Brian*

I'm taking the MSF course this weekend and was wondering if you guys could offer up any last minute tips before taking the class? Are there water breaks (it's going to be pretty hot) during the riding portion of the class? I'd prefer to stay hydrated so I don't have any lapse of focus . Thanks

Brian

nerdish

Listen to your instructor, they (should) really know what they're talking about. I don't know about water breaks.. I would imagine. Be warned, about 75% of your class will be a bunch of hillbilly Harley Davidson wanna-bes with no skill or coordination whatsoever. All the women, except 1, in my class were absolutely horrid riders. When going around the parking lot, leave a lot of space in front of you to let the other rider get out of the way. Then you can actually accelerate and brake instead of going 15mph the whole time.

If you fall, get up. If you scrape the pegs, well done. If you pass the test, congratulations.

Kalokohan

Bring a drink, they will not mind and you can just set it next to one of the light poles. Listen to your instructor and always keep your head up. Also, make sure to fasten your chin strap snug, instructors hate loose helmets and some might even fail you for that. Get some good rest and read the little booklet they give you.......it will help you in your final written exam.

marmaladedad

Don't be late to the first meeting. I was 5 minutes late (stupid traffic), and the instructor said, "sorry, you'll just have to reschedule."

And be patient through some of the exercises. Like having to push the bike around a parking lot. Eventually you'll get to the fun stuff.

nerdish

Counter-steering is a thing that confused me when I first learned. I couldn't understand the way they explained it. The idea is to turn by pushing laterally across your body, like push in the direction of the handle bars. Don't steer like a car.

Brian*

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Don't be late to the first meeting. I was 5 minutes late (stupid traffic), and the instructor said, "sorry, you'll just have to reschedule."
</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's one thing I am worried about, since I am going with a friend who isn't always the most punctual (driving 3 hours away to take the class in his hometown). I may take my own car too just in case.....

Brian

marmaladedad

Eh, just drive yourself. The only person you can count on is yourself. Especially if he's not very punctual.

Oh yeah, regarding the MSF class, if you have the option, choose to ride a 125cc (versus 250cc) bike. They're easier to maneuver.

Kalokohan

We had a dude come into the first day of class 15 mins. late but the instructor let him stay........be punctual but it all depends on the instructor.

B U N M A N G O

yea bring a big jug of water and ice

project_mercy

Go with an open mind and focus on yourself and not the people around you.

eh3 93

During my course, the instructors let us take about 4 breaks during the 6 hour session. As far as tips, I'd say dont be scared of those little bikes. A lot of people in my class were shaky on those 125's and they rode them like theyve never even riden a 10 speed bike before. One guy was dropped because he kept dropping his feet in the turns. He was scared to lean or something.

Brasspremier

have you ridden before? one thing i always tell people trying to learn is that the faster you go, the more the bike is stable, so dont try going 2 mph all the time or you'll be working too hard

Kalokohan

1. Look
2. Press
3. Roll

Brian*

Thanks for the input guys, I am really looking forward to this

Brian

B U N M A N G O

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kalokohan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">1. Look
2. Press
3. Roll</TD></TR></TABLE>

yup... turn your head A LOT. Even if you think you are turning it enough, turn it more. Exaggerate it

Bud

Tips?
Don't hit the instructors car.

Some lady did this in my course a few years ago. The funny thing was that the car was no where near the course and it was behind a small wall. She kept popping the clutch and lurching forward over and over for about 60 yards and then flanked the wall into the car. She left almost in tears with the bike still on its side. It was kinda funny cause she could have just thrown the kill switch before she even got close.

But seriously relax and have fun. If you're tense you'll miss what they are actually teaching. Plus stay cool and hydrated.

B U N M A N G O

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bud &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It was kinda funny cause she could have just thrown the kill switch before she even got close.

But seriously relax and have fun. If you're tense you'll miss what they are actually teaching. Plus stay cool and hydrated. </TD></TR></TABLE>

things happen so quickly that you panic and don't think about simple things like flipping the kill switch

backlash

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B U N M A N G O &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yup... turn your head A LOT. Even if you think you are turning it enough, turn it more. Exaggerate it </TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree with this 100%
Keep your eyes up. Look ahead in the turns. Look where you want to go and you'll go there.

Bud

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B U N M A N G O &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

things happen so quickly that you panic and don't think about simple things like flipping the kill switch </TD></TR></TABLE>

I agreee but this was at a slow roll for a long distance, which made it kind of rediculous.

tonydatyga

one girl in my class managed to loop a nighthawk 250. Now that's skill. Just forget anything you might have picked up on your own and do everything their way, on their terms. It's pretty much a humbling weekend. Just lay low, do what they say and walk away with your certificate. Then you can cover your brake with however many fingers you like

nerdish

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tonydatyga &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Then you can cover your brake with however many fingers you like </TD></TR></TABLE>

Bad form!!

97 TYPE-R 312

I hate you!

Still have your Loudon Co. class available?

-Victor

eh3 93

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B U N M A N G O &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yup... turn your head A LOT. Even if you think you are turning it enough, turn it more. Exaggerate it </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yea I got docked one point on the evaluation for not turning my head enough.

Brasspremier

some guys teaching it are kinda strict bout their rules. one guy i had kept telling us to have hand over clutch at all times even at stop when talking. i guess its safer to be more ready but i really cant ride well with hand over clutch at all times. and i held brake with only 2 fingers when we were stopped and not moving at all for couple min's, and the guy got mad. but next day we had different people and they didnt care so much

Brian*

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 97 TYPE-R 312 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I hate you!

Still have your Loudon Co. class available?

-Victor</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm gonna wait till I pass this class to cancel that one

Brian