FAQs

Why should I chose MotoMark1 for my training?

MotoMark1 is North Carolina’s premiere provider for advanced motorcycle training. 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 Knowledge. Read more about the company on our ABOUT US page.

Video CritiqueHere at MotoMark1, we pride ourselves on using the best technology available to give students the very best feedback. We are the only school that utilizes both radio communication and High Definition video critiques. You get immediate feedback through the radio and then you get to see yourself in action when we review the video with you. Our classes are a full day and we even take you out on the road for real world training. Our instructors hold top-notch motorcycle certifications to provide the best training available.

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 served as the training coordinator for the North Carolina Highway Patrol’s Motor Unit for over 25 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.

Also, many insurance companies will offer a discount when you receive training.

How does the Maximum Control training differ 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.

With the Maximum Control Course, MotoMark1 builds on that foundation and offers the rider skills in areas such as high and low speed maneuvering, high-speed braking, tight precision techniques, and even group riding skills.

How is the Maximum Control Course going to make me a better driver?

The Maximum Control 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. You will learn just how quickly your motorcycle can stop at different speeds, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how small an area you need to swerve or make a 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 Maximum Control Course?

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 Motorcycle Education Foundation site. North Carolina’s Community College system offers the basic riders course, so there’s probably a site near you offering the course.

However, if you are brand new to the sport and don’t want to wait to get into one of the MSF classes, MotoMark1 can teach you the basics through our Begin2Ride program. These are scheduled on an individual basis and only a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit is required. This course will not provide the DMV waiver card that will waive the skills portion of the DMV test, but you will be completely prepared to pass the skills test upon completion. Contact Mark Brown for more information on this program.

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 maneuvers.

Training is a necessity, not a luxury, regardless of how long you’ve been riding, and ongoing training keeps perishable skills fresh.

I don't know how to ride a motorcycle at all. Can I handle your training?

Absolutely! We have a customized course called Begin2Ride that starts from the very beginning. We’ll go over the basics of motorcycle operation and put you on a bike that’s easy to operate and comfortable to ride. 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 in most conditions safely and with confidence.

How much experience do I need to take the Basic Motor Officer Course?

The Basic Motor Officer Course is our most advanced street skills training. We recommend that you complete both levels of our Maximum Control Course before taking this class. We teach the same skills that are used to train Motor Officers in most Law Enforcement Agencies and offer this course to those agencies for their officer’s certification. This is a strenuous 44 hour course over two weekends that will ask the most of you. You will develop skills and confidence that will keep you safe in the most demanding circumstances.

I'd love to get my family involved in riding. Which course do you recommend?

We think a Dirt Bike class 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 to 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 deal with, 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.

Although we do not schedule regular dirt bike classes, we can hold a special class for you and your family. Simply contact Mark Brown for more information and to schedule a time that is convenient for everyone.

Help! don't see a class in my area. Now what?

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.