June 26th, 2012, 11:30 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alex
Location: Salt Lake City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128
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I did the MSF ERC
This last weekend I did the MSF Experienced Rider Course. I've only been riding since August last year so I figured it would be a good refresher and maybe advance my skills. I'm honestly not sure it advanced my skills any - maybe served as a good reminder about some of the things I'd forgotten since I passed the BRC.
The instructor started the day by walking over and saying "Didn't you get the memo?". Looking around there was my green Ninja, and 9 cruisers. I have to say, I really can't get excited about cruisers, especially baggers. Anyway..... The consisted of basically the same exercises as the BRC, but on my own bike. I think this is why I say that it didn't advance my skills - I wasn't necessarily taught anything new, though was reminded of stuff I'd forgotten, or didn't necessarily put into practice all that well (like gripping the tank with my knees). I did find the figure 8 harder on my own bike than theirs, but I think I progressed well, as I got waved straight back into line after many of the exercises, instead of having to stop and be coached. There was some stuff I experienced for the first time. I've ridden on roads with tar snakes (Utah is full of them) but I've never really felt their effect. For some reason the tar snakes in this parking lot caused all sorts of little wobbles - kind of fun to be honest. Secondly, I managed to lock my rear wheel 3 times - never locked it before. What I found interesting was that many of the other riders were kind of unskilled - though I'd assumed they had all been riding for years. There was a guy on an HD that regularly rode 2 up, and had ridden to Sturgis more than once, that was wobbling all over the place in the slow stuff - putting feet down, having to bail out in the figure 8 etc. There was also a guy in full on MC gear (leather chaps, leather waistcoat, patches, tassels, boots - the lot) that dumped his bike twice in quick succession, and just generally struggled to master any of the techniques being taught, like cornering outside of the cones, bailing in the figure 8 etc. And when asked what they should do if they locked their rear when braking more than half got the answer wrong. Honestly, it was a pretty fun morning, and I'm glad I did it. I think it also makes my wife happy that I'm demonstrating a desire to keep improving my riding skills - so maybe this was as much for her as it was for me. I plan on doing the Advanced Rider Training later this year, though I'm yet to schedule it. Basically you ride around the go-cart track at Miller Motorsports and get coached on cornering technique, braking and so on. http://www.utahsba.com/schools/ART/ |
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June 26th, 2012, 11:41 AM | #2 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ed
Location: San Diego
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R (SOLD - 2/16/2013) Posts: 492
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Quote:
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Mods/Add-on list: DanMoto Jisu, Snorkel delete, Shimmed needles, K&N Drop-In filter, T-Rex frame sliders, Shogun swing-arm spools, CBR250 Rear Hugger, Buell XB Pegs. DIY polished rim lips |
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June 26th, 2012, 01:17 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alex
Location: Salt Lake City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128
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Yeah, then I probably wouldn't bother doing it either. Obviously they skip all of the clutch control stuff and get right into the riding portions (slaloms, stopping, stopping in a curve, figure 8, one handed steering, swerving, big corners, little corners, s turns)
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June 26th, 2012, 01:59 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jason
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 (sold), '06 Ninja 650R Posts: 455
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When I first started riding, I was certian I would take the ERC after 6 months.
Now that I've been riding for 6 months, I plan on skipping it and doing a trackday. |
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June 26th, 2012, 06:25 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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I take the BRC every spring. It is a good way to start the season and gets the winter cobwebs out.
I have 50 accident free and ticket free years under my belt. That also applies to my cages--drove Mustangs and Corvettes most of the time.
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Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
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July 6th, 2012, 05:54 PM | #6 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jen
Location: NYC
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Special Edition Posts: 95
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Quote:
Otherwise, I'd say its not such a bad idea. I just passed my BRC two weeks ago and unfortunately, I still don't have as much confidence in my riding abilities as I expected I would after it. I'd love to take it again on my own bike, but to pay $350 again..... no way |
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July 6th, 2012, 06:41 PM | #7 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Nick
Location: Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r (SOLD) - Black. 2011 ZX-6R Green/Black - 2001 Garbage Bag Green KLR650 Posts: 275
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Quote:
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July 7th, 2012, 12:25 PM | #8 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alex
Location: Salt Lake City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128
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Quote:
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July 7th, 2012, 10:22 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jen
Location: NYC
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Special Edition Posts: 95
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Wow thats great. How much was your BRC? I can't get an ERC price online for my are to compare. My friend got licensed in Ohio and the MSF course is free if you are under 18.... can't beat that!
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July 8th, 2012, 03:59 AM | #10 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alex
Location: Salt Lake City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128
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I don't remember exactly but I think it was around $250 - the website says prices start at $200 and I believe there was an additional charge for using their bike, and $15 for the test waiver portion.
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July 8th, 2012, 07:59 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jen
Location: NYC
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Special Edition Posts: 95
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Oh alright, so not too much cheaper than mine. Gives me a little hope that maybe the ERC is also a decent price here too.
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July 9th, 2012, 05:27 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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My mistake. I take the ERC every Spring, and the price is $70.
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Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550 |
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March 31st, 2013, 02:15 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ryan
Location: South Eastern, PA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Metalic Island Blue Ninja 250r Posts: 206
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Just registered for the Advance Rider Course in May. It is free for me in PA so I figured why not!
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March 31st, 2013, 02:22 PM | #14 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bob
Location: PA
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 121
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Quote:
I might take the BRC2 which is just basically the BRC on your own bike and then after that I will try the ARC. It's so cool that they are all free in PA. |
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March 31st, 2013, 02:25 PM | #15 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ryan
Location: South Eastern, PA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Metalic Island Blue Ninja 250r Posts: 206
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Quote:
The BRC2 really didn't interest me, as you pointed out it is the BRC with your bike. I'm hoping to learn something new at the ARC, I will definitely let you know how it went. |
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March 31st, 2013, 02:32 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ryan
Location: South Eastern, PA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Metalic Island Blue Ninja 250r Posts: 206
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And congratulations on passing the BRC. I guess taking the BRC2 is a good idea considering that it is free in PA.
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March 31st, 2013, 06:43 PM | #17 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bob
Location: PA
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 121
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Quote:
But yeah let me know what you thought of the ARC. It seems pretty good. |
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March 31st, 2013, 07:25 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
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BRC2 = ERC
I plan on taking ARC when I manage to find a class. |
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May 12th, 2013, 01:15 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ryan
Location: South Eastern, PA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Metalic Island Blue Ninja 250r Posts: 206
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Hey guys I just completed the Advance Rider Course!
In the time leading up to the class I also purchased the book, Twist of the Wrist ll. The book really helped me pick up on body position techniques more than anything and really helped to improve my riding. In my ARC only 6 out of 12 people showed up and I was the only one with a sport bike, everyone else had a cruiser. Roughly 4 hours of classroom time, lunch, then 4-6 hours on the bikes (depends on your group's abilities). I learned quite a bit during the course and was able to practice important skills such as emergency braking, swerving, and cornering. After completing this class I am really interested in a track/racing class to fine tune and further improve my skills. If you are able to take the ARC, I would definitely recommend it. |
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May 12th, 2013, 05:54 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Neal
Location: Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250 Posts: 40
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I would suspect the flow of the class has a lot to the do with the class itself. The instructors seem MORE than knowledgable. If you have guys in the Advanced barely performing the basics, the instructor has to slow way down!
Possibly find out how to sign up with a group? Second, I've found the Indiana BRC more than difficult to schedule. But listing the prices you guys paid, I better not complain. Indiana ABATE BRC is $50 + $25 membership fee. ARC is $50 again ... but requires AT LEAST 2yrs on your license. |
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May 13th, 2013, 02:23 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alex
Location: Salt Lake City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2011 250R SE (sold 5/8/13) Posts: 128
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I just signed up for an ART (Advance Rider Training), which is run by the Utah SBA. It's out at Miller Motorsports track. Having said that, the format sounds pretty similar to the ARC in that it involves classroom time, and then a bunch of time doing maneuvers and then a bunch of time on the track learning body positioning and cornering.
I'm pretty excited for it (May 25th) though I need to get some more saddle time on my new ride, to get used to it beforehand. Cost was $175 - definitely a lot more than 'free' |
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May 13th, 2013, 08:05 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nadir
Location: Sandy, Utah (SLC Metro)
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): None yet Posts: 15
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Since I just passed BRC I'm planning to get my bike and get situated with it and collect some gear so I can go out and do a class on the track (the ART that Chuffmonkey is taking). I feel like those extreme conditions can get you more prepared for crazy soccer moms and make sure you can make that bike do exactly what you want when you want it.
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May 13th, 2013, 10:23 PM | #23 |
B-Town Ninja
Name: Nathan
Location: Bloomington, IN
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609
Blog Entries: 3
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The local MSF course in my area allows you to take either the BRC or ERC on your own bike. They said the only difference is the ERC is faster, a bit competitive, and only a refresher.
I'm curious to try it on my new 636 because I'm not convinced it's physically possible to do the box drill on it... In a couple weeks I'll probably borrow a parking lot for a couple hours and give it a go.
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Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja |
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May 14th, 2013, 05:06 AM | #24 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Nathan, it's more than capable but if your not sure... it will not happen. If you give it a go, good luck and have fun.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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May 14th, 2013, 05:09 AM | #25 |
B-Town Ninja
Name: Nathan
Location: Bloomington, IN
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609
Blog Entries: 3
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I dunnooooo the turning circle is fairly awful at low speeds haha. I've been adjusting the suspension a bit and it's getting better over time, but dat box is small.
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Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja |
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June 5th, 2014, 08:35 PM | #26 |
cadd cadd cadd
Name: Cadd
Location: 41°21'13.1"N, 74°41'37.4"W
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 300 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - May '15
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I'm sorry I'm digging up an old thread. I took the BRC2 last weekend. Although it was fun, it wasn't worth the $125 for me (in my opinion). Just like the OP, I didn't feel like I advanced much. I took the BRC 10 years ago, and the BRC2 was almost identical to the BRC (minus power walking the bike, walking the bike with clutch control, etc). It was a good "reminder" of the skills that I should have. It was also a good refresher and allowed me to practice in a controlled environment under a knowledgeable and watchful rider coach.
Also, like the OP, the group I was in wasn't experienced. We had two dropped bikes. (Videos of the two bikes that met the pavement here). For those who took the ARC (or to the Rider Coaches here), can you tell me what the riding exercises are? The ARC is $150 for me. If it's similar to the BRC2, I think I will skip it and try to find a newbie track day class instead. If you took the ARC, do you recommend it? |
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