Modern Vespa

Hi folks,
Can the mp3 be used for the MSF course class in California? I've heard yes and no from non-scooter folk and am looking for someone that has heard for certain. It's been 20 years since I rode a 2wheeler and the mp3 might be spoiling me.

Why not call your local MSF office and ask them - they would know best.

I did take my motorcycle driving test on my Mp3.

The circles were very small but I passed first time around.

Going through the cones were easy enough but remember how wide the front end is and you have to keep your tires within the circle in both directions.

Fantastic. Thanks much for the reply. I did actually call the office but it was closed and I figured with all the riders here asking for info would be met with a knowledgable reply specific to the mp3, and specific to California's laws concerning motorcycle, non-motorcycle since at the moment the mp3 can be argued as either.

OperaAudio (what exactly does that mean), here is a link to the position the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has taken regarding the MP3.

I hope this helps,

Great find! And it even states the CA law on MC endorsement.

When I took the MSF course here, there was one other MP3'er who wanted to bring his to class but chose (like I did) instead to use the standard 250cc MC for the experience. The senior course instructor did say that the MSF now allows the MP3 and only requires one of the front wheels to remain in the circle on figure eights and S curves.

I stand convinced that riding the provided motorcycles is still the best way to go. You get the right feel for a lean into a curve, throttling, and overall safety with emergency stops, swerving, and managing obstacles on a two-wheeler. I'm glad I did it that way versus using my MP3.

OperaAudio (what exactly does that mean), here is a link to the position the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has taken regarding the MP3.

I hope this helps,[/quote]


That is great info. Thanks again. I design and engineer the audio for the LA Opera thus the name. I suppose I could've just used my name but honestly it didn't occur to me at the time.

Dig_az,

Did you ride any two-wheelers prior to the class? I'm a little concerned about just hopping on and going to clutch/gearing etc. on the day of class and don't know anyone with an inexpensive bike I could practice on. I'm betting I could probably pick it up and like you I think doing it on the course provided bikes would be an educational bonus.

No, I did not ride two-wheelers prior to my MP3. Not did I practice before I went. I was totally green - and wanted it that way. I was always the passenger for years, never the rider. So, at this point in my life I decided to go for it. When you get on the other side of 50, life is all of a sudden much shorter and there are so many things I want to do that hold much more importance to me. And being the driver was one of them.

Don't be concerned about the lack of experience. I was at first, also, but on the first day of driving class, that went away fast. That's why it's called a beginner course. They spend a lot of time showing you exactly how to shift, all the components of the bike, and give you plenty of practice getting on and off, starting and shutting down, up-shifting and down-shifting.

Only once during the class did we get up to 3rd gear; most was done in first or second. Trust me, you will be glad you used the motorcycle. They KNOW you're a beginner and they don't expect anyone to just hop on the bike and know what to do. That's all part of the class design. Don't be nervous. You'll do fine. Go take the course on an MC and have your mind set to "fun mode."

I will give you a tidbit here, though ... the only thing most folks grumbled about and were "afraid" of was the figure eights ... it wasn't easy for most of us. Know that the figure eights count for the smallest points of scoring on the final skills evaluation because its not a life-saving maneuver. It's only 8 points. The other skills evaluation portions being 15 points each are more important. Out of 24 folks in my class, 20 of us put a foot down in the first part of the figure eight, and all of us went outside the lines. Its not an easy thing to learn but don't sweat it. Just learn the core purpose of the move ... it's meant for tight turning in limited space at a slow speed .. and do it in second gear, it's much easier. But we all still passed. And you will, too.

Thanks. It sounds like fun actually. It's good to hear from others that went through the same train of thought I'm going through. I have awhile before my course date but I'll post the fun when I'm done.

That's the spirit! Can't wait to hear your post-course report.

And it IS fun once you get over that initial concern. Keep in mind that more than likely at least 95% of the participants have never been on a motorcycle before and are feeling exactly the same way you are. Trust me, it will go away fast and you'll be wishing they'd give you more time on the range exercises because it's so much fun.