MSF Blog

Ok so I started my MSF class today @ the Alexandria campus. I'd like to write about my 3 day expeirence for those waiting to take it, those wanting to but haven't, or those that don't give a rats ass.
Let me squash this myth first. You need to pass the MSF class (test and driving) and pass the DMV written test before getting the waiver for the practical DMV portion. I will update this thread as I do days 2 and 3.

Day 1 (07/17/06)
I show up about 7 am to class (starts at 7:30) and its so hot outside its crazy. Today is classroom instruction. We have four teams depending on which table you sit at. Each table sits six people. The instructors (they are funny) introduce themselves and has each one introduce someone from their table with information such as name, riding experience, bike, expectation, and concerns. After thats over we all begin learning some basic stuff out of the msf manual. We have to as a class and team answer 79 questions. We also learn that after the questions will be a test on the answers we just went over. All closed book and no notes. We took 2-10 minute breaks and when we answered all the questions and watched the msf videos it was 12. Time to take the test. The test is multiple choice and very easy. There are 50 questions and you need a 80% to pass. Thats up to 10 wrong for you math challenged folks. I missed one. No biggie. We left afterwards to a HOT ass afternoon. The whole class decides to begin class tomorrow at 6:30a since it will be hotter than hell. That means I got to leave my house at 5 am to give myself time to get through this mess we call traffic. Other than that we class was good. We got a coupon book for $$$ of from Coleman's gear and services. I think that about sums up day #1. Any questions?

 

Interesting. I just passed my MSF course here in NC and it was a little different. All the classes around here are at the Community Colleges, they are all on Weekends, Friday from 6:00pm to 10:00pm (we got out at 8:30) then Sat. and Sun. from 8:00am to 6:00pm (Sat. we got out at 4:15 and Sun. we were WAY ahead of Schedule and got out at 3:20. Friday night was doing the questions and answers as a class, Sat. was all riding practice until 2:45 then we went back in the classroom and finished the book of questions. Sun. we practiced a little more, went to lunch, came back and took the riding test then took the book test. Done. Interesting some of the differences between the states.

Thanks for the post!

 

Day 2

Before I start I must say I have a respect for the 250cc bikes. I've never ridden before so I must say they have a little pep in their step. On the flip side I also see why some of you guys recommend these bikes for beginner riders. There are at least 3 people in my class that keep stalling in first gear and go just as fast in 2nd than they went in first. These same people want to get 600cc sports bikes. Ok then. On with the class breakdown.

We start out by learning all the parts of the bike, getting on and off, and starting it. We then began by walking the bike while straddled. Then we crank the engine and did a "power walk" learning the friction zone and how to use the clutch and throttle. Some good stuff. Then we went to full on riding. We did weaving, swerving, and corning. You can lean on those damm 250's if your in 2nd or 3rd. Of course there were people who were supposed to use speed in certain areas but they kept stalling their bikes and we ended up on each others asses.

It of course was hot as hell. While you are riding it ain't so bad, but damm when you stop. I hated siting on the seats after we would discuss what we just did or are about to do. My as and balls were cooking. Note to the fellas: Don't wear briefs on hot ass days. Wear boxer briefs because sweating in jeans rubs you in the wrong areas. BB's will at least let the jeans rub against them instead of your legs.

Well it was a fun day and we did all sorts of different things. I forgot to mention roll stops and some other things, but you get the point. One more day of practice riding and then we take the test.

Oh I didn't buy a helmet so I had to wear theirs. I did this because I wasn't sure if I would really like riding. So instead of spending $$$ on gear that I potentially would not use I just used theirs. I see everybody passing in my class. There is one person that might have a really hard time. They are short and gets frustrated easily.

On more thing for people wanting to learn to ride. Use your freaking breaks. Thats plural for front and rear. Its amazing how people kept flying past the stop point by pressing the clutch or clutch and rear break.

Oh well. Looking forward to tomorrow.

 

Day 3

Ok so only 11 out of 12 people showed up this morning. Don't know what happened to them. She had some problems yesterday, but so did some others. Anyway about 2 hrs in another girl quit. I think she was asked to try again since she had run a curb the other day and supposedly dropped the bike.

Anyways the test was easy. Some of the same things we did except a little harder. The double U turn was in a smaller box (I lost 3 point for going outside the box). I aced everything else. The 10 remaining people passed too.

So I got my MSF and like $$$ in coupons from Coleman's. I went immediately to the DMV and got my "M".

So I can now officially say to the non-M's

GO GET YOUR M.

BTW my instructors were Pat and Diane.

 

ok cool. I posted it for people to not worry so much about taking the course.

 

I just finished mine yesterday. Here in NJ it was 100+ the two days on the range... so it was pretty hot. we were able to start at 7:00am and then 6:00am so beat the heat.

The instructors were great (Brian and Lee at the FDU, Hackensack Campus).

I had been riding on and off for a number of years with just a permit, and I have t say this class was totally worth it. Lots of tenique I never realized and went out for a few hours last night and can erally feel a difference in what they taught.

So if you are even thinking about riding, you should take this class.

(I was able to get in the day of the class due to cancellations, so even if you call and they are booked, keep calling around)

 

I took the MSF course here in Colorado and had a blast. Even though the class starts out a little slow, it ended up being really fun. I liked all the little cone drills that we had to do. At the end of it I felt like I had a good understanding of motorcycles and what I would be facing. It was worth every penny I paid and I would recommend the class to anyone with an interest in learning to ride.

 

Getting ready to go to my first day of class here in beautiful So Cal! Will post again after my experiences.