The MSF Basic RiderCourse is designed for beginning riders of all ages. More than 8 million motorcyclists nationwide have graduated from a RiderCourse since 1974.
The NEW three+ Hour Online eCourse Completed by you in the comfort and convenience of your own home prepares you for ten to fifteen hours of hands-on riding exercises in a controlled, off-street environment. Motorcycles and helmets are provided free of charge for your use during the course. In the Online eCourse, 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. At your Preregistered Weekend you’ll take to the riding range where your MSF-certified RiderCoach will guide you through the basic skills of straight-line riding, stopping, shifting, and turning, gradually progressing to swerving and emergency braking.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS?
Anyone wondering if Riding a Motorcycle is right for them
Anyone who has NEVER rode a Motorcycle or Driven a Clutch in a Car
Anyone who has never taken a Motorcycle Safety Course before
Anyone who already rides and is interested in becoming a better safer rider
Anyone who already rides but needs a Tennessee State Motorcycle License
Riders seeking to obtain their Basic Rider Course Completion Cards in order to obtain an insurance Discount as mandated by the State of Tennessee
PRE-REQUISITES:
Able to Balance and Ride a 2 wheeled Bicycle
Age 15 or Older*
*If you are under the age of 18, one of your parents or a legal guardian MUST be present with you Saturday morning before class to sign the course waiver with you. If a parent or legal guardian has not signed the Waiver before class begins, you cannot participate and you will lose your money.
SCHEDULE:
This Class takes only 2 In Person Days
Saturday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Sunday 7:30am - 6:00PM
Please note: These hours are TENTATIVE and may vary, due to class size,
rate of progression, and weather. *DO NOT BE LATE*
WHAT TO EXPECT:
3+ Hours Online eCourse Prior to Your Registered Class
10+ Hours of In Person Riding Instruction
Multiple Choice Written Exam + Riding Skills Evaluation
Breaks throughout the Class + 1 Hour Lunch Each Day
Range Exercises include Low-Speed Maneuvers and Basic Skills such as Shifting, Accelerating, Braking, Cornering, U-Turn, Lane Change
You’ll be with the same group for the duration of your Training. Allowing you to get to know one another and encourage each other along the way
You’ll receive individual RiderCoach feedback while learning to
Ride a Motorcycle.
Helmets are provided if needed.
Many different Types and/or Models of motorcycles are available to allow the best fit and experience as possible.
WHAT TO BRING:
Food/beverages for Breaks and Lunch.
Short Breaks are provided every couple of Exercises and a 1 Hour
Lunch Break is given on both Full Days.
Required Gear (Listed Below)
REQUIRED GEAR:
We don't expect you to have all the Motorcycle gear needed to Ride before your class and we don't recommend you spending a lot of money just to attend the class. We hope to teach you about proper gear and answer questions you have during your class. Including gear we recommend, fit, styles, and where to buy. Because of this you'll notice the ONLY Motorcycle specific gear we require is a DOT Helmet, and we have plenty for you to borrow if you don't have one yet. The rest is everyday clothing/accessories.
DOT-Compliant Full or 3/4 Face Helmet. 1/2 Shell Helmets are NOT PERMITTED.
Don't have a helmet? You can borrow one of ours during your class.
Eye Protection: Prescription Glasses, Clear Glasses, Sun Glasses, and/or Face Shield
Long-sleeve Shirt or Jacket. If you have a Motorcycle Specific Jacket,
you are welcome to wear it
Long, non-flare Pants made of Denim or Equivalent or more Durable Material. No Yoga Pants and No Rips or Tears.
Over-the-Ankle Boots/Shoes (sturdy, not canvas). Must COVER the Ankle Bone
Full-Finger Gloves without Perforations. Garden, Mechanics, Motorcycle, etc.
Weather Specific Gear. Rain Gear, Warm Layers, Cooling Shirts, etc
Motorcycling is an Outdoor Sport, we ride in almost all Weather Conditions.
Please plan accordingly.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Below are the 14 Hands-on Riding Exercises in the Course:
1. Motorcycle Familiarization
Review T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection
Identify location and operation of important controls and major parts
Review mounting/dismounting procedures
Review elements of good posture
2. Using the Friction Zone
Become skilled in using the clutch friction zone for control
3. Starting & Stopping Drill
Coordinate the friction zone, throttle, and brakes to control the motorcycle
Start out and stop with precision and control
4. Shifting & Stopping
Shift gears and stop smoothly
5. Basic Skill Practice
Refine low-speed maneuvering skills
Refine throttle use and brake manipulation for corners6. Pressing to Initiate and
6. Adjust Lean
Understand the maneuvering elements needed for negotiating curves
Experience the effects of handgrip pressure and handlebar movement to initiate and adjust lean
7. Stopping More Quickly & Tight Turns from a Stop
Develop a feel for progressive braking pressure to stop more quickly without skidding
Practice making a sharp turn from a stop
8. Stopping Distance Demonstration
Observe a demonstration of the reaction/braking parts of total stopping distance
To understand effects of speed on braking distance
To relate the results to intersection strategies
9. Limited-Space Maneuvers
Refine maneuvering skills to allow turns in limited spaces
Learn the counterweighting technique
10. Stopping in a Curve
Learn to maintain control while stopping in a curve
Understand traction management
11. Curve Judgment
Improve skills for negotiating multiple curves
Understand the "search-setup-smooth" strategy
12. Multiple Curves & Lane Changes
Practice negotiating curves and lane changes
Understand safety margins and gap selection
13. Crossing an Obstacle & Swerving
Learn techniques for crossing over obstacles
Execute a basic swerve
Practice turning from a stop
Refine slow-speed weaves
14. Skill Practice
Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers
15. Skill Test
To assess basic skills using a cone weave, normal stop, turning from a stop, U-turn, quick stop, obstacle swerve, and cornering maneuver.
To demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills and ability to avoid an obstacle
To demonstrate ability to use the proper technique to negotiate a curve
Riding Evaluation
The course concludes with a classroom knowledge test and hands-on a riding skill evaluation. Once your RiderCoach hands you the course-completion card, you'll be happy knowing that you’ve gone the extra mile to develop your own safe riding techniques.
Wanna head start?