One Step Closer to Scootsville

She-Buddy · Post by **She-Buddy** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:29 pm

I passed my Knowledge Test today! I received my Instruction Permit this afternoon. They didn't have to tell me to smile on that photo.

Now...I just need one of those scooter-things....

Called my local dealership. They expect their 2008 Buddys to arrive this week! I hope they're not pulling my chain to keep themselves at the top of my list. Well, I'll wait for their call.

Don't worry everyone - I begin my motorcycle classes in 2.5 weeks. I'm looking forward to getting in some parking lot practice with my permit.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:48 pm

The class was not fun for me, but it did teach me things which already have saved me out on the public roads. I highly recommend the MSF class.

Just a heads up, they make you push your 400+ pound bike hundreds of feet to the actual riding location, they make you do that to "show you what it feels like running out of gas" and having to push the bike to the station, that's what I was told.

She-Buddy · Post by **She-Buddy** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:53 pm

jfrost2 wrote:Just a heads up, they make you push your 400+ pound bike hundreds of feet to the actual riding location, they make you do that to "show you what it feels like running out of gas" and having to push the bike to the station, that's what I was told.

I recall you saying that in another thread. Thanks for the warning! I'll work on my quads

I'm actually a little nervous about the bikes they'll have us using. I asked and they don't let us bring our own bikes. I'm a shortie (5'3") and worried about what kind of hogs they'll be strapping me to.

EP_scoot · Post by **EP_scoot** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:56 pm

I am taking it this weekend I hope I don't have to do the "death walk".
On the other hand, snow is predicted for Friday . . . yiipiie!

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:58 pm

It's ok if you're 5'3'' There was a girl in my class who was 4'9'' and passed. They had a bike seat that was much lower than the standard so she could touch the ground.

ERik3tb · Post by **ERik3tb** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:07 pm

Normally, when they require you to use their bikes, you will be provided with an assortment of 125 and 200cc bikes and they try to find the best fit for you.

Once that bike is assigned to you, that is the only bike you use during the class.

So it shouldn't be to bad of a fit. Some of those 125's are rather short.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:09 pm

All the bikes in our class were 250cc. 250 seems to be the "minimum" for most motorcycles out there, and since it is the MSF class, they will be using motorcycles, but some use off road dirt bikes or duel purpose bikes which could be higher or lower cc.

She-Buddy · Post by **She-Buddy** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:15 pm

Thanks for all the helpful replies!

What else can I expect during the range riding? I've also only driven automatic my whole life so that transition will be interesting. Unless, as you say, they offer a range of two-wheeled vehicles. Maybe it won't be an issue.

You know, I'm looking forward to that Death Drag. I like a good, tough, physical challenge. (but talk to me in three weeks....)

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:24 pm

A trick is to hold the clutch as long as possible even if your hand cramps on day 1 of riding. Day 1 is all stop and go, you wait for the person infront to finish, then you try the course. Day 2 is different, once the person is at a certain safe distance, you can go.

Theres a trick they call the towel ring when riding a manual bike. Slowly let off the clutch on the left handle bar as you get some throttle going on the right handle bar.

You want minimal throttle but still some, when the clutch is held down, it's like neutral, so when you give it throttle the engine is spinning while you are still sitting in place. Then once you have some throttle on, slowly let go of the throttle and you will smoothly accelerate. Dont let go too fast or else the bike will shut off. If you are waiting a long time in line, shift to neutral, it helps your hand from cramping too. When it's 1-2 people infront of you, shift back to 1st gear and hold the clutch till you go.

Holding the clutch down to keep the bike on was a pain, but we all learnt it one way or another.

Day 1 of class is 126 questions you work on with your group, theres usually 3-4 groups of people so really you probably only do 20 problems yourself, the rest is listening and highlighting important info.

Around a highlighted area, mark it with the question's number, when studying, you can just go flip back to wherever you wrote the number in your book, it helps alot so you dont read unrelated stuff.

When the teacher ask's you questions, read the direct sentence/paragraph from the book and say what page number, if you give them your own created response, they get confused since they work on a book in order.

Make sure you bring jackets and boots, the boots must be over the ankles , like work boots or leather boots. Gloves, they want riding gloves/leather gloves, you can get these for 20-50+ dollars at most motorcycle shops.

Bringing your own helmet is a good idea too. You know it fits you already.

Bethers · Post by **Bethers** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:44 pm

I had excellent instructors - which was good because I was terrified LOL

I didn't have to do the death walk - they taught us how to walk the bikes using the throttle, and that was easy. We had to use their bikes, and I'm 5'0 and had no problem. I had also never ridden a bike before, and never shifted gears. Doing both made me feel even more confident on the Buddy I bought

If I passed, anyone can pass. Like others, the class wasn't a breeze for me, but without it, I wouldn't be riding at all. It made me a good and safe rider - and taught me that I can do it - and do it right.

jfrost2 · Post by **jfrost2** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:08 am

Power walking, where you hold the clutch half way in on first gear, fun times!

StacyB · Post by **StacyB** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:23 am

Best of luck! I'm sure you will do fine! I'm short too (5'2"), but I see lots of women/men that aren't much (if any) taller than I am riding around on scooters and motorcycles, and they are good riders.... So why can't you or I do the same? Anyways, I'm taking my MSF course this weekend. There is a school in the area that instructs on scooters as well as motorcycles. Requested a scooter, and hopefully I'll get one! (fingers crossed!!!) Exciting times!!!

Happy scootering!!!

MonsterGirl · Post by **MonsterGirl** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:44 am

I'm just 5'2" and I rode a little cruiser-style bike for the class. It wasn't my choice of riding position, but it did work and I could comfortably touch the ground. The only time I had trouble was when they told me to lift my butt off the seat when going over the 2x4 to simulate debris/speed bumps. I couldn't lift my butt off the seat with my feet way out in front of me!

There was a guy in my class who had also never driven anything with a clutch. The toughest part was when he would come to a stop and forget to bring in the clutch - which would bring the bike to a rough stop when the engine died. You don't flunk for stalling, it just might rattle your nerves a bit until you figure it out. They start out really gradually, so I'm sure you'll be fine! Have fun! And you'll have a new skill.