MSF Basic Riders Course.... Complete!

"MountainCommand" (MountainCommand) 06/08/2014 at 20:40 • Filed to: 2wheelsgood

8

23

Ive done it! In other terms, I've passed both the written and course test for my motorcycle license! Next step, the dmv paperwork and fees.... Really though, I want to encourage any and all of you who may have even just had the slightest thought about riding a motorcycle. You dont even have to buy one afterwards. Just taking the class was a ton of fun and you learn a lot of very good foundational skills. The bikes we used were these little GN125's.

You know how everyone says the brz is awesome because you can push the limits legally in that car. Well, IMO, this motorcycle (similar size, not exact model) may be the 2 wheel equivalent. I mean, who wouldnt push the limits on these little bikes? You have a closed course to yourself!

Seriously though, these little bikes stopped pretty well. And locking up the rear was interesting too. Power was okay... You could give these little things the beans and rev em right out. Good bikes for the course.

I totally aced the figure 8/double U turn in the box part. Got through the whole thing without even feathering the clutch. The turning the head part and looking where you want to go is no joke! It keeps you so much more balanced.

Only lost 3 points for braking a tad late on the extreme braking part.

I think im going to go back and attempt some of the same scenarios on the course on my bike in the near future.... Especially since the lot has all the lines painted for it.

And considering my bike has R1 front brakes, im gonna have to see if i can beat the stopping distance from those 125's... And see if i can still do the figure 8/double U turn as easily on this.

Diesel > MountainCommand 06/08/2014 at 21:01

1

Congrats. It's a very informative course. Helped me with my overall driving abilities also.

desertdog5051 > MountainCommand 06/08/2014 at 21:23

0

Congrats.

Frank Grimes > MountainCommand 06/08/2014 at 21:54

0

Do you rent the bikes? I dont own a motorcycle but I always wanted a license so I could buy a new sr400 or some newish bonneville some day.

Orange Exige > Frank Grimes 06/08/2014 at 22:16

0

The MSF basic rider courses have bikes for you to use at no additional cost. I mean, the cost is built into the regular fee which varies by location. $275 for me.

jkm7680 > MountainCommand 06/08/2014 at 22:25

0

Congrats!

Orange Exige > MountainCommand 06/08/2014 at 22:28

0

Nice! I finished this course two weeks ago, got my license after completing the second day, looked at and bought my bike the day after, trailered it home three days later (because I had never ridden on the rode before and it was 50 min away), had it insured and registered, bought my gear and here I am today with my wonderful 2000 Ninja 250R.

The course was great. I had fantastic instructors and it was so personal, informative, and hands-on. The figure-8 in the box was so annoying! lol I put my foot down (barely!) on the last turn of it but I did stay in the box!

We had Suzuki 250 standard bikes to ride... I thought all the courses used 250s (some Rebels, some Ninjas) - didn't even know 125's were used for it. This Suzuki was the first bike I've ever ridden but it ain't nothing now! ;)

vintagethunder > Orange Exige 06/08/2014 at 22:39

2

Too many people try and get on a bike with the least skill required to pass the hands-on test on a borrowed mini bike. Take the course and move some of the odds over to your side. Many states wave the hands-on test if you pass the basic rider course. In Illinois the basic rider course is just $20 and after its over you can get it back or donate it to the program.

MountainCommand > Frank Grimes 06/09/2014 at 00:35

0

What exige said. They come with the price. Helmets are even available too (in most cases). All you need is Eye protection, long sleeve shirt, long pants, boots/shoes that cover the ankle, gloves.

MountainCommand > Orange Exige 06/09/2014 at 00:42

0

I remember you made a post about your bike! Its looks really nice! I probably would have started on a 250 or similar if it werent for the amazing deal i found on the 600.

The instructors i had were awesome as well. Ironically, one of them hit a deer on his way to the class. He was on his motorcycle... Luckily he didnt crash but he bent part of his front end. So there was much first hand knowledge about such a situation.

250's sound like fun on that course. You could get a bit more speed for the slalom and countersteer exercises.

I also found out that at least in NJ, if you take the MSF class you are not restricted on what bike you can ride. BUT if you took the motorcycle test on a 250, you would be limited to a 250 or less sized bike. I bought my bike before i took the class and found that out.... Luck was on my side this time haha.

Maybe ill see you on the road someday!

Orange Exige > vintagethunder 06/09/2014 at 10:10

0

I took my class in NY and got the road test waived upon completion of this class so I was able to get my license right after.

It's a pricey alternative, but it is very much worth it. It's basically the only way to get your license if you don't know anybody with a motorcycle license and even if you do, this is just a much better way to do it.

Orange Exige > MountainCommand 06/09/2014 at 10:16

0

Your bike looks sweet! I didn't want to start with anything crazy considering I had never ridden any motorcycle before but I wanted a sport bike so my choices were very limited. Plus I didn't want to spend too much so that eliminated Honda's CBR250's (which they've only been making for a short while) and the Hyosung 250's (which I wasn't sure about anyway) and left me with the dependable Ninja.

Wow - that is crazy the part you mentioned about being limited to the bike size depending on what you do the road test in. It's very silly imo and seems unenforceable... (if it were even enforced in the first place which I am doubtful that it is). The closest I've heard is that if you take your road test on a trike, your license will only allow you to ride trikes.

Be safe and enjoy!

JEM > Diesel 06/09/2014 at 10:20

1

This. Exactly.

I wish they would make every driver take the motorcycle course, it would make everyone a much, much better driver, especially considering so many driver training classes in the US are a joke to begin with.

JEM > MountainCommand 06/09/2014 at 10:23

0

Congratulations!

I took the same course last year except on a Bandit 250 and as someone who's never ridden before, it was fantastic. I can't imagine getting a bike and riding without taking this course.

Finally got around to getting my first bike a few weeks ago, 2001 Suzuki GSX-600 Katana:

Frank Grimes > MountainCommand 06/09/2014 at 17:52

0

seems a killer deal.

MountainCommand > Orange Exige 06/09/2014 at 22:21

0

Just keep in mind, its all about maturity level and self control. You can still do massive bodily harm to yourself and others regardless of the bikes size.... Its about the rider, not the machine. If your inclined about proper throttle control, clutch manipulation, and the ability to understand the weight of the thing between your legs (heck, apply my theory to cars too!), there is no reason a 600 would be more dangerous than a 250. Kinda like Kinetic energy and potential energy. A Hyabusa has wayyyy more PE than a little 250. But its about the KE in motion that matters. The KE can stay the same! IMO, its a mental state.

Im curious what youre into your bike for. I even went over budget at 1200 but i felt it was worth it. Considering ive yet to find anything else in that price range. Its funny, ive almost now spent just as much on gear as my bike...

btw, i spy a missing valve stem cap on your bike!

And yeah, people were using scooters to try and pass the test, using the loophole. Then going out a week later to buy their new 1200RR... The enforcement comes from insurance most likely, during the registration process. So unless you ride illegally there is no easy way of getting away with it, especially if pulled over.

MountainCommand > JEM 06/09/2014 at 22:23

1

Nice! I love the color. My jacket is yellow just like that. Now you just need to get a nice exhaust. Love that little wing on the back!

Orange Exige > MountainCommand 06/10/2014 at 00:29

0

I got my Ninja for $1600. 7500 miles. Compared to the local market, it's pretty reasonable or on the lower end. Motorcycle season in NY I suppose - I saw a lot of newer 250s with much fewer miles going for $2500+ but I wanted to keep my budget (and I did). I was really happy with the cost. And you're right - the gear really adds up. It's a super high up front cost between all the gear, the course, and the permit and license fees, but it's totally worth it.

$1200 for your bike?? o_O

What's the year and mileage? And where are you located? That's insanely low.

lol @ the valve stem cap XD

Why do you think I had to bargain with the seller?! That picture was when I first rolled it onto my driveway. The next day I took - *ahem* reclaimed - two caps from lesser used bicycles in my garage and fixed up this little problem ;)

Finally, I liked your beginning part and it is impossible to argue with - it is simply true. Should it be used as an argument against (many/most) beginners getting 250's? I don't think so at all - it's just the reality of bikes and bikers in general. You gotta start somewhere and it just makes more sense for most people to start off with something that can physically be more easily controlled. Rider mental state is hugely important, but rider physical state is also very important and that includes the skill and dexterity that is gained over time to more precisely control these machines. You and I both know full well what the difference of a little throttle roll will be on a 250 vs a 600 vs a 1000. But of course, like you said, a stronger mental control means a whole lot and recognizing something like this (and speed limits and others) ahead of time is what makes the difference between a rider who should and shouldn't start off with a 600/1000/1200. For most I'd hope it (it being mental state/control/ability) improves over time no matter what but when you're on a bike, it's gotta start high - much higher than most cars - otherwise (like you said) it'll be a danger regardless of what you're riding..

Hey, a person like you with the mental and physical state to start off with a 600 - all the power to ya. Without sounding cocky, I think I too have a similar state to you and would have done fine starting with a 600 if I had so pleased. You can see above some of my reasoning for getting a 250 instead - plus I love the idea of being able to wring out a small 250 on the road, similarly to being able to do the same with a small 4 cylinder car (a la my late MR2 and my late Miata).

JEM > MountainCommand 06/10/2014 at 08:16

0

Haha well it's a grab handle but I guess it does look like a wing. Yeah, the whole bike is stock, even the exhaust, which is rare. Figure I'll spend this year getting better at riding and enjoying it, then maybe next year do some modifications.

MountainCommand > Orange Exige 06/10/2014 at 19:57

1

(sorry for the novelized response...)

Yeah. Im only a state away.. NJ. And super north jersey at that. How close are you to the border? Have you ever heard of high point, or port jervis? I am about 25 minutes from there. If youre ever close, we should meet up and do some parking lot practicing with our bikes!

haha, i notice those tiny things really fast. Especially valve stem caps. Its like a pet peeve of mine. Drives me crazy on cars.

I guess i should have also said, there are some people who should NOT start on 600's or more. There is always an exception, and i should have mentioned that.

I also should have mentioned personal comfort level. If you have doubts about even starting on a 600, those doubts will be reproduced in your actions, thusly causing problems...

And like I also mentioned before, the bike kinda fell into my hands. I would have been stupid to pass it up. And im not really wanting to resell it and rebuy something else either. The owner did so much work to the bike, and its probably everything i would have personally done. It does have 52,000 miles. Yes 52 thousand. But he owned it since 97, and he drove it. It wasnt a garage queen. Its already been laid down. Saves me the trouble of christening it! haha. Besides all that, i would have probably found a sub 300cc bike. My price range was only a grand, and i went over on this. But its dang near impossible to find something good for a grand.

The only issue ive come across is the rear sprocket has a missing tooth. So i got the parts on the way to replace my front/rear sprockets and chain back to oem status.

OH! Thats what you need to check! Chain slack, teeth wear, chain wear, and clutch adjustment. Oh and chain alignment. Your chain is the most important thing on your bike for the most part. Oh, and last thing, check the nut holding the front sprocket on the the countershaft. Make sure its on there tight, and nothing is loose. You may have already done all that tho, but i would feel bad not mentioning it to you.

Unfortunately we are the minority i guess for guys who take this stuff seriously with a mature attitude. Im assuming youre not a squid in training, so we are many steps ahead of them.

I got my leather pants in yesterday... I feel like an emo kid, or some sort of heavy metal rocker when wearing them. Tight leather pants are interesting....

Last thing. For real! So i got my insurance quote today and i was shocked! For a whole year of total coverage, everything maxed out for what they offer, im into it for 275 a year! Or 23 bucks a month. Im 21 too! Im stoked! You must be like half that considering its a lesser CC, if you dont mind me asking. Insurance on my bike was my biggest fear.

may your MR2 and Miata rest in piece!

Orange Exige > MountainCommand 07/13/2014 at 00:35

0

I bet you didn't expect to get a response this late...
Believe it or not, I was away for this whole time and didn't have my computer (or my bike!). But now I'm back home and I finally got to read your whole reply.

I'm in Orange County - Washingtonville to be precise. 40 minutes from Port Jervis and I never heard of High Point. I'm pretty familiar with north Bergen County but I don't travel down there anymore.

52,000 miles on a bike?! In the northeast nonetheless?!! That's dedication right there.

I hope your bike is still treating you well. I went on a nice long ride earlier today with my buddy who I got my license with (though he got a Harley Sportster, yech ;) and it made me remember how much I love riding, even though I still haven't put more than a couple hundred miles down.

Next up, I appreciate your mechanical advice. I'll definitely do those checks/adjustments myself soon. I'm pretty decent mechanically with cars but bikes are entirely new to me (as of two months ago) and I really do have a lot to learn still in terms of maintaining a bike. Luckily my bike has relatively low mileage (8k) and shouldn't require anything major anytime soon but I do have to learn to cover the basics now that I'm back at home and have time again.

I never got riding pants and I don't really plan on it. I got a good motorcycle jacket, gloves, and helmet, and I also ride with jeans and boots which I think makes for a pretty good setup. Oh speaking of my helmet, I got a new shield (see below) and it's kind of really freakin awesome :P

What else... ah yes, the insurance thing. I got a quote first from Geico because that's what my family has for auto insurance. It was something silly like $300 for my bike coverage. I then checked Progressive and this is where I settled. You probably won't believe it but it's true - I have minimal coverage (that is, the least that is required) for my bike on my own plan (I'm a 20 year old guy) for $75 a year up-front.

MountainCommand > Orange Exige 07/13/2014 at 13:29

0

Haha, i am a little surprised. I mean i know we all forget so i dont worry about it if a post is lost in the interwebs. But you actually replied anyways.

Washingtonville is exactly and hour from me, sussex county. I just take rt94 north and that goes right into your town. If your up for riding send me an email at 'my oppo username'@gmail and ill send you my cell so we can work something out. Both of my buddies who have bikes cant ride anymore. One broke his arm in a golf cart accident... and the other his old bmw bike has blown rings. So im left just meandering about.

Oh! I may go ride up to this event instead of taking my prelude. If its nice out i could meet you somewhere and we could cruise over? https://www.facebook.com/events/3153246…

The bike has been doing great. 55mpgs and just did another chain adjustment and she runs awesome. I hit the rev limiter by accident the other day after i missed second gear when doing a spirited acceleration, and by golly it was the coolest noise. You'd never know this bike has 52K miles.

Ive got about 500 miles under my belt now. Not alot but im getting there. And the mechanicals are pretty easy. I liked working on the bike over my car because its much less complex and only weighs 450lbs! Not like 3,000 haha. So you will be fine. Id just suggest getting a shop manual. Chain slack and clutch adjustment are the big things though.

Love that shield! I want to get one but they are surprisingly not the cheapest additions, at least for a bell helmet. I want get get a blacked out visor for mine:

was the 300 for full coverage insurance? If so thats not exactly bad. Especially when you consider the whole theft thing. Thats my biggest concern. But 75 for as year is not bad! But just make sure youre okay with the fact that you are on minimal coverage.

Orange Exige > MountainCommand 07/13/2014 at 21:57

0

I don't think I'll be around for that car show because I'll be going on vacation with my family...

One of my earliest motivations actually (a little less than a year ago) to getting a motorcycle is that they are so much simpler and easier to work with. At this point, I was so sick of working on my MR2 and it had been in my garage for several months and it was taking me so much time to do the head gasket and a whole lot of other crap. Not that I don't like working on cars, but it definitely tested my patience.

Your helmet is awesome! I thought hard about getting one with some sort of graphics but ultimately decided I'd rather get a plain one and get a colored shield for it. One reason I picked my particular helmet was because the shields were widely available and were used for several different HJC helmets. You're right, the shields are pretty expensive - retail, the ones for my helmet go for like $42. I luckily found mine on closeout for about $22. I was pretty psyched.

As for the insurance, I was quoting the minimum for Geico as well. I'm pretty sure even full coverage for me on Progressive wouldn't even cost that much (though I don't recall checking). But yeah, I'm fine with minimal coverage. It gets the job done.

MountainCommand > Orange Exige 07/15/2014 at 15:43

1

No worries. Just an open offer. And if you want to ride, like i said just email me, and ill take a ride up 94. If you know some back roads up that way, it would be great! Maybe ride over to bear mountain or harriman park.

I figured if i was spending a good chunk on a helmet, im gonna get something i like, graphics-wise.

Im just uber paranoid about bike theft, so i couldnt accept any less than full. Plus considering my first car was flooded, i will only buy full coverage ever.