<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2N8VtG_0w3CJ4jV00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2N8VtG_0w3CJ4jV00" width="980" height="653" ><figcaption>Jake Foster</figcaption></figure><p>If you're looking to spice up your life, learning to ride a motorcycle can do just that. However, if you've never ridden before, there are some things you should know first.</p><p>READ MORE: Indiana Among States with the Most Motorcycles in the U.S.</p><p>I've joked in the past that I'd wait to learn how to ride a motorcycle until I reached my midlife crisis. However, when I moved back to Indiana in March 2024, I made a commitment to step out of my comfort zone a little more. Over the course of three days in early October 2024, I did just that by hopping on a motorcycle for a new rider course. It was quite the experience.</p><h2><b>Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic</b> <b><i>RiderCourse</i></b></h2><p>The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to motorcycle instruction and safety. According to their website, MSF actively participates in government relations, safety research, public awareness campaigns, and the provision of technical assistance to state training and licensing programs. MSF even offers a 15-hour Basic <b>RiderCourse</b>, which is available at several locations in Indiana.</p><p>MSF's Basic <b>RiderCourse</b> consists of at least five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of ride time. The course concludes with a classroom knowledge test and a hands-on riding skills evaluation. Some of the benefits that come with passing the course, in addition to the education, are that it waives the riding portion of your motorcycle endorsement test at the BMV. Additionally, the course may also lower your motorcycle insurance.</p><h2>My Experience Learning to Ride a Motorcycle</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3HfL4m_0w3CJ4jV00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3HfL4m_0w3CJ4jV00" width="1600" height="1068" ><figcaption>Jake Foster</figcaption></figure><p>I, having next to no athletic ability, knew this would be an entirely new feat for me. For one, I had never operated a manual transmission, so getting used to the clutch was a challenge. I definitely stalled my fair share of times. Additionally, it was hot, pushing 90 degrees while wearing full gear (helmet, gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and boots). Furthermore, our coaches fell behind with another class, which delayed our riding time and course completion.</p><p>Despite the challenges, I pressed on and was fortunate enough to be with a great group of riders who did an excellent job supporting each other. While I was far from the top of my class, I did pass the written and riding portions of the course. Just like learning to drive a car, there is likely still some practice in my near future—especially with U-turns. Fortunately, I recently picked up a 1995 <i>Honda Shadow</i>, which I'm absolutely stoked to start cruising around on.</p><h2><b>Should You Take an MSF Basic</b> <b><i>RiderCourse</i></b><b>?</b></h2><p>If you're a new rider, like myself, I highly encourage you to take this course before hopping on a bike—especially if you've had no prior experience. There is a lot to learn, and the course does a great job of teaching the fundamentals of riding a motorcycle. Plus, you get to practice on a real bike in a controlled environment. My only recommendation would be to choose where you take this course wisely, as I can tell you that some coaches are much better than others. See you on the highway!</p><h2>10 Tips to Allow Cars and Motorcycles to Safely Coexist</h2><p>It's possible for cars, trucks, and motorcycles to safely share the road, but it takes mindfulness and cooperation on everyone's part. Remember these 10 tips before heading out on your next journey. </p><h2>5 Things You Might Not Know About Motorcycles </h2><h2>10 Best Selling Cars in Indiana</h2><p>There are a lot of options to consider when it comes to choosing a new ride. Here are the ones Indiana drivers prefer the most:</p></div></body>

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What to Expect When Learning to Ride a Motorcycle in Indiana

If you're looking to spice up your life, learning to ride a motorcycle can do just that. However, if you've never ridden before, there are some things you should know first. READ MORE: Indiana Among States with the Most Motorcycles in the U.S. I've joked in the past that I'd...