THANKS for stopping by and checking out my second motovlog on this, my brand new channel! I’d love to hear about your personal experiences when (if) you also took the MSF course. Drop me a comment below!
I’m older than the MSF training course. I had to go take a written test and a riding test, and that was it. I was 16 and had barely gotten my driver’s license at all. I got a Yamaha 250 and used it to deliver paper routes (I could do more with a motorcycle than a bicycle), so I made more money 😁. Your 250 Suzuki is reminiscent of my start!
I’m a rider in England and the advice my instructor gave me (that I have never forgotten) was ‘everyone is out to kill you’. Sounds a little morbid but the best advice he could have given. It makes you super aware of everything when you ride
Omg!! I did the same thing. My husband was teaching me, had an accident and I stopped for a couple of weeks. I was nervous, but then I took the Can Am 3 wheels course. I felt comfortable and decided to take the 2 wheel course. The instructor was great and help the class feel comfortable👍. I feel great and now I ride it without being nervous. I really learned a lot in the courses.... "Riding a motorcycle gives me that freedom feeling and peace". I never in my life thought I would be riding at age 53 yr old ❤🥰 Enjoy watching you channel 👍
The best life-saving information that I got from the MSF course was...1. Keep checking all around you and anticipate that no one sees you. 2. The number one killer of motorcyclists is complacency ("I got this.").
Took my rider's course at age 56. Recently retired and had always wanted to do it. My course provider, Learning Curves, had new Honda CBR300's courtesy of Honda Canada in Markham, Ontario Canada. Just minutes north of Toronto. 3 instructors, all with excellent knowledge. Never too old!
I always recommend the MSF course to people telling me they are wanting to get a motorcycle. It’s a great foundation for beginners. I got lucky and my instructor was a mc mechanic before he started teaching the class. The biggest key to being a good rider is to never stop learning. I’m always reading books or watching videos on being a better rider. So from one Ginger to another, keep up the good work!!
I totally agree, Bryan! There's no such thing as knowing it all on a motorcycle. Mentally, we may "get it", but it's all about application and muscle memory and seat time. Nothing replaces time spent on the bike cementing the bond between bike and rider. Thanks for coming by and sharing insight!
I got my MC license while in the ARMY in 1974 at 23. A friend bought a Kawasaki 500 triple (The Widowmaker) and asked if I'd like to ride it and of course I said yes not having a clue! Luckily I was very judicious with the throttle and rode down the block to the beach where a girl asked for a ride (really) and I said sure (still no clue) and rode her around the block dropping her off where she said "that was the best MC ride I've ever had! That scenario never happened again, but I immediately bought a used Yamaha 350. I rode it to DMV where the instructor said, "ride it down the road and go through the gears". When I turned around he was inside signing my MC license and then the crashing began. 500K later I'm still riding turning 70 this year.
I have never taken the MSF class. I had my endorsement LONG before there was such a requirement soI was "grandfather"ed. Lol! Even getting my endorsement was a no brainer. Back in the 1970's (I'm 62 y.o. now), when you were learning, you could do it with a regular licence and ride a motorcycle beside an experienced rider. For me, that was my dad. When it was time for my test, my dad and I rode our bikes about 25 miles to Providence, RI. Once there, the tester told me that since I'd made it there alive, I must know how to ride and he signed my paperwork! Lol! I've held my endorsement ever since!
Great job explaining why you should investigate riding courses. I started riding when I was 13. My uncle told me he would teach me when I could lift the motorcycle. I learned on his 1947 Indian Chief. With every bike I've owned I have spent time in an empty parking lot to practice slow speed maneuvers. Any one can point a bike down a road, but to maneuver in city traffic or slowly through a parking lot takes the real skills. When I was 46, a State trooper pulled me over to get a closer look at my 65 Panhead Electra Glide. Through our conversation about my being an OTR truck driver he asked to see my license. I was given 3 months to get an MSF riding certificate. I'd never had the endorsement!! At my first day in the course I had arrived after a Rolling Thunder mission. Luckily after we walked the bikes my instructor cut me loose with the card the officer required. I did learn that short day, that my balancing before stop lights was taking away practicing controlled stops. Though I get lazy at times about down shifting and stopping, I do feel better about my riding when I stop my bike and rest till the light changes. Good luck out there, you are in my prayers Hoka Hey
What a Scheiß-show! Fortunately that is the exception not the rule. In 1985 I had to wait before my MSF Beginner Rider Course started so tried to take the Nevada MVD's test on my GS550E and failed. The MSF class was run by 2 Las Vegas Metro PD motorcops, 1 retired and 1 still on the force. These guys had a very high fecal cohesion factor! Not only could they ride expertly, but were knowledgeable, patient teachers. The bikes were all 250s, mostly cruisers (cramped) and a couple standard style bikes. All the bikes ran fine and were clean. When the MVD examiner showed up to give us our skills test the last day, no one failed.
Oh my gods do I hate that argument! :D Same thing happened when I bought a 3D printer and a CNC machine - a friend asked if I knew how to use them, I said no, and she laughed her ass off saying "well, why did you buy it then?!" After putting together both of those, because they came as kits, my company now makes high end tabletop arcade cabinets we can produce entirely ourselves. tl;dr: People who don't seek out new things will always have this self-imposed limit at the edge of their comfort zone.
My 2017 MSF course taught me a great deal. At age 65 and coming back to motorcycle riding after a hiatus of about 40 years I needed instruction on how to ride safely on the road. The first day I was tense, anxious and felt a bit overwhelmed. I was exhausted after the 1st day. The second day I was able to calm down and find a much more relaxed level for myself. I was able to get a better feel for what I was doing. After the second day I felt great . 100% on the written and practical part of the testing. I borrowed a Honda CB500 for a couple of weeks to get some riding experience before I went shopping for a bike. I wanted to test my physical and mental ability before deciding what type of bike to buy. I soon bought a Triumph Bonneville T-120 Black. Yes, a beautiful bike that does nothing great but does most stuff well, and I find it to be beautiful and is sounds sooooo goooood. Two things which I learned in my MSF course which has saved my life several times, 1) look where you want to go not at the "bad" thing that will kill you [target fixation] and 2) do not panic and give up but counter steer hard if you start to lose your line in a corner.
I was exhausted after day one too. And those are good tips to remember. The class wasn’t a waste for me by any means. It just wasn’t a quality provider.
I seen 3 people dump their bikes in my first day on my 1st msf class. They all pass in day 2 is the final test what matters. I actually failed, out of 10 riders I was the only one that didn’t make it Because I kept stalling. I think it was a blessing because if I didn’t failed I wouldn’t be so pissed that The next day I bought a Ninja 400 off Craigslist rode and practice around the neighborhood for 4 days straight until I had to take my second msf class that next week. I passed with no problems. Now I am a speed demon in the highways. And learn a skill that a person should learn when moving to Asia. They all mostly ride motorbikes.
I took the MSF class long ago. A local motorcycle shop provided combination road/trail bikes. I don't remember if the motorcycles were new, but they all worked well and they were a good size for beginners. Almost everyone in the class was a beginner, and the class was a good introduction. The instructors would describe a maneuver that sounded almost impossible, demonstrate it, and then have us do it. It was surprising and satisfying to make the motorcycle do something that had been difficult or impossible before. They did a good job, teaching the basics of riding and road safety.
In Australia there are two tiers of motorcycle courses required to obtain the licence. During the Learners course, the temperature plummeted and it commenced to sleet during an indoor lecture. The rest of the day was very cold. But it during the Provisional Course. The Instructor decided to treat it like some Game Show when it came to advising me I would be first to be tested. This was not reassuring. But the real treat was the final rider being tested. Most participants brought their own motorcycles, except the final two who were using Course provided provided Bikes. The final portion of the test was a weave and complete stop from 20km/h. The final rider locked the front wheel brake, with the rear lifting about 60cm in the air. All of the class had their mouths agape expecting it would be a disqualify - but it was still a pass. All of the class passed that day.
Ginger Dash: I have been riding bikes since the age of 15...nearly 45 years. The most important thing I have learned about riding: never stop finding ways to continue your learning process; different types of courses, private tutoring, specialist riding instructors, anything! Even the most experienced riders should always yearn to learn more about riding motorbikes - there will always be new things to learn, and this will ensure you continue to be a safe and healthy ride...which always leads to more enjoyment from the experience. Have fun! Cheers, TH
Hello. My name is Todd. I was in the same situation as you. I am turning 50 in April 2021 and I bought my first cruiser bike. And I love it. So free. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.
I don't want to bore everyone with too many details but you described an experience just like my own! I bought my bike July last year, at the age of 51, three weeks before my scheduled MSF. On the second full day I was riding in a circuit with two other riders in an exercise that many may remember as it is sometimes called the "peanut". It contains turns and a straight away that is supposed to have you speed up to 25 MPH before needing to slow down into a turn. At 2 laps into it, the rider in front of me was unexpectedly riding way too slow. I had no experience to recognize the danger I was in until it was too late. That rider in front of me was almost at a stop just at the end of the "fast" straight away as I approached going too fast and the position of the instructor happened to be be standing just at my left side . I felt pinned into position (which of course I was not) and hadn't even yet learned about emergency stopping (I think that came next) so I grabbed the front brake way too hard and was thrown over the front of the bars right in front of everyone in the class, sliding head first on the road for about 12 feet. I can tell you I wound up graduating with flawless results for the final testing but the real lessons were learned with this incident and a bit of road rash to the knee. I have gone on to enjoy 3000 miles accident free since then with another safety course coming up this May. I will never forget what I learned there!
New rider here at 44 and a fellow ginger! I took the MSF thru the local HD dealership. Nice small class with a max of 6 riders. It costs a little more than a community college would offer, but the limited class size was more focused.
That sounds like a much better class than mine. My area has no real options, aside from the lame provider I utilized for my (sad) first experience as a rider. Enjoy the new two-wheeled lifestyle, Tim!
I was a supposedly experienced rider, Nope after 30 plus years, I didn’t have a clue. I dropped two bikes on the course. What the heck, I had to learn how to pick it up anyway. The course bikes were a bit bashed up. One of the advantages of taking the course, I got to ride several different bikes. Every time we took a break we swapped bikes. Then we picked the kind we liked for the test. I used the bike no one else liked, a CRF. The course also offered a couple of road rides on their bikes, not the ones from the parking lot. I skipped them because I didn’t have time. My instructor was very good, it’s unfortunate you didn’t enjoy it. I think my positive feeling about the course, made me feel a lot more comfortable going out on my own. I also went for a practice road test on my own bike. Later I took an advanced course, on my own bike with the same guys, it was really good.
My MSF course could be at one of two places. The track by the BMW shop had a sizable number of G310Rs, almost fresh from the factory. I had missed the first class of the year, turned out for the better, as it rained solid, both days. To the point the lot had inched of standing water. Two weeks later, I took my class at the other course, and the high that weekend was 27F on Sunday afternoon. (The classes are 10 miles apart, welcome to weather in the Carolinas) Nothing like a dozen air-cooled, carbureted bikes with 3-500 classes on them in the mid 20s. We would park the bikes to get ready for the next lesson, we left them idling rather than turn them off, because restarting them was a nightmare. Once we got them running and warm, we left them running the entire day other than lunch break (three of us knew what a choke was when we started them the first time). We had one bike die on Sunday on the second test course. The rider used another bike (same model) that another guy was riding in that weekend to finish. I took my written a week later, and before the ink was dry test rode a bike. Wanted to try one more bike rather than buy the first one I rode. Called another shop to schedule a test there and the bike I wanted to test was sold that day. It's nearly twin was available so I tried it and as a riding friend told me, "Ride an R bike once and you'll be hooked" and I came home with a 2006 BMW R1200RT (I'd ridden a Honda CBX before, so it wan't a huge jump compared) Until Covid set in, she was my daily commute 5 days a week unless the forecast was >40% rain.
Gina, thank you for the smiles. I have been riding and racing for more years than I care to remember, and yes that means nothing, but I want to highly recommend the course to EVERYONE who wants to learn to ride. Actually, I would rather see EVERYONE get a dirt bike or dual sport, and learn that way, but what do I know lol, I race in a straight line for 7 seconds. All kidding aside, EVERYONE please remember after the class, now you need to learn TRAIL BRAKING, and COUNTER STEERING. This is so very important to your safety and longevity on your motorcycle. As far as my feelings towards a dual sport bike for learning is the FACT that the MSF used the Suzuki 200 Dual Sport for years to teach new riders. I just happen to have 1 in my shop for just that reason. Again, please folks, take the course, and get out there and ride. Use your head like Gina, and don't let your first bike be a purchase of vanity, but SANITY. GOD BLESS ALL READING THIS. SEE YA'LL IN THE WIND. T.S. RACING 🇺🇸🙏👍
Remember too folks, that AFTER the class, riding with a finger on the front brake lever is perfectly acceptable and highly recommend. The class instructor will give you a ruler over the knuckles, but after you get your license, this practice may very well save your life. 🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍
Great advice! I’ve implemented much of what you’ve mentioned and practice various skills regularly. It’s easy to think you know “enough” and never advance beyond being a serviceable rider. I sometimes cover the brake. Depends on the situation and where I’m riding. Appreciate all of your input.
I taught this course for years in pa, its a litmus test telling you if you have any business being on a motorcycle, if you cannot pass this test with relative ease you should not be riding. as far as after the test its all about getting experience
I did an MSF Advanced riders course years ago. We rode our own motorcycles. Like your course, it rained while we were doing the riding portion, no one dumped their babies. I signed up to get a break on insurance and thought I would not learn anything, I learned a lot. Recommend looking into a similar training course after a years experience. This was not a track day, it was a morning of classroom and discussion, and an afternoon of riding to learn improved control on a large parking lot.
That’s great advice, Robert. I would definitely like to take a class that helps me advance beyond my current skill level. While I’m no longer a complete neophyte, I know there are areas I’d like to focus on. Finding classes like that in my area is not simple though. Hopefully, when things once again are more “normal” I’ll find a class that fits the need.
I had my bike 3 weeks before I went through the course. As a paralegal in the Army, I tend to not do illegal things. So my bike sat in my garage TEASING me because I couldn't ride it. I was so pathetic, that I would pull it out of the garage and rock it up and down the driveway (private property and not considered a "public roadway"), haha! I passed that course without incident and got my license the same day and went on a short 50 mile adventure on the first day I was licensed. A few years, and many thousands of miles later, I love riding and I love my bikes. I'm happy you found riding and that you love it, too. No matter the age, I'm a firm believer that there is no age limit on riding or learning how to ride. Rubber side down, and we'll see you on the road.
When my wife and I took our course ( in 1989 ), one of the students tried to prevent his bike from dropping. The instructor ran up to the situation and kicked the bike over. As the class gasped, he yelled " If the bike is dropping don't try and stop it, it will only get you hurt! I've never seen so many bike drops in my life then I did on that day...LOL! Also explained why our learning bike were in such bad shape.
I was 23 when I bought my first bike, I had to take a friend with me to show me...everything. I rode it home and in about a weeks time I had my license and I was proud because I did ir all on my own. Then I found out that nobody had a motorcycle endorsement, back in the 80s cops didn't care, as long as you had a car's license you were alright. congrats to you on passing the test.
I took my class a few years ago. Started with class work on day 1 in the evening. The first half of day two was finishing class work and taking the written exam. After lunch we went to the area for the riding lessons. No issues with the bikes but the lot we used was not level. I had never ridden before so everything was new to me. Our area was large enough that we were able to shift up and down which was nice. The biggest issue was the slope of the lot when doing tight turns. My biggest fear was dropping the bike as it was an automatic failure so doing those tight turns was my biggest fear of dropping. I made it through and passed but I never bought my bike. Just turned 50 and been really wanting to go get a bike. I will say, there were a few guys in my class that scared me watching them ride. We all managed to pass, I did see one rider in the class before me do a retest of the riding exam. I’m guessing he failed it the first time.
My son and I took a MSF course together, as he was a new rider at age 18 and me a 47 year old guy who had not ridden in 25+ years and even then it was dirt bikes. I must say the school we used was excellent (all our kids have used the same school for their car licences too). The bikes were in excellent shape, well maintained, the instructors were excellent, (bar one who was a bit arrogant) and they made sure we were well prepared to get our full motorcycle licences when the time came. The course was not cheap at $850, but included 2 x 2 hour class room lessons, 2 x 4 hour parking lot lessons, 1 x 4 hour parking lot and road lesson, 1 x 3 hour mix of city streets, housing areas and highway riding and 1 x 1.5 hour tune-up lesson the day before your major road test often riding some the possible routes you might take for the road test. The course fee also included the bikes to use, a helmet if you did not have your own and also the bike to use again for the final road test.
My MSF class had honda rebel cruiser and yamaha tu250 (dual sport), the dual sport looks more intimidating due to high seat height but is actually far easier to ride and maneuver at slow speeds. much more low speed torque and standing up on the pegs can turn on a dime. My tip from MSF course is they don't teach you to turn off turn signal after a turn and those suckers don't turn off by themselves.
My heart goes out to you.. I've been riding for around 40 years and my test cost 8 pounds sterling . consisted of watching me ride around the block ( roughly 400 yard's) a couple of questions on the highway code oh and he jumped out in the road to simulate a emergency stop 😂🤣😂. I'm never going to forget about that day. The day this spotty 16 Year old became a man. And i'v never looked back. Hope you have many awesome years ahead of you
It’s such a pain in the UK, I was riding around on a 125cc for months on L plates and you do learn a lot and it makes the step up to the 600cc class a lot easier. I got my full license on the schools MT-07, then traded my 125 in and got a Ducati 797 monster. Been riding 4 years now and age 50! :).
@@richardcollins586 I sat my test on a 250lc and the next week I was riding a turbocharged gsx1100 katana.. that I still own and is going through a full restoration.. hopefully I can get out on it this summer 😂🤣😂🤣🤘
Thank you! I’m still finding my way as far as additional content for the channel, but even if these early videos aren’t perfect, I’m trying and learning more every time.
@@GingerDashMoto im taking the the MSF course next weekend. I been looking at bike and i found two that i really like i just don't know. If im able to afford a bike payment im still paying on my car
@@mikeanderson2152, even if you’re not ready to buy a bike, you’re doing the right thing by taking the MSF course ahead of time. You’ll be better prepared when you are ready. Best of luck to you!
I took MSF at a Harley Davidson dealer. My street 500 had a lot of slop in the throttle, bent crash bar etc. I passed lol I am 56 year old new street bike rider. (Harley) Grew up on dirt bikes. Quit riding in my mid 20’s. Glad to be riding again. Safe travels!
The place I went to was near a military base and the instructors were military. They screamed at people as if they were recruits. By the 2nd day half the class had left. The bikes were 125cc or so and like yours were just terrible and mine kept stalling when cold. The parking lot was in terrible shape with cracked uneven concrete. It was raining too. 5 people out of a class of about 20 passed. I was really down on MSF after that. In ‘19 I bought a new Harley and they tossed in the class for free to all new buyers. I thought why not try the riders edge version of MSF for fun. I H-D been riding for many years by then and had a lot of experience. What a difference. The instructors were professional and the bikes were in great shape. The lot was behind the dealership and pristine. They actually gave me some useful tips to take care or some be habits too. I would suggest new riders to check out a class before you sign up. Watch the the level of instruction and bikes condition. BTW i subbed you have interesting content.
Couldn’t agree more. If I knew then what I know now, I would have looked further afield for a quality MSF course. This provider has a bit of a monopoly in my area, and I took what was available. Hindsight! That drill instructor style class you described would have me dropping and giving twenty. 😁
My MSF instructor was great, bikes good, I did not really want to go ride on the roads, but it also left me with anxiety about NOT being taken to ride on roads with an instructor. I rode many miles in my neighborhood learning to ride in the real world and found another biker to go ride with me on freeways and major traffic. MSF leaves you in the middle.
My MSF experience wasn't as adventurous as yours, but suffice it to say I took mine in the middle of July. In Florida. We used HD Street 500s which had plenty of power, but I kept hitting my shin on the foot peg and had a bruise there for a week. Out of 10 students, 6 of us passed. I found the more I rode after getting my endorsement, the more confidence I gained. Watching YT channels like Jerry Palladino's Ride Like A Pro and DanDanTheFireman also helped me considerably. Good luck on your continued journey!
I'm a MSF Instructor. We have had students complain about bike performance and we switch out the bike if the student insists. Yes, the friction zone engagement is different on every bike but if the bigger issue is bike performance, the "different" friction zone issue is minor and something you will get used to quickly. The purpose of successfully completing the BRC is not intended to "rip it up" right after the course. Once you pass the course, it gives you a license to learn!! Be a life learner, take the BRC2, ARC, track day riding courses, etc. I have been teaching for 15 years and riding for 45 years; I learn something new after teaching any MSF course (BRC, BRC2 or ARC) and after every ride I take with my buddies. Glad to see another woman get into the sport. Keep the skin up and the tires down.............Ride safe!!
Hey, Rob! This provider was obviously more interested than profit that a worthwhile experience for the new riders they were meant to train. I did ask to use another bike, on the second day. I was told I had to use the bike I started on, regardless of it's issues. Just glad I made it through and I don't have to do it again. Not there anyway.
Hey Ginger, I'm from Quebec and it is different here. You need to go through a mandatory 6h theory and 26h practical course. The you get your exam and you're good to go alone (with a curfew!) for at least 11 months. Oh, and it's roughly 1 100$. I've always wanted to ride. and I grew up around bike shops in Quebec city and Montreal in the 90s. and riding on the back seat with my dad :) I'm a 37 years old mom now with no biker friends o_O but I'm going for it! Practical course starts in May and I can't wait for it! I just found out your vlog and I am super happy I did. Looking forward binge watching your channel :)
We have courses here in the UK taht require THREE tests. CBT, Cert of basic training, Theory including hazard awareness and practical. The Hazard awareness gets everyone.
One person, who I think was there just to learn to be a good passenger, panicked and didn't clutch. Ended up an embankment in a hedge next to a chain link fence. Looking back, it was funny, but at the time we were all dead serious knowing that could have been any one of us. Had a great Instructor.
Fortunately, we didn’t have any incidents beyond mechanical failure and inclement weather. But it’s easy to see how a brand new rider can have an “oops” during these classes.
Wow, well good on ya for making it through! I had absolutely great, supportive instructors, and the bikes were all fresh from the dealer. We each put the first 12 miles on our bikes. To their credit, the instructors did not separate us into groups by experience, because what’s the point? The more experienced riders struggled just as much as the beginners. We were all in it together and were encouraged to support each other. Two people dumped their bikes, but it was no big deal. It snowed on the first day, but we kept on riding. Everyone passed. I totally agree with you, though. I could do a slow U-turn with the best of them, but it did not prepare me to jump onto a busy boulevard or freeway.
I'VE been riding since 1970... mini bike... trike...suzuki 185 ... honda chicken wing (Gold wing without the saddle bags) then harley from then on... 17 street glide now... 900 pounds of horsepower... Living right outside Mac Dill AFB south Tampa FL
During my Motorcycle course, I was having trouble with the motorcycle going from neutral to first because there was a bit of a malfunction in the beginning. I told my instructor that and he did not believe me. He tried it and found it was a bit harder than it should have been as well, but did not give me a different bike. He said it would be fine. I had never ridden a street bike before and he knew that. He told me to just step down harder on it. The next day, we had to be in 2nd gear on the straightaway before the last slow movement turns and shift down to 1st before the turn, the bike would not go into 1st gear from neutral. I dropped the bike. I did not get hurt, but the bike got messed up and I had to get another bike. I had to pass the final driving test on a bike I was not familiar with. I passed the test but had I been more familiar with the bike, I probably would have done better.
That sounds very similar to my class experience. Less than great equipment and being told you just have to deal with it. I know how frustrating that must have been.
Where I live, completing the MSF Level 1 course gets you the cycle endorsement on one's driver license. I had good instructors and enjoyed it as I also completed Level 2 which really improved my skill level. All the bikes were 250cc in engine size and were light and easy to maneuver.
i'm so glad i was an instructor for the Harley-Davidson classes, we had our service dept maintaining the bikes, and not only was i the instructor but the service manager, you best believe our rider, edge/riders academy bike ran top shelf Please miss Ginger if you have not, Continue you education, take the intermediate and advanced classes, then look for a racing school and since you are in florida see about taking a class with Jerry Paladino at Ride like a pro, NEVER Stop learning and practicing
Great advice, Bruce! And I will be looking for a class to better my skills. It just won’t be local. No options in my immediate area. And honestly, the HD dealership nearby isn’t very friendly toward sport bike riders, so taking a class there isn’t really an option.
@@GingerDashMoto Agree With Bruce i Take at Least One Course a Year and Find i am improving Everyday Plus i Watch on CZcams Jerry Paladino Ride Like a Pro Videos(Over 2 Hundred in His Classes) Great Guy and Super inst.
Hello from Denmark :) I am from Portugal, when I took my bike test, year 2000 still in Portugal, all we had to do was some figure 8s, in my case, with a (well maintained) CB 500. I did maybe 4 or 5, and then the examiner asked me to go to the nearest roundabout and back. That was it back then :) Before that, I had instructions (for quite for a long time), in some evenings, maybe a total of 20 classes, back then taken right in the street, usually in not busy areas. I do know now it's quite different. I took many years before buying a bike, I had a Honda NT700V (known as the Deauville in europe). Now, in Denmark, I bought a bike again last year, it arrived in march 2020, but was ordered right before the pandemic, in November 2019. Cant wait to ride again as for now, it's just too cold (and salty roads) for my taste :) Subscribed, good luck with the channel!
Hahaha!! I did the same thing: buying the bike before I knew how to ride it! 🤣🤣🤣 My MSF course was scary, but I managed. I saw one person dump, though it was nothing major. That figure 8 box was the bane of my existence! The bike ran fine, thank goodness. Yikes, it sounds like your course was more of a baptism in fire (and rain)! Good on ya for getting through it. Great advice for people considering going for training. Your story is important for others to hear, so thank you for sharing this! 😎👍🏻
I'm happy to learn I'm not the only person to just jump in with both feet and hope I don't need a life preserver. :D This class was a comedy of errors...but baptism by fire sounds way cooler. I'll go with that! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, that's a great video. You're a good talker. The bike's pretty. The scenery is so beautiful. I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel. Always stay healthy. 👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙🤙🤙👌
Wow, that actually brought back memories of my MSF Better Biking Program course back in 1982. Back then I used my own bike and it was fairly new to me. I bought it second hand but it was only a year old and the dude I bought it from didn't ride it much. Turned out the battery was dying and I didn't know it until the skill part of the course. Every time I hit the brakes hard it would die. I did manage to keep it lit long enough to pass but that was frustrating. I still have the bike though. Take care. Ride safe!
I had always enjoyed being a passenger on a bike so I decided in my forties to try to learn to ride. A friend of mine had the Honda Rebel and I thought that would be great for my first bike. So when I took the course, I chose the Rebel in the line-up. But the instructor suggested that I ride the 125 they had available instead. He did this because I admitted to having zero experience and I only weigh about 115 lb. and stand at only 5’3’’. The lady I traded bikes with had arrived to class on her Honda Goldwing and was only taking the class to sharpen her skills so that switch was a great idea 😂. In my state, you can leave class with paperwork to present to the DMV and have motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license if you pass the test at the end of the last class. I barely passed and my instructor was visibly relieved when I assured him that I would not be riding on public roads until I had a lot more practice.
Hey Beth! We are allowed the same licensing endorsement here after the two day class. And while I had the basics down, I spent weeks riding in parking lots and on my neighborhood streets learning. The class is a primer, but for people like me with no prior experience, a lot of learning has to take place afterward too. Unfortunately, some people, especially the young ones, think they know all they need to know after just two days. Here’s to being older and wiser! 😊
Gina if you like parks I live in Port Orange and have been an avid photographer for years and within 5 or 6 miles of my home there are 5 beautiful free parks. Lots of animals and landscape. Of course there is always the beach if you want to venture out on a long ride. Like your plain straight personal thinking and observations. Thanks Wayne
That is such sage advice Gina, in the 15 years we owned training schools Florida and Texas, we never allowed a student to ride a bike like you did. We had a cable break a few times but that was it. I would suggest that before people schedule their class/course, go and watch the class being conducted on the range to see how the instructors interact and see the equipment. Your story had my wife and I rolling laughing.
It was obvious to me that they were more interested in taking our money, than in giving us a good first experience on a motorcycle. I'm happy to know that isn't the case for all MSF courses. Not that I expected it was normal...but it goes to show that having more than one or two class locations and finding quality reviews is important.
My second round of riding started when I was 50. Been riding for 15 years. I took the MSF experienced course after getting my bike. It is a little more in-depth and works more on skills. To improve every more I recommend “Ride like a Pro”. He has a channel on CZcams and is based in Florida.
I started riding February 1981, and just like you a friend had to ride it home since I had never ridden before. I taught the MSF course in 1982. Glad you past with all the distractions. Be safe on the road.
i am 55 and i want to go take this course(hence why i’m here)..i ride on the back with my hubby ,who doesn’t want me to ride! which i get he’s worried about my safety but geezz! it’s more of a bucket list thingy..not sure i’ll actually get my own but whoo knows? i hope i enjoy the course..i am very nervous alrdy!
@@neiceystauffer9085 It’s a bucket list thing for me too. I take my course in 2 weeks and I’m nervous but I’m going to give it a shot. If I like it I’m going to buy a bike. Been waiting to take this class forever!
@@Allie_Rose It was on my bucket list as well. It's ok to be nervous as it will keep you hyper focused. But you're going to look back at taking the MSF class and getting your bike as one of the best, life changing decisions you've ever made. Enjoy!
Just working my way through your past video's. Obviously congratulations on passing your test when you did, sounds like it was a rough couple of days. But all good experience for future riding. Really like your channel. Have subscribed. Nice to hear you tell it how it is in your episodes. Nothing like a good bike ride, great for clearing the head. Keep enjoying it and have fun 😎🏍🏍🏍.
Just saw your first vid tonight. I can relate. I will be taking the MSF later in March. I'll be 51 by then and will be purchasing my first bike probably around July. I am hoping that I don't have a story regarding the course besides passing it. I've been a consumer of YT content for quite awhile and have enjoyed watching many content creators perfect their craft. I am looking forward to witnessing your online evolution. Cheers!
That's awesome, Chuck! I hope you'll come back and share how your experience goes when you do take your MSF. Best of luck to you on your new adventure!
Hi Gina. Your MSF course is similar to the UK’s CBT or compulsory basic training. I’m a bike instructor from CBT to advanced. Our CBT differs in as much as we have a compulsory two hour road ride at the end. It’s not a test, but for us instructors to see your gonna be safe to ride on your own. Great advice about checking companies out btw, we also have the same issues here. Take care and ride safe Neil x
Glad you survived the course GD. How time changes the ways that we obtained our licences. The Police Officer in my community (Magnetic Island, Nth Qld, Australia), Knew had seen me on numerous occassions riding around and so when I went for my car licence(drove him to the bakery for his morning tea break), he asked me if I wanted a bike licence as well. He stated that at least now I would be legal!! All that aside, experience will come with years in the saddle, and the occasional advanced rider course. Keep safe, rubber side down. Best from Oz.
My sympathies for your experience. Glad you found a way to get through it. And now that you can look back on it, it's almost funny and it makes good content.
I did the same thing! Bought a Livewire, no clue how to ride, just knew that's the bike I wanted. I took the MSF course at the Harley dealership and picked the only red bike (my favorite color lol), and no one told me it's the biggest pain in the ass of the lot. It had the touchiest clutch with a friction zone shorter than the lolipop gang, a neutral that you can NEVER find, and a throttle that stuck every now and then. I got to learn how to adjust a clutch, take apart the throttle on a harley and deal with a whole host of mechanical problems (that I'll likely never see on a Livewire) all in a nice long weekend. Oh, and another student grabbed a fistful of front brake on a turn and lowsided into three of us on the first day so I was sore as hell for half of the first and the whole second day 😂 Learned a lot of what not to do, and how to fix some goofy stuff lol. Also learned that I will never own a "normal" Harley lol
Wow! It sounds like you had quite the special adventure at your class as well. Enjoy that bike of yours. For every unique person, there is a perfect bike. Stay safe out there!
@@GingerDashMoto very true! I love that I can tune the power on it, since it’s electric so for the first few months it didn’t have any more power than a 250. It’s def the perfect weird bike for my nerdy self 😋 You stay safe as well!
I’ve heard about the bike, but am not familiar with the mechanics involved. That’s really interesting that you can adjust the power. And a good selling point. Thanks for sharing that.
@@GingerDashMoto I definitely recommend swinging by one of the dealerships and taking one for a test drive! It’s not something I ever intended to actually buy but after test riding one at an event in Vegas I was hooked 😋
Here in the Atlanta area, I was lucky, because there are plenty of places that offer the MSF course. I chose to go with a local Harley dealership, because it was cheaper, covered three days, and I’m an aspiring CRUZR BOI. The instructors were really great, buy my poor old beat up H-D Street 500 had seen better days. It ran and handled fairly well, but had a sticky throttle. It was either all gas or no gas, and sometimes would stick open to all gas right in the middle of exercises. Without me even touching it! Judging from all the other bikes, none were better off, and it’s no wonder. One of my classmates, who had never been on a bike or even driven a straight drive - EVER - did an unintentional chainsaw burnout when she dismounted the bike without putting it in neutral and turning it off. Which unfortunately scared her and she quit on the spot. Then another guy - on the final test - did a highside and flipped his bike. He was OK, the only thing really hurt was his pride, but he automatically failed. The course was over a weekend, and I didn't know the dealer was also having an event. Food trucks, loudest sound system contest, craziest custom trikes, tons of people and loud bikes everywhere. It was like trying to learn how to swim in a pool while they’re also having a combination swim meet and bathing suit contest. Super distracting! Then nerves nearly got me on the test, I flubbed stuff I’d been doing just fine for days but managed to squeak through! Another thing a lot of people struggled with during the course was proper gear. Mostly boots and gloves, which are your direct contact with the controls. They showed up in some of the craziest stuff, UGG boots (on a dude), their dad’s oversized work gloves, etc. Just went to show important it is to have proper fitting gear meant for motorcycle riding. I also learned - the hard way - that sunscreen and lip balm are essential accessories for motorcycle riding. Plus stay hydrated, and bring your own helmet, the loaner helmets we had were trashed and gave me blinding headaches. I think I'd been better off if I'd done like Charlie Brown and hollowed out a pumpkin for my lid!
That sounds like a miserable class! And you got that last part right too. I ended up with a sunburn on my face (and that was with some sunscreen on to begin with) at the end of the first day. I squeaked by to pass the test myself. And couldn’t wait for it to just be over.
@@GingerDashMoto Hey, GD, actually despite all the craziness, it was an enjoyable experience that I'll never forget. The people were what made it, the instructors were awesome, and my classmates were a real hoot! Such a wide mix of ages and backgrounds, but all were super friendly and supportive of each other, and the jokes were never ending. Even if I came away exhausted with an extra crispy chicken fried nose!
a bit different in my country, but I got a funny and frustrating story as well. under EU law, to get a moto license you need to take several hours or practice lessons before taking the exam. if I remember correctly it's about 11-12 hours. we also have different types of licenses that allow you to drive up to certain cc, which is a safety measure for younger riders as you cant get an unlimited license until you are 25 or so, or have 2 years on a smaller license. anyway long story short, the frustration for me came when I finished my lessons and was ready for the exams, lockdown happened, which means driving tests were cancelled, and I had to wait 7 months! and just like you I had already bought my bike, and she was waiting for me at home, but I couldn't ride!!! 7 long months later, I finally set a day for the test, on the day of the test, 1 hour before the exams were to start, it starts raining, heavily, if the rain would not stop they would have to cancel the exams, so you can imagine my frustration that I wouldn't be able to get my license still. thankfully the rain stopped, and we finally took the exams with about 2 hours delay. Now even though I was very good during lessons, exams makes me mess up, no matter what type of exam it is. so I mess up royally, not in a dangerous way, but in a way that made the exam person get angry lol, thankfully for me, my instructor talked to the exam person, and I got my license. (the exam is very performative in the end and you learn nothing, so it doesn't really matter, when you instructor tells you you are ready you ready you know) but for the record my mistakes were: 1. I was told to turn right but dyslexia kicked in and I was going to turn left instead, 2. I was going a bit slower than I should 3. the mistake of all mistakes the bike turned off, (it was cold because of the rain and after stopping my clutch- throttle coordination didn't work and boom.)
Ms. Dash- Good on you for becoming a rider! My wife tried a MSF class too and had a miserable experience, mainly due to an instructor of the "drill sergeant" variety. While I am sure he was technically proficient, she does not respond well to a non-gentle environment and was quite terrified with the instruction. Needless to say she was not successful and lost all desire to learn to ride. She does enjoy riding on the back though so maybe she might try again someday; I'll show her your videos and see if you have a good influence! Thanks, Bob
Hey Robert! The story about your wife is exactly why MSF classes should be “geared“ appropriately. A drill sergeant mentality is not going to gently usher someone into the two wheeled lifestyle. You can be certain what your wife experienced is not the only incident of someone being turned off of motorcycles because of a bad experience. I’m glad she still enjoys riding with you, and may be a better class with reviews that share actual experiences will reignite her interest one day.
Most states have a quality assurance program but there's only a few inspectors and a lot of Ridercoaches. When something like this happens you should definitely bring it up with the school or, if they are not responsive, the state's quality assurance program. Each state's motor vehicle department certifies the schools and the curriculum and determines how the program needs to be taught.
Great story and advice. Pretty thankful my MSF course didn't have that level of disaster! That being said I'm glad I trained on the MSF bikes rather than my eventual bike. Keep up the good Vlogs.
I am in process of choosing the date for my msf course and this was helpful. I’m enjoying your channel as a newly single mom of 3 at age 42. I’ve ridden as a passenger and that was the best thing I’ve ever done- and I’ve done a few things. And I love driving cars. 😎 So I want to try driving and I’m planning to buy a bike. Really been enjoying learning about them and mechanics/maintenance. I look forward to learning constantly to be good- I want to be safe and go fast. I think I found home. 😊 You do a great job on your channel! 👏
I am so impressed with your bravery courage and intelligence you have that fantastic balance of a go for it spirit but you have the intelligence and thoughtfulness to not be Reckless I totally respect that hope you're just having the funnest time out there your great you deserve it keep kicking ass out there! LOL
ha go figure I had a feeling there'd be a video about you talking about whether or not you did the msf class. I LOVED My msf course it was awesome. I'm sorry to hear your's was so troublesome! Great video!
Solid advice Gina. Sorry you had a rough time of it but thank you for sharing the hard lessons. My entire MSF course was in the rain but I was so happy to be back on a bike, it even reminded me of my first motorcycle, that you couldn't wipe the grin off my face. I did notice that others were struggling and I honestly have a hard time imagining anyone taking the course with zero experience. I started in the dirt and, sorry to say, did my "road learning" illegally back in the day.
I'm in California and the MSF course gives you two tries for the fee of $250. I actually failed my first try, mainly because I picked the wrong size (too big) and my over excitement (riding part). It was mentioned that I should pick a smaller bike for easy control 🤔 and that's what I did on my 2nd try. I almost failed because I did a front wheelie by accident 🙃 but it was great that I passed! My tip is to pullover when I feel I'm getting over confident and excited because there is a high chance I'll make a mistake. I think I should of asked the instructor where I missed on points so I could of worked on it.
Great start to your channel Gina. Very similar to you. A smidge older(couple years) and just got my first bike ever in August 2020(Harley Iron 883). I took the MSF Rider Course thru my local Harley dealer(so the bikes were all consistent and similar to my Iron 883). Worked hard to pass the class like you. The day after passing MSF Class, I UBERED to the dealer, picked my bike up(I had already gotten basic license to ride and bought the bike) and I rode my bike home. I was scared CRAPLESS having to get up to 50-60 MPH on way home(back roads, no highways, went like at 10AM to avoid traffic). HOWEVER I was thankful I had some skills(very basic) from my MSF Class. But the MSF is literally only a STARTING point for new riders. Practice and parking lot skill work builds confidence and just getting out and riding also helps. Keep up great work and RIDE SAFELY!!!
That sounds so familiar! The first evening I rode my bike (6 days after I bought it, and four days after the course), I was pretty damn anxious. No way could I have taken it home from the dealership. It is on a 55mph road and I wouldn’t have been ready after it’s the MSF course. Lots of self study after the class. That’s the only way to do it. Glad you had a good MSF experience though!
I took the course. 300 LB man. 6'3". Been riding unlicensed for years. The "largest" was a Suzuki dule sport. It would not go into nutral. Unless you shut it off. I looked like a gorilla riding a unicycle. Over all a great experiance. Good luck with the channel. I look forward in seeing where you take it.
I am taking my basic course next year to get my endorsement. I've rode in the past but off road. I bought a drz400s Suzuki 2021 and I've been setting it up for about 80% off road. I will hopefully let ya know how it goes with my course when finished. Ride safe. Thanks for the video. 👍🏼
Enjoying your videos- keep them coming!Drove across the bridge to Tampa and purchased my 1st bike today (Rebel 500). My MSF class isn’t for another week 😜 It’s going to be a looooooong wait until I can ride!
Hi Gina! It’s incredible just how little training you need in the US to be able to ride. If you’re a kid who’s grown up on trail bikes then that’s different but as a new rider who’s never been on bikes before, I’m amazed! In Europe we need to pass our A2 license, which is very challenging. You need to pass the track manoeuvres test before they’ll let you loose on the roads. Only 3/6 of us passed first time. One lady I know has just taken her 6th test and failed again. In the US she would have passed. And maybe not be riding anymore...The road test is way easier. Then you’re limited to 48hp bikes for 2 years, after which you have another days training to gain your A license to allow you to ride all types of bike. My advice to you? Training, training and more training. Look up Lee Parks - Total Control. Will give you loads of help.
I totally agree, Simon. More required training here would produce safer and more skilled riders. Americans have it too easy...and I can say that because I am one. :)
Hi Gina, thanks for sharing your disaster story, although I did it find it a bit hilarious!, and almost unbelievable!. to begin with, you bought a bike, knowing your ability, and now, demonstrated as a competent rider, and congratulations on passing he test! A lovely story, and gave us a chuckle!
Just caught your channel. I took the coarse many moons ago in Japan while in the navy. We used our own bikes for that coarse and guess what happened. Yup, I dropped it. Since then I have taken 3 courses, road raced, annnnd have done some pretty interesting stuff on motorcycles. There's an old saying, you'll never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist office.
When I did my CBT (UK version of MSF), there was a rainstorm of biblical proportions. There was 2 inches of standing water on the roads. It was an Easter Bank Holiday Friday, the traffic on the roads was horrendous, and we went round one of the worst double roundabout junctions in the city, next to a massively busy Hypermarket. I survived it. When my son tried to do his full test just before Christmas, he got 300 yards down the road on the instructor's bike, and the wing mirror fell off. The examiner stopped the test. Neither one was amused.
Oh man, me too!!! My boyfriend has a motorcycle and I have been wanting to learn. So, without having zero riding experience I went to take my endorsement class! Hahaha, what was I setting myself up for?!? It was a disaster. But, I’m giving myself a second chance. I’m getting my cruiser bike, which is my type of bike. Keeping my fingers crossed. Awesome channel...will keep watching your videos and thank you so much, you give me inspiration as Im 46 yrs old and getting my bike now. Wish me luck!! Wish me luck 🙏🏻😂
Hey Johana! I empathize with the endorsement class disaster. I passed by the skin of my teeth and then spent many, many weeks riding super slow on little neighborhood streets. Parking lot practice too. Ended up running up and over a curb and onto a sidewalk one night! You’ll get it! Be patient with yourself and above all...don’t give up and HAVE FUN!! Good luck! 😊
I took a safety course and it was the only time I ever dropped a bike! Boy was my face red!!! I was not even moving at the time!! I barely passed the test, simply because I was so nervous! I also struggled with the slow speed maneuvers with everyone watching! When I was unsuccessful in my first run of the exam run, the instructor said “You just need some practice. Take a couple of runs and we will test again.” I did the test course again as practice, my run was nearly perfect, because it was practice, right? The instructor was watching me, and he said, “There you go. You just passed!”
That was actually a really clever way of helping you with the nerves. And is the sign of a great instructor. My instructor was good, but the equipment made the experience far less beneficial for a new rider than it should have been. In my mind, I see others dealing with subpar equipment and then just giving up thinking the fault was theirs. I’m just glad it ended and I passed and I could practice on my own with a properly functioning bike.
I did the same thing, I bought a new motorcycle before taking my MFS lessons. The instructor said, I hope nobody has already bought a motorcycle without ever riding before. Umm... well.... Thank you for the video. I look forward to watching a lot more videos from you.
That would be awful to fail simply because of crap equipment. I was very fortunate in that everything went really smoothly for me. We did have one person dump the bike about 5 times but was impressed she kept getting up and trying and passed in the end.
You’re not kidding. It’s was frustrating and aggravating. And if it were my business, I’d be embarrassed to offer that type of equipment for a classs that is essential to new riders.
Sounds like your instructor got a lesson in TCLOCs. Probably not the intended use of that learning model. One thing I took away from the basic class was the enforcement that anyone can keep a bike up once it's rolling. The translation of that is hard part of riding a motorcycle is not the breezy country ride. Its what you do at low speeds and the stops.
Similar experience to your MSF. HONDA 250 rebels is what we rode. One of our bikes had slightly warped brakes so you could hear the rhythmic rubbing at low speeds which turned into a squeak at higher speeds. Bike I rode was really rough idle which got me in trouble with the instructor. Coming out of a turn on the merging course the bike was revving high so the turn was faster than he would have liked... he waved me to slow down. On the next lap I gave it a bit of throttle on the straight to see if it would kick down. I did that just as he waved me to stop. Needless to say that was my first real life emergency hard brake on a motorcycle. The instructor was happy with the braking... not so much that he was at ground zero when it happened :)
When I took my MSF course my bike only liked to idle a little bit... then it would give up and die. I remember my instructor yelling "it doesn't need the choke anymore, it's hot!" and I thought "really?" lol. That class was pretty confusing. I paid for private lessons after, lol. Learning to ride was pretty sketchy at first but it was worth it.
I guess all those bikes in the course had their cylinders full of soot from idling whenever they run. On idle, engines usually run pretty rich which means the burn cooler and the combustion is not very thorough. Soot and charred oil gets deposited on all surfaces in the cylinder. Since soot is carbon and carbon conducts electricity, the ignition takes the easier way through the deposited gunk, not the spark gap. →No spark →No ignition →No engine no run. A few rounds around the lot with bursts of quick acceleration and throttle wide open would probably have cured the issue. ^^)
I am no fan of any MSF courses...and having heard your account reinforces my stance on MSF courses. That being said, I rode for a little bit before taking my MSF course and getting licensed. I did figure out that I really had no business being on a motorcycle prior to taking my MSF course. But, being the skilled rider that I am now, I have figured out that the MSF course has little value when riding on the streets. I am happy to hear that you figured that out from the get-go. Like Bruce Grumpy said below, CONTINUE to work on your skills! Have you noticed that I say skill and not experience. Most of the motorcycling world is made up of experienced riders, not skilled riders...huge difference! Skilled riders have an unpopular saying amongst experienced riders; there are a lot of 20 - one-year experienced riders out there. So look around and find some advance courses around you. I am in the Dallas/FTW area and are fortunate to have several options here...non MSF options. We are also fortunate that several groups in the area host free skills sessions. On any given week, you could literally practice your skills at least three times a week. Join some Facebook groups and pick up on some lessons and tips, and maybe there is a group near you that practices. I invite you to join our fb group; facebook.com/groups/practiceriderepeat Our group meets a couple times a month to work on our skills. I have recently come to the conclusion, as our group grows and I'm finding that not all are local, I am trying to regularly post content that is helpful and beneficial. (I was just going to send you PM with that info but couldn't find a PM link for you) You're doing great with your motovlog...keep up the good work!
Lots of great advice! And you are spot on. There is a vast difference between experience and skill. I have no idea how (?) to do PM on here? I do follow some excellent channels on here that offer a lot of videos with drills and skills coaching. Those work for me for now. There really isn’t anything at all in my area for intermediate or advanced riding though.
THANKS for stopping by and checking out my second motovlog on this, my brand new channel! I’d love to hear about your personal experiences when (if) you also took the MSF course. Drop me a comment below!
We in the UK the course is called the CBT. Compulsory Basic Training. X
No. At the time I did my license we didn't have such a thing.. just a 10 minute test 🤘🤘
I’m older than the MSF training course. I had to go take a written test and a riding test, and that was it. I was 16 and had barely gotten my driver’s license at all. I got a Yamaha 250 and used it to deliver paper routes (I could do more with a motorcycle than a bicycle), so I made more money 😁. Your 250 Suzuki is reminiscent of my start!
I’m a rider in England and the advice my instructor gave me (that I have never forgotten) was ‘everyone is out to kill you’. Sounds a little morbid but the best advice he could have given. It makes you super aware of everything when you ride
Sounds like my first rule of finance.... Everybody wants your money.
Omg!! I did the same thing. My husband was teaching me, had an accident and I stopped for a couple of weeks. I was nervous, but then I took the Can Am 3 wheels course. I felt comfortable and decided to take the 2 wheel course. The instructor was great and help the class feel comfortable👍. I feel great and now I ride it without being nervous. I really learned a lot in the courses....
"Riding a motorcycle gives me that freedom feeling and peace". I never in my life thought I would be riding at age 53 yr old ❤🥰
Enjoy watching you channel 👍
The best life-saving information that I got from the MSF course was...1. Keep checking all around you and anticipate that no one sees you. 2. The number one killer of motorcyclists is complacency ("I got this.").
Took my rider's course at age 56. Recently retired and had always wanted to do it. My course provider, Learning Curves, had new Honda CBR300's courtesy of Honda Canada in Markham, Ontario Canada. Just minutes north of Toronto. 3 instructors, all with excellent knowledge. Never too old!
Sounds like a great course, Mike! I'm just glad mine is over and done with it. And I passed.
I always recommend the MSF course to people telling me they are wanting to get a motorcycle. It’s a great foundation for beginners. I got lucky and my instructor was a mc mechanic before he started teaching the class. The biggest key to being a good rider is to never stop learning. I’m always reading books or watching videos on being a better rider. So from one Ginger to another, keep up the good work!!
I totally agree, Bryan! There's no such thing as knowing it all on a motorcycle. Mentally, we may "get it", but it's all about application and muscle memory and seat time. Nothing replaces time spent on the bike cementing the bond between bike and rider. Thanks for coming by and sharing insight!
I got my MC license while in the ARMY in 1974 at 23. A friend bought a Kawasaki 500 triple (The Widowmaker) and asked if I'd like to ride it and of course I said yes not having a clue! Luckily I was very judicious with the throttle and rode down the block to the beach where a girl asked for a ride (really) and I said sure (still no clue) and rode her around the block dropping her off where she said "that was the best MC ride I've ever had! That scenario never happened again, but I immediately bought a used Yamaha 350. I rode it to DMV where the instructor said, "ride it down the road and go through the gears". When I turned around he was inside signing my MC license and then the crashing began. 500K later I'm still riding turning 70 this year.
I have never taken the MSF class. I had my endorsement LONG before there was such a requirement soI was "grandfather"ed. Lol!
Even getting my endorsement was a no brainer. Back in the 1970's (I'm 62 y.o. now), when you were learning, you could do it with a regular licence and ride a motorcycle beside an experienced rider. For me, that was my dad. When it was time for my test, my dad and I rode our bikes about 25 miles to Providence, RI. Once there, the tester told me that since I'd made it there alive, I must know how to ride and he signed my paperwork! Lol! I've held my endorsement ever since!
Great job explaining why you should investigate riding courses. I started riding when I was 13. My uncle told me he would teach me when I could lift the motorcycle. I learned on his 1947 Indian Chief. With every bike I've owned I have spent time in an empty parking lot to practice slow speed maneuvers. Any one can point a bike down a road, but to maneuver in city traffic or slowly through a parking lot takes the real skills.
When I was 46, a State trooper pulled me over to get a closer look at my 65 Panhead Electra Glide. Through our conversation about my being an OTR truck driver he asked to see my license. I was given 3 months to get an MSF riding certificate. I'd never had the endorsement!! At my first day in the course I had arrived after a Rolling Thunder mission. Luckily after we walked the bikes my instructor cut me loose with the card the officer required. I did learn that short day, that my balancing before stop lights was taking away practicing controlled stops. Though I get lazy at times about down shifting and stopping, I do feel better about my riding when I stop my bike and rest till the light changes.
Good luck out there, you are in my prayers
Hoka Hey
What a Scheiß-show! Fortunately that is the exception not the rule.
In 1985 I had to wait before my MSF Beginner Rider Course started so tried to take the Nevada MVD's test on my GS550E and failed.
The MSF class was run by 2 Las Vegas Metro PD motorcops, 1 retired and 1 still on the force. These guys had a very high fecal cohesion factor! Not only could they ride expertly, but were knowledgeable, patient teachers. The bikes were all 250s, mostly cruisers (cramped) and a couple standard style bikes. All the bikes ran fine and were clean.
When the MVD examiner showed up to give us our skills test the last day, no one failed.
Oh my gods do I hate that argument! :D
Same thing happened when I bought a 3D printer and a CNC machine - a friend asked if I knew how to use them, I said no, and she laughed her ass off saying "well, why did you buy it then?!"
After putting together both of those, because they came as kits, my company now makes high end tabletop arcade cabinets we can produce entirely ourselves.
tl;dr:
People who don't seek out new things will always have this self-imposed limit at the edge of their comfort zone.
My 2017 MSF course taught me a great deal. At age 65 and coming back to motorcycle riding after a hiatus of about 40 years I needed instruction on how to ride safely on the road. The first day I was tense, anxious and felt a bit overwhelmed. I was exhausted after the 1st day. The second day I was able to calm down and find a much more relaxed level for myself. I was able to get a better feel for what I was doing. After the second day I felt great . 100% on the written and practical part of the testing.
I borrowed a Honda CB500 for a couple of weeks to get some riding experience before I went shopping for a bike.
I wanted to test my physical and mental ability before deciding what type of bike to buy. I soon bought a Triumph Bonneville T-120 Black. Yes, a beautiful bike that does nothing great but does most stuff well, and I find it to be beautiful and is sounds sooooo goooood.
Two things which I learned in my MSF course which has saved my life several times, 1) look where you want to go not at the "bad" thing that will kill you [target fixation] and 2) do not panic and give up but counter steer hard if you start to lose your line in a corner.
I was exhausted after day one too. And those are good tips to remember. The class wasn’t a waste for me by any means. It just wasn’t a quality provider.
I seen 3 people dump their bikes in my first day on my 1st msf class. They all pass in day 2 is the final test what matters. I actually failed, out of 10 riders I was the only one that didn’t make it Because I kept stalling. I think it was a blessing because if I didn’t failed I wouldn’t be so pissed that The next day I bought a Ninja 400 off Craigslist rode and practice around the neighborhood for 4 days straight until I had to take my second msf class that next week. I passed with no problems. Now I am a speed demon in the highways. And learn a skill that a person should learn when moving to Asia. They all mostly ride motorbikes.
I took the class at a Harley Davidson dealer. Great experience, good bikes, good instruction, small class, worth what I paid, which was under 300.
I took the MSF class long ago. A local motorcycle shop provided combination road/trail bikes. I don't remember if the motorcycles were new, but they all worked well and they were a good size for beginners. Almost everyone in the class was a beginner, and the class was a good introduction. The instructors would describe a maneuver that sounded almost impossible, demonstrate it, and then have us do it. It was surprising and satisfying to make the motorcycle do something that had been difficult or impossible before. They did a good job, teaching the basics of riding and road safety.
It sounds like your class was better run and better supplied than the one I attended.
In Australia there are two tiers of motorcycle courses required to obtain the licence. During the Learners course, the temperature plummeted and it commenced to sleet during an indoor lecture. The rest of the day was very cold.
But it during the Provisional Course. The Instructor decided to treat it like some Game Show when it came to advising me I would be first to be tested. This was not reassuring. But the real treat was the final rider being tested. Most participants brought their own motorcycles, except the final two who were using Course provided provided Bikes. The final portion of the test was a weave and complete stop from 20km/h. The final rider locked the front wheel brake, with the rear lifting about 60cm in the air. All of the class had their mouths agape expecting it would be a disqualify - but it was still a pass. All of the class passed that day.
I was 59 years old when I learned how to ride a motorcycle for the first time I bought a big Harley Davidson trike which I love very much
Ginger Dash: I have been riding bikes since the age of 15...nearly 45 years. The most important thing I have learned about riding: never stop finding ways to continue your learning process; different types of courses, private tutoring, specialist riding instructors, anything! Even the most experienced riders should always yearn to learn more about riding motorbikes - there will always be new things to learn, and this will ensure you continue to be a safe and healthy ride...which always leads to more enjoyment from the experience. Have fun! Cheers, TH
Hello. My name is Todd. I was in the same situation as you. I am turning 50 in April 2021 and I bought my first cruiser bike. And I love it. So free. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.
That’s fantastic, Todd. Congratulations!
I don't want to bore everyone with too many details but you described an experience just like my own! I bought my bike July last year, at the age of 51, three weeks before my scheduled MSF. On the second full day I was riding in a circuit with two other riders in an exercise that many may remember as it is sometimes called the "peanut". It contains turns and a straight away that is supposed to have you speed up to 25 MPH before needing to slow down into a turn. At 2 laps into it, the rider in front of me was unexpectedly riding way too slow. I had no experience to recognize the danger I was in until it was too late. That rider in front of me was almost at a stop just at the end of the "fast" straight away as I approached going too fast and the position of the instructor happened to be be standing just at my left side . I felt pinned into position (which of course I was not) and hadn't even yet learned about emergency stopping (I think that came next) so I grabbed the front brake way too hard and was thrown over the front of the bars right in front of everyone in the class, sliding head first on the road for about 12 feet. I can tell you I wound up graduating with flawless results for the final testing but the real lessons were learned with this incident and a bit of road rash to the knee. I have gone on to enjoy 3000 miles accident free since then with another safety course coming up this May. I will never forget what I learned there!
New rider here at 44 and a fellow ginger! I took the MSF thru the local HD dealership. Nice small class with a max of 6 riders. It costs a little more than a community college would offer, but the limited class size was more focused.
That sounds like a much better class than mine. My area has no real options, aside from the lame provider I utilized for my (sad) first experience as a rider. Enjoy the new two-wheeled lifestyle, Tim!
Cost? It's free in PA where I am.
I was a supposedly experienced rider, Nope after 30 plus years, I didn’t have a clue.
I dropped two bikes on the course. What the heck, I had to learn how to pick it up anyway.
The course bikes were a bit bashed up. One of the advantages of taking the course, I got to ride several different bikes.
Every time we took a break we swapped bikes. Then we picked the kind we liked for the test.
I used the bike no one else liked, a CRF.
The course also offered a couple of road rides on their bikes, not the ones from the parking lot.
I skipped them because I didn’t have time.
My instructor was very good, it’s unfortunate you didn’t enjoy it. I think my positive feeling about the course, made me feel a lot more comfortable going out on my own.
I also went for a practice road test on my own bike. Later I took an advanced course, on my own bike with the same guys, it was really good.
My MSF course could be at one of two places. The track by the BMW shop had a sizable number of G310Rs, almost fresh from the factory. I had missed the first class of the year, turned out for the better, as it rained solid, both days. To the point the lot had inched of standing water. Two weeks later, I took my class at the other course, and the high that weekend was 27F on Sunday afternoon. (The classes are 10 miles apart, welcome to weather in the Carolinas) Nothing like a dozen air-cooled, carbureted bikes with 3-500 classes on them in the mid 20s. We would park the bikes to get ready for the next lesson, we left them idling rather than turn them off, because restarting them was a nightmare. Once we got them running and warm, we left them running the entire day other than lunch break (three of us knew what a choke was when we started them the first time). We had one bike die on Sunday on the second test course. The rider used another bike (same model) that another guy was riding in that weekend to finish. I took my written a week later, and before the ink was dry test rode a bike. Wanted to try one more bike rather than buy the first one I rode. Called another shop to schedule a test there and the bike I wanted to test was sold that day. It's nearly twin was available so I tried it and as a riding friend told me, "Ride an R bike once and you'll be hooked" and I came home with a 2006 BMW R1200RT (I'd ridden a Honda CBX before, so it wan't a huge jump compared) Until Covid set in, she was my daily commute 5 days a week unless the forecast was >40% rain.
Gina, thank you for the smiles. I have been riding and racing for more years than I care to remember, and yes that means nothing, but I want to highly recommend the course to EVERYONE who wants to learn to ride. Actually, I would rather see EVERYONE get a dirt bike or dual sport, and learn that way, but what do I know lol, I race in a straight line for 7 seconds. All kidding aside, EVERYONE please remember after the class, now you need to learn TRAIL BRAKING, and COUNTER STEERING. This is so very important to your safety and longevity on your motorcycle. As far as my feelings towards a dual sport bike for learning is the FACT that the MSF used the Suzuki 200 Dual Sport for years to teach new riders. I just happen to have 1 in my shop for just that reason. Again, please folks, take the course, and get out there and ride. Use your head like Gina, and don't let your first bike be a purchase of vanity, but SANITY.
GOD BLESS ALL READING THIS. SEE YA'LL IN THE WIND.
T.S. RACING 🇺🇸🙏👍
Remember too folks, that AFTER the class, riding with a finger on the front brake lever is perfectly acceptable and highly recommend. The class instructor will give you a ruler over the knuckles, but after you get your license, this practice may very well save your life.
🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍
Great advice! I’ve implemented much of what you’ve mentioned and practice various skills regularly. It’s easy to think you know “enough” and never advance beyond being a serviceable rider. I sometimes cover the brake. Depends on the situation and where I’m riding. Appreciate all of your input.
I taught this course for years in pa, its a litmus test telling you if you have any business being on a motorcycle, if you cannot pass this test with relative ease you should not be riding. as far as after the test its all about getting experience
I did an MSF Advanced riders course years ago. We rode our own motorcycles. Like your course, it rained while we were doing the riding portion, no one dumped their babies. I signed up to get a break on insurance and thought I would not learn anything, I learned a lot. Recommend looking into a similar training course after a years experience. This was not a track day, it was a morning of classroom and discussion, and an afternoon of riding to learn improved control on a large parking lot.
That’s great advice, Robert. I would definitely like to take a class that helps me advance beyond my current skill level. While I’m no longer a complete neophyte, I know there are areas I’d like to focus on. Finding classes like that in my area is not simple though. Hopefully, when things once again are more “normal” I’ll find a class that fits the need.
I had my bike 3 weeks before I went through the course. As a paralegal in the Army, I tend to not do illegal things. So my bike sat in my garage TEASING me because I couldn't ride it. I was so pathetic, that I would pull it out of the garage and rock it up and down the driveway (private property and not considered a "public roadway"), haha! I passed that course without incident and got my license the same day and went on a short 50 mile adventure on the first day I was licensed. A few years, and many thousands of miles later, I love riding and I love my bikes. I'm happy you found riding and that you love it, too. No matter the age, I'm a firm believer that there is no age limit on riding or learning how to ride. Rubber side down, and we'll see you on the road.
When my wife and I took our course ( in 1989 ), one of the students tried to prevent his bike from dropping. The instructor ran up to the situation and kicked the bike over. As the class gasped, he yelled " If the bike is dropping don't try and stop it, it will only get you hurt! I've never seen so many bike drops in my life then I did on that day...LOL! Also explained why our learning bike were in such bad shape.
That’s not the advice we were given. But I suspect our course provider was more interested in money that in a proper training experience.
I was 23 when I bought my first bike, I had to take a friend with me to show me...everything. I rode it home and in about a weeks time I had my license and I was proud because I did ir all on my own. Then I found out that nobody had a motorcycle endorsement, back in the 80s cops didn't care, as long as you had a car's license you were alright. congrats to you on passing the test.
Times sure have changes, Yirando! Thanks for visiting!
I took my class a few years ago. Started with class work on day 1 in the evening. The first half of day two was finishing class work and taking the written exam. After lunch we went to the area for the riding lessons. No issues with the bikes but the lot we used was not level. I had never ridden before so everything was new to me. Our area was large enough that we were able to shift up and down which was nice. The biggest issue was the slope of the lot when doing tight turns. My biggest fear was dropping the bike as it was an automatic failure so doing those tight turns was my biggest fear of dropping. I made it through and passed but I never bought my bike. Just turned 50 and been really wanting to go get a bike.
I will say, there were a few guys in my class that scared me watching them ride. We all managed to pass, I did see one rider in the class before me do a retest of the riding exam. I’m guessing he failed it the first time.
Hey, David. It’s never too late to buy that bike. 😊
My son and I took a MSF course together, as he was a new rider at age 18 and me a 47 year old guy who had not ridden in 25+ years and even then it was dirt bikes. I must say the school we used was excellent (all our kids have used the same school for their car licences too). The bikes were in excellent shape, well maintained, the instructors were excellent, (bar one who was a bit arrogant) and they made sure we were well prepared to get our full motorcycle licences when the time came. The course was not cheap at $850, but included 2 x 2 hour class room lessons, 2 x 4 hour parking lot lessons, 1 x 4 hour parking lot and road lesson, 1 x 3 hour mix of city streets, housing areas and highway riding and 1 x 1.5 hour tune-up lesson the day before your major road test often riding some the possible routes you might take for the road test. The course fee also included the bikes to use, a helmet if you did not have your own and also the bike to use again for the final road test.
That sounds like an excellent and very comprehensive course. And sharing the experience with your son must have been really special!
19 years as an instructor I have some stories...lol
My MSF class had honda rebel cruiser and yamaha tu250 (dual sport), the dual sport looks more intimidating due to high seat height but is actually far easier to ride and maneuver at slow speeds. much more low speed torque and standing up on the pegs can turn on a dime. My tip from MSF course is they don't teach you to turn off turn signal after a turn and those suckers don't turn off by themselves.
My heart goes out to you.. I've been riding for around 40 years and my test cost 8 pounds sterling . consisted of watching me ride around the block ( roughly 400 yard's) a couple of questions on the highway code oh and he jumped out in the road to simulate a emergency stop 😂🤣😂. I'm never going to forget about that day. The day this spotty 16 Year old became a man. And i'v never looked back. Hope you have many awesome years ahead of you
Wow! That’s one way to get licensed. 😁
That was over 40years ago.. it's a lot stricter now. It has 3 part's now. cbt /theory/and on road test . And it's very strict 🤘🤘
It’s such a pain in the UK, I was riding around on a 125cc for months on L plates and you do learn a lot and it makes the step up to the 600cc class a lot easier. I got my full license on the schools MT-07, then traded my 125 in and got a Ducati 797 monster. Been riding 4 years now and age 50! :).
@@richardcollins586 I sat my test on a 250lc and the next week I was riding a turbocharged gsx1100 katana.. that I still own and is going through a full restoration.. hopefully I can get out on it this summer 😂🤣😂🤣🤘
Well done!
On the plus side now you know you can ride in the rain and handle a strange bike that has issues.
Safe travels!
It was strange, that's for sure!
Great job on the video. You are doing better than most, your channel will explode.
Thank you! I’m still finding my way as far as additional content for the channel, but even if these early videos aren’t perfect, I’m trying and learning more every time.
I agree with tenn. You’ll get there, I can see it.
@@GingerDashMoto im taking the the MSF course next weekend. I been looking at bike and i found two that i really like i just don't know. If im able to afford a bike payment im still paying on my car
@@mikeanderson2152, even if you’re not ready to buy a bike, you’re doing the right thing by taking the MSF course ahead of time. You’ll be better prepared when you are ready. Best of luck to you!
@@GingerDashMoto thank you. Im excited and nervous i don't know what to expect but im ready for the class
I took MSF at a Harley Davidson dealer. My street 500 had a lot of slop in the throttle, bent crash bar etc. I passed lol I am 56 year old new street bike rider. (Harley) Grew up on dirt bikes. Quit riding in my mid 20’s. Glad to be riding again. Safe travels!
The place I went to was near a military base and the instructors were military. They screamed at people as if they were recruits. By the 2nd day half the class had left. The bikes were 125cc or so and like yours were just terrible and mine kept stalling when cold. The parking lot was in terrible shape with cracked uneven concrete. It was raining too. 5 people out of a class of about 20 passed.
I was really down on MSF after that. In ‘19 I bought a new Harley and they tossed in the class for free to all new buyers. I thought why not try the riders edge version of MSF for fun. I H-D been riding for many years by then and had a lot of experience. What a difference. The instructors were professional and the bikes were in great shape. The lot was behind the dealership and pristine. They actually gave me some useful tips to take care or some be habits too.
I would suggest new riders to check out a class before you sign up. Watch the the level of instruction and bikes condition. BTW i subbed you have interesting content.
Couldn’t agree more. If I knew then what I know now, I would have looked further afield for a quality MSF course. This provider has a bit of a monopoly in my area, and I took what was available. Hindsight!
That drill instructor style class you described would have me dropping and giving twenty. 😁
My MSF instructor was great, bikes good, I did not really want to go ride on the roads, but it also left me with anxiety about NOT being taken to ride on roads with an instructor. I rode many miles in my neighborhood learning to ride in the real world and found another biker to go ride with me on freeways and major traffic. MSF leaves you in the middle.
The one thumbs down is your instructor from the disaster course.
Ha! Keyboard warriors strike at random. 😁
My MSF experience wasn't as adventurous as yours, but suffice it to say I took mine in the middle of July. In Florida. We used HD Street 500s which had plenty of power, but I kept hitting my shin on the foot peg and had a bruise there for a week. Out of 10 students, 6 of us passed. I found the more I rode after getting my endorsement, the more confidence I gained. Watching YT channels like Jerry Palladino's Ride Like A Pro and DanDanTheFireman also helped me considerably. Good luck on your continued journey!
Thanks, Vincent!
I'm a MSF Instructor. We have had students complain about bike performance and we switch out the bike if the student insists. Yes, the friction zone engagement is different on every bike but if the bigger issue is bike performance, the "different" friction zone issue is minor and something you will get used to quickly. The purpose of successfully completing the BRC is not intended to "rip it up" right after the course. Once you pass the course, it gives you a license to learn!! Be a life learner, take the BRC2, ARC, track day riding courses, etc. I have been teaching for 15 years and riding for 45 years; I learn something new after teaching any MSF course (BRC, BRC2 or ARC) and after every ride I take with my buddies. Glad to see another woman get into the sport. Keep the skin up and the tires down.............Ride safe!!
Hey, Rob! This provider was obviously more interested than profit that a worthwhile experience for the new riders they were meant to train. I did ask to use another bike, on the second day. I was told I had to use the bike I started on, regardless of it's issues. Just glad I made it through and I don't have to do it again. Not there anyway.
Hey Ginger, I'm from Quebec and it is different here. You need to go through a mandatory 6h theory and 26h practical course. The you get your exam and you're good to go alone (with a curfew!) for at least 11 months. Oh, and it's roughly 1 100$. I've always wanted to ride. and I grew up around bike shops in Quebec city and Montreal in the 90s. and riding on the back seat with my dad :) I'm a 37 years old mom now with no biker friends o_O but I'm going for it! Practical course starts in May and I can't wait for it! I just found out your vlog and I am super happy I did. Looking forward binge watching your channel :)
That's great Coco!! I'm so excited for you. Best of luck and HAVE FUN!
We have courses here in the UK taht require THREE tests. CBT, Cert of basic training, Theory including hazard awareness and practical. The Hazard awareness gets everyone.
Actually four if you count the MOD1 and MOD 2 as separate tests.
One person, who I think was there just to learn to be a good passenger, panicked and didn't clutch. Ended up an embankment in a hedge next to a chain link fence. Looking back, it was funny, but at the time we were all dead serious knowing that could have been any one of us. Had a great Instructor.
Fortunately, we didn’t have any incidents beyond mechanical failure and inclement weather. But it’s easy to see how a brand new rider can have an “oops” during these classes.
Wow, well good on ya for making it through! I had absolutely great, supportive instructors, and the bikes were all fresh from the dealer. We each put the first 12 miles on our bikes. To their credit, the instructors did not separate us into groups by experience, because what’s the point? The more experienced riders struggled just as much as the beginners. We were all in it together and were encouraged to support each other. Two people dumped their bikes, but it was no big deal. It snowed on the first day, but we kept on riding. Everyone passed.
I totally agree with you, though. I could do a slow U-turn with the best of them, but it did not prepare me to jump onto a busy boulevard or freeway.
I think our bikes were from the 1980’s. 😁
I'VE been riding since 1970... mini bike... trike...suzuki 185 ... honda chicken wing (Gold wing without the saddle bags) then harley from then on... 17 street glide now... 900 pounds of horsepower... Living right outside Mac Dill AFB south Tampa FL
Never hear it called a chicken wing before. 😁 Nice area, although I’ve not spent more than a few days gulf side in all my years here.
During my Motorcycle course, I was having trouble with the motorcycle going from neutral to first because there was a bit of a malfunction in the beginning. I told my instructor that and he did not believe me. He tried it and found it was a bit harder than it should have been as well, but did not give me a different bike. He said it would be fine. I had never ridden a street bike before and he knew that. He told me to just step down harder on it. The next day, we had to be in 2nd gear on the straightaway before the last slow movement turns and shift down to 1st before the turn, the bike would not go into 1st gear from neutral. I dropped the bike. I did not get hurt, but the bike got messed up and I had to get another bike. I had to pass the final driving test on a bike I was not familiar with. I passed the test but had I been more familiar with the bike, I probably would have done better.
That sounds very similar to my class experience. Less than great equipment and being told you just have to deal with it. I know how frustrating that must have been.
Where I live, completing the MSF Level 1 course gets you the cycle endorsement on one's driver license. I had good instructors and enjoyed it as I also completed Level 2 which really improved my skill level. All the bikes were 250cc in engine size and were light and easy to maneuver.
i'm so glad i was an instructor for the Harley-Davidson classes, we had our service dept maintaining the bikes, and not only was i the instructor but the service manager, you best believe our rider, edge/riders academy bike ran top shelf Please miss Ginger if you have not, Continue you education, take the intermediate and advanced classes, then look for a racing school and since you are in florida see about taking a class with Jerry Paladino at Ride like a pro, NEVER Stop learning and practicing
Great advice, Bruce! And I will be looking for a class to better my skills. It just won’t be local. No options in my immediate area. And honestly, the HD dealership nearby isn’t very friendly toward sport bike riders, so taking a class there isn’t really an option.
@@GingerDashMoto Agree With Bruce i Take at Least One Course a Year and Find i am improving Everyday Plus i Watch on CZcams Jerry Paladino Ride Like a Pro Videos(Over 2 Hundred in His Classes) Great Guy and Super inst.
Jerry Paladino is great. You can get his videos too. He really knows his stuff!!
Hello from Denmark :) I am from Portugal, when I took my bike test, year 2000 still in Portugal, all we had to do was some figure 8s, in my case, with a (well maintained) CB 500. I did maybe 4 or 5, and then the examiner asked me to go to the nearest roundabout and back. That was it back then :) Before that, I had instructions (for quite for a long time), in some evenings, maybe a total of 20 classes, back then taken right in the street, usually in not busy areas. I do know now it's quite different.
I took many years before buying a bike, I had a Honda NT700V (known as the Deauville in europe).
Now, in Denmark, I bought a bike again last year, it arrived in march 2020, but was ordered right before the pandemic, in November 2019. Cant wait to ride again as for now, it's just too cold (and salty roads) for my taste :)
Subscribed, good luck with the channel!
Hey Daniel! And Hello Denmark! I sure hope it warms up soon and you can get out there and enjoy your bike. Thanks for stopping by!
Hahaha!! I did the same thing: buying the bike before I knew how to ride it! 🤣🤣🤣
My MSF course was scary, but I managed. I saw one person dump, though it was nothing major. That figure 8 box was the bane of my existence!
The bike ran fine, thank goodness.
Yikes, it sounds like your course was more of a baptism in fire (and rain)! Good on ya for getting through it. Great advice for people considering going for training. Your story is important for others to hear, so thank you for sharing this! 😎👍🏻
I'm happy to learn I'm not the only person to just jump in with both feet and hope I don't need a life preserver. :D
This class was a comedy of errors...but baptism by fire sounds way cooler. I'll go with that! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, that's a great video.
You're a good talker.
The bike's pretty.
The scenery is so beautiful.
I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel.
Always stay healthy.
👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙🤙🤙👌
Thank you!
Wow, that actually brought back memories of my MSF Better Biking Program course back in 1982. Back then I used my own bike and it was fairly new to me. I bought it second hand but it was only a year old and the dude I bought it from didn't ride it much. Turned out the battery was dying and I didn't know it until the skill part of the course. Every time I hit the brakes hard it would die. I did manage to keep it lit long enough to pass but that was frustrating. I still have the bike though. Take care. Ride safe!
I had always enjoyed being a passenger on a bike so I decided in my forties to try to learn to ride. A friend of mine had the Honda Rebel and I thought that would be great for my first bike. So when I took the course, I chose the Rebel in the line-up. But the instructor suggested that I ride the 125 they had available instead. He did this because I admitted to having zero experience and I only weigh about 115 lb. and stand at only 5’3’’. The lady I traded bikes with had arrived to class on her Honda Goldwing and was only taking the class to sharpen her skills so that switch was a great idea 😂. In my state, you can leave class with paperwork to present to the DMV and have motorcycle endorsement added to your driver’s license if you pass the test at the end of the last class. I barely passed and my instructor was visibly relieved when I assured him that I would not be riding on public roads until I had a lot more practice.
Hey Beth! We are allowed the same licensing endorsement here after the two day class. And while I had the basics down, I spent weeks riding in parking lots and on my neighborhood streets learning. The class is a primer, but for people like me with no prior experience, a lot of learning has to take place afterward too. Unfortunately, some people, especially the young ones, think they know all they need to know after just two days. Here’s to being older and wiser! 😊
Gina if you like parks I live in Port Orange and have been an avid photographer for years and within 5 or 6 miles of my home there are 5 beautiful free parks. Lots of animals and landscape. Of course there is always the beach if you want to venture out on a long ride. Like your plain straight personal thinking and observations. Thanks Wayne
Thanks for the suggestions, Wayne!
That is such sage advice Gina, in the 15 years we owned training schools Florida and Texas, we never allowed a student to ride a bike like you did. We had a cable break a few times but that was it. I would suggest that before people schedule their class/course, go and watch the class being conducted on the range to see how the instructors interact and see the equipment. Your story had my wife and I rolling laughing.
It was obvious to me that they were more interested in taking our money, than in giving us a good first experience on a motorcycle. I'm happy to know that isn't the case for all MSF courses. Not that I expected it was normal...but it goes to show that having more than one or two class locations and finding quality reviews is important.
My second round of riding started when I was 50. Been riding for 15 years. I took the MSF experienced course after getting my bike. It is a little more in-depth and works more on skills. To improve every more I recommend “Ride like a Pro”. He has a channel on CZcams and is based in Florida.
I started riding February 1981, and just like you a friend had to ride it home since I had never ridden before. I taught the MSF course in 1982. Glad you past with all the distractions.
Be safe on the road.
Wow. You went from learning to teaching. That’s amazing! Thanks for stopping by!
My 1st bike was a 1979 Kawasaki KZ 650. Kept it till 1985 put about 25,000 miles only changed the chain, oil and plugs while I owned it
Nice! I’ve only just passed 1700 miles on mine. Weekend rider for the most part here.
@@GingerDashMoto I was a health and PE teacher and part time personal trainer back then. easy to do.
At least you can kinda laugh about it now! Lol. I’m 51 and want to learn to ride so your videos are helping me. 🙂
I hope you give it a shot, Alicia! 😊
@@GingerDashMoto all of us hope...
i am 55 and i want to go take this course(hence why i’m here)..i ride on the back with my hubby ,who doesn’t want me to ride! which i get he’s worried about my safety but geezz! it’s more of a bucket list thingy..not sure i’ll actually get my own but whoo knows? i hope i enjoy the course..i am very nervous alrdy!
@@neiceystauffer9085 It’s a bucket list thing for me too. I take my course in 2 weeks and I’m nervous but I’m going to give it a shot. If I like it I’m going to buy a bike. Been waiting to take this class forever!
@@Allie_Rose It was on my bucket list as well. It's ok to be nervous as it will keep you hyper focused. But you're going to look back at taking the MSF class and getting your bike as one of the best, life changing decisions you've ever made. Enjoy!
Just working my way through your past video's. Obviously congratulations on passing your test when you did, sounds like it was a rough couple of days. But all good experience for future riding. Really like your channel. Have subscribed. Nice to hear you tell it how it is in your episodes. Nothing like a good bike ride, great for clearing the head. Keep enjoying it and have fun 😎🏍🏍🏍.
Just saw your first vid tonight. I can relate. I will be taking the MSF later in March. I'll be 51 by then and will be purchasing my first bike probably around July. I am hoping that I don't have a story regarding the course besides passing it. I've been a consumer of YT content for quite awhile and have enjoyed watching many content creators perfect their craft. I am looking forward to witnessing your online evolution. Cheers!
That's awesome, Chuck! I hope you'll come back and share how your experience goes when you do take your MSF. Best of luck to you on your new adventure!
Hi Gina.
Your MSF course is similar to the UK’s CBT or compulsory basic training. I’m a bike instructor from CBT to advanced. Our CBT differs in as much as we have a compulsory two hour road ride at the end. It’s not a test, but for us instructors to see your gonna be safe to ride on your own.
Great advice about checking companies out btw, we also have the same issues here.
Take care and ride safe
Neil x
Glad you survived the course GD. How time changes the ways that we obtained our licences. The Police Officer in my community (Magnetic Island, Nth Qld, Australia), Knew had seen me on numerous occassions riding around and so when I went for my car licence(drove him to the bakery for his morning tea break), he asked me if I wanted a bike licence as well. He stated that at least now I would be legal!! All that aside, experience will come with years in the saddle, and the occasional advanced rider course. Keep safe, rubber side down. Best from Oz.
Thanks, Andrew!
My sympathies for your experience. Glad you found a way to get through it. And now that you can look back on it, it's almost funny and it makes good content.
I did the same thing!
Bought a Livewire, no clue how to ride, just knew that's the bike I wanted.
I took the MSF course at the Harley dealership and picked the only red bike (my favorite color lol), and no one told me it's the biggest pain in the ass of the lot. It had the touchiest clutch with a friction zone shorter than the lolipop gang, a neutral that you can NEVER find, and a throttle that stuck every now and then. I got to learn how to adjust a clutch, take apart the throttle on a harley and deal with a whole host of mechanical problems (that I'll likely never see on a Livewire) all in a nice long weekend.
Oh, and another student grabbed a fistful of front brake on a turn and lowsided into three of us on the first day so I was sore as hell for half of the first and the whole second day 😂
Learned a lot of what not to do, and how to fix some goofy stuff lol. Also learned that I will never own a "normal" Harley lol
Wow! It sounds like you had quite the special adventure at your class as well. Enjoy that bike of yours. For every unique person, there is a perfect bike. Stay safe out there!
@@GingerDashMoto very true! I love that I can tune the power on it, since it’s electric so for the first few months it didn’t have any more power than a 250. It’s def the perfect weird bike for my nerdy self 😋
You stay safe as well!
I’ve heard about the bike, but am not familiar with the mechanics involved. That’s really interesting that you can adjust the power. And a good selling point. Thanks for sharing that.
@@GingerDashMoto I definitely recommend swinging by one of the dealerships and taking one for a test drive! It’s not something I ever intended to actually buy but after test riding one at an event in Vegas I was hooked 😋
I really enjoy watching your videos. From one new rider to another. Thank you.
Thanks, Mike!
Here in the Atlanta area, I was lucky, because there are plenty of places that offer the MSF course. I chose to go with a local Harley dealership, because it was cheaper, covered three days, and I’m an aspiring CRUZR BOI.
The instructors were really great, buy my poor old beat up H-D Street 500 had seen better days. It ran and handled fairly well, but had a sticky throttle. It was either all gas or no gas, and sometimes would stick open to all gas right in the middle of exercises. Without me even touching it!
Judging from all the other bikes, none were better off, and it’s no wonder. One of my classmates, who had never been on a bike or even driven a straight drive - EVER - did an unintentional chainsaw burnout when she dismounted the bike without putting it in neutral and turning it off. Which unfortunately scared her and she quit on the spot. Then another guy - on the final test - did a highside and flipped his bike. He was OK, the only thing really hurt was his pride, but he automatically failed.
The course was over a weekend, and I didn't know the dealer was also having an event. Food trucks, loudest sound system contest, craziest custom trikes, tons of people and loud bikes everywhere. It was like trying to learn how to swim in a pool while they’re also having a combination swim meet and bathing suit contest. Super distracting!
Then nerves nearly got me on the test, I flubbed stuff I’d been doing just fine for days but managed to squeak through!
Another thing a lot of people struggled with during the course was proper gear. Mostly boots and gloves, which are your direct contact with the controls. They showed up in some of the craziest stuff, UGG boots (on a dude), their dad’s oversized work gloves, etc. Just went to show important it is to have proper fitting gear meant for motorcycle riding.
I also learned - the hard way - that sunscreen and lip balm are essential accessories for motorcycle riding. Plus stay hydrated, and bring your own helmet, the loaner helmets we had were trashed and gave me blinding headaches. I think I'd been better off if I'd done like Charlie Brown and hollowed out a pumpkin for my lid!
That sounds like a miserable class! And you got that last part right too. I ended up with a sunburn on my face (and that was with some sunscreen on to begin with) at the end of the first day. I squeaked by to pass the test myself. And couldn’t wait for it to just be over.
@@GingerDashMoto Hey, GD, actually despite all the craziness, it was an enjoyable experience that I'll never forget. The people were what made it, the instructors were awesome, and my classmates were a real hoot! Such a wide mix of ages and backgrounds, but all were super friendly and supportive of each other, and the jokes were never ending. Even if I came away exhausted with an extra crispy chicken fried nose!
a bit different in my country, but I got a funny and frustrating story as well.
under EU law, to get a moto license you need to take several hours or practice lessons before taking the exam. if I remember correctly it's about 11-12 hours. we also have different types of licenses that allow you to drive up to certain cc, which is a safety measure for younger riders as you cant get an unlimited license until you are 25 or so, or have 2 years on a smaller license.
anyway long story short, the frustration for me came when I finished my lessons and was ready for the exams, lockdown happened, which means driving tests were cancelled, and I had to wait 7 months! and just like you I had already bought my bike, and she was waiting for me at home, but I couldn't ride!!!
7 long months later, I finally set a day for the test, on the day of the test, 1 hour before the exams were to start, it starts raining, heavily, if the rain would not stop they would have to cancel the exams, so you can imagine my frustration that I wouldn't be able to get my license still.
thankfully the rain stopped, and we finally took the exams with about 2 hours delay.
Now even though I was very good during lessons, exams makes me mess up, no matter what type of exam it is.
so I mess up royally, not in a dangerous way, but in a way that made the exam person get angry lol, thankfully for me, my instructor talked to the exam person, and I got my license. (the exam is very performative in the end and you learn nothing, so it doesn't really matter, when you instructor tells you you are ready you ready you know) but for the record my mistakes were: 1. I was told to turn right but dyslexia kicked in and I was going to turn left instead, 2. I was going a bit slower than I should 3. the mistake of all mistakes the bike turned off, (it was cold because of the rain and after stopping my clutch- throttle coordination didn't work and boom.)
Ms. Dash- Good on you for becoming a rider! My wife tried a MSF class too and had a miserable experience, mainly due to an instructor of the "drill sergeant" variety. While I am sure he was technically proficient, she does not respond well to a non-gentle environment and was quite terrified with the instruction. Needless to say she was not successful and lost all desire to learn to ride. She does enjoy riding on the back though so maybe she might try again someday; I'll show her your videos and see if you have a good influence! Thanks, Bob
Hey Robert! The story about your wife is exactly why MSF classes should be “geared“ appropriately. A drill sergeant mentality is not going to gently usher someone into the two wheeled lifestyle. You can be certain what your wife experienced is not the only incident of someone being turned off of motorcycles because of a bad experience. I’m glad she still enjoys riding with you, and may be a better class with reviews that share actual experiences will reignite her interest one day.
A "drill sargeant" is not what the MSF trains their Ridercoachs to be. That guy should be retrained.
One of our instructors was aggressive and unpleasant as well. I’m assuming oversight simply isn’t possible once they’re certified.
Most states have a quality assurance program but there's only a few inspectors and a lot of Ridercoaches. When something like this happens you should definitely bring it up with the school or, if they are not responsive, the state's quality assurance program. Each state's motor vehicle department certifies the schools and the curriculum and determines how the program needs to be taught.
That’s good to know, Bruce. And as someone unfamiliar with the system, not something I’d have thought of.
Great story and advice. Pretty thankful my MSF course didn't have that level of disaster! That being said I'm glad I trained on the MSF bikes rather than my eventual bike. Keep up the good Vlogs.
Congrats on passing the MSF, getting a new bike, and starting a MotoVlog :) You are a very good story teller. I look forward to future videos :D
Thanks so much!
Im in the process of lessons, thankyou for your encouragement, great video!!
That’s great! Enjoy it!!
I am in process of choosing the date for my msf course and this was helpful. I’m enjoying your channel as a newly single mom of 3 at age 42. I’ve ridden as a passenger and that was the best thing I’ve ever done- and I’ve done a few things. And I love driving cars. 😎 So I want to try driving and I’m planning to buy a bike. Really been enjoying learning about them and mechanics/maintenance. I look forward to learning constantly to be good- I want to be safe and go fast. I think I found home. 😊 You do a great job on your channel! 👏
I am so impressed with your bravery courage and intelligence you have that fantastic balance of a go for it spirit but you have the intelligence and thoughtfulness to not be Reckless I totally respect that hope you're just having the funnest time out there your great you deserve it keep kicking ass out there! LOL
Great vids,and all the best for your new channel,stay safe and all the best from Switzerland.
Thank you very much!
ha go figure I had a feeling there'd be a video about you talking about whether or not you did the msf class. I LOVED My msf course it was awesome. I'm sorry to hear your's was so troublesome! Great video!
Solid advice Gina. Sorry you had a rough time of it but thank you for sharing the hard lessons. My entire MSF course was in the rain but I was so happy to be back on a bike, it even reminded me of my first motorcycle, that you couldn't wipe the grin off my face. I did notice that others were struggling and I honestly have a hard time imagining anyone taking the course with zero experience. I started in the dirt and, sorry to say, did my "road learning" illegally back in the day.
Learning is learning! And taking the course with zero experience definitely added to the challenge. 😁
I'm in California and the MSF course gives you two tries for the fee of $250.
I actually failed my first try, mainly because I picked the wrong size
(too big) and my over excitement (riding part).
It was mentioned that I should pick a smaller bike for easy control 🤔 and that's what I did on my 2nd try. I almost failed because I did a front wheelie by accident 🙃 but it was great that I passed!
My tip is to pullover when I feel I'm getting over confident and excited because there is a high chance I'll make a mistake.
I think I should of asked the instructor where I missed on points so I could of worked on it.
Thank you so much for this! I am 55 and taking my MSF class this weekend and only briefly rode 30 years ago. I'll be following all your videos!
That’s awesome, Maria! Please come back and let me know how it goes. And no matter what, don’t give up and remember to be patient with yourself. 😊
Great start to your channel Gina. Very similar to you. A smidge older(couple years) and just got my first bike ever in August 2020(Harley Iron 883). I took the MSF Rider Course thru my local Harley dealer(so the bikes were all consistent and similar to my Iron 883). Worked hard to pass the class like you. The day after passing MSF Class, I UBERED to the dealer, picked my bike up(I had already gotten basic license to ride and bought the bike) and I rode my bike home. I was scared CRAPLESS having to get up to 50-60 MPH on way home(back roads, no highways, went like at 10AM to avoid traffic). HOWEVER I was thankful I had some skills(very basic) from my MSF Class. But the MSF is literally only a STARTING point for new riders. Practice and parking lot skill work builds confidence and just getting out and riding also helps. Keep up great work and RIDE SAFELY!!!
That sounds so familiar! The first evening I rode my bike (6 days after I bought it, and four days after the course), I was pretty damn anxious. No way could I have taken it home from the dealership. It is on a 55mph road and I wouldn’t have been ready after it’s the MSF course. Lots of self study after the class. That’s the only way to do it. Glad you had a good MSF experience though!
I took the course. 300 LB man. 6'3". Been riding unlicensed for years. The "largest" was a Suzuki dule sport. It would not go into nutral. Unless you shut it off. I looked like a gorilla riding a unicycle. Over all a great experiance. Good luck with the channel. I look forward in seeing where you take it.
Sounds like you also had an interesting MSF experience. Thanks for stopping by, Samuel!
Instructors should always have at least one extra out, to give you a choice. Instructors should ride them all first too.
I am taking my basic course next year to get my endorsement. I've rode in the past but off road. I bought a drz400s Suzuki 2021 and I've been setting it up for about 80% off road. I will hopefully let ya know how it goes with my course when finished. Ride safe. Thanks for the video. 👍🏼
Enjoying your videos- keep them coming!Drove across the bridge to Tampa and purchased my 1st bike today (Rebel 500). My MSF class isn’t for another week 😜 It’s going to be a looooooong wait until I can ride!
That’s fantastic, Jason. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Hi Gina! It’s incredible just how little training you need in the US to be able to ride. If you’re a kid who’s grown up on trail bikes then that’s different but as a new rider who’s never been on bikes before, I’m amazed! In Europe we need to pass our A2 license, which is very challenging. You need to pass the track manoeuvres test before they’ll let you loose on the roads. Only 3/6 of us passed first time. One lady I know has just taken her 6th test and failed again. In the US she would have passed. And maybe not be riding anymore...The road test is way easier. Then you’re limited to 48hp bikes for 2 years, after which you have another days training to gain your A license to allow you to ride all types of bike. My advice to you? Training, training and more training. Look up Lee Parks - Total Control. Will give you loads of help.
I totally agree, Simon. More required training here would produce safer and more skilled riders. Americans have it too easy...and I can say that because I am one. :)
Hi Gina, thanks for sharing your disaster story, although I did it find it a bit hilarious!, and almost unbelievable!. to begin with, you bought a bike, knowing your ability, and now, demonstrated as a competent rider, and congratulations on passing he test! A lovely story, and gave us a chuckle!
It was a bizarre experience. But all true. 😁
I really enjoy your story telling......
Just caught your channel. I took the coarse many moons ago in Japan while in the navy. We used our own bikes for that coarse and guess what happened. Yup, I dropped it. Since then I have taken 3 courses, road raced, annnnd have done some pretty interesting stuff on motorcycles. There's an old saying, you'll never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist office.
Great saying!! It sounds like you've put those two wheels to great use.
When I did my CBT (UK version of MSF), there was a rainstorm of biblical proportions. There was 2 inches of standing water on the roads. It was an Easter Bank Holiday Friday, the traffic on the roads was horrendous, and we went round one of the worst double roundabout junctions in the city, next to a massively busy Hypermarket. I survived it. When my son tried to do his full test just before Christmas, he got 300 yards down the road on the instructor's bike, and the wing mirror fell off. The examiner stopped the test. Neither one was amused.
Wow!
Oh man, me too!!! My boyfriend has a motorcycle and I have been wanting to learn. So, without having zero riding experience I went to take my endorsement class! Hahaha, what was I setting myself up for?!? It was a disaster. But, I’m giving myself a second chance. I’m getting my cruiser bike, which is my type of bike. Keeping my fingers crossed. Awesome channel...will keep watching your videos and thank you so much, you give me inspiration as Im 46 yrs old and getting my bike now. Wish me luck!! Wish me luck 🙏🏻😂
Hey Johana! I empathize with the endorsement class disaster. I passed by the skin of my teeth and then spent many, many weeks riding super slow on little neighborhood streets. Parking lot practice too. Ended up running up and over a curb and onto a sidewalk one night! You’ll get it! Be patient with yourself and above all...don’t give up and HAVE FUN!! Good luck! 😊
I took a safety course and it was the only time I ever dropped a bike! Boy was my face red!!! I was not even moving at the time!! I barely passed the test, simply because I was so nervous! I also struggled with the slow speed maneuvers with everyone watching! When I was unsuccessful in my first run of the exam run, the instructor said “You just need some practice. Take a couple of runs and we will test again.” I did the test course again as practice, my run was nearly perfect, because it was practice, right? The instructor was watching me, and he said, “There you go. You just passed!”
That was actually a really clever way of helping you with the nerves. And is the sign of a great instructor. My instructor was good, but the equipment made the experience far less beneficial for a new rider than it should have been. In my mind, I see others dealing with subpar equipment and then just giving up thinking the fault was theirs. I’m just glad it ended and I passed and I could practice on my own with a properly functioning bike.
I did the same thing, I bought a new motorcycle before taking my MFS lessons. The instructor said, I hope nobody has already bought a motorcycle without ever riding before. Umm... well....
Thank you for the video. I look forward to watching a lot more videos from you.
That would be awful to fail simply because of crap equipment. I was very fortunate in that everything went really smoothly for me. We did have one person dump the bike about 5 times but was impressed she kept getting up and trying and passed in the end.
You’re not kidding. It’s was frustrating and aggravating. And if it were my business, I’d be embarrassed to offer that type of equipment for a classs that is essential to new riders.
Sounds like your instructor got a lesson in TCLOCs. Probably not the intended use of that learning model. One thing I took away from the basic class was the enforcement that anyone can keep a bike up once it's rolling. The translation of that is hard part of riding a motorcycle is not the breezy country ride. Its what you do at low speeds and the stops.
Similar experience to your MSF. HONDA 250 rebels is what we rode. One of our bikes had slightly warped brakes so you could hear the rhythmic rubbing at low speeds which turned into a squeak at higher speeds. Bike I rode was really rough idle which got me in trouble with the instructor. Coming out of a turn on the merging course the bike was revving high so the turn was faster than he would have liked... he waved me to slow down. On the next lap I gave it a bit of throttle on the straight to see if it would kick down. I did that just as he waved me to stop. Needless to say that was my first real life emergency hard brake on a motorcycle. The instructor was happy with the braking... not so much that he was at ground zero when it happened :)
When I took my MSF course my bike only liked to idle a little bit... then it would give up and die. I remember my instructor yelling "it doesn't need the choke anymore, it's hot!" and I thought "really?" lol. That class was pretty confusing. I paid for private lessons after, lol. Learning to ride was pretty sketchy at first but it was worth it.
Sounds like you had a pretty poor experience at your class too. The private lessons were a good choice!
I guess all those bikes in the course had their cylinders full of soot from idling whenever they run. On idle, engines usually run pretty rich which means the burn cooler and the combustion is not very thorough. Soot and charred oil gets deposited on all surfaces in the cylinder. Since soot is carbon and carbon conducts electricity, the ignition takes the easier way through the deposited gunk, not the spark gap.
→No spark
→No ignition
→No engine no run.
A few rounds around the lot with bursts of quick acceleration and throttle wide open would probably have cured the issue. ^^)
I am no fan of any MSF courses...and having heard your account reinforces my stance on MSF courses. That being said, I rode for a little bit before taking my MSF course and getting licensed. I did figure out that I really had no business being on a motorcycle prior to taking my MSF course. But, being the skilled rider that I am now, I have figured out that the MSF course has little value when riding on the streets. I am happy to hear that you figured that out from the get-go. Like Bruce Grumpy said below, CONTINUE to work on your skills! Have you noticed that I say skill and not experience. Most of the motorcycling world is made up of experienced riders, not skilled riders...huge difference! Skilled riders have an unpopular saying amongst experienced riders; there are a lot of 20 - one-year experienced riders out there. So look around and find some advance courses around you. I am in the Dallas/FTW area and are fortunate to have several options here...non MSF options. We are also fortunate that several groups in the area host free skills sessions. On any given week, you could literally practice your skills at least three times a week. Join some Facebook groups and pick up on some lessons and tips, and maybe there is a group near you that practices. I invite you to join our fb group; facebook.com/groups/practiceriderepeat Our group meets a couple times a month to work on our skills. I have recently come to the conclusion, as our group grows and I'm finding that not all are local, I am trying to regularly post content that is helpful and beneficial. (I was just going to send you PM with that info but couldn't find a PM link for you) You're doing great with your motovlog...keep up the good work!
Lots of great advice! And you are spot on. There is a vast difference between experience and skill. I have no idea how (?) to do PM on here? I do follow some excellent channels on here that offer a lot of videos with drills and skills coaching. Those work for me for now. There really isn’t anything at all in my area for intermediate or advanced riding though.
I got lucky, I was able to use my Vespa to do my class/test. : ) it was tough, started riding @ 54yr (last year) - you are doing awesome!!
That's great! I think 2020 was the year of new riders.