Been a couple months since my MSF BRC...

positivecarry · 06-01-2008, 12:43 AM

So, I've wanted to buy a motorcycle for about 3 years now and I finally decided to start the process a couple months ago. I took the MSF class and did well, although since my only prior experience was riding a pedal bicycle years ago, I wouldn't have classified myself as a rock-star at the drills. I was competent though and learned a lot. Oh, and I passed the test.

So, I went and got my license, but for financial reasons I haven't felt comfortable buying a motorcycle yet. So, I took the class in the first week of April and its June now. I'm interested in doing this right, so I'm going to buy all the gear before the bike, which will probably be a 2006-7ish Ninja 250 or *maybe* a Ninja 500 for Suzuki GS500F. But most likely the 250.

So, my question is, should I go back and take the MSF course again? Or, do you guys think I will have remembered enough to stay alive and start the progressive project of learning how to ride?

Also, not that I'd be interested in rushing it, but how many miles did it take you guys to feel comfortable on the highway? How many miles before you started taking long highway trips?

~Scott

TwoColorShoe · 06-01-2008, 01:14 AM

Well, if you don't want to spend any more money than you need to because of financial reasons, then I don't think you have to take the msf again. What I would suggest, though, is practicing a bit with whatever bike you decide to get by doing some of the same drills that the msf put you through, just to get comfortable with the bike.

And for riding on the highway, it really just depends on what kind of traffic your area usually gets. In Oklahoma, I first rode on the highway with only about 500 miles on the bike, but that was on a road that had almost no traffic whatsoever. In NC, if the traffic is heavy, I would suggest you ride on your bike on some city/backroads for a while first until you are fully comfortable with those, as getting on the highway will be a little different at first, with cars right next to you going fast. It really depends on the person, so comfort level should be your main telling point. Be sure to remember to stay out of people's blind spots, and always ride defensively.

Once you are comfortable with highway riding, which really doesn't take too long, actually doing some longer highway trips shouldn't be too bad as long as you are prepared well enough. (as in, if you don't get too uncomfortable on longer journeys, you can carry everything, etc)

TalkofDC · 06-11-2008, 02:05 PM

Kinda of in the same boat...

Took MSF last weekend. Not buying a bike until Aug...

My suggestion would be to just immerse yourself around the sportbike world. Learn everything you can off the bike.

smakawhat · 06-11-2008, 02:09 PM

You'll be amazed at what comes back from your training. It is very much like once you learn to ride a bike you never forget.

When I took the course 3 years ago it was about 2 months before I bought a bike mostly because I went on vacation for 2 weeks and got busy at work when I returned. It's not odd to feel like you haven't practiced but it will come back. I had my first bike delivered to my house, and took very small incremental steps to riding it getting better everyday.

Skoalbasher · 06-11-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by positivecarry

So, I've wanted to buy a motorcycle for about 3 years now and I finally decided to start the process a couple months ago. I took the MSF class and did well, although since my only prior experience was riding a pedal bicycle years ago, I wouldn't have classified myself as a rock-star at the drills. I was competent though and learned a lot. Oh, and I passed the test.

So, I went and got my license, but for financial reasons I haven't felt comfortable buying a motorcycle yet. So, I took the class in the first week of April and its June now. I'm interested in doing this right, so I'm going to buy all the gear before the bike, which will probably be a 2006-7ish Ninja 250 or *maybe* a Ninja 500 for Suzuki GS500F. But most likely the 250.

So, my question is, should I go back and take the MSF course again? Or, do you guys think I will have remembered enough to stay alive and start the progressive project of learning how to ride?

Also, not that I'd be interested in rushing it, but how many miles did it take you guys to feel comfortable on the highway? How many miles before you started taking long highway trips?

~Scott

My suggestion.. not really your question, get the gear at the same time if you are taking out a loan. You will be able to get it all, and none out of pocket.

jim schmidt · 06-11-2008, 02:27 PM

There is some research that says that the benefits only last a few months if not practiced, but you can review your BRC manual and you can practice any of the skills on your own in a parking lot. Paper cups full of water or sand make OK cones.

The BRC Handbook is here: http://msf-usa.org/CurriculumMateria...71_noprint.pdf
Some excercise layout information is here although you can just as easily lay out your own things: http://msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?pag...and%20Diagrams
A course review is here: CourseReview

That said, it never hurts to get more education. Don't rule out taking the class again if it all just doesn't feel right.

Skoalbasher · 06-11-2008, 02:44 PM

To answer your other question though.. I got on the highway after 200 miles. Had to, because I wanted to get to work. It's not as scary as you think. It's actually less nerve racking than riding around on normal roads. Cars are all going in the same direction, and usually not stopping to turn without turn signals.

Look far ahead though, almost got taken out by a trash bag, not sure what was in it.. but I missed it by an inch or 2. Just pay attention. It wasn't fair for me though, because I was passing.. Whew!! MSF Will save your life.