Ouch!

[MM620ie]

this is my first post since introducing myself on the Introduction Board.  I took the Motorcycle Safety Course over the Weekend.  the weather was in the teens. 

almost finished the course, but took a tumble, nothing major, but definitely learned a lot.  the cousre was invaluable. 

Thanks to all who posted over and over and over, "take a Motorcycle Safety Course." 

I am glad I made the mistake on their bike and not mine!

Off to the DMV to get my license.

[trenner]

I too, dumped a bike in the MSF course, years ago.  It wasn't my last, nor the most spectacular, but it did let me know that I could fall off, which was a good lesson to an 18-year-old who considered himself invincible.

As you enjoy your new motorcycle endorsement, understand that it's really a "solo learning permit".  You only know about half of what you should.  Happy and safe learning!

[junior varsity]

Keep it at the front of your mind, lest we add to the single-bike accident statistics. The first year provides a LOT of learning.

[Howie]

Yep, better to drop their bike   Congrats!!

[DCXCV]

You almost finished, meaning you didn't finish?  Or you just didn't complete the test without crashing?  Sorry, I'm slow.

Try to get a lot more parking lot time and laps around the neighborhood if you were still crashing in the MSF till you get that balance issue sorted.  Better to crash their bike than yours as you said and also best to get those crashes done at 5-10 mph instead of 40+.  Stay safe 

[LowThudd]

I almost lost it in my course in October also. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn BEFORE that almost happened, or assureadly it would have been much worse.

[battlecry]

As soon as spring rolls around and I get itchy to take the Monster out, I ride to a local HS parking lot and repeat all those MSF turns and exercises.  It is a fine way to warm up to the year, shake the winter stiffness, and to remind you where you came from. 

[John1454]

Congrats!!!!!!


I don't know about your MSF, but at mine they taught me to use four fingers for braking -- on the crappy bikes at the MSF four fingers is okay, but on a monster with dual front brakes you do not want to use four fingers! When the streets are wet or covered in gravel, it is extra important to be sensitive with the front brake and use your rear brake.

[MM620ie]

thanks all,

I completed the course and the test successfully.  Just had a spill during a swerve exercise.  the instructor signaled for me to stop, which I did, but during the swerve.  I should have known better, but it was like a switch when I saw the signal, I just reacted.  Overall, I had a great time taking the MSF and would encourage anyone new to the motorcycle to take it, it is time not wasted. 

I am going to take my 620 out this weekend to a high school close by and practice.  I live about 5 miles from my office and can take residential streets all the way to the office, whihc I am going to use as practice before venturing onto bigger roads. 

overall, I learned a very valuable leasson, never brake during a turn. (at least at my skill level).

[junior varsity]

never grab the brakes is the better lesson. think about smooth hands.

[somegirl]

Glad to hear you got to learn a good lesson on the MSF bike instead of yours.

[Raux]

interesting.

in both courses I took and every test I took, if you drop it, you fail.

glad you took the course. My best suggestion as soon as you get your license, is take another. then find an intermediate course when you can. That's one of the first things I'm doing this summer after i get my bike back together... from my drop

[MM620ie]

As soon as spring rolls around and I get itchy to take the Monster out, I ride to a local HS parking lot and repeat all those MSF turns and exercises.  It is a fine way to warm up to the year, shake the winter stiffness, and to remind you where you came from. 

took your advice and went to a local HS parking lot and spent about two hours practicing.  getting much more comfortable on the bike 

[MM620ie]

interesting.

in both courses I took and every test I took, if you drop it, you fail.

glad you took the course. My best suggestion as soon as you get your license, is take another. then find an intermediate course when you can. That's one of the first things I'm doing this summer after i get my bike back together... from my drop

that is the plan, but the instructor said come back after 3000 miles. 

[junior varsity]

3000 is possibly a little long to wait, your choice. Just focus on working on a skill each time you ride. Don't just jump on and go, or you won't get any better.