Intermediate or Expert RiderCourse (ERC)?

[veeref]

Well, its been 2 years and 7000 miles on my '04 GS500F since I took my Basic RiderCourse (BRC).  I feel more 'comfortable' on my bike, but just like my career, I feel like I need to gain some more knowledge to keep my a$$ alive on the streets.

I try every once in awhile to hone in on my BRC skills and testing areas, but I was wondering if I should take the MSF Intermediate or Expert RiderCourse.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'm not sure if going to the track is my thing.  I spend most of my miles commuting to-and-from work and running errands.  My local school even has a 'Total Control Advanced Rider Clinic'.

What do you guys reccomend?

Regards,
~V

[pjm204]

I took the advanced MSF course. I learned a little but I think the best way to learn is to just ride. I may not have had the best experience since it was 8 hours in the rain including my 60 mile commute there each way. Overally it was a decent experience but it wasn't a life changing event.

[bobthebiker]

I would suggest the intermediate course, THEN the expert course since each course builds on skills learned earlier I think.   it NEVER hurts to take the course again just to help you remember the best skills.

[ben2go]

I would suggest the intermediate course, THEN the expert course since each course builds on skills learned earlier I think.   it NEVER hurts to take the course again just to help you remember the best skills.

I agree with this.You can also join a local MC club that does instructional track days.

[fred]

At what point should I take the class? I got my bike in March, but I actually took the MSF class way back in 2004 (I was turning 21 and wanted to take advantage of California's subsidy before I turned 21). I've already put something like 1700 miles on the bike and I'm feeling way more comfortable now then when I started...

[yamahonkawazuki]

tbh ive never taken it, i took teh msf ( beginner) back in 02 ( june), and have ridden ever since. however, im sure it could benefit me. but ive got priorities to take care of first

[ohgood]

I would suggest the intermediate course, THEN the expert course since each course builds on skills learned earlier I think.   it NEVER hurts to take the course again just to help you remember the best skills.

man ya !

I would suggest the intermediate course, THEN the expert course since each course builds on skills learned earlier I think.   it NEVER hurts to take the course again just to help you remember the best skills.

I agree with this.You can also join a local MC club that does instructional track days.

oh man ya ! i'd love to learn from some MSF guys (as opposed to racer wannabes) @ a track day event. soon as we're moved, i'll attend an advanced course.

At what point should I take the class? I got my bike in March, but I actually took the MSF class way back in 2004 (I was turning 21 and wanted to take advantage of California's subsidy before I turned 21). I've already put something like 1700 miles on the bike and I'm feeling way more comfortable now then when I started...

i see scary maneuvers by other motorcyclists all the time. rapid acceleration on city streets (just this morning, squid with NO gear for instance), and other things. this might help keep things more sane.

tbh ive never taken it, i took teh msf ( beginner) back in 02 ( june), and have ridden ever since. however, im sure it could benefit me. but ive got priorities to take care of first

knowledge is powa, learning (on a bike at that !) is FUN !



+1 bump for a nice thread !

[ATLRIDER]

I took the beginner MSF course a few months back and it was fun.  Learned a few things that would have taken a long time to learn on the road without any instruction.  As an added bonus it rained alot which in turn allowed us to gain confidence in the wet that would have taken years to get (ie) hard braking, figure 8's, hard turns.) Those tires have more grip than you think!

After I get 2k miles on the bike I'm gonna go back and take the Intermediate course.  It's only $60 if you already took the beginner class.

Recently found this book down at the local library.  IT'S EXCELLENT and highly recommend  it:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1933958359/ref=nosim/?tag=smarterbooks-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=1933958359&linkCode=asn

[Teek]

Total Control and Sport Riding Techniques which have links on the same page are both also excellent books that go more into the details of riding with finesse. Proficient is a good book to read first for lots of basic safety awareness. I have all 3 books. They are well worth the money! Buy all 3 and you'll get free shipping, and they are wonderful reference to re-read. Each time through you will know more, and have a different perspective and will absorb more.   

And if I had a Total Control clinic available nearby I sure would be there. If I wasn't advanced enough to take it (and I'd guess I'm not), I'd still want to go watch and listen.

[veeref]

Thanks for the replies.  Here's a link to the courses I was looking at, I did my BRC through them and the instructor was a retired PD motorcycle instructor.  Very nice guy.

http://www.t3rg.com/Classes.htm#TotalControl

I think I'm going to sign up for the ERC.  The Intermediate course seems like everything I learned in the beginning and not much more.  I'll let you guys know how it goes.