Your Bike

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Only one in the entire country? That sucks quite a bit. Though I suppose if you're buying second hand from any other dealer, they should let you go for a test ride. If you're buying private you might not get the chance, depending on the individual. Ah well, good luck and happy hunting.

And if you can't find a Monster you like, give the Gladius a try. I've hear nothing but positives about it. :p

 

[Tibertus]

I mean state as in the state of New Mexico. I could easily travel 6 hours up to Colorado and find quite a few Ducati dealers.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Ah, that's okay then, I'm sure you'll find one no problem. Then you can make CW jealous by having the bike she's lusting over.

 

[Seff]

This sounds like a good way to ensnare her. I approve.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Just leaving this link here, good booklet about bike control, bends, counter-steering, slow-riding, etc.  http://www.fema-online.eu/uploads/documents/vehicle%20aspects/Full%20Control_low%20res.pdf

Edit: Oh yeah, some of the diagrams are in Norwegian. The main body of the text is decently translated into English, though.

 

[Tibertus]

That was pretty good. I didn't read the whole thing, but then again I already knew most of what is written in there. We do after all have motorcycle riding courses in the US, and military personnel are required to take those courses if they own a motorcycle.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

That was pretty good. I didn't read the whole thing, but then again I already knew most of what is written in there. We do after all have motorcycle riding courses in the US, and military personnel are required to take those courses if they own a motorcycle.

What kinna courses do you have over there? I mean, over here, to get your licence, it's pretty basic. The standard CBT (compulsory basic training) is just 1 day on a 125cc bike, which enables you to ride upto 125cc bikes for 2 years (although you're restricted to mopeds not exceeding 50cc if you're 16).

Then you can either choose to do the Standard A test (on a 125 machine), which you can do at 17+, it restricts you to 33bhp for 2 years (any cc, as long as the output is restricted), after which you can ride any bike. Alternatively, if you're 21+, you can do the DAS (direct access) which you need to pass on a machine of at least 500cc/33bhp, and when you pass, you can ride anything immediately, completely unrestricted.

After that there's no official testing, although many people do the ERS (enhanced riding scheme) which is typically 1 day training and upon completion you get a certificate, most insurers will give you 20% discount if you have it, it's the equivalent of pass-plus on car licence. Pretty much any other training is voluntary, although there are very good IAM and BikeSafe courses run nation-wide, aimed at reducing the number of motorcyclist deaths.

I know that certain EU countries have tests that are just as strict, and in some cases even stricter, but I've no idea about things yank-side.

 

[galactic bum]

That was pretty good. I didn't read the whole thing, but then again I already knew most of what is written in there. We do after all have motorcycle riding courses in the US, and military personnel are required to take those courses if they own a motorcycle.

True. I've took ERC course back in the days. At Bragg.

 

[Tibertus]

You're only required to take the basic safety course to get a motorcycle endorsement on your license (Or you can take and pass the state's written and practical exam). However, there's good incentives to take the more advanced courses, such as really good insurance discounts and discounts on safety equipment.

Here's the list of courses that are usually offered here in the US.

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LEARNING TO RIDE

Our Learning-to-Ride RiderCourses are a good starting point for most people who have already made the decision that motorcycling may enhance the quality of their life and want to get started the best possible way. This series provides the basic mental and physical skills for riding. In some states, these courses, either alone or in combination, provide a waiver of the written and/or riding licensing tests. Prerequisites: A person should be able to balance/ride a bicycle, and should possess either a driver’s license or motorcycle learner’s permit. Prerequisites may vary by jurisdiction.

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
The best place for a new rider to start once they’ve made the decision to ride. Successful completion of this course and its knowledge and skill tests, which consists of approximately five hours of classroom and 10 hours of on-cycle instruction (conducted over two or three sessions), may serve as a license test waiver program in some states. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use during the course. Also, a course completion card may provide a rider an insurance discount. (In some states, this course may lead to only a motorcycle permit and require completion of the BRC2 to obtain full licensure.)

Basic RiderCourse 2 - License Waiver (BRC2-LW) [formerly ERC Suite]
For riders who already have basic skills. It is similar to the BRC except the speeds are higher and riders should be riding their own motorcycle. It is an excellent refresher course for practicing and renewing basic riding skills. There is an informal classroom component that discusses safety concepts based on past riding experiences and current knowledge. For a BRC2 minus the license waiver component (no classroom activities and no knowledge or skill test), there is a skills practice offering:

Basic RiderCourse 2 - Skills Practice (BRC2-SP) [formerly ERC Suite]
Similar to BRC2 - License Waiver RiderCourse, but consists of only the riding exercises. It is a perfect way to reinforce basic skills on one’s personal motorcycle. Passengers are permitted with a licensed operator on a personal motorcycle.

Street RiderCourse 1 (SRC1)
For newly licensed riders. It is designed to be the first street riding experience under the supervision and guidance of a RiderCoach. SRC1 is a partial day program that includes classroom activities to improve perception, has practice time on basic riding skills, and includes several miles of actual street riding in a local area.

Returning Rider Basic RiderCourse (RRBRC)
Program combining elements of the BRC and BRC2 and includes a knowledge test and skill tests. It is designed for riders who have a permit and possess basic skills, but who have not been riding for several years. May lead to license waiver.

3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC)
The best place for a new rider to start once they’ve made the decision to ride a 3-wheel motorcycle. This course includes four hours of classroom activities and up to eight hours of on-cycle riding exercises. Successful completion may lead to an insurance discount. A person must pass a knowledge and skill test for successful completion. May lead to license waiver.

Scooter Basic RiderCourse (SBRC)
Best place for a new rider to start once they’ve made the decision to ride a scooter. This course includes five hours of classroom activities and up to 10 hours of on-scooter riding exercises. Successful completion may lead to an insurance discount. A person must pass a knowledge and skill test for successful completion. May lead to license waiver.

IMPROVING THE RIDE

Improving-the-Ride RiderCourses were designed to build on basic riding skills. These courses provide a variety of exercises and can be used to renew basic skills as well as expand the finer procedures and techniques of riding.

Street RiderCourse 2 (SRC2)
A program that enhances the basic skills and strategies that are provided in SRC1 and adds time and mileage to the on-cycle experiences in a local area. This program is for riders who wish to delve deeper into the perceptual strategies of street riding.

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) [formerly ARC-ST]
A one-day course that complements a rider’s basic skills and helps with personal risk assessment. It includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic skills and crash avoidance skills. Improving braking and cornering finesse is emphasized. The course is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle.

Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMARTrainer)
A computer-based tool that will enhance hazard recognition and help the rider be able to respond earlier to a variety of roadway and environmental factors. Offers traffic simulation for one-on-one coaching in several different riding scenarios.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

Introductory Motorcycle Experience (IME)
A two-hour, first-touch experience with a motorcycle and not designed to teach a person to ride. As a familiarization program that points out the primary parts and controls of a typical motorcycle, it helps a potential rider determine whether motorcycling is a good personal choice. A person is given the option to manipulate the controls while astride a motorcycle, and is led into a BRC as a formal way to learn to ride. Also embedded in the experience is a self-assessment component to ensure a person is aware of the risks and requirements for being a good, safe and responsible rider.

ScooterSchool: Introduction to Scooters RiderCourse (ISRC) [formerly SS1]
A half-day riding course that familiarizes a person with the operation of a motor scooter. It is not a license waiver program, but rather a learn-to-ride course that prepares a person to operate a scooter. An off-street riding area is used for practice and 10 riding exercises are performed using small motor scooters. There is no knowledge or skill test, and participants are provided with a take-away booklet about safe scooter riding and how to continue to practice. A prerequisite is to be able to ride a bicycle.

Military SportBike RiderCourse (MSRC)
Nearly identical to the ARC, this course adds specific language for sport bikes, includes military references, and has a video introduction and summary by Nick Ienatsch who is the author of Sport Riding Techniques. Riders receive the MSF booklet: SportBike Survival Guide.

DirtBike School: DirtBike Basic RiderCourse (DBS:CRE)
A learn-to-ride course. Though focused on learning to ride a dirt bike, this course is a good way to learn how to physically operate a motorcycle in general. This course is conducted entirely outdoors in an off-highway area. It is not a license waiver course.

DirtBike School: Trail Riding RiderCourse (DBS:ITR)
An extension of the DirtBike School, and for riders who already possess basic riding skills and are ready to ride off-highway trails. Lessons may include riding in sand and mud, through creek crossings and ruts, and over rocks, hills, and whoop-de-doos. A certified Coach supervises all riding activities.

That was pretty good. I didn't read the whole thing, but then again I already knew most of what is written in there. We do after all have motorcycle riding courses in the US, and military personnel are required to take those courses if they own a motorcycle.

True. I've took ERC course back in the days. At Bragg.

I'm guessing ERC stands for Experienced Riders Course. I think they replaced that one with the Advanced Riders Course. Silly name changing. They actually offer that Military Sportsbike Rider Course at the Air Force base here. I may take it once I get my Monster, sure it's not a sportsbike, but it's got enough power and lightweight enough for most to consider it one.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) [formerly ARC-ST]
A one-day course that complements a rider’s basic skills and helps with personal risk assessment. It includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic skills and crash avoidance skills. Improving braking and cornering finesse is emphasized. The course is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle.

Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMARTrainer)
A computer-based tool that will enhance hazard recognition and help the rider be able to respond earlier to a variety of roadway and environmental factors. Offers traffic simulation for one-on-one coaching in several different riding scenarios.

Sounds similar to the licence test here. You have to pass a computer-based theory, and a computer-based hazard perception, before they'll even let you take your practical. Then you have to do the Mod 1, which is slow speed. It involves parking the bike in a bay, slalom, figure of eights, a swerve avoidance (hazard avoidance), U-turn, slow-speed riding and emergency stop. Only when you've passed all of those can you do your Mod 2, which is being assessed by an examiner for 40 minutes on the road.

 

[Tibertus]

Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) [formerly ARC-ST]
A one-day course that complements a rider’s basic skills and helps with personal risk assessment. It includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic skills and crash avoidance skills. Improving braking and cornering finesse is emphasized. The course is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle.

Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMARTrainer)
A computer-based tool that will enhance hazard recognition and help the rider be able to respond earlier to a variety of roadway and environmental factors. Offers traffic simulation for one-on-one coaching in several different riding scenarios.

Sounds similar to the licence test here. You have to pass a computer-based theory, and a computer-based hazard perception, before they'll even let you take your practical. Then you have to do the Mod 1, which is slow speed. It involves parking the bike in a bay, slalom, figure of eights, a swerve avoidance (hazard avoidance), U-turn, slow-speed riding and emergency stop. Only when you've passed all of those can you do your Mod 2, which is being assessed by an examiner for 40 minutes on the road.

Bolded stuff is exactly what's in our practical exam, or basic rider course, in addition to the day of class and written exam. Italics is what's in our street riding course. I've never done any type of computer based stuff (we have a day of classroom instruction first), and I really don't believe it'd be too effective. Afterall, you can have people recognizing all types of "hazards" in video games, but be horrible drivers anyways. The advanced riders course is more in depth than the exercises you listed, which are really just in the basic program. The advanced course is designed less to teach you basic maneuvers and more how to control your own bike with much higher proficiency and at higher speeds.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Ah, sweet. Sorta like our ERS course then.

I don't think the hazard perception courses are very good either. They can't replace real experience.

 

[Tibertus]

Yeah, the US Air Force started doing a computer based flight test section in their officer qualifying test. They're wondering now why they have people passing the test but still dropping at the same rate during IFS. As you said, can't replace real experience.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Did decals yesterday.

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[Tibertus]

Oooh, go faster!

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Sat on a few bikes today. The Triumph Bonneville - very nice! Not too low, not too wide, felt like quite a decent riding position, not overly cruiserish. Quite a light weight bike for an 865cc. Also a Kawasaki Ninja 250R and a ZX6R. The former was extremely light and I could get both feet down (though not flat). The ZXR was also lighter and also lower than my own... I could quite happily have ridden all three of the bikes on the road. Hauling my own around now feels quite heavy!

 

[Tibertus]

Also a Kawasaki Ninja 250R and a ZX6R. The former was extremely light and I could get both feet down (though not flat).

Honda has a new bike very similar to the 250 Ninja, I think it's called the CBR250R. I only say this because Kawasaki is personally at the bottom of my list of preference when it comes to Japanese bikes. 

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

Can't blame you, Hondas have a great reputation for reliability. The CBR 250 looks OK, sort of like a bigger version of the 125. Saw one of those today too but didn't sit on it.

 

[Tibertus]

It just may be that I've owned the three other major Japanese brands. Yamaha, Suzuki, and the latest a Honda. I don't know if I'd ever ride a 250 though, unless I was somewhere where that would be acceptable, like Southeast Asia.

 

[Pharaoh Llandy]

My last bike was a Suzie, she was alright, reliable enough when I wasn't letting the battery go flat. I love my Kawi though, so much easier to ride despite the height + weight difference. It's making me into a better, more observant, confident and cautious rider, too. Doesn't seem much point in a 250cc to me, unless like you say, you're somewhere that smaller bikes are the norm (and petrol costs are too high to run a greedy engine). I think I would get bored of a 250 after a few months. On the other hand, the Ninja 250R has a 32.5bhp engine so it could be used by someone here who's doe their Standard test and needs to ride restricted for 2 years. Good way to rack up a couple of years' no claims discount.