Safety should always be a top priority when riding a motorcycle, especially on the busy streets of Minneapolis. Enrolling in a motorcycle class is one of the best ways to ensure you’re ready for anything the road throws at you. These classes teach essential riding skills, from basic control to advanced maneuvers, helping you navigate safely in traffic. Additionally, taking a state-approved course could let you skip the road skills test when applying for your Minnesota motorcycle license. Whether you’re new to riding or looking to refresh your skills, these motorcycle classes in Minneapolis are a smart investment in your safety.
Minnesota’s State-Approved Basic Rider Course
The Minnesota state government offers a Basic Rider Course (BRC) at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the state, including at several locations in the Minneapolis region. The course costs $259 and teaches beginner riders everything they need to know about safe motorcycle operation. The BRC combines online learning through a free online course with hands-on training, covering essential skills like clutch and throttle control, turning, shifting, and stopping. As riders progress, they’ll learn advanced techniques such as U-turns, maximum braking, and cornering. To participate, riders must be 18 or older (or be at least 16 and have written permission from a parent or legal guardian), have a motorcycle instruction permit, and bring their own protective gear.
Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson Riding Academy
The Riding Academy at Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson in Eden Prairie offers a comprehensive New Rider Course using genuine Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This course is perfect for beginners, providing full support from dealership staff throughout the learning process. The course covers essential riding skills such as accelerating, shifting, and turning, along with advanced maneuvers like controlling skids and swerving. Additionally, students can take advantage of a free “Get Ready to Ride” orientation to prepare for the class. Completing the New Rider Course earns riders a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Completion Card, which may lower the insurance premiums.
Rider Academy in Saint Paul
Rider Academy in Saint Paul offers three motorcycle training courses to suit different skill levels:
- Basic RiderCourse (BRC): This course is designed for beginners or riders with little experience. It starts with an online course covering essential topics like risk awareness, protective gear, and riding strategies. The hands-on training takes place over 11-12 hours at the practice range. Students learn key skills, such as clutch control, turning, and stopping. The course concludes with a skills evaluation, and successful students who already have a motorcycle permit can bypass the state road test for their endorsement.
- Basic RiderCourse 2 (BRC2): The BRC2 is perfect for endorsed riders who want to refresh or improve their skills. This 5-hour course focuses on advanced riding techniques, including cornering, braking, and swerving. It’s an excellent option for recent BRC graduates or those wanting to become more comfortable with a new motorcycle.
- Private Lessons: For those seeking personalized instruction, Rider Academy offers private lessons. These one-on-one sessions are flexible, allowing students to focus on specific areas of improvement or prepare for the state road test. Private lessons cost $250 for a 2.5-hour session or $225 if you bring your own motorcycle.
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