take the msf course. While a friend can probably teach you 80% of what you need to know that extra 20% is what will bite you and with the class they linked a lot of things together and the drills helped numerous riders. The msf class teaches you some of the concepts you need to know and the most beneficial part was the slow speed maneuvering for me. BTW I rode dirt for a little while and then rode for about a year without a license or much in the way of instruction and then took the class after not having a bike for a year. It gave me some confidence and I can say I'm now 10x the rider after the class.


Like was said. Take the class for the experience and so you don't have to take the test at the dmv, ride with some friends who are willing to slow it down and help you out with your riding, and practice on your own doing some drills and stuff you learned in the class.