Going to the MSF course this Friday!

[Jackstand Johnny]

I walked in the door literally as a woman was cancelling her spot in the course for this week so it was offered to me and I snatched it up!

So what should I expect from the course? Are there any tips that you wish someone had told you prior to going that would have given you an advantage? I don't have an idea what to expect. thanks in advance, and again for all the help I've gotten on GSTwins so far

[blwnbwtie]

I dont know what the weather is like out there but when i took mine it was really hot, dont forget lots of water.

[AFMO]

Be a student, don't act like you already know what you're doing, and ask questions.  There's no reason to go faster, turn sharper or push any limits any more than they say.  If you get it right away, help others get it and then get to more in depth questions on riding, especially things you might encounter on the street that they can answer.  Ask them their take on what to do if the rear loses traction, how to get faster in turns, etc

[notjohndavid]

on the first day my face got burnt even though i was wearing sunblock. you certainly want to take some form of sunscreen/sunblock. apply it a couple times during the day.

take something to snack on and some water.

listen to the instructors, do what they tell you, relax, and try and have fun! I found I tried to make excuses for the mistakes I made when it really didn't matter in the end. I still made the mistakes. I should have spent more time trying to correct them and learn instead of making excuses.

I've taken a lot of classes and courses for various things over the years but I think the MSF course was by far the most fun and most educational.

[pronator]

Glad you got into the class! 

It's worth reiterating about the sunscreen and water. And bring easy-to-eat snacks. There really isn't much time to eat when you're on the range so powerbar-type snacks and easy-to-eat fruit (like bananas) are good choices. One guy showed up with a burrito but never got a chance to eat it. 

Try to keep it in perspective. Everyone there is learning and you'll see a range of skill levels. Don't be intimidated by someone who might be better than you. And there's nothing to be embarrassed about if you miss a cone or make a mistake. In fact, be HAPPY if you mess up in front of the instructors because you'll be getting your money's worth when they offer corrections and advice. 

Letting go of all excessive ego/pride now will only help you on the street and in the twisties. 

[Jackstand Johnny]

This all sounds good so far. I'm in the PM classes so it shouldnt be to hot, but they start in mid day so water I will surely bring.

[Mdow]

if you ride a 250 ninja do the slow stuff in 2nd they buck wayto much in first

[quiktaco]

I agree with the 'bring water' stuff.  My class just happened to be on the hottest weekend of the year around here.  108 with no shade, no clouds, no sunscreen, and only 1 bottle of water.  Be prepared, even if it's in the evening, bring the snacks and water, like everyone said.

Also, that's a good tip about doing the slow stuff in second.  Get a feel for the bike, and if first is a little jerky, then kick it up to second if you can.  It'll make things a lot smoother, but you have to know that you won't have as much engine braking.

Just listen to what they say and pay attention.  The class was the first time I had ever been on a motorcycle, and I aced the final driving test at the end.  It's really easy.  Just correct what they tell you to.

[pontil]

I'm starting my class Saturday.  I think they use Honda Rebels.  Its been in the mid 90's here and long sleeves/pants are required so I'm packing lots of water.

[Jackstand Johnny]

We have to wear long sleeve shirts and pants here too. The weather shouldnt be to hot, but the thing about Va. weather is it's snowing one day and hot the next.

[Domindart]

have lots of fun man!

[DoD#i]

+1 on going in ready to learn. Take your ego out behind the barn, club it over the head, and lock it in a box. Open your ears. Be smart, not a smartass.

Some people manage to go through, pass the tests, yet learn practically nothing. They put the right answer on the paper, and then don't apply it to how they actually ride. Don't be those people.

Have fun - it should be a blast.

[dmer]

lots of water and a quick snack in between the 5-10 min. course set-up breaks.  I took mine in SoCal with a heat wave over the weekend and we damn near collapsed sitting in the heat.  some old lady actually had to be moved to another date because she was light headed from the heat. 

I would never wear such gear when riding but I wore a Nike Dri-Fit long sleeve shirt, the type that runners wear.  It's not a skin tight shirt, but it is moisture wicking and works great to keep cool.

We had a combination of Honda rebel 250s, couple Nighthawks and Some Kawi Ninja 250s....they all pretty much work better in 2nd for the low speed maneuvers as someone mentioned above.  You can try and keep it in first and play with the clutch/throttle but my class found it easier to do the low speed stuff in 2nd.  They don't care about style and as long as you get the exercise done in the allotted time in the safe and proper manner, you pass...so don't be afraid of going too slow for the final exam/tests.  The one thing that helped me the most was "look through the turn".  I'm somewhat new to riding, 50 hours before the MSF, and that piece of advice helped me the most.

[mistykz]

My classes start on saturday, too. 745am until 5pm, and the weather is forecasted to be in the low 100's, no cloud cover

[yamahonkawazuki]

yup the funnest part ive ever done is the 2-1 panic stop
, approach target ( instructor) in second, when he signals, downshift to 1, and hit both brakes at same time. you stop DAMNED quick