BMW motorcycles have always had great training courses for advanced riders. Their off-road course (held in several countries {link}) is second to none (the UK version is performed by two experienced Dakar racers, Simon Pavey and Nick Plumb).
Their track/circuit {link} or their street courses {link} are very well put together, all using, of course, BMW motorcycles. But.... they are always for people who already held a motorcycle license.
Obtaining a full motorcycle license is not an easy task in Europe. It usually takes a year or so, and depending on the country you live in, can consist of some 10 different exams (the French one consists of 1 day general oral exam, 1 day practical exam on a plateau - 6 different exams - and 1 day practical on the road).
Therefore, it's interesting to see that BMW UK now offer a full training course to learn how to ride a motorcycle ! The training package is put together by Kevin and Julie Sanders {link}, two times Guinness World Record holders for the quickest navigation of the world on a motorcycle, and is geared towards the total novice.
The venue is south Wales, in the same location that BMW conduct their off-road skills course. There are different courses available, 3, 4 or 5 day course. After the course, the students take their motorcycle test!
There are 2 students per instructor. The students start off on 125 cc motorcycles, and then migrate towards the BMW F650GS motorcycle. The fees include motorcycle hire, loan of BMW rider equipment (helmet, trousers, etc), insurance, etc.
3 Day course £449
4 Day course £549
5 Day course £649
Prices do not include accommodation, but there are plenty of B&B's around. Training starts April 2006. Click here for more information.
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