when i took the class my instructor would yell at us every time he caught us looking at the controls. at the time i thought he was being a d!ck but it made a HUGE difference both in awareness and confidence.

i think little things like this are why taking the MSF course (or its equivalent) is so important: an experienced rider forgets what it's like to be a newbie, so many subtle-but-important topics are just glanced over (or skipped entirely) instead of being drilled. having personal instruction from a friend/family member is great, but the MSF course probably does a better job of going the perfect speed (pardon the pun) for beginners, and hits all those easily-forgotten topics.

(i do think it's great that the OP is helping his gal learn to ride, i dont mean to steal his thunder there. )

 

Ok... just thought I'd update everybody on our newest rider / soon to me member's progress.
She passed her written exam yesterday and got her MC permit, and I stopped by the airport the other day on the way home from work and ask if we could borrow the runway, they said we could..... cool.
And last but certainly not least, she goes to MSF class this comming Tues. - Wed.
I'm looking forward to our first ride together!

 

Wife update! She passed MSF, and is riding around the neighborhood, doing great!
wont be long before that first ride together.

 

I'm doing the MSF class as private lessons. It is only working out about $150 more than the regular group class, and I still go to the classroom portion.

 

She'll be the best riding partner you'll ever have!

 

She needs a real riding course. She made the same mistake twice, crashing twice. Not a good sign. Not being critical, just don't wanna hear about her broken bones when she really gets up to speed. MSF course will do wonders. Good luck, hope she sticks with it.