Snowflake
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« on: July 11, 2009, 10:52:14 AM » |
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Have not ridden since early eighties and at 58 I hope I still can. Started looking at goldwings, never even heard of a valk until stumbling across a few on e-bay. Found one for sale locally and just had to have it. I must admit I'm somewhat intimidated at the size of this beast. Went and took the written test (took 2 tries) and think I should probably go for the MSF course. What do you think of the course? I know a few of riders who have taken it and opinions differ. Any opinions? This web site is the greatest and can't wait to get movin. Later.
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SnowFlake
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Charlie McCready
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« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2009, 11:05:50 AM » |
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Even most experienced riders will learn something from the course. I took it 4 years ago at 58 and I even learned a few things !!! I recommend it !!! Congratulations on your purchase !!
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« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2009, 11:19:00 AM » |
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Take the course. You will use their bike which will be much easier than trying to use yours.
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fudgie
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Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2009, 11:20:19 AM » |
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Kit took it last year and learned alot. Even tho she won't try and ride my Valk.  I never took the coarse. Just did the Ind State test. If you think you need it and been out of riding for awhile, go for it! Can never hurt.
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR
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Oss
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Posts: 12591
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2009, 11:30:00 AM » |
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Took the adv MSF twice once on my 750 and once on the Interstate
Great course, still need to practice my countersteering. Planning on taking it again later this summer, maybe with the trailer in back of the valk this time
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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ptgb
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« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2009, 11:44:11 AM » |
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In Ohio, the Basic Rider Course (BRC) is taken only on State provided motorcycles... you can't use your own. I feel that I learned a lot when I took it three years ago. It more explains the stuff that "most" people do naturally while riding.
I just took the Ohio Experienced Rider Course (ERC) a few weeks ago. This is mostly just a refresher of the Basic Rider Course than it is learning new stuff. The ERC just doesn't dwell in the basics that the BRC did. Plus, in Ohio, you get to use your own bike and even have a passenger (which you pay for) at the ERC.
Ohio just started a Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)... I have no idea what that is all about, but I think they are touting it as for riders who have ridden in the past, but have been off a motorcycle for a while.
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« Last Edit: July 11, 2009, 11:45:53 AM by ptgb »
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13
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DavRed
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Posts: 345
Buckeye AZ
Phoenix AZ
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« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2009, 11:46:41 AM » |
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I to was off for many years. I would suggest the MSF course. Evan after that course. I was in the school parking lot, with the Valk. It is a different beast. Then after about a year of riding, I took the Advanced MSF course on the Interstate. Great experience, and anyone can learn something. Never mind having the wife take pics of my buddy and I doing the drills, and the pics of him on the ground after the High Side dump…… Nothing hurt but his pride. Good times…..
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JimL
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« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2009, 12:05:17 PM » |
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The safety course is the best money you will spend on your bike...it is worth much more than they charge (how much is it now $175/$200)? Most importantly it could very well save your life. Britman makes a good point...you will be taking the refresher on THEIR bikes and it will be easier than on your big dragon.
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« Last Edit: July 11, 2009, 12:07:49 PM by JimL »
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Kingbee
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Posts: 486
VRCC# 576
Northern Illinois
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« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2009, 12:23:14 PM » |
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All of the above, plus most insurance companys give a discount for taking the course. The course is free in Illinois!
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KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)
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Posts: 4146
Specimen #30838 DS #0233
Williamsburg, KY
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« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2009, 12:42:19 PM » |
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I think everyone should have to take it.
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QOTFU
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« Reply #10 on: July 11, 2009, 12:51:10 PM » |
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I took the course. I too think everyone should take it. I went back and took the advanced riders course on my Harley. I'm going to take it again on my Valk. There's also the Ride Like A Pro course offered here in Sugar Land. I plan on taking that one..... just not yet! Congrats on the Valk!
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Snowflake
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« Reply #11 on: July 11, 2009, 02:55:46 PM » |
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 Would have to agree with you all; It will be $100 well spent. Thanks for the input. I'll post my feelings about the MSF course afterwards.
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SnowFlake
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #12 on: July 11, 2009, 03:09:17 PM » |
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Absolutely take it if you can. A day and a half in the box will help you learn the hardest part of motorcycle riding, and restore a good degree of confidence. I took it, and I taught it. I don't know an ins co that doesn't give 10 percent off for having taken it, save your certificate (forever).
One thing, the classes usually run rain or shine or 110* or frozen, so try to take it in tolerable weather.
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Duckwheat
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« Reply #13 on: July 11, 2009, 06:22:01 PM » |
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Take the course, you will not regret it.
You might if you don't.
DW
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
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Posts: 13833
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #14 on: July 11, 2009, 07:25:18 PM » |
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The absolute most important thing to remember while motorcycling....Always look where you want to go. It's just that easy  
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools.
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stormrider
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« Reply #15 on: July 12, 2009, 05:24:50 AM » |
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Congrats on your new ride. Where ya located and post a pic. Can't comment on the course but ride often, ride safe and ride like everyone is trying to kill ya.
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Freedom will ultimately cost more than we care to pay but will be worth every drop of blood to those who follow and cherrish it.
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3fan4life
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Posts: 6958
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #16 on: July 12, 2009, 09:51:47 AM » |
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Take the course........... you won't regret it.  In 2004 while on vacation in Florida I bought an '83 Goldwing. As I was leaving the driveway with it, I suddenly realized that I hadn't ridden a motorcycle in 14 years and that I had 600 miles to go before I was home. There definately is a learning curve when you start riding again after a long hiatus. Taking the course will help with that curve.
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1 Corinthians 1:18 
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