Just finished (and passed) the training today and if you ride, this is probably the best investment you can make. I spent 90% of the ride portion trying to learn/relearn proper technique...and mainly realizing that safety training today is light-years beyond the safety training course I took 30 years ago.

If you can ride a bicycle you can ride a motorcycle.No course needed.

Bill and I disagree on most topics, this one included.  As I said in an earlier post, I took a 40 year hiatus from motorcycling.  During a good part of that time, I was an enthusiastic bicyclist, riding an average of 50 miles per week during suitable weather.

While there are some similarities, they really aren't all that many.  Few people get killed in bicycle accidents, or even hurt that badly.  It does happen, but not typically.

A good bicycle rider can cruise at maybe 20 mph, but more likely around 15 or so for an average, middle aged person.  Hit anything at that speed and it will hurt, but with a helmet, probably not kill you.

Hit that same thinhg at 50 mph or higher on a motorcycle, and all bets are off.

My bicycle weighs less that 20 pounds.  My S40 is considerably heavier - the control techniques for the two aren't the same.  Rider posture is very different.  Control in turns is much different, since you don't have engine power ( other than your legs ) being transferred to the rear wheel to increase to maintain dynamic stability.

For some reason, fewer cars hit bicycles.  Maybe its because of the colorful jerseys and helmets that most bicyclists wear, and the slower bicycle speeds allowing for more time for a driver to see the bike, as opposed to black jackets, black jeans, and black helmets seen on all too many motorcyclists, and the higher speeds of motorcycles.

bill67 wrote on 04/23/12 at 13:17:40:


That explains why klotz works for you bill.
How you hook up the pedals?
Front wheel like a big tricycle?

When I had been away from riding for about 15 years, I took the BRC and found it very worthwhile.  I don't think they had them around in the mid 70's when I was learning to ride but they're a good deal now.  Also, some (not all) insurance companies offer discounts if you've successfully completed the BRC.

bill67 wrote on 04/24/12 at 06:40:23:



He told me at least 9 things to do in that situation. If you want to know, sign up for the training course and then you'll know too.   Besides, you didn't answer my question.

BTW, my instructor set 27 World Records during his racing days...and about 20 years later, 3 of those World Records are still unbroken.

I think the main thing here is that there is no disadvantage to taking the course (riding wise). It'll teach you good skills and even if you already "knew" everything its always good to brush up.
Here in Florida its actually required to take the course in order to qualify for an endorsement.