Completed the MSF Course Today

"Old Red Wagon" (wr10)
12/09/2016 at 20:46 • Filed to: None

For years i have been wanting a motorcycle and recently the want was strong. In my 28 years of life i had never swung a leg over a motorcycle. I decided to enroll in the MSF course, it is offered for free for military members at i believe only certain bases. It wasn’t very complicated as i know the mechanics of it all. I’ve driven manual transmission cars for years so using the clutch and learning to shift came pretty easily.

I now am at the point if i should purchase a motorcycle. As fun as it was i live in San Antonio so the riding conditions around here aren’t very ideal. Idiot drivers everywhere you look. If i get a bike it would probably be a weekend toy, looking at something like a Honda CB500F or a Yamaha FZ-07. Might be a better idea to get a beater at first to master the craft as well as i can before deciding to get something more expensive/powerful. I will be on craigslist daily to see what my options are.

DISCUSSION (9)

fintail > Old Red Wagon
12/09/2016 at 21:02

Turbo Busa is a good place to start, or the largest Aprilia you can find.

MSF is a good thing, there are also additional classes to take at intervals or levels of experience after the first. I took one a year after I got my endorsement, it was fun.

Old Red Wagon > fintail
12/09/2016 at 21:05

I was thinking the largest Ducati actually. Glad we’re on the same page though.

Yeah they offer another class for those that already ride and have their own bikes. I’ll eventually take it once i get some more riding time under my belt.

fintail > Old Red Wagon
12/09/2016 at 21:08

Only if it is an old carb model with uneven power delivery, grabby brakes, and a sensitive throttle. A cruiser also works, but only if it weighs over 1000 lbs. For starter bikes, weight makes things easier.

I didn’t get the military discount, but it is still a bargain as my state subsidizes it. I think the first course was $125 and the additional one $100, but this was years ago.

CRider > Old Red Wagon
12/09/2016 at 21:49

Step one completed. Now for step two:

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Old Red Wagon
12/09/2016 at 21:53

Yes, we have a lot of idiot drivers here. Two of the guys I work with ride in nearly every day, from near 1604 to inside 410, so it is possible. I have another frietend that owns a bike and just rides on weekends. Let me know sometime if you want me to get you in touch with them to go riding. Pretty random mix of bikes including a Harley and a V-Stron - they just like to ride. I’ve toyed with the idea of taking the course and getting a bike for ages. CL seems pretty decent for bikes here. As I’m sure you’re aware a fair amount of military buy them and then sell them when they get restationed somewhere that has a winter.

JEM > Old Red Wagon
12/10/2016 at 10:23

Congratz!! Definitely pick up a beater bike first. I feel like the sweet spot for first/used bikes is around $2K. It’s pretty much a guarantee that you will drop it at least once and believe me, it’s upsetting enough when you feel like an idiot doing it on an cheap bike, but it’s far worse feeling when you do it on a new one.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Old Red Wagon
12/10/2016 at 14:09

Congrats! Real world riding is very different and there are idiot drivers everywhere you will go. Just be happy that you can ride year-round as opposed to half the year due to a powdery white substance that falls from the skies.

I don’t think you will get bored of the Honda if you go with it. In the beginning your priority will be not to die and get used to riding on the street. After that you can start pushing the bike a bit and it has enough power to put a grin on your face. Already you will be quicker than the majority of things you meet at a light. Personally I’d save the money (on the bike, on insurance, on gas) and worry about upgrading a year or two from now.

Manny05x > Old Red Wagon
12/10/2016 at 17:18

Get the fz 07 i did for my first bike and i dont regret it just get frame sliders.

brianbrannon > Old Red Wagon
12/10/2016 at 17:53

Super Moto or a Dual Sport is great for being able to see and be seen.