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I took the MSF a few days before I picked up my 1200c at the dealer and they put us on kawasaki eliminator 125cc cruiser style bikes and a few taller people (6'4"+)were put on enduro 150-175cc bikes. It was a really good course and I knew people who took it before me who have been riding for 30+ years and thought the class was good at teaching new tricks and breaking old habits (2 fingering the front brake, no rear brake, etc)
I'm thinking about going back and taking the advanced course on my 1200c soon. I just wish my insurance company actually gave me a break for taking the msf classes, but no breaks at all for beginner or advanced courses.
The last thing I rode was honda 125cc dirt bikes about 7 years ago, and a bicycle lol had no trouble getting on my 1200c after being on the kawasaki 125cc mini-cruisers in the class. I rode it to work from dealer, then home from work which was about a 30-35mi ride total. I did take it for a spin around harley dealer's parking lot for about 20minutes first though, doing stop and go's and slow speed turns and such.
I took the MSF a few days before I picked up my 1200c at the dealer and they put us on kawasaki eliminator 125cc cruiser style bikes and a few taller people (6'4"+)were put on enduro 150-175cc bikes. It was a really good course and I knew people who took it before me who have been riding for 30+ years and thought the class was good at teaching new tricks and breaking old habits (2 fingering the front brake, no rear brake, etc)
I'm thinking about going back and taking the advanced course on my 1200c soon. I just wish my insurance company actually gave me a break for taking the msf classes, but no breaks at all for beginner or advanced courses.
The last thing I rode was honda 125cc dirt bikes about 7 years ago, and a bicycle lol had no trouble getting on my 1200c after being on the kawasaki 125cc mini-cruisers in the class. I rode it to work from dealer, then home from work which was about a 30-35mi ride total. I did take it for a spin around harley dealer's parking lot for about 20minutes first though, doing stop and go's and slow speed turns and such.
My insurance company is giving me a break of about 5%, not the 20% quoted by MSF. However, the ins. companytells me that because I got the insurance BEFORE I took the course, because I bought the bike before I took the course, my discount won't show up till NEXT year. Go Figure!
ORIGINAL: StargazerXT12
My insurance company is giving me a break of about 5%, not the 20% quoted by MSF. However, the ins. companytells me that because I got the insurance BEFORE I took the course, because I bought the bike before I took the course, my discount won't show up till NEXT year. Go Figure!
ah, that's better than me lol I'm already getting bent over because am under 21 with the florida under 21 tag that screams pull me over, and had my motorcycle endorsement for 1 day before I got my bike. they told me no break on insurance for any of the classes. I took the class before I got my bike. In florida, I had no choice but to take the class since under 21 you need to take the class to get endorsement, period. That is a good thing I guess, although sucks to cough up the $215 for the basic course and spend the weekend taking it, just to wait in line at dmv to have motorcycle endorsement added. heh we can't even get a learner's permit
wonder if anyone is getting the quoted 20% discount?
Thanks for all the responses, definately glad there is a place like this to communicate with other riders. I take the course July 10th and 11th so I got plenty time to throw a new rear brake line on and get my Sporty inspected. Can't wait.
No matter where in Pennsylvania you go, we are inundated with images and words instructing us to take extra steps to watch out for the safety of motorcyclists.
On a recent trip home to Erie, we witnessed four Japanese sport bikes riding down Route 20 toward Girard, swerving in and out of traffic, purposely blocking an innocent vehicle in front and back, and one rider pulling a near vertical "wheelie" while in traffic. You see more and more foolishness like this every day.
My words to motorcyclists? Start preaching to your own.
My wife made the transition from the MSF 250cc to the 1200 exactly in same manner as the MSF taught to begin with. Big, empty, school parking lot, step by step and in about an hour she was comfortable enough that she hasd me as passenger on way home. I took the course with her for "grins" after riding 39 years, and felt I learned a lot, was a wakeup and practiced manuevers I would never just go do on my own. She outscored me in written and practical...John
Its a great course.....i was in tghe same boat....i got trained on Dalims (korea bikes) POS......graduated and my 1200 custom came 2 days later. It is intimidating at first to jump on the bigger bike....remember when they tell you throttle position....(wrist low)....there is a basic fundamental reason.....POWER.....if your wrist is high and you let the clutch out a little two fast....your wrist will naturaly straighten out and you will roll on that throttle when you really didnt wanna. take your time....keep practicing basic fundamentals until they become habits. once you learn your bike things become alot more comfy.....and the smile factor just gets better....
Danny, Sorry to hear of your uncle. For that reason alone am I ever vigilant when on the road.
I too am a new rider. Itook the MSF Basic Rider course last Fall on the recommendation of a friend. It was one of the best $25 I ever spent. I was so happy with the course that my wife and 17 year old daughter will be taking it this Fall.
ORIGINAL: StargazerXT12
My insurance company is giving me a break of about 5%, not the 20% quoted by MSF. However, the ins. companytells me that because I got the insurance BEFORE I took the course, because I bought the bike before I took the course, my discount won't show up till NEXT year. Go Figure!
ah, that's better than me lol I'm already getting bent over because am under 21 with the florida under 21 tag that screams pull me over, and had my motorcycle endorsement for 1 day before I got my bike. they told me no break on insurance for any of the classes. I took the class before I got my bike. In florida, I had no choice but to take the class since under 21 you need to take the class to get endorsement, period. That is a good thing I guess, although sucks to cough up the $215 for the basic course and spend the weekend taking it, just to wait in line at dmv to have motorcycle endorsement added. heh we can't even get a learner's permit
wonder if anyone is getting the quoted 20% discount?
I guess I shouldn't complain...I'm getting a discount for multiple bikes, a discount for the motorhome being on there, etc. so I'm getting quite a bit off as it is...I guess they really WONT give me the coverage for free...hehehe
The course is worth the money, when I took it we used Harley Buell Blast, hated the bike, but at least if I dumped it no big deal, after I passed the course,I did not have to used my bike to test, just went to the DMV and got my endorsement.
Take it easy till you feel comfortable with your bike, leave some room between you and the vehice ahead of you, and slow down, you will be just fine, have a blast !
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