August 17th, 2014, 03:49 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Justin
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 82
|
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! |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 17th, 2014, 03:55 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: John
Location: Central Texas
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 70
|
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! |
|
August 17th, 2014, 03:58 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Justin
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 82
|
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 :-)
|
|
August 17th, 2014, 04:01 PM | #4 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
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!!
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 17th, 2014, 04:04 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: John
Location: Central Texas
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 70
|
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! |
|
August 17th, 2014, 04:04 PM | #6 |
sammich maker
Name: snot
Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '15
|
Congrats!
|
|
August 17th, 2014, 04:18 PM | #7 | |
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
|
Quote:
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
__________________________________________________
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 |
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 17th, 2014, 04:35 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Justin
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 82
|
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! |
3 out of 3 members found this post helpful. |
August 17th, 2014, 04:43 PM | #9 |
sammich maker
Name: snot
Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '15
|
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. |
|
August 17th, 2014, 06:00 PM | #10 |
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
|
/moved to riding skills
__________________________________________________
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) |
|
August 17th, 2014, 06:41 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ray
Location: 48162
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450
|
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. |
|
August 17th, 2014, 10:40 PM | #12 |
Inline 4!!!
Name: Danny
Location: MA
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.
|
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.
__________________________________________________
Be careful. Remember you are invisible |
|
August 17th, 2014, 10:43 PM | #13 | |
Inline 4!!!
Name: Danny
Location: MA
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Be careful. Remember you are invisible |
|
|
August 18th, 2014, 04:39 AM | #14 |
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
|
Gratz!
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 18th, 2014, 06:24 AM | #15 |
Certified Troublemaker
Name: Teri
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17
|
I bombed the figure 8 in my test too and i was on a rebel. Couldn't find neutral to save my life.
__________________________________________________
Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better... |
|
August 18th, 2014, 06:44 AM | #16 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
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.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
August 18th, 2014, 03:56 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Justin
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 82
|
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...
|
|
August 19th, 2014, 01:36 AM | #18 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ray
Location: 48162
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450
|
Quote:
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. |
|
|
August 19th, 2014, 08:54 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Phil
Location: Pittsburgh
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250R Posts: 60
|
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! |
|
August 19th, 2014, 08:57 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jason
Location: WV
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 650R & 2007 Buell Blast Posts: 323
|
Grats archaeofreak! When you get your gear share some pics of it.
|
|
August 19th, 2014, 09:12 AM | #21 | |
Certified Troublemaker
Name: Teri
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17
|
Quote:
The BRC2 was equally good. Not saying that more education isnt a good thing, i'll probably check out "Proficient Motorcycling" myself.
__________________________________________________
Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better... |
|
|
August 20th, 2014, 05:51 AM | #22 |
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
|
rote, not a very commonly used word.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
August 20th, 2014, 06:20 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
you got a bike?
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
|
August 20th, 2014, 11:28 AM | #24 |
Random Ninja Rider
Name: Seth
Location: Alamogordo NM
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 250exe Posts: 43
|
Congrats! I'm planning on doing the MSF soon! YAY!
__________________________________________________
Riding a 2007 250EXE Ninja! Bow to me! Woop Woop! |
|
August 21st, 2014, 07:49 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alan
Location: Phoenix
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 73
|
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!
|
|
August 23rd, 2014, 11:11 AM | #26 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ray
Location: 48162
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450
|
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 |
|
August 25th, 2014, 05:37 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alan
Location: Gwinnett County, GA
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 04 Ninja 250 Posts: 42
|
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. |
|
August 31st, 2014, 01:21 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Justin
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 82
|
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! |
|
September 2nd, 2014, 11:42 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
|
I love my RS-1 Helmet, now go enjoy some miles!
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
My MSF Course Experience (Passed!) | piNNoy | Riding Skills | 14 | July 12th, 2012 04:14 PM |
Another who passed the MSF | nautica | Riding Skills | 10 | May 13th, 2012 05:04 PM |
Passed It!!! (MSF) | meeshee | Riding Skills | 47 | September 6th, 2010 06:37 PM |
I passed the MSF course!!!!!!!! | istreefitty | General Motorcycling Discussion | 5 | August 5th, 2009 09:56 PM |
I passed the MSF course!! | zenxfour | General Motorcycling Discussion | 12 | July 28th, 2009 06:11 PM |
|
|