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 Intermediate Rider Licensing Course. Available only at Authorized H-D® Dealerships.
Introductory Motorcycle Experience (IME) What to expect
Focused on reviewing a motorcycle's primary parts and controls, it helps you determine whether motorcycling is a good personal choice. You are given the option to manipulate the controls while astride a motorcycle.
The IME is a taste of riding without a big investment of time or money. It’s a great way to “jumpstart” your BRC learning experience!
This “intro” course is just 2-hours long, and the class size is small with no more than 4 participants! The IME is a first-touch experience with a motorcycle and is not designed to teach you all you need to know to ride. It’s a familiarization program that points out the primary controls and parts of a motorcycle; how to mount and dismount; how to start the engine. You’ll learn how to operate the brakes, throttle and clutch and how to “find neutral”. You’ll start out operating the controls with your feet down as you “power-walk” on our practice range and then progress to riding with your feet up!
The IME is a way for potential riders to determine if motorcycling is a good personal choice and if they have the key skills needed to be prepared for the Basic RiderCourse.
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 5-hour eCourse with 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, used for Military bases and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.
- Successful Completion of this class will exempt you from the riding and written portion of your license exam to get cycle endorsement. *Certificates are emailed by the State and students must go online to SOS to pay for new license fee within 1yr.
New rider course FAQs
What will I need to register?
You'll need a valid automobile driver's license or learner's permit, and have the ability to ride a bicycle. In the eCourse you MUST complete the 5-hour eCourse (within 30 days) prior to class start date.
Do I need any special gear?
You'll need to bring the following:
- A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- Jeans, chaps, or leather pants
- Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
- Full-fingered gloves
- A helmet that meets DOT requirements
- Eyewear
3-WHEEL New Rider Course What to expect
New to 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. It’s never been easier or safer to earn a 3-wheel motorcycle endorsement. The 3-Wheel New Rider Course is an entry-level, learn-to-ride 3-wheel motorcycle training and education course taught by expert MSF-certified and Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Certified Coach Instruction. Course time is 16-20 hours, including classroom and on a practice track so you’re ready to hit the road with confidence.
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.
3-WHEEL NEW RIDER COURSE FAQS
What will I need to register?
- Valid automobile driver’s license or learner’s permit
- A street-ready 3-Wheel Motorcycle
- Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
Do I need any special gear?
You'll need the following:
- A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- Jeans, chaps, or leather pants
- Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
- Full-fingered gloves
- A helmet that meets DOT requirements
- Eyewear
What bike will I ride?
For the riding portion, you will provide a 3-wheel street-ready motorcycle.
Intermediate Rider Licensing Course - License Waiver course What to expect
Our Intermediate Rider Licensing Course will teach you advanced riding skills as well as provide approved documentation to get your motorcycle license. This course will sharpen your riding skills and your riding mindset. Successful completion earns the MSF BRC2 card and a license waiver that allows you obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license from the Michigan Secretary of State Office.
Designed solely for experienced riders, this 10-12 hour 1-day course is taught by certified coaches and satisfies State of Michigan requirements.
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 your MSF RCSM 2 card and a Michigan endorsement for your M/C license (Cycle Endorsement) that may also qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance.
Intermediate Rider Licensing Course FAQs
Can I bring a passenger?
- Passengers are NOT allowed to participate
How old do I have to be to participate?
- Student must be 18 years old on the first day of class.
What's included in the class?
- 1-2 Hours - Review & Knowledge Test.
- 4 Hours -Level II Classroom.
- 8 Hours- Range; 8 exercises For a total of 8 hours.
- Knowledge Test/Skills Test
- No Retest- Failure of the knowledge test or the on-cycle skills evaluation or not satisfactorily completing a phase of the course is consider a failure for the entire course.
Requirements
- Must possess a ‘street legal’ 2 wheel motorcycle. Must have proof of ownership, a valid registration and proof of insurance. If you do not own motorcycle, proof and waiver of owner required. Must be an experienced rider.
* Prior to the start of the class, there is a knowledge test in which you must pass by 50% or more. Also, there is a SCREENING exercise on the range in which YOU must show proficiency in basic operational skills to maneuver the motorcycle in order to continue in the course. Failure of not being able to show proficiency in basic operational skills will result in being asked to leave the class, re-enroll as a new student in our New Rider Course, if you wish to continue.
** Please note: Skilled Practice (Range only) portion is available for students already cycle endorsed - If you wish to participate in skilled practice only session, please contact the Riding Academy Manager for registration and reduced rate. (586) 463-7700 ext.1316
Intermediate Rider Licensing Course What to expect
Designed solely for experienced riders, this eight-hour 1- or 2-day 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.
Skilled rider course FAQs
What will I need to register?
- A street-ready motorcycle
- Motorcycle endorsement, permit or license
- Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
Do I need any special gear?
You'll need to bring the following:
- A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
- Jeans, chaps, or leather pants
- Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
- Full-fingered gloves
- A helmet that meets DOT requirements
- Eyewear
What bike will I ride?
For the riding portion, you will provide a street-ready motorcycle.
