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 Intermediate Rider Licensing Course

New Rider Course What to expect

Learn to Ride a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle in Muskegon, MI

Start your riding journey with the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy New Rider Course at Hot Rod Harley-Davidson in Muskegon, Michigan. This beginner-friendly course is taught by MSF® and H-D® Certified Coaches and includes both classroom and hands-on range instruction.

Your course includes:

A 3-hour MSF® eCourse to build your riding knowledge
In-person classroom sessions and on-cycle instruction using a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle
Training on key riding skills like safe acceleration, braking, cornering, shifting, swerving, skid control, and obstacle navigation
An MSF Basic RiderCourse℠ Completion Card, which may qualify you for motorcycle insurance discounts and is recognized by U.S. military bases

Upon successful completion, you'll also receive a waiver for the riding and written portions of the Michigan motorcycle endorsement exam. (Note: You must redeem your certificate with the Secretary of State within one year and pay the licensing fee separately.)

The full New Rider Course cost is $349 per rider, and includes:

Use of a Harley-Davidson® Street™ 500
Access to the MSF eCourse ($19.99 value)
Expert instruction from certified coaches

Ready to Ride?

Call or visit Hot Rod Harley-Davidson today to register for our next Motorcycle Safety Foundation®-approved Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy class!

Find a Class

New rider course FAQs

Am I Too Short for The Training Motorcycle?

Riders under 5'2" or those with shorter inseams are encouraged to contact our Riding Academy Manager before enrolling. We’ll schedule a time for you to sit on a Harley-Davidson® Street™ 500 training bike to ensure you’re comfortable and confident before class begins.

What Do I Need to Register?

To sign up for the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy New Rider Course at Hot Rod Harley-Davidson, you'll need:

A valid driver’s license or learner’s permit
The ability to comfortably ride a bicycle
Completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) 3-hour eCourse, which will be emailed to you 30 days before your scheduled class

Note: The eCourse must be completed before the first day of in-person training.

Do I Need Special Gear?

You'll need to bring the following:

A DOT-approved helmet
Eyewear (goggles or glasses)
A heavy long-sleeve shirt or riding jacket
Jeans, leather pants, or chaps
Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots
Full-fingered gloves

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).

When you’re done, you’ll not only ride with more confidence than ever, but you’ll also earn your Michigan cycle endorsement license. It may also qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance. Find a Class

Intermediate Rider Licensing course FAQs

Can I bring a passenger?

Passengers are NOT allowed to participate

Am I Too Short for The Training Motorcycle?
Riders under 5'2" or those with shorter inseams are encouraged to contact our Riding Academy Manager before enrolling. We’ll schedule a time for you to sit on a Harley-Davidson® Street™ 500 training bike to ensure you’re comfortable and confident before class begins.