**New Rider to be, have a few questions**

[TexZ]

Well I just signed up so I'll explain myself:

My name is Kevin, I just turned 23 and I'll be graduating from Texas A&M next May; I'll be living in Midtown this summer in Houston.

I've wanted a bike since I was a kid, and I think I'm finally going to get one this summer, hopefully a Monster. I don't have a lot of money to spend, I'd like to keep it between 3-4000 for the bike itself, not including gear. I know this is a squeeze, but I'll take whatever I can get, seeing as this will be the first bike I've owned.

I have ridden before, just never owned my own bike. I took the MSF course about 4 years ago, and have ridden on and off since then on friends bikes. This brings up one question: I never took the DPS test for my license, but I still have the certificate of completion, can I still use this for the insurance discount, or do I have to retake the MSF course?

Sorry for such a long introduction, I look forward to meeting some of you this summer!

Kevin

[onespeedpaul]

i think MSF offers a "refresher" course at a much lower rate? not sure tho

if you shop around, finding a monster in that price range shouldn't be a problem....

[Drjones]

I'm not aware of a time limitation from obtaining the MSF cert and taking the written DMV exam for the M rating, but I'd check and would probably retake the basic course again or a refresher anyway as Paul stated.

[TexZ]

I believe they told me the certification was only good for a year or two with the DPS. I don't mind taking the driving test, I just want the insurance discount, if it's even worth it.

[chipo]

I'm in aggieland.. Pm your digits and we can get together...

[Corven]

This answer is coming directly from a MSF instructor who I asked in regards to your situation:

For the insurance side, it depends on the individual insurance company and whether they will honor that 4-yr old certificate.
For the DPS licensing side, you should be able to go to DPS, take your written test and get your licensing with that 4-yr old certificate.

On a side note reg. that insurance discount...
When I bought an Allstate and a Progressive policy through an agent, they required a dated MSF certificate for the discount.
When I bought a Progressive policy online, they just required that you had *a* MSF certificate for the discount.

[flighty]

Welcome, Kevin! There's a few of us in the Midtown-ish area so you'll be in good company. :-) Keep a lookout on the forum and Craigslist and you'll be able to find a good bike. Otherwise, start on something much cheaper and "well used," then get a bike you really want later. You'll be able to get great deals on gear on Ebay, but be sure to get good quality stuff. Like others have said, you might want to retake the MSF anyway, depending on how much you've ridden.