The Rider’s Edge® Skilled Rider Course
The more you hone your skills, the more the sport of motorcycling has to offer. That's why it makes sense to seek out opportunities to take advanced riding courses. A mountain road is that much more exhilarating — and that much less intimidating — when you have complete command of your machine.
The Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course offers motorcyclists additional training and practice to give riders more confidence and make the riding experience more enjoyable. Similar to the Rider's Edge® New Rider Course, the Skilled Rider Course uses the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF). Rather than focus on basic riding techniques, however, the Skilled Rider Course focuses on getting you intimately acquainted with your particular motorcycle's handling characteristics.
What Will I Learn?
The Skilled Rider Course uses the proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) Experienced RiderCourse℠ with some enhancements developed by Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Participants use their own motorcycles to heighten their knowledge of the following skills:
- Control at low speeds
- Risk management
- Limited space maneuvers
- Cornering judgment
- Stopping quickly in a curve
- Swerving and stopping quickly
- Multiple curve maneuvers
- Surmounting objects
Like the Rider's Edge® New Rider Course, the class sizes in the Skilled Rider Course are kept small — between 6 and 12 students — so you can be certain to receive plenty of individualized training from our instructors.
Who Can Take the Class?
Unlike the New Rider Course, the Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course is designed for those people who already have some experience on, and skill with, a motorcycle. This is a course for people who can already ride, not a course for beginners! If you would like to learn the basics of motorcycle riding, please take a look at our New Rider Course instead.
The Skilled Rider Course is open to anyone who is comfortable riding a motorcycle and who has a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. Students can ride any make or model of motorcycle.
How Long Does the Class Take?
The Skilled Rider Course is a one-day class, and lasts approximately 7 hours. Typical class sessions run from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
How Much Does the Class Cost?
The Skilled Rider Course is $150 for the one-day class.
What Do I Need to Take the Class?
In order to take the Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course, there are a few requirements. You will need:
- A valid driver's license with motorcycle endorsement — You must have a valid automobile driver's license with motorcycle endorsement in order to participate in the Rider's Edge® Skilled Rider Course.
- A copy of your motorcycle registration and a copy of your motorcycle insurance — We need to verify that your motorcycle is registered and insured in the state of Colorado.
- Your own motorcycle — The Skilled Rider Course focuses extensively on you becoming comfortable with your own motorcycle in real-world situations. For this reason, a motorcycle is not provided for you.
- To be able to demonstrate basic motorcycle control skills — You must already be able to ride in order to take the Skilled Rider Course. If you need to learn how to ride, we recommend you register for a New Rider Course.
- A DOT approved helmet — You must have a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet to protect your head in the event of a fall. No "novelty" type helmets will be allowed. If you do not own an approved motorcycle helmet, one will be provided for you.
- Eye protection — Eye protection can consist of a helmet faceshield, sunglasses, goggles, or prescription glasses.
- A heavy long sleeve shirt or a jacket — You must wear a heavy long sleeve shirt or jacket at all times when riding the motorcycle. A leather jacket is preferred, but is not necessary.
- Long pants — You must wear long pants while on the motorcycle in order to protect your legs from the heat of the engine or in case of a fall. Jeans or leather pants are preferred.
- Over the ankle boots or shoes — Wearing boots or shoes that extend over your ankle bone must be worn and are necessary to offer a measure of protection against sprained ankles and other injuries in the event of a fall. Boots with rubber soles are preferred.
- Full fingered gloves — You must wear full fingered gloves (no "fingerless" gloves allowed) when riding the motorcycle. This will offer your hands some protection in the event of a fall.