Learn to Ride

H-D Bikes riding at dusk

Welcome to the sport of motorcycling!

Every year, across the U.S., hundreds of thousands of people learn to ride motorcycles. For many, getting into motorcycling is not only
exciting, but it can also be DAUNTING. Harley-Davidson of Utica is your trusted resource. We will help you gain confidence and skills and assist you through the unique journey to becoming a motorcycle owner and rider. Far too many people begin their riding journey and then abandon it if they don’t have the support they need. Harley-Davidson of Utica and Go Motorcycling are the "go-to" organizations in central New York to begin your Learn to Ride journey. We've referenced several areas from their website to make it easy for you! Below you'll find the resources you need to successfully complete your motorcycle training course!

To learn more about Go Motorcycling, click here for details.

group of people wearing H-D leather jackets

Your Best Introduction to Riding

The Basic RiderCourse is aimed at beginning riders. The fun and informative 3-hour Basic eCourse, taken online prior to the start of class, prepares you for five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of practical riding in a controlled, off-street environment – typically a parking lot that is free of obstacles and traffic. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use during the course and included in the fee. Learn More Here

Next Level Riding

The Basic RiderCourse 2 – License Waiver is for individuals 18 years or older that already have some street riding experience and have held a valid New York State Motorcycle Permit for at least one riding season. Participants must also possess a valid New York State car driver’s license. Junior Operator license holders are not eligible to participate. Learn More Here

3 Wheeled Riding

The 3 Wheeled Basic Rider Course or 3WBRC is an entry-level course comprised of 8 hours of interactive classroom learning and about 8 hours of hands-on riding instruction on automatic transmission 3-wheeled motorcycles (two wheels in front and one in back). Learn More Here

What to Do Before Class

Get comfortable on a motorcycle. At H-D Utica, we have a host of people; Greg, Jeff, Bob, Vinny, Shane, Doug, Bill or Marc are all here to help you get comfortable just sitting in the saddle. Next, you’ll want to do some research about the BRC (Basic RiderCourse) taught by Go Motorcycling. You can visit their website here GO MOTORCYCLING to see what you’ll learn in the online E-Course and in the classroom. They’ll even review what you need to bring with you in terms of gear.

male riding h-d motorcycle

Group of people sitting on H-D motorcycles

How Much Does It All Cost

You can’t put a price on your safety, or the knowledge you’ll gain from any of the courses. Pricing for any of the courses offered by Go Motorcycling is listed on their website and can be found here. Additionally, after you’ve completed your Basic RiderCourse for license waiver, come back to Harley-Davidson of Utica. We’ll reimburse you for the cost of your course when you buy a motorcycle from us! (Please contact the sales department for complete details).

Frequently Asked Questions

After you’ve read through all of this, you probably still have many questions! We invite you to check out the FAQ section of Go Motorcycling or give us a call at 315-797-5570. We’re here to help!

Click Below for Go Motorcycling FAQ’s

To connect with Go Motorcycling, please fill out the information below to see the available dates and times, and begin your journey of freedom. Once you've completed your courses, return to Harley-Davidson of Utica and let us put you on the road. We'll reimburse you for the cost of your training course when you purchase a motorcycle from us!

The New York State DMV provides free access to a wealth of free online motorcycle tests based on the actual contents of each State’s Motorcycle Manual. The database is completely free and requires no registration. Their aim is to make the road a safer place. Click the image to the left to begin!