MSF class

Message

matt28 · #1 Unread post by **matt28** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:38 pm

Hi,
The MSF class seems to be a good starting point into the motorcycle world, I'm just wondering how much the class is, and do you need your own gear?

matt28 · #2 Unread post by **matt28** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 3:42 pm

Also , what is a cage? I keep seeing this in motorcycle forums......" Driving a cage" , what the hell is that? I have never heard that before.

#3 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:11 pm

The MSF is an excellent way to start, equipment requirements and cost varies a lot from state to state.

They are used to enquiries from new riders so dont be afraid to give your local provider a call for the best advice.

A "Cage" is a bike term for a car. There is an Us and Them attitude that is very difficult to avoid becoming part of, even if you drive a car 5 days a week and take the Bike out on Sunday.

Why cage? With all the bars and and walls around a car you tend to be divorced from your environment whereas on a Bike once you relax into riding you will feel very much a part of the environment around you.

Because of this Bikes give a sense of personal freedom I have only otherwise found in light aircraft.

There is a glossery somewhere on the mainpage of other Bike related terms and slang.

Oh and Matt? Welcome to one of the best things you will ever do.

Mag7C · #4 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:12 pm

I did the Team Oregon which from what I've read is exactly the same as MSF. Costs about $100, and they provided everything except you need to bring your own ankle-high boots/shoes.

A cage is a car/truck/suv. A non-motorcycle/scooter. The driver is surrounded by a physical metal "cage" as well as a figurative cage of numbness and security.

matt28 · #5 Unread post by **matt28** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:19 pm

Thanks for the replies guys. I can see why you use the term "cage". That is the exact reason why I want to start riding. I don't want to start because I'll look cool or im an adenaline junky, I just want to get a cruiser and enjoy the open road, feel the environment for change.

#6 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:28 pm

matt28 wrote:Thanks for the replies guys. I can see why you use the term "cage". That is the exact reason why I want to start riding. I don't want to start because I'll look cool or im an adenaline junky, I just want to get a cruiser and enjoy the open road, feel the environment for change.

Be careful. Riding leads to an addiction of the open road that makes a herion addiction look like a vague craving for something salty.

(paraphrased from somewhere).

Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:19 pm

You'll have to check and see what is available in New York. Maybe you can check the NYDOT website (If they have one) for the regulations. There are MSF links in my signature that should get you started.

In Pennsylvania, the PAMSP is included in the cost of permits and licensing. It's the same course as the MSF. If you successfully pass your PAMSP course, you are licensed.

The course will provide a helmet for you if needed but, you must provide the rest of the safety gear. We needed a long sleeve shirt, full finger gloves, long pants and above the ankle footwear.

Good Luck and Welcome! The course was definitely addicting to me. I took it "for something to do". It cost me $10 for my permit and not another dime. I already had gear from my ATV riding. After I passed, I TOLD my wife that I was getting a motorcycle.... And, after begging for months, I still don't have one BUT, she finally said I can get one in the Spring (Assuming that I can afford a brand new one. That was her only condition).