CLASS, Code, MSF 2: which to take? - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

eyoon3 · 05-21-2006, 12:40 AM

Thanks for the awesome info. As I never want to drop my 620 ie, I want to keep learning more. I took the MSF basic course, which was great. I've ridden for a few months, read books, have practiced in lots, but I feel I could use more of the supervised instruction that was key in MSF 1. Anybody have any opinions? The CLASS thing doesn't happen until some weekday in October.

thanks

mmoore · 05-21-2006, 12:55 AM

No FHE on Code (other than reading his book) but if you think of a continuum of riding from pure street to pure racing, MSF ERC (I'm guessing this is what you mean by MSF2) is at the pure street end, and Code would be more toward the pure racing end, with CLASS in between. Now, not to put you off the Code or CLASS schools - you can learn a lot(!) at the track in a very short timeframe, but for it to be worthwhile you need to have enough miles under your belt to feel very comfortable on the street. You didn't say how long you've been riding, but it sounds like less than 6 months?

Mostrobelle · 05-21-2006, 02:00 AM

+1 to what Michael said. It's a little tough to tell from your post, but you do sound a little like you want "experienced beginner" courses. I felt exactly the same way you did about 18 months ago and looked for additional instruction at that level. I couldn't find it. It might be out there, but in all my searches I never ran across it.

A lot of the learning process is just getting out there and riding--even if it's just a commute. Nothing takes the place of saddle time. You don't have to be doing Mach 3 on the track to make it count. Just be ever-conscious about doing everything right. Make every turn count. Constantly critique yourself and request critique. Ask lots of questions. Ride with people who have more experience but are level-headed. Ask more questions. You don't need to pay to get good lessons. Take charge of your own education since there is no alternative here.

We're all happy to help. If you don't find what you're looking for in professional instruction post up. I think there are several of us who wouldn't mind a little parking lot time practicing drills and going for rides expressly for the purpose of learning new techniques.

NigeSt · 05-21-2006, 10:38 AM

Doc Wong also hosts free riding clinics on riding techniques and maintenance aimed at people like us [thumbsup]. Doc Wong posts his upcoming clinics on this forum.

See http://www.docwong.com (scroll down a little)

I've no FHE of these, but I'm certainly hoping to get along to one at some point.

Cheers,
Nige

SL_Don · 05-21-2006, 01:43 PM

Yeah I hope to get in some rides with the local's here.. I just logged my first 1000 miles on my bike... So before I get any bad habits set in stone I would like some critique...

mmoore · 05-21-2006, 07:04 PM

If you are near Marin or ride there I'd be happy to go for a ride over Mt. Tam and give you pointers. I'm kind of slammed this week, and out of the country until June 6, but after that if you're interested, let me know.

ScottRNelson · 05-22-2006, 01:00 PM

You should take the MSF ERC. It will help you be a safer rider on the street. Then, if you feel it's not enough, sign up for the next CLASS too.

Mostrobelle · 05-22-2006, 08:25 PM

Hey! Look at this! http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/str...safety_course/

It's an in-between of the Basic and the Experienced courses... [thumbsup]

05-23-2006, 10:46 AM

From the MSF site:

"The experienced course expects the student to have a minimum of 6 months or 3,000 miles of on road riding."

So as long as you've got the time or miles, this would be appropriate.

Of course, I was dissapointed to read this part:

"Mufflers are required. Motorcycles with modified exhaust systems which in the opinion of the RiderCoach are louder than stock exhaust systems will not be permitted. The RiderCoach's opinion is final."

I was thinking about doing the course, but I'd have to slap on my old mufflers >

ScottRNelson · 05-23-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrunkenMonkey

From the MSF site:

"The experienced course expects the student to have a minimum of 6 months or 3,000 miles of on road riding."

When I took it, most of the riders had less experience than that. I had more, but most of it was more than ten years before I took the course. I had had the Monster two months at the time, after ten years away from motorcycles, and hadn't ridden much more than 1000 miles.

They just want to make sure you can generally control a motorcycle before you take the course. You shouldn't take it if you still have problems working the clutch or making tight turns in either direction.