what to expect in motorcycle safety course

by Aliya Davis 4 min read

At the motorcycle safety course you will learn the basics of riding a motorcycle without having to practice on your own bike. These basics include how to safely mount and dismount the motorcycle, how to start the engine, and the best stance when stopped.

Full Answer

What is included in a motorcycle safety course?

A motorcycle safety course is designed for new drivers, or as a refresher course for those that may not have ridden in a while. It will consist of classroom instruction and practical riding time to prepare you for your motorcycle license or license endorsement.

What should I study before I go for my motorcycle safety course?

Before you go, check to see if your safety course needs you to study anything or complete any prerequisites before you arrive, as some may have you complete an online course or recommend that you study the motorcycle handbook for your state before you arrive.

What does a motorcycle skills test entail?

You’ll proceed through various exercises designed to help you be safe and competent on a motorbike such as braking, accelerating, shifting gears, navigating around objects, U-turns, and changing lanes. All of these maneuvers will be what a DMV skills test will be looking for if you’re required to take the physical exam in your state.

What will I learn in motorcycle riding school?

In the classroom, you’ll learn about the different types of motorcycles, layout and operation of the basic controls, and how to become a safer, more responsible rider.

What should a first time motorcycle rider know?

5:5414:01Everything First Time Motorcycle Riders Need to Know - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipParts are hot and for new riders first-time riders you really want to show off your bike wheneverMoreParts are hot and for new riders first-time riders you really want to show off your bike whenever you get someplace.

What are the 5 safety tips for motorcycle riders?

We've compiled a list of tips, so you can safely enjoy your ride.Take a safety course. ... Check the weather before heading out. ... Wear motorcycle gear. ... Inspect your motorcycle before each ride. ... Obey traffic rules, use your signals and drive the speed limit.Be visible. ... Be observant and watch for road hazards.More items...

What is the best way to learn the skills to ride a motorcycle safely?

If you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle correctly and safely, it's always best to take an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course and train with a qualified instructor.

Why is motorcycle safety important?

The Importance of Wearing Motorcycle Safety Gear in Reducing Motorcyclist Injury in a Collision. Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences on the rider. Their vulnerability and exposure makes them susceptible to many bodily injuries and even death.

Can I wear headphones while riding a motorcycle?

While many riders enjoy listening to audio on the road, some methods are safer than others. – You should never wear headphones or regular earbuds while riding. This may even violate local and state riding laws. Never use noise-canceling technology while riding.

What is the safest motorcycle to ride?

The 10 Safest Motorcycle Models You Can BuyYamaha V Star 250.Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS. ... Honda CB 650 F. ... Kawasaki Versys 300-X. ... KTM 1190 Adventure Model. ... Victory Cross Roads 8-Ball. ... Harley-Davidson's 2012 FLHR Road King. ... BMW R1200 RT. This touring motorcycle was introduced in the market in 2005. ... More items...

How do you balance a motorcycle for beginners?

0:133:06JLR Motorcycle Balance Training Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to take my hands off the handlebars. And stand up go back down stand up go back down thatMoreI'm going to take my hands off the handlebars. And stand up go back down stand up go back down that way I'm doing a lot of the balancing. With my feet and that's really important.

Is it hard to balance on a motorcycle?

Balancing a motorcycle is very similar to balancing a bicycle. The only real difference is that a motorcycle has a lot more weight which might make it more difficult at higher speeds. At low speeds, balancing a motorcycle might be easier than a bicycle.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?

If you took training before each licence test, you'd need to allow 3 – 5 days for the licence training and a half-day for the test. This would mean you'd spend around 13 – 21 days in motorcycle training and four days testing over the five years of moving from CBT to full A licence.

What is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents?

Some may involve the motorcyclist's negligent conduct or careless driving; however, many others are caused by the fault of another driver on the road. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic.

Who is at fault for motorcycle splitting lanes?

There is very little space to maneuver, and many drivers simply don't anticipate that a motorcycle might be passing them by. When a lane splitting accident happens, the fault is usually attributed to the motorcycle rider, but this is dependent on what the insurance adjuster and court find.

What's the chance of dying on a motorcycle?

By dividing fatalities by the overall number of wrecks, we find that 4.6 percent were fatal, which means that motorcyclists as a whole survived crashes about 95 percent of the time.

What are the 7 ways that you can safely share the road with motorcyclists?

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Sharing the RoadMotorcycles – Properly Prepare to Ride. ... Motorcycles – Drive Defensively. ... Motorcycles – Don't Take Unnecessary Risks. ... Cars and Trucks – Leave Plenty of Space Between You and Motorcycles. ... Cars and Trucks – Double-Check Your Blind Spots. ... All Vehicles – Respect the Rules of the Road.More items...•

How can I protect myself from a motorcycle?

Wyman and Weymouth recommend that riders wear a helmet, a Kevlar long-sleeved shirt/jacket and pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, Kevlar gloves, and a neck brace, especially if racing.

How can I be safe while playing?

Take these 5 steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game:Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, and other gear.Warm up and cool down.Know the rules of the game.Watch out for others.Don't play when you're injured.

What are the 4 safety precautions for using an ATV?

The golden rules of ATV safety Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed. Always wear goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, gloves and DOT-compliant helmets. Never ride on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. ATVs are classified as off-highway vehicles.

Benefits of a Motorcycle Safety Course

Why take a motorcycle safety course? These are some of the most important benefits that a motorcycle safety course can provide:

Finding and Signing Up for a Motorcycle Safety Course

In the U.S., the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Basic RiderCourse is the most well-known and most common safety course. You’ll find the BRC offered nearly everywhere, sometimes by government agencies and sometimes by private motorcycle riding schools.

What to Bring to Your Motorcycle Safety Course

Most safety courses provide learner motorcycles for course participants to use. If you do have your own motorcycle, find out from the course organizer whether or not you can bring it. (Upper level courses do often require riders to have their own motorcycles.)

Do You Have to Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

Some states require a motorcycle safety course in order to get a motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license. Some states even allow you to skip the written test if you've taken a basic rider course. Even if your state doesn't, you can probably get a discount on your insurance by taking a motorcycle training course.

How Much Is a Motorcycle Safety Course?

Course prices vary by state and course. The average basic motorcycle rider course costs between $200 and $300.

How Long Is the Motorcycle Safety Course?

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is five hours of class time and 10 hours of riding time.

Where Can You Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

There are over 2,500 locations across the United States. Check for locations near you here.

What to Bring to Motorcycle Safety Couse?

You'll want to dress to ride for your training course. This includes long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, eye protection, boots, and an approved helmet. You'll also want a pen and paper in order to take notes and quizzes.

What you Learn in Motorcycle Safety Course

You can learn almost anything about riding in a motorcycle safety course, depending on what class you choose. Most people opt for the basic rider course, which will give you an overview of motorcycle technique and familiarize you with your motorcycle.

Wrapping Up

Motorcycle safety is always a worthy endeavor. So, if you're on the fence about a course, we encourage you to jump into a class ASAP! You might even save some money in the long run.

What are the requirements for a motorcycle safety course?

While these may differ from course to course or state to state, some standard requirements for enrolling in a motorcycle safety course typically include: Ability to ride a bicycle. Protective clothing and helmet. Legal licensing age. A driver's license or motorcycle permit (state specific).

What is motorcycle safety?

A motorcycle safety course teaches both new and experienced riders how to handle their bike on the open road with safety and confidence. While laws requiring motorcycle safety or training courses vary from state to state, the safe-riding knowledge and experience a rider can gain is invaluable for any level.

How old do you have to be to ride a motorcycle in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire: Riders under 18 years old are required to complete a Basic Rider course. Colorado: Any rider under 18 years old must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for 1 year before they can earn a motorcycle endorsement.

How long is the MSF motorcycle riding course?

Courses will combine classroom time with riding time. Length can vary, but all run at least 18 hours of formal instruction time, over a period of up to 3 days. Instruction will include:

Do you need a motorcycle permit to take a safety course?

A driver's license or motorcycle permit (state specific). Not all courses require you to bring your own motorcycle when taking a safety course. Some courses have bikes and helmets available for beginners to use.

Can you waive your motorcycle license?

Some states allow motor cycle license applicants to waive their motorcycle licensing tests by completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course. Completing a course can meet specific requirements including: Vision standards and physical fitness to ride. Written exam. On-road testing.

Should You Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

Despite being loads of fun, riding a motorcycle is considered to be dangerous. You’re more likely to get injured, or even die, if you’re involved in a crash on a motorbike. This can be due to a number of reasons, including lack of skill, poor gear choices, and little protection at high speeds.

Should You Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

In this post, let’s take a look at whether or not you should take a motorcycle safety course. We’ll break down the costs, what you need to start riding, what you’ll learn, and the other benefits of motorcycle safety courses. Let’s jump right into it!

What Motorcycle Safety Course Should You Take?

In North America, some states require new riders to take a motorcycle safety course in order to get a motorcycle license. For example, California requires all riders under 21 years old to take a course. In Ontario, Canada you’re unlikely to get insured as a younger rider without completing a course.

What Does the Motorcycle Safety Course Teach You?

At the motorcycle safety course you will learn the basics of riding a motorcycle without having to practice on your own bike. These basics include how to safely mount and dismount the motorcycle, how to start the engine, and the best stance when stopped.

How Much Do Motorcycle Safety Courses Cost?

Depending on where you’re from, you can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on a motorcycle safety course. This is a considerable investment upfront. However, graduates from these courses enjoy better insurance rates.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

In most places there isn’t an age limit for the motorcycle safety course. However, you’ll have to meet the age requirements for getting a motorcycle license in your city, state, province, or country.

Do You Need to Know How to Ride a Motorcycle?

No, it’s not necessary that you know how to ride a motorcycle before taking a safety course. However, you should know how to ride a bicycle as you’ll have to balance the motorcycle while it’s in motion.

How long is motorcycle school?

Often, your first day will include classroom time and your first stint on the motorcycle learning the basics of motorcycle operation. Most courses are two days long with the second day consisting of more advanced classroom and riding time.

What is the second class in motorcycle safety?

The second classroom session builds off of the first day with discussions about survival strategies, motorcycle-specific hazards and more advanced cornering, braking and crash avoidance skills. The classroom ends with a multiple choice knowledge test. Most people pass, but you must pay attention to do well.

What is motorcycle e-course?

1) The E-Course that you take as a pre-course assignment covers the basics of the controls and some street strategies that are unique to riding a motorcycle. This course is content that used to be covered in the classroom. This way you get 3 hours of classroom knocked out at home before you even get to class.

How many days are there in the riding test?

The more you participate in class, the higher your test score will be! The riding will be spread over 2 days . There are 14 riding exercises followed by a riding skills test. Remember, this curriculum is for a beginner.

How many hours of classroom knocked out before class?

This way you get 3 hours of classroom knocked out at home before you even get to class. This means more ride time and less classroom time. It also means that we can start riding on the range in the morning on Day 1 instead of the afternoon in the hotter months. This makes for a more comfortable experience.

How long does it take to complete the E-Course?

The E-Course needs to be completed within 30 days of the start date of your class. 2) Riding Gear is going to be needed on the first day, in the morning, so be sure to have it with you (or at least in your vehicle) when you show up to class in the morning.

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