Posted by Ed Brennan on February 10, 2000 at 20:43:10:

Whether You're just starting out, or have been riding for some time, there's a RiderCourse for you.

Traffic-safety experts widely acknowledge the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's RiderCourse as the best introduction to motorcycling anywhere in the world. If you're a beginning rider, the Motorcycle RiderCourse: Riding and Street Skills will put you on the road to safety, right from the start. Even if you're a veteran rider, the Experienced RiderCourse will fine-tune your skills. Over one million motorcyclists have graduated from a RiderCourse. Shouldn't you? Here are just some of the benefits:

Greater Confidence
One RiderCourse graduate summed it up very well: "It is scary to imagine going on the road without having participated in the RiderCourse."

Improved Skills
Here's a comment from another graduate: "I have become more defensive and observant, not only while riding a motorcycle but also when driving an automobile." And another: "I am certain that without the training I received just 24 hours prior to the near-collision, I might not be alive."

Licensing-Test Waivers
Over 20 states waive some portion of your motorcycle-endorsement test— if you've completed a RiderCourse.

Insurance Discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to students who have successfully completed a RiderCourse. Be sure to ask your insurance agent.
Motorcycle RiderCourse

The Motorcycle RiderCourse: Riding and Street Skills is aimed at beginning riders of all ages. A minimum of seven hours classroom instruction prepares the student for at least eight hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment— typically, a parking lot. Motorcycles and helmets are included in your course fee (if any). Most motorcycles used in the course are loaned by local dealers.
You'll learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with a lot of emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic.

Your instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They'll start you off with straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping. You'll gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking.
In the classroom you'll learn about the different types of motorcycles, their controls, and how they operate. The instructors— all experienced motorcyclists— will advise you on what to wear for protection and comfort. You'll find out how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A very important segment of the course will show you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic, and dealing with critical situations.

The course concludes with a knowledge test and a skill evaluation. You'll smile with satisfaction as the instructor hands you that course-completion card.
Courtesy Motorcycle Safety foundation.