Which is better?
Which would you chose?
Why?
For a new rider, does it matter that Ride Chicago doesn't "officially" use
the MSF curriculum?

Don't know which is better as I've done neither, but I do plan to enroll in
one of them once I start my new job.  I'm definitely leaning toward
Motorcycle Riding's Cool primarily because of their location (I'm in
Lakeview East and they're in LP) and they use the official MSF curriculum.
I only think the official curriculum would only be better for insurance
purposes down the road even if you are getting the same lesson.  Not sure
if an insurance company would give you a discount if it doesn't have the
MSF stamp on it but maybe somebody can tell me for sure either way.  Just
my $0.02
-Sean

On Fri, May 25, 2012 at 2:20 PM, Wendy InMotion <wendyinmot...@gmail.com>wrote:

Somebody can confirm but if you are over 18 and pass an MSF course I
believe once you get "your card" you can walk into the DMV and get an
"M" endorsement on your license.  If you don't already have your "M"
and take a non- MSF course they may make you both drive and take the
written test to get your "M" endorsement.

On May 25, 2:29 pm, Sean Costello <scost...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have insurance with Progressive. They only asked if I took a motorcycle
class. They didn't ask if it was MSF, so I don't think MSF is a factor for
insurance discounts. I may be totally wrong??

Any training is better than no training. It doesn't matter how the  
curriculum is derived as long as it's not teaching bad habits and that's why I  
don't teach anyone to ride. I always recommend an  accredited course.
 I am partial to the IDOT/University "free" MSF classes because the  MSF is
the standard of accredited courses and it's everyone who owns and  
registers a motorcycle in Illinois' money that pays for it. Even  though MSF courses
are said to be hard to get into, my experience and most of  the coaches I
know tell me that getting in as a standby is usually quite  
easy...................sure beats the cost of "Ride Chicago" etc.
 It's really not a matter of which is better. Both provide good  training.
The important thing is that it's much better to get training than  not to.
The statistics are overwhelmingly in favor of trained riders avoiding  
accidents especially in their first year of riding.
 That's my 2 cents.
"D" J V

In a message dated 5/25/2012 2:21:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  

Which is better?
Which would you chose?
Why?
For a new rider, does it matter that Ride Chicago doesn't "officially"  use
the MSF curriculum?
--
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May  30th = Richard in Evanston.
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June  13th = Burt and Diane in Old Towne
June 20th = Chad in Deerfield
June  27th = ?? open??

July 11th = tinker chic in Elmhurst
July  25th = Mike-the-electric-bike in Highwood

Aug 8th = Joe in  Lombard

come on folks this Anarcho/Commune doesn't run  itself

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If you don't have a motorcycle endorsement, the state classes administered by UIUC and NIU are the best options. They're free and successful completion of the class grants a waiver for the riding test, which means you don't have to repeat a skills test for the DMV. So I'd do the free state class. They fill up fast but when I was teaching there we had frequent no-shows that created space for the walk-in/stand-by people.

Unless the law has changed, the independent schools cannot grant license waivers. I thought one or both of them had arrangements with the DMV where you can come back to their location and take the DMV skills test later, but it's a separate step and requires an extra trip.

If you want to take an MSF class, then I'd look for a program that is part of the MSF RERP. If they're not, they don't have access to the curriculum, are required to use certified coaches, etc. I'm not saying you have to go MSF, but if that's what you want then stick with official channels.

MSF has built out their program in the last few years and better support the idea of ongoing, lifetime training. They're working on an on-street course and have added the ARC, an advanced course that evolved out of the Military Sportbike Course.

Also, if you've ridden more but need to get your endorsement, you can take the BRC2 (formerly the Experienced RiderCourse), which lets you participate on your own motorcycle and is still a license waiver class.

On May 25, 2012, at 12:20 PM, Wendy InMotion <wendyinmot...@gmail.com> wrote:

I took the course at MLC last June.  I had SO much fun, Jude and the
other instructors were outstanding just enough fun and humor mixed
with professionalism and attention to detail.  It was the best money I
had spent up to that point hands down (till I bought my cb450).  Our
class is now the image when you click on "courses".  I would retake
this course again in the future, and even consider teaching someday.
I've stopped back since then and caught up with the instructors.  As
long as you have your permit you'll get what you need from them and
set a date to test out on a friday I believe.  Had it all done in less
than a week.  Good luck

On May 25, 2:20 pm, Wendy InMotion <wendyinmot...@gmail.com> wrote:

I went to Ride Chicago.

For the most part, I found them to be patient and informative with a
reasonable course + bike/helmet/gloves on site. As far as their
methods are concerned, I enjoyed the experience.

Their prices, however, are flat out ridiculous and non-refundable. For
that money, they shouldn't be trying to "crank out" riders. I might
have anticipated being taught privately with some additional info
regarding defensive maneuvers.