State road test VS. MSF

Hello everybody. Since posting here a few times, I have gotten such valuable information from everybody that this would be the best place to ask.

I purchased a 02' R6 back in April with the full intention of taking the MSF course shortly after. (Yes, I know it was stupid not to wait until I was licensed.) The trouble is, that the soonest available MSF course is in September. I did not realize how few classes they have here in the Metro Detroit Area. I'm not gonna waiut until the end of the riding season to take this course. I have put 200 miles on my bike and have gotten extremely comfortable. I have never ridden a sport bike before this, only cruisers. So I have a pretty solid base of knowledge and control.
I have my permit, but I'm rather intimidated to take the state test versus the MSF class. Has anybody here taken the State test (Michigan or otherwise) instead of the MSF course? If so, how bad was it? Can you give me any pointers?

I really don't want to take the State test. But, I guess I'll have to.

Thanks in advance to everyone. This board is simply the best.

In PA, the State test is waaay easier than the MSF course/test.

You'll get your license by taking the State test, but when you pass MSF you'll come out a much better trained rider <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> with<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> a license.

IMNSHO ;)

Here in California, the state test is probably easier than the MSF test. However, MSF drills you over and over to prepare you fully. Most people pass. Don't try doing the state test with a big touring bike or cruiser...

If you choose to take the state test, it would be a good idea to attend the MSF course anyway. And a year later or so take their experienced rider's course.

Stats show that 90% of those involved in a motorcycle accident have not taken a safety course. The safety courses will help keep you in one piece on the street.

Another factor: what bike you use. In the MSF course, we had Honda 250s- you have two days to get used to the bike, and then you take the test on it. That way you don't have to use your 6 to do the skills. I have heard of people dropping their nice new rides at state tests- scratch 'em up, and automatic fail. The test may be harder for MSF...but what is the reason for taking it to begin with? You are trying to get better, with good teachers. The whole point is to give yourself the best shot of becoming a good rider, and avoiding the cagers out there. The harder the test, the better.

$0.02

I tell everyone that mentions they might get a bike to take the MSF course ASAP...It gives you a solid basis of what skills you need, etc...

I just passed it today actually.. this after failing it a few months ago.. The difference? Using my friends SV 650. The part in the MI test that fails everyone is the slow cone weave. You have to start from a dead stop, and weave through 5 cones that are spread out 10, 10, 10, 7, and 10 feet with a slight offset.

Even after failing the test, I went back and practiced on my R6 but was unable to weave successfully. I was able to fairly easily do it on the SV 650.. my buddy that I borrowed that from couldn't weave on the R6 and he's been riding for 3 years. I'm sure I'll catch some heat on here due to the R6's 'flickability' but that flickability doesn't come into play when your going so damn slow (2-3 mph).

The SV650 handled like a dream and helped me out tremendously...I aced the test.

My advice would be to find out where they give the test, and go watch them give one some weekend so u know all that is involved and then go practice. Take some 20 oz pop bottles filled with a little water to use as cones..

That's what I think I'm gonna do. I have a friend with a YZF-600R. I've heard they are more friendly, so I might borrow it to take the test.

Passed mine on a yzf600r three years ago. Good bike to do it with. The test also depends on the mood of the tester -- my test was no longer than 2 minutes -- seriously. It was a complete joke; I guess he figured that I rode the bike over safely (my buddy was riding next to me on his bike b/c I had my permit) so I must be somewhat capable. Good luck

If you have the means and the patience, I strongly suggest that you take the Rider's Edge course at Motown Harley in Taylor. I've been riding for a year now and this course really helped me out. They start out with bare bones basics which is really boring, but the instructors keep is fun. The course is taught by active motorcycle police, and they supply Buell Blasts to learn on. The class lasts a full 5 days, and the last day they have you take the riding test in their parking lot and give you an MSF certification written test. At $299 it's a little pricey, but it's honestly worth it. Just be ready to take some flack from everyone for riding a rocket instead of a hog!