The Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy
When it comes to learning how to ride a motorcycle, it makes sense to learn from the masters. After all, you’re taking on a pastime that requires a lot of skill and practice to ensure your own safety, so you should be getting your information on how to ride from someone who truly knows motorcycles: Harley-Davidson.
For over 100 years, this Wisconsin-based company has been at the forefront of motorcycle design, and they also offer a Riding Academy at their dealerships with lessons to help you master your new bike. Here are some things to keep in mind when enrolling in a riding course.
What to Expect
Once you’ve enrolled in your chosen course, the dealership should contact you to let you know what time to meet and where, as well as what to bring for your specific class. Most states follow the Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum and will utilize the MSF Basic eCourse as an introduction for you to complete ahead of time. It should take about three hours to complete this and earn your certificate to bring with you to your first day of class.
Other items you’ll need to bring include your learner’s permit or driver’s license, proof of completion of any pre-requisite courses, and any materials that the instructor asks you to bring.
What to Wear
Your local dealership can help you determine if your gear is correct if you stop by ahead of time. Typical motorcycle gear includes:
- Close-fitting long-sleeved shirt or jacket on top of long pants made of durable material.
- Over-the-ankle boots with good tread and low heels.
- Eye protection in the form of goggles or a full helmet visor.
- Full-finger riding gloves.
- A DOT-rated helmet that meets your state’s requirements.
Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you have, and it should be a full-face or modular helmet. Helmet fit is important; you want it to be neither too loose, nor too tight. It can help to wear a helmet around for 15 minutes to make sure it feels comfortable and doesn’t slip. Talk to your dealership if you have concerns.
Classroom Lessons
Your first classroom lesson will likely take about three hours, so make sure to pack some snacks. You’ll get a tour of your dealership and an opportunity to get to know the instructors and fill out the necessary paperwork. A Harley-Davidson® ROADBOOK journal will be provided to help you keep track of what you’ve learned. Make sure to ask all the questions you need to in order to facilitate your own understanding.
Out on the Range
Most courses include two days on the motorcycle range, which is a flat, asphalt riding area that is cordoned off from street traffic to give you a controlled learning environment. The range will be within a few miles of the dealership.
On the first day, you’ll learn the ins and outs of your motorcycle and how to start it up and shut it off, as well as how to turn, use the clutch, shift gears, and apply your brakes. Each exercise takes approximately 40 minutes, with breaks in between.
On the second day, you’ll learn more advanced techniques like cornering, swerving, maximum braking, and riding at higher speeds. Get rest in advance of these days, as these lessons can be exhausting!
As your local Harley-Davidson® dealership, we’re proud to offer our own Riding Academy lessons to help you master your new motorcycle. Get in touch with us to schedule your first lesson today! And when you’re ready to check out some great new and used Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale, browse our website or swing by our dealership near Lancaster, CA. Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson® serves our customers in the cities of Bakersfield and Ridgecrest, CA.