MSF or Riders Edge
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 755
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
A beginner MSF here at a community college on the Kansas side of suburban Kansas City is $229. They just started it there in 2010 and it is very popular. Classes fill fast. They even offer a women's-only course.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: New Hampshire
I've taken both MSF and MOST (not Rider's Edge exactly). MSF was taken in 1995, MOST in 2008. Both were fairly comparable. Actually, MSF really took us from the beginning; bike off manuevering and balancing - then getting pushed without the engine on, then finally turning the key. Really good as I had never riden a two wheeler or used hand controls before, and hadn't riden a bicylce in 20 years.
MOST started at a higher level compared to MSF. However, in the MOST course I took, everyone had riden at least dirt bikes before, so maybe they skipped the total newbie stuff. They still started with the "rocking" to feel the clutch and duck walking though.
MOST started at a higher level compared to MSF. However, in the MOST course I took, everyone had riden at least dirt bikes before, so maybe they skipped the total newbie stuff. They still started with the "rocking" to feel the clutch and duck walking though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
The only $25 MSF I've seen is the Experienced Riders' Course. I think they have changed things around in the last couple of years, but it she is brand new she might want to start with the basic course, on their bikes. Basic cost $150 when me and my wife took it, but Harley paid us back in cash when we bought a coupld of used HD's a couple of months later.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 2
As a previous instructor they are the same. Only dif is HD uses the buel and other MSF use 125 or 250 cc motors. Harley had to paticion MSF to be able to offer the course due to the 250cc limet set by MSF. Due the $25. course. save money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,227
From: Snow Hill, NC
I think the Riders edge bikes being 500 CC gives you a better feel for a heavier bike even if it's just a Buell Blast it's way move torquier than a Rebel 250... but for the Money???? the MSF is the way to go...my wife took the MSF and rides very safely and good...we got her a Shadow 600 frst then a Volusia 800 and i do not doubt that she could safely ride a big twin no problem...My deal offers like $150 off the riders edge if you buy a bike from them...
Whichever picked they are both very good classes...
Whichever picked they are both very good classes...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 3
From: NCWV
it's the same class. I took the Riders Edge because I did it spur of the moment and there were only 3 other people (all women) in the class. They were actually going to cancel until I signed up. The 4 person class allowed for A LOT of one-on-one coaching and overkill on the drills. My instructor had trouble believing I'd never even been on a MC before the class.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 2
From: Salinas, CA
I have to agree with the MSF, especially if you can take it for cheap. Here in PA, it's free, so I couldn't see paying $300 for something I could get for free.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 602
From: The 9th Island
I hav taken both and basically they are the same. I remember the MSF course had a longer wait to get in and the course ran 2 or 3 weekends. The Riders Edge was completed in one weekend. The material is the same, it's just the MSF course was shorter days.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 787
Likes: 3
From: Central Florida
It's not certain whether it is the bikes being used having more torque, or the Rider's Edge ranges themselves being more cramped, but there is clearly a reason for the vastly worse safety record in the RE program.
Matt