Anybody do the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) cert.?

[Feersty]

OP why aren't you 100% sure you are going to take the class? If you want to get into motorcycles, this is the best way. Read the previous threads on this topic, you'll do fine.

[Sijray21]

OP why aren't you 100% sure you are going to take the class? If you want to get into motorcycles, this is the best way. Read the previous threads on this topic, you'll do fine.

it's understandable for a value/cost issue. Sometimes the cost of the course is high for someone's budget. If cost is not an issue then time is an issue. Usually it takes longer than some want to spend.

I think it would be foolish not to take it, especially considering Virginia's DMV benefits for the license (bypass the riding exam for the VA DMV). If you are from another state check to see if that state will recognize VA's MSF certification (example: Maryland does NOT recognize it and will not allow you to bypass their riding exam with a VA MSF certification, but they will with an MD MSF certification - FYI).

He posed the question to see if the class is worth the money

my answer: Yes (if you are in VA take the MSF with Blue Ridge, if you are not from VA then check your home state's DMV if they'll recognize it. If they recognize their own state's MSF cert then take it with own state.)

[Ginger]

it's understandable for a value/cost issue. Sometimes the cost of the course is high for someone's budget. If cost is not an issue then time is an issue. Usually it takes longer than some want to spend.

I agree with JayRay, the class is most definitely worth the money.

On the note above... if the cost is too high for your budget, and you're considering riding immediately, then you should probably reevaluate your prioirities. Riding isn't as cheap as some lead you on to believe. Proper insurance coverage is especially important (and not cheap)... skimp on the medical, for example, and it's possible for your health care primary to kick the charge back, citing any injuries sustained as coverable under the health coverage on the bike. If this happens and you don't have proper insurance coverage then your parents will most bankrupt themselves buying care for you (and make no mistake, the expensive part of bike insurance is health/medical). Buy a bike on loan and skimp on the coverage (which you're really not even supposed to be able to do), and the bike gets stolen then you're completely SOL, making payments on something you don't own.

Just, keep things in perspective. Motorcycles aren't going anywhere, if you can't really do it right then you should put it off until you can. These machines... you've got to take them seriously, they can kill you faster than you can blink.

[.RJ]

Not to mention you can easily spend $1000 or more on gear.....

Taking the class is worth it. Its $80-90, you learn how to ride, and its a cool way to spend the weekend if nothing else

[Feersty]

my answer: Yes (if you are in VA take the MSF with Blue Ridge, if you are not from VA then check your home state's DMV if they'll recognize it. If they recognize their own state's MSF cert then take it with own state.)

Or in my case I was in NOVA over the summer, but I signed up the December before. If you want to do it this summer in NOVA, SIGN UP NOW!

[Sijray21]

Or in my case I was in NOVA over the summer, but I signed up the December before. If you want to do it this summer in NOVA, SIGN UP NOW!

i don't have any experience with the NVCC administered course, but it's the most expensive one in VA and very difficult to get a spot in. The teachers (from what i heard) weren't very friendly either. I do recommend the Charlottesville course administered by the education center of charlottesville - they seem to be true motorcycle enthusiasts and they do not really get a profit (according to the instructors there). It's also relatively cheap when compared to the other areas of VA ($85) and is 2.5 days long (morning or afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday with an evening Friday classroom session).

I know the original poster is planning on taking it at the Blue Ridge Facility, but just another option for a JMU student since it's about or less than an hour away when you take Rt 33.

[AlpineOverNappa]

my issue is that i'd like to get certified before this semester closes and I dont have a car to get to the class, which is why i havent taken it yet. I dont mind spending the money on a course worth while, its just transportation thats an issue as of now.

[Ginger]

You could probably find somebody in the club that'd like to take it with you. Otherwise, just borrow a car for the weekend. Go ahead and figure out what the schedule is now, though. I don't know what it's like where you're planning on taking it, but if it's anything like NoVa then you'd do yourself a favor to register now.

Good luck, and if you have any questions about the motorcycle thing don't hesitate to ask.

[Apoc]

Public transportation?

I'm guessing they have routes to wherever the class is taught... especially if it's a center for higher learning.

[BLINGMW]

Jess and I are starting the fun part this afternoon, after sitting through class last night, which was super gay and boring. I can only imagine how painful that was to those who have ridden before. At least we were able to pick out a few people in the class that we want to avoid at all cost.

Hooray for wearing winter clothes in 90 deg heat with chance of thunderstorms! :|

[Apoc]

Hooray for wearing winter clothes in 90 deg heat with chance of thunderstorms! :|

Don't ever race.

[BLINGMW]

Don't ever race.

um, ok. :dunno:

[Kaan]

It took me 13 years and over a hundred thousand miles to have an accident. It's not if, but when!

That being said... I've taken both the public class, about 15 years ago, and the apex class about 4 years ago. Pay attention in either class, find a sain riding buddy, and DO NOT ride an uncomfortable pace.

I'll add more when I'm not on my phone in target