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Post by getwheel on Mar 6, 2012 16:09:26 GMT -5
I'm thinking about getting my motorcycle endorsement so I can ride a 150cc scooter. To do so here in Florida we have to pass the 15 hour/3 day Basic Rider Course. Unfortunately, it seems to be centered around motorcycles instead of scooters, and I've never ridden a motorcycle nor driven stick shift, so this might be an issue.
I'm sure others on the board have taken the same, or a similar, course- and I'm wondering how challenging it will be for a newbie like me!
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Post by inuyasha on Mar 6, 2012 16:15:53 GMT -5
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Post by terrilee on Mar 6, 2012 16:43:45 GMT -5
the only advice i can give ya is see if u can rent a M/C some places do that so u can ready for the BRC
up here in PA theres a few places that will. they dont have hugh lots but any practice shifting is practice. they make u put a credit card on file / with a big limit but they do expect probs.
just read what they want u to sign before u ride.
its very easy to shift etc. actually i think its easier on a M/C than a car.
good luck & check into it
oh & just to make u mad ;D back when i got my M/C endorsement pffttt if u showed up on a bike they just gave it to ya but that was 1973
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Post by mike3367 on Mar 6, 2012 17:35:31 GMT -5
i got my M endorsement on my license riding my scooter, are you sure you have to use a motorcycle to do the course?
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Post by redhandmoto on Mar 6, 2012 18:41:41 GMT -5
BRC courses mostly supply the motoryucles, usually smal-frame 250cc Hondas or like that. Plenty of people in my course who'd never ridden anything before - the training is very good. They have you "duck walk" the bike around, paddling with your feet to get used to the 'grip zone' of the clutch and opoerating the throttle gently. It's a lot easier than it sounds; we had 30 folks: none failed. You'll like it.
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Post by imnts2 on Mar 6, 2012 19:08:41 GMT -5
I took the course through Pensacola College. I few buck cheaper. They used 250 cc motorcyles. Almost not shiifting. Almost all low gear work. Porbably a lot easier with a motorcyle. Frankly, I was surprised at how much I learned. They want to pass you so they will work to do that. Free repeat what you need. Not a boor at all. 90% fun, a little hard work , a lot of riding and good people. Check with your local college or junior college.
Good luck. Ii I can help more let me know. cheers lefty
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Post by imnts2 on Mar 6, 2012 19:10:16 GMT -5
I took the course through Pensacola College. I few buck cheaper. They used 250 cc motorcyles. Almost not shiifting. Almost all low gear work. Porbably a lot easier with a motorcyle. Frankly, I was surprised at how much I learned. They want to pass you so they will work to do that. Free repeat what you need. Not a boor at all. 90% fun, a little hard work , a lot of riding and good people. Check with your local college or junior college.
Good luck. Ii I can help more let me know. cheers lefty
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Post by getwheel on Mar 8, 2012 11:25:53 GMT -5
Thanks for the tips and votes of confidence guys! They actually do the classes at Miami Dade College. It turns out they do have scooters- but only at another, farther location, although that one does the 15 hours in two days instead of three. The only thing that might be a challenge is the shifting, so I don't know if its worth it. Besides, I kind of like the the idea of learning on a motorcycle- something different.
They tried to sell me on a prep course- But it adds another $100 to my expenses, not to mention the extra time. I mean, the state- sanctioned class is 15 hours already! As for the price, they're all about the same in my area, fluctuating only about $5- of course, things are more expensive here. So basically, I just need to decide whether I want to do it farther away- but on a scooter, in two days- or closer on a motorcycle in three days.
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Post by justbuggin on Mar 8, 2012 13:34:53 GMT -5
i had my daugther take the course she had never rode a motorcycle before and she had no problem with it
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Post by chettm on Mar 8, 2012 14:24:30 GMT -5
Here is my story I was in the same boat as you, never drove anything with gears, which is one of the reasons I went the scooter route. Went ahead and signed up for the course. One of the exersices is gear shifting and I bombed. I was told by the instructor that I should come back when I have the basics down . The idea of the course is that you have the basics and they are teaching you to ride safe. I went ahead and took the test on my scooter and passed no problems. I realized that the instructors were horrible since 4 other riders left the course the first day for various reasons.
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Post by josetann on Mar 9, 2012 22:20:46 GMT -5
My wife hates manuals (shifting gears). She can do it, but hates it. Never ridden a motorcycle before. She passed no problem. She said she kept killing the motor, but that was the only part she had an issue with.
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Post by getwheel on Mar 10, 2012 0:00:32 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the experiences. I've decided to take it using a motorcycle, because the college is much closer and I think three days is more reasonable for a 15 hour course.
I've already signed up. My classes are at the end of the month through April Fool's. I'm actually excited about getting some experience with two-wheeled vehicles and earning my motorcycle endorsement.
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Post by timber on Mar 11, 2012 23:46:34 GMT -5
My first bike was a little 1967 Suzuki 118cc, I had to learn to ride and shift, and the shifting on that bike was the opposite of every other motorcycle, so to shift up you pressed the gear lever DOWN... then when I rode the '75 Yamaha 175 cc and a couple of other newer cycles then, I had to remember the shifting was the opposite way on those bikes than mine LOL. It wasn't hard to learn shifting and after a while it's second nature. I did find a MC safety course that has a class 18 miles from here that looks good, they have one for scooters and MC but in 2 different locations, the scooter class is 2 hours away... online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspxNice thing is, you pass, you dont need to do a road test with the DMV officer in uniform, badge and clipboard watching your every move- just the written test, and that's a lot less nerve wracking to do the road test stuff in a class than at the DMV! That web site has 3 sections of multiple choice questions asked on the written test I believe, to practice with.
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Post by SylvreKat on Mar 17, 2012 7:48:38 GMT -5
I think chettm had bad instructors.
I took the beginners' MSF class. Never rode anything except a bicycle. Only rode as a passenger on a motorcycle twice. Lefty's right (hee), they really DO want to pass you and work at helping you make it.
My downfall wasn't the shifting, despite my loaner not liking to go into neutral. The U-turns did me in. For some reason I just can't do them. Not without both putting down my feet AND going way outside the lines. On the other hand, I did the "emergency stop" at a bit higher speed and stopped shorter than the average. Way I look at it, stopping skills will do me a whole lotta better good than U-turning skills.
So don't fret the shifting, 'wheel. Just relax and enjoy, and pay attention to everything your instructors teach you. And have fun!
>'Kat
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Post by dudley on Mar 17, 2012 9:48:32 GMT -5
Some places supply scooters or let you use your own. Call and ask.
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Post by getwheel on Apr 1, 2012 1:23:19 GMT -5
So I totally bombed the BRC. The first day was just videos and questions, but when we got to riding on the second day I totally blew it. The shifting was problematic, especially with the new boots I got for the class (they were too big to use on the cycle properly and really didn't fit me well), my balance was off and it was very hot with my leather jacket on (they told me to just wear a long-sleeved shirt next time). I had to catch the bike twice so as not to let it fall. After two hours I was exhausted. The instructor noticed and basically told me nicely to go home and come back another weekend. I agreed with him- We had four more hours to go in the heat.
I tend to suck at getting these things at first, and I'm not saying it was the motorcycle, but this just more firmly supports my thoughts that a scooter is better for me right now- no shifting gears, lighter, etc. In fact, I'm getting my scooter delivered on Monday. I plan to practice a bit on it, even if its just in my driveway and then go for the BRC again. I was told it probably wouldn't be a problem to reschedule without additional cost. I'll be calling them on Monday too. BUT, next time I'm going to either try to get the location that has a scooter for use, or bring my own scooter (the web site says you can't, but one of the rider coaches told me I could if I wanted to).
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Post by timber on Apr 1, 2012 2:57:47 GMT -5
I have to wonder if they even allow use of a scooter for the MC testing, because part of the normal test you take at the DMV requires shifting up and down. I watched several videos on youtube put up by a DMV in california showing what the MC test is and what exactly it consists of. I'm sure the tests in each state vary a little but they probably all encompass what's in these videos, and doing the slow speed around the circle within the lines and not going over them looks hard- you also fail if you put afoot on the pavement for any reason. Start with part one, there's 8 or so; www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUp1IUAE1woThis one shows the circle ride and tracking at slow speed, if you have any balance issues this one is a doozy, more so when you are tense, under pressure and the DMV guy is standing there watching every move you make; www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpLBM-1yj2UI'd MUCH rather do the skills test in a class like the MSF has and do the written at the DMV.
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Post by getwheel on Apr 1, 2012 3:43:40 GMT -5
I have to wonder if they even allow use of a scooter for the MC testing, because part of the normal test you take at the DMV requires shifting up and down. I would have to ask the company again, but as far as the DMV- here in florida they did away with the DMV test completely and just require you to complete the Basic Rider Course instead, which of course, has a riding test portion. But if they allow scooter use for the test, I should be better off.
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Post by timber on Apr 1, 2012 10:06:20 GMT -5
I do know that the MSF offers TWO basic rider courses and more, oneof the basic rider courses is for scooters and the other is for motorcycles. The scooter course is shorter- one day I believe, and costs about $40 while the MC course is as you said- a 3 day affair and costs around $139
As scooters are not usually licensed, the 49cc ones anyway, there appears to be no test or road skills tests to pass as there is with the MC basic course.
So if I'm right, you can ride a scooter in the class, but it has to be for the SCOOTER basic rider class, and you'll have to use a MC to take the MC basic rider test because part of the course involves learning how to shift and use the clutch while riding on the road (distracting for new riders for sure) I don't know if there are automatic transmissions on MC's or not, I think there is on the higher end bikes, but even if that's true, overall the vast majority of them use the clutch and gear lever system which you have to learn and master to ride.
I HATE the DMV with a passion, and the one nearest me has a customer service guy behind the counter that has a real acid attitude and is very intimidating, and unfortunately every time I've had to go I seem to wind up with that idiot helping me! The office is real small and there's only 3 people, so you have a one in 3 chance of winding up with HIM and I've hit it every time over the last 13 years! WOuld be my luck that doing the test I'd wind up with HIM!!!!
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Post by getwheel on Apr 1, 2012 18:40:09 GMT -5
I know this company <http://www.mtii.com/> offers a scooter course- but when I looked for specific classes, nothing showed up, so I guess they aren't actively offering it these days. But, as you say, that's not the Basic Rider Course one is required to pass. As far as shifting and whether one needs to do the regular BRC exam on a motorcycle, I have to ask about it. I'm hoping to know on Monday.
I know what you mean about the DMV: That's what happens when there is no healthy competition and people's jobs are pretty much assured.
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Post by ltdhpp on Apr 1, 2012 19:05:45 GMT -5
I just completed a MSC today - hardest thing for me was coordinating both hands and feet to work all 4 together in a very short time. Plus figure 8's on something with big wheels and a clutch is MUCH harder !
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Post by getwheel on Apr 2, 2012 1:16:55 GMT -5
I just completed a MSC today - hardest thing for me was coordinating both hands and feet to work all 4 together in a very short time. Plus figure 8's on something with big wheels and a clutch is MUCH harder ! Congrats, ltdhpp! Hopefully I'll fare as well next time.
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Post by sentinex on Apr 2, 2012 2:39:11 GMT -5
I do know that the MSF offers TWO basic rider courses and more, oneof the basic rider courses is for scooters and the other is for motorcycles. The scooter course is shorter- one day I believe, and costs about $40 while the MC course is as you said- a 3 day affair and costs around $139 As scooters are not usually licensed, the 49cc ones anyway, there appears to be no test or road skills tests to pass as there is with the MC basic course. So if I'm right, you can ride a scooter in the class, but it has to be for the SCOOTER basic rider class, and you'll have to use a MC to take the MC basic rider test because part of the course involves learning how to shift and use the clutch while riding on the road (distracting for new riders for sure) I don't know if there are automatic transmissions on MC's or not, I think there is on the higher end bikes, but even if that's true, overall the vast majority of them use the clutch and gear lever system which you have to learn and master to ride. I HATE the DMV with a passion, and the one nearest me has a customer service guy behind the counter that has a real acid attitude and is very intimidating, and unfortunately every time I've had to go I seem to wind up with that idiot helping me! The office is real small and there's only 3 people, so you have a one in 3 chance of winding up with HIM and I've hit it every time over the last 13 years! WOuld be my luck that doing the test I'd wind up with HIM!!!! You are incorrect, if you drive a scooter and you take the MSF basic Rider course you can take your scooter to class(as long as it's registered and insured) and do all the exercises on it and the final test on the second day, also you can request to take the class with an scooter they will provide for you. If you pass they will give you a Certificate that waives the driving portion of the DMV. I know this because I took the class and a lady in my class requested and got a 150cc scooter for the riding portion of the MSF, and at the end she got her certificate like the rest of us. Now if you take the scooter class offered by the MSF it will not provide you the waiver, so taking this calls is useless if you looking for the DMV waiver. Hope it helps.
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Post by jwalz1 on May 2, 2012 12:31:27 GMT -5
I completed my course last weekend. It was good and bad.
The first day of riding was five hours in steady rain, driving wind and 40-42 degrees. I had a waterproof ski parka on, but my gloves got soaked, my boots got soaked, my jeans got soaked and I was borderline hypothermic after the five hours in the cold and rain. The riding was fun and helped keep my mind off the physical misery. Everyone was visably shaking uncontrolably by the end and I shivered under a wool blanket for about an hour and a half afterward until my body temp came back up.
The second day the weather was nice and the riding was fun. I did well on the test except for that on the panic stop from 20 mph, my boot got caught and I did not shift from second to first and lost a couple points for that.
All in all it was a good experience and I am glad I took the course on a motorcycle. I plan to pretty much be a scooter guy, but my wife is from Hawaii and we go there once or twice a year to see her family and they have lots of motorcycle rental places. It will be good to know how to ride whenever friends travel with us who are licensed and want to take a ride around one of the islands.
It is also never bad to just learn an extra skill and just know how for the sake of knowing how. My state uses the money from motorcycle licenses to fund the rider courses and the equipment was all in good shape. I had a fuel injected 250 with 500 miles on it as the course bike. (suzuki tu250) All of the bikes were in good shape and less than five years old. It was a big plus that the equipment was solid and the instructors were very good too.
I think everyone except one guy passed. At least I hope he failed for his own sake. He was about a 30 year old guy that seemed real intimidated by the bikes. He fell on the first day in the rain. I did not see it but we were doing real low speed stuff in tight corners. I think he turned the whhel hard and then grabbed the front brake hard by mistake. I just saw him with the bike on top of him and laying in a puddle of freezing water. But he was sketchy the whole time and in my opinion needed to get a lot better or he was going to be a danger to himself.
Everyone else did great. Mix of people, men and women. Pretty much EVERYBODY was 30 or older.
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Post by chadinfl on May 8, 2012 15:18:48 GMT -5
Here in the Clearwater, FL, area they offer the MSF course specifically to scooters. Of course, you can take the course on the 250 motorcycles and still operate your scoot, but for new riders it would be nice to learn the basic skills on your scoot without having the other stuff like shifting to worry about.
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