What makes the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy course different than other learn to ride courses in the area?

We are student-focused and our #1 priority is creating safer riders. Our course is taught by experts certified by Harley-Davidson® and nationally certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) to provide top notch instruction in a relaxed, fun environment, all on a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. More than 10 million new riders have been trained by certified MSF RiderCoaches since 1973. After passing a written test and riding skills evaluation, you will receive an MSF RiderCourse® Completion Card that may qualify you for discounts on motorcycle insurance, depending on the provider. More than that, you’ll start a journey that will last a lifetime. Graduates will not receive a DMV waiver certificate.

After I’ve taken the course, will I still need to go to the DMV?

With any training program, you would need to go to the DMV to finalize the licensing process. Students will have an opportunity to practice the lollipop test at our range to reinforce the skills learned during our course and increase their confidence when taking the evaluation at the DMV. Arrangements can be made for students that have completed our course to utilize one of our training motorcycles to take their skills test at the DMV.

Will the completion card from this class get me a discount from my insurance?

Check with your provider to verify they offer a discount, but the MSF is a nationally recognized training program.  If your insurance company offers a discount on motorcycle insurance, the completion card issued upon successful completion of this course will satisfy their requirements.

How do I enroll?

Visit www.mathewhd.com/training and click on the course you're interested in. You’ll have an opportunity to read about what you’ll learn in class in addition to an “Enroll Now” link.

How much is the New Rider Course class?

$350 for students 21 years of age and older; $250 for students under the age of 21…Payment in full is due upon enrollment to secure a seat in the class.

What if I want to pay with cash?

Dealership staff will obtain the enrollment information required to secure a seat in class which will be finalized with cash payment.

What if I want to pay with a gift card or promotional voucher?

• If using a Harley-Davidson Motor Company gift card, you may enroll through our online portal, there is a payment option of using a gift card.
• If using a Mathews Harley-Davidson gift card, it must be redeemed inside the dealership and enrollment info will be obtained by staff when gift card is processed and payment in full is received.
• Unsure of what kind of gift card you have?  Text a picture to (559)233-5279 and we can let you know how to proceed.
• If using a promotional voucher, text a picture of the voucher for verification to (559)233-5279 and we’ll contact you to obtain enrollment information.

Can I reschedule without a fee?

Students have up until 5 days PRIOR to the first day of class to cancel or reschedule. Refunds issued for cancellations processed prior to the 5-day deadline will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee.  There is an additional $20 cancellation fee if student cancels class after enrolling in the eCourse. There is not a fee to reschedule prior to the deadline, however students will forfeit their enrollment fee if class is not rescheduled within 90 days. Cancellations after the 5-day deadline will result in forfeiting the entire enrollment fee. Rescheduling after the deadline will require the enrollment fee to be paid again in full.

Can I split up my class and take part of it with one session, and part of it with another?

Students must complete all sessions of the class in the order they are scheduled, with the class they are enrolled in.

What is the late or no-show policy?

Students must attend all portions of the course in its entirety. If a student is late or does not show up for the first day, the entire enrollment fee is forfeited. The student would have to enroll again and pay in full for a future class date. If a student is late or fails to attend any portion of the class after the first classroom session, the student may re-enroll in a future class so long as it is within 60 days of the original class start date at a reduced enrollment fee of $300 for students 21+ and $200 for those under 21.

Does everyone pass?

There is no guarantee that all students will pass the evaluations.

If I fail or drop out of the class, do I have to pay again to take the class?

Students who complete the entire course but are not successful on the skills exam may retake the course within 30 days at no charge with Coach recommendation. If a student fails the course or chooses not to continue after attending the first classroom session may re-take the course for a reduced enrollment fee of $300 if the future course begins within 60 days of their original start date. After 60 days, students may re-enroll at the full enrollment fee of $350.

What if the weather is unfavorable when it’s time to ride.

This is a rain or shine class. Please check the forecast for your riding days and be prepared for what the weather may bring. Plan to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated when it’s hot. Bring rain gear and a towel if there’s a chance of showers and always dress in layers.

Where is the class held?

The classroom portion is held in the museum at the Mathews Harley-Davidson showroom: 548 N. Blackstone Ave. and the range/riding portion is held at the Mathews Motorcycle Training Facility: 1516 W. Dan Ronquillo Dr., Fresno. Maps will be provided but if you are unsure of where either location is, please take the time to drive to the destination prior to your class start date as late arrivals will be turned away and enrollment fees will be forfeited.

What is Jumpstart?

Jumpstart is available at the dealership everyday Tuesday-Saturday. The X350RA training motorcycle is mounted to a stationary platform (think treadmill) which allows the rider to shift through the gears and practice using a clutch while practicing throttle controls and braking. With one-on-one guidance from Mathews HD staff, you’ll have the opportunity to become familiar with the motorcycle and build some muscle memory without the added factor of holding up and maneuvering the motorcycle. This is perfect for future riders who haven’t controlled a motorcycle in a while or are new to riding entirely.

Rider must be wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes to experience the Jumpstart. Minors must bring a parent/guardian with them each time they want to practice on the Jumpstart to sign waivers.

How long is the New Rider Course?

Students are required to complete a mandatory 3-hour online course (eCourse) prior to the first classroom which will be followed by 5 hours of instruction in the classroom plus 10 hours of riding on the range.

What is the eCourse?

Upon enrollment, students will receive a confirmation email which will include a link for the eCourse. This 3-hour internet-based course covers basic information such as types of motorcycles, explanation of controls, riding gear, types of riding, emergency situations, etc. You will then receive an email from MSF. The eCourse is mandatory and must be completed prior to the first day of class.

May I show a photo of my eCourse Completion Certificate?

Yes – although we prefer the printed certificate.

How many students are in a class?

For the New Rider Course & Skills Rider Course, one RiderCoach may teach up to six students with a maximum of two RiderCoaches and twelve students per class when riding on the range. 

What is the minimum age to take the class?

Students who are 15 ½ years of age or older may take the class. For students under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the student to check-in on the first day of class as consent forms must be signed while being witnessed by Harley-Davidson Riding Academy staff.

Do I need a permit or license for the class?

No. Proof of identification is required at the initial classroom check-in for verification purposes. A school ID, passport or government issued identification will satisfy this requirement.

Do I need my own motorcycle for the class?

No. Students will ride a Harley-Davidson® X350 RA training motorcycle.

Are there physical requirements for the class?

Riders must be in good general health and be able to balance and ride a bicycle. If it’s been a while since you’ve spent time on two wheels, now’s a great time to peddle around your neighborhood.

I am short, is that going to be a problem?

You are encouraged to stop by the dealership and check out the motorcycle you will be training on prior to the 5-day notice of cancellation policy requirement to ensure that you will be tall enough to sit on the motorcycle comfortably with your feet on the ground. Because everyone is built differently, we cannot provide a minimum height requirement. Some vertically challenged people have longer legs than others. It is the student’s responsibility to determine if they will be tall enough to control the motorcycle when braking/stopping. Be sure to bring the boots that you will wear for class when evaluating your comfort level holding up the motorcycle. Sometimes that extra lift that you get from proper boots can make the difference. No refunds will be offered if you get to the range only to discover that your feet aren’t planted firmly on the ground.

What gear do I need?         

• Long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Over-the-ankle boots (sturdy, not canvas, low heel)
• Eye protection (helmet visor, eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles ok) 
• Full-finger motorcycle gloves with leather protection over the knuckles, palms, and fingertips
• DOT-certified helmet – must be ¾ or full-face (loaners available) *

* A helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle gear in which you will invest. A helmet is a very personal piece of gear.

Consider buying a helmet vs. borrowing one, that way it is yours and it fits you perfectly and allows you to focus on learning to ride.

The staff at Mathews Harley-Davidson are trained to fit a helmet properly and will help you decide what fits you best. Helmets are not returnable by California state law, so please make sure you invest in your safety gear accordingly. 

Mathews Harley-Davidson would be happy to help you select the gear that fits you and your style to comply with course requirements.

Is the class offered in other languages?

The instruction is in English, but you are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to translate (translator cannot be on the range). The eCourse and knowledge skills test are both available in Spanish.

I have other questions, who do I ask?

For further information, you may email our Riding Academy Manager at [email protected] or text (559) 233-5279