Basic Rider Course 2
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
Well the Instructors lesson was that we have a "grip instinct" and what we tend to do is grab the front brake to soon and too hard.
The Intermediate and Advanced classes are about maneuvering and control for avoidance.
Yes, braking is important and sometimes immediately necessary to slow or avoid impact,, but too much front brake and you loose the option of controlling the front wheel and if you have a lean angle or skid going on you could be going down.
Kinda why they've all come out with that ABS stuff right?
Your right, what they teach in a Beginner class is counter to what they teach in the more advanced classes,, beginners can't do what a skilled rider can do.
I walked into that class with an open mind hoping the money I spent taught me something,, and it did.
The Intermediate and Advanced classes are about maneuvering and control for avoidance.
Yes, braking is important and sometimes immediately necessary to slow or avoid impact,, but too much front brake and you loose the option of controlling the front wheel and if you have a lean angle or skid going on you could be going down.
Kinda why they've all come out with that ABS stuff right?
Your right, what they teach in a Beginner class is counter to what they teach in the more advanced classes,, beginners can't do what a skilled rider can do.
I walked into that class with an open mind hoping the money I spent taught me something,, and it did.
Last edited by JohnMn; May 8, 2016 at 11:26 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,809
Likes: 2,549
From: UK
In a similar vein, but over here in the UK, I spent yesterday doing a course called "BikeSafe" which is run by the Police motorcyclists here.
We did about 90 minutes in the classroom going over correct road positioning, cornering, junctions etc, then paired up 2 riders to each Police motorcyclist and spent the rest of the day out on the roads learning how these guys ride and being constructively criticised.
Their point is that the initial bike test regime is fine to get you basically safe on a bike, but it doesn't teach the "best" way to ride - which is defined by making smooth and safe progress. "Progress" in their language is basically the fastest way from point A to point B without endangering yourself or other road users.
These guys are awesome riders and learning directly from them was hugely valuable.
I don't know if you have a similar offering in the US, but if not the book "Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider's Handbook" explains their system of motorcycle control and is available from Amazon, iBooks etc... I highly recommend it.
We did about 90 minutes in the classroom going over correct road positioning, cornering, junctions etc, then paired up 2 riders to each Police motorcyclist and spent the rest of the day out on the roads learning how these guys ride and being constructively criticised.
Their point is that the initial bike test regime is fine to get you basically safe on a bike, but it doesn't teach the "best" way to ride - which is defined by making smooth and safe progress. "Progress" in their language is basically the fastest way from point A to point B without endangering yourself or other road users.
These guys are awesome riders and learning directly from them was hugely valuable.
I don't know if you have a similar offering in the US, but if not the book "Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider's Handbook" explains their system of motorcycle control and is available from Amazon, iBooks etc... I highly recommend it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
Just took it 2 weeks ago. Hardest part for me was remembering to downshift into 1st when doing a panic brake. And thats only when running in 2nd and at 20mph. Cant imagine hitting the brakes at 60 or so, trying to maintain control, and shifting down into 1st under extreme conditions
I'm getting a lot better at panic braking, and it is slowing down enough that I can downshift. But that is icing on the cake.
Last edited by Ron750; May 9, 2016 at 07:02 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 678
Likes: 60
From: Albany, NY
Because I wasn't there for the license waiver my class cost $155.00. It was worth every penny.
I don't know if you have a similar offering in the US, but if not the book "Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider's Handbook" explains their system of motorcycle control and is available from Amazon, iBooks etc... I highly recommend it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
There's a BRC layout at the local dealer for their Rider's Edge program. I go up there regularly on all three bikes and run the course to stay frosty. I generally get a crowd when I'm on a big bike like an Ultra, the Big Beemer, or (now) the Roadie.
Practice is the key to keeping your skills sharp. Make it a point once a month to run the skills. Find yourself the Harris papers. Lots of good exercises in there. Read the Keith Code books. And don't get complacent.
Practice is the key to keeping your skills sharp. Make it a point once a month to run the skills. Find yourself the Harris papers. Lots of good exercises in there. Read the Keith Code books. And don't get complacent.
I carry a set of soccer cones, tape measure and a 2x4 in my bags up to the local high school when it's cold in the early season and practice. I get quality seat time and don't have a 60 mph wind chill to deal with.
During the season if it looks like it's gonna rain on and off all day I do the same thing. I watch the sky while practicing and head home before it hits.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Harris Neil wrote Motorlessons. He'll give them to you free. Do a search here on "Motor lessons" or "Motorlessons". It's a very valuable training tool.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 454
Likes: 33
From: Here
Norty - are you using the BRC2u or still using the older version?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 678
Likes: 60
From: Albany, NY
Another reason why it was important to me to back up what I got from my basic licensing course last year. It was a great course but you learn a lot in a short amount of time. I won't speak for anyone else but I know that for me, I fail to retain everything when a lot of new information is coming at me kind of quick.