Basic Rider Course 2

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May 9, 2016 | 09:05 AM

#21

BobRed0965

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 228

Likes: 29

From: Cincinnati, Ohio

I took the BRC2 last month as a refresher after being off 2-wheels for a year due to a knee injury.

I too found it very useful. It clarified for me why we were trained to do certain things (ex. consistent throttle in a curve) in BRC1.

Surprisingly, I did great on the things I was worried about (figure-8 and emergency braking) and found room for improvement in things I thought I would be good at (like not looking down at the road in curves).

Next year, Ohio is dumping the AMA curriculum in favor of the Idaho STAR curriculum. I was planning to take the AMA advanced rider course next year, so I hope the state continues to offer an advanced course.

May 9, 2016 | 11:06 AM

#22

Spartanden

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 23,399

Likes: 8,509

From: Spartan Country, Michigan

I spent a number of years endure/woods riding and gained a lot of experience and knowledge when it comes to braking. rear wheel slides were often the norm, and you soon learn how to maintain bike control with a rear wheel out one way or another. Front wheel skids sometimes made me pucker, but release and modulation were my friends. I too took a advanced riders class to get back into this about 10-12 years ago. forgot how much I forgot!! I like the idea of another advanced or refresher class. can't do anything but help!

May 9, 2016 | 12:53 PM

#23

NORTY FLATZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 16,023

Likes: 7,148

From: Sandy Eggo's North County

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Steve

"My biggest bad habit is always laying/resting my fingers on the front brake."

I have to ask, why do you think that is a bad habit? Studies have shown that covering the front brake with even just a couple of fingers will improve your response time significantly. When I took the MSF BRC the instructor constantly stressed the importance of covering the front brakes.

Admittedly I do not cover "all" of the time but whenever the potential for a rude surprise is out in front, like intersections with folks (hopefully), waiting to turn I cover with at least 3 fingers. Since roughly 70% of your potential braking comes from the front brake the quicker you can apply it in an emergency the better your chances.

As instructors. we are to stress, "covering the front brake lever with all 4 fingers", only during the first day of range exercises. On the 2nd day, we allow students to do what they feel comfortable with. But we still like to see all 4 fingers used. Remember, whatever you practice, is what you'll do in an "emergency."

May 9, 2016 | 01:00 PM

#24

NORTY FLATZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 16,023

Likes: 7,148

From: Sandy Eggo's North County

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnMn

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.

You're right.In the BRC, we stress, "separate your braking from your leaning." In an ARC, we use leaning and braking simultaneously. We even have a "pause and go" exercise for collision avoidance within limited space. It's fun! Glad you found the course useful.

These courses (whatever the level) are designed to give a rider "tools." These tools may or may not ever be used, BUT, they are there in the rider's toolbox if needed. But, ya gotta practice 'em.

May 9, 2016 | 02:00 PM

#25

amkaos

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 1,612

Likes: 32

From: usa

Not trying to step on old toes...
All the popular 102, 103 courses are a waste of time... ALL of em.
For me, after you get a couple k-miles, get into real Rider instruction..
Maybe the cop rodeo low speed type,,
But i believe racing schools are the best bang for buck...

May 9, 2016 | 03:34 PM

#26

adm

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 5,815

Likes: 2,555

From: UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHP

"Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider's Handbook
"Ordering it now. Thanks for the recommendation."

Just something to keep in mind when using this book: it assumes LEFT SIDE driving!

:-) Yes - there is that.

But also every US bike book I have bought assumes right side driving. It's an easy thing to switch the symmetries in your head....

May 9, 2016 | 03:50 PM

#27

tlaw

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 678

Likes: 60

From: Albany, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by adm

:-) It's an easy thing to switch the symmetries in your head....

I don't believe we've met!

May 12, 2016 | 10:45 AM

#28

WildBill_50

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 765

Likes: 13

From: Bremen, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by NORTY FLATZ

But, ya gotta practice 'em.

This is so true! Our chapter used to have what we called a "parking lot ride" Where we would set up "Ride like a pro" courses and practice. We have one a couple of member who are really good so they work with the rest of the members. For various reasons we haven't held the ride for a couple of years so this past month we held one and boy I felt like a beginner again! It taught me that I need to practice more often. But I must say when you do practice and get it right it build confidence in your abilities.