MSF Launches AdventureBike RiderCourse

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) will help adventure and dual-purpose riders looking to learn fundamental off-road skills through its newest offering, the AdventureBike RiderCourse (ADVRC). The course features 12 exercises and an adventure prep discussion that will help riders better understand and control their motorcycles so that they can gain off-road riding confidence and be ready to take on bigger adventure challenges and more advanced training as well as participate in more tours, events and rides.

“Adventure and dual-purpose motorcycles open a whole new world of riding possibilities,” said Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “Sales in this category have increased more than 46% since 2019. Creating a course to help those new, or a bit rusty, to riding off-road is a need we are excited to meet.”

The course is a single-day experience taken on a student’s personal ADV or dual-purpose motorcycle. All instruction is done on an MSF-recognized riding range under the guidance of MSF-certified ADVRC rider coaches. As availability of the course spreads nationwide, it will be easier than ever for riders to gain core off-road skills.

MSF AdventureBike RiderCourse Overview

ADV Familiarization: Motorcycle equipment and features
Basic Controls: Motorcycle controls for starting, stopping, straight-line riding, turning
Controlled Loss of Traction: How and when to use it
Standing Up: How, when and why
Pivot/Rider Posture: Shifting weight and posture for bike control
Risk Management: Understanding risk offset and applying “SEE” strategy
Counterweight: Maneuvering for slow, tight turns
Straight-Line Braking: Controlling a rear tire skid, threshold braking
Rear-Wheel Steering: How and when to use rear-wheel brake or throttle to steer
Obstacles: How to cross over obstacles effectively
U-Turn on a Hill: How to make a U-turn when going uphill
Traversing a Hill: How to ride across a hill
Adventure Prep: Tips for going out and having an adventure.

The MSF AdventureBike RiderCourse is currently available in 12 states through various private- and MSF-run training sites and under the Adventure Touring Rider Course name through participating Harley-Davidson Riding Academy locations.

“The AdventureBike RiderCourse will make core off-road skill-building available nationwide and help these riders explore the capabilities of their motorcycles,” said Corey Eastman, director of rider education expansion. “We hope riders take this knowledge and go on to discover thousands of ADV riding opportunities.”

More than 100 MSF coaches are working to become certified to teach the AdventureBike RiderCourse by year’s end. The msf-usa.org site will be updated regularly as new training sites come online.

More information is available at the AdventureBike RiderCourse Landing Page.

For those looking to get into riding, formal motorcycle training, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse, is among the best ways to learn. MSF also offers refresher courses and advanced skills courses for experienced riders.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.