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Post by Jarlaxle on Jul 28, 2013 10:03:58 GMT -5
It's EXPENSIVE. The class and the test cost me damn near $400.
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Post by rockynv on Jul 29, 2013 4:10:16 GMT -5
It's EXPENSIVE. The class and the test cost me damn near $400. Yet many folks here will pay that for a gadget like a cell phone, a few months cable TV (3 to 4 times that for the TV), a stereo, a months take out food, etc, etc, etc. The price of the Basic Riders course can vary considerably too. Here in the Tampa Bay area depending on your schedule and such you can get into a class which includes all the license testing for as little as $195 or take one of the more upscale classes with the nicer Buel motorcycles instead of the Suzuki's for $350 to $400. The more expensive classes will have more niceties such as Gator Aid, soft drinks and ice cream refreshments instead of just a water cooler along with full restrooms and other facilities at the training grounds instead of simply a few cargo containers and contruction site Jonny on the Spot toilets. In the grand scheme of things $195 is not that expensive for the MSF class and if you set your priorities right even if it was not absolutely required for your license you would find a way to take it anyway because everyones life is worth substantially more than the few hundred dollars for a course that will potentially save your life many times over. |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jul 29, 2013 6:55:38 GMT -5
Yet many folks here will pay that for a gadget like a cell phone, a few months cable TV (3 to 4 times that for the TV), a stereo, a months take out food, etc, etc, etc. rocky's right. Skip eating out for a month or two if you have to and save for that class. It's not just that you usually won't have to take the driving part of the DL test, it's that even long-time drivers typically learn new things. Things they've done wrong all that time, or things they've forgotten about, or just better ways to do what they've been doing. Tell yourself this--the skills you learn there might end up saving you in an emergency. ***** and just to be ornery, not everyone has all that stuff, rocky. I have a simple cell phone that costs $10/mn (family plan). I don't have cable (gasp! over the air?! how does she manage?!) The tv's are actually Mom's, and the newest is still several years old. My stereo I got piece by piece through college. Although I'll admit I didn't chinz with the quality (but also didn't go crazy--they're all JVC or Technics) I don't eat out very often. AND YET--I still ponied up last spring to re-take the MSF experienced class. So folks, just do it. It is SO worth it. Please. >'Kat |
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Post by rockynv on Jul 29, 2013 12:02:08 GMT -5
Kat - No cable here either and it was Costco for the $350 special when the old set broke. Bought my stereo 30 years ago and only replace what breaks. I can put new edge rolls on the speakers for a few dollars with a locally available rebuild kit. Pack a lunch every day and don't even stop for coffee which saves me $5 to $10 a day or $1,800 to $3,600 a year add commuting every day on the bike for another $3,000 to $5,000 savings. Built my own computer from spare parts from the scrap bin back in 1989 and have every few years or so thrown a $100 to $200 upgrade at it. I only pay for the basic cell phone family plan and the kids pay for the add-ons and extras.
Many will be surprised at how all the little things they do everyday such as takeout, smokes, booze, Starbucks, Duncans, MickeyDs, food court, DQ, BigGulp, etc can add up to a $10,000 expense by the end of a year and how with a few moderate changes in life style they can put the greater portion of it back in their wallet.
You prioritize things and it all falls into place.
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Post by SylvreKat on Jul 29, 2013 14:15:32 GMT -5
Amen, rocky, amen.
I'll splurge on occasion with a baked treat from PANERA's ooo baby yeah. But it's a treat. Ditto eating out. Don't do coffee. Smokes, a friend got the flu, then something else, then the flu again. When she got well she realised she didn't want a ciggy anymore. Figured out how much she spent a year on packs and didn't start up again.
He's right, it really does add up. Our kids in church collect "noisy offering" (meaning change in metal cups). They pick a charity for each month. The last Sunday's offerings always goes to playground equipment for the church. Every month they get close to $100 last Sunday. That's just adding up pennies and quarters, folks. It does add up.
>'Kat
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Post by scooterrider on Jul 29, 2013 21:14:30 GMT -5
Now something I don't get is the wide range in cost for a MSF class. Here in Ohio its only fifty bucks.  |
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Post by rockynv on Jul 29, 2013 21:48:18 GMT -5
[replyingto=scooterrider]scooterrider[/replyingto]Here in Florida it is a three day course with a half day of classroom instruction including the written test on Friday and then the rest of the 2 1/2 days on the riding range using their bikes and gasoline with 2 or 3 instructors watching over you. Not sure how much the MSF has to pay the DOT for each certificate that they submit or for their permits and inspections. The rest of the cost differences are for the fluff such as nicer loaner bikes, air conditioned break areas and restrooms and so on.
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Post by SylvreKat on Jul 29, 2013 22:02:44 GMT -5
rocky (and 'rider), partly it depends on which class. What rocky described is our MSF beginner's class. Then we have the experienced riders' class (what I took last year, and decided the "experienced" really was open to define as they had me who hadn't ridden in two years, and five guys who dropped their bikes during the class). And I think there's even a class after that.
Although none are only $50. You've got a good deal going there, 'rider!
>'Kat
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Post by scooterrider on Jul 29, 2013 22:18:56 GMT -5
Dont I know it ;D All of the MSF classes are $50 on matter what your taking.
And if that's to rich for you you can still take the riding test at the DMV.
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Post by justbuggin2 on Jul 29, 2013 23:00:55 GMT -5
insurance is cheap drive legal
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Post by rockynv on Jul 30, 2013 11:37:46 GMT -5
Dont I know it ;D All of the MSF classes are $50 on matter what your taking. And if that's to rich for you you can still take the riding test at the DMV. However are we comparing apples with apples here. 3 full days including the written and physical license test also providing the bike along the fuel? |
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Post by tarkus on Jul 30, 2013 17:51:03 GMT -5
I took the florida course. It was two full days on their bikes. www.jmst.com/Cost was $21000. When you finish the class all that's left is a trip to DMV for the endorsement. |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jul 30, 2013 19:07:20 GMT -5
Cost was $21000. When you finish the class all that's left is a trip to DMV for the endorsement. Dang. For that much, I'd probably just buy a used car and keep the rest for gas or medical ('cause there's a knee replacement sometime in my future....). Plus a bass flute. Shoot. My car didn't cost that much new. ;D >'Kat |
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Post by tarkus on Jul 30, 2013 19:28:03 GMT -5
Cost was $21000. When you finish the class all that's left is a trip to DMV for the endorsement. Dang. For that much, I'd probably just buy a used car and keep the rest for gas or medical ('cause there's a knee replacement sometime in my future....). Plus a bass flute. Shoot. My car didn't cost that much new. ;D >'Kat I'm such a butt head. Typo $210.00 |
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Post by scooterrider on Jul 30, 2013 20:47:46 GMT -5
Dont I know it ;D All of the MSF classes are $50 on matter what your taking. And if that's to rich for you you can still take the riding test at the DMV. However are we comparing apples with apples here. 3 full days including the written and physical license test also providing the bike along the fuel? Yes 3 days bike and fuel and all The MSF has only one set of classes. They are the same where ever you take them. The state of Ohio subsidizes the classes. |
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