Motorcycle Basic Riders Course

[Absinthe]

I will take the BRC next weekend. It will start Friday evening with a 4 hour class room session, followed by a weekend of class room and "on the bike" blocks. All of Saturday and Sunday. I have to pass a written and a driving test. However, this will get me a certificate which will allow me to get my motorcycle license without taking another driving test.

I decided to take this class at a local community college for only $125 instead of going to a Harley dealership and paying $240. Yes, they give you $500 off your first motorcycle purchase, but I don't really have that kind of cash you need for a Harley.

I am excited and a tad bit nervous.

Why I am taking this class? I always wanted a motorcycle and gas going up to $3.50 are a good reason.

[CrAnIuM]

You should totally text me while your are on your bike during the course !!!

[Absinthe]

You should totally text me while your are on your bike during the course !!!

Fantastic idea!!! Maybe even during the driving test...

[Negativecool]

I took a course like this sevenish years ago.

Learn quickly.

Good luck to you.

[Absinthe]

I took a course like this sevenish years ago. Learn quickly. Good luck to you.

I am not worried about the written test. The rest... we shall see...

[CrAnIuM]

The rest... we shall see...


You'll pass. Or Else. :76:

[Toao]

Taking a class first should be mandatory.

[CrAnIuM]

Taking a class first should be mandatory.

I agree. And not only a three "day class" but a MINIMUM of 40 hours with feet on the pegs.

[Gzus]

I took a course like this sevenish years ago.

Learn quickly.
.
Yes but you are not a woman.

Anyway, this is awesome to hear absinthe! I like people who want to learn to ride a bike.
Good luck~

[Mamba]

Wow, that is awesome. I love motorbikes. Riding on the back of them, that is. Holding on tight!

Good luck for the test!

[Absinthe]

Good luck~


Good luck for the test!

Thanks... I will keep you all posted on how it goes...

[KommieKat]

Do yourself a favor:

Get a helmet and wear it.
Get gloves and wear them.
Don't ride wearing flip-flops.

You may even think about going for a full leather/padded suit........though cumbersome.

Don't go for the hype bullshit "It's my right, dude, to not wear a helmet" Bullshit.

One rule about bikes that EVERY rider knows.....and expect this to happen to you........sorry to say:
You WILL go down. Even doing something as easy as getting it on it's center stand can get it to go down.
Stupid things happen.

[Josie]

Kommie, I love how you assume every woman is dumb as a box of rocks. It's quite amusing.

[KommieKat]

Kommie, I love how you assume every woman is dumb as a box of rocks. It's quite amusing.

I love how most of your assumptions are not only wrong but the audacity to even imply I was talking to you.

[Josie]

I was talking to you.


I knew you weren't. You posted it here on the forum where I can read it though. And I thought it was funny.

[KommieKat]

You find humor in the strangest of places and circumstances.

Try showing a bit of humility and humbleness.
If you KNOW like you always claim you KNOW EVERYTHING, then just let if fly over your head and be cool about it.

Things are not always what they seem to be..........Christ, I fill like I'm talking to a teenybopper or something.

[Josie]

humility and humbleness.

lol

[Absinthe]

Do yourself a favor:
Get a helmet and wear it.
Get gloves and wear them.
Don't ride wearing flip-flops.

Don't you worry, I got this all under control.

I am doing my research on helmets, gloves, pants etc.


Don't go for the hype bullshit "It's my right, dude, to not wear a helmet" Bullshit

NC is a full helmet state. Which means drivers and passengers have to wear a helmet. No exceptions and the helmet has to be DOT approved.

http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/hot_topics/download/MotorcycleHelmets.pdf

I will take the beginners course this weekend. Practice a lot here in our area before I will even consider driving a longer distance (like to work and such).

There are additional safety courses available for experienced riders that I will take as well some time in the future.

[Toao]

You definitely have the right attitude about it Absinthe. Some Bikes and other quick/powerful vehicles should require a special license.
Some of the bikes do 0-60 in 3 seconds. That can get out of hand pretty quick.

[Absinthe]

You definitely have the right attitude about it Absinthe. Some Bikes and other quick/powerful vehicles should require a special license. Some of the bikes do 0-60 in 3 seconds. That can get out of hand pretty quick.

I am looking for something in the 500 - 600 cc range. If I find a reasonably priced 750 cc, than I might consider it. But 750 is really at the upper end of what I would get. I guess I have to look at a few and get a feel for it.

[CrAnIuM]

^

Ducati Multistrada 1200.


Yaa !

[Absinthe]

Ducati Multistrada 1200.

Nah...

Triumph Rocket III Roadster
(http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/2010_RocketIIIRoadster_Overview_2010RocketIIIRoadster.aspx)
2433

[SlimSkeeter]

I read recently that somewhere between 70-90% of motorcycle accidents involved riders who were self taught. That is, no formal training in how to handle the bike or what to do in an emergency.

I'm entirely glad to see you taking the other route.

[CrAnIuM]

Nah...

2433


Pffft ....


I'm still stuck on BMW.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rpg76h5vFU&feature=related

[Toao]

500 - 600 cc range.

that's more than enough to do yourself in, if you don't keep a level head. When I was around 14-15, I raced dirtbikes, and an older friend assumed a street bike would be no different. He has a 500cc Kawasaki Mach III, the original suicycle. I punched it, and almost went of the back. It took me a while to get it under control, but I had shot out of the parking lot, into traffic, and somehow didn't hit anything. Everyone standing around thought I did it on purpose, and I didn't say otherwise, but I had to go home and change pants.

http://www.khulsey.com/motorcycles/vintagebike-images/kawasaki_500_mach-3_triple.jpeg

Years later, a roomate bought one, and seriously fucked himself up. I told him not to buy it, not only because it was his first bike, but also because they guy selling it dumped it as he was showing it, and explaining how to ride.

Do me a favor, DO NOT buy one of those, no matter how good of shape it's in.

[Absinthe]

Do me a favor, DO NOT buy one of those, no matter how good of shape it's in.

Yeah, I was looking for something like a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 or similar...

[Toao]

Yeah, I was looking for something like a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 or similar...


That looks like a perfect start. http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-vulcan-500-ltd-review

Jap bikes usually run forever too.

[KommieKat]

Yeah, I was looking for something like a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 or similar...

You're going to hear a lot of suggestions so hears mine anyways....

If you've got the money, go for a BMW street bike. I don't know if they make 750's anymore, but you can't go wrong.

They are very very low maintenance, very very smooth, ergonomic, economic and highly respected.

My first bike was a BMW. I never rode before but this bike I rode it off the dealers floor and rode it in three different countries.

Go chk out a Bemmer bike shop just for curiosity. It's like walking into a candy store.

[CrAnIuM]

It's like walking into a candy store.


^ Very .. oh so very true.

[Absinthe]

Go chk out a Bemmer bike shop just for curiosity.

Have done this online. Beautiful bike but way out of my price range. Also, I don't want to have another payment. And remember, you said


You WILL go down

Do I want to do that as a beginner with a brand new bike? Nope...

[CrAnIuM]

way out of my price range.


Liar.

Its just out of the price you want to pay is all.

[Absinthe]

Its just out of the price you want to pay is all.

So? That is usually a smart thing to do. You set yourself a spending limit and you stick to it. And a pay raise doesn't mean that you have to spend the additional money on another payment....

[KommieKat]

So? That is usually a smart thing to do. You set yourself a spending limit and you stick to it. And a pay raise doesn't mean that you have to spend the additional money on another payment....

Of course you have a point, but keep in mind maintenance costs.

All other bikes in the world.....lots of costs.
BMW....................................very few.

[Absinthe]

Of course you have a point, but keep in mind maintenance costs. All other bikes in the world.....lots of costs. BMW....................................very few.

Maybe, but it also depends on how you are treating your bike. Regular maintenance will not cost you a few hundred bucks a month. And maintenance needs to be done on all bikes regardless of the manufacturer. A BMW probably needs to go to a dealership due to "special tools" when a used Kawasaki could go to your trusted motorcycle mechanic around the corner. Dealership repairs are usually more expensive.

Oh yes... let's not forget about the winter time when you can't ride and your bike payments are still due every month.

[CrAnIuM]

let's not forget about


The mechanical genius living with you ....

[Absinthe]

The mechanical genius living with you ....

Yes!! That!!! :khi8g:

[KommieKat]

And maintenance needs to be done on all bikes regardless of the manufacturer.

[sarcasm]Really??[sarcasm/]



A BMW probably needs to go to a dealership due to "special tools" and

Yes, that is correct and I was religious of taking it in for oil changes and the like.

BMW mechanics are authorized and certified for their cars and bikes.


a used Kawasaki could go to your trusted motorcycle mechanic around the corner

Good luck with that.

I've said my share. Be safe and have fun.

[Toao]

Now while I would say ggo with the yam for dependability, and safety, If I was out for a smaller bike, I would probably look at these.

http://www.royalenfield.com/images/Products/classic-500-details.jpg

http://www.royalenfield.com/Motorcycles/classic-500.aspx

[Mamba]

So? That is usually a smart thing to do. You set yourself a spending limit and you stick to it. And a pay raise doesn't mean that you have to spend the additional money
You are soooooooooooooo Capricorn. That sounds exactly like something my boyfriend would say.

This is why I am not yet a millionaire, as money just burns a hole in my pocket!

However, I have to say... it helps to have one half of the relationship stable as hell and the other half spend-thrift-yish/kinda irresponsible as you learn from each other. I learn how to build a stable foundation and actually work towards and achieve have something in life that is worth it, and he learns how to enjoy life more by throwing caution to the wind (very occasionally). And we get by....

Granted we'd probably be super rich by now if we were both stable as hell but.... I have to say... all together more boring. Why in God's name would you spend all that time earning the money if you are not going to enjoy it - (at least marginally)?????

Sorry just me rambling..... :)

[Absinthe]

You are soooooooooooooo Capricorn. That sounds exactly like something my boyfriend would say.

Sounds like a smart guy.

Anyways, the course will start tomorrow evening. Me = excited!!

[Absinthe]

Sooo... today was the first day. Four hours of classroom training. I have to admit it was very well done and pretty interesting. We went over several topics like the different types of bikes, protective gear, primary and secondary controls etc.

Tomorrow will start with a few hours on the driving range.

I was a bit worried that I could end up sitting there with a bunch of kids, but it turned out I had no reason for that. There is a owner of a dealer ship who has been riding without a license for years (no clue why) with his wife, a father with his son (the son is maybe 17), a girl that moved here from South Carolina... a very "diverse" group.

But for now... I am tired...

[CrAnIuM]

^ Did you cover the "Dykes on Bikes" chapter yet?

[Absinthe]

^ Did you cover the "Dykes on Bikes" chapter yet?

No we didn't and it didn't come up today either.

Today was mostly driving to understand the basics. Accelerating, stopping, turning (I suck at slow turns), weaving, shifting (got that ok), wide turns (going a bit faster). There are 7 more topics we will cover tomorrow followed by a skills test and a written test. I have to get better at the slow turns with counter balancing and I should be ok...

It was exhausting... but here I sit eating a great dinner... makes you feel so much better :-)

[CrAnIuM]

but here I sit eating a great dinner..

Yeah.

[KommieKat]

No we didn't and it didn't come up today either.

Today was mostly driving to understand the basics. Accelerating, stopping, turning (I suck at slow turns), weaving, shifting (got that ok), wide turns (going a bit faster). There are 7 more topics we will cover tomorrow followed by a skills test and a written test. I have to get better at the slow turns with counter balancing and I should be ok...

It was exhausting... but here I sit eating a great dinner... makes you feel so much better :-)

Next time, ask your teacher about something called "Inverse steering" (I think thats what it is called)

Goes like this:
Normally, say, if you want to turn left, you pull the right handle away and push the left handle in, right? Same goes for right hand turn.

Now, with this "inverse steering", you LEAN left and push the left handle out, hence you go left. Same goes for the right hand turn.
I'm still trying to understand the physics of this and I'm sure he'll tell you that it's for lesson 7 or something, but make sure he knows it's for curiosity purposes only........

[Absinthe]

Inverse steering

It's called "counter steering"... and you actually "push" the handlebar.

The proper steps are:

1. SLOW - slow down to the appropriate speed BEFORE entering the turn
2. LOOK - look where you are going - as far ahead as possible
3. PRESS - you take a right turn, you put pressure on the right handlebar. You take a left turn, you put pressure one the left handlebar. Pressure = slightly pressing the handlebar forward and downward to properly lean the bike into the turn
4. ROLL - roll the throttle to accelerate to reach proper speed while traveling through the turn

Even though I did learn a lot this weekend, I didn't pass the skills test. It was just an accumulation of several small things that added up to too many points. The slow U-turns were killing me. I couldn't not do it properly. Swerving was fine. Coming to a full stop was fine too, with the exception of not shifting down to first gear when coming to the stop. I was sure I did it but I guess I didn't step on it hard enough to get it into the proper gear. The long turn... I slowed down before I got to the cones and crossed the line towards the end of the turn.

Again, I learned a lot and would highly recommend for any one interested in getting a motorcycle to take this class. It gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Oh yeah, it rained today... a lot... I had a good jacket, but my pants were soaked, my gloves were soaked and I had water in my boots.

[CrAnIuM]

^ Still :

You only Paid $100 or so to go from NO riding skills to where you are now. That is a win.

[SittinGrumpy]

So will you retake the class?

[Absinthe]

You only Paid $100 or so to go from NO riding skills to where you are now. That is a win.

You are 100% correct. I didn't even know how to start it on Saturday morning. Now I can brake, shift, drive through turns, swerve, drive over smaller obstacles, weave. I learned a lot. Also... I think the class helped to be more aware of motorcycles in traffic and to react better around them as I now know what they are looking for.


So will you retake the class?

Dunno. The RidingCoach said that he had a lot of people retaking the class and they passed with flying colors the second time around.

[Absinthe]

One more thing:

It is hard work. I was so sore when I got home last night due to all that power walking we did throughout the day. Power walking is when you sit on the bike but you walk with it while it is rolling forward in first gear. We had to push the bikes around yesterday morning when we first started to learn. We crossed the parking lot power walking and had to make a 180 degree turn to face the other way. That turn was done by pushing the bikes. Ain't easy.

So don't think you will take the class and not feel it. My hair was soaked every time I took the helmet off...

[CrAnIuM]

^ You don't need to retake it.

You need to buy a bike and ride. That's all there is to it.

[SittinGrumpy]

I am asking these questions because I have thought about getting a bike......

So you do not have to take and pass the class to get your license for riding as long as you can pass the test that DMV gives?

[Absinthe]

So you do not have to take and pass the class to get your license for riding as long as you can pass the test that DMV gives?

The Beginners Safety Course is not mandatory, but it helps a lot. The only difference is that when you pass it you only have to take the DMV written test and not the driving portion. I took it at the Johnston County Community College for $125. You can go somewhere else (like a Harley Dealer), it will cost more but they give you coupons and discounts.

Again, I highly recommend taking this class as it is based on the most important driving skills and research on what mistakes drivers made when they had an accident. We had a guy in our class who got hit when he went through an intersection. The other driver ran the stop sign and hit him. He wanted to be a better rider and learn the proper techniques. IF you really want to get a motorcycle or even if you are only considering it, take the class. You will not waste your time.

[SittinGrumpy]

Johnston County Community College

Was Thomas Martin the instructor?

[Absinthe]

Was Thomas Martin the instructor?

Tom was the name of one of the instructors. I don't remember his last name...

[SittinGrumpy]

Tom was the name of one of the instructors.

It's probably the same guy, if I remember correctly he is the one who started the program.

[Absinthe]

I will have a look at a motorcycle tomorrow:

2460

2461

A 1995 Honda Shadow

[Negativecool]

^^^
Excellent starter bike if I do say so myself.

[Absinthe]

Excellent starter bike if I do say so myself.

And now officially mine!!! :20_003:

[SittinGrumpy]

And now officially mine!!

awesome, congrats

[Absinthe]

awesome, congrats

Thanks! I noticed a few small scratches on the side and a crack in the side cover - one of the previous owners must have dropped in (in a drive way probably), mentioned the KBB retail value and we quickly came to an agreement. I am very happy. No buyers remorse so far.
As I don't have an endorsement I only took her for a few rounds in the back yard. It does require some getting used to but I think that after a few more days of back yard practice I will be ready to move on to driving up and down our road. My neighbors are going to hate me... LOL...

[KommieKat]

It's called "counter steering"... and you actually "push" the handlebar.

Yes, totally forgot the name. Thanks. I was close to it with "inverse".


The proper steps are:

I'm not quite sure why you posted this. Maybe a misunderstanding because this is a regurgitation of what I already posted.
I already know how to do it.
Perhaps you were referring to others in this thread?

My curiosity was about the physics and dynamics that are in place. "Counter" and "Inverse" are going against the norm, hence
my fascination with it but seeing that you're finished with the class, it's too late to ask the instructor.

Good luck.

[Absinthe]

I'm not quite sure why you posted this.

I just wanted to describe it step by step.


"Counter" and "Inverse" are going against the norm,

It does sound counter intuitive at first....

Btw... when searching for this specific course on Google, the forum is one of the top results.