New Riders - MSF Class

[Handyman]

MSF has the basic riders course, sportbike riders course, and experienced riders course...

[Loki]

you putting begginers on the the rain?

Why not? It is discussed and taught in the classroom. Now, they have the training.

[Loki]

okay, I totally agree with MSF courses and want to put my wife through it next year if possible. Here's my question:

I've been riding for over 20 years, steadily for the last 10. I never took the MSF course, I just applied common sense and tips from many other riders. So is there a course for someone like me? Should I go through the basic course first before I take an advanced course? I like the idea of taking a sport riders course. Been wanting to ask this for a while. Any opinions would be appreciated.

BTW, I would rate myself novice/intermediate because most of my riding has been just cruising/commuting. Only since I got my SV a couple years ago have I been spending more time learning how to lean and turn properly. My riding was cruisers until 08.

The sport bike course was something MSF and the military developed. Not every MSF school offers it at this time. There doesn't seem to be a great interest in the ERC. We haven't had anyone sign up for it this year. I recommend checking Reg Pridmore's school or Keith Code's super bike school. A good one for learning how to drag knee is Lee Parks school.

[freeriders98]

Anyone have experience with the MSF experienced course or any of the sportbike schools loki recommended?

The Reg Pridmore's school looks like a very good one.

I have been on street about 3 years, and dirt a fair amount. But most of my street (90%) time is commuting. So I would say my riding skill is underdeveloped. And am looking for the best class. I am worried that the MSF course might be a little to basic still, but am not sure what all the course works on. The reg class is on a track, which would be awesome and focuses on making you a better rider, both street and track. COst is only $225, but...also need a new set of tires for it. So $400+ or so. Just looking for some insite from people who have experience with either one, or know people who have done them. Thanks

[JonJon]

The MSF class is just a basic for people learning to ride a motorcycle. Or people wanting to save money on insurance, and get their M1 in the mean time.

[freeriders98]

But there is also a "MSF experienced" course, were you bring your own bike.

and another question is does Reg's class get you any points with insurance as far as saving money?

[Loki]

But there is also a "MSF experienced" course, were you bring your own bike.

and another question is does Reg's class get you any points with insurance as far as saving money?

As I mentioned, we haven't had much interest from people in the ERC (Experienced Riders Course). In the past 5 years, we probably have only done 2. In the bay area, I have only heard of 1 being done in the past 5 years. Any riding school you attend gets you a discount with insurance.

[Loki]

Anyone have experience with the MSF experienced course or any of the sportbike schools loki recommended?

The Reg Pridmore's school looks like a very good one.

I have been on street about 3 years, and dirt a fair amount. But most of my street (90%) time is commuting. So I would say my riding skill is underdeveloped. And am looking for the best class. I am worried that the MSF course might be a little to basic still, but am not sure what all the course works on. The reg class is on a track, which would be awesome and focuses on making you a better rider, both street and track. COst is only $225, but...also need a new set of tires for it. So $400+ or so. Just looking for some insite from people who have experience with either one, or know people who have done them. Thanks

I've attended all the schools I mentioned. My preference is the Super bike school. Reg was a certified MSF instructor. Some of your time is spent off the track learning how to brake properly. Reg's school is probably the best choice if it is your first time on the track. He keeps all the groups separate, unlike one school I attended where the A riders rode with the C riders.

These track schools are strictly sport bikes. I've seen people there with cruisers, BMW GS's and vintage bikes.

[freeriders98]

Thanks for the info

[wingman900ss]

Took the basic rider course last month. Cannot explain the confidence it helped build. By day two you'll be scraping pegs all day long. But besides that the instructors for the fresno class/selma range are an awesome couple guys. There's guys who had been riding for years that took the class with me and had trouble with some of the manuevers. But its $ well spent.

[Archaidius]

Not that it needs another endorsement, the MSF course was completely a gem for me. I had a few doubts when I started out riding back in February 2016 and decided to take the course. It really helped me learn the basics and become comfortable with taking off and stopping.