I do not currently, nor have I ever had my motorcycle endorsement. I'm signed up to take the riders edge course at my local dealer, but it's $300! I've riden bmx nearly my whole life (I know different animal) I've been on dirt and I've rode my bike that I have now without the endo. My father in law says he thinks I'm good enough to take a skills test and get it. But I don't really have a warm and fuzzy about my riding skills in general. I can u turn good, I can control the bike in corners and hold a line well. Not the best at a right hand turn from a stop but my father in law messes that up sometimes. Is taking the test and dropping that much on it worth it? Or should I just learn by doing? Any help is appreciated.

 

Riding Course . Best $300 you will spend for your motorcycle. They also supply the motorcycle ,usually a small ,lightweight cycle that is much easier to control. In California if you pass the safety course all you have to do at the DMV is pass the written test. Be ready to take a brief written test for your regular car license

 

Have you checked into the BRC with the MSF?
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=MI
looks like you can take an eCourse too.
http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx#&panel1-2

 

Yeah that's how the course at the dealer is done. It's not Harleys "riders edge" course but it's state certified.

 

alot of people just take the test. But,,,,,,, If you need to ask, you better take the course! they will make you better!

 

300.00 well spent

 

In Texas, you HAVE TO take the riding course. Two 10 hour days of riding a Kawasaki 250, $200. And it wasn't in town but a 45 minute drive.

 

in ohio we have a state course, hard to get in, but well worth it, one day book work 2 day"s rideing also you can take your certificate to get your endorsment

 

The MSF course also has an IRT course for those with some riding experience, mainly dispensing with the basics of where the controls are and how to operate them. The IRT concentrates on teaching basic operation skills and is faster paced for those with basic operating skills already. I would recommend that as an alternative to a riders edge course. (I am an instructor for MSF courses).

 

A nearby junior college offers the MSF course for $175. May be a bit more since that was 4 years ago when I had my wife attend before cutting her loose on her 1200C. Perhaps you have one nearby to enquire about the course.

In my opinion it is smart money. The content in the classroom is heavily weighted towards defensive riding. In my wife's case her cage driving improved dramatically and in hindsight was worth it even if she never rode. Out in the parking lot on their small light bike it is progressive basic skill building up to some fairly challenging tasks.

In Texas a licensed driver passing the course satisfies the skill demonstration and there is a very short easy computer quiz that must be passed. Your state may differ.