Nick is finally taking the msf course woot!

nickjpass · August 10th, 2012, 08:40 PM

Finally taking the MSF!! SO EXCITED!!!

Have a few questions

We're required to bring full length jacket, pants, gloves, and a pair of boots. I have a motorcycle jacket (none of the gear required actually has to be made for motorcycle, can be a normal jacket for example). I will wear jeans. I have a helmet. I have gloves. Now the boots...they're dirt boots. Should I still wear them? I have no work boots. I was planning on wearing them on the street till I get street boots. What do you think!?

Taking it on the 24...threw the 27?

Vergil · August 10th, 2012, 08:45 PM

Wear whats comfortable. If you've been using your dirt boots to ride, then wear them for the course.

lgk · August 10th, 2012, 08:49 PM

i dont see a problem with dirt boots.
the controls are the same.

Jiggles · August 10th, 2012, 08:53 PM

With this

RyderRider15 · August 10th, 2012, 08:56 PM

If you're okay spending a few hrs in the boots then use em!

csmith12 · August 10th, 2012, 09:02 PM

Smart, keep making smart decisions...

Maielstrom · August 10th, 2012, 09:38 PM

I took the course in NY too, but mine was down South in the Bronx. Only requirement we had was that they be over the ankle boots. I wore a pair of boots similar to Timberlands, which were pretty much just over the round bump of the heel bone and there was no problem with those.

Best wishes for the course! It's a good deal of fun, def enjoy it!

Bentley813 · August 10th, 2012, 10:22 PM

Where are you taking your course? I'll be in Syracuse the 25th and 26th. I called and asked and the guy running my course said as long as they are at your ankle it will be fine. I'm wearing some Doc Marten's that go almost to the top of my ankle.

nickjpass · August 10th, 2012, 11:47 PM

Thanks @Jiggles (I don't think you were being sarcastic this time haha).

@Bentley813 At Mohawk Valley Community College...you should really introduce yourself in the 'New Members' section. More people will notice you/get to know you better.

Bentley813 · August 11th, 2012, 12:08 AM

I will once I have a bike to show

I want to get my license and MSF class done first, then I have to decide if I want to get a 2012 now and let it sit most of the winter or get a 2013 from Northern next spring (Assuming they get some before my itch explodes.)

ichibunkid.206 · August 11th, 2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Finally taking the MSF!! SO EXCITED!!!

Have a few questions

We're required to bring full length jacket, pants, gloves, and a pair of boots. I have a motorcycle jacket (none of the gear required actually has to be made for motorcycle, can be a normal jacket for example). I will wear jeans. I have a helmet. I have gloves. Now the boots...they're dirt boots. Should I still wear them? I have no work boots. I was planning on wearing them on the street till I get street boots. What do you think!?

Taking it on the 24...threw the 27?

When I took my MSF course the only thing on the boots was that they had to cover the ankle... work or steel toe boots were preferable, but as long as they covered the ankles wear what you got

Cazper · August 11th, 2012, 11:48 AM

When I did my MSF course I was pretty much the only one there in motorcycle specific anything. I wore my textile jacket, my short style gloves, helmet of course, riding jeans and my riding shoes (shift racing fuel street shoes). Everyone else was wearing anything but motorcycle specific clothing and noone cared.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll do fine... they really do start off very basic and move forward fairly slowly.

bfpower · August 11th, 2012, 11:52 AM

I took mine in 90+ weather here a few weeks ago. My recollections:

- don't wear a MC jacket. They wanted us wearing long sleeve Ts.
- any boots that cover the ankle are fine. I'd recommend vented boots.
- I wore MC gloves but there were people in mechanic's gloves.

It's a great class. I had to emergency stop from 45 mph the other day (cow wandered into the road) and I'm really glad I got the theory and practice at the training course.

dcx4610 · August 14th, 2012, 09:42 AM

I took mine in 100 degree weather. My tips:

Helmet - If you have one bring it. The choices they have are limited and they may not have enough. I brought my own helmet just in case and was glad that I did. Mine was new and I really didn't want to use it yet but I was glad I did as it got me comfortable with it.

Boots - I had motorcycle boots already but didn't want to wear them and get them dirty trying to learn. I ended up just wearing work boots which were heavy and a mistake. Just wear anything that covers the ankle and is comfortable

Pants - Regular jeans are fine. Wear something comfortable

Jacket - It's going to be hot and you are going to be miserable. All that is required is a long sleeve shirt. I recommend wearing a light long sleeve shirt where you can roll up your sleeves in between tests. I think the worst part of the experience was gearing up every 30 minutes. T-shirt + Light jacket or hoodie or just a long sleeve shirt is your best bet.

nickjpass · August 14th, 2012, 09:58 AM

Requirements-

You need to provide your own
riding gear:

sturdy, non-flared long pants
sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear
jacket
full-fingered gloves
if necessary, raingear

That's from their site. So I can't wear a long sleeved shirt.

ai4px · August 14th, 2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Requirements-

You need to provide your own
riding gear:

sturdy, non-flared long pants
sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear
jacket
full-fingered gloves
if necessary, raingear

That's from their site. So I can't wear a long sleeved shirt.

Our course instructors said long sleeves.... a few guys had long sleeve T's on and they accepted that.

As far as boots go, they just want the pointy parts of your ankle covered.

ally99 · August 14th, 2012, 04:43 PM

Awesome, Nick! Good luck!

the big mike · August 14th, 2012, 05:15 PM

have fun

conrya5 · August 14th, 2012, 05:34 PM

I wore a really lightweight long sleeve shirt that was white and made for sports to allow for extra cooling, found it a walmart for 3$ lol. It was 100F + during my course and it kept me cool enough.

Definitely use your own helmet, and jeans that have no holes in them. The one student had to put tape over the holes in his jeans.

Edit: I also wore basketball style shoes that covered my ankles and they allowed it.

lgk · August 14th, 2012, 05:43 PM

i'm glad i had my own helmet, the ones they had were gross, lol.

Racer x · August 14th, 2012, 07:09 PM

Good luck Nick
You can go to the MSF web Page and review the class room portion of the weekend. That will help you out with the written test part.

nickjpass · August 14th, 2012, 08:31 PM

Thanks racerx

adouglas · August 15th, 2012, 04:51 AM

Nick -- good for you.

Don't sweat the gear. Really, they're just covering themselves. The only motorcycle-specific thing you need is a helmet.

A slightly OT thought: Since you already ride chances are you know most if not all of what they're going to teach you. A lot of folks who are already riding take the course and come away disappointed, feeling they wasted their time.

If you go in thinking you already know everything, you'll be missing out on a great opportunity and a good time. View it as a chance to learn… even experts can learn. Sure, you spend a long time doing really, REALLY basic stuff like walking the bike, learning the friction zone, etc. Roll with it. Have fun. Make jokes. You're there, so you might as well enjoy yourself.

I was away from riding for several years and when I decided to get back into it I took the MSF course just as a refresher… I had a ball, even though I already knew pretty much everything they had to say. The reason was simply that I saw it as a chance to maybe pick up something new, test my knowledge and hone my skills in a controlled environment. There's a difference between going through the exercise successfully and doing it spot-on perfect, every time. The latter is much more of a challenge.

The fact that there were two cute girls in the course helped, of course….

nickjpass · August 15th, 2012, 07:37 AM

@adouglas Good advice. I appreciate it. The trainer is a girl...so lets hope for the best

n4mwd · August 16th, 2012, 04:59 AM

Nick, you have most everything you need regarding gear. Wear the dirt bike boots because you are used to them. As long as they cover your ankles, they're good. I can say for a fact that if you get something new, and it doesn't fit just right, it will be a distraction while you are taking the course.

Also, don't forget your helmet. They had helmets for people to wear at my MSF course, but who wants to wear a helmet that other people have worn and possibly thrown up in.

Oh, and helmets. They will ding you if you ride with the visor up. UNLESS, you also have eyeglasses or sunglasses.

But as far as skill, be sure to practice the super tight figure 8 turns for the MSF box. I think the box is 20'x60'. You should try with 15' using the dirt bike. Putting your foot down, going outside the box and depending on the instructor, removing your foot from the peg will result in getting dinged.

Other skills to practice. Short stops from 20 mph (they measure the distance you take to stop). You'll fail without a descent coordination with both brakes. Also, swerving by countersteering and weaving tight cones about 5' apart.

Anyhow, with your dirt bike experience, I have a feeling you are going to ace it.

Oh and lastly, a lot of schools use pregens on the course. But if you get squiddy on them, its an instant fail.

nickjpass · August 16th, 2012, 11:56 AM

They have new ninja 250's lmao!!

Oh and I'm pretty good with tight turns. I don't have room to go that quick on my bike so I spend a lot of time driving around trees at pretty low angles. I'm not gonna lie. Dirt biking has really come natural to me.

n4mwd · August 16th, 2012, 12:23 PM

With a few noted exceptions, the course is mostly done in slow motion. Really slow. You'll need to ride the clutch and rear brake to keep it under control. They refer to that as the "friction zone". But when they say go slow in a straight line, they mean slow enough that your grandmother can go faster with her walker. The trick is to keep your balance at the really slow speed. Then they make you do wide swerves which are basically a zigzag pattern - all in slow motion.

But like I said, you are going to ace it. Just be aware of the things they ding you for. Visor not down, not looking into the turns, failure to signal (when directed), failure to cancel the signal, and of course squidding is an automatic fail. Dropping the bike is not an automatic fail, but they aren't going to let someone keep doing it too many times before they boot them.

Oh yeah, when you get there, get there early so you get to pick your bike. Look for one that runs good and isn't all beat up. Look for flopping turn signals and bent shifters and brakes. Those are the ones that have been previously been dropped.

As far as the dirt bike goes, remember some of the controls are different. Compare with the ZX-6 to see what I mean.

nickjpass · August 16th, 2012, 06:58 PM

Yeah. The kill switch is on the other side lol I don't know why they did that with my KLX. Sometimes I find myself turning my bike off randomly lol

xMoises831 · August 17th, 2012, 03:13 PM

ok i was going to take it on the 28 of august but i decided not to. but they told me as long as i had a long sleeve, shirt over ankle shoes, and pants i would be good idk about the gloves but go ask them.Each one takes it differently

Bob2010 · August 17th, 2012, 03:18 PM

I wore steel toe work boots and rode a early model Kawasaki eliminator 125cc with a knock louder that it's exhaust.

Took mine last weekend.

alex.s · August 17th, 2012, 03:27 PM

remember nick. you dont pay for their bikes. so get in your crashing expierence with those instead of your bikes. try to practice sliding the rear when you go around corners... make sure you are WOT or nothing.... oh and make sure you try to lock up the front during the emergency braking practice.

like others have said you know how to ride, so have fun with it.

Stingray1000 · August 17th, 2012, 03:43 PM

Mine is a 3 day class that started last night. Have to wake up at 6am to be in class tomorrow and sunday

Said if I'm a minute late I can't get into class.... God last night was BORING!!!!!

ryan.chin · August 17th, 2012, 04:49 PM

MVA in Glen Burnie MD required only pants, long sleeved shirt, helmet, gloves, and boots. (That go over the ankle.)

n4mwd · August 17th, 2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

remember nick. you dont pay for their bikes. so get in your crashing expierence with those instead of your bikes. try to practice sliding the rear when you go around corners... make sure you are WOT or nothing.... oh and make sure you try to lock up the front during the emergency braking practice.

like others have said you know how to ride, so have fun with it.

Alex, I just noticed your new animated avatar while I was reading that. Was that you?

Oh and Nick, he's joking. If you lock either brake during the braking test, you fail. The point is to quick stop in as little road as possible without skidding. The front brake is what you want to use primarily, but not to the point where you lock it. The rear brake is used simultaneously, but the front is where most of the stopping force is at.

A successful quick stop can mean life or death on the road. There is never a shortage of idiots willing to violate your right of way and put your quick stop skills to the test.

If you are using Ninja newgens out there, then you have to be careful not to overdo it with the throttle. In the time it takes most people to read this sentence, you could be doing 40-50 mph from a stop! Remember, SLOW MOTION, so even the fast stuff is under 20 mph. And for the quick stop, the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop - so go as slow as they will allow.

alex.s · August 17th, 2012, 05:54 PM

it is me, it was in march. theres a full video on my youtube. and i wasnt kidding, you get plenty of practice before the test at the end of the day. why not use the time to practice something you wont normally get a chance to practice with a bike you dont have to pay for? yes i am encouraging nick to crash an msf bike at low speeds in a safe environment where nothing serious is going to happen to learn more about crashing on pavement. is it bad advice? probably. would i do it that way if i had the chance? abso-freaking-lutely. crashing is a unique opportunity to experience the way a bike behaves at the extremes. it never behaves that way normally. the feeling of, and having the correct response to having your rear tire break off and snap back is something you cant describe even if you're a world class writer. its one of those things where a picture is worth a thousand words, and experiencing it is worth a thousand pictures.

just try not to endo the bike. that actually does hurt even going slow.

n4mwd · August 17th, 2012, 08:07 PM

When I took the MSF course, it was primarily focused on accident avoidance rather than accident survival. Still, I managed to drop my bike anyway. They were not amused and asked me if I wanted to leave the course. I said no and they made me keep riding the same dented bike - which never ran right after it was dropped.

The MSF riding range looks something like in the attached diagram.

nickjpass · August 17th, 2012, 08:14 PM

LOL crashing sucks but it's fun too! When I crashed for the first time I was so confused and was like "oh" LOL It happened so quick, and to this day I don't know why I did! It's fun though

n4mwd · August 17th, 2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

LOL crashing sucks but it's fun too! When I crashed for the first time I was so confused and was like "oh" LOL It happened so quick, and to this day I don't know why I did! It's fun though

Crashing is never fun on the street and sometimes fatal. Even a simple lowside can be fatal if you end up in the wrong place - like under a car. At a minimum, you're probably looking at broken bones and some road rash.

nickjpass · August 18th, 2012, 08:26 PM

At minimum you can expect nothing lol sometimes you won't even get bruised :P

n4mwd · August 19th, 2012, 06:16 AM

On the street, that kind of accident is pretty rare - especially if you were actually moving when it happened. I think jiggles was only doing about 30 or so and managed to break his leg. I've heard of other serious injuries that happened even slower.

On a dirt bike you have the soft ground to land on. On the street, if you're lucky, the only thing you hit is the asphalt, but a lot of guys aren't that lucky and end up hitting other things like guard rails and cars.

Don't confuse street accidents with track accidents. Tracks are designed to minimize injuries to riders that go down. Plus the other riders there tend to be smarter than the average Sunday driver who pulls in front of you with no warning.

You obviously have the riding skills to pass the riding part of the MSF, but you clearly need better street skills to survive on the street. The classroom part of the MSF will touch on that, but there is still a ton of stuff to learn that they don't tell you.

August 10th, 2012, 08:40 PM	#1
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Nick is finally taking the msf course woot! Finally taking the MSF!! SO EXCITED!!! Have a few questions We're required to bring full length jacket, pants, gloves, and a pair of boots. I have a motorcycle jacket (none of the gear required actually has to be made for motorcycle, can be a normal jacket for example). I will wear jeans. I have a helmet. I have gloves. Now the boots...they're dirt boots. Should I still wear them? I have no work boots. I was planning on wearing them on the street till I get street boots. What do you think!? Taking it on the 24...threw the 27? __________________________________________________

August 10th, 2012, 08:53 PM	#4
Jiggles Jigglin' your Jiglets Name: Sean Location: San Jose, Ca Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Apr '13	Jiggles is impressed With this __________________________________________________ If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs

August 10th, 2012, 08:56 PM	#5
RyderRider15 Ate his own face. Twice. Name: John Location: Durham Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r, 2009 KLR650 Posts: 109	If you're okay spending a few hrs in the boots then use em! __________________________________________________ http://www.youtube.com/user/RyderRider15?feature=mhee Gear whore score: 74

August 10th, 2012, 09:02 PM	#6
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Smart, keep making smart decisions... __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 10th, 2012, 11:47 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	Thanks @Jiggles (I don't think you were being sarcastic this time haha). @Bentley813 At Mohawk Valley Community College...you should really introduce yourself in the 'New Members' section. More people will notice you/get to know you better. __________________________________________________

August 10th, 2012, 08:45 PM	#2
Vergil Laser Quest Name: Austin Location: Ventura county Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Black Ninja 250r Posts: 245	Wear whats comfortable. If you've been using your dirt boots to ride, then wear them for the course.

August 10th, 2012, 08:49 PM	#3
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	i dont see a problem with dirt boots. the controls are the same.

August 10th, 2012, 09:38 PM	#7
Maielstrom Ghost Rider Name: Eric Location: Westchester, NY Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: 84	I took the course in NY too, but mine was down South in the Bronx. Only requirement we had was that they be over the ankle boots. I wore a pair of boots similar to Timberlands, which were pretty much just over the round bump of the heel bone and there was no problem with those. Best wishes for the course! It's a good deal of fun, def enjoy it!

August 10th, 2012, 10:22 PM	#8
Bentley813 ninjette.org member Name: Steve Location: Oswego, NY Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White 300 Posts: 221	Where are you taking your course? I'll be in Syracuse the 25th and 26th. I called and asked and the guy running my course said as long as they are at your ankle it will be fine. I'm wearing some Doc Marten's that go almost to the top of my ankle.

August 11th, 2012, 12:08 AM	#10
Bentley813 ninjette.org member Name: Steve Location: Oswego, NY Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White 300 Posts: 221	I will once I have a bike to show I want to get my license and MSF class done first, then I have to decide if I want to get a 2012 now and let it sit most of the winter or get a 2013 from Northern next spring (Assuming they get some before my itch explodes.)

August 11th, 2012, 11:48 AM	#12
Cazper ninjaholic Name: Dustin Location: Oceanside, CA Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' SE 250R (sold), 03' ZX-6R, 99' XL1200C SP Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	When I did my MSF course I was pretty much the only one there in motorcycle specific anything. I wore my textile jacket, my short style gloves, helmet of course, riding jeans and my riding shoes (shift racing fuel street shoes). Everyone else was wearing anything but motorcycle specific clothing and noone cared. Good luck and I'm sure you'll do fine... they really do start off very basic and move forward fairly slowly. __________________________________________________ 09' SE Ninja 250R $2,547.83 worth of mods installed... come on Unregistered, you know you want to know what? Check my Blog "Modification List"

August 11th, 2012, 11:52 AM	#13
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	I took mine in 90+ weather here a few weeks ago. My recollections: - don't wear a MC jacket. They wanted us wearing long sleeve Ts. - any boots that cover the ankle are fine. I'd recommend vented boots. - I wore MC gloves but there were people in mechanic's gloves. It's a great class. I had to emergency stop from 45 mph the other day (cow wandered into the road) and I'm really glad I got the theory and practice at the training course.

August 14th, 2012, 09:42 AM	#14
dcx4610 ninjette.org member Name: Daniel Location: Nashville Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 25	I took mine in 100 degree weather. My tips: Helmet - If you have one bring it. The choices they have are limited and they may not have enough. I brought my own helmet just in case and was glad that I did. Mine was new and I really didn't want to use it yet but I was glad I did as it got me comfortable with it. Boots - I had motorcycle boots already but didn't want to wear them and get them dirty trying to learn. I ended up just wearing work boots which were heavy and a mistake. Just wear anything that covers the ankle and is comfortable Pants - Regular jeans are fine. Wear something comfortable Jacket - It's going to be hot and you are going to be miserable. All that is required is a long sleeve shirt. I recommend wearing a light long sleeve shirt where you can roll up your sleeves in between tests. I think the worst part of the experience was gearing up every 30 minutes. T-shirt + Light jacket or hoodie or just a long sleeve shirt is your best bet.

August 14th, 2012, 09:58 AM	#15
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Requirements- You need to provide your own riding gear: sturdy, non-flared long pants sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear jacket full-fingered gloves if necessary, raingear That's from their site. So I can't wear a long sleeved shirt. __________________________________________________

August 14th, 2012, 04:43 PM	#17
ally99 Ninja chick Name: Allyson Location: Athens, GA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 4 MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15	Awesome, Nick! Good luck! __________________________________________________ Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson

August 14th, 2012, 05:15 PM	#18
the big mike ninjette.org sage Name: Michael Location: Belgium Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, Fazer8 Posts: 580	have fun __________________________________________________ I can not be a true player by playing around.

August 14th, 2012, 05:34 PM	#19
conrya5 ninjette.org member Name: Ryan Location: South Eastern, PA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Metalic Island Blue Ninja 250r Posts: 206	I wore a really lightweight long sleeve shirt that was white and made for sports to allow for extra cooling, found it a walmart for 3$ lol. It was 100F + during my course and it kept me cool enough. Definitely use your own helmet, and jeans that have no holes in them. The one student had to put tape over the holes in his jeans. Edit: I also wore basketball style shoes that covered my ankles and they allowed it.

August 14th, 2012, 05:43 PM	#20
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	i'm glad i had my own helmet, the ones they had were gross, lol.

August 14th, 2012, 07:09 PM	#21
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	Good luck Nick You can go to the MSF web Page and review the class room portion of the weekend. That will help you out with the written test part.

August 14th, 2012, 08:31 PM	#22
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Thanks racerx __________________________________________________

August 15th, 2012, 04:51 AM	#23
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	Nick -- good for you. Don't sweat the gear. Really, they're just covering themselves. The only motorcycle-specific thing you need is a helmet. A slightly OT thought: Since you already ride chances are you know most if not all of what they're going to teach you. A lot of folks who are already riding take the course and come away disappointed, feeling they wasted their time. If you go in thinking you already know everything, you'll be missing out on a great opportunity and a good time. View it as a chance to learn… even experts can learn. Sure, you spend a long time doing really, REALLY basic stuff like walking the bike, learning the friction zone, etc. Roll with it. Have fun. Make jokes. You're there, so you might as well enjoy yourself. I was away from riding for several years and when I decided to get back into it I took the MSF course just as a refresher… I had a ball, even though I already knew pretty much everything they had to say. The reason was simply that I saw it as a chance to maybe pick up something new, test my knowledge and hone my skills in a controlled environment. There's a difference between going through the exercise successfully and doing it spot-on perfect, every time. The latter is much more of a challenge. The fact that there were two cute girls in the course helped, of course….

August 15th, 2012, 07:37 AM	#24
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	@adouglas Good advice. I appreciate it. The trainer is a girl...so lets hope for the best __________________________________________________

August 16th, 2012, 04:59 AM	#25
n4mwd ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: D Location: Palm Beach, FL Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	Nick, you have most everything you need regarding gear. Wear the dirt bike boots because you are used to them. As long as they cover your ankles, they're good. I can say for a fact that if you get something new, and it doesn't fit just right, it will be a distraction while you are taking the course. Also, don't forget your helmet. They had helmets for people to wear at my MSF course, but who wants to wear a helmet that other people have worn and possibly thrown up in. Oh, and helmets. They will ding you if you ride with the visor up. UNLESS, you also have eyeglasses or sunglasses. But as far as skill, be sure to practice the super tight figure 8 turns for the MSF box. I think the box is 20'x60'. You should try with 15' using the dirt bike. Putting your foot down, going outside the box and depending on the instructor, removing your foot from the peg will result in getting dinged. Other skills to practice. Short stops from 20 mph (they measure the distance you take to stop). You'll fail without a descent coordination with both brakes. Also, swerving by countersteering and weaving tight cones about 5' apart. Anyhow, with your dirt bike experience, I have a feeling you are going to ace it. Oh and lastly, a lot of schools use pregens on the course. But if you get squiddy on them, its an instant fail. __________________________________________________ My Ninja Blog Proud member of ABATE.My NYC Road Rage documentary - CENSORED!

August 16th, 2012, 11:56 AM	#26
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	They have new ninja 250's lmao!! Oh and I'm pretty good with tight turns. I don't have room to go that quick on my bike so I spend a lot of time driving around trees at pretty low angles. I'm not gonna lie. Dirt biking has really come natural to me. __________________________________________________

August 16th, 2012, 12:23 PM	#27
n4mwd ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: D Location: Palm Beach, FL Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	With a few noted exceptions, the course is mostly done in slow motion. Really slow. You'll need to ride the clutch and rear brake to keep it under control. They refer to that as the "friction zone". But when they say go slow in a straight line, they mean slow enough that your grandmother can go faster with her walker. The trick is to keep your balance at the really slow speed. Then they make you do wide swerves which are basically a zigzag pattern - all in slow motion. But like I said, you are going to ace it. Just be aware of the things they ding you for. Visor not down, not looking into the turns, failure to signal (when directed), failure to cancel the signal, and of course squidding is an automatic fail. Dropping the bike is not an automatic fail, but they aren't going to let someone keep doing it too many times before they boot them. Oh yeah, when you get there, get there early so you get to pick your bike. Look for one that runs good and isn't all beat up. Look for flopping turn signals and bent shifters and brakes. Those are the ones that have been previously been dropped. As far as the dirt bike goes, remember some of the controls are different. Compare with the ZX-6 to see what I mean. __________________________________________________ My Ninja Blog Proud member of ABATE.My NYC Road Rage documentary - CENSORED!

August 16th, 2012, 06:58 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	Yeah. The kill switch is on the other side lol I don't know why they did that with my KLX. Sometimes I find myself turning my bike off randomly lol __________________________________________________

August 17th, 2012, 03:13 PM	#29
xMoises831 ninjette.org guru Name: Moises Location: watsonville Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 364 Blog Entries: 1	ok i was going to take it on the 28 of august but i decided not to. but they told me as long as i had a long sleeve, shirt over ankle shoes, and pants i would be good idk about the gloves but go ask them.Each one takes it differently

August 17th, 2012, 03:18 PM	#30
Bob2010 ninjette.org sage Name: Bob Location: NY Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 730	I wore steel toe work boots and rode a early model Kawasaki eliminator 125cc with a knock louder that it's exhaust. Took mine last weekend. __________________________________________________ 2010 Red Ninja 250 2009 Black Ninja 250 -If you ride like lightning,you're gonna crash like thunder-

August 17th, 2012, 03:27 PM	#31
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	remember nick. you dont pay for their bikes. so get in your crashing expierence with those instead of your bikes. try to practice sliding the rear when you go around corners... make sure you are WOT or nothing.... oh and make sure you try to lock up the front during the emergency braking practice. like others have said you know how to ride, so have fun with it. __________________________________________________

August 17th, 2012, 03:43 PM	#32
Stingray1000 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jon Location: Newark, De Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Mine is a 3 day class that started last night. Have to wake up at 6am to be in class tomorrow and sunday Said if I'm a minute late I can't get into class.... God last night was BORING!!!!! __________________________________________________ http://www.facebook.com/groups/DeMdNjPagrouprides/ I live my life a quarter mile at a time! Who is affraid of the big bad jiggles???? LOL

August 17th, 2012, 04:49 PM	#33
ryan.chin ninjette.org sage Name: Ryan Location: Columbia, MD Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 R6 Posts: 605	MVA in Glen Burnie MD required only pants, long sleeved shirt, helmet, gloves, and boots. (That go over the ankle.) __________________________________________________ I UPGRADED to a YZF-R6 Mods: Shermoto LF7 Levers / Proton Flushmounts / Puig Smoked DB / Woodcraft Sliders / Tech Spec C3 Tank Grips / Rizoma Grips / Jardine

August 17th, 2012, 05:54 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	it is me, it was in march. theres a full video on my youtube. and i wasnt kidding, you get plenty of practice before the test at the end of the day. why not use the time to practice something you wont normally get a chance to practice with a bike you dont have to pay for? yes i am encouraging nick to crash an msf bike at low speeds in a safe environment where nothing serious is going to happen to learn more about crashing on pavement. is it bad advice? probably. would i do it that way if i had the chance? abso-freaking-lutely. crashing is a unique opportunity to experience the way a bike behaves at the extremes. it never behaves that way normally. the feeling of, and having the correct response to having your rear tire break off and snap back is something you cant describe even if you're a world class writer. its one of those things where a picture is worth a thousand words, and experiencing it is worth a thousand pictures. just try not to endo the bike. that actually does hurt even going slow. __________________________________________________

August 17th, 2012, 08:14 PM	#37
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	LOL crashing sucks but it's fun too! When I crashed for the first time I was so confused and was like "oh" LOL It happened so quick, and to this day I don't know why I did! It's fun though __________________________________________________

August 18th, 2012, 08:26 PM	#39
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	At minimum you can expect nothing lol sometimes you won't even get bruised :P __________________________________________________

August 19th, 2012, 06:16 AM	#40
n4mwd ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: D Location: Palm Beach, FL Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	On the street, that kind of accident is pretty rare - especially if you were actually moving when it happened. I think jiggles was only doing about 30 or so and managed to break his leg. I've heard of other serious injuries that happened even slower. On a dirt bike you have the soft ground to land on. On the street, if you're lucky, the only thing you hit is the asphalt, but a lot of guys aren't that lucky and end up hitting other things like guard rails and cars. Don't confuse street accidents with track accidents. Tracks are designed to minimize injuries to riders that go down. Plus the other riders there tend to be smarter than the average Sunday driver who pulls in front of you with no warning. You obviously have the riding skills to pass the riding part of the MSF, but you clearly need better street skills to survive on the street. The classroom part of the MSF will touch on that, but there is still a ton of stuff to learn that they don't tell you. __________________________________________________ My Ninja Blog Proud member of ABATE.My NYC Road Rage documentary - CENSORED!