Advice on the course?

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Rider

My MSF course was $25 and they provided the bike. Of course they did away with that program last year.

My point exactly,it wasn't "mandatory" in Mi or it would have cost $200 and still be around. like I said,I think it's great but "mandatory" bothers me...

[dReWpY]

here is the best advice:
dont fuck up

[fnfalman]

Currently the MSF Basic course is the default basic riding course. Harley-Davidson has its own program that's based on the MSF curriculum (Rider's Edge) and you get to learn on the Buell Blast. It's usually more expensive than an MSF course.

MSF courses all cost differently varying from states to states. Some states subsidize the fees, some don't. Some states will fully recognize the MSF certificate (yes, you have to pass the course to get the certificate) in such that you get your cert and you go down to the Motor Vehicle Department and they waive written exam and riding test. Some states only partially recognize the MSF cert and waive the riding test, but you still have to take the written exam.

Motorcycles are included, as is usually a helmet. Gloves, etc., are more of a local MSF deal.

The class isn't as easy as you think. The classroom work is easy but the riding is tough because they make you learn how to ride very slowly. Any idiot can get on and twist the throttle to go fast in a straight line. When you have to manipulate the clutch, throttle, front and rear brakes to move at walking pace and do U-turns and all that crap, it ain't that easy. That is not to say that the course is really tough because it's not. Neither is it a cake walk.

The MSF Basic course is but a beginner's introduction. There are other private companies that offer advanced riding courses ranging from advanced street riding (some ex-cop that does this whose name eludes me) to advanced roadracing/sport riding. Hell, there's even a wheelie school. And then there are books that you can learn and get really good tips from.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

There are other private companies that offer advanced riding courses ranging from advanced street riding (some ex-cop that does this whose name eludes me) to advanced roadracing/sport riding. Hell, there's even a wheelie school. And then there are books that you can learn and get really good tips from.

Here in FL, many schools offer what's called an ERC - Experienced Rider Course. It's recommended for riders with at least a year of riding experience, and it's taken on your own bike. Basically variations of some of the same exercises you learn in the BRC (Basic Rider Course), to learn the limits of your OWN bike, but in a controlled environment.

I believe it's a 1 day class, and runs about $100.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by neebelung

Here in FL, many schools offer what's called an ERC - Experienced Rider Course. It's recommended for riders with at least a year of riding experience, and it's taken on your own bike. Basically variations of some of the same exercises you learn in the BRC (Basic Rider Course), to learn the limits of your OWN bike, but in a controlled environment.

I believe it's a 1 day class, and runs about $100.

Oh I totally hear what you're saying and BTW I passed the MSF course twice and on my own bikes,which was a V-max the 2nd time and not some oversized moped I could carry around the course,so nyah thankyou! (the Army used to make you take it every so often) I've also taken track classes and the like. I am not against the MSF course itself! I just have a problem with MANDATORY that's all. I'm sure that every little bit helps to keep accidents down and all but we all know that taking driver's ed doesn't stop kids from driving like manics 5 minutes after they get their licenses! That's where the company you keep comes in. It's like when your parents told you,you shouldn't drink,smoke,have sex before marriage,etc but as soon as you're out of the house...it's on! I also find it strange that a state that recinded it's helmet law has made MSF mandatory. It all smacks of politics and money to me,that's all.

Originally Posted by PhiSig1071

Here's the thing, it's not exactly mandatory. The state is no longer going to be giving the test, and you have to have an endorsement in order to register a motorcycle. But, MSF Schools can choose to offer a state-approved licensing test, which you take on your own bike, and after which you can go to the DMV and get your license. So you don't have to take the BRC.

I already know what you're going to say, and yes there will be a fee for the license test, but I think the cost is fixed by the state, and will most likely be ~$50. The fact is the person administering the test needs to be paid, plus there are costs associated with making and maintaining a range (the state-test uses a different layout than the MSF test, so you need a separate range).

Well then....nevermind! I was told it was mandatory! To me it would be like making veryone go to "Sears Driving School" before they could get a license!

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

I am not against the MSF course itself! I just have a problem with MANDATORY that's all.

Oh I know, I didn't take it that you were AGAINST it, I was merely trying to rationalize why the state is doing it this way.

Originally Posted by TIGGER

I also find it strange that a state that recinded it's helmet law has made MSF mandatory. It all smacks of politics and money to me,that's all.

ABSOLUTELY. The helmet thing pisses me off, too...

The state budgets X amount of dollars to motorcycle training, safety and education - a large portion of that goes to ABATE, who was a big player in the rescinding of the helmet law here.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

My point exactly,it wasn't "mandatory" in Mi or it would have cost $200 and still be around. like I said,I think it's great but "mandatory" bothers me...

What you have to keep in mind, however, is that FL has the highest number of bikes per capita in the U.S.; combine that with our 12-month riding season, and you end up with a lot more motorcycle related injuries and deaths than you might see in other areas. So I'm sure the intent is to promote education and try to lower those bad statistics....

I do wonder if the fact that there's no state income tax in FL affects funding for this sort of thing (i.e. why some states have subsidised programs and FL does not? )

[PhiSig1071]

Originally Posted by TIGGER

My point exactly,it wasn't "mandatory" in Mi or it would have cost $200 and still be around. like I said,I think it's great but "mandatory" bothers me...

Here's the thing, it's not exactly mandatory. The state is no longer going to be giving the test, and you have to have an endorsement in order to register a motorcycle. But, MSF Schools can choose to offer a state-approved licensing test, which you take on your own bike, and after which you can go to the DMV and get your license. So you don't have to take the BRC.

I already know what you're going to say, and yes there will be a fee for the license test, but I think the cost is fixed by the state, and will most likely be ~$50. The fact is the person administering the test needs to be paid, plus there are costs associated with making and maintaining a range (the state-test uses a different layout than the MSF test, so you need a separate range).

[Cutty72]

My course was $50, and the provided the bike.
Weekend deal.
In the end, they let me try the course with my bike as well.

[neebelung]

Originally Posted by PhiSig1071

So you don't have to take the BRC.

Ahhhh, now I misunderstood that part.... I thought you WOULD have to take it. (which personally I think is better)