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[Ironhorse]

Actually, I like the course, alittle pricey though if you "rent" his bikes, I have had the DVD for awhile and have practiced the exercises and tips that I felt comfortable with.
I would still like to do the course one day though. I like the fact that you can go again within the year without paying the initial price over again..

John T,

I can see how you might think it's pricey to "rent" one of my Kawasaki training bikes. When I first started I didn't have them. Then it was suggested to me by a SoCal rider who had a CVO Ultra that if he had another bike to use he would not be so hesitant to lean the bike over at slow speeds. He would not be afraid to commit himself to some of the exercises. And he's right. I have found that if a rider is afraid of dropping and damaging his 40K CVO, he probably will not lean it over. Moreover it's difficult to focus and concentrate on the instructions and exercises if all you are doing is worrying about damaging your own bike. So I got the training bikes for those that want them, or choose to fly in and use one. Now you are probably a confident rider and will have no problem in locking the bars, leaning the bike over and doing a full lock u-turn from a standing start inside of 24'. But for some, they would probably prefer a training bike.

The nice thing is that no one HAS to "rent" a training bike. Some prefer not to. I get a lot of those Ironbutt guys on Goldwings and Bimmers who have dumped their bikes so many times that a couple times more is nothing. They want to take the course on their own bike and that's fine. Then I get those riders who want to challenge their skills and push the envelope yet have an expensive bike they don't want to risk. For them the training bike is a good option. And finally there are those who know their skill lever and figure out that a mirror, lever, master cylinder cover, and custom paint far exceeds the cost of the training bike. If you look at the training bikes you will see that they have no lights, mirrors, windshields, turn signals, or breakables on them. There is a reason for that. I have not had any riders take the course and say that the training bike was a waste of of money. I do get riders who take the course and wish they HAD a training bike.

You're freeway close in SanDiego, so it's easy for you to ride up and take the course on your own bike.

[Trapperdog]

I have to agree with Mark there. I rented one of his bikes. When doing the exercises, I did (tried) exactly what he told me to do without hesitation. Made things easier and a lot more fun. I will take the class again on my own bike, but for me the extra $150 was well worth it the first go through

[JCZ]

I, to, rented one of Mark's Kawasakis the first time I took the course.  Even though I didn't drop it, that wasn't a nagging factor in the back of my head the whole day, either.

Now the second go around........well, we know there's at least one person out there whose not afraid of leaning his CVO over to far......and not afraid of dropping it, either!

[JCZ]

JC count Terry in, if it is in the Bay area. I'm sure he would want to use one of the bikes when you have to lay it down and pick it up. I think Terry would have a problem letting his bike touch the ground. You wouldn't want to see a grown man cry.
As far as the rest of the course I'm sure he would be more comfortable on his bike.

  Mark uses one of his bikes for that exercise. 

[SMOKIN' JACKET]

I have to agree with Mark there. I rented one of his bikes. When doing the exercises, I did (tried) exactly what he told me to do without hesitation. Made things easier and a lot more fun. I will take the class again on my own bike, but for me the extra $150 was well worth it the first go through

I'm in; wherever, whenever.  It is driving me crazy knowing I can't do some of this stuff.  The class was perfect.  A total challenge, with lots of encouragement and support.  I was tired at the end and ready to quit.  I think the length of the class was just right.

I felt it was a better use of money to rent the bike and get the total benefit of the exercises.  It made no sense to me to ride my own and then not be able to "commit" to the exercise.  Hell, I couldn't even commit on Mark's bike, let alone my own.  I would ideally bring my bike to the next class and attempt some of the exercises on my own, with my RENTAL bike right beside me.

The bikes were war-torn because of people like me, but the bikes were in perfect running order and very smooth.  I dropped the bike three times, plus the one time that Mark caught me.  I have lousy slow speed balance and I'm chicken.

I'll take the class again, but I wouldn't make a real-life u-turn from a dead stop even if I were caught committing a felony.  That may be one skill I never develop.  But, I'll try.............

[JohnT.]

 Again, I'm not knocking the course, believe me it is on my "to do list". I think the course is great and I'm glad that Mr. Paz is on this forum with us.
He is right about me being hesistant on dropping my 40k Harley though, that is the reason that I would ride one of his units. But, I have to be honest,
even though I believe the course to be worth it, $300+ for 4-5 hours training is something that I cannot afford to do that often. I will check his schedule
often and see if I can't sign myself up soon. I have a friend with alittle deeper pockets that says he is willing to go through the course with me. I'm looking forward to it!!
Thanks again for being there..

[JCZ]

John, I don't think anybody thought you were knocking it....at least I didn't.  I think we were all just saying that the $150 rental bike fee is pretty cheap considering that you don't have to replace anything when you do drop it and an inexpensive piece of mind.  That's all.  No issue taken.

Even taking into mind the cost of the class and the rental bike....$300, it's still cheaper than dropping a CVO and doing any kind of damage at all.  When you consider the expense from that perspective I think you'll have to agree, it's very inexpensive.  We don't even need to discuss the wait for painted parts.

Of course we all hope that's an experience that we'll never have to experience.........again!

[JasonDeezy]

I talked to Andy (AK) about this today and I would be down for this FOR SURE(90%)! I have the "Ride Like A Pro V" video that I watch often but I'm still hesitant to try some of the stuff in my own lot. I'd even opt for the rental bike too.

[JohnT.]

  Your right, Thanks JCZ