The MSF course is both good and bad for someone who's never ridden before. It's good b/c, as instructors, we don't have to unlearn (how's that for a word) any bad habits you may have picked up but it's bad b/c the learning curve is steep and it's a lot to digest in one weekend. The failure rate for someone who has not thrown a leg over before is high, but there's no question you will come out with good habits and great training. In Ontario, even if you fail the M2 exit test at the end of the course, you can still re-do it at the Ministry. If you do get someone to show you the ropes, it will help you not feel so overwhelmed. If you have driven a stick shift before that will help too. Good Luck.
timpryor and richy have given you some good advice. I look at it this way, you have absolutely nothing to loose by taking the course and everything to gain. I understand your aprehension about being a total newby at the course where others might have a bit of a leg up on your skill level but I don't think you should be concerned. Better to start there than anywhere else. If you can get the use of a smaller/older bike in an empty parking lot to get the feel of it, that would be helpfull but if you can't, well so be it. If you have to take the course twice, apart from the cost, better that than gamble with your safty. You are right that it isn't that hard to pick up and as richy said, if you've driven a stick you will be way ahead in that respect. Just a thought but in your area are there any organizations that teach riding that you could take even before the course. Or perhaps speak to an instructor to see if they can help you out in some way to get some initial training or they might know where you can get the use of a bike to get the feel of it. Good luck. G
protect all mechanical parts with a nice coat of WD-40. keeps the chain lubed and the engine looking nice, with easy clean up from any dirt
My advice would be to get a USED Ninja 500. You can often pick one up for 800 dollars used (get one that has been dropped) because you will drop your first bike. Then sell it 5 months later for the same exact price you bought it for then buy a nicer bike. Also Denzil I have a 600rr ('05)...
Resurrecting my own thread cuz the Mustang is sold and I'm trying to pick the right weekend for taking the MSF course, w00t! The 09 HD Iron 883 is looking really nice, but I gotta stay practical and see how I feel after the course. I'm pretty sure I'll end up taking a good look at the used bikes out there. So...something I didn't cover last year...best affordable full face helmet? I'm thinkin modular too. For lapping days in my car, I have a full face Pyrotect, but that's for the car, but at least I have a good idea of what size my mellon is. For the course, I need gloves too...and a jacket I think...affordable suggestions? Hell, I think I need to get boots too, LOL!
I've got a 1/2 helmet and I've been wanting to upgrade to a full face. My recommendation would be to get something that is certified by snell or dot. I think Bell is still a highly regarded lid. I actually haven't ridden mine in 1 1/2 years due to the kids and my work schedule..but that's O.K..I still maintain it and fire it up every so often so when I can get out again, it'll be there waiting for me.
02 f4i here. had a 00 and 04 suzuki gsxr 600. cant beat hondas reliability. and comfortable positioning on the f4i
