Military Sport Bike Rider (MSRC) class

[DaveFJR]

I'm taking the MSRC course on Monday. So, any opinions on the MSRC from anyone who has already taken it with a FJR?

For people who are wondering what it is, there is a article on the MSRC in motorcycle online: www.motorcycle.com/how-to/military-pushing-for-rider-safety-88193.html

 

[meosborn]

I'm taking the MSRC course on Monday. So, any opinions on the MSRC from anyone who has already taken it with a FJR?
For people who are wondering what it is, there is a article on the MSRC in motorcycle online: www.motorcycle.com/how-to/military-pushing-for-rider-safety-88193.html

Yep. It wasn't a problem. I'm the Motorcycle Safety Coordinator on USS MOMSEN in Everett, WA.

 

[GypsyGiuseppe]

The military isn't mandating this for you, are they? Our base safety has determined that the FJR and the like are not sport bikes but tourers because of the peg placement and windshield height.

 

[Duff]

We don't have it yet, but I intend to take it as soon as it gets to us. I don't think there is any "mandating" yet, but that wouldn't surprise me. I'm just glad to see that they actually got a group of young riders together and asked their opinion. First time I know of that we have had any say in the policies that affect us. At least the policy-makers are getting educated.

I try to stay up on this stuff since I am the unit MC Safety Rep. I'm also a VERY strong advocate for my riding freedoms.

 

[DaveFJR]

Our Safety Office said it was required for all sport and sport touring motorcycles. One biker shown in the article on Motorcycle online is taking the course on a VFR. IMHO, the 145HP FJR meets the criteria and I am happy to take the course since we all know Crashing Sucks. Besides, the course was developed by Keith Code for the military. Go Navy!

With my 28" inseam, what I really wanted to know was if there were any very slow speed maneuvers that need extra care to avoid an embarrassing tip over. Should I leave the hard bags on or take them off?

 

[meosborn]

I took my bags off just in case. Not like I needed them for the course and I figured that if I did drop it then it would just be one more thing I would have to replace.

There were some slalom type sections but not unreasonably slow. Since I don't know your skill level it's hard to say what your opinion of the course will be but I didn't have any problem and it was actually a nice day away from work. There were some fast stops that took a few miles off my rear tire (I don't have ABS) but that was about the limit of the excitement.

As far as what is required: The Navy requires all sportbike riders to take the MSRC and has a two part definition of a sportbike. First, it is a sportbike if the footpegs are behind the rider's center of gravity and second, if the manufacturer calls it a sportbike.

 

[JimLor]

I took it on 9 Apr. While I wished I was on one of the 600s, it wasn't a problem. Heck, one Marine had a stretched Z14 and did fine.

 

[trvler48]

Army type here. I was also told that the FJR counts as a sport bike and have to take the MSRC. I took the ERC and had no problem. The Safety Office here is still working on getting the MSRC for the surrounding instillations. The MSF instructors here also teach the MSRC, and said that they have had positive responses from the military riders who take it.

 

[SacramentoMike]

Waaay back when I was in the AF, before California required helmets or even a special m/c endorsement, we had to wear a helmet to ride on base, and I'm sure that if courses like this had been available then, they too would have been required. One result for me was I've always worn the helmet, and never felt my rights were impinged by it. If the service is offering this course, it sounds like a hell of a deal (I'm assuming it comes to you cost-free). Too bad everybody can't take it.

 

[MojaveFJR]

So far at Edward's this hasn't trickled down. The annual safety meeting is for military and gov't, contractors encouraged.

I find it amazing they consider the feej and sport bike but it is a SUPER SPORT TOURER so its in the name as well. Using peg placement as a guide line will put some dualsporters in this realm as well. My GS's pegs are behind my knees so is that sportbike as well????

 

[Rick_W]

I took it earlier this year and had no problems, either. As mentioned, I did wish I was on a lighter bike, but...

Coming from a cruiser, with no experience with sport bikes, the class opened my eyes to a few things in regards to handling.

The military isn't mandating this for you, are they? Our base safety has determined that the FJR and the like are not sport bikes but tourers because of the peg placement and windshield height.

Speaking only for the Navy, but a base can't make that determination.

As far as what is required: The Navy requires all sportbike riders to take the MSRC and has a two part definition of a sportbike. First, it is a sportbike if the footpegs are behind the rider's center of gravity and second, if the manufacturer calls it a sportbike.

Don't ya think it's funny (not) that the B-King is considered a standard because that is what Suzuki markets it as?

 

[DaveFJR]

Thanks for the info. Although I ride most days of the week, it's been 19 years since taking the MSF basic course on base. The new safety rules for the Navy require training every three years now.

On the FJR, there are times I wish the thing weighed about 100lbs or so less. Light weight and flickability is what I really liked about 600cc Sport Bikes. I miss my old Ninja a little, but the FJR is a great bike.

 

[meosborn]

The military isn't mandating this for you, are they? Our base safety has determined that the FJR and the like are not sport bikes but tourers because of the peg placement and windshield height.

GypsyGiuseppe, what branch are you in?

 

[GypsyGiuseppe]

The military isn't mandating this for you, are they? Our base safety has determined that the FJR and the like are not sport bikes but tourers because of the peg placement and windshield height.

GypsyGiuseppe, what branch are you in?

I'm in the AF. I am stationed at McChord. I own a house in Mt. Vernon so I left my location set to that.

GG

 

[JimH]

Back in 1990 when I was at Mother Rucker (AKA Ft. Rucker - Army) you had to take a safety corse if you wanted to ride anything on post that had two wheels and a motor. I am glad I took it since it was my first street bike. It never hurts to learn as much as you can about safe riding.

 

[FJRBill]

Back in 1990 when I was at Mother Rucker (AKA Ft. Rucker - Army) you had to take a safety corse if you wanted to ride anything on post that had two wheels and a motor. I am glad I took it since it was my first street bike. It never hurts to learn as much as you can about safe riding.

Same here, USAF in 1986 - 1990, if you wanted to ride a motorcycle on base you had to take the week long safety course. It was a great class and I learned a few things taking it. The only draw back was taking the class in the 110 degree heat in Arizona. Dry heat is a worthless statement at 110 degrees.

 

[GypsyGiuseppe]

Back in 1990 when I was at Mother Rucker (AKA Ft. Rucker - Army) you had to take a safety corse if you wanted to ride anything on post that had two wheels and a motor. I am glad I took it since it was my first street bike. It never hurts to learn as much as you can about safe riding.

Same here, USAF in 1986 - 1990, if you wanted to ride a motorcycle on base you had to take the week long safety course. It was a great class and I learned a few things taking it. The only draw back was taking the class in the 110 degree heat in Arizona. Dry heat is a worthless statement at 110 degrees.

That is still a mandate. But instead of it being a military course, the MSF course is required. The first time i was in the AF I had to do the military one. It was course IV if I remember correctly. This new "Sport Bike" course is geared specifically towards the faster light weight machines that seem to be killing and maiming our troops. It has to be the type of bike, because the young new troops that have never had a bike before that go out and kill themselves would never do it on a cruiser, right? LOL

GG

 

[meosborn]

The military isn't mandating this for you, are they? Our base safety has determined that the FJR and the like are not sport bikes but tourers because of the peg placement and windshield height.

GypsyGiuseppe, what branch are you in?

I'm in the AF. I am stationed at McChord. I own a house in Mt. Vernon so I left my location set to that.

GG

It didn't sound like you were in the Navy and I didn't know of any other branches with stations nearby. Of course I know about McChord and Ft. Lewis but they're not exactly within commuting distance.

Sorry to get off topic.

 

[James Burleigh]

In our recent class with Lee Parks, he mentioned he just got awarded a contract with the Marines to teach MC riding. More soldiers killed on motorcycles than in Iraq in the same period of time. Conclusion: bomb Honda, Yamaha, etc.