How to Become a Motorcycle Riding Instructor

• Table of Contents
• 1. How to Become a Motorcycle Riding Instructor
• 2. Requirements to Become a Motorcycle Riding Instructor
• 3. Prerequisites to Become a Motorcycle Training Instructor
• 3.1 Basic Rider Course (BRC)
• 3.2 RiderCoach Course
• 4. The Role of the Motorcycle Riding Instructor
• 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 5.1 How Does a RiderCoach Maintain Certification?
• 5.2 How Much Does an MSF Rider Coach Get Paid?
• 6. Final Words

If you are an expert rider and have a sound knowledge of traffic laws, motorcycle laws, and how to ride a motorcycle safely, you may have the credentials to become a motorcycle riding instructor. The job of a motorcycle riding instructor is to instruct and teach students how to safely and responsibly operate a motorcycle. Read this article to learn how to become a motorcycle riding instructor.

1. How to Become a Motorcycle Riding Instructor

A motorcycle riding instructor or a RiderCoach is a qualified professional who trains novice and licensed motorcycle riders on how to safely ride motorcycles. Not everyone can become a motorcycle riding instructor as there are several requirements to fulfill.

Also Read: 15 BEST MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY JOBS FOR RIDERS

2. Requirements to Become a Motorcycle Riding Instructor

You must meet the following requirements to become a motorcycle riding instructor:

• Must be 18 years old or above.
• Have good riding experience
• Have traveled a total of 12,000 miles on a motorcycle
• Have no criminal record
• Have a clean motorcycle riding record
• Owns a street-legal motorcycle
• Operates a motorcycle regularly
• Have a motorcycle license
• Have an insured motorbike
• Have good communication skills
• Willing to help other riders
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must attend motorcycle instructor training
• Can follow all traffic laws
• Wear appropriate riding gear, including a jacket, long pants, sturdy footwear, full gloves, and a DOT helmet (certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation).

Every U.S. state has different requirements to become motorcycle riding instructors. However, the basic requirements are the same. Most states require riders to complete several courses, including a RiderCoach course, first-aid training, and a safety riding course. Some states like Maine require you to be at least 20 years old to qualify for a motorcycle riding instructor position. Meanwhile, you must be at least 21 years old to become a RiderCoach in North Carolina. You are also required to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course and must be certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

3. Prerequisites to Become a Motorcycle Training Instructor

3.1 Basic Rider Course (BRC)

The MSF encourages individuals aspiring to become motorcycle riding instructors to enroll in a Basic Rider Course (BRC) before taking the RiderCoach course. The BRC is a required course for beginners applying for a motorcycle-only license.

3.2 RiderCoach Course

Most U.S. states require motorcycle training instructors to complete the RiderCoach course and other safety riding courses offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). There are different courses for instructors to train versatile riders interested in off-roading, sports bike riding, and casual riding. After completing your RiderCoach course, you can apply for an instructor position or become an independent instructor.

Also Read: 10 TIPS ON HOW TO SURVIVE A MOTORCYCLE CRASH

4. The Role of the Motorcycle Riding Instructor

A motorcycle riding instructor is responsible for teaching students the essential skills necessary to navigate the road safely. Motorcycle riding instructors test their students with hypothetical scenarios to evaluate how they would react to situations. Students are taught about factors that could affect their safety when riding, including bad weather, riding under the influence, and worn-out brakes pad, fork seals, clutch, and throttle cables.

Other professional duties of a motorcycle riding instructor include the following:

• Create a training plan for the students
• Create new strategies to teach and evaluate the students
• Evaluate the students’ performance regularly
• Check to see if the learning criteria are met
• Offer advice to improve the skills of struggling students
• Create an improved curriculum
• Attend instructors’ training sessions, seminars, and workshops

A motorcycle riding instructor’s roles may vary depending on where they work. Instructors who work independently or at a motorcycle training institute tend to have different lists of responsibilities. Instructors who work at training institutes may also be trained to teach a specific type of motorcycle riding, such as off-roading, adventure riding, or track racing.

Also Read: WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE CRASHES?

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

5.1 How Does a RiderCoach Maintain Certification?

To maintain your certification as a motorcycle riding instructor, you are required to teach a minimum of three safety courses each year and attend all instructor training sessions. The requirements can be slightly different between U.S. states.

An instructor is expected to have at least taught for 60 hours and conducted at least four professional MSF workshops or at least one RiderCoach Preparation Course.

5.2 How Much Does an MSF Rider Coach Get Paid?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a motorcycle riding instructor is $43,392 per year. This makes the weekly pay of an MSF instructor around $834.

However, it can vary depending on where you work, your location, and your level of experience.

6. Final Words

If you are an expert motorcycle rider and know how to ride safely, you have the potential to become a motorcycle riding instructor. To qualify for a professional MSF RiderCoach position, you must satisfy several requirements. A motorcycle riding instructor is responsible for training riders to safely operate motorcycles. It is also an instructor’s responsibility to educate riders about other factors, including bad weather, riding under the influence, and faulty parts that can risk their safety.

To improve safety, riders must wear appropriate riding gear and regularly maintain their motorcycles. To keep your motorcycle from being damaged due to a collision, you can install a crash bar and fairings. If you to improve comfort on long-distance rides, Viking Bags has good-quality aftermarket parts available, including sissy bars, backrests, handlebars, and seats. To carry your belongings with you, you can install various luggage bags, including tank bags, sissy bar bags, and saddlebags.