New Rider Course

You’ll be riding a 492cc Buell Blast motorcycle

The Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course is a mixture of classroom time and actual motorcycle riding which delivers the basics of motorcycle operation in classic Harley-Davidson style. You will be taught by dedicated instructors, certified by both the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and Harley-Davidson. Our instructors will provide you with top-notch instruction in a supportive, relaxed environment which promotes camaraderie and self-confidence. After passing a written test and a riding skills evaluation, you’ll receive an official MSF RiderCourse^SM Completion Card. But more than that, you’ll start a journey that will last a lifetime.

Requirements

All students who enroll in the New Rider Course students MUST have their Illinois motorcycle learner’s permit (call us for help with this, or see this page at the Illinois Secretary of State website. Motorcycle permit information is near the bottom.) You can download a copy of the Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual here or pick up a copy at any Secretary of State office. Before starting the course, you will also need:

• To know how to ride a bicycle
• Jeans
• Sturdy over-the-ankle boots or shoes
• Full-fingered motorcycle gloves
• A heavy long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• Protective eyewear AND
• A DOT approved full face helmet. (A limited number of loaner helmets are available.)
  Sorry, half-helmets are not allowed.

The Buell® Blast® Motorcycle

You’ll be riding a 492cc Buell® Blast® motorcycle — a responsive, middleweight street bike that’s easy to handle and rider-focused. With a low 27.5″ seat height, easy-to-pull clutch and easy-to-use brakes, the Buell® Blast® might be the easiest street motorcycle in the world to ride. You’ll feel at home and in control from the moment you swing a leg over it.

Schedule

Illinois Harley-Davidson is excited to offer this program in Spring, Summer and Fall. Classes are conducted over 4 or 5 days and all classes are mandatory for graduation. Be sure the class you select works with your schedule. Class times are as follows:

Cost and Registration

The cost for the Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course is $325. You can download the enrollment form here, then either fax it to (708) 788-1356 or bring it in personally.

Getting your license

This is what it’s all about, right? We are happy to offer DMV testing approximately every other Tuesday from 7:00AM – 9:00AM (as scheduled by the Secretary of State.) Once you’ve successfully completed the New Rider Course, ask your instructor about the next Secretary of State test day so you can get your license and start riding!

Wondering what’s next after completing the New Rider Course? How about our 2.5 hour About the Bikes™ – An Intro to the Motorcycle Models class? We’ll help you decide where to go from here.