Photo Courtesy Vinish, Chandigarh, India

BMW Launches Motorcycle Rider Training Program at the BMW Performance Center

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of official BMW Motorcycle rider training for the first time ever in the U.S. with the launch of the new BMW Motorcycle Rider Training program at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The training was announced on September 5, 2007 by Arturo Pineiro, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA.

Led by professional instructors utilizing BMW motorcycles exclusively, the new program will offer on- and off-road courses year-round designed to increase safety and confidence in an environment that maximizes the riders’ potential.  Classes will begin Friday, September 7, and are available to BMW owners and non-owners.

“Since 1999 the BMW Performance Driving School has successfully proven that drivers are ready to take their skills to the next level, and we are pleased to now offer this new experience for motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Pineiro.

“Riders will acquire the practical and technical skills to make every ride safer and more enjoyable wherever their next destination may be.”

The BMW Motorcycle Riding Program will offer a range of classes that will include time in the classroom and on the course with various models of BMW motorcycles, including the BMW R 1200 GS, F 650 GS, G 650 X challenge, G 650 X country or a student’s own BMW motorcycle. 

The following programs will be available at launch:

On-Road School:  This one-day class lets students ride on the BMW Performance Driving School course for exercises including braking techniques, steering, accident avoidance, a slalom course, cornering styles, road hazard maneuvering and low-speed maneuvering.  The on-road course also involves some dual-sport drills, which will help riders handle inevitable occurrences such as gravel or unpaved road;

Off-Road School:  This one-day course is patterned after the curriculum at the BMW Enduro Park in Hechlingen, Germany, and is designed for the rider who is new to off-road riding or may already have experience but would like more training. 

Students experience the BMW Performance Center’s off-road course with surfaces including dirt, gravel and grass, and focus on exercises such as riding position, braking, slalom, stopping on a hill, recovery from a hill, hill climb and descent and riding ruts and logs.

In addition, riders will do “Enduro-laps,” which are lead-follow laps in which students follow instructors through a series of wooded trails or exercises in order to practice techniques they have learned;

On- and Off-Road School:  This two-day program combines the experiences and skills learned at each of the one-day schools for a comprehensive training program.  The first day is spent with the on-road curriculum while day two focuses on off-road training exercises.

Costs range from $480 per day for participants using their own BMW motorcycle up to $650 per day for participants renting a BMW motorcycle.  BMW Performance Motorcycle Riding Program courses are recommended for those with intermediate riding experience, and all participants are required to wear full protective gear, including helmet, gloves, riding jacket, riding pants and boots that protect the ankles.

For more information, contact the BMW Performance Center.

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