I took a course 10 years ago and really enjoyed it. I realized it's something I should do every 5 years or so; just look for an appropriate level course and go. There is always something to learn, or old skills to sharpen.

If nothing else, it's a great day or two with some very skilled riders on an enclosed course and a really fun time. On the other hand, you might learn something that saves your life one day. Either way, you can't go wrong by taking a course.

JR

 

Heres a question. Would you guys wanting to take the advanced course, would you do it on your bike, or use the one the school provides? I was thinking about spending the extra $40 and using their bikes in case I dump it in the lot.

 

I'd rent.

If all goes well, you'll be riding at/near your limits, and may find you've exceeded them. Better to dump a rental. The downside is the rental bikes probably won' weigh 800lbs, but you can always practice what you've learned later when you're back on your own scoot. It's better to have practiced & dumped on a smaller bike before putting yours at risk for first few tries.

(just my opinion)
JR

 

I would be surprised if very many here have taken an MSF course.

 

I do plan on taking the advanced course this spring....and I have to be honest with you, I flip flop in my head on the answer to that question. Knowing the advanced course will be pushing my skills....I fear dropping my bike. Yet...I should learn on my much heavier bike, so I know what it feels like being pushed that far...rather than the featherweight Rebels or Marauders that they provide. But I'm leaning towards playing it safe...ride my scoot to class, ride their little toys through the course, ride my scoot home.

 

I've been riding bikes since 1973, but never took the course.
Everything I've read about the classes, even old dogs can learn new tricks.
I'm sure I have a bunch of bad habits I'd have to unlearn.

Stuff we do that we aren't aware of, they explain how and why we should do them.

 

nope.

 

I've never taken the course. Had my bike license since 1970. About 4 years ago when my girlfriend (now wife) wanted to start riding, I suggested she take the MSF course She did and loved it. I thought about taking it, but a few days after finishing the course, my wife had a petrry bad crash and a few weeks after that her instructor was killed in a bike wreck. I decided that since I've been riding all these years without the course, maybe I don't need it.

 

Same thing here - I started riding in 71 or 72 and finally took a MSF course in 2003. I have to say I learned a few things in the course and, maybe more importantly, it also enforced many things I already knew. I would recommend it to anyone. If I can find the time I probably will take the course again followed shortly after wards with an advanced class.

 

I've been riding since the 60s. I had to take the course to get the my endorsement in Florida.

No, you won't get anything out of it....

If you have ridden consistently that many years, you won't learn anything.

I will tell you what I learned: Just how ill-prepared new riders who graduated the course are to be on the interstate or in traffic. The other thing I learned is you have to be totally inept to not pass the course.

Can you swerve?
Can you ride over a 2x4?
Can you ride through a sweeping curve in 2nd gear?
Can you stop?
and the toughie: Can you complete a figure 8 with your feet on the pegs?

you pass... seriously, that is it. You don't even have to be able accomplish all of them.