Learning/ practicing riding in addition to MSF course

[Lion_Lady]

Check out the Advanced Riders Course!!! I highly recommend it! Total Control is fine if you're considering doing a track day. It spends a fair amount of time on suspension set up and a couple other more "track specific" things. You ride around a 40 foot diameter circle (okay, there are two), but that's it for technique. You get really good at that circle.

The ARC covers a huge assortment of different situations and its FUN FUN FUN!! I've used the techniques I learned in the ARC every time I've ridden, since. I can take any corner with confidence now.

P

[storysunfolding]

You have a lot more faith in the ARC than I do. The course was designed to change attitudes and does not address advanced skills. Total Control on the other hand fine tunes throttle and brake control, turn dynamics, and helps you overcome the fear of leaning deep into a turn. In the process you learn more about your bike and gain a few extra tools for your toolbox.

The MSF ARC classroom is mainly a throw away. It's not technique based and primarily designed to get you to take lower risks. For the military version where it's mandatory, that makes sense. In the civilian world, you aren't taking the class unless you're risk conscious anyway. You get to add a swerve away at the end of a quick stop, a less potent body shift, and then just more practice swerving and turning. Unless you never took your riding beyond the BRC, it's fairly mundane.

[capena91]

I just completed mu BRC. I am confused if I should take the ERC or ARC, is it worth it or should I stick to parking lots at the RoseBowl CA. lol

[jstark47]

I just completed mu BRC. I am confused if I should take the ERC or ARC, is it worth it or should I stick to parking lots at the RoseBowl CA. lol

If "just completed" means this month, you should continue to practice the skills you learned in BRC in a parking lot or similar low-traffic situation. When you feel ready, venture out on back or local roads, but pick times or locations with little traffic at first. If there's a more experienced rider who is willing to escort you, great; you should go first to set your comfortable pace and that rider should follow to observe you and also "guard" your rear. Gradually extend yourself into higher speed roads or roads with more traffic. After you have a couple thousand miles, take the ERC.

[storysunfolding]

Don't worry about getting 1000 miles under your belt. The ERC, now renamed the BRC2, was designed for you to take within a week to a month after finishing the BRC. It will reinforce the skills you learned on your own motorcycle, while teaching you the specifics about that bike. For instance, sportbikes, cruisers, touring bikes all handle differently. There are different tips and tricks to each to make maneuvers at different speeds more manageable.

Take the ARC after you feel comfortable on the motorcycle in most situations.