My MSF course is tomorrow! Do I lie or tell truth about experience?

MIKe30 · 05-29-2008, 09:59 PM

My MSF course has finally arrived... again. This time with a garaunteed spot. My question is, when the instructor(s) ask, what is my experience riding motorcycles - do I tell the truth and say "I'm a newbie, I only have 600 miles under my belt" or do I say "Nope, never ridden one yet!"

I've read people say they prefer noobies that have never ridden, not those that have ridden only a little bit like myself. I did learn what I know from a former MSF graduate - so I don't think I've formed any bad habits (**crosses fingers**).

Anyway, I'm going into this humble and willing to learn. Do I have any reason to lie about my personal experience riding? Am I better off doing so?

Thanks
-mike

Airhead · 05-29-2008, 10:03 PM

Ummm...I'm gonna go with my gut feelings on this one. Tell the truth. It wont matter if you lie or not, if they are good instructors, they will be able to tell if you have been on a motorcycle before or not...by your habits, good or bad.

MIKe30 · 05-29-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airhead

Ummm...I'm gonna go with my gut feelings on this one. Tell the truth. It wont matter if you lie or not, if they are good instructors, they will be able to tell if you have been on a motorcycle before or not...by your habits, good or bad.

I see what you mean. Part of me feels like they may get the wrong impression of me if i show up wearing my own gear. I do believe I'd be most comfortable in my gear that I wear all the time, but IMO it's top of the line stuff that may come off as me just being the boy poser that spends mommy and daddy's money?

I guess what it comes down to is my attitude and the vibe i put out. I worked hard for all my shit (arai lid, a* jacket, puma flats...), i'm smart enough to wear it, and I'll definately be humble and willing to learn. Prolly shouldnt second guess myself... Never do with anything else, but this is just very new to me and getting through this course successfully is important to me.

Cop J · 05-29-2008, 10:44 PM

A lot of people in my class had their own gear. Only about 2 people didn't bring helmets. There were 2 people in the class who already have driven. One older lady maybe in her 50's who has driven for 30 years without a license and now she wanted to get her license so she took the course. There was another guy who already had his license and a bike but he wanted to take the class to improve his skills.

Tell them you have some miles under your belt. I'm sure you won't be the only one.

Airhead · 05-29-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKe30

I guess what it comes down to is my attitude and the vibe i put out....... I'll definately be humble and willing to learn.

Thats about the most important things (don't forget to have some fun to). I showed up with my own gear to take the course and most everyone else didn't have anything. I figured my gear was what I would have to get used to riding in so why not start out that way.....plus there was no way in hell I would put my head in one of those MSF helmets after everyone and their dog has been sweating in it.

Gaolee · 05-29-2008, 11:28 PM

I don't see much point in not telling them you have ridden for 600 miles or so. They are there to teach you, and they will be happy to teach you no matter what if you are willing to learn. Go in with an open mind and learn everything you can. That's really the point.

Qwknuf · 05-30-2008, 12:39 AM

What's the point in lying? The instructors will know what kind of experience you have on how well or how badly you execute the drills.

First time I did a track day I was with the beginners even though I already had 80K of street miles under my belt but I didn't have any track experience.

As everyone has said, be honest, keep an open mind and learn. I would also recommend taking the ERC after you've had several thousand miles under your belt.

Freshgrease · 05-30-2008, 01:35 AM

I told my experience, and they put me in the far reaches of the lineup. I couldn't hear the damn instructor.

BuiltGypsy · 05-30-2008, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freshgrease

I told my experience, and they put me in the far reaches of the lineup. I couldn't hear the damn instructor.

You asked the instructor to speak up, right?

At both of the MSF classes I went to I don't remember them actually asking what your riding experience was.

07zzr6004me · 05-30-2008, 02:54 AM

I rode my old bike to my MSF course, and told the truth. Problem with that is I became the "example guy". Instructors made me do everything first and have everyone watch me. Weak. Oh well I paid attention and got the most out of it, glad I did.

johnny_boy02 · 05-30-2008, 04:33 AM

I am going to my first MSF tomorrow. I have hundreds of hours on a dirt bike and a VERY small amount of time on a steet bike. I am not going to lie about anything. The only upside I see to my time on dirt bikes is not being scared of the riding a street bike for the first time. I will be a bit more comfortable than a few others there.

I would bring your own gear. I am bringing my brand new, shiney and expensive SHOEI. I dont care what anyone thinks, ill be damned if I am going to use one of there stinky loaner helmets.

Im just going with a "teach me" attitude. I expect it to be fun.

ajd187 · 05-30-2008, 08:15 AM

One guy in my course rode his first bike (GSX-R 750 - yikes) to the course. A few of the others (myself included) openly discussed that we had ridden before.

Your instructions aren't dumb. They know a lot of people ride on permit only.

nee_ dragon · 05-30-2008, 10:33 AM

dont lie, thats not cool. simply say you have limited experience (which 600mi is limited)

JSquier · 05-30-2008, 10:51 AM

My brother and I had taken the course about 15 years ago to learn. We didn't get our license out of it, so back in 02 we took it again together. He asked us our experience and we were straight up with him. Like 07ZZR6004ME, we were the examples. He watched us closely to see if we had developed any bad habits. Which, luckely, we didn't and I ended up scoring 1st in the class and my older brother scored 2nd, so I think we did ok. We also asked and made sure it was okay for us to ride up there and he said he had no problem with it. He was about the best instructer of anything I've ever had. Wonderful experience!!

MrR2009 · 05-30-2008, 11:05 AM

Cant remember where I heard this, but it goes something like

thou shalt not lie...