MSF complete but a question

[Trikie]

I have completed my MSF, in fact, I completed it in 2012. My question is this... I had all the intentions on purchasing a bike after I completed my course. Life happened and I couldn't buy a bike. Here it is day 3 2014 and I still haven't purchased a bike. Should I retake the course to relearn the fundamentals and basic controls? The only time I have ridden was for the course, so no experience at all. I want to get a bike by May this year, but am not sure if I need/should retake the BRC. Sorry for the lengthy and probably repetitive post but thanks for any help!

[csmith12]

No worries Nick. Welcome!

Do this, have a seat on a bike, and review the controls. Know what they are?

Can you answer the following?
Remember what T-CLOCK is?
How bout FINEC?
How many controls are used during the emergency brake drill?
How important is keeping your head up?
How many times did you hear "BIG HEAD TURN!"? LOL!
Remember what ouside, inside, outside is?
What other skill drills do you remember?

Finally, do you feel you need to take it again? Would it make you feel better?

[csmith12]

No cheating...

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Trikie

...........Should I retake the course to relearn the fundamentals and basic controls? The only time I have ridden was for the course, so no experience at all..........

Welcome to our site, Nick !!!

What we learn at the MSF basic course in two days is barely the minimum necessary to survive normal street traffic.

The right response to your question depends on many variables:
-How much traffic are you going to endure from riding day #1.
-How good your memory is.
-How much you can expend in a repeated version of the course (consider also buying protecting gear, insurance and registration).
-How good of a traffic-free, safe area do you have for several hours of practice during the first weeks of riding.
-How many rider friends willing to help you out you have.
-How "natural" for motorcycling you are.

The MSF website offers all the theoretical information that they cover in the basic course.

[Trikie]

Originally Posted by csmith12

No cheating...

I had to look lol. Probably a strong sign that I need to read up or take the course again.

Thanks for your reply

[Trikie]

Originally Posted by Motofool

Welcome to our site, Nick !!!

What we learn at the MSF basic course in two days is barely the minimum necessary to survive normal street traffic.

The right response to your question depends on many variables:
-How much traffic are you going to endure from riding day #1.
-How good your memory is.
-How much you can expend in a repeated version of the course (consider also buying protecting gear, insurance and registration).
-How good of a traffic-free, safe area do you have for several hours of practice during the first weeks of riding.
-How many rider friends willing to help you out you have.
-How "natural" for motorcycling you are.

The MSF website offers all the theoretical information that they cover in the basic course.

1.) I live on a military installation so basically no traffic except peak hours during the week.
2.) memory is ok, lol I still have the BRC handbook which if memory serves me right I can find basic info in there.
3.) The course is no issue cost wise.
4.) The base I live on has a MSF pad, it's actually where I did my course. Painted and unrestricted use. I could be there for hours running the course if needed.
5.) Doubt any buddies would take the time to assist. Big headed, don't start on a weak 250 get a 1000 idiots.
6.) only thing that worries me is learning to be more aware of my surroundings and anticipating what the "other" guy is gonna do. I have started making myself do it as I drive my car but I know it is completely different on a bike. Especially with it being less surface area to catch a glimpse.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Trikie

1.) I live on a military installation............
6.) only thing that worries me is learning to be more aware of my surroundings and anticipating what the "other" guy is gonna do. I have started making myself do it as I drive my car but I know it is completely different on a bike. Especially with it being less surface area to catch a glimpse.

You are in good hands then.

This motorcycling learning curve has three phases (just my opinion = ):

1) Learn control over the machine + balance + non-natural attitudes and reactions.
This one takes much time, and discipline and patience. If you allow yourself to get frustrated, you stop growing, as well as if you feel too comfortable. When you can flick the bike side to side with authority and stop in a dime, you are ready. The idea is to make the bike an extension of your body. There is a great book for this phase: "Total Control".

2) Learn to deal with traffic as a biker.
In this phase, you cannot be thinking about what control to use, you must do what is needed when is needed with no hesitation or mental processing (hence, the importance of becoming proficient in phase #1 before hitting the asphalt jungle). It is hard to read traffic and to be 100% aware of your surroundings, but no impossible. There is a great book for this phase: "Proficient Motorcycling". Our chances to die in an accident are 35 higher than when driving a car, reason for which we cannot afford errors. To survive for years, you must be mentally sharp and focused at all times: no distractions, no day-dreaming, no worries.

3) Learn to refrain your over-confidence and polish your skills. There is a great book for this phase: "A twist of the wrist (I and II)".

The less surface area to catch a glimpse is not our main problem: being invisible for drivers and riding distracted or over-confidently are real killers.

Aren't there military programs targeted for riders?

[Alex]

/thread moved to Riding Skills area

I took the BRC with my wife (a million years ago). I bought a bike in between the first weekend and second weekend of the course, so I was riding immediately and could begin to build on the skills I had just learned. My wife didn't end up getting a motorcycle of her own for a year after that course, and it took her much, much longer to get comfortable on a bike again based on that delay. In retrospect, she wishes that she had retaken the BRC and then gotten right on that bike at that point.

No wrong answer here, and either could work depending on the individual, but it probably wouldn't be wasted time if you were able to get into a course nearer to hopping on your own motorcycle.

[adouglas]

I'd say do it again.

You won't learn anything new but you will get some seat time that will make you more comfortable and a lot less likely to have an "oops" with your nice new bike.

A lot of newbies drop their bike soon after purchase simply through lack of familiarity.

Also, the second time around you can focus on different things than you did the first. First time, you're trying to take it all in and can forget things. Second time, you can pay more attention to nailing that nasty figure-8 box, doing the cone slalom perfectly, etc.

Yeah, this is all very basic, remedial stuff... but it'll take the edge off of those first few nervous trips out on the road.

I took a few years off of riding before buying my Ninjette. Even though I'd had a lot of experience and miles under my belt, it had been awhile. So I took the BRC again... glad I did.

[CC Cowboy]

The MSF is only good for 6 months. After that it expires and all memory banks are deleted.

[JohnnyBravo]

You can take it for free, so I ya want go practice on the MSF pad, if ya feel you may need to retake it it won't cost you anything. Either way I doubt it would hurt. You getin a 300?
Sorry for the thumb down, I tend to poke at buttons to fast
Sent from my iPhone

Originally Posted by Trikie

1.) I live on a military installation so basically no traffic except peak hours during the week.
2.) memory is ok, lol I still have the BRC handbook which if memory serves me right I can find basic info in there.
3.) The course is no issue cost wise.
4.) The base I live on has a MSF pad, it's actually where I did my course. Painted and unrestricted use. I could be there for hours running the course if needed.
5.) Doubt any buddies would take the time to assist. Big headed, don't start on a weak 250 get a 1000 idiots.
6.) only thing that worries me is learning to be more aware of my surroundings and anticipating what the "other" guy is gonna do. I have started making myself do it as I drive my car but I know it is completely different on a bike. Especially with it being less surface area to catch a glimpse.

[DEFY]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

You can take it for free, so I ya want go practice on the MSF pad, if ya feel you may need to retake it it won't cost you anything. Either way I doubt it would hurt. You getin a 300?
Sorry for the thumb down, I tend to poke at buttons to fast
Sent from my iPhone

Not free in all areas, I knew it was free in PA but in NY the MSF coarse costs you around $250+.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by DEFY

Not free in all areas, I knew it was free in PA but in NY the MSF coarse costs you around $250+.

When did military posts start charging???

[DEFY]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

When did military posts start charging???

MSF handled by Star

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by DEFY

MSF handled by Star

I'm glad military posts still gave them away to anyone that belonged inside the fence when I got mine.
What's all this star buisness mister?
Might we be talking bout two different subjects you on fort drum, fort Hammond, or one of those other military posts in new yorks?

[notsofast]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

I'm glad military posts still gave them away to anyone that belonged inside the fence when I got mine.
What's all this star buisness mister?
Might we be talking bout two different subjects you on fort drum, fort Hammond, or one of those other military posts in new yorks?

When I took mine in CA, all the marines said they had to tell someone important they were taking it and they had to front the cash but they would be reimbursed upon completion.

It might have been because they were taking it off base though.

[csmith12]

When I took it, there was an older gentleman (late 70's I would guess) that paid for his course for next year after passing the test on the last day. The instructor said he had been taking the course every Apr. for the past 10yrs.

[DEFY]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

I'm glad military posts still gave them away to anyone that belonged inside the fence when I got mine.
What's all this star buisness mister?
Might we be talking bout two different subjects you on fort drum, fort Hammond, or one of those other military posts in new yorks?

lol you on wrong foot, I am a civilian not military.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by csmith12

.........there was an older gentleman (late 70's I would guess) that paid for his course for next year after passing the test on the last day..........

[NevadaWolf]

If you are on the base and able to get the course for free, I'd say run through Chris' checklist, then go down through the route and walk it to see how much you remember. Then sign up again. Can't hurt and costs you nothing.

Took me awhile to get into the class itself since i am low man on priority but i was able to ride my bike through it and relearned many things that i had forgotten.

[csmith12]

@Motofool, the old chap out rode us all on the worst bike on the field (of course he picked last too). If he doesn't make it next Apr., I doubt it was because of his riding.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by DEFY

lol you on wrong foot, I am a civilian not military.

Did ya not read where trickie lives on a military base?
Haha we were talkin bout two different subjects.

[DEFY]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Did ya not read where trickie lives on a military base?
Haha we were talkin bout two different subjects.

Just stating, I not military so I have no idea of the freebies y'all get.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by DEFY

Just stating, I not military so I have no idea of the freebies y'all get.

Haha sir yes sir

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Trikie

I have completed my MSF, in fact, I completed it in 2012. My question is this... I had all the intentions on purchasing a bike after I completed my course. Life happened and I couldn't buy a bike. Here it is day 3 2014 and I still haven't purchased a bike. Should I retake the course to relearn the fundamentals and basic controls? The only time I have ridden was for the course, so no experience at all. I want to get a bike by May this year, but am not sure if I need/should retake the BRC. Sorry for the lengthy and probably repetitive post but thanks for any help!

Welcome!
I don't think there's ever any harm done by brushing up on your training if you're a bit rusty. If it were me, if you know you have a love for bikes and are going to get one anyway based on your last MSF experience, maybe you should consider going ahead and buying the bike, find an empty parking lot, and see how comfortable you feel with the basics. If you need some help or feel unsure, I'd suggest taking it again. Be sure you buy good safety gear before you start riding.
Learning can be intimidating but it's such a fun process! Enjoy!

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by csmith12

@Motofool, the old chap out rode us all on the worst bike on the field (of course he picked last too). If he doesn't make it next Apr., I doubt it was because of his riding.

Hahaha !!!

Kudos to all old riders !!!

Re-taking the course made him a better rider, ..... paying in advance made him a serious optimist.

"The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it, he knows too little." - Mark Twain

[Trikie]

Thanks all for the replies! Considering it is mandatory for military to take the brc it is free. As far as free the second go I cannot say. I would like to get an '07 or older ex250. Not for the fact that they are cheap but they can be modded for fairly cheap. Plus it has more upright riding position which is something I think I will like more than a tuck. Gear is definitely on my list, actually going to buy some before I get a bike. I do have a lot of area where I can practice on base and will more than likely retake the course just for that extra confidence and such. Again thanks everyone for their personal opinions and reasonings behind them.

[alex.s]

i dont know what branch you are in but my buddy in the marrines says they pay for all of his bike education and regularly have extras. he has gone to like 4 or 5 if i remember right, all paid for by the 'rines.


there are very specific rules for riding on base. even as a civilian they'll give you **** if you aren't up to spec (but they wont turn you away as a civilian visiting a base member) full gear, full hi-viz, bike fully specced and in shape; they're real sticklers. even gave me **** for riding my janky fzr into base. told me not to bring that bike back until its in better shape haha

[csmith12]

Oorah!

[Trikie]

Haha, they recently did away with hi viz all the time. Now it's only required at night and in inclement weather. Which I know was/is an issue for a lot of my coworkers. I'll have to check and see if I can take the course again through my squadron.

Just stopped by the local dealers to get my looking fix for the time being. Ninja 300 isn't half bad. Although I am definitely going to get used for my first.

[csmith12]

Hold up.... we are missing something here.

Thank you for your service.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Hold up.... we are missing something here.

Thank you for your service.

Some of y'all a bit slow, or need y'all readin glasses checked out

[NevadaWolf]

@Trikie, not sure if the specifics have changed, but looking at my little flow chart for MSF training, there's a note the class must be retaken every few years. Doesn't sound like they would charge for a second go around.

If that is a question, i'd find the instructor and ask her/him what the deal is.

And yes, as Chris said, THANK YOU!

[Trikie]

Thanks to all for supporting your veterans! I'll have to give them a call! Thanks

[JohnnyBravo]

@Trickie what squadron you with?

[allanoue]

I will guess 355th

[Trikie]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

@Trickie what squadron you with?

Yea 355 AMXS

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by Trikie

Yea 355 AMXS

Thanks for the CAS, it's saved my butt a few times

[Trikie]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Thanks for the CAS, it's saved my butt a few times

Note: Not a pilot but just as crucial to getting those birds in the air to help my brothers and sisters in arms.

Probably the best part/feeling about working on this jet! I used to work on F-15's but have obviously moved on. Couldn't believe they wanted to retire this amazing jet. For the folks reading this that don't know, I currently work on the A-10.

And thank you @JohnnyBravo for everything you do.

[JohnnyBravo]

If there is one plane I love it's the A-10... Nothing like the sound of them on a gun run and watching the show.

Thanks for what you do! I do some mechanics, but usually do recovery work, some strange things happen in the real world.