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OK, I'm thinking of taking the Riders Edge skilled rider course which would mean having to use my big ol' Ultra for the training. But, the thought of having to take those darn figure 8's and tight turns at slow speed are freaking me out and I'm wondering whether it's worth it or not. I'd be so pi$$ed off if I dropped my baby during some of the potential maneuvers.
I'm not a newbie, been riding 15K per year for the last 6 years with no problems or spills. But, that little voice in the back of my head keeps saying: "you're going to drop it, fool"!
So, my question for those who have taken the course with a touring bike, what am I up against? Is it an impossible task, or do cooler heads prevail and it works out? I'd be interested in your experiences with the course, and observations of other riders who were in your classes.
Thanks in advance!
go buy some pool noodles and put them on the crash bar, bag rail, etc. i took the ride like a pro course and they used the noodles. dont keep thinking you will drop it or you will. hope this helps.
I had the same concerns going into the Advanced Rider Course. Two bikes went down a total of three times during our training day. Luckily I wasn’t one of them. I learned a lot and left a lot better rider than when I started the course. I also left looking like Quagmire after he discovered ****. Make sure your clutch cable is lubed. You pretty much squeeze the lever for four hours.
I took the Ride Like a Pro course. It's supposed to be the same course motorcycle cops take. Sure didn't seem like an entry level class to me. They even let you repeat the class as often as you want for 1 year at no extra cost.
First time through there's a ton to learn and remember. And not many of the first timers, including myself, in my class could do everything. My biggest problem was getting out of my own heaf/fear of dropping the Ultra and beating my old habits. Doing a u turn in a 2 lane road is still something I struggle with. 2.5 lanes and I'm good. Pretty sure it's just a mental thing and more practice.
RLAP is NOT the same as motor school, not even close. Dont get me wrong, Id encourage anyone to take RLAP, its a great start, but motor school it is not.
I bought 1-1/4' and 7/8' stainless steel shaft collars to protect my engine and saddle bag guards. There is also a $400.00 option. It was to rich for my blood, thou.
Stainless steel shaft collars to protect engine and saddle bag guards.
I bought 1-1/4' and 7/8' stainless steel shaft collars to protect my engine and saddle bag guards. There is also a $400.00 option. It was to rich for my blood, thou.
Stainless steel shaft collars to protect engine and saddle bag guards.
This. One of the instructors in the advanced riders course I took last fall uses those on his Ultra. I will be buying those for my bike, so when I practice in a parking lot, or if I just goof up and drop my bike somewhere, the crash bars will have some protection.
When I took the course, I used pool noodles and zip ties for my crash bars, and took off my saddlebags when I arrived for the course. I brought a beach towel, and put it on a nearby lawn, and placed my saddle bags on it. Luckily, I didn't drop my bike. But, Murphy's Law states that if I didn't use the pool noodles and take off the bags.....
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Get pool noodles
