[owlie]

Hello!

There are two different groups that offer MSF classes near where I live (the HD dealer and the local ABATE group). What should I look for between the two classes? Theoretically they should have the same curriculum, but are there characteristics that might recommend one group over the other? (student/teacher ratio, types of bikes used, experience of instructors, etc)

Thanks!

[Munch]

Yup yup all good things to look for. Usually the biggest difference is with the Riders Edge that HD sponsors is the same basic program with some very small benefits at the end. The class is generally taught on the Buel Blast. And you get a “gift bag” at the end. In retro though they get a chance to try and snag you as a consumer. I am unsure if it’s dealer specific but where I took the riders edge they gave us 2 free rentals …1st a buel blast for a day then after that you get a day rental on one of their bigger cruisers/sportster. The Classes are typically small ..and it cost $$$. Not sure what your ABATE chapter offers.

[owlie]

Thanks for the input!

[bigguybbr]

My MSF course was actually state sponsored here in ct. It was only $200 to take. I wonder how other classes compare in cost.

[WeaponZero]

the H-D program makes you take the class on Buell Blasts, which are 500cc single cylinder standards. Most other MSF entities will make you take it on smaller, 125 and 250cc standards/cruisers/dual sports. Aside from that I can’t think of any difference they would have.

[Clay Dowling]

The state and motorcycle manufacturers contribute a lot. Michigan is obviously huge with any kind of motor sports, so the state figures it’s better to sponsor the classes and cut down on first responder costs. Also, biking encourages tourism, which is a huge industry here.

[owlie]

Thought I would take a minute to post what I found.

The ABATE group:
$275, 12 students, 2-3 instructors
Meets Friday evenings for a classroom session with two four hour driving sessions on Saturday and Sunday. They assign appropriate bikes to riders rather than allowing riders to pick their own.

The H-D dealer
$345, 6 students, 2 instructors
Meets for Mon-Wed or Thurs-Sat for 8 hours each day.

What I also found interesting is that the HD class is booked until mid-July, but the ABATE class isn’t even half full for the weekend after next.

Both of the gentlemen that I contacted were very helpful and happy to answer my pesky questions.

So, I’m signed up with the ABATE group for classes in July (finally-I’ve only been talking about it for a couple months). I like the idea of the smaller class size and more instruction with HD, but I would have a hard time taking the time off work. I’d love to take the class sooner, but the big “R” (responsibility) word is in my way.

Later!
Owlie

[Munch]

good luck!!!

[Zig308]

I took it at a community college for $140. A somewhat nearby dealer had them for $400…. I took the $140 class.

[Author]

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