Took the MSF class this weekend...my ass is killing me...and I'm tired....

[Big-X]

Oh my God! I forgot how bad stock seats are, spent the weekend in 90 degree heat riding a Suzuki with a stock seat of course. My butt is killing me and it sucks, reminds me of when I first got my VTX.

Class was fun, I really enjoyed watching a few people in the class who had never rode a bike and how they improved over the two days. Our instructors were very good too.

[Bubba1962]

I really enjoyed the class too. I had rode for several years, and raced MX for a couple of years, but was a little skiddish on the pavement. So I took the course, was just about too much fun. I had my DR 650 at the time, and practiced several times after the class on the dreaded 'BOX'.
I can now do the box on my 650 WITH a passenger, have not tried it yet on the V, but might try it once for fun.
I highly recommend the MSF beginner's course for anyone...and I do mean ANYone. Very informative, and helpful.

Bubba

[crosbyvtx]

Have not taken the course as of yet. I am looking forward to it. I spoke with the class organizers and they suggested taking the advanced class only due to having riding experience. I reckon I should take the entire 2 day course reguardless of my riding experience. Any feedback??

[Bubba1962]

Have not taken the course as of yet. I am looking forward to it. I spoke with the class organizers and they suggested taking the advanced class only due to having riding experience. I reckon I should take the entire 2 day course reguardless of my riding experience. Any feedback??

Locally the beginner's course is about 4 hours a night for 5 days, and then on Saturday about 4-5 hours...depends on how people are doing on the final riding test.
As I said earlier, I had years of experience, and still learned a TON at the beginner's course. Been meaning to take the advanced course, but from what I've read, they suggest you have a couple of thousand miles on the bike you take the course with.

On a side note, the AMA appears to reimburse a portion of the MSF class for members, not sure WHICH class, or HOW MUCH, but for pete's sake ANY training is GOOD training, (I can attest to that, was in the Army! LOL), and for an organization to help pay for it....well, you do the math.

Bubba

[crosbyvtx]

Preciate it--I beloeve I will take the entire class. I do have a reimbursement coupon for up to 75 bucks off the class once completed.. Thanx

[rodent042]

Locally the beginner's course is about 4 hours a night for 5 days, and then on Saturday about 4-5 hours...depends on how people are doing on the final riding test.
As I said earlier, I had years of experience, and still learned a TON at the beginner's course. Been meaning to take the advanced course, but from what I've read, they suggest you have a couple of thousand miles on the bike you take the course with.

On a side note, the AMA appears to reimburse a portion of the MSF class for members, not sure WHICH class, or HOW MUCH, but for pete's sake ANY training is GOOD training, (I can attest to that, was in the Army! LOL), and for an organization to help pay for it....well, you do the math.

Bubba



YIKES! The NJ beginner's class is 4 hours of classroom on a Friday night then 8 hours riding each day on Sat/Sun.


If you bought a new Honda check your paperwork. They will also reimburse you up to $70 toward a MSF class.

I'm with Bubba on the advanced course. I want to take it but want to be completely comfortable first. Making a 700+ lb bike do what you did on those tiny 125cc jobs... Maybe this fall :D

[Shutterbug]

If any of you are retired or active military, you can take the class for free on base.

[buettner]

That class was the greatest thing I ever did. I took it about 14 years ago and have always recommended people to take the course. It is always reaffirming to hear when others have gone through the course and appreciated what they have learned.

[KYVTX1300]

I find the VTX much easier to handle than the little bikes in the class. But I weight less than the VTX, it seamed the other way around in the 125 Kaw.

[dudley]

I took it in march.I had not rode a motorcycle in 30 years so I feel like I learned alot.

[epiphysis]

would never have ridden if I didn't take the course last year!!

[necoachbw]

I took the class also and really enjoyed it. When I ride I am more aware of what is going on around me. Matter of fact it has made me a better Dr Ed teacher.

Ride Safe,
Bob in Nebraska

[sunrutea]

Took a ten year break from riding before I bought my x. I fell in love with a 1300 and my wife, whom I love with all my heart bought me the 1800 for my birthday last summer. Along with a experienced rider course. I had 2 months on this monster before walking into the course. Not exactly the ideal situation. I did go through with it and passed. I was absolutely exhausted after that course. I seriously can't remember ever being that tired before or after, lol. I had a great time but do wish it had possible to take the brc and practice first. Experienced or not, its a big bike.
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[Marty W]

Oh my God! I forgot how bad stock seats are, spent the weekend in 90 degree heat riding a Suzuki with a stock seat of course. My butt is killing me and it sucks, reminds me of when I first got my VTX.

Class was fun, I really enjoyed watching a few people in the class who had never rode a bike and how they improved over the two days. Our instructors were very good too.


Now just wait until you take the "ERC' on your X that will really tire you out, I really liked doing the slalum course one handed on a 650 lb bike!;)

[Amos Moses]

I know what 'ya mean on the sore back!

Took my course on a suzuki 125 (at the time I weighed 270)
Not a good combo in m opinion.

Learned a lot of stuff thru the msf though I recomend the course
to anyone who comes up and asks about bikes.
Back to the back...

Three days on a 125 in the late august weather,

Jumped on my bike with the mustang seat and screamed.............

AHHHHHH MUCH BETTER!

Ride safe fellas:patriot:

[Bono]

I agree with all the course will never hurt anyone. It should be taken by all!:cheers:

[epiphysis]

+1 should be mandatory

[Beastie Boy]

+1 should be mandatory
+2... and for cagers, too!

[Jethro]

Also civilians can take it for free if they work on base and ride a motorcycle. I'll be taking the advanced course on April 22nd. It appears to be given by MSF. I took the beginners course last year at my own expense.

If any of you are retired or active military, you can take the class for free on base.

[Gunner71]

Our base don't even have a course- politics got involved- we have about 8,000 GI's and 16 to 20 thousand civilians

I took the class with the X on Feb. I wanted to know the limits of my bike, with me on it. The box got into my head and kicked my butt... 16 degree wind chill did not help. One handed slalum was cool. I enjoyed it- but the cold hurt a little.

I got my refund from Honda in a couple of weeks

Does not hurt anyone to take

[nitroxman]

.......

[roland0324]

best thing I have ever done by taking that course.
should be a must for any riders.

[dbwhalley]

+1 on the course. I had so much fun rolling those little bikes through the course.

Has anyone taken the advanced course? What do they do in the advanced course?

[Marty W]

+1 on the course. I had so much fun rolling those little bikes through the course.

Has anyone taken the advanced course? What do they do in the advanced course?


In the advanced course you duplicate the riding part on your everyday bike (VTX). We spent a lot of time on quick stops.
It is really worth it.
On a side note, make sure that your battery is fully charged a few of the bikes had the batteries die from the constant turning of and starting again.

[BG-Pete]

Oh my God! I forgot how bad stock seats are, spent the weekend in 90 degree heat riding a Suzuki with a stock seat of course. My butt is killing me and it sucks, reminds me of when I first got my VTX.

Class was fun, I really enjoyed watching a few people in the class who had never rode a bike and how they improved over the two days. Our instructors were very good too.

Ray...did you take the basic or advanced course. I have the advanced coming early June. Wondering what to expect.

[Gunner71]

+1 with Marty
The nice thing is you can push it too the limits in a contolled condition. I smoked my tires braking and scraped the floor boards in turns- in 16 degree windchill. It was a blast. Defiently recommend it.

[riki]

I took the advance course last year, even with many years of experience under my belt I still got a lot from the course. I recommend it to everyone. The rider's course I took in the 70's didn't teach this stuff. The safety courses taught today will only enhance you riding skills.

[arazla]

I did the ERC over the weekend...
I was so tired at the end that I left the bike at my buddy's house where the wife & kid were at & let the lady drive me home...

I definitely learned a lot from the course...
I got see someone almost highside during the rear lock up skid test...
Also some one laid down their full dresser during the quick stop in a turn exercise...
And I as well skidded for 6' sideways during that same exercise...
Never ride when your exhausted...
It was a long day I learned too much for one day...

A must do with your own bike for all...
I may do it again next year!

[LoneWolf13]

I agree with all of you. I rode motocross for a number of years. Practiced it by riding on back country roads and National Forest trails. Then when I gave it up (knees and back shot to pieces), I took the course to learn about riding in town. Boy what a lesson I learned. Never would have touched that front brake before (you will learn in the class that the front brake is 70% of your braking power). That class tought me skills I never knew or would have thought of in a million years of riding. By all means, everyone, no matter how long you have been riding and especially if you have not riden in a while, take the course. I am looking forward to taking the advanced course in the near future. I encouraged a friend of mine to take the course before he got his VTX and he said he learned alot from it as well. He got a waiver from the course so he did not have to take the drivers test to get his motorcycle endorsement on his drivers license as well. You can get discounts on your insurance too. So, TAKE THE COURSE.

[joemomma]

Best thing I ever did!

[MossAgate]

Signed up myself, wife and kids to take the course at the end of May. Lookin forward to it. Been ridin for a few years, thought it would be good for the rest of the family to learn. Wife has some experience, has some thoughts of gettin her own bike someday. Hope to learn a lot and from the sounds of it, we will! Should be a good time!:mosh:

[2unwind]

My ex taught me to ride in '88. Took the MSF BRC in '03 - what a huge difference (how to properly ride a bike as opposed to winging it)! I highly recommend that course for all.

This past Dec I took a course that was taught by the NC Highway Patrol (BikeSafeNC). You get to ride around with a motorcycle trooper who critiques your technique - that was awesome! They are duplicating the NC course in several other eastern states...if you get an opportunity to sign up, don't hesitate!

[sunrutea]

that sounds pretty cool. Can't think of a better person to critique riding skills. Better not give me a ticket though. Lol.
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[Big-X]

Wow...old thread dug up I see...lol. I took the basic class, I may take the advanced in the near future.