From MSF Course Directly to My R3

2462 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by GLOW, Jun 10, 2015

SunGawd

Discussion Starter · Jun 5, 2015

NEW RIDERS ONLY!!!
Just completed my MSF: Basic Rider Course (Sterling VA) today and instead on going to the DMV, I raced home and jumped on my R3…her name is Rayne. I cannot describe my exhilaration as I rode around my sub-division…OUTSTANDING!!!
I have confidence and a “lil know-how”, but I plan to build on it every day. I even have a little Rayne planner, so I can get out and work on becoming a better motorcyclist. So, friends and family are great, but just to get a great start check out the MSF in your area.

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Sarnacus

· #2 · Jun 6, 2015

Awesome! Same here, but I went and got my m1 first. From how I see it: first week it feels abnormal on a motorcycle compared to a car, second week you'll build almost full confidence, third week it feels like second nature. At least for me it is, kind of want a faster motorcycle already, but corners this thing is super fun.

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warlok9

· #3 · Jun 6, 2015

Great job! You are on your way.

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derfernerf

· #4 · Jun 6, 2015

I know the feeling (Kinda). I picked up my R3 on June 4th, and my MSF class is in 3 weeks, so I went to my buddies house and rode around with him (who has his license, and its legal for me to ride with him). Before that I had only ridden a clutchless dirtbike maybe 10 times about 10 years ago. Riding on the street is an incredible and exhilarating feeling.

I'm working on learning things the right way so I don't have to correct myself later on. Some of my struggles right now are looking through my turn, i find myself target focusing half way through which is BAD. Also the front brake is strange for me, being the same hand as the throttle. I dont know why, I just need to get used to it.

I was working on counter steering (not pushing too hard on brand new tires) and got that down pretty good. Just got a few kinks to work out with myself.

My gear changes aren't the smoothest (seems like the new clutch is an on/off switch), my starts need improvement, but daily driving a manual for the past 2 years gave me a good understanding for the throttle/clutch work. I cant wait to get back on and ride!

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SunGawd

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 8, 2015

For the Record; $150 for the MSF class is a steal. I hit the streets for the first time Sunday, only to ride to the local high school’s parking lot. It’s funny, at every interval my rider coach’s voice creeped into my head.
At the traffic light; “find the friction zone---smooth on the clutch”.
While riding, I was SEEing…a couple of cars decided to turn left in front of me…I Searched Evaluated Executed.
Finally, I looked through turn after turn and did Swerving to Emergency Braking after each turn.
Not sure if this will help my fellow Noobs or Newbs; I have a list of Dos and Don’ts tape right over my bike. As the bike warms-up I just re-absorb the list.
#1 : NO-NO-NO front brake in my turns…look to where I want to go!!!
#2 : ASSUME every car driver does NOT SEE me!!!

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FangShui

· #6 · Jun 8, 2015

SunGawd said:
For the Record; $150 for the MSF class is a steal. I hit the streets for the first time Sunday, only to ride to the local high school’s parking lot. It’s funny, at every interval my rider coach’s voice creeped into my head.
At the traffic light; “find the friction zone---smooth on the clutch”.
While riding, I was SEEing…a couple of cars decided to turn left in front of me…I Searched Evaluated Executed.
Finally, I looked through turn after turn and did Swerving to Emergency Braking after each turn.
Not sure if this will help my fellow Noobs or Newbs; I have a list of Dos and Don’ts tape right over my bike. As the bike warms-up I just re-absorb the list.
#1 : NO-NO-NO front brake in my turns…look to where I want to go!!!
#2 : ASSUME every car driver does NOT SEE me!!!

Good on Ya! You're doing it all the correct way.

NOTE: The biggest hazard in city traffic I've found is cars in the oncoming left turn lane at an intersection. You'll swear they saw you, looked you right in the eye even, and then they'll turn right in front of you!

Their brain is expecting to see a car and something with a small cross section like a motorcycle, or bicycle or pedestrian, just doesn't register.

So assume every car that's turning left (or right if you're in Australia or NZ or the UK) WILL turn across your path through any intersection....

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EcoRider

· #7 · Jun 9, 2015

So you hadn't gotten your drivers license updated yet, huh?

I know the feeling!

I rode my first "big scooter", a 250cc Suzuki Burgman clone, even before I did the MSF course, which wasn't technically legal; and almost got into an accident, but after the MSF course, I took the bike to the DMV to get my DL adapted.

Just be careful out there!
You know if a cop stopped you on the wrong day, it could be a damper to the excitement.

Having to control yourself on a first bike, also extends your life expectancy!

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SunGawd

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 9, 2015

I got up to 55 mph and the sensation, although thrilling was little unsettling. My experienced motorcyclist friends assure me I will get used to so many things beyond a car. I know, I just complete the MSF last Friday, but I think I am a motorcyclist for life (a long life)!!!

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GLOW

· #9 · Jun 10, 2015

Congrats! I'm also taking the MSF in NYC the following weekend (June 20,21) Can't wait either. Will be getting my R3 hopefully late July early August.

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