Author Topic: RIDER'S COURSES...WHO'S TAKEN 'EM, WHO'S TAUGHT 'EM? (Read 8777 times)

cbjunkie · « **on:** August 02, 2006, 08:17:38 PM »

Well, I just signed up today...The course will be held at the local Community college, Cost: $175.00

There will be a Friday class session, 6pm - 9pm, and then a week later we all come back Saturday and Sunday - 7am - 5pm!

I'm guessing the S/S will be the course work outside...hope it cools down...
Not sure what bikes we'll be using, I haven't received my info packet yet, but I'll post up the info when it comes in.

junkie out...

mkramer1121 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2006, 08:31:53 PM »

Here in IL, Northern Illinois offers classes so you can get your license, advance rider classes and expert rider classes. I took the beginner one to get my license, was easy and fun at the same time. You took a ridin' "test" at the end, and then had a written exam as well, then you got a certificate to take to the DMV to get your license. Best $20 I ever spent.

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2006, 08:53:05 PM »

When is it junkie? Have they still got seats open? Ill take it with ya if they do.

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2006, 08:53:23 PM »

Took the beginner course when I started riding. Was great. Thinking about taking the advanced course next time I go home. Any advice on the advanced course, like what it involves and how hard it is?

cbjunkie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2006, 08:56:42 PM »

august 25 - 6pm

here's the number to call: FOREST PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE - 644.9175

ask for the Motorcycle Safety Course - let's do it.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2006, 08:59:40 PM »

GG, yeah, that's what i'm wondering too...i've been riding for a couple of years now so i'm wondering just how basic the "beginners" course is.

of course, from what i have heard, anecdotally, from far older and more experienced riders, my dad for one, is that even the basic courses teach them concepts and practical techniques they never knew.

i hope someone here who is one of the real "masters" will chime in on this topic...

mkramer1121 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2006, 09:08:21 PM »

Usually its a bunch of little 250cc bikes.

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #7 on:** August 02, 2006, 09:47:48 PM »

yeah it's expensive, but the thing to do is get a HRCA card. They reimburse you up to $75 bucks on a safety course, plus free towing etc. Not a horrible deal at 30 bucks or so

Steve F · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:31:54 AM »

I took the advanced course a couple of years ago, and enjoyed it. In Illinois, it was 20 or 25 bucks (State subsidized through license registration fees). You supply your own bike, and be prepared to wear all the protective stuff, or they will refuse your participation....Helmet, gloves, over-the ankle boots, and a jacket! Doesn't matter how hot it is either, you gotta wear it. At least they'll let you wear a long sleeved shirt instead of a jacket. They supply the bikes for the beginners course. For the advanced course, the prerequisite is at least two years riding experience to sign up. The course was about 8 hours total, 4 hours in the classroom first. They set up a course in the parking lot with cones, and give you instructions on what to do. They run you through about 10 different tests, and coach you on any shortcomings, and let you try it again. The class size is limited to 20 people at a time, so you have to pre register. Anyone that shows up unregistered is given a lottery ticket to fill in if there is someone that cannot participate or is rejected because of safety reasons. It was well worth the pre-registration headache, since you have to register online, and you have to be really quick to do so. Usually within minutes after the registration "opens". Spots go faster that Rolling Stones tickets. After you complete the course, you're given a card and you can use that card to get insurance at a better rate, if your insurance company offers a discount. Plus you can buy one of those really cool long-sleeve T-shirts!

brockj · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2006, 05:41:45 AM »

I took the beginner course this spring. It was really good. I had already spent some time on my bike, so I was a little ahead of most everyone (there was one guy who was taking the course with his girlfriend). Anyway, the class was real good, I think you will enjoy it.

tsflstb · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2006, 05:48:05 AM »

In Texas, this course is an easier way to get your "M" endorsement. Rather than haul your bike to the DMV to take the test, you take the 2 day course and get a certificate at the end. You take that to the DMV, get it stamped, and then you're legal to buy a brand new Hayabusa or whatever you want. Yee ha!

I think everyone should take the course. It may seem like stuff you already know, but it's done for a purpose. One drill recently came in handy. They will make you lock the rear brake on purpose and slide the bike to a stop. It gives you a good feel for how to control things in an emergency...keeps you from freaking out. A few weeks ago, something broke in my shifter/transmission and locked up my rear wheel solid at 60 mph. I instantly remembered that feeling from the safety course and knew not to panic. The bike was fishtailing like crazy underneath me, but I just kept my head up, looked far ahead of me and it wasn't that bad. It's been 10 years since I took that course, so I was glad I paid attention.

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2006, 06:00:56 AM »

I just signed up to take a course at one of our military bases here in DC. "Be there at 0730 on the range." That's this Monday. It's going to be so freakin' hot.
We get to take the course on our own bikes though. In order to ride a cycle on a base here, you're required to take the BRC. The death toll is pretty high for returning soldiers (who are, apparently, mostly buying rockets).

"Since 9/11, more American troops have died in off-duty motorcycle accidents than fighting in Afghanistan.
Nearly 350 GIs have died on bikes since the 2001 terrorist attacks compared with 259 killed while serving in Afghanistan, according to safety records kept by each service. The number who die in crashes each year -- nearly all in the United States -- has more than doubled since 2001, hitting new levels in 2005. Nearly 1,000 more have been injured, draining power when the Pentagon needs every soldier."- www.newsobserver.com, February 2006.

Dave

82CB650SC · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2006, 06:49:47 AM »

Took the beginner course this spring and it is well worth it. Nice thing in Pennsylvania it is free and when you pass the course you get your license.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2006, 06:55:22 AM »

STEVE F CHECK YOUR PMs...

StevieMac · « **Reply #14 on:** August 03, 2006, 07:45:30 AM »

I took a course when I started riding and I'm hoping to take the advanced course next spring. Maybe the wife will get me signed up for Xmas.

The state/Province doesn't subsidize the courses here. My beginners course was $500 and the advanced I think is about $250. Ouch!

marvsho17 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 03, 2006, 09:53:59 AM »

I bought my first bike on a wednesday last October by that friday I was taking the riders safety course. Boy I froze my balls off that weekend. It was my first time ever riding a bike and I took to it pretty quick but others wern't so lucky. They sent one woman home for not doing the drills and two other guys dumped the bikes. I passed though. The best part about it was it was free.

StevieMac · « **Reply #16 on:** August 03, 2006, 10:07:13 AM »

Quote from: marvsho17 on August 03, 2006, 09:53:59 AM

They sent one woman home for not doing the drills and two other guys dumped the bikes. I passed though.

There was no shortage of bike dumping going on when I took my course (not by me luckily).

There we two guys there together that I called "Clutch" and "Crash". Clutch stalled his bike constantly and just about as often Crash was picking his up again. There were a few others that really seemed to struggle at the beginning of the course and I thought for sure some of them would never make it through but they all did which really speaks to the quality of the course and the instructors our group had.

marvsho17 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 03, 2006, 11:24:27 AM »

There was a couple w/ me when I took the course that I just hated. All weekend they were playing patty ass and blowing kisses and etc. On the last day they baked a cake and brought it in for us. Too bad for him though he failed, she passed.

JP · « **Reply #18 on:** August 03, 2006, 11:47:45 AM »

I used to be a local pro quad racer. Everything from MX to Flattrack. I started teaching a 4-wheeler safety course and I have taken the street bike course. Without doubt, these courses make everyone a better all around rider, and they are an absolute must for the new riders.

JP

BruceA cb550 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 03, 2006, 12:57:09 PM »

I took the class in Missouri and class size was limited to 12 with 2 instructors and a course helper to setup cones. Excellent instruction and would recommend for any rider. Class also counts as a defensive driving course in Missouri and might get you a break on you insurance for the bike and auto.

crp_iii · « **Reply #20 on:** August 03, 2006, 02:13:49 PM »

I took the class in Ohio, only $25 - well spent. As an Army guy it was mandatory for me to be able to ride. Out of 20 in my class two didn't pass. One guy kept dropping his bike and one girl couldn't turn or stop, I think she was just too short to get her weight on the pegs.

angeldeville · « **Reply #21 on:** August 03, 2006, 02:38:22 PM »

i had been riding for a few years before i took the beginner course (military paid for it), and I was amazed how little i knew about riding, I have since taken the advanced course and am planning to re-take the advanced, to brush up.

Klark Kent · « **Reply #22 on:** August 03, 2006, 03:19:47 PM »

In exactly one week and 10 minutes my three month wait will be over. I may still go drive around in the parking lot near my house, but it will be my choice, for i shall be licensed, #$%*es! Needless to say I am excited. Not just for the endorsement but to pick up the pointers and most of all see other beginner riders and learn from their mistakes. I have already had a lot of fun on a honda, but I can't see myself, or more importantly what i am doing wrong that is going to lead to a mishap. I signed up when registration started May 1st 9am, and got given this august tenth date; found my 550 by the end of May and wasn't sure if i would be able to get it running by the time the MSF course decided to roll around. But thanks to this forum of freakishly helpful riders, I have been waiting on this test, with nicely running bike, for almost a full month. thanks. I will try and share what I learn here on the forum for those of you who took it to long ago to remember and those who can't (won't) afford it.
I'm usually not into life-prolonging activities, but the MSF course seemed like a no brainer even at $175 at the MD MVA.
just my 17,500 cents
-KK

jsaab2748 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 03, 2006, 03:55:43 PM »

CBJ, if the course is like the one they give in St. Charles, the bikes are Honda 250 Rebels. A friend of
mine took it a while back.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #24 on:** August 03, 2006, 04:01:42 PM »

well sheeit - that'll be just like puggin' womp-rats back home out of my T16!

this is turning into a nice thread - keep the stories coming...

I'm kind of amazed that some of us are paying so much and some so very little, if anything at all. i am going to check on the options before i sign on the dotted line, hell, i'm even thinking of going over to Illinois to take mine - the problem is STL is so big all the Illinoians probably just come over here and fork over the $175...

News:

Poll

I've just registered - who's with me?

Author Topic: RIDER'S COURSES...WHO'S TAKEN 'EM, WHO'S TAUGHT 'EM? (Read 8777 times)

prsman23@hotmail.c

prsman23@hotmail.c

brockj

marvsho17

marvsho17

JP

BruceA cb550

jsaab2748