[owlie]

I didn’t read the Complete Idiot’s guide, but I imagine that it is very similar to the MSF book- ie covers the basics in a very accessible manner- from controls to safety gear to basic riding strategy.

I tend to agree with what you say regarding “Proficient Motorcycling”, though I don’t think that it is bad to read it before the MSF course. Just that you will probably get more out of it after the class.