MSF courses
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
RE: MSF courses
ORIGINAL: StargazerXT12
Danny, I am also a new rider. I had never ridden before except as a passenger. I took the MSF course in early June and then spent a few days relearning my bike (I had practiced on minein the neighborhood from 4/24 when I got it till 6/2 when I first got on the 250cc at the MSF course).
I am happy to say that I've had NO problems transitioning to my bike. I finished the course on Sunday, 6/3 and that evening took my bike out for a spin. I was, and still am, very cautious, but I've now made a couple of 50 mile trips (I work all day and have to drive the car to work for now) and have found that what they taught me very easily carried over to my bike.
Take it at your own pace, do what you feel comfortable with, and it will come. I was amazed that I didn't have any problems going from those little bikes to my 883C.
Best of luck to you and Ride Safe!
ORIGINAL: DannyNucclz
Hey guys and gals, I am not only a new HD rider but a new rider period. I am signed up for an MSF course in July, but I am a little nervous about making the transition from the 125cc bikes they use to the bored out '93 Hugger I currently have in my driveway. It means a lot to for me to ride HD considering it is not only an American tradition, but a family one for me as well (Most every male in my family rides). However another factor leading to some trepidation is that my Uncle (who raised me) was killed on his HD five years ago. I am 21 and live in Yonkers, NY, bikes have always been a passion and I finally got the nerve to join all y'all riders so any advice is more than appreciated.
Hey guys and gals, I am not only a new HD rider but a new rider period. I am signed up for an MSF course in July, but I am a little nervous about making the transition from the 125cc bikes they use to the bored out '93 Hugger I currently have in my driveway. It means a lot to for me to ride HD considering it is not only an American tradition, but a family one for me as well (Most every male in my family rides). However another factor leading to some trepidation is that my Uncle (who raised me) was killed on his HD five years ago. I am 21 and live in Yonkers, NY, bikes have always been a passion and I finally got the nerve to join all y'all riders so any advice is more than appreciated.
I am happy to say that I've had NO problems transitioning to my bike. I finished the course on Sunday, 6/3 and that evening took my bike out for a spin. I was, and still am, very cautious, but I've now made a couple of 50 mile trips (I work all day and have to drive the car to work for now) and have found that what they taught me very easily carried over to my bike.
Take it at your own pace, do what you feel comfortable with, and it will come. I was amazed that I didn't have any problems going from those little bikes to my 883C.
Best of luck to you and Ride Safe!
Sorry for the loss of your uncle. 23 years ago I lost my sister then age 28 to a motorcycle accident and at that time gave up riding at the prompting of my mother who understandably was grieving over the loss of her only daughter. On the other hand cheers to you for still wanting to ride and going about things the right way. I started riding again about three years ago and do enjoy it. Remember, ride like you are invisible because they probably do not see you.
Stargazer,
I hope you have had a good time both in the MSF course and learning to handle your Sportster. I bought a new 2007 Sportster for my wife for her Mother's Day/Birthday/Anniversary present. (yes she knew it and wanted it) She is taking the Rider's Edge course this weekend. I plan on showing your post to her and hopefully more as you were a new rider and seem to be handling your bike well judging by your posts.
Anyway, Good luck to you both and wish my wife luck, happiness and safety in her desire to ride. (it is going to scare me to death!) Guess I am gonna sound like my Mom now. Be safe and remember is is not what you ride but how you ride.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From:
RE: MSF courses
We took the MSF course when we decided to become motorcyclists. I think the course is great and teaches skills that you hopefully will remember as you practice on your own. Watch your back and your front, keep your thoughts on defensive driving, watch where you are going, if you are looking at something on the side, your bike will head for the shoulder. Sorry to read about your Uncle. The Honda Hoot is starting up today in Knoxvegas, with several thousand bikes in town. Even though we want everyone to enjoy themselves, we know there is the potential for accidents. Everyone that chooses to ride takes a risk, every pilot that flies a plane takes a risk,etc.etc. The benefits and enjoyment far outweigh the risk, IMO. The more you ride, the sharper your skills will be. Have a great time.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: MSF courses
ORIGINAL: seldont
Stargazer,
I hope you have had a good time both in the MSF course and learning to handle your Sportster. I bought a new 2007 Sportster for my wife for her Mother's Day/Birthday/Anniversary present. (yes she knew it and wanted it) She is taking the Rider's Edge course this weekend. I plan on showing your post to her and hopefully more as you were a new rider and seem to be handling your bike well judging by your posts.
Anyway, Good luck to you both and wish my wife luck, happiness and safety in her desire to ride. (it is going to scare me to death!) Guess I am gonna sound like my Mom now. Be safe and remember is is not what you ride but how you ride.
Stargazer,
I hope you have had a good time both in the MSF course and learning to handle your Sportster. I bought a new 2007 Sportster for my wife for her Mother's Day/Birthday/Anniversary present. (yes she knew it and wanted it) She is taking the Rider's Edge course this weekend. I plan on showing your post to her and hopefully more as you were a new rider and seem to be handling your bike well judging by your posts.
Anyway, Good luck to you both and wish my wife luck, happiness and safety in her desire to ride. (it is going to scare me to death!) Guess I am gonna sound like my Mom now. Be safe and remember is is not what you ride but how you ride.
Practice is the key here. The one thing I have to remind myself to do is to look where I'm going in a turn.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro, Ga.
RE: MSF courses
Danny -so sorry to hear of your Uncle. I'm a new rider also (3 months). The MSF course is a MUST in helping build confindence.
Seldont - just make sure you let your wife go at her own pace. If she is interested then she will do fine. My husband was just as nervous as you, but he is getting better at it. My best advise to you is: try not to show just how nervous you are with her riding because it may hinder her trying to be comfortable with it. I say that because the more I could tell my husband was nervous I would loose my concentration and focus on him rather than riding.
The people on this forum are great with support and info of all ranges. They have helped build my confidence as a newbie. Welcome to you and best of luck to you all....
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
RE: MSF courses
I haven't ridden for years, and I am getting back into it. I got my California temp permit this week by taking the written test, and My XL1200C is already on order. I'm taking the MSF course next weekend, so I'll get my M1 endorsement and pick up the bike on 2 July.
Everyone I talk to says the MSF course is really good. The Harley salesman told me that he took the course last year with his 16 year-old daughter. He said even though he's been riding for 30 years, he came away from the course a better rider.
I can't wait to get back on a bike, but, since it's been so long, I'll probably do nothing but low speed turns, stops and starts, and rides through my neighborhood's residential streets for the first few days.
I really, really can't wait to start riding again, but I'm unsure of my current skills, so I'm a bit nervous about starting again. I'm hoping the MSF course will not only be technically helpful, but the experience will boost my self-confidence.
Everyone I talk to says the MSF course is really good. The Harley salesman told me that he took the course last year with his 16 year-old daughter. He said even though he's been riding for 30 years, he came away from the course a better rider.
I can't wait to get back on a bike, but, since it's been so long, I'll probably do nothing but low speed turns, stops and starts, and rides through my neighborhood's residential streets for the first few days.
I really, really can't wait to start riding again, but I'm unsure of my current skills, so I'm a bit nervous about starting again. I'm hoping the MSF course will not only be technically helpful, but the experience will boost my self-confidence.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From:
RE: MSF courses
I took the MSF course 2 weeks ago in NJ and yes the supplied bikes are small but the value of the course is walking away with a defensive riding mentality, always making sure you don't put yourself in an unsafe situation. After the class, which I rode a TW 250 on/off road bike, I went home and got on my 1200C and definately felt more comfortable on my HD then before the course.
I definately recommend it.. and you can always take the 1 day advanced rider course where you bring your own bike.. I'll probably take it next spring.
I definately recommend it.. and you can always take the 1 day advanced rider course where you bring your own bike.. I'll probably take it next spring.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 456
Likes: 1
RE: MSF courses
Certainly take the course, it's the best $225 I've ever spent.
I made friends with my entire class, have friends to ride with now.
I found that never riding before the course had it's advantages. I graduated at the top of my class with a 99/100 on the skills portion of the test (and aced the written!) because I'd never ridden and developed any bad habits. The older couple that had been riding for years both failed the skills test and didn't understand why. They had bad habits that even I noticed without EVER riding a bike, or anything of the sort.
Sit on the bike in your garage or driveway and make engine sounds with your mouth. Don't get out there and risk developing bad habits. Wait. It's hard, but you'll be glad you did.
I had a very slight difficulty transitioning from the 125cc to my 883C because of the weight and forward controls. Otherwise, a few miles got me fairly well acquainted. That was 35 days ago and I've logged nearly 1000 miles since.
I made friends with my entire class, have friends to ride with now.
I found that never riding before the course had it's advantages. I graduated at the top of my class with a 99/100 on the skills portion of the test (and aced the written!) because I'd never ridden and developed any bad habits. The older couple that had been riding for years both failed the skills test and didn't understand why. They had bad habits that even I noticed without EVER riding a bike, or anything of the sort.
Sit on the bike in your garage or driveway and make engine sounds with your mouth. Don't get out there and risk developing bad habits. Wait. It's hard, but you'll be glad you did.
I had a very slight difficulty transitioning from the 125cc to my 883C because of the weight and forward controls. Otherwise, a few miles got me fairly well acquainted. That was 35 days ago and I've logged nearly 1000 miles since.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
RE: MSF courses
Rider57,
Thanks for your input.I will remember your comments. My wife took the course 2 weeks ago and loved it. She has an lowered custom 883 sportster now and is making the adjustment and is actually doing great. She rode it on the highway this past weekend, I have to admit I was nervous at first for her and thought she is not ready, I shouldn't have doubted her, she did fine. It was just me worring for her. I have to admit I like her on the back with me, too.
Once again glad I caught your post.
Thanks for your input.I will remember your comments. My wife took the course 2 weeks ago and loved it. She has an lowered custom 883 sportster now and is making the adjustment and is actually doing great. She rode it on the highway this past weekend, I have to admit I was nervous at first for her and thought she is not ready, I shouldn't have doubted her, she did fine. It was just me worring for her. I have to admit I like her on the back with me, too.
Once again glad I caught your post.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Jonesboro, Ga.
RE: MSF courses
RDKing - you are welcome. Glad I could help. I think it's just basic instinct for a husband to want to protect his wife. She sounds like she is doing great and having a good time doing it and that's what it's all about. Ride safe and enjoy...
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: MSF courses
ORIGINAL: rider57
I think it's just basic instinct for a husband to want to protect his wife.
I think it's just basic instinct for a husband to want to protect his wife.