Scooter School!

[Wingscribe]

The State of Ohio, in association with Motorcycle Ohio (Not the MSF, but they use their materials in the classes) has started to offer a new course this year, the BRC-S (Basic Rider Course - Scooter). The main difference between this class and the traditional BRC class is that you must provide your own scooter.

This was fine by me, as I just happen to have one.

I signed up for the class the day after purchasing my Buddy. I was lucky, one of the three sessions they are offering this year is 11 miles from my home.

The other two were over a hundred miles away.

My intention is to share my experiences (positive and negative) about this course.

PART I: The Classroom

I arrived early for the class, with my paperwork all set to go. I had also read the MSF Basic Rider Handbook once, then referred to it several times, in the weeks before the class.

The classroom portion combined the morning and afternoon weekend sessions (Motorcycle in the AM, Scooters in the PM - I guess they thought we wanted to sleep in...) into a Wednesday evening lesson that was scheduled for a little over four hours.

Turns out, we needed every minute of it to get through the material.

Once I was registered, I headed into the classroom (classroom and road portions of the class were held at a local vocational school). Being the loud-mouth that I am, when I walked in I made some comment about "Where are the scooter folks supposed to sit?"

All the motorcycle students pointed right, to a smaller group.

Turns out, we were divided by morning and afternoon sessions by sides of the classroom, which worked out well. We spend a few minutes getting to know each other, talking about what scooters we had purchased (we all had to have one to take the weekend portion) and why we were scooting in the first place.

There were seven scooter students: four female and three male. The soon-to-be-assembled scooters were 3 Vespas, 2 Kymco Like 200i, a Hooligan, a Jonway 150, and my Buddy.

We were all there for different reasons: one student thought that starting on scooters would be easier to work up to a street bike. One had a 2 mile commute with Cincinnati hills that were not bicycle-friendly. Several had purchased scoots in the fall and had just dusted them off and put their temporary endorsement to use.

Only one of us had not yet taken a spill, and as you all may remember, it was not I.

The class was taught by two instructors: the morning and afternoon heads for the coming weekend.

After introducing our new scooter buddies to the class (We had to talk about someone else, a group-dynamic thing) we got started into the class.

We were provided with a copy of the MSF Basic handbook, and they divided up the class to take pages from the book and present them to the rest of the class.

There was some healthy rivalry between the two groups, lively, but never mean. When we were going over the level on the left handgrip, they all said "Clutch!" and we chimed in "Rear Brake!" I had to present what to do if your clutch cable breaks, I informed the class "Get a scooter." There were several comments from the other side of the room about "when we grow up" and references to "easy sauce."

As stated before, this was all in good fun, no on was getting upset.

This was where things started to get a little awkward. There were so many different people, with different levels of reading comprehension, public speaking skills, and general 2-wheel experience. that no one really knew what they were supposed to do.

Complicating matters, the first instructor assigned a section to each student, then the second assigned sections to groups, with white boards and flip charts that we had to populate with the points we thought were important.

From an educational standpoint, this is a good tactic to involve students in new material, I don't deny this at all, but the implementation was not great.

Some groups were doubled up on sections to cover, and much time was lost with general confusion...without given assignments, not the subject matter.

As I stated before I had read the book before class; I was in the minority. Being familiar with the text helped me out quite a lot, as I was able to half-listen to other's presenting material while my group was getting another section together.

There were some required videos that we never got around to, problems with the PowerPoint, and some other problems that just ate up time.

With ten minutes left in the class, the instructors took over and we blasted through the last section and left on time.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the classroom portion, but that was more to do with speaking with other scooter owners in the flesh, something I don't really get to do.

In the end, the scooter group agreed that we had a good time, but would have almost preferred a Death by PowerPoint lecture, just to get through the material faster.

We were also unanimous that we can't wait for Saturday!

I'll post more this weekend.

[laurfunkle]

Cool info, thanks for sharing! The class sounds like it was fun, although maybe a bit hectic!

[Berner]

Fun read, thanks for the detailed report. Can't wait to hear about the riding section.

I too took a safety course that was mixed between scooters and motorcycles. There was definitely some friendly rivalry during classroom portion, with some of the motorcycle learners adopting a slightly superior air. That quickly turned to jealousy during the riding session, when the scooter folks breezed through the riding test while most of the motorcycle folks struggled with the low speed turns.

I enjoyed the whole thing so much that I went back two years later and retook the course to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Awkward moment when they were collecting copies of people's temporary permits and I didn't have one ... since I already had my full M endorsement.

[Wingscribe]

I too am considering going back for the "Full M" at some point, just to learn HOW to work a manual transmission with two wheels...

A side note, the group was talking about routes they would take to get to class on the weekend, the longest was over an hour and a half of travel time to make it there.

I am only 11 miles.

Rain in forecast all day on Saturday, and I am going to take the cautious (i.e. wimp) route and strap my trusty steed into my hitch carrier.

Looking on the bright side, this will be the perfect place to learn how to handle the wet, and Sunny Sunday will be the test day.

11 miles in rainy, four-lane traffic with my limited experience sounds like a recipe for disaster.

I think I'll hide my car behind one of the buildings, unhook the scoot, and ride up like I've been doing it all day.

No one tattle on me!

[ScooterDave]

When you say 11 miles from your home, where exactly do you mean? One of the Oaks?

[Wingscribe]

You are correct sir, the Oak on Kemper...Scarlet? Not sure...

Used to Autocross there 20 years back...know the place, fuzzy on name...

[BigDaddy SnakeOiler]

In my MSF-2 class there were 3 giant V-Twins, 2 Ninja Bikes (including a Ducati) and me on my Stella. They were all jealous that I had my lunch in the glove box. We all got along great, but the instructor was only going to give me a moped license (M8 in Pa.) He was severely misinformed. The folks at MSFPA sorted it out for me.

[Neurotic-Hapi-Snak]

Does Motorcycle Ohio not allow you to bring your own bike in the regular Basic Rider Course? Here in Minnesota they allow you the choice to bring your own or use theirs. I'm thinking about bringing my Stella, but I also want to get some time on a motorcycle so I can learn to use a foot shifter.

[Wingscribe]

I don't know for an absolute fact, but I believe that you can bring your own bike for the BRC (Not -S) class.

There you are, you read it on the Internet.

[Berner]

I too am considering going back for the "Full M" at some point, just to learn HOW to work a manual transmission with two wheels..

I thought it was a lot of fun, and would recommend it to any scooter rider that hasn't been on a motorcycle or manual scooter.

When I went back for the motorcycle course, it was so funny when the instructor starting explaining counter-steer. Everyone in the class had a puzzled expression trying to get their brains around such a counter-intuitive concept, and I'm just standing there nodding my head.

[Wingscribe]

Part II: In the Wet

It rained all day, and I loaded up Jarvis to my hitch rack and headed out to the riding portion of the class with plenty of time to spare.

When I got there, the alternating drizzle had become a full-fledged downpour, a situation that did not let up until we broke for the day...but more on that later.

I was the only one to transport their scooter, the rest of the brave souls in my class made in there on their scoots - good for them.

There were more than a few questions about my Harbor Freight rack - I think they might sell a few more of those in the coming days.

We met up with the instructors, started inspections of the scooters, paperwork, and turning in our tests.

At that point I noticed that two of our number had not arrived from the classroom portion, and that we had gained another student - he had attended a different classroom, but was here with us.

Damn his Vespa 300GTV was pretty...

So we headed out there with three Vespas, a Like 200, a Hooligan, and My Buddy.

The rest were new, mine? Not so much.

I was also the one one with a carburetor - I bragged about my kick start - no one cared.

The field instructors were both experienced motorcycle AND scooter riders. They knew the differences well, and explained that things would go faster without all that "clutch" stuff...

We started small, started safe - I'm sure all of you have been there before, but everything was so slow...it was difficult - but I realized that is the point, to teach you slow the skills that you can use when going fast.

And weaving back and forth at 2 MPH is just hard...

Needless to say, we were soaked. My Bell Bullit helmet did well, as did my Corazzo 5.0 jacket. Duluth trading fire hose pants? Forget about it - I was soaked to the bone.

Something else to add to the shopping list.

In the end, we had to call it short when we saw lightning flash - they have to wait 45 minutes without a strike to continue, and there was only 15 minutes of exercises left, so they let us go...about 2.5 hours early.

They said that between the half-capacity class, and the lack of clutch on the scooter, we were "flying" through everything.

I really, really enjoyed the session today, and can't wait for more tomorrow (with some better weather). At the very least, I am no longer afraid of the wet...still have a healty respect, but no longer afraid.

[still shifting]

Great fhat you had a good scooter friendly moter cycle safety class I envy you that. R

[Wingscribe]

Here is a preview of Day 2 of riding. I'll get out the full report tomorrow...

[bluebessie]

I took this course last year - they offered it but didn't actually advertise it in Ohio, so you had to know someone who hooked you up with the contact.

One thing I think would've been better was something they did last year - made the evening classroom portion to ONLY be for scooters. We discussed what was different about a motorcycle but the focus was on scooters and how they work (both manual and auto)

Funny thing for us is that last year we also had rainy weather. Sucked in a way but made me way more comfortable riding in the rain. Our instructors were also comfortable with both and one owned both so it was cool to get his thoughts on everything.

Hope your last day went well. I really enjoyed taking it here last year and have passed that on to all my friends who want to ride scooters. Our location requires transporting scooters in most cases, but it's worth it if you can find the ride.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat and still think of all the fun we had that weekend (even though we got soaked). At least it stopped raining for the last half of the last day - though a classmates scooter died and she wound up taking the test with mine (I offered).

[Wingscribe]

PART III: In The Dry

Sunday was beautiful, with a slight chill in a cloudless sky. I decided early in the morning to skip the hitch mount and just ride the scooter in to class, it was only 11 miles and the roads topped out at 50 MPH.

The only thing holding me back was my fear.

So, I got over that...

The biggest problem was that all my gear was so drenched from the previous day that it had yet to dry after sitting out for eighteen hours...

I made do with some short runs in the dryer, and was very thankful for my full-face helmet - the padding never got that wet.

So, I made a completely undramatic trip south, got in there about an hour early, and watch the morning Motorcycle class ride through their exercises.

The whole group made it back, but there was a problem with a brake light on one of the Vespas, and I got closer looks at the 300 GTV and Holligan.

Two very different rides, to be sure.

Several motorcycle students failed their exam and had to re-take it, which got our session going about an hour late, but between the half-class and CVT factor, all thought we would make up a lot of time.

Thing were easier in the dry, to be sure, even to the point that I thought we were doing something wrong. One of the instructors reminded me to brake into the curve, and I told him I was going so slowly into it, I was afraid I was going to fall down if I hit the brakes.

The whole class agreed that the day was starting off really easy...almost TOO EASY...

Then we got to the box.

Yes, the double U-Turn exercise put us all in out place, kicking our arrogance right out the window.

I know I will get this right, one day, but it is one of those things that has to be half instinct, half muscle memory, and with only the instinct going that day, it had to be pretty hilarious to watch.

From there, we moved onto more exercises, going over 2x4s, swerves, lane changes - and we all felt like we were back in the easy sauce.

I would have preferred twenty minutes to myself to figure out how to handle that U-Turn, but we had to move forward.

Test time came, and we started off with the box, then into a swerve. I crossed the line in the box, but made it through without any additional drama. One student did lay down the bike in the turn, but without injury to person or machine.

They would have to wait until the rest were done to take a more comprehensive, and difficult, retest.

The rest moved onto the emergency stop, which we flew through (pun intended) and then it came to the last evaluation - proper cornering technique.

I was at the end of the line of scooters, and as we "fired 'em up" my starter chugged endlessly, the engine not catching.

I tried again - no fire.

Come on, I had the thing going (without drama) like five minutes ago!

The rest of the class was giving me "that look" of sympathy.

Calm down, take a deep breath - work the problem.

Step One (and I don't care what the technology is) reboot.

Ignition switch to OFF, then back to ON.

Little pig fired right up.

I made it through, passed the exam. and rode home in triumph and some high wind gusts.

When I started this journey, I thought I knew what I was doing. Turns out, I was wrong and I laid the bike down. Then, I was scared of my own shadow, and you can argue with end of that spectrum is more dangerous...

Now, I still have a very healthy respect for the scoot and everyone around me, but I am not scared of it. My hands are no longer white-knuckling the grips as I drive 35 down a straight, empty road.

Most important lesson I learned from all of it? I shoulda' taken the class first, before even setting "foot" on the bike.

But no regrets. Stopping by the BMV tonight to get a new ID, and now thinking about commuting to work on Tuesday, we'll see.

Glad to be here, ride safe everyone!

[bluebessie]

Congrats on passing the class. You had me laughing - the box... OMG that figure 8 was brutal. I managed to put a foot down during the test (I got super nervous when my husband and son showed up) but I did get to figure it out. It was a mix of hand on the rear break and kind of leaning back through the turn. Still...

anyway you brought back fantastic memories of my weekend with them and how fantastic of an experience it was. I still hear things in my head as I ride.

Enjoy the M class on that license of yours!

[sc00ter]

My wife just passed her M3 (trike) driving test. We still intend on going back and taking the 3 day safety class for the trikes. By rumor, they even supply the trikes! Suzuki S50's w/Leihmen kits. I saw the scooter class listed and thought "What could this class really involve?", but you got my curiosity so I may look into it for myself.

[Wingscribe]

Couple of updates since Sunday:

1. It takes at least 48 hours for the paperwork to go through to get your endorsement. I went to the BMV Monday evening, and they said they had no record of my completion (other than the one in my wallet) and asked me to come back in a couple of days - very nice an apologetic-like...

2. I successfully made the 20 mile commute to work today on my scoot. Temp was right around 40 on the way in, so I was a little chilly in the digits (need some better gloves for cold, but we'll get there) and kept up with the rest of the 55-mph (state route, not Interstate) traffic pretty well. At about 63 (on the speedo) this thing is about tapped out, but that is typical with reported performance from the others.

3. I parked in the "motorcycle" section of the parking lot, and there is already a stir from the "real" riders. I'm just smiling...first time I actually ENJOYED the drive into work since I can remember.

4. Something I really took for granted, the pricing for the BRC (scooter or not) is $50. I now understand that this is a fraction of what other states charge, not sure why it is, but I am not complaining.

Heading back to the MBV at lunch (another excuse to scoot) to get my full endorsement today.

Thanks for all the comments!

Mike

[KABarash]

I parked in the "motorcycle" section of the parking lot, and there is already a stir from the "real" riders.

They'll get over it.

I'm just smiling...first time I actually ENJOYED the drive into work since I can remember.

Great time, huh? What I always found was the ride home. Even after the worst day, all troubles of that day melted away by the time I'd arrive home, sometimes by a more 'scenic route' however.

[bluebessie]

Couple of updates since Sunday:

1. It takes at least 48 hours for the paperwork to go through to get your endorsement. I went to the BMV Monday evening, and they said they had no record of my completion (other than the one in my wallet) and asked me to come back in a couple of days - very nice an apologetic-like...

2. I successfully made the 20 mile commute to work today on my scoot. Temp was right around 40 on the way in, so I was a little chilly in the digits (need some better gloves for cold, but we'll get there) and kept up with the rest of the 55-mph (state route, not Interstate) traffic pretty well. At about 63 (on the speedo) this thing is about tapped out, but that is typical with reported performance from the others.

3. I parked in the "motorcycle" section of the parking lot, and there is already a stir from the "real" riders. I'm just smiling...first time I actually ENJOYED the drive into work since I can remember.

4. Something I really took for granted, the pricing for the BRC (scooter or not) is $50. I now understand that this is a fraction of what other states charge, not sure why it is, but I am not complaining.

Heading back to the MBV at lunch (another excuse to scoot) to get my full endorsement today.

Thanks for all the comments!

Mike

Boo on the instructors for not telling you about the wait. I believe I went in on a Weds after the course.

Glad you enjoyed your ride. I was out this morning and had my leather gloves on. For a ride later in the day I switched to summer ones.

I agree that the $50 is a tremendous value!!! Most other places I checked out that are endorsed by the MSF that weren't done by the state were $200-250 or so.

[bluebessie]

Couple of updates since Sunday:

1. It takes at least 48 hours for the paperwork to go through to get your endorsement. I went to the BMV Monday evening, and they said they had no record of my completion (other than the one in my wallet) and asked me to come back in a couple of days - very nice an apologetic-like...

2. I successfully made the 20 mile commute to work today on my scoot. Temp was right around 40 on the way in, so I was a little chilly in the digits (need some better gloves for cold, but we'll get there) and kept up with the rest of the 55-mph (state route, not Interstate) traffic pretty well. At about 63 (on the speedo) this thing is about tapped out, but that is typical with reported performance from the others.

3. I parked in the "motorcycle" section of the parking lot, and there is already a stir from the "real" riders. I'm just smiling...first time I actually ENJOYED the drive into work since I can remember.

4. Something I really took for granted, the pricing for the BRC (scooter or not) is $50. I now understand that this is a fraction of what other states charge, not sure why it is, but I am not complaining.

Heading back to the MBV at lunch (another excuse to scoot) to get my full endorsement today.

Thanks for all the comments!

Mike

Boo on the instructors for not telling you about the wait. I believe I went in on a Weds after the course.

Glad you enjoyed your ride. I was out this morning and had my leather gloves on. For a ride later in the day I switched to summer ones.

I agree that the $50 is a tremendous value!!! Most other places I checked out that are endorsed by the MSF that weren't done by the state were $200-250 or so.