Learn to Ride

GREAT RIDERS AREN’T BORN. THEY’RE MADE.

LEARN TO RIDE – OR RIDE BETTER – THE H-D^® WAY.

If you’re ready to experience the unique thrill of riding your own motorcycle for the first time, there’s no better place to learn than the New Rider Course at Harley-Davidson^™ Riding Academy. Experienced riders, take your skills to the next level with the Skilled Rider Course. Available only at Authorized H-D^® Dealerships.

NEW RIDER COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

When you take a New Rider Course at the Riding Academy you’ll:

Learn to ride on a genuine Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle.
Get in-class and on-range instruction from Motorcycle Safety Foundation^® (MSF) and H-D^® Certified Coaches.
Learn to safely accelerate, shift, brake, and turn, along with maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting obstacles.
Earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM Completion Card, which may (varies by state) exempt you from the riding and written portion of your license exam and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.

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NEW RIDER COURSE FAQS

Q: How much does it cost?

A: $279

Q: What will I need to register?

A: You’ll need a valid automobile driver’s license or learner’s permit, and have the ability to ride a bicycle.

Q: Do I need any special gear?

A: You’ll need to bring the following:

Your Driver’s License and/or Learner’s Permit
Proof of completion of any pre-required course study
Any materials provided to you prior to or during class
Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state.

Q: What bike will I ride?

A: For the riding portion, we will provide you will a Harley-Davidson Street^® 500 from our Riding Academy fleet.

Q: What do I need to do to earn my motorcycle endorsement?

A: You must attend the entire course and participate. You must come to class with all the required safety gear and have completed the MSF online E-Course and pass the riding evaluation at the end of the range sessions.

Q: Do we get a lunch break?

A: Yes. A lunch break is incorporated to all full days of Riding Academy.

Q: I already know how to ride; can I just take the test?

A: Yes. However, we recommend that all riders take the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Class to learn the rules of the road.

Q: What if I need to reschedule?

A: Contact the Riding Academy Manager at as soon as possible to get rescheduled into another class.

Q: What about the weather?

A: Riding Academy classes take place rain or shine, hot or cold. Be ready for whatever your local weather might have in store for you. In the event of dangerous weather, the class will be halted. Arrangements will be made to adjust the schedule around the weather if possible. Consult with your Coaches and or Academy Manager if weather results in a class being rescheduled or canceled.

Q: Will I be experiencing an actual Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle?

A: Yes! The bike you try is a 100% street-ready Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle.

3-WHEEL NEW RIDER COURSE

New to learn 3-wheel motorcycle riding? No worries. The 3-Wheel New Rider Course is your gateway to 3-wheeled freedom. It’s designed to give you the skills to ride with confidence, whether you’re a first-time rider or it’s your first time on three wheels.

WHAT IS THE 3-WHEEL NEW RIDER COURSE?

The 3-Wheel New Rider Course is an entry-level, learn-to-ride 3-wheel motorcycle training and education course taught by MSF and Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Certified Coaches.

This is a 2.5-day course for those who are new to 3-wheeled motorcycles. The course will allow you to get your Texas M endorsement (Trike Only) if you do not already have your M endorsement. Since 3-Wheeled motorcycles handle differently than 2-wheeled motorcycles, we strongly suggest all Trike riders take this course. The skills you will learn in the 3-Wheel New Rider Course will help you understand and enjoy riding even more.

You do have to provide your own 3-wheeled motorcycle that is street-ready and valid insurance.

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3-WHEEL NEW RIDER COURSE FAQS

Q: How much does it cost?

A: $249

Q: How much time does it take?

A: Total course time is approximately 18-20 hours, including classroom instruction, riding exercises on a practice track, and a knowledge and skill test.

Q: What will I need to register?

A:

A street-ready motorcycle
Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
Proof of motorcycle registration

Q: Do I need any special gear?

A: You’ll need to bring the following:

Your Driver’s License
Any materials provided to you prior to or during class
Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state

Q: What else do I need to register?

A: You must be of legal age to operate a 3-wheel motorcycle on public streets. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for age requirements in your state.

You will need a 3-wheeled motorcycle. In some instances, your dealer can provide you with a bike to train on. Contact your dealer to see if they can provide a bike for the range sessions.

SKILLED RIDER COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

This version of the Skilled Rider Course is for riders who want to train on their own bike and earn their motorcycle endorsement. The License Waiver Skilled Rider Course is 2.5 days long and includes a classroom session designed to sharpen your mental riding skills and a range session to sharpen your physical riding skills. A riding test is included at the conclusion of the range session, riders successfully completing the skills evaluation earn an endorsement waiver and a Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card.

SKILLS

The skills portion of the class will teach you new motorcycle skills and help you perfect skills you already know.

At the range you will start the day with that pre-ride inspection on your bike, if you prepped it before the class you’ll be feeling confident about passing the pre-ride inspection. Then it’s time to ride, your coaches will explain the course layout, read exercise objectives and instructions, ride a demo ride to show the path of travel and desired technique, and occasionally have you practice a skill on your bike with the engine off. Then it is your turn to ride. Exercises are generally about 30/40 minutes long and most programs will run two or three and then take a break. There will also be some range side “chalk talk” and activities, these are intended to sharpen your mental riding skills. In some states, a riding test is provided to help each rider better understand what skills they are proficient at and what they still might need to practice up on.

The License waiver course is more detailed and includes an online course component and a classroom session in addition to the range day described above.

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SKILLED RIDER COURSE – LICENSE WAIVER FAQS

Q: How much does it cost?

A: $249

Q: What will I need to register?

A:

A street-ready motorcycle
Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
Proof of motorcycle registration

Q: Do I need any special gear?

A: You’ll need to bring the following:

Your Driver’s License
Proof of completion of any pre-required course study
Any materials provided to you prior to or during class
Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state.

The course is rain or shine so be ready for the weather as you would for any day long ride, pack your rain gear. Also plan for shifts in temperature, dressing in layers will accommodate the cold in the early morning. Peeling off some layers in the afternoon will relive you from that hot sun. Also, pack some snacks. Be prepared to keep yourself mentally and physically in the game with a snack bar, fruit or whatever keeps you focused. Most programs provide bottled water and time for a lunch break, ask ahead to be sure.

Q: What bike will I ride?

A: For the riding portion, you will provide a street-ready motorcycle.

SKILLS PRACTICE COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

Designed solely for experienced riders, this eleven-hour 1.5 days course is taught by dedicated Motorcycle Safety Foundation^® (MSF) and H-D^® Certified Coaches.

You’ll learn advanced tips and techniques to help you own the road.

Control at low speeds
Risk management
Limited-space maneuvers
Cornering judgment
Swerving and stopping quickly on straights and in curves
Multiple curve maneuvers and surmounting objects

When you’re done, you’ll not only ride with more confidence than ever, you’ll earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM 2 Completion Card that may qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance.

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