I am a proud new owner of a 98 GS500 sine May and am always looking for others to ride with in the Pittsburgh area. Also, I have a few questions about getting your license in the local area...anyone out there take the safety course and/or get licensed at the local driver's license center? I had a few problems so let me know if you are willing to field a few questions...

We all LOVE to answer questions!  Don't we folks!   :mrgreen:

Seriously- ask away.  We may not be from Pittsburg but I think most of us have taken the MSF courses.  They are a must!  Great learning experience and they have you practice things that you normally wouldn't practice.

Welcome aboard!

I recently had a bad experience with a person working at the local DMV while trying to take my license test. Therefore, I was looking to take the safety course as soon as possible, and use it as a means of getting my license as well. I know there is a knowledge portion to the class, but can someone give me some details about the riding portion...fill me in on waht types of things they expect you to do to get your license and what does the portion of the class in which you are actually riding consist of? I would like to have an idea of what I am walking into.

Thanks.

When I took it, the riding portion of the MSF course consisted of two 4-hour sessions on successive Saturdays at the BYU stadium parking lot.  The stuff they have you do to get used to riding is pretty varied and even fun.  (OK, it can be a little nerve-wracking if you've never ridden before, but they take you through things one step at a time.)

But to cut through all of the exercises and get down to what you will need to do to pass a license exam, check out the following URL:
http://www.dot.state.az.us/mvd/driver/motorcycle/mcmanual/pguide.htm

A couple of years ago I actually bought several of the MSF paper booklets they mention on that page (from http://www.msf-usa.org) for a dollar apiece.  I don't know the current price, because their web site is down right now.  Anyway, the online diagrams and instructions seem to match the paper booklet.

I got the first URL above from a pantablo post in the old GStwin.com thread New Rider tips.  You might read that thread and search for others as well.

In a nut shell:
They start with getting to know the throttle and clutch.  :mrgreen:
Then braking...turning, going in circles.  Big ones then little ones.  You learn how to swerve how to go around cones    and if you are lucky you can watch someone else lock up their front brake and be flung to the ground.  (Don't try that at home!)

Really, its not difficult, it can be boring at times.  If I recall we got into 3rd gear once.  You live in second on these little motorcycles.  The part I liked best was doing the small circle in the box.  Can't put your feet down etc.  I found that doing it in second was easier than first (smoother) and it REALLY taught you to look THROUGH your turns.  The thing that I am glad I learned was how to stop fast.  We practiced it a lot and I have used it in the "real world".  This is something I would not have practiced on my own.

I had intended to take the advanced course this summer but I never got around to it.  I will have to do it next year.

I have heard in some states you have to book a spot many months in advance.
This time of year may be better than spring but I am not sure. If this is the case. You may try and show up and see if there any no shows so that you can take there spot.
The MSF is a much better way to get your lisence if for no other reason than they might give you some advice that keeps the shiny side up on your new ride.

Hey duder,

Here in PA you can register by phone for the MSF.  Check out the DMV website at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/msp/index.shtml  you want the basic rider course.

It's free to residents and the registration is "rolling", meaning that you have to registration deadline depends on the day the course section starts.   Unfortunately, you may be too late to get in on a course this season    :x      but don't take my word for it... check out the website!!!!

good luck

Craig,

hit me up on email or AIM at patella12.  I just dropped you an email tonite.


For the rest of you out there I spotted Craig's GS at school the other day and left him a note telling him to check out GStwin... ONE of us, One of us.


jake

hey I am new to this web site and I will ride with you let me know

nice revival  bobby!! lol this thread has been dormant for almost 3 years haha!

haha, but i'm still here.  Bobby are you in pgh?

Quote from: jake42 on April 14, 2006, 09:30:38 AM
haha, but i'm still here.  Bobby are you in pgh?

yes I am in pgh looking for someone to ride witrh on weekends

Quote from: jake42 on April 14, 2006, 09:30:38 AM
haha, but i'm still here.  Bobby are you in pgh?

yes I am in pgh looking for someone to ride witrh on weekends

Quote from: bobbymoe on April 14, 2006, 01:01:05 AM
hey I am new to this web site and I will ride with you let me know

ok call me on my cell it is 412-589-0293