BMW Road Training worth the travel and expense?

[Colts]

Yes - IMO it's worth it- I had 2 days training with them after picking up my 1150GS - slow riding, cornering and roadcraft all covered really well.

Several years ago I also did my CBT and direct Access with them- bikes, gear, instruction all superb.

You will also spend time on some superb Roads ..

I would also recomend you consider the IAM - it will take longer but is great value.

Colts

 

[oji1391]

IAM Training

Yes - IMO it's worth it- I had 2 days training with them after picking up my 1150GS - slow riding, cornering and roadcraft all covered really well.

Several years ago I also did my CBT and direct Access with them- bikes, gear, instruction all superb.

You will also spend time on some superb Roads ..

I would also recomend you consider the IAM - it will take longer but is great value.

Colts

I'm glad to see someone mention the IAM, training is done locally by local guys who will take you to a good standard, well above what you had to do for your DOT test. For your driving test you are only realy taught to pass the test not to ride a bike properly. (How can you be taught to ride a bike properly in a one week Direct access course.)

I'm not having a dig at BMW training but most of these courses are two or three days normaly down south somewhere far too expensive for a tight scott (before anyone says something).

Having been a CBT and Direct Access instructor after retiring from the Police (Patrol Motorcyclist) beleive me I know what I'm talking about.
The local IAM spread the course over 2 or 3 months because all the instructors are volunteers and have other jobs, so it is normally a weekend thing. You need to know the theory to be able to put it into practice properly and if it's spread over a few weeks you get a chance to practice and get used to a different way of riding.

That's the end of my Rant.
Good riding.
OJ

 

[bmwblue]

I dream of having a 30" inside leg - mine is 29". I bought an R1200GS (low seat) and did the Intermediate Level Two course just after I bought it. Brilliant course, I learnt so much and it gave me the confidence I needed to ride a big bike with short legs!

In my opinion, the course is well worth the expense. The course is great fun and you'll get to ride some fantastic roads.

I've now just done the Level 1 of-road course. Fantastic!

 

[OscarIndia]

I'm 5'9" and have been on a 1200GSA for a week or so now. I run the low seat but, to be honest, in 90% of circumstances it's too low. Dealership have also thrown ina standard GS1200 seat which is higher, but not as high as the GSA seat. I'll try the switch soon.
I've almost dropped it twice, both times not doing difficult moves - once at a t-junction with more of a slope than I saw and once at night on broken ground when I tried to dab with my foot and discovered a pot-hole.
All that said, it's much easier to turn than you'd think. Actual turning circle is far better than my old K1200S, wide bars really help too.
I take the view that I just need to adjust my riding.
My big plan is to go ont he Pavey off-road L1 course on a GSA. I will crash, a lot, and drop the bike, a lot, and I reckon that will take the edge of worry away from doing it on the road (and teach me to jump!)

 

[bmwblue]

My big plan is to go ont he Pavey off-road L1 course on a GSA.

You can do the course on a G650GS, F650GS, F800GS or an R1200GS but not a GSA.

 

[dancerdave]

I'm going in June to do the ROSPA Gold course on my own bike and then the 2 day O/R course on one of their 650 GS's. I've a couple of questions - Should I bring some old kit/lid for the off road course as I don't fancy getting a good helmet battered? 1150 GSA or KTM SM-T for the road riding? (thought the KTM would be better for low speed manouvering)

 

[GS_or_bust]

You can do the course on a G650GS, F650GS, F800GS or an R1200GS but not a GSA.

Like he says, only the instructors get to ride the GSAs.

 

[Richard]

BMW always a BMW!