What's Up from MT

jokesonyou24 · September 4th, 2013, 12:50 AM

Hey guys been lurking for awhile, finally decided to join. Don't own a bike yet, but I'm working on it.

csmith12 · September 4th, 2013, 01:23 AM

jokesonyou24! Glad to have you aboard...

jokesonyou24 · September 4th, 2013, 04:02 AM

thanks. so a bit off topic for the thread, but do you guys think I should take the MSF BRC or just learn on my own trial and error?(off public roads of course). I'm asking because there are no course openings in my area, but I've taken the written practice exam and passed, so I'm fairly confident I'll pass that part. I think with a few weeks on a bike, I could pass the skills test as well. What do you guys think?

csmith12 · September 4th, 2013, 04:39 AM

The trend and recommendation here will be to take the course. If none is avail on the schedule then maybe a trusted friend can help get you started. Like many others that have picked up riding without the MSF and coming back to take the course later, they learned that the trial and error method lead to some unsafe practices and bad habits. I learned with my fathers help and come back to take the course 12yrs later and enjoyed it, despite much of it being review.

jokesonyou24 · September 4th, 2013, 04:54 AM

thanks for the insight. I planned on getting help from a few friends who ride. I've ridden atv's, but not bikes so I fully intended to take the course until they shut it down in my area( weird I thought it was still early in the year)

KJohnson21 · September 5th, 2013, 10:18 PM

bfpower · September 5th, 2013, 11:03 PM

Hey Josh, welcome to the group. Good to finally see another Montanan on the boards. Where in MT are you? I'm down in Dillon; almost always down for a group ride.

jokesonyou24 · September 6th, 2013, 04:57 AM

I'm in lil old Hardin, about 48 miles from Billings. I would add myself to the map, but I'm stuck using the crappy web browser on my playstation 3 for the time being...

bfpower · September 6th, 2013, 09:20 AM

Nice; I come to Billings for work a few times a year. Maybe once you've got a ride we'll catch up over there.

jokesonyou24 · September 7th, 2013, 01:49 AM

sounds good

JohnnyBravo · September 7th, 2013, 03:32 AM

Welcome to the forum. If you can take the MSF do it!!! It's fun an helps you learn some basics on a bike you don't have to pay to fix if ya break it.

Motofool · September 7th, 2013, 06:49 AM

Welcome to our site !!!

Don't miss our Riding Skills section out

BlueRaven · September 7th, 2013, 02:56 PM

Welcome. I would strongly suggest to take the MSF. I learned things in my training that i would of never learned by myself.

Snake · September 7th, 2013, 04:11 PM

Hello and welcome.

bfpower · September 7th, 2013, 05:17 PM

You'd have to go at least to Billings to take the MSF. MSUB probably hosts a few classes each year. I had to go to Bozeman (2 hours). Welcome to MT... lol Still it was totally worth it, not only because of what I learned but because I had the chance to learn it on THEIR bike. They even had a pregen! Beat to hell but it was sure better than the other options.

JohnnyBravo · September 7th, 2013, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfpower

You'd have to go at least to Billings to take the MSF. MSUB probably hosts a few classes each year. I had to go to Bozeman (2 hours). Welcome to MT... lol Still it was totally worth it, not only because of what I learned but because I had the chance to learn it on THEIR bike. They even had a pregen! Beat to hell but it was sure better than the other options.

Wish I gota ninja at MSF

jokesonyou24 · September 8th, 2013, 03:38 AM

yeah I looked on the MMRS (Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety) website, and it lists billings, bozeman, great falls, kalispell etc., but when you try to register for a class, it has a message saying classes not available at this site etc. Last time I looked (before they posted the message) everything for september was sold out. They don't post a cutoff date for classes (that I can find anyway)

http://motorcycle.msun.edu/brc.htm

jokesonyou24 · September 8th, 2013, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfpower

They even had a pregen! Beat to hell but it was sure better than the other options.

I'm actually in the market for an '07 or older 250 (sorry but I don't like the new seat design)

jokesonyou24 · September 8th, 2013, 04:06 AM

I should probably clarify my earlier post...If taking the MSF BRC isn't an option, I'm going to get riding lessons from 2 or 3 friends who have. Also I have experience with ATV's, so shifting, throttle control, etc. shouldn't be a problem.(I hope). Balance, cornering, braking on the other hand...

And when/if the opportunity to take the class presents itself before the snow flies, I'm going to jump on it!

JohnnyBravo · September 8th, 2013, 05:25 AM

Def check the rider skill section
I hope you don't get over 30 mph on a streetbike and try to drive it like a four wheeler... Def study up on counter steering... Sounds crazy, but it will keep you outa the bushes! It's not really that hard to learn to ride without the class, they have books and videos every where for free to help ya out. Twist of the wrist 1&2 videos on YouTube , proficient motorcycling (great book), you can get Msf books an all sorts of stuff. I grew up on four wheelers and dirt bikes, didn't help as much as I thought.
Lots of folks learn without the MSF, but most of the folks that post here learning on their own post about dropping bikes an such, then waiting till they take the MSF.

Either way you can do it!!!

jokesonyou24 · September 8th, 2013, 08:27 AM

I just want to say thanks for all the good info, warm welcomes, and encouragement from everybody! I've read and studied everything I can get my hands on: countersteering, front braking for most situations, keeping your body upright while leaning the bike itself for tight and low speed turns, etc. I'm trying to find everything I can to prepare before I get the bike and/or take the class. I'll definitely track down a copy of proficient motorcycling!

JohnnyBravo · September 8th, 2013, 11:18 AM

Your on the right track... An havin buds to help ya don't hurt.

September 4th, 2013, 12:50 AM	#1
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	What's Up from MT Hey guys been lurking for awhile, finally decided to join. Don't own a bike yet, but I'm working on it. __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 4th, 2013, 01:23 AM	#2
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	jokesonyou24! Glad to have you aboard... __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 4th, 2013, 04:02 AM	#3
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	thanks. so a bit off topic for the thread, but do you guys think I should take the MSF BRC or just learn on my own trial and error?(off public roads of course). I'm asking because there are no course openings in my area, but I've taken the written practice exam and passed, so I'm fairly confident I'll pass that part. I think with a few weeks on a bike, I could pass the skills test as well. What do you guys think? __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 4th, 2013, 04:39 AM	#4
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	The trend and recommendation here will be to take the course. If none is avail on the schedule then maybe a trusted friend can help get you started. Like many others that have picked up riding without the MSF and coming back to take the course later, they learned that the trial and error method lead to some unsafe practices and bad habits. I learned with my fathers help and come back to take the course 12yrs later and enjoyed it, despite much of it being review. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 4th, 2013, 04:54 AM	#5
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	thanks for the insight. I planned on getting help from a few friends who ride. I've ridden atv's, but not bikes so I fully intended to take the course until they shut it down in my area( weird I thought it was still early in the year) __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 5th, 2013, 10:18 PM	#6
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	__________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

September 5th, 2013, 11:03 PM	#7
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	Hey Josh, welcome to the group. Good to finally see another Montanan on the boards. Where in MT are you? I'm down in Dillon; almost always down for a group ride.

September 6th, 2013, 04:57 AM	#8
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	I'm in lil old Hardin, about 48 miles from Billings. I would add myself to the map, but I'm stuck using the crappy web browser on my playstation 3 for the time being... __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 6th, 2013, 09:20 AM	#9
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	Nice; I come to Billings for work a few times a year. Maybe once you've got a ride we'll catch up over there.

September 7th, 2013, 01:49 AM	#10
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	sounds good __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 7th, 2013, 03:32 AM	#11
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Welcome to the forum. If you can take the MSF do it!!! It's fun an helps you learn some basics on a bike you don't have to pay to fix if ya break it. __________________________________________________

September 7th, 2013, 06:49 AM	#12
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Welcome to our site !!! Don't miss our Riding Skills section out __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

September 7th, 2013, 02:56 PM	#13
BlueRaven ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Lil One Location: NB Canada Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.	Welcome. I would strongly suggest to take the MSF. I learned things in my training that i would of never learned by myself. __________________________________________________ I'm not small, I'm fun sized

September 7th, 2013, 04:11 PM	#14
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Hello and welcome.

September 7th, 2013, 05:17 PM	#15
bfpower ninjette.org mafioso Name: Ben Location: Dillon, MT Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 337	You'd have to go at least to Billings to take the MSF. MSUB probably hosts a few classes each year. I had to go to Bozeman (2 hours). Welcome to MT... lol Still it was totally worth it, not only because of what I learned but because I had the chance to learn it on THEIR bike. They even had a pregen! Beat to hell but it was sure better than the other options.

September 8th, 2013, 03:38 AM	#17
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	yeah I looked on the MMRS (Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety) website, and it lists billings, bozeman, great falls, kalispell etc., but when you try to register for a class, it has a message saying classes not available at this site etc. Last time I looked (before they posted the message) everything for september was sold out. They don't post a cutoff date for classes (that I can find anyway) http://motorcycle.msun.edu/brc.htm __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 8th, 2013, 04:06 AM	#19
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	I should probably clarify my earlier post...If taking the MSF BRC isn't an option, I'm going to get riding lessons from 2 or 3 friends who have. Also I have experience with ATV's, so shifting, throttle control, etc. shouldn't be a problem.(I hope). Balance, cornering, braking on the other hand... And when/if the opportunity to take the class presents itself before the snow flies, I'm going to jump on it! __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 8th, 2013, 05:25 AM	#20
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Def check the rider skill section I hope you don't get over 30 mph on a streetbike and try to drive it like a four wheeler... Def study up on counter steering... Sounds crazy, but it will keep you outa the bushes! It's not really that hard to learn to ride without the class, they have books and videos every where for free to help ya out. Twist of the wrist 1&2 videos on YouTube , proficient motorcycling (great book), you can get Msf books an all sorts of stuff. I grew up on four wheelers and dirt bikes, didn't help as much as I thought. Lots of folks learn without the MSF, but most of the folks that post here learning on their own post about dropping bikes an such, then waiting till they take the MSF. Either way you can do it!!! __________________________________________________

September 8th, 2013, 08:27 AM	#21
jokesonyou24 ninjette.org foodie Name: Josh Location: Kent, WA Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): None...Yet Posts: 248	I just want to say thanks for all the good info, warm welcomes, and encouragement from everybody! I've read and studied everything I can get my hands on: countersteering, front braking for most situations, keeping your body upright while leaning the bike itself for tight and low speed turns, etc. I'm trying to find everything I can to prepare before I get the bike and/or take the class. I'll definitely track down a copy of proficient motorcycling! __________________________________________________ Unfortunately, by the time you come to the realization that this does not, in fact, actually say anything remotely useful, you've wasted 3 seconds of your life you'll never get back...

September 8th, 2013, 11:18 AM	#22
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Your on the right track... An havin buds to help ya don't hurt. __________________________________________________