What’s the best and safest way to learn how to ride a motorcycle? Take a class!
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a great place to start. This non-profit is dedicated to supporting, coaching, refreshing, skills of new and experienced motorcyclists. They have a tried and true method of training motorcyclists.
Where to find a class.
I was able to find an MSF course for beginners taught at the local community college reasonably priced (less than $400). But you can find classes at brand dealerships like Harley-Davidson and Triumph among others which offer riding academies. Harley-Davidson’s Rider Academy is where Jason took his class over a decade ago. After talking through both of our experiences, they were pretty similar.
What to expect.
The course offered at the community college started with a 5-6 hour e-course provided by the MSF. We were required to complete that course before our first session on a Wednesday night. At this session, we went through the books, the manuals, slides, and some hands-on educational experiences. After that, we took the written test required by the state for the license. I’m good at “school” so this part was relatively easy.
We met up that Saturday and Sunday to ride on school provided bikes. This was on a closed course in a large section of the parking lot marked with curves and stops, swerving areas, etc. During this section, the instructors put cones down to mark out areas for each skill we were learning and practicing. They gave thorough verbal instruction, then demonstrated the skill. Then, we practiced it. Simple.
What you need to succeed.
Whatever class you end up taking, you’ll need to come with some of your own gear. The bikes will be provided, but the helmet is all yours. In general, you’ll need a helmet, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and boots that come above your ankle.
My class did not require a jacket and it was the middle of summer, so I was thankful to just have a long sleeved shirt. I also ended up getting a pair of “riding jeans” (kevlar jeans with knee pads in them). They weren’t required, and they were super hot, but it was worth it to me to have them. The boots generally do not have to be riding boots but sturdy with ankle support. I wore Doc Martens (note: these are still my riding boots).
You also need a positive attitude, an open mind, and if you’re like me, humility. Lots and lots of humility.
The reality of the riding portion of class.
Remember when I said it was a simple formula (instruction, demonstration, practice)? Well, the reality of practice was enough to make me question whether I really wanted to learn to ride. It was exciting. It was hot. I was one of two females. Everyone was excited. Everyone was nervous. I was in my head overthinking those easy steps from the classroom portion. A LOT.
The class itself is broken into two days and 14-16 skill lessons plus the test. After the first two to three lessons in the heat (did I mention it was summer?), I needed water, I had sweat on my fingers in my gloves, I wasn’t hungry because I was so nervous. And the reality I could admit to was that riding a motorcycle was NOT intuitive for me. I wasn’t a “natural”. That was a little deflating and a lot ego-busting. If it is intuitive for you, that’s awesome! But I went home on day 1 needing emotional support from J and my riding friend.
Ladies, let me just say that I’m glad I kept showing up to each lesson (I mean, there was at least one person who left on day one and didn’t return so that is always an option). There were times when I said out loud during the break “do I really want to do this?” and someone from my class would say “yeah. You really do. We all do.” and we would get through it.
I dropped the bike, twice. I stalled out about 100 times. I dropped the f-bomb (you know, no one could hear me with the helmet on) an immeasurable amount. It took me a full day to realize what the instructor kept saying to me about “throttle position” and what it really meant by that. He even told me “girl, you better hope you never have to turn right” and “when are you going to learn to use the friction zone” more than once.
I was so nervous all through the weekend. So much so that my fitbit told me I had more than 4000 zone minutes each day (hmmm, could riding a motorcycle be good for my health?). But I passed my driving test at the end of the course! And that meant I could get my license. Step 1- check.
(To see more steps to get started, check out this article)
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