Added: 01/13/2006 |
Proper Motorcycle Training A Must For SafetyMotorcycle training is very important if you want to ride a motorcycle, if you aren't considered road worthy on a motorcycle then you won't be able to ride your precious motorcycle. A motorcycle is a great way to experience the open road, but you must understand that a motorcycle is more unsafe then a car, because you do not have all that outer metal protecting you. But the safety gear will make sure that you never get seriously injured.
Some people say it is easy to learn to ride a motorcycle, but to develop the basic skills and techniques necessary to ride safely is another matter. To be in control of a motorcycle and to ride it safely on the public streets and highways requires you receive proper instruction and then practice what you have learned, all of which is offered in most motorcycle training courses.
Traffic-safety experts widely acknowledge motorcycle training and motorcycle training courses as the best introduction to motorcycling anywhere in the world. Special emphasis is placed on mastering full control of the motorcycle. Once this skill is developed, the course moves to the physical and mental skills needed to ride the motorcycle in comfort and safety. While the primary focus is to avoid getting into a dangerous situation, the student is taught maneuvers which have been proven to maximize accident-avoidance. Basic skills are taught along with advanced skills such as swerving to avoid obstacles and emergency braking. You learn to make your motorcycle perform like an extension of yourself. Lecture, films, and textbooks are used, but most of the time is spent in actual on-cycle exercises. Many insurance companies offer a 10% discount for three years following completion of the course.
There is no substitute for a good teacher. Motorcycle safety instructors come from various backgrounds, but they all have three things in common: They're professionally trained. They've been riding for several years. And, they want to see others enjoy the sport--and live to spread the word, that's why they teach motorcycle training.
Some of the gear that is required for motorcycle training is D.O.T. approved helmet, shatter-resistant eye protection; long sleeve shirt or jacket, long jeans, sturdy high-top shoes or boots must cover the anklebones, and gloves that cover the entire hand. Many motorcycle training courses provide some of the equipment, be sure and check before your class.
As a rule, motorcycle training courses provide the motorcycles to be used for the motorcycle training. They range in size for 125cc to 500cc. This only applies to basic motorcycle training. If you are planning to take an advanced motorcycle training course then you should plan on providing your own motorcycle.
Motorcycle training is not just for new riders. If you have ridden a motorcycle in the past and are thinking about taking it up again, then it would not hurt to take a refresher course. Many motorcycle training courses offer classes for those who wish to start riding again.
Motorcycle riding laws vary by state. If you are under the age of 17 and wish to learn how to ride a motorcycle safely check with your local department of motor vehicles. They can tell you what the laws are and what requirements you must complete before riding on the street.
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