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Old August 17th, 2014, 03:49 PM   #1
archaeofreak
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Passed the MSF!

My GF and I both just completed the 2.5 day MSF course here in PHX. Out of 12, one girl dropped day 1 rider course due to the heat (around 100 F by 11:00 AM), another 3 failed the written test so could not do the riding course day 2, and one was a no show for riding day 2, although he passed the written test.

Personally, I totally bombed the figure 8 U-turn Box-I just could not get the Rebel 250 turned far enough at a high enough speed-the bike I was riding did have a faulty clutch with a tiny friction zone at the very end of the bar let-out, but it was mostly my fault. In the end, I passed everything else though! I asked how many points I lost total, and the RiderCoach said it was Pass/Fail, and they did not write the points down? I read online the most you can lose is 8 points for the box, and you need to lose 20 to fail, so I guess I did good enough! No one dropped a bike in the class at least :-)

Of the 7 of us that made it to day 2, all passed! So 84% success rate total.

Now I need to buy a helmet, get some insurance, and ride the ninja!

Also, somewhat ironically, and scary for us the first few minutes of day 1 classroom, one of the two RiderCoaches rolled into class in a wheelchair, with two casts on his legs! On the way to set up a rider course one morning, he was run over by a drunk driver at 4:30 AM with their lights off, driving an SUV. It was a hit and run, and he came to in the lane with another car coming at him! 3 months in a wheel chair before he moves to crutches! Quite an introduction to safety on a motorcycle I thought!
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Old August 17th, 2014, 03:55 PM   #2
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Congrats!

I had hell with that figure-8 box too. I kept wanting to put a foot down!

My MSF class definitely had points given, but they didn't tell us the point totals unless we asked specifically for them after the certificates were given.

Our class had one bike dropped while at a complete stop, and during the quick-brake test we had another student pop a major endo! Thankfully, he didn't go all the way over, though.

Hope you get the bike you want and I know you'll have fun out there. Be safe!
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Old August 17th, 2014, 03:58 PM   #3
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Thanks! I definitely put my feet down a lot! I will have to go practice that one in a parking lot a few times more for sure! Other than my screw-up with the box, it was quite uneventful, with none of the excitement from wheelies, loops etc I have read about. Probably a good thing :-)
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Old August 17th, 2014, 04:01 PM   #4
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Congrats., this is just the start of the career long learning experience for you both. Stay safe out there and definitely let us know any trips you guys take!!
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Old August 17th, 2014, 04:04 PM   #5
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I had heard so many stories leading up to my class about all sorts of things - mostly about people giving it full throttle, but hanging on for dear life, thus keeping that throttle open, lol!

I was surprised that the guy went up that high on the front tire. I didn't even think (at the time) that we were going fast enough during that test to have something like that happen. I'm just thankful no one got hurt. A smooth class in your case is always a good thing, though!
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Old August 17th, 2014, 04:04 PM   #6
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Old August 17th, 2014, 04:18 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by archaeofreak View Post
..........Now I need to buy a helmet, get some insurance, and ride the ninja!..........
You need a little more; you need to learn how to effectively and safely stop the bike in traffic conditions (a non-controlled and dangerous environment), polishing good basic techniques, but at a pace that avoids panic reactions.

You will get scared (and dangerous to yourself) as many times as your brain perceives that you don't have enough space in front of you.
As space and speed are directly linked, slowing down is the best approach.
How much? As much as you need to feel comfortable.

The good techniques will make your ride smooth and more controlled and will become naturally faster.
Trying to push yourself out of your comfort zone when you are not ready is a recipe for disaster.
Training on mastering that brake lever goes first and as stopping quickly and safely is many times more difficult than twisting that throttle and rolling faster.

Here is some good reading about that first fundamental skill:

http://www.msgroup.org/Articles.aspx?Cat=2

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=147377

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=134072

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=149961

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=120133
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Old August 17th, 2014, 04:35 PM   #8
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Thanks for the links Motofool. I know passing the MSF just means I can ride at a minimum somewhat safely in a parking lot :-)

I surely have a long road of gaining skill and experience ahead! But I cant even start without a helmet and insurance :-)

I am eager to get out there, and learn though!
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Old August 17th, 2014, 04:43 PM   #9
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If you can try to take an advanced class or do a track day once you get comfortable with the bike.
I use Pekin for my insurance and pay $60 a year for full coverage. Of course I am old and have a multi policy.
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Old August 17th, 2014, 06:00 PM   #10
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Old August 17th, 2014, 06:41 PM   #11
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Gratz

Be confident in your ability, but try not to get over confident as that can be very dangerous for yourself and others. Things will come together in time, and the longer you ride the better you'll become.
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Old August 17th, 2014, 10:40 PM   #12
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What a coincidence! I just completed my MSF course today too!

The evaluation was tough, I completely nailed the box 0 points (which I was worried about) I was docked 2 points for stopping 2 extra feet and then I was docked 5 points for not going quick enough before the big turn... which to me was bs, but whatever. I passed.

Everyone in my class passed the written test, only one kid failed the riding test, I felt bad for him. On the first day this old guy in the class dropped his bike, which was a shock, but that wasn't during the test.

Overall, I learned a bit. But I think the test was very stressful.
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Old August 17th, 2014, 10:43 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by archaeofreak View Post
Thanks for the links Motofool. I know passing the MSF just means I can ride at a minimum somewhat safely in a parking lot :-)

I surely have a long road of gaining skill and experience ahead! But I cant even start without a helmet and insurance :-)

I am eager to get out there, and learn though!
Listen, you did the basic course, you are now licensed and recognized by the state as a competent rider. Go out there, take it slow and you'll learn very quick. Don't over think stuff. It's time to put miles on your bike. Enjoy!
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Old August 18th, 2014, 04:39 AM   #14
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Old August 18th, 2014, 06:24 AM   #15
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I bombed the figure 8 in my test too and i was on a rebel. Couldn't find neutral to save my life.
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Old August 18th, 2014, 06:44 AM   #16
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Congratulations! My wife and I did ours about a month ago.

The big thing I took away from the class was "ride your own ride." Ride so you're comfortable, safe, and having fun.

It's actually a great saying for most things in life.
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Old August 18th, 2014, 03:56 PM   #17
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Thanks for the good will everyone! I just ordered a helmet (Bell RS-1 off the internet for $140) and I am getting insurance quotes now! I still need to get to the MVD to show my MSF card and get my M cert too...
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Old August 19th, 2014, 01:36 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by archaeofreak View Post
Thanks for the good will everyone! I just ordered a helmet (Bell RS-1 off the internet for $140) and I am getting insurance quotes now! I still need to get to the MVD to show my MSF card and get my M cert too...

Insure YOU, not the motorcycle as the cost to repair you is going to be much more costly, max everything so there is nothing left to chance cause a medical bill can take a lifetime to pay off.
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Old August 19th, 2014, 08:54 AM   #19
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It's pretty hard to fail the MSF course without dropping the bike, it's no coincidence is lobbied for by the motorcycle dealers. They barely mention countersteer, etc...

After you finish the course, pick up "Proficient Motorcycling". The MSF course is very rote and designed just to get you to pass the licensing test. Proficient Motorcycling really helped me understand the "WHY" of the things they tell you, and lots of things they never mention, such as the fact engine breaking "counts" as rear braking for traction purposes, etc... It's a never ending education!
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Old August 19th, 2014, 08:57 AM   #20
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Grats archaeofreak! When you get your gear share some pics of it.
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Old August 19th, 2014, 09:12 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by momoru View Post
It's pretty hard to fail the MSF course without dropping the bike, it's no coincidence is lobbied for by the motorcycle dealers. They barely mention countersteer, etc...

After you finish the course, pick up "Proficient Motorcycling". The MSF course is very rote and designed just to get you to pass the licensing test. Proficient Motorcycling really helped me understand the "WHY" of the things they tell you, and lots of things they never mention, such as the fact engine breaking "counts" as rear braking for traction purposes, etc... It's a never ending education!
The BRC i took here in NJ was very comprehensive and touched a lot one this... It is a very good class. Worth each and every penny of the $300 it costs.

The BRC2 was equally good.

Not saying that more education isnt a good thing, i'll probably check out "Proficient Motorcycling" myself.
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Old August 20th, 2014, 05:51 AM   #22
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course is very rote and designed....
rote, not a very commonly used word.
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Old August 20th, 2014, 06:20 AM   #23
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Old August 20th, 2014, 11:28 AM   #24
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Congrats! I'm planning on doing the MSF soon! YAY!
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Old August 21st, 2014, 07:49 PM   #25
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Congratulations. Taking the MSF course here in Phoenix in August is ... interesting. I took it during the springtime some years ago and even then I thought it was kind of toasty!
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Old August 23rd, 2014, 11:11 AM   #26
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Passed mine a few weeks ago and also placed a foot in the box.

The coolest thing were the awards they gave to all of us after graduating, mine was leader of the pack. lol
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Old August 25th, 2014, 05:37 AM   #27
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Gear Up and Mount Your Bike -

Did my class in Lawrenceville, GA this weekend. Why didn't any of you remind me to take the Camelbak Saturday?

Great class. We had a few to struggle with the box and one guy dropped a bike. Now I need to build some miles and decide what the next step is. I'm leaning toward MSF Advanced or going toward a beginner track day, but the first thing is to build some miles.
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Old August 31st, 2014, 01:21 PM   #28
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fry124, here are some pics of the gear I have picked up so far:

Bell RS-1 Helmet ($140, not the prettiest but seems to be a good helmet for cheap).

Vented S&S Jacket ($80).

momoru, they definitely taught us counter steer in the MSF class but I will pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling ASAP!

I have not had the chance to ride the ninja yet, as I am still looking for insurance, but I am slowly acquiring gear, and have some basic maintenance fishdip has agreed to help me with!
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Old September 2nd, 2014, 11:42 AM   #29
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I love my RS-1 Helmet, now go enjoy some miles!
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