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Originally Posted by Freshgrease
I got bitched at for stalling the crap bike 3 times in a row the first 3 times trying to get the bike moving. I had no manual car/clutch experience. I got kicked out at the end of the first day of riding for stalling the bike and not because I sucked at turning or swerving.
The lady told my father who did pass MSF the session I was doing with him "I'm not sure I want him on the street if he is going to stall like that." I responded "I wouldn't be stalling if your clutch's on these 40k mile GZ250's wern't so finicky". I had enough of her shit and left with my dignity.
You NEED to know how to properly get in the friction zone (where the clutch engages) and learn how to learn where it is at and how much throttle needed to get smooth starts. That is the hardest thing I found about MSF. I had no former experience on the bike, and those who passed (so says my father) had told the instructors that they have been riding for several months without a license.
I went out and bought a new ninja250 a month ago, got used to starting out and shifting, and now I have been able to do fast tight turns and emergency stops from 35-40mph at around 15 -20 feet from the marker to start braking.
I think it depends on the instructor. Mine was an ass from the start and bitched at every break about how I needed to improve my starts disregardign that the 90 degree weather and her pressure were killing me. I am a bigger guy and have a size 14 foot. Those small crusiers they used were too small for my feet and were horribly maintained.
I'd suggest buying a used bike or new and learn basic smooth starts and some basic things like leaving from a stop sign.
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I'm doing it right now, and am kind of experience the same thing. The instructor is a good guy, but gets really frustrated when we were starting out and some people (including myself) were having trouble with stalling the bikes. Also, I kind of get this vibe from him that he has prejudices against me because of my age. BTW, the HD rider's edge course isn't worth the extra 200 bucks. If the regular MSF course through your local community college fits into your schedule, take it. The extra few hours is spent pimping out their bikes and gear. Still worth taking, though.
edit: i'm writing a semi-retraction. found out that the msf at community colleges are somewhat subsidized, so that's part of why they are cheaper. Also, the instructor was very good the second day, turned around my view of him completely. I still think HD advertising themselves so much is unnecessary.