Get Licensed – Ride Right! Getting a Motorcycle License is a big decision because of the added responsibilities it carries. Many Technical Colleges offer a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course titled, Basic Riders Course (BRC) and a more advanced Experienced Rider Course (ERC).
Three basic steps will help in preparing you to ride safely; 1.) Study the Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook. Learn the controls of the motorcycle, traffic laws and motorcycle theories. 2.) Learn from an experienced rider. Complete a BRC or many Harley-Davidson Dealerships offer Rider’s Edge. By successfully completing the BRC, the Motorcycle In-Traffic (MIT) test at a Department of Motor Vehicles test site will be waived. The BRC gives you time on a motorcycle to gain helpful experience, skills and knowledge, and finally, 3.) PRACTICE! Motorcyclists’ know that they are forever sharpening their skills by practicing, riding safe, straight and sober.
Three basic steps will help in preparing you to ride safely; 1.) Study the Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook. Learn the controls of the motorcycle, traffic laws and motorcycle theories. 2.) Learn from an experienced rider. Complete a BRC or many Harley-Davidson Dealerships offer Rider’s Edge. By successfully completing the BRC, the Motorcycle In-Traffic (MIT) test at a Department of Motor Vehicles test site will be waived. The BRC gives you time on a motorcycle to gain helpful experience, skills and knowledge, and finally, 3.) PRACTICE! Motorcyclists’ know that they are forever sharpening their skills by practicing, riding safe, straight and sober.
Recently I completed a four weekend intense MSF Instructor Training (IT) at MATC in Madison. This course consisted of classroom and range exercises along with many hours of off site reading and assignments. I successfully completed the training and now teach for WCTC in Pewaukee the BRC.
Shortly after completing the BRC with MSF I was hired at Capital-City Harley-Davidson as a Rider Coach providing I successfully passed the Rider’s Edge curriculum, which is similar to MSF. Rider’s Edge IT was a week long class again consisting of classroom and range exercises. All IT Candidates stayed in Madison at a hotel for the week and this allowed for completion of off site assignments.
Whether you participate in the MSF or Rider’s Edge Program, you will be taught the basic fundamentals to help you develop your capabilities to become a safe and responsible motorcyclist. You need to know the physical and mental skills needed for safe operation of a motorcycle. Remember when taking either of these classes, you are not competing with others, focus on your own learning and experience. Most of all have fun!
By taking either of these courses, you have made the decision to learn from experienced instructors what you need to know in order to ride safe.
