselled her out, because she was not "progressing," we kept hoping she'd give up). It didn't help that her hubby and friends (all Harley Riders) were anxiously monitoring her progress, and several were even so kind as to call her the night before the Range portion to give her a hard time about how impossible it is to ride "The Box."

She had a 250 at home. She did not pass the riding test. Came back a week later to retake the test, after "practicing." She was actually worse on her retest.

>> Don't let anyone tell you about The Box. It is a slow speed exercise that is important, but not vital. Folks get themselves all mentally knotted up about it. But in reality, by the time you get to that exercise, you'll be prepared to succeed at it.

P

several were even so kind as to call her the night before the Range portion to give her a hard time about how impossible it is to ride "The Box."

Now, was the point of that? If these were going to be her riding mentors, she's done herself a favor by failing. She needs new friends.

Lion_Lady wrote:

sitzdown wrote:Definately, listen to the posts in here! I took the class about 2 months ago and the 1 person who failed, was a lady that had been doing exactly what you are trying to do!

Let THEM teach you!

Had a lady who took the course about a month ago. She could not get shifting, etc. Managed to "get through" the class (in retrospect, we should have counselled her out, because she was not "progressing," we kept hoping she'd give up). It didn't help that her hubby and friends (all Harley Riders) were anxiously monitoring her progress, and several were even so kind as to call her the night before the Range portion to give her a hard time about how impossible it is to ride "The Box."

She had a 250 at home. She did not pass the riding test. Came back a week later to retake the test, after "practicing." She was actually worse on her retest.

>> Don't let anyone tell you about The Box. It is a slow speed exercise that is important, but not vital. Folks get themselves all mentally knotted up about it. But in reality, by the time you get to that exercise, you'll be prepared to succeed at it.

P

As I mentioned in another thread, 5 out of 11 failed in my group. I totally muffed the box, but thought I did OK at everything else (until I was told that I was riding "too slow.")

I just got back from practicing the box on my own bike and found it much easier than on the crappy little Kawasaki Eliminator I took the course with.