I live in MD and would like to take the MSC, but I'm not certain which course to take: the 17 hour full course for beginners, or the "alternate" 7 hour beginner course. The cost is the same for each $175.

In order to do the alternate, you have to be able to shift though all the gears, complete a few turns, stop safely and be able to reach 25 mph. (which I can)

There is also a 22 hour MD accredited course offered at a local H-D dealer that is $350.

I can ride a motorcycle (not legally on the road), and have ridden dirt bikes on occasion when visiting family that have access to trails and such.

What do you guys think? I'm leaning toward taking the longer course so I can get more instruction time.

 

It all depends how comfortable you are starting, stopping and riding a bike. the MSC 17 hour course splits half your time between class and riding, with more time riding than class on the second day and literally takes people from the ground up from having never ridden a street bike before to being capable of safely and effectively operating a motorcycle on the street.

I would recommend the 17 hour course simply because there is a lot of really good riding instruction and techniques to be had from it and you get a pretty decent class education as well.

 

I think that's what I'm going to do. I just wanted to make sure the longer course wasn't a waste of time. I might opt for the 22 hour course, since I can do that next month. The 7 hour course opens up in July and the 17 hour course doesn't have any slots open until August.

Once I get my license I'll be putting around on a Honda C70 and a '80 Suzuki GS250. Ultimately I think when I purchase a bike, I'd like to find a deal on a '90 Honda Hawk.

 

Love the Hawk GT's, like a more rare, prettier version of my superhawk.