Whether you are curious about learning to ride or if you’ve been riding for some time, taking a formal training course is fun and it will improve your ride and open up new opportunities.

Motorcycle riders are a diverse bunch. Some just want to cruise and enjoy the open air and scenery, others like to test their skills on a track, and yet others want to experience life on two wheels off the grid. No matter what skill level you are at or what type of riding you want to do, there are motorcycle training programs for you.

“My [uncle, husband, mother, friend] knows how to ride and offered to teach me. I don’t need a class.”

While some learn to ride from a friend, this type of experience can end very quickly with hurt feelings, bumps, and bruises, damage to your friend’s motorcycle, or worse. Likely, your well-intentioned friend does not have a small, light motorcycle, or the knowledge necessary to provide basic skills in a way that works safely. Learning to ride from trained coaches in a structured class setting minimizes the risk and provides the best possible outcome. The coaches are specifically trained to watch you, help you, and encourage you.

Organized motorcycle classes pair students with the right tools for success. For example, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse for new riders provides basic training on small, light motorcycles. Advanced training schools, such as Yamaha Champions Riding School, offer more experienced riders skills practice in a higher-speed, on-track environment. And if you like off-road adventures, there are schools across the country offering MSF’s DirtBike School, AdventureBike RiderCourse, or their own ADV or off-road training classes, like BMW’s U.S. Rider Academy. 

“I already know how to ride,” you may be thinking. So why take another class?

First, it’s just plain fun! Even if you’ve been riding on the street for years and that’s all you intend to do, try a dirt bike class. You can learn new skills to take your street riding to the next level. Or take your bike to a track school and see what it’s like at higher speeds in a managed, non-competitive environment. You’ll meet other riders and share a really fun experience.

Like any activity or sport, there are techniques to learn, hone, and practice. Serious study and practice lead to precision, and that leads to having more fun and safe rides that open doors to even more adventures.

While practicing on your own is fantastic and highly recommended, you will elevate your skills to the next level with a trained coach there to help. The more you train, practice, and develop skills, the more fun you will have.