MSF Safety Course
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 20
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MSF Safety Course
I am a new rider(again) that ordered a new FXDC after giving up riding 35 years ago. I had several accidents including a blown rear tire that scared me so much I didn't want to ride anymore. I just took the 3 day Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course at the local Nicolet Community College and I could not believe how comprehensive this course was covering dangerous conditions and emergency maneuvers. I really regret I rode a bike 4 years without this training.The instructors ( Ron Millard and Mike Roach) were outstanding and they offered extra time to help anyone who needed it. I was particularly impressed with the instruction series on maximum breaking and emergency swerving. I didn't learn any of these things on my own or at the drivers license bureau 40 years ago. The state license test then only insured I was safe in the parking lot. I will still ride conservatively, but now feel I know what to do in emergency situations. Many thanks to all the posts here that said TAKE THE MSF COURSE!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
RE: MSF Safety Course
19 years ago when I started riding I took a multi-day safety course which was required by the Army if I owned a motorcycle. This was a course that I had to be taken on the bike that I owned, at that time, my first vehicle I owned, a brand new '89 Sportster. This course has been extremely valuable over the years riding. Now that I'm back on a bike after a 15 year break, I am planning on taking the MSF advanced class again.
I put saftey skills to the test on Sunday as our ride took us down County O in Wisconsin from Hwy 10 to 35. Its great roads, though they have not seen post-winter maintenance. Sand, gravel, and pot holes. It made for a technical ride but was enjoyable. I noticed several instances of immediate recollection and application of skills learned almost 20 years ago.
Ride hard, ride safe; never drive beyond what your skills or the road conditions allow.
I put saftey skills to the test on Sunday as our ride took us down County O in Wisconsin from Hwy 10 to 35. Its great roads, though they have not seen post-winter maintenance. Sand, gravel, and pot holes. It made for a technical ride but was enjoyable. I noticed several instances of immediate recollection and application of skills learned almost 20 years ago.
Ride hard, ride safe; never drive beyond what your skills or the road conditions allow.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 931
Likes: 3
From: England
RE: MSF Safety Course
I did a Bike Safe course here in London that was run by the Metropolitan Police out of the Ace Cafe a few years back now and it was awesome. They covered defensive in town riding and progressive urban riding. Loads of videos and an observed rides all for £30 including lunch. I learnt a great deal which has proved invaluable on many an occaision.
I did it on my CB1300F and on the way backfrom an observed ride my instructor (bearing in mind now he's a bike copon his police bike) asked if I had ever fully 'exercised' or explored the full potential on my bike to which I answered no! He thensaid to follow him down to the on ramp to the A40 which has a 70 mph speed limit and to try and overtake him and that I was to rev the bike in each gear till it hit the red line. This I did and by the time we were on the A40 I was doing a 140 mph and still accelerating, I hadn't overtaken him and was scared shitless, had to back off shortly afterwards thank God as we hit a 50 mph speed limit.
I did it on my CB1300F and on the way backfrom an observed ride my instructor (bearing in mind now he's a bike copon his police bike) asked if I had ever fully 'exercised' or explored the full potential on my bike to which I answered no! He thensaid to follow him down to the on ramp to the A40 which has a 70 mph speed limit and to try and overtake him and that I was to rev the bike in each gear till it hit the red line. This I did and by the time we were on the A40 I was doing a 140 mph and still accelerating, I hadn't overtaken him and was scared shitless, had to back off shortly afterwards thank God as we hit a 50 mph speed limit.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 0
From:
RE: MSF Safety Course
I just took the one day advanced course since the Army paid for it. During that one you use your own bike, and I had fun scraping pegs in the turns :-) Our instructors were motor cops with 20+ years of experience.
Also highly recommended!
Also highly recommended!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: PA
RE: MSF Safety Course
+1 ont MSF, good course no atter how long you have ridden. I guy with 30+ years was unable to pass due to some bad habits. It was a change for me riding mostly being a dirt rider, I would find myself still wanting to drop a foot in tight turns.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 94
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From:
RE: MSF Safety Course
I took the course for the second time a few weeks ago. I took it once while I was in the military but never transferred my motorcycle license to NY State so I had to take it again for my road test wavier. Although it was my second time taking the class, I still got a lot out of it. You would be amazed at what you forget. There were two interesting things I noted…
Riders most likely to have an accident are riders returning to the sport after being on hiatus.
Number one cause of single rider accident is a decreasing radius turn due to tunnel vision. Eyes up, look where you want to go and gently roll on the throttle.
Riders most likely to have an accident are riders returning to the sport after being on hiatus.
Number one cause of single rider accident is a decreasing radius turn due to tunnel vision. Eyes up, look where you want to go and gently roll on the throttle.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
RE: MSF Safety Course
I think everyone should take every few years. It is always a good refresher no matter how long you have ridden. Plus it does help a little on insurance.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
From: USA
RE: MSF Safety Course
I took and passed a week long course 4 years ago
After riding since the late 60’s.
You can teach an old dog new tricks.
Great course.
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