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 Intermediate Rider Licensing Course. Available only at Authorized H-D® Dealerships.
Classes Run April to September. Contact the Riding Academy Program Manger with any questions. Call or text Jamie Gillard at 231-722-0000.
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 3-hour eCourse with 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, used for Military bases and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.
- Successful Completion of this class will exempt you from the riding and written portion of your license exam to get cycle endorsement. *Certificates are emailed by the State and students must go online to SOS to pay for new license fee within 1yr.
- The New Rider Course costs $349 per person, which includes the use of a Harley-Davidson® Street™ 500. It also includes the cost of the MSF eCourse (a $19.99 value).
New rider course FAQs
Am I too short for the training bikes?
If you are less than 5'2" or have shorter legs for your height you are encouraged to contact the Riding Academy Manager to set up a time sit on a training bike before taking the class.
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. You MUST complete a 3-hour eCourse prior to class start date. The link will be emailed to you after registering and 30 days prior to start of class.
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
Intermediate rider licensing course - License waiver course What to expect
Our Intermediate Rider Licensing Course will teach you advanced riding skills, improve road awareness, and sharpen your motorcycle riding mindset as well as provide the appropriate documentation to get your motorcycle endorsement from the Michigan Secretary of State Office.This course is ideal for the current rider who is familiar with riding yet needs their endorsement. This 1.5-day course is taught by certified coaches and meets the State of Michigan requirements.
You’ll learn advanced tips and techniques to help you own the road and your riding experience.
- 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
- Must complete a 3-hour MSF eCourse prior to class start date. The link will be emailed to you after registering and 30 days prior to start of class.
- Earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM Completion Card, used for Military bases and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.
- Successful Completion of this class will exempt you from the riding and written portion of your license exam to get cycle endorsement. *Certificates are emailed by the State and students must go online to SOS to pay for new license fee within 1yr.
- The Intermediate Rider Course costs $249 per person, which includes the use of a Harley-Davidson® Street™ 500. It also includes the cost of the MSF eCourse (a $19.99 value).
Intermediate Rider Licensing course FAQs
- Passengers are NOT allowed to participate
Am I too short for the training bikes?
- If you are less than 5'2" or have shorter legs for your height you are encouraged to contact the Riding Academy Manager to set up a time sit on a training bike before taking the class.
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
You'll need a valid automobile driver's license or learner's permit and basic proficiency in motorcycle operation (clutch use, balance, braking)* You MUST complete a 3-hour eCourse prior to class start date. The link will be emailed to you after registering and 30 days prior to start of class.
* There is a SCREENING exercise on the range in which you must show proficiency in basic operational skills to maneuver the motorcycle in order to continue in the course. Failure to show proficiency in basic operational skills will result in being asked to leave the intermediate license waiver class.