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New rider 19 Jul 2014 11:37 #640599

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Although I've worked on my 79/650 for several months, I'm headed to the MSF basic ridercourse on Monday and Tuesday to obtain a legit permit leading to a license in 30 days.

I rode a friends bike when I was 19 for about 500 miles with a permit from another state that didn't transfer after my move in 2001.

I'm looking forward to being on 2 wheels again and believe I have the skills and wisdom to ride safely.

Wondering if anyone could chime in on the basic ridercourse class and range experience and provide essential advice. I'm geared up and mentally ready.

Thanks
'79 KZ650B3 (stock)
'79 KZ650B3 (parts bike)
'06 HD 883R

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Last edit: by LineArtist.

New rider 19 Jul 2014 12:32 #640604

  • nickleo373
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The MSF course was awesome. They start at the very basics for those who have never ridden which was good for me as I had no experience with a bike or a manual transmission. It's definitely 150 bucks well spent
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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New rider 19 Jul 2014 12:51 #640607

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I've heard only good things about the basic ridercourse. Now what's this about a full brake lockup skid at 20mph?
'79 KZ650B3 (stock)
'79 KZ650B3 (parts bike)
'06 HD 883R

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Last edit: by LineArtist.

New rider 19 Jul 2014 13:11 #640610

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We only had to practice quick stops at my course. Some people jammed on the brakes and locked up by accident but there wasn't an intentionally lock up your brakes exercise
1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"

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New rider 19 Jul 2014 13:25 #640615

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thanks nick. I can see a purpose to knowing how to control a moderate speed skid but didn't believe it was a part of the basic ridercourse. Just puts my mind at ease knowing I don't have to waste someone else's rubber.
'79 KZ650B3 (stock)
'79 KZ650B3 (parts bike)
'06 HD 883R

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New rider 19 Jul 2014 15:36 #640626

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LineArtist wrote: ...Now what's this about a full brake lockup skid at 20mph?


We used to have an exercise here wherein the students approached the stopping area at about 15 MPH and then skidded the rear brake to a stop. The problem with the exercise, in my opinion, was that it did NOT teach a useful street skill. So what if you can fishtail left and right until you scrub off 15 MPH? Can you do that from 60 MPH? perhaps so, but it's still not a useful technique. Given that the front brake has the greatest stopping power, how would you add the front brake into the experience. If you are using the front brake and skidding the rear isn't the rear more likely to come around?
The hidden question is: How do you get off of the rear brake without high siding once the bike has fishtailed out of alignment? The answer is: You can't!
The skill that every one of us needs to work on is: How to recognize what a rear wheel skid feels like early enough to release the brake and reapply it before the bike gets out of alignment with the path of travel.
IMO
Bill
www.KZ1300.com
Riders:
1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100
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1985 ZN1300

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Last edit: by KZQ.

New rider 12 Aug 2014 04:09 #643590

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Update: the MSF course was outstanding and all 10 riders in my class passed without incident thanks to the guidence of the instructors. I've put on about 200 street miles since the course and apply the basics every time. Riding with my friend has also provided actual insight on being on the road. I'm 2 weeks away for picking up my license and still have plenty of time to enjoy this riding season.

I strongly encourage riders both new and experienced to sign up for MSF courses. I'll be heading back for more early next year.
'79 KZ650B3 (stock)
'79 KZ650B3 (parts bike)
'06 HD 883R

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New rider 12 Aug 2014 09:27 #643622

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Good For you Lineartist!! I am happy to see new riders taking the course s out there, and have known several lifelong riders that have taken them in my area, and learned lots! 2 things to always remember when on your bike.....1) NO...THEY REALLY DON'T SEE YOU! 2) YES....THEY REALLY ARE ALL OUT TO KILL YOU. Happy safe riding my friend!

Regards,

Will
Regards,

Will R.

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New rider 12 Aug 2014 14:04 #643674

  • DoctoRot
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this video is kinda long but IMO is the best video on riding techniques out there, a must for riders new and old. I have been riding for 10 years and recently watched it and learned some new stuff. It also prompted me to sign up for a advanced riding course and some track days.

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Last edit: by DoctoRot.
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