Quote:
Originally Posted by neebelung
Additionally, as of July 1, 2008, state DMV offices will no longer be offering the testing to get your endorsement AND it's going to be a requirement to have your "M" endorsement in order to register a motorcycle... in short, this means EVERYONE will have to take the MSF class. So you may want to try to take the class as soon as possible before all the schools start to get flooded (also, you want to take it before the heat of Summer - heat exhaustion is no fun!)
In addition to the long sleeves, long pants, etc... start hydrating the day before (or two days before if it's hot) your class, and take a small cooler or insulated bag with bottled water, gatorade and some snacks with you (the school will probably provide water, but take some just in case... dehydration and hunger will affect your concentration)
As for schools in your area... go to http://www.msf-usa.org to find a class in your area.
And I'd recommend against having a friend or loved one coaching you before taking the class. MSF instructors actually prefer you coming in with NO skills than with some skills learned from a friend - that way they don't have to untrain any bad habits.  |
Well said baby. Everything Nee said is great advice. Get in before the summer and before the crowds. Up here in Jax, we're already filling up about three weeks in advance now. Closer to july it's going to get even more crowded.
Plus I highly, highly reccomend taking the class before the heat of the summer.
As far as the class itself, the program is the same no matter where you go. Go check out MSF's website. Also check with the better business beauru. See if any schools in your area are registered with them. If they are, then they can give you some good feedback as to good schools in your area. Also ask any local riders in your area. Word of mouth is usually the best indication of a good school.
Here are the best tips I can give you for when you take the MSF class.
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First and foremost, something to remember. The MSF class is designed for students who have NEVER been on a motorcycle and who have never even driven a manual transmission car.
You say you are a perfectionist. Get that attitude out of your head for the MSF class. Nobody, and I mean nobody comes out to the class and is perfect. Thats not what the class is designed for. If you have that attitude, you will make mistakes and start beating yourself up. It's ok, mistakes are allowed. The class is about building a foundation to learn on and teaching you the basics of motorcycling. In the two years i've been teaching i've maybe had a dozen perfect scores. Thats for experienced riders and new riders. We see more people defeat themselves by having that attitude that they want to do everything 100% perfect. As my sig says, motorcycling is like chess. Anyone can learn the moves. It takes a lifetime to master the game. All the MSF class is doing is teaching you the basic moves of the game.
As long as you have common sence, can ride a bicycle, and can follow directions, you will do great and have nothing to worry about.
If you can, try and ride a bicycle for a few hours between now and then. That will just get you refamiliar with balancing something on two wheels. It's not mandatory, but it will help, esp if you haven't ridden a bicycle in a while.
Get lots of sleep the night before and the nights of the class. Nothing will hurt you more then lack of sleep. Also keep yourself hydrated. Start drinking lots of water the day before class. Then keep drinking lots of water during the class.
Bring some good snacks to keep your energy up during the class.
Listen to what the instructors tell you. Trust them. They won't tell you to do something that you can't.
Pay attention to what they are saying and don't be afraid to ask questions. They would rather have you ask questions then to stop an exercise because you are confused.
Most importantly. Have fun. The MSF class is designed to be a no threat, positive learning experience. It's about having fun and learning to ride a motorcycle.
If you currently have a motorcycle or have friends with a motorcycle. DON'T let them give you any tips and DON'T practice on your own. We would rather have students with a clean slate to work with. It's easier to teach good habits, then to fix bad habits.
I hope that helps out some. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.