Motorcycles are provided by Pioneer Valley Rider Training. Required riding gear is the student’s responsibility.
If you are thinking about taking this course please read our description of the Introduction to Motorcycling Experience Course, below. This may help you determine where you fit in the selection of the right course for your needs. If you have any questions at all please call the office and we are more than happy to help you in any way that we can. No question is too big or too small, and the only wrong question is the one left unasked.
What you need to know about the course:
Topics covered during the course:
The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the best place to start once you have made the decision to ride (please see the note above regarding the IME Course). The BRC covers the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies. Motorcycling is a physical, psychological, and mentally challenging sport. Please be prepared.
The on-cycle riding lessons take place at our training facility located at 1029 North Road in Westfield, MA, in the Hampton Pond’s Plaza. The ten hours of practical riding exercises are held in a controlled, off-street private environment. Motorcycles are provided for your use. Students must also complete an on-line, self-paced, e-Course (details included in the confirmation letter) and a riding skill evaluation at the end of the course.
Successfully passing the on-line e-Course, and also the riding skill evaluation which you will take during the BRC, will waive the need for a motorcycle road test at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the $20.00 related fee. Students receive an MSF Course Completion card upon successful completion of the Basic Rider Course which provides a 10% discount on their Massachusetts motorcycle insurance. Some dealers, as well as some motorcycle manufacturers, give discounts/advantages on the purchase of motorcycles with your course completion card as proof of completion of an MSF safety course. Other vendors, such as riding gear/riding apparel companies also give discounts for an MSF Course Completion card holder.
Students must attend all riding sessions and successfully pass the e-Course to graduate from the Basic Rider Course and receive an M (motorcycle) endorsement on their license from the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Motorcycles are provided for all students for their use during the BRC training course given by Pioneer Valley Rider Training. Required riding gear is the student’s responsibility. Students must bring their own DOT approved helmet and the required riding gear to the course. See the FAQs page for a list of the Required Riding Gear.
Students must be able to balance and ride a bicycle to take this course. Inability to balance and ride a bicycle denies a student from entry into the Basic Rider Course.
What to expect: Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Approved Rider Coaches will start you off with straight line riding, turning, shifting, and stopping. You will gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking. The Rider Coaches, all experienced motorcyclists, will advise you on what to wear for comfort, visibility, and protection. You will learn how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to ride safely. A segment of the course will teach you how to create your own strategy for riding in traffic and how to deal with critical situations.
