Worth it to get license without bike?

[iling]

I do not have the finances to invest in gear and a bike right now, and probably won't for the coming year. Would it still be worth it to take the MSF right now and get my license?

Or would it be worth it to do the MSF + get some gear when I get an actual bike so I can practice right away and not lose the skills I learned?

[Rosie25]

I thought about waiting for a bike but once you take the course your going to want to ride. Especially once your done on their training course and you actually know how to ride. Having my bike ready for me when the class was done was the best thing I had ever done! There is nothing like getting your license and hitting the road. I don't think I would have liked waiting. Getting on the bike was a wonderful experience. It's up too you, will you want too wait? If you wont be able to buy a bike or the gear I would wait, otherwise you may forget some things you learned and end up hurting yourself. Good luck and keep looking. I'm sure you'll find a deal somewhere!

[CB750F]

I wouldn't want to wait. You get all ready, take the course, pass, have a licence but no bike. Kind of like taking a bite out of a really good steak when you're starving then feeding it to the dog. :D You're going to be all "Why did I do that?".

[Mr. Spock]

Welcome to my world - got my license last week, 2 days after finishing MSF. No bike makes me sad. Wife wants me to rent some bikes first to make sure I make the best buying decision. So I guess I'll comply, though I have a pretty good idea already. Shadow 750 or Vulcan 800-900. So I feel your pain. I waited in line for 2 hours to get my license, now I guess I'll have to wait weeks (months?!) for a bike.

[Custom85VT]

Kind of seems silly to me. I would like to get my pilots license some day, but I am not going to run out and buy a parachute now. I say take the plunge and look for a cheap starter bike, with diligence you will find something to fit your budget. Take the time to fix it up and practice a little then you’ll be all ready for a license and courses. IMHO :)

[Dodsfall]

It can't hurt to take the class earlier. The class and license is just the first step to becoming a good rider. It takes patience and practice to learn to ride competently. It would be a good idea to start out on a smaller, cheaper used bike, then save your cash for a bigger one later on.

[Hogrider]

Or would it be worth it to do the MSF + get some gear when I get an actual bike so I can practice right away and not lose the skills I learned?

You don't lose them, they just get rusty and need to be jump started a bit. Riders that have been on bikes for a while go through this at the start of each season when they can't ride year round. Like Dods has said, buy a cheap used bike in an appropriate size for beginners then sell the thing and get what you want when you feel you have come to a point all the dumb stuff is out of the way. Most times the bike you bought can be sold for at or near what you paid because somebody else is in the same boat you were.