Motorcycle Safety Course: $275!

[number9]

So I get my bike insured with Geico, and if I take a MSF course then I can get a 10% discount on my insurance. Here in Maine, if you take the MSF you can skip the written & road tests and get your license immediately. Sounds good right?

Wrong! The fucking course is $275. I couldn't believe it! Is it just because I'm a crazy cheap-assed Aussie? `Cause IMSNHO that's a shit-ton of cash...

[union]

Its teh same here in MA but if you have a bike that is already on the road you can take the advanced class which is 125 I think. Just need a road legal bike and your permit.

[JeffL]

So you know everything there is to know about riding? So that makes that $275 thrown right out the window huh?

[benVFR]

I think you need to already be licensed to take the advanced class. You can't get your license by taking that one AFAIK.

But if you HAVE been riding for a while with your license, then you are probably fine to take the advanced class.

[union]

Originally posted by benVFR
I think you need to already be licensed to take the advanced class. You can't get your license by taking that one AFAIK.

But if you HAVE been riding for a while with your license, then you are probably fine to take the advanced class.

According to their webpage you just need a permit for advanced class. This is what they have posted

"The Experienced Rider Course is taught over a 1 day, 6 hour class.

Students who successfully complete the Training Wheels ERC will receive their Massachusetts motorcycle license mailed to them without having to go take the road test at the RMV. More info..."

That leads me to believe all you need is a permit. They do however specify you DO need your own bike and it has to pass their inspection before you are allowed to ride.

If anyone is insterested here is their webpage
http://www.trainingwheelsonline.com/

Might be different in Maine but these are the guys that do it in MA

[number9]

union: Thanks, I'll chase that up...

JeffL: I don't quite know everything, and thus am open to taking one of the advanced courses -- but given that one of the recommendations for the basic course is "being able to balance on a bicycle", I think my time might be wasted as it's clearly for people whom have never ridden before. I have my Australian license (which I have had for 3 years now), I just want the easiest way of converting it to a Maine license. I didn't realise that was gonna cost me $275...

benVFR/union: I haven't got my permit yet, in fact I'm not sure if you can get it in Maine without taking one of the courses.

[union]

Originally posted by number9
union: Thanks, I'll chase that up...

JeffL: I don't quite know everything, and thus am open to taking one of the advanced courses -- but given that one of the recommendations for the basic course is "being able to balance on a bicycle", I think my time might be wasted as it's clearly for people whom have never ridden before. I have my Australian license (which I have had for 3 years now), I just want the easiest way of converting it to a Maine license. I didn't realise that was gonna cost me $275...

benVFR/union: I haven't got my permit yet, in fact I'm not sure if you can get it in Maine without taking one of the courses.

Well as I said I dont know Maine but when I got my permit here it was just like the test for driver liscense. Now that I think about it Im pretty sure only one question out of the 15 even mentioned a motorcycle. I think if you show up to the dmv with your aussie liscense their might be something they can do so you wouldnt NEED the class to get going but idk.








BTW anyone tell you about the toothbrush?

[slaps76]

I took the MSF course after I was already riding for a while, and it was still fun. Yes, they start you off assuming you've never sat on a bike before, but it moves right along to some fun drills. Plus you'll probably still learn something.

[JeffL]

Well, in ME is it mandated to take the course to get a moto-license, or does it just enable you to bypass having to take a road test like here in Mass?

Here, you still have to go in and sit down to take the permit test, but once you get the passing certification from the MSF course, you can go to the DMV and upgrade right to your license.

Also, even if its only a 10% discount on your insurance, depending on your insurance, you may recoup the cost of the class in just a few years anyways.

[Fugly]

+1 ... I took the advanced course and learn that I have more limitation then the bike does. It definitely helped to increase my confidence level as well as my abilities. Well worth the monies. I took the course with some friends and got a group rate. Not sure if all places do a group rate but worth a try..

Originally posted by slaps76
I took the MSF course after I was already riding for a while, and it was still fun. Yes, they start you off assuming you've never sat on a bike before, but it moves right along to some fun drills. Plus you'll probably still learn something.

[katana0215]

the class is like 50 bucks here in RI, and you need it to get your license

[Billy]

Dude, that $275 course will teach you somethign that will definately save your life or keep you safe in many situations!!!

What matters to you more?
$275, or your life/ loss of limbs?!?!?!

[LowSider]

I took the basic MSF course the day after I got my permit, it tought me a lot of stuff that I would have had to learn that hard way. For a person who has been riding, it might not be necesary but I would certinaly recommend it.


I don't know what is it up in ME but in MA, if you already have a drivers license and you have a motorcycle permit, you only need to pay $15 to get your class M endorcment. So from nothing tomotorcycle lisence, it should only be $45 ($30 permit + $15 endorcment).

Through the MFS, you can get your motorcycle license the day you get your permit. You just need to have held any type of permit for 6 months.


I know this because I am leaving to get my motorcycle license right now. My MSF certificate just arrived because I just got my drivers license and now I am eligible.

[number9]

Originally posted by BadBoyBilly
Dude, that $275 course will teach you somethign that will definately save your life or keep you safe in many situations!!!

What matters to you more?
$275, or your life/ loss of limbs?!?!?!

For the 2nd time... I think a basic course would be a waste of my time (I can ride around cones just fine thanks), but an advanced course would be good. So I just have to figure out how to do the advanced one and get a license out of it :p

[OreoGaborio]

http://msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl...e=Contact%20Us

click that link... then send them an email asking them whatever it is you wanna know cuz obviously you're not getting the answer you wanna hear from us.

[Tabby]

I just heard that NH's state course is 110$ up from 85$. The costs will vary partially depending on if the course run by the state DMV, or private. In NH, the state course is partially funded by the state, hence the lower cost. The private guys have to make a living. It isn't easy paying for bikes, parts, sites, classrooms, insurance, etc.

[bigred875]

$40 in RI...lol

[LiononaLeash]

even if it is $275. What you learn can keep you from making stupid mistakes that will cost you many times that amount.

$.02

[Ken C]

It sounds like you're a candidate for taking the Experienced Rider Course.

Course descriptions

[number9]

Originally posted by union
BTW anyone tell you about the toothbrush?

[oVTo]

Keep in mind that in MA the insurance discount is good forever, or at least until they change the rules. It doesn't take that long to get your money back on the course. Just don't lose your completion card, and check your insurance renewal form to make sure they didn't "forget" the discount.

[schleppy]

It was the best $275 I've spent in a LONG time. You will not regret it!

I honestly feel that taking that course before I ever rode on the streets made me a FAR better rider. That and the 10% off insurance is pretty sweet :-)

[Doc]

Join the Military and the courses are FREE.

[bigred875]

the class is like 50 bucks here in RI, and you need it to get your license

thats the way it should be imo.... required and state subsidized...

[oVTo]

Make it required and a lot of people will show up with the wrong attitude, ruining it for those who want to learn something. Keep it optional, and find a way to make it less expensive.