chown -R us .base

Hey all, I just registered and paid for my MSF course over the weekend of November 9th, at a Northern Virginia Community College. I am very excited! I guess this is one step closer to being able to answer "yes" to all of the above when asked the infamous "MSF, Gear Insurance" question.

Upon successful completion of the course, I am going to price out insurance on a couple different models, and purchase a bike over the winter to hopefully get a better price, as opposed to purchasing in prime riding season, or just before. I am sure there are many veterans of the course on this board; did you enjoy it? Did you learn alot? What were some of the overall conceptions of the class after taking it? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

sup gurl

Congratulations on being responsible concerning learning to ride. Taking the MSF course is easily the best and most effective way to learn not only how to ride a motorcycle but learn the dangers and tricks that come with riding. My dad actually taught me how to ride before I took the MSF course, however I still learned a lot (looking into turns, better braking skills, etc.). Plus, taking the MSF course allows you to 'bypass' taking the test at the DMV. I even get 10% off my insurance from taking the course.

Buying a motorcycle in the fall/winter is the best time to buy a bike, and make sure you budget in gear before you go blow all your cash on a bike.

What kind of bike are you looking at getting?

Good luck!

EGlovr

well congrats on taking the first step towards becoming a responsible motorcyclist

you can get insurance quotes now; you dont have to wait till you finish the course

i loved the course. i was a little apprehensive since it was my first time on two wheels. but i did great, learned a lot, and met some great people in the process

(you can buy my CBR )

edit: damet evan!

chown -R us .base

Thanks for the input guys. I am already looking at full gear to include, but not limited to:

-Leather Jacket
-Appropriate Riding Boots
-Reinforced Gloves
-Spinal Protection
-I really like some of Shoei's helmets.

Even though it is more bike than I need, I am very seriously considering a 2003 - 2004 R6, or a CBR600F4I. I have a little experience on a 2001 CBR F4I, and I found the seat a little uncomfortable, but I like the R6 seating position. I will also consider a SV650S, as it would probably make a much better choice as a first bike.

I am really excited to take the course, I wish it was this weekend. I have begun pricing insurance, and gear, even though it may be slightly preemptive!

Gixx312

Congrats.. You'll certainly learn ALOT from the MSF course. Glad to see you're taking it first rather than just going out and buying a bike like many people out there. I learned alot from the MSF and I'm sure you will too, as well as others who are thinking about taking it.

As far as gear goes, I think you should put away at least $1000, depending on what brand you get.

MSF will provide you with the gear (helmet/gloves and in some places, even boots) so you won't have to worry about that until AFTER you complete the course.

I had a lot of fun during the MSF. Top speed you'll get to is about 30MPH, if even that. I guess the most difficult lesson is the "clutch control" when you have to go from cone to cone which is about 10ft apart using the clutch and controlling the speed w/o the throttle. You'll have a lot of fun though.. The main test is easy. Just remember to look THROUGH the turn doing your figure 8s in that stupid box. other than that you'll be fine.

There was a 40 year old lady in my glass who never rode a bike before. She actually dropped the bike twice during the opsticle runs and she passed. Just remember putting your foot down during the test is better than laying the bike down.

As far as the bike goes, I think you should get what you feel most comfortable on. I really love the RR and sometimes I wish I would have gotten it over the gix, but I felt much more comfortable w/ my gix than any other bike.

Anyway, good luck!

chown -R us .base

Thank you very much for the information. That was my next question, what will I need to bring to the course?

I really like the R6, and tell myself over and over that as long as the respect for the power stays in the forefront of my mind, I will be fine. However, I have read this forum for a long time, and know the stakes are high, and the risks of making a mistake on a faster bike are greater. I'd like to think I have grown up <U>some</U> from the days of idiocy.

oodie

If i can remember correctly you have to have gloves,eye protection, Long pants, Shoes that cover your ankle and long sleeve shirt. I advise if you have your own helmet bring it but they will give you one if you don't.

Blahblah718293

in Ct they will provide the helmet if you dont, and they recomend long sleaves.. etc what the last guy said.

as far as "eye protection" does a full face helmet count or do you need to bring somthing seperate.

oodie

If its full face then your fine but if you use one of the helmets they issue you then eye protection is needed.

VTi NA

I'd personally use your own helmet. All the helmets at my MSF were old as hell and didnt smell much better The last thing you want to be during a 6 hour class is uncomfortable, and if you're going to need one anyways, why not?

The Hooligan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VTi NA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd personally use your own helmet. All the helmets at my MSF were old as hell and didnt smell much better The last thing you want to be during a 6 hour class is uncomfortable, and if you're going to need one anyways, why not? </TD></TR></TABLE>

good point

ShaunRR

Just make sure you get there early, so you don't get stuck with one of the cruisers.

Gixx312

During my course, we had Nighthawks, Ninjas, and nasty ugly dirtbikes. .lol..