Back To School: Motorcycle Training For Street Riders

It's a new year, which
means if you're like most of us you've probably made some type of
resolution to improve your inner or outer self. Maybe you want to
be more patient, strive to smile more, or want to shed a few
pounds? How about learning something completely new or improving on
the skills you already have? What if we told you there's one
activity that could make you happier on the inside, put a smile on
your face, and maybe, just maybe help you lose weight-or at least
help you get in better physical condition? We're talking about
riding motorcycles.
In this series will cover a variety of riding schools and training
courses that will get you comfortable in the saddle of a dirt bike,
improve your sport bike riding skills, or encourage you to roll off
road and take the dual sport bike you've been eyeing for an
adventure.
In this first article we'll start with the street courses.
When it comes to learning how to ride a
motorcycle on the street there's plenty of schools and training
facilities for beginners to choose from. In most states a
riding/training course is not required before getting your license.
Some states do require a course if you are under 18 or 21
years-old(check with your state). Even if you've been riding for 20
years it's not a bad idea to head back to class and partake in some
kind of training. You never know, there may be some important
techniques you might have forgotten or some bad habits you might
have picked up over the years.
[caption id="attachment_57456" align="alignright"
width="300"] Image:
Harley-Davidson[/caption]
If cruising down the highway on a Harley-Davidson has always been a
dream of yours there are plenty of ways to get a leg over a Hog and
learn how to twist a throttle. The simplest, safest, and least
intimidating way you can get some seat time on a Harley is to track
down the Jump Start Rider Experience. Basically what you'll find is
a Harley secured to a special platform that allows the rear wheel
to freely spin without the bike actually rolling forward or leaning
side to side. Without having to worry about supporting the
motorcycle with your legs or the bike tipping or flipping you can
concentrate on the basics of getting comfortable in the seat;
properly placing your feet on the pegs, and firing the bike to
life. With a coach standing right next to you and advising you, you
will learn how to operate the clutch, click into first gear, and
release the clutch as you let you the throttle go. You can then
continue to click through the gears and manipulating the
clutch.
The nice thing about the Jump Start Rider Experience is that it
doesn't cost you any money and you don't have to have any special
riding gear like a motorcycle helmet or leather jacket, you only
need to have a pair of shoes. If you attend any of the big
motorcycle rallies and Harley is there, they'll most likely have a
setup on site for you to try out. Otherwise your best bet is to
contact your local dealership and see if they offer the Jump Start
Rider Experience.
[caption id="attachment_57455" align="alignright"
width="300"] Image:
Harley-Davidson[/caption]
Many women find the Harley world to be kind of intimidating; to
combat this Harley offers its Garage Party events. A female centric
gathering inside a dealership, the Garage Events are all about
providing education, support, and camaraderie. At these events
women will learn all the basics of a motorcycle from the headlight
to the exhaust pipes, the best way to pick up a bike that has
fallen over, and how to find proper fitting women's
motorcycle gear. These events are free and hosted at
dealerships across the country.
[caption id="attachment_57452" align="alignright"
width="300"] Image:
Harley-Davidson[/caption]
Finally when you feel you're ready to really ride a Harley there's
the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Riding Course. Starting out
with several hours of class room instruction you'll learn rider
safety basics and then move to the closed off street course where
you'll be provided a Harley-Davidson Street 500 to ride. The hands
on training will be led by a certified instructor teaching you how
to operate the clutch and throttle, braking and turning, along with
maneuvers like controlling skids and rolling over obstacles. After
you pass the class you'll be given a completion card which in some
states will exempt you from having to take the riding portion when
going for your motorcycle license.
Harley's Riding Academy New Riding Course is typically three days
with two-and-a-half hours of instruction on Friday and eight hours
of training on Saturday and eight more on Sunday. Classes are
typically held at or near the local Harley dealer and will run you
about $258. You'll need to provide your own riding gear such as a
DOT motorcycle helmet, boots,
gloves, t, jacket, and pants.
If Harleys aren't your thing or there isn't a Harley dealer in your
area then you'll want to check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
(MSF). The MSF offers a wide range of classes and motorcycle
training all across the country. To start there's the Basic eCourse
which is an online course that will walk you through the basics of
a motorcycle. The course is loaded with interactive lessons,
graphics, photos, and videos. While it's not a replacement for
actually riding a motorcycle and won't get you any kind of waivers
for licensure, it's an inexpensive ($19.99) way for people to see
if riding a motorcycle is really for them.
[caption id="attachment_57453" align="alignright"
width="300"]
Image: Motorcycle Safety Foundation[/caption]
Beyond the online class the MSF offers its Basic RiderCourse which
is similar to the Harley course in that it's multiple days, with
about five hours of class instruction and 10 hours of on bike
training. An entry-level program, this will get you up to speed
with all the controls and basics of a motorcycle and help you
establish confidence riding on two wheels. Motorcycles are provided
but you have to bring your own riding gear. The only prerequisites
are you must be able to ride a bicycle and be of legal age to
operate a motorcycle on the street (depending on the state, you may
need a driver's license and/or motorcycle permit). With the
successful competition of the course you may be eligible to waive
the riding portion of the licensing test and it might allow you to
qualify for discounts with your insurer. Most courses are held at
the local community college or are operated through programs like
the Honda Rider Education Center. Prices start at about $150.
If you want to brush up
on your skills or you've been off a motorcycle for a while you may
want to enroll in the Street RiderCourse2 , which will help you
improve your riding strategies and skills. Prerequisites for this
course are you must provide your own motorcycle, have a valid
motorcycle license, and provide your own gear. For more advanced
riders or those who constantly like to keep sharp, there's the
Advanced RiderCourse which focuses on in-depth riding techniques. A
mix of classroom discussion and hands on activities, this course
will help you play out braking and swerving scenarios and improve
risk management.
Even if you think you're the best rider in the world there's always
something to learn or possibly even a bad habit to break. In many
cases taking an advanced or refresher course can pay off in the
long run (literally), allowing you to get discounts on your
motorcycle insurance. Check the MSF website to find out about
pricing, class location, and scheduling.
If you're in the
military and thinking about getting your motorcycle license check
with your branch beforehand as you will most likely be required to
take a rider training course. The MSF offers special courses for
Military personnel such as the Military SportBike RiderCourse.
Harley offers its New Rider Course free to retired and active
military personnel as well as for first responders (law
enforcement, fire, and EMS). Or if you take the course through an
authorized Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or other state
accredited riding school, Harley will give you a H-D Gift Card in
an amount equal to the value of a course you attended.
As you can see class never ends there's always something new to
learn and a skill to improve. So if you New Year's resolution was
to do something you've never done before, maybe you should consider
taking a motorcycle training course.