Topic: RIDER'S COURSES...WHO'S TAKEN 'EM, WHO'S TAUGHT 'EM?

[tazzmann]

I taught military servicemen in Germany when I was stationed there. I let me license expire for a few years after I got out of that and racing. When I went back to take the MSF (Wanted to brush up on everything new since 1992!), the instructor asked if I wanted to teach again. I politely told him no, I want to ride. I may go back into teaching someday, but I am enjoying the riding. I could tell you about some stories from the servicemen I instructed. I failed a lot more than I passed, that is fer sure.

[burmashave]

I took the MSF course in New York State.  I think it cost me $225, but was well worth it.  Plus as mentioned, it earns your endorsement in NYS.

There's a big difference between these courses and passing the DMV, RMV (whatever) road test.  As our instructor constantly reminded us, we're not here to fail you; we're here to teach you how to ride.  It's true, and I learned some important things although I have been riding for years.  I may do the advanced course next year.

Our instructor had the credentials.  He could do the course on his Wing.  On the way to class during our course, he got hit by a deer and didn't dump is bike.  His wife was on the bike, and personally, I hate riding with a passenger.  I cannot imagine riding a Wing, getting hit by a deer and maintaining while my passenger doesn't know what's going on.

On a humorous note, we had one woman who had just purchased a 1400cc Harley, and she had never driven a bike.  She wasn't the worst in the class, but she was close to it, and I'd like to see her exression the first time she dumps her new Harley.

[nickjtc]

On a humorous note, we had one woman who had just purchased a 1400cc Harley, and she had never driven a bike.  She wasn't the worst in the class, but she was close to it, and I'd like to see her exression the first time she dumps her new Harley.

Whenever a novice student dumps their pride and joy (and usually it is a bike totally unsuitable for their skill level.....but they just had to have a ..... fill in your favourite brand) there are invariably tears. The boys usually shed more than the girls.

[Ernie]

ernie - my dad was in a similar situation as you - except that he had never taken a course before...but after a lifetime of riding with no accidents his big wreck last year made him rethink his stand.

he took the basic and then the advanced course - he's HOOKED! he's taking a second advanced course this month just because every time he takes one he learns something new and helpful.

thanx for that reply i was only thinking about a refresher course and since you said that im signing up this week for that long overdue refresher

[cbjunkie]

if we ever sit down and tell stories i will tell about how i ended up in the all-female class of beginner riders last week, in the rain, with a new Honda 250 that had been used all season teaching people to ride who have never straddled a motor...  

on the other hand - my birthday present from dad this year is a "Rider's Edge" instruction course - these are the Harley dealer sponsored courses, taught on Buell 500s - i'm on the schedule for October 12th - it's a 4 day, 25 hour course with 1:5 instructor:student ratio...

dad just finished his course in the UK - there they have 1:2 ratio and it's all road test - REAL ROAD - with the instructor following you, watching your every move and a headset to give commands.

the English are serious about their driving.

anybody know what the stats are on drunk driving in the UK?

[putnaja1]

thanx for that reply i was only thinking about a refresher course and since you said that im signing up this week for that long overdue refresher

Ernie- are there still classes available in MD?  I looked around the end of July, and everything looked booked.  Did you sign up for anything?  And, if so, is there anything available? 

Jason

[nickjtc]

on the other hand - my birthday present from dad this year is a "Rider's Edge" instruction course - these are the Harley dealer sponsored courses, taught on Buell 500s - i'm on the schedule for October 12th - it's a 4 day, 25 hour course with 1:5 instructor:student ratio...

Use lots of revs to get the Buell going, and really ride the friction zone of the clutch. It is geared very, very tall in first gear. Around town we found that students would never get out of second gear.

[cbjunkie]

thanks for the advice - i'm looking forward to seeing if these things rattle as bad as everyone says they do...

[nickjtc]

thanks for the advice - i'm looking forward to seeing if these things rattle as bad as everyone says they do...

They vibe a lot at standstill, but get better once you're moving. I quite enjoyed tazzing around on them. They have a propensity for oil leakage. Buell was smart to make two seat options. Regular seat padding for regular folks, and thinned out seat padding for those who are vertically challenged.

[ChrisR]

I remember taking my bike test in England years ago and it was pretty much the most nerve wracking and difficult thing I had done in my life up to then. I really wanted to pass it. I decided to take a week long intensive course (5 days riding 4-5 hours a day on the road, 2 or 3 to 1 instruction) to graduate from a 125cc bike which I could ride on my car license to a full license so I could ride bigger bikes.
The instructors were brilliant and guided our every move through radio. I don't think they could have done much more but even so out of our group of six only two of us passed. It was a hard test - about an hour long with the examiner riding behind giving you instructions and directions - one mistake and you've pretty much had it.
The test is different these days and harder still. People are encouraged to take the advanced course and I think it is a good idea as conditions in Britain can be pretty hectic.
It's interesting to hear about the different tests around the world. I must say I find it a bit alarming that some states in America seem to allow complete novices to ride powerful machines after very rudimentary training.
Re. the drink driving thing CBJ I don't know what the numbers are for deaths from drink driving last year but here are the figures for 2004   http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/statistics.htm  . I believe they have come down quite a lot in recent years. It no longer seems to be acceptable to drink and drive, as it once was, and the law really clobbers you if you get caught.
Hope you enjoy the course - it sounds like fun.

[nickjtc]

I remember taking my bike test in England years ago and it was pretty much the most nerve wracking and difficult thing I had done in my life up to then.

When I took my test, in Hertford, in early '74, it was still the days when you just rode around a block and the examiner would watch you from various locations, before throwing his clipboard arm in the air to get you to do an emergency stop. I was nervous as all lookout, especially since it had just started to rain. In retrospect I'm almost embarrassed to describe the process because it wasn't really a 'test' at all. But oh the joy of losing those 'orrible 'L' plates!