Frequently
Asked Questions
General Questions
What exactly is MotoMark1?
How do I register for training?
Help! I don’t see a class in my area
Precision Maneuvering
School
How does Precision Maneuvering School training
different from a basic MSF class?
How is the Precision Maneuvering School going to make
me ride better?
Do I need to have an endorsement before I take
the Precision Motorcycle Maneuvering School?
I have a friend who says he can teach me to ride.
Why should I invest in training?
I earned my endorsement years ago. What’s changed
about riding?
How is the Precision Maneuvering School course
structured?
I
don't know how to ride a motorcycle at all. Can I handle the Dirt Bike
School?
I'd
love to get my son/daughter/wife/husband involved in riding. Which course
do you recommend?
I know how to ride a dirt bike but the Dirt Bike School
seems too easy. What could I learn from it?
I'd love to get my son/daughter/wife/husband involved
in riding. Which course do you recommend?
Tell me more about ATV Training
What
exactly is MotoMark?
MotoMark1 is North Carolina’s premiere provider for advanced motorcycle
training and transportation. Moto is the obvious part of the company name.
Mark, the second half of our name and the most important part, stands
for Motorcycle Accident, Reduction and Knowledge.
How
does Precision Maneuvering School training different
from a basic MSF class?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s class offered at most community
colleges is an excellent introduction to the sport of motorcycling. But
there is so much more to learn after you’ve earned your endorsement!
Your skills are perishable, so we've put together the next step for going
beyond just coping with traffic.
MotoMark1 builds on that foundation and offers the rider skills in area such as high and low speed maneuvering, high-speed braking, tight precision techniques, and even group riding skills.
How
is the Precision Maneuvering School going to make
me a better rider?
The course is set up similar to the rigorous course that police motor
officers use for training. It's designed to be a course that takes you,
one step at a time, from some basic skills to more advanced maneuvers,
and emphasizes both thinking and physical skills.. Every step of the way
you're being observed by our trainers who are monitoring your progress.
As with the professionals we've trained, we'll help you link all these
skills so that you have access to skills and strategies to avoid a car
stopping suddenly in front of you, or evade that truck that's about to
rear-end you, or dodge the child that has run out in front of your motorcycle.
The parameters for the courses are based on data-driven simulations, not
your wheelbase. You'll know exactly how many feet it takes to stop your
particular motorcycle from any given speed, and you'll know exactly what
width you need to swerve or u-turn. In real life, you react only as well
as you have trained. If you train with precision, you'll react with precision.
Do
I need to have an endorsement before I take the Precision Motorcycle Maneuvering
School?
Yes. All participants in the MotoMark1 training must have a current motorcycle
endorsement on their license. If you are new to the sport please visit
the NC
MSF site. North Carolina’s Community College system offers the
basic riders course, so there's probably a site near you offering the
course.
I
have a friend who says he can teach me to ride. Why should I invest in
training?
Some riders believe they can learn to ride on their own or with the help
of a good friend. However, MotoMark1 founder and owner Mark Brown will
tell you there is no substitute for proper training and practice. Mark
should know; he has served as the training coordinator for the North Carolina
Highway Patrol’s Motor Unit for over 18 years. Proper training is
insurance that you will be safe while on the road, and will know how to
react when those around you act in a manner that is unsafe. You can find
out more about Mark Brown here.
I
earned my endorsement years ago. What’s changed about riding?
The fundamentals may not have changed, but the roads are much different
than a few years ago. There’s more traffic. More people are talking
on the cell phones. And no one is looking out for you.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although motorcycles make up about 2 percent of all registered vehicles, they accounted for over 8 percent of the total fatalities in 2003, compared to 5 percent in 1997. Although data suggests that the average rider is older, there are a lot of re-entry riders entering dense urban traffic and coping with many more drivers with distractions such as cell phones and DVD players in larger vehicles. Larger, more powerful motorcycles require some additional training to handle well in an emergency situation, and you'll be able to use the full benefits of ABS braking if you've had some time to try them at various speeds combined with evasive manuevers.
Training is a necessity, not a luxury, regardless of how long you’ve been riding, and ongoing training keeps perishable skills fresh.
How
is the Precision Maneuvering School course structured?
It consists of classroom instruction, applied skills practice on a closed
course, and individual review. We intentionally keep our class size small
so riders get the feedback they need. You will graduate from our course
a safer rider, and will most likely notice a difference the same day.
Most of our graduates report a significant change in their riding skills
and habits as a result of the course, regardless of the number of years
they've been riding.
I
don't know how to ride a motorcycle at all. Can I handle the Dirt
Bike School?
Absolutely! We'll go
over the basics of motorcycle operation and put you on a dirt bike that's
easy to operate and comfortable to ride with its upright position, wide
handlebars, and forgiving power delivery. You'll learn how to turn, brake,
and clutch. And you'll go beyond that quickly! Soon you'll be working
in our large oval and weave cones, then will progress to more challenging
obstacles. When you've completed this course, you'll be able to ride off-road
in most conditions safely and with confidence.
I
know how to ride a dirt bike but the Dirt Bike School
seems too easy. What could I learn from it?
You'll work on the fundamentals under the guidance of pros that know how
to help you work out the kinks in your riding. Going back to the fundamentals
is a sure way of improving your smoothness, speed, and safety no matter
your skill level. Our instructors know how to give you the individual
attention you need so that you are always challenged when you're on our
course.
I'd
love to get my son/daughter/wife/husband involved in riding. Which course
do you recommend?
We think the Dirt Bike School is a great way to
get the family involved not only in riding but in a family activity that
can span a wide range of interests and abilities. It'll also help you
determine what works best for your family in terms of what to buy. Our
training is conducted in a family-friendly atmosphere. There's no intimidation
you need worry about that'll scare away a family member from the sport--just
friendly support and an honest approach to setting goals appropriate for
different skill levels. With no traffic to worry about, many beginning
riders prefer dirt bikes as an introduction to riding. As a sport for
youngsters, it's a great way to introduce them to responsibility around
motor vehicles.
Tell
me more about ATV training. If you live in North
Carolina you may already be familiar with new
state laws regarding ATV safety training. MotoMark1 provides training
certified by the ATV
Safety Institute by certified trainers. Sign-up for these classes
is done via the ATV Safety Institute web
page. Learn how to ride safely with your entire family while having
a great time outside.
How
do I register for training?
Simply download and complete our registration form that's located on the
Schedule page. Then mail the form along with your check to MotoMark1,
200 Caristonia Way, Apex, NC 27502. A $100 deposit secures your spot in
any upcoming course.
Help!
I don’t see a class in my area….
If you do not see a class in your area, contact Mark
Brown. It is possible to arrange a training date in your area if there
are enough participants interested in the class.