I have always wanted to get my motorcycle license, but just recently have had the option. So i have a question or two. I have heard that the Minnesota "basic rider course," ( http://www.dps.state.mn.us/mmsc/latest/MMSCHomeSecondary.asp?cid=3&mid=43 ) that will give you your license at the end of their 2 day class, and that for completing this course your insurance company will give you a discount on insurance, True? If this is true, does anyone know what type of discount i would get? Would probably be good to give you background info, I am 21, I have 2 speeding tickets on my record and a running stop sign, 2 were almost 5 years ago, 1 from last fall. I also have a totaled Audi (not my fault, but thank you Minnesota for being a No-Fault state)
the BRC will give you the endorsement of you pass the final test yes. As to the insurance discount - the course counts as "Advanced training" and some, but not all, insurance companies will give you a discount for passing advanced training courses....
In my experience, I tried to take the state test and failed miserably. I decided to take the BRC and it was a great experience, learned a lot!! There were people that had never touched a motorcycle and they passed with flying colors. As for insurance I have State Farm and they do not offer any discount for having taken the course Even if your insurance doesn't offer discounts I would still take the course.
I took the course last year and would highly recommend it. Even if you have a lot of experience on a bike, you will probably still learn something useful. Insurance is generally a lot cheaper for a motorcycle than a car, especially if you don't have full coverage. I used to pay $30/month for my old CBR, but now I have full coverage on my new bike because I have a loan out on it and I pay about $100 a month. Progressive does give you a discount for taking the class, or at least they say they do. I'm almost in the exact same situation, I'm 22, have two speeding tickets, and a running a stop sign on my record. I also even totaled an Audi that was not my fault (although that is not on my record). :laugh: I'm married though so that makes a big difference. Progressive only goes back 3 years for checking your record, so your tickets from 5 years ago shouldn't count against you.
Just completed my BRC at DCTC this past May. Everything they ^ they say is the truth! Learned more then I thought I would, and there were experienced and complete rookies in the class, and everyone passed.
Take the the basic rider course, you will learn a lot. As for the discount, most insurance companies no longer offer that anymore, but some stores give a discount on parts or services if you show your card saying you passed the class.
I took it in Rochester in July. It was good, but some of the rookies were very bad and took a lot of my practice and instruction time away from me. I still passed, but I don't think a couple of rookies did.
I too would highly recommend the course. Yes it does cost $160 to take it, and you could attempt to take the state test at a DMV for free, but it is a valuable learning experience. I think Subytek and I had the best instructors at the HTC in Brooklyn Park, but I don't think either of them do it anymore. They are both on MNSBR. V2Neal and Thor. They might be two people to ask for advice as well, if you are on MNSBR.
If you are inexperienced on a motorcycle I would take the course....However, somehow I passed on my zzr the 1st time just trying @ the dmv so I didnt take the course..... I must rock hardcore.
ditto... It's actually a lot of fun. You get to goof around on someone else's bike weaving around cones for a good 3 hours. Kept me entertained, and it rained like crazy for two days during my class :biggrin:
