T.O.P.S. Motorcycle Training Courses


At T.O.P.S., we teach each student how to enhance their riding skills and confidence on their own motorcycle, not a loaner or rental. The skills and courses taught at T.O.P.S. are modeled after the same courses police motorcycle officers have used for years to keep them safe and survive on the street. Regardless if you are a recreational weekend rider, a daily commuter or both, at T.O.P.S. you will learn how to better control your motorcycle at both low and cruising speeds.

Advanced Motorcycle Training

Each T.O.P.S. class will consist of a brief classroom discussion on safety based topics such as: lane positioning, hazard recognition and avoidance and proper braking techniques for emergency situations. The majority of the 8 hours class will be spent on the motorcycle working on the various courses including, but not limited to:

  1. Picking Up A Fallen Motorcycle


    Proper lifting technique is taught in a way that will prevent injury to the student and further damage to the motorcycle.

  2. Straight Line Starts


    This is where it all begins, controlling your motorcycle with proper clutch control, throttle and brake application so you can avoid the “jerk” start from a stop and learn where the “gray area” is on your motorcycle.

  3. Figure 8


    Once you have learned where your “gray area” is to control your motorcycle at low speeds, it is time to start to apply it in the Figure 8. Proper head and eye placement are introduced as well as lean and transition control. These skills will be built upon as the class progresses.

  4. Slow Cone Weave


    Time to move into the first “cone course,” the slow cone weave. The purpose of this exercise is to build on the lean and transition control of the motorcycle at low speeds. This is where the student starts to develop the flowing relationship with their motorcycle.

  5. Offset Cone Weave


    Introduction of the “teardrop” turn will teach the student how to change directions rapidly and enhance their ability to maneuver their motorcycle in a more limited area.

  6. Braking Chute


    This is the “meat and potatoes” of motorcycle riding safety! We begin by learning how to PROPERLY apply the brakes and measure your stopping distance so you can develop a “snap shot” of your braking distance. You will also learn how to identify when a critical moment is about to occur and more importantly what to do to maintain control and avoid a crash.

  7. Combination Braking


    Building on the braking principles learned in the braking chute, we move into combination braking. The proper application of combination braking, also known as threshold braking, will allow the rider to learn how to scrub off the maximum amount of speed in the shortest distance, all while maintaining control of the motorcycle.

  8. Brake and Escape


    Now that the student has learned how to properly combination brake, we throw a “real world” scenario at them and let them practice how to AVOID the hazard after braking.

  9. At Speed Cone Weave


    Unlike the slow cone weave, this exercise is done at speed and the student practices the principles of counter steering. The purpose of this exercise is for hazard identification and avoidance by utilizing counter steering techniques while traveling at cruising speeds. Riding jackets are strongly recommended for this course!
T.O.P.S. Motorcycle Training: 3044 Cookson Ave, Elgin, IL 60124
Phone: 630-677-2433
david@topsmotorcycle.com
Enhancing riding skills for students from Chicago's Northwest Suburbs, including but not limited to Schaumburg, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Des Plaines, Villa Park, and Hoffman Estates.