Has anyone failed Motorcycle Safety Course?

mikey1600 · 05-14-2012, 10:55 PM

TL

R VERSION - Do training, Buy decent gear, Be careful (mainly of others), Have self Control and you will have plenty of fun

having had a couple bikes and after writing my last off I won't be getting another for at least a while, have gone back to cars, but have some good information for you (none of this don't ride crap they are too dangerous as people say). Seeing your mother at your hospital bedside crying is a real eye opener, my accident could have been a lot worse but I was lucky

was my own fault I'll admit straight up, but gives you a new look on things so to say. So here to share my info with you.

If you are still looking at bikes to buy, best bang for buck is probably the suzuki GSX-R range, anything after the 2008 model will come with a slipper clutch (so if you drop down a gear and let out the clutch to fast the rear won't lockup on you), will also come with an electronic steering damper (this is massive! if you've ever heard of the expression tank slapper, this will limit this a lot more then not having one). Good thing about the electronic damper, is when you are going slow it's still really easy to steer making slow movements easy to do still, while going faster the steering stiffens up. Whereas with the mechanical ones sometimes they are too tight for the easy slow stuff making it even harder, for an experienced rider this doesn't matter as they are used to it and can do it easily, yet for a new rider it can make a big difference. They also have different map modes you can change to and from, A/B/C think they were on mine can't really remember but there are 3 maps, power doesn't really change on the suzuki, but the throttle control does, if you are a new rider in the Wet, you can put it on the middle/lowest mode until you are confident with your throttle/clutch control making the bike a bit soggier so to say.

doing an instructional course is much better then teaching yourself, they give you all the proper training for the slow stuff, like figure 8's, turning around within a street, emergency braking, riding the clutch in slow situations etc.. it's all things half the time you wouldn't even try if you are self taught and the slow stuff is when people drop the bike trying to turn around etc.. so learning these things are great so you don't damage your bike and waste money.

make sure you buy proper riding gear, it will cost more yes, but buy a proper full leather jacket, not this dry mesh crap, buy some good boots, Dragon Jeans at a bare minimum (they have kevlar in all the key areas like bum, knees etc.. can google search them) so if you fall off it doesn't just get torn up to shreds and still offers some protection, but get full leathers if you can. Buy a decent helmet and MAKE SURE IT FITS PROPERLY, the amount of people I have seen with helmets that don't even fit properly is astounding, they will either fall off or cause more damage if you have a crash (my visor went flying off mine and I had a $1000 shoei helmet, could only imagine what will happen to a cheap one). Buy gloves with decent knuckle protectors, for anyone who has ever had a rock flicked up at over 200km/h and a knuckle been hit, you'll understand why. As Frost above said, it's not IF you come off, it's WHEN. I would find it highly unlikely anyone to ride for a lifetime and not have at least 1 accident, whether it's your own fault or someone elses, it will happen eventually.

If you are not using it as a daily commuter and weekend riding only, change the standard tyres for some much sticker options (if you buy from a dealer you can actually ask to do this before you take delivery of the bike and they will upgrade the tyres for you at a small price), you will have much more confidence and will learn your own limits a lot faster while it being safer. Your car driving skills will also improve from having the bike, not necessarily because of training or anything, but you will have much more awareness of everything going on around you, never get sloppy and self content when riding in traffic, always be alert, I've had so many cars pull out onto me and have to either speed up/slow down/drive on shoulders of the road to avoid getting hit.

I know there is a lot of info, but saves you learning it from your own experiences and hopefully makes your riding more enjoyable

Jasonle · 05-14-2012, 11:04 PM

Thank you all for the advice... So i joined the gsxr forum and the Kawasaki zx6r forum. Both are saying to start off on a 250 or 500 not a 600 or so cause a 600 is not beginner friendly and its a race bike?. I've been looking on craigslist for 2008-2010 ninja 250 lowest i found was $3K. I want to learn the right way and slow before upgrading to a 600. After my motorcycle class in June ima go ahead and get a 250.

Jasonle · 05-14-2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakes709

well i guess i jinxed myself on here by saying i never crashed.... Took a on ramp yesterday, hit some sand, rear wheel kicked out, i got it straight but couldnt make the turn and went flying off the ramp.

Man that looks rough! Glad your OK man! That's scary you think your riding OK and then out of nowhere you hit sand or a pot hole and then bam you go flying ..

MightyBobo · 05-14-2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonle

Thank you all for the advice... So i joined the gsxr forum and the Kawasaki zx6r forum. Both are saying to start off on a 250 or 500 not a 600 or so cause a 600 is not beginner friendly and its a race bike?. I've been looking on craigslist for 2008-2010 ninja 250 lowest i found was $3K. I want to learn the right way and slow before upgrading to a 600. After my motorcycle class in June ima go ahead and get a 250.

Why not rent a 250 for the class, see how you like it, and at LEAST but a 500 to start? 250 is nothing...

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

Jasonle · 05-14-2012, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyBobo

Why not rent a 250 for the class, see how you like it, and at LEAST but a 500 to start? 250 is nothing...

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah can't wait to take the class! Get some knowledge and riding practice. But we'll see what i end up doing after.

Rooster89 · 05-15-2012, 01:58 AM

I looking to pick up a yzf600r for my first bike. like an 07. Looking also to take the msf course at a local dealer. Any thoughts on the old thundercat from more experienced riders?

and gear should never be cheaped out on. my buddy had an r6 as his first bike and went down 3 times the first six months he was riding.

Jasonle · 05-15-2012, 07:13 AM

Hopefully the gear I bought is ok. I bought a Joe rocket jacket but The class also said I can wear a long sleeve t shirt.. I might do that if were just practicing in the parking lot. My helmet is huge. XL. I got a huge head lol

MightyBobo · 05-15-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster89

I looking to pick up a yzf600r for my first bike. like an 07. Looking also to take the msf course at a local dealer. Any thoughts on the old thundercat from more experienced riders?

and gear should never be cheaped out on. my buddy had an r6 as his first bike and went down 3 times the first six months he was riding.

Jesus, wtf was he doing? And did he ever take the BRC, or did he decide to just go out and learn himself?

Being military, I get the benefit of a free BRC, which is awesome since it gives me my motorcycle license in NY for free, also. The knowledge gained from it was priceless.

MightyBobo · 05-15-2012, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonle

Hopefully the gear I bought is ok. I bought a Joe rocket jacket but The class also said I can wear a long sleeve t shirt.. I might do that if were just practicing in the parking lot. My helmet is huge. XL. I got a huge head lol

You'd be amazed at how quickly you can shread clothes - I'd wear the jacket. There are times you'll be going faster than you think, and the panic braking portion of the class is a common point to go down.

Hell, just yesterday I was cruising with a friend, and did a tight left U-turn. My left foot accidentally nudged my shifter and put myself into neutral - its extremely sensitive. This took away my ability to slip my clutch and use the motorcycles power to right myself as I rounded the U, and I had to put a foot down quickly, since I was out of inertia carrying me. ALWAYS need to be ready for the unexpected...

MightyBobo · 05-15-2012, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonle

Hey Guys,

I just signed up for My Motorcycle Safety course on June 9th and 10th. I am kinda nervous on taking this class. Has anyone taken this course? Has anyone failed? Or know someone that has? Also if you fail do you know if they let you retake the course again for free or is there another fee? It was $195 for the course. I had a 1995 Kawaski Ninja 600 3 years ago and only rode around the neighborhood for a couple months before it started to had problems and I sold it. So at least I have a idea kind of. Any help or suggestions?

Also I'm planning on getting a Suzuki Gsx-R600 soon. Dont want another carburetor bike.

Thanks guys

!
Jason

Forgive me if this was already answered, too lazy to read everything.

The final test has scenarios played out for you that will cost you "points" if you mess them up (depending on what you do). Too many points, you fail. Yes, people fail all the time. The biggest fail point is "The Box", I'd say - being able to do a Figure-8 in a tight area with your bike. Practice that beforehand if you can, but to be honest, you'll get TONS of practice at the course, likely.

Personally, I was a little bit worried, and I ended up acing my final with 0 points, and I was kinda proud of that. If you DO fail, I believe you need to reschedule your final, and/or re-take the entire course.

Just relax and pay attention to what they are saying. Trust your bike and your tires, and take the difficult stuff one step at a time - dont be "that guy" that lays his bike down during the damn BRC lol.

Jasonle · 05-15-2012, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyBobo

Forgive me if this was already answered, too lazy to read everything.

The final test has scenarios played out for you that will cost you "points" if you mess them up (depending on what you do). Too many points, you fail. Yes, people fail all the time. The biggest fail point is "The Box", I'd say - being able to do a Figure-8 in a tight area with your bike. Practice that beforehand if you can, but to be honest, you'll get TONS of practice at the course, likely.

Personally, I was a little bit worried, and I ended up acing my final with 0 points, and I was kinda proud of that. If you DO fail, I believe you need to reschedule your final, and/or re-take the entire course.

Just relax and pay attention to what they are saying. Trust your bike and your tires, and take the difficult stuff one step at a time - dont be "that guy" that lays his bike down during the damn BRC lol.

The figure-8 looks hard..but like you said there will be a lot of practice. Also they give you 20 something points.. miss any more of that you fail? They goin to mail me a motorcycle handbook so definitly going to read that before goin into class.

Armonster · 05-15-2012, 08:53 AM

My class had a chick that dropped her bike 3 times and would stall out every other time she started from a stop, and she still managed to pass (but barely). The figure 8 is tough to get the hang of, but you start out bigger and tighten it up as you practice. I was slower to learn the right side U-turns, so I would do one every time I got back to the end of a line until it was automatic.

Oh, and this class provides the bikes, right? Most do. They are little 125 or 250 cc bikes (not sure which) and are super easy to turn. No rush to get a bike before the class.

Jasonle · 05-15-2012, 09:23 AM

Yup they provide the bikes. Man its all day class 9am-7pm Saturday and 9am-8pm Sunday.

Gixxer-370Z · 05-15-2012, 09:31 AM

It's easy, just relax and enjoy it. It's when you tense up that leaning with the bike gets more difficult.

I'm sure youll be fine on a 600 too. I believe the new GSXRs still have the A, B and C modes so just start out in C riding it for a few weeks. C will be more Forgiving if something happens and the bike won't react as harshly.
Just respect it for the machine it is. It's not a car with a metal cage around you, it can and will throw you if you mistreat it or try to act more Experienced than you are.

Don't forget to have fun!

Gixxer-370Z · 05-15-2012, 09:33 AM

One more thing... If you get bored on the streets and start acting a fool, take it to the track! It's like nothing you've ever experience before!

05-14-2012, 10:55 PM	#46 (permalink)
mikey1600 Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 503 Drives: MY11 370z Black Rep Power: 15	TLR VERSION - Do training, Buy decent gear, Be careful (mainly of others), Have self Control and you will have plenty of fun having had a couple bikes and after writing my last off I won't be getting another for at least a while, have gone back to cars, but have some good information for you (none of this don't ride crap they are too dangerous as people say). Seeing your mother at your hospital bedside crying is a real eye opener, my accident could have been a lot worse but I was lucky was my own fault I'll admit straight up, but gives you a new look on things so to say. So here to share my info with you. If you are still looking at bikes to buy, best bang for buck is probably the suzuki GSX-R range, anything after the 2008 model will come with a slipper clutch (so if you drop down a gear and let out the clutch to fast the rear won't lockup on you), will also come with an electronic steering damper (this is massive! if you've ever heard of the expression tank slapper, this will limit this a lot more then not having one). Good thing about the electronic damper, is when you are going slow it's still really easy to steer making slow movements easy to do still, while going faster the steering stiffens up. Whereas with the mechanical ones sometimes they are too tight for the easy slow stuff making it even harder, for an experienced rider this doesn't matter as they are used to it and can do it easily, yet for a new rider it can make a big difference. They also have different map modes you can change to and from, A/B/C think they were on mine can't really remember but there are 3 maps, power doesn't really change on the suzuki, but the throttle control does, if you are a new rider in the Wet, you can put it on the middle/lowest mode until you are confident with your throttle/clutch control making the bike a bit soggier so to say. doing an instructional course is much better then teaching yourself, they give you all the proper training for the slow stuff, like figure 8's, turning around within a street, emergency braking, riding the clutch in slow situations etc.. it's all things half the time you wouldn't even try if you are self taught and the slow stuff is when people drop the bike trying to turn around etc.. so learning these things are great so you don't damage your bike and waste money. make sure you buy proper riding gear, it will cost more yes, but buy a proper full leather jacket, not this dry mesh crap, buy some good boots, Dragon Jeans at a bare minimum (they have kevlar in all the key areas like bum, knees etc.. can google search them) so if you fall off it doesn't just get torn up to shreds and still offers some protection, but get full leathers if you can. Buy a decent helmet and MAKE SURE IT FITS PROPERLY, the amount of people I have seen with helmets that don't even fit properly is astounding, they will either fall off or cause more damage if you have a crash (my visor went flying off mine and I had a $1000 shoei helmet, could only imagine what will happen to a cheap one). Buy gloves with decent knuckle protectors, for anyone who has ever had a rock flicked up at over 200km/h and a knuckle been hit, you'll understand why. As Frost above said, it's not IF you come off, it's WHEN. I would find it highly unlikely anyone to ride for a lifetime and not have at least 1 accident, whether it's your own fault or someone elses, it will happen eventually. If you are not using it as a daily commuter and weekend riding only, change the standard tyres for some much sticker options (if you buy from a dealer you can actually ask to do this before you take delivery of the bike and they will upgrade the tyres for you at a small price), you will have much more confidence and will learn your own limits a lot faster while it being safer. Your car driving skills will also improve from having the bike, not necessarily because of training or anything, but you will have much more awareness of everything going on around you, never get sloppy and self content when riding in traffic, always be alert, I've had so many cars pull out onto me and have to either speed up/slow down/drive on shoulders of the road to avoid getting hit. I know there is a lot of info, but saves you learning it from your own experiences and hopefully makes your riding more enjoyable

05-14-2012, 11:04 PM	#47 (permalink)
Jasonle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3,509 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 25	Thank you all for the advice... So i joined the gsxr forum and the Kawasaki zx6r forum. Both are saying to start off on a 250 or 500 not a 600 or so cause a 600 is not beginner friendly and its a race bike?. I've been looking on craigslist for 2008-2010 ninja 250 lowest i found was $3K. I want to learn the right way and slow before upgrading to a 600. After my motorcycle class in June ima go ahead and get a 250. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370z/2003 Honda Soccer Van Shineauto Amuse Body Kit/UAM Fenders/Bc Br Coilovers/Topspeed Exhaust/Racing Hart Wheels and More My Sexy Beast

05-15-2012, 07:13 AM	#52 (permalink)
Jasonle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3,509 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 25	Hopefully the gear I bought is ok. I bought a Joe rocket jacket but The class also said I can wear a long sleeve t shirt.. I might do that if were just practicing in the parking lot. My helmet is huge. XL. I got a huge head lol __________________ 2009 Nissan 370z/2003 Honda Soccer Van Shineauto Amuse Body Kit/UAM Fenders/Bc Br Coilovers/Topspeed Exhaust/Racing Hart Wheels and More My Sexy Beast Last edited by Jasonle; 05-15-2012 at 07:21 AM.

05-15-2012, 09:23 AM	#58 (permalink)
Jasonle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3,509 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 25	Yup they provide the bikes. Man its all day class 9am-7pm Saturday and 9am-8pm Sunday. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370z/2003 Honda Soccer Van Shineauto Amuse Body Kit/UAM Fenders/Bc Br Coilovers/Topspeed Exhaust/Racing Hart Wheels and More My Sexy Beast

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05-15-2012, 08:53 AM	#57 (permalink)
Armonster Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 270 Drives: 2010 370z t/sp/6mt Rep Power: 14	My class had a chick that dropped her bike 3 times and would stall out every other time she started from a stop, and she still managed to pass (but barely). The figure 8 is tough to get the hang of, but you start out bigger and tighten it up as you practice. I was slower to learn the right side U-turns, so I would do one every time I got back to the end of a line until it was automatic. Oh, and this class provides the bikes, right? Most do. They are little 125 or 250 cc bikes (not sure which) and are super easy to turn. No rush to get a bike before the class.

05-15-2012, 09:31 AM	#59 (permalink)
Gixxer-370Z Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 134 Drives: '11 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 14	It's easy, just relax and enjoy it. It's when you tense up that leaning with the bike gets more difficult. I'm sure youll be fine on a 600 too. I believe the new GSXRs still have the A, B and C modes so just start out in C riding it for a few weeks. C will be more Forgiving if something happens and the bike won't react as harshly. Just respect it for the machine it is. It's not a car with a metal cage around you, it can and will throw you if you mistreat it or try to act more Experienced than you are. Don't forget to have fun!

05-15-2012, 09:33 AM	#60 (permalink)
Gixxer-370Z Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 134 Drives: '11 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 14	One more thing... If you get bored on the streets and start acting a fool, take it to the track! It's like nothing you've ever experience before!