Motorcycle Safety Foundation Training Course – 3 Tips
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Training course is a must for beginning motorcycle riders.
The MSF Rider course combines classroom instructions with hands-on motorcycle training.
For the basic MSF riding course, motorcycle ownership isn’t required. They provide the motorcycle (usually in the 250cc class) for the hands-on riding portion of the training. No worries, all riding is done on a closed course, often a roped-off parking lot.
Want to get the most out or your motorcycle training?
Here are 3 tips that helped me.
One: Take the MSF Motorcycle Training Seriously.
In many states, formal motorcycle training is a part of getting your motorcycle license. In other words, no training … no license.
Because of this, many riders approach the training with the wrong attitude. While it may be a ‘check-the-box’ requirement, it is also instruction that WILL make you a better motorcycle rider. Approaching the training with the right attitude can make a huge impact on how much you learn.
Pay attention, ask questions, and concentrate on improving your riding skills.
Two: Find an MSF Class with Only a Few Students for Each Instructor.
To increase the amount of personal instruction, consider joining a class with a low number of students per instructor.
When I took the MSF training course years ago, a riding buddy and I contacted the instructor and inquired about ’small classes’. For a slightly higher fee (approximately $100 each), one of the senior instructors conducted a class ‘just for the two of us’.
According to our instructor, we were able to perform each riding exercise many more times than the typical student. Another advantage… we felt comfortable asking ‘less than brilliant’ questions. We also took the class during the winter, which helped us find a ‘willing’ instructor.
Three: Take the MSF Training Class in Another City.
If your finances allow it, consider taking the MSF training class in a nearby city… close enough to be an easy drive, but far enough away to ’stay the night’.
This is exactly what we did.
Instead of focusing on rushing home to face the responsibilities of ‘life’, we concentrated on the task at hand — learning how to more proficiently ride a motorcycle. For an extra $50 each, we stayed at a hotel near the training facility.
Another bonus: our discussions at dinner focused on the riding lessons that day, and on a list of questions for the next.
In summary: Approach the MSF training with the right attitude. Concentrate on becoming a better rider, and ask lots of questions. In addition, try to find a class with a small number of students… in a nearby city.
The most experienced, skilled motorcycle riders I know all have one thing in common. They take improving their riding skills seriously, and are constantly seeking ways to improve them.
Let’s follow the leaders.
MSF training is conducted at over 1500 locations across the United States. A quick search on their website will highlight a location — with contact information — near you.
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