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It’s not uncommon for any discussion of motorcycle safety training to turn to, “What’s available after the MSF training?” This is a good question. The current MSF courses, whether the Basic or Experienced version, are focused at riding fundamentals. This should not be downplayed. Absent good fundamentals training, it’s very easy for any of us to slip into habits that can be a deterrent to safe riding. The MSF training is very effective at developing effective riding fundamentals. But…., what if I want more. What are my choices?
The MSF is currently working on a road riding course to supplement the current offerings. It is expected that this will be introduced in ’08, but it is not currently available. Once it does become available, each state or private provider will consider whether and how to weave this into their MSF offerings. So, nothing is certain in this area and probably won’t be for some time.
There are many “advanced” riding courses available. There is an excellent list of these in this link from the MTF safety pages. Most of these are road courses, and they are often criticized as being too race oriented. Frankly, I think this orientation comes more from the students than the courses, but nonetheless it can be intimidating to street riders. Due to liability concerns (real or imagined), there is very little training available in the US that includes on-road experiences. One notable exception to this has been Larry Grodsky’s Stayin’ Safe motorcycle training. Larry, who had been an MSF instructor and a long-time safety editor for Rider magazine, unfortunately was fatally injured in a motorcycle/deer accident in 2006 (see here). His course has carried on through the efforts of Larry’s significant other (Maryann Puglisi) and some senior instructors who had worked with Larry.
MTF member, Skip Kazmarek (SkipRD), took the Stayin’ Safe course this past year, and wrote an excellent article on the experience for GWRRA’s Wing World magazine. GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Rider’s Association) allows re-publication of this article with acknowledgement. As I am sure you will quickly agree, Skip is a very talented writer, and I think you will find his article an excellent read. The article can be read and downloaded here as a PDF file. Thanks very much to Skip for sharing this article, promoting motorcycle safety, and for doing an excellent job of capturing the essence of this training. If you are looking for something in addition to or after the MSF training, the Stayin’ Safe training should be on the short list! Thank again Skip! I am sure Skip would freely share additional info on the training either on the forum or privately.
STFJR, and Ride Safely!
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