Taking A Riding Course In Honda Suzuka Circuit Traffic Education Centre In Suzuka Circuit

Why A Riding Course?

I want to go for a Long Way Round, and I need all the skills that I could get. I do not know of any riding school in Japan, except for this one in Suzuka Circuit, so, here I am! 

To my best knowledge Honda is the only Japanese manufacturer that actively engage the society in street safety regardless of driving or riding. Honda has had this training program from the 70s. It was only meant for police officers at the time but now it is opened to public. For riders, there are two genre of courses, one being on-road and another is off-road. For on-road courses, there is course for novice, intermediate courses for riders who want to brush up their skills, circuit riding course and also novice course with an extra touch of circuit cruising. I took the circuit cruising course. The fee was about 140USD inclusive of a lunch, motorcycle and protectors.

First thing first, they let you choose your ride from these Honda bikes (only Honda, mind you). The instructor kind of reconfirm my point of view towards the choice of bike. He said, the CBR250R is actually more geared towards experienced riders because of the engine characteristics. He said the CB400SF would be the best beginner bike although it has twice as much horse power. I went with the CB400SF.

And yes indeed, CB400SF was a very friendly bike. If there was a 800cc CB400SF, it would be a no brainer for me.

And so the course started with stretching exercise and bike inspection. Upon finishing we hopped on our bikes and performed a few warm up laps. Really, there isn't anything new that all riders didn't know, but we got a chance to try and do what we think we know, and we got evaluated by the instructors. We did braking, accelerating, slalom and most importantly, almost an hour of non-stop gymkhana style of training. In this training we were shown what is wrong with our riding. It was indeed very very beneficial.

 But!! This is not the only thing I came for. I came for the circuit!!! :-) The whole group of students got a chance to cruise the circuit. We weren't allowed to overtake or ride faster than the lead motorcycle because this is a cruising session, not a racing session. Nevertheless we all got to get a go at 100kmh.

My God! Lara is on full panniers and we did a few laps in Suzuka!!!! (I know it didn't sound that great really but allow me to exaggerate a little just to express how happy i was :-) )

 This is the infamous(?) Yokohama corner.

 Another shot from a different angle. There were couples, ripe riders, young riders, so-so riders and very good riders, you name it. However, all of us had fun together and the time was well spent.

And there was a guy who rides a Suzuki Katana! Man it sure sounded great. When the Katana went through the underpass of the circuit, all i could hear was her exhaust note. Very, very Katana like. Thumbs up for a 20 plus years machine!

It was a hot and long day for me. I checked into the hotel and guess what, they have beer for welcome drink!!! 

Cheers.......! Good nite....