Topic: GF and the safety course... and me

[gregimotis]

So:

My G.F. has decided to get a bike.  One of her girlfriends has offered to lend her a 450 (rebel?) to learn on provided she first takes the safety course.

How much parking lot practice should she get on my bike (shudder) before we go (I'm going to, probably be good for me)?  Practice stops, low speed turns, what?

[mkramer1121]

At least when I took the course in IL, a number of riders were complete newbies on bikes, having never ridden before.  They teach you everything you need to know.  The first day of the first course had you on the bike, walking it while it was at the fristion point on the clutch (moving kind of under its own power).

[gregimotis]

I Didn't know that. I sort of assumed anyone who couldn't at least shift gears would be holding up the class.

[cafe75-550]

Nah, they start from assuming that you can't do anything. It wouldn't hurt to have a little practice, but its not needed.

[Dusthawk]

A bro took the corse and he been riding for years., said it helps him out.

[cafe75-550]

My GF and I both took the course before getting our licenses. I had previous riding experience, she had just learned and it was a great course for both of us. Like I said, they do start out assuming that you know nothing at all, but there's still a lot of really good information, even for people that have ridden for years.

[TwoTired]

I think it is easier for Safety course instructors to instill good habits in untrained riders, than it is to correct bad habits self taught by experienced riders.

Cheers,

[gregimotis]

Today she purchased a 250 Rebel as a starter bike.

 I go pick it up tonight and tomorrow we find an MSF class.  We'll probably ride up and down the street a little, but I'm with you 31r, It's hard enough teaching anyone motorcycles let alone the SO.


As a side story, when we went to look at this bike, there was a matte black Ducati in the garage next to it.  She knew right away which bike she wanted and it weren't no Honda rebel 

[eldar]

I taught my GF to ride a bike in about 5 minutes. She does pretty good but has not been able to ride a whole lot yet so is inexperienced.
Maybe some day I will do one of those classes and take her with though. There is no perfect method of riding and no 100% proper way since not every situation can be taught. But it would be nice to know other methods.