The Basic Rider Course – Classes teach motorcycle riders the basic skills needed to safely ride a motorcycle. Since the 2-day class size is limited to eight, you will receive the attention you need to ride confidently. The tabs below contain information on requirements, what the course covers, and the schedule.
All students must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit at the time of the class.
Under Age 18: You must have either a notarized waiver or parent must be present to sign.
Please note the items you will need to bring:
Long pants
Long sleeves
Over the ankle shoes (cannot be canvas)
Eye protection (glasses or sunglasses or visor on your helmet)
Full fingered gloves (do not have to be leather)
(If you have a helmet, please bring it. It must have a DOT endorsement which you will find on the back, if you do not have a helmet we will supply one).
You may want to bring your own water bottle, Gatorade and some snacks. We will have water on the range.
Course Overview
The Basic Rider Course (BRC)
The MSF Basic RiderCourse is designed for beginning riders of all ages. More than 8 million motorcyclists nationwide have graduated from a RiderCourse since 1974. Classroom-style instruction – prepares you for ten hours of hands-on riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment.
Classroom (approx. 5 hours)
In the classroom, you’ll learn about the different types of motorcycles, layout and operation of the basic controls, and how to become a safer, more responsible rider.
Riding Range (approx. 10 hours)
You’ll then move to the riding range where your MSF-certified RiderCoach will guide you through the basic skills of straight-line riding, stopping, shifting, and turning, gradually progressing to swerving and emergency braking. A full breakdown of the riding portion is covered below.
Basic Rider Course (BRC) Riding Portion
Motorcycle Familiarization
Review T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection
Identify location and operation of important controls and major parts
Review mounting/dismounting procedures
Review elements of good posture
Using the Friction Zone
Become skilled in using the clutch friction zone for control
Starting & Stopping Drill
Coordinate the friction zone, throttle, and brakes to control the motorcycle
Start out and stop with precision and control
Shifting & Stopping
Shift gears and stop smoothly
Basic Skill Practice
Refine low-speed maneuvering skills
Refine throttle use and brake manipulation for corners
Pressing to Initiate and Adjust Lean
Understand the maneuvering elements needed for negotiating curves
Experience the effects of handgrip pressure and handlebar movement to initiate and adjust lean
Stopping Quickly & Tight Turns from a Stop
Develop a feel for progressive braking pressure to stop more quickly without skidding
Practice making a sharp turn from a stop
Stopping Distance Demonstration
Observe a demonstration of the reaction/braking parts of total stopping distance
To understand effects of speed on braking distance
To relate the results to intersection strategies
Limited-Space Maneuvers
Refine maneuvering skills to allow turns in limited spaces
Learn the counterweighting technique
Stopping in a Curve
Learn to maintain control while stopping in a curve
Understand traction management
Curve Judgment
Improve skills for negotiating multiple curves
Understand the “search-setup-smooth” strategy
Multiple Curves & Lane Changes
Practice negotiating curves and lane changes
Understand safety margins and gap selection
Crossing an Obstacle & Swerving
Learn techniques for crossing over obstacles
Execute a basic swerve
Practice turning from a stop
Refine slow-speed weaves
Skill Practice
Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers
Skill Test
To assess basic skills using a cone weave, normal stop, turning from a stop, U-turn, quick stop, obstacle swerve, and cornering maneuver.
To demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills and ability to avoid an obstacle
To demonstrate ability to use the proper technique to negotiate a curve
Please Note: The class schedule is flexible depending on the size and skill levels of the students. Generally, we spend the first 2-3 hours in classroom time each day, take a break for lunch, then spend 4-5 hours of riding time on the range. We will have classes regardless of weather.
Course Schedule
Mon/Tues SCHEDULE (When Available) or THURS/FRI SCHEDULE
Day 1, begins at Gables Motorsport’s class room at 8:30am at 28009 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
Day 2, we begin at the range at 7:30 am for about 5 hours finishing the riding lessons and taking the riding test. We then go to Gables Motorsports to finish the classroom sessions and take the written test. We should be finished by 3 pm.
SAT/SUN SCHEDULE
Saturday, begins at Gables Motorsport’s classroom at 8:30am at 28009 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
Sunday, we will begin at the range at 7:30 and complete the riding exercises and the riding test between noon and 1 pm.
Basic Rider Course Handbook (digital copy), click the picture or use this link to download the PDF version here: Basic Rider Course (Digital Handbook)
(A physical copy is provided for all course students at no additional cost)