ONCE a biker told me: “We are tired of burying our friends who die in motorbike accidents because they cannot control the excitement that comes with being on a bike.”
As if the BMW Motorrand team was listening, they set up the Rider Academy and SunWheels got an invitation to attend.
The training began with a short theory course.
Chief instructor Gerhard du Toit said that the most important information to keep in your head is: “My clutch is my safety.
“Seriously, say it over and over again: My clutch is my safety!”
One of the major problems with motorbikes is that novice riders think that it is nothing more than an oversized bicycle.
Whether you are a beginner that’s never sat on a bike before or a rider who has spent years commuting daily, there is always something important you do not know and the BMW Rider Academy is the place to find out.
After the theory, Gerhard and team took the students for the practical part of the course on a BMW G 310 R. This one-cylinder BMW roadster has an engine that is under 500cc, with a low mass and low seat height.
We were taught a few but important skills and features regarding motorcycles, such as balancing the bike, walking the bike and using the controls. Finally, we were ready to get on and take off!
We were stunned at the professional attitude of the instructors. Their training was measured according to high international standards. We know because we were surprised at how much we did not know about riding.
Interested people can book training sessions and be instructed by qualified trainers who teach the trainees the skills they need to handle a bike with pleasure and passion.
There is daily training at BMW Rider Academy based at Zwartkops Raceway in Centurion.
The facility has classrooms, 250cc training motorcycles and gear for beginners.
There are nearby accommodation options for visiting out-of-towners who attend the course.