Motorcycle Safety Course

pimaCanyon · Post by **pimaCanyon** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 6:02 pm

This course is for motorcycle riders. Motorcycles have obvious differences from scooters--riding position is different, no shifting on the scoot, etc. So I wonder what you folks think of this course for someone learning to ride a scooter. I noticed that our local course states that the course fee includes a practice bike, but I have no interest in learning to ride a motorcycle, shifting gears and all that (at least right now). Don't know whether I could take the class using my scooter for practice.

What's your opinion of this course for scooter riders?

Thanks!

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 6:28 pm

I liked it. A lot of what you learn is applicable to any motorbike; scooter, moped, motorcycle, it doesn't really matter. Some of the stuff like engine breaking obvoiusly doesn't apply to automatics but hey, if you learn on a manual you can ride an automatic. The reverse isn't true, so yes you will learn more than you need to know but then if you decide to by a motorcycle you won't have to take another class

I ride a 50 and I didn't even need a class to legally ride it. I took the class becuase it taught me some valuable safety and now I can buy/ride whatever I want legally. When I took the class this really wasn't a big deal to me as I had no intention of moving to a bigger scooter or motorcycle when I took the class. Now I'm looking at either a larger scooter (250-300cc perferably) or a suzuki TU250, niether of which I'd be able to ride without having taken the course. The course is definitly awesome and I'd highly suggest using one of thier motorcycles and not your scooter even if they would allow it.

btw I rode my litle 50 to each of the classes and it was quite hilarious to see the looks on peoples faces when I'd pull up on it, I think they thought I was a bit of an oddball

bearcat68 · Post by **bearcat68** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 6:30 pm

I would still highly recommend taking the MSF's Basic Rider Course, as the skills you'll learn atop a so-called "real" motorcycle translate directly to skills you'll want to acquire/practice on a scoot (e.g. hard stops, swerves, accident avoidance, proper scanning techniques, motorcycle physics, et al).

Moreover, while most scoots (especially modern rides) have a CVT and are just "twist and go" there are some appreciable advantages to learning how to utilize a manual transmission on a standard motorcycle. Getting used to the nuanced "feel" of the clutch/gears will help you learn control, and mastery of your machine. On another (happy) note, if you ever decide to get a classic scoot or a Stella/Chetak, you'll really appreciate having some experience with a traditional manual transmission when you're learning the twist-shifter.

All and all, you'll be a better, safer rider if you take the MSF. You'll have more fun and get the most out of your scooter, particularly when performance and rider skills matter most. Statistics suggest (for what it's worth) that rider graduates of the MSF's BSF are less likely to have an accident during their first years of riding. To top it all off, you'll typically get a discount on your insurance for your troubles. As you can tell, I (and I would imagine the majority of the people on MB) are BIG fans of the MSF.

Have fun, and ride safe.

Halloweenie · Post by **Halloweenie** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 6:37 pm

Take the class! I had a blast in it and I can tell you I still use the techniques they taught us. Plus, if you learn to shift on their bike, then you can ride a Stella!

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:17 pm

Ought to be required of new scooter riders (jn some places it is). In some areas you can take the course on your own or a loaner scooter if you choose rather than a small motorcycle. Defensive riding and situational awareness are pretty much the same regardless of the PTW that you ride.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:53 pm

Dooglas wrote: Defensive riding and situational awareness are pretty much the same regardless of the PTW that you ride.

that is exactly what it is for. the kind of vehicle is probably secondary. the things you use and can take from that class might even make you a better cage driver. it helps you to think differently. and to be more pro-active in you driving. there are many things you don't think or worry about until you pilot a scooter or MC. and for me the class was actually fun.

chloefpuff · Post by **chloefpuff** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:38 pm

Take.The.Class.

ditto what everybody already said.

Dibber · Post by **Dibber** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:54 pm

Some State such as Minnesota are holding Scooter courses too, but you can not get your drivers lic endorsement through it. But like the rest, of the riders who wrote in, you should take it. It never hurts to learn how to shift a bike. You will be a much better rider because of it.

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:55 pm

Take the course!!! It is not about learning how to drive a motorcycle it is about learning how to observe and learn how to react on a 2 wheeled motorized vehicle, which is NOT the same as driving a car. Also... a scooter is a motorcycle. It is a step through, and sometimes automatic motorcycle but it is still a motorcycle.

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 11:32 pm

The course is great! I did the first field day on their Honda which was a dog but had no real problems though I had never ridden a motorcycle previously. The second field day I rode my Buddy and was the only one able to get through the entire test portion with zero deductions. In fact I was the only one that could do the box portion of the test without going over the lines. I stayed inside with a foot to spare all the way around.

To use the Buddy I had to have current registration and insurance. I'm not sure if I needed the permit or not but had it anyway. Though essentially it's a parking lot exercise, it sure beats having to take the DMV test.

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 12:20 am

I would take the course, its main value being safety awareness. Make sure you do not take it when it is too hot - that can make things more difficult. We basically had a boot camp in a 100 degree heat. If you have a course that allows use of your own vehicle - great. IF you can only do motorcycle still do it. Even if you do not pass their test for license you will still learn a lot.

pimaCanyon · Post by **pimaCanyon** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 1:02 am

Great responses! Thanks! I will do the course.

Turns out there is a scooter version of the course that's offered here, I believe, but you don't get your motorcycle endorsement upon course completion like you do with the motorcycle course, so if I do the scooter version, I'd still have to do the driving test at the DMV. During the next week, I will mull it over and decide which one to take.

tercesflow · Post by **tercesflow** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:08 am

Call your local class. I did mine in a motorcycle but you could either bring your own scooter or they had a Honda Ruckus scooter available to borrow as well.

r0sa · Post by **r0sa** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:44 am

the class is totally worth the $200.

I learned the techniques on how to act quick in dangerous situations, even though i already had my scooter, i decided to just use one of their bikes and use my own helmet. i was surprised they let me ride the Ninja 250s, it was a BLAST!

the MSF was alot of fun i have to admit, and just like everyone else said...TAKE THE CLASS!!

myras_girls · Post by **myras_girls** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:40 am

The MSF in my area could be taken on a motorcycle or scooter. Either way, what you learn in the class is invaluable to motorcyclists and scooterists. I highly recommend it.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:29 pm

Defensive riding and situational awareness are pretty much the same regardless of the PTW that you ride.

Totally agree! Enjoy the class! It's well worth taking.