Guest White86Tercel Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 I just bought my first motorcycle. I have thousands of kilometers of bicycle experience and I have figured out the very basics of motorcycle use (clutch use, shifting, braking). I want to get some training to prevent myself from getting killed. In my "City" - Kelowna, BC, Canada, there are three training schools. Kelowna District Safety Council (KDSC) - Non profit run course similar to MSF - http://www.kdsc.bc.ca/learn-to-ride.php VTwin motorcycle School - Similar to KDSC but run by a business - http://www.vtwinschool.com/approach.php All Weather Driving School - Private Lessons with a certified instructor - http://www.allweatherdrivingschool.com/ The private lesson providers say that their training takes less time to cover the same material. KDSC and VTwin say that I will learn a-lot from the classroom portion and working with the whole group. My goal is to learn as much about defensive riding in as little time as possible. Any thoughts on which training program is the best? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmythecop Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 You are on the right track and are considering all the right stuff. Most of the courses teach more to the bike control side of things. It is a shame that most defensive tactics come from doing out there on the street, right where you dont wanna be without experience. Kinda like you cant get credit until you have credit. If you are sent out with minimal survival skills, just remember to ride like everyone wants to kill you and NOBODY sees you. That should keep you safe while you get the hang of it. 1 you are invisible 2 watch out for left turners 3 that guy WILL come into your lane 4 dont forget to have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer realistdreamer Posted May 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted May 7, 2012 4 dont forget to have fun. It's not that bad, and yet it is. Stay within your limits. Learn what you can. I'm reading Total Control by Lee Parks and it's teaching me things I knew about, but now with the physics behind it. It's teaching me things I didn't know that will help me have more fun and stay safe. There are many 'stay alive' tips on this site. One of my favorites is remember intersections are death traps - too many options, too many decisions with too many idiots out there. In my cage I hurry through a yellow light. On my bike, I slow down and almost never rush a yellow unless it's controlled by turning lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suitcase Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Hiya Tercel ... welcome to the Board. Good idea ya have to get some formal training, cause it is a jungle out there on the streets with cell phone users, dvd players for the kids in the back rows, and everybody in one hell of a hurry to get SOMEWHERE ?? If all the entry fees are the same, go with the private trainer ... is he one on one .. if so.. thats good training. I am over the mountains by a range or two near Radium Hot Springs, and will be passing thro' K'town on May 11 or 12 on my way to a Dual Sport event in Washington State on my KLR. Get some good riding gear to .. if you don't already have it ... eg.good quality Snell/DOT approved bucket, a mesh or leather jacket with elbow and back protection, and a nice addition to any hiway/street ride is pants with hip/knee protection and ones with a rainproof liner make for alweather riding ability, and good boots. Once you get used to riding with All the Gear All the Time (AGATT) you feel naked without it. At least thats been my experience, and besides, the data shows that many "simple" crashes that occur while wearing good gear result in you walking away (instead of being hauled away on a stretcher). Happy trails and safe rides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted May 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted May 7, 2012 Welcome to VFRD from across the pond with lots of cycling miles abd CBR125 miles you probably already know cars are your enemy (unless Kewlona has separate bicycle lanes like we have in NL) and you are driving a car so you know that it is easy NOT to see m/c's.... Best skills to learn imho are a controlled right wrist..... and the ability to brake hard and swerve should the brown stuff hit the ventilator. Rest is good gear and a dosis of luck......... If you can swing it $$$ do a team/classroom, followed by a 1:1 a few weeks/rides later. No 2 teachers with teach the same, use your brain to adapt the pieces you feel comfortable with (like the discussion: do you put your left or right foot down at a traffic light? keep it in 1st gear or not...... ) and lest we forget.......... We need a picture of your Rides!! (throw in the bicycle for good measure) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer auggius Posted May 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted May 7, 2012 In my "City" - Kelowna, BC, Canada, there are three training schools. Kelowna District Safety Council (KDSC) - Non profit run course similar to MSF - http://www.kdsc.bc.c...arn-to-ride.php VTwin motorcycle School - Similar to KDSC but run by a business - http://www.vtwinscho...om/approach.php All Weather Driving School - Private Lessons with a certified instructor - http://www.allweathe...vingschool.com/ Welcome to the forum. When I started riding I went to the BC Safety Council for training. Sadly they are no longer around. Are you on the BC Sportbikes forum? You might get some feedback from riders with experience with these schools. They're at http://www.bcsportbikes.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Duc2V4 Posted May 7, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted May 7, 2012 In addition to the 'Total Control' book by Lee Parks, check out 'Proficient Motorcycling' and 'More Proficient Motorcycling' books by David L. Hough, very good reading IMO. As far as the courses, private lessons for a first time rider might be a little less intimidating, as you are less like to be worried about embarrassing yourself in front of others and more focused on the task at hand. Just my two cents. Cheers and Welcome to the VFRD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skimball Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Just remember to ride like everyone wants to kill you and NOBODY sees you. Words to live by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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