Thank you for visiting the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website. We've posted the most frequently asked questions below. Click on the question to find the answer. COURSE ENROLLMENT and LICENSING
SAFETY PUBLICATIONS and DO-IT-YOURSELF CURRICULUM MOTORCYCLE CHOICES and TECHNOLOGY WEBSITE LINKS and COPYING ABOUT MSF RIDERCOACHES BECOMING A TRAINING PROVIDER COURSE ENROLLMENT and LICENSING 1a. Finding/enrolling in an MSF RiderCourse.
To locate a class near you, please call the MSF RiderCourse hotline at 1-800-446-9227, or click on the map on our homepage, or click on the RiderCourse Info link on the navigation bar at the top of this page.
While the MSF researches and develops the motorcycle safety curriculum used across the United States, each state and military branch is responsible for administering the actual motorcycle safety program. Applicable costs and class schedules are a few of the details that vary from state to state. We commend you for taking the initiative to register for a class and wish you all the best in your future motorcycling endeavors.
Back to Top 1b. Lost "Class Completion" Card
MSF does not have access to all student records. While the MSF researches, develops and distributes the safety/training curriculum, each state and military branch administers the actual Motorcycle Safety Program. For card replacement, you would need to contact the site where you took the course. In order to obtain your training site information, you might try contacting your State Coordinator or Military Coordinator. Their contact information can be found via the link on this page. Back to Top 1c. License Waiver/License Reciprocity
Upon successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse (BRC), you'll receive a Course Completion Card. Your state might be one of the many states that waive the on-bike riding skills test and/or the written test required to obtain your motorcycle operator's license or endorsement if you have a Course Completion Card from a BRC or ERC in your state. It is our goal that any such state also accept a BRC or ERC completion card from any other state or any branch of the military. Please contact your state's Motorcycle Safety Coordinator if your DMV does not accept an out-of-state completion card. Motorcycle Safety Coordinator contact information can be found via the link on this page. Back to Top 1d. Motorcycle License Requirements
We have some basic state-by-state license requirements listed in the "CSI Licensing" document available in the Library/Safety Tips section of our website. Please contact your Department of Motor Vehicles to find out exactly what your state requires for you to get a motorcycle license. Back to Top SAFETY PUBLICATIONS and DO-IT-YOURSELF CURRICULUM 2a. Do you have anything I can read about motorcycle safety?
Visit the Library/Safety Tips page via the link on the top of this page and review these three booklets listed under the Safety Tips category: - "You and Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips" booklet (many manufacturers include this booklet with their new motorcycles)
- "Motorcycle Operator Manual" booklet (many states use this booklet as a basis for their DMV reference handbook for motorcycle license applicants)
- "Sharing The Roadway" booklet for non-motorcyclists
Back to Top 2b. I don't want to become a RiderCoach but I'd still like to teach motorcycle riders to be safer.…or…I'd like to teach car drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists.
We are glad to hear of your interest in promoting motorcycle safety. We have several self-contained curriculum products that can be taught by anyone, especially motorcycle enthusiasts and others who are concerned with traffic safety. Whether you're a riding club leader, a schoolteacher, or just someone who enjoys the sport of motorcycling, you'll find it rewarding to present our curricula to your peers, your students, or your community. Visit the Host An Event page, or visit our online store to purchase the following safety kits: - Cars, Motorcycles & A Common Road
This kit includes an 8-minute video directed at motorists and provides a driver's eye view of the special characteristics of motorcyclists. Also comes with Leader's Guide and ten Student Handbooks. Drivers will learn why a safe motorcyclist will ride in various lane positions, the "two-second" rule for following a motorcyclist, and how to avoid the most common scenarios in which motorists and motorcyclists collide. - Group Riding Student Handbook & Video
This kit is essentially a group ride training event in a box. The video kit contains the MSF Guide to Group Riding video (16 minutes) and handbooks for a class of ten students. You'll learn about ride preparation, standards for organization of the ride, and important knowledge such as proper formations in complex traffic situations. - Riding Straight Module
A stand-alone kit that can be used by RiderCoaches and others who have an interest in conducting seminars or events related to motorcycling and impaired riding. Contains a Facilitator's Guide, 12-minute Riding Straight video that explains how stress, fatigue, alcohol and other drugs impair a motorcyclist's skill and judgment, and interactive Fatal Vision® Simulator Goggles. The goggle activities can also be used by anyone willing to be a facilitator for special events, riding club meetings and rallies, and community outreach programs to deliver a message without the formality of a classroom environment. A sample News Release and Event Flyer are included. - Seasoned Rider Module
A stand-alone kit that can be used for conducting seminars or events related to the effects of aging on a motorcyclist. The kit addresses the need to identify and compensate for factors such as diminished vision, reflexes, and strength in order to manage risk. Contains a Facilitator's Guide, Seasoned Rider video, a core lesson plan, and several optional learning activities.
Back to Top MOTORCYCLE CHOICES and TECHNOLOGY 3a. Can MSF recommend which motorcycle I should purchase?
The MSF cannot make specific recommendations regarding which motorcycle a rider should purchase. Riders may wish to consult with peers and dealership personnel, and may research manufacturer publications (brochures and websites) and enthusiast magazines for reviews and recommendations.
Traditionally, novice street riders purchase smaller motorcycles on which to gain experience before investing in larger, more powerful motorcycles. Be aware that some manufacturers note in their publications that certain sport-bike models are intended for experienced riders.The MSF strongly recommends that you take a Basic RiderCourse in your area (see our home page for details), to decide if motorcycling is right for you, to prepare you for riding in traffic, and to secure a waiver for all or part your state's motorcycle operator's licensing test, if applicable. Back to Top 3b. Are motorcycles safe?…or…I keep hearing scary statistics on motorcycle safety.…or…How can I convince my spouse/parents/etc. that I'd be a safe motorcyclist?
Pure statistics do not tell the whole story of motorcycle safety. Generally speaking, motorcyclists - as well as bicyclists and pedestrians -- are more vulnerable than other roadway users to injury in traffic collisions since they don't have the advantage of being cocooned within 3,000 pounds of steel. That's why the Motorcycle Safety Foundation strongly encourages motorcyclists to minimize the risk by riding responsibly, wearing protective gear, taking a hands-on rider training course, getting licensed, riding within your personal limits, and riding free of alcohol or other drugs (note that 31 percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes were impaired).In our RiderCourses and in our safety publications, we stress the need to learn and use effective mental strategies such as SEE: Search, Evaluate, Execute. This strategy helps riders manage risk by detecting and avoiding potentially hazardous traffic situations. Some riders also use the strategy of assuming they're invisible to other motorists, because other motorists may not be on the lookout for motorcycles. Wearing brightly colored protective apparel helps increase visibility, and frequent inspection of the motorcycle helps decrease the likelihood of a crash due to mechanical failure. The maneuverability and small size of a motorcycle can be used in some situations to avoid crashes. While there are many steps a motorcyclist can take to reduce risk, it can never be eliminated.More than 9,000,000 American motorcyclists enjoy the sport, and the trend is that more and more people are turning to motorcycles as a practical, efficient and enjoyable form of personal transportation.
If you haven't ridden before, we suggest that you and your spouse/parent/whoever take our Basic RiderCourse and use that as a basis for discussion of the risks and rewards of motorcycling, before making a decision to purchase a motorcycle. Back to Top 3c. Headlight Modulators
The MSF has not taken an official position on headlight modulators. We do support methods of increasing conspicuity that are acceptable within state's statutory regulations. Modulators have been shown to be as effective as high-beam headlight use. The MSF cautions that measures to improve conspicuity should not replace a good riding strategy ("SEE" -- Search, Evaluate, Execute) to ensure an adequate time and space safety margin. Back to Top 3d. I have an idea/invention for a new safety device/enhancement for motorcycles. Will MSF help me design/promote/sell it?
MSF's policy as it relates to the issue of invention submissions and product endorsement is:
- MSF's mission is to develop and promote motorcycle rider training and education;
- MSF does not get involved in matters of engineering, manufacture, or design of motorcycles; and,
- MSF cannot evaluate any submissions of patents, product information disclosures, or other technological ideas that are purported to enhance safety.
So, we are not authorized to evaluate, endorse or distribute your product. MSF wishes you success in pursuing other avenues to market your product. Back to Top WEBSITE LINKS and COPYING 4a. Web-Links/Link Exchange
You can link to our site (www.msf-usa.org) from your site without permission. You can use the words "Motorcycle Safety Foundation" or the abbreviation "MSF" on your website as a label for your link, but you cannot post our logo on your website as a label for your link or for any other purpose. On the other hand, MSF only links to member company and rider training sponsor websites. Back to Top 4b. Will MSF market my product in its Online Store?
At this time, we are not seeking any new products to market through our online store. Back to Top 4c. Copying material from this website
Our permission policy depends on how much you want to reprint. Brief excerpts just require that you attribute the text to Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and you do not need to ask us for permission. Large portions require a license agreement. If you want to use large portions of text, or a complete page of this site, please send us an email (using the link below) describing the section you wish to use and how you intend to use it. However, you are free to copy, host, or distribute the videos posted on our homepage and the Quick Tips sheets posted in our Library. Back to Top ABOUT MSF 5a. What is MSF? Who funds it?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles. Back to Top 5b. I'm having a problem with my motorcycle/my dealership/the manufacturer/etc. Can MSF get involved and help me?
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a developer of rider training curricula and public information campaigns for motorcyclists. MSF generally does not get involved in product-related issues between motorcycle purchasers and retail dealerships, insurance companies, or manufacturers. Back to Top RIDERCOACHES 6a. How do I become a RiderCoach/RCT?
You must be a licensed motorcyclist, at least 18 years old, with a good driving record who currently rides on a frequent, routine basis. You should have several years of varied riding experience. As a teacher, you need good communication skills. As a RiderCoach, you'll be called upon to give your time to help teach RiderCourses. Although you may get paid, you won't become rich in this field. A sincere desire to help reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries, and deaths is the prime motivator of RiderCourse RiderCoaches. Please visit the Instructor Certification section via the RiderCoach Info link here. Back to Top 6b. RiderCoach Certification/Re-Activation
You should receive your re-certification survey three months prior to your anniversary. If you are an active RiderCoach, you must recertify every two years in order to keep your certification. To see when you should recertify, please check the expiration date on your RiderCoach card. You may now recertify online by visiting www.retsorg.org and clicking "Profile" from the toolbar and then "Self Report" on the left of the Profile page. If you are a new RETSORG user, enter your MSF RiderCoach ID in both spaces provided (User Name and Password). You will then be prompted to change your password. Enter your MSF ID as your current password and enter a new password that you will easily remember. Click save and you will get a message that confirms that your password was changed. You can change your address, phone and email at any time. The new password that you establish in RETSORG will also allow you access into the new MSF Online Store.
Back to Top 6c. RiderCoach Change of Address
As an Active RiderCoach, you may now update your personal profile online. Visit www.retsorg.org and change your contact information by clicking "Profile" located on the toolbar. If you are a new RETSORG user, enter your MSF RiderCoach ID in both spaces provided on the login page (User Name and Password). You will then be prompted to change your password. Enter your MSF ID as your current password and enter a new password that you will easily remember. Click SAVE and you will get a message that confirms that your password was changed. You can change your address, phone and email at any time. The new password that you establish in RETSORG will also allow you access into the new MSF Online Store.
Back to Top 7a. How do I start my own training site?
Your first step in starting a training site is to contact the State Coordinator for rider education in your state (if applicable). Contact information for State Coordinators can be found via the link on this page. If your state does not have a State-legislated Motorcycle Safety Program or no point of contact, please use the link below to send us an email.
Back to Top To contact your State or Military Coordinator If the FAQ's do not address your question or comment, please click here... General Questions and Comments 2 Jenner Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618 Click here to view our website policies.
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