ChasingBlueSky 0 #1 May 4, 2005 Ugh...every class until October is FULL within a three hour drive of Chicago!!! Well, the free ones are. Looks like I may need to drop $300 on one of the private classes._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcneill79 0 #2 May 4, 2005 Do it... I'm taking one later this month. It's costing about $200, but I'm sure it will be well worth it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #3 May 4, 2005 QuoteDo it... I'm taking one later this month. It's costing about $200, but I'm sure it will be well worth it I do have the option of riding the bench at one of the locations on Sat morning. IF someone misses their spot, I can have it. I'm starting to think the safe bet is to drop the cash._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites n23x 0 #4 May 4, 2005 Fuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. Not really, take a course, and grow eyes in the back of your head. You will never realize how many morons are trying to kill you until you ride a bike. .jim"Don't touch my fucking Easter eggs, I'll be back monday." ~JTFC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Cyanide41 0 #5 May 4, 2005 I HIGHLY recommend taking this course. Try crashing it. Usually they are very strict about being on time. Show up early talk to an instructor and let them know you want to crash it. (the course, not their bikes). Here in CA the course takes the place of a DMV driving test and it costs $250 or so. JAMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #6 May 4, 2005 QuoteFuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. Not really, take a course, and grow eyes in the back of your head. You will never realize how many morons are trying to kill you until you ride a bike. .jim Already do. Had a Chevy Baretta plow thru me my senior year of high school while on a side street. The course is mandatory for me (personal choice) before I get my bike. I guess that makes me course dependant?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites leroydb 0 #7 May 4, 2005 have you checked the colleges?Leroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites eeneR 1 #8 May 4, 2005 Bo you would be suprized at how many people actually do get in doing a walk in. When I took the course a few years back I had put in my application the day reg started in feb or march (cant remember which month it was) and I ended up with class being the end of July. They fill quick. I would try at least one or two weekends to see if you can get in. It is worth the attempt...just my .02 anyway.She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites GrumpySmurf 0 #9 May 4, 2005 Yeah - if the weather looks like rain for a weekend - have a rain suit on hand and wait for no-shows to well..not show. You'ld be amazed how many people drop out at the first hint of a sprinkle or two. Kind of funny since that's the best time to do the course, not only are you learning how to ride, but you're learning how to ride in the rain. I ended up setting a local record on a Honda 125 for the timed long sweeping turn - 2.5 seconds - did my best Duhamel impression hanging off the side and trying to drag a knee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites eeneR 1 #10 May 4, 2005 Oh and dont forget, you are learning to ride in the rain on someone elses bike!!! so it doesnt mean a damn thing if you dump it by accident She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gravitymaster 0 #11 May 4, 2005 If you are planning on buying a new bike, you might visit the dealer you plan on buying from and mention that you would like to purchase the bike now, but you will have to wait until taking the course. You might be surprised at how the rules can get bent a little when a sale is contingent on the course, especially if it's a dealer who sponsors the course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Buried 0 #12 May 4, 2005 Bo - the free ones may be filled, but i can recommend the ones you have to pay for. I paid for one last yr and was well worth it. PM me w/ any q's Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ladyskydiver 0 #13 May 4, 2005 I took one at a local college for $54. There was no way I was going to pay what a dealer wanted to charge ($300). However, that being said...I'd recommend showing up at a class and hope for a no-show first before dropping the $300 on a class from the dealer. You'd be surprised at the number of people that either don't show or are late (and when they're late, the instructor usually turns them away). And, if that doesn't work out, try what was recommended just a post or so up - tell the dealer you'd buy now but need to wait for the class as you can't "afford" the $300. You'd be amazed at how much they'll go out of the way to get you into the class "at no charge" if you buy right now.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #14 May 4, 2005 Something else that will help you out a LOT is a book called "Proficent Motorcycling." Buy it and read it twice, its worth the $20.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Conundrum 1 #15 May 4, 2005 QuoteFuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. That's what I did, 'cept it was my bike and not a buddies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Cyanide41 0 #16 May 4, 2005 QuoteFuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. I would also strongly recommend Gloves and a jacket too. Both of mine have been crash tested. Leather saves skin! JAMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #17 May 4, 2005 Leather saves skin and loud pipes save lives.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gravitymaster 0 #18 May 4, 2005 QuoteSomething else that will help you out a LOT is a book called "Proficent Motorcycling." Buy it and read it twice, its worth the $20. -By David Hough Funny you mentioned this book. I have it sitting right next to me. I bought it a few weeks ago for my S.O. before she starts her MSF Course next month. I'd recommend it to anyone who rides a bike regardless of experience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #19 May 4, 2005 Send me a PM and let me know if that $54 class was in the area Cora - even if it is in WI. I'm going to try the no-show thing a few times to see if I get in. Taking the safe approach on this entire thing - planning on the course and getting leather or other protective gear before I purchase the bike. Besides, I won't have the rest of that disposable income to mid summer. (I'll get that book as well) Also, I am going used - this will be my first bike and I don't want to spend a ton of cash on something I may dump due to inexperience. I'm looking at cruisers in the 750 range - after I'm used to that I will go bigger! Hey Cora, once I get it, I'm gonna need someone to roll with._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wartload 0 #20 May 4, 2005 Three great bits of advice that a guy gave me when I started riding motorcycles in the days before they had lessons and special license endorsements: 1) You are entirely invisible to all cars, except the ones that want to intentionally run over you. 2) There are gremlins in the road. They wait until you aren't paying close attention, then put sand, oil, holes, uneven pavement, or some other hazard under you. 3) The driver on the road who is most likely to hurt you is yourself. If you ever get the feeling that you have become a great motorcycle rider, get off ... and don't get back on until you fully realize that you never will be. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ladyskydiver 0 #21 May 4, 2005 QuoteAlso, I am going used - this will be my first bike and I don't want to spend a ton of cash on something I may dump due to inexperience. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites pleifer 0 #22 May 4, 2005 Oregon's 'Team Oregon' which is our motorcycle safety program, the beginner is $95 and the intermediate through advanced is $65 Yup it's a job, but more like playing for money.... best job ever! _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tsisson 0 #23 May 4, 2005 QuoteSomething else that will help you out a LOT is a book called "Proficent Motorcycling." Buy it and read it twice, its worth the $20. I agree...and there's also Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist volume I and II... Those books are invaluable... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyingferret 0 #24 May 4, 2005 Free?!?! how do you get free ones? We have to pay in Texas....totally worht it though-- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyingferret 0 #25 May 4, 2005 Excellent advice, as is an MSF and the book dave mentioned. But this should be appended and spoken as though you have a lot of experience. Thank you.-- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. 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ChasingBlueSky 0 #3 May 4, 2005 QuoteDo it... I'm taking one later this month. It's costing about $200, but I'm sure it will be well worth it I do have the option of riding the bench at one of the locations on Sat morning. IF someone misses their spot, I can have it. I'm starting to think the safe bet is to drop the cash._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n23x 0 #4 May 4, 2005 Fuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. Not really, take a course, and grow eyes in the back of your head. You will never realize how many morons are trying to kill you until you ride a bike. .jim"Don't touch my fucking Easter eggs, I'll be back monday." ~JTFC Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyanide41 0 #5 May 4, 2005 I HIGHLY recommend taking this course. Try crashing it. Usually they are very strict about being on time. Show up early talk to an instructor and let them know you want to crash it. (the course, not their bikes). Here in CA the course takes the place of a DMV driving test and it costs $250 or so. JAMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #6 May 4, 2005 QuoteFuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. Not really, take a course, and grow eyes in the back of your head. You will never realize how many morons are trying to kill you until you ride a bike. .jim Already do. Had a Chevy Baretta plow thru me my senior year of high school while on a side street. The course is mandatory for me (personal choice) before I get my bike. I guess that makes me course dependant?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #7 May 4, 2005 have you checked the colleges?Leroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 1 #8 May 4, 2005 Bo you would be suprized at how many people actually do get in doing a walk in. When I took the course a few years back I had put in my application the day reg started in feb or march (cant remember which month it was) and I ended up with class being the end of July. They fill quick. I would try at least one or two weekends to see if you can get in. It is worth the attempt...just my .02 anyway.She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GrumpySmurf 0 #9 May 4, 2005 Yeah - if the weather looks like rain for a weekend - have a rain suit on hand and wait for no-shows to well..not show. You'ld be amazed how many people drop out at the first hint of a sprinkle or two. Kind of funny since that's the best time to do the course, not only are you learning how to ride, but you're learning how to ride in the rain. I ended up setting a local record on a Honda 125 for the timed long sweeping turn - 2.5 seconds - did my best Duhamel impression hanging off the side and trying to drag a knee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 1 #10 May 4, 2005 Oh and dont forget, you are learning to ride in the rain on someone elses bike!!! so it doesnt mean a damn thing if you dump it by accident She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #11 May 4, 2005 If you are planning on buying a new bike, you might visit the dealer you plan on buying from and mention that you would like to purchase the bike now, but you will have to wait until taking the course. You might be surprised at how the rules can get bent a little when a sale is contingent on the course, especially if it's a dealer who sponsors the course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #12 May 4, 2005 Bo - the free ones may be filled, but i can recommend the ones you have to pay for. I paid for one last yr and was well worth it. PM me w/ any q's Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #13 May 4, 2005 I took one at a local college for $54. There was no way I was going to pay what a dealer wanted to charge ($300). However, that being said...I'd recommend showing up at a class and hope for a no-show first before dropping the $300 on a class from the dealer. You'd be surprised at the number of people that either don't show or are late (and when they're late, the instructor usually turns them away). And, if that doesn't work out, try what was recommended just a post or so up - tell the dealer you'd buy now but need to wait for the class as you can't "afford" the $300. You'd be amazed at how much they'll go out of the way to get you into the class "at no charge" if you buy right now.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #14 May 4, 2005 Something else that will help you out a LOT is a book called "Proficent Motorcycling." Buy it and read it twice, its worth the $20.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conundrum 1 #15 May 4, 2005 QuoteFuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. That's what I did, 'cept it was my bike and not a buddies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyanide41 0 #16 May 4, 2005 QuoteFuck that. Grab your buddies bike, helmet, put on some jeans, and learn the hard way. I would also strongly recommend Gloves and a jacket too. Both of mine have been crash tested. Leather saves skin! JAMES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #17 May 4, 2005 Leather saves skin and loud pipes save lives.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #18 May 4, 2005 QuoteSomething else that will help you out a LOT is a book called "Proficent Motorcycling." Buy it and read it twice, its worth the $20. -By David Hough Funny you mentioned this book. I have it sitting right next to me. I bought it a few weeks ago for my S.O. before she starts her MSF Course next month. I'd recommend it to anyone who rides a bike regardless of experience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #19 May 4, 2005 Send me a PM and let me know if that $54 class was in the area Cora - even if it is in WI. I'm going to try the no-show thing a few times to see if I get in. Taking the safe approach on this entire thing - planning on the course and getting leather or other protective gear before I purchase the bike. Besides, I won't have the rest of that disposable income to mid summer. (I'll get that book as well) Also, I am going used - this will be my first bike and I don't want to spend a ton of cash on something I may dump due to inexperience. I'm looking at cruisers in the 750 range - after I'm used to that I will go bigger! Hey Cora, once I get it, I'm gonna need someone to roll with._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wartload 0 #20 May 4, 2005 Three great bits of advice that a guy gave me when I started riding motorcycles in the days before they had lessons and special license endorsements: 1) You are entirely invisible to all cars, except the ones that want to intentionally run over you. 2) There are gremlins in the road. They wait until you aren't paying close attention, then put sand, oil, holes, uneven pavement, or some other hazard under you. 3) The driver on the road who is most likely to hurt you is yourself. If you ever get the feeling that you have become a great motorcycle rider, get off ... and don't get back on until you fully realize that you never will be. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #21 May 4, 2005 QuoteAlso, I am going used - this will be my first bike and I don't want to spend a ton of cash on something I may dump due to inexperience. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #22 May 4, 2005 Oregon's 'Team Oregon' which is our motorcycle safety program, the beginner is $95 and the intermediate through advanced is $65 Yup it's a job, but more like playing for money.... best job ever! _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tsisson 0 #23 May 4, 2005 QuoteSomething else that will help you out a LOT is a book called "Proficent Motorcycling." Buy it and read it twice, its worth the $20. I agree...and there's also Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist volume I and II... Those books are invaluable... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingferret 0 #24 May 4, 2005 Free?!?! how do you get free ones? We have to pay in Texas....totally worht it though-- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingferret 0 #25 May 4, 2005 Excellent advice, as is an MSF and the book dave mentioned. But this should be appended and spoken as though you have a lot of experience. Thank you.-- All the flaming and trolls of wreck dot with a pretty GUI. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
