Kawasaki has set-up a series of industry approved training services throughout the UK – Kawasaki Rider Training Services (KRTS). The aim of these services is to offer professional rider training to individuals who love bikes, and want to become competent riders.

Kawasaki understand that in a nation of bike lovers, it’s more important than ever to install the values and ethics of experienced bike riders into the minds of new bike riders. This not only means that they want to help new bike riders to become competent and confident whilst out on a bike, but it also means that they want them to fully understand the machine they are riding, and what it’s capable of.

The services are not just designed to benefit new bike riders however. Kawasaki understands that from time-to-time current bike riders will want to brush up on their skill set. In Kawasaki’s own words:

“Current riders and those new to two-wheels are encouraged to learn and improve their skills to get the most of their experience on a Kawasaki machine.”

After all, who doesn’t want to get the most out of their Kawasaki machine?

What you should do first…

Before you can ride however, there’s a few things you’ll need to do first. Let’s break it all down so it’s easier to understand…

The Theory Test – Even if you have a full car licence, by law, you must pass a Motorcycle Theory Test before taking a practical Motorcycle Test. Once you’ve passed the Theory Test, the certificate issued will be valid for 2 years.

CBT – CBT stands for ‘Compulsory Basic Training’. This can be done as a standalone venture, or you can combine it within a more advanced training course. Within this, there are 5 elements to obtaining your CBT qualification. You can read more about each element here.

If you pass, you will be given a DL196 (this is your CBT pass certificate). So now you can drive a 125cc machine on the road. Despite this, you must remember that you’re not permitted to do motorway driving yet, and you are not allowed to carry a pillion (seat for passengers).

What can you do after you complete your CBT?

If you want to have the freedom to ride without plates, or even carry a passenger, the law requires you to obtain a more advanced licence. Here’s the licence options:

AM Moped Licence (age 16 or over) – After passing your CBT you will need to apply for this licence (inclusive of practical and theory tests) if you want to ride with a passenger, without ‘L plates’, or on a bike / ped up to 50cc.

A1 Motorcycle Licence (age 17 or over) – If you want to ride a motorcycle / scooter up to 125cc without a passenger or ‘L plates’, then this is the type of licence you will need.

Here’s a list of Kawasaki models you can ride with this type of licence:

• KLX125
• J125 ABS
• J125 ABS SE

A2 Motorcycle Licence (age 19 or over) – With this type of licence you can ride a motorcycle / scooter without ‘L plates’, with a passenger, and with a power of up to 500cc.

Here’s just some of the popular Kawasaki models you can ride with this type of licence:

• Ninja 300
• Ninja 250SL
• Z650 (this model requires a ‘power down’ kit)
• Versys 650 ABS (this model requires a ‘power down’ kit)
• KLX250
• Vulcan S ABS (this model requires a ‘power down’ kit)

Unrestricted A Motorcycle Licence (age 24 and over) – This is the ultimate type of licence. You can ride any motorcycle / scooter of any power, without ‘L plates’, and with a passenger.

If you have this licence you may ride the full fleet of Kawasaki models, which include:

• Z1000SX ABS
• Vulcan 1700 Nomad
• ZZR1400 ABS Performance Sport

And many, many more…

What KRTS courses are on offer?

Kawasaki Rider Training Services (KRTS for short) offer various courses, designed to meet the needs of all bike users. From learner to qualified rider, KRTS can cater for all of your needs and requirements.

KRTS offer 5 ‘standard’ courses:

• ‘Two Wheeled Experience’ – £49 for 90 minutes
• ‘Compulsory Basic Training’ – £135 for the day
• ‘Licence Upgrade Course’ – £490 for a 2.5-day course (doesn’t include test fees)
• ‘Bespoke Rider Training Service’ – £185 for the day
• ‘Rider Training Licence Course’ – £890 for a 5-day course

To help you decide which course would be most beneficial, you can read more about each option here.

KRTS don’t just stop there however, they want to offer the ultimate learning experience and pass on to you as much information as they possibly can. As a result, they also offer some optional courses:

• ‘Commuter Plus’ – £90 for 4 hours
• ‘Specific Post-Test Rider Development’ – £185 for a day
• ‘Demonstration Days’ – £75 for 3 hours
• ‘Initial Riding Assessment’ – £35 an hour

If you want to figure out if any of these courses could benefit you, you can read more about each one here.

What are the benefits of choosing Kawasaki Rider Training Services?

Alongside the guidance and advice from the KRTS contact centre and instructors, as well as training (to the highest standards) from the Motorcycle Industry Association and Kawasaki approved providers, there’s also a variety of other benefits. These benefits include training on well-maintained Kawasaki machines, access to clean and protective gear (that actually fits), and more.

In terms of monetary benefits, here’s just some of the perks of choosing KRTS:

• £100 voucher towards the purchase of a New Kawasaki.
• £50 voucher towards the purchase of a Used Kawasaki.
• Central financing option so you can spread the cost of your training to suit.

To find out more, read their ‘Why train with KRTS’ section on their website.

Where can you take the courses?

All of the schools within this scheme are accredited by the Motorcycle Industry Association and are checked for their customer service (and professionalism) independently.  At present, there are 9 locations to choose from when considering where to take your KRTS course:

1. ‘Focus Rider Training’ – Bury
2. ‘Phoenix Motorcycle Training (South West) Ltd’ – Bristol, Somerset
3. ‘On Yer Bike Training Ltd’ – Westcott, Buckinghamshire
4. ‘Bransons Motorcycle Training School Ltd’ – Yeovil, Somerset
5. ‘Phoenix Motorcycle Training Ltd’ – Whitchurch, London
6. ‘Ipswich Rider Training Ltd’ – Wharfedale Road, Ipswich
7. ‘(ART) Advanced Riding Techniques Ltd’ – Copthorne, West Sussex
8. ‘Phoenix Motorcycle Training Ltd’ – Maidstone, Kent
9. ‘JW Groombridge Motorcycles (Training) Ltd’ – Bury, Heathfield
10. ‘Shire Oak’ – Brownhill, Walsall
11. ‘Inner Circle’ – Stockport

Do you think you could benefit from one of the above courses? Or do you know someone who you think may be able to? Be sure to check out the Kawasaki KRTS website for further information.

For further information, relating to Motorcycle insurance, visit: Kawasaki Insurance