ORIGINAL: MNPGRider

No offense taken, Badboy, and none intended, but let's look at that last post of yours.

Yes, instructers (now called "Rider Coaches,") are paid. They give up most weekends during riding season to help others learn to ride safety, conducting courses in sleet, rain, wind, hot weather, cold weather, etc,and often take vacation days from their "real jobs" todo this.

Why did you "have to" take the ERC ? The only adult "have to's" in any class I had were court ordered to be there...

If your wife came away from the BASIC course thinking she could immediately ride a bike five times bigger, with all due respect to your wife, the problem isn't with the course. The course stressed the BASICS, students never go faster than 20 mph, don't ride in a gear higher than 2nd, and are never on the street. One of the first things mentioned in the curriculem is that the course is no substitute for experience, and that much practice is needed after the course, and that learning never stops. One of the last things pointed out in the course is that message again--it is up to the rider to take what they've learned, and apply it properly. Their course registration information contains the following:





1.
Get trained and licensed

2.
Wear protective gear -- all the gear, all the time -- including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the DOT

3.
Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs

4.
Ride within your own skill limits

5.

Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher rider courses


A final question I would ask, again no offense intended, ever, when safety is concerned, but what were you thinking as a husband,letting a totally inexperienced rider start out on a 650 lb, 65 hp motorcycle, dropping it ten times on the first day?

I continue to find it incredulous that someone could take a total of 25-30 hours of proven instruction and state they learned nothing.

Incidently, just so you know where I'm coming from, we had dual fatalities in the local ABATE group when a rider was attempting to show an inexperienced lady how to drive his Sportster, by sitting behind her. Thebike got away from her when she dropped the clutch and the torque pulled her back, causing her to roll on the throttle, jumping a curve and hitting a tree.

One of the "BASIC" things taught in MSF is how to prevent that very thing from happening by making sure the students have their throttle hands in a "wrist down" position.

ORIGINAL: JBaker421


My wife took the beginning course on the school's 250, then went back and took the intermediate on our Deuce. They agreed to teach her to ride the Deuce. She passed.

She's never dropped a bike, not even in training.

I had the total luxury of just hanging out and watching - a nice way to do it.

I agree that she still needed practice, but she had a solid foundation and I've never seen her in trouble on her Wide Glide. She just keeps getting better.