Well I officially have my motorcycle license as of 10 minutes ago. Completed the MSF course this weekend and just got back from the courthouse to get my license.

There were riders with 30 years experience and riders (like me) with 0 experience, and the class was helpful for everyone. I highly recommend taking the course if you haven't before. Well worth 100 bucks. I may even take it again whenever I convince my cousin to get a bike.

If anyone has any questions about the MSF course in general let me know while it's fresh in my memory...

Only question I have is how did you get off so cheap??? All the MSF courses around me are 200-240...

but grats on the course, endorsement and money savings!

Cool. This will prolly get moved to safety section...

I guess you are ready to ride a little when I come down that way now,huh? I'll give you a heads up when I head that way.

Yeah, it's only 100 bucks in KY for some reason. One guy was there from Ohio, and he had to pay 150 I think.

Denny - I'll be ready (hopefully...). Going to start puttin' around the block this week. Definitely going to take my time and build up my confidence/skills before I head out too quick.

They also offer an advanced course, just a one-day course and you use your own bike. All driving, no classroom time.

Hey David, I took lessons before riding. I paid 350 dollars for three months at a place called Coopers Cycle Ranch (as many times as I wanted to go) during the week after work). I was one of those guys who was there in the rain with a slicker on. I bought my VN750 without having a licence or any experience at all riding. In addition, each Sunday for three months there was a class where they talked about and demonstrated safety, equipment, and etc. When you were done all of your classes on the schools paved course they gave you a bike to take the test. Once you passed the test you had to complete the road portion of the training.

David, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking lessons. I would love to go back and get a refresher. There's so many things they tell you you'll never forget. There was a guy in one of my classes who stated he wanted to take lessons to get a refresher. Shortly after we were on the course and he was dragging his feet on the ground after the instructor told us to keep our feet up as long as possible. He said that's the way he does it...So, he didn't change. He had plenty of bad habits.

A buddy of mine took his test last year, never practiced but passed the test. He bought a bike and has been going to a parking lot to practice. I asked him what he was practicing and he said driving around. Yikes!

I remember during lessons they made you drive a motorcycle at an ungodly slow speed. Turning properly at slow speeds was also very hard. Picture those cops on their big bikes making crazy tight turns on a very small course while riding their cruisers. There's a technique for this and it may get you out of a very tuf situation if your about to be rear ended or need to get out of the way under control. Sorry, I believe you really need to be that good. I'm not, that's why I need to get more of those lessons.

Brother, good luck with your new bike. It's an amazing high while your senses are being bombarded as you ride. I'm happiest when I'm on my bike.

$240 here in California. My class happened to be taught by women and there were several women in the class. Sadly 2 didn't make it (1 had tried multiple times). Another woman in the class was kind of given a "pass".
They were telling the women to come back and take the scooter class instead. Because the scooters are 250cc they qualify as motorcycles in California but you don't have to shift. Shifting was a big issue for a couple of them. Personally I just wanted to go faster.


-Robert

I'm signed up for the Riders Edge experienced rider course this Friday. Looking forward to it, as I never had a beginner course. Just taught myself when I was 18. Then read David Hough and Lee Parks about a year ago.

Congratulations David.

I spent a lot of time riding around in empty parking lots to practice the tight turns (among other things).

Take your time and be smart about it - the comfort comes along. Don't get too courageous before you're ready.

Have fun