"The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles."

"The MSF has set internationally recognized standards of excellence in motorcycle rider education and training. The MSF works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state governments, the military and other organizations to improve motorcyclist education, training and operator licensing."

This two-day class teaches you all the basics of safely riding a motorcycle (which also apply to scooters), and at the end of the training, you have the opportunity to take a test, which is equivalent to NY's DMV test to get your class M, motorcycle driving license (which, yes, you need to drive any scooter that is not registered an LMB).

Basic RiderCourse interactive tour:
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?pagename=RiderCourse%20Interactive%20Tour

MSF Courses in the New York Area Contact Info:
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=NY

Or call (800) 446-9227 for the RiderCourse nearest you.

The schedule, pricing and booking information for the northern NJ course can be found here:

http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=888

Here is another resource for NJ riders. Good Luck!

http://www.rider-ed.com/index.htm

I just phoned the MSS to inquire about the Basic Rider Course. One point I don't see mentioned here is that they require you to have a NYS Driver's License and Motorcycle Permit.

Since I do not drive and have only a Motorcycle Permit they were unable to assist me. I don't know how many others this might apply to but I thought it worth bringing up.

But if you can take the course I am sure it would be a tremendous benefit to all riders.

Anybody know about the MSF: Scooter School?
http://www.msf-usa.org/scooterschool.cfm

Is this a new thing or has it been around a while?

Is it offered locally?

Is it a good alternative to the Basic Rider Course for those who don't want a multi-day curriculum?

Brouhaha wrote:Anybody know about the MSF: Scooter School?
http://www.msf-usa.org/scooterschool.cfm

Is this a new thing or has it been around a while?

Is it offered locally?

Is it a good alternative to the Basic Rider Course for those who don't want a multi-day curriculum?

I think Alex and Christine at Vespa Ridgfield were the first to set up a scooter specific MSF course. I seem to remember it was in around 2002, and was the full MSF licensing course. Its not done any more because of the enormous time sink it is, and the heavy state requirements regarding liability.

From what I understand this newish scooter course is just an orientation course designed to make scooter riders safer. If you look at the states where they are held, they are states that have very few requirements for small cc scooters and they've had problems with people jumping on 50cc bikes, riding like nuts and getting hurt. (note the helmet requirements in those states) Those states have also had problems with people buying bigger cc scooters and not realising that they needed any special kind of license or anything more than a learners permit or car license.

Insurance companies, dealers and in some cases, the state itself has help set up these basic orientation courses to help people ride more safely and with increased awareness.

If s person wanted to push a scooter specific course they would need to get the qualifications recognised by the MSF, have the time to actually teach the course on a regular schedule, and then talk to the MC schools and the manufacturers about providing bikes for the courses, and maintaining the fleet of learning scooters. The teachers don't get paid very much so its almost like doing voluntary work.

Andrea

I just realized the BRC has terribly inconvenient hours...at least for me. I have a day job that doesn't let me out until 6:30 AND a night job 3 days a week that doesn't let me out till 4am. I'll never make it to a 6pm class OR an 8am class. Damn.

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Motorc ... Manual.pdf
http://msf-usa.org/downloads/Scooter_tips-screen.pdf

Howdy,

I just bought my first ever brand-spanking new LX150 that's currently burning a hole in the concrete outside Drue's and my apartment here in lovely Weehawken, NJ. Every 5 minutes I find myself oggling her outside the apartment window, arguing with myself over whether or not to drive to the fkg grocery store, given that I have no license...

Have any of you Jersey folks taken the MSF course in Teaneck? Have anything to say about it? (For me it means a couple of 12 mile uphill bicycle rides at 6am in addition to the tuition... no problem, but if any of you think it's not worth it, I'd love to know.)

Thanks a lot! I appreciate your time.

Heather

Hey Heather,

I took the MSF course in Teaneck and it's totally worth it. The instructors are cool and patient and you'll learn a lot.

I live in Englewood and ride through Weehawken frequently. If you need someone to ride with to get a little practice in, just let me know.

If it's not full yet, it a great course to take. I'm sure there is a bus that runs real close to campus too. One of the folks who helps run it is retired Paterson Fire/EMS, so you should be in good hands.

-Vinny

thanks! luckily I'm off W-Th-F so I might be able to get in there as early as 7/18, which isn't such a bad wait. sounds like it is indeed worth it, and given how green I am, the expertise can only help.

Thanks for the offer, Franky. Luckily, my guy Drue just got his license last week so we've been riding about here and there when we can. Still, if you ever do any rides in Jersey, you should let us know...

Triple cheers

H

10 months later....

Drue and I finally took this class, and I can't say enough how positive an experience it was. The two instructors (John F. and Mike D...Vinny, I'm guessing you were referring to John F above) were respectful, patient, knowledgeable and generous. The others in the class were also mutually supportive. Everybody had a good time and left happy (didn't hurt that everyone passed the course).

We both feel it has changed how we ride, quite dramatically, for the better. Pretty hard to tell how bad your own habits are till someone helps you correct them

cheers y'all

As Heather said it was a really great experience which I can't recommend enough.

Drue

After I complete the basic rider course at msf, I then have to wait another 4-6 weeks to get a form in the mail to take to the dmv for a temporary?

So if my basic rider course is scheduled for early August, I will not be able to ride until September?

Is that what you are telling me?

grrrr.

Or get a 50cc and ride now.

tgbnewb wrote:Or get a 50cc and ride now.

That's not necessarily true.

FAQ: Does a 50cc scooter require a motorcycle license?
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5484

As long as you have your learner's permit, you can still ride if accompanied by someone with a motorcycle license.

Brendan

adamsnewride wrote:After I complete the basic rider course at msf, I then have to wait another 4-6 weeks to get a form in the mail to take to the dmv for a temporary?
grrrr.

It may not take 4-6 weeks to get the form. Everyone I know who's taken it usually got them within 2-3 weeks. I got mine in 8 days. Then you take it to DMV and they convert your license from a D to a DM. I can't recall if they gave me a receipt or proof of class upgrade ro ride in the interim. Maybe someone else might know.

In New Jersey they stamp a form that you can take right to the DMV and you get your license the same day.