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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 01:14 PM
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Hey everyone, Not only am i new to this forum and site, but i have not yet taken any riding courses nor have I attained my license. However, I am very interested in doing so, and look forward to any help existing members may be able to offer me.
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 01:39 PM
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Welcome aboard from Glen Burnie, MD
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 01:42 PM
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A big welcome to you from sunny Southern California. Glad to have you on board.
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 01:45 PM
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Welcome to the Forum from Land Between the Lakes Tennessee.
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 02:01 PM
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Welcome from the land of the long white cloud - New Zealand.
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 02:24 PM
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Welcome from Mo
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by YoungGun88
Hey everyone, Not only am i new to this forum and site, but i have not yet taken any riding courses nor have I attained my license. However, I am very interested in doing so, and look forward to any help existing members may be able to offer me.
Welcome. If you mean help passing the courses and the skills test then I would suggest a couple of things. Get yourself some cones or cut tennis ***** in half and find a big empty parking lot and practice the slow speed maneuvers. That's what trips everbody up in the classes and the skills test. I was helping out with them last year as a volunteer and I've seen guys that were riding for 20 years that couldn't do some of the slow speed stuff. Hope I'm not breaking any forum rules here but I'd recommend a DVD called 'Ride Like A Pro 5' by Jerry Palladino AKA Motorman. His website is www.ridelikeapro.com and he's pretty good about answering e-mails if you have questions. He doesn't teach you the exact same course that they use but the techniques are the same. You can also find a lot of free info on youtube but what I like about the DVD is that he shows you examples of what people do wrong also. A little practice and you'll be able to do it. Also you can go to http://msf-usa.org/CurriculumMateria...ndbook2011.pdf and download the book they use in the MSF classes.
One last tip is to wrap your bike as best you can when practicing the maneuvers. If your learning on anything bigger than a 250cc, you're probably going to dump it a few times on the slow speed stuff.
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 03:17 PM
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Welcome YoungGun88

You don't say if you have you have your bike yet. Lots of good info here on different models and advise for a new rider.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2012 | 03:19 PM
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Thank you everyone for the welcomes and for your help, I look forward to learning what i need to finally get out there and cruise.
 
Old Feb 5, 2012 | 03:24 PM
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I don't have a bike yet, but i have been looking around for some good starter bikes. I have a pretty hectic schedule as a farmer and would have to time my courses and testing accordingly. Most guys I've talked to suggest something like a 250 cc to start, and i'm sure that would be the smartest move,but i have to be honest.. my goal is to own a new harley iron 883. I sat on one of those boys at the philly auto show last week and i fell in love. I'm 23 years old, 5'10'', and 160 lbs. that bike felt about right sizewise.
 



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