Rider Training FAQs
Taking the Riding Academy course requires a significant time commitment on your part. This typically requires advance scheduling for most students making last minute sign-ups very rare. We specifically limit the number of seats available per class in order to provide a higher quality experience in relation to the time and financial commitment that you have made. Please be sure that you are committed to the dates when you register for the class.
Please read, understand and acknowledge the following Refund and Cancellation Policy:
NO refunds for cancellations
If you do not show up for the first session of your scheduled course or any other scheduled day, you will be considered as having withdrawn from the course and the course fee will not be refundable. If you leave or sit out any scheduled exercise or classroom unit for any reason other than medical, you will be considered withdrawn from the course by the Riding Academy coach and the course fee will not be refundable.
Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. If you are preforming poorly and endangering yourself or other students, the coach may review your performance and recommend that you withdraw from the course. You may also voluntarily withdraw from the course if you do not feel comfortable enough to continue. Independence Harley-Davidson® will offer to you, for one time only, the opportunity to take another course at an additional cost of $150.00 during the same calendar year. Please note that you have to start a new course from the beginning and is limited to availability.
If a student is unsuccessful with the skills evaluation and would like to retake the course, please contact the program manager.
Independence Harley-Davidson® reserves the right to reschedule or cancel classes that do not fill. Every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule in the event of a class being cancelled or rescheduled. If we are unable to accommodate your schedule a full refund will be issued.
Many insurance companies offer a discount on your motorcycle insurance after completion of our classes. Contact your insurance agent for more information.
No. Students will need a helmet and the appropriate riding gear for the second day of class. We do not provide any of the riding gear due to sanitation purposes.
No, you do not need to go to DMV before our class. After completing our class you can take the written test at DMV to earn your motorcycle endorsement.
Riding Academy classes are designed to teach anyone to ride, regardless of what kind of motorcycle you may be interested in
You can register by going to https://www.independenceharley.com/learn-to-ride-a-harley-davidson--learn-to-ride, or you can register in person.
We have a maximum of 11 students in a class, with two instructors.
The class is only $295 which includes the Street 500 motorcycle that you learn on, all classroom materials, plus drinks and snacks through out the weekend.
Classes are offered year-round. Visit https://www.independenceharley.com/learn-to-ride-a-harley-davidson--learn-to-ride to schedule your course.
Most classes are filled long before the start date. If you have a particular date that works with your schedule, you are encouraged to register early to hold your spot in that class.
Weekend courses: Friday 6pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday are 8am-5pm.
Weekday courses: Wednesday 9am-12pm, Thursday and Friday are 8am-5pm.
The Riding Academy class is designed for those who have never ridden. No prior experience is necessary.
All classes are held rain or shine.
Harley-Davidson Street 500's
You will need a D.O.T. approved helmet, full-finger leather gloves, over-the-ankle boots with a rubber sole and a low heel, eye protection, long sleeves and long pants. It is suggested that you dress in layers.
The cost for the New Rider Class is $295 and payment is required at the time of registration.
Classes are held at the dealership, 9205 E. Independence Blvd Matthews, NC 28105