Training--Looking to increase my riding skills

[4bobo]

I am having a ball riding my new bike but I also know that my enjoyment will increase as my riding skills increase.

I am open to suggestions on how to become a better rider.

I have the Ride Like a Pro DVD but I think there are better alternatives.

Are there in-person courses out there--something like the MSF course but more Gold Wing focused?

I know BMW has motorcycle courses for their customers in South Carolina--Does Honda have anything similar?

Thanks!

[F6B1911]

I am having a ball riding my new bike but I also know that my enjoyment will increase as my riding skills increase.
I am open to suggestions on how to become a better rider.
I have the Ride Like a Pro DVD but I think there are better alternatives.
Are there in-person courses out there--something like the MSF course but more Gold Wing focused?
I know BMW has motorcycle courses for their customers in South Carolina--Does Honda have anything similar?
Thanks!

That's a great question. I started riding back in 1972, my first bike was a 250cc dirt bike.
Rode quite a few bikes over the years and never really had any formal training.
Always wondered what I could gain in a MSF course other than an additional discount on my insurance.
I'd love to hear some feedback from this group who have gone through a MSF course, or any other training.

1) did you come out of a course with anything more than you expected?
2) do you feel like you are a "better" / "safer" rider after?
3) would you recommend it?

[fxdl2051]

Some videos I highly recommend are Keith Codes Twist of the Wrist and Street Smarts all available at Amazon. Watching these Will make you a smarter, safer more skilled rider. I like Jerry Paladinos stuff and would love to take his class. I did a day class modeled after his approach that taught me a lot as did the MSF courses. I've been riding for 30 years, but these videos, especially Keith's taught me a lot more than I ever learned on my own.

[hiflyer]

Guys check this out. This is a course you take on YOUR bike. I've been an MSF Ridercoach for a long time, and highly recommend. Do this first, then you can look for even more advanced training. I even recommend experienced riders take the Basic Rider Course. You'll be surprised at how much better a rider you can become. Good Luck! This is but one video available on you tube, check out more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8Tte5YPN0

[Cheesyryder]

Took the basic course (and yea, advanced riders might get MORE out of this course then the beginners), also took the advanced rider training (called bike bonding) Probably do both over to get used to the F6'er (and the effect of the shaft)

[Lancer]

Msf course was very eye opening to what I didn't know, even after riding on/off for 25 years. I came home showing my buddies the tricks I learned. It was especially helpful in slow speed maneuvers. I will go back and take the advanced class soon on my F6B. I'll most likely go back to the beginner with each of my kids when they hit 16: just so when they get on a bike (and i know they will whether im around or not) they will know what they are doing.

[Scotrod]

I'd say the Advanced Riders Course would be a good recomendation. They have 'em here in TX, but not 'free',,,

[shooter]

Guys I may be crazy but sometimes I dedicate an hour or two to improving my skills. I'll hit a really curvy local road one up and push it a little even creating scenarios to avoid. Sometimes I go out in my parking lot at my business and practice slow speed maneuvers with some cones. Sometimes I practice with my girl on back. For me it helps. Oh , I've been riding since I was 11. I'm 56 now. Never too old to learn something.

[4bobo]

I'd say the Advanced Riders Course would be a good recomendation. They have 'em here in TX, but not 'free',,,

I am not looking for free. Happy to pay for the right instruction. Can you point me in the right direction?

[53driver]

Just to clear up some MSF nomenclature -

- the Basic Rider Course (BRC) is for beginners or anyone riding on a permit who is still unsure of their basic skill set. It is 5 hours of classroom, and 12 hours of Range time on the "trainer" bikes. If the written and skills tests are passed, the Permit is stamped and becomes a Class M license.

- The Basic Rider 2 Course (BRC2) - aka the Experienced Rider Course up until a few years ago - is a one day class where you bring your own bike. The skills and exercises are more advanced than the BRC, but it is still a class where people riding with permits can get a stamp for a Class M license. I ran a group of 12 Ride Captains from the local club and sure enough, the ones who "already knew everything and were just here for giggles" were the ones who actually failed the class. The other 10 riders took it seriously, and walked away, self admittedly, better riders than they were at 8 AM that morning. I can vouch that it has been an eye opener for anyone who has taken it from me -not because of me, but because I watched their faces as the light bulb got brighter and brighter...

- The Advanced Rider Course (ARC) is another one day event, but should not be taken lightly. You need to be thoroughly familiar with your bike and self confident in your own abilities taking this course. This is not a licensing course and does not pander to a "desired outcome." It is focused on making better riders. I am taking this course on the F6B on 1 Nov here in Philadelphia.

hiflyer: Thanks for that video - I work with Joyce and Chris in the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, PAMSP.
All our courses are free to anyone with a PA license, or Active Duty Military serving on a base in PA, or a civilian working on a military base in PA who must conform to the rules of the base if they are to ride on the base and that includes taking a course every three years (we have lots of Jersey folks who like free rather than the $250 for the MSF NJ courses.)

I honestly cannot wait to put this "6" through the ARC. I know we are both going to learn new things that day.
Cheers,
Steve