Kinda failed MSF course - need help
The first figure 8 you go into the box prepared for that initial turn, but the second one you have to position yourself again. That actually throws a lot of people off. I have been riding for 10 years, and I still work on that tight u-turn. I live on a culdesac so I can do it right there, and it also has progressive curbs so if I overshoot one time I don't bite the curb and eat it. The u-turn is something that we don't do often, so we have to refresh ourselves every once in a while. You have the right idea. It's just like anything, you will progress with time. Some people pick it up faster than others, but as long as you relax and soak in what you did wrong and know how to fix it in practice, and then stay vigilant of what you are doing along with your surroundings, you can't go wrong. Take your time and get comfortable as you said before you hit the road and it will just feel right once you get out there. once you begin riding on a regular basis though, make sure you go over the things that you don't normally do in everyday riding (i.e. u-turns and short distance braking) so that it will be second nature when you really need it - that's what counts.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
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From: New England
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
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From: NYC
agree, agree, agree, :-)
On a side note... every one of the instructors I've had has said they have never stopped practicing and that they still pull into empty open spaces while they are out and about, and have the time, to practice, practice, practice.
On a side note... every one of the instructors I've had has said they have never stopped practicing and that they still pull into empty open spaces while they are out and about, and have the time, to practice, practice, practice.
Last edited by Ventana; Sep 15, 2011 at 07:58 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
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From: 46th State, USA
It sounds like you are fairly determined to complete the MSF course successfully. I would do as the others have suggested. Get access to a similar bike as used in the MSF course and continue to practice until you are confident you are either prepared to take the course again or decide on your own you should not. Exercising good judgment you will know what you are capable of better than anyone else.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: NY
One word PRACTICE
The more you practice the easier it will be.
The more you practice the easier it will be.
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Really?! I know folks who have never driven a stick shift. It takes practice and coordinaiton; that's all. Took me a few tries to learn a clutch in a car. A shame one poster has no faith in his #2 son. Of course I don't have the patience to teach my younger son to drive a stick; not because he ain't capable, he just don't listen. Anyone that is determined can learn to ride as long as they're not afraid of the bike. If the OP ain't afraid, he just needs practice. Pick up a second hand Sporty and practice...in a safe open area/parking lot. If you've never driven a stick, find one of those and learn to drive it first.
Keep it up tron2, you'll get there.
Keep it up tron2, you'll get there.