Advanced Motorcycle Classes in the Bay Area

Total Control^® Advanced Riding Clinic^™

Whether you want to become a more proficient and safer rider on the street—or a faster rider on the track—mastering advanced riding techniques is crucial and should not be postponed until it is too late. Unfortunately, most advanced riding courses in the country are only offered in high-speed racetrack environments. The fear of crashing at high speeds and the pressure of other riders flying by are too intimidating to most motorcyclists so they never take this important step forward. During our Advanced Riding Clinics, every drill is performed one at a time, and at street-legal speeds, in a controlled environment. After each run, you will receive professional, concise coaching on the specific skills you need to work on to transform your riding. From cruisers to sportbikes, all types of motorcycles and riding styles are welcome to attend.

How It Works

Part of the reason for the program's success is the dynamic classroom training, which includes both theory and application of the Total Control ARC techniques. By including a basic analysis of vehicular dynamics, riders get a clear understanding of how their actions affect their bikes. For instance, in the suspension portion of the class, riders learn how to analyze the effectiveness of their suspension and how to set it up for maximum control and comfort.

The range portion of the training is done in a large parking lot or skidpad where each of the skills are individually broken down and practiced. Working on only one skill at a time is the fastest way to make consistent riding improvements. The beauty of doing it this way is that the student is never asked to make a huge "leap of faith" in any one area. Each skill is built up in small two-mph increments until the desired result is achieved. This allows for high confidence and never gets too scary. In fact, cornering speeds never go above 25 mph. While this may seem slow, in a tight enough corner, 25 is very, very fast. Combined with a strategic "building block" formula for integrating the individual skills into a complete riding package, the Total Control ARC enables riders to learn faster and easier than ever before. Equally important, all the Total Control ARC skills are taught with their direct applications for street riding. After all, knowing how to do something is of little value if you don't understand when and where to use it.

What It Covers

Creating safer riders is the main objective of everything we teach and -because failing to negotiate corners is the main cause of motorcycle crashes and fatalities on the road- our Advanced Riding Clinic, Level 1 is focused on our 7 Keys to Proper Cornering:

Traction Management • Throttle Control • The Mental Aspects of Riding Vision • Line Selection • Body Position • Suspension Setup

Is ARC for me?

Because of the advanced cornering skills and techniques that we teach during ARC, it is important that riders who take this course arrive with a solid riding foundation in order to make the most out of the class. The best way to assess if you are ready for ARC is by responding to these other three important questions:

1. Do you feel confident and relaxed riding through a curvy road, at regular road speeds?
2. Do you feel confident in your ability to swerve around an unexpected obstacle, at road speeds?
3. Do you feel confident in your ability to make your motorcycle stop in very short distance during an emergency?

If you answered YES to the three questions above, then ARC is for you and you will enjoy it greatly! However, if you responded NO to any of the questions above, you should consider the 1-Day Premier Course as the next step in your riding education.

Price

The Total Control ARC^® has a cost of $350.

We have motorcycles for rent for $50, which includes gas and insurance.

Motorcycle Requirements

Students must provide their own motorcycles for the class. Motorcycles used for the range exercises must be street-legal and have current registration. In addition, students must have a motorcycle insurance policy in force. Students must provide insurance policy and license (tag) numbers at the start of the class.

Your motorcycle should be well maintained. This includes the following:

• Your tires should have sufficient tread (at least 3mm). Air pressure will be checked before the class starts.
• No car tires or race tires or race compound tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved.
• Your bike should not overheat while stopped with the motor running on a hot day.
• On liquid cooled bikes, check the coolant level.
• Check the engine oil level.
• Your charging system must function properly, and a relatively new battery is highly recommended because you will be starting the bike frequently.
• Brakes are in good working order.
• No motorcycles with leaking fluids will be allowed on the range. This includes: engine oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, engine coolant, brake fluid or anything else that may leak from a motorcycle.
• Absolutely no race tires or race compound tires are allowed even if they are DOT approved. These tires will not get hot enough to maintain traction during the class.

Gear Requirements

• Full-finger, 100% leather or street-specific motorcycle gloves.
• Motorcycle-specific protective pants (leather chaps OK).
• Over-the-ankle protective boots.
• DOT-approved helmet, if you have one.
• Eye Protection.
• Motorcycle-specific riding jacket.