Take it from us; your Uncle Road Rash may have taught you how to ride a motorcycle, but he’s probably ill equipped to teach you beyond the basics. The best way to become a better, safer, and (for you racing enthusiasts) faster rider is to get some expert training from experienced professionals.

You won’t know what you don’t know about riding until you pick up a skills book or go to a school. The tips and techniques covered in the courses and materials below will sharpen your skills, improve your confidence, and enhance your safety on two wheels. Thanks to these resources, you can benefit from the hard-earned knowledge of professional racers, rider coaches, motor officers, and safety experts. Then, maybe you can teach Uncle Road Rash a thing or two.

BASIC TRAINING

These schools focus on improving street skills for beginning and experienced riders. Some teach novices the basics of riding, while others help intermediate and advanced riders hone their techniques.

American Supercamp
Offered at sites around the country, this dirt track school uses Honda XL100s to teach students flat-tracking techniques for better control, on or off the street. American Supercamp, 8606 SE Frontage Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80528, 970/223-0525, www.americansupercamp.com.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation
MSF RiderCourses are internationally recognized as an industry standard by government agencies such as police and motor vehicle departments. Offered in two versions, Beginner and Advanced, the courses are available around the country and the world. Motorcycle Safety Foundation, www.msf-usa.org.

Stayin’ Safe Motorcycle Training
This training is conducted on tours, with riders learning visual strategies and techniques for smoother cornering and safer riding on twisty, scenic roads. All riders are radio equipped, so that students receive real-time coaching and feedback. Stayin’ Safe Motorcycle Training, PO Box 81801, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, 412/421-5711, wwww.stayinsafe.com. 

Streetmasters Precision
Cornering Motorcycle Workshop Designed specifically for touring and cruiser riders, this school offers personalized motorcycle training to help you take your long-haul skills to the next level. Streetmasters, 805/464-0544, www.streetmasters.info.

SPECIALIZED COURSES

These schools offer instruction for intermediate and advanced riders looking to learn new techniques. They provide specialized training in a controlled environment, where riders can focus on further developing their skills.

Lee Parks’ Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic
As Lee describes it, this school is for experienced riders caught between the MSF Experienced RiderCourse and the pro racing circuit, as well as track-day junkies and racers who want to advance their skills with expert instruction. Lee Parks’ Total Control ARC, 845/226-2181, www.christineskickstart.com/advanced.html.

MotoMark1
This is a precision maneuvering course that teaches urban survival skills with a curriculum designed and taught by motor officers. MSF courses and camera bike training are offered, and a mobile training unit is available for groups of 15 or more. MotoMark1, 200 Caristonia Way, Apex, NC 27502, 919/637-0947, www.motomark1.com.

Motorvike
Taught by a roving instructor, this school offers personal motorcycle instruction focusing on cornering and braking techniques. The curriculum includes safe freeway practices and defensive street riding. Motorvike, 805/907-1320, www.motorvike.com.

Northwest Motorcycle School
Learn to ride like a motor officer in this intensive, 42-hour course in Seattle. Private lessons are available. Northwest Motorcycle School, 18405 Aurora Ave. N, Ste. H-98, Seattle, WA 98133, 206/542-1915, www.northwest-motorcycle.com.

TRACK SCHOOLS

These schools offer classes at racetracks, teaching riders advanced techniques for motorcycle control and high-performance riding in a safe environment. You don’t have to aspire to be a racer to go to a track school; many of the skills you learn on the track will make you a better rider on the street.

Note: For those unfamiliar with road racing circuits, here are three abbreviations you’ll see below: AHRMA (American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association), CCS (Championship Cup Series), and WERA (Western Eastern Racing Association).

Apex Track Days
This isn’t a race school, but the skills it teaches are second nature to good racers and a great place to start to improve your street riding. The school’s goal is to get riders who are new to track days up to speed quickly and safely. Apex Track Days, 801/710-6766, www.apextrackdays.com.

California Superbike School
CSS founder Keith Code has coached 15 national Superbike champions and has developed several innovative teaching tools. Available at tracks around the US, the school teaches road skills with a focus on cornering. California Superbike School, 940 San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065, 323/224-2734, www.superbikeschool.com.

CLASS Motorcycle Schools
Three-time AMA Superbike champion Reg Pridmore’s school emphasizes using focus and control to improve riding skills. CLASS Motorcycle Schools, 320 East Santa Maria St., Ste. M, Santa Paula, CA 93060, 805/933-9936, www.classrides.com.

Code R.A.C.E.
This branch of Keith Code’s California Superbike School is designed for hardcore racing enthusiasts and experienced riders. It teaches advanced techniques for competitive riding. California Superbike/R.A.C.E. School, 940 San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065, 323/224-2734, coderace.com.

Cornerspeed Riderschool
Located at the Virginia International Raceway, Aaron Stevenson’s school emphasizes the use of cornering speed and smoothness to improve performance. Graduates are eligible for provisional racing licenses. Cornerspeed Riderschool, 707 Jackson Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204, 704/332-3147, www.cornerspeed.net.

Ed Bargy Racing School
This school addresses a variety of skills, such as body position, analyzing your line, braking dynamics, proper steering techniques, shifting, throttle control, and knee-dragging. Ed Bargy Racing Services, 337 Johnson Brady Rd., Canton, GA 30115, 770/345-6474, www.edbargyracingschool.com.

Fasttrax
Geared for experienced riders, this school teaches you to corner with more control, to ride more smoothly with less effort, how to react in a panic situation, how to make the most of your brakes, and how to stay mentally prepared while you ride. Fasttrax, R.M. Stanley, 1919 Balmore St. NW, North Canton, OH 44720, 330/494-8410, www.fastone.com.

Freddie Spencer’s High Performance Riding School
Held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this school is for novice riders to racers, with all levels taught by three-time world champion Freddie Spencer. Freddie Spencer’s High Performance Riding School, 7055 Speedway Blvd., Ste. E106, Las Vegas, NV 89115, 888/672-7219, www.fastfreddie.com.

Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School
Designed for riders of virtually all ability levels, including accomplished racers, this school strives to teach you the skills to become a more confident, safer, and faster rider. Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School, 5300 Winder Hwy, Braselton, GA 30517, 800/849-7223, www.schwantzschool.com.

Learning Curves Racing/Riding Schools
This CCS-accredited school has been around for over 17 years, having graduated nearly 4,000 students, from novice street riders to pro racers. Held around the country, the courses teach the skills needed to become a licensed motorcycle road racer. Learning Curves, 414/327-0140, www.learningcurves.com.

Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club School
This road racing school is qualified to offer licenses for WERA and CCS racing. Special attention is given to starts, the most stressful and dangerous part of racing. Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club, 14408 Chantilly Crossing Lane #675, Chantilly, VA 20151, 703/494-9394, www.marrc.org.

Northeast Sportbike Association
This not-for-profit organization’s stated aim is to provide motorcyclists with a safer and more enjoyable ride. Events are held at various tracks throughout the US; a free trial class is available. NESBA, PO Box 6691, Wyomissing, PA 19610, 877/286-3722, www.nesba.com.

Pacific Super Sport Riders
Held at Portland International Raceway, Pacific Raceway, and Thunderhill Park, this school provides experienced instructors ranging from MSF-trained coaches to regional and national champions. Pacific Super Sport Riders, 668 SW 201st Ave., Ste. 9, Portland, OR 97006, 503/614-1965, www.pssrtrack.com.

Penguin Roadracing School
PRS helps new riders learn the basic skills for successful racing and tutors experienced racers looking for a competitive edge. The school also welcomes street riders looking to ride a racetrack in a non-racing environment. Penguin Roadracing School, 347 Pratt St., Mansfield, MA 02048, 508/339-4673, www.penguinracing.com.

Pro-Motion Sportbike Club
Sanctioned by WERA, CCS, and AHRMA, this school offers track training for everyone from first-timers to racers. Tracks are located in the eastern US and Canada. Pro-Motion Sportbike Club, 239 Madison Ave., Bldg. C, Warminster, PA 18974, 215/675-6677, www.teampromotion.com.

Red Shift
Offering classes at Infineon, Buttonwillow, and Laguna Seca, this motorcycle safety school provides instruction in braking techniques, cornering, throttle control, body position, street safety, and more. Red Shift, 805/927-0400, www.rideredshift.com.

Rich Oliver Mystery School
A training course for street riders, road racers, flat trackers, and motocross racers, the Mystery School emphasizes personal growth through experience and challenge, by developing confidence, riding skills, and focus. Rich Oliver Mystery School, Auberry, CA, 559/855-3089, www.richoliver.net.

STAR Motorcycle School
National and world road racing champion Jason Pridmore teaches essential techniques to enhance confidence and control. The school has programs for street riders looking to improve their skills, or track-day racers just trying to go faster. STAR Motorcycle School, 4587 Telephone Rd. #206, Ventura, CA 93003, 805/658-6333, www.starmotorcycle.com.

Team Hammer Advanced Riding School
Founded in 1990, the original Team Suzuki Endurance Advanced Riding School is now known as the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School. Going to THARS can qualify you for a WERA or CCS racing license. Team Hammer Advanced Riding School, PO Box 183, Wildomar, CA 92595, 951/245-6414, www.teamhammer.com. RB