Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy

Whether you’re just getting started or just brushing up, learn the skills you need to ride with confidence. We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of riders achieve their dreams, let us help you too. Learn more about our Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy motorcycle training courses and find a class today.

New Rider Course

Never ridden before? Want to get your license? The New Rider Course will lead you through the steps to learn to ride a motorcycle and get you on the road.

  • Friendly, enthusiastic California Motorcyclist Safety Program® (CMSP) certified Instructors make learning a breeze.
  • Classroom time gets you familiar with the bike, its controls and the inner workings of a Harley-Davidson dealership.
  • Learn the basic motorcycling skills on the range with a Harley-Davidson Street 500 motorcycle provided by the dealership.
  • Successful course completion may streamline your motorcycle licensing process and may help you get a discount on motorcycle insurance.
  • The course is 15 hours total which includes 5-hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual riding.
  • Riding a two-wheeled bicycle is a pre-requisite for taking the MTC.

Find a class

What to Expect

  • Learn to ride on a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle
  • Classroom and range instruction from state & Riding Academy certified coaches
  • Learn to safely accelerate, shift, brake, and turn, along with maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting riding obstacles
  • Earn a Motorcycle Safety Course Completion Card, which may exempt you from the riding portion of your state license exam and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance

1-Day Premier Course / Intermediate Riding Clinic

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program 1-Day Course allows riders–who are 21 and older and who already know how to ride but are not licensed–the opportunity to achieve intermediate level skills. Riders will also receive a DMV skills test waiver for successful completion of the course. It is also the perfect next step for newer riders who are looking to improve their skills as well as riders that have recently returned to riding after years off. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction.

FIND A COURSE



New Graduate Financing Available

Riders who complete the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Course can take advantage of special financing options which may include lower rates, down payments*, and flexible terms.

Get Approved

*Financing Offer available only on new Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. You must apply within 180 days of course completion. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary.  The financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.



Your Journey is Just Beginning

You’re on your way to becoming a fully licensed rider. The open road is calling, and we can’t wait to help you answer the call. Check out our additional opportunities to learn and gain confidence and hear from our students about their experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

After enrolling, you should be contacted by your dealership with any specifics to your course, including what to bring, what is required, and where and when to meet. Some dealers will have the coach call you, welcome you, remind you of items to bring and answer any questions you might have about the class.

  • A government issued identification card
  • Be over the age of fifteen and a half
  • The ability to ride a bicycle
  • Credit card for payment

*You do not need a motorcycle permit to take this course*

Gloves and a helmet are the only essential motorcycle specific items, but we recommend that sometime before the first night of class, take what you have to the dealer to get it checked out.

They can help you ensure that you have the right equipment.

CLASS GEAR LIST

  • Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Long pants (heavy denim or riding pants recommended)
  • Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
  • Eye protection (helmet visor, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles acceptable)
  • Full-finger gloves (motorcycle specific recommended)
  • DOT-certified helmet style based on the requirements of your state

SHOPPING FOR A HELMET

A helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle gear you will invest in. A helmet is a very personal piece of gear.

Consider buying a helmet vs. borrowing one, that way it is yours and it fits you perfectly and allows you to focus on learning to ride.

The staff at your dealer are trained to fit a helmet and will ensure you get the right one. Helmet fit is so important that they will most likely suggest you wear the one you settle on around the dealer for about 15 minutes.

It takes that long for the helmet to really let you know if it will be comfortable in the long run. Remember, helmets are not typically returnable once they leave the dealership, so take the time to find the right one.

Coach Tip: The more helmet the better, full face is the best, followed by a modular. An open face helmet or ¾ open still provides good protection if you feel too cooped up in a full face. Half helmets, while very popular, offer the least amount of protection.

There are a variety of schedules. This example of a typical weekend course will give you a feel for what to expect. 

The first class meeting typically runs three hours: You’ll get a tour of the dealership, fill out all the class paperwork and get to know your peers and coaches. During the paperwork session, you will hear a lot about counseling and being on time and having all the gear. Don’t fret, it is just to set clear expectations for everyone. Being that an endorsement waiver is provided through this class, it has some structural aspects that the state requires to allow for licensing. 

A lot of what is being discussed you have already seen firsthand as a car driver. Then the class will turn to new material – an activity to help demystify motorcycle controls and their use will be held, as well as an activity to help understand important aspects of riding gear.

At the end of the night, coaches usually spend some time talking about the range days, what to bring, where the range is and when to be there.  The range is simply a practice lot; it is a large flat piece of pavement that may be on dealer property or down the road a few miles.

This site is usually blocked off from car traffic and offers a controlled environment to learn in. The classroom will probably conclude with a discussion on the range rules and hand signals. These are all intended to help you understand how the range works and to ensure everyone has a good time during the riding portion of the course. 

Coach Tip: If you are not sure where the range is, take time to drive by it on the way home versus frantically searching for it in the morning.

Pack whatever snacks you need to keep going physically and mentally, bottled water is usually provided by the dealership.

If it’s passed 10 minutes of the check-in time, you will need to contact 209-941-0420 x4109 to make arrangements to reschedule as per the site policies.

Government-Issued, valid photo ID & Confirmation Letter

  • A DOT-approved helmet, 3⁄4 or full-face (No half helmets) Personal helmets are subject to inspection for DOT-compliance and to make sure that they are in good working condition.
  • Either full-fingered street specific motorcycle gloves or 100% leather gloves
  • Eye protection including shields, sunglasses, goggles, or glasses
  • Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Long pants, jeans, or leather with no tears or holes
  • Over the ankle boots with little or no heel. Thin fabric shoes made of canvas or other fabrics that do not provide support are not acceptable. The classic Converse All Star “Chuck Taylor” or dress shoe are examples of shoes that DO NOT meet the requirements.
  • Click here to view our gear checklist

The card will be available for pickup within 7 to 10 business days at the dealership.

When you come into the dealership please see one of our friendly Sales Associates for your Riding Academy Pit Pass. This endorsed pass will give you a 10% discount during your class

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program Motorcyclist Training Course is designed for the novice rider with no (or limited) street-riding experience. This course includes both classroom and on-cycle instruction. You will learn fundamental skills required to operate the motorcycle and progress to street riding skills and strategies. Topics covered include fear, understanding how motorcycles turn, proper cornering strategies, and emergency crash avoidance skills. This course is based on the most current research in rider safety and utilizes modern training methods. Though designed for new riders, any rider that has not taken a motorcycle course will benefit from this course. Motorcycles and helmets are provided in this course.

Men's Riding Gear

Get ready for any adventure with our top selling riding gear.

Shop now

Women's Riding Gear

Gear up and get going with these women's riding favorites.

Shop now

Help Me Choose

Want to start riding but unsure which bike is right for you? We can help you choose. 

Browse motorcycles

Contact the Riding Academy

Contact us now

Riding Academy Contact Information & Map

Riding Academy New Rider Course Website Policies