Rider Training - who has done it?

[Lumpy Idle]

i just got my April copy of Citybike (won't be released online for a few weeks) and in it was a great article by Kerri Dougherty on CMSP training. good timing as this comes right on the heals of the recent posts about women riders. She talks about what it takes to be come a rider instructor: spoiler, its actually a lot of work. If you are in the s.f. bay area pick up the april edition of Citybike and check it out. for those who are not local i will post again when it goes up on the citybike site.

how many of us have taken any sort of rider training? Are any of the Wild Guzzi flock rider instructors?

[twowings]

My son and I took the Basic Rider course through a local community college...$200.00 bucks/each and big savings on insurance and no riding test to get m/c license just written...

[Wayne Orwig]

I was an instructor for a few years. I had to give it up when my normal job interfered with it too much.

A close friend of mine here in Georgia, is traveling to California next week. He is training people to become instructors in Fort Bragg California. (not to be confused with Fort Bragg in the Carolinas.)

Now that I am retired, it would be more pratical for me to become an instructor again. But then, there is that standing on a paved lot in 100F temperatures all day. My friend has a major problem with malanoma.

[LowRyter]

I've been to 3 MSF courses, 2 advanced and a sportbike class.  They were required to ride my bike to my place of employment.

Highly recommended.  After that, do a basic track day. 

[Johncolleary]

Ive taken the MSF course a couple of times took Reg Pridmore's school 3 times and California Superbike school once, and Streetmasters once .
It's always good to stimulate the brain with a little different information.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

I took the advance motorcycle course twice. I have also done multiple track days on a few road courses in Wisconsin and Illinois.  Always an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Not only am I a better motorcyclist but a better automobile driver as well.

Mario

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yep. Sidecar too. Very worthwhile. Like any training, it'll get you experienced enough to "learn while you earn." 

[Sasquatch Jim]

 In 81 the Coast guard required it to ride on base in Honolulu.  I took the advanced course since I had been riding 16 years at that time.  It was fun.  BTW, the Coast Guard paid the bill.  I did it on a 650 Yamaha.

[wheaties]

I only started riding about 5 years ago.  In Connecticut, the MSF course is mandatory to getting an M on your license.  The course takes the place of the DMV practical.  I believe that's the story in lots of US states today.

Matt

[drdwb]

I was in undergrad school 1979 St.Cloud Mn. It fit requirements of general ed credits. They had so many students they didn’t have enough bikes, ( 250 dirt bikes) I already had my endorsement, so they let me use my Yamaha XS750, It was on the State Hiway Patrol course paved and some banked curves. Lots of fun and got credits too. Both my wife and one of my daughters took the MSF course. My wife and I often talk about taking a track day/week  course but just haven’t found the time to do it. Any one recommend a good one?
Dave

[toolittletime]

I've been an MSF Rider Coach for 10 years now.......should have started sooner.  Also was an Instructor for the Idaho STAR program for a few years.
The STAR 2 day Precision Riding Clinic is second to none. The youtube link is below.

https://youtu.be/zPGSll-DvEc

I personally like teaching the MSF Basic 1 class, as it introduces new riders to the sport in the correct fashion, and gets them headed in the right direction. After the class we always get great reviews.  I also have taught a lot of GWRRA classes, (they have their own curriculum), Bike,Trike, Trailer, Sidecar classes all over the Northwest. When I started teaching GWRRA classes I was under the false assumption that anyone owning a bike that size surely knew how to ride..........not so much!!! It has been a source of great accomplishment over the last 10 years knowing how many people we have helped, and literally have saved lives!!!
Best thing about the MSF class location that I go to is the scenery............ ..right in the shadow of Glacier National Park in Kalispell MT. Everyone should do themselves a favor and take some kind of class every couple of years.......amazing how it will help your confidence level!

Tim

[rodekyll]

I have not taken an rider class, but I've done presentations and demonstrations for the classes (was a friend of an instructor).  I've stayed to observe the classes, too.  The bunch I was involved with were no-nonsense instructors, with a generally very good class in terms of diligence and attitude.  I saw one guy get exited for abusing the class-provided bike.  Based on what I saw (I was being critical), I'd recommend the course to anyone with a curiosity about it.

I've been at it long enough that I get grandfathered into the unlimited class in any state I apply for a license.  I learned the ropes the old fashioned way -- riding my crap Harley ironhead and BSA "chopper" on the powerline roads, well before I was legal to ride on the street.  By the time I qualified for a license, I had several thousand miles on the dirt roads.  Back then the license was one-size-fits-all and easy to pass the driving test -- the applicant chased the examiner and was followed by another through a street course.  If you didn't die on the street, you passed.  The written test was a bear.  I still remember I missed the questions of haow far behind a schoolbus I needed to stop and how far before a turn I needed to signal.  I was too conservative on both.

[jwinwi]

I only started riding about 5 years ago.  In Connecticut, the MSF course is mandatory to getting an M on your license.  The course takes the place of the DMV practical.  I believe that's the story in lots of US states today.

Matt

I believe not enough states require it.

[kingoffleece]

After over 40 years on motorcycles, I took the Stayin Safe over the road 2 day class.  I learned so much I went back two years later to take it again.  That was several years ago.  I'm taking a class this season with our own Jon D and will get another Stayin Safe or Riding in the Zone before too much longer.

[Sheepdog]

I took the MSF course when I worked on an Air Force base. It was required (along with certain PPE) to operate a bike on a military reservation.

[Guzzi Gal]

My husband and I have taken the MSF BRC and our son will as soon as he is old enough because it will make him a much safer car driver.

[fossil]

Interesting thread. How are those rider trainings and who performs them in the States? I will attend a training next month, here in Germany those trainings are done by the ADAC on certain test courses (I will attend this one: https://fsz-hansa.de/motorrad/adac-motorrad-intensiv-training/ ). Three weeks later I will attend a further training. This is exactly the course on which I test rode the V9 Roamer and a year later the V7 III, I reported both rides here. And on both rides I discovered there is a lot to learn for me...

[chuck peterson]

After taking the advanced course, I was really amazed I hadn't died yet....

[tasdisr]

I have had my license for over 40 years and had planned on taking the MSF basic course with my son who wanted to get his license and a bike. We both completed the classroom training, but about 2 days before the actual hands on training I injured my back and could hardly drive a car much less a bike. My son completed it and got his license and I am hoping to take the course this year.

[wrbix]

 :1: on the StayinSafe course. Teresa and I may well repeat it this year. They also have an Adventure course that's reported to be 70/30% road/off road.

[Lumpy Idle]

Interesting thread. How are those rider trainings and who performs them in the States?...

here is a link to the california highway patrol FAQ for these classes.

http://cmsp.msi5.com/faq.php

[JJ]

I have taken the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) "Experienced Rider Weekend Class" four (4) times now.

Also took the Keith Code Superbike School Class twice (2), once at Laguna Seca, once at Phoenix Firebird International Raceway.

All well worth the time and money spent. :1:

[Kiwi_Roy]

My older Brother taught me to ride on the gravel roads in New Zealand, I got my licence easy enough and had several old Brit bikes.
I rode until I was about 21 and could afford a beat up old car.
After that a motorcycle was just something I rode occasionally at the weekend.
I married and we started a family never gave a thought to owning a bike.

After a 40 year hiatus I had to give up running, my Wife suggested I buy a bike and took an active part in the search but she insisted that I had to go to riding school first, I didn't argue because the thought of riding in heavy traffic was a worry.
The riding school was the best investment I ever made, they taught us how to own the road and gave me confidence in handling city traffic.
Of course I learned that there's no fun in city traffic anyway out on the windy back roads is where a motorcycle comes into its own.
On a recent trip back to Aotearoa I rode many of the roads I learnt to ride on along with my two Brothers, all sealed now but just as much fun.

[roadscum]

I've taken several MSF rider training courses as well as track day training. Before retiring to Florida I was an MSF instructor/rider coach in upstate NY. I no longer instruct but do return to class every 2-3 years to refresh my skills under the eyes of the very skilled and qualified MSF team here in Florida. Ya can be too skilled, have too much money, or too much sex. 

If you've been riding for years and think you know all there is to know about safe riding and have the skills to put that knowledge to you'd be wrong unless you've had training and keep the skills sharp.

The MSF instructor process is intense and rigorous, only the dedicated and very capable complete it and are certified. Only about 30% of my class cut the mustard.

To the best of my knowledge only MFS certified instructors are allowed to patriciate/contribute during the training in any way. No local dude whatsoever, no matter how qualified they  think they may be. 

Paul

Paul

[roadscum]

I've taken several MSF rider training courses as well as track day training. Before retiring to Florida I was an MSF instructor/rider coach in upstate NY. I no longer instruct but do return to class every 2-3 years to refresh my skills under the eyes of the very skilled and qualified MSF team here in Florida. Ya can be too skilled, have too much money, or too much sex. 

If you've been riding for years and think you know all there is to know about safe riding and have the skills to put that knowledge to you'd be wrong unless you've had training and keep the skills sharp.

The MSF instructor process is intense and rigorous, only the dedicated and very capable complete it and are certified. Only about 30% of my class cut the mustard.To the best of my knowledge only MFS certified instructors are allowed to patriciate/contribute during the training in any way. No local dude whatsoever, no matter how qualified they  think they may be. 

Paul

[Vagrant]

After over 40 years on motorcycles, I took the Stayin Safe over the road 2 day class.  I learned so much I went back two years later to take it again.  That was several years ago.  I'm taking a class this season with our own Jon D and will get another Stayin Safe or Riding in the Zone before too much longer.

Same here. best money I ever spent! hard to believe how little I knew after 45 years and 500,000 miles.

[John A]

I completed a law enforcement motorcycle course and I have a certificate  that says I am qualified in advance patrol and persuit. It was in the 80's in Shreveport. A week long with classroom but mostly riding. I'm sure it has saved my butt more times than I know. I'd like a refresher, it's natural that a rider develops bad habits over the years, I'd like to identify them and get better.

[kirkemon]

It wasn't around when I started riding (1960's) but I think it's a good thing for newer riders.

[Tom H]

I have been debating on posting to this. I will....

Been riding about 40 years, I ride 80 percent and drive 20 percent. I hate driving in traffic of So. Cal..

To me, a basic safety course seems like it would be a waste of time and money. With that said, if a person that has never ridden and wants to learn to ride, I would 100 percent tell them to take a safety course.

My good or bad habits have kept me well over the years (watch me get splattered tomorrow after writing this). I have seriously considered an advanced riding course, maybe a track day type course to improve my cornering confidence for twisty type roads. I have lost that due to a few drops in corners with a nice wet spot in them. When I was young, I'd just cheaply fix the bike, but now to fix the bike would not be cheap. Maybe the cost is the issue?

I ride mostly freeways, so my skills have developed to them. Watch all the lanes, work my way through stopped traffic carefully, pass the idiots that can't safely go a posted speed limit.

Just my thoughts on this,
Tom

[Motormike]

Timely topic.  In a little over two weeks I ride up to Spartanburg, SC for the BMW On Road riding academy.  Hope it's a dry day!  Looking forward to it.  The last course I took was Lee Parks Total Control several years ago.  I'm overdue for a refresher.