MSF class, yay.. - Page 4

njchopper87 · 01-19-2009, 11:44 AM

I wonder why SC wasn't doing that until now. I would have been pissed if I took the class a couple weeks ago and found out I could have had my license if I just waited. I'd still be in the parking lot either way so it doesn't really matter, but ya see what I'm saying.

Edit: I also already have basic riding gear. I wish I had rain gear though since it was raining during all of Sunday.

Also, what kind of shit should I get for the garage (or closet since I lack a garage now)? I mean fluids for maintenance and the like. I probably won't be doing much myself at first, but I might know someone that can show me how and I'd like to be prepared.

Cutty72 · 01-19-2009, 12:33 PM

chain lube if you get a chain drive bike (most are)
engine oil
coolant

you'll get more as you get into it and know what you are going to be doing on your bike.

MikeSP1 · 01-19-2009, 02:37 PM

Don't feel bad, I've been riding for almost 20 years (good God that makes me sound old) and I still don't have proper rain gear. It may just be that I don't mind riding in the rain

Stuff to keep on hand at the house (at least I've always had this stuff):
chain lube
WD40 (for use when cleaning the chain)
engine oil
coolant
some shop rags (for cleaning the chain)
an inexpensive rear stand (makes cleaning the chain a lot easier)

fnfalman · 01-27-2009, 03:05 PM

Congrats on passing the MSF basic course. Now, do don't some stupid shit like buying a Hayabusa. You're barely competent enough to ride a light, weak motorbike in a parking lot, just to keep things in perspective. So becareful in what you get and practice, practice, practice and then practice some more before hitting the streets. Get your starting, stopping and gearshifting until it's natural. The streets are not the place to stall out or drop bikes.

BTW, don't forget to buy a tire pressure gauge. Get a good analog one (the digital ones tend to die when you need them the most) with a hose and an air release button so that if you were to overinflate your tire, you can deflate the tire while monitoring the pressure. Check the pressure at least once very two weeks, preferrably once every week. Keep the pressures to factory recommendations for now until you learn more about your bike's handling. Then you can experiment with tire pressures.

This gauge has all the features that I suggested. Also make sure that you get the gauge that goes up to 60-psi. A street bike's tire pressure can go up to 40-PSI or more. http://www.getagauge.com/MotorcycleTireGauges.cfm

njchopper87 · 01-27-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm pretty sure my dad has a pressure guage, but I'll keep that in mind if he doesn't.

I plan on spending plenty of time in a parking lot, however I can't help but notice most bikes I can afford are about an hour drive from me..

So I think a little travel is going to have to take place..

OreoGaborio · 02-23-2009, 12:12 PM

Congrats!

Did they say "Congratulations, you're now certified to ride around in a parking lot" when you graduated?

Crazy · 02-23-2009, 02:22 PM

PRACTICE. I think I rode around a parking lot for 250 miles before I got my license.

njchopper87 · 02-23-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OreoGaborio

Congrats!

Did they say "Congratulations, you're now certified to ride around in a parking lot" when you graduated?

No, but they implied it. The thing is, to get to the parking lot I have to get comfortable turning, downshifting and all that crazy shit. The closest parking lot isn't around the corner like home.

I just been riding around this circle where I live at when I have spare time.

Thanks btw.

OreoGaborio · 02-23-2009, 07:35 PM

Better than nothin! Keep up the good work

Go through your Rider Handbook a couple more times... Lotta good info in there.

Another great purchase is Riding In the Zone by Ken Condon. It's got a supplementary DVD that goes along w/ the book that's really helpful. The "acting" is pretty dry, but the material is great

p00kienrayray · 03-10-2009, 11:47 AM

clutch play is a very common issue for newbies, but you will get it.

01-19-2009, 11:44 AM	#31
njchopper87 Bored Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sumter, SC Moto: '01 Spirit 750 Posts: 1,535	I wonder why SC wasn't doing that until now. I would have been pissed if I took the class a couple weeks ago and found out I could have had my license if I just waited. I'd still be in the parking lot either way so it doesn't really matter, but ya see what I'm saying. Edit: I also already have basic riding gear. I wish I had rain gear though since it was raining during all of Sunday. Also, what kind of shit should I get for the garage (or closet since I lack a garage now)? I mean fluids for maintenance and the like. I probably won't be doing much myself at first, but I might know someone that can show me how and I'd like to be prepared. Last edited by njchopper87; 01-19-2009 at 11:47 AM..

01-19-2009, 02:37 PM	#33
MikeSP1 Perpetual trouble Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: at the base of the Alps Moto: VTX 1300C, RC51, CBR600RR, CBR929RR Posts: 715	Don't feel bad, I've been riding for almost 20 years (good God that makes me sound old) and I still don't have proper rain gear. It may just be that I don't mind riding in the rain Stuff to keep on hand at the house (at least I've always had this stuff): chain lube WD40 (for use when cleaning the chain) engine oil coolant some shop rags (for cleaning the chain) an inexpensive rear stand (makes cleaning the chain a lot easier) __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

01-27-2009, 03:05 PM	#34
fnfalman Europhile Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SoCal Moto: Aprilia RS125, Aprilia SR50 Factory, Aprilia Tuono, BMW Rockster, KTM 990 Adventure Posts: 1,875	Congrats on passing the MSF basic course. Now, do don't some stupid shit like buying a Hayabusa. You're barely competent enough to ride a light, weak motorbike in a parking lot, just to keep things in perspective. So becareful in what you get and practice, practice, practice and then practice some more before hitting the streets. Get your starting, stopping and gearshifting until it's natural. The streets are not the place to stall out or drop bikes. BTW, don't forget to buy a tire pressure gauge. Get a good analog one (the digital ones tend to die when you need them the most) with a hose and an air release button so that if you were to overinflate your tire, you can deflate the tire while monitoring the pressure. Check the pressure at least once very two weeks, preferrably once every week. Keep the pressures to factory recommendations for now until you learn more about your bike's handling. Then you can experiment with tire pressures. This gauge has all the features that I suggested. Also make sure that you get the gauge that goes up to 60-psi. A street bike's tire pressure can go up to 40-PSI or more. http://www.getagauge.com/MotorcycleTireGauges.cfm __________________ *Cogito Ergo Vroom - I think therefore I ride*

02-23-2009, 12:12 PM	#36
OreoGaborio Tony's Crack Pusher Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Topsfield MA Moto: 2003 Aprilia Tuono (street/track days), 2006 SV650 (race) Posts: 428	Congrats! Did they say "Congratulations, you're now certified to ride around in a parking lot" when you graduated? __________________ -Pete LRRS/CCS#187 ECK-Racing, Ironstone Ventures, Tony's Track Days, SV Racer Pine Motorparts/PBE Specialists \| Phoenix Graphics \| Woodcraft \| Moon Performance \| RJ's Motorsport \| Motorcycles of Manchester \| MTAG-Pirelli The Garage: '03 Tuono (Hooligan bike :naughty) \| '06 SV650 (race)

02-23-2009, 02:22 PM	#37
Crazy I'm home take me drunk Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Champaign, IL Moto: 2005 SV650s blue Posts: 430	PRACTICE. I think I rode around a parking lot for 250 miles before I got my license. __________________ Memento mori

01-27-2009, 04:51 PM	#35
njchopper87 Bored Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sumter, SC Moto: '01 Spirit 750 Posts: 1,535	I'm pretty sure my dad has a pressure guage, but I'll keep that in mind if he doesn't. I plan on spending plenty of time in a parking lot, however I can't help but notice most bikes I can afford are about an hour drive from me.. So I think a little travel is going to have to take place..

02-23-2009, 07:35 PM	#39
OreoGaborio Tony's Crack Pusher Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Topsfield MA Moto: 2003 Aprilia Tuono (street/track days), 2006 SV650 (race) Posts: 428	Better than nothin! Keep up the good work Go through your Rider Handbook a couple more times... Lotta good info in there. Another great purchase is Riding In the Zone by Ken Condon. It's got a supplementary DVD that goes along w/ the book that's really helpful. The "acting" is pretty dry, but the material is great __________________ -Pete LRRS/CCS#187 ECK-Racing, Ironstone Ventures, Tony's Track Days, SV Racer Pine Motorparts/PBE Specialists \| Phoenix Graphics \| Woodcraft \| Moon Performance \| RJ's Motorsport \| Motorcycles of Manchester \| MTAG-Pirelli The Garage: '03 Tuono (Hooligan bike :naughty) \| '06 SV650 (race)

03-10-2009, 11:47 AM	#40
p00kienrayray dope fiend Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SUNNY SOCAL Moto: JICKSIR SICKS HUNNERD Posts: 184	clutch play is a very common issue for newbies, but you will get it.