Intermediate Motorcycle Classes in the Bay Area

Intermediate Riding Clinic / CMSP 1-Day Premier Course
(With Licensing Option)

The Perfect Next Step for Newer and Returning Riders

Developed by Total Control Training, the Intermediate Riding Clinic / CMSP 1-Day Premier Course is the perfect next step for newer riders who are looking to improve their skills as well as riders that have recently returned to riding after years off. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction.

The IRC/1DPC is based on the most current research in rider safety, utilizes modern training methods and has been proven to enhance student outcomes. Although designed primarily as a safety course, the course is also challenging and fun and it is completed in one 8-hour day.

Licensing Option

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program offers experienced students who take the 1DPC—but are not licensed—the opportunity to achieve intermediate-level skills along with their motorcycle license, in which case riders will also have the option to either take it on their own motorcycle or do it in one of our available loaner bikes.

IMPORTANT: Students who attend this class to obtain their license must be at least 21 years old and will be required to demonstrate fundamental riding skills by passing a basic riding evaluation at the beginning of the class, similar to the Motorcycle Skills Test applied by the California DMV. You must successfully complete this test in order to continue with the rest of the class.

Riders who already have their own bike and a motorcycle license can be take this course without the testing requirements.

What It Covers

The IRC/1DPC covers essential cornering and crash-avoidance skills such as:

• Throttle Control
• Brake Control
• Vision
• Line Selection
• Low Speed Turns
• Evasive Maneuvers
• Road Speed Cornering

The single most important control on your motorcycle is the throttle. This is because—beyond speed and acceleration—it applies forces to so many aspects of your bike's handling, including traction, suspension, weight transfer, steering, stability, and ground clearance. Knowing how to skillfully apply the throttle is one of the major distinctions between good riders and great riders.

Because emergency stops can be scary due to the limited amount of traction you have and how much it would hurt to kiss the ground, very few riders practice quick braking and even less have the actual knowledge and skills to do it safely. During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn and practice the right technique to achieve short stops so you are prepared when you need to brake quickly and avoid a hazard.

Vision is, without a doubt, the most fundamental skill for proper riding. The majority of decisions made while riding are based on information coming in through your eyes. The main reason for vision being so critical is that you go where you look but even experienced racers struggle with maintaining proper vision through the corners. At Total Control you will learn why riders go where they look and how you can use your eyes to your advantage and safety during every ride.

Unlike cars, motorcycles can take a lot of different lines through a particular corner. Some of these lines will help you make a safe and serene progression through the bends, while others will ruin your perfect ride! During our Intermediate Riding Clinic you will learn how to plan and follow proper lines on every corner of the road.

Few activities in street riding can be as frustrating as having to make a low-speed, tight turn in a limited amount of space—especially if you don't know the technique. Fortunately, it is one of the easiest skills to learn. In fact, most riders are able to reduce their minimum turning diameter by 30 to 40 percent in as little as five minutes of practice!

Swerving around an obstacle at speed can be a life-saving technique but it requires skill and practice to avoid surpassing the available traction of your tires and crashing during the maneuver. During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn and practice the technique necessary to do it safely when the emergency arises.

During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn how to put together the throttle control, vision, line selection and body position techniques to practice safe turns at road speeds during your everyday rides.

Motorcycle Requirements

We provide loaner motorcycles for unlicensed students. Licensed students must bring their own motorcycles for the class and adhere to the following guidelines:

• Motorcycles used for the range exercises must be street-legal and have current registration.
• Students must provide insurance policy and license (tag) numbers at the start of the class.
• 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.

Gear Requirements

• Full-finger, 100% leather or street-specific motorcycle gloves.
• Long sturdy pants with no holes (denim jeans, leather pants, motorcycle specific pants).
• Over-the-ankle protective boots.
• DOT-approved helmet, if you have one.
• Eye Protection.
• Motorcycle-specific riding jacket.