Did everyone take the rider training course? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Did everyone take the rider training course?

leon_nerd

leon_nerd

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Hi All,

As obvious from the subject line, I wanted to know if everyone went through the rider training program? Is it a requirement? Or a good measure to take before you start riding? What are your personal experiences and recommendations? I have 3 riding experience but not in Canada. I want to start riding again and wanted to get some direction on it.

Thanks,
Leon
 
If you've got 3 years of road and traffic experience on a bike, save the $$$, get the license, and take this instead.

I say this because what they teach you at RTI is very helpful (I took it) but only if you've had no road experience on a bike or have never ridden one. If you can go from point A to point B without stalling, know push/counter steering and general blocking maneuvers then it's a waste of $$$.
 
I see. I am just concerned about the test. I am not sure what they ask you to do in the test. Is there any reference?
 
leon_nerd said:
I see. I am just concerned about the test. I am not sure what they ask you to do in the test. Is there any reference?
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Taking the licensing course is never a bad idea, you will learn/enhance whatever skill set you currently have. Additionally the certificate may lead to an insurance discount, plus many schools (like RTI) offer pricing incentives to graduates for the advanced technical riding courses... so you still get the benefit of ongoing training.
 
Acadian1974 said:
Taking the licensing course is never a bad idea, you will learn/enhance whatever skill set you currently have. Additionally the certificate may lead to an insurance discount, plus many schools (like RTI) offer pricing incentives to graduates for the advanced technical riding courses... so you still get the benefit of ongoing training.
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My *** on the discount. I wish we got one lol

And @leon_nerd, I believe it's a parking lot test involving a bunch of slow speed maneuvers. It's really really easy if you've been riding for a while. If you don't let your nerves get the better of you, I'm 99% sure you will pass.

By slow speed, btw, I do not mean knee down gymkhana stuff =P
 
I would definitely recommend taking a riding course.

I just took the riding course with RTI @ Toronto location this past weekend.

It was a great experience! I learn a lot from the course. The instructors were amazingly helpful, encouraging, and very knowledgeable!

And like Acadian1974 there are ongoing benefits after you finished the course (i.e. discounted price for M testing).
 
There were no rider training courses when I began riding back in '74. I wish there had been because I am sure it would have avoided a few pucker moments during my first two years on the road.

My advice to any new rider is to take a training course. It is always better to learn a new skill with help from instructors who can give you the benefit of their experience.
 
油井緋色;1988303 said:
If you've got 3 years of road and traffic experience on a bike, save the $$$, get the license, and take this instead.

I say this because what they teach you at RTI is very helpful (I took it) but only if you've had no road experience on a bike or have never ridden one. If you can go from point A to point B without stalling, know push/counter steering and general blocking maneuvers then it's a waste of $$$.
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I'd like to disagree. After riding for over 10 years I took the course with my wife a couple years ago. I couldn't believe how many bad habits I had and the instructors seemed to cater towards my experience focusing on noticing the little things. The also made practice fun by timing me on the snake and other sections.
 
RTI "grad" here, took the course last summer and glad I did. Glad I did too, saved my life a few times on the road.
 
rbjeepthing said:
I'd like to disagree. After riding for over 10 years I took the course with my wife a couple years ago. I couldn't believe how many bad habits I had and the instructors seemed to cater towards my experience focusing on noticing the little things. The also made practice fun by timing me on the snake and other sections.
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As instructors we tend to cater to everyone. To be honest I love the more advanced stuff and absolutely love showing competent riders new things.

Are you looking deep enough through turns? Is your body position good? Balls of your feet on the pegs? Do you know to do a u-turn properly? What about your emergency skills such as braking quickly and/or avoiding obstacles?

Taking a course (whether it be beginner or advanced) is always a good idea.

That said, it is your own choice and your own money. These courses aren't exactly the cheapest thing in the world.

One thing I will say though, is that I guarantee you will learn SOMETHING by taking the course. Be it small or large, there is definitely something to be said about training with professionals...
 
Thanks a lot for your inputs.

I definitely want to take a rider training course but it is the money that is an obstacle. It is not easy to dish out approx. $300-$400 bucks for every program. I would probably try to get M2 cleared with my experience. Will be saving money in the mean time and get a rider training after the M2.
 
iceman86 said:
I would definitely recommend taking a riding course.

I just took the riding course with RTI @ Toronto location this past weekend.

It was a great experience! I learn a lot from the course. The instructors were amazingly helpful, encouraging, and very knowledgeable!

And like Acadian1974 there are ongoing benefits after you finished the course (i.e. discounted price for M testing).
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Glad you enjoyed it, you were a great group!
 
Before you make that call, check with your insurance co. to see if they will credit you with the certificate, you could end up saving more than the cost of the course.
 
Acadian1974 said:
Before you make that call, check with your insurance co. to see if they will credit you with the certificate, you could end up saving more than the cost of the course.
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I really don't understand why this seems to be a continued sales pitch. I remember when I was searching for quotes, none of the companies I called/went to cared if I did the course or not. All they care to know is whether you have an M1, M2 or M.
I think if ppl are claiming there is the money to be saved from doing a course, insurance wise, by all means enlighten us or me, what company you are talking about and I will stand corrected and silent once verified.
 
I took learning curves this past weekend and I never rode a bike before so as for your experience you have my feedback may not be that great but I learned so much compared to if I never took the course. If you have your m2 then why not a course getting you ready for M test? Probably learn more and about road riding more.
 
Twon said:
I really don't understand why this seems to be a continued sales pitch. I remember when I was searching for quotes, none of the companies I called/went to cared if I did the course or not. All they care to know is whether you have an M1, M2 or M.
I think if ppl are claiming there is the money to be saved from doing a course, insurance wise, by all means enlighten us or me, what company you are talking about and I will stand corrected and silent once verified.
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That's how it use to be, but the insurance industry doesn't seem to care anymore neither does the government if you've taken an approved course.

The waiting time 18 months vs 22 months could be worth it if you like to drink and ride and wish to get your M sooner....
 
Twon said:
I really don't understand why this seems to be a continued sales pitch. I remember when I was searching for quotes, none of the companies I called/went to cared if I did the course or not. All they care to know is whether you have an M1, M2 or M.
I think if ppl are claiming there is the money to be saved from doing a course, insurance wise, by all means enlighten us or me, what company you are talking about and I will stand corrected and silent once verified.
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One person's experience will be different than another, and it's no sales pitch. Many companies do credit a year of riding experience, some insist on it, some change their policies on the matter from one year to another. The point of the post was that the OP should check with his company first.
 
Acadian1974 said:
Many companies do credit a year of riding experience...
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This statement is vastly different from saying that doing the training course gets you credit from insurance companies, which is what I am arguing.
I don't really get why you quoted me, but changed what the point was...
My point is, if there is an insurance company that gives this so called credit for doing the courses, then please share.
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