Course Information
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.
The Schedule
Classes are scheduled almost every week or a weekend during the training season (February through December). The course schedule is 25 hrs of instructional time laid out in several different ways. Evenings of classroom time, with full days of riding or entire education combined into 3 full days. We spend more time with you giving you the opportunity to be more successful.
Go to “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.
What to Expect
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.
Trainers
All of our Coaches are motorcycle rider’s certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoaches with the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program and the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy® with additional education on training adults and physical skills.
New Rider Course FAQs
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
Tuition
The tuition is required after making your reservation and before the class to maintain your seat. DO NOT WAIT - classes fill up fast and there may be a waiting list. Tuition may not be refundable if we are not notified before the class that you can not attend. There is a small fee to repeat the class if you miss or cannot complete any portion of the course.
Contacts
The Rider Education Department at Southern Devil H-D® by calling us at 678-721-0203 [may leave a voice mail] or email us at HDRA@SouthernDevilHD.com.
One of our personnel will contact you to start the journey towards your goal.