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• 2021 CLASSES ARE LIVE! •

 

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 a 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 Skilled Rider Course. Available only at Authorized H-D® Dealerships.

Graduates of Faribault Harley-Davidson's New Rider class receive BONUS Rider Rewards points to their accounts, plus join an ever-growing family of SAFE, proud and passionate Harley-Davidson riders! We hope all graduates join us annually at our Riding Academy Reunion party in February as well! If you're looking to purchase a motorcycle around the time of your class, ask our staff how to get your class for free with our 'Learn to Ride for FREE when you buy from FHD' promotion!

New Rider Course Skilled Rider Course Student Testimonials Graduates

NEW RIDER COURSE
WHAT TO EXPECT

When you take a New Rider Course at the Riding Academy you’ll:

  • Learn to ride on a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
  • Get online, in-class and on-range instruction from Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Coaches.
  • Learn to safely accelerate, shift, brake, and turn, along with maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting obstacles.
  • Earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM Completion Card, which may (varies by state) exempt you from the riding portion of your license exam and score you a discount on motorcycle insurance.
Find a Class

NEW RIDER COURSE FAQS

What will I need to register?

You'll need a valid automobile driver's license AND motorcycle learner's permit, and have the ability to ride a bicycle. Call us for a list of DMV's to receive your permit pre-class.

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
  • Eyewear

SKILLED RIDER COURSE
WHAT TO EXPECT

Designed solely for experienced riders, this eight-hour 1- or 2-day course is taught by dedicated Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Coaches.

You’ll learn advanced tips and techniques to help you own the road.

  • 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

When you’re done, you’ll not only ride with more confidence than ever, you’ll earn an MSF Basic RiderCourseSM 2 Completion Card that may qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance.

Find a Class

SKILLED RIDER COURSE FAQS

What will I need to register?

  • A street-ready motorcycle
  • Motorcycle endorsement, permit or license
  • Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
  • Drivers License

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
  • Eyewear

What bike will I ride?

For the riding portion, you'll need to provide a street-ready motorcycle.

H-D® Riding Academy® New Rider Course Description

  • Designed for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle.
  • Utilizes a “building block approach”
  • Takes you through the friction zone to passing the state test for your motorcycle endorsement!
  • All activities are done on the Harley-Davidson® Street® 500 motorcycles.
  • Courses are taught here, at Faribault Harley-Davidson®, by MSF certified, state licensed coaches.
  • Courses are three days plus an online course: https://www.msf-usa.org/eCourse.aspx

Friday 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm

  • Held rain or shine, (except in snow or during lightning storms).
  • Courses are $299.00 per student.

Sign up for H-D Riding Academy® New Rider Courses at FHD® Here

H-D® Riding Academy® Skilled Rider Course Description

The course is designed for riders who have been riding and want to improve or refresh their skills. It is taken on your own motorcycle, and is designed to give pointers and tips to help experienced riders get more out of their ride.

Many people who take the course comment on how it has helped them in turning and driving through curves. Also, the course made them more aware of the traffic and has given them a heads up on tips which may save their lives!

The Skilled Rider Course is an 8 hour class (both range and classroom time) The maximum number of students is 12 per course. The cost for the course is $125.00. You must register in advance. Clubs and groups may request private courses with a minimum of 8 students. Check with our Riding Academy Manager on available dates.

Sign up for H-D Riding Academy® Skilled Rider Course at FHD® Here

H-D® Riding Academy® Civilian Police Motorcycle Course Description

The Civilian Police Motorcycle Course (CPMC) is an advanced, 8-hour course for experienced riders. The course uses the same techniques designed to train and keep police motor officers safe, day after day, in any weather and traffic situation.

The course will develop coordinated fine-muscle control, balance, skill, and confidence, particularly in the areas of low-speed clutch, throttle and brake control with proper head, eye, and body position. Students learn to master tight and locked turns in confined spaces, as well as slow and 30 mph offset weaves, the intersection (iron cross), 40 mph brake-and-escape, J-turn, and formation riding.

Riders must have at least 3 years or 12,000 miles of riding experience to take this course.

Call or stop in for registration! 507-334-5130

Amber Kast, H-D® Riding Academy® Program Manager & Coach 

Skypp Lee, H-D Riding Academy® Coach

Skypp Lee, H-D® Riding Academy® Coach. Skypp has been with FHD since 2001, and recently stepped back from being our manager and lead coach. His long-time training experience makes his service to our riding course programs invaluable.

Jeffrey Gilchrist, H-D Riding Academy® Coach

Jeffrey Gilchrist, H-D® Riding Academy® Coach. Jeffrey came to Faribault Harley-Davidson® as a part-time coach in 2002 and went to being a full-time coach in 2004.

His experience as a licensed police officer has helped him work with students coming through the program. He is also a network quality coach with Harley-Davidson.

Crystal Thomas, H-D Riding Academy® Coach

Crystal Thomas, H-D® Riding Academy® Coach.

Eric Stroup, H-D Riding Academy® Coach

Eric Stroup, H-D® Riding Academy® Coach.

Click to Read Testimonials from our Graduates

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**All cancellations must be done 14 days prior to the starting date of the course. Cancellations within two weeks will forfeit registration costs.
$25.00 deposit required to complete registration process.
See details in the Harley-Davidson® website or at the store, some restrictions apply