Motorcycle Classes

Nothing protects you on the road like knowledge and experience. Gain both with motorcycle training classes. Classes teach safety and maneuvering for riders of all experience levels.

This summer, the first 2000 riders to pass the Basic Rider Course will get a free $50 gift certificate to use toward the purchase of a DOT-certified helmet, leather- full finger gloves, or eye protection.  Register for a class today!

Basic Rider Course

This course is designed for new riders, novice riders and experienced riders who want a skill refresher. You must be at least 14 years old to attend, but no motorcycle riding experience is necessary. The cost of this course is $75.00 (plus tax).

Motorcycles are provided. Scooters in safe operating condition may also be used in the course if they are 50 cc or higher, licensed, registered and insured (proof of insurance is required). Participants must notify their instructor prior to the course if they plan to use a scooter. Participants must provide their own scooters with written permission from the owner. Storage and transportation of scooters between classes is the participant’s responsibility.

"If the wheels aren't turning, we aren't learning!" -- Ted, RiderCoach from Rapid City, SD

Instruction includes:

• 15 hours of total instruction (5 hours in classroom; 10 hours on-cycle).
• Limited-space maneuvering, braking, cornering and swerving competencies.
• Rules from the Rider Course Handbook (which you’ll receive after registering).

Passing requirements:

• Students must attend and be on time for the entire session. If you are late or miss part of an exercise, you will be dropped from the course with no refund or free rescheduling.
• Correctly answer at least 40 out of 50 multiple-choice questions on the knowledge test covering course material.
• Achieve a passing score on a riding skills evaluation.

Benefits of completion:

• A waiver for the South Dakota riding and written tests for a motorcycling endorsement on your driver’s license. If you are from another state, please check with your local licensing bureau.
• Knowledge, skill and life-saving experience to avoid accidents.
• Possible insurance discounts.

What to bring:

• Signed release form from a parent or guardian (if under 18).
• DOT-approved motorcycle helmet that fits correctly.
• Over the ankle boots with rubber soles (no high heels or leather soles), full-fingered leather gloves or work gloves (no cotton), long and sturdy pants, a long-sleeved shirt, coat or jacket.
• Eye protection, including non-tinted face shields, glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, goggles or motorcycling glasses. We recommend you bring both clear and tinted lenses to adjust for lighting throughout the day.
• Optional but recommended: rain gear, warm clothes with layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes, snacks and drinks, sunscreen.

 

 

Experienced Rider Course

The Experienced Rider Course is for bikers with some experience who have completed the Basic Rider Course and ride frequently. Licensed riders who possess basic skills and can pass a skills assessment are encouraged to deepen their competencies with this class. Riders are encouraged to take this class every few years for continued education and training. The Experienced Rider Course costs $60.00 (plus tax).

"I developed a lot of habits after riding for nearly 50 years and being self-taught.  I have just taken my 3rd ERC this past weekend (April 2012).  I take this refresher course every couple of years to remind me of the things I need to be doing when I ride and to refresh my skills as a rider."  -- Bruce from Rapid City, SD

Instruction includes:

• 4 hours of riding practice and up to one hour of classroom activity between riding exercises.
• Advanced maneuvering and safety techniques.

What to bring:

• Must provide your own cycle in safe, street-ready operating condition.
• Proof of insurance, motorcycle registration and motorcycle license or endorsement.
• Signed release form from a parent or guardian (if under 18).
• DOT-approved motorcycle helmet that fits correctly.
• Over the ankle boots with rubber soles (no high heels or leather soles), full-fingered leather gloves or work gloves (no cotton), long and sturdy pants, a long sleeved shirt, coat or jacket.
• Eye protection, including non-tinted face shields, glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, goggles or motorcycling glasses. We recommend you bring both clear and tinted lenses to adjust for lighting throughout the day.
• Optional but recommended: rain gear, warm clothes with layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes, snacks and drinks, sunscreen.