It's Spring and Time for MSF Courses

[SteveADV]

I know I've gone here before, but.......For anyone new to this sport, coming back after a lay-off, or experienced but interested in additional knowledge, check-out your local Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses; especially the Basic if considering a bike for the first time or want a brush up on safety info and riding tips.

I think the instructors (and former instructors) we have on this site will back me on the benefits of these valuable educational opportunities.

 

[JaimeC]

ABSOLUTELY. I'm signed up for Eric Trow's "Stayin' Safe" course in Connecticut over Memorial Day weekend. Can't wait!

 

[JaimeC]

Well, tonight's the night I head up to Connecticut for my two-day "Stayin' Safe" course/tour in Danbury, CT. I'll likely get wet on the way up tonight but the weather for the weekend looks PERFECT. I spoke to Eric yesterday afternoon and it turns out he WON'T be one of the instructor coaches this weekend. His daughter graduates from high school, so he had to get a fill-in (though he said he'd try to make it up for dinner Saturday night).

My other coach will be Steve Stone, who I had the last time I took the course (two-up on my K1200LT with the wife). Full report by Monday! Everyone else in the States: Enjoy the three-day weekend!

 

[Spdrush]

I know I've gone here before, but.......For anyone new to this sport, coming back after a lay-off, or experienced but interested in additional knowledge, check-out your local Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses; especially the Basic if considering a bike for the first time or want a brush up on safety info and riding tips.

I think the instructors (and former instructors) we have on this site will back me on the benefits of these valuable educational opportunities.

The problem is that in Ohio the largest scooter is 500cc. Otherwise the basic and returning rider course requires that one use 250cc Hondas. The controls are so different that I am reluctant to learn the clutch stuff. I drive two 6 speed cars so I understand friction zone and shifting but learning that the left handlever is the clutch wont help me. I don't want to think what the lever does in an emergency situation.

I have tried to get an exclusion. It is ok with the state but not locally.

I probably won't book a class if I can't use my own bike.

 

[JaimeC]

Anything you learn on a 500cc scooter (or smaller) would work on the BMWs. I don't see the problem?

 

[davidh]

You take the advanced class (what was known as the ERC) on your own bike. It's awesome because the rider coaches help you learn the limits of YOUR bike.

 

[SteveADV]

With the exception of those totally new to motorcycles, I am not so sure that anyone walks away from the MSF basic course as a more physically "skilled" rider (although picking up a tip or two can always help). After all, the course is only a dozen hours or so on a bike and you never leave the parking lot, but I think nearly everyone would be a wiser rider.

And, yeah I agree wholeheartedly, the advanced class may be the choice for those that want to use their own bike and have a working knowledge of those topics covered in the basic course. Many take the basic before buying a bike with the idea that they will be able to make a more informed opinion about the type of bike they want.