Master Harley Davidson Riding Courses

Choosing the right motorcycle course can significantly influence your riding skills and safety on the road. Harley Davidson's Riding Academy offers a variety of courses tailored to different skill levels, ensuring that every motorcyclist finds a program that matches their experience and learning objectives.

Choosing the Right Course

Harley Davidson's Riding Academy offers a wide array of choices designed to cater to every level of motorcyclist, from those just starting to seasoned riders looking to sharpen their skills. Here's how you can identify the best course for you:

New Rider Course: This option is perfect if you've never ridden a motorcycle before or if you're just getting started. Over 15 hours, including both classroom and riding time, you'll learn all you need to safely operate a motorcycle. You'll learn basic motorcycle controls and practice on a Harley-Davidson Street 500. The New Rider Course also prepares most folks enough that they might even skip the riding portion of the state license exam, depending on local laws.

Intermediate Riding Clinic (1-Day Premier Course): If you're over 21, already know the basics but aren't yet licensed, or if it's been a while since you last rode and you want to refresh your skills, this one-day intermediate-level course is your best bet. Skill-building activities focus on improving your bike handling at higher speeds and with more complex maneuvers. Successful completion could even provide you with a DMV skills test waiver.

Skilled Rider Course (BRC2U): Geared toward riders who already have their motorcycle permit or license but want to refine basic abilities such as swerving, quick stopping, and making sharp turns both straight and in curves. This is where you could start to feel comfortable in intermediate situations you weren't before. Bringing your own motorcycle allows the hands-on training to be as relevant and practical as possible.

Advanced Rider Course (ARCU): This advanced course delves deeper into the nuances of riding dynamics. It covers personalized risk assessment and improving brake and corner strategies through dynamic practice exercises. It's suited for all kinds of street motorcycles and focuses heavily on enhancing your on-road skills to an expert level.

Each session's content is structured to push your abilities the right amount, relevant to your current skill set. By selecting the course that aligns with where you're at now, you'll ensure a better riding future where confidence and expertise grow together. Continuing education like these courses not only keeps your technical skills sharp but can also significantly contribute to your overall safe riding experience. Harley Davidson's Riding Academy courses provide robust training to make every journey more enjoyable and secure.

Preparing for the Course

Before you saddle up for any of Harley Davidson's Riding Academy courses, there are a few prerequisites and gear essentials you'll need to ensure you're all set for the ride ahead. Each course has specific requirements, so knowing what to expect and how to prepare will help make your learning experience as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Courses typically require participants to be at least 15 and a half years old, though this can vary, so check the specific age requirement for your chosen course. Additionally, mastery in riding a two-wheeled bicycle is necessary due to the balance skills that are directly applicable to motorcycle riding.

Licensing requirements vary depending on the course level and participant's existing qualifications. If you're starting out with the New Rider Course, you don't need a motorcycle permit, but for other specialized or advanced courses, having a motorcycle license or permit is mandatory. Check the specifics to ensure you have the correct documentation before the course begins.

A critical part of your course prep includes assembling the right gear. For safety and compliance with the program's standards, you will need:

A DOT-certified helmet (full-face or 3/4 style)

Full-fingered, motorcycle-specific gloves
Long sleeves and heavy denim or riding pants
Over-the-ankle boots with a low heel

Eye protection (helmet visor or sturdy glasses)

Consider the time commitment needed for your chosen course. The New Rider Course, for instance, spans over 15 hours including both classroom instruction and actual riding. It's essential to carve out sufficient time in your schedule not only to participate but also to rest and digest the new skills being learned.

By ensuring you meet these requirements and come properly equipped, you'll set yourself up for success and make the most out of your experience at Harley Davidson's Riding Academy. Less stress about logistics means more focus on building your skills on the open road.

Understanding Course Benefits

Enrolling in a Harley-Davidson Riding Academy course brings undeniable perks beyond just learning to ride. One of the most tangible advantages is the simplification of the motorcycle licensing process. Once you complete the course, you earn a Course Completion Card, known as the MSF BRC card in most states. This card may exempt you from the riding portion of your motorcycle license exam at your state DMV.

From a cost perspective, insurance providers often acknowledge the reduced risk associated with riders who've graduated from reputable training programs. They may offer discounts on motorcycle insurance, translating to significant savings over time. Furnishing that Course Completion Card could reduce your premiums, making your ride more economically enjoyable.

But the real value is in enhanced riding safety and personal competence. Statistics frequently show that better-trained riders tend to avoid accidents more effectively than their untrained counterparts.¹ These courses meticulously teach you skills like hazard avoidance and emergency responses which are crucial when you're sharing the road with larger vehicles. Beyond avoiding hazards, these sessions refine your everyday riding technique—higher precision in turns, smoother gearing shifts, and precise braking—all contributing to a smoother ride.

By polishing various maneuvering skills at differing speeds and situations, this training boosts your confidence. There's a significant difference between feeling shaky on every curve and sweeping through turns with assured ease. This confidence is built on calm, composed familiarity with your bike's capabilities.

Investing in your skills through advanced lessons can also prepare you for different biking scenarios. Whether it's casual street rides or touring across states, each course type tailors to enhancing specific skill sets, helping you become a more adaptable and knowledgeable rider.

Consider this an investment in your future on two-wheels—a safer, smoother ride and potentially neater finances when it comes to licensing and insurance.

In conclusion, enrolling in a Harley-Davidson Riding Academy course not only enhances your riding abilities but also simplifies the licensing process and potentially reduces insurance costs. This makes it an invaluable investment for both new and experienced riders aiming to navigate roads with greater confidence and safety.