I took the beginner course early last year. It was well worth $100 and the weekend that it took. I aced the written test, but did poorly on the skills test. The bikes were small honda types. My old sore arthritic body does not bend to those bikes well and they were actually painful for me to ride. I don't feel the instructor knew as much as I did about counter steering, but I let it go so as not to disturb the class. I do feel the course is a very good basis or foundation to build your skills on and it was easier than going throught the state testing for my motorcycle endorsement for my license. I feel strongly that we all should have our endorsements. I understand there are about 60% that don't.
Dave