I blew the MSF Skills Test! - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

The Duke · 10-25-2004, 12:55 PM

Here I sit, broken hearted.

After getting compliments from in instructors during the first day of the course ("Gee...you say you've NEVER ridden before?"), and improving during the testing and practice, I choked during the test..

--During the figure 8, I missed the upshift to 2nd (that shifter is practically UNDER the bike!). I also accidentally juiced the throttle while reaching for the front brake, shooting me outside of the rectange line...so what do I do? PUT MY FREAKIN' FOOT DOWN! I then redid it and succeeded.

--A little long in the swerve/emergency stop

--The most aggravating. The slow and turn curve. Musta had too much break at the pause, and didn't give it enough throttle on the weak-assed Honda CB125T, so I didn't clear the curve in time...first attempt, I was .4 of a second slow, the next attempt, .03 (that THREE HUNDREDTHS) of a second too slow!! Maybe I was thinking about spilling (it had been drizzling all during the morning), but bottom line, others made it, so I should have also.

Bottom line, I got -28...bad, bad bad!

Funny thing, practicing emergency stops, swerves, curves on the C50, I stick it every time...

Although I think the bike I was riding had something to do with it, I have to admit I was rattled after the first screwup, and basically didn't do what I had to mentally to finish better...the only person out of 12 who did not pass.

Oh well...there's always the DMV!

oldgeezer · 10-25-2004, 01:51 PM

Like you said, you can always take the driving portion of the license exam at the DMV. You probably got the gist of the motorcycle safety course so quite possibly, you will do OK on your own bike. Most of the problems you had just take practice and I must admit, the test during the MSF course can rattle you to the point where you don't do as well. Don't get bummed. Have fun and be safe.

SuzukiGirl1 · 10-25-2004, 03:24 PM

You can also go back and attend just the testing portion of the class for like $50. (At least that's how it is in MN) That was going to be my plan, just because it seemed so much more comfortable taking the test with a bunch of people instead of just by myself with someone watching me.

Plus, I feel the MSF instructors are better than the DMV people.

You should check into it...

The Duke · 10-25-2004, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzukiGirl1

You can also go back and attend just the testing portion of the class for like $50. (At least that's how it is in MN) That was going to be my plan, just because it seemed so much more comfortable taking the test with a bunch of people instead of just by myself with someone watching me.

Plus, I feel the MSF instructors are better than the DMV people.

You should check into it...

Thanks Suz...

I already did. I'm on a waiting list for the class. From our conversation, it doesn't seem like they'll charge for a retest...I'd just show up for the Sunday, drill with the rest of the folks, and test. I hope I get the same two instructors (lady MSF instructors, and very good ones).

Any MSF folks that can help me out here...any tips for success this time around?

wsharp · 10-25-2004, 08:04 PM

"I have to admit I was rattled after the first screwup"

I think you hit the reason right there. Once your rhythm is broken it has a domino effect on everything else. I bet ya clear the next test just fine.

v0lusia · 10-26-2004, 11:27 AM

You should do fine the 2nd time around!!! The best hint they give I'm sure you've already heard LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, Look down and that'll be where you are going.

Also on goosing the throttle when reaching for the brake. Make sure the brake lever is properly adjusted for you. I was doing the same thing the whole 1st day (also my 1st time on a bike!!). Finally when I scared the crap out of one of the instructors (Hey, I knew the clutch was in, but she didn't!!!) she adjusted it for me. How was I to know it was wrong!!

Again good luck and ride safe.

Va bene · 10-26-2004, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v0lusia

...LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, Look down and that'll be where you are going...

I'll second that. It may sound silly but it is SOOO true. Good luck on the retake.

Night · 10-27-2004, 10:12 AM

Awww Man! Good luck on the retest! You have already got the problem figured out, now it's just going to be a matter of relaxing and doing it. I bet you'll pass. I sure can sympathise about choking up. Half our class had to retake the test. At the end, he said I went from worst score to best score out of the whole class, and I had the "priviledge" of being the only person who had to do the sudden swerve test over because I was going too fast on it. LOL

Doggy · 10-27-2004, 09:59 PM

Duke:

Hey I did just about the same damn thing. -20. I did pass however. I knew what I did wrong. Dropped a foot on the rectangle and pooped the bed on the brake and curve. I did it fine in practise, choked during the test. I rode part of the test with my visor up I think I got nicked for that too.

Remember to shift the weight on the bike to the outside of the curve it will help keep you in the box. Our box was on a slight downhill - screwed some people up.

the brake and curve? turn the head and roll on a little throttle. it stabilizes the supension and makes the turn smooth. Not enough or on and off makes the bike jerk and can move it out of the line. It takes practise.

As Yogi says it is 90% half mental. Just do a mental check in your mind what you need to do beforehand then do it and nothing else.

I found there was a lot to remember and put together in just two days time.. I had not been on a motor running bike for 30 years.

I am riding my bike now and need to remember these things. I go home and think of what/how I road i.e. sort of a self evaluation. It will become second nature eventually.

I think I will take the class again and or take the experienced rider class when I can some day.

You will get it dude.

**Clint** · 10-29-2004, 06:19 PM

Look at it this way: You could have easily gotten your permit, went out riding, and made those same mistakes on the street. You may have died. We read stories all the time around here about people taking their new bike home from the dealer, and GETTING KILLED.

You've done the right thing. You just have to do it again. It's worth it, dontcha think?

The Duke · 10-31-2004, 05:16 PM

FINALLY!!!

I passed on my retest today...a -16 (with -10 points for a moved cone on the slow and turn curve...and the instructor wasn't sure that I actually hit it, or knocked it with my toe in the turn). In my warped mind, that's a -6...a good score!

DMV, here comes The Duke!

**Trapper** · 10-31-2004, 06:19 PM

excellent

wsharp · 10-31-2004, 08:17 PM

Congratulations!

Now enjoy yourself safely... hehehe.

Paladin · 11-01-2004, 05:20 AM

Congratulations. Ride safely. Remember, there is only one law that you have to obey. It is a law that cannot be broken no matter how hard you try. It is a simply law of physics -- Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time.

Kropatchek · 11-01-2004, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Duke

FINALLY!!!

I passed on my retest today...a -16 (with -10 points for a moved cone on the slow and turn curve...and the instructor wasn't sure that I actually hit it, or knocked it with my toe in the turn). In my warped mind, that's a -6...a good score!

DMV, here comes The Duke!

Congratulations
He,he,he, Lets be carefull out there" ( can't remember which TV series that was)
Greetz
Kropatchek

Va bene · 11-01-2004, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kropatchek

Congratulations
He,he,he, Lets be carefull out there" ( can't remember which TV series that was)
Greetz
Kropatchek

Hill Street Blues I believe...

tlwisner · 11-15-2004, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Duke

FINALLY!!!

I passed on my retest today

Good job!

When I took my test on a Suzuki GN125, I felt like a giant because the bike was so frickin' tiny. My left foot felt like a size 30 trying to get under the teeny little shifter. I looked for the "Power Wheels by Mattel" logo, they must have removed it. The GN125 made my GZ250 feel big.

axel_2078 · 11-15-2004, 02:27 PM

Congrats, Duke.

Wombat1955 · 11-15-2004, 03:36 PM

[quote="Kropatchek"]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Duke

He,he,he, Lets be carefull out there" ( can't remember which TV series that was)
Greetz
Kropatchek

It was "Hill Street Blues". Congratulations on the pass.

**inspiron** · 11-15-2004, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kropatchek

Congratulations
He,he,he, Lets be carefull out there" ( can't remember which TV series that was)
Greetz
Kropatchek

Hill Street Blues I believe...

That was in the early seasons of Hill Street Blues ... the actor passed away after a couple of seasons, and was replaced with a new "seargent" character, who would send them out of the briefings with

"Let's do it to them before they do it to us!"

10-25-2004, 12:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
The Duke Where Am I ? Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Northern, California Posts: 28	I blew the MSF Skills Test! Here I sit, broken hearted. After getting compliments from in instructors during the first day of the course ("Gee...you say you've NEVER ridden before?"), and improving during the testing and practice, I choked during the test.. --During the figure 8, I missed the upshift to 2nd (that shifter is practically UNDER the bike!). I also accidentally juiced the throttle while reaching for the front brake, shooting me outside of the rectange line...so what do I do? PUT MY FREAKIN' FOOT DOWN! I then redid it and succeeded. --A little long in the swerve/emergency stop --The most aggravating. The slow and turn curve. Musta had too much break at the pause, and didn't give it enough throttle on the weak-assed Honda CB125T, so I didn't clear the curve in time...first attempt, I was .4 of a second slow, the next attempt, .03 (that THREE HUNDREDTHS) of a second too slow!! Maybe I was thinking about spilling (it had been drizzling all during the morning), but bottom line, others made it, so I should have also. Bottom line, I got -28...bad, bad bad! Funny thing, practicing emergency stops, swerves, curves on the C50, I stick it every time... Although I think the bike I was riding had something to do with it, I have to admit I was rattled after the first screwup, and basically didn't do what I had to mentally to finish better...the only person out of 12 who did not pass. Oh well...there's always the DMV! __________________ Duke-owner of the BlingMaster(tm) 3000! --------------- You live and learn, or you don't live long.--Robert A. Heinlein ---- No you pervert---that's NOT my picture...just Marilyn Monroe!

10-25-2004, 01:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
oldgeezer Handlebar Consultant Joined: Aug 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 646	Like you said, you can always take the driving portion of the license exam at the DMV. You probably got the gist of the motorcycle safety course so quite possibly, you will do OK on your own bike. Most of the problems you had just take practice and I must admit, the test during the MSF course can rattle you to the point where you don't do as well. Don't get bummed. Have fun and be safe. __________________ Oh, he's very popular Ed. The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, d!ckheads--they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude.

10-25-2004, 03:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
SuzukiGirl1 Moderatrix Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 2004 SV650S Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 2,700	You can also go back and attend just the testing portion of the class for like $50. (At least that's how it is in MN) That was going to be my plan, just because it seemed so much more comfortable taking the test with a bunch of people instead of just by myself with someone watching me. Plus, I feel the MSF instructors are better than the DMV people. You should check into it... __________________ SuzukiGirl '04 SV650S, Yellow...lovely!!

10-25-2004, 08:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
wsharp In Training Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 119	"I have to admit I was rattled after the first screwup" I think you hit the reason right there. Once your rhythm is broken it has a domino effect on everything else. I bet ya clear the next test just fine. __________________ W. Sharp Teal and Black 1998 1500LC

10-27-2004, 10:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
Night Newbie Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 7	Awww Man! Good luck on the retest! You have already got the problem figured out, now it's just going to be a matter of relaxing and doing it. I bet you'll pass. I sure can sympathise about choking up. Half our class had to retake the test. At the end, he said I went from worst score to best score out of the whole class, and I had the "priviledge" of being the only person who had to do the sudden swerve test over because I was going too fast on it. LOL __________________ -- Night -- 04 Blue and Silver - Goliath

10-26-2004, 11:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
v0lusia TurtleWax Taster Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Central MA Posts: 555	You should do fine the 2nd time around!!! The best hint they give I'm sure you've already heard LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, Look down and that'll be where you are going. Also on goosing the throttle when reaching for the brake. Make sure the brake lever is properly adjusted for you. I was doing the same thing the whole 1st day (also my 1st time on a bike!!). Finally when I scared the crap out of one of the instructors (Hey, I knew the clutch was in, but she didn't!!!) she adjusted it for me. How was I to know it was wrong!! Again good luck and ride safe.

10-27-2004, 09:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Doggy Newbie Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 6	Duke: Hey I did just about the same damn thing. -20. I did pass however. I knew what I did wrong. Dropped a foot on the rectangle and pooped the bed on the brake and curve. I did it fine in practise, choked during the test. I rode part of the test with my visor up I think I got nicked for that too. Remember to shift the weight on the bike to the outside of the curve it will help keep you in the box. Our box was on a slight downhill - screwed some people up. the brake and curve? turn the head and roll on a little throttle. it stabilizes the supension and makes the turn smooth. Not enough or on and off makes the bike jerk and can move it out of the line. It takes practise. As Yogi says it is 90% half mental. Just do a mental check in your mind what you need to do beforehand then do it and nothing else. I found there was a lot to remember and put together in just two days time.. I had not been on a motor running bike for 30 years. I am riding my bike now and need to remember these things. I go home and think of what/how I road i.e. sort of a self evaluation. It will become second nature eventually. I think I will take the class again and or take the experienced rider class when I can some day. You will get it dude.

10-31-2004, 05:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
The Duke Where Am I ? Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Northern, California Posts: 28	FINALLY!!! I passed on my retest today...a -16 (with -10 points for a moved cone on the slow and turn curve...and the instructor wasn't sure that I actually hit it, or knocked it with my toe in the turn). In my warped mind, that's a -6...a good score! DMV, here comes The Duke! __________________ Duke-owner of the BlingMaster(tm) 3000! --------------- You live and learn, or you don't live long.--Robert A. Heinlein ---- No you pervert---that's NOT my picture...just Marilyn Monroe!

10-31-2004, 06:19 PM	#12 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,257	excellent __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

10-31-2004, 08:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
wsharp In Training Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 119	Congratulations! Now enjoy yourself safely... hehehe. __________________ W. Sharp Teal and Black 1998 1500LC

11-01-2004, 05:20 AM	#14 (permalink)
Paladin Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2004 Location: So.Cal. Posts: 37	Congratulations. Ride safely. Remember, there is only one law that you have to obey. It is a law that cannot be broken no matter how hard you try. It is a simply law of physics -- Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time.

11-15-2004, 02:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
axel_2078 Sit speling cheker Joined: May 2004 Bike: 2003 Marauder 800 Location: Fairview Heights, IL Posts: 1,668	Congrats, Duke. __________________ "Rome didn't win wars by holding meetings. They did it by crushing those who opposed them." - unknown Everyone has a dark side. Mine's just a little closer to the surface.

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