Learn to Ride

Great Riders Aren’t Born, They’re Made.

Learn To Ride – Or Ride Better – The H-D® Way.
If you’re ready to experience the unique thrill of riding your own motorcycle for the first time, there’s no better place to learn than the New Rider Course at Harley-Davidson™ Riding Academy. Experienced riders, take your skills to the next level with the Skilled Rider Course. Available only at Authorized H-D® Dealerships.

THE TIME IS NOW. THE PLACE IS HERE.

NEW RIDER COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHEN YOU TAKE A NEW RIDER COURSE AT THE RIDING ACADEMY YOU’LL:

  • Learn to ride on a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
    Get in-class and on-range instruction from Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Coaches.
  • Learn to safely accelerate, shift, brake, and turn, along with maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting obstacles.
  • Earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM Completion Card, which may (varies by state) exempt you from the riding portion of your license exam and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.

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NEW RIDER COURSE FAQS

What will I need to register?
You’ll need a valid automobile driver’s license or learner’s permit, and have the ability to ride a bicycle.

Do I need any special gear?

You’ll need to bring the following:

  • A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Jeans, chaps, or leather pants
  • Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
  • Full-fingered gloves
  • A helmet that meets DOT requirements
  • Eyewear

SKILLED RIDER COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

Designed solely for experienced riders, this eight-hour 1- or 2-day course is taught by dedicated Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Coaches.

You’ll learn advanced tips and techniques to help you own the road.

  • Control at low speeds
  • Risk management
  • Limited-space maneuvers
  • Cornering judgment
  • Swerving and stopping quickly on straights and in curves
  • Multiple curve maneuvers and surmounting objects

When you’re done, you’ll not only ride with more confidence than ever, you’ll earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM 2 Completion Card that may qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance.

Find a Class

SKILLED RIDER COURSE FAQS

What will I need to register?

  • A street-ready motorcycle
  • Motorcycle endorsement, permit or license
  • Proof of valid motorcycle insurance

Do I need any special gear?

You’ll need to bring the following:

  • A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Jeans, chaps, or leather pants
  • Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
  • Full-fingered gloves
  • A helmet that meets DOT requirements
  • Eyewear

3-WHEELED NEW RIDER COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

New to 3-wheel motorcycle riding? No worries. The 3-wheel New Rider Course is your gateway to 3-wheeled freedom. It’s designed to give you the skills to ride with confidence, whether you’re a first-time rider or it’s your first time on three
wheels. The 3-Wheel New Rider Course is an entry-level, learn-to-ride 3-wheel motorcycle training and education course taught by MSF and Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Certified Coaches.

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3-WHEELED NEW RIDER COURSE FAQS

What will I need to register?

  • You must be of legal age to operate a 3-wheel motorcycle on public streets. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for age requirements in your state.
  • You will need a 3-wheeled motorcycle. In some instances, your dealer can provide you with a bike to train on. Contact your dealer to see if they can provide a bike for the range sessions.

Do I need any special gear?

You’ll need to bring the following:

  • A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Jeans, chaps, or leather pants
  • Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
  • Full-fingered gloves
  • A helmet that meets DOT requirements
  • Eyewear

SKILLED RIDER LICENSE WAIVER COURSE

WHAT TO EXPECT

The license waiver course is perfect for riders who are familiar with a motorcycle, are active riders and need to get their motorcycle license. This two-day class will teach you advanced riding skills as well as provide approved documentation to
get your motorcycle license. Successful completion earns the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF BRC2) card and a license waiver that gets you a motorcycle endorsement on your license at your state DMV.

Total course time is approximately 18-20 hours, including classroom instruction, riding exercises on a practice track, and a knowledge and skill test.

Find a Class

SKILLED RIDER LICENSE WAIVER COURSE FAQS

What will I need to register?

The Skilled Rider Course begins with a pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle. Plan ahead and conduct this before your class, so you aren’t sorting things out at the range.

  • Tires– Check your tires for dry rot, that is cracks in the side walls, tread depth and air pressure. Be sure to use the tire pressures recommended in your owner’s manual.
  • Controls– Check your levers, pedals, cables, and hoses for function and condition.
  • Lights and Mirrors– Make sure your headlights, turn signals and taillights are functioning and your mirrors are tight.
  • Oil and fluids– Check your oil levels and verify that there are no obvious oil leaks.
  • Chassis– Check out your suspension front and rear for function and tightness and have a look at your final drive too.
  • Stands– make sure your side stand or center stand function correctly and stow fully. These checks take about ten minutes and will ensure that your bike is as ready for the class as you are.

Do I need any special gear?

You’ll need to bring the following:

  • Your DOT-approved Helmet
  • Eye protection,
  • Full fingered gloves
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Sturdy jeans or riding pants and
  • Sturdy over the ankle footwear

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10917 South IH 35 | Austin TX 78747
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Cowboy Harley-Davidson of Austin 30.142979, -97.793613.