Training courses help Airmen handle sports bikes Published Oct. 8, 2008 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- The "coolness" factor of sport bikes is tied to their characteristics: sport bikes are sleek, colorful, and built for speed. For Airmen, many of whom are attracted to an adrenaline rush, these characteristics are huge selling points. However, these same features make riding sport bikes much different than cruisers or touring bikes. Air Force Materiel Command's lone fatality during the 101 Critical Days of Summer, a safety campaign from Memorial Day through Labor Day, occurred on a sport bike. To minimize mishaps, the Air Force Safety Center and AFMCs' safety office have partnered with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Together they've created the military sport bike course specifically for sport bike riders. According to Vince Dotson, AFMC's chief of ground safety, the nature of sports bikes promotes speed. "These bikes come with engines that are 600, 800, 900cc or even higher," Mr. Dotson said. "The engines are tuned for racing, the bikes are made of advanced lightweight material, and they are highly maneuverable. So there is plenty of temptation to take advantage of these features on public roads." The potential for higher speeds and more aggressive riding highlight the need for a course to ensure riders strike a balance between their skill level and sport bike performance. To ensure Airmen are adequately prepared to ride any type of motorcycle, the Air Force and AFMC have established mandatory motorcycle training requirements. All military personnel who plan to ride on or off an Air Force installation, and all Air Force civilian personnel on an Air Force installation in a duty status who operate a motorcycle on a roadway, are required to attend and complete an approved motorcycle rider education course. Courses include: -- The basic rider course, which is designed for beginning riders. -- The experienced rider course, which provides riders lifelong opportunities for rider education and training. -- The new, mandatory AFMC sport bike rider course, which is an AFMC requirement for sport bike riders under the age of 27 to get them more aware of the handling characteristics and inherent dangers of these types of motorcycles. According to Mr. Dotson, the sport bike rider course teaches cornering, braking and other skills necessary to balance rider skill with machine performance. "This course also provides insight on rider behaviors and perception," he said. The course includes classroom instruction as well as practical riding experience out on the range. Some AFMC installations already offer the sport bike rider course. For AFMC installations without a training range large enough to accommodate sport bike courses, the experienced rider course may be used as a substitute for sport bike training. AFMC personnel may also go to a nearby installation that offers the sport bike rider course. "It's common for someone who has never been on a motorcycle of any type to fall for peer pressure or advertising pitches and buy a very powerful bike," Mr. Dotson said. "If you have bought one, or plan on buying one, sign up for this course immediately by contacting your base safety office." Col. Joan Cunningham, AFMC chief of safety, emphasizes that AFMC officials do not want to discourage Airmen from riding sports bikes as long as Airmen are trained. "The course teaches riders how to comfortably handle these high-performance machines," Colonel Cunningham said. "Ultimately, speed comes from your throttle hand, so the responsibility lies with the rider, not the machine." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page