Motorcycle Rider Training

December 20 2010 by Jason Fogelson

iStock_000012535518XSmall.jpgRiding a motorcycle is not like riding a bicycle.

Once you have learned how to ride a bicycle, your body doesn't forget. It remembers, and it just takes a few moments to regain your ability to ride after a long layoff.

Don't make the same mistake with a motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle is much more complex, and much riskier, than riding a bicycle, and if you haven't ridden for a while, you should consider taking a training course before you attempt to ride on public roads again.

Luckily, motorcycle rider training courses abound in the United States. There's even an unofficial guide to training courses online, so it's easy to find a course near you. A side benefit to taking a training course is that many insurance companies will give you a discount on your rate if you take an approved course. Harley-Davidson owners who are members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) can get a pin and a patch when they notify the organization that they have completed a course. The real benefit to rider training is that you will be a safer, better rider, and you will get more out of your riding experience every time you swing a leg over your bike.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has graduated over 5.7 million riders from MSF RiderCourses since 1974, an impressive number to be sure. I have taken the MSF Experienced RiderCourse, and even with thousands of miles behind me, I felt like I learned new and important lessons. In fact, I was shocked and dismayed at some of the bad habits that I had developed during my riding career, and I have since worked to become a safer and better rider. It's a continuing quest, and one that I intend to pursue throughout my riding years.

The MSF is not the only option when it comes to rider training. There are also many private schools for rider training, including several that are run by former motorcycle racers. Former 500 cc champion rider Kevin Schwantz's Schwantz School operates at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, and Keith Code's California Superbike School sets up shop at various track locations in the West. Each school groups riders by experience and ability levels, and neither is confined to sportbike riders. Cruisers, touring riders and even off-roaders are welcome, and will benefit from coaching by experienced professional teachers.

One-on-one private training is also an option, though you must do your research and make sure that your instructor is professional and experienced. Don't ask a friend to teach you how to ride, and don't rely on a relative. It's actually more dangerous for an experienced rider to accompany an inexperienced rider on a training run, because the experienced rider may become more focused on helping their friend than on their own safety. Stick to professional situations, and use common sense.

Most importantly, get out there and get riding. You've got the winter months to investigate so that you can start training as soon as the weather turns. There's fun to be had - let's make sure that it's safe fun!

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