[Cambobomb]

I just completed my safety course this past weekend. After 4 years of riding a scooter, I final learned how to actually ride a bike! The big things I picked up were how to corner properly, the ready position (left foot down at stops), swerving to avoid accidents, and (very) slow speed riding. I highly recommend everyone take a course. Mine was on the expensive side, but I know it will have been worth it. Even the classroom parts were valuable as a refresh of the rules and a reminder of mistakes people make. I really think these courses should be mandatory. Maybe they are in some jurisdictions. It seems ridiculous to let young people hop on a 600cc without the slightest idea of what they are doing.

This topic has come up, no doubt, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to bring it up again. I think if a person wants to be skilled at something, they have to instructed on how to do it properly first. I had thought I was good at riding beforehand, but I was kidding myself. I'm not an expert yet, but I'll keep practising what I've learned and hopefully I'll stay safe. I know I'll enjoy riding much more at any rate.

Youtube and motorcycle sites can only do so much to make you a better rider. That is my experience anyway. Internet research was helpful, but it can't replace learning by doing and having instant feedback from an expert.

Cheers.

 

[Lowcard]

I dont believe they should be mandatory. Those classes are designed only to give you enough skills to practice in a parking lot somewhere by yourself. I dont know about you but "very slow speed riding" wont help some young kid on a 600cc riding on the freeway.

 

[Aufitt]

Ive spent $1200 on rider training in the past 6 months,
best money I've ever spent, wish I did it 30 yrs ago.

 

[MotoMike]

Basic rider safety courses are a good place to start for a new rider. That said, you can only learn so much riding in a parking lot. The advanced (performance) rider training on a closed course, which I believe is what Aufitt is talking about, will take you up the steep learning curve very quickly, and put you light years ahead of the majority of rides on the street in terms of skill. Money well spent, IMO.

 

[Top]

Welcome to the Site.

Glad to hear that you took some training, We do have a thread on site that discusses the pro's and cons of the tiered CC license... I for one think it would be a goods idea.

 

[TX_Dj]

Welcome, congrats, and never stop learning. There is no end to what all you can learn.

 

[etiainen]

Basic rider safety courses are a good place to start for a new rider. That said, you can only learn so much riding in a parking lot. The advanced (performance) rider training on a closed course, which I believe is what Aufitt is talking about, will take you up the steep learning curve very quickly, and put you light years ahead of the majority of rides on the street in terms of skill. Money well spent, IMO.

Yeah, I am planning on this next year when I have some money. Nothing like expanding skills. Always more to learn

 

[ERrunner]

Are the courses that expensive in your neck of the woods? I paid $75 for the BRC, and the ERC is $50, with $25 of each class being refundable. You better believe I'll be taking the advanced one once I've hit the months and miles they expect you to have beforehand.

 

[Cambobomb]

The course I took was a 20-hour, 3 day course. It was $470 CDN with taxes. It was run by our provincial safety association.

"I dont believe they should be mandatory. Those classes are designed only to give you enough skills to practice in a parking lot somewhere by yourself. I dont know about you but "very slow speed riding" wont help some young kid on a 600cc riding on the freeway."

Everybody has to go slow sometime. The course wasn't just practicing in a parking lot. It included several hours of class time with Q&A. Taught by a man who's been riding over 40 years. It was a good way to get rid of a lot of bad ideas and techniques from our systems.

My view is that if you really want to be as skilled at riding as you would like, instruction by pros is the way to go... especially at the beginning, which is the foundation of all skills. Same goes for basically any type of learning. But, to each his own.

I am also looking to do an experienced riders course that should be available soon by the same organization. It's one day for 8 hours on a track with our own bikes. Should be a lot of fun... just need my full licence first.

During the course I also convinced myself(with help of course) to try some hi-vis gear... it's so hard to make that leap even though it's obviously safer.

Anyway, ride safe.

 

[jsonder]

Once you've gotten used to the hi-viz gear, you won't want to go back. It DOES help.

 

[Warstrider]

What is "hi-viz gear"?

 

[TX_Dj]

high visibility, reflective, bright colors, etc.

 

[DudeMan]

I took the youtube msf safety training class for free. lol

 

[Stephenmarklay]

I took the youtube msf safety training class for free. lol

I did not take the MSF course. However, I do read and practice safety a lot. Practice is the only way to actually acquire the skills.

Take what you were told and practice.

For instance today I am will practice taking my turns to increase my field of view and braking hard with the front brake.