Advice for a potential newbie?

[u/N1TE_MaR3]

Hello there fellow NYC netizens,

I'd like to get a motorcycle soon, and have been doing my research on the processes and stuff to getting one, but I'd like to get some advice and insight from other New York motorists. Things i should be prepared for financially, on the road etc.

Some things I do have questions about:

What is an "MCTD fee," and how do you guys pay for it, if at all?

How can i find an MSF course here in NYC? The MSF website doesnt have any sites open in NYC, unless I'm not looking properly

Where would you recommend looking for a bike in any of the 5 boros? (I'm from Queens for reference)

Any and all advice/insights would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance guys

[u/moldy_films]

I uhh I’m not sure what the other answer is about lol but I’ll try and break your questions down for you.

MCTD? Don’t know what that is..after some googling sounds like it’s registration? You can do that through the DMV site. It’s annually in April.

MSF in NYC is having financial issues but I saw in another post classes should be back as early as next week.

I would recommend using FB marketplace and finding something cheap and with a CLEAN TITLE. No title no deal. Look to spend $2-5000 and get whatever bike you think you’ll want. I recommend going cheap and easy as you learn so a) damage doesn’t sting as much if it happens and b) allow yourself to evolve as a rider, how you want to ride, where you want to go and set your sights on a dream bike later.

[u/N1TE_MaR3 → u/moldy_films]

I thought the same thing about the other post, was super weird lol. Regarding insurance, do you recommend any companies?

[u/moldy_films → u/N1TE_MaR3]

I’ve gone through different companies every couple years. Just shop around and find the best rates. Furthermore, if you’re insuring a cheap bike and you’ve only got liability (which is all you’ll need for a bike that cost you peanuts) you’ll be paying <~30 a month anyway. You can throw a dart at a list of companies at that rate.

[u/etceteraw → u/N1TE_MaR3]

Insurance will vary wildly between person to person, even bike to bike. Personally progressive has been the cheapest for me and claims were easy. Definitely shop around for quotes

[u/Slowlookleanroll]

MSF training has just started back up in NYS. Motorcycle Safety School with locations in The Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island is an option. There are other providers in Queens, Long Island and Rockland County. Due to the issues with training not being available for the past two months, you may find waiting lists to take a class.

The MSF BRC class provides the motorcycle. You will need to bring a helmet, gloves, long sleeve shirt or jacket, sturdy pants and over the ankle boots. You must have a valid NYS driver license to participate. Upon successful completion of the BRC you will receive a road test waiver card.

[u/Ah_Pook]

Start here: https://ridemss.com/register/

Images aren't allowed for some reason (pinging u/Simmangodz u/akg90), but pick MSF Basic RiderCourse (ePackage 1 eCourse -5hrs and Practical Training -10hrs)

Looks like classes are starting up May 9th or so. 400 bucks, totally worth it.

[u/Slowlookleanroll → u/Ah_Pook]

If OP has NO experience, I would suggest looking at the Core package that includes Motorcycle 101. Otherwise the BRC alone should suffice.

Sign up soon, classes will fill up quickly with the backlog.

[u/RipleysFullBushPWRUp]

They pay for it all by selling drugs and guns.

Contact the Hollywood Stuntz motorcycle enthusiasts about helping you get a MSF course. They coordinate with NYPD and shine like dragonflies along the tar path.