Hi: I am new to the forum and a new "rider". I purchased a 2007 200 GT. Does anyone know where I can get some practical riding experience on a scooter before I go for my Class 6 road test? I am not interested in taking the full-fledged MC training offered by NAIT as I will only be riding my scooter. I have looked online for assistance, but to no avail. Any suggestions?? I know that Top Gear offers the road test and winter storage. I need some road experience prior to getting my Class 6.
Thanks
Welcome aboard. I am certain you will be happy with your newly aquired wheels (feel free to replace wheels with "all consuming life altering habit")
Regarding the MC safety course. While I understand your hesitance, the majority of the course is geared toward keeping you alive on the road, no matter what form of 2 wheeled vehicle you choose to drive. It comes highly recommended for all class 6 operators. I was a daily driver and a motorcycle trials rider for 9 years before I took the course and the information I learned there has been invaluable.
Barring that, school parking lots during the summer, or quiet hours provide a relatively risk free environment to practice starts, stops, counter steering, emergency maneuvering, etc.
And finally, come on out to one of our Sunday gatherings. (1:00 pm at Tra Amici on the south side) If you can find a riding partner, bring your bike. If not, just drop in and have coffee. Its easier to find riding partners if you know more riders if you catch my drift. There are a lot of folks there who are a lot more knowledgable than I am who can help you with this.
Again, welcome, and don't be a stranger.
Trevor
Vy is it vee get too soon olt and too late schmart?
Thanks Trevor..I guess that would be a smart thing to do and take the course. Hopefully, I can get on before the snow flies this year. Thanks too for the friendly invite. I'll keep you updated.
Jeri
Another big thumbs up for the course. Most of the skills learned are directly transferable to scooter driving. A big bonus is that if you bobble on the maneuverability course, it's their bike that takes the lumps.
These two books by David Hough are the "bibles" of motorcycling. Many complain that the binding gives out on them; no matter, cause they're that good. Get ye to a bookstore! But, as others have said, take the friggin' course!!! It could save your life, and will certainly make you a comfortable rider in a very condensed time.
Thanks Redbike...I'm getting the message loud and clear. I'll be checking out TNT in the west end of Edmonton to see if they have any openings in the near future. Thanks as well for the links to the books. This is a great supportive club!
Jeri
2blugator wrote:Thanks Redbike...I'm getting the message loud and clear. I'll be checking out TNT in the west end of Edmonton to see if they have any openings in the near future. Thanks as well for the links to the books. This is a great supportive club!
Jeri
Not to bully you about here, but several people have had difficulties dealing with TNT over the last couple of years. You may want to PM Audrey on this to get her take, as she had some dealings with them last season. But if I was to make a suggestion, try Nait or ASC; prices are the same and credibility is higher.
Last edited by redbike on Sat Jul 26, 2008 6:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
Johnny Redbike.
We, the unfortunate, led by the unqualified, to do the unnecessary for the ungrateful.
Hi...I had e-mailed TNT, but got no response so decided to call earlier today. A woman answered and I enquired about the "Scooter" course. She kind of abrubtly told me they were all done with the scooter courses for the season and offered no other advice. She said if I'm still interested they will be offering them again next year as the season was over for the scooter courses....WHAT??? So back to square one. If it's any indication how business is done, then no "tanks"! I'll have to find an empty lot or something to try out my scoot. I called about insurance and I could get it at an inflated rate without my class 6 just so I can get a plate...what a vicious circle. So I figured I'd have no problem getting a course then go for the road test...I'm getting a little frustrated especially today when I could be OUT THERE with the weather so beautiful!
Maybe someone out there would be willing to give a few private lessons? HMMMMMMMMMM????
Thanks very much...that's all good news to me. I'll be checking it out! You've been very helpful as well as everyone else! I'll call Top Gear tomorrow. Don't worry everyone, I'll ensure I take the safety course too. Just the "getting started" part is frustrating. I'll keep you updated "othatgirl".
Jeri
They really do put you over a barrel here. This is currenty the only province that pretty much requires you to have a class 6 before you can get insurance. I don't think it's law but it seems to be wide spread policy with the majority of the insurance companies.
Thats one of the real bonuses of the safety courses. You do the written exam before you do the course, then you do the course on their bikes and take the lot test on their bikes. No need to get yours on the road until you are done.
But it sure is tough looking at that bike parked alone in the garage when all you want to do is ride. I know. It snowed 3 feet the day we bought our vespa. I took possession of it just in time to park it for the winter. It sat, unmoved for 6 months.
Good luck.
Trevor
Vy is it vee get too soon olt and too late schmart?
2bug, I sent you email offering to help out - (nice, not weird nice!) Anytime: just drop a line. The topgear training is expensive. I got a three hour semi private lesson at NAIT last year for 100.00 or thereabouts. Again, used their bikes, controlled situation and just me and one other rider. Great value; great training. Good luck with it and don't be a stranger!
Johnny Redbike.
We, the unfortunate, led by the unqualified, to do the unnecessary for the ungrateful.
Next weekend is the Calgary rally so I will be away for that but for the remaining Sundays in August, if anyone needs a pickup/escort to a meeting, let me know. I live in the north end.
