I personally never had to take the course or test. I've had my MC stamp forever... it seems.

 

Still a great bet for anyone. Teaches lots of skill!

hb

 

I returned to riding this year after a 38 year layoff and took the MSF course at a local community college at a cost of approx. $325.00. A wise move on my part. Great course, excellent instructors, lots to learn whether a beginner or experienced rider. The knowledge gained at this course will probably save my life some day.

 

Glad to hear you found a great course Phil. Hopefully you'll never find out if you needed it...

Ryan

 

The MSF course here California was $198.00 but well worth it.
They tried to break me of some of my bad habits,
after 25 years of riding I still have a few!

-Billy

 

I'll let you know because I'm enrolled for the first class in December. Before getting my bike it had been over 10 years since I'd been on a bike and figured I should brush up before I do any real hard riding.

 

I'm taking a course in Dec at the local community college in Tucson as well for $189 (20h). Pass the written/driving test and basically get the AZ endorsement for $5 I believe at the DMV. I like others it sounds have the similar situation of not owning a bike for 20+ years now. This course I ride their bikes; was that what most of you did as well? It's a basic course, the only thing provided when you don't have a bike to bring.

I used to do dirt bikes competitively and enduros on the street from about 14 - 20 and then just stopped. Thought that this class would be "beneath me" and maybe sections will be a bit slow and probably will but it was my only way to get an endorsement. Sounds like everyone got some good out of it though.

 

Seperate comment: I've heard/seen comments that one "shouldn't" get a New Big Bike (either Wide Glide or Heritage Softail is my shortlist) right out of the gate (lay down factor). I'm not a pure beginner although with 20+ years of non-riding I certainly am rusty. I've never ridden anything larger than a Sportster & my primary miles have been dirt but WTF, I don't want a sportie. Is this statement about big bikes only for the complete riding newbie? I know my history on a bike was flinging mud and flying in the air and thats not what this is about. To me, it comes down to common sense on controls of a large bike; take it easy, learn your bike and the comfort with its capabilites will come was my thought on this issue. By the way, 5'10" and around 170 if I'm drinking enough beer...

 

It depends on you. Do you feel like you could handle one easy enough? Try going to the dealer and doing a test ride. That should tell you.

 

Still gotta get the endorsement before I can test ride. I'm sure I can handle it (smack self in head for *****-assed post). If I can't, I dump get up and try again. Doubting one's self is the 1st cause of concern!!!