MSF COURSE COMPLETE
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
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RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
ORIGINAL: TestFlyer
Completed the MSF course this weekend. It was the basic course and I think I learned a lot about evasive maneuvering and proper braking techniques, etc. Only wish I could have used my Sporty for at least half of the course.
Anyone take the basic course and then venture out on their real bike and find they are more confident and actually safer? I'm paranoid about running in traffic and merging on busy highways...
I'll see how I feel on my Monday commute...
Completed the MSF course this weekend. It was the basic course and I think I learned a lot about evasive maneuvering and proper braking techniques, etc. Only wish I could have used my Sporty for at least half of the course.
Anyone take the basic course and then venture out on their real bike and find they are more confident and actually safer? I'm paranoid about running in traffic and merging on busy highways...
I'll see how I feel on my Monday commute...
I learned much better technique because of the class.... but I rode my bike to class then did the same driving tests after class (ours was in a elementry school playground).
Take your time, you will be fine when you gain the confidence on your own terms. I didnt go on the highway untill I was running late for a class... then on the way home (like a dork) I do it again but want to see what it felt like doing 85.
so, you will gain confidence and everything will come to you.
Good luck, be safe.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
I enjoyed my MSF class. We had to do it on 250 size Hondas. Inever thought I could do the double U in a box but I did 
It was great they allowed us to practice. Also, from what the instructor told us that the double U really doesn't qualify for a lot of points during the final test.
I just got my Sporty after trying to ride a street bike 120 pounds later ( over a 12 year time span ). The street bike is not built for fat people. My question is with my sporty should I take the ERC class? Do they teach you additional techniques?
It was great they allowed us to practice. Also, from what the instructor told us that the double U really doesn't qualify for a lot of points during the final test.I just got my Sporty after trying to ride a street bike 120 pounds later ( over a 12 year time span ). The street bike is not built for fat people. My question is with my sporty should I take the ERC class? Do they teach you additional techniques?
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 861
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From: Grosse Ile, Mi
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
Testflyer, your money was well spent. Any knowledge is better than no knowledge. Your paranoia is a healthy response to riding in the real world. It's best to remember to drive defensively in all situations and circumstances. You will, as time passes, get more comfortable with your abilities. Resist the temptation to get on it too hard and you will stay within your own limitations for the time being. Many riders take the course to refresh themselves on their abilities because, if you drive to stay out of trouble, you don't use the evasive manuvers you learn early on. Congradulations and ride safe.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 109
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From: Rock Hill, SC
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
The only thing that I am miffed about which really has nothing to do with the actual class is the South Carolinaregulations that don't allow the endorsement of the MSF taken in North Carolina to bypass the driving test. The closest class in South Carolina would have been Columbia with would have taken about an hour or so to get to.The Charlotte, NC class at the Carolina HD was only 35 mins away. But South Carolina DMV doesn't allow the endorsement from NC. Whereas if I lived in NC it would have been accepted. From what I understand they would take it if the class was done in SC. (I could be wrong on that though) It really doesn't make much sense to me as the MSF class is not really state specific. However I am not really worried about taking the road course test as looking at the new SC road test it is almost exactly everything we did in class except for the U-Turn in the box (which I was able to do quitewell also) . Its just the principal of the matter. It would have been nice to only have to take the written test and be done with it.Especially since I have to waitto receive my actual motorcycle until the end of the May.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From:
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
There are only two kinds of riders, those that divide riders into two groups and those that don't. Seriously, there are only two kinds of riders, the paranoid and the dead. A little paranoia is a good, healthy thing to have--don't ever let it go. The MSF couse is excellent. I had a friend who used to ride. He jumped the gun and went for a few harmless rides before taking the course. He was otherwise engaged at the emergency room when the course started...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
Just keep in mind that the basic course teaches you the basics only. The one thing missing after taking a MSF course is experience and you can only get that by practicing, practicing and practicing the basics that you were taught in your class. It takes practice, experience and time to become a seasoned rider.
I guess I'm trying to say: don't become overly confident and think that because you took the course you're now a "pro".
I guess I'm trying to say: don't become overly confident and think that because you took the course you're now a "pro".
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 1
From:
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
Actually I am in the middle of the MSF course. So far its going well, and has taught me a lot, since its the first time i'm riding I figured it would be stupid not to take it. I have a lot of friends who have ridden for years, and all of them stressed the importance of taking the class. I can't wait to actually take a bike out on the road
-LB
-LB
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, Florida
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
ORIGINAL: totalgeek
I enjoyed my MSF class. We had to do it on 250 size Hondas. Inever thought I could do the double U in a box but I did It was great they allowed us to practice. Also, from what the instructor told us that the double U really doesn't qualify for a lot of points during the final test.
I just got my Sporty after trying to ride a street bike 120 pounds later ( over a 12 year time span ). The street bike is not built for fat people. My question is with my sporty should I take the ERC class? Do they teach you additional techniques?
I enjoyed my MSF class. We had to do it on 250 size Hondas. Inever thought I could do the double U in a box but I did
It was great they allowed us to practice. Also, from what the instructor told us that the double U really doesn't qualify for a lot of points during the final test.I just got my Sporty after trying to ride a street bike 120 pounds later ( over a 12 year time span ). The street bike is not built for fat people. My question is with my sporty should I take the ERC class? Do they teach you additional techniques?
Next time, if there is a next time, I'll borrow someone's 250 Honda.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 0
From: Tipton County, TN
RE: MSF COURSE COMPLETE
Completed my course last weekend.(12 of 24 were females! 
But no, not everyone passed.. a couple guys failed too! [
]) We used the little Hondasas well, and yes... I did the Harley Hop when I shifted each time too!I took my Sporty down to the high school parking lot this weekend and repeated all the manuevers on my bike moving up to higher gears each time on the swerves, etc until I was comfortable with the size and weight of my bike. Haven't ventured on main roads yet. We had '80 temps so every bike in TN was on the road.. figured I should wait a little longer so I wouldn't get in their way!
But no, not everyone passed.. a couple guys failed too! []) We used the little Hondasas well, and yes... I did the Harley Hop when I shifted each time too!I took my Sporty down to the high school parking lot this weekend and repeated all the manuevers on my bike moving up to higher gears each time on the swerves, etc until I was comfortable with the size and weight of my bike. Haven't ventured on main roads yet. We had '80 temps so every bike in TN was on the road.. figured I should wait a little longer so I wouldn't get in their way!