Safety Course... which bike?

[pookamatic]

I'm taking the course offered here in Delaware.

https://citizen.dmv.de.gov/services/driver_services/driving_courses/dr_crs_motorcycle.shtml

They offer training motorcycles and I always figured on using one of theirs but then I wondered if there was any benefit to using MY bike? Sort of a practice session, in a safe environment, and with the equipment I'll need the experience on.

I'm a novice rider (< 2000 miles), but am comfortable on it.

 

[2006_FZ6]

You probably can't use your bike. In Illinois, we have to use the bikes provided by the course. I took the intro MSF.

For the intermediate and advanced course, you have to use your bike in IL.

Call or email them and verify.

 

[Downs]

If they will let you use your bike I suggest using it. The saying "Train how you fight" comes to mind in this. Unless you ride an identical bike to the one they use in the training course you will be much better served by using the bike you will be riding day in and day out.

 

[zackeeboy]

You probably can't use your bike. In Illinois, we have to use the bikes provided by the course. I took the intro MSF.

For the intermediate and advanced course, you have to use your bike in IL.

Call or email them and verify.

Same here in NY - not allowed to use your own bike for the beginners course, had to use one of the bikes provided. Can only use your own bike in some of the advanced courses.

 

[pookamatic]

Verified. I can use mine.

FYI:
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If you’d like to use your own motorcycle you’d need to have a permit to legally ride to and from class. Also, the bike would need to be registered and insured in your name and be able to pass a pre-ride safety inspection check.
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If they will let you use your bike I suggest using it. The saying "Train how you fight" comes to mind in this.

True, but... I don't want to drop it. I doubt I will, but still. It really comes down to how vigorous and challenging the maneuvers are. The other side of this logic, Downs, is to use the training bike so I can focus on the course and perhaps get more out of it. I can always take some cones to an empty lot with the 6 later. I'll see how the day looks. I may let the weather flip the coin for me.

 

[peteehoward]

In Georgia the website said the same thing and so did if you asked the people you register with. When i went out for the course the instructor said that he would heavily recommend to use one of their bikes. The reason is because the bikes they stock are usually smaller and have less of a tendency to get away from beginning riders. If you have already ridden the bike they are more likely to allow it but if you are just starting out they almost make you use the the ones they provide.

 

[Downs]

Verified. I can use mine.

FYI:
--------------
If you’d like to use your own motorcycle you’d need to have a permit to legally ride to and from class. Also, the bike would need to be registered and insured in your name and be able to pass a pre-ride safety inspection check.
--------------


True, but... I don't want to drop it. I doubt I will, but still. It really comes down to how vigorous and challenging the maneuvers are. The other side of this logic, Downs, is to use the training bike so I can focus on the course and perhaps get more out of it. I can always take some cones to an empty lot with the 6 later. I'll see how the day looks. I may let the weather flip the coin for me.

Might as well get that out of the way now. You WILL eventually drop it. It's only a matter of time before you loose your footing or stop in a spot with drop that you can't touch the ground on and it'll be on it's side.

It's not a bad thing just one of those things that happens when you ride vehicles that require outside input (us) to defeat gravity.

Nothing in any of the courses is going to be hard enough to make you drop your bike, and I believe you will take more away from the course using your own bike.

 

[pookamatic]

Nothing in any of the courses is going to be hard enough to make you drop your bike, and I believe you will take more away from the course using your own bike.

Then it's settled then. I'm not really worried - I just didn't want to walk into some course from hell.

I'm using mine... assuming the weather is nice. I'm not getting her dirty when it's not necessary. I'm one of *those* guys. Fair-weathered sissy pants. Riding in the rain is no fun.

 

[Erci]

Verified. I can use mine.

Very cool that DE allows this. We don't allow it in NJ. You will be a bit bored with first part of the range (practicing friction zone and such), but there will be exercises which will push you to work pretty hard. U-turns are much harder on FZ6 compared to little 125cc training bike. Very tight cone weave will be harder too.
Contrary to what many say.. you don't necessarily have to drop your bike as part of your learning process. Fine if you do, but it's not *required*. So, if you're worried about it, I say do it the suggested MSF way: start on training bike and then take the BRC2 (cheaper 1 day course) on your own bike.

 

[Cloggy]

Hope you learn lots of good stuff, I know I did when I did my course recently :thumbup:

I did it on my own bike, which I found really good, but as it was on a training circuit (and not the road) I had to arrange a seperate (all risk) insurance for the day. But this also meant it would not affect my own insurance in any way.

I don't know how this all works in the US, but it might be worth checking if your insurance will cover you if any thing does happen, and otherwise how much a seperate day insurance might cost.

In any case I hope you have a great day :thumbup:

 

[pookamatic]

Good thoughts. I also received this added bit of info:
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Please keep in mind that you would be responsible for any damages to the bike or any damages your motorcycle might cause.
----
I do not have collision coverage, so if I go down anywhere, it's on me. If something crazy happens and insurance were to have to be involved, they better dang well cover it... THEY are benefiting me taking this course too! I'll verify though. Thanks.

 

[Downs]

If you go down on the MSF course it'll be less than your deductible anyway to fix it. Were talking broken lever or blinker here tops.

 

[Cloggy]

If you go down on the MSF course it'll be less than your deductible anyway to fix it. Were talking broken lever or blinker here tops.

You're probably right, now I read the itinary, it all seems quite low speed manouvering.

I finished the course on the track, that's why I brought it up.

 

[Downs]

You're probably right, now I read the itinary, it all seems quite low speed manouvering.

I finished the course on the circuit, that's why I brought it up.

The beginner course is very simple low speed parking lot stuff.

 

[huy]

If you have almost 2000 miles seat time, the BRC course should be a cakewalk. There isn't anything in the curriculum that would cause you to drop your bike.

While I think it would be great to practice on your bike, I think it would be more fun to use their motorcycles. The reasons would be because of wear and tear, gas and in case of any accidents. You will be constantly sitting there with the bikes idling while you wait for your turn on the exercise.

 

[motojoe122]

I took my ARC thru work. But I took my test for my license with my FZ6.... I figured, If I cant pass it on the bike Im going to ride(I had the option to rent a scooter), then theres no point in riding.

 

[Ransom]

If you use your FZ just be aware you will be surrounded by people that are getting on 2 wheels for the first time. You may be ok, but others might not be. One guy in my class didn't stop in time when we were lining up for the figure 8 and hit the back tire of the bike in front of him knocking that guy over. It was the MSF's bike so it didn't matter as much, but if that was your bike you would be upset.

Not trying to be a Debby Downer. Just a FYI

 

[pookamatic]

After taking doing the classroom portion, I've decided to ride the fiz to/from the course, but use their bike during.

The primary logic being? I think I'm the most experienced rider out of the 12. I mean, some never been on a bike and one has never driven a manual trans. Good on them for doing it right and all, but I don't want 'em ridin dirty around my bike.

 

[Erci]

After taking doing the classroom portion, I've decided to ride the fiz to/from the course, but use their bike during.

The primary logic being? I think I'm the most experienced rider out of the 12. I mean, some never been on a bike and one has never driven a manual trans. Good on them for doing it right and all, but I don't want 'em ridin dirty around my bike.

Smart. Be patient. Remember this class is meant for complete beginners and we have to make progress at the pace of slowest learner. 1st few exercises will likely be pretty boring for you, but there will be few which will challenge you (particularly on day 2).

 

[Downs]

Ridin dirty. Lol


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