Absolutely. I know I didn't learn it all, and never will know it all. I found after the course was completed that the information my "friends" gave me was not the best information. Maybe it worked for them, but some of it was also what I would call bad habits. I was glad I didn't listen to them and develope those bad habits.


I certainly hope in 40 years I can also say that I've never been involved in an accident on the road.

 

I worked long and hard for my bad habits,,,,,resist change!!!!

 

I worry sometimes that the way people talk up the MSF classes, people taking them are going to be disappointed. I know I was. I took it primarily as a way to get my license, because the friends who talked me into getting a bike and permit were never around so I could practice for the road test - but even so, I expected to get more out of it than I did. The MSF course got me my license, but that was the only thing I couldn't have gotten elsewhere.

All the raw information is available online, or in the incomparable Ride Like A Pro dvd(which is worthy of all the aclaim thathas been heaped on it, and more, and which is where I finally learned I could use the rear brake to help in low-speed maneuvering - something the MSF instructors neglected to tell us, stressing instead that even touching the brakes at low speed would dump the bike).

Given the number of participants and thenumber of manuevers necessary, along with the short time period alloted, the hands-on practice portion of the MSF course was nearly useless (though it might have been more useful to someone who had never ridden).

And my biggest issue is (even though it's what I wanted out of it, and why I took the course) the idea that a person gets their motorcycle license immediately upon completing the course is nothing short of frightening - I think that alone could give someone the impression theyare ready to ride, when they are actually anything but (I know the instructors stress practice, but what are the chances these folks are going to trailer their bike to a parking lot now that they have a license? No, they'll be on the roads).

Now I'm not saying the MSF course is bad, or that anyone shouldn't take it. It's a good course, and it can teach you some good things (especially if you haven't done any research on proper riding practices beforehand). But don't make the mistake of thinking it's going to teach you everything you need to know, or that it's going to make you ready to start riding.At best you'll be ready to startbeginning to learn how to ride. The idea that someone fresh out of the MSF course, who has never touched a motorcycle before, is safer than someone who has been riding for years without taking the course is simply ludicrous. It's good information, but that's all it is.

 

Get the two books "Proficient Motorcycling" and "More Proficient Motorcycling".
Best 40 bucks you'll ever spend. I bought them on the recommendation of some folks here and learned a ton.

 

Arrrrggg! I hate looking at my bike just sit there. I want to get on it to learn to ride it.

But I said I won't try to ride it again until I take the MSF course which will start next Friday.

Will I able to hold off until then? Enquiring minds want to know.

 

I'd recommend it. I can speak from experience that getting used to a big heavy bike canthrow you offwhen you get to the little tinkertoys at the MSF course. With my old beast, I alwayshad to brake like I really meant it, but the little bitty bike they gave mestopped on dimewith the slightest pressure. I figured that was great, stopping quick is good right? Sure, until the second day of the course when it was pouring rain and I locked up the front wheel in the stopping excercise (twice). Instructor said he didn't know whether to scold me or congratulate me, because I was the only student he'd seen do that without dumping the bike.

My advice would be, start with the little bike first. Then work up to the big one.
'Course that'll take some getting used to also, but at least you can do it without the time pressuresyou'll be under onthe course.

 

I think the MSF is helpful, but I basically knew what they were teaching by looking at websites. I learned by riding a parking lot with an experienced buddy watching me on my Sportster. Then with the MSF course, I kept thinking of how the little bikes related to the Sportster. That way I could concentrate better on the stuff that was harder for me. The parking lot experience helped me. In answer to the thread question. . .

On an uphill, I have 1-2 fingers on the front brake and gradually roll the throttle while releasing the clutch slowly. That helps. That was one of the things that bothered me for some time. I have been riding only for 6 weeks, but Rock Store twice and all around with buddies. Moved from the Sporty to new Superglide and love it.

 

Agreed. I'm and old dog, leave me alone..........[:@]