First time rider: Buy bike, learners permit, then MSF??

[ButtersDad]

I'm looking at purchasing my first motorcycle (a '12 KLR). I'm not scheduled to take the MSF basic course until late June (no earlier classes available). However, I would like to get started like now-ish.

NH has a 30 day learners permit. It has restrictions (i.e. daytime only), but would permit me to ride the back roads until I can get to the class. I will avoid rain, traffic (pretty easy to do...I live in a rural area), etc. in the mean time.

http://www.dmv.org/nh-new-hampshire/...le-license.php

The other benefit to this is that it would allow me to take my bike to the course. It would be nice to receive formal instruction on my bike, rather then a generic bike that may or may not have the same feel (i.e. seat height, weight, etc.). Thoughts? i.e. Wait to buy one until you see how the course goes. I don't see me disliking it...but you never know.

Oh yeah...the other driver is that the dealer down the road has the bike in stock and I would like to go take it off their hands.

[geocadGMZ]

When I took the MSF Basic Course they did not allow riders to use their own motorcycles. The Experienced Course, however, is done on your own motorcycle.
Also here, the MSF Course counted as the riding portion of the test, but I still had to go to the DMV and complete the written test. So, you may be able to take the written test and get a temporary permit then after completing the MSF Course you will need to go back and pay for the endorsement.

[ButtersDad]

Originally Posted by geocadGMZ

When I took the MSF Basic Course they did not allow riders to use their own motorcycles. The Experienced Course, however, is done on your own motorcycle.
Also here, the MSF Course counted as the riding portion of the test, but I still had to go to the DMV and complete the written test. So, you may be able to take the written test and get a temporary permit then after completing the MSF Course you will need to go back and pay for the endorsement.

Around here...it's optional to use your own motorcycle. They will provide one though. The way they put it...

Q: If I have my own motorcycle, can I use it in this course?
A: Yes, if it is in good condition, insured, registered and inspected, you can use it for this course. Course fee remains the same. No one else in the course will be allowed to ride your motorcycle during any course activity. You can also use a scooter with these same guidelines. We will have a training motorcycle available for you should you become uncomfortable with your larger motorcycle.

In NH...if you complete this course...you take the certificate to the DMV. They then give you the endorsement. They don't make you take the test if you've passed the course. This would bypass the need for a learners permit.

[Supnacho]

Here in Ohio, I had to have my learners permit or endorsement to take the MSF course, then took the certificate to DMV for endorsement (since I didn't have mine yet). I would suggest using their bikes tho, just because if you drop it, it's theirs anyway. Go ahead and get your KLR too especially if you have open places to practice and get used to it. I liked empty warehouse lots where there was nobody to see me if I dropped my bike though. lol

[ButtersDad]

Originally Posted by Supnacho

Here in Ohio, I had to have my learners permit or endorsement to take the MSF course, then took the certificate to DMV for endorsement (since I didn't have mine yet). I would suggest using their bikes tho, just because if you drop it, it's theirs anyway. Go ahead and get your KLR too especially if you have open places to practice and get used to it. I liked empty warehouse lots where there was nobody to see me if I dropped my bike though. lol

Haha. Yeah. That's the great thing about this area. There are umpteenzillion flat back roads with no traffic whatsoever. I'm in the same boat...I don't want there to be any witnesses.

[geocadGMZ]

Sounds like NH has a little bit different setup for motorcycle licensing than UT.

I don't know if you have any riding experience, or how comfortable you are on a motorcycle, but one thing to consider is that you would rather drop one of their bikes instead of your new KLR. You will practice quick stops and swerving, which should not be too difficult, but one woman did drop a bike in my class, during the final test, which was an automatic fail. Also, the bikes they provide are lighter weight and easier to handle/maneuver than the KLR.

[ButtersDad]

Originally Posted by geocadGMZ

Sounds like NH has a little bit different setup for motorcycle licensing than UT.

I don't know if you have any riding experience, or how comfortable you are on a motorcycle, but one thing to consider is that you would rather drop one of their bikes instead of your new KLR. You will practice quick stops and swerving, which should not be too difficult, but one woman did drop a bike in my class, during the final test, which was an automatic fail. Also, the bikes they provide are lighter weight and easier to handle/maneuver than the KLR.

I have zero motorcycle riding experience. That's the other obvious choice, I guess. I could do the learners permit now (so that I can ride over the course of the next month) and use their disposable bike for the course.

Edit: Another thing. As I've never ridden a motorcycle before, it would be nice if the first time I rode was wasn't with a class full of witnesses.

[MSGT-R]

Don't worry about the class of witnesses. It's better than popping the clutch and going for a run-away brain freeze ride into the side of a parked car. That would screw up your license record before it ever got a chance to start. Self-taught is not a good way to start. It's called the school of hard knocks for a reason.

The class is based upon building block skills.

Control manipulation (you can find it without having to stare at it)
Starting and stopping the engine
Friction Zone (clutch manipulation)
Duck-walking
Riding under power (feet up)
Riding the perimeter (riding straights and corners)

.. it gets better from there.

No one in the class will be making fun of you nor anyone else. The class is a whole lot of fun, and you'll make a couple of new riding friends in the process. Their bike, controlled atmosphere, no pressure. Just fun. Then you go out and get your bike and ride it home from the dealer in comfort.

I've been an MSF Ridercoach since 2002. I teach Marines and Sailors. They have just as much fun as you will.

[ButtersDad]

Originally Posted by MSGT-R

Don't worry about the class of witnesses. It's better than popping the clutch and going for a run-away brain freeze ride into the side of a parked car. That would screw up your license record before it ever got a chance to start. Self-taught is not a good way to start. It's called the school of hard knocks for a reason.

The class is based upon building block skills.

Control manipulation (you can find it without having to stare at it)
Starting and stopping the engine
Friction Zone (clutch manipulation)
Duck-walking
Riding under power (feet up)
Riding the perimeter (riding straights and corners)

.. it gets better from there.

No one in the class will be making fun of you nor anyone else. The class is a whole lot of fun, and you'll make a couple of new riding friends in the process. Their bike, controlled atmosphere, no pressure. Just fun. Then you go out and get your bike and ride it home from the dealer in comfort.

I've been an MSF Ridercoach since 2002. I teach Marines and Sailors. They have just as much fun as you will.

Thank you. Yeah...that's definitely the safe way of going about this. Substitute a tree for a car and that would be my environment.

[Nbtstatic]

I was in your position not too long ago, a couple of things I can mention.

I took the class on their shitty little rattle-y bike. It was a real piece, would not neutral shift without killing it, which you have to do all day long. After 10 hours on that thing, my cheap-ass KLR felt like a Rolls Royce motorcycle, really made me appreciate it.

I was actually glad though, to take the class on a super light bike. Learning the fundamentals on a light bike is easier IMO, then when you move over to the KLR you can make adjustments for weight. Starting on something lighter though, even if just for the class, will give you more confidence when learning the basics.

It's almost like the condensed version of starting out buying a 250 bike, then upgrading to a 650, but all in a weeks time.

NB

[the_sandman_454]

MSF first. Learner's permit and bike second. Learn the right techniques right off the bat at MSF, rather than "learning" potentially bad habits on your own that you then need to unlearn.

Another advantage to MSF is that you get to learn on their bikes and they have good exercises you can do once you've got your own bike to make sure you can get the handling down.

The final advantage to MSF I'll mention is that some states waive your road/skills test with a certificate of completion. You might get an insurance discount for it as well.

[TomC407]

I recommend the MSF course first. The bikes you ride at the course are easy to ride, and they are not yours, so if you drop it, no biggie. You will NOT be the worst new rider of the bunch.
Enjoy, and ride safe.

[TravlinLeoJ]

I'm just gonna back up MSGT-R, and others, with my own personal story:

I was in the same boat as you, with the exception of a brand new bike. My KLR was a used one, but in excellent condition. It was a GREAT deal that I didn't want to miss out on. I had already made my mind up about the KLR by talking to other owners about them, and reading reviews.

I might advise checking out craigslist in your area instead of buying brand new.. just sayin.

Anyways, I had ZERO motorcycle experience. Here in GA, you must use their bikes for the beginners course, and your own for the experienced course.

I'm VERY glad we were using their little Suzuki 250's. Very light. VERY easy to drive/control. And, as others have already said... if you drop it, who cares?! It's not yours! I think they kinda expect it to happen every now and then.

The MSF course will likely introduce you to some practice drills that you wouldn't have thought to come up with by yourself. Drills that I STILL practice. (They're a little more tricky on the big, heavy, TALL KLR650!!)

Another thought... Using their bike instead of yours will allow you to concentrate more on the task at hand rather than worrying about dropping your brand new machine!

[MSGT-R]

Here's some stuff to look at @ MSF:

http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx

.. and the video page, starting with Welcome to the Ride, which you'll be seeing again during the BRC. The second video is highlights of the actual class.
http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/videos.aspx

[ButtersDad]

Thanks for the link. I was at the DMV today and decided to wing the test for the learners permit (the woman said that 95% of people in that boat fail it). I fell into the 95%.

I didn't see any useful practice tests online. Oh well.

[MSGT-R]

Your DMV should have a Motorcycle Rider Booklet on hand.

[LeftBase]

I'd suggest taking the class first. Maybe riding isn't for you, after all. It isn't for everyone. The class is a pretty cheap way to find out.
Once you've got that basic education, you'll be a lot better equipped to decide whether you want to ride, and what bike to buy.

[TomC407]

Butters Dad, however you decide to proceed, good luck to you and ride safe!

[ButtersDad]

Thank you. I went to the MSF website and took their two part, 48 question test. 81% (the state requires 80%).

One thing I'll say...the MSF test had a LOT of gimmie questions compared to the NH state test. Lot's of "duh" easy questions, where as the state test had a bunch of "huh?" questions.

[wiZZer]

I got my bike, went and got a learner permit, rode the s##t out of it for a month, then went to the DMV took the test and passed. If your a dumb as#, you'll get hurt on the bike. If your a smart as#, you'll get hurt. If your cautious, you'll get hurt. Use
your common sense. Expect cars to cut you off, pull out in front of you and not use their turn siginals. Hope that helps.