Update - still waiting for April 19 for MSF course to begin. Getting more gear - ended up getting a Shoei RF1000 - the fit and comfort was unbelievable (is it pronounced Shoe -i or shoe-ee or what?). Also reading. I am almost done with Proficient Motorcycling by Hough. Great stuff. Also picked up Street Strategies by the same author. Man - I cannot wait until the course. It is so hard to have my bike parked. Just to make the temptation less inviting, I have yet to neither insure nor register the bike. I am really trying to wait until after the course. That brings me to some questions:
How many of you folks had never ridden prior to taking the MSF course?
Should I do ANYTHING on the bike prior to the course to help me out?
I haven't even thought about failing - can it happen?
My other questions are related to gear.
what stuff do you carry either under your seat or in tank bags or saddle bags? I am looking for the "indispensables" - rain gear, tools, a clean cloth, extra shield, etc.
Is there any type of bag that you would recommend and why?
What is the stuff that one wouldn't normally think of buying that you have learned to need through experience?
Headlight and break light modulators? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
Thanks all for your help.
-mlc
I had negligible experience before the course.
Not really.
Yes, but it's unlikely.
The emergency toolkit. Clean cloth? Not for long.
I don't have any kind of bag, sorry.
Helmet-fresh.
Cars can't see you no matter what, remember? That means that they're useless. Some say that they're dangerous due to people target fixating on you. I don't know if I believe that, but I haven't bothered with either.
I had never ever ridden before I took the MSF, and did very well. I'd say leave the bike alone until the MSF, if you can stand it, so you won't pick up any bad habits.
Yes, you can fall, but it's not at all likely. No one fell in my class, and there were some pretty shaky riders. Like a bicycle (even more so), a motorcycle wants to stay up.
I'm all for tail light modulators, but I don't like headlight modulators. In my cage, I've noticed that I tend to target fixate on them, and I find them distracting. Sure, they make a bike easier to notice, but I think they wipe out that advantage by distracting people.
Bring plenty of water and some snacks to the MSF. Riding makes you thirsty.
How many of you folks had never ridden prior to taking the MSF course?
~I know a few people. They took it just for kicks, though.
Should I do ANYTHING on the bike prior to the course to help me out?
~Ride around the parking lot. Practice. Stay away from people, inanimate objects, etc.
I haven't even thought about failing - can it happen?
~It's unlikely. If you fail, your instructors failed. Instructors don't like failing.
1) I rode a H#nda 90 about 400 miles and my GS about 45 feet before I took the MSF.
2) Put it on the centerstand and sit on it like you're riding for about an hour... Then you'll see how it might feel while you're riding. (I will be different, but it'll give you the idea).
3) Some people failed when I took the MSF... But, they tried pretty hard to do so. (One of 'em just left mid day).
4) Tire Guage, standard "came-with-the-bike" tools. (I also have a Givi top case, so I carry water, food, waterproof pants, and whateverthehell else I think I might need). It all depends on where you're going and how long you'll be gone
5) Joe Rocket "Manta" Tank bags are great for standard everyday stuff, wallet, cell, keys, etc. I have a bigger Joe Rocket tank bag that I only use when I have to carry more stuff than fits in my top-case.
6) Bike cover && Disc lock (I bought mine after someone tried to steal my GS from my own garage). (That's in addition to: Full Face Helmet, all Leather gloves, motorcycle jacket (not a fakey), motorcycle boots, and pants).
7) Check your local laws, modulators may be illeagal or limited in your area. They DO attract attention, but they're also kinda annoying... Safety is good. (Oh... And, I have neither installed).