WAAAAAY back in the '80s, I owned a motorcycle in Texas but never took the motorcycle driving test and so never got the correct/legal endorsement on my license. In lieu of a convertible, I'm thinking of getting another motorcycle but this time I want to be 100% legal...in case there's another accident (I totalled my last bike when some MAROON pulled out in front of me). I also want to get some professional driving/operating instruction before I take my test. Does anyone have experience with the AMA sanctioned schools/courses? Do I have to have a bike before taking the school?
No experience with the AMA school, but I took the MSF course for experienced riders last year to get my NV motorcycle endorsement.
I'd highly recommend either of those (the regular or the experienced one, depends on how much riding experience you have).
For street riding I'd recommend the MSF course, plus it's probably less expensive and easier to find a class near you.
Take the MSF course, after two days (in NY anyway) they can administer a road test to give you the MC endorsement. Wait two years, get some saddle time and then take the one day advanced course. It's half the cost of the basic and half as long but very informative.
http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx
Dan
Mental
SuperDork
4/12/11 8:16 a.m.
There is also a growing list of street survival style schools. They are taught at a track but apply the lesson of race control to street riding. It covers proper tire warm up, ballance, friction circles etc. Upgraded stuff after getting some miles under you.
But MSF is without a doubt the way to go. Do that first, before shopping. And even though our giant gearhead egos want to tell us all we need is the one day course, take the 2 day one. A lot of the MSF classes offer loaner bikes, depending on what you are looking at, you can get a feel for a cruiser (Rebel 250) standard (Suzuki GN125 or Buell Blast) or even a sportbike (Hyosung)
Around here they supply bikes for the two day Basic Course. For the Advanced Course you supply your own.
I took it (required to get on post at work) three weeks after moving from a BMW K-100 to a BMW R-1150rt, big difference. It was my first chance to flog the new bike but was disappointed with the figure 8s in one parking space. I burned up a lot of clutch for the cause.
Dan
I took the MSF course years ago. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Here they provide the bikes. You show up with gear and go.
