I completed the Basic Rider Course first week of April at the Piscatway, NJ location. I highly recommend this course for anyone who is interested in riding motorcycles or looking for refresher course ... Read More
I completed the Basic Rider Course first week of April at the Piscatway, NJ location. I highly recommend this course for anyone who is interested in riding motorcycles or looking for refresher course if you have not been on the motorcycle for a while. Even if you have had your license, but never learned the basics, this is the course for you. My class included 11 students from age range 18 to 72, both men and women. And make sure you register well in advance. I registered as soon as the registration started in early February. I took the full day Saturday and Sunday course. The course started with classroom on Saturday, from 8:30 to about 12:30. Then went to the course, where we had lunch (see my notes later about food and water). Our riding session started late since the previous class was running late. So our day ended at about 7:10, just when it started to get dark. Similar routine next day. The classroom session focuses on the handbook that is provided. A question sheet was provided, which focused on the chapters from the handbook. We had to perform group exercise to find right answers and later discuss with the class. Video sessions are also included. Classroom covers very basics from different types of motorcycles, helmets, right gear to wear, to how to handle bikes on road, different riding conditions, breaking and swirling techniques and stuff. At the end there is a 50 questions test. You must get 80% score to clear the test. So pay attention. Test is simple if you have basic common sense. Must pass the test to get certified. The riding course is a big parking lot with markings and they add small cones during exercises. Bikes and helmets are available. You must bring all other gears as noted in the application such as boots that cover the heels, eye protection, gloves, full sleeve shirt.Started with basic exercise of just walking the bike with your legs. But at the end of the day, everyone (including those who have had no experience, like me) were comfortably riding the bikes. The exercises are well planned and gradually increases in difficulty. Each class has at least two coach and they constantly focus on the right technique. They guide and mentor you throughout. Listen to what they have to say and the two days will be effortless. At the end of the second day, there is a riding test. Its point based test. If you make mistakes you get points. Less points, the better it is. Everyone if my class passed. You will know the very first day if this is for you. If you drop the bike during the test, you automatically fail. So try not to do that.I must say that both the instructors were very knowledgeable. Both had decades of experience riding different motorcycles. They focused on making sure you get the basics right, while also giving advice on what really happens on the street. Both were patient and friendly.This is mentally tiring course. Make sure you take enough food with you. Take sandwich for lunch and protein bars. Double up the water you are planning to take with you. Add some Gatorade or whatever else you like. Even though there are water coolers at the facility, they run out of water soon. You will need every last drop.As suggested by the other review, if you are planning to use their helmets, take a bandanna. Target sells them at some of the stores. Good luck and ride safe! Read Less