I would highly recommend it. It's not too expensive either. I thought the class was really interesting and the instructors were very knowledgeable.
Another thing.. take the course AND get comfortable riding. Dont be too excited to do your vlogging right away. I was too excited last year to just START riding. Inside of a month, I lowsided on a turn with some sand in the intersection. Broke my pinky and got a concussion. So.. that is why I say be patient.. get your skills and then worry about vlogging. Get your skills down on the motorcycle, that is the most important thing. I am entering my second season of riding, and am just now starting to think about doing videos. Maybe I am a Safety Sue, but, you don't get to redo things if they go wrong.
In my state (Maine) it just became mandatory to take the MSF Basic Rider Course to receive your motorcycle endorsement. They implemented the new requirement after there were 32 motorcycle fatalities is 2015, nearly half of which involved riders who had no record of any formal motorcycle training.
It should also be pointed out that of those fatalities, 3/4 were reported as “Not wearing a DOT helmet”, 4 had their license for less than a year, 2 were still on a learners permit, 5 had no license or permit at all, and 2 were unknown if they had a motorcycle endorsement as they were from out of state.
Everyone in my Immediate family that currently has a motorcycle endorsement (other than my father who has had his license since the 70s) has taken the MSF course.
In this state the course costs $325. It is the regular ‘full’ course and takes two days.
I found the course to be extremely helpful and learned quite a lot. The insurance savings didn’t hurt either.
The instructors were very knowledgeable and a blast to talk to (‘old war stories’ from guys who have been instructors for 20+ years can be a riot).
We only had six students in the class and of them only one guy didn’t pass both portions (he still got his permit though).
I recommend taking the course to anyone that wants to learn to improve their skills or even just get into riding.
Interesting. Is Maine doing anything to add more classes now that the number of students is being forced to increase? What about people from out of state moving to Maine? If they already have the endorsement (with or without the class), will it simply transfer, or will the course be required unless you can prove you've already taken it? Just curious, having moved from MA to ME back in 2004 (and back to MA in 2011).
Back on topic, the course is the only way to go in my book. And yeah, get comfortable on the bike before you start motovlogging.
is the msf course really needed?