riding the ratted MSF bike sure gave me a good foundation, and the folks that drop them dont have to pay to fix them. Glad you have a bike and your learning though... but bike courses are required in states because they help. like your stories and the journey, but hate to see the smashed up pics
do the MSF if you can, learn your way if you cant... ryan bought his bike and only dropped it twice with no msf class, and he rides fine.