Advice on the course?

[Mistress Maygin]

So, now that I can afford this stuff, I want to make sure I get the best education for my money.

I know that the courses take place in various parking lots. Schools, casinos, etc. What I don't know is what the difference is. Are these all the same people where I will learn the same stuff, or will one be better than the other?

Anyone in the South Florida area: can you tell me where the best place would be to go? I'm willing to drive, within reason, for the best possible course. In all reality, if the best one, hands down, is in Tampa- I've got friends that live there so I'm there.

Anyone else: tips? advice on what to look for, how to prepare, etc?

I'm an overachiever. And a teacher's pet. And a perfectionist. Help me out here!

To clarify, I mean the MSF course.

[DLIT]

The MSF course?

[Mistress Maygin]

Originally Posted by DLIT

The MSF course?

Si, senor

[Mr Lefty]

really all MSF courses should be teaching the same material. the only diffrence SHOULD be the quality of the instruction.

take what they teach you and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE by yourself. in a big ass parking lot... well once you get your bike

also remember that they'll want you to have boots, jeans, long sleaves... preferbly a riding jacket, and full fingered gloves. A helmet is also required but most courses I've seen can provide that.


I'd say get your gear and ride in that... that way your learning in the gear you'll be wearing anyways...

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Mistress Maygin

So, now that I can afford this stuff, I want to make sure I get the best education for my money.

I know that the courses take place in various parking lots. Schools, casinos, etc. What I don't know is what the difference is. Are these all the same people where I will learn the same stuff, or will one be better than the other?

Anyone in the South Florida area: can you tell me where the best place would be to go? I'm willing to drive, within reason, for the best possible course. In all reality, if the best one, hands down, is in Tampa- I've got friends that live there so I'm there.

Anyone else: tips? advice on what to look for, how to prepare, etc?

I'm an overachiever. And a teacher's pet. And a perfectionist. Help me out here!

To clarify, I mean the MSF course.

some states offer a riding school where they provide the bike and helmet for a reasonable fee. They train you in the basics,just like driver's ed except with bikes. It's been a long time but as I remember it the msf course doesn't deal in basic operation that much. Plus they definitely didn't provide bikes to ride or gear,again as I remember it. I don't know what your skill level is but if you need basic operation training you should go with a state run program first or get help from friends that already ride(like OSP!) before taking the MSF course.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

some states offer a riding school where they provide the bike and helmet for a reasonable fee. They train you in the basics,just like driver's ed except with bikes. It's been a long time but as I remember it the msf course doesn't deal in basic operation that much. Plus they definitely didn't provide bikes to ride or gear,again as I remember it. I don't know what your skill level is but if you need basic operation training you should go with a state run program first or get help from friends that already ride(like OSP!) before taking the MSF course.

I disagree... friends will most likely teach you their bad habits, it'd probably be better to just learn from MSF instructors from the bery beginning... That being said, I know Neonspeed is an MSF instructor, but he's all the way in Jax... Perhaps he can point you to the right people down south...

Oh yeah... and you fucking attention whore... how dare you want to better yourself and gain actual motorcycle knowledge. I can't fucking stand curb squirrels with genuine interest in motorcycle riding... Stupid bitch...

Sorry... couldn't resist.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by Ebbs15

really all MSF courses should be teaching the same material. the only diffrence SHOULD be the quality of the instruction.

take what they teach you and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE by yourself. in a big ass parking lot... well once you get your bike

also remember that they'll want you to have boots, jeans, long sleaves... preferbly a riding jacket, and full fingered gloves. A helmet is also required but most courses I've seen can provide that.


I'd say get your gear and ride in that... that way your learning in the gear you'll be wearing anyways...

All great advice.

Originally Posted by TIGGER

some states offer a riding school where they provide the bike and helmet for a reasonable fee. They train you in the basics,just like driver's ed except with bikes. It's been a long time but as I remember it the msf course doesn't deal in basic operation that much. Plus they definitely didn't provide bikes to ride or gear,again as I remember it. I don't know what your skill level is but if you need basic operation training you should go with a state run program first or get help from friends that already ride(like OSP!) before taking the MSF course.

In Florida, the state has no such school. It's all private schools, and they're not subsidized by the state (I know some states up north, the course if free, or dirt cheap, because the state funds it... no such luck here).

Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, state DMV offices will no longer be offering the testing to get your endorsement AND it's going to be a requirement to have your "M" endorsement in order to register a motorcycle... in short, this means EVERYONE will have to take the MSF class. So you may want to try to take the class as soon as possible before all the schools start to get flooded (also, you want to take it before the heat of Summer - heat exhaustion is no fun!)


In addition to the long sleeves, long pants, etc... start hydrating the day before (or two days before if it's hot) your class, and take a small cooler or insulated bag with bottled water, gatorade and some snacks with you (the school will probably provide water, but take some just in case... dehydration and hunger will affect your concentration)

As for schools in your area... go to http://www.msf-usa.org to find a class in your area.

And I'd recommend against having a friend or loved one coaching you before taking the class. MSF instructors actually prefer you coming in with NO skills than with some skills learned from a friend - that way they don't have to untrain any bad habits.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by neebelung

All great advice.



In Florida, the state has no such school. It's all private schools, and they're not subsidized by the state (I know some states up north, the course if free, or dirt cheap, because the state funds it... no such luck here).

Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, state DMV offices will no longer be offering the testing to get your endorsement AND it's going to be a requirement to have your "M" endorsement in order to register a motorcycle... in short, this means EVERYONE will have to take the MSF class. So you may want to try to take the class as soon as possible before all the schools start to get flooded (also, you want to take it before the heat of Summer - heat exhaustion is no fun!)


In addition to the long sleeves, long pants, etc... start hydrating the day before (or two days before if it's hot) your class, and take a small cooler or insulated bag with bottled water, gatorade and some snacks with you (the school will probably provide water, but take some just in case... dehydration and hunger will affect your concentration)

As for schools in your area... go to http://www.msf.org to find a class in your area.

That's AWESOME! I think that's a step in the right direction... I dunno about FL, but the licensing test in OH was a fucking joke. I could have done it blindfolded with 20 beers in me...

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

I disagree... friends will most likely teach you their bad habits, it'd probably be better to just learn from MSF instructors from the bery beginning... That being said, I know Neonspeed is an MSF instructor, but he's all the way in Jax... Perhaps he can point you to the right people down south...

We've got a few coaches on board... Neon, Beefcake, Sterling and PhiSig are all MSF rider coaches.

[OneSickPsycho]

Originally Posted by neebelung

We've got a few coaches on board... Neon, Beefcake, Sterling and PhiSig are all MSF rider coaches.

And they're all in Jax... Is this some sort of world domination plan in action? I want in... I promise not to vomit on anything... anything super important that is...