How Much More Difficult Is the MSF ERC than the BRC?

[RockBottom]

Here's the scoop--I just started riding in June. Took the BRC in July with a couple of hundred miles of experience and failed. Have since practiced religiously--now have about 3500 miles in a variety of situations, including regular parking lot/orange cone practice. I'm able to get a slot in a session of the ERC, but not in the BRC (it's all booked up). I asked the coach if I could take the ERC with a learner's permit and without having passed the BRC, and he said yes.

My inclination is to take it. Even if I don't pass, I figure more coaching is always a good thing. Anyone think differently?

Thanks.

[koji52]

Doesn't the ERC require you to use your own bike? I guess if you feel comfortable with doing the maneuvers on your bike at the risk that you might drop it, then go for it man. If you've been doing regular practice on your own bike, i'd think you'd be fine. Apparently though, according to my instructor, the course gets smaller (box for figure eights is smaller, etc.)

[Lion_Lady]

Doesn't the ERC require you to use your own bike? I guess if you feel comfortable with doing the maneuvers on your bike at the risk that you might drop it, then go for it man. If you've been doing regular practice on your own bike, i'd think you'd be fine. Apparently though, according to my instructor, the course gets smaller (box for figure eights is smaller, etc.)

You'll do several of the same exercises in the ERC that you did in the BRC. Plus a couple more challenging ones. I'd say it will probably be very useful for you. The "Box" is acually larger for the ERC to allow for the Ultra-Glyde's etc to do the maneuver without totally freaking out the riders (we've got a MD insturctor that can do the U-turns on his Road King bagger with his wife on the back... using only HALF of the box).

P

[RockBottom]

Doesn't the ERC require you to use your own bike? I guess if you feel comfortable with doing the maneuvers on your bike at the risk that you might drop it, then go for it man. If you've been doing regular practice on your own bike, i'd think you'd be fine. Apparently though, according to my instructor, the course gets smaller (box for figure eights is smaller, etc.)

You'll do several of the same exercises in the ERC that you did in the BRC. Plus a couple more challenging ones. I'd say it will probably be very useful for you. The "Box" is acually larger for the ERC to allow for the Ultra-Glyde's etc to do the maneuver without totally freaking out the riders (we've got a MD insturctor that can do the U-turns on his Road King bagger with his wife on the back... using only HALF of the box).

P

Thanks. I'm approaching it with the attitude that I don't really expect to pass, but will get some useful coaching. I literally just got back from a parking lot trying to do a four space U turn on my bike and muffed it every single time I tried.

[Shorts]

The ERC moves and bit quicker but I think it's a bit more fun than BRC. Since attendees already know how to ride, it takes a bit of the stress out of the class and you're able to focus a bit more on the drills themselves rather than operating the bike.

[koji52]

Nice...I think i'm gonna try to take it next summer...looking forward to taking it.

[leo764]

Sounds like me in june...i was on the same boat...i took the BRC in June...failed...i bought a bike...got some experience and got comfortable with the bike...i didnt wanna have to go thru the BRC again...so for the hell of it...took the ERC....and passed....about 3 months later....it's not much different than the BRC...i'd go for it if i were u...i was nervous, but it's pretty much the same as the BRC exercises...you'll do good if your comfortable with your bike...Good Luck!

[jonnythan]

It's basically the range portion of the BRC but on your own bike.

It's easy.

[the_sandman_454]

Also, make sure to check to see whether your state recognizes the ERC for licensing purposes or whether they only accept the BRC for that, if that is a potential concern for you.

I don't know about your state, but MI only accepts the BRC in lieu of the licensing skills test.

[RockBottom]

Also, make sure to check to see whether your state recognizes the ERC for licensing purposes or whether they only accept the BRC for that, if that is a potential concern for you.

I don't know about your state, but MI only accepts the BRC in lieu of the licensing skills test.

It's the same here on the license--the BRC does not do that. I have the regular test at the DVM scheduled for later in the month.