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View Poll Results: Have you taken the MSF course? | |||
Yes | 329 | 85.90% | |
No | 54 | 14.10% | |
Voters: 383. You may not vote on this poll |
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Thread Tools |
May 23rd, 2009, 08:10 AM | #121 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Lil One
Location: NB Canada
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.
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I took the Gearing up course in NB. Our literature and videos were from MSF so i believe it is a sister course.
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May 23rd, 2009, 09:52 AM | #122 | |
Parking Lot Qualified
Name: Fielding
Location: Michigan
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Quote:
Personally I'd love to see the same thing stateside, and its kinda going that way bit by bit when I think about how licensing was for my dad vs for me vs for my cousins who are just 8 years younger than I am. |
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May 23rd, 2009, 01:12 PM | #123 | |
Sarcasm: Yea that'll work
Name: Andy
Location: Essex Jct, VT
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330
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Quote:
For some reason, driver's in Europe are rather insane. There's less crashes, less drunk driving and all that, but they're maniacs. Whenever I visit Czech I see some scary stuff going down on the roads. I'd be a lot more hesitant to ride a bike there than I am here. |
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May 25th, 2009, 08:27 AM | #124 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jordan
Location: Calgary
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ex250 Posts: 98
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I took the equivalent here in Vancouver. It was a week long course, with two ~3-4hr total (with stops) road rides after all the parking lot fun. The name of the place was 'Pro Ride', and the quality was very high.
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May 25th, 2009, 06:32 PM | #125 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Steve
Location: Providence, RI
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '95 BMW K75 Posts: 188
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I took the BRC last September because now in RI it's the only way you can get an endorsement. Subsidized to $99 it was a spectacular deal - except when I registered in April, 9/19 was the earliest date I could get. Grrrr.
Great class - it helped immensely... especially since it was my first time on a bike (outside of a 20' throttle-less rocket ride on my buddy's R1 years ago). My only complaint would be that I felt the classroom time was useless - we read the book and watched the MSF video, and then took the test. For the time spent, I'd rather do that stuff at home and have them add 5 hours to the range time of the class. Either way, it was money very well spent - I'm planning to take the Intermediate course they offer early this summer. |
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May 25th, 2009, 06:56 PM | #126 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Dave
Location: Michigan
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.
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I took my MSF class in Oct. 2008!
I passed it easy, i think only like 2 ppl Failed (outta 100). This one middle aged chick failed, and cried... afew of us Told her she did good, but just needed more practice, and that she Looked Sooo much better Riding at the End of Day 3, then the First time on the bikes! Just Keep it up and youll Pass next Class NP! It seemed too cheer her up. As i felt bad for her. Yea though... MSF does a Fun and Good job... so that if you Never even ridden a Bicycle... youll be ready for a motorcycle on the Road in 3 days! Here in Michigan, MSF class was ONLY $25.00 My Braking (both brakes during Panic stops) seemed too be my Weak point, but i told the instuctor its the Bikes Fault for not having Good Brakes! He Laughed! The Bikes we used were all 125cc 80-85' Honda's, NightHawk, CRB (or sumin like that) |
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June 9th, 2009, 07:26 PM | #127 |
Parking Lot Qualified
Name: Fielding
Location: Michigan
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Posts: 30
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Took my ERC on last Sunday. State subsidized in MI to $25
Can't say I was terrifically impressed. Virtually every range exercise we did was something I did in my BRC. Every word I heard in the classroom exercise was something I heard in the BRC as well. Either I had one hell of a BRC in kentucky, or this place basically gave a refresher course instead of an advanced course. What was I expecting? how to really deal with rain,snow,locked rear brakes, and other things the BRC shied away from, how to handle heavier bikes, touchier throttles. advanced training on particularly sticky situations. |
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June 9th, 2009, 07:37 PM | #128 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: oscar
Location: antioch, ca (bay area)
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): blk ninja 250 2008 Posts: 391
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yes and it was well worth it, getting wife to do her soon , and i lucked out cause my work paid for it
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2 bro CFSO, factory pro 3, hotbody DS , krayzie graphics rim tape, brake flasher, DIY fender chop, DIY flushmounts & LED rear, K&N filter, 15/43 Driven, DID race chain, air stuff removed, clipons |
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June 9th, 2009, 07:58 PM | #129 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: A
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Honda CBR600F4 (sold) 1999 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 586
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havent taken it and I probably wont. I dont find riding (especially on the 250) to be all that difficult. Add to that the fact that the MSF course here is $350 and at least a month or two wait.. no thanks... if it was even $100 maybe.. but for $350.. not worth it IMO no matter what they teach you. It sucks because I was really looking forward to taking it, and getting real world strategies for handling 'problems' .. and forget about insurance savings.. thats what I pay for a whole year of coverage for mine...
I wish it was subsidized in some way..
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2000 Honda CBR600F4 Silver and Red 1999 Kawi Racing Green Ninja 250 sold |
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June 10th, 2009, 12:37 AM | #130 |
Newb..... on a steeek! :D
Name: Mike
Location: Windermere, FL
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.
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Get a PA license and take the course in PA for free.
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June 10th, 2009, 04:22 AM | #131 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Becca
Location: Clearwater, FL
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 03 Ninja 250, 02 CBR600 f4i Posts: 253
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Quote:
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June 10th, 2009, 05:55 AM | #132 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Gene
Location: Lexington SC
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Posts: 44
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I encourage everyone to take the course even if you are experienced. I am currently an MSF Instructor in SC. MSF is now working on a Sport Bike Class geared toward just Sportbikes. Instructing on high speed cornering and turns. The class should be out shortly.
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June 10th, 2009, 09:47 AM | #133 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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Yes, is required in RI. When you finish the range course and pass you get your permit. Keep out of trouble for 30 days and go back to dmv and you get your license. Realize they have to teach to least common denominator, but they should break the range course down to those who have never ridden and those who have. Not to say i didn't learn anything new - I did. But no sense spending 10 minutes walking bike back and forth in 1st gear.
Craziest thing I thought is when they had us going around the course they had us all within INCHES of each others' tires. Never told us to spread it out. Just told the lead guy to speed up. They put anyone in the lead including the least experienced person. If the lead guy ever went down (which he didn't) the whole pack would have crashed. Classroom teacher was great she kept it going good as it was a one day 8 hr lecture. |
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June 10th, 2009, 02:33 PM | #134 |
ninjette.org member
Name: P
Location: FL
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Red '09 250 Posts: 48
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yep, took it right after buying my bike
it was good for basic operation and handling of a bike, but i think it left us unprepared for street riding. i had to learn how to really turn by going out on the street. wish they would have let us practice higher-speed turns and stops. |
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June 11th, 2009, 05:51 AM | #135 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Duvi
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R Special Ed Posts: 99
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I took it you need it in the AF to ride on base!
It got monotonous after a while is damn to long and boring should be a 1 day course not 15 hours! |
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June 11th, 2009, 09:30 AM | #136 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mhilz
Location: Earth
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZZR600 Midnight Blue Posts: 114
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A smart idea
The last time I was on these toys was 20 yrs ago & I felt that its a good idea to be reacquainted with these toys maturely. Its cheaper than learning it the hard way, I think. Another plus side was the ease of acquiring a license than otherwise. All I did was present the completion card to DMV & thats it. No questions asked.
Its like having a back stage pass for a Journey or Rod Stewart Concert. www.smartridermsp.com I had the opportunity to attend the class with them & I recommend them. Great crew! Enjoy the ride safely. GB2All. |
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June 11th, 2009, 09:36 AM | #137 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Tin
Location: NJ
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 black 250r (sold); '09 black zx6r Posts: 903
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Took the course 8 yrs ago.
Don't remember much. All i remember is it was informative and helpful. Brake before enter corner and roll at exit. Definitely a good course to take if you have never ridden and would like to learn the basic safty skills. It would also take away some of the pressure off your shoulder cuz after completing the course at lease you know how to start the bike and what to check for before you ride. |
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June 11th, 2009, 10:28 AM | #138 |
- beyond titles -
Name: Matt
Location: Vancouver Island
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r (Black) Posts: 19
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I have not taken it yet... But I'm scheduled to start it next Thursday
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June 11th, 2009, 10:33 AM | #139 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mhilz
Location: Earth
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZZR600 Midnight Blue Posts: 114
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The course...
The mind is like a parachute, if you open it it'll save your life.
For those who thinks its expensive or your too old or got experience... Having been to a class myself, I strongly endorse it. Besides just think of the love ones you hold dear in your hearts - do it for them. Be cool & safe. |
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June 11th, 2009, 11:13 AM | #140 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: Roanoke, VA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Candy Plasma Blue 250R Posts: A lot.
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Took it because some friends were going and thought I'd like to learn. It's what finally got me hooked on motorcycles, knowing (sorta) how to ride. I enjoyed the course immensely (taught @ a local community college in Radford, Virginia) even though the first 'on-bike' day had some torrential downpour and I spent the day soaked. Spent the weekend learning on a Rebel, but got some time on the loaner pre-gen ninja 250 before I left and fell in love.
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June 11th, 2009, 12:49 PM | #141 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: addy126
Location: Tx
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki N-250 + '09 Vulcan 900 Classic Lt Posts: A lot.
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Yep took the MSF course in Dallas, Tx. Excellent refresher and the best "unknown" tip to me was..... "Look through the turn"! I hadn't a clue prior and it sure makes a difference even in parking lots.
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June 11th, 2009, 01:07 PM | #142 |
4 Season Need 4 Speed
Name: Mike
Location: Oakville, ON, CAN
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, 2009 (GONE) Honda CBR250RA, 2011 Posts: 64
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The Sheridan college course was great!
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June 11th, 2009, 01:08 PM | #143 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Craig
Location: Silicon Valley, CA USA
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '98 EX250, '02 EX250, '08 250r, '03 SV650, '98 GSXR750 '03 Hayabusa, '87 YSR50, '84 ZX900, +MORE Posts: A lot.
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No I haven't taken it. There was no such thing when I got my first motorcycle license in 1983.
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June 11th, 2009, 02:39 PM | #144 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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And they didn't have it when I got my MC license in 1970, but I took the ERC class last year and have to say I'm convinced no matter how long you've been riding, you owe it to yourself to take the course.
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June 12th, 2009, 07:14 AM | #145 | |
============
Name: Nick
Location: Occoquan, VA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518
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Quote:
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June 12th, 2009, 09:08 AM | #146 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Paul
Location: Roanoke, VA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Candy Plasma Blue 250R Posts: A lot.
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June 12th, 2009, 04:38 PM | #147 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matthew
Location: Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2006 honda Ruckus Posts: 31
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I took the beginner MSF about 8 years ago in SF, CA. It was really easy to get the M endorsement after taking the course. I for sure learned skills that I continue to use today like scanning the horizon and not fixating. I have to brag too, because I aced both the written and riding test at the end.
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June 22nd, 2009, 07:16 PM | #148 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Since I have been riding for 40+ years, I signed up for the advaned course. Will let you all know how that went. Will be taking it after I have my eye surgery next month. Am not riding or driving much till the eye gets fixed. Riding a bicycle a lot.
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June 22nd, 2009, 07:43 PM | #149 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: North Adams, MA
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 11
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I just took my course in Westfield, MA this past weekend (June 19-21). Besides the ungodly hours they were keeping (7AM start time, had to be there for 6:45 and I have a 1.5 hour drive. Not fun getting up at 4:30AM, but it was the closest course) I had a blast and learned a lot. The instructors were real nice, and one of my coaches has even written a book on riding, called Riding in the Zone. Overall I feel like I am going to be a much safer rider out on the streets. Obviously I have much more to learn, but it's nice to have the basics.
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June 22nd, 2009, 07:49 PM | #150 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brandon
Location: Mobile, AL
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninja EX250R Posts: 156
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Took the free military version. All day long and it was hot as hell. I left with a lot more knowledge though.
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June 23rd, 2009, 06:30 AM | #151 |
ninjette.org member
Name: SHIFT
Location: QUEENS, NYC
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Candy Plasma Blue Posts: 125
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wsupp i figured i would post a quick review of the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) BRC Course. I took it at STHD with STAR (Southern Tier Academy of Riding) up in Binghamton. Course cost $275 and you had to supply your own helmet, long sleeve shirt and ankle high boots. i rode in full gear, borrowed some stuff from clutch, and used my scorpion exo-700 helmet i bought.
STHD provided 250cc bikes to ride on: suzuki gz250. a standard bike. there were 2 instructors, and 12 students in my class. about half were women riders. some people had motorcross/dirt bike experience and others already had their license and wanted to refresh/learn again. 1st day - only about 3 hours, went over the booklet, such as type of motorcycles, dangers of riding, etc. also reviewed concepts of pre ride inspection and how to start up the motorcycle. also watched some videos on motorcycle control. 2nd day - 8am-6pm - wow what a day. 8 hours spent out on the range on the motorcycles, 2 hours indoors watching more videos. out on the range (big parking lot basically) started off with learning the clutch 'friction zone' (if you drive stick, u should know what this is already), paddle walking the bike across the lot, turning, slalom thru cones, upshifting, emergency braking, straightening up the bike, counter-steering, decreasing radius turns. put about 10 miles on the bike the first day. that's a lot of miles to rack up in a parking lot. at the end of the day, they gave the written exam, which was really easy if u paid attention the first day and have common sense. got a 96/100. the two questions i got wrong were the two i fell asleep for after lunch for a couple minutes. everyone in the class got 90+ 3rd day - 8am-4pm - spent all outdoors, this was probably the most fun day of the course because everyone was getting more comfortable on the bikes, and all the muscle memory from the day before had time to settle in. learned to swerve, do figure 8's, emergency braking, downshifting, even got the bikes into 3rd gear. the test of "celebration of skill" consisted of 3 things 1- figure 8's in the box 2 - getting bike into 2nd gear, swerving, stopping/downshifting 3 - getting bike into 2nd gear, emergency stop/downshift (stop distance was measured) definitely a good course to take if you never did it. it's better to learn all the good habits from the start before you develop bad ones, and this course can definitely help implement that. the instructors were really nice/friendly and everyone in the class was friendly. by the end of the second day on the bike i was already starting to lean it in the corners [i found this pic off kawiforums] Last futzed with by shift_6; June 23rd, 2009 at 07:39 AM. |
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June 28th, 2009, 09:59 AM | #152 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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June 28th, 2009, 10:14 AM | #153 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dario
Location: Suffolk County, NY
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Ninja 300 (Sold), 2016 Z1000 Posts: 239
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Quote:
Unfortunately it was the only way I could get my license, since I didn't know any other riders to ride with under my permit. The BasicRidersCourse here teaches you from knowing nothing, to normal riding. All those course exercises shift_6 just posted are the same here, and then at the end they test you on them. If you can ride already, take an advanced or track course I guess. edit: On a funny related note, on the cornering exercise I ground off the peg bottom on the little Kawasaki Eliminator 125. My instructor wasn't too happy. |
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June 28th, 2009, 11:03 AM | #154 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: A
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Honda CBR600F4 (sold) 1999 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 586
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I was riding in a group today... went down Ocean Parkway, jones beach, OBI etc... I think I might see if I can get in the MSF this summer.. I'd really like to take it... despite the cost..
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2000 Honda CBR600F4 Silver and Red 1999 Kawi Racing Green Ninja 250 sold |
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June 29th, 2009, 06:21 AM | #155 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chance
Location: Iowa
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 04 Yamaha R6 Posts: 17
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To get your license in Iowa, you can either take the MSF basic rider class or take a riding test with the DOT. I opted for the class as I figured it would help me much as a rider than just taking a test. The class teaches you a lot of stuff, even if you've been riding for a while.
Has anyone taken the advanced MSF class? I've heard that it may help lower your insurance rates...? |
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June 29th, 2009, 07:52 PM | #156 |
North Alabama Mtn. ryder
Name: Nate
Location: Alabama
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Posts: 537
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No for me
In Alabama all you need for a license is a $5 dollar written test (20 q's) and a 18 buck picture fee
COMMON SENSE goes real far
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QTRltrPWR |
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June 29th, 2009, 08:27 PM | #157 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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June 29th, 2009, 08:50 PM | #158 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jon
Location: St Paul/ Somewhere on the blue marble
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R SE Lime Green Posts: 48
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I took it last week. Mostly because in MN if your over 18 and have your permit, you can get your endorsement quickly and easily. It cost me $160, for one day of class room, about 4 hours, and 2 days, again about 4 hours each day, in the parking lot.
For me I think the biggest value was having an experienced motorcyclist, giving me pointers and telling me I could do the various maneuvers better. It also sold me on the fact I chose a ninjette for my first bike, instead of the dual sport 250 they had me on. |
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June 29th, 2009, 09:01 PM | #159 |
North Alabama Mtn. ryder
Name: Nate
Location: Alabama
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Posts: 537
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Well sure you can for one id probably have to drive a hour and if its that close id be suprised, and im 29 years old and been riding for a long time so it would really be pointless to ride circles in a parking lot.. oh and i dont know where the nearest parking lot is. Now this is just me anyone buying their first bike definetly should.
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QTRltrPWR |
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June 29th, 2009, 09:02 PM | #160 |
North Alabama Mtn. ryder
Name: Nate
Location: Alabama
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Posts: 537
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Common Sense will take you far though
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QTRltrPWR |
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