MSF Course?

Question

Should I take the course?

I couldn't wait, so I got my permit and bought a Ninja 500 bike the other week.

Since I got it, I've been riding every day, at least twice a day, and my skills are getting better.

(I'm riding it to work even)

I went online and on youtube to see what MSF has to offer... and I found a nice empty parking lot to practice slow tight turns, weaving, and u-turns, and emergency braking from about 30 mph.

Should I really take the MSF course or can I get by without it?

(I'm willing to put in the hours practice before my DMV test)

Answer 1

TAKE THE COURSE!!!!!!!

You can practice on your bike, but there are things the MSF people will teach you and drill you on that will save your life.  Motorcycles are NOT cars, and they take an entirely different skillset to operate properly.

For example, if you had to brake hard in a panic situation, what do you do in a car?  You stomp your right foot down onto the brake!  But do that on a bike and you'll soon be flying through the air when the rear end comes around and highsides you onto the pavement.  Skills like these need to be UNCONSCIOUS, since that's what you default to when stressed.

The MSF will teach you these skills.  If you still don't want to take the course, buy a book titled Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough.  there is a LOT of priceless information contained within its pages.

Answer 2

Yes, it's slow boring stuff along with a chance to practice situations you haven't come across yet and great advice from experienced riders.  Plus insurance discounts and an easy way to get your motorcycle license.

Answer 3

Take the course.

Answer 4

You will learn a lot during the MSF course, stuff you wouldn't pick up just riding around in parking lots or on the street. The cost is usually recovered from insurance savings within the first year or two. What have you got to loose but a weekend spent messing around with motorcycles and other motorcycle riders?

Answer 5

take the course.  You'll be surprised how much you can learn from it and it's actually pretty fun once you get past the simple stuff.  Most insurances offer a discount for proof of completion as well.

Answer 6

Hands down best money I have ever spent. I had a bike when I was 16 then again when I was 26.....great course for everyone. It will help you stay alive and master manovering your bike around hazards......in short....Take the course!

Answer 7

Congratulations!  I bet you're having a blast!  The Ninja is a good bike to learn on too.  Sporty, good handling, good power, but not hard to handle.

I think the MSF course is still money well spent.  But you really sound like you know what you're doing.

You probably know, so I don't have to tell you, that half of all motorcycle accidents, and half of all fatalities, happen to riders in their first year.  So safety is your most important consideration for that first year.  That's where the MSF course comes in.

The MSF course is only a weekend.  It really just gets you started.  And -then- they recommend you practice in empty parking lots.  So you're already ahead of the game!

Be careful.  Good luck!

Answer 8

I loved the class. I have been riding off road bikes but I just bought my first street bike also a Ninja but mine is the 250R. I learned a good bit from the class. The best part for me was getting to skip the DMV skills test since I passed the MSF class. They explain and demonstrate the test and you get lots of practice on their bike before taking the test. The class taught me some things I never would have known about biking.