Riding course

[EJ]

Hey guys my wife was wanting to learn how to ride. I let her putt around the yard on the dog but not real comfortable with that, the bike is a little heavy to her and touchy. I heard about a riding course that harley puts on in conjunction with the local tech college and was wondering if any one has ever taken the class. She wants to learn and i just wanted to know if it helps..THANKS for the info.......

 

[narow37]

Dad(woodbutcher) and I took a course on our K9s and it does teach you a lot about riding and riding smarter.

 

[Cephus]

A guys I work with had his wife take the class and he told me it was well worth it and she learned a lot. My wife is debating on taking the course also.

 

[Fibersnake]

Check with you State DMV and see if they have a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. All most all States have some course offered in conjunction with MSF which is the grandday of cycle training. Normally if one takes the MSF course and completes, they are able to take the certificate down to the DMV and get the Endorsement without having to take State Roads and skills test.

Normally though, sutdent due have to have a learner permit first.

The MSF will provide the motorcycles and due to they are donnated by various dealers, the types to vary, but normally fall in as smaller type with Rebel 250 being very common, also seen Buell Blast being used here in WV.

They will teach her like she has never seen a motorcyle and go from the very basic to learning a good solid foundation which will help her for the rest of her life on two wheels. More than likely make her a better and smarter rider since she is like a blank slate and will learn the good and not have too many bad habbits to start off with. Also many of the insurance will cut some discounts on the cost if you have the MSF.

The course is about 50% book, videos and discussions, and the other skills development on the course. Most instructors are very patient have been rding for years and will go out of their way to help people learn. Course are held rain or shine BTW and typical is over 3-4 days on a weekend with like thursday and friday for a few hours in the evening and then Saturday and Sunday full day of training and riding, not unusal to have 10-12 hours days on Sat-Sun.

If you have no luck with your State DMV, do MSF search and look for State Coordinator contact info and give them a call or email to get the best and most up to date info.

Good luck and be patient and keep up the encouragment.

 

[Oscar Maldonado]

MSF. A lot cheaper and they take there time teaching you without giving you any B.S. (Over here anyway) The H-D class is a joke. They'll real you in just to buy one of their's. I wasn't impressed by that place. My opinion anyway.

 

[Fibersnake]

Oscar,

Good point for I have heard that from a few others on the HD course. Also though I know that HD is pushing hard, I do not think most States accept their course over the MSF as far as meeting the skills and road test portion.

 

[Oscar Maldonado]

I took them both to see the difference, Msf by far was the better choice. H-D was more in a hurry with the students as for msf really took the time to help very unskilled riders.

 

[gilbert81]

I took that course just so thati wouldnt have to take the riding test when i went to go get my license. Its really helpful and show you lots about safety. And you even get a 10 percent discount on your insurance if you take that course its not alot but hey anything now a days helps. I recommend that class to all beginers.

 

[EJ]

Thanks for all of your help so far I have never heard of the MSF and will look into it. Any more info......

 

[Firestream]

It's an excellent course to teach basic skills, there is also an advanced class that can be taken later. In Nevada, the HD course gets you through the written test and road course and you simply take a card to the DMV and they issue the motorcycle endorsement. When My wife wanted to start riding, I signed her up and she did great. A lot of basic skill practice, worth the money

 

[Fibersnake]

EJ,

This may help for research for South Carolina:
SCRiderEd.org - South Carolina Rider Education Program - Courses

Here is info to MSF web page:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Here is the MSF links to SC:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Hope it helps, tell her good luck and look forward to hearing of her enjoyments on the road. My wife rides also and she went through MSF while I was over in desert. It is good to have a close rding partner and much more fun if you do some old style overnight in the small tent and sleeping bags.

 

[504BOI]

MSF,MSF,MSF

Do your wife and yourself a favor. Enroll her and yourself while your at it. They offer an advanced course also.

 

[Fibersnake]

504BOI,

Good advice, the advance course is excellent and something never hurts for some of us old timers to take. Took one about 5 years ago and must say I re-learned a few things and improved my skills quite a bit after doing so. Was amazing how many bad habits I had gain over the years and still do, but the advance MSF help to cut some of them down.

By the way nice looking Zuki there, show us some more of the BD also when you get a chance.

Be safe and watch those gators on the roads when riding down toward Houma.

 

[Dicolo]

1st CAV makes all of us riders take the course again after we redeploy. It's a really great program. They provide the MSF course for us. I've taken the advanced course twice and have learned something everytime. IT was a whole lot harder on the K9 than when I took it on my Softail. But, It really helped me get comfortable with riding a chopper. MSF really does a great job.

 

[Roaddawg]

As a long time MSF instructor I highly recommend the class for any new riders. There are many benefits to the class to include safe riding techniques, getting your endorsement in a weekends time and reduced motorcycle insurance. You learn on state supplied motorcycles (150 and 250cc Yamahas, Hondas, Suzukis etc.)so you don't have to own one to begin with. Another benefit to keep in mind and to always ask is that many bike shops, accessories shops and parts suppliers will give a discount to holders of the MSF course.

HD Riders Edge and the MSF course are virtually identical in program content. The big difference is that HD typically gives a tour of one of their dealerships (and lets you buy stuff$$$), The Riders Edge course can cost almost double what the MSF course will cost, but you are riding a Buell rather than a Honda or Yamaha.

Either way you go, training and practice is vital. MSF also offers the ERC (Experienced Riders Course) which is usually a 5 -6 hour one day program. You use your own motorcycle and perform a variety of different exercises (form multiple curves, accident avoidance, slow speed manuevers, etc.) and it is a great way of beginning a riding season. Here in MN it is only $55 so well worth the price of admission.