- This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 12 months ago by JackTrade.
Hello
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April 22, 2010 at 10:58 pm #3894BlitzParticipant
My name is Eric, and I am a 20 year old College student from NY/NJ. I have recently decided that I want to start riding since my best friend has had a bike for a couple of years, and his mom is always pestering me to get one so that he has someone to ride with. (He usually follows me when I’m in my car). Short introduction, but I’m not sure what else to say here.
April 23, 2010 at 12:52 am #25917owlieParticipantHello and welcome to the group!
Our first advice is to go take an MSF course. We tell everyone this since it is just smart and good practice. It is doubly important for you before you buy a bike since it sounds like you aren’t even sure if you want to ride. You may decide that riding just isn’t for you after you take the class.
Good luck, and let us know what questions you have!
Owlie
April 24, 2010 at 5:19 pm #25947BlitzParticipantI definitely want to ride. It’s always been in the back of my head to get a bike, and his mom finally got through to me to go and get it done. I’ll look into the MSF course, but being from NJ (NJ License) and living in NY for school/work (trying to keep my job through the summer) will make it difficult for me to take any courses until next summer (or until I officially move here and get my NY license). I’m really just looking into everything right now to make sure I can save up enough money/get all of my research done.
April 24, 2010 at 10:56 pm #25955Jeff in KentuckyParticipantMy guess is that you can have an out of state license and still take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class- sometimes people get put on a waiting list in case others cancel at the last minute, or go to other states to get the class sooner. It is worth checking out for different prices and different times.
April 25, 2010 at 3:29 pm #25961IBA270ParticipantGenerally, states don’t recognize another states’ MSF completion certificate. You might have to make a call to your state’s motorcycle licensing coordinator. Now, if you’re only taking it for the experience (which I recommend at the very least) then have at it!
Also, and you’ll want to check on this, many states REQUIRE the class before you can get a motorcycle endorsement. That makes total sense…why would they let ANYONE ride before they know how?
April 29, 2010 at 3:01 am #26043BlitzParticipantI looked into it, and you can get a permit just by passing a test, and there are two ways to get your license. One is to take a class, be there for every class and pass it, and the other is to take a road test.
April 29, 2010 at 3:44 am #26046SantaCruzRiderParticipantMost states follow this same approach. You can either take a written test, get a permit and then prep for a road test, or you can complete a safety course that satisfies the DMV road test.
Going the first route provides no instruction and is really best suited for folks with riding experience. The BRC route is by far the most encouraged route on this site, as I think you’ll soon hear.April 29, 2010 at 4:06 am #26047IBA270ParticipantBut why would you do that?
April 29, 2010 at 4:11 am #26048ShamRock229ParticipantSeriously…The MSF class taught me pretty much everything about riding. The majority of people took Driver’s ed when getting their regular license, so why wouldnt you want to take the “driver’s ed” for motorcycles? You cant beat what you pay for 1)learning how to ride safely and effectively 2)getting valuable experience in a safe environment 3)waiving the DMV test 4)the experience itself (the instructors and other students are awesome, and when you finish, you really have a bond with them)
Most people say the DMV test is harder than the MSF class anyways… theres really no reason not to take it.
April 29, 2010 at 2:18 pm #26055JackTradeParticipantTotally take the BRC…there’s really no substitute for having trained instructors teach you. And unlike simply passing the items on the test, they impart loads of other very useful stuff, some of which may save you life.
I can still remember the little but super-useful things my MSF coaches told us, like why to NOT hang your helmet on the handlebars, how much pressue on the rear brake is optimal, and the entire bit on countersteering alone was worth the cost of the class (and if you doubt that, go on the majority of motorcycle forums and see the shocking amount of people who think they steer their bike by leaning it).
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