Advanced rider training
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Escondido, CA
After a 20 year absence from riding I took the advanced MSF course in Tampa, Florida. I was forced to do this by my wife. Either I did this or I wouldn't get back into motorcycling. That was 9 years ago when I was 52. There were about 15 Harleys in the class, nothing bigger than a Softail or Road King as I recall, and me on the only Japanese bike, a Valkyrie Interstate.
The two instructors were motorcycle cops from the Sheriff's Department. They were amazing to watch, one on his personal Goldwing and the other on his BMW LT. They flicked their bikes around like they were on much smaller machines.
Anyway, it was in the 90's with 100% Florida humidity and it darn neared killed me but it was worth doing. You learn many things that can save your life.
VR
The two instructors were motorcycle cops from the Sheriff's Department. They were amazing to watch, one on his personal Goldwing and the other on his BMW LT. They flicked their bikes around like they were on much smaller machines.
Anyway, it was in the 90's with 100% Florida humidity and it darn neared killed me but it was worth doing. You learn many things that can save your life.
VR
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
I took the MSF-BRC, after I'd ridden for years, and years.... I was able to learn quite a bit, and had a blast in the process. I took the ERC the following year, and again when I bought this bike. I've taken the Ride Like a Pro class, and something called BIKESAFE North Carolina. The more you are willing to learn, and the more open you are to learning... IMO the better a rider you will be.
Video's and books are great tools.... but having a trained instructor, there, watching and helping you is far better
Video's and books are great tools.... but having a trained instructor, there, watching and helping you is far better
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Oceanside Ca
BRC and ERC when I had my Super Glide.
Got the Train and did the ERC again and MSF RiderCoach cert.
I also participated in 2 "track days" that we set up on the flightline here in Okinawa. Best training so far. Nice to be able to ride a little harder and not have to worry about traffic and blind curves, etc...
Looking forward to getting back to the states and doing some more rider training.
S/F
Freefall
Got the Train and did the ERC again and MSF RiderCoach cert.
I also participated in 2 "track days" that we set up on the flightline here in Okinawa. Best training so far. Nice to be able to ride a little harder and not have to worry about traffic and blind curves, etc...
Looking forward to getting back to the states and doing some more rider training.
S/F
Freefall
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Took the advanced riders course here in Alabama and it was well worth the time and money. Learned several new things about maneuvering and collision avoidance at higher speeds. I actually was able to successfully (thank goodness) apply one of the maneuvers the very next week after my training. I've been riding for thirty years and thought I knew everything but learned several new things in the course. My advice would be for everyone to go through it. Plus, got a 10% discount on insurance because of it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 0
From: St. Cloud Minnesota
Take it at least once and then you can make an informed decision. We have people in our club who put on a lot of miles per year and they take it every couple of years.
You are thinking that you may know if all, perhaps there is a better or safer way of doing things. We are human sometimes we have adopted bad driving or riding habits.
I have never heard anyone say that it was a waste of time after taking the Experienced Riders Course.
You are thinking that you may know if all, perhaps there is a better or safer way of doing things. We are human sometimes we have adopted bad driving or riding habits.
I have never heard anyone say that it was a waste of time after taking the Experienced Riders Course.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
+1 to all of the posts. I took it last year after 35+ years of riding 8 different bikes, initially for the insurance discount, I thought it was very worthwhile. So much so, I'm going to take it again with my son next year.
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