Kinda failed MSF course - need help

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Jul 24, 2011 | 03:11 PM

#61

swestbrook60

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 2,380

Likes: 9

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakeydeal

Exactly. There were at least three in my class that I would never want riding near me on the highway.....

Shakey

There were a couple in my class that should not have passed. I like to think they did not, and were just spared public embarrassment. Each of us was taken outside individually to learn our score and fate.

The instructors I had made a huge point that just because we passed the class, we were not ready to ride a bike yet...we were now qualified to learn how to ride.

Jul 24, 2011 | 03:29 PM

#62

VTK

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 768

Likes: 0

From: Broken Arrow OK

The one thing in my past that made me what I consider a good rider was my time in the dirt. You learn more there than on any parking lot. Then get a smallish street bike and make sure you enjoy riding befire investing a big chunk of change. A neighbor of mine took the course. He passed then went out and bought a nice RK. Ne never rode it...ever. After a year and a half of sitting he ended up having Dudley Perkins sell it for him. Turns out he didn't like riding as much as the idea of riding. Cost him big to find out.

Jul 24, 2011 | 03:34 PM

#63

Karsten

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 738

Likes: 6

From: Brigham City, Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Devil Dog

Whoever suggested that the OP order the "Ride Like a Pro" DVD is a moron. It is simply way too advanced for a newbie. What you need is plenty of practice shifting, braking and throttling until it becomes second nature.

And whoever thought I was intending for the OP go go out and try to Ride Like a Pro as shown on the DVD is an even bigger Moron.

The OP stated he was having issues finding the Friction Zone and the DVD goes into that in detail. It was loss give him added info to learn down the rode as his skill level and he gain his confidence. The DVD also goes into the basics of seating, eyes and many other things a new rider can learn from.

Karsten

Last edited by Karsten; Jul 24, 2011 at 03:44 PM.

Jul 24, 2011 | 04:22 PM

#64

Captain Bligh

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 539

Likes: 7

From: Indiana

I agree with what others have said about the value of practice. When I bought my first motorcycle, I would take the fastest route out of town I could find and ride deserted country roads and practice. It was quite some time before I felt comfortable in town or highway driving.

Empty parking lots (think abandoned retail space or Sunday mornings) are also great places to hone your skills.

Jul 24, 2011 | 05:08 PM

#65

Rockrat

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From:

Sounds like you might have suffering from a bit of dehydration and your abilities compromised. If you were sweating so much, but just drinking water, your electrolyte levels might have been a bit off normal and it was affecting you.
I think with a bit of practice and either cooler weather or drinking a sports drink (for the electrolytes) you will have a different outcome next time.

Jul 24, 2011 | 05:11 PM

#66

10ring

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 628

Likes: 1

To the OP: After you have passed the MSF course, and then at some time thereafter you have recieved a motorcycle endorsement from the state, please return to this thread with the good news.

Jul 24, 2011 | 05:12 PM

#67

Nubz

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,820

Likes: 4

From: Somewhere In NY

Don't buy into the "it's not for you" bs
thought it may be true for some it is no reason to stop trying
If you really want it you'll get it

Jul 24, 2011 | 07:25 PM

#68

zeus33

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 35,506

Likes: 27

From: Calgary eh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ventana

Well, during my course the instructor explained it as they are just making sure you can handle a bike well enough to practice (or something like that). You shouldn't expect to just pass and run out and start riding in traffic.

Every one has their won skill level. some take a little more time (me) but eventually get it. the key thing is not to give in to peer pressure and ride above your skill level. practice until you feel more comfortable and then move on.

I've seen some pretty bad riders out there who have been riding for some time. I'm hanging out with a local veterans motorcycle club right now. When I feel comfortable I'll join them as I like the veteran assistance work they do. I've been on some runs with them as a cager and I've seen some pretty scary stuff and these guys have been riding for a long time. they're probably not even aware of some of the stuff they do. I'm sure there are some in this forum who fit that bill also.

Some of the negative posts have merit in that if you're not confident then you shouldn't ride but i think that telling a person to quit after 2 days riding is wrong.

I think some people just forget or don't realize how they were when they first got on a bike. So many people here rode without a license for so many years there's no way to tell if they would have passed a road test or a MSF course after 2 days. it's actually really only 1 day as we went to the range only in the afternoons (10 hours total) .

Imagine if Evel Knievel said to you "Hey, you've been riding for 10 years now and practicing jumping over 2 cars now for 2 days and you still can't do it... ya better hang up the helmet". Well, that's exactly what some of you guys are telling us soon to be riders.

Well, don't give up. But don't go out on the freeway just yet either. You need some practice on side roads, do it on your own at your own pace so there's no pressure. Talk to people, ride with friends that are willing to help and listen to them. I've seen people who think they know it all and are riding in traffic. Personally some people I've seen are sitting on a time bomb, making all sorts of careless mistakes, crossing the center line, narrowly missing guard rails, riding beyond their capabilities. It's only a question of time when one of their mistakes will find them in a collision or in leaving the road.

Make sure you have the proper skills and experience before you go off in traffic and higways.

Now, I'm going to say a little payer, and knock on wood that I'm not the next statistic myself.

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