I completed my MSF course today too

mesagirl · Post by **mesagirl** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:26 am

Followed everyone's advice and took the course last weekend. It was a little freaky watching one girl drop her bike 3 times (we were all required to use the 250 cc bikes provided). She was then escorted off the course.

All in all is was a very good experience - learned a lot but was very happy to finally pass the course and get back on my Buddy.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:28 pm

CONGRATS!!!

I passed a while back and STILL haven't made it out to a DMV to hand them my paperwork to become FULLY M classed

Scoot happily!

EBee · Post by **EBee** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:40 am

Hey TBone, you'd better get a move on...in Ohio we only had a short period to do that (help me out here Lobstaman, can't remember) and you don't want to let that slip away!

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:12 am

EBee wrote:Hey TBone, you'd better get a move on...in Ohio we only had a short period to do that (help me out here Lobstaman, can't remember) and you don't want to let that slip away!

I don't remember how long you have, I went to the BMV right away, I couldn't wait!

Still, good advice... don't wait too long and maybe end up losing your advantage.

luv-r-buddys · Post by **luv-r-buddys** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:35 pm

YEAH!!! My husband and I just completed and PASSED our MSF class today. It was the most grueling weekend I can remember. We are beat, and sunburnt, that black top gets mighty hot in this heat, but are going out for supper to celebrate. We had to use their 250cc motorcycles and I had never been on one before in my life, my husband had been on one in high school. It's a good thing we passed because I would never have gone through it a second time, especially now that I know what it's all about. It was a great course as far as tips and pointers for being safe out there, but wish they had one for scooters. I'm just so happy I can keep scootering.

castleton · Post by **castleton** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:16 pm

congratuations!!!!

I remember my joy taking the certificate to dmv & getting my M license.

Way to go! And I definitely agree: riding their cycles sure makes you appreciate the Buddy!

CiaoItalia · Post by **CiaoItalia** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:21 pm

luv-r-buddys wrote:YEAH!!! My husband and I just completed and PASSED our MSF class today. It was the most grueling weekend I can remember. We are beat, and sunburnt, that black top gets mighty hot in this heat, but are going out for supper to celebrate. We had to use their 250cc motorcycles and I had never been on one before in my life, my husband had been on one in high school. It's a good thing we passed because I would never have gone through it a second time, especially now that I know what it's all about. It was a great course as far as tips and pointers for being safe out there, but wish they had one for scooters. I'm just so happy I can keep scootering.

The MSF that you took your course through does offer a "Scooter School" course. I don't know how much overlap there is from the motorcycle course but it might be worth checking into. You can even use your own scoot. Here's the link http://www.msf-usa.org/scooterschool.cfm

jazdrmr · Post by **jazdrmr** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:49 am

Just passed my MSF course today also! Saturday was hot and humid. Today it rained until our exam. I actually thought the rain was a good challenge for us all. We had 5 nubies (out of a class of 14) who had never ridden bikes before and they did great. Everyone passed and even one rider got a perfect score on his exam. We had two very good coaches. They were very encouraging and kept the atmosphere of the training lite. They wouldn't use the "e" word (exam). They called it the "Celebration of our new riding skills".

I was the only scooter guy there. I could have used my Buddy but choose to use a Honda Rebel instead. Figured I could use the training sometime. Totally screwed up the box part of the "Celebration" but breezed through the rest.

I would definitely recommend that every rider take this course to learn new skills, brush up on old skills or maybe correct bad habits.

cowgirl helmet · Post by **cowgirl helmet** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:22 am

Congratulations to all! You're giving me hope. (And as soon as I pass my test, I'm heading directly to MVA to get that danged M on my license.)

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:57 pm

Well, after almost 2 years and 9K mi. riding a scoot, I finally took the MSF BRC this weekend. Mrs. Ericalm (aka GatsbyGirl or "GG") was the primary beneficiary of the course — she has around 700 mi. riding experience and still needs her full Class M. We both rode our scoots, braving the 95 degree West Valley heat.

It was surprising how many people in our class had no experience on any kind of bike. GG and I both found the first riding session pretty rudimentary, as it largely focused on basics of clutch and throttle control (wasted on us). GG found some of the sharp turns a little challenging the first day. I liked that riding techniques that I've been using instinctively or from reading forums were reinforced and given proper names.

The second riding session was more challenging as we got into swerving, weaving, sharp turns, the U-turn box (aka figure 8's) and so on. The only difficulty I had was straightening and braking while in a sharp turn, which was mastered pretty quickly. Riding the scoots definitely helped with the tight maneuvers.

GG hit center stand for the first time ever on one of the sharp turn (slow, look, press, roll) exercises. While admonished for entering a curve too fast, she was commended for her technique when correcting, adjusting lean and not braking in the turn.

At the end of the day, we had the best and second best scores on the riding test. I got a perfect score and GG had just one error—anticipating a turn and slowing too much. I beamed with pride. Yeah, it was probably a little easier on CVT scooters, but the fact is we had to do the same tasks as everyone else. In fact, an instructor praised the scoots for their maneuverability and some of our classmates expressed interest in getting scoots instead of MCs.

In the end, I think that for both of us the major benefit was making us a little more disciplined and conscientious when riding. I've felt myself getting a little sloppy lately so this was a good reminder of basic skills and techniques that shouldn't be taken for granted. I actually wished (too late) that, because I already have a class M, that I had ridden a course bike. But for very new riders it may be advantageous to do it on your scoot, which will handle and move very differently than a Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha 250.

GatsbyGirl · Post by **GatsbyGirl** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:25 am

If nothing else, the MSF course teaches you how to do things at low speeds. As soon as I got my scooter, it was drilled into my head by ericalm and other riders to get up to 30 mph as quickly as possible because you're more stable then.

The consequences of this? When I tried to take the driving test at the DMV (which in California they have seriously tightened the requirements of) I failed miserably, because they told me I couldn't go faster than 10 mph, and they "recommended" 5 to 7 mph. They also no longer let you go even onto the lines of that tight little twice-around circle, much less a smidgen over.

So, yes, two days of doing drills in a parking lot at low speeds was definitely a good core-building exercise. Plus, I can totally nail the U-Turn box now.

I may have to go up to the DMV this weekend though and try the official test again just for fun. I'm 95% sure that I still won't be able to do it. And I know I couldn't do it on a big bike.

When I took the DMV test, the instructor said they had changed the rules three weeks before and that nobody was passing it. Our MSF instructors said that they weren't allowed to state their feelings on what the the state feels are skills worth testing, but made it clear that they aren't in agreement with them.

Whatever. As soon as that little piece of paper comes in the mail I can go get my permit changed into a real, live license. And that right there is worth the $230.

Although, while it was great to see people go from never having sat on a bike before to riding by the end of the second day, it is a little scary that some of them who squeaked by on the test could soon be sharing the road with us all.

cowgirl helmet · Post by **cowgirl helmet** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:42 pm

GatsbyGirl wrote:When I tried to take the driving test at the DMV (which in California they have seriously tightened the requirements of) I failed miserably, because they told me I couldn't go faster than 10 mph, and they "recommended" 5 to 7 mph.

Heh. That's pretty ironic. Here in MD, one of the reasons I flunked my road test was because I wasn't going fast enough.

louie · Post by **louie** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 3:42 pm

GatsbyGirl wrote:
When I took the DMV test, the instructor said they had changed the rules three weeks before and that nobody was passing it. Our MSF instructors said that they weren't allowed to state their feelings on what the the state feels are skills worth testing, but made it clear that they aren't in agreement with them.

.

Hmmm, in Alabama to get an M license you must first pass a written test, period. I got mine before i ever rode a bike.
and that's a change from having an M license automatically when you get a regular driver's license.

sparkle motion · Post by **sparkle motion** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 8:05 pm

I completed the BRC today and can honestly say it was one of the most challenging things I've ever done. I'd never ridden a bike with a clutch (no choice to use your own bike here) and it was about 95 degrees both yesterday and today - sweltering.

Tbone wrote:Yours is cheap. Mine cost me $238. Worth every penny too to ensure as best as possible that I pass and thusly get my M class designation

I think I have everyone beat, it's $350 in NYC.

However, I too think it's worth it. Not just for the M, but for the potentially life saving skills you learn.

I sucked at the u-turn box. Despite putting my BOTH feet down and going outside the lines in the box, I still passed and could have made 1 or 2 more mistakes on the exam. My instructors said that the u-turns in the box were the least important part of the test - that they weren't nearly as real work applicable as negotiating curves, panic breaking, and swerving. Even though I passed and can get my M endorsement as soon as I get the certificate in the mail, I plan on taking a private lesson or 2 with them on my Buddy. Figure I can fine tune what I learned and be able to apply it to my bike.

If anyone is still torn about whether or not to take the course, I highly recommend it.

GatsbyGirl wrote: While it was great to see people go from never having sat on a bike before to riding by the end of the second day, it is a little scary that some of them who squeaked by on the test could soon be sharing the road with us all.

Must say I disagree with this. I think it's scarier that people can be riding on their permit only for god-knows-how-long having only took the easy 20 question permit test at the DMV. I'd be more confident sharing the road with someone who passed the BRC than someone who'd never had any instruction at all. Maybe the class varies from state to state, but my instructors weren't passing anyone they thought would be unsafe on the road.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 8:52 pm

louie wrote:
GatsbyGirl wrote:When I took the DMV test, the instructor said they had changed the rules three weeks before and that nobody was passing it. Our MSF instructors said that they weren't allowed to state their feelings on what the the state feels are skills worth testing, but made it clear that they aren't in agreement with them.
Hmmm, in Alabama to get an M license you must first pass a written test, period. I got mine before i ever rode a bike.
and that's a change from having an M license automatically when you get a regular driver's license.

You also have to past the written DMV test in CA before you can get your permit or license, regardless of whether you take the MSF. GatsbyGirl was referring to the DMV riding test. I passed that quite a while ago before the rule changes, but wonder if I could still do it now... The CA DMV riding test is ridiculous because, unlike the MSF riding test, it doesn't present any real-world riding challenges. It's just weaving and completing full circles at speeds so low it's nearly impossible to balance. Maybe this is their passive-aggressive way of forcing people into MSF classes... ?

louie · Post by **louie** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 1:01 pm

i'm just bowled over by the fact i got a full license by answering less than 20 questions. I wouldn't have had to do that if i'd not lived out of state for several years.
i'm eager to take the advance course. no courses are offered July and August so maybe this fall.

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 2:44 pm

RE: It's just weaving and completing full circles at speeds so low it's nearly impossible to balance. Maybe this is their passive-aggressive way of forcing people into MSF classes... ?

In MN, the DMV response to the skill test is similar to what you said. Riders of large cycles were complaining it was too difficult to pass. The DMV responded if you can't control your cycle going slow then you probably do not have the control that you think you do going faster.

Just as you say...balance is more difficult at slower speeds.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:46 pm

2 months AFTER I get all the paperwork I FINALLY got my happy ass over to a DMV to submit my paperwork!

I'm officially M1 Classified in CA!!!!

*Another wish I had my camera with me moments. Someone who failed MISERABLY at their driver test today at the DMV. A car that was ramped up on a concrete pillar leaning against a chainlink fence/parking structure in the drivers testing area.

Actually knowing CA DMV they probably passed by 1 point

Macpherson · Post by **Macpherson** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 12:29 pm

I completed my course yesterday! Well worth the time. I am a lot better at operating at slow speeds now. Off to the BMV this week to make it official.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 2:50 pm

Macpherson wrote:I completed my course yesterday! Well worth the time. I am a lot better at operating at slow speeds now. Off to the BMV this week to make it official.

Congratulations!

shiny · Post by **shiny** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:53 pm

My partner got a motorcycle a few months ago, and picked a "starter" scooter for me on Craigslist this week. Best parter ever!

I'm signed up to take the motorcycle training course in a couple of weeks. I'm giddy.

I've heard that there is also a scooters-only MSF course here, in the summer.

Are there enough differences between motorcycles and scooters that I should take the scooter course, as well?

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:20 pm

Depnding on a few factors:

Mainly, if your using your scooter is it a "Twist N Go" or is the scooter a shifter?

If not your scooter but one they provide, same question. Shifter or twist n go.

The only real difference there other than the smaller tires and a scooter is a step through rather than a step over is if you are taking the course on a tng then the left hand is the back break not a clutch.

Other than that, the motorcycles are heavier with bigger wheels.

Before you take the course, if you haven't already found this:
http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf

Please read the 1st part. I believe around page 50 or so it has some exercises that you'll for the most cover in the MSF course but you SHOULD practice those if you plan on riding before you take the class!

An empty parking lot with roughly 4-6 empty stalls, no cement dividers a few bottles or something to mark places to stop...it'll help you immensly!

justscooten · Post by **justscooten** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:28 pm

dos anyone live in michigan thats got there indorsment? what do you have to do to get it?

Sweeper · Post by **Sweeper** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 9:21 pm

I passed my MSF course today! It was really a tough course, but teachers were GREAT! Very supportive of me as a scooter rider and everyone of us who were not experianced with the gear shifting. I flelt like they did all they could to encourage us and to help us pass.
The double U turn in the box was the worst, but as long as you don't drop the bike, you can pass. I would recommend everyone definitely take the course and don't stress about it.

nonsense · Post by **nonsense** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:26 pm

woo hoo. I finished the MSF yesterday. I'm guilty of procrastination so I had to use a motorcycle instead of the Buddy. I was surprised by how little we covered in the classroom setting. I don't think the class has time to address enough cager avoidance scenarios. I highly recommend Proficient Motorcycling in addition to the MSF. I think Hough does a better job than the MSF videos on riding in traffic.

By the time it was done I was happy to leave the range and get back on a real bike for the ride home.

Modern Buddy

I completed my MSF course today too

Just passed the course in Camarillo, CA

Completed our MSF class today

Re: Completed our MSF class today

motorcycle course vs scooter course?