Rider's Edge® New Rider Course ~ Skilled Rider Course ~ Basic Rider 101
Welcome to Rider's Edge® from the Harley-Davidson® Academy of Motorcycling. Whether you're a two-wheeled novice or a seasoned road veteran we can help you take the ride of your life!
Combining the time-tested curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation with the passion of Harley-Davidson®, the Rider's Edge® New Rider Course and Skilled Rider Course offer hands-on instruction and real-road experience that can teach you the skills you need to get the most enjoyment out of riding.
Program Manager: Ron Hess
The New Rider Course is from Harley-Davidson® Academy of Motorcycling. It is designed around the proven Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Beginner Rider Course curriculum with additional interactive classroom activities and extended range time while introducing students to the Harley-Davidson® experience. A proven blend of classroom instruction and range riding delivers the basics of motorcycling operation in Harley-Davidson style. The twenty five (25) hour program is designed to enable non-riders to experience motorcycling while learning the basic skills in a fun and involving way. Instruction is presented by devoted instructors certified by both MSF and Harley-Davidson® to create a relaxed, supportive environment that fosters camaraderie and confidence. Upon successful completion students receive an MSF completion card, possibly honored for insurance discounts, and a State Completion Card which will waive the skills riding portion of the BMV motorcycle license test.
TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEAT WE MUST HAVE FULL PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION.
Skilled Rider Course: Cost $100.00
The Skilled Rider Course is a six to seven hour class held entirely on the range over one day. The Course uses the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Experienced Rider Course suite, with some enhancements developed by Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling. Participants use their own motorcycles, or rentals, to enhance the following skills: control at low speeds, risk management, limited space maneuvers, cornering judgment, stopping quickly in a curve, swerving and stopping quickly, multiple curve maneuvers and surmounting objects. Upon completion of the course, students will earn a Skilled Rider Course pin and patch set, as well as a completion card from MSF that may assist you in getting possible discounts on insurance. Additionally, successful completion will earn students the State Completion Card which will waive the skills riding portion of the BMV motorcycle license test.
TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEAT WE MUST HAVE FULL PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION.
Basic Rider 101: Cost $100.00
Rider 101 is a three (3) hour evening class limited to four (4) students. The curriculum consists of a thirty (30) minute orientation covering basic riding gear, risk, risk management, and motorcycle controls with on range riding activities. The first three MSF Range Exercises, Motorcycle Familiarization, Friction Zone and Starting and Stopping Drill are utilized as on range riding activities.
Rider 101 offers, the inexperienced individual, an opportunity to recognize risk and how to develop a risk management strategy along with becoming familiar with motorcycle controls and the basic functions of motorcycle operation. Basic skill development and confidence are obtained in a stress free, near one-on-one setting in a controlled environment. This class is recommended for persons whom are unsure of their ability or desire to pursue motorcycling. Additionally, the Basic Rider 101 is an ideal class for a novice rider prior to a New Rider Course class to instill confidence and help to ensure continuing success. There are no certifications offered for completion of this class.
TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEAT WE MUST HAVE FULL PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION.
Contact dealer for more information
Requirements
To take a Rider's Edge® course, you will need:
- To know how to ride a bicycle
- A valid automobile driver's license or learner's permit
- Jeans, sturdy over-the-ankle boots or shoes, full-fingered motorcycle gloves, a heavy long-sleeved shirt or jacket and protective eyewear
- A helmet that meets DOT specifications (if you need to borrow a helmet please let us know)
In the New Rider Course you will be riding the 492cc Buell Blast, a light easy to handle motorcycle with a rider-friendly design that will have you feeling confident and in control in no time.
Skilled Rider participants must provide their own motorcycle and have a minimum of two thousand miles motorcycle riding experience
Cancellation and Refund Policy
TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEAT WE MUST HAVE FULL PAYMENT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION.
PRIOR to twenty-one (21) days of registered class FULL REFUND will be given. From twenty-one (21) days to the day prior of registered class a non-refundable $100 CANCELLATION or CLASS TRANSFER FEE will apply.
$25.00 Cancellation / Transfer fee for the Skilled Rider Course and Basic Rider 101 course applies
CANCELLATION DAY OF CLASS - NO REFUND
Course fees are payable by credit card, cash or check.
New Rider Course: $295.00
Thursday & Friday Evenings 6 - 9:30PM
Saturday 8AM - 5PM / Sunday 8AM - 4PM
Skilled Rider Course: $100.00
Single Day Class 9AM - 5PM
Basic Rider 101: $100.00
Single Evening Class 4PM - 7PM
2010 Class Schedule
- Skilled Rider Course- April
- New Rider Course - April 8-11
- New Rider Course - April 15-18
- Basic Rider 101 - April 20
- New Rider Course - April 22-April 25 *LADIES ONLY
- Skilled Rider Course - May 1
- New Rider Course - May 13-16
- New Rider Course - May 20-23
- New Rider Course - May 20-23
- New Rider Course - June 3-6
- Basic Rider 101 - June 8
- New Rider Course - June 10-13 *LADIES ONLY
- New Rider Course - June 24-27
- New Rider Course - July 8-11
- New Rider Course - July 22-25
- New Rider Course - August 12-15
- New Rider Course - August 26-29
- Basic Rider 101 - September 7
- New Rider Course - September 9-12
- New Rider Course - September 23-26
- Skilled Rider Course - October 2
- New Rider Course - October 14-17
Rider's Edge® Testimonials
I just wanted to again say thank you for putting on a great riders class. I must say that originally, I only wanted to sign up for the class so that I could get my endorsement for my license, and my card to be able to ride on base at Crane. But, I learned SO much more in that class than just getting my endorsement. Believe it or not, taking the class in the rain (even though it NEVER rains on the range) helped me out so much. I was the fair weather riding type, and had only ridden in a couple of small drizzles in the past and was a nervous wreck doing that. But, doing the class in that rain showed me that even if the pavement is wet, there's still traction out there, and you can keep on riding! And I need to buy some rain gear..lol.
Please pass along my thanks to our instructors Jim and Bob. They made the class a great learning experience, and not one time ever made me personally feel that I could not do what ever it was we were doing at the time. They were both very quick to answer any and all questions we had, no matter what it was, and were both really good at getting everyone involved in the class. So again, thank you! I have been, and will be telling anyone I know that is into riding about the class and HIGHLY recommending it to them! Keep up the great work!!
Brent May
Dear Ron,
I recently attended the Rider's Edge® motorcycle course in Bloomington (Class #91) and was very much impressed with the overall quality and thoroughness of your product. Bill Watson and Jeff Cretin proved to be excellent instructors and coaches who knew what they are doing and how to teach. They are a credit to your organization. It had been 42 years since I had been on a bike and was concerned that at age 62 I would have problems. These concerns proved to be without merit as my expectations were exceeded. I would highly recommend the Rider's Edge course in Bloomington to any new rider or anyone thinking about riding. The small investment is well worth the return. I believe anyone who successfully completes your course will know how to safely and confidently ride a motorcycle. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bill Minnery
Hi, Ron
I just completed the Rider's Edge course this past weekend and I wanted to say thank you. This is something I have wanted to do for a while, and I finally took the plunge! I had a great time and learned SO much. I can't say enough good things about this program and I have already told many people how beneficial this was; and I will continue to tell people....whoever will listen. I think anyone even thinking about the possibility of riding NEEDS to take this course. They have no idea what a difference it will make. I am making a promise to you that I will try my best to steer everyone I can in your direction! Bob and Judy were terrific!!!! They were patient & encouraging and made learning fun. They made such an impression on me - more than they will ever know. Also, I was incredibly impressed by the 'hospitality' of the dealership. I have always felt uncomfortable walking into a dealership. I never felt like I belonged there. When I walked into Harley-Davidson of Bloomington, I felt like I was welcome there and the staff was genuinely happy to see us. What a great bunch of people!!! I am planning to buy my first bike next spring. I have made the decision that when the time comes for my big purchase, your dealership will get my business. It will be worth the drive from Warsaw to buy from a dealership that treats their customers and potential customers with such respect. Your kindness was truly appreciated.
Sunshine Stambaugh
Warsaw IN 46580
Ron,
Thank you so very much for all the training that you crammed in my head the past 4 days!!! It was definitely harder than I thought it would be, but very necessary. All your safety tips have been running thru my head so that I will retain them.
I am going to look at a 2003 sportster that has been lowered so that Miranda will be able to reach the ground properly. Your course showed me how very important that is.
Doubt that I will be on the alumni ride Saturday but I am definitely anxious for next year.
Thank you and your staff again for everything! Sincerely,
Kathryn J. Kellams
Riders Edge® Graduate
I just wanted to say "Thank You" for all of your help and support at yesterday's class. It helped me a lot! Now I'm not so scared of the 'clutch and throttle' anymore! This class really helped me on my confidence in riding a motorcycle now. I will recommend this class for anyone who has second thoughts about riding a bike. The one-on-one attention is what I really liked about the class. In other programs (I have been told by some) that they rush you through things, whether you feel safe or confident about the situation or not. Now that I have done the Basic Rider 101 class, I will have knowledge that I have forgotten over 30 years ago (upon riding a bike again). I can't wait for my New Rider Class in June to start!
But again, I want to thank you and the Harley dealership for promoting this educational class. I now know, anyone who takes these courses by you will know how to ride a bike correctly and safely on the roads of Indiana! See you in June!!
Thanks!!
Shelia Zink
IT WAS THE BEST 295.00 DOLLARS I'VE EVER SPENT IN MY LIFE. YOU ALL WERE GREAT. AS SORE AS I WAS, I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.
Teion "Tab" Street
Paoli Furniture
Special Request Area
(Engineer)
Ext.# 7337
e-mail: teion-street@paoli.com
Ron, thank you so much for making yesterday's Rider 101 class an awesome experience. I know I have a lot of practice ahead of me, but I am so glad I took the class and look forward to the New Rider Class.
Thanks again
Pamela S Winfrey
Resource Coordinator
"Thanks for the great experience I had attending the Rider's Edge® course with you(Ron Hess)and Jim as instructors. It really brought me back up to speed and gave me the confidence I needed to go ahead with my purchase of a new bike. I've put just a few hundred miles on the 1200LT so far, but I can already say it's the perfect motorcycle for us. Please, let me know when the Skilled Rider Course schedules are available, I'd like to sign up for it for next year. Looking forward to sharpening my parking lot skills with this "hippo"... it don't like to go slow!"
Thanks again!
Kevin Daugherty
"Ron I just wanted to say thanks again to you, Jim, Rudy, and the people at H-D® Bloomington for such a great experience through the Rider's Edge New Rider's Course. I had a great time and learned a lot in such a short time. I had trouble sleeping last night because I was so excited. I know I still have a lot to learn and a lot of practicing to do, but I feel much more prepared to safely enjoy riding. This is an excellent program! Thanks again for the experience, and I definitely will spread the word."
Have a great day!
Thom Miller
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ron Hess
Harley-Davidson® of Bloomington
812-333-8300 or 800-667-7939
email your requests to
rhess@indianaharley.com
