I took the higher Basic Rider Course from the MSF yesterday (BRC2). In the classroom they had a brand new 2017 S40 (blacked out with orange tank), as well as an electric motorcycle.

The course is marketed as a step above the basic one, but apart from not having to walk the bike and such very basic exercises, I really could not find a difference in the riding part of it, including the skills test, and I learned nothing new there. Very good practice though.

In Colorado both the BRC and BRC2 qualify you for a M license endorsement if you pass the skills test and a paper test in the classroom. The BRC2 course is best for someone who has the basic skills and takes the course for the endorsement, or insurance and other discounts.

The classroom program was good, and not too long!

Very good instructors, crappy rental machines, but I was happy to have the chance of renting one!  Like most riders in the course, I rented instead of riding my own bike as the temperatures were in the mid 20s F as we arrived at the training center, and still freezing when we started riding. Three guys who live near the center came on their own bikes.

One guy there had two DUIs. He is riding/driving again. You really don't want this to happen to you! He has already spent $27000 in fines, loss of income, lawyer fees, etc... and it is still costing him: His insurance premium is $800 deposit, and $400 per month. I think he has only one vehicle (older SUV). Might have a bike too!

Temperature was 26 F at 8 am, 30 F when we started riding, but it got a lot better by noon, and when we finished at 6pm, it was 61 F!