Motorcycle Training For the Seasoned Rider

1. Training Is Never Ending

For the vast majority, the decision to begin your motorcycle riding journey began with getting that "motorcycle" endorsement added to your driver's license. This means that you took some sort of safety course and for some, this also meant that they learned to ride a motorcycle during this process. Those early lessons were your basic riding instructions into a whole new world that is hopefully a major part of your life now. You learned much by yourself, some of your friends, and hopefully, you will continue to become a better rider through training designed for the "experienced" rider. 

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2. Humbling Experiences

Just about every rider on the road had that humbling experience with that turn that you were really sure you could negotiate, that tar slick on the road that came out of nowhere, or that time where you just forgot to put your kickstand down after you backed into that spot at the bar. You gained experience every time you rode and hopefully, those lessons did not involve a trip to the body shop or the hospital. Motorcycling is inherently dangerous, but then again, that is one of the reasons many of us do it. Experiences, both good and bad hopefully encouraged you to learn and to continue to gain skills. Both men and women who ride motorcycles for a living with multi-million dollar sponsors will tell you that training is always evolving and our machines are much more capable than what we can throw at them (most of the time). 

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3. Basic Rider's Course

In the mid 70's the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) develop the Basic Rider's Coruse (BRC) which walks aspiring riders through the basics of riding. The BRC covers basic riding principles which are building blocks for any rider. Refresher courses are available through community colleges, private institutions, motorcycle dealerships, and non-profit organizations. Even experienced riders find themselves having issues completing that figure eight turn on the BRC so, refreshing every couple of years is not a bad idea. California, Florida, and Texas - to name a few states, offer the BRC and refresher courses at no cost from time to time. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or visit the MSF's website for information. 

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4. Advanced Rider's Course

During the BRC you learn to ride your motorcycle safely. Maybe you have done a couple of refresher courses and you have moved up to a cruiser or even a sports bike. What now? the MSF also offers the Advanced Rider's Course (ARC). This course, unlike the BRC where you ride a smaller bike which is provided for you, requires you to bring that Limited or Sreetglide you have been riding and feel pretty comfortable on. The course, which is fairly intense, teaches riders with a lot of miles under their belt to push the bike to its stability limits which will make you a far superior rider in those twisties up the mountain or that 180-degree turn on a tight street with a passenger. The course tends to frustrate students a bit as their "expert" rider status is challenged. The reality is that many riders skip out on training which could have prevented that embarrassing incident or worse. The ARC is far less available free of charge but is well worth the investment. When asked why not participate in an advanced course many riders reply "because I know how to ride and I don't want to drop my bike" - maybe laying down that cruiser on its engine guard on a controlled environment while pushing your (and the machine's) limits may be worth that scratch or two. 

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5. Cruiser Vs. Sport Bike

What makes a better rider? A cruiser motorcycle or a sports bike? this is one of those questions for which you will get a million answers, all different, and all somewhat emotional. The truth is that each type of motorcycle requires a particular skill. While fundamentals are the same, the weight, power, center of gravity, and other factors require the rider to learn techniques unique to each type of motorcycle. So why not take the ARC for sport bikes if you are cruiser rider and the one for cruisers if you are sport bike rider? Besides the MSF, there are riding academies that offer a variety of courses from drag racing to wheelies, to touring and trailer towing. Specialty training available, sometimes at a reasonable price (as compared to anything your purchase for your motorcycle) is out there, even if you have mastered your machine past the abilities of the lot of us. 

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6. Its All About Improvement

In a perfect world, we all get a little bit better every season. We ride constantly and we improve every day. The reality is that like any other sport, practice and leaving your comfort zone is the only real way to improve and become a better rider. The problem is that many riders leave that "comfort zone" in the street or on the highway which is, needless to say, not the best idea. A controlled environment where you receive positive and professional feedback has proven itself to be a far superior way to learn new skills. 

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For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.