Motorcycle Rider Training Courses

The H-D® Riding Academy®, New Rider Course follows the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) Basic RiderCourse tailored for beginning riders or those returning to the sport. There is an online “eCourse” as part of the New Rider Course.

During the classroom interactive sessions, expectations will be set, you'll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls & operation, proper gear for comfort & protection, how to create a strategy for riding in traffic & dealing with critical situations, and the basic skills to prepare you for the riding on the range. Alcohol and other drugs may affect your operation of the motorcycle. You will also get a chance to trial fit different motorcycles & protective gear, with a look into the Harley-Davidson® lifestyle through the dealership.

During the range we'll start you off with familiarization of the controls, clutch & throttle control, straight line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. Then, you will progress to more interactive and advanced street skills, slow speed tight maneuvers, braking, turning, and swerving techniques.

Classes are scheduled almost every week or weekend during training season (February through December). The course schedule is 25 hrs/ 3 days of instructional education; one full day of classroom at Hellbender in Marietta, and two afternoons of riding on the Range at Southern Devil Harley Davidson in Cartersville.  We spend more time with you giving you the opportunity to be more successful.

First, Find A Class. Once there you will see the number of seats available compared to class size and cost. Click on “Details” to see the schedule; dates & times, location, directions and dealer contact information before signing up “Reserving a Seat”.

Attendance is MANDATORY. You can not miss any portion of the course.

When you take a New Rider Course at the Riding Academy:

• Students will learn to ride on a lightweight genuine Harley-Davidson® Street 500 motorcycle provided by the dealership.
• Get in-class and on-range instruction from enthusiastic dedicated Coaches.
• Earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM Completion Card.
• Fulfills the military & federal employee’s requirements for a motorcycle safety course.
• Many Insurance companies give a discount for completing this course.
• A 90-day license waiver from Georgia Motorcycle Safety Foundation to get your GA motorcycle “M” license without any testing by the Department of Driver Services.

All of our Coaches are motorcycle riders who are certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoaches with the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program. In addition, Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy® Coaches have additional training through Harley Davidson University. 

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
• Protective Eyewear

Even if you have been riding for some time, just acquired a new motorcycle, never taken a riding course, or are riding on a motorcycle learner permit "MP", there is always something new to learn. Let us help you hone your skills and fine-tune the mental skills needed for survival in traffic.

The Skilled Rider Course is designed for participants who have been riding & own their own motorcycle to enhance the following skills; control at low speeds, risk management, limited space maneuvers, cornering judgement, straight line stopping quickly & in a curve, swerving, and multiple curve maneuvers. As well, you'll discuss with your peers how to manage risk, increase visibility, optimize lane position, protective gear, motorcycle inspection & care, rider responsibility and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding. The course concludes with a Skills Evaluation and a Knowledge Test for those individuals in the License Waiver version.

Designed for those with some riding experience. There are three versions of this course:

• [SP]Skills Practice (1 day riding)
• [LW] License Waiver (long 1 day or 1.5 day – classroom & testing)
• Two up (carrying a passenger, 1-day)

All versions are conducted by dedicated Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Coaches.

You’ll learn higher level 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 Completion Card.

• Fulfills the military & federal employee’s requirements for a motorcycle safety course.
• May qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance.
• Must complete all portions of your course to receive the completion documents.

What will I need to register?

• Valid motorcycle operator license, endorsement, or motorcycle Learner's Permit "MP".
• Ability to ride the motorcycle to the class

Do I need any special gear?

You'll need to bring the following:

• A street-ready motorcycle that meets minimum safety requirements.
• Valid motorcycle operator license, endorsement, or Learner's Permit "MP".
• Proof of valid registration to your vehicle.
• Proof of valid motorcycle insurance for your vehicle.
• 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
• Protective Eyewear

License Waiver Class: MSF eCourse, Classroom, knowledge test, & Range (riding & skilled test). Must attend and pass both tests. Usually scheduled over 1.5 day evening classroom (no bike required – can not ride after dark on permit) and Range time (full day a day or two after classroom). The cost for this course is $150.00.

Skill Practice: No testing, a full range day usually scheduled with LW class range time. The cost for this course is $150.00.

Two Up: No online schedule, by request with minimum of six rider with passengers the class can be conducted. The cost for this course is $150.00 per motorcycle (2 people insurance).

• A street-ready 3-wheel motorcycle
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid motorcycle endorsement- Class "M" or Class "MP"
• Proof of valid registration to your vehicle
• Proof of valid motorcycle insurance for your vehicle
• A heavy long-sleeve shirt and/or jacket
• Leather pants, chaps over jeans or jeans
• Full-fingered gloves
• Over-the ankle, sturdy footwear
• A DOT approved helmet
• Protective eye wear

• A street-ready motorcycle that meets minimum safety requirements.
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid motorcycle endorsement- Class "M"
• Proof of valid registration to your vehicle
• Proof of valid motorcycle insurance for your vehicle
• A heavy long-sleeve shirt and/or jacket
• Leather pants, chaps over jeans or jeans
• Full-fingered gloves
• Over-the ankle, sturdy footwear
• A DOT approved helmet
• Protective eye wear