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Any female riders opinions needed!

2150 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by seizethebay, Jul 31, 2007

62371

Discussion Starter · Jul 31, 2007

Hey all. I'm just looking for some opinions as far as taking the riders courses. Is there any women out there that have went into taking the riders course with absolutely no knowledge/experiance at all that could give me your opinion on them or where to begin? I've wanted to ride for a long time, and have been a passenger many times, but it ends there. I currently drive, but have not yet driven even a standard car (though I would love to learn, and have people that claim they are patient enough, but still a little nervous). Is there anyone that was in this postion before they went to take the course and what is your opinion. Quiet honestly, I know jack about bikes for the most part, and really feel I should have atleast some knowledge on the workings, parts, etc. Is there any reading material anyone can recommend? Quiet frankly I'm kinda in the dark on this sort of thing, and don't really have anyone with the knowledge of it that I can talk to. Incase you can't tell, Im determined to learn, but quiet clueless where to start, and a little nervous working with complete strangers when I have no knowledge of anything. Any suggestions at all would be very helpful. Thx guys!

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BrowningBAR

· #2 · Jul 31, 2007

Hey, I'm not a female rider, but my wife is.

Keep in mind that the safety course is a beginner course. It is taught as if you have limited or no knowledge of riding. They will teach you how to operate a bike; How to turn, shift, stop, start. They will go through all of the basics.

We purchased the bike for my wife before the safety course date arrived so we spent quite a lot of time in parking lots going over the basics and taking it slow. When it came time to take the safety class she was ready and relaxed as I used the same exercises that the course uses when I was helping her get started.

Unless you get flustered easily, I wouldn't be too concerned. The course doesn't get you "road ready" but it does teach you how to operate a motorcycle.

Also, I know this is true for AZ and PA, the course requires you to wear boots that cover the ankle, AZ supplied a helmet but PA did not and you needed to bring your own. Both AZ and PA required you to wear a jacket and PA required riding gloves.

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Kenneth_Moore

· #3 · Jul 31, 2007

I'm not a female rider, but I play one on T.V. That's why I'm the 2007 Gender Neutral Spokesthing for the MSF.

I've known almost a dozen women who have attended the MSF course and learned to become competent, albeit novice, riders. With one exception, none of them had any experience at all with motorbikes. When the course was over, they could ride.

DO NOT allow a friend, family member, husband, boyfriend, or anyone other than a trained professional to try to teach you. Although not all instructor are created equal, they are by far your best option.

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sachiwilson

· #4 · Jul 31, 2007

Two good responses.

I took the MSF course so long ago I can barely recall it. However, I had essentially no clue how to ride a motorcycle. I just got a bug to ride and slunk into a Honda dealer one day (totally embarrassed and a little scared), looked around, and was about to leave when one of the sales guys collared me. I wound up buying, a few weeks later, a 500cc Shadow. I rode that for a week or so (with a learner's permit at least) and then took the MSF class. The class was fine - I was treated with dignity, and that was 21 years ago. The bikes were small and controllable. I learned a lot about road safety in the classroom sessions, too.

What I have heard from other women in the years since is that classes differ. Some locations will offer classes for women only. (Not every woman wants that sort of thing, but some can do better without guys at times, and these classes are designed for them.) Some MSF locations are better than others for various reasons - some have misogynistic or incompetent instructors and should be avoided if you have a choice.

What you might want to do is check out the women's riding clubs in your area and talk to other women who ride. Find out from them where they would recommend you go for a class.

Best of luck!

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pplassm

· #5 · Jul 31, 2007

My wife and daughter took the basic MSF course here in VA to get their licenses. Before they went, I took them out on dirt bikes to get them used to hand clutches and basic bike handling. This gave them a tremendous advantage in the class.

The instructors here tell the students that the course is meant for those with at least SOME bike handling experience, and that rank novices are probably not going to pass.

Both of them were very positive about the course.

I had to take it myself last week as part of rider certification for the base where I work. I am also very positive about the course for beginners, but, again, some previous experience will be extremely helpful.

Here in VA, helmets are provided if you wish. Personally, I would go and get a cheapy from Wal-Mart or Pep Boys.

FWIW, I taught motorcycle safety in the Army before a formal certification for instructors was offered. The MSF was the MSC back then, IIRC.

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62308

· #6 · Jul 31, 2007

Riders Course

I took the course through Harley as it was a promo with my bike. I LOVED it. I was one of 2 women in the course. 8 guys.
I learned a ton about not only safety on my bike but also driving my car. I have been driving a car for over 30 years.
My 2 instructors were terrific. I still keep in contact with all the guys and we all ride together about once a month. I also have avoided at least 15 accidents using the course information. Three which would have been t bones at intersections going 50 mph. I ride my bike to work which is a 50 mile commute. I also practice the skills monthly like turns and fast breaking.
I highly recommend the course.

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