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    Saddleback Rider Training

    4.9 (293 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Allen P.

    What an experience! Last minute decided I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle, saw saddleback had 3 openings for the 6:45am class and I signed up. The instructors were great shoutout Angel, Mike and Victor, the class was fun. I had ridden a dirt bike for about 5 minutes and that was all the experience I had prior to taking this class. I can now say confidently that I can drive a motorcycle (at least up to 20mph). Would recommend this program to friends and family!

    Edmund L.

    I recently completed the Basic Training course, which included a six-hour online module, two five-hour range sessions, and a final test. Having never ridden a motorcycle before, I found the program with SRT to be incredibly confidence-building. The instruction on maneuverability, skill development, and safe riding habits was thorough and effective. Over the past two days, I've learned a great deal and now truly understand why so many people love riding--I'm hooked!

    Honda Rebel, I'm 5'2 & this bike was perfect for me & super comfortable
    Sarah K.

    Day 1, they went over the basics & were very encouraging even with mistakes. They went through the basics & fundamentals of the bike and positioning. Day 2, we went through more in depth exercises as though we're on the street. Testing is day 2 as well and George was great at giving us insight on what to expect. Overall this is a great experience whether you're just learning or have years of riding. They give you one on one advice which is very helpful and they also also ask you questions on how you think you did and what you can improve on. I really appreciated this feedback because it made me self reflect a lot and it made me realize I can't overthink it and just relax. Thank you guys so much for everything!

    Omar S.

    George and Akbar are amazing instructors, the process was seamless from registration online to the final quizzes. George was awesome to let me practice on a rebel even when there wasn't one available. George and Akbar are very knowledgable and will teach you everything from their own personal riding experience. These guys took their time illustrating everything to the group to get you set and on your way. Would highly recommend to anybody that wants to start riding or wants to learn. Thank you so much guys!

    Tent

    I had the pleasure of attending this class with instructors Ivan, Mark and Bernardo. Ivan gave me, along with a large group of riders the knowledge and confidence to perform street maneuvers safely! Mark and Bernardo ingrained safe head movement mottos that I will never forget. Much love and thanks to all the instructors here!

    M1 Motorcycle Course - Great instructors; a lot to learn w/safety @ its core. Recommended for all levels, especially for newbs like myself.
    Darrell P.

    A couple of peers in group were discussing taking the M1 training course; driving a motorcycle was one of those things on my bucket list... 'And so, here I be. Before the weekend course, I was fortunate enough to have a friend, Damian C, who happened to buy a Honda Rebel 250 earlier in the year. I asked Damian if he'd spend some time with me learning the basics, starting, stopping, shifting, and throttle control... 'The basics. To say everything felt awkward and foreign is an understatement. Imagine patting your head, rubbing your stomach and dancing a jig @ the same time... 'It felt a lot like that. There's a lot going on and mistakes are bound to happen. (i.e. - Dropping the bike; stalling the bike; wrong gear, etc.) It's why we are here, it's all part of the process. The Saddleback Rider Training instructors, Mark, Mike, Joey and Moe did an excellent job in explaining and demonstrating the exercises. They had a lot of patience with students and did their best to help everyone succeed; job accomplished. Everyone passed the course. (Nice job everybody!) There was a portion in the training when I was having a challenging time understanding the "push & lean," concept. Joey physically demonstrated it as I was driving by him... 'And then it just clicked. I was trying to lean my entire torso in the turn but it's actually shifting/sliding your shoulders aover to lean, the upper torso. The waist stays stationary. DING! - "Got it!" Up until then I was trying to bring my entire weight on the inside. It made a huge difference. Moe also demonstrated with his "lean dance." (i.e. - Comedy relief) Even though we had some laughs in between the instruction, there was no playing around when it came down to safety. All joking aside, your life, that of other riders/drivers are at stake here. My fellow riders were cool, easy going, laid back. I didn't notice any inflated egos; everyone is here is to learn... 'And pass the course. So be humble, be open to receiving criticism/feedback. After all, isn't that why we are here; to learn? Put your ego in check, put your study cap on along with your helmet and you'll have a good time. Ask questions, get clarification; don't worry about sounding stupid because more often than not, there's another student with the same question but too insecure to ask. This is your time to learn, show up for you! After the second day of training, you take the final. You're asked to demonstrate the various driving skills and techniques you learned in the past two days. did I mention stressful? I took a deep breath when it came to my turn and attempted to recall all the little things I was show; how to approach a turn, "looking through the turn," always head up & looking ahead, emergency stop, swerving to avoid a possible object in the road. A key lesson, do not fixate on your display or objects directly ahead of you, where you look is where the bike will go. I teach sailing with Aventura Sailing @ Dana Point and learning to ride a motorcycle reminded me of learning to sail. Everything matters; head on a swivel; check your stern; traffic ahead; safe distances from paddle boarders & other vessels; right of way rules, have an option B and C in case you need to alter course (Escape). The skipper's responsibility is the safety of the crew & vessel. The same ideas and concepts can apply here. I HIGHLY recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn to ride a motorcycle, zero experience welcomed. Is it stressful? Absolutely and you're just in a parking lot. NOW, imagine not knowing these valuable lessons/insights out on the road with other vehicles?... 'Exactly. I'd rather be stressed here, learning the do's and don'ts with painted lines and rubber cones then making rookie mistakes out on the road. When I took the course, I didn't own a motorcycle. Fast forward three days, I'm the owner of a used 2018, Honda CB500X. I was debating about getting a 300cc bike but heard that one usually outgrows it in months, hence going with the 500cc engine. I've take out the motorcycle out in the early am, less cars on the road. I generally go down Golden Lantern to Dana Point Harbor, find an empty parking lot and practice a few maneuvers. As I say to sailing students, "Practice, practice, practice." - 'And when you feel you've had enough practice, practice some more. After taking the course, I learned that I know enough to know that I have plenty more to learn. As the ol' saying goes, "You don't know what you do't know." "There's always something to learn... 'Or relearn." At the end, Moe advised, "Do not get out on the road until these basic exercises can be performed without thinking about them." This stuck with me. (Muscle memory) Mahalo nui to Mark, Mike, Joey and Moe for their professionalism and instruction. Once, I get more comfortable with just "the basics," I plan to take their advanced training course. - Big Aloha, Bruddah Darrell *See uploaded photos Food: n/a Ambiance: 4 Service: 5 Value: 5+

    variety of bikes to choose from
    Ryan V.

    100/10 would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to pick up a motorcycle or even just experience just for a weekend. Huge thank you to instructors Angel and Ivan for being great at what they do and sharing their passion for motorcycles to the class.

    Afternoon  Delight
    InkedPanduh

    Perfection This MSF Course was amazing! I was really apprehensive at first because I was brand new to the scene, and it was a group environment(class of 12). Despite all of that! The 2 instructors that I had were nothing short of inspirational. I honestly don't remember names very well, but for sure, Angel stood out amongst the rest. The class itself was a lot of information, but the instructors broke it down Barney style and made things simple/easy. No negativity and yelling at us for doing things wrong!!! Instead, the instructors would side bar with you, or if it was a group issue, address it with finesse 1000000000 percent would recommend the afternoon class for any beginner riders or riders who want a refresher

    Great place to learn how to ride motorbike. The instructors are very patient and encouraging. As a green learner with zero experience, I found the 2 day course a bit challenging. But with assistance of the instructors, George, Kai, Iven and Angel, the best and most critical skills are coached to every student to ensure the almost safety of riding. Strongly recommending for anyone who would like to learn. A very pleasant experience. TIP: Go for the smaller bikes for easy handling.

    Beautiful location and easy to find

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    Saddleback Rider Training Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - Saddleback Rider Training

    Having never ridden a motorcycle before, I found the program with SRT to be incredibly confidence-building.

    Mentioned in 85 reviews

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