MSF Advanced Rider Course

[frayne]

If so, what did you think ?

 

[Ignacio]

Took it about two months after I got my FJR and it was the first formal motorcycle training I ever had.

Growing up riding dirtbikes on farm just a year after you get your first bicycle.......ya kinda already know a bunch about riding bikes.

However, it was phenomenal for me to learn my limits and weaknesses on pavement. I also realized one can push harder and differently into corners than I previously thought.

It was worth it to me.

 

[Fencer]

Took it about two months after I got my FJR and it was the first formal motorcycle training I ever had.However, it was phenomenal for me to learn my limits and weaknesses on pavement. I also realized one can push harder and differently into corners than I previously thought.

It was worth it to me.

+1

 

[cougar8000]

Great one day course. But let's not forget to attend the basic one every five years as well for refresher.

 

[james1300]

You need the training. I had fun, Ive been riding for 38 years.

Its worth the time.

 

[James Burleigh]

I've taken the experienced rider course twice, the second time when I got the FJR. I think it's worthwhile. It's a half-day of exercises on your own bike. You practice slow-speed maneuvers, as well as swerving and braking and other techniques, like braking in a turn. As one who knows that those who take these classes are under-represented in the accident statistics, I take 'em whenever I can (can afford it).

When I chatted once with an MSF instructor, noting I'd taken the first and second courses and wished there were a third, he said do a racetrack course. So I took the Pridmore one, which I don't recommend. This fall if I can find $500, I'd like to take the Keith Code one.

Jb

 

[FJR_pig]

It was worth it to me.

I agree. I've taken it three times since 1999. Totally worth it.

Edit: I might add that you probably want to ensure you've got 50% rubber on your tires at the start of the day, too.

 

[CAJW]

I've taken the experienced rider course twice, the second time when I got the FJR. I think it's worthwhile. It's a half-day of exercises on your own bike. You practice slow-speed maneuvers, as well as swerving and braking and other techniques, like braking in a turn. As one who knows that those who take these classes are under-represented in the accident statistics, I take 'em whenever I can (can afford it).
When I chatted once with an MSF instructor, noting I'd taken the first and second courses and wished there were a third, he said do a racetrack course. So I took the Pridmore one, which I don't recommend. This fall if I can find $500, I'd like to take the Keith Code one.

Jb

+1 on MSF ERC - I've coached a few and had the students comment that they learned a lot from doing some so called "simple" exercises. Personally, when I practice the drills it reminds me that maximum braking is a practiced art, not necessarily a natural one.

+1 on Keith Code - I've spent some beneficial $ on different levels of his cornering school and besides helping give you more confidence, it's a hoot!

 

[kulwen]

When I chatted once with an MSF instructor, noting I'd taken the first and second courses and wished there were a third, he said do a racetrack course. So I took the Pridmore one, which I don't recommend. This fall if I can find $500, I'd like to take the Keith Code one.
Jb

I am currently working to be a MSF instructor. My Instructor trainer told me Sunday MSF is about to release a new program which is between the ERC and a track school. In a few weeks he is going to a seminar put on by MSF about teachin it.

 

[FJRMGM]

I took it a couple of years ago for the first time on a Katana 1100 and it was a fun day spent showing the guys on cruisers how some bikes will corner and stop as opposed to what the cruiser would do.

By the end of the afternoon the instructor was having me do "extra" manuevers just because I could.

 

[dhalen32]

When I chatted once with an MSF instructor, noting I'd taken the first and second courses and wished there were a third, he said do a racetrack course. So I took the Pridmore one, which I don't recommend. This fall if I can find $500, I'd like to take the Keith Code one.
Jb

I am currently working to be a MSF instructor. My Instructor trainer told me Sunday MSF is about to release a new program which is between the ERC and a track school. In a few weeks he is going to a seminar put on by MSF about teachin it.

The new course will be released soon and should bridge the gap nicely between the ERC and a track school. It will be a range only format with some "roadside discussions" to talk about concepts of interest to experienced riders such as alternate cornering techniques and traction management. It will require an additional separate certification for the RiderCoaches teaching it and will allow just 8 students maximum due to the higher speeds and greater level of difficulty than a BRC or ERC course. I first rode it as a student on my Buell Ulysses and kept thinking "there is no way I can swerve these bags around that barrier at that speed", but I was eventually able to meet the speed requirement. We did lose one RiderCoach Trainer due to a crash during the swerve then brake maneuver on the first day. I have never been quite so intimidated on a training range before.

 

[Bike Effects]

If so, what did you think ?

I have done this one twice. Very valuable. I'm due to do it again.

 

[James Burleigh]

I first rode it as a student on my Buell Ulysses and kept thinking "there is no way I can swerve these bags around that barrier at that speed", but I was eventually able to meet the speed requirement. We did lose one RiderCoach Trainer due to a crash during the swerve then brake maneuver on the first day. I have never been quite so intimidated on a training range before.

I would like to set up some practice evasive maneuvers equivalent to sitting in traffic at a light and a car is flying at you too fast. You need to be able from stop to quickly do a right or left turn (if at the front of the light), or dive up between cars to the left or right.

The other thing I'd like to practice is high-speed swerving. And I mean violently pushing my bars left and right or right and left at freeway speed. I need better rapid response on freeways, but I'm afraid to really test the limits of what happens when you're going 80 mph and you just shove the bar.

Looking forward to that class. I'm in!

Jb

 

[huchieglide]

I signed up for the class to be taught this weekend here in Medford. Buttt.... it was cancelled due to lack of sign ups. Bummer. I have heard it is a good class and was looking forward to it. If I want to take it this year I will need to go up to the Portland area.

 

[donaldb]

The other thing I'd like to practice is high-speed swerving. And I mean violently pushing my bars left and right or right and left at freeway speed. I need better rapid response on freeways, but I'm afraid to really test the limits of what happens when you're going 80 mph and you just shove the bar.
Looking forward to that class. I'm in!

Jb

Do it JB!

I practice that maneuver frequently while traveling on the interstate. Pick out a imaginary spot up ahead and make the emergency swerve, a sharp/quick push hard/forceful forward and down either the right or left bar. It happens so fast you'll miss it if you blink and it is amazing how stable the bike remains, the gyro effects right the bike back up.

I do this often on longer trips to not only practice and get comfortable doing it and gaining confidence, but it also breaks up the ride some as well.

 

[James Burleigh]

I practice that maneuver frequently while traveling on the interstate. Pick out a imaginary spot up ahead and make the emergency swerve, a sharp/quick push hard/forceful forward and down either the right or left bar. It happens so fast you'll miss it if you blink and it is amazing how stable the bike remains, the gyro effects right the bike back up.
I do this often on longer trips to not only practice and get comfortable doing it and gaining confidence, but it also breaks up the ride some as well.

All right, DB, I'll give it a try when out in the open on the freeway. I think where I tend to err is that I feel like I have to lean with the bike, and so the swerve is not as rapid as it can / should be. I remember my MSF Experienced Rider coach saying to not lean, just push left and right while upright. Is that your experience / method?

 

[CAJW]

I practice that maneuver frequently while traveling on the interstate. Pick out a imaginary spot up ahead and make the emergency swerve, a sharp/quick push hard/forceful forward and down either the right or left bar. It happens so fast you'll miss it if you blink and it is amazing how stable the bike remains, the gyro effects right the bike back up.
I do this often on longer trips to not only practice and get comfortable doing it and gaining confidence, but it also breaks up the ride some as well.

All right, DB, I'll give it a try when out in the open on the freeway. I think where I tend to err is that I feel like I have to lean with the bike, and so the swerve is not as rapid as it can / should be. I remember my MSF Experienced Rider coach saying to not lean, just push left and right while upright. Is that your experience / method?

Good idea to practice swerving, bad idea to start at freeway speeds. Find a deserted parking lot and press right to go right, or left to go left keeping your body upright and let the bike work underneath you. The sequence should be a press, press maneuver, with the second press in the direction to get you back on track. I.e. swerving to the left around an object should be a quick left, right. Better yet, take the ERC and they'll give you the instruction that will help keep you safe while practicing. MSF has you at around the 15 mph mark while doing this, but again, get in a ERC class and get the right info to practice the correct methods.

 

[James Burleigh]

Good idea to practice swerving, bad idea to start at freeway speeds. Find a deserted parking lot and press right to go right, or left to go left keeping your body upright and let the bike work underneath you. The sequence should be a press, press maneuver, with the second press in the direction to get you back on track. I.e. swerving to the left around an object should be a quick left, right. Better yet, take the ERC and they'll give you the instruction that will help keep you safe while practicing. MSF has you at around the 15 mph mark while doing this, but again, get in a ERC class and get the right info to practice the correct methods.

Thank you, CAJW. BTDT. I've taken the basic and the experienced twice, plus a track course. Done plenty of swerving practice. So what we're talking about is advanced swerving drills, specifically at higher speeds. Jb

 

[Captain B]

ERC once last year- a definite do-over. Plan on taking it every 2-3 years. Add the Keith Code track course next year, I hope, and the new MSF course in the future. If I line these up I can take one course per year plus personal practice in-between. Oh, and there are a couple of muni's locally who are MSF instructors who do a course called "Ride-like-us" advanced police training. Plus, the Dragon, etc. Yes, I am compulsive about becoming a better rider - every day. My personal goal is to become an MSF instructor some day so I can "give back", but time and family situations do not allow that just now.