Basic RiderCourse Curriculum

Lesson Objectives
1 Familiarization
  • Identify location and operation of important controls and major parts
  • Review mounting/dismounting procedures
  • Use engine start and shutdown procedures
2 Using the Friction Zone
  • Become skilled in using the clutch friction zone for control
3 Starting & Stopping Drill
  • Learn clutch/throttle coordination to start out and stop with precision and control
4 Shifting & Stopping
  • Shift gears and stop smoothly
5 Adjusting Speed & Turning
  • Develop the basic skills of adjusting speed and turning (counter-steering
    technique)
6 Controls-Skills Practice
  • Combine throttle, clutch, and brake use with a variety of maneuvers
7 Cornering
  • Develop the slow/look/press/roll technique for smooth, precise cornering
8 Matching Gears to Speed
  • Practice matching gear shifting to road speed
9 Stopping Quickly
  • Develop quick-stop capabilities
10 Limited-Space Maneuvers
  • Refine maneuvering skills to allow turns in limited spaces
11 Pressing to Initiate Lean
  • Develop deeper understanding of counter-steering for initiating turns
12 Cornering Judgment
  • Develop cornering finesse through additional rider judgment of entry speed
    and degree of curve
13 Negotiating Curves
  • Demonstrate smooth and precise cornering techniques through various paths of travel
14 Stopping Quickly in a Curve
  • Learn techniques to maintain control while stopping in a curve
15 Obstacles & Lane Changes
  • Develop proficiency in crossing over obstacles
  • Practice making safe lane changes
16 Avoiding Hazards
  • Learn the collision-avoidance skills of swerving and quick braking
17 Skills Practice
  • Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers
Test Skill Test To assess basic skills using a U-turn, swerve, quick stop, 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

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