East Coast H.O.G.,Inc.

Experienced Rider Course

Safety Tips - Experienced Rider Course - 

(or learning to love performance anxiety)

BY Tim Masterson

So…you’re thinking about signing up for the Experienced Rider Course, but not sure your skills on the motorcycle are up to it? Well…don’t be intimidated by what you’ve heard or can imagine about the course. It’s pretty basic stuff! The highest speed for any exercise is 25 mph with the majority at 15 – 20 mph. Here are the ERC exercises and their objectives.

Overall Control Evaluation: You will demonstrate your ability to control the motorcycle by maneuvering it through an offset cone weave.

Principles Of Stopping: You will come to a safe, controlled stop, demonstrating proper braking technique.

Stopping On A Curve: You will ride around a curve, bringing the motorcycle to a smooth,controlled stop at a designated point.

Controlling Rear-Wheel Skids: You will learn to control an accidental rear-wheel skid caused by over braking on the rear wheel.

Stopping In The Shortest Distance: You will stop the motorcycle in the shortest distance you safely can, demonstrating smooth but firm application of the front brake and controlled application of the rear brake.

Countersteering For Corning: You will cause the motorcycle to lean and maintain lean through a curve by applying pressure to the handgrip in the direction of the turn.

Cornering – Traction Control: You will stabilize the motorcycle’s suspension and prevent shifts in available traction by gradually rolling on the throttle while in a turn.

Cornering – Judgment: You will ride through different turns, demonstrating your ability to select a proper entry speed and ride a smooth, controlled line.

Countersteering For Swerving: You will cause the motorcycle to quickly lean by applying pressure to the handgrip in the direction of the swerve.

Brake, Then Swerve: You will cause the motorcycle to slow quickly by applying both brakes, then swerve onto a new path of travel.

Swerve, Then Brake: You will cause the motorcycle to swerve onto a new path of travel, then stop quickly in a straight line.

Stopping Quickly On A Curve: You will ride around a curve bringing the motorcycle to as smooth, rapid stop on the instructor’s command.

Tim Masterson

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The East Coast HOG Group Ride Common Practices and

The East Coast HOG Group Ride Road Captain Pre-Ride Checklist