MC Rider Training, Riding Experiences

[Racenut]

I've read books, I've watched videos, I've done parking lot classes. I think I've learned the most from riding with other people who are better riders than I am, and also willing to tell me when they see room for improvement. I've also learned that there are riders out there with hundreds of thousands of miles under their belt who never actually learned to ride. So don't use "mileage" as your sole gauge of a riders proficiency. And skin grafts suck, protect yourself at all times.

 

[3930dave]

It was a Tri-Service Safety initiative to reduce MC injuries... you even received a certificate (each course) that could reduce your insurance.

Makes sense. I remember reading about the data with the US forces..... during nominal peacetime, they often had more personnel down and out from MC accidents, than duty situations. They likely offered similar MC programs, and IIRC, they were under orders not to ride personal machines on-base w/o a hi-viz vest.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Been riding since 1977. Started on dirt bikes and then on road since about 1979. I have had no class room or any structured riding training. It was never a requirement back then. There is no better way to become proficient and safe then real world experience. I think the MSF courses are good but then the thing I really don't like is they let these rider's out on the road immediately, very bad idea. I have had close to 20 different motorcycles over the years from dirt bikes to Harley Touring bikes. Never had an accident on road or ever laid one down. Yes, I realize that will happen now that I said this.

I would like to spend some time off-road on 2 wheels, but haven't yet. Growing up in the dirt strikes me as a great way to learn; I know how good my friend's amateur MX racer sons are on a bike.

Let's hope :thumbsup: you haven't tempted Fate with that statement..... part of what we all have to remember every time we turn the key - Every Ride is Different. <- One of the many things I Like (but hold a serious amount of respect for) about the hobby.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Starting to ride some again after 40 years. My brother has a '06 HD Classic and his wife has a '06 Victory Vegas, their off days don't coincide so he has asked me to ride some with him. Watching the MCrider videos have helped refresh my memory and several of his tips have been helpful with managing the big machine since I have one artificial hip and two knees. After 40 years, I had forgotten how great it feels to be out on the machine, sure is a freeing feeling and stress reliever. If I become an owner again, it will be a GW or maybe a K1200Lt.

Takes you back, don't it . What an excellent opportunity you've had handed to you ! Thanks Bro.

Got my license at 17, rode a bit, then not for many years. Got back on the street 12 years ago.... I was hyper-aware of how long it had been, and would have really appreciated having those MCRider vids at my fingertips. Eased back in successfully, doing some basics drills etc from years back.

I have an ice-cream bucket in the garage I should pull out again this Spring. Often, many spills are at low-speed. Most of us don't practice low-speed enough...... MC friendly pylons = buy cheap yellow tennis balls, cut them in half. They nest together well, and pack easy...... find a big empty parking lot on a Sunday afternoon, set out your half-pylons, practice low speed serpentines, then move on up to braking drills.....

Rgds, D.

 

[George2615]

I've been riding for 50 years now. I took a motorcycle safety defensive training course in 1970, unfortunately I don't remember who put the course on. Current ride is a 2002 HD Electra Glide Classic. Previous bike was a 98 Suzuki Intruder VL1500 and too many to name prior to that. I've slowed down on annual cruising miles over the years but still enjoy breaking it out in spring and going for a ride.

 

[hunt4570]

Started riding in 1973 after graduating high school, all street bikes, Mostly Hondas and a couple others for the first years. Never took a class (not sure any were even available back then). Fast forward a few years, my wonderful wife bought me a Harley Road King for my 50th birthday, oh what a nice bike, and nice wife!! Then about 2006 My daughter wanted to learn to ride so she and my wife took a BRC ( Basic Riders Course) from the local MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) school. I'd ridden for years so I didn't need a class (or so I thought). Stopped by a couple times to watch (on my Harley) and finally the instructor came over and talked me into taking a class , so glad he did! Took the class, learned a ton, completely changed the way I rode! Came back the next year for the ERC (Experienced Rider Class) and that same instructor talked me into becoming a Instructor (now called a "Rider Coach"). Talk about learning how to ride a motorcycle!! I learned more in those first 2 classes (BRC & ERC) than I had in the entire 30 years of riding prior to them!! Classes will completely change your riding ability hands down!
So I taught the BRC for a while, then the BRC and the ERC, which was great fun, had a lot of my riding buddies come through the ERC class which was always fun.. several of them multiple times. All they could do was gush about how much they learned and how much better they could ride. I do miss teaching but after moving here to SC there are no schools close by.
Took misc classes during my teaching time, ERC's from other schools and other instructors and then one year traveled to Nebraska to take the ARC-ST (Advanced Rider Course - Sportbike Training , Instructor Certification Class). Talk about a great class, if anyone offers this class near you jump on it!! Also took a bunch of "Ride Like A Pro" classes (also a great class if you get a chance) Taught by Police Motor Cops.. THOSE guys are the ones that can really ride!!
My recommendation if you care... take a class, it WILL change the way you ride! Also a lot of insurance companies will give you a discount with a certificate.

Quick story: Back when I was teaching in Oklahoma we had a guy ride in with his girlfriend because she wanted to ride her own, we tried to talk him into taking the class with her but he said "I don't need a class I've been riding for years!" (I've heard that one a million times) any way... she took the class and did pretty good! Later that summer he came in and said he wanted to take the class, I asked him why the change of heart.. he reluctantly told me he could not keep up with her!!! Loved it!

 

[ericm979]

I got my street license in '76. I've had 30 some bikes since. In the '90s I got into road racing and then, working on my skills, got an off road bike. That led to observed trials competition which I did for about 10 years. On the way I've taken many classes, from road oriented on the track to track schools to trials classes. I learned something from all of them. You can set up your own drills and that will help but having an experienced teacher to tell you what you could be doing better on those drills will enable you to progress much faster.

 

[3930dave]

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Home Page

I don't see that MSF offers any on site courses in Canada but they do have several on line offerings.

I've taken the Advanced Rider course and it was very worth while.

I've yet to come across someone who has taken a Riding instruction course, and said they didn't get their money's worth.

Local colleges offer basic courses here, not sure who sanctions them, but they are recognized by insurance companies, and often have a License issuing examiner teaching - you graduate with your beginner license if you pass.

When I was too young to ride on the street, and older friend had taken the beginners course. He generously taught me much of the course on weekends - and I learned to ride on his brand new Hawk 400. Proud to say, I never dropped the bike .

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

I got another bike ('03 Suzuki Intruder VL1500) last fall after 10 years or so off of 2 wheels... the MCRider videos are helpful, a new perspective and/or refresher is always welcome to me.

Always Expect the Unexpected.

Back around the time I got back on 2 wheels, the provincial police here and BMW put together an excellent Spring time 2/3 day seminar.

Much of the theme was about "When you think you've thought of everything.... think again".

The officer presenting lead off with what happened to her. She was on her patrol bike, leading a funeral procession through heavy traffic, West Toronto, lights full on. Approaching an intersection, a car suddenly pulls a U turn in front of her, she nails the side of it, breaking her hip.

The car was driven by the 17 y/o grandson of the deceased, in a panic because he was late for his grandfather's funeral.

When you think you've thought of everything......

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

I've read books, I've watched videos, I've done parking lot classes. I think I've learned the most from riding with other people who are better riders than I am, and also willing to tell me when they see room for improvement. I've also learned that there are riders out there with hundreds of thousands of miles under their belt who never actually learned to ride. So don't use "mileage" as your sole gauge of a riders proficiency. And skin grafts suck, protect yourself at all times.

There are many ways/modes to learn by. The critical thing (not just in this hobby) is keep learning.

Much wisdom can be called upon, to un-learn certain habits too....... applies to many things in life; it just happens the consequences here are more immediate/serious than with many other activities....

I'm an ATGATT guy. I found it frustrating when I got back on two-wheels, to find the gear that I wanted. Canada, short riding season, small market (compared to parts of USA); It's a challenge to find good quality gear that fits here.

It's important enough to post here, and I'll also post in the other gear thread I started...... I eventually pieced together all the gear I wanted, but it took significant effort.

What I wish I had discovered earlier was........ BMW. I ended up buying my back-protector from BMW. I wasn't that much more money than the generic off-shore stuff I could find, for their CE approved one.

I ride a 500cc UJM bike, and only reluctantly stopped by the BMW dealer. They have an excellent line of gear, and it turns out tons of non-BMW riders come in for all sorts of gear. Can't remember their trade-name for it, but they have an amazing line of armour - basically a conformable gell - high performance, yet extremely comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised, and really pleased, by how I was treated as a non-BMW customer.

Rgds, D.