From a Woman Motorcyclist's Viewpoint - Learning To Ride A Three Part Series From the Viewpoint of a New Rider
Article By: Carrie B.
On a bright, hot Saturday morning at 7 am, coffee in hand, we're all standing in a large parking lot with our instructors and the motorcycles. Seeing the bikes lined up ready to go makes the caffeine seem a bit unnecessary. With nerves lit up like the sun, we get underway.
We were on the bikes right away - the second exercise of the day. The instructors were great at being patient, taking us step by step through things, and adjusting for people's learning level. There was a mix of brand new riders and more experienced riders. People helped each other through tasks, and cheered when we accomplished something that was challenging.
We learned all about controlling the bike, trusting the bike, and looking to where you want to go. Note for quick success: If you reply "Look where you want to go" to about any question from the instructors, it will be the right answer!
We also learned that keeping the keys turned to ON when the bike is stopped will drain the battery. OK, maybe I just learned that!
Want to know some other tidbits that I learned?
Look wear you are going (Mentioned above). I thought I should mention it again.
Forget everything you know about bicycles - the clutch is not the rear break as it is on my mountain bike.
You can have fun even though your nerves are screaming.
It's fun to do turns! It's more fun if you look where you want to go (yes, I did say it again)
Getting out of second gear is exhilarating!!!!
The test at the end was challenging. But the instructors do whatever they can to prepare you for it through their exercises and great coaching. I was so nervous, but passed with flying colors - as did my friend and all of our classmates!
The bottom line on the class is that it is well worth the cost and time to take it. I feel much more empowered to ride the bike safely, and it taught me enough basics to be able to get on the bike and ride in order to start building my skills. I would recommend it to anyone!
After passing the test, I went out right away and got my new license. The "M" motorcycle endorsement made it all worthwhile.
The satisfaction of just having the license is starting to wane. What fun is just a piece of cardboard? I wanted something to ride! And the fear that I am going to completely forget everything that I just learned at the motorcycle course is starting to creep in. It's time to start looking for a bike...
...more to come in Part 2.
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Loved the article! Can't wait to read parts 2 and 3.
great article
im also a first time rider my husband picked up a used motorcycle for me to practice on i have fun riding in the back with my husband but after a while it hurts im not that young anymore.hope to read the rest of your story.
Beginner from a males point of veiw.
Thanks for the information. I look forward to reading the other parts of your article. I too have been thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle. I like being a passenger, but girls just want to have fun too! I haven't decided if I am coordinated enough to do it. I am so glad that you told where and the cost of the course that you took. My Husband is in the ARMY stationed in Maryland and it is around $600 or even more for the course from what I have been told. My home of record is Ohio, so if I decide to go through it then Ohio will be the place! I saw a woman riding a Honda 250 Rebel and my Husband told me that would be a great bike for me because I worry about the bikes weight and being able to reach the ground. Thanks to the reader comments suggesting them. Well, it is a beautiful Saturday, we have a babysitter for the day, and my Husband is almost done washing our 2007 HD Sportster so I guess I better get myself ready for a great ride!
Great article. I recently took the MSF course and have been riding now a couple of months. In Maryland, we found the cost to be anywhere from 175$ to 300$. At Howard Community College it was around 275$. I have a Suzuki Boulevard C50T. Yes, it is heavy, but it rides great. The class was great. We learned on Suzuki 250's. The instructors were patient and everyone but one finished and passed our class. My favorite ride so far was this past weekend when we traveled down to Annapolis and back. There were some pretty back roads. My advice is take it at your pace and enjoy everything about it.
Congratulations on passing your test! My husband decided he wanted to get a motorcycle so I told him if he was getting a bike so was I, so we both took the MSF Course but through a Harley Davidson dealer in Ohio at a cost of $300 each for the 5 day class on a Buell Blast, which was to big and heavy for me. I did not pass the test on the last day but I did learn alot and have purchased a 2008 Honda 250 Rebel which is just the right size for me. My feet touch flat on the ground on my bike and I feel confident with the weight and size. I have been riding all over and using what I learned in the class to build my skills with my bike and am now getting ready to take the test again, but on my bike. My children think I'm crazy but my grandson loves seeing his grandma on a motorcyle.
Unfortunatly, I didn't pass the MSF course, but it wasn't the civilian class that one would have to pay for. I went on a military post where the riding was only for six hours (not enough for a complete...I mean complete beginner). The bike I had didn't match what was comfortable to me (would have loved to have a Rebel). On the military post it wasn't a complete with an endorsment for your lic., so I wasn't really all that bummed. I own a bike and am determined to learn. I learned great techniques, have a wrist that kills due to a very tight clutch unfitting for small hands, but am glad I took the class. I agree, look where you want to go because where the eyes look, the bike will follow. Great article! Plan on taking the MSF course off post where it runs from about $180-200. I will practice...practice first. Can't wait to hear more. Wish you much success.
I turned 50 5yrs ago and my goal was to get my license and a bike, well I got my lic. took the full weekend course and passed, but brought my first bike savage 650, trade it in Sept 10 for a Shadow Aero, and I love riding. Just remember to take it at your pace, and practice, practice, practice. But enjoy your rides. Keep safe and Slow down, look and lean and ask the Lord to keep you safe!!!
I took the beginner class in Arlington Tx.this last summer - my son who was soon to leave for college thought it would be fun, July in Texas is sometimes anything but fun, especially on a hot parking lot for hours on end. Have to give the instructor credit though , we had breaks every 15 minutes, chairs in the shade and he provided plenty of water! Our class cost $ 180.00. I hadn't been on a bike since I was a teenager ,49 now - my husband and I just got a Honda Spirit 750 6 weeks ago,mine looks better because it has flames! we have almost 1000 miles now and can't get enough. I think we'll take the advanced rider course next month, schedule permitting. - I told him we were just going to look!
I enjoyed the article, I too have taken the MSF class (and passed! I coundn't believe it!) The entire course gave me much appreciation for my husband's skills. I still prefer to be the passenger and enjoy.
I enjoyed your article, it reminded me of taking the class. I took the MSF class in August through the Illinois state course for a cost of only $20!! It was well worth the wait since classes fill up quickly and you have to wait for an opening. I now ride a HD Sportster 1200C and have already put 700 miles on it. I'm not ready to put it away for the winter!
i took the course with two friends i was so scared but the teachers were so great loved the class anyone who wants to learn to ride this is the way
After riding 2 years on the back and having my boyfriend break up with me and take the Harley with him, every time I heard that sound it was a knife in my heart Noe I have had my own for 2 years on Dec 5 and I have put 21,00 mile on it. It the best thing that ever happened to me,
Enjoyed the article. The wife is going to start riding next spring, a Honda Rebel 250. Yes, she will be taking the safety course.
Awh, I wish I could post the photo on my drivers license the day I got my "M" endorsement added! I have a million dollar smile! I'll never forget the way I felt the day I completed and passed the MSF riding course! I'm thinking I want to get into becoming an instructor just so I can help share the feeling I had when I first learned to ride! Great article btw! Thanks for the smile! Lady riders ROCK! It always brings an ear to ear smile on my face when I see a fellow lady rider on the road! Ya'll ride safe and most of all have fun!
I just love seeing the excitement in the 'eyes' of other women who have caught the bug to ride! I was listening to my uncle's stories of past and future trips this past summer. I was so envious of what he experienced and wanted my own experiences.
wow this is great as i,m a learner in the progress. thank you for all the tips and help.
I didn't finish the class, someone cut me off, I spilled, landed on my wrist, the instructor said just get up, I did, but was really shook up, and too bugged to go back the next day.....gmi
Now that you ride your own look for a WIN (Women In the Wind ) group near you its a group of women riders they are nation wide we have a womens convention in Cocoa Beach Fla Feb 29 - Mar 2 2008 We love to have new women join us and bring your friend ....
Sounds a lot like my experience! I always wanted to learn to ride, but kept putting it off. I actually bought a bike to convince myself to go take the course. I figured if I had it waiting for me in my garage, it would encourage me to get signed up as soon as possible. I had a permit and tried learning from my boyfriend, but he was too advanced to remember to teach me the basics. I definitely recommend that everyone take a Beginner's Rider Course.
My wife is just 5' tall, and the instructor of her MSC would only let experienced riders ride the rebels because the bikes were 250cc. She had to try and ride a very tall dual on/off road bike. It was only 125cc, but way too high for her. She not only couldn't touch the ground with both feet, she couldn't get one foot on the ground and her butt on the seat. She dropped the bike a couple of times in the class, and the instructor told her she was too small to ride a motorcycle. He wouldn't even let her try the small 250ccs. We have since looked at the Ridley motorcycle(Ridley.com). She can standup with both feet touching and space between her and the seat. The bike is less than 400 lbs and it is automatic. Nice sound and power (740cc), lots of chrome and paint. This bike is priced like a Harley, which is very expensive for a first time bike for someone who isn't sure how much she will ride. Has anyone here had any experience with a Ridley?
I'm in the UK, but it sounds like this instructor didn't know what he was doing. The difference between a 125 and 250 is neligible. However being able to put your feet on the floor is crucial! The off road bikes normally have the weight quite high and are not so well balanced. Great if your 6ft plus but not if you're 5ft. I'm lucky that even though I'm a lady I'm 6ft and seat height is not an issue (I ride a HD Fatboy), I also have a friend who rides a HD sportster low who is 5ft and manages this with ease. The key thing is to get your wife a bike with a low seat height so she can get her feet comfortably on the floor, balance the bike and gain confidence. Lots of ladies in the UK buy import sports bikes from Japan to get the low seat heights. I don't know anything about Ridley bikes (never heard of them) and personally I wouldn't like to have an automatic bike but that it is just personal preference. Good luck and I hope she finds a bike she likes.
I started again in 2004 after not riding since 1972-73 or so. Took the MSF course with my husband of 24 years. Both passed bought Sportsters and have been riding since. Traded to a Softail Deluxe in '06 and can only say the difference in the seat height made riding even more enjoyable. I am only 5' tall and can flatfoot the Deluxe with no problem. I agree that the instructor didn't know what he was talking about when we took the course, I was the shortest one in the class they were 2-3 different types of bikes and the instructors had me sit on almost every bike unitl I found one I could sit on comfortably. Don't give up there is a bike out there for you!!!!
Forgotten River Towns Tour
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