Greetings, from GA!.....:D

I took the MSF's Experienced Rider class here in Georgia last weekend.

I thought I would drop a few notes on it for those of you that might be interested in taking this course, or have been thinking about it.

One incentive (among many) for taking this class, is that it can renew your MSF insurance discount after x years of being insured, with certain insurance companies in certain states.

This class spends a lot more time and discussion focusing on the areas where most bikers get injured or killed: situations involving braking, swerving, and cornering.

Bike basics (how to shift, stop, etc) are of course done only in the basic rider course that precedes this one.

You need to show up with your own bike for this class. The bike should of course be in good overall condition, with decent tread left on the tires.

In fact, another good reason for taking this experienced rider class, is if you have just bought a different bike. This class will be a big help for getting more familiar with pushing the limits of your new bike, under much safer circumstances.

The class met up on a friday evening, for about 4 hours. Then we spend most of that Saturday practicing different exercises, and discussing things and our mistakes after each exercise.

The version I took was the Harley Davidson "Rider's Edge" class. Harley gives their instructors additional training beyond that of the MSF. Also, the class is designed to be more relaxed and fun than the regular MSF course (ditto for Harley's "Rider's Edge" basic rider course).

For those of you who have not had an MSF class in the last 3 years or more, I recommend this one--highly. No matter how good or experienced you may be, you will learn something there that may later save your life. It will also give you professional feedback about mistakes you may be making while you are in the saddle.

Hope this food for thought helps.....:motorcycl

Where did you find info on your class? I'd love to take one, and have been at MVA a few times of late, but haven't seen anything posted there. Is there a website??

If you're like me, in that you prefer the Harley Davidson version of the MSF experienced class, then you can learn more by visiting:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Rider_Education/skilled_rider_course.jsp?locale=en_US

and then click on the "Riders Edge Locator" on the left side of the screen.


Or, if you just want the closest MSF experienced rider class, then you can click on:

http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?pagename=RiderCourse%20Info&content=46838086-A0CC-53D5-64FEBDC6C7B0B42F&referer=MSF%20RiderCourses

and

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?pagename=RiderCourse%20Info

Either way, you'll be glad you did!!!....:D

Thanks!!

What is the cost of the class you have attended?

Not to deliberately avoid answering your question directly, but I took this class back in 2007. Pricing since then has most likely changed.

What I would suggest is that you visit (or call) your local dealer--and ask about course availability and pricing (or use the website link posted below). Not all Harley dealerships will offer the advanced course on a regular basis, so looking around and planning ahead are both pretty important.

You don't say where you are located...or how much riding time you have. Unless you are in a warm or temperate climate, I would strongly recommend that you look for class availability and pricing now, and plan on taking the class after springtime has started in earnest.

The class will be a much more fun and inviting experience for you if Jack Frost isn't nipping at your nose--or the sweltering heat of mid or late summer temps may keep you from concentrating on what your instructor has to say.

Anyway, some persistence and real homework will pay off for you, later.

As of this writing, the link below was still good:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/riders_edge_online/search.jsp?locale=en_US&expLvl=skilled

If the "Rider's Edge" classes are simply not taught (yet) in your area, don't skip out on the regular MSF classes. They are still good courses, taught by thoroughly trained professionals with good riding time under their belts.

Hope some of this helps....:D

What is the cost of the class you have attended?

Hey, I see this is your first post! Why not introduce yourself in the "newbie" section and include the year, mileage, color, and a picture of your VN750 so we can get to know you a little better. I'm certainly not going to click your conveniently named link until you do...

TEAM Oregon (http://teamoregon.orst.edu/to_web/index.shtml) is the provider for these classes in Oregon. TEAM Oregon is a collaboration between OSU and ODOT. MSF and TEAM Oregon had a falling out a few years ago when TEAM Oregon improved on MSF program. MSF was less than happy, left the state and file a copyright lawsuit (TEAM won the suit in 2009). TEAM Oregon offers four levels of courses; beginner (for endorsement), intermediate, skills practice (at least 3,000 miles of riding) and advanced (at least 12,000 miles of riding). I plan to take the intermediate course this summer.

I also participate in the local Doc Wong clinics (http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/index.htm) hosted for free on the first Sunday of the month. These clinics are more for sport bikes, hosted by local sport bike racers and follow the teachings of Keith Code (racer, sport bike school founder and author), but all are welcome.

It's $95 for the one day experienced rider course in Eastern Tennessee.
Ron

I was considering taking the ERC class through the DMV later this year. I took the BRC last summer. Though I had already been riding on two wheels for about a year (8 months on a scooter, 4 on the Vulcan), It was definitely worth it.

I took the MSF experienced riders course 5 or 6 years ago, it was a 2 day class, and cost about $230. This was directly through the MSF, and did not involve any manufacturer or dealer. Pretty much anything connected with Harley is going to be expensive. Jerry.

The ERC here in GA is only $100 through the license office and is a one day class given by a MSF instructor.

The class I went to had at least 3, maybe 4 instructors. If I remember correctly, it was 6 hours a day for 2 days. Things have changed since then, most notably the economy. The MSF is now advertising classes on Craigslist here in Phoenix. Used to, you had to wait at least a couple of months to get into one. Jerry.

I just signed up for the ERC in June.

R

All MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) classes are $25...at least the first two are, and I thought the Experienced Rider Course was also.
They offer Basic 1 & 2, and Experienced Rider Courses, which are one evening of about 5 hours, then 2 days riding for 6 hours.
They provide bikes for Basics, you ride your own in the Experienced course.
The only problem is that they are not offering every course everywhere. I live in Cincinnati, OH, where the Basic 1 course is offered at Scarlet Oaks Tech, they mention the others, but don't offer them--you can get them in some neighboring counties, tho.
You'd think in a city the size of Cinci and suburbs that they would offer all three, but not so. Their basic course is filled ...I couldn't get in until the first week in August. I've ridden for 7 plus years, but it was 15 years ago, and I really am pretty rusty, plus I'm riding a Vulcan 750 which is a really big bike to me after my little 305. Yikes.

All MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) classes are $25...at least the first two are, and I thought the Experienced Rider Course was also.
They offer Basic 1 & 2, and Experienced Rider Courses, which are one evening of about 5 hours, then 2 days riding for 6 hours.
They provide bikes for Basics, you ride your own in the Experienced course.
The only problem is that they are not offering every course everywhere. I live in Cincinnati, OH, where the Basic 1 course is offered at Scarlet Oaks Tech, they mention the others, but don't offer them--you can get them in some neighboring counties, tho.
You'd think in a city the size of Cinci and suburbs that they would offer all three, but not so. Their basic course is filled ...I couldn't get in until the first week in August. I've ridden for 7 plus years, but it was 15 years ago, and I really am pretty rusty, plus I'm riding a Vulcan 750 which is a really big bike to me after my little 305. Yikes.

Perhaps there is a www.MeetUp.com (http://www.meetup.com) motorcycle group or a Doc Wong Riding Clinic (both are free) in your area. Also, ask folks at the local motorcycle shops for suggestions. They are usually well connected with the riding groups in the area or can point you to a qualified instructor for some private lessons.

Thanks for the links, cglennon. Doc Wong seems to operate mostly in N. CA, and I see nothing in the MeetUp notes yet...will keep looking.
Bat

The Ones close to me here in Northern California is $250.00 - $350.00 a Course.

But I'm Not going to pay someone a Couple Hundred Dollars ti show Me how to Do something I aready know how to do - Ride a MotorCycle.

...from the ERC course. I took it with the Central Jersery Motorcycle Riders Group. A great group of folks that I ride with when I can. If you haven't taken this yet, let me suggest it. I found out a lot about my riding abilities and the bikes. Yes I had the oldest bike in the group but I found out just what this bike is capable of. And yes I scraped the pegs a few times, it was fun.

R

I just took the ERC today... I have been on a waiting list since Febuary. I learned a lot, met 7 other local riders, and got a chance to ride a couple of bikes I would never have dreamed of riding. My Favorite was a BMW GS1200 Adventure (http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html)... It sat kinda high, but man the thing completly rocked.

Thanks for the link....all the bikes are looking good...so are BMW's all that and a bag of chips?

this thing was freeking awesome. Selectable ABS, heated grips, full fairing, off road package, the largest saddle bags I have ever seen, and such a smooth ride. For being such a tall bike, it whipped around the corse like a little cbr600.

I took the ERC course last Spring, and may take it again next year. It's is a valuable thing to do no matter how much experience you have. No one is too old to learn a few new things.