Getting Your First Harley? 3 Places Where You Might Get Riding Lessons
Buying your first motorcycle, and a Harley-Davidson no less, is a hugely exciting time. Nothing but the open road before you and the wind in your hair, right?
Wrong.
If you are new to motorcycles, it's really not as easy as buying your Harley and cruising home on your first bike. You have to actually know how to ride first! While the weight and size of your Harley will vary according to the model and make, most bikes weigh several hundred pounds and can be lethal to an inexperienced driver as well as others on the road. To that end, if you haven't yet really learned to ride and have yet to get your license, here are some ways that you could get riding lessons or training.
Ask The Dealer
Your Harley dealer wants to see to your safety just as much as you do, and in many cases, bike dealers can actually offer riding lessons themselves. You may be able to get personal riding lessons from one of the dealers or staff members, or they may actually take part of their New Rider's Course.
Even on the off chance the Harley dealer or staff cannot educate you themselves, they usually have a lot of contacts with riders who may be able to offer you some tips unofficially.
Other Riders
While other riders may only be able to offer you unofficial riding tips and help, they are probably one of the best ways to learn. Most states will allow a rider without a motorcycle license to ride their own cycle alongside another driver who does have a motorcycle license while they are learning.
You can learn many of the methods and safety tactics used by other drivers. You can also hear about the potential hazards as well as get some good experience alongside a seasoned street rider.
DMV
The DMV is a great source for all things motorcycles and you will need to have dealings with them anyway just to get your license. You will have to take and pass a motorcycle riding class before you can get your license, so the DMV will usually offer some motorcycle safety classes, even if they don't have actual riding classes.
Some states, such as New Hampshire, do offer a basic rider course, so be sure to inquire at your local DMV about availability in your area.
However tempting it may be, don't get on the road until you have some serious practice first!
Share
