2/3rds don't take a safety class....

[OreoGaborio]

The MSF classes are ok, better then the way I learne. But they could be alot better. I really don't think they are teach you much. When you are in a park lot, all things are easy to do . But on the street , when a car , a dear or what ever runs out in front of you 50% of new riders are not going to know what to do. It is called panic and you will never get that riding in a parking lot. There is more training a new rider needs. But at least it is a start.

The classes aren't designed to get you on the street. The Basic Rider Course is simply a course to teach you basic skills . I've yet to see a student that didn't learn something in the course and improve over the two days. Given that I also teach on military bases where periodic training is required, I can honestly say that I see my fair share of riders from all experience levels.

There's definitely more training that a new rider needs. However, the techniques taught in the BRC are applicable at any speed. Our maxim is control before speed because without the first, the second will only get you hurt.

One of the major things that concerns me is "experienced riders". These are the guys that "had to lay it down", hit "a whole bunch of sand in the corner" and know that you "lean your body to turn a motorcycle.".

Luckily MSF is constantly expanding its offerings with an advanced rider course, on road course, and a sponsored cornering school (Kevin Schwantz Superbike). Throw in the other courses out there: stayin safe, police courses, with Lee Parks and these "new riders" will ride your socks off in less than six months.

Well said. I took the BRC back in '01 and although it's very basic, the skills I learned STILL managed to save my life on multiple occasions.

I also just became certified to teach the course here in Mass. Very rewarding experience being able to help people progress so much in the course of two short days.... and I always encourage them to continue their riding education because there's SO much more to learn....

I often invite them to look me up through www.tonystrackdays.com where I instruct up at the track. I started doing track days 3 short months after I got my first bike & I'm glad I did. Opened me up to a whole new world of riding.

[sapaul]

Attitude is the key, if you go to a training day or track training day and come away saying you learned nothing, then you truly are stupid and should not be on a bike.

[mazer]

Here in California the safety classes are stressed even at time of purchase, and I think that because of the year round good weather we have more classes available although I dont know the percentage of who takes the class and who doesnt.
I think more riders should get into taking the instructor courses. What better way to feel better about who is rigding next to you than to teach them....