Bring bike to MSF?

[headshrink]

I am signed up for the MSF at the end of June (hot, yuck!).
I also decided to purchase a 08 Ninja 250r as my first bike.

Thus far, other than researching the bike, purchasing full gear, getting a permit and signing up for the MSF class, I haven't acquired the bike yet. Since it is in high demand I will probably have to put down a deposit and wait a week or month, from what I understand.

My question for the group is, assuming I am able to acquire the bike prior to the MSF class, should I bring my own bike to the class? Yes, I would have to transport it to the class prior to having the benefit of the training, but was wondering if an advantage would be to train on my bike, get a feel for its handling, etc. I THINK the MSF bikes are all cruiser-style bikes and not "sport" bikes. Being a newbie, I didn't know how much of a difference this makes. Theoretically I could even rent a small trailer to transport the bike if necessary..... of course if I can't even get the bike by then it would be moot.

Thoughts???

[Schneiderman]

I think they make you use their bikes, and really it probably is the better idea to do the course their way. You'll have plenty of time to practice and get used to your own bike. You can think of it as an opportunity to try something different. I won't ever pass up a chance to ride a bike I haven't tried before.

[headshrink]

sounds good.
could I expect drastic differences between the little cruiser and little Ninja? Will I need to learn different technique?

[Schneiderman]

They usually use Rebels at the MSF, your feet will be little more forward than on the Ninja. It's not drastic, but it is different. You could say there is a different technique but it all depends on how well rounded you are as a rider. The lessons you learn at MSF, and on the rebel (or whatever they use) will still be 100% applicable to your ninja.

[primalmu]

Its also very common for them to use the Ninja 250s in the MSF course, right? I know they almost always have some standards, which is essentially what a Ninja 250 is.

[KaJuN]

I was on a 250 Nighthawk when I took the course last August. I thought it was a pretty nice little bike.

[YamahaFan]

I think they make you use their bikes, and really it probably is the better idea to do the course their way. You'll have plenty of time to practice and get used to your own bike. You can think of it as an opportunity to try something different. I won't ever pass up a chance to ride a bike I haven't tried before.

That, and because they don't have time to show you how to use your bike :)

[loudest143]

Locally they have used Buell Blasts. I've seen those at a few different MSF sites, even in Indiana.

loudest143
*MSF = motorcycle super fan

[shelzmike]

Yeah, I do not think that they allow you to use your own bike. (I thought about the same thing). I am scheduled for June 6th-8th (but have already been riding my own bike plenty).

Also, depending on the area, I think the MSF uses all sorts of different bikes - cruisers, sport, even dual-sports. It is not the individual bike that is being taught, but rather the general how to's.

Check out this video that shows an MSF course, you will see the different types of bikes:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=W2IlfYlJI-E

Mike

[louturks]

When I went they had Honda Rebels, 1 Nighthawk, Suzuki GZ250's, and 1 Yamaha Virago

[SUR6E]

Use their bikes. They have been dropped before, no worries about dropping your own new bike which you'll sell within a year possibly and will want your money back for. It's to learn to ride, get your license, the insurance discount, and not to get used to a particular stile of bike. After the few days it takes you'll feel much more confident getting on your bike.

[GSXRGRL9]

In TN, where I took my MSF class, bikes were allowed, but I think getting started on a "cruiser" style bike kinda helps. I had a Nighthawk 250, I have a GSXR now, so obviously I don't prefer a cruiser-style, but it was actually fun to ride, and not horrible to look at. I would say just ride the bike they offer, it's less hassle anyway. There will be plenty of practice time on your sportbike AFTER you get your license.

[headshrink]

Thanks everyone - I'll just plan on using theirs.