MSF class, yay..

njchopper87 · 01-17-2009, 06:26 PM

So, riding a motorcycle is fun. Learning how to is kind of fun, but partially aggravating. I keep forgetting to let off the clutch easy when just starting to move forward in 1st and as a result stall the bike. I know what the problem is, however I can't break the habit..

Another thing I'm particularly bad at is sharp corner turns. I either go in too fast or slow down too much. Swerving without displacement or roomy displacement I can do decently, but with 8' displacement I usually miss a few cones.

I talked to the instructors and they're both very helpful, however, it would be nice to hear some other voices too. Not to mention with only one more day left in the class, time is running short. And although I'd say it wasn't a wasted $240 and hour long drives to get there if I don't pass, I'd really like to walk away saying I did it and not have to drop another $240. Any and all help is appreciated.

Cutty72 · 01-17-2009, 06:28 PM

practice practice practice.

Mr Lefty · 01-17-2009, 06:38 PM

like cutty said... practice.

with the clutch try letting the clutch out FIRST before giving it gas... let the clutch out just enough till the bike starts to roll... then roll on the throttle. on my ZZR the throttle response was horrible under 20mph... so I'd use verry little to 0 throttle and just slip the clutch to stop the jerky rock'n that would happen if I just let the clutch out and controlled my speed with the throttle.

with the cones... try not to look at the cones... look UP... you look down you will either miss cones or put a foot down. run through it looking at an imaginary point straight ahead over each cone. you should have an idea if you missed them, but shouldn't know for sure until you stop and look back... if you do miss them... it's not the end of the world...

but don't get too worked up about it... even if you have to drop another $250... it's worth it.

and to be honest... in my class, there was only one girl who failed... and she couldn't do a single move with out putting her foot down or forgetting something.

I'm sure you'll be fine...

GOOD LUCK!!!

Ninjakel · 01-17-2009, 06:49 PM

lots of practice.

Cutty72 · 01-17-2009, 07:26 PM

Just do circle wheelies around the cone, but don't get advise from ebbs on wheelies

Mr Lefty · 01-17-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutty72

Just do circle wheelies around the cone, but don't get advise from ebbs on wheelies

oh I can tell him how to wheelie... it's keeping the wheelie going I have trouble with...

rogue · 01-18-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebbs15

like cutty said... practice.

with the clutch try letting the clutch out FIRST before giving it gas... let the clutch out just enough till the bike starts to roll... then roll on the throttle. on my ZZR the throttle response was horrible under 20mph... so I'd use verry little to 0 throttle and just slip the clutch to stop the jerky rock'n that would happen if I just let the clutch out and controlled my speed with the throttle.

with the cones... try not to look at the cones... look UP... you look down you will either miss cones or put a foot down. run through it looking at an imaginary point straight ahead over each cone. you should have an idea if you missed them, but shouldn't know for sure until you stop and look back... if you do miss them... it's not the end of the world...

I'm sure you'll be fine...

GOOD LUCK!!!

RCM78 · 01-18-2009, 06:20 PM

The easiest way to perform all the slow speed manuevers is hold the throttle at a certain point and control the speed of the bike with the clutch. They call it the friction zone. Makes it alot easier.

OneSickPsycho · 01-18-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCM78

The easiest way to perform all the slow speed manuevers is hold the throttle at a certain point and control the speed of the bike with the clutch. They call it the friction zone. Makes it alot easier.

And drag the rear brake...

njchopper87 · 01-18-2009, 07:19 PM

I passed! I fucked up on the cone swerving though. I tried doing it in 1st because I couldn't get to 2nd in time, and I suck riding around in 1st. My U-turns blew too, but I wasn't expecting much going into that part anyway. I didn't put my foot down, but made a fucked up 8 lol. Clutch issues dissapeared on the plus side. Thanks for the advice on that btw.

All in all, I'm glad I took the class. It was fun, and having the practice bike was nice too. Many lessons both big and small were learned.. including to check and make sure the kickstand is down.. This shit should definetly be required to get a license. The instructors also said they'd be happy to give one on one lessons free of charge as well for everyone wishing to follow up on what they've learned. Something I'm definetly gonna take advantage of.

Now I need a bike.. and an emptly parking lot.

I'm not sure if you guys know, but they updated the policy reguarding licensing. You can now get licensed to ride just from taking the beginer course. We weren't even told they updated that either, so that was a nice surprise.

01-17-2009, 06:26 PM	#1
njchopper87 Bored Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sumter, SC Moto: '01 Spirit 750 Posts: 1,535	MSF class, yay.. So, riding a motorcycle is fun. Learning how to is kind of fun, but partially aggravating. I keep forgetting to let off the clutch easy when just starting to move forward in 1st and as a result stall the bike. I know what the problem is, however I can't break the habit.. Another thing I'm particularly bad at is sharp corner turns. I either go in too fast or slow down too much. Swerving without displacement or roomy displacement I can do decently, but with 8' displacement I usually miss a few cones. I talked to the instructors and they're both very helpful, however, it would be nice to hear some other voices too. Not to mention with only one more day left in the class, time is running short. And although I'd say it wasn't a wasted $240 and hour long drives to get there if I don't pass, I'd really like to walk away saying I did it and not have to drop another $240. Any and all help is appreciated.

01-17-2009, 06:49 PM	#4
Ninjakel Post whorette Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Florida Moto: 2006 GSXR 600- Posts: 3,992	lots of practice. __________________ I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker. --Ron Burgundy-- Anchorman

01-18-2009, 06:20 PM	#8
RCM78 Slow Poke Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NJ Moto: '05 R1 Posts: 61	The easiest way to perform all the slow speed manuevers is hold the throttle at a certain point and control the speed of the bike with the clutch. They call it the friction zone. Makes it alot easier. __________________ ---RCM78 '01 Valk '05 R1 TPM Coach #71 http://www.teampromotion.com

01-17-2009, 06:38 PM	#3
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	like cutty said... practice. with the clutch try letting the clutch out FIRST before giving it gas... let the clutch out just enough till the bike starts to roll... then roll on the throttle. on my ZZR the throttle response was horrible under 20mph... so I'd use verry little to 0 throttle and just slip the clutch to stop the jerky rock'n that would happen if I just let the clutch out and controlled my speed with the throttle. with the cones... try not to look at the cones... look UP... you look down you will either miss cones or put a foot down. run through it looking at an imaginary point straight ahead over each cone. you should have an idea if you missed them, but shouldn't know for sure until you stop and look back... if you do miss them... it's not the end of the world... but don't get too worked up about it... even if you have to drop another $250... it's worth it. and to be honest... in my class, there was only one girl who failed... and she couldn't do a single move with out putting her foot down or forgetting something. I'm sure you'll be fine... GOOD LUCK!!!

01-18-2009, 07:19 PM	#10
njchopper87 Bored Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sumter, SC Moto: '01 Spirit 750 Posts: 1,535	I passed! I fucked up on the cone swerving though. I tried doing it in 1st because I couldn't get to 2nd in time, and I suck riding around in 1st. My U-turns blew too, but I wasn't expecting much going into that part anyway. I didn't put my foot down, but made a fucked up 8 lol. Clutch issues dissapeared on the plus side. Thanks for the advice on that btw. All in all, I'm glad I took the class. It was fun, and having the practice bike was nice too. Many lessons both big and small were learned.. including to check and make sure the kickstand is down.. This shit should definetly be required to get a license. The instructors also said they'd be happy to give one on one lessons free of charge as well for everyone wishing to follow up on what they've learned. Something I'm definetly gonna take advantage of. Now I need a bike.. and an emptly parking lot. I'm not sure if you guys know, but they updated the policy reguarding licensing. You can now get licensed to ride just from taking the beginer course. We weren't even told they updated that either, so that was a nice surprise.