Motorcycle Safety Courses

[JonS]

I was just updated on the status of the contract. There were some questions to be resolved and that "any day now" things should be updated on the https://nm-msp.org/ site and that we should be able to start registration.

[JonS]

The national MSF office informed me this morning that NMDOT accepted the Motorcycle Safety Program proposal to resume MSF training last week. They expect to finalize the agreement this week. Courses should resume sometime after that though I was not given a specific date.

[JonS]

And remember, you NEVER exceed the posted speed limit.

When I was living in Mexico there were really no traffic laws until you got caught. Not that I'm proposing anything, just saying...

I take your point. I can be a bit obsessive as you can tell from my posts I expect my helmet will be ready in about 4 weeks. If MSF and New Mexico are still messed up at that time, I will go to the MVD and get a learner's permit. Do you think there are 2 or 3 members in the Santa Fe area that would be willing to help me cover the material for the skills portion of the test that I posted earlier in this thread by riding with me a few times? I would need someone to come with me to the skills test. Perhaps I should start a new thread something like newbie needs some training...

[Terry Rowley]

And remember, you NEVER exceed the posted speed limit.

When I was living in Mexico there were really no traffic laws until you got caught. Not that I'm proposing anything, just saying...

[JonS]

A little PS since I first posted this. What I may do just get the permit over the next couple weeks, then the only thing I need is to wait for my helmet to come in. I already have boots and gloves. I am on my way to Albuquerque now to get the jacket.

I was wrong about a learners permit being a good interim solution for me. In got an on-line study guide/course and have learned that everything in the New Mexico Driver Manual is fair game for the written test - not just the motor cycle portion. This may be why NM will not accept certificates from out of state. Also I learned that a learners permit for a motor cycle is not very helpful because the law states that to use it you have to be supervised by someone that is at least 21 years of age, has held an endorsement for at least three years, AND follows you as you ride.

[JonS]

Thanks. The bike shop said they have a delivery service, so I may do that. There are two or three bikes in the store that would be good but I do want to try a couple versions out before spending the $$. I am pretty set on a T120 but there is the "speed" version of the same thing with a slightly different seating position I think I should try. I think the shop would want me to have at least a permit before taking one of their bikes for a ride. They said I was welcome to try several when I wanted.
My sense/hope is that people don't buy bikes at this time of year. I don't know if that is true or not.

A little PS since I first posted this. What I may do just get the permit over the next couple weeks, then the only thing I need is to wait for my helmet to come in. I already have boots and gloves. I am on my way to Albuquerque now to get the jacket.

[Terry Rowley]

You know you don't need to wait until you get your 'permit' to buy a bike. You can buy it anytime and ask someone to ride it to your house if you're not comfortable doing that. Of course you'll need to give them a ride back home afterward, but at least that gives you the option to buy a bike of your liking and at the price point you want.

[JonS]

Thanks. This has been a bit harder than I thought it would be but, I think I can get it done by the end of January. Under other circumstances, it would not matter to me whether I got the license in the winter or not but there are some specials on 2023 models in Albuquerque I am interested in and I can't expect them to be around in March or April.

I think I understand about what you say regarding the 'dance'. I hope some of the trail bike riding I did many years ago, combined with deep snow, snowmobiling and many, many thousands of miles on the road on a bike, including time trial where you go flat out may help.

In terms of helping, I mentioned to Karl the other day, that I am happy to help any way I can. I have a background in a number of different areas, that might be useful. I see from the newsletter that you are attempting to cut back on some of your tasks, esp. in communications. Let's talk separately, I might be able to help. Thanks for the support.

[RJMirabal]

Well, Jon, you're certainly one to get well-organized and then act on it! Congratulations! Once you get your license and become a "rider" we would love to see you get involved with the club and maybe be one of our volunteers.

Best of luck taking the learners' course. It's a tough thing to do as you're learning the "dance moves" riding a motorcycle, but strive to relax and enjoy the experience as you learn to handle and enjoy these great "dream and journey" machines!

[JonS]

Progress (for me not NM)
I spoke with Progressive Insurance this morning and they said they don't care where I take my motorcycle safety course as long as it is 'qualified'.

"Team Arizona" claims that they are MSF qualified so something from them should work in terms of insurance. Here is a link:
https://motorcycletraining.com/courses/ ... er-course/
My sequence now would be:

• Wait until the end of this week to see if NM can get everything sorted.
• If NM is not ready, I will register for a full class in Arizona
• Take the course - most likely in January.
• Return to NM and go to the Santa Fe DMV and take the written test for a learners permit. I was told this would be valid for one year and that I could take the test in Santa Fe.
• Get my bike - assuming that the dealer has what I want left to sell - they won't get anything else I want until March at best.
• Drive around for a bit, hope for good weather and schedule and take the test at the NM MVD. If NM has everything fixed by then, the Motorcycle Safety Program has a second course for people that have done some riding and will also give a waver to the NM MDV test. That could work if they decide I have enough experience at the time to take the second course. I think it could only help.

BTW - if there is anybody else in my situation or just wants to take the course, let me know. Perhaps we can schedule for the same class and car pool. Has to be by car since I don't have a Mcycle license - or Mcycle.

[JonS]

Terry and RJMirabal,

Thanks for helping on this. I made my final decision today about what bike to get - a Triumph Bonneville T120. I spent a good part of this morning at the BMW event and tried a lot of bikes today and did not find one as comfortable to me as the T120. This is relevant because I also spoke at some length with the BMW sales person there and he did not have much help in terms of the license - I want to do this according to the book.

You mentioned options and there is one that is interesting to me that the people at Motopia suggested. I can study and take the written test at the MVD and get a learners permit. Then I could practice riding and take the skills test at the MVD as well. I have been reluctant to buy a new bike without having some on the road training first. MSF course provides a bike. I think I may have found a way to get some experience. There is an Introduction to Riding course in Arizona put on by one of the several MSF training organizations there. That does nothing for an endorsement, it just gives experience on the bike - and they provide they bike. Here is a link:

https://motorcycletraining.com/courses/ ... orcycling/

I could do this course, then take the skills test at MVD and if/when New Mexico gets things going, I can start the courses there. The only issue is insurance. I do not know what to what degree if any, this would impact my insurance. I can check and while NM might not accept an out of state course, perhaps the insurance company will.

In any event, if the Club has experienced trainers, I would still welcome the opportunity to learn from them. I would just need to get the bike in order to participate. Here is a link to skills that MSF said they cover in the basic course:

https://msf-usa.org/start-your-ride/basic-ridercourse/

Perhaps this could serve as an outline for anyone in the club that wants to take some newbies on?

I wonder how many people are in my position? That is they are newbies and need to get an endorsement.

[Terry Rowley]

Back in the day (mid 1970's) there was no MSF and so I took a written and then a riding test at the MVD. Taking the MSF course is not the ONLY way to get your MC driving endorsement.

According to their website:
"The New Mexico Department of Transportation supports motorcyclists and strongly encourages training. Training gives you a thorough understanding of handling and safety and earns a completion card which when presented to the NM MVD will receive a motorcycle endorsement test waiver of the state-required written and riding skills tests."

I certainly endorse taking the MSF course whether getting your endorsement or as a refresher and improvement opportunity. However it appears there are options available if you are unable to attend an MSF course. Then, when you're able to signup you can still take the MSF for your safety (and ours .

We have a lot of experienced MC riders in our club, some have been past MSF instructors and / or taken the MSF course. If someone comes up with a list of what practical riding skills the MVD tests for then we could hold some of our own unofficial advisory classes and help those that are looking to get their endorsement.

Comments from the group?

[RJMirabal]

Wow, talk about a "Catch 22"!!! "I could not take a course out of state and expect the NM MVD to accept it for my MC endorsement. They also said there was no provision for people to take any such course in the state at this time..." I guess that's one way to cut down on new riders endorsed to ride a motorcycle in New Mexico! If anyone wonders why NM is 50th or 51th on almost every list of positive rankings in the USA, then here's another example!

[JonS]

A quick update. The MC Safety Program web site does not have anything new today. I called the MVD and they said the issue was with the MVD and Department of Transportation. The person I spoke with did not know what the 'issue' is. She confirmed that I could not take a course out of state and expect the NM MVD to accept it for my MC endorsement. They also said there was no provision for people to take any such course in the state at this time. I was also told that she had no information about when the issue would be resolved. Sooo.... I wrote a note to my state senator and representative. Not sure anything will come of that either......

[JonS]

Thanks for the idea about putting something over the jacket for cooler weather. I feel a bit better now about getting the lighter jacket. It does not sacrifice safety either.

I plan on going to the Sandia BMW Wheels and Coffee this Saturday the 18th. It will give me a chance to meet some people and check out a wider range of BMWs than they have up here in Santa Fe - I am leaning toward a Triumph though. I can also see more clothing options.