The MSF is the way to go. They provide bike and gas and when I took it in Georgia 11 years ago, they provided helmets and gloves (I brought my own). I paid $50 back then and I think the price in MD is about twice that. The price varies from state to state (Henry can get you more details), but it doesn't matter whether it's $50 or $500, it will be the best value as far as motorcycling dollars go.
-----Original Message----- From: GTS-1000 Owners List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Henry S. Winokur Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2002 10:50 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Time to debunk a myth (was Re: Advice on a purchase) AMEN BROTHER!!!!!!! Sorry Jon, but I haven't been on the list in a couple of days. Obviously any person involved in rider education would agree. Hopefully even those of you not involved would also agree. I also want to agree with what others (Phil, Jeff) have said: the GTS is not a "starter" bike. In fact, no bike with a lot of plastic on it is a "starter" bike. My take: a 500-600 cc (max 750). A no-plastic UJM (universal Japanese MC) is a educated rider's choice. Reasons--simple: if you are a beginning rider, you will drop the bike. Big bucks to fix the plastic. Big MCs are usually fast--fast means you have less time to think about doing the right thing, which is how you get out of trouble. Slower bikes take a bit longer to get into trouble--perhaps you can get out of the trouble if you aren't going so fast and are not panic stricken--but it is highly likely you WILL be panic stricken. Buy a UJM and learn to ride the wheels off it. Then buy a bigger bike--or continue losing the weight (and by the way, my hat is off to you, even if you had to go the surgery route, Mark). And Mark, if you haven't taken that Beginning RiderCourse, then I STRONGLY recommend you take it FIRST, then buy a bike. Learning from your 'friends' is not the way to go--especially if they think that 'laying it down' will save your bacon. Go to a pro. Most states have Rider Ed courses that you can go to. It'll be the smartest money you ever spent! Registration for the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program opens on Feb. 19th. Best bet is to go to Glen Burnie (Home of the MD MVA) on the 2nd or 3rd day if you want your choice of beginner classes under the new curriculum). Regards, Henry S. Winokur 94 GTS1000, AMA, MRF, Nationally Certified Riding Instructor Columbia, MD Ride for Kids Task Force West Bethesda, MD USA > Can I hear an AMEN BROTHER !!! Henry ?? You got beat to the punch on that > one. > > This is not directed at Mark specifically, but at the rather widely held > view > that "layin' it down" is EVER an appropriate emergency procedure. I take > the > STRONG view that it's not.
