There's been a rise in accidents among our military personnel while riding motorcycles and especially sportbikes. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has developed a Military SportBike RiderCourse to address the problem and help keep our soldiers, sailors and airmen safe. The course is advanced training taken after completion of the basic safety course and it sounds like a great idea to me.
MSF press release:
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Military SportBike RiderCourseSM, developed in close collaboration with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army safety centers, is now available to all branches of the Department of Defense.
Developed to address the increasing number of military personnel who are involved in sport bike crashes, the MSF Military SportBike RiderCourse is a “next-level” training course for military riders who have completed the MSF Basic RiderCourse. The one-day course consists of approximately three hours of classroom interactive lessons and four hours of on-cycle range time, and is taught by instructors (RiderCoaches) who receive additional training and special MSF certification to teach the course.
“The goal is to provide riders with a way to further develop personal riding strategies and decision-making abilities to help them minimize their risk,” said Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF director of training systems.
The classroom segment focuses on the behavioral aspects of riding such as attitude and personal risk assessment, and includes discussions about braking proficiency, cornering techniques, traction management, and characteristics unique to sport bikes. The hands-on range session builds on these topics by providing riders the opportunity to develop and improve skills in braking, cornering and swerving.
A student pocket takeaway booklet, the “Sport Bike Survival Guide,” will be provided to all military personnel who participate in the course. Written by accomplished sport bike riding instructor Nick Ienatsch, with a foreword from Superbike Champion Ben Spies, it includes riding techniques, street strategies, handy reference materials, quick tips, and additional resources for those seeking to further their knowledge and skills.
The Department of Defense mandates rider training and specifies an MSF course for all military personnel who ride, and the U.S. Navy now requires that all personnel who own sport bikes take the MSF Military SportBike RiderCourse after they have completed the MSF Basic RiderCourse.
To date, more than 1,600 armed forces personnel have taken the new MSF Military SportBike RiderCourse.
“With this new course for military riders, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation advances its ongoing effort to provide innovative programs and curriculum, all developed with one goal in mind – to fulfill its mission of improving rider safety,” Ochs said.
Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.
The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
{ 23 comments… add yours below ... }
I think its a great idea. I went through a safety class when I was in the army back in ‘82 to get my bike registered on post, and learned alot.
Although, a good idea. If mandated by the unit, is the unit going to require this additional training to come out of the military members’ pocket? Or like in some of the units I have been in, taking additional courses are “encouraged” and the rider is harrassed until he does which by the way gets added to someone else’s review (NCOER, OER, etc) as a safety bullet.
this is BS, if they get this for free. If the general public has to pay for it then so should they.
Derek, – “If the general public has to pay for it then so should they.”
Any member of the general public that wants this under the same terms as it’s offered to members of our armed forces can volunteer to serve in the military for several years and agree to defend this country and all of its citizens at the possible sacrifice of their own life. Simple as that, then you or anyone else can get it for “free” too.
Our armed forces pay every day for the freedom you get for free. If you believe they are getting some incredible deal with this safety course, join up today and take advantage of those deals yourself. Recruiters are standing by.
what does serving in the military have anything to do with riding a sport bike. it is not my problem they crash their bike. what next they will get special “dont drink and drive classes” when the figures come out that not only can our military not ride a bike but they cant not drink and drive as well. this is opening a flood gate for “free” drug use classes and every other problem the public has to face daily, but without the government blankie to protect them. i thank the troops for my freedom, for risking their lives. as an only child and the sole provider for a famliy of 4, i still think this is BS.
Yeah, if it was like public office employees, then yeah, make them pay for it, but the military has been shafted on a lot of stuff lately, so I say if they get it for free, sweet. They deserve a break now and then.
I think this is an excellent idea. My son, a hero, was killed while on leave from the Navy…riding his Yamaha 600. A distracted driver never “saw” him. I do not think this training would have saved his life, but I do pray that it will make those that do ride more aware of drivers of motor vehicles. Remember, you are not invincible, stay alert!
ACTIVE MILITARY DESERVE IT FOR FREE . THEY PAYED FOR IT IN BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS . HOO YA !GOD BLESS THEM .
Oh come on Derek…think about it a bit more open minded. These guy and gals are putting their lives on the line for you. I think they all deserve a FREE BIKE!
just my opinion
Larry
i must have my head up my @$$ right. I don’t know what the F i am talking about right. I respect people who have served dont get me wrong, but it is a choice to serve. It is also a choice to RIDE LIKE AN IDIOT when you get home. I feel for the guy who lost his son to an idiot in their car but that is not the topic. The military is stepping in like a rich parent to a spoild child and not making them pay for all kinds of stuff I THINK they should have to pay for by them selves, this being one of them. This is just my opinion. Dont get your camo panties in a bunch.
Great Idea, and it makes no difference who is going to pay for it as the final result of a more educated rider will be cheaper for the military (taxpayers) in the long run, as motorcycle related injuries by those in the military are paid for by the taxpayers.
The story is about Rider education, if cost is an issue take it up with your congressman.
Derek, I made no comments about the location of your head. I just asked that you think about it a bit more…with an open mind. Not every rider “rides like an idiot”. Those who do, well, it’s just a matter of time. Many many accidents are caused by “idiots” in cars not paying attention. If this course educates at least one rider on how to look, spot, and avoid a “situation”, then it’s worth every penny.
…and I’m glad to pay for it….so we have the freedom to keep riding whenever and wherever we want!
Its a very good investment and a terrific school.
if a person wants to invest in their own knowledge and skill, great. And i am sure it is a great school. i wish i could afford one. But, Sport bike riding has nothing to do with being a soldier. That is my point. If a soldier wants to better his/her riding ability, why should i pay for that?
OK we get your point, now lets focus on those who like to improve themselves through education. What a great opportunity for those in the military to be able to improve their riding skills with a program as good as this one.
Unless I read this wrong, this is a special course designed for military personal. To those nay-sayers who think it should be free for the public, why the hell would the public need to go to a military specific training course? I also think that I read they are in a special risk class. Bottom line, who cares if they get a free class? Really? This bothers you that they get something for free?
Derek, I understand your confusion, I could have specified where these funds are coming from. Please be aware that every military unit has to spend its budget money like the rest of the government about every quarter on items or training that they deem is necessary. If this money isnt used, it disappears and may not be available next quarter. All I am asking “If this extra training mandated by the unit on top of the MSF, is the unit going to pay for it?”
See even though every military member pledges to defend the constitution, democracy is not practiced in the ranks. So if a military rider is told by his “boss” to take an extra course on top of the MSF, and the military member is stuck with the check – this is where I call BS.
Just a little added info for you all. As an Active Duty member (AF)and an avid motorcycle rider, the MSF course has become a MANDATORY course for all active duty members who rides a motorcycle on any DoD installation. From my understanding, civilian workers, retiree’s and contractors who wish to ride onto the base must also have a MSF certification to be allowed on base.( If the govt had it their way, none of us would be able to ride a motorcycle at all while on active duty) I believe for that reason, (mandatory training) that it is REIMBURSED to us after the successful completion of the course. If a member does not complete or does not pass the course, they have to pay out of pocket for the full cost of the training course. (there is an acception incase of emergencies/deployments/etc…etc.) So the course isn’t exactly free or without strings attached. Different branches have different rules, but each branch of the military has its own rules on what they want to do. Some guys have to go on a group ride before they are allowed to run off on their own after getting back from a deployment, some of us are just let loose. But either way, the reason for it all is the government sees a trend in losing guys returning from overseas, buying the biggest, baddest bike around that they have been dreaming of for the past year or so, and not being able to handle it or whatever reason, and crashing. Damn shame to get home from a war and get killed on a motorcycle. Beit their fault or some idiot driver.
The AirForce has developed its own Sportbike class in house(it is different). I teach this as well as regular MSF and Lee Park’s Total control. Sportbike riding has everything to do with a soldiers safety. Trust me when you get deployed ALOT of guys just dream about getting a bike when they get back. The reason we did this is that SPORTBIKES are harder ride than a normal bike it requires a different skill set than what is taught @ a regular MSF class. The military shouldn’t be chastised for protecting its most valuable resource.People.
Just Pete, what form do you use for reimbursement?
Derick i think that your idea we arent paying for these courses is completely wrong. We pay for it when we shcedule these courses and never show up. That is my commands policy. (USN) I am a firm beliver in that fact that these adult childern need to learn to be responasble for thier actions but I also agree that these courses are not going to prevent Sailors and Marines from going 140 MPH and hitting a car going the oppsite direction and dying at the scene like the shipmate that my command lost last week. But these courses will give them better skills so when they get on that bike after they haven’t been riding for the last 6 months to 2 years they have a chance
People don’t realize that military members are required to attend these courses. If I am killed while riding a motorcycle and I have not taken a MSF course my soldiers group life insurance is also denied. I don’t think the general public also realizes the stresses placed on our soldiers through multiple deployments. They come back with a chunk of cash, go out and buy their first sportbike to satisfy their adrenaline rush, then make poor choices with minimal riding skills. As an E-5 with eight years of service my base pay is $2600 a month. Soldiers should pay several hundred dollars for a course requird by command. Derek needs to WAKE UP and pull his head out!!
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