My cousin is 20 years old and just got his first motorycle, a Ninja 300.  Before he bought the bike I told him he sould attend the MSF course.  He has no experience and has ridden about 400 miles.

Last week he said he wanted to go on a ride with me......and I got really nervous about it.  I just don't know what to expect from a new rider that has no experience....and I am not familiar with how to teach riding skills.  My dirt experience has convinced me that falling down is part of the learning experience - but learning on the street makes that scenario much more painful.  He is used to very fast cars, and I don't expect him to ride this motorcycle slowly for any length of time - he will begin pushing his limits rather quickly.....and that wprroes me.

I have told him that if he wants to ride with me - I will ride with him to the MSF course, and maybe even take it with him.

He has no problem operating the bike and starting, stopping, turning, etc. - but I have no idea of his skill level.  Does anyone know if he needs to take the Level 1 course - or jump to the level 2 course.  If he can take the level 2 course than I might take it with him.

The local place to take it is Balance Dynamics in Walton, KY.

Dave

if he can handle the bike ok, what he lacks is the traffic experience.
does he have his m/c endorsement?
no insurance / NO ride period.

aside from that, have him follow you around in a empty parking lot.
put him thru the paces, tight figure 8's, panic stops etc.
if he can follow you and not fall over, on to the next step.
communication is the hard part here.
repeat this mantra... you are invisible and naked.
most don't intend to kill you, others do.

I thought the MSF course was a lot of fun. Aside from the riding, there was also a lot of discussion on positioning within lanes, watching out for sand/ice, using other vehicles as shields. And also when waiting at a light to look and see which drivers are on the phone, applying lipstick, etc.

Dave as Blinky said, The BRC1 has to be taken before BRC2. The gang up at Walton are super folks! They work very hard to get you ready for the road but make it a load of fun. By any means you have to....get your cousin to Walton and in that course...he will thank you for it later!

Borrow mine, swap your engine in and try it on their course. Floorboards, full rear fender, apes, raised seating position... whole different ball game.

Wasn't a waste of time, you'll likely see one or two forum members decide to take a refresher course. Always a worthwhile subject.

I, too, would recommend the BRC1.  I took it after riding for 6 months or so and definitely learned a thing or two.  In particular, they teach some of the things that you don't often encounter (like how to best ride over something like a 2x4 in the road).  It is a bit of a commitment: a Friday evening and most of two full days on the weekend.