Why
do people ride motorcycles?
Aren't motorcycles Dangerous?
Dealership etiquette
Calendar of national motorcycle events
What protective gear do I need?
How do I get my motorcycle license?
What is a good first motorcycle?
Advanced training for motorcyclists
List of national riding clubs & organizations
Copyright ©2002 Super Sarah. Web site design by Kosmonaut.
How do I learn to ride?
STREET
The absolute best way to learn how to ride is by enrolling in an MSF Beginning RiderCourse or Motorcycle RiderCourse.
The 'Motorcycle RiderCourse®: Riding and Street Skills' is aimed at beginning riders of all ages. A minimum of seven hours classroom instruction prepares you for at least eight hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment, typically a parking lot. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for you. Most motorcycles used in the course are loaned by local dealers and are 300cc or smaller. You'll learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with a lot of emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic and other riding situations.
The instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They'll start you off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. You'll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking. In the classroom you'll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls, and how they operate. The instructors, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort and protection. You'll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and dealing with critical situations. The course concludes with a knowledge test and skill evaluation.
Benefits of the Motorcycle RiderCourse:
Greater
Confidence
One RiderCourse® graduate summed it up: "It is scary to imagine
going on the road without having participated in the RiderCourse®."
Improved Skills
Here's a comment from another graduate: "I have become more defensive
and observant, not only while riding a motorcycle but also when driving
an automobile."
Licensing-Test Waivers
Most states waive part or all of your DMV motorcycle-endorsement test
if you've successfully completed a RiderCourse®.
Insurance Discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to students
who have successfully completed a RiderCourse®. Contact your insurance
agent.
Discounts on Course Fees
Course fees vary from state to state and from program to program; some
are free to the student or greatly reduced, thanks to special fees collected
through licensing and motorcycle registration. Some motorcycle distributors
and brand-sponsored clubs will reimburse all or part of your tuition.
Also, many insurance companies offer premium discounts to RiderCourse®
graduates.
To find a Motorcycle RiderCourse or other motorcycle training course in your area, click here: http://www.msf-usa.org/pages/ridertrainingfs.html or call (800) 446-9227.
As they say in the course, "The more you know, the better it gets!"
DIRT
Excellent dirtriding schools and clinics: www.dirtbikeschool.com