No she does not need the MSF class, she is going to handle it like she learned to swim. Just jump in and hope for the best, that is the most effective way to learn pretty much anything.
If you are comparing swimming and riding a motorcycle, think again!
Lot more variables in riding a bike. Plus you are operating a machine. Won't go into all the details but there are probably at least 100 things that I know that could benefit both of you. Main thing, is she aware of all the consequences from riding a motorcycle or not having the appropriate saftey gear? Wasn't it you that you posted a picture of yourself riding withouut gloves?
New rider will most likely drop or crash their bike! That Buell looks like it's in fantastic condition, get all the dropping out of the way by using the training bikes that the MSF provides. I see it happen every week.
The biggest mistake I observe when others are learning how to ride a motorcycle on their own is that they are just learning to ride in a straight line and then they go tackle the street where they have to share the road. When over 2/3 of motorcycle crashes involves going around a corner.
Taking a MSF class will teach the basic fundamentals to get her started so that she has the minimal skills such as: Quick Stops/Emergency Braking, Swerving, Cornering, U-Turns using the proper techniques in a controlled environment.
Will you feel comfortable that she will now
exactly what to do when an object suddently comes in front of her and she accidently grabs a handfull of the front brake and the tire starts to lock up? Something that could be prevented in the first place if she knew Where, How and What to look for in the first place since riding a bike is more mental than physical? Or will know how to properly corner? Taking the proper route, apex, slowing, LOOKING thru the turn?
The list goes on, it's just a lot better if she just learned how to do it first rather than just putting her out on the streets.
Just my opinion though, don't take it personally as you both can do anyway it you like. I know there are many folks on this forum who have done it both ways. But remember, it's best to learn something new the proper way so that no rider developes bad habits. Is she covering the front brake whlile she's riding? It's tough to change a golf swing once you've been golfing that way for years. But you can't get yourself killed from a bad golf swing. But you can riding a bike, but you can also reduce the risk if done properely.
She is lucky to have an experienced rider such as yourself to be able to use you as more of a guide when she is out on the streets. But actually taking upon yourself to teach her how to ride is jeopordizing her safety.
I come across many riders who have ridden without a license for decades each week in class, and they all said that they learned a lot. Even after all the miles they have already ridden. I had one rider who had ridden without a license for 50 years, and he admitted he leaned a few things.
One more thing, does she even have a motorcycle endorsement? Remember, for most states, a sucessful completion from a MSF class will automatically qualify for the graduate to receive their M Endorsement from the state without any further testing. We provide the written and skills evaluation. Plus, most insurance companies will provide up to a 30% dscount off their motorcycle insurance for taking the class. 15% discount from Cycle Gear, and other local discounts may apply.