Motorcycle riding courses: are they necessary?

There is always room to learn and there are several groups of motorcycle riding courses depending on different levels: from beginner to advanced, through intermediate and even competition level. They are designed so that we learn to understand the capabilities of our motorcycle and how to ride it safely.  For example, it is very important to know when and how hard to brake, how to take bends, when to accelerate, what gear we should be in at all times, how to use our body, etc. That’s why, in motorcycle riding courses, practical classes are as important as theory ones.  The success of a course and the level of satisfaction of the student once it has been completed lies, to a large extent, in how they are taught and the knowledge that is imparted.

It is also of the utmost importance that students enjoy the experience without being nervous or stressed, so they can fully concentrate on learning and riding. In addition, a beginner course should not only be for racing purposes, it should also teach people how to improve the most common maneuvers that are made on a day-to-day basis, and to warn them of the different dangers on the roads.

Perfect your technique with motorcycle courses for track riding

The most common riding courses are those on asphalt circuits.  In general, they are for riders who want to perfect their riding and learn about the capabilities of their bikes.  In addition, sports bikes no longer dominate these courses as they used to, and nowadays naked bikes have gained  popularity.  It is not uncommon for us to see students sign up with sport-touring or trail bikes.  Today, there is a wide variety on the market and this is reflected in the track riding courses.

After all, most users ride their motorcycles on all kinds of roads and that’s why it’s very interesting for them to gain experience on asphalt circuits. In these closed circuits, the safety margins are much wider and mistakes can be made without the consequences being as serious as on open roads with traffic and without run-off areas on most of their bends.

Motorcycle riding courses are recommended by the DGT (Spain’s Directorate General for Traffic)

Even Spain’s Directorate General for Traffic recommends riding courses for bikers. Expertise can be gained, scares avoided, and the reaction to unforeseen events improved. In short, accidents are avoided, because for bikers, the line that separates a scare from an accident is very thin. 72 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury, while for car accidents this figure is lower at 11.5 percent.  Another interesting fact from the DGT is that only 25 percent of cases of accidents with another vehicle are caused by bikers.  That’s why it’s important to acquire experience to be able to react in time to maneuvers that other drivers may make.

A wide range of courses to ride your motorcycle perfectly

In addition, there is a wide offer of motorcycle training courses.  In Spain, we can find specific courses for different types of motorcycle, and also aimed at young people who, due to their age, cannot yet get their license. There are schools for motocross, enduro, trial, dirt track, etc. And there are those that teach you to make tight turns in very little space and that encourage you to use your knees to slide on the asphalt.

Others that are increasingly gaining in popularity are courses aimed at trail and maxitrail riders.  These bikes have a growing market share and many of their users have never ridden off-road. Hence, they are taught on dirt tracks where each rider learns to how their motorcycle behaves when braking, turning, or going up and down different slopes on the asphalt.

Motorcycle brands and insurance companies, among others, are perfectly aware of how important it is for their customers to ride a motorcycle well. That’s why, many organize courses so to teach people how to control a motorcycle in different situations.  There are even brands that provide motorcycles and all the necessary equipment for the rider.

Honda

An example of this are the Honda Safety Institute motorcycle riding courses, a unique area of more than 20,000 square meters located at the Honda Motor Spain facilities in Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda (Barcelona).  With more than ten years of experience, its modern and exclusive facilities include classrooms, riding simulators, a workshop, and changing rooms, as well as an 8,000-m² asphalt area, and a 6,000 m² dirt area where you can work on different driving techniques, and on different motorcycles.

It also has a sliding track for braking exercises with ABS systems.  The HSI offers specific courses for all riding levels, both for motorcycles and scooters, and even for professionals whose work involves riding a motorcycle.  The costs of the different courses are very reasonable, and registration includes the motorcycle with gasoline, as well as elbow pads, knee pads, and bib for each rider.

For health reasons, currently everyone must wear their own helmet and gloves.  It has been proven that the different courses taught at the Honda Safety Institute are exemplary.