Why I Went Back to the Yamaha Champions Riding School (on a BMW R1300GS)

Want to ride your motorcycle safer and faster at the same time? Sign up for courses, online or in person, with Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS). Ride Like a Champion. This is my second year attending. The online options are amazing and very affordable. Plus, I take my BMW R1300GS to the track to see if it's any good. #motorcycle #trackday #yamahachamp #sportbike #r1300gs #bmw #ridelikeapro @Ridelikeachampionycrs

⚡Use Code BIGROCKMOTO for 25% off ChampU Online including the new Track Day program !!
⚡Use Code BRM for 10% off the in person ChampSchool !

➕My (very affordable) Sedici track gear (thanks @RevZilla )

➕CAMERAS

➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]

00:00 Why I Went Back
03:21 Online ChampU
06:12 2nd Year Lessons
08:35 Curriculum
12:59 Lessons
14:06 R1300GS On Track
16:44 Please Train

[BigRockMoto]

⚡Use Code BIGROCKMOTO for 25% off ChampU Online including the new Track Day program !!
⚡Use Code BRM for 10% off the in person ChampSchool !

➕My (very affordable) Sedici track gear (thanks @RevZilla )

➕CAMERAS

➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]

[jonwoodworker]

Ian, you took the course twice because you're smart and understand how important it is for you to be a better rider. You explained why perfectly, and it is your business. I watched a video from some dork who took an off-road course, and all he did was say how he would never use the skills they are teaching. Ironically, I take dirt bike courses to be a better/safer street rider.

[armandomorales]

Awesome recommendation! I took the online class, it is a game changer.
Often fellow riders comment on my ability, and I recommend this. Very affordable. I live outside the US, a race track is not available where I live, and this class was the best alternative.

[IronPonyShow]

How rad!! This is gna make everyone that watches such a better rider! Thanks for sharing!!!

[paulrod]

Happy 40th, another great video. What I really like is your approach to things - your like an investigative journalist trying to cover or uncover things others don’t.

[JeffChessher-djtu]

Ian, in the 1990’s I attended Reg Prigmores riding school 3 times. It was a great learning experience. It did teach me humility, I was riding a BMW K100RS and really moving through a curve when Reg passed me on the inside with a passenger on the back of his R1000RS.

[jcmartinez]

I finished Champ U core. It definitely is the best course online.
I always tell newer riders that if they finish that course, they will be a better rider than 99% of street riders.

[JRodSMX]

I really like this channel. Great reviews and you’re one of the few people who praises training. It blows my mind how most of the motorcycle community on or off-road is against being taught how to ride the right way. Thank you for sharing this info. I look forward to your trail braking video.

[tombstone]

40 ?? Happy Birthday !! stay safe on the road !

[JohnnyPowRides]

I recently took the Champ-U course online before going on my Dolomites trip - although I've been riding almost 30 years, and have done track days and Advanced MSF in the past, I got a few great lessons from it.

[mgrant]

you need to try American Supercamp next. really fast track riding results in some tire slippage (a lot for talented people), and you need to develop those instincts in a lower consequence environment. Much more affordable too. You'll love it.

[micmacinact]

I bought their online 'Ride Like a Champion' course from here in Australia about 18 months ago.
I found it very, very good to go through. The course reinforced a lot of things I do without realizing, but also taught me a lot as well. Which I've since put into practice in my sport-touring road riding.

Totally agree with you about 'trail breaking' - had heard about it but didn't really know what it was.
I've always been a lazy 'engine breaking' person, but trail breaking really helps - just need to keep practicing it and stop being lazy.

Anyway, I think it's time to revisit my online course and use it as a refresher.
Cheers and good and safe riding to all.
Mick
ps - thanks Ian for yet another great video!!

[robertmills]

I wish I'd done the Cali Superbike School more than once back in the 90's, .. It was all the $$ I had at the time to devote to riding.

[ianross]

Great video, Ian. An old adage I was taught many years ago learning SCUBA: there are old divers and bold divers, but there are no old bold divers. That’s stuck with me for 45 years and applies to biking equally. You’re not old but if you want to be, your approach is absolutely right. I’m 65 but never forgot those sage words. Like the 1300, but probably a 1250 GSA before realism gets a grip. Take care, Ian

[davidherringgo]

Thanks for this informative video on Yamahas Champ School. I am going to BMWs Nate Kerns Beginner School at Barber in Oct. I decided not to use my 21 F 750 GS. As it is set up for touring. Major pain to pass tech to be allowed on track. Congrats on using your GS . Keith Codes Super Bike School comes to Barber twice a year with a complete fleet of bikes and gear if you need it. I plan on flying in and attending his School next year.

[bobz]

Old man at 40 hahaha...?
I'm 62 and still riding like I stole it... with the benefit of 45 years riding experience. One secret to staying safe is knowing when to ride quick and when to ride slow.
Here in Thailand the road vehicle death rate is huge, so constant concentration is a must due to the many roaming dogs, slower small bikes doing unpredictable moves and car drivers basically ignoring bikes and pulling out of overtaking when oncoming.
Great channel and vid 👍

[grayl]

I heard of "trail braking" some years ago and wondered what it was, as nobody explained it. Turns out I have been using that technique for most of my riding life, and in particular, when I did a fair bit of road riding. I worked it out naturally and wonder why more riders haven't done that.

[Cookie_Cuttings]

Can't wait for lessons from Big Rock!

[majorlee]

I really like the mods you did on your 1300 it looks really cool. That thumbnail is a great pic 👍

[tomhengel]

Awesome video I've always wanted to do something like this