Is a motorcycle safety class worth the money?

Question

iam buying a 600 ninja for a beginners bike, the dealer wanted to sell me a 2 cylinder cruiser style bike instead hes seen some guys return messed up from doing wheelie etc. i dont see why i cant ride it if i respect it. i really dont want to waste money on a cheap bike for learning. is there any valuable knowledge in a training course or can i just teach myself?

Answer 1

Most insurance companies will lower you rates if you take a driver ed class.I don't suggest a 600 cc either by the way.

Answer 2

Besides the possible savings in insurance premiums, there is the possibility of learning something useful from a good instructor.  Your dealer isn't just trying to make an extra buck, he's trying to do you a favor.  Yes, it will profit him in the long run, you'll be alive and healthy when you decide to upgrade, but is that such a bad deal for you?

Answer 3

I would recommend the training class to EVERYONE that wants to ride. Riding is a risk, EVERY time you get on your bike and if you have been trained by professionals that have been doing it for so long, what are you going to lose.

I ride and EVERY one of my friends ride... and they'll tell you the same thing if you ask them.

I took mine  and got my endorsement at the end. Not only was it soooo much fun, but it really helped me get more comfortable on a motorcycle...

It's definately worth every penny.

Answer 4

I have taken a course and in addition to insurance savings (depends on where you are at) the course does go over fundamental riding that most people do not pick up.  It is probably worth the money.  Although you will probably be riding on 250cc 'cruiser-type' machines it would not hurt.  Motorcycle safety is a serious matter and although some people may not need a course it is an excellent idea to participate if you know how to ride or not.

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with taking a good course, most places require them for licensing and the MSF ERC course is great to take as a refresher. Most of the riders in our touring groups put on thousands of miles each year on their bikes and we are always in the courses to stay in tune. The hardest thing to do on a bike is ride slow, but working this through an ERC course will not only provide you with the methods of handling a bike safely and properly, it's done on your bike so you get to know it better.

Mike

http://www.motorcycle-touring-made-easy....

http://www.twowheeltannery.com

http://www.gwrradea.org

Answer 6

Well....I was in the same position as you... I bought a SV650S for a begginer bike. Its not a 600 ninja but it was still more than I needed starting off. I took the class and was blown away by all the stuff I "thought" I new. That class opened my eyes and made me a smarter rider.       I still ended up laying my bike down. Which resulted in a nice deep scar in my left arm from elbow to wrist because I wasn't wearing my riding jacket. It also tore up my sweet new bike. My best advice would be to take the class and don't think that you are invincible. A wise friends once told me that there are 2 types of riders, those who have laid their bikes down, and those who are going to lay their bikes down. I have a different mentality riding after that. good luck

Answer 7

The classes are worth there weight in gold. I have been riding over 20 yrs. and have taken two classes. I always learn something new. FYI, I haven't been in an accident yet. Keyword here is yet.