BMW Off-Road Skills Training Courses.

by Dave · July 18, 2007

In the past two years the BMW Enduro Park courses have attracted many enthusiastic off-road riders keen to hone their skills to a new level. Now BMW Motorrad Australia introduces a further extension to this theme

Enjoyable BMW Motorrad riding does not end with the tar. And with the arrival of the G 650 Xchallenge, the first ever BMW dirt bike, the urge to play hard off-road has become that much stronger. As a company that encourages a serious and mature approach to rider safety, BMW Motorrad Australia continues with its annual rider training courses.

The 2007 courses have been expanded to include "Trail Bike" Skills Training on a fleet of new BMW G 650 Xchallenge machines. In addition, there's an all-action adventure training course for owners of BMW GS models (twins and singles). As a result of overwhelming demand in 2005 and 2006, BMW Motorrad will offer the courses in two centres for the first time; in Central Victoria and just outside Sydney at Dargle Valley near Lower Portland.

Both venues provide the perfect place to learn or perfect off-road riding skills in a controlled environment. All courses are conducted by the BMW Motorrad Authorised Training Partner, Stay Upright Pty Ltd, which employs some of Australia's best instructors. BMW Motorrad Off-Road Skills Training Courses have been specifically designed for riders of all levels. No matter what the rider's abilities or experience, the courses will provide new skills for more enjoyment and safety when riding. And a good time is guaranteed.

As in 2006, the Victorian courses will take place at the spectacular Melbourne 4×4 Training and Proving Ground nestled in the beautiful natural Werribee Gorge (just 45mins from the City). The site comprises 80 acres of man-made and natural terrain, as well as bush tracks with varying surfaces. Courses will also be conducted in NSW for the first time, at Dargle Valley, a venue with a rich off road motorcycle history. Dargle is just over an hour from the centre of Sydney and provides a wide range of riding surfaces making it an ideal off road training venue.

The new "Trail Bike" Skills Training courses will be conducted at both venues on the new BMW G 650 Xchallenge. The G 650 Xchallenge is a large capacity single cylinder dual purpose trail bike. Bike rental costs are included in the course fee. Attendees may NOT use their own machines on the Trail Bike Courses. Potential attendees to these courses should be aware that the BMW G 650 Xchallenge is quite a tall bike. Accessory low seats will be available on some bikes, but depending on rider ability/confidence, BMW does not advise participation for those shorter than 5' 7".

A similar course to previous years' "Enduro Park" Training, the "Adventure Bike" Training Course will be conducted at both venues. This requires attendees to bring along their own BMW GS model (F 650 or R 1150GS / R 1200 GS / Adventure) motorcycle to participate in these courses. Participation in these courses is wholly dependent on attendees' vehicles being in a roadworthy and safe condition and must comply with any requirements specified by Stay Upright.

During the two-day course, participants are taught the fundamental techniques of off-road riding and will progress to a level they never before thought achievable. Some of the skills covered are:

Slow-speed manoeuvring and control
Correct body position
Balance control on a motorcycle
Throttle and clutch control
Improving braking ability
Ascending and descending hills safely and confidently

Course Costs: Xchallenge "Trail Bike" Skills Course – $850 (including motorcycle)
GS "Adventure Bike" Skills Course – $575 (Own motorcycle required)
Course fees include lunch both days but don't include flights, accommodation or transfers.

Calendar/ Availability Dargle (Sydney), NSW September 2007

3-4th Xchallenge "Trail Bike" Skills Course 5-6th
GS "Adventure Bike" Skills Course (Own motorcycle required) 8-9th
GS "Adventure Bike" Skills Course (Own motorcycle required) 10-11th
Xchallenge "Trail Bike" Skills Course 12-13th
GS "Adventure Bike" Skills Course (Own motorcycle required)

Werribee (Melbourne), Vic October 2007

19-20th Xchallenge "Trail Bike" Skills Course 21-22nd
GS "Adventure Bike" Skills Course (Own motorcycle required) 24-25th Xchallenge
"Trail Bike" Skills Course 26-27th
GS "Adventure Bike" Skills Course (Own motorcycle required)