MSF ERC course

[konarider94]

So Im considering taking the experienced rider course but wondering if its worth it. I took the basic rider course 7 years ago when I was 16 and learned some things about safety on the road mostly. I didnt really come away with any better riding technique.

Ive read mixed reviews that its basically the same as the basic course but with your own bike. Im not terribly interested in doing U turns and figure 8's and swerves at 20 mph. I suppose a discount on insurance is always good, and at 25 bucks for the course it would pay for itself pretty quick.

 

[upthemaiden]

I plan on taking it this year. It's been 10 years since I took the beginners course and I actually planned on taking that again this spring first just for a refresher, then taking the experienced course sometime after that. [up]

 

[agfish18]

I would suggest going to the track if you want to work on handling at higher speeds...the Experienced course is very similar to the beginners. There are a few things that are different/ more advanced, but I think all you would get out of it is a discount on your insurance...not much more skill.

If skill is what you want, take your bike to the track, set up a time to take the race school, and you will learn a lot more! Most tracks offer a race school of their own so that people can get a race license and start racing... if you dont have a track near you, I still recommend traveling (if possible) to one. it is a great experience.

 

[vanson1200r]

I wont try to sell it to you but I teach the BRC and the ERC for Military and Civilians. We don't try to teach you skill, we try to give you good habbits. The ERC is more or less a faster version of the BRC but with some new exercises. I like it. Plus other riders will be there to talk bikes with!

 

[jammer84_03]

I took the ERC in kzoo, i can hook you up with the chick that runs the course. She is "buell friendly" and makes everythign super good! plus the insurance savings is well worth it!

 

[2004xb12s]

If you have ever been on a motorcycle before I would not take the beginner course..it is long drawn out and boring...i would however recommend the experienced course...after all who can't use more practice?

 

[jammer84_03]

I took the ERC and I had never rode before, hopped on a rental buell blast, took the class,and tested in the top 10% of all those tested before me, and was great on the emergency stop...

Its a simple course, and i will prob take it this summer again just for a refresher on my own bike....

 

[03xb9er]

i took the brc which in pa anyways if you pass automatically gives you your license. been thinking about the erc now as well. wasnt sure how much id get out of it but figured its free and might be a little fun. i had a good time in the brc meeting some other newer riders.

 

[2004xb12s]

i had a good time in the brc meeting some other newer riders.

Definetly...as a new rider on the street it was great for me to be able to talk to riders that have been on the road 30+ years and to hear some of their experiences both good and bad. I want to take it on my bike but i don't believe aftermarket exhausts are allowed and my buell has a jardine.

 

[Alfatango1]

If you have ever been on a motorcycle before I would not take the beginner course..it is long drawn out and boring..

I know people who have been riding for years who took the beginners course and still learned stuff. Most do so because by completing it and passing it you don't have to take the driving test at the DMV in most states.

 

[2004xb12s]

Most do so because by completing it and passing it you don't have to take the driving test at the DMV in most states.

Oh...in pa it is easier to take the experienced course in 1 day and get your license as opposed to weekend after weekend to take the beginner course.

 

[frostedflakejake]

I took the advanced riding course here in Michigan at School Craft college with a 1200 sportster. It's not worth it in my opinion. They give you good tips for being safe but they don't really test you on them, as that would be pretty dangerous. We learned things like "what to do if your front tire starts to slip out during breaking" "how to handle a low slide" and stuff like that. of course, it was all talk and no action. the on bike stuff was normal slalom and u turns in parking spaces and such. Up to you man!

 

[konarider94]

I took the ERC in kzoo, i can hook you up with the chick that runs the course. She is "buell friendly" and makes everythign super good! plus the insurance savings is well worth it!

is she attractive? and in her 20's? im still thinking about taking the class just for the discount. let me know if you decide to take one this summer in kzoo. it would be cool to get more than one buell in the class. fyi registration is open for this summers classes

many people above confirmed my disappointment regarding improving riding skills. cant hurt and can save money but it takes up a saturday.

 

[vanson1200r]

Two words: Track Day.

 

[konarider94]

Two words: Track Day.

i agree, i really want to do a track day. i need to buy track leathers and more serious boots to do that though. idk about renting leathers used on hot summer days. :/ and if im going to that much trouble and expense i might as well buy a cbr to beat on at the track.

 

[jammer84_03]

Track day is another great option. I used to work at Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, and I know the guys that put on the course for learning curves. Its a great time, and sportbike track time along with its riders are a good bunch. Most riders are very happy to help, and they usually have a good suspension tech there that can get you setup for your bike.

They have times at the track on 6/11-6/12, 8/13-8/14 and 10/1-10/2. Plus there are tons of track days at Grattan Raceway

They cost $150 a day.

http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/track-day-overview.html

 

[upthemaiden]

i took the brc which in pa

What part of PA are you in??

but i don't believe aftermarket exhausts are allowed and my buell has a jardine.

I didn't see anything saying you weren't allowed to have aftermarket exhausts, but I did see a note on their site saying that loud exhausts loose training sites and they want you to be respectful, which is basically them saying you should find a quiet bike. I still have my stock exhaust, if I take the advanced class I'll just stick it back on for the day and hope the race map on my ECM doesn't make my bike act too stupid for 1 afternoon. I remember how hard it was to hear and talk when I took the beginners course years ago, and I wouldn't even want to try that with my hawk exhaust.

 

[agfish18]

and if im going to that much trouble and expense i might as well buy a cbr to beat on at the track.

that's what I did

I got my leathers custom fit from topgearleathers.com for $500. They have cheaper options, but they are great quality leather, and you can do anything you want to them (have them sew things on it, make your own design, choose your colors, etc...)

I have a buddy who did the same thing, he crashed in his and the things are still holding up pretty well.

 

[2004xb12s]

What part of PA are you in??

Pittsburgh, I took it out at CCAC on Perry Highway and I bought my buell and it didn't come with a stock pipe. I don't want to be the ******* with the super loud bike. But i really want to take it on my bike...Maybe i will just simulate a class in a parking lot by myself some saturday afternoon.

The first time i took it on an 07 ninja 650r

 

[vanson1200r]

For $300 you can buy a suit at cyclegear and another $100 for boots. I have had my Frank Thomas suit for a year now and like it, but have not gone down in it (knock on wood)