I’ve all the time been inquisitive about bikes—however not as a result of I needed to cruise the open freeway or gather chrome. My gateway was electrical. Particularly, I needed to check journey BMW’s CE 04 electrical scooter—an ultra-modern, zero-emissions two-wheeler that appears prefer it got here straight out of a sci-fi film. However to do this, I wanted greater than curiosity. I wanted abilities. I wanted a license.
So I signed up for the Bike Security Basis (MSF) Primary RiderCourse, hosted on the Harley-Davidson Driving Academy in Villa Park, Illinois. I figured it might be a weekend of studying to journey. What I didn’t count on was how a lot I’d study myself—and the way a lot enjoyable I’d have within the course of.
Earlier than the First Trip
Like every good system, the MSF course doesn’t simply throw you on a motorbike. Earlier than even setting foot on the vary, you’re required to finish a three-hour on-line eCourse, targeted on principle, security, and using fundamentals. It’s self-paced however obligatory—and might’t be completed greater than 30 days forward of your first session, otherwise you’ll should redo it.
You additionally want an Illinois M-Class Learner’s Allow to take part—until you’re already licensed in one other state. That is non-negotiable. The State of Illinois doesn’t supply waivers for the street check both, so everybody within the course is there to genuinely put together for a DMV examination. Fortunately, I aced the examination on the primary strive although I heard the failing price is kind of excessive. However spend per week studying the guide, do some on-line quiz exams and also you’ll be high quality.
Day One: From Nerves to Impartial
I confirmed as much as class feeling each excited and greater than somewhat nervous. I had by no means ridden a motorbike earlier than—not even a mud bike. And after I first laid eyes on the Harley-Davidson Avenue 500, it felt large. This wasn’t some pleasant little scooter. It was a respectable machine, with weight, presence, and energy. For somebody with zero expertise, simply sitting on it was intimidating.
Our instructors—licensed RiderCoaches following the MSF curriculum to the letter—welcomed us with an off-the-cuff classroom session contained in the dealership. It was three hours of guidelines, danger administration, group dialogue, and fundamental street technique. Nothing flashy, however it laid the groundwork for what was coming.
We additionally had a little bit of time to take a look at among the Harley bikes on the ground. Sure, there was a contact of salesmanship—however actually, sitting on a couple of new Harleys was extra enjoyable than I anticipated. It made the entire thing really feel much less like a course and extra like getting into a brand new world.
Day Two: The First Clutch Pull
This was the true deal: our first day on the bike. From 8 a.m. to five p.m., we lived within the parking zone—what MSF calls “the vary”—the place cones, chalk strains, and stopwatches turned our second dwelling.
After a fast security briefing and equipment examine, we have been launched to the Avenue 500 once more, this time as our coaching bike. It’s particularly designed for newcomers—with decrease suspension, beginner-friendly throttle tuning, and protecting crash bars—however it’s nonetheless a giant bike for a newbie. Particularly for the smaller college students within the group, stability and luxury have been particular challenges. Even I discovered the clutch tough at first. It took me some time to really feel the place the friction zone was, and a number of other stalls later, I lastly started to determine easy methods to feather it correctly. It felt awkward, even unnatural.
However that’s the purpose. The MSF course is designed to fulfill you the place you might be. And with every using train, my confidence started to meet up with my enthusiasm. Each session constructed steadily on the final:
- First, it was simply beginning, stopping, and utilizing the friction zone
- Then got here shifting, fundamental cornering, and throttle management
- Ultimately, we progressed to lean initiation, tight turns, and fast stops
These have been damaged up by frequent “Roadbook” breaks—possibilities to relaxation, hydrate, and chat together with your classmates. There was no rush, no strain to carry out. Regardless of the time administration (sure, they do use stopwatches to remain on schedule), the pacing by no means felt unfair. It was structured in a approach that permit the fundamentals sink in whereas giving every pupil a good shot at mastering the basics.
By the top of the day, we weren’t simply studying—we have been using. Not effectively. Not confidently. However we have been doing it. And that’s an enormous leap from the place we began.
Day Three: Trip Like You Imply It
If day two was about understanding how the bike labored underneath you, day three was about making ready for the street forward—each actually and figuratively. This was an important day of the course, and it felt prefer it. The curriculum turned extra superior, extra life like, and extra mentally demanding. However by then, one thing had shifted: the stress within the group was gone. Everybody appeared looser, extra talkative. The nervous laughter from day one had develop into camaraderie. We had began to really feel like riders.
We started the morning with some evaluation workout routines—tight turns, slow-speed clutch management, fundamental cornering—and from there, we moved into situations that mimicked real-world street conditions. It wasn’t nearly maneuvering anymore; it was about decision-making. How briskly do you brake in a nook with out dropping traction? What do you do when a automotive cuts into your lane? How do you react once you all of the sudden should swerve?
These weren’t hypotheticals. We did them—repeatedly—on a course arrange with cones, curves, and shock cease cues. The Avenue 500, which felt so intimidating simply 48 hours earlier, now felt like one thing I might really management. I wasn’t simply surviving the workout routines—I used to be studying to journey with intention.
One of the vital revealing drills was the fast cease and swerve maneuver. You speed up to a average pace, then a coach indicators both a tough cease or a quick directional swerve. It’s meant to simulate what occurs when a automotive brakes in entrance of you or an impediment seems in your path. At first, I overthought it—grabbed the brakes too laborious or didn’t lean sufficient. However finally, one thing clicked. My physique began doing what my mind had realized. Certain, there have been some mishaps, however that is why the security bars assist so much.
One other drill that stood out was braking in a curve. You’re using by a delicate flip, and midway by, it’s a must to brake easily whereas nonetheless leaned over. It teaches you to handle weight switch, steadiness, and throttle management . It’s tougher than it sounds, particularly when your instincts scream “stand the bike up!” However once more, with observe and training, you begin to belief the method—and your self.
The instructors, who had been nice all through the course, actually got here into their very own on this ultimate day. Their suggestions was extra personalised, extra focused. One coach observed I used to be nonetheless hesitating barely earlier than leaning into sharper turns. He pulled me apart between drills and gave me a fast tip about head place and throttle stability. Only a few phrases, however they made a distinction. The following lap across the curve, I felt smoother, extra in sync with the bike.
After which got here the check.
The MSF Ability Take a look at consists of 5 scored workout routines:
- A cone weave
- A fast cease
- A flip from a cease
- A U-turn in a field
- A swerve maneuver
- And a ultimate cornering go
It’s go/fail, however each transfer is graded. You get factors deducted for hesitation, operating huge, placing a foot down, or lacking the mark. Watching your classmates go earlier than you, it’s straightforward to psych your self out. However the instructors provide you with one final pep discuss: “You’ve already completed each one in every of these workout routines a number of occasions. what to do.”
And so they have been proper.
My check wasn’t good—I dropped a degree on my U-turn for coming too near the road—however I handed. And so did a lot of the class. The grins have been larger than ever. One pupil who had struggled with the clutch on day two set free an precise cheer after ending his swerve. We’d all been rooting for him.
After the check, the coaches handed out completion playing cards and talked us by the DMV scheduling course of. In the event you handed the course, you have been eligible to return to the dealership on a scheduled day and take the official Illinois DMV street check on the identical bike you skilled on. No methods, no surprises—simply familiarity and a ultimate step towards your license.
However what mattered most was that feeling: the satisfaction of getting realized one thing that when felt not possible. We didn’t simply be taught to journey—we turned newbie riders.
Was It Price It?
The oldsters at MSF gave us a coupon for this course which prices $350, however I advised them the evaluation might be purely based mostly on my expertise and what I “really feel” throughout the class. In the event you’re paying for it, I can say with confidence that this is among the greatest investments you may make if you wish to journey bikes. Not simply when it comes to studying a brand new talent, however in confidence, self-discipline, and perspective.
Most significantly, the course gave me a strong basis for finally using the form of electrical bikes I’ve all the time needed to check. The BMW CE 04 remains to be on my radar—however now I’m prepared for it.
What You’ll Be taught: MSF’s 14 Core Driving Workouts
- Bike Familiarization – Be taught the controls, posture, and security checks
- Friction Zone Management – Grasp slow-speed clutch work
- Beginning & Stopping – Be taught throttle-brake coordination
- Shifting & Stopping – Observe clear gear adjustments and halts
- Primary Ability Observe – High-quality-tune low-speed dealing with
- Initiating Lean – Perceive physique place and steering
- Fast Stops & Tight Turns – Grasp management underneath strain
- Stopping Distance Demo – See how pace impacts security
- Restricted-Area Maneuvers – Be taught U-turns and steadiness
- Stopping in Curves – Handle braking whereas leaned over
- Curve Judgment – Navigate a number of turns with precision
- Lane Adjustments – Observe shifting safely by site visitors
- Impediment Crossing & Swerving – Be taught evasive maneuvers
- Last Ability Observe – Mix every little thing in a single session
Gear Necessities: Don’t Present Up Unprepared
The MSF and state tips are clear: it is advisable to put on full protecting gear otherwise you received’t journey. This consists of:
- A DOT-approved helmet
- Eye safety (visor or glasses)
- Over-the-ankle boots
- Lengthy sleeves and full-length pants
- Full-fingered gloves (ideally motorcycle-specific)
