New appreciation for my buddy

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:47 pm

I had my 1st MSF class on the bike yesterday. It was a lot of work. It definitely cemented that the scooter was the right choice because I really stink at shifting, even neutral eluded me. But on a plus side I didn't drop the bike or run into the port-a-potty on the range (this was a serious concern of mine)!

I will be spending many hours in the garage this week sitting on the motorcycles practicing my clutch and shift work. If I can get a good handle on that and stop stalling out the stupid thing I may actually pass.

Other then a very sore body, I have even more respect for bikers on the rode and appreciate my buddy for being automatic.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 1:50 pm

fair enough!

I don't find shifting too alien, but it is really nice to twistngo!

still undecided if the next size up will be a maxi scoot or a MC, but I do love my automatic!

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 2:41 pm

DariaSen wrote:I had my 1st MSF class on the bike yesterday. It was a lot of work. It definitely cemented that the scooter was the right choice because I really stink at shifting, even neutral eluded me. But on a plus side I didn't drop the bike or run into the port-a-potty on the range (this was a serious concern of mine)!

I will be spending many hours in the garage this week sitting on the motorcycles practicing my clutch and shift work. If I can get a good handle on that and stop stalling out the stupid thing I may actually pass.

Other then a very sore body, I have even more respect for bikers on the rode and appreciate my buddy for being automatic.

When in doubt just pull in the clutch. That way you won't stall. The MSF is easy and shifting WILL get easier and easier the more you do it. Don't give up cos if I can do it you can do it. Good Luck!!!!

Lance Corona · Post by **Lance Corona** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 3:37 pm

Drum Pro wrote:When in doubt just pull in the clutch. That way you won't stall. The MSF is easy and shifting WILL get easier and easier the more you do it. Don't give up cos if I can do it you can do it. Good Luck!!!!

What he said. It will become second nature to you over time.

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 3:12 pm

Thanks all for the encouragement.

After practicing last night on the variety of the bikes in my garage it is decided that the combo of a bike with a very tight clutch at class and my big "biker" boots made things difficult. I'm going to wear different boots and go for a different bike and hope for the best on Sunday.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 5:19 pm

I had the same problem at the MSF... for me it wasn't the clutch it was changing the gears because my boots kept getting stuck. I eventually got it and passed....

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 7:48 pm

Got a 100 on my written test! Now I'm just praying to the shifting gods that I can pass their tests. I'm going to make sure I can grab a smaller framed, newer bike and test the clutch before I make it mine for the day.
Last week I picked one of the older bikes thinking if I ride a motorcycle that's the kind I will ride. I have to remember to just pick a bike that will help me pass and I can practice on another bike at another time.

Wish me luck. I really can't wait to ride my scooter.

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:00 pm

good luck and remember: if you really want to ride- you will. I blew my MSF test (curve and stop got me) than after I purchased my scooter I practiced and 6 months later took DMV test. Been riding ever since. I was 47 when I got my license and I am 50 now.

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 1:11 pm

I PASSED!!!!!!!

Had a little emotional breakdown 1st thing in the morning with "the box" and was ready to quit but the instructors calmed me down, got me a smaller bike and I did much better.

2 weeks and I can get my endorsement. Although I will be taking my scooter out on a ride around the block as much as I can until then...owning it for a month and not being able to ride has been torture.

theflash784 · Post by **theflash784** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 1:38 pm

Congratz on pass the course! Here's hoping for many enjoyable hours on your scooter.

ender07 · Post by **ender07** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 1:48 pm

Does anyone know of any discounts or anything given by either insurance companies or the like to bring the cost of the MSF course? I've always wanted to take it but its over $240 where I live.

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 1:59 pm

It was $200 for my course and I'll get 10% off my insurance.

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:11 pm

WOW here in IL it is 20$ but good luck getting into a class.

Modern Buddy