Posted by Cynthia Holler on May 14, 2003 at 15:57:56:
In Reply to: Training new rider...suggestions (no MSF please) posted by WD on May 14, 2003 at 11:09:56:
Hi WD,
I did take the MSF course and it is quite valuable. However, since this is not an option for you at this time, although I hope you will enroll your 18-year old stepson as soon as it is available, your own helpful tips and "tricks" (don't know tricks myself, you either ride well and safe or you don't) are a great start. There is an excellent video out for low speed manuevers with a police officer instructor which teaches expert handling to everyone, new & seasoned. I highly recommend it. The are also some well written books which provide years of valuable advice, and are must reads. I would recommend practicing in parking lots (big ones) with turns and stops and riding over obstacles, use cones, they're cheap to pick up. Practice the figure 8 at low and high speeds, the ability to handle the bike at practically 0 miles per hour pays off! Swerving to either side to avoid objects, parking, backing up, emergency stopping, use of turn signals, brakes, practice, practice, practice. Our instructors would toss boards in our path as we rode through a course in at least 3rd gear to test either swerving or riding over objects. Up to 15 miles per hour, they would step in our path to test emergency braking (how well do you trust their skills?). They would wet the parking lot (of course test day was pouring rain) and test braking and skidding skills. By the way, if you dropped the bike on test day, you failed automatically. Even after 2 years riding I still sneak up to an old church parking lot and practice all the techniques. It helps! And don't forget to teach the simple maintenance, and safety checks before riding. Take care of the bike and it will take care of you! I hope this helps. In North Carolina, if you pass the MSF course the cone test (a joke if you ask me) is waived. The written test must be passed regardless, and that is where the MSF course becomes most valuable. If you know nothing about techniques, blind spots, best manuevers, the law or the bike, no amount of ride practice will help you. Of course, our local DMV does give out a free handbook for study but you have to pledge your firstborn if you don't give it back when you come to take the test. They will take $50 instead. However, even with the handbook, the MSF contradicts some of the "correct" answers and the handbook can be confusing. Training a family member can be frustrating for all parties involved. I am teaching my daughter to drive a stick, she's killing me! All that said, I am sure you will do everything you know to make sure he is a good & safe rider. Just keep practicing. Hope this helps!