MSF Range Day One

ajcadoo · January 28th, 2012, 06:04 PM

So today was pretty much my first day on a motorcycle ever. The day was interesting to say the least.

The first thing I noticed was when mounting, motorcycles are HEAVY. They are not very light at all, but as the day progressed, I became more used to the weight. Btw, I was using a Honda Nighthawk for the day.

The exercises were helpful and well paced. I was constantly stalling (especially during the downshifting exercises). The concept of manual transmissions is foreign to me since I have been driving only automatics. Otherwise, upshifting is cake, nice and smooth.

I have to recommend anyone thinking about the course to take it, because you start from scratch and learn everything. I am looking forward to day two tomorrow.

Oh, and I did not drop the bike, which I am very proud of

Alex · January 28th, 2012, 06:08 PM

nickjpass · January 28th, 2012, 06:13 PM

Congrats...keep having fun!!

choneofakind · January 28th, 2012, 09:03 PM

Sounds like fun! that was me on my MSF day also. Everyone else was there cuz they had to. I was there because I got to ride a motorycle!!

Live2ride · January 28th, 2012, 09:14 PM

That's great, Josh! I rode a honda nighthawk during my msf course as well; it was a great bike to learn on too. As far as the stalling goes, just keep that left hand smooth and feather the clutch during low speed maneuvers. Good luck with the rest of your course; enjoy it and ride safe!

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 09:47 PM

idk what POS I rode...

lol

nickjpass · January 28th, 2012, 09:55 PM

Was it fun though? @massacremasses

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 10:02 PM

it was pretty fun I guess. I have more fun riding my bike around though...

nickjpass · January 28th, 2012, 10:06 PM

How crappy was it?

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 10:15 PM

was what?

nickjpass · January 28th, 2012, 10:17 PM

The pos lol

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 10:19 PM

it was a POS...

it made funny noises and wanted to die all the time.. lol

nickjpass · January 28th, 2012, 10:25 PM

Lol I just need a laugh. That made me laugh haha

FrugalNinja250 · January 28th, 2012, 10:30 PM

Heavy? LOL. You haven't experienced "heavy" yet. Compared to many bikes out on the road that 250 Nighthawk is a featherweight. Also, many sport and dual purpose bikes have a relatively high center of gravity compared to the little Nighthawks, increasing their sensation of massiveness. Then there's the full dresser touring bikes that approach half a ton.

Anyway, hope that you finish and test out well, MSF is becoming mandatory in an increasing number of states, and IMHO should be mandatory for all riders and *drivers* who want to get on public roads.

iceknyght · January 28th, 2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

Anyway, hope that you finish and test out well, MSF is becoming mandatory in an increasing number of states, and IMHO should be mandatory for all riders and *drivers* who want to get on public roads.

I agree, it should be mandatory in all states... You just learn so much!

I loved my first day on the MSF course! My second day was okay, but I got nervous for all the tests... I hate tests...

But I still passed and have been having fun ever since!

ajcadoo · January 28th, 2012, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Sounds like fun! that was me on my MSF day also. Everyone else was there cuz they had to. I was there because I got to ride a motorycle!!

Luckily a lot of the class is below me in skill level. I felt as though I had mastered much of the shifting, turning, speed control well, but the stalling out seems to be a common problem. A couple peeps were there because they got a ticket or whatnot. At least I am with other newbies too

ajcadoo · January 28th, 2012, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live2ride

That's great, Josh! I rode a honda nighthawk during my msf course as well; it was a great bike to learn on too. As far as the stalling goes, just keep that left hand smooth and feather the clutch during low speed maneuvers. Good luck with the rest of your course; enjoy it and ride safe!

Yup, the Nighthawk has been pretty nice to me. It handles well and is pretty responsive.

ajcadoo · January 28th, 2012, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

Heavy? LOL. You haven't experienced "heavy" yet. Compared to many bikes out on the road that 250 Nighthawk is a featherweight. Also, many sport and dual purpose bikes have a relatively high center of gravity compared to the little Nighthawks, increasing their sensation of massiveness. Then there's the full dresser touring bikes that approach half a ton.

Anyway, hope that you finish and test out well, MSF is becoming mandatory in an increasing number of states, and IMHO should be mandatory for all riders and *drivers* who want to get on public roads.

Arent Ninja 250s lighter in weight as compared to say a Nighthawk? It seems like they would be...

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 11:27 PM

they are over 300 lbs but prolly a lighter yeah...

killermase · January 30th, 2012, 08:04 PM

Wait until you get yourself a Ninja 250r. Compared to that nighthawk this bike's weight is a joke. This bike is so light most times I feel like I'm riding a road bicycle with an engine. This is much easier to ride than what you're testing with in MSF.

ajcadoo · January 30th, 2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killermase

Wait until you get yourself a Ninja 250r. Compared to that nighthawk this bike's weight is a joke. This bike is so light most times I feel like I'm riding a road bicycle with an engine. This is much easier to ride than what you're testing with in MSF.

I thought the Nighthawk seemed pretty heavy, especially for being a 125cc. I am stoked to get on a 250 though! The shifter on the nighthawk was kinda awkward for my big foot.

killermase · January 30th, 2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajcadoo

I thought the Nighthawk seemed pretty heavy, especially for being a 125cc. I am stoked to get on a 250 though! The shifter on the nighthawk was kinda awkward for my big foot.

That's funny you mention that because I had the same issue. I kept missing the shifter on it so really had to pay attention. I actually had to keep looking down to make sure my foot was properly positioned, which is obviously not safe, lol. The Ninja 250r is very easy to shift and maneuver. The whole feel of this bike is different. My girlfriend was struggling on the nighthawk in the MSF course and she can ride the Ninja 250r with ease...once she gets out of 1st, LMAO!

ajcadoo · January 30th, 2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killermase

That's funny you mention that because I had the same issue. I kept missing the shifter on it so really had to pay attention. I actually had to keep looking down to make sure my foot was properly positioned, which is obviously not safe, lol. The Ninja 250r is very easy to shift and maneuver. The whole feel of this bike is different. My girlfriend was struggling on the nighthawk in the MSF course and she can ride the Ninja 250r with ease...once she gets out of 1st, LMAO!

yup, i had to kinda keep my toes to the side of the shifter and push up. it was awkward but i got the hang of it. hahahaha sweet. im looking forward to finally ride one.

koenigcitizen · January 31st, 2012, 07:39 AM

I had a lot of fun at MSF.

We rode little Suzuki 250 cruiser. They were tiny, and I am a tall guy, they were a little awkward. But I had a blast

flynjay · January 31st, 2012, 08:41 AM

As someone that went to the MSF course with zero riding experience, it is really amazaing the amount of confidence you gain during the first day.

When you get on the bike the second day, all the nerviousness that you felt the first day is completely gone.

I was lucky enough to take my MSF course at a place that actually had ninja 250's.

Slono · January 31st, 2012, 09:31 AM

I used a CBR 125 for my MSF (supplied by them), and it was incredibly nimble. I felt bad for the people who rode 250cc cruisers, they were having trouble with the low speed maneuvers.

choneofakind · January 31st, 2012, 01:03 PM

@Slono, I had a similar experience. I rode a Suzuki DR200Z and I was really impressed with how quick it was. All the older people went for the cruisers, and I went straight for the dirt bike

nickjpass · January 31st, 2012, 02:17 PM

What bikes should I expect them to have?

flynjay · January 31st, 2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

What bikes should I expect them to have?

Depends on the school.

Standard Training bikes:

Kawasaki Eliminator
Suziki GZ
Honda Rebel
Yamaha Virago
Dual sports

If you are taking the MSF at the HD dealer, the Buell Blast.

Awesome Cycles (Houston) was the only one I've ever heard of that used Ninja 250s.

nickjpass · January 31st, 2012, 02:58 PM

Which one should I go for if there isn't a Ninjette?

flynjay · January 31st, 2012, 03:19 PM

The one with the least amount of parts hanging off.

choneofakind · January 31st, 2012, 03:29 PM

I think the dual sports are the best ones. The Virago and Rebel both scraped pegs like it was their job.

DSpinler · January 31st, 2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I think the dual sports are the best ones. The Virago and Rebel both scraped pegs like it was their job.

You mean, they aren't paid to do that? Damn, and here I was taking inspiration from them to go make money with something you're good at and enjoy.

choneofakind · January 31st, 2012, 04:26 PM

touche @DSpinler

alex.s · January 31st, 2012, 06:32 PM

i took my msf on a kx125. it was a ton of fun. damn now i want to ride my cr250... need to get it running tonight!!!

Apex · February 2nd, 2012, 03:41 AM

FAIL!

You can't go to an MSF course and not drop the bike.

ForceofWill · February 3rd, 2012, 07:03 PM

I noticed the weight thing when I first got on the bike too. Never having been on one before I guess I just expected it to be lighter. Now the Ninja feels light to me though. It's gonna feel heavier/awkward when you have no experiance and aren't used to it.

My MSF was all Hyosungs. 5 Comet 250s and 1 250 cruiser. I'm glad I got the comet, it's pretty similar to the Ninja, but much much cheaper and poorly put together.

Jono · February 3rd, 2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

@Slono, I had a similar experience. I rode a Suzuki DR200Z and I was really impressed with how quick it was. All the older people went for the cruisers, and I went straight for the dirt bike

SAME HERE! Except it is called a DR200se. And I didn't have a choice at my class. They assigned everyone a bike. So I was stoked when I got the sweet little dual purpose. And my friend got the TW200, the other little dual purpose they had. I loved riding that Suzuki at my MSF class. As a matter of fact I wanted to get one instead of a ninja but I already had arrangements to buy my ninja on the second day of my class. So I learned how to ride a motorcycle that day and then got out of class and bought my ninja. And rode it home! That was a bit terrifying. Haha. Anywho, I still want a slow Dr200se to hit some light trails and do stupid things. And they are pretty cheap and very reliable.

Jono · February 3rd, 2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Which one should I go for if there isn't a Ninjette?

Dual sport. They have a better turning radius. Makes the box thingy you have to do much easier. I have been back to that course a couple times to practice since I got my ninja and the ninja just sucks on that course. I would have hated riding one for the class. Go for the DS

flynjay · February 3rd, 2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

Dual sport. They have a better turning radius. Makes the box thingy you have to do much easier. I have been back to that course a couple times to practice since I got my ninja and the ninja just sucks on that course. I would have hated riding one for the class. Go for the DS

The ninja definitely made the box a little difficult, but I was happy to ride one as that is what I planned on riding. So meh.

January 28th, 2012, 06:04 PM	#1
ajcadoo Towster ['__'`,-, Name: Josh Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green Ninja 250 SE Posts: 379	MSF Range Day One So today was pretty much my first day on a motorcycle ever. The day was interesting to say the least. The first thing I noticed was when mounting, motorcycles are HEAVY. They are not very light at all, but as the day progressed, I became more used to the weight. Btw, I was using a Honda Nighthawk for the day. The exercises were helpful and well paced. I was constantly stalling (especially during the downshifting exercises). The concept of manual transmissions is foreign to me since I have been driving only automatics. Otherwise, upshifting is cake, nice and smooth. I have to recommend anyone thinking about the course to take it, because you start from scratch and learn everything. I am looking forward to day two tomorrow. Oh, and I did not drop the bike, which I am very proud of

January 28th, 2012, 06:08 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	__________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

January 28th, 2012, 06:13 PM	#3
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Congrats...keep having fun!! __________________________________________________

January 28th, 2012, 09:14 PM	#5
Live2ride ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cody Location: NoVa Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 yzf r6r previously: 09 ninja 250r, black 07 zx6r Posts: A lot.	That's great, Josh! I rode a honda nighthawk during my msf course as well; it was a great bike to learn on too. As far as the stalling goes, just keep that left hand smooth and feather the clutch during low speed maneuvers. Good luck with the rest of your course; enjoy it and ride safe! __________________________________________________

January 28th, 2012, 09:47 PM	#6
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	idk what POS I rode... lol __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 28th, 2012, 09:03 PM	#4
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Sounds like fun! that was me on my MSF day also. Everyone else was there cuz they had to. I was there because I got to ride a motorycle!!

January 28th, 2012, 09:55 PM	#7
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Was it fun though? @massacremasses __________________________________________________

January 28th, 2012, 10:02 PM	#8
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	it was pretty fun I guess. I have more fun riding my bike around though... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 28th, 2012, 10:06 PM	#9
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	How crappy was it? __________________________________________________

January 28th, 2012, 10:15 PM	#10
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	was what? __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 28th, 2012, 10:17 PM	#11
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	The pos lol __________________________________________________

January 28th, 2012, 10:19 PM	#12
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	it was a POS... it made funny noises and wanted to die all the time.. lol __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 28th, 2012, 10:25 PM	#13
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Lol I just need a laugh. That made me laugh haha __________________________________________________

January 28th, 2012, 10:30 PM	#14
FrugalNinja250 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Frugal Location: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Several Posts: A lot.	Heavy? LOL. You haven't experienced "heavy" yet. Compared to many bikes out on the road that 250 Nighthawk is a featherweight. Also, many sport and dual purpose bikes have a relatively high center of gravity compared to the little Nighthawks, increasing their sensation of massiveness. Then there's the full dresser touring bikes that approach half a ton. Anyway, hope that you finish and test out well, MSF is becoming mandatory in an increasing number of states, and IMHO should be mandatory for all riders and drivers who want to get on public roads.

January 28th, 2012, 11:27 PM	#19
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	they are over 300 lbs but prolly a lighter yeah... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 30th, 2012, 08:04 PM	#20
killermase ninjette.org member Name: Chuck Location: RI Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 2504 Posts: 32	Wait until you get yourself a Ninja 250r. Compared to that nighthawk this bike's weight is a joke. This bike is so light most times I feel like I'm riding a road bicycle with an engine. This is much easier to ride than what you're testing with in MSF.

January 31st, 2012, 07:39 AM	#24
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	I had a lot of fun at MSF. We rode little Suzuki 250 cruiser. They were tiny, and I am a tall guy, they were a little awkward. But I had a blast __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

January 31st, 2012, 08:41 AM	#25
flynjay ninjette.org guru Name: Jason Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 (sold), '06 Ninja 650R Posts: 455	As someone that went to the MSF course with zero riding experience, it is really amazaing the amount of confidence you gain during the first day. When you get on the bike the second day, all the nerviousness that you felt the first day is completely gone. I was lucky enough to take my MSF course at a place that actually had ninja 250's.

January 31st, 2012, 09:31 AM	#26
Slono ninjette.org guru Name: Solon Location: Toronto, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334	I used a CBR 125 for my MSF (supplied by them), and it was incredibly nimble. I felt bad for the people who rode 250cc cruisers, they were having trouble with the low speed maneuvers.

January 31st, 2012, 01:03 PM	#27
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	@Slono, I had a similar experience. I rode a Suzuki DR200Z and I was really impressed with how quick it was. All the older people went for the cruisers, and I went straight for the dirt bike

January 31st, 2012, 02:17 PM	#28
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	What bikes should I expect them to have? __________________________________________________

January 31st, 2012, 02:58 PM	#30
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Which one should I go for if there isn't a Ninjette? __________________________________________________

January 31st, 2012, 03:19 PM	#31
flynjay ninjette.org guru Name: Jason Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 (sold), '06 Ninja 650R Posts: 455	The one with the least amount of parts hanging off.

January 31st, 2012, 03:29 PM	#32
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	I think the dual sports are the best ones. The Virago and Rebel both scraped pegs like it was their job.

January 31st, 2012, 04:26 PM	#34
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	touche @DSpinler

January 31st, 2012, 06:32 PM	#35
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	i took my msf on a kx125. it was a ton of fun. damn now i want to ride my cr250... need to get it running tonight!!! __________________________________________________

February 2nd, 2012, 03:41 AM	#36
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	FAIL! You can't go to an MSF course and not drop the bike. __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

February 3rd, 2012, 07:03 PM	#37
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	I noticed the weight thing when I first got on the bike too. Never having been on one before I guess I just expected it to be lighter. Now the Ninja feels light to me though. It's gonna feel heavier/awkward when you have no experiance and aren't used to it. My MSF was all Hyosungs. 5 Comet 250s and 1 250 cruiser. I'm glad I got the comet, it's pretty similar to the Ninja, but much much cheaper and poorly put together.

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