Learn To Ride!
Our course covers the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies. Here are the highlights:
- You do not need to have a motorcycle permit before taking the Basic Rider Course; just a valid driver's license or driver's permit.
- The course includes a 5-hour online eCourse (ePackage1) and 11 hours of training on a motorcycle.
- The course is held over 2 days.
- More course information below.
"I took the two day intro (Basic RiderCourse) class and I had the time of my life. The instructors, besides being badass motorcycle types, are deeply empathetic and understanding -- the type of people that you want as teachers. I really can't say enough about Clutch. Posting this today because I bought a motorcycle yesterday and took it for a spin today -- couldn't help but reflect on the education that I received at Clutch which has enabled all this. Thanks guys!!!!"
~Dennis - Proud Graduate of Clutch Motorcycle School
The 14 Riding Exercises in the Course
- Motorcycle Familiarization
- Review T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection
- Identify location and operation of important controls and major parts
- Review mounting/dismounting procedures
- Review elements of good posture
- Using the Friction Zone
- Become skilled in using the clutch friction zone for control
- Starting & Stopping Drill
- Coordinate the friction zone, throttle, and brakes to control the motorcycle
- Start out and stop with precision and control
- Shifting & Stopping
- Shift gears and stop smoothly
- Basic Skill Practice
- Refine low-speed maneuvering skills
- Refine throttle use and brake manipulation for corners
- Pressing to Initiate and Adjust Lean
- Understand the maneuvering elements needed for negotiating curves
- Experience the effects of handgrip pressure and handlebar movement to initiate and adjust lean
- Stopping More Quickly & Tight Turns from a Stop
- Develop a feel for progressive braking pressure to stop more quickly without skidding
- Practice making a sharp turn from a stop
- Stopping Distance Demonstration
- Observe a demonstration of the reaction/braking parts of total stopping distance
- To understand effects of speed on braking distance
- To relate the results to intersection strategies
- Limited-Space Maneuvers
- Refine maneuvering skills to allow turns in limited spaces
- Learn the counterweighting technique
- Stopping in a Curve
- Learn to maintain control while stopping in a curve
- Understand traction management
- Curve Judgment
- Improve skills for negotiating multiple curves
- Understand the "search-setup-smooth" strategy
- Multiple Curves & Lane Changes
- Practice negotiating curves and lane changes
- Understand safety margins and gap selection
- Crossing an Obstacle & Swerving
- Learn techniques for crossing over obstacles
- Execute a basic swerve
- Practice turning from a stop
- Refine slow-speed weaves
- Skill Practice
- Capstone exercise that combines a variety of maneuvers
- Skill Test
- To assess basic skills using a cone weave, normal stop, turning from a stop, U-turn, quick stop, obstacle swerve, and cornering maneuver.
- To demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills and ability to avoid an obstacle
- To demonstrate ability to use the proper technique to negotiate a curve
What You Need to Know
- Pre-requisites:
- Able to balance and ride a bicycle.
- Possess either a valid driver's license or learner's permit.
- What to Expect:
- 5-hour online eCourse (ePackage1) and 11 hours of training on a motorcycle.
- eCourse registration fee is included in the cost of the class. Upon receipt of payment, your eCourse login credentials will be emailed to you.
- Range exercises include low-speed maneuvers and basic skills such as shifting, accelerating, braking, cornering, U-turns, and lane changes.
- You’ll be with the same group for the duration of your training.
- You’ll receive individual RiderCoach feedback while learning to ride.
- Motorcycle and helmet are included in your registration fee at no additional cost.
- Types and/or models of motorcycles available vary by site. Your RiderCoach will help you with which training bike is best for you based on your height, weight or preferred riding style.
- What to bring:
- Food/beverages for breaks and lunch.
- Water bottle.
- What you MUST wear in order to ride:
- Long-sleeve shirt or jacket (no rips, or holes).
- Jeans (no rips, no holes).
- Over-the-ankle boots or shoes (sturdy, not canvas).
- Eye protection or sunglasses.
- Full-finger gloves, leather preferred.
- Full-face helmet (provided by Clutch Motorcycle School).
The course concludes with a classroom knowledge test and hands-on riding skill evaluation.
There are benefits to taking a RiderCourse besides learning important skills and strategies: You don't have to get a permit through the DMV before taking a course and since you take both the written test and the riding evaluation with us, you won't need to take anymore tests with the DMV. In addition, your insurance company may provide a discount on your insurance. Be sure to ask your agent.
Find additional frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.