K11 Owners Group

ednap

Just wondered how many members have attended (and participated in) a professional rider training day.

Not just license training I mean advance rider training or similar.

Ed

Rider · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:27 am Post subject: Rider training

Ed,

I attended Reg Pridmore's Class several years ago and it was excellent and a lot of fun too.
_________________
2007 650 Burgman, 2003 400 Burgman

Some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you.

ednap · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 3:04 am Post subject:

I have been a rider on and off for quite a few years (I'm now 45) but I have noticed there is an increase in the number of advanced rider training courses advertised in bike magazines etc. Some offered by ex-police riders too.

Not sure if I want to go but am certainly interested in knowing how many in this user group have participated in these type of sessions and what their views are.

Recently I gave my oldest son an advanced driver training course ticket for his 21st Birthday which he thoroughly enjoyed. Said he had a ball and learnt a lot too. Got me thinking Smile

Ed

Phil Marvin · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 10:01 am Post subject:

Hi, Ed,
There are courses, and there are courses. Some are conducted by current or retired racers. Reg Pridmore and his son come to mind - both conduct schools, and they're by far not the only ones. But the most common courses here in the USA are those of the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). I'm too old to have begun riding by taking the beginner's course (started riding in 1965), but I've taken the ERC (Experienced Riders' course) a number of times. In many cases, your insurance company gives a discount for successful completion of a motorcycle safety course. Mine does, and I come out ahead balancing the cost of the course vs the discount given. I need to retake the course, I believe, every 5 years to keep the discount. I'd guess many, many more of us in the USA have taken the MSF courses than have taken a track school.
Ride Safe,
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

MCRyder · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:

I completed an MSF course a number of years ago after years of riding (I was the oldest one there) it showed me things I needed to work on. I've also done an ERC and felt much more at home since most of the riders where older or at least my age, it helped me sharpen up my riding skills. Someday soon I'm gonna do a Reg Pridmore or Keith Code school. My son (15) recently completed an MSF course (he was the youngest one there) and when he's old enough I'll get him in one of those schools.
The more you know, kthe better the ride.
_________________
Mark Rooney
Tyler, TX
'93 K11RS
http://community.webshots.com/user/zgryder

Guest · Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 3:57 pm Post subject:

My father taught me to ride a bike and drive a car off road when I was 8 or 9, and then taught me drive/ride on-road when I was old enough. That was all the training I’ve had. You have to do compulsory training now, which is a good thing. One of the best advanced rider training courses over here in the UK is run by the Police. By all accounts it’s run by motorcycle enthusiastic police offices and it’s a bit of a gas as well as being a good course. I’m planning on doing it sometime soon.

David.

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:41 am Post subject:

Idaho Star Advanced Motorcycle Safety Course. Lots of slow speed manuvering, braking, and handling techniques. One day from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Shocked

_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

ednap · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 7:06 pm Post subject:

Interesting that even though most people suggest it is a worthwhile activity it is still only a 50/50 split between people who have and have not attended a rider instruction course.

Maybe it's also like so many things it is hard to find the time these days?

Ed
_________________
Ed Napiorkowski
95 K1100LT
Police White

crimbo · Guest

As mentioned by the guest, the police forces in the UK run a Bikesafe scheme which is run by their bike enthusiasts. The police here ride to a system called Roadcraft, you can buy the book. The course covers the Attitude section in classroom and general points about positioning and observation. They then do observed rides with about 3 riders to one officer. It can be fairly intimidating to have this guy following your for 20-30 miles or so. They then give you a review and points to work on. The intention is that you then go for further training with the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

They are excellent value for money.

When I attended it was the first course they had had to run in the rain, and boy did it rain. This gave me a great deal of confidence because I must admit that I do tend to avoid setting of in the rain.

Paul

crimbo · Guest

I posted twice so this is the deletion!