Riders Edge vs MSF course
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: Earth
I took the Ohio MSF class and my wife took Riders Edge. The Riders Edge class had about 90 minutes extra time on riding days. This was a good thing for people who had never been on a bike before, giving them a bit more time to get the hang of it and the instructors more flexibility to work with people. The classes covered the same material. Also, the Buell's look quite a bit taller than the Honda's and Suzuki's at the MSF, half the time I was using my heels on the brake and shifter trying to uncramp my legs.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
I took the Ohio MSF class and my wife took Riders Edge. The Riders Edge class had about 90 minutes extra time on riding days. This was a good thing for people who had never been on a bike before, giving them a bit more time to get the hang of it and the instructors more flexibility to work with people.
Last edited by BornLoser; May 3, 2013 at 10:51 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
I did the MSF course on their 250 Shadow, when you pass your registered to take the DMV written. No riding at the DMV. Here that's a good thing for NEW riders. I never could have passed the DMV riding portion of the test on my Softail.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 41
From: Indiana
In Indiana the MSF course is run by ABATE. The cost is $50 + $25. The $25 is for a 1 year membership in ABATE of Indiana. It's about 25 hours of total class time, the vast majority of which is riding. We ride about 27 miles in the parking lot in 2 days.
The classes are limited to 12 people here. About 4 folks dumped there bikes during the class and that's no big deal. If you dump the bike during the final riding exam you do automatically fail. But, you can re try the drill and if you pass it the second time you are ok.
I highly recommend these courses. I took it in 2001 and last month again with my wife. We had a blast.
-0 on my riding exam BTW
The classes are limited to 12 people here. About 4 folks dumped there bikes during the class and that's no big deal. If you dump the bike during the final riding exam you do automatically fail. But, you can re try the drill and if you pass it the second time you are ok.
I highly recommend these courses. I took it in 2001 and last month again with my wife. We had a blast.
-0 on my riding exam BTW
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Houston
What is the instructor to student ratio in a MSF class? Local sales guy at the Harley dealer said there was more one on one with Riders Edge as there was like one instructor for every 3 or 4 students. This dealer doesn't do the Riders Edge class, but sponsors MSF classes that are held at the dealership. He wasn't pushing one or the other. Just answering my questions.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Texas
I took the ERC (experienced rider course), I think it was around 50 or 75 bucks. If you take MSF or ERC you get a 16.00 discount (per year for three years) on your insurance (if you've been a good boy). Not enough to even pay for the course. Took the course from a retired CHP who had a Mohawk glued to his helmet and a Raccoon tail pinned to his *** (I didn't ask 
). Ya! He rode a Harley...
). Ya! He rode a Harley...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
Texas did the right thing (for once). Starting back in September of '09 or '10, you have to pass MSF/Riders Edge class before you can apply for a license. Yet, it blows my mind that you can still buy a bike and insurance without the class "M" (motorcycle) endorsement.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I took the MSF class because it's a law in Texas to get your bike license...$200 for 2 days, 8 hours. If it wasn't a law, I wouldn't have taken it.
But, seeing that it had been 30 years since I had last been on a bike, it was a good refresher. I was nervous enough when I got on my bike, even though I took it. I probably would have been scared to death without it.
It's a good course to take.
But, seeing that it had been 30 years since I had last been on a bike, it was a good refresher. I was nervous enough when I got on my bike, even though I took it. I probably would have been scared to death without it.
It's a good course to take.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I stopped by the dealer to look at bikes again and sit on them again. Paid attention to the controls. Sat on one bike with mid controls and another with forwards. Definitely did not feel comfortable with the forward controls on a Dyna. Might have to stick with mid controls at first them move them if I feel a need to do so. Salesperson did say that what ever you get you'll get use to them in a couple of weeks.