Looking for a calming guide to help you gain confidence on a motorcycle? If so, I highly recommend Ilyas. He has a keen eye to quickly spot areas of improvement, and utilizes a variety of techniques tailored to help you improve your skills and build safe habits. But almost as important is his personality geared towards mentorship: Ilyas builds you up, constantly encouraging you and making you feel safe, all while challenging you to become a better rider. Every time I ride, I use his exercises to keep relaxed and push myself to improve.
MY EXPERIENCE
I struggled as a new rider due to fears obtained from a motorcycle crash. I signed up for the Harley Davidson CMSP course, and unfortunately, failed the riding test at the end of the weekend. After reading the Yelp reviews, I reached out to Ilyas, and within a day, I had my first session with him. He went over the basics, and within 5-10 minutes, he spotted my major issues, and began working with me to overcome them.
By the end of my first 2-hour session, I had gained more confidence, and had less fears. But I knew I needed a little more time to internalize the lessons and solidify my confidence, so we setup another 2-hour session for a later time. And it was in that second session, that Ilyas was able to cement safe habits, ensuring that my new confidence would stick.
With renewed confidence and ability, I scheduled my CMSP retest. Unfortunately, there was no room in the class for me to redo any of the exercises before the class. However, they did let me ride on the Harley for about 5-10 minutes before the test to get reacquainted with the bike and course. I quickly took to the course, and found myself comfortably passing each task. When the test finally came, I used Ilyas' exercises to relax and instill more confidence. I passed without any issues.
I fully recommend Ilyas for improving your riding. If you're considering taking the CMSP course, I recommend taking 1-2 personal sessions with Ilyas first, and then taking the CMSP course. That will leave you with greater confidence, and a stronger starting point for riding.
NOTE ABOUT CMSP COURSES
I found the course extremely helpful, and while the instructors were knowledgable, experienced, and aware, they are teaching a large class. This restricts them from being able to hone in on improving your individual weaknesses. They do have a short period of time dedicated to sharing feedback with individual riders, but with the pace of the class, this is limited and may not provide enough feedback or focused improvement time for all riders.
That begin said, in both classes, 80-90% of the class passed, so it does work for the overwhelming majority of riders. But even then, those that pass still need additional time to truly feel comfortable on a motorcycle, and that is where Ilyas can help you gain more confidence.
WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A SESSION WITH ILYAS
* If you want to see if driving a motorcycle would be for you. The cost of one session is well worth it, and sets you up to be a more safe and confident rider.
* If you had an accident and want to overcome your fears so you can ride again.
* If you are concerned about passing the DMV test.
* If you want to take and pass the CMSP course. 1-2 sessions with Ilyas will set you up for success.
* If you don't feel ready yet to hit the road alone. read more