Newb Starting BRC with some ?'s

[EMTrigger]

Ok so I just registered for my MSF course and still have some questions.

-Do they start right from square one?

-Will the instructors already assume you know what the manual shift concept is like on a car?

-I've read where people have been kicked out of class because the instructor felt it was unsafe for the rider to continue. Anyone have any examples of what would get you kicked out?

-What are the stupidest things people do during the riding portion?

[RayOSV]

Yes, the course starts assuming you've never been on a m/c before.

One of the first drills on the bike is exploring the friction zone of the clutch. If you've never driven a stick car before, it should still come fairly easily.

Some students have been asked to leave if they continually don't listen or follow instructions. If you drop the bike more than twice, maybe it's time to worry. If you stall the bike all the time after the first half hour of drills (and there's nothing wrong with the bike), be concerned. Basically if the instructor feels that you're not safe on a bike and you can't address the issues, you may be asked to leave.

People have done all sorts of dumb things on the bikes both on purpose and by accident.

Relax, do as instructed, and enjoy the class. If you can ride a bicycle and pick up what's being taught, you'll do fine.

[Jim Moore]

1. Yes.
2. No.
3. If we think you are a danger to yourself, or especially to the other students, you may be told to leave. It is pretty rare.
4. We had a guy do an accidental stoppie with his rear wheel 5 feet in the air a few weeks ago. It was pretty impressive. He didn't get kicked out though. In fact, he had the shortest stopping distance of anyone on the test. (0.69 seconds and 11 ft for you ridercoaches)

[mojavedude]

sorry for jacking your thread but how old do you have to be to take the class in ny? do you need a drivers license or learners permit? and did some one say that its free if your under 18 or some thing like that?

[Freshgrease]

Originally Posted by EMTrigger

Ok so I just registered for my MSF course and still have some questions.

-Do they start right from square one?

-Will the instructors already assume you know what the manual shift concept is like on a car?

-I've read where people have been kicked out of class because the instructor felt it was unsafe for the rider to continue. Anyone have any examples of what would get you kicked out?

-What are the stupidest things people do during the riding portion?

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.

[EMTrigger]

I'd be pissed as hell if that happened to me. Instructors should start from the very beginning regardless of what experience or inexperience any of the students have. I understand that I should practice but we all didn't buy a car before we took our license exam. Same thing should go for motorcycles. If I paid for the course I expect the teacher to do their job, not give up on their students.

Did you end up taking the MSF again????

[Jim Moore]

Originally Posted by Freshgrease

I got bitched at...

Sorry you had a bad experience. At our school, we go out of our way to ensure the students have a good time while they learn to ride.

[Getsome122]

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.

Sorry your experience was not a good one. I know all of our bikes stay very well maintained, most are dealer bikes and not more than 2 years old. We have very good sponsorship from our local dealers.

At your size you would have ended up riding a DR200 dual sport here, I can see how one of the GZ's was very uncomfortable for you.

I hope you continue to learn and improve your skills and enjoy many years of riding.

[tar23]

Thought I'd just add some questions on to this thread.

I'm also completely new, about to start my MSF in a week. I was just wondering about the gloves/boots. I was considering just buying some of my gear in advance, but then I thought about the possible situation of not enjoying riding. It's my first experience on a motorcycle and before putting down a somewhat large amount of money on gear, I guess I want to know if I'll stick with it. I know I'll probably enjoy it, but I'm currently not in a situation where I can just throw money around.

I guess my main question is, can I just walk into the riding section with normal gloves and something like over the ankle timberlands?

[RayOSV]

Originally Posted by tar23

...I guess my main question is, can I just walk into the riding section with normal gloves and something like over the ankle timberlands?

Yes on the boots, but make sure you tuck in the laces. It's embarrassing when your laces get tangled on the foot peg and you can't put your foot down.

I would get some leather work gloves that aren't really "baggy" to wear for the class. Don't forget long sleeves and sturdy pants (no jeans with huge holes).

It's perfectly OK to minimize your $$ investment before the class. The course is a good way to determine if riding is really something you want to do.

[mike honcho]

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.

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.