I'm adding in...the msf site library has the class book as a nonprintable pdf.
The library section also has two pdf books that are printable 'scooter tips', and 'motorcycle tips'. The exercises differ only slightly and can be set up to be used in virtually any parking lot.
Also, check your state's department of licensing for their motorcycle booklet which gives riding, rules, and safety info, and in some states even include what's covered in the riding test. If yours does, then that's a few more exercises to practice as well.
MSF also has a book out "motorcycling excellence".
Other riding skills books include:
* "Ride Hard, Ride Smart" by Pat Hahn
* "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough
* "Street Strategies" by David Hough
* "More Profiecient Motorcycling" by David Hough
* "Total Control" by Lee Parks
* "Police Rider's Handbook" by ??
etc
In my opinion, studying the state's free booklet, msf's pdfs, and buying a few cones and spending lots of time practicing will pretty much cover what the msf course covers (i wish now that i hadn't made the reservation as that's $200 I could use, and I'm not so scared of the state's motorcycle test anymore).
I really like the 'Ride Hard, Ride Smart' book, and would say that that is possibly better than the MSF's 'Motorcycling Excellence' book. Either or both of these is a good second step.
Hough's books and Parks' books are a good third step...riding skills books to have around to study here and there.
Most of it seems to be geared around either learning about your bike (scooter) and how it works, what makes it do the things it does, traction, speed, theory, etc... and riding strategies. (ie SEE is a strategy (search, evaluate, execute)). Regarding riding strategies, as you study these books and/or what experienced people say, you begin to cherry pick which strategies make sense to you that you're willing to learn and incorporate into your own skill set.
Also, there's the 'ride according to your skills' thought...which means that if you're scared of a type of road, continue developing skills and eventually that road won't seem so scary. 'Ride your ride' thought...which means not to give into peer pressure, but ride according to your own skills (and not the advanced skills of those around you).
There's a lot of push here for the MSF course. But in my opinion, if you're willing and capable of studying from a book and practice in a safe place, the course isn't necessary (though you may want to consider it for reduced insurance costs)...and some people (like me) use it as a way of avoiding the DOL test (which now I realize isn't all that hard/bad..particularly with practice).
oh, and if you're intending on riding a new scoot home, find a way of practicing first...ie msf course can provide such practice, or a friend willing to let you ride their scoot, or possibly even rent a scooter and practice with that.
