Intermediate Motorcycle Classes in the Bay Area

Intermediate Riding Clinic / CMSP 1-Day Premier Course
(With Licensing Option)

The Perfect Next Step for Newer and Returning Riders

Developed by Total Control Training, the Intermediate Riding Clinic / CMSP 1-Day Premier Course is the perfect next step for newer riders who are looking to improve their skills as well as riders that have recently returned to riding after years off. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction.

The IRC/1DPC is based on the most current research in rider safety, utilizes modern training methods and has been proven to enhance student outcomes. Although designed primarily as a safety course, the course is also challenging and fun and it is completed in one 8-hour day.


Licensing Option

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program offers experienced students who take the 1DPC—but are not licensed—the opportunity to achieve intermediate-level skills along with their motorcycle license, in which case riders will also have the option to either take it on their own motorcycle or do it in one of our available loaner bikes.

Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any CMSP classes until all restrictions to the license have been lifted.

IMPORTANT: Students who attend this class to obtain their license must be at least 21 years old and will be required to demonstrate fundamental riding skills by passing a basic riding evaluation at the beginning of the class, similar to the Motorcycle Skills Test applied by the California DMV. You must successfully complete this test in order to continue with the rest of the class.

Please watch the Entry Exercise Test video before signing up!

Riders who already have their own bike and a motorcycle license can be take this course without the testing requirements.


What It Covers

The IRC/1DPC covers essential cornering and crash-avoidance skills such as:

The single most important control on your motorcycle is the throttle. This is because—beyond speed and acceleration—it applies forces to so many aspects of your bike's handling, including traction, suspension, weight transfer, steering, stability, and ground clearance. Knowing how to skillfully apply the throttle is one of the major distinctions between good riders and great riders.

Because emergency stops can be scary due to the limited amount of traction you have and how much it would hurt to kiss the ground, very few riders practice quick braking and even less have the actual knowledge and skills to do it safely. During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn and practice the right technique to achieve short stops so you are prepared when you need to brake quickly and avoid a hazard.

Vision is, without a doubt, the most fundamental skill for proper riding. The majority of decisions made while riding are based on information coming in through your eyes. The main reason for vision being so critical is that you go where you look but even experienced racers struggle with maintaining proper vision through the corners. At Total Control you will learn why riders go where they look and how you can use your eyes to your advantage and safety during every ride.

Unlike cars, motorcycles can take a lot of different lines through a particular corner. Some of these lines will help you make a safe and serene progression through the bends, while others will ruin your perfect ride! During our Intermediate Riding Clinic you will learn how to plan and follow proper lines on every corner of the road.

Few activities in street riding can be as frustrating as having to make a low-speed, tight turn in a limited amount of space—especially if you don't know the technique. Fortunately, it is one of the easiest skills to learn. In fact, most riders are able to reduce their minimum turning diameter by 30 to 40 percent in as little as five minutes of practice!

Swerving around an obstacle at speed can be a life-saving technique but it requires skill and practice to avoid surpassing the available traction of your tires and crashing during the maneuver. During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn and practice the technique necessary to do it safely when the emergency arises.

During our Intermediate Riding Clinic, you will learn how to put together the throttle control, vision, line selection and body position techniques to practice safe turns at road speeds during your everyday rides.

Riders who complete the IRC/1DPC report significantly improved riding skills, confidence and the ability to make better choices about when and how to ride. The IRC/1DPC is also used extensively by the Navy and Marine Corps as "Level 2" training (within 60 days of completing a beginner course) and "Refresher" training (every three years) to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities. It is officially recognized for Level 2 training by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, which satisfies requirements for active duty service members and civilians to get their base sticker to ride on base.

Price

The IRC/1DPC has a cost of $425.

For licensed riders (IRC), we have motorcycles for rent for $75, which includes gas and insurance. Unlicensed riders (1DPC) can use our training bikes free of charge.

Get our Course Combos and save!

Basic + Intermediate
= $765

Intermediate + Advanced = $805

Triple Pack (From Basic through Advanced,
Level 1) = $1,170

Ride Like A Pro (From Basic through Advanced, Level 2) = $1,575

Motorcycle Requirements

We provide loaner motorcycles for unlicensed students. Licensed students must bring their own motorcycles for the class and adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Motorcycles used for the range exercises must be street-legal and have current registration.
  • Students must provide insurance policy and license (tag) numbers at the start of the class.
  • Your tires should have sufficient tread (at least 3mm). Air pressure will be checked before the class starts.
  • No car tires or race tires or race compound tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved.
  • Your bike should not overheat while stopped with the motor running on a hot day.
  • On liquid cooled bikes, check the coolant level.
  • Check the engine oil level.
  • Your charging system must function properly, and a relatively new battery is highly recommended because you will be starting the bike frequently.
  • Brakes are in good working order.
  • No motorcycles with leaking fluids will be allowed on the range. This includes: engine oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, engine coolant, brake fluid or anything else that may leak from a motorcycle.

Gear Requirements

  • Full-finger, 100% leather or street-specific motorcycle gloves.
  • Long sturdy pants with no holes (denim jeans, leather pants, motorcycle specific pants).
  • Over-the-ankle protective boots.
  • DOT-approved helmet, if you have one.
  • Eye Protection.
  • Motorcycle-specific riding jacket.

Get our Course Combos and save!

Basic + Intermediate
= $765

Intermediate + Advanced = $805

Triple Pack (From Basic through Advanced,
Level 1) = $1,170

Ride Like A Pro (From Basic through Advanced, Level 2) = $1,575

For New Riders

Learn the basics of riding safely in a controlled environment and receive the certificate that may waive the DMV riding skill test. Our friendly basic riding course was designed for people with zero experience on a motorcycle. We provide motorcycles and helmets for you to learn with.

For Experienced Riders

Become a better—and safer—rider using your own motorcycle with our Intermediate Riding Clinic. Or take your cornering and crash-avoidance skills to the highest level with our Advanced Riding Clinics, taught only by the best certified instructors in the Bay Area!


"Both the online class and the riding sessions were well run and provided tons of information. Evie was exceptionally good with her demonstrations and at patiently explaining the techniques needed to be a good rider. Overall I had a good time and learned some valuable skills .. Thanks"
― Philip Varghese
"PMT was a great way for a new rider like myself to get the basics of operating a motorcycle down in such a short time! All of the instructors were awesome and helped get things to stick. I highly recommend for anyone interested in riding to take this course!"
― Mickowlan McElvogue
"Absolutely fantastic training for the newbie!! I was riding a motorcycle by the end of the day- it was fabulous! The teachers, both in the classroom and on the range, are all very experienced (10+years) riders. They stayed calm even when I didn't. The classroom instruction is thorough but not excessive; I would have loved a few more hours on the range since I was SO new. I will definitely be taking more classes with them!"
― Kristi Swensson Burdsall
"Ken and Chris made the experience educating and fun. Craig made powerpoints in depth as well as entertaining, and Lisa was very sweet and encouraging. Thanks to all the instructors for keeping us safe."
― Prateek Verghese
"Absolutely great experience. A little late to provide the review but I thoroughly enjoyed learning from this team. They are VERY professional. I was in Evie's and Tex's class. Both of them are skilled riders and exceptionally great teachers. I must say Evie's patience has just set another bar for me. She's great with noticing what could be improved or how the energy is flowing through the lessons and provided very critical feedback that helped me. Tex is just full of positive energy. When I first got to the class, the lined up bikes were a little overwhelming for me but Tex has the charm to make you feel comfortable and so extremely positive. His lessons/comments were so encouraging that I think his interest in teaching made me feel excited for the riding. Along with the on-bike riding class, there is zoom class scheduled for two days (3-4 hours) one of them is on the same day as the on-bike riding class. I was surprised to see both Evie and Tex were still so energetic even after the whole day session. Thank you very much for creating this positive impression. Needless to say how much I learned about the riding. I hope to take next few classes with you all again. Good luck and keep riding!"
― Mandar Naik
"Dylan, Chris, and Q were all excellent instructors! I genuinely feel so much more safe and confident on a motorcycle now, and definitely recommend anyone thinking of riding (even if you're just riding Revel scooters around SF like I am!) to do the class, totally worth it."
― Allen Nikka
"Great experience. The instructors were very knowledgeable with all their instructions. Great class for new riders and a great refresher course for people with some riding expedience."
― Michael Bigley

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