MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION COURSE
ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN HOW TO RIDE?
Our two-day Motorcycle Safety Foundation course will teach you how to stay safe while riding in a closed-course environment, where pros will guide you through the basics of straight-line control, stopping, shifting and turning. Successful completion may waive the license test in your state and provide an insurance discount.
GIVING YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO RIDE
Our pro instructors are here to guide you through every challenge.
PRO RIDING INSTRUCTION
Our professional riding instructors have years of experience and are with you every step of the way. They’ll always perform the initial exercises with you, demonstrating everything from proper seating positions to the best way through a corner.
REACH YOUR OWN LIMITS
We practice challenge by choice, so you’re always at a level of performance that you feel comfortable with. Our instructors provide instant and positive reinforcement while encouraging each rider to have a little fun. Okay, maybe more than a little.
THE BUILDING BLOCKS TO BECOMING A RIDER
FAMILIARIZATION STATION
It’s all about posture and riding position. We’ll cover all the important controls of a BMW motorcycle, as well as the proper way to sit for optimal control.
CLUTCH MOMENT
Up is down in the world of motorcycles – you shift with your foot and control the clutch with your hand. Use it to your advantage and control your speed as you work in the friction zone with a squeeze.
HOW YOU START
Go ahead and get both feet off the ground. Our instructors will guide you through a start with precision and control, so you can take off with confidence.
AND HOW YOU FINISH
Coming to a stop is just as crucial, and you’ll learn how to control the brake pressure with your hand and come to a smooth hold with your feet on the ground.
LEAN INTO IT
Controlling your balance is crucial to motorcycle riding, and we’ll show you the effects of handgrip movement to initiate and adjust lean angle. Pick up some speed as your comfort level increases.
TIGHT-SPACE PACE
Looking ahead is the key here – use your vision and correct body posture to make tight turns in small spaces.
SWERVES AND CURVES
Riding out on the street can be unpredictable, so we’ll set up some cones as obstacles and teach you to avoid them effectively while maintaining control. Then, perform a lane change and negotiate multiple curves for maximum confidence.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
In preparation for your riding test, we’ll spend some time reviewing what you’ve learned over your two-day class and put it into practice out on track. Don’t worry, you’ve got this.
RIDING EVALUATION
At the end of your second day, we’ll go through a five-part test to evaluate what you’ve learned, just like what you might do at the DMV. Our instructors offer feedback and suggest areas for improvement as you begin your own riding journey.
BOOK YOUR MSF BASIC RIDER CLASS
TWO-DAY MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION CLASS
$350
AGENDA DAY ONE
Subject to change
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Arrival, registration, introduction to motorcycle
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Riding exercises Two through Eight
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Classroom instruction
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Closing
AGENDA DAY TWO
Subject to change
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Riding exercises 9 through 14 Riding Evaluation
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tour of facility, model overview
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Graduation
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
South Carolina residents
Ages 15-16 seeking DMV paperwork:
You must present a valid South Carolina driver’s license. Permits are not accepted. A parent or guardian must sign a minor waiver and provide a signature if you wish to obtain the required DMV paperwork.
Ages 15-16, no paperwork: If you’d like to take the course for experience or practice, you only need to produce a valid South Carolina driver’s license or permit.
Ages 17 and up: You must present a valid South Carolina driver’s license or permit. If you’re 17, you must have a parent or guardian signature in addition to signing the minor waiver.
Residents in other states
Students will receive only the MSF completion card. No additional DMV paperwork will be provided.
If you’re between the ages of 15-17, you must present a valid driver’s license or permit, and have the minor waiver signed. Ages 18 and over must present a valid driver’s license or permit.
UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION EVENTS
THINKING OF GETTING A NEW BMW BIKE?
Our “Ride Smart Rewards” program can get you an MSF course credit and more. New riders who recently received their motorcycle endorsement after attending a state-approved motorcycle training school will be reimbursed up to $350 for the cost of their beginner rider course, and will receive a $400 credit toward BMW rider apparel when they purchase a brand-new BMW motorcycle. The selection must be made from the BMW MOTORRAD RIDE apparel catalogue.
SWEET SPEED DREAMS
With so much to see and do outside the track, you’ll want to turn your speedy adventure into a full-on South Carolina vacation.
THE BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER EAST
Have an espresso (not that you’d need the jolt), stop by the Gift Shop for a souvenir or two (or three, who’s counting?) and enjoy a chef-prepared lunch in our M Café – we’re well-suited to host groups both small and large.
Learn about the track
HOTELS, DINING AND MORE
From BMW-centric things like the Zentrum museum to delicious dining and luxurious lodging, the Greenville and Greer areas have so much to explore.
Explore our South Carolina location
GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF EXCITEMENT
Give someone a driving gift they’ll never forget. Good toward any class, each BMW gift card is delivered electronically, so it’s also perfect for last-minute gift giving.
MSF BASIC RIDER COURSE AT A GLANCE
Do I need any prior riding experience?
No previous experience is required for the MSF Basic Rider Course.
Is the BMW U.S. Rider Academy affiliated with area hotels?
Please visit our Hotels Page for more information.
Can I bring my own motorcycle?
No. MSF students are not allowed to bring their own motorcycle.
What do I need to bring with me for the MSF Basic Rider course?
You must supply the following:
- Your own riding gear. The Performance Center does not provide any gear.
- Pen and notebook for classroom sessions.
What do I need to do before I arrive?
There are approximately 4-6 hours of MSF online coursework that must be completed prior to attending the course. This will be emailed to you. Registration closes the Sunday before the class.
When is class held?
Classes begin at 8 am and run until about 4:30 pm. For a complete list of dates, see our calendar.
I don’t own a helmet. What do I need to consider when getting one?
If you are wondering whether motorcycling is for you, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive DOT-approved helmet that fits your head comfortably and snugly. If you are confident that you will ride often after your class, we recommend that you purchase a high-quality DOT approved helmet that will be comfortable for long motorcycle rides in all types of weather. Please be aware that DOT regulations change and helmets can become outdated.
Is the MSF certification valid in my state?
At this time, we can guarantee only the certification will be valid in South Carolina. Please check with your own state’s regulations to ensure compliance.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations for a full refund must be made within 60 days of your payment date. Cancellations made after the 60 days of payment will receive a credit to use toward another date or event. There will be no rescheduling if the cancellation is made within 14 days of your school or event.
