I’ve at all times 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 try this, I wanted greater than curiosity. I wanted expertise. I wanted a license.
So I signed up for the Motorbike Security Basis (MSF) Primary RiderCourse, hosted on the Harley-Davidson Driving Academy in Villa Park, Illinois. I figured it could be a weekend of studying to journey. What I didn’t anticipate 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 Experience
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, centered on idea, security, and using fundamentals. It’s self-paced however obligatory—and may’t be executed greater than 30 days forward of your first session, otherwise you’ll must 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 despite the fact that I heard the failing fee is kind of excessive. However spend per week studying the ebook, do some on-line quiz exams and also you’ll be nice.
Day One: From Nerves to Impartial
I confirmed as much as class feeling each excited and greater than a little bit nervous. I had by no means ridden a motorbike earlier than—not even a dust bike. And after I first laid eyes on the Harley-Davidson Road 500, it felt large. This wasn’t some pleasant little scooter. It was a official 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 informal classroom session contained in the dealership. It was three hours of guidelines, danger administration, group dialogue, and fundamental street technique. Nothing flashy, nevertheless it laid the groundwork for what was coming.
We additionally had a little bit of time to take a look at a few of the Harley bikes on the ground. Sure, there was a contact of salesmanship—however actually, sitting on just a few new Harleys was extra enjoyable than I anticipated. It made the entire thing really feel much less like a course and extra like coming 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 grew to become our second house.
After a fast security briefing and equipment verify, we have been launched to the Road 500 once more, this time as our coaching bike. It’s particularly designed for newbies—with decrease suspension, beginner-friendly throttle tuning, and protecting crash bars—nevertheless 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 difficult at first. It took me some time to really feel the place the friction zone was, and several other stalls later, I lastly started to determine feather it correctly. It felt awkward, even unnatural.
However that’s the purpose. The MSF course is designed to fulfill you the place you’re. And with every using train, my confidence started to meet up with my enthusiasm. Each session constructed regularly 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 stress 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 method that allow the fundamentals sink in whereas giving every scholar a good shot at mastering the basics.
By the top of the day, we weren’t simply studying—we have been using. Not nicely. Not confidently. However we have been doing it. And that’s an enormous leap from the place we began.
Day Three: Experience Like You Imply It
If day two was about understanding how the bike labored beneath you, day three was about making ready for the street forward—each actually and figuratively. This was a very powerful day of the course, and it felt prefer it. The curriculum grew to become extra superior, extra reasonable, 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 turn out to be camaraderie. We had began to really feel like riders.
We started the morning with some overview workout routines—tight turns, slow-speed clutch management, fundamental cornering—and from there, we moved into eventualities 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 shedding traction? What do you do when a automotive cuts into your lane? How do you react once you instantly must swerve?
These weren’t hypotheticals. We did them—time and again—on a course arrange with cones, curves, and shock cease cues. The Road 500, which felt so intimidating simply 48 hours earlier, now felt like one thing I might truly management. I wasn’t simply surviving the workout routines—I used to be studying to journey with intention.
Some of the revealing drills was the short cease and swerve maneuver. You speed up to a average velocity, 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 arduous or didn’t lean sufficient. However finally, one thing clicked. My physique began doing what my mind had realized. Positive, there have been some mishaps, however because of this the security bars assist quite a bit.
One other drill that stood out was braking in a curve. You’re using by means of a mild flip, and midway by means of, it’s important to brake easily whereas nonetheless leaned over. It teaches you to handle weight switch, stability, and throttle management . It’s more durable 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 closing day. Their suggestions was extra personalised, extra focused. One coach seen 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. Just some 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 Talent 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 closing cornering go
It’s go/fail, however each transfer is graded. You get factors deducted for hesitation, operating extensive, placing a foot down, or lacking the mark. Watching your classmates go earlier than you, it’s simple to psych your self out. However the instructors offer you one final pep discuss: “You’ve already executed each one in all these workout routines a number of occasions. You understand what to do.”
They usually 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 greater than ever. One scholar 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 means of the DMV scheduling course of. When 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 closing step towards your license.
However what mattered most was that feeling: the satisfaction of getting realized one thing that when felt unimaginable. We didn’t simply be taught to journey—we grew to become 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 overview will likely be purely primarily based on my expertise and what I “really feel” through the class. When you’re paying for it, I can say with confidence that this is likely one of the finest investments you can also make if you wish to journey bikes. Not simply by way of 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 type of electrical bikes I’ve at all times 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 Workout routines
- Motorbike 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 – Follow clear gear modifications and halts
- Primary Talent Follow – High quality-tune low-speed dealing with
- Initiating Lean – Perceive physique place and steering
- Fast Stops & Tight Turns – Grasp management beneath stress
- Stopping Distance Demo – See how velocity impacts security
- Restricted-House Maneuvers – Be taught U-turns and stability
- Stopping in Curves – Handle braking whereas leaned over
- Curve Judgment – Navigate a number of turns with precision
- Lane Adjustments – Follow transferring safely by means of site visitors
- Impediment Crossing & Swerving – Be taught evasive maneuvers
- Ultimate Talent Follow – Mix every little thing in a single session
Gear Necessities: Don’t Present Up Unprepared
The MSF and state pointers are clear: you must put on full protecting gear otherwise you gained’t journey. This contains:
- 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)
