New England Riders culture promotes Rider Training for all motorcyclists, including:
- Parking lot training;
- Road-speed training (the skills can be very different);
- Traffic Skills & Perception Training; and
- Off-road training (for those so inclined).
Give yourself a great gift and take some training from a reputable company or rider coach.
Parking Lot Training
Riders learn to safely operate their motorcycles at slow to moderate speeds without traffic. This is definitely the place to start and then continue to improve your riding skills.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation website is the standard place to begin looking at parking lot training at increasing skill levels. You will find the complete list of MSF course offerings and a course locator for anywhere in the US.
Local MSF Course Providers:
Training Wheels
Locations in Bedford, Bellingham, Brockton, Cape Cod, Easton, Pittsfield, Plympton, and Wellesley
massMotorcycle School
Locations in Ayer, Seekonk, N. Andover MA, and Tyngsboro/Nashua
Central Mass. Safety Council, Inc.
Locations in West Boylston & several other Worcester County towns
Streetwise Cycle School
Locations in Foxboro & Raynham MA
Other Advanced Low-Speed Training:
Riding in the Zone Advanced Parking Lot Course
One-day advanced parking lot course that introduces techniques that most “experienced” riders do not possess. This course covers advanced skills to increase safety and confidence. Usually offered somewhere in Massachusetts.
Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic (ARC)
Lee Parks’ Course based on his great books. The course is taught at two levels and teaches you more advanced riding skills than most parking lot courses. They are based in California, but some courses are occasionally offered in other regions a bit closer.
Ride Like a Pro
The training course and videos are very good for slow speed (8-12 mph) parking lot skills. Locations in many states for in-person training. Here is a great article reviewing this class.
Road Speed Training
Riders learn to safely operate their motorcycles at moderate to quick speeds without car traffic. Observation of your riding technique by professionals is very helpful. This is definitely the place to hone technical riding skills that are needed at road speeds.
Non-Sportbike On-Track Training Days
Classroom instruction and supervised track riding for riders of cruisers, tourers, adventure bikes, and sport-tourers. Held at various tracks around New England. Here is a great article reviewing these events.
Tony’s Track Days
“Regular” track days are open to all types of bikes, for riders already comfortable with riding on a track. Practice your skills on the track and receive both classroom and on-track training. Held at various tracks around New England.
Riding In the Zone On-Street Personal Training
1 or 2 rider personalized curriculum in rural Western Massachusetts and Vermont, with observation and feedback from the instructor.
Street Skills Riding Academy
On street and on track courses.
Traffic Skills & Perception Training
Riders learn to anticipate trouble and make better decisions in a real life riding environment. Observation of your riding by a professional is very helpful. This is definitely the place to to hone your traffic skills & perception at road speeds.
Riding in the Zone Group Training Tours – Stayin’ Safe
On the street rider training tours featuring the nationally recognized Stayin’ Safe Advanced Rider Training Program offered by Ken Condon. Here is a great review article about this class.
Stayin’ Safe Advanced Rider Training
On the street rider training featuring the nationally recognized Stayin’ Safe Advanced Rider Training Program.
Dual Sport Off-Road Training
Riding in the Zone Dual Sport Training
Individualized private training for 1 or 2 riders to “learn dual sport and off-road techniques so they can safely combine moderate off-road riding with street riding.” Offered in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA.
Instructional Riding Books & Videos
Good riding books and videos can effectively supplement on-bike training.