[chef42974]

So I have my Motorcycle licence in the state of VA but I am taking the Motorcycle safety training this weekend at the local Hearley shop. I am hoping it will help me correct some bad habbits I have. I never took one and I am going to go into it with eyes wide open and not as a know it all........because I dont. Anyone ever do this?:choppersm

 

[ItsCruz]

I have been to four courses due to military movements in the past. My wife Sam completed the course in June at the local HD here in Bristol. Things she learned I had forgotten. Will I go again...YES! When someone thinks they have learned it all....ride the other way. I think you have the perfect attitude for the class and will be surprised of what you will take away.

 

[22600]

dont sweat it. enjoy it. it will tune up your skills if you had some and if you didn't it'll point out where you're weak.

i was off my bike for about 15 years, then took the course and got my license. it was a good reminder of some things. enjoy it. they also have advanced courses...ride safe, often :choppersm

oh yeah, and for the newbies or just returning, parking lots are the best place to practice all these things you learn, sharpen your skills and get some confidence also. just my $.02

 

[NHC]

I took Rider's Edge years ago (8 to be exact) when I bought the Sporty (first bike)....I had fun, it got me on the road and I've been debating taking it again...I'm very sure I have developed some bad habits that need to be corrected....but if I were offered an option...I would take the "Ride Like A Pro" course....

Here is something funny to do: If the curriculum is still the same they're going to ask a question that goes "What is the first thing you do when you go out to get on your bike for a ride?"...okay...everybody will start mumbling "FINEC" and "TCLOCKS"....if you want to get your instructors laughing say "Make sure the darn thing is where ya left it!"

 

[rcjester]

NHC, yes those questions will still be the same. I just took the MSF course not too long ago so have fun toying with the newbies! Ha!!! Tom, taking the class again to brush up on skills and kill some bad habits is a great thing. Actually both instructors I had even said they liked being instructors not just to pass on their love of motorcycles, but because they catch themselves doing things on the road that brings bad their own habits. Never a bad thing to keep yourself fresh up on everything.

 

[BubbaJePH]

I took mine at Thomas Nelson College in Hampton Virginia. We rode CB250 Nighthawks. After I got my 1300R VTX, I took it to the track and practiced the skills I learned. I can now turn tighter in the box than I could with the CB250.

 

[Morseus]

I've taken an MSF course 4 times over 7 years of riding. The first was because Oregon made me because I wasn't 21 yet. The 2nd and 3rd were because the AF said I had to, and the 4th was an experienced rider course (ERC) that I took because it seemed like a good idea, and I'd get the time off work to do it.

The ERC was awesome. Much more riding time, much less time spent learning the friction zone. Other plus was it was on my own bike, and it helped me get much better at slow-speed stuff on a sportbike. One of the instructors was doing sick stuff with his BMW 1200GS. . .

+5 on the parking lot ideas. these bikes are sooooo sweet in parking lots compared to most sport bikes, you can turn the bars a ton more.

Bottom line, the courses are worth it. I know riders that go once a year if they can swing it.

 

[[email protected]]

let us know how it is

 

[frizzgrig]

My wife Sam completed the course in June at the local HD here in Bristol.

ItsCruz - did you know the MSF courses are available from NVCC waaaaay cheaper than most dealers?

 

[Nam]

Had to take the course back in 2007 at the Army Fort in order to get a base sticker. At $285.00 it was worth the money but at $285.00 once & done...

 

[PABL98]

Just want to ask what are the top two safety concern once you get on the bike take off ? New to this site is there Forum that ask this question ? My two are what behind me , then it what may come from the side of the road.

 

[PastorGene]

Just want to ask what are the top two safety concern once you get on the bike take off ? New to this site is there Forum that ask this question ? My two are what behind me , then it what may come from the side of the road.

You're right, PABL98. A key to safety is always to assume that no one you see sees you. That car on the side road could pull out in front of you, so be ready to stop quickly using both brakes. Be careful in dealing with vehicles in front of you (in your lane). If you try to pass, they may turn left suddenly, so be sure the road ahead is completely clear. Always have an escape plan before you execute any maneuver. Follow the MSF rule of SEE--Search ahead for any potential dangers; Evaluate the dangers you see; Execute a plan for dealing with each one. Practiced enough, these tools become second nature and don't detract from the fun of riding. In fact, I think they add to the sense of adventure. One other thing: Be as careful of your gear as you are of your ride. Buy and wear a good helmet, one that meets DOT and Snell standards (check for a label). NEVER ride without a helmet, no matter what your friends do. Buy and wear a jacket with good abrasion resistance, because it'll be the only thing between your skin and the road surface if you crash. Make sure it has padding at the elbows and shoulders and preferably down the back. Buy and wear boots that (at least) cover your ankles and have non-slip soles. Make sure that your other clothing is appropriate for the kind of day it is--being too cold or too hot can interfere with your enjoyment of the ride and your ability to respond to emergencies. The MSF Basic Rider Course was a big help to me. I know I need to do the Experienced Rider Course, because I'm having enough trouble handling the 1800 at walking speeds. I don't think you're supposed to walk it into parking spaces! Ride on, PastorGene

 

[jchlp]

I took the HD Rider's Edge course when I started about 8-9 years ago, and it was valuable. I'd like to take an advanced class of some sort. If I took the basics over, I'd look at the ABATE course for two reasons - one, different administration (not that the basics would be different) and two it's cheaper. If you're interested, you may want to look into spring classes now. I hear that they fill up quickly. Ride safe!

 

[PastorGene]

Motorcycle safety

Check your local community college for MSF courses. Cost is usually reasonable.

 

[Paxton Gomez]

I learned to ride in 1962-63... went through a Barber Shop door and folks weren't too happy.

Rode '63 through '76 and stopped. In '97 I purchased a new Shadow ACE 1100.
At the time the course was offered @ the Pasadena City College for $175. The new m/c purchase included
50% payment of the course by the HONDA Corp.

I took the course at half-price and found out that all along there was so much stuff I had taken for granted.
It was worth every penny! :icon_blin

The cost of the course is now $250. I'd would take it again, but $250 could help towards the VTX light bar! :bleh:

Seriously, if you value your life and your ride; and you are new to large Monsters, the course is a must. :hmm2:

I also purchased the "Ride Like A Pro" CD. It is fantastic! Every motorcyclist ought to own a copy. Great X-Mas gift!

When I invite friends to stop by my garage to chat, we often break out the Pop Corn and watch the CD together
(no alcohol)... then go and practice.

It's a great group activity for you and your friends on a Sunday afternoon.

If I am going on a group ride; folks with whom I've never rode, I suggest that before we leave we watch the CD.

If it does not happen, then I ride @ the rear of the pack... at a safe distance. :bleh:

If folks in the group start clowning around with their ride, I peel off and proceed on my own. :icon_nerv :choppersm

 

[mooneydriver]

I took the course years ago in Shreveport, Louisiana and we had several experienced riders in our class. They all admitted that they learned things they never knew and caused riding problems due to not knowing. I took the course after I lost my leg and then learned why I lost it while attending the course. One of the most important things to know riding a bike is that "Your bike is going to go where you are looking". I was looking at a road sign when I wrecked my bike and that is what I hit. Wishing all well.

 

[PastorGene]

Safety

I took the course years ago in Shreveport, Louisiana and we had several experienced riders in our class. They all admitted that they learned things they never knew and caused riding problems due to not knowing. I took the course after I lost my leg and then learned why I lost it while attending the course. One of the most important things to know riding a bike is that "Your bike is going to go where you are looking". I was looking at a road sign when I wrecked my bike and that is what I hit. Wishing all well.

Sorry about your leg. Yes, that is the most important thing, and it was the hardest for me to get through my equally hard head. In fact, I flunked the MSF final because I forgot it and ran wide in the curve course. The remedial really drilled it into us, and the curve course then was much better. Now, five years later, I still have to remind myself: roll off as I enter the curve, look at the road ahead (NOT the scenery alongside!), roll on as I get further into the curve and come out smoothly. I began to practice on a stretch of US 6 between Newton and Grinnell, IA, where there are several S-curves and a couple of high-banked ones. But it is SO easy to forget. Ride on! PastorGene

 

[blade4804]

I took the MSF about three weeks ago. and being in the box sucked... doing a tiny figure 8 on a 250 with me being 6'7 380 pounds... no fun lol, the rest of the class was awesome, only cost 180! took my DL test yesterday and got my endorsement!

 

[mooneydriver]

I took the MSF about three weeks ago. and being in the box sucked... doing a tiny figure 8 on a 250 with me being 6'7 380 pounds... no fun lol, the rest of the class was awesome, only cost 180! took my DL test yesterday and got my endorsement!

Congratulations Michael!
atriot:

 

[bull117]

Congrats all...don't forget the insurance benefit.

Rarely do I share MSF stories...but we all have them. I remember a novice rider (me) lined up, all of us facing the instructor, with the other riders on my trusty 250. We were told to dismount...so I got off...and fell over into the guy next to me...who fell over into the guy next to him etc etc...like dominoes...10 of us fell over. Lesson...don't forget to put the kickstand down.

Bull