Should You Take a Motorcycle Riding Course?

When you want to get started on a motorcycle, you can rely on a family member or a friend to teach you the ins and outs of riding. Alternatively, you can rely on the expertise of a trained professional. Nevertheless, the latter option is arguably the best bet unless your family member or friend is a trained professional.

Most people can explain the basics of riding a bike, such as pressing the clutch, changing gears, and adjusting the throttle. However, you need to know a few other things beyond the fundamentals.

Safety and proficiency are extremely important when riding a bike. You can learn how to ride, but knowing how to ride a motorcycle safely is another chapter in and of itself. Here’s a brief guide to give you insight into what to expect from a motorcycle riding course and the numerous benefits you can enjoy.

What to expect in a motorcycle riding course

A motorcycle safety course typically has two portions: class instruction and practical riding. Both are specifically designed to help you get a motorcycle license or endorsement.

Motorcycle riding courses usually last several days, with a total time of 15 to 20 hours. Most states offer weekend classes, where you can take the motorcycle riding course on Saturdays and Sundays.

Learning in the classroom

The first session begins in a classroom setting. You will receive a motorcycle handbook covering various machine components and their functions, proper driving techniques, and general know-how.

Beginners will start by learning how to operate a two-wheeler as a responsible rider, along with safety and fundamental controls. The course is the same as your driver’s license studies. You can expect to learn different road signs, motorcycle-specific gearshifts, pre-riding inspection steps, motorcycle mounting and dismounting, and good vs. bad posture.

During the learning session, your instructor will present several audiovisual training guides to demonstrate specific scenarios. You will also have a great opportunity to form small discussion groups and learn as a team.

Practical riding

The next part of a motorcycle safety course involves riding a motorcycle. At this point, you will get an opportunity to practice various riding techniques, from the fundamentals to more advanced maneuvers.

Be sure to bring water, sports drinks, and snacks to stay energized and hydrated during the outdoor session. This is particularly crucial during the summer when the temperature can be extremely high.

Your instructor will use cones to set up various courses and real-life situations to help you perform different exercises. Each starts with an explanation and demonstration from your trainer. Several driving skills and maneuvers include:

• Accelerating
• Cornering
• Changing lanes
• Maintaining speed
• Progressive braking
• Low and high-speed maneuvering
• Controlling skids
• Navigating hazards and obstacles
• Straight-line riding
• U-turns
• Stopping distances
• Swerving

In addition to learning how to operate a motorcycle, you will acquire turning techniques such as handgrip pressure and handlebar movement. More advanced skills you will learn throughout the course include:

• Riding in areas with limited space
• Counterweight techniques
• Shifting body weight in turns
• Controlling your two-wheeler when stopping in a corner
• Focusing on head and eye placement when riding around curves

Your instructor will give continuous, rider-specific feedback throughout the entire process. Each progression ends with a debriefing of what you have gained, and it’s an open-ended opportunity to discuss what you learned from the training and to ask questions.

What to wear during your motorcycle training

It’s essential to wear the right safety gear, even when taking a motorcycle riding course. Protective riding gear ensures your safety and comfort. Everything from a helmet to all-weather boots is needed to protect you from skids, falls, and road accidents.

Helmet

Most motorcycle training institutions offer helmets for learners, but you can bring your own if it’s a US government-authorized helmet that meets DOT standards. Your helmet should snuggly fit your head but should not feel loose.

Choose a full-face or three-quarter helmet for the best head and eye protection. A helmet protects your head and brain during skids or accidents and shields you against elements such as strong wind, road debris, scorching sun, and bugs.

T-shirt and jacket

During your motorcycle riding session, wear a long-sleeved t-shirt that stretches to your wrists. Wear a thicker and breathable t-shirt to safeguard your skin and protect yourself from wind and warmth.

A leather jacket is appropriate for different weather conditions and offers an extra layer of protection. Choose an abrasion-resistant jacket made of material that can uphold moisture-wicking properties.

In addition to the appropriate layer and material, you will also need to consider the jacket’s color. Bright colors and reflectors can make you more visible, especially at night.

Pants

Wear a pair of jeans, leather, heavy cargo pants, or chaps for adequate protection while motorcycle riding. Ensure your pants are full-length down to your ankles with no holes.

Some motorcycle riding pants even have knee and hip pads for extensive protection. Avoid apparel like cotton or spandex.

Full-fingered, waterproof gloves

While gloves might not be at the top of your safety list, they are vital pieces of riding gear during and after the course. Consider investing in summer and winter gloves for the best comfort and protection during different temperatures.

For instance, perforated gloves can help with aeration and keep your hands dry when riding in extreme heat. For winter riding, pick thick gloves that incorporate several layers (at least one being waterproof) to keep your extremities dry and warm. Both types should have grips on the fingers and palms to help you hold onto your motorcycle’s handles.

Riding boots

Without the proper riding boots, your feet may suffer injuries from the hot exhaust system and the shifting gears. Therefore, while training and on the road, ensure you put on over-the-ankle boots with little to no heel.

Look for athletic shoes, riding-specific footwear, or hiking boots. Ensure your boots have reinforced ankle protection, sturdy rubber soles, excellent traction, and skid resistance and are in good shape.

Eyewear

You don’t need additional eye protection if your helmet covers the whole of your face. However, if you have a skullcap, you will need to wear a face shield, glasses, or goggles.

You can wear prescription glasses, but ensure they have a certain level of UV protection. Eyewear helps keep away dirt, wind, and debris from your eyes while enhancing your vision.

Benefits of taking a motorcycle riding course

Completing a motorcycle riding course can give you the foundational knowledge to improve your riding skills and minimize your chance of getting involved in an accident. Here are a few benefits of taking a motorcycle riding course.

Improved riding skills

Taking a riding course is foundational to becoming a confident and reliable rider. Getting into the right mindset for riding and taking a motorcycle license test is suitable for novice and seasoned riders alike.

New riders can attend the course with zero experience and learn the basics within a day. On the other hand, experienced riders can benefit from the MSF course, as it can provide a better refresher for anything they might have forgotten.

Strengthen defensive riding skills

Defensive driving skills and strategies are key to staying safe on the open road, especially with a small automobile. A riding course will help you reinforce how to notice and respond to potential hazards on the road. This includes identifying and responding to potholes, gravel, and other obstacles that might cause an accident.

You will also learn to scan the road ahead and be aware of other drivers’ behaviors. This can help you anticipate and avoid accidents caused by other motorists’ actions.

Lower insurance rates

Everyone loves saving money. Completing a certified riding course can potentially reduce your insurance premiums, which means much more money in your pocket every month. Insurance companies consider riders who have completed a safety course less likely to get into an accident, thus expecting fewer insurance claims from them.

Passing a motorcycle riding test shows you have acquired proper training and developed the skills needed to ride safely on the road. Confirm with your insurer to learn whether they offer discounts for completing basic or advanced motorcycle riding courses and leverage the opportunity.

Understanding of traffic laws

A riding course also teaches motorcyclists about traffic laws specific to two-wheelers, which can help them avoid common motorcycle accidents. For instance, knowing the correct lane position for a bike can help prevent accidents by making a rider more visible to other drivers while offering a better view of the road ahead. In addition, understanding how to approach and execute turns safely can also prevent corrosion with other vehicles.

Is taking a motorcycle riding course worth it?

Today, you can acquire a lot of riding skills on Google and YouTube. However, it still doesn’t beat the one-on-one interaction between you and a riding instructor. Furthermore, a second set of eyes helps identify what you are doing wrong, something you might not be able to do on your own.

Keep in mind that riding a two-wheeler is a highly involved activity, and a wrong body position or bad riding habit can cause you to tip over, whether you are riding fast or slow. Just because you understand how to balance a bike and accelerate doesn’t mean you are necessarily road-worthy.

Final thought

Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting but can take a turn for the worse. Therefore, it’s essential to invest in a motorcycle riding course in order to get better at avoiding mishaps. Having a good overhead of skills can help you become a more confident rider and keep yourself and other road users safe.